Cut You Down

Had to force this one out. :P This seems a good point to end the thread, so unless you have anything else go ahead and make an exit post?

The burly alpha was faster than Hati had expected, appearing on the scene before the battle was even over. But Hati was hardly aware of the man's presence; the pounding of his heart and the ragged breathing tearing painfully from his chest consumed his world as he glared at the silver body laying in the snow, drenched with red. He could feel his own life blood pouring from various wounds, blinding his eye, creeping into his mouth and making him gag. The battle was over and yet he still felt over-heated, ready to spring, to defend himself. A snarl tried so hard to rip from his throat but was forced to remain hidden. It was a curse, never being able to rejoice in something.

Blinking the blood away from his golden eye, the victor turned and met Maksim's stare with confidence and regained pride (mixed with a little pain) before nodding an answer. Though his strength had already begun failing, the trip home would not be even half as long as it had taken them to reach this point if the two moved quickly (for the cat had traveled in zig-zags leading only indirectly away from Cut Rock territory) so traveling would not be impossible. But of course he was never able to betray these thoughts with speech so he just waited for Maksim to direct their next steps. A calm resting place suddenly sounded extremely attractive, along with some water. Sleep was what the black subordinate needed, but could not have. Not yet.

slight pp done with permission <3. it's a wrap!

Maksim could almost feel the diluted lust for blood and action that crawled through Taras’ veins. The leader remained silent, watching his subordinate coolly with vibrant eyes. It was best to be on guard around wolves in such a state. They were often still riding the highs of a kill, flight even. Should the ebony male lash out due to adrenaline, the larger male would easily counter and reaffirm that he was in control here. There would be no need it seemed, as both stood men stood enduring the last stretch of their heavy breaths in an otherwise comfortable silence. The one-eyed man nodded, still standing over the dead lynx. Certainly he’d need some good rest. Perhaps Lachesis could tend to him in the morning and see what could be done about the deeper slashes? They could rest easily tonight, though, knowing that two lynxes that could’ve caused havoc had been put to rest. No predatory threats (obvious ones, at least) towards his followers meant Maksim could relax. With a huffed woof, the agouti male signalled it was time to return to the safety of his borders. Taras followed the larger beast, the adrenaline slowly subsiding and, in turn, the wound on his flank began to throb. Surely he’d have to clean all the cuts up. It was lucky they were situated so close to water, really. And so, they walked. Minutes ticked by, even hours, before they reached the borders and passed through them without a signal of returning. Truthfully, it had been a day well spent and though Taras had come out worse than Maksim, he was grateful for the health. Offering his companion a bump to the shoulder, he led the dark wolf into the communal den where they would both get some well deserved sleep.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#619F28;">

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue