Mountain of Dire you wouldn't clap yet

O C C | Jayse first, then AW. ;) This is a continuation of Obsession is a Young Man’s Game.

Carefully navigating his way out of the Thicket of Secrets, Borden had brought Jayse, Midnight Plateau’s newest pack member past Heartleaf Creek into the depths of the Wildwood. He had made sure to stay clear of any foreign scents he assumed to be associated with the Swift River Pack. As the duo reached the edges of the forest, the scout noted that they had come within a mile of the Mountain of Dire. He looked to her quietly, barely even straining his eyes to see her in the darkness. His jaws cracked open to catch his breath, wisps of moisture fleeting into the chilled early morning air before dispersing.

Overnight, they had quietly trekked through Relic Lore, keeping to themselves. Every now and then he had stop and survey their surroundings, as if to ensure their safety, their anonymity. After only a few seconds of standing still, he would continue with a slow and cautious pace before slightly picking up again, always careful to mind her condition and how well she was faring the journey. As the half-moon attempted to pierce through the gray winter clouds, he wagged his tail. ”You alright?” he asked, his panting becoming less and less apparent by the minute. ”Shall we wait ‘til morning to make the climb to the pack den?”

Instinctively, his voice was a mere whisper, as if he were uncomfortably aware that someone or something was listening. He blinked and turned to face her, glad that they had come this far. The dawn was due to break within a matter of hours; nocturnal creatures who had been hunting all night were slowly retreating to their lairs and those who waited for the sun were still tucked away, soundly sleeping. Their arrival to the edges of the pack territory couldn’t have been more perfect when it came to timing. If she wanted to rest, they could, and she could even sleep for a bit if she needed to; Borden was more than willing to keep watch.

Not wanting to press her for an answer, since she had probably been a bit winded also, he remained silent. His lungs took in the frigid air as his heartbeat slowed to its normal rhythm; eventually, he leaned his head down to lap up the snow with his tongue, allowing the cold crystals to melt in his throat.

(This post was last modified: Jan 30, 2011, 01:07 AM by Borden.)

Well, what do you want from me?

Falling in a rhythem the night was upon them like a black nose on a deer. There was a few clouds in the dark, navy sky, she could see the stars twinkling like brilliant, shining orbs here and there. The cut of the moon giving them a silver light. A new chill in the air, her short breaths came like white wisps. Relic Lore was eerie and enchanting this late. A shiver brushed down the back of her nape, causing her to involuntarily shake her coat. If Borden hadn't been with her, there was no way she would be out at this time. She felt secure knowing he was right there, most likely more aware of the tiniest thing than she. Blinking eyes for the hundreth time to keep them open she was a little paranoid, as if prying eyes were upon her waiting to jump. She struggled to remember she was perfectly fine. It had to be from the lack of shut eye, she always got a little more reactive, and imaginative when tired. She was glad he didn't try to hold a conversation with her, she was sure her tongue would babble a little more then she would wish to tell if fully awake.

Unaware of exactly how long they'd traveled, she soon realized his figured had stopped. The mountain loomed overhead, she couldn't believe they were this close. Thank goodness they were this far. She felt much more safe.Surpressing a yawn, she shook her cheeks to try to alert herself. "I'm fine," she stated also in a hushed voice, between short pants. They to slowed because she wasn't liking the cold air rushing to her wet throat. It was an unpleasant feeling that stung. When he asked about making the climb she knew it wouldn't be a good idea with tired paws taking her up the steep incline. She would not trust herself to step. Where did he get his energy? His daily hike up and down, well she'd be in tip, top shape in no time. Sleeply smile tugged at the corner of her jowl. "I think it'd be safe to say I need to stop, before I fall face first in the snow." That would be a sight. The mountain she was sure would be no easy thing to her. She'd climbed mountains before, but none this large, or that she could remember. Breathing pattern normal, her heart still paced fast, she could hear the rapid beat in her ears. As he took a bit of snow, she to figured it might help ease her throat. Arching her neck she bit at the white flakes, taking a couple mouthfuls. Swallowing before it melted to fast. The cool felt good for a second, but her throat still felt acidy. Oh well, she was more tired then in hopes of a decent drink. Unable to stop it, a yawn, silent stretched her mouth. She hadn't felt this worn out in awhile.

Head up she looked to her companion. It felt a little weird to whisper, like this was a secret, but she did not want to disturb the quiet that was. It was peaceful now, and morning not far off made parnoia dissapear. "What about you? You must be somewhat tired? You couldn't have possibly had an easy day." A serious yet sincere look was given. Almost daring him to say otherwise. She wouldn't fight him on it, but did he do anything to take care of himself? If he was like this with everything no wonder he got grumpy. She would be one bad mood swing after another, well or luney. She got pretty silly sometimes when she was tired enough. She didn't need him getting mad again.

Craning his head about just to make certain that they had reached safety near the border of the pack territory, Borden chuckled softly regarding her statement about falling into the snow face first. He had done that himself quite a few times and although it had been funny to think of now, it wasn’t at all wonderful to consider the possibility of it, especially in the company of another. He made his way towards the base of a large tree, grazing his nose upon its rough bark before turning his back to it and sitting down. At least she declared she was fine; to Borden, right now that was all that mattered. He tilted his head to left and then to his right, carefully stretching out the tense muscles in his neck.

As she asked if he was tired, he shook his head, despite his body’s protest to staying active. Slowly his front legs slid forward in the snow, his elbow joints longing to rest. Though he looked physically weary, his eyes stared out into the darkness, completely aware of everything he could take in as his ears continued to collect the creaking of tree branches and distant scurrying of creatures who were making their way back home to sleep. His right shoulder pressed against the large root behind it and he propped his head against the trunk, the rest of his mottled body curling against his torso. ”Don’t worry about me,” he stated, refusing to tell her straight up that he couldn’t sleep. ”Rest now… When you wake, we’ll head to the plateau.”

Not daring to fully take in the look on Jayse’s face, he briefly glanced to her as he spoke before returning his gaze toward the clusters of rocks that made up the foot of mountain. When it came down to the simple points, not only had Borden suffered from bouts of insomnia (due to his travels as a lone wolf and his duties as serving as Alexander’s only pack member), but he had certainly also rendered himself vulnerable to various elements – odd situations and emotions alike – from his unusual sleeping schedules. The reason why the problem had not been taken care of or corrected itself was due to his persistence in doing so many things at once without even bothering to consider himself first. Always, if he found himself with a companion or group of acquaintances, he held their needs far above his own. He considered taking care of others not just as “good deeds,” but his confirmed awareness of being altruistic and selfless… and, by every definition in his book, very much unlike the wolf he had been in the past. In addition to his ‘obsession’ with trying to be the picture-perfect model of a virtuous wolf, his needs often went uncared for simply because he had no one to take care of him in return; and, he was not ready to accept Jayse’s or anyone else’s concerns about his health to turn his habits around.

Eyes still refusing to gaze upon her, he wrapped his tail around his hind legs out of habit. He exhaled quietly into the night, anticipating the white wolf to settle down near him on the other side of the tree or beside him for warmth. Even if she chose to stay away from him, curled up with his sight, either option would be fine by him. All he hoped was to keep watch over her as she slept. If he could undertake the role of a simple guardian even for a few hours, the act would count in his book of deeds, and that alone would be his incentive to help them scale the last leg of their journey.

(This post was last modified: Jan 30, 2011, 01:06 AM by Borden.)

Well, what do you want from me?

Titling neck up, and to the side a couple gentle pops sounded where her spine had notted with stress. Trying to stifle another yawn, nose wrinkled upon his laugh, guessing he was picturing her head first in fluff snoring or something. Which she to could imagine. Feeling between dreamland, and awake she cast a glance around the woods to, even though he already had. Nostrils twitched in, and out but all she could smell was the timber,earth, and snow. Maybe a little critter, and Borden's aroma she was trying to decipher. His silent answer didn't surpise her, and she was to tired to argue. She had thought him awful polite, why would it be a surpise there was no end to his kindess. Besides it wasn't like she could make him sleep any more then she could tell herself not to. She'd been up at least eighteen hours- not catching very much restful winks. "Of coarse not." She muttered sheepily. He wouldn't want her to fret over him. She couldn't return any favor, but maybe one day she'd pay him back. The urge to stick her tongue out, like a child who didn't like being told no came but she did not act on it. Instead stood like the weary statue she was, not thinking clearly enough to dare move yet.

Hesitating briefly her vision blurred, and darkened as he curled up near the base of a tree. Knowing she really didn't want to sleep where she stood eyelids fluttered, and she stumbled the few steps to his side. Then circling three times out of habit she dropped to the cold ground, curling up in a tight, little ball against his solid form. Another yawn, smaller this time exhaled, and she snuggled a little closer into this thick fur, breathing in his scent. She'd slept alone for so long, it felt nice to be close to someone, secure. Then she was pretty sure she'd feel safe with him any where. She only hoped he didn't mind the contact. Maybe tommorow she'd worry about it if she could remember. "Good night, Borden." She whispered, slightly mumbled laying nose atop her bent knees, finally letting her eyelids drop without protest. The seconds ticked on, blurred pictures,and voices at the edge of her mind. One moment she was trying to find a scent, then asking a rabit for directions. It was then her heartbeat finally fell into a rested rhythem ,slow, and steady in her chest. Her breath became long, and deep;letting slumber take her.

Dreams came and went, and the she-wolf slept peacefully. Now and again twitching softly in her sleep with a few muttered words of home, and you need sleep too, but other then that, she hardly stirred. In fact, she slept well into the begining of sunrise, the steady gain of light brushing against eyelids, and alerting her to the hours she had slept. Groggy she first refused to open them, her warm bed to comfy to leave. It was when memories started to trickle, and she was more conscious did she wake. Her surroundings hazy.

Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he allowed a yawn to escape him, not minding as she circled in place before settling down at his side. He gazed to her after she curled up, finally resting her head. Good night, Jayse, he mouthed, not wanting to disturb her. Another yawn forced his jowls open again and he slightly shook his head. He wasn’t tired, even though his body made statements that were quite the opposite. Crossing his paws idly before him, he rested his gaze on all that laid beyond the base of their makeshift resting place.

Until morning broke over Relic Lore, he would continue his watch before considering to rest for a little bit. Remaining still for the sake of not waking Jayse, he breathed slowly, evenly. The only parts of him that moved were his chest, ears and, every now and then, his head as he laid his eyes on a different part of the forest. Only when the snow began to lighten into a powder blue did he lift his muzzle to the sky and glance over his shoulder. The sun shouldn’t be hidden for too long now, he thought quietly. Maybe a mere half an hour of darkness was left, give or take five minutes...

Eyes slowly closing, he stared into the back of his eyelids; he set his head upon his forepaws and sighed. It wasn’t long, however, until he blinked his eyes open again, staring out across the snow. It had been only a few minutes, maybe twenty, since he dozed off. As the sun’s rays fought to shine through the cloudy winter skies, he laid still, waiting for her to rouse from her sleep. As soon as she woke and affirmed she was ready to go, Borden would escort her to the den or wherever she would like to go. Well, maybe “breakfast” would be a good thing to start with... then they could officially start their day on the territory.

(This post was last modified: Jan 30, 2011, 01:06 AM by Borden.)

Well, what do you want from me?

Stretching jaw, ears popped, and she licked her tongue over dry lips. Sight coming into focus against the some-what brightness, she raised her head finding him unmoved. A little surprised she unfolded herself, using the earth to help her sit up. She peeked to see if he was asleep, but found he was awake as she had expected. Without moving to much she arched her back, and then stood up. Surveying the surroundings it looked like a different world in the morning light, and she took in the crisp air before addressing him. "Thanks for watching last night, I'm sorry if I smothered you." Her siblings had always told her she was always squishing them when they were younger. They'd be pushed into the side of the den, a little more then they'd wanted to be. Hopefully she'd grown out of it, but she couldn't be sure. She'd feel awful if she'd pinned him against the tree all night.

Glancing skywards she shook any debry from her pelt, then turned to where they hadn't walked, nose to ground testing the air. She wandered a short distance through the trees from him to relieve herself, then continued back checking for anything that'd escaped her last night. Nothing appeared to have changed, and though she was sure he would notice her instincts to check for herself were a habit like breathing. Well, and the fact she was use to depending on herself, and not someone else. Routine done, she trotted back over to him, reclining to her haunches. "I was thinking about getting something to eat, are you hungry?" She could definately go for some breakfast, and decided to volunteer. Or at least state she would not be letting him get it for her.

She waited for his answer, and then started to head along the edge of the woods. Letting instincts take over body moved in a low position, maw earthbound, ears perched high while she managed smothered footsteps. It didn't take long to find the scent of a white rabit's different tunnels in the dead grass and snow. She shot a glance over her shoulder, then continued tracking the prey, trying to find the newest scent.

(This post was last modified: Jan 29, 2011, 11:15 PM by Jaysyek.)

Stirring at the gentle sound of her voice, he raised his head and glanced to the female at his side. ”Don’t mention it,” he smiled. ”As for the smothering… nah. You didn’t smother me at all.” He also had to admit it was rather pleasant to spend the night with someone at his side; up on his perch, just below the den along the rocky ledges of Mount Dire, the sun, moon, and the elements – snow, rain, clouds, and wind – were his only companions. When she got up stretch and go about her morning routine, he did the same.

Emerging from behind a tree, he watched as she checked out their immediate surroundings. She returned to him in a matter of moments and sat at his side as he bowed down, stretching out his back and forelegs. ”Yeah, sure,” he replied, but before he could say anything else, she was already skirting about the tree line. ”Sure,” he repeated to himself as he straightened up and sat down. ”Hmm.”

Eyes lit up by the few rays of sun that filtered through the cloud cover, he glanced in the direction she had gone and darted off in the opposite direction. If she wouldn’t allow him to hunt for her, allow him to pamper her with the luxury of being taken care of, then he would go ahead and hunt on his own also; he couldn’t possibly accept the idea of her bringing something back for him to eat. Not too far from the tree where they had temporarily left one another, he spotted a pair of squirrels in the snow. Then… Hunger struck. Basic instinct, the impulse of the chase. Cacoethes. In a matter of seconds he found his lower jaw lightly stained with blood, the two squirrels dangling lifelessly between his teeth. She was probably on her way back to their little “camp site” by now and he simply hoped she wouldn’t think that he’d abandoned her or anything of the sort.

Well, what do you want from me?

Seeing he hadn't followed, she concentrated on her task. Finding the rabit's latest, little trail she only had to wait patiently for the poor thing to run for fresh cover. In and instant she snapped, and he no longer squirmed. Following hertrail back she carried her kill to the base of the tree,and dropped it. Pink toungue licked her lips of the red that dotted them. She looked around but, eyes did not find him. A frown smudged side of face. He'll be back. She assured herself. Doubting the fact he'd dissapear out of thin air. Crouching down she retrieved her kill and started peeling the fur from the meat. It wasn't a large meal, but would ease her stomach pains. When finished she quickly licked the blood from her forearms, and what she could feel on her jowls. Eyes searched the trees for her companion, a little guilt wedged in her heart about taking off so suddenly. Great, now you blew it. Where were her manners today. She was reassured soon enough, seeing him returning with his own catch. "Sorry for running off without waiting. I'm just..," She struggled to explain her actions, biting down on the inside corner of her lips. Sight cast down, as she tried to collect thoughts to words. "I'm not use to having someone do things for me, and you've already done so much...I feel like I could never get even with you. You can understand that right?" It bothered him to tell him this, her head low with shame. Surely he would know what it was like to only care for yourself. Only haveing yourself to count on. It'd been like that for her for a year, alsmot two now. It was nice being taken care of, but at the same time it made her feel helpless, out of control. If you counted on someone else they could let you down. If you only counted on yourself, your failures were no surprise. It was a deeply, rooted problem from her childhood sure enough. Her father had once been a caring, compassionate fellow, and then failed to take care of her mother when she really needed him. The same had went for his children. Trust, full trust, was something she had a hard time giving away. If she tried tried taking care of him he wouldn't have any of it, as the day had already proven. Like him she was use to be the responsible one, the one who made sure things were okay, even with her brother.Still not looking, a shallow sigh emmitted forth. Regaining compsure, a half smiled wrinkled her left cheek. "You know your to sweet for your own good..........you make me feel like a damsel in distress." Tone was teasing, as warm eyes wandered to his. Hoping he'd forgive her thoughtless actions. lost your balance on a tight rope. lost your mind trying to get it back.

(This post was last modified: Jan 30, 2011, 04:52 PM by Jaysyek.)

Approaching the tree from where their tracks had departed from, Borden was relieved to find her there. He lay down beside one of the large roots again, politely waiting for her to finish her statement before starting his meal. The pair of squirrels laid listlessly in the snow, his paws cradling them as he listened to her. I’m not use to having someone do things for me, and you’ve already done so much...I feel like I could never get even with you. You can understand that right? His head tilted quietly before nodding that he had comprehended exactly what she meant. He did know how that was: life before. One had only oneself to rely on, to provide for your needs, trying to make do with what you had, feeling helpless when you were unable to hunt for yourself or left while someone else did it for you.

Calling the Mountain of Dire home had shifted everything – Alexander, their pack, had become his support, a provider of resources, a guardian of sorts. His tail wagged. You know you’re too sweet for your own good… you make me feel like a damsel in distress. He smiled in a more charming manner now. ”I try,” he said, his “white knight” side attempting to shine through now. ”I just like to do what I can to help out.” His smile broadened and quietly, he nudged a squirrel towards her, ”I caught this for you... Might need it; the territory the pack’s carved out is quite spacious.”

Edging the squirrel toward her a bit more until it was out of his reach, he glanced up at her before slowly skinning his catch. By the time he was through, all that was left was a spot of blood and a ball of fur in the snow before him. He licked his onyx lips, failing to rid them of the light red tint they had acquired while he enjoyed his breakfast. Returning his gaze to her, he sat up and shook out his coat. Ready when you are… his body language seemed to state.

(This post was last modified: Jan 30, 2011, 07:22 PM by Borden.)

Well, what do you want from me?

Good, she thought when he nodded his head. Wolves had to fend for themsevles at some point in there life, wasn't it part of growing up? Get out there make mistakes, learn, live. She'd be quite a spoiled princess without a clue if she hadn't had the chance. Instead of two parents her siblings had gotten a pack of guardians smart enough to let the younglines learn these important life lessons. Tail wagged in rhythem with his. Happy to see she hadn't dampened his spirits. Deep in the corners of her mind she had a suspicion she would never see him mad again, at least not in awhile. Hopefully not at her. Softly she laughed at this new smile he wore. "Yes, what else would a chivalrous gentlemen like yourself do if he could not help another soul?" She was not trying to mock him, the world could always use more wolves like him, part of her nature was to tease, but not in a cruel way. Smile broad, it dissapeared when he pushed the one squirrel to her. Telling her to eat up. She had thought they'd been clear on this, he was much to vulpine. Nose wrinkled in play, eyes scrunched in uncertainty, like a pup unsure of a new meal. "Your not going to force feed me, are you?" She gave a wink, "If you insist, " She mutttered with an exagerated sigh as if he had asked her to eat a full moose. Then retrieving it, not wanting to displease him, she began to shred the pieces as he dug into his. One more yawn let loose, and she swiped her mouth clean one last time. She could see he was ready to go, and she to was ready to get moving also. Getting up on her feet, her gaze flickered to him and the wilderness around. She was very pleased to have a guide lacking confidence in herself when it came to climbing the mountain itself. Her confidence in her guide was high, knowing he wouldn't let her fall. wasn't it easier in your lunch box days, always a bigger bed to crawl into.

(This post was last modified: Jan 31, 2011, 01:48 PM by Jaysyek.)