Woodlands RP

A new wolf appearing didn't help Rogue's trust or particular friendliness. For good measure, she gave a blood curdling snarl that told the female that Rogue was not to be messed with. Then her hard emotionless eyes turned back to Koda. Rogue had no wish to have any idle chat. The wolf had a point though, she had an advantage with his name. Rogue didn't pass her name around freely. It was something she safeguarded. But in this case, she would have to make an acception. Well, partly.

"It's Ebony." She lied. The wolf wouldn't know the difference. And if they were searching for the her, giving them a false name could possibly throw them off her trail. For safe measures, she also shifted her back left paw so some dead leaves covered it. The extra toe would be a dead give away.


OOC- Sorry Mel!

Deep inside, Rogue smiled. Good, she thought, he doesn't believe it. Makes it all the better. As much as Rogue hated wolves for what they did to her during the span of her entire life, she was a bit curious. This wolf acted as if he seriously meant no harm. Most wolves attacked, teased, then left. Or she left. Yet this wolf stayed, and he stayed at a distance. And although the female with him hadn't said anything, she had kept behind him.

So now Rogue was faced with a intriguing problem. What to do next? Should she just leave? Or stay and satisfy her curiosity? Then, she decided she might as well do the latter.

"If your not going to kill me, then what is your purpose here?"

OOC- Mel, your up!


Although this wolf sounded sincere, Rogue kept her offensive position. Never can it be said she trusted a wolf. When ever she encountered one, she met it with aggression and suspicion. But this Koda character was...well, different? He wasn't as bad as the others. And he also seemed to have no clue who Rogue was. That was a first for her.

With this in mind, a question seemed to bother her: should she take advantage of it? Then again, it wouldn't take long for him to turn the tables at the site of her toe. Many wolves were superstitious where Rogue came from, so a normal level headed wolf was rare.

As Rogue's mind raced, her eyes switched their unrelenting gaze to the wolf, Saru. What was she like, however? Would she know of the rumors that floated around of the cursed wolf? If so, would she tell this Koda? Somehow, Rogue doubted that this female knew anything of the curse. But if the fae didn't know, Rogue would be able to turn this situation to her possible advantage. Yet, somehow the idea of becoming part of a group set a spark of discomfort in Rouge. She had grown so used to being a spirit of the forest...

(Had school, but now it's the weekends!)

Saru figured that this was the wrong time to come into this conversation but she couldn't back away now, it would show weakness and that was beat out of them at a young age. She flattened her ears and edged closer to Koda as the other fae snarled at her. What had this wolf been through to make her so distrustful of strangers? There was a nagging feeling in her mind that this wolf's name was not Ebony, but shook the thought away. She didn't want to arouse the other wolf by making suspisions. As her eyes met Koda's, she cocked her head slightly to the side, she was unsure of what to think of Ebony. But if she joined, she would be a great aspect to their pack.

She flicked her eyes to Ebony's face, and she gave a small, but reasurring smile. "Hello Ebony." Her voice was soft and gentle. While looking at Ebony, she searched her mind for any trace of this wolf that she might know of. But nothing came. Her pack kept all the secrets of secrets between the alpha's, the most trustful, and the most elderly warriors. She was never included, as they thought she was not special enough. She took her eyes off Ebony and looked at the ground, not wanting to seem hostile.

OCC- Gotta love weekends.


As the wolf, Saru greeted her, Rogue responded with a stiff dip of the head. Maybe not too bad... Without her noticing, Rogue's hackles had flattened out. Without her fur puffed making her look big, she was a tiny figure to behold. When wolves came for Rogue, they were surprised by her small size. Yet when they met her gaze, they realized size didn't matter.

Rogue's teeth no longer flashed angrily as she looked back at Koda. Perhaps he was sincere. Perhaps he really didn't mean her any harm. But...how? In Rogue's mind, her own kind: wolves, were cruel and hateful creatures. How could there be a kind one? A kind two, rather. It just couldn't be possible. We're they tricking her?

The more Rogue thought of these questions, the more she realized the answers could only be found in one way. Becoming part of a pack wasn't a lifetime commitment...if she didn't like it, she didn't have to do it anymore. With an eyebrow cocked, Rogue addressed him: "Your looking for pack members?"

A moment passed when Rogue looked from Koda to Saru and back again. To be in the company of two wolves. Two wolves that meant no harm. It would be stupid to at least not try it. So, Rogue made a decision she told herself she would never make.

"Perhaps a try is in order." It was blunt to say in the least.

It was weird for Rogue to hear herself say that. Agree to that. I suppose things are going to be very different now.


OOC- I hate it when I'm forced to write short posts.

(I know, it's awful )

Saru really hoped that Ebony would join them. If she did, Saru and Koda would be thoroughly delighted. Another wolf means more friends and a bigger pack. Even if they are still a bit distrustful. Without noticing it, Saru's ears pricked up and she gave a small wag with her tail as she waited for Ebony to answer. If she said yes, that would be great. But if she said no, they would continue looking for others like themselves. When Ebony said that she would join, Saru mentally bounced in excitment. She didn't usually act this this when other wolves joined. But this was different.

~~~~~~

Kieth stumbled and fell to the ground with an echoing crunch. He had been walking for days, maybe months on end, going nowhere. Just looking for a wolf that he might never see again. The wound that he had recieved while fleeing a group of rouges had given him a wound in the shoulder and it was now infected. Every movement her made was painful. Getting to his feet, he winced when he moved his shoulder. At some point, he should just give up and lie down, it was no use. He would never find her. No! He shook his head irritably to clear the thoughts and continued, wincing every time he put pressure on his shoulder. Up ahead, there was the sound of rushing water. He slowly made his way over to a clear pool. His reflection showed a wolf with matted and scruffy fur, a long gash in his left shoulder and a look in his eyes that showed he was about to give up. Craning his neck, he lapped up the cool water and it soothed his dry tongue and throat. He sighed softly and stared at his reflection. No wolf would recognise him, but others will think he is weak and possibly attack him. Grunting, he slid into the water and sighed in relief as the water touched his wound. Atleast it would help a bit, for now...

Rogue smoothly sidestepped and indicated her kill lying behind her. There was still enough left for the two wolves to make a meal out of. "Then go ahead."

Catching the look in Koda's eyes, Rogue understood what was to be expected of her now. It was going to take some getting used too, but she would comply. There would be rules, and Rogue would do her best to obey. However, she wasn't perfect. Rogue stood here knowing the rules, and also knowing that at some point, she'll disobey them. But she didn't enjoy entertaining that thought.

Sharp gold eyes watched the wolves. Although she joined them, it would take a little while before all suspicion was erased.

"Are you sure?" Saru asked Ebony. She understood what the fae said, but knew that she would be watching them closely. Standing back, she allowed Koda to eat first. As he was the alpha of the pack. She breathed in deeply and the scents of the forest washed over her tongue and onto the roof of her mouth. Mice, a few rabbits and deer. Sitting down, she curled her tail around her paws, wating for when Koda would be finished. The sun was just above the horizon and it was casting an orange glow. Some of the leaves that were green turned a reddy-brown colour as the early sunlight washed over them. The dew drops on the grass stems were beginning to dry up as the day began.

Already having finished her meal, Rogue was ready to move on. Explore the woods like she had done every day of her life. But now she must wait for her new pack. This was good, she knew. It would give her new patience. Yet she couldn't help feeling restrained.

"I'll be back." It was a quiet murmur as she walked into the woods a little ways and took in a deep breath. Thoughts were always darting through her mind like a grasshopper, and she often found it dangerous how much time she spent in her mind. However, she still did it. As the other wolves ate, Rogue submerged herself in thoughts and memories.

The scents from the forest had calmed Saru and she had submerged herself in memories, peaceful ones. When Koda spoke she blinked as they faded and stared at him. When she finally registered what he had said she stood up. At that time, Ebony said she would be back soon and Saru watched as the new pack member left her alone with Koda. It seemed as if almost all of the tension had gone, but it was still there.

Hesitantly, Saru moved one paw in front of the other until she was standing next to Koda. It didn't feel right, sharing a meal with the alpha. Even though she had only been in a pack for a third of her life, she still felt nervous, as if she was doing something wrong. Thoughts spun around in her mind as she remembered the last time she had eaten with an alpha. Her gaze went to Koda and her mood lightened, she saw in his eyes that he meant what he had said. Taking a small bite of the animal she felt warm blood swirl around her mouth. It had been quite a while before that she had shared a meal with another wolf and she cherished the thought of having one with Koda.

A howl broke Rogue's thoughts as she heard someone calling for an Ebony. Oh! That's right, that would be me.

Standing up she walked back to the other wolves, Koda and Saru. "Done?" It was more of a statement then a question. Rogue felt it was needed though. A short yawn escaped her as she watched Koda to see what he wanted, or where they were going.

OOC- Brain fart. Sorry for it being so short.

Hanging far enough back for her own comfort, Rogue followed Koda. A silent smile teased her face. They still don't know my real name. And they still don't know about my toe. Won't be long until they discovered both though. And then it will only be a matter of time before they catch whiff of my past. Then my fun will be up and I'll keep moving on my way.

A crow perched on a branch above her, sang it's mournful song as she passed under it. Rogue sent a snarl drifting up to the black scoundrel. Then she awkwardly caught herself. Did it again. Judged by the appearance. Just as those do to me. I don't like crows, but who can blame them.

Eyes drifting across the ground, Rogue donned the mask of invisible emotions.

(School...)

When Ebony joined them, Saru smiled inwardly. It was good that they had another member of the pack. She felt excited, but also curious about the territory Koda had claimed. As they followed him, she looked back at Ebony who was hanging back. From her gaze, Saru knew that she wanted to be left alone. Shrugging, she quickened her pace until her strides were even with Koda's.

It seemed as if Ebony was holding something back, like a secret that she didn't want anyone to know. But if she doesn't want them to know, she wouldn't ask. Her eyes scanned the ground as they padded past it. The sun was slowly climbing higher as the wolves traveled, but atleast the trees provided some shade from the heat.

~~~~~~

Wincing in pain, Kieth lifted himself up to the top of the hill. He looked up from the holey ground and sighed. There was atleast a dozen more to go and he didn't know if he could make it. The breeze ruffled his long fur as it sped past him to who knows where. Sighing again, he walked onwards, almost tripping over a small rabbit hole. There were more than he could count! If he kept this up, there would be a great chance of him breaking a leg. As he made his way down the hill-without falling in a rabbit hole- something caught his eye. Looking left, he saw a small trickle of water coming from a rock that was bigger than him. As he walked over to it, the shade was bliss compared to the sickening heat. He poked his snout into the hole and cool water poured onto his nose. Leaning in closer, the water trickled down his neck and down his legs, making a small puddle covering his feet. Thinking, Kieth limped around the rock, but there was nothing there. He looked up and saw a small waterfall coming from a overhang. Then he heard a noise, it sounded as if it was roughly three wolves walking through the trees. His heart pumped wildly, if these wolves were dangerous, they would rip him apart with ease. Quickly, he scrambled over the roots of a tree and disappeared into the shadows. His dark pelt hiding him.

A soft splash alerted Rogue, and a slight smell fell to her keen nose. It was a scent she grew up avoiding, so she knew it well. A soft growl echoed from in between her flashing teeth, and her hackles stood on end--making her look bigger once again.

Soft white ears stood erect as she stalked towards a small stream, something was over here...If she hadn't been lagging behind, she probably wouldn't have heard or smelled it. It was so quiet, she was surprised she heard it anyways. Must be a talented wolf.

Suddenly Rogue remembered she was part of a pack now, it was a new and awkward feeling. She glanced back at Koda and Saru to see if they had heard it as well.

Koda had heard the very faintest of sounds, but it was so quiet that he attributed it to some small creature. Seeing as how they had all just eaten their fill he was about to dismiss it. Then he heard Ebony's low growl and paused to see her looking at him, waiting. At least she was making an effort to behave as a pack wolf might. He could sense that it was an incredible effort for her since she had been on her own for so long. He tipped his head downward, acknowledging that he had heard it as well. No harm in checking it out. Keeping silent, he turned towards the origin of the sound, made a forward motion with his snout to the others and began to cautiously walk onward.

Even if this turned out to be nothing more than a squirrel, it felt good to be working as a pack again. His pack. Working as a team. Pride filled him... they might be newly formed, but they would slowly learn each other and eventually form unbreakable bonds with one another.

Saru pricked her ears at the sound of splashing water. Her hackles rose and a low growl escaped her throat. She lifted her snout into the air and scented a faint trace of another wolf. If she hadn't heard the splashing, she wouldn't have known the wolf was there. Her gaze flitted from Ebony to Koda, they had both sensed the other wolf. She stalked forward, her paws barely brushing the ground underneath. Her sharp senses caught a whiff of another wolf near a small stream. She moved closer, then froze. The scent was oddly familiar. Briefly checking back, she hoped the other two hadn't seen her stop. "Who's there?" Her voice held just a small bit of excitment, but was also questioning. After a small pause, there was a rustle to the left and she saw movement out of the corner of her eye.

Kieth emerged from the bushes and looked at each of the three other wolves for only a moment. He cowered slightly, these wolves all looked healthy and strong, unlike him. With his shoulder, he wouldn't even be able to fight one wolf, nevermind three! His gaze rested on the golden she-wolf for a moment longer. His eyes brightened at the sight of her, his long lost friend. "Saru," his voice was barely audible, but he made sure she could hear him. At the sight of her, he cautiously took a step forward, then stopped. The other two wolves would surely not trust him, especially the other fae. Just by looking at her, he noticed that she wasn't used to the company of so many wolves. Then his gaze rested on the male wolf. He was big and strong, like him but didn't have a shoulder injury. That put him in a bad position if they decided to chase him away.