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Post by Molo on Jan 8, 2023 5:35:24 GMT
He hadn’t been here for a while and hadn’t seen this lake since all of the water had started drying up. He’d been avoiding this area for the very memories it brought back, but the need to find some sort of hydration drove Jethro to return to the lake he’d nearly ended his life at.
And even in the darker hours of late evening, the sight was horrific. Gone was the pristine, peaceful place he’d once known. The water had evaporated and lowered greatly, leaving in its place a nasty, muddy crater that stank like nothing he’d ever smelled before. So bad it seemed to be giving him a headache. That should’ve been his cue to turn around, but he hadn’t. He’d proceeded, and that turned out to be a mistake.
In his relatively short life, Jethro had made many of them. Never in his life though, had he gotten stuck in mud before. But then again, this viscous substance was also unlike anything he’d ever seen. The moment he’d stepped into it, trying to get down to the water, his forepaws had sunk in immediately, and each movement he made only seemed to suck him in deeper.
It wasn’t long before the small former Sanzin was buried nearly chest-deep in the stuff.
Which was ironic, really, and about his luck. It figured that, out of everything he’d been through, it’d be some dumb fucking shit like this that would kill him. ”Damn it,” Jet growled, though he didn’t dare risk any more motion. There had to be a way out of this. He just needed to think.
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Post by Bri on Jan 8, 2023 6:03:50 GMT
I was made to rise above it She had tried to sleep, she really had. The days had been dragging on as she ran from cache to cache for her guild, refilling each of them to fill her busy mine. Each cache taking longer than the other to fill as prey became more scarce as the days went on with this awful heat. Being on the run all the time made her tired but the minute she'd try to lay down her thoughts would race and if sleep did claim her then it was filled with awful nightmares that left her body paralyzed until she could mentally talk herself out of it and get on her feet, wandering the dry valley night after night, like now, even though it was late evening.
Her body had been tired and she had tried to fall asleep, hoping that an earlier time would help her but it didn't as another nightmare had gripped her, ripping her awake and leading her to wander the land once again, her throat burning for water.
The earth hued dame continued her walk, nose lowered toward the ground in search for a scent of muddied earth, which she soon caught, forcing her to pick up the pace, finding the remnants of what had once been a lake. Her heart dropped, if there was water it was going to mean a muddy walk with just as muddy water but she persisted until something caught her eye, a figure who seemed to be a dire predicament.
It was hard to see in this light but she could just make out that their pelt was black and for a moment she was rooted in place but her mind was in another world where her mate whose pelt was darker than night tried to rip out her throat. Her body tensed as red grew at her vision but she forced her way through, olive gaze narrowing as she realized that whoever this was was too small to be her mate and, she reminded herself, her mate was dead now, the body she had found long ago solidifying that even though her mind still whispered that he was out hunting her, ready to destroy her life again.
She continued to stand at the edge of the muck, waiting for the other to move but all she heard was growl and finally she realized something...he was stuck. Hesitantly she took a step forward, paw sinking into the mud but she continued to edge closer until clearing her throat and calling out, "do you need help out there?" |
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Post by Molo on Jan 8, 2023 6:32:28 GMT
As a result of his predicament, and the rancid stench of the mud he’d now all but submerged himself in, there was no way he could’ve known someone else was present until they called out. Instinctively Jet twisted his neck, trying to get a view of the figure, but once more his predicament did not let him get much more than a glance.
In the waning light of day, all he could make out was a large, dark silhouette. And if that didn’t just about sum up his shit luck, Jet didn’t know what else could. If there was any positive to be had in the situation though, it was that he doubted the figure would dare to advance, lest they risk suffering the same fate.
Oddly, though, she’d asked if he needed help. That was unusual, and intriguing. Of course, the obvious answer was yes, but…
”No,” he stated pointedly, stubbornly, before attempting one more tug. Again though, all that happened was that he sunk in a little deeper.
”Probably. But I don’t want it.” Jet admitted after a moment with a tired huff. He could admit it, he supposed, though he was still far too proud to accept. Besides, though.. ”Dunno what the hell y’could do, anyway, an’ I’d hate to see you get stuck too for tryin’a help my dumb ass.” Because that just wouldn't be right, if the stranger's intentions were honestly decent. He wasn't worth the risk.
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Post by Bri on Jan 8, 2023 7:45:41 GMT
I was made to rise above it Timber grimaced at the way the trapped wolf twisted their head to get a look at her, it just seemed painful without that much of a result. Her body brought her a few steps closer despite the mud sucking her in. The squelch of the ick between her paw pads making her stomach twist but she tried to ignore it, focusing in on the other.
Her head recoiled when he told her no but she wasn't going to take that for an answer, her eyes narrowing. "Well, I'm not going to walk away without at least trying to help and if I get stuck I'll figure out a way to get out." She told him, voice firm even though she didn't have a clue how she would get out but she knew she wouldn't give up until death claimed her.
Before taking anymore steps she looked around, trying to find some kind of solution when her gaze finally landed on a broken tree branch. Without a word she turned and trotted over to it, locking her jaws around the branch and dragging it out. Yes, it could long enough. She drug the branch back to the mud lake, sinking deeper the farther she went, feeling like the branch was getting heavier but she didn't stop until she was close enough to the other wolf to swing her head as she let go, the branch landing with a squish next to Jethro. "Grab it and I'll try pulling." |
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Post by Molo on Jan 8, 2023 22:10:12 GMT
The stranger stubbornly - as Arsa had once done - refused to give up on him. She claimed that she wasn’t going to walk away without trying, in the same firm sort of voice even. Having been through that once, Jet gritted his teeth and nodded, deciding it was pointless to argue, for now.
Besides, even if his life was boring and worthless, he didn’t necessarily want to lose it. At least, not in such a stupid and hideous way as this. The apparent mercy shown by the stranger continued to perplex him though. Why would someone go out of their way to help, when just walking away would literally cost them nothing, and quite possibly save them time and effort in the process?
That was a question he would ask, but later. The mysterious lady had ventured off to locate a broken branch, which she extended to him now, trudging into the muck to do so. That effort offered him a little better look at her. Large, older, but further details were lacking in the dark and especially since she too, was becoming coated in the filthy mud.
”Alright,” he agreed semi-reluctantly. ”Just, be careful. Don’t get too close, this stuff's worse out here,” he added, before grabbing ahold of the tree limb as instructed. Jethro doubted she needed to be told that cautionary bit of advice, but he really didn’t want to see her get stuck, too.
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Post by Bri on Jan 9, 2023 22:24:21 GMT
I was made to rise above it Timber half expected the brute to refuse the branch with how he had been acting but felt relief when he agreed, even with a big of reluctance. "I'll do my best, now hold on tight." Timber hadn't done anything like this before but that didn't mean she wouldn't doing at least something.
She steadied her legs and bit into the branch, jaw tightening as she started to pull. At first it felt like nothing was happening, her gaze flashing towards the wolf on the other end of the branch, wishing she could shout some words on encouragement but that task was impossible with a mouth full of bark.
Using her size to her advantage Timber continued to pull, urging every muscle to work under her command as she started to back out of the mud, which tried to suck her under but with how shallow it was she managed to keep moving, a growl working its way from her throat with determination as she continued to pull. She has doing her half of the work now it was up to the other wolf to do his part and if this didn't work she already had another plan forming in her mind. |
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Post by Molo on Jan 10, 2023 4:47:26 GMT
She’d do her best, the stranger spoke, before instructing him to hold tight. Not that he needed that either, but the former Sanzin did just that, before offering her a nod to indicate that he was ready. And then she was tugging.
It was a sensation unlike any he’d ever felt before. The action strained his jaw and neck, and though Jethro’s instinct was to move and kick to try to help, that so far had only caused him to sink deeper. Instead he tried to let his limbs go limp. And after what felt like an eternity, but was probably only a few seconds, Jet felt his right limbs break free, so he rolled a bit to the left, causing an almost sickening squelch in the mud.
But at least then he was able to help. Unfortunately, however, his end of the limb the woman had offered didn’t seem to want to hold up. For suddenly, he felt it cracking and splintering in his mouth, and then his hold on it vanished altogether and he found himself coughing and spitting out bits of mud and chunks of wood. While splinters in his tongue and gums were far from the worst pain he’d ever felt, the taste of it mixed with mud, and that of his own blood from the little cuts it’d caused.. was unpleasant, to say the least.
”Damn it, just broke in m’mouth,” he huffed. ”At least I’m half out though, it’s workin’,” he added, the tiniest note of hope in the words. Something he realized he’d probably regret. For any time he dared allow himself to hope, it only seemed to lead to even worse things happening.
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Post by Bri on Jan 11, 2023 18:25:23 GMT
I was made to rise above it Timber put every ounce of her being into pulling on that branch, her mind focusing only on freeing this other wolf, not on the integrity of the branch. Her jaw tightened around the wood, ignoring the way it splintered in her own maw and kept pulling until suddenly there was nothing on the other end. The loss of weight combined with her pulling sent the fae falling backwards as her mouth opened, branch going flying as she landed flat on her back, the mud barely softening the blow that made the air rush out of her lungs with a hard woosh.
She hardly heard Jethro as she laid there gasping, a sting radiating from her back and throughout her chest until finally, finally, enough air filled her chest and the stinging lessened just a bit, enough for her to roll onto her side as the stench of the muck permeated her sense of smell. Pushing herself up onto all fours a cough rattled her chest, her eyes stinging but she worked to regain herself, gaze flickering to see how much progress they had made.
She went to look at the branch, finding it splintered and broken on both ends and utterly useless for any further efforts. Turning to her stuck comrade she assessed the situation, they were better than before but they weren't out of the...mud yet. "Branch won't work now," she muttered, "you got enough energy to dig? I think we can get enough of this stuff out of the way so you can at least crawl out. If I start on this end and you start on yours we can meet in the middle." |
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Post by Molo on Jan 12, 2023 4:23:42 GMT
When he realized there wasn’t an immediate response from the wolf that’d come to his aid, Jet turned again to face her, something that was still not easy. And he realized that when the branch had crumbled in his grasp, his sudden lack of resistance had sent her stumbling. All the way on to her back, apparently.
It was a sight that, at any other time, probably would’ve had the former sanzin laughing his ass off. But now, considering she’d come to his aid, he couldn’t bring himself to do anything other than blink and stare sympathetically, especially as it seemed she was in a little bit of pain. But eventually, the woman rose, coughing and covered in mud, but still determined.
She offered another plan next, one Jethro mulled over for a few moments. ”I can try. If I can just get m’front left leg freed, think I can crawl out.” As it was right now, he’d only have one limb to try to dig with. But he would try, most certainly, for he wanted to get the hell out of here. After a few scrapes with his free limb - taking care not to let it sink too deep again, he paused though, glancing towards the other again.
”Why’re you doin’ this.. helpin’ me? I don’t really deserve it..” now was probably not the best time for the question. But he wanted to know. Nobody in his life had ever before cared to try to help him out of any kind of shitty situation - if anything, almost every wolf he'd ever known were why he was so screwed now. But Arsa and this woman were different. What motivated her, he wondered?
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Post by Bri on Jan 12, 2023 18:53:04 GMT
I was made to rise above it Timber could feel the hot air drying the mud that was caked in her fur, hating the feeling of it as stiffened her coat. It made her feel like some kind of beast rather that the wolf she was, making her wish there was a way to wash it off but of course thanks to the draught there was no such way, making her dread having to wait out for it to try. She wasn't exactly a vain being, she just hated the overall feeling of this.
She turned her attention back to Jethro, pushing away her discomfort and annoyance, nodding as he agreed to her plan. That was one step, now she just had to hope that it would work, especially when he got one of his legs free. Without another word she got as close as she could before the mud became too much, putting her at risk of being pulled in and started to dig. Of course it wasn't perfect, a lot of the mud was sliding back into place but not enough to stop the process entirely. As she moved forward she shoved body into the channel she was making, hoping her weight could pack into place, almost like slushy snow.
She glanced up at Jethro, speaking without hesitation, "because it's what's right." Her voice was firm with belief but also there was underlying of concern. From a young age she had been taught to be a good leader was meant to put yourself on the line for your pack, within reasonable means, but to her and as she gotten older that belief meant she would do anything for anyone, even if it meant risking her own life in the process. |
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Post by Molo on Jan 13, 2023 5:02:39 GMT
The woman quickly got to work once more, both impressing and further bewildering Jethro with the selfless effort she seemed to be putting into trying to free him. And just like with Arsa, it was the last thing the former Sanzin had ever anticipated. Even her response was simple - because it’s what’s right, was all that she offered.
Spoken with confidence, which was something that only instilled in him even more questions. And if she were to look, Timber would likely see the look of utter confusion that was so clearly displayed across the small male’s face and reflected in his eyes. He resolved to ask more, but not now.
Instead he focused on putting every ounce of energy he could into freeing his limb, and eventually, finally, as the large woman neared him - Jethro found he was at last able to free his front leg from entrapment. ”Got it!” He exclaimed, an incredibly rare, bright smile flashing across his countenance for a moment.
But he couldn’t afford to waste time celebrating - and began to immediately crawl forth towards where dry land would’ve been if the lake were full, smearing himself in even more foul-smelling mud in the process. Not that it mattered much now, though.
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Post by Bri on Jan 13, 2023 7:12:21 GMT
I was made to rise above it Molo  Timber lulled into silence, her focus on the task at hand, eager to get this man out before it started to take a toll on him. She was prepared to grab him by the scruff if she had to but the moment she got close to him it seemed like a surge ran through him, even exclaiming when he freed one of his legs, making a small smile break through her concentration. "There we go, follow quick before the mud decides the cave in." She told him before she started to back up along the path she had made.
As she moved back, her legs sinking in and out of the mud that was sliding back down in her way, squishing between her toes, making bile climb up the back of her throat. She swallowed down the gross feeling, turning her attention to Jet, "I don't know what's worse...the heat or having to smell like this..." She attempted to joke as she continued to move back, but tried not to get too far from the one she was helping, just in case he got stuck again and needed aid but thankfully she felt the ground hardening beneath her as she got closer to what had used to be the shore, the mud giving way to hard rock, which was slick under her muddy paw pads but at least they didn't make her feel sick to her stomach from stepping on them.
When the ground was finally solid and she was out of her path she drew herself to her full height and moved out of the way for Jethro to come into freedom as well. Instead of her pelt being one of streaks of browns, greys, and whites most of it was the awful sickening brown of the mud that deserved to stay at the bottom of the lake...or at least get dried out by the sun to atone for her new look. |
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Post by Molo on Jan 14, 2023 3:45:22 GMT
The giant lady remained close, as though ready to aid again should the mud attempt to pull him under once more. Her words of encouragement were hardly needed but.. oddly most welcome. The attempt at humor was not lost on him though, and he managed a sort of half-cough, half-laugh.
He continued, one slow crawl at a time, and after what felt like forever Jethro finally found himself back on solid ground. Tired, caked in mud, and close to vomiting from the stench, but still. Safe. And now that he was, he could see just how damn big this lady really was.
Massive, compared to him, as most usually were - but even so, he trusted her enough to hang his head and expose the back of his neck as he caught his breath. If she’d wanted to harm him or see him dead, she could’ve just left him out there.
When he finally had rested enough to sit up, Jet noted, even through the mud that covered both of them, the scars across her face. Judging from that alone, she’d seen her share of pain.
”Thank you. I..” he trailed off for a moment, finding himself lost for words and still just a tad breathless. ”Is.. doing the right thing really worth risking yourself? Almost everyone I’ve ever known would’a just.. left my ass out there. To them, the right thing is just.. what benefits them. But not you… why?” It was half a question, and half was just his own wandering thoughts.
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Post by Bri on Jan 14, 2023 4:51:37 GMT
I was made to rise above it
Even with her consciousness telling her it wasn't of any use Timber took another step back and gave her fur a brisk shake, some of the mud flying off in clumps and sticking the ground in small piles. She wished, again, that she could bathe but she'd have to settle with waiting for the mud to dry and fall from her fur naturally, which was going to drive her crazy. The only nice thing about it, she was starting to notice, was that it did help the warm air not feel so warm. Now if only it didn't smell so awful like dead fish.
It had been so quiet between the two of them that if it wasn't for being right in front of him she would have forgotten the whole reason she was here until he finally spoke up.
She remained quiet as he spoke, face falling into its usual impassiveness until it was her turn to answer. "I believe it is," she answered, a small smile worming its way onto her face, "maybe you just haven't been around the right wolves then if they aren't willing to offer help. If I have the ability to help then I will, even if I could get hurt-or worse in the process." She paused for a moment, turning her gaze from her companion to the sky as she gathered her thoughts before looking to Jethro again. "I don't think I could live with myself if I were to just ignore someone who needed my aid." |
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Post by Molo on Jan 14, 2023 5:31:47 GMT
Jethro found himself surprised that the other hadn't left immediately after helping him out of his predicament. Surprised that she'd stuck around, that she was still here, and even entertaining his questions. The small smile that crossed the strange woman's face as she explained her motives was somehow calming. Maybe even a little bit reassuring, as well. It was an expression Jethro had seen so little of in this context, that it both captivated and intrigued him, too.
Her answers provided a little bit more insight and clarity, but there were still so many questions. When she spoke of the right wolves he nodded a little. "Maybe not. Most everyone I've ever been around just.. wanted to hurt me. Because they could, sometimes.. for their own entertainment," he explained passively. As though that were a completely normal thing - and to him it was. It was all he'd ever known.
When she spoke of being unable to live with herself, though, that brought another round of questioning. "Even if it meant you could die? It.. really means that much to you?" Such a thing sounded completely insane to him and was likely reflected in the incredulity that was present in his voice. He'd already seen it, to be sure, but it was still so very hard to believe.
"I've never really known anyone.. willing to do that.." Jet tacked on in a murmur, a note of respect now there for the woman.
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