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Post by kaz on Dec 20, 2020 4:52:38 GMT
strangers passing in the street
by chance two separate glances meet
The night had been dark, uncertain and all-consuming; unseen clouds covering the moon and stars, hanging low and heavy, pregnant with the threat of a rain that hadn’t ever come. Murmur had woken early before the dawn, peering into the darkness unmoving, thinking, searching for something, perhaps, but what he did not know. Long he could live in nights like these, the only sounds the gentle breeze through the trees beside him; the only life the thoughts in his head, and the blood in his veins. There was a certain poetry to the nameless dark, but still, when the sun finally began to rise and give shape to the world again, the man was grateful. He moved to his paws slowly, muscles aching from having been statue-still for so many hours - he had felt as if he could not stir through the night for fear of shattering the peace, the silence that went on around him; as if his presence were somehow unwelcome, a glitch that went unnoticed, and if it were, would have shattered the illusion entirely.
The sun poked between the sparse trees over the horizon, setting the landscape alight and tearing the cold dark from the sky in bursts of golden rays. For another long time, Murmur sat admiring it, staring upwards at the cascading colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, all fading away behind him into a rapidly receding deep blue of night. It was the day’s turn to hold dominion over the earth now, to breathe back life into the greenery; give form and substance. The break of dawn may well be the best time to view the world, Murmur thought, gazing at his surroundings, watching the haze slowly lift, the frosted foliage steam with warmth. Everything coming back from the dead, ready to be beheld again. He thought, with a hint of amusement, that on a night such as the last, everything around him could have uprooted itself, moved away or disappeared completely, and just before day, as if on cue, could have come back into position, as of actors in a play, exactly the same as before, and Murmur would be none the wiser. Is anything really still there if one is not observing it? If so, would that really make the world any different than it is now?
Such thoughts to ponder! He could spend the entire day within the confines of his mind, thinking, wondering, regarding, dreaming; but alas, he was still tied to this mortal body and all its bothersome needs. He could feel the hunger working its way through him now, reaching even his mind, making his thoughts wander in that hypnagogic way, tireless and somewhat senseless and following no real pattern. It could be quite enjoyable, worthy of exploration if it did not come with such irksome side effects. The hunger could not be ignored today - how long had it been since he’d had a proper meal? - and after much procrastinating, watching the sun on its slow rise upward, the man set out forward into the countryside.
It was pleasurable to stretch his legs, to feel the muscles moving beneath his pelt and to work them. This was, after all, his body and what it was made for: a vessel of sensations; of the grass beneath his paw pads, the wind in his fur - there was something to be said for even the aches and pains. What else was a body for but to provide stimuli to the mind? What would he be without a form, sightless and unfeeling, only a mind? Ah, there went his head again - focus! A stream up ahead; he could hear it before seeing it and realized only then that he was thirsty as well. He moved to the bank of the water, his gait confident and dreamy, his eyes never staying in one place for too long - perhaps giving the appearance of someone overly cautious, or nervous, but really only immensely curious; his senses hungry, voracious, even, and never satiated. Dipping his head, he lapped up the cool, clear water greedily, and, without thinking, splashed his front paws into the stream as well, spraying the cold water up his forearms and onto his belly and he stifled a gasp at the chill of it, exhilarating as it was. That was certainly a way to wake up! After a brief moment of adjustment, Murmur moved deeper into the water, letting it softly rush against his legs and tail and then, in an instant, dropped down onto his belly and relished the shock of his nerves against the cold, his tail waving in slow arcs behind him in the stream, his usual grin never leaving his face. |
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Post by Bri on Dec 22, 2020 8:19:41 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
"You are absolutely nothing to me anymore. You are weak, you are pathetic." His words cut like a knife through Timber as the shadowy black form of Myax stood over her. His once loving eyes now seemingly made of stone. The loving man she had gone to the ends of the earth for, the man she had dreamed of was now poised over her, ready to land another blow.
Timber was ready to fight, body tightly coiled like a spring before the two threw themselves at each other with teeth gnashing and claws flying, each ripping flesh and letting blood fly, splattering on the ground as howls and the sound of fighting echoed through the pack grounds as a war raged on around the two mates. Lives were being lost but all Timber could focus on was protecting her pups, she believed her pack was strong enough, but she didn't know how wrong she was.
A burning broke out across her maw, the tender flesh ripping away the skin of an over ripe berry. The pain erupting over her face, causing her to yelp. The momentary distraction working in the dark males favor and the two fell to the ground...
It was the warmth on her face that jolted Timber from her nightmare. She raised her head, eyes wide as deep breaths heaved from her chest, her muscles were screaming at her from her legs being so tight against her body and back curved like a 'C' in a spot amongst the brush Timber had found the evening prior.
"Just a nightmare." She whispered to herself, though it all felt so real. It took her a few moments to control her breath and slowly relax her body. She remained laying there for a few more moments, focusing her eyes above her on the branches of a tree, watching as tiny grey birds with black heads darted from branch to branch as if they were playing a game of tag. The innocent game play brought a smile to her lips. She listened to their chirps as they flitted about, not a care in the world. "Lucky little things." She said softly as the sky started to brighten more, the warmth growing from her muzzle to across her face and the rest of her body, now enjoying the feeling as her nightmare faded away to the back of her mind.
Timber enjoyed the time for a moment more before finally rising to her paws, her back protesting with sharp pains until she finally stretched, the relaxing of her muscles making her sigh with relief. She flexed her claws into the dirt for a moment before standing taller, her movement causing the birds to fly off to a farther tree, but her focus was no longer on the tiny chick-a-dees and now onto the next task: finding something to eat. Her stomach grumbled, not fully awake but it reminded her that food had to be located. Anything sustaining first then she would move on to refilling the catches for her guild, there weren't many set up across this new land but the Lord planned on changing that today. She was still learning this new land, though it seemed promising. The plant life was abundant and prey animals seemed to flourish. She had smelled other wolves here and there but had yet to encounter any face to face, which was helping for now though she knew some day the guild would have to make themselves known because they would be noticed, even with their small numbers.
With these thoughts the grey pelted wolf started her walk from her sleeping place, ears perking up from the sound of running water. A drink would be pleasant. She thought and followed the sound, slipping between the brush, keeping herself low as she searched for the source and as she walked she let herself relax, though kept her ears up for any kind of threat.
Running water got louder, Timber poking her head from behind a bush, her gaze falling onto a stream. She was about to step towards it when she heard an odd wooshing noise. Her gaze traveled down the stream, thinking that she would see perhaps an otter or beaver playing about but instead her gaze landed on a another wolf who seemed to be enjoying the feeling of water rushing over him. Her brows furrowed together in confusion, wondering just what he was doing, she imagined the water would be startling cold, especially this time of year. Her curiosity got the better of her and she stepped forward, the branches tugging against her winter fur as she exposed her front legs and chest to get a better look at the other wolf.
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Dec 23, 2020 6:17:06 GMT
strangers passing in the street
by chance two separate glances meet
He may have never noticed the woman if his eyes hadn’t already been upturned, studying the sky, the vultures overhead as they made those slow arcing patterns across the blue. He wondered what it was they smelled or saw from up there; something dead or soon to be? So much of their lives spent in the skies, birds-eye - did they know what the world looked like from down here, what it felt like? The feeling of grass beneath you, a soft breeze through leaves, the sounds of prey pitter-pattering through the brush? Then again, he’d never know how the world looked through their eyes, top down, detail-less. Big picture.
The movement of her caught his eye, the glint of her fur in the sunlight; her white pelt was out of place against the greenery. He turned his head and saw her and rose to his paws in a somewhat sheepish manner, the soft, dreamy smile of his transforming into something friendlier, more inviting. She had a puzzled expression on her face, staring at him. It wasn’t the first time he’d elicited such a response from others. He was, after all, quite an odd man; he knew better than most. The cool air bit at his wetted limbs as he studied the woman briefly, caught eye of her scarred pelt (though only the most prominent he could see from this distance,) and that imposing way in which she held herself; confident, like a queen walking her lands. She had the air of a leader, or of someone of great import. Or maybe he was reading too far into it.
“You make quite a presence,” he called over the water, slowly moving sideways - not closer or further to or from her - so as to remove himself from the stream. “One feels the urge to curtsy in your company.” This he said with a touch of mirth, sitting back on his haunches, hoping to make himself - though he was rather small and unimposing - seem as unthreatening as possible. “I hope I haven’t intruded; these lands are quite beautiful and I, being a simple man, can’t help but appreciate beautiful things.” A pointed look in her direction; a hint of a flirt.
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Post by Bri on Dec 29, 2020 7:43:19 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
Timber remained silent as she watched him, she often partook in this kind of game: watching something or someone until they noticed. It was interesting what someone would do when they thought that they weren't being watched, though this other wolf seemed to not be doing nothing more than staring at the great blue of the sky, though staying on guard she didn't follow his view-this could be some kind of ambush.
Finally his head moved and she could feel his gaze falling onto her. Her lips pressed together firmly as he seemed to study her until eventually moving. She stiffened, ready for him to rush forward, but instead he moved from the stream, not coming any near her as his maw opened, his voice drifting up along the water to reach her perked ears. Her brow quirked at his luscious words, it was small but it was too much.
Her eyes rolled towards the heavens. Sweet words didn't mean a thing to her, actions did and so far this interaction held little to no meaning, though it was fresh enough of an interaction to keep her attention.
"There is no need to speak in such ways." She said, voice firm but it wasn't commanding. With herself exposed she stepped farther from the brush, revealing the rest of her grey and white furred body rattled with their scars. She took a moment, stopping at the water and lapping up the drops, the water running down, leaving an icy trail down her throat. The action took only a few seconds before her head was lifted again and she walked along the side of the stream, on the opposite bank as the male. There was no need to get any closer than necessary for even with the water between them she stayed a few feet back from the waters edge.
Once Timber had a closer look at the small male she chanced to speak again. "There is nothing to be intruded nor is there a need to...curtsy." She said, rolling the word in her mouth like a rock, foreign and rough against her tongue as if it didn't belong. The flirtation flew over her head like the birds above. "If anyone is intruding it seems that it would be me, since you were...having a swim? Or was it a bath?" She tilted her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips at her teasing.
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Dec 30, 2020 14:35:24 GMT
strangers passing in the street
by chance two separate glances meet
A roll of her eyes; she was distant, but he spotted it, and his lips twitched upward in response. Immune to his charm, perhaps? So it was, as it had been before. Nevertheless, these types were no less fun than those who would partake in his games. Maybe it was that she hadn’t been flirted much with before - the scarring of her pelt told tales of many battles fought, flesh between fangs. That type of life didn’t lend itself to such follies. A war-worn woman, who need not bother will silly flirtations from strangers. He could understand it. “There is no need to speak in such ways,” said the woman, though there was no real sharpness behind her words. Perhaps just common courtesy: one does not accept a gift immediately, not without some resistance, so as to be polite. He grinned, looking off-ways sheepishly; a soft shrug of the shoulders, her words rolling off him like water off a duck’s feathers.
“Forgive me, darling,” said Murmur, having to raise his voice a touch to reach across the barrier between them. “My tongue is a disobedient little fellow that often runs of its own volition. It’s gotten me into terrible trouble, as I’m sure you can imagine.” His tail wagged behind him slowly, that cheeky smile of his never leaving his lips.
She stepped closer, somewhat cautiously, rightly so. But in a movement that exuded all the grace and confidence of royalty, the woman moved to the stream, drinking the cool water, quickly, though with no outward hint of urgency; all the while keeping her senses on him, and keeping her distance. This he watched through curious eyes, studying her shape and how it twisted and moved along with her. After a moment, she spoke, and his ears perked up to catch the words. “There is nothing to be intruded nor is there a need to… curtsy.” He tried to hide his amusement at her response, her discomfort palpable. He shouldn’t press further, he knew. This was a woman unaccustomed to his particular manner of speaking.
At her suggestion that she’d been the one to intrude, he shook his head lightly. “You needn’t worry - I never object to good conversation.” And especially not from an attractive woman. He turned a bit to face her head on. “I was merely enjoying the morning's waters. I find them especially rejuvenating this time of day." He smiled, glancing upward at the sky and the world around them. "My name is Murmur - an awfully ironic name to bestow upon someone who enjoys talking as much as I do,” he said with a small laugh. “May I have the honor of knowing yours?”
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Post by Bri on Jan 1, 2021 0:04:49 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
As she waited for his response Timber gave the male another once over, he didn't seem to be one that had seen much battle or the ways of struggle, though quickly she reminded herself that not everyone had to show their wounds as publicly as she. Her ears flicked towards him as he spoke, though she continued to make slow glances to the area around them, wary as if other wolves would come out in a sort of ambush. With being so new to the area she had no idea how things worked yet and it made her antsy, a feeling that made her think of herself as weak. A leader isn't meant to be weak. That's why you failed. Her ex mates voice whispered in her ear with its notes of disgust and anger. The memory of him running a tickling anger down the back of her neck but she ignored it. This wasn't the time nor the place for anger or being ran over with memories of so long ago.
She tilted her head and a small laugh escaped her. "Murmur? That is quite a name, your parents had no idea you would grow up to be such a smooth talker." She teased, though glanced around once again, no other scents meeting her nose to warn her so, she decided to lower her guard, but not by much. Her face relaxed a centimeter as she allowed herself to smile. "My name is Timber." She said, bowing her head for a moment before lifting it again to look at Murmur. "You enjoy morning swims in the middle of winter? You are a strange one." She joked. "I assume that you're a loner, or are you part of a pack that enjoys freezing in the river?" She tilted her head.
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Jan 3, 2021 12:12:39 GMT
She was hesitant, worried even, looking around constantly like a prey animal who had just smelled wolf upon the wind. This did give Murmur some pause, heightening his senses ever so slightly in turn, paying more mind to the sounds and scents surrounding them, though he did do his best not to show this, wanting to appear cavalier and comfortable, as always. It did occur to him that perhaps it was he she was nervous of, and so he took care to make no sudden movements - maybe appearing too casual in the process, but he was wont to seem that way, regardless; such was his nature.
However, she offered a soft laugh at his words, and this cheered him greatly - ah, so the lady does have a sense of humor! He grinned at her compliment, ignoring her cautious glances at their surroundings; she would warm up to him, he was sure of it. “Why, my darling, you flatter me. And I can assure you my parents knew at quite an early age how off base they’d been.” He watched her movements across the river; scrutinized the scarring along her muzzle, studied her tall and lithe limbs as they carried her precariously nearer to him - though not by much. “My name is Timber,” said the woman, who now had a name. She gave a slight, courteous bow of her head, and he stifled a chuckle. So polite! Again, that urge to curtsy, or perhaps kiss her gently offered paw. He felt underdressed in her presence, so formal did she appear.
“Timber,” he repeated. “A beautiful name for an equally beautiful woman.” Ah, he couldn’t help it. The words just slipped right out (though he hadn’t done much to stop them.) He gave a half-apologetic smile, hoping he hadn’t been too bold. “You enjoy morning swims in the middle of winter? You are a strange one,” said Timber, and he had to laugh. “I assume that you’re a loner, or are you part of a pack that enjoys freezing in the river?” This last bit was said with some amount of dryness that amused Murmur quite a bit.
“Is there such a pack nearby? Where do I sign up?” He grinned at her, then quickly continued on. “I suppose I am a loner, though only in the most literal sense of the word. I’m never truly alone - who could be with all this life surrounding us, all these endless thoughts in our heads?” Suddenly more serious than he had intended, Murmur wiped the pensive expression from his face, and smiled toothily again. “But no, my dear. I just enjoy the refreshing cool of the waters. Sometimes it is all one needs for a fresh perspective. It can wash the veneer from the most reserved of wolves. You might try it sometime.” He gave a slight, suggestive raise of his eyebrows at her.
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Post by Bri on Jan 4, 2021 5:56:13 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
Though she didn't want to let down her guard, she did feel herself soften a bit at his kind words though in the back of her head she reminded herself that many wolves would speak with sweet words in order to get what they wanted. "I'm not sure if beautiful is quite the right term to use, but thank you. You are kind." She said, her voice soft though his next words distracted her from her embarrassment at this mans words.
Inside her mind was screaming at her to leave, to do something rather than just stand there and make small talk, though her logical side urged the other to be quiet. The whole point of coming into this land was to try to grow the group in numbers. The Mercurior had been small when she had taken over and though their small numbers helped them remain a secret, it made her uneasy. There was strength in numbers and it couldn't be denied that they needed to grow, to do something as they ventured into new territory. As the years went on the group numbers had dwindled and as their leader Timber took it upon herself to find them new members. Once again she cast her gaze towards Murmur as he continued to speak.
Loners would be easy to try to coax into her numbers, the Mercurior was basically a group of loners. Most times of the year the wolves roamed on their own and being part of this group gave a veil of protection and comradery. She thought of the reasons why she joined. It had been through an outlet of her anger and hate yes, but as time passed she grew content in this pack that was not a real pack. She was a leader and she was able to be on her own while also taking care of others.
"A fresh perspective...yes." She mused, pulling herself from her thoughts once again. "You have a point, not ever being truly alone," she added, "though...may I ask just why you choose the life of a loner?" She asked with a tilt of her head, she was genuinely curious, having grown up in her own pack she had thought often of Loners and their freedoms, she remembered the times when her parents had welcomed Loners into their fold, though she had never been courageous enough to ask why. She admired her parents for taking in those that were wayward but never truly understood why a wolf would go on their own, even though she herself had been a loner for a time. That wasn't by choice. She told herself, she had forced into the life of solitude before Mercurior and she didn't think that Murmur had gone through what she had, he didn't seem battle torn, though who knew what he could have been put through in his life.
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Jan 5, 2021 5:20:37 GMT
His compliment seemed to have somewhat brightened her mood, relieved a bit of that trepidation from her body, though she did not seem to whole-heartedly accept it - somewhat self-consciously thanking him - and he knew to take care in the future not to overstep any further with his flattery. There was a thin line between being seen as charming, and being labeled a sycophant, and he often walked it readily and, by his own admission, rather adeptly.
“A fresh perspective, yes…” said the woman, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. He wondered what it was that she was thinking of; had his words struck something within her? It had only been talk - sometimes even he knew not what he was saying, for his tongue often moved quicker than his mind - but perhaps this woman could use some reflection. Maybe she had more insight than her battle-worn pelt would have led him to believe. One must be careful not to cast dispersions too early; even the most brutish of wolves had proven to have great intellect hidden beneath their scars. And this woman did have a manner about her that implied something greater than simple strength of tooth and claw; an urbane composure and poise. She spoke well, too. Simple-minded creatures did not often carry themselves with grace, caring little what those around them thought. Other’s opinions don't matter much when your greatest assets are of the deadly variety.
“May I ask just why you chose the life of a loner?” asked Timber politely. This took Murmur somewhat by surprise, and he had to take a moment to think on the answer. He hadn’t given the decision much thought before, though, he supposed, that was because it hadn’t been much of a decision at all. It had felt like the natural progression of things. Often, Murmur felt as if life moved around him, and he, like the water of a stream, flowed through it without complaint, accepting and relishing in each moment given to him. He had been a part of his small familial pack, and, even before feeling any sort of stagnation or dissatisfaction, had moved on to greener pastures, so to speak. He had felt the ache of exploration, and had, without second thought, ventured on to relieve that ache, as a nomad following the migratory patterns of their prey. This is how he went on, seeking easy pleasures of flesh and mind and not thinking much on his own future or past, except to relive good memories, or else fantasize about this or that. He was a simple man, in that regard, not prone to melancholy like many poets and thinkers tend to be. Lucky, really.
He thought of how to respond. “You could say the life chose me,” said Murmur slowly, still contemplating his next words. Living as a loner didn’t feel all that different from life with a pack, albeit a bit more dangerous and he was certainly hungrier, though his stomach had shrunk to accommodate. And it was certainly no issue for him, who could be kept occupied for hours with thoughts and observations, especially with so much new land to tread. “I heard the winds of a new country calling my name, and I had no choice but to follow.” Perhaps that would be difficult for a more traditional wolf to understand - he got the impression this woman was that sort, though he couldn’t be sure. Wolves were meant to want company, to want to weave their existence with others, to work with a group as seamlessly as if they were a singular organism. This, too, he understood, though it didn’t feel as natural to him as to many others. Still, he had integrated into his home pack just fine, having been born into it.
“And the solitary life suits me well, I’d like to think, though it is not without its difficulties." He continued. "And I am not set on being alone for the rest of my days; this, I think, alleviates many of the stresses of this lifestyle. I am not without pack for having been disgraced, or cast out, nor am I against pack-life as a whole - and can, in all honesty, see being a part of one again. Every wolf craves that safety and certainty.” He smiles softly to offset some of the seriousness of the topic, for he doesn’t like to talk about such matters for too long without some manner of humor. “But for now, it just feels right to be free to wander, to travel, to speak to who you wish, when you wish; to think freely on what you’d like, without the restraint of responsibility or the weight of your fellow wolf’s wellbeing bearing down upon your shoulders.” It was the truth; he did better thinking alone and without having to worry about any obligations other than his own survival, which could often be ignored for long periods of time, anyway. He gave a small chuckle. “Perhaps this makes me sound awfully selfish - and, perhaps I am. But the truth of the matter is I am a mere servant of my whims, and as they have brought me here, to this stream, and to you, my dear Timber, I think that isn’t quite a bad thing.”
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Post by Bri on Jan 6, 2021 8:02:26 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
As he spoke her head tilted, taking in his words. He spoke as if he didn't have a care in the world-and perhaps he didn't. Oh to be so carefree. The thought made her smile for a moment as she thought of her youth, before the ideas of mates or running a pack flooded her years. As a pup she often snuck off to explore into the parts unknown with other pups of her age, often they were caught by their parents and scolded-though that never kept them from continuing on to more adventures in the next coming days. Her pup hood was joyous but as the years passed she fell under more restrictions as her parents trained her to take on their mantel of running the pack. Her teenage years was her stuck mostly in the pack grounds with the exception of night fall. While the other wolves slept she would run off to see the stars, taking the time to let her anxieties melt into the void.
Being under the stars reminded her how small she was in the world, it was both terrifying and refreshing. If she wasn't careful she would spend all of her nights out there, getting little sleep most nights but she had found it worth-especially when she had met the man of her dreams one of those nights. No. The world flashed across her eyes, halting the memory. She needed to stop thinking of him, though he was in many of the good ones they made her remember that night. She sighed, wishing her mind could be wiped of that time, but if it was then who would she be?
"We could say the life chose me too, but not of my own free will." Something bitter rose in her eyes and she turned them to the water once again and stepped into it. The water bit at her paws but she ignored it, wandering into the deeper end as she-like Murmur before-laid down in the water, letting it push against her chest. At first it hurt, the current pushing into her and freezing her, but the cold turned into a numbness and the pushing felt like a massage as it worked into her muscles, eliciting a quiet sigh from her.
Her ears were still angled towards him as she listened, she was a few feet away though laid parallel to Murmur as he spoke. She considered his words, formnig the response in her head. It could be soon, it could be risky, but the risk could out weigh the reward. Even if it didn't go well, it still offered the chance for word to be spread-considering that Murmur was quiet free with his thoughts. "Every wolf does crave safety and certainty." She agreed. "Though that could look different for every individual." She added. Some days she loved being alone and others it made her want to weep. Once she had all the wolves she could to turn to for comfort and now she was utterly and completely alone, all that kept her going was the promise to the ones in her guild, filling the food stores and conducting meetings-providing safe places for them. Having others that relied on her indirectly kept her motivated to feed herself in order to continue serving this purpose.
"I don't think it's that selfish." She said, regarding Murmur, letting herself open a little more, "everyone has their own way of life and keeping yourself from those ways are, most of the time, beneficial. If you aren't hurting anyone for the sake of hurting them, then it shouldn't matter how you choose to live. Some of us aren't made for the typical pack life of staying in one place and following a specific hierarchy. The freedom to do as we please is one of the greatest and most terrible gifts in this world." She inhaled, letting the cool air freeze her lungs before slowly releasing it, clearing her head. "I suppose it isn't a bad thing, your whims, for I don't completely despise your company." As she said the words a teasing smile crossed her mouth and she spoke to him, her tone growing light.
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Jan 19, 2021 7:56:08 GMT
Something transpired then, in the eyes of the woman Murmur was facing, but it passed so quickly, he couldn’t identify it, or even know if it had happened at all. A small quiver, or a twitch; just a hint of something unsaid drifted by and Timber drew her gaze back to the water. “We could say the life chose me too, but not of my own free will.” There was a certain sadness, or else, bitterness in those words - nothing good behind her statement. And the woman slowly sank into the water before her, much like Murmur had done just moments ago, the same water rushing over her form and drenching her coat. He wasn’t sure whether to smile or frown, but couldn’t contain the gentle wagging of his tail behind him. He could see, though, the water working its magic through her, as it had done him, and this did give him some joy. He knew it may sound silly, if not superstitious or overly optimistic to many, but any small amount of happiness one could gain from simple things such as these, well, he was grateful to share it.
The woman listened patiently to him as he spoke on and on; he bored even himself in his speech’s lengthiness, but she was quite polite and after a moment, she said: “Every wolf does crave safety and certainty. Though that could look different for every individual.” He wondered if she was agreeing with his own lifestyle with those last words, or if she was making a gentle argument for her own viewpoint (which, to be fair, hadn’t been stated, but he’d still assumed, without evidence, that she was a traditional pack wolf.) She continued to say that she didn’t think he was selfish, and that she respected those who lived their life differently; not all wolves were born the same, after all. Some preferred a life in a pack, others not. But then, just at the end, as if an afterthought, she added: “I suppose it isn’t a bad thing, your whims, for I don’t completely despise your company.”
He stifled a chuckle, his lips parting to reveal his toothy grin again. No wolf was immune to compliments, not even those as stoic as Timber. “Your flattery is enough to make a man blush,” teased Murmur. After a moment, and somewhat more seriously, he went on, “So then, this life that you’ve been given: are you not satisfied?” Though Murmur often thought that one’s lot in life was strongly influenced by their outlook, he had met wolves with such tragedies that could not be remedied with mere optimism. He wondered if she may fall into this category, but he tried not to press too hard. “Forgive me if I am being presumptuous but…” A short pause as he thought carefully about his words. “What is it that you wish had gone differently? You’re a beautiful woman, of seemingly strong will and sound mind - I would think the world would be bowing at your paws, ready to behold whatever you may desire.”
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Post by Bri on Jan 19, 2021 18:02:14 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
Timber rolled her eyes, a smile creeping upon her. The idea of this man blushing seemed preposterous to her. He seemed much too confident to let other compliments influence him too much. Her gaze drifted down and she watched as the water pushed and pulled at the edges of her fur, the current wanting to take her along and for a moment she wished that she could drift along with it and leave her worries behind her, but what would that accomplish? Absolutely nothing, it anything it would cause more problems for others and she couldn't bear to bring that unwarranted burden onto those that didn't deserve it.
"Oh please, flattery or honesty?" She smiled, flicking her eyes back to Murmur.
"So then, this life that you've been given: are you not satisfied?"
His words made her stop. Was she satisfied? No. The word ran up before any other thoughts or reason. The former pushing itself before her. She must be satisfied for what was there to be upset about? She was running a successful guild and had pulled herself from the trenches of the ultimate betrayal. She was strong. A warrior. Who else could continue to live with such a tragedy plaguing their mind? She couldn't allow herself to be anything but content with her life. If she wasn't happy how could she expect those in her guild to be happy? She had to lead by example. She took a deep breath, giving a slow shake of her head.
"I wish I hadn't had the wool pulled over my eyes in my past." She said softly. "If I had kept up a better guard then my pack would still be alive, as would my pups." She spoke in the time of a breath, letting the words rush out before she could have a second thought. Why was she revealing all this to a stranger? Perhaps it was because there was a chance she would never see him again. "Even with all the beauty, strong will, and sound mind, the world still plays cruel jokes on those who dwell in it."
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Jan 29, 2021 6:17:36 GMT
“Oh please,” said Timber. He watched as her eyes moved back to his form coquettishly. “Flattery or honesty?” Ha! Murmur couldn’t help but be a bit surprised; he hadn’t expected any of this warmth to come from Timber, who had seemed so reserved before. No complaints on his end, though. This was precisely the kind of conversation he was most happy to entertain. “Well, I’ll take what I can get,” said Murmur modestly, shrugging and grinning.
Soon, however, their talks turned to less cheerful matters. His question had struck some sort of chord within the woman; he could see it made her uncomfortable, or just perhaps… sobered her. Still, when she spoke, her voice was somewhat softer, less authoritarian, more personal and bereft. “I wish I hadn’t had the wool pulled over my eyes in the past,” she said. By whom? Murmur wondered, but before he could think on it much, Timber continued on rapidly, “If I had kept up a better guard then my pack would still be alive, as would my pups.” Oh. So it was trauma that he saw behind those eyes. Murmur looked away respectfully (as it always felt uncomfortable to look at someone directly as they admitted something so personal to you) choosing instead to look upon the trees surrounding them, the sharp details of the leaves against the sky, his expression solemn.
“Even with all the beauty, strong will, and sound mind, the world still plays cruel jokes on those who dwell in it.” Yes, he supposed that was true, to an extent. Murmur was of the mind that what you put out into the universe was often what you received, and her admission did little to lessen that belief; still, he understood how one who had faced such hardships - had lost children - would think of the world as a sadistic beast, who beguiled those upon her surface just for the sake of it. It was easier that way, he thought, though perhaps that was just a way for him to justify his own edifices. And he understood, too those who thought much of life's events happened by chance, or luck. He supposed there was some truth in that. He had known wolves who had breezed through life with little consequence, or on the contrary, had been seemingly haunted by some nebulous entity hoping to impose as much despair as possible. It did sometimes appear that some wolves just... got the lean end of the deer. (Though, and he didn't think on it long as he was in the presence of company, it did occur to him that in this case, surely that would mean that his life had been wholly, or at least partially, a consequence of luck, and not his own hard work at being cheerful and optimistic; a thought that he would have to return to later, reluctantly.)
“I cannot blame you for being upset at the world,” said Murmur after a long moment. “No wolf should have to go through the trauma of losing their own children. I won’t pretend I can relate, as I have never suffered a loss such as that. But I do extend my condolences, for whatever they are worth.” He knew his words were somewhat meaningless, simply polite solaces, but he dipped his head out of respect still. “It is, however, admirable that you have continued after enduring what you have,” said Murmur, slowly looking up at her. “I cannot imagine how difficult that must be. And I hope the world is kinder to you, now, than it has been.” They were probably empty words, he knew, as this was what one said out of courtesy in such a situation; coming from a stranger he imagined they must be even more hollow. Still, he attempted to convey his sympathy through his tone, which he hoped came across as genuine, as it was.
He offered a sympathetic half-smile. He lowered himself to his belly, damp fur resting on the dirt and grass. Somber, he continued: “But you’re a strong woman, Timber, that much is plain to see. There will always be that wound inside of you, never fully healed, but one must continue on, racing the sun ‘round the world. Carry on, as you have. The same could not be said for many in your position. I find it impressive.” He rested his head on his paws, still looking at her thoughtfully. “But shall we leave the past in the past, for now? What do you do with your days, other than talk to handsome vagabonds?”
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Post by Bri on Feb 6, 2021 7:50:42 GMT
Timber
Thoughts| "Spoken Word | Outside Speech | kaz
"I hope you never have to experience this kind of loss." Timber murmured with thought to her voice, she didn't see herself as anything special, just unlucky though at the same time she had this thought playing through her head that the reason she had been given this fate was because no one else would be able to handle it-nor deserved to. As his words reached her ears she cast her eyes down to the water, watching it ebb and flow, pulling at the long fur along her legs, some separating and revealing small scars.
"We'll see what the world has in store." She said with a rueful smile, things could go up-they were better with her guild, but there was always a corner that one couldn't see around and darkness looming, threatening for something to go wrong. She listened to the rest of his words, a small smile crawling across her lips. He had a way with words, a way to make things sound positive.
She turned her head to where Murmur laid. "This wound, it defines me but I won't let it control me, much." This time a smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth. Once again he managed to make her laugh a little on the inside. "Oh? Don't you know I talk to only the most handsome of men?" She teased, finally pushing herself from the water, stretching her muscles then walking a bit farther down the water, away from the gentleman and shook out her fur, letting the drop lets go flying, smacking along the pebbled ground bordering the water like rain fall.
Her thick fur stuck out in all directions but instead of being embarrassed by her hedgehog like appearance she walked towards murmur and laid down, giving the space of a few feet between them to keep comfort-along with giving her time in case she would need to make an escape or leap into action incase something went awry.
"But all jokes aside, I do keep myself busy, I take the lead of a group of wanderers new to the area." She said, tilting her face towards the sun, enjoying the warmth as it spread across her face. "Although we mean no threat, we mean to simply see what this land has to offer."
I was made to rise above it.
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Post by kaz on Oct 13, 2021 1:05:37 GMT
In her words he could feel the weight of her grief. There was no consolation. The air around him turned sour and thick and he wondered how to traverse this conversation that felt much more like an obstacle course than the casual talk he had intended. Still it was a relief in some ways to him, to speak so candidly with another. To listen to their emotions, their past — to learn what made each wolf tick. It felt to him both as a puzzle and an opportunity.
The woman before him gave a wan smile. “We’ll see what the world has in store,” she’d said, and all Murmur could offer was simply a consolatory smile in response. How else could one reply?
In the end, the woman sent up a flirtation of her own, and Murmur had to sigh in relief, being again back in a territory of his understanding. As she stood from the morning waters, Murmur was reminded of the power and strength that lied beneath her pelt, in the muscles that he could see under her fur. She was taller and larger than him, though that was no surprise; many wolves were, and it could be no wonder why the man relied so heavily on his wit and swift tongue. As if aware of this disparity, the woman lied before him, all casual in stance, her paws crossed before her as an empress before an audience. Murmur was all too aware of this feeling.
“…I take the lead of a group of wanderers new to the area,” said the woman, voice perfectly even. She turned to the sun, basking in its warmth. He could feel the sunshine on his own face. ”…We mean no threat, we mean simply to see what this land has to offer.”
Murmur couldn’t help but chuckle. The seriousness of their early talk had left him feeling a tad bit awkward and he sought to make up for it. “Although it does worry me that you felt the need to clarify you and your ‘group’ mean no harm,” he began. “I can’t help but be curious. What exactly would motivate so called ‘wanderers’ to band together? Other than your obvious persuasive skills,” added Murmur with a smile.
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