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Post by alexandre on Feb 26, 2023 20:26:56 GMT
The trail led the two wolves a few miles out from the great tree where they'd met, to somewhere in the forest not so dense in trees but abundant in shrubs and patches of tall grass. As anticipated, a cow elk grazed, and as he hoped, with a calf in tow, roughly a couple of months old and still lightly spotted. It grazed just as its mother did and looked big enough to split between the two of them. "There," Nycteus pointed out the elk, his voice soft, barely above a breath. His silver eyes were fixed on their quarry and he lowered into a stalk, ears pulled forward. It was unusual a cow elk and a calf would be on their own this late into the summer. Separated from their herd, perhaps. Maybe they were looking for their way back but stopped to feed. The mother did not look that strong and fit, likely weakened by a diet of dry, brittle grass and a lack of water, but she would defend her calf to her last breath, he was sure. Even if not in peak shape, those hooves could still be devastating. "I want you to go for the calf. Snap your jaws, snarl, do what you must to make it run away in terror," the black wolf whispered. "The mother will attack you, but do not fear her. I will make sure to keep her attention."Molo
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Post by alexandre on Feb 25, 2023 3:57:22 GMT
She had a lovely smile, Nycteus thought when looking upon her face again. It was warm, lively, and remarkably charming. Like him, she was an outlander but was better rooted in these lands thanks to her ties to her Guild. He listened with intrigue. Hearing about them at first, he imagined an old and well-established Guild but this one was much younger than he initially expected. They may have even formed within his lifetime. She had asked him if he intended to stay and he answered, "That is for fate to decide." This valley was temporary for him, as far as he knew. A place to pass through on his journey to restore his honor, but he wouldn't dismiss it entirely yet. It could be the place where he'd meet the people that would change his life. Perhaps he'll discover a new purpose, a new path to walk, or perhaps he'll grow more convicted in his desire to retake what was rightfully his. "Unless, of course, you're lying to me. I know how the Au'Dar are fond of their little pets," said the woman with an amused glint in her eye and a nod towards the bird to his left. His brows raised at this teasing accusation, then he looked at the young raven, who calmly sat while observing the two wolves. Smiling a bit, he said, "Oh no, this isn't my raven; I only just befriended it this morning." He admired the corvid for a few moments with a fond expression, watching as it adjusted its footing. "I didn't realize there were packs here that practiced birdkeeping."Nycteus was looking at the woman again, noticing the softening of her smile before she suggested they start with introductions. She went first, calling herself Soralai of the Mercurior Guild. He wondered the meaning of the Guild's name, but he would not ask. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Nycteus," said Nycteus. He took a couple steps forward with a gentle swish of his tail. The young raven took off at that moment, the sound of its fluttering wings coming from just behind him. He did not react to the sudden sound, not a glance or even a twitch of his ear. His attention was solely on the wolf before him. "I would love to hear what you're willing to tell."Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 13, 2023 6:05:56 GMT
He did not allow himself to be sorrowful for what had happened, not in front of his company. His words were calm and his face lacked expression, but something heavy brewed beneath the surface. Things he would file away for now, to reflect and ponder upon when he was alone with only his god to listen. ”For whatever it’s worth coming from this nobody, I would’ve been happy, if you were my king,” Jethro told him. Nycteus had been staring straight ahead but now was looking straight at the other man. "You are not nobody," he said, but it was the words that followed that provoked more thought. As prince, he was well-loved by his people, who prospered under his mother's leadership. He freely mingled with the common wolf. No one was too lowly to speak to, his mother had taught him. A lofty king who spent all day in the comfort of his palace was distant from his people; he did not see their struggles. If he did not see them and listen to them, how could he provide for their needs? Under his mother's leadership, his people were happy. Under his, they were not. They could not be, in the circumstances he became king. He'd like to think they would have been, if the war had a different outcome. Had Jethro been one of his wolves, he would have been a different man. Stronger, perhaps. One who had a purpose and was hopefully more confident in it. Perhaps they would have spoken man-to-man, or perhaps not. He couldn't know. They were brought together on this day, under these circumstances for a reason. But maybe one day things will be different. Nycteus might one day rebuild. The two may meet again, with Jethro this time looking for purpose and a new home. Nycteus would give this to him. Jethro thanked him for being a cool guy. "Thank you for listening. I'm enjoying our conversation so far," said Nycteus. He then stopped, his ears perked. He raised his muzzle to sniff, having caught a whiff of something that caught his interest. Another deep inhale to confirm his findings before he lowered his attention to his hunting companion. "There is a lone elk roughly northeast of here." He gestured with his muzzle for Jethro to follow before starting in that direction. "If we're lucky, it might have a calf for us to take."Molo // we can move straight to the hunt, if you would like.
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Post by alexandre on Feb 13, 2023 2:56:41 GMT
The twisting and yanking made the pain so much worse, with that vicelike grip on his muzzle. His teeth were gritted, but he otherwise showed no reaction to how it hurt. Just as he had been taught, to remain stoic in his suffering. His position was terrible but he pushed through the pain and, in an attempt to turn it to his advantage, he brought his claws down on the other man's blind eye. The strike connected; the man snarled in agony, releasing his hold. He stumbled backwards and took a swing at Nycteus. Nycteus lunged, taking the hit but it didn't stop him. He snapped for his opponent's face once more, this time hoping for a solid grip. Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 8, 2023 21:26:34 GMT
The other wolf surfacing stopped Nycteus right in his tracks, his ears perked and eyes alight with curiosity as she tried to catch her breath. She must have been under there for as long as she could stand -- for what reason? It didn't look as though she was fishing. After a few moments, the woman turned to look at him with clear golden eyes and a sheepish smile and loudly said what must have been the first words that came to mind, “So many lovely rocks beneath the surface!”Nycteus smiled a bit, brows lifted. "Is that so? I never got the chance to look," he said. He would take her word for it. There was great beauty to be found in every little corner of this Earth. The water held so many mysteries beneath its surface. Things he imagined were strange but beautiful indeed, unlike the world on dry land. He glanced down towards his feet, the water shimmering and clear, allowing only a glimpse of the stones below. How smooth they felt beneath his paws. His gaze lifted again, to meet with the woman's face. She was soaked to the bone, water dripping off her chin. She shook herself dry and greeted him with a wagging tail and bowed head, mannerly in a way he'd rarely seen these days. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mara. I am Nycteus," he said, looking over his fair counterpart. Healthy and strong, solid-looking but not heavy. Her outline was smooth and gentle, she lacked the hard edges that came from the difficult lifestyle many wolves had to endure. She came from somewhere she was well cared for, where perhaps she never really knew struggle. Yet she seemed to be on her own, if she was out here. Drawing his conclusion, he went on to ask, "You are not from around here, are you?"kaz
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Post by alexandre on Feb 8, 2023 17:22:10 GMT
Everything happened for a reason, Nycteus had said before. There was purpose in suffering, lessons to learn in one's losses and failures. He was unsure of what he was meant to learn from all he had endured. Many nights, he found himself wishing his mother was still here so he could look to her for guidance and hear her insights. Perhaps he leaned on her too much when she was alive. He was alone now, with nothing and no one. He was meant to be. Perhaps with time, he will better understand the reason. For now, all he could do was reflect on what was but dwelling would only keep him trapped in his regrets and yearning. He had to keep moving forward. Jethro offered his sympathies, before asking if there was any possibility Nycteus could ever return. He thought about it. He'd thought about it many times. Wished for it. With a furrowed brow, he gave his answer, "I would be returning to a land far different than the one I knew. I was their king. My capture would have created a power vacuum and the perfect opportunity for our enemy to conquer the land." The Empire had his homeland now, he knew. All of his most trusted allies were gone. Either dead or lost like he was. There was no chance he could return. If he did now, he would only get himself captured again. Then he would be worse off than he ever was. "It would be a suicide mission to return now without an army at my back," said Nycteus. "I am not afraid to die, but I will not let my death be a useless one."Molo
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Post by alexandre on Feb 8, 2023 1:54:46 GMT
She said she did not keep the aforementioned poisons, rather that her associates insisted on it. Why they would do so was not beyond him though it made him curious about this valley's political landscape if poisons are being kept in stock by this Guild the woman said she belonged to. She sat up and showed him her shoulder. He took a step forward and inclined his head to better inspect the mark painted over her rather soft-looking fur. The hue was a perfect match to the markings on the overturned rock. She asked a question, bringing his attention from her shoulder back to her eyes. "It is. I've only just arrived to the valley; I'm afraid I know next to nothing about the local politics," Nycteus admitted. Mirroring the tilt of her head with a smooth smile of his own, he said, "Perhaps you can help me become acquainted. Tell me more about your Guild. What is their purpose? From what you've told me, I assume they carry out assassinations, but I'm sure that is not all they do."Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 6, 2023 4:28:18 GMT
His fangs missed their target, slicing into his opponent's shoulder instead. The taste of iron was was just a fleeting trace, but the first blood always roused something fierce in him. His jaws parted for more, only for his next attack to be interrupted by a hard slam into his flank, the impact knocking him back. On reflex, Nycteus swung his back half behind him and tucked his chin, bringing his front right in the line of fire. Jaws clamped down on his muzzle before he could move, teeth searing into his skin. Nycteus bucked up, in an attempt to yank the other man up with him, and brought down a raised paw to rake his claws into the man's cloudy left eye. Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 6, 2023 3:25:26 GMT
Nycteus watched his opponent spread out his paws, lowering his center of gravity, his eyes focused on the man's feet then his eyes right as he dashed forward, something dropping off of him at that moment too quick to discern. It was a split-second's distraction but there was no time to wonder or care. There was barely time to react. A swift backwards hop let him miss the snapping of teeth by just a hair's breadth. Kicking off from his landing, he flung himself towards the wolf with his forepaws half-tucked, aiming a bite for the leather of other wolf's nose. Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 6, 2023 2:39:44 GMT
She turned to face him the moment the silence was broken, seeming fairly nonchalant yet he couldn't help but think she seemed a bit ruffled by his sudden appearance. Her eyes were what first caught his attention -- they were a bright, striking citrine. The way they caught the sunlight was simply magnificent. It might be a hunting accident, she suggested with a smile before going on to ask what he thought. "I was thinking that perhaps you had something to do with it," said Nycteus lightheartedly. He inhaled deeply at her prompting. An herbaceous scent lingered where he was standing, as did the smell of aged meat among an array of other assorted aromas. "I cannot help but find it mildly concerning that you would keep such things on hand, but you do have me intrigued. Who is 'we'?"Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 6, 2023 1:01:55 GMT
Nycteus told Jethro he wasn't hopeless; unsurprisingly, Jethro didn't believe it. It might've been the first time anyone told him that. It must be hard for a man to see his own value when he's gone his entire life being told he had none. He was willing to listen, though, and did so attentively when Nycteus told his story about Teuthras and his smaller, scrawnier friend. At the end of it, Jethro spoke, his voice soft and a little hesitant at first. ”That’s.. good for him. But it’ll never be me.”"It could be," was all Nycteus said in reply. For a moment there was silence, a kind that was thoughtful and heavy, then Jethro came out with a question. Why did Nycteus leave? Immediately after asking, Jethro let him know he did not have to answer. The gesture, he appreciated, but he was not going to tell Jethro to 'fuck off'. A few more moments of silence followed while Nycteus gathered his thoughts. "I did not leave by choice. I had a duty to my people and I would never abandon them," he said finally, with a stoic expression and even tone. "We were at war. One decisive battle concluded with my capture by the enemy. I was lined up for execution, but I escaped before they would have my head."Molo
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Post by alexandre on Feb 6, 2023 0:10:23 GMT
A step to the side and a flash of sharp teeth, the guard's snarl pierced through the night. Nycteus was unfazed. He stood still, stance squared, directly facing his adversary. His unblinking stare was heavy and intent, waiting. It was those words that ignited a flash of anger within him, his expression dropping in an instant. With darkened eyes, he spoke, his tone chillingly calm. "Try, then."Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 5, 2023 20:22:48 GMT
It began with an offer of meat from his morning kill and a bit of conversation, though the raven could not speak back. It was a juvenile bird, blue-eyed and curious and quite playful. He followed it as it led him through the forest; sometimes, it would turn the tables and chase him instead. It made its perch upon a large rock, stained with earth on one side and painted with curious red markings. It sat on top and immediately began preening its wings. Nycteus approached, his pace slowed to something more languid. Head tilted, he regarded the bird's discovery, circling around to find a vacant hole in the ground. Nose lowered to the earth and a paw lifted up, he scented dry blood and wolf. Glancing upwards, he was brought to a pause. A woman lay at the rocky cliffside, looking out into the beyond. He straightened his posture, silently admired for a moment the way the midday sun highlighted the reds of her fur, then tried to strike up a conversation. "I have a few ideas of what might have happened here," Nycteus decided to lead with before asking, "What do you think?"Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 5, 2023 19:33:48 GMT
By the first words out of the grizzled man's mouth, Nycteus knew he was not interested in negotiating. He had a thought, then, to heed the man's words and leave... he could wait a few hours and come back for his kill. However, he wasn't certain the guard would move on from this area and if he did, it was doubtful he was the only one patrolling tonight. He'd likely get caught again, and even if he managed to get to his kill undetected, something else will likely have gotten to it before he did. It was worth it to persist. Nycteus stepped forward just as the other man had, sweeping over him with an up-and-down glance before meeting his eyes. They didn't quite match -- the left one was murkier than the other, not quite focused the same. Nycteus's lips were very slightly upturned at the corners, almost like the shade of a smile but it did not at all reach his eyes. "You and I both know that would be a waste of time," he said. "I was not asking. I will claim what is rightfully mine."Razza
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Post by alexandre on Feb 5, 2023 3:29:24 GMT
Already, he had company. He smelled it before he saw it, the shadow of another wolf moving through the foliage. Distant and difficult to make out, but the movement was unmissable. Someone was coming to intercept him. Nycteus kept moving, staying on the trail. He won't get to it before this other wolf got to him, he knew. He was already out of time. "You there, that's far enough," said a man with an abrasive voice. Nycteus stopped in his tracks then, turning just a bit to meet the stranger head-on. His feet were planted solidly on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Silver eyes scanned over the wolf. A guard or a soldier, no doubt. His stance was strong and his body well-conditioned, with a face incredibly dour and harsh, dark eyes. He noticed a tear in his ear and he could swear a couple of scars, too. The grizzled stranger demanded he be gone. Nycteus considered it for a moment. Most times, he would comply. However, prey that was rightfully his lay just ahead. He'd come this far. He'd all but killed that doe; time would do the rest of the work for him. He wasn't going to let his effort be wasted. "I mean no harm," said Nycteus. "My quarry led me here in its confused, frightened wandering. I'm here to claim it, then I will leave."Razza
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