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Apr 10, 2024 3:50:55 GMT
Post by Molo on Apr 10, 2024 3:50:55 GMT
What he would still give to be able to look into the mind of the older wolf beside him. She had scars, and had clearly been through a lot. A part of him hoped he could one day persuade her to share what stories she had. What she had experienced, what had turned her into the individual - and leader, Jet recalled - that she was today.
Timber was unlike most wolves Jethro had met previously, in that she had managed to keep his attention and curiosity both piqued to a degree he didn’t often feel with others. That, and for some reason.. he sort of liked her. Even more now, with each exchange they shared.
Then though.. a little hint of something subtle. ...couldn’t let you give up, having been in that position myself…
”Oh?” Jet murmured, head canting to one side inquisitively. A subtle invitation to elaborate - if she wanted. He was curious, but wouldn’t press the matter either.
It didn’t really seemed like the sort of topic Timber wanted to linger on, and neither did she appear to harbor any reservations about asking him questions. Which.. was fine, and honestly probably expected.
”Been explorin’, seeing new places, the world beyond just.. this valley. I guess it taught me that there was more to the world than just this little corner of it, and how to accept myself. Be grateful for the life I’ve got, ‘cause it could be worse.” That was the gist of it, anyway. He doubted Timber wanted to hear too much of the details because most of it was pretty boring.
”How ‘bout you? Done anythin’ neat or.. whatever, lately?” Because he was genuinely curious about that, too. What did the other wolf do, when she wasn't busy helping others?
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Mar 29, 2024 4:04:05 GMT
Post by Molo on Mar 29, 2024 4:04:05 GMT
The former sanzin couldn’t help but smile wider at what Timber expressed, genuinely enjoying this moment. It felt so very good to just be able to laugh and joke with someone in an innocent and genuine way. It was one of those huge things Jethro had been missing out on for most of his life, but was now incredibly glad to have.
”Not much good, I expect,” he replied, almost admonishingly. Playfully, of course . ”But at least you’re good for laughs. That’s something,” he added on with a wink and a nod.
Jethro couldn’t help but arch a brow as she grew closer though, taking her time, and a good long look at him before providing an answer to the question he’d asked.
Absolutely hideous, she answered. Better like this, she added, scrunching her eyes tightly shut.
The former sanzin didn’t even try to suppress the hearty laughter that escaped him at that. ”S-see? Told you,” he managed between laughs. Her last comment helped Jet to reign it in though, and he ducked his head a little in embarrassment, though his smile didn’t fade.
”You look good too. And thank ya. For that, and savin’ me before. Gave me another chance.” One of a couple - he still owed the same to Arsa, if the man was even still around by now.
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Mar 21, 2024 5:19:36 GMT
Post by Molo on Mar 21, 2024 5:19:36 GMT
Keen as he was to spot movement, Jethro spotted an approaching figure before they were able to get too close. Unlike in the past, however, he did not move to retreat or avoid their approach. Recent months had taught him that not all others were bad. Some wolves could be trusted, and others were.. dare he think it, likeable.
What the former sanzin hadn’t been expecting though, was for his very first wolf here to be one of the last ones he had seen before he’d left this valley. And she almost seemed to be altering her path to veer towards him.
Jet pushed himself up into a seated position, one corner of his mouth pulling back in a wry grin as she cracked an unexpected joke. Eyes alight with humor and an odd fondness for the giant, he gave his head a little shake. ”Nah, not this time. I'm sorry to deprive you of the chance to save me again,” he retorted good-naturedly.
”What’d do ya think, though? Am I uglier with or without the mud?” He recalled quarreling over that too. While his humor was still largely intact, the serious edge behind it had diminished substantially since he’d last seen Timber. Jet no longer saw himself the way he had then. Sure.. there were still days where he wished he were a little bigger or stronger, but he’d also learned to accept himself for who he was.
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Mar 11, 2024 22:46:56 GMT
Post by Molo on Mar 11, 2024 22:46:56 GMT
For Timberrrr
It had.. been a while since he had ventured into these lands. Jethro hadn’t wandered here since she’d saved him from probably dying a slow death stuck in that nasty muck. The former sanzin could still recall her face, and how he’d treated her in the aftermath. He hadn’t particularly regretted it at the time.
But months spent wandering had changed the man a little. He’d grown - not physically of course - he was and always would be short. But he had filled out a little, gained a bit of muscle and fluff, and his fur was no longer ragged or unkempt. It’d come in and was plush enough now that most of his scars had started to fade. There were times even he was surprised to see his own reflection.
After he’d really started to think about what the likes of she, Arsa, or that other man Nycteus had said to him, Jet had tried to change. He had learned how to take care of himself, and moreso, had started to try to value himself. That impulsive, emotional, beaten down youth he’d once been had now matured some into a young man.
Jethro wouldn’t have been terribly upset if he’d never seen or heard of this place and its packs again. But if he ever truly wanted to grow - and let go - it felt like he needed to face it. This place, along with the wolves that’d both helped and hurt him along the way.
So the dark man settled in a place he had been only once before, in the area it seemed most likely someone he had once known would again find him. Shaded by the massive, ancient tree, Jethro lie watching, waiting.
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Post by Molo on Mar 15, 2023 16:13:57 GMT
Ramir spoke that he’d want to meet the other packs too, if they weren’t so scary. The white knight nodded a little to that. ”I understand that. I’m scared, too. But also wonder if.. maybe there’s more in common than we think.” The way the words were spoken sounded skeptical, because he was.
It was a subject he’d pondered a lot. Was it possible the packs could have more common than they all believed? With what he’d heard about the Sanzin, Hawk wasn’t sure there could possibly be much there. Forging some sort of relationship with the Au’Dar seemed much more likely, but at the end of it, he couldn’t know until he’d gotten to see for himself.
”At least we’ll all be united in our goal, though. That should help keep us on track.” And maybe buy some temporary peace between them. At least until the water had come back and things had gone back to normal. Ramir’s explanation about his comments though, was flattering. The ghost’s ears pushed back a tad self-consciously. ”You’re.. very kind. And it may be honorable, but I’m not a hero. I’m just a man doing his job and what he thinks is right.” Hero was a word he was quite uncomfortable with, and rather unaccustomed to hearing it be associated with himself. The ghost wasn't sure he liked the idea of anyone seeing him in that high of a regard.
”There are many ways to have honor. You, my friend, are deserving of it too. For your loyalty, and all you do for your pack and family.” Every wolf deserved to be acknowledged and praised for their works, however much or little it amounted to, provided they were doing their best. Different individuals served in different ways, but they were all important.
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Post by Molo on Mar 15, 2023 16:12:52 GMT
---I sincerely apologize for the wait on this
Nycteus led them onward, to a point where the trees began to thin, and the night sky above grew more visible. Amidst the shriveled and dying plants and grass was their target then, a not so healthy looking mother and a much smaller, also not incredibly healthy-looking calf trailed her. Quietly, he mirrored the actions of his company, stalking forth whilst attempting to keep the wind at his front and as many shrubs between them as possible.
The tiniest part of Jethro felt bad about the idea of killing the calf. To end its life before it ever really got to live - as had nearly happened to him so many times. But to take its mother would also mean certain death. So, in a way, he supposed they were being merciful.
His company spoke of a plan, to which Jet nodded slowly. It made sense and was what he’d seen other wolves do before. Separate mother from calf, making the lone target easier to kill.
”Okay,” he breathed out with a nod. ”Let’s just.. try to kill it quickly, though.” His feeling of guilt wasn’t enough to prevent him from doing this. But they could try to be as quick as possible.
After a couple of quiet, deep breaths, Jet cast a glance and a nod toward his company, signifying his readiness before he broke into a run. A deep, guttural snarl, the loudest he could manage accompanied the action, drawing the attention of their quarry. His sudden and quick advance seemed enough to prompt the calf to turn about and dart away from its mother's side, as Nycteus had suspected.
Trusting his companion to distract her, Jet attempted to skirt around her to proceed after the calf.
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Post by Molo on Mar 2, 2023 3:45:09 GMT
At first, he heard nothing. No more words, no steps pursuing him, and Jethro anticipated that would be the end of that. After all, why would a leader bother wasting any more of her time and energy on a tiny, useless wolf? As he was facing away from her, Jet was ignorant of her struggle to abate her laughter or maintain a neutral expression.
Was aware of nothing until she finally moved to follow, darting after him and catching up quickly. Where are you going?
He couldn’t help a snort, at that. ”Away from you. Nothin’ more to talk about,” he answered with a slightly irritated huff. ”Unless you’re gonna claim I still owe you some kinda debt for saving my stupid life,” he added on, casting a glance towards Timber again, at that. He couldn’t think of any other reason she’d try to pursue him at this point, so that was pretty much what he expected. If it was, he’d pay it. But after that, they’d be done.
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Post by Molo on Mar 2, 2023 3:44:16 GMT
The other quickly and emphatically answered Hawk’s inquiry exactly as he’d expected, prompting the white knight to offer his company a brief grin. ”In that case, you’re brave. Not many would risk themselves for another.” Whatever else Ramir thought about himself didn’t matter as much when faced with that fact. In his mind, that all but settled the whole bravery issue.
His company offered a statement that Hawk once more found himself disagreeing with - I think you’re the most honorable. But before he could formulate a response or refute that claim, the other was posing another inquiry. ”Yes, I do,” he answered with a small bob of his head. ”I’ve been hoping for a chance to meet with some from the other packs.” Wanting to meet, study, and observe the behaviors of both Sanzin and Au’dar wolves was a desire Hawk had for a while. And this little expedition would finally provide him the ability to do just that.
Along with his aforementioned thoughts on risk. He’d rather it be him than anyone else.
However, his head canted to one side, unwilling to let the previous statement slip by. ”But why do you think I’m more honorable?” He questioned gently, genuinely curious to know more about Ramir’s opinion on the matter. What have I done to earn such lofty praise?
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Post by Molo on Feb 22, 2023 3:54:23 GMT
You do have an image, a stinky one, Timber countered again, her tone still teasing. He couldn’t tell if it was meant to actually insult him or not though. It didn’t seem like it, but if it was.. well. He didn’t particularly care. ”Fine, then. I’m good with that.”The former sanzin conceded with a shrug. ”Maybe it’ll keep others from botherin’ me.”
Jethro hadn’t considered that possibility, but it was one conceivable benefit to wearing this coat of mud. For as long as he could stand it, anyway. It was growing far too rancid even for him… but he wouldn’t admit that in front of the woman now.
She conceded to his point, supposing she couldn’t pass an accurate judgment about his ugliness. It was a tiny win, that grew just a little as the leader proceeded to ask one of the dumbest questions he believed he’d ever heard anyone ask to date. How could she walk away?
”Y’walk away by usin’ your legs. Like this,” he returned, turning about to demonstrate by turning about to walk away from the woman and the lake. He didn’t bother to stop, either. It felt like things were beginning to come to an end, with this encounter. So unless the stranger had some sort of debt or something else to ask or demand of him, there was no point in sticking around anyway.
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Post by Molo on Feb 20, 2023 4:32:35 GMT
Jethro
The "Mistake"
The last couple of encounters had brought the former Sanzin into contact with a pair of wolves who’d treated him differently than he’d expected them to. Differently than almost anyone else had ever treated him before, and they had each, in their own way, helped him as well as given him a lot to think about.
Contemplating was something he had been doing a lot of that since he had met them. For the first time in a while, he wondered if.. maybe, possibly, he could be more. Do more, and have more in his life than he’d ever thought.
And the thoughts in his mind left him restless. Jethro wandered and paced these familiar plains, pausing only on occasion to gaze up at the cloudless night sky and the plethora of stars there. So beautiful and alluring. Offering light, and perhaps for the first time, hope. But a hope that seemed, in many ways, false. For just like the stars, his chances of ever knowing something more seemed so very distant, likely not attainable.
Jethro didn’t want to hope. The former sanzin found himself hesitant, fearful even. For every time he’d dared to hope for change before, it’d always been squashed or ripped away.
He’d told Nycteus that he was free, but was he really? He was free of the sanzin, of their physical torment. But not of all of the things they’d imparted. Not free of his own negative thoughts. Not free of the fear, or of his disregard for his very own life and existence. How did one begin to rid themselves of something like that?
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Post by Molo on Feb 18, 2023 19:30:38 GMT
Ramir posed a second question after Hawk answered his first, sounding perhaps a tad discouraged as he posed it. Does that mean I’ll never be brave? The white knight gave his head a little shake. ”No. It may… well. If something had come out of those bushes and attacked me, would you’ve helped?” If the answer to that question was what he expected it to be, then Ramir certainly wasn’t lacking for bravery. Instead, maybe he was predisposed to caution. Which wasn’t a bad thing.
At the next bit though, it was his company that was pushing back a little against what had been said. Ramir would miss Hawk if he were gone and was sure others would too. Given the manner in which it was said, the ghost didn’t doubt it, but it still came as something of a surprise. His ears turned back a little, but a small, appreciative smile manifested across his countenance. ”I.. thanks. That means a lot.”
The Vertok were a good group, with a lot of good wolves and values. It was an honor to play a part in representing them on the upcoming quest. Ramir’s offer of encouragement was welcomed too, but the first part had his smile faltering. ”Thank you, again. But that.. doesn’t make me better. Just different. I’ve no doubt you’d represent us honorably if it were you going instead of me.”
There were other things too, on the tip of his tongue, but the ghost held them. He didn’t want to come across as chastising or holier-than-thou by saying too much.
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Post by Molo on Feb 17, 2023 15:12:26 GMT
The other told him he was not a nobody. Words that felt foreign and odd to Jethro, to hear being spoken in relation to him. It was almost always the opposite of that. Except for Timber, not too long ago, he reminded himself. It was perhaps because of the rarity of the.. compliment? Or maybe the nature of the story Nycteus had just spoken of that made the former sanzin decide not to argue that point, either.
He didn’t believe that. Maybe there’d be another time to discuss it further. Maybe not. Probably not, he imagined. But even he knew that right now was not the appropriate time. Besides, maybe it would be best to think things over for a while, on his own.
It was equally odd to be thanked for listening - how hard was that to do? And for one to enjoy a conversation with him. Even rarer still was for that feeling to actually be mutual.
”Um. Same to you. This’s been nicer than I thought it’d be.” Especially with the way things had begun. Maybe there was something to be learned from that, too, though. It definitely wouldn’t work with a sanzin - but maybe exercising a little bit of patience and showing respect could de-escalate any future tense situations he might encounter with someone other than one of them.
The other was speaking again, but this time it wasn’t about anything deep or philosophical. It was about an elk. And it possibly having a calf, something they could kill more easily. An actual, honest-to-goodness hunt sounded wonderful. Better yet, with someone he was pretty sure wouldn’t try to stab him in the back once it was over.
There was no need to speak though, for a nod and a small gesture of his nose for the other to lead on would suffice.
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Post by Molo on Feb 14, 2023 4:53:24 GMT
Don’t say that, Maxem retorted rather quickly. Athena added on that he should be careful, too. It wasn’t so much the words, or even the tone, that had Hawk’s ears pushing back, and his gaze turning away from each of them. It was that he couldn’t shake the feeling, despite not wanting to think of, much less say something like that. ”I.. can’t help it. You two are my family. You deserve to know what I think.”
He was sure they knew him well enough to know he’d be right in the middle of it, not wanting to hide from danger or have anyone else doing the hard work. Even if it meant added risk to himself. There was no way he could ever live with himself if someone else got hurt..
”Let’s.. maybe try not to think about it, though. Spend some time doing something fun?” Like a game, or something. Maybe even just sitting around talking about things other than this. Anything to provide a distraction and to enjoy what little time they had left together.
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Post by Molo on Feb 14, 2023 4:51:51 GMT
Jethro The "Mistake"
Timber, it seemed, was choosing not to argue the point any further. Jethro wondered if she’d ever believed it at all, or if she’d just resigned herself to the fact that his opinion about himself wouldn’t be swayed by her words. Whatever it was, it didn’t matter.
When she spoke again though, not only did she not argue, but she.. almost affirmed him. Jethro felt a twisted smile developing on his face as she called him ugly runt man covered in mud and smelly, like dead fish. ”More like it. Except it don’t add to anythin’. I ain’t got no image, that’s what I’m tryin’ to tell ya.” He was just ugly. That was it. Period, end of story.
But of course - of freaking course - she went back on it. At least partially. She didn’t see him as an ugly runt, but did see him as a stubborn man that was very stinky. ”If it bothers you, walk away. I’m not askin’ you to stay. Leader like you’s probably got more important things to do than waste time on a f-kin’ nobody like this,” he spoke with a loose shrug, taking a couple of steps back and further away from the other.
He was not done yet, though. ”And, you’ve never seen me not covered in mud. So how the hell can you honestly say I’m not ugly?” There was genuine curiosity at that. How could this woman think that, when this was the first time they’d met?
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Post by Molo on Feb 13, 2023 6:05:32 GMT
The stranger appeared to be put a little more at ease, something the white knight was glad to see. Ever since his first chance encounter with them, he’d known the Vertok to be an open and accepting bunch - to most wolves anyway. While allowing trespassing wasn’t necessarily the custom he’d been raised with, he could work with it. This was why one went on patrols, after all.
In his response, the newcomer remained respectful, addressing Hawk as sir, and explaining that he meant nobody any harm. He was evidently lost. A very small portion of the knight, the always-on-guard and suspicious part of him thought that an all too convenient excuse, but he hadn’t been given any reason not to believe it.
”I see,” Hawk accepted the reasoning with a nod. ”Not to worry, either. We welcome anyone provided they mean us no harm. And I’ve no reason to believe you do.” Not only based on what he’d said, but by the stranger’s demeanor and presentation as well. But then there was another reason, a deeper one.
The other had been admiring their home. It was very beautiful, he said, and it reminded him of his.
”It is beautiful. We’re blessed to have it,” Hawk agreed with a smile and a nod, dark eyes briefly scanning what little of the landscape he could see beyond the stranger. ”I’d be glad to provide you an escort, and some company, if you would like to look around. And perhaps.. reminisce?” For that was a sentiment the white knight could surely understand and was sympathetic to, given this was not his native home, either.
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