let's play a game (DUSTY)

[patronize]

siyl

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Siyl didn't need the lack of scent markings to know she was in loner lands. She preferred not to stereotype the land, for land was always much deeper than it appeared, but it was hard to avoid stereotyping Iye.
Perhaps Iye's terrain used to be bursting with life, trees clinging to the sky, their canopy blocking out all light. Perhaps there were rabbits there, or deer, or groundhogs. Maybe a few field mice or snakes.

However, there sure wasn't any more life of that sort on the land. The earth was devoid of foliage, a solid dark expanse save for the slivers of green clovers and other weeds that crawled there and planted themselves made. Charred stumps of trees, a shard of evidence to prove the land once had life, dotted across the landscape. The real trees, complete with leaves and trunks, were few and far between and as thin as rails.

Everything matched up perfectly with the stereotypical loner land. The absence of the stomach-churning marking scents of wolves, the lack of wildlife, the shortfall of wolves themselves...Iye was indeed loner land. In the tales protective parents told to their whelps, loner lands were the worst place to be- a disgusting, vile swatch of land riddled with savages prepared to eat any wolf they came across. The savages, parents would describe, would be monstrous in size; teeth dripping blood and long claws twitching just to take out a piece of puppy. They would appear from the shadows, from the deepest depths of dark, ready to feast on helpless minors that strayed too far.

Siyl exposed a toothy grin at the thought of the story. What lies wolves were brainwashed into believing were so ludicrous, yet mildly entertaining. The story made Siyl ponder, however, what would happen if she was the savage in the story. Instead of taking on the role of an innocent bystander, masking her true desires, she could be the brute. The one to come out of nowhere, the one to fight, oh yes, she could be the brute. She missed fighting. Missed it a lot. To spit a slew of hisses at a wolf, to fling herself into them, and sink her teeth in a flank...when was the last time she did that?

She shook her head in disappointment because inside she knew there wouldn't be a fight. Siyl began walking again, her body hugging the earth close, paws stepping quietly as she weaved between stumps. Her nose flared as she scanned the land for any scent of prey- a mouse at least, something she could chew on for thought.


WORD COUNT: 430
NOTES: For Dusty! Remember the post is set in the past. It's a bit short, but a good starter post to get us going.

[Dusty]

DUSTY
Sad and lonely,
far from home
the walk isn't easy
-------------

She was bound to get in trouble again, but she needed time alone. The quiet, dark lands of Siyl were comforting in their own way. Of course, she would have wandered to a different loner land, but this area was just closer to Dusty’s pack territory. It wasn’t like she was being picky anyways. The dark canopy overhead and long grasses provided cover. Moss adorned the tree trunks and some rocks, and a bird chirped every now and then, not constantly.

Why would a bird chirp constantly here? Dusty wondered. This place seemed as if it were cursed. It was lonely, but hence the name that it took as loner territory. Dusty lifted a paw to her mouth and licked it, having scraped a paw pad earlier. The wound wasn’t too bad, just a scratch. Her golden eyes darted around the mild darkness that the trees created, blocking out the sun. She wondered what the territory might’ve looked like in earlier days, moons, or years. Had it been flourishing? After all, it must’ve taken a while for such undergrowth to become so thick.

A faraway chirp of a bird made Dusty’s ears swivel. She had natural hunting instincts and senses that were much above any other wolf’s in her pack. Which reminded Dusty, her pack. What were they doing currently? Probably enjoying a nice warm day in their territory. Dusty had snuck away just for some time alone, to remember her parents. It had only been two years that she had been with Torridpack, that she had lost her parents. She didn’t necessarily feel lonely, though.

It was quiet after the chirp of the bird, and Dusty’s ears took on their normal position, but she turned her head at the sound of a light swooshing-type sound, as if a pelt were brushing against tall grass. Dusty narrowed her eyes, straining her ears to maybe pick up a clearer sound. After all, she was in loner territory, anything could happen. She needed to be on her guard. The nomadic wolves didn’t have rules, unlike pack wolves.

[patronize]

siyl

In the blackened stretch, life did exist. Plant life, that was. More specifically, grass.
Siyl dropped her head to the earth and pressed her moist nose against the earth, straining to catch the tantalizing fragrance of, at the very least, a mouse. A stray grass blade that managed to grow flicked her in the face. Irritated by its tickling, Siyl shook her head and raised a paw to smash it.

As she turned her head, she caught a glimpse of tawny color, stark and contrasting against the dark color palette of the terrain.
Wolf, I bet, she immediately concluded, eyes glued to the flash of color. But soon she remembered she was in loner lands. Why be surprised? Anyone could wander in- no rules applied to the feral regions.
Perhaps that was why the unclaimed lands were belittled to be 'dangerous' places.

Siyl intently stared at the wolf, watching its ears twitch. The wolf stood frozen adjacent to a tree, a young one from the short stature. Her first thought was to leave the wolf alone. If she stuck with her false identity, the 'fake' Siyl would just ignore the wolf, wary of what it might do. Perhaps the fake Siyl would even run off in fear, believing the wolf might be a savage.
Yet the real Siyl wanted action. The wolf, even from the distance Siyl was away, was scrawny, perhaps smaller than herself. It wouldn't be surprising to Siyl if the wolf was the runt of the litter when it was born. It was small, defenseless, easy prey in the dog-eat-dog world. Not a bad substitute for a mouse.

Then again, Siyl mused, she wasn't close to the wolf. Size, and even color could be misconstrued by distance and the only way to find out the wolf's true appearance was to get closer.

She sidestepped to line up with the tree where the wolf was near and lowered her body. Creeping forward, the fragile twigs scattered around the earth crackled as she stepped on them. However, the sound was quiet and subtle, such a common noise in a forest that it could be easily overlooked. The wolf might think it was nothing, or not notice it at all.

As Siyl advanced, the clarity of the wolf increased. Its coat was predominately a tawny brown, like the color of sand, with a creamy underside. Black and white meshed in with the swirl of colors along the wolf's back. The wolf was a female and small, as Siyl expected. Perfectly vulnerable, she immediately gathered. The wolf was in a fairly relaxed, but guarded posture.
Siyl had the chance to strike and start a fight, but she held herself back. In the back of her mind she knew she would win, yet it would be pointless to waste her energy on defeating a wretch that would lose regardless.

WORD COUNT:469
NOTES: Have I mentioned I love fights? xD
The suspense is buiiiilding.

[Dusty]

Deep down, Dusty's stomach did one churn. She was a wolf that could be, at times, full of herself and rather stubborn. She really didn't need to cause any trouble, particularly, and she was sure a loner wouldn't want to make friends and she caused enough trouble in the pack. Plus, Dusty was still young. She knew, although she never bragged but often got compliments, that she was lithe, had great hunting skills, and had very acute senses. Plus, her size was often taken for granted. Dusty turned her head away for a second, deciding to just ignore the guest. As of right now, she wasn't sure if this wolf was wanted or unwanted.

Dusty let her muzzle gape into a yawn, her ears twitching slightly as she swiftly stood, lightly padding away from the tree and keeping her head faced forward, but golden eyes off to the side. The wolf was advancing, she heard that the second it had moved. Dusty let out a small, calming breath. Her nerves had mostly been what had made her react so quickly to the sound of the other wolf. Dusty turned her head just slightly, now standing in plain site to the other wolf. This wolf had crept closer. She could tell, from the distance she was at that it was female, larger than her in size, and had a red pelt tinted with darker colors.

The fur on the back of Dusty's neck was standing up. She was wondering what was going on in this wolves mind. Dusty tilted her head up a little, parting her mouth to get a better scent of this stranger. This was no loner. This femme was like her, wandering away from her pack for some time. Dusty licked her lips, if she were correct, the scent off of this wolf was that of Sousepack. Truly, Dusty knew nothing of any of the other packs. She merely kept her mind on her own pack and their affairs. Sure, she had heard gossip of the other three packs and listened to the countless stories of what her parents had told, but Torridpack was technically her birth pack, since most of her relatives had come from there, although they were at one time loners. She didn't need to worry about the other packs, unless there was some form of an alliance. Even then, would she care about anyone but her makeshift-family?

Dusty took a step backwards. She wasn't going to alarm this wolf or do anything that could, perhaps, get her killed. After all, in her mind, Dusty had a life to live and she wasn't going to give it up now. Although, the countless little things she did to get herself into 'situations' could someday get herself killed, as well, if you wanted to look at it that way. But really, those pranks and such was just her curiousity getting the better of her. They weren't meant to be harmful, they were just meant to be for her entertainment. At heart, she truly was just a pup.

Dusty eyed the red wolf once more. Her fur was still standing on end, but that was just a precaution. She wasn't going to let her guard down, not when she knew that this wolf was from another pack. Dusty dipped her head in respect, she smiled to herself. Her parents had always taught her manners, although she didn't really like using them, necissarily. "Greetings. I hope I didn't disturb you in any way," Dusty said. She bit down on her tongue. That did not sound like her at all! That was such a stuck-up greeting that sounded too sugary-sweet to her ears. Dusty lifted her head, face in a grimace. "Sorry, didn't mean to sound like that," she said, hoping the wolf would pick up on what 'that' was.

[patronize]

siyl

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Siyl's close proximity to the wolf might as well been nonexistent, considering how the wolf didn't react to her presence. It didn't look over to see who she was, or flick its ears to hear what noise Siyl could be making. It didn't move, it didn't do anything.

Siyl narrowed her eyes. The poor, ignorant wretch. She wouldn't last long if she was always so oblivious to her surroundings. What was even more disappointing was that the wolf wasn't only oblivious, but careless as well.
The wolf's mouth opened in a casual yawn, seemingly unaware that she was in loner land, and that wolves would happily kill other wolves if they get the opportunity.
Dancing with deliberation, Siyl's tail reflected her thoughts on whether or not to leave the wolf alone. It would be worthwhile for her to see the reaction on its face when it realizes that yes, wolves do exist in loner lands...and perhaps, if the wolf was lucky, it could comprehend how utterly absentminded it was.

With muscles tense and crunched in her crouch, Siyl watched the wolf walk away from the tree, exposing a full-view of it. The scene was so comical- the wolf was like her prey, always making the wrong movements that ultimately only aided her.
Siyl noticed the fur along the wolf's neck bristle. She grinned.
Oh yes,, she thought. You have a reason to be cautious.

For a fleeting moment, Siyl caught the wolf staring at her. Their eyes met just once.
Siyl expected the wolf to spook and perhaps flee, or avert her eyes and slowly inch away in fear. But the wolf did none of that- she simply bowed her head in reverence.

What a fool, Siyl thought. Showing respect to a loner! The wolf might as well just asked to be killed.
Slowly Siyl rose out of her crouch to a wary, stiff stance, eyes trained on the wolf.

To continue on her spree of blunders, the wolf decided to speak. Of all things to do to a possibly hostile stranger! A simple greeting rolled out of the wolf's lips, followed by a short 'hope I didn't disturb you'. The artificial, belittling tone the wolf carried in the words was undeniable. The wolf didn't look like the one to be overly prissy, but Siyl was doubting her first impression by the tone.

Surprising, the wolf realized her mistake- possibly the first mistake she realized since Siyl had saw her. In an ashamed voice she apologized, but the words were futile.

"No apology needed," Siyl said flatly. It wasn't worth changing her tone to be 'nicer', considering this wolf wasn't worth the effort.
"I suppose I'm not the only one here, am I?"
She paused.

"Who are you?" she said rather accusingly, nostrils flaring at the strong scent of Torridpack on the wolf.


WORDS: 460
NOTES: When we get to the fighting, it should be long and drawn out. Possibly one of them could get a scar from it? =o
Not a major one, of course, but like, a small scar on the belly or something.

It'd mark them with shame/triumphalism (depending on who gets the scar) foreeever.

[Dusty]

Dusty narrowed her eyes slightly on the red wolf. Well, what manners she had. She was most definitely not a loner, and she acted as if she was. Dusty wondered what kind of trouble this wolf got into, with her sharp tongue. Probably worse than Dusty, unless she held a higher position in the pack. Then she wondered what it'd be like to receive orders from this wolf. That must be like torture.

The fur on the back of her neck lied flat. Deep in the back of her mind, and deep in the pit of her stomach, her nerves were all telling her to stay on her guard. But, she wasn't going to seem weak to this stranger. After all, just from that one moment their eyes met, she got the gist of what was going through this wolf's mind. This stranger probably thought she was weak and fool-hardy. That was not true. Well, maybe a tiny bit, but that was mostly on purpose. Dusty, when it came to work, was serious.

Dusty flicked her ears. It was a rather odd habit of hers. This stranger claimed that she didn't need to apologize. From the tone if it, Dusty didn't even think this wolf knew what an apology was. "I think it's common sense, now that you're standing there, that you aren't the only one in this part of the forest," Dusty replied. The tone of her own voice had dwindled just barely. Dusty was usually friendly, but this wolf didn't deserve her respect.

A small smirk almost played at the end of her lips. Did this wolf really find her that stupid? Dusty had learned not to answer those that couldn't be trusted right when she had left the den. "You know, I could ask you the same thing. But I don't think either of us would answer."

[patronize]

siyl

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With her suspicions of the wolf growing, Siyl lowered her head to remind herself to be wary and also to warn the wolf. It was a simple movement that declared so much.
She scrutinized the wolf as she waited for an answer- the question she posed could make another uncomfortable if they weren't confident in their identity.
The wolf lacked the confidence Siyl had, she noted. Narrowing its eyes, letting a moment's silence take hold, the wolf was contemplating on what to do. More than that- it was angry, perhaps angry to be interrupted by Siyl, or just angry at life itself for cursing it so.
But no matter what the wolf was feeling, Siyl didn't care. She wasn't there to please, especially to a wolf that had no real business living.

Squinting to notice the details of the wolf, Siyl realized the bristled fur was now lowered. It puzzled her. The wolf was angry, it was feeling threatened. Why would the fur lower? It was as if the wolf considered Siyl's purposely snarky comments soothing, which would contradict the fury in its eyes.
Yet, why should one make sense of a fool? Siyl thought. It didn't matter what contradictions the wolf made, although they were confusing.

Siyl also noted the wolf flick her ears. Without thought she braced for what it might mean because experience had taught her to pay attention to every detail- it gave clues of what turmoil could be churning inside someone. With the wolf being small and intimidated by her presence, it would make sense if the wolf had many things rushing through its mind, the flick of the ears a clue to that.

Opening its mouth, a daring remark spilled from the wolf. It seemed to be frustrated at Siyl's lack of fear considering the wolf's choice of words. 'Common sense', 'not the only one in the forest'.
Interesting what sad attempts one could muster when trying to defend itself. It thrilled Siyl to realize she could cause so much stress to a tiny being.

She was about to answer, but found herself stumped at what exactly to say. With precise timing, as if the wolf was going to do the job for her, the corners of its mouth edged upwards in a smirk and a malicious answer to Siyl's question of 'who are you' reverberated through the air.

How tragic. The wolf was trying to put itself in the role of someone far more classier than it was, a simple attempt at mimicry. Siyl shook her head rather sorrowfully.
"Your attempts to belittle me are stupefying. I say a rater simple comment and you choose to counter it. Although it was a foolish choice, I don't mind it. Yet then I ask a simple question and you give me an unnecessarily sarcastic answer. You're not worth my time, stranger."

Adrenaline pulsed through Siyl as she said everything she wanted to say. She could act like this to everyone if she wanted to- to make sure they knew they were insignificant to her, to reassure them of their lowliness.
Yet, of course, the modern wolves were too soft-fleshed for such criticism. Rather disappointing, but she dealt with it with a crafty mask.

Finally Siyl realized that the wolf might react negatively to it. Better turn away before she goes berserk; might scratch me on the ear. .
She began to turn away, eyes flickering to the wolf in a sideways glance to see what it might do.


WORD COUNT: 571
NOTES: Sorry the reply took longer than expected. I feel bad.
Buut on another note, this period in the roleplay will be the turning point. Before it was all watch-and-glare, now it's full-on fight.
I was thinking because Siyl turned away, obviously aware Dusty won't like what she said, Dusty could in turn do something like "No one insults me and leaves!" and then like, swipe at her (not to intentionally hurt her, but kind of give a motion that would tell Siyl to stop) or something.
Then the fight would be on!
Fun fun.
It should be long and drawn out too.

[nova ♥]

[ I will be monitoring this fight scene. After Dusty replies next, I shall reply with the results of her attack. Then Patronize will reply, and I will reply with the results of her attack / defense, etc, etc. Good luck, both of you! ]

[Dusty]

Dusty watched the stranger lower her head. She wasn't sure what this wolf was playing at. Was this stranger truly trying to be wary, or was she just messing with Dusty's mind. Yeah, sure, Dusty wasn't too experienced with dealing with strangers, because the only times she ever had, she had been with members of her pack, not alone. Not wandering a forest on her own that was barren with life just growing back.

Unintentionally, out of her usual habit once again, Dusty's ears flicked again. This was a normal habit of picking up sounds not many others usually heard. It was also a habit that came along when she was nervous, as well. Dusty, though, wasn't truly sure what she was feeling inside. Nervousness or what? Yes, she was uncomfortable near this wolf. She could pick up a rather malicious feeling vibrating from ever fur on this stranger's pelt. But nervousness was also a feeling of security and wariness. Dusty, yes, was wary. She knew that, because this was a stranger. She wasn't exactly nervous at all. There were no butterflies or such in her stomach, as the saying goes.

Dusty flattened her ears in anger. This wolf thought that she was 'belittling' her? Was sarcasm such an offense, lately? If this wolf wanted to see 'belittle', all she had to do was follow her back to Torridpack, and Dusty would show her belittle. Never in her life had Dusty ever shown disrespect, but she would if she had to. Some kind of spark flew up within Dusty, and this wolf was causing it. She was peeved and ticked off by this wolf's attitude.

"You know, I was awfully rude and sarcastic, but it's not as if the air about you that you're giving off is much better. You aren't the friendliest of wolves, and you are a little blunt about making it seem as if others are lower than you," Dusty blurted out, watching the wolf turn away before letting out a growl. Dusty didn't know what it was, but this wolf...she just made her mad!

Dusty jumped forward, not intending to harm, lashing out a paw towards Siyl's shoulder with her claws sheathed. "My name is Dusty!"

[nova ♥]

[ Dusty's sheathed paw successfully caught Siyl in the shoulder. Possible light bruising could occur later. ]