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Post by Cyn on Mar 12, 2017 1:41:55 GMT
Periwen watched closely as he killed the fire she was certain he had just given life to maybe an hour ago, she would feel bad if she wasn't planning to return him to some place even warmer. She took the bladder back after he extended it to her, had she worn her belt this night she would have tied it on and been done with it but because she had forgotten her secondary accessory today she simple held it tight in her left hand, her right hand free to grab at the dagger should the need arise. Iwen nodded thanks, and pulled her lips up in a gentle smile as he took up a position beside her.
"Indeed, the night is very clear. Could mean one last snow is in our near future, could also mean we are finally rid of the stuff but then the weather can rarely make up its mind so I guess it will be surprise. At least Goddess Moon is gifting us with her guiding light tonight, she may not be full just yet but she is still very kind."
Iwen glanced up into the sky, golden eyes searching for the bright face of the moon, her pack's primary deity. She wondered then if he grew up with a faith in the same deities or if maybe his family had others, maybe none at all. Either way that could easily be their next topic for conversation, specially since she already tactlessly made mention of Atheria's beliefs without first checking his own.
"The answer to your question is a simple one, there is no alpha male and there has not been since my dear grandfather left this place." She stopped there, wondering if she should leave the numbers of the pack unknown just a bit longer but deciding it best to be honest. He would soon see for himself anyway. "In fact Jude until earlier this day I was the sole member of the Atherial pack. When my grandfather passed my mother went her own way, to be honest I don't know why she lingered as long as she did. Maybe free security, who knows. Around the same time my litter mate went her own way as well and last I heard she had found herself a mate and land of her own. This morning another lone male stumbled upon my land and has taken residence in the village, his name is Aurek and he is a skilled hunter and fisher."
Periwen felt as though she was rambling and carrying on quite a bit for having opened by saying the answer was simple, apparently the answer was less simple than she had originally believed. As they moved on she made mental notes about the trees they passed, remembering which weapons and tools she had hidden away in which and half thought about stashing the bladder but decided it would be best to return it to her hut to keep it safe from damage in case a winter storm should blow through before she could retrieve it again.
"When we get to town you are welcome and encouraged to choose a hut as your own whether you choose to do so for just the night or longer is up to you. Atheria has a history of being a stopping point for many travelers and so I have gotten used to the temporary company and the homes are sparsely furnished. Should you wish to stay however you can of course decorate or modify your hut as you see fit."
She turned now while still walking to see his reaction if any, interested in seeing how he responds to being welcome to stay long term. Jude didn't seem the type to startle but still she would see if the invite was appealing or not. Or perhaps the news that there was not an army awaiting her safe return he would take his chances in claim the land for his own. As the thought ran through her mind her right hand drifted more closely to the dagger though not actively touching it.
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Post by Elysian on Mar 13, 2017 2:00:26 GMT
He tilted his head toward her momentarily as the words Goddess Moon slipped effortlessly from her lips. The amount of respect and admiration within each syllobol evident and immediately causing a smile to tug at the corners of his muzzle. Goddess Moon was something, or, someone rather that he too believed and had faith in. The deity was praised by his grandmother, whom was considered crazy by his parents and shunned whenever she was caught babbling about the Goddess Moon. Any chance that Jude got however, he would sit cross-legged in front of her with his overly large ears pinned forward as he eagerly awaited her stories and praises.
Glancing over as she began to explain the answer to his question, his ears swiveled and his headed nodded every so often as he digested the bits of informotion. When she reached the part that it was only her till early this morning, it was all that he could do to mask his surprised expression. For being someone who had been alone for the most part, she was a well rounded individual. Most rogue wolves you came across had issues with socialization and that was the reasoning behind their solitary state. However, Periwen didn't appear to have any sort of problems making someone such as himself feel comfortable to stay.
"Well, from what I've gathered, you've done everything perfectly perfect on your own, Periwen," he said with a friendly smile as they continued to weave their way thru the trees in a slow, sweeping, and relaxed motion. "I'm sure your grandfathers mind was at ease when he left Atheria in your paws," he added as he brushed his rough palm against a tree as they passed by. "For all that it is worth, which I'm sure isn't a lot since we've only just met, you seem like a very good alpha," he said thoughtfully with yet another gentleman like smile as he turned to glanced over in her direction. Jude had always been an honest and sentimental soul, but, he knew that it took time to build trust with anyone.
"I'll also have to introduce myself to this Aurek. He sounds like someone I could easily get along with," he said, lifting his hands as he adjusted the rope that fastened the bear mask that swung and tapped lightly against his backside with each step. Remaining quiet, he felt as if there was something hanging in the air between them...until it came; a formal invitation to reside in Atheria if he wished to do so. Being the humble soul he was, his handsome features lit up in a warm smile as he slowed his pace just a smidgen, his ears pushing forward as his bushy tail gave a genuine wag. "I would be honored, Periwen," he countered as extended a hand forward and snatched a branch from her path before she could ever come close to it.
"Watch your head," he said in a gentle tone as he held the branch in place before finally releasing it when he knew she was a good distance away. If there was anything that his mother had instilled into her son, it was how to be a gentleman.
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Post by Cyn on Mar 13, 2017 2:51:10 GMT
The distance between where she had found him and the village was not a great one but the path she lead them down was the longer route to allow for chatter, assuming that once they got back the two of them would go their separate ways for the night and she didn't want to cut short any good discussion time. Periwen of course hadn't seen his physical reaction to the mention of the Goddess but when he spoke his kind thoughts and perhaps even a hint of being impressed were quite obvious.
"New friends we may be it still means a great deal to me to hear my efforts have not been wasted. I'd like to think my grandfather would be pleased, part of me thinks the relative ease with which I have kept my land is in part due to his spirit's delight in how I've maintained the land. I do get visitors, random wolves and coyotes and even a few jackals who just need a place to camp for a day or two so I'm not alone for over long but none stay long term."
She had been about to explain why she thought this was but stopped, one of the reasons was surely in regards to her refusal to take a mate without creating a decent amount of history. Most males that arrive with such purposes in mind want the reward of winning her favor without first earning it and Periwen had long ago decided she would die an old maid before settling just for the sake of following the traditional life path. She wasn't sure discussing this was ideal so early in having met Jude.
"I'd very much like for you and Aurek to meet, it sounds as though you both have some passions in common and may have tips and tricks to trade. I must say I've gained two very useful and able pack members today, I must have hit the jackpot." She smirked teasingly, trying to let down her guard just a bit more seeing as he now knew the truth and hadn't yet attacked and now would be the time to do so. "Think of Atheria as your home now, you can come and go as you please and encourage you to do some exploring and getting a feel for the land. We have a large lake with excellent fishing, some farm land to the north of the lake and to the south and west of the lake are rolling grass hills. You are obviously getting a good idea of what's on the eastern side of the land."
With this last she gestured around them at the trees, ducking as he moved the tree branch out of her path. Silently she smiled her thanks and continued on, expecting to find the fire light of the village coming into view very soon.
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Post by Elysian on Mar 13, 2017 17:31:15 GMT
Naturally, as the two of them walked and made small, yet tremendously fruitful chatter, the scents and atmosphere around them began to gradually change. The trees became a little more sparse while the pungent aroma of a fire hung in air like a welcome sign; both obviously signs that they were getting closer and closer to their destination. Although he was thoroughly enjoying her company, he was eager to see the village and to explore this new place that he would now call his home.
With her words of gratitude rattling him from his thoughts, his yellow and blue gaze settled on her as he smiled. "It is my pleasure, Periwen. It is a shame that your grandfather is no longer with us, however, hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny," he replied thoughtfully. These words were only a few of wish that Jude lived by. Although his childhood wasn't the greatest, he chose to make the best of it and chose the path of his he lived by.
As if his smile wasn't large enough, it was her words that made it even brighter as she teased about hitting the jackpot. "Well thank you miss, I am down right flattered," he said, throwing in a just a touch of western slang to his words as he bowed and winked with a chuckle. "I am not surprised to hear that you've had a lot of travelers come thru your way..." he began, allowing his words to trail before continuing on. "I am however surprised that none of them decided to stay," he finished with a puzzled expression. Perhaps there was an underlying issue or reasoning behind their choice? Whatever it may be, Jude couldn't make sense of it...at least not at the moment.
"I am very eager to check out the village and the rest of your lands. So far, I'm impressed with what I've seen," he replied, the wheels in his mind beginning to turn again as he thought of the possibilities. He hadn't ever really had a place to himself to build the weapons that he wanted. He was sure that Periwen and Atheria however had just what he'd always wanted...a place to make his own. The endless possibilities excited him to the core. "If there is ever anything you need or you'd like a lesson or two on weapons crafting, please don't hesitate," he said with a cheeky grin.
Licking his lips, his mismatched gaze widened as the flickering flames of a fire in the distance came into view, the shadowy silhouettes of the makeshift huts and buildings beginning to fill in the landscape. This was it. He was home.
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Post by Cyn on Mar 14, 2017 2:36:24 GMT
She walked and listened, aware that their time together for the night was getting shorter and shorter and that she was getting more and more tired. She nodded at the mention of her grandfather but found Jude's words to be wise and quite reasonable indeed, just when she thought she had this fellow sorted he surprised her some more. And then he went on to speak with that goofy accent, she of course didn't recognize it having never left Atheria but that didn't change how humurous it was to hear.
"You sir will never cease to amaze me I fear." And then there they were, back to the reason no one stayed. If she said nothing he may assume there was something wrong or unpleasant with her land, if she explained in too great of detail he may think he too forward, she would need to be tactful "The travelers usually are searching for lost friends and family, or land with more exciting features. Others too are searching for land to claim as their own, it's much easier to find unclaimed land than to fight or persuade your way into ownership."
There, the subject had been covered and she was able to remain honest and not too forward. With as smart as Jude had appeared to be thus far she was certain he would be able to figure out exactly what she was meaning.
"As far as seeing the village goes, just open your eyes a bit more and you would see it already!"
Before them, just past a tree or two sat the first hut, she knew it to be unoccupied but her own was not far from here, in fact the 10 or so huts that remained were well maintained, and all fairly closely knit. Only one had smoke rising from inside of it and from this Periwen gathered either Aurek was still awake or just gone asleep, introductions would have to wait.
"Take your pick of the huts, as you can tell one is currently claimed by your new pack mate. My own is the last hut between the residences and the bridge to the town trade center. We can go there tomorrow if you like and you can see if one of the buildings would suite you to craft from. Tomorrow too, if you're up to it, I could lay out the land for you so that you can be better prepared to explore it at your own leisure."
As she spoke she gestured broadly with her free hand to stick and straw houses before them, though it was far too dark now even with the light of the moon to see much beyond.
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Post by Elysian on Mar 14, 2017 3:31:29 GMT
If it weren’t for the dark fur that coated his cheeks, she would have surely noticed the rose pink they began to turn at her statement that had the ring of a genuine compliment to it. With a deep chuckle, he walked in unison with her, his eyes dropping to the ground momentarily as he searched the archives of his brain for a compliment in return. Although he wanted to flatter her, he didn’t want to come across as if he were trying swoon her into thinking his intentions weren’t pure. “You’re good stuff, Periwen,” he finally said, immediately wondering if that sounded as foolish as he thought it did as soon as it sprung from his lips.
Coming to a slow and steady halt on the outskirts of her village, he twisted a quarter turn now to face her, his mismatched gaze meeting her yellow orbs as his mind mulled over the information she’d given him about the travelers. This made plenty of sense to him, especially since such things had taken place in his home land as well. Perhaps he was just biased to the subject after getting a little insight into the world of Periwen? None the less, he wouldn’t continue to question it for it was truly their loss. “Then it is there loss,” he said with a solid nod before glancing toward the buildings that she spoke of, his gaze specifically settling on the one that she’d pointed out to be Aureks.
Allowing his eyes to travel along the abandoned huts, he found the one she said was her own before his two toned gaze settled on one that seemed to sit a little further back than the rest. If Periwen hadn’t already had the one nestled right on the edge, he would have surely claimed it as his own. Although he was a sociable creature by nature, he always seemed to find the further spot away from the rest. “A lay out sounds wonderful,” he responded as he leaned against a tree, a yawn parting his jaws. So far he was impressed with what he’d seen, so, he truly was looking forward to exploring the lands of Atheria even further and learning the layout and each and every landmark that it had to offer.
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Post by Cyn on Mar 15, 2017 3:30:21 GMT
At hearing his return compliment of her being "good stuff" she couldn't help but to chuckle softly but still out loud. Quickly a hand shot up to her lips as if to hold in the noise for fear of offending but it was to no avail, her laughter simply would not be repressed. Oh well, such is life. And in any case if Jude was going to be a member of her back he had better have a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at life, himself included from time to time. Though she did not doubt he would have any problems. It was when he made mention that those who parted were the ones at a loss that she felt truly complimented. True he could not properly see the village stretching out before them but come morning he would be able to properly take in the beauty of it all and have a much better idea at just how truly at a loss the wanderers really were.
"Then a tour you shall have good sir. Go, find a hut to call your own and in the morning meet me by the Eastern most bridge and we will begin our tour by crossing the river into the trade center. Take your time getting up in the morning, I have chores by the river side to attend to and will be there ready and waiting for much if not all of the morning so rest up."
With a slender but well toned arm she reached out and patted Jude on the shoulder despite needing to reach upward to do so. "And welcome to your new home." She smiled once more before walking onward towards the village but skirting around the huts and taking what was obviously a more time consuming route to her own home. Though she moved smoothly and knowingly she still walked with a slowed pace, checking that the outskirts of town were secure and no traps or dangerous animals hid in the shadows, her figure visible for only 2 or 3 homes before vanishing around a curve.
:exit to trade center, will write the intor to the next thread on 3/15/17 unless Elysian beats me to it.:
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Post by Elysian on Mar 16, 2017 14:27:13 GMT
An expression of amusement grew across his handsome features as she attempted to suppress the giggle that sprang from her lips regardless. The feeling and pure enjoyment of making her laugh was as satisfying as a cool drink of water to parched lips. This was something that he'd missed, something that he'd felt deprived of as of late. Although he'd met plenty along his travels, he never truly connected with any of them on a more personal level than he had with Periwen and that, that was refreshing. Chuckling softly, his muscular arms crossed over his chest, ears pushing lazily forward as he pushed himself off the tree, his eyelids heavy as she spoke.
"I look forward to it," he replied with a firm nod of his skull, another yawn parting his jaws wide as a shiver ran its course along his spine. Glancing around now, his eyes returned to that distant hut that sat just a little further back from the rest, his tongue running along his lips in a thoughtful manner as he uncrossed his arms and placed his hands on his hips. "Well then miss Periwen, I bid thee goodnight," he said, turning back toward her as his yellow and blue gaze returned to her. As she began to walk away, he remained there for a moment, his head turning, ears standing more assertively upon his skull as he made his own visual sweep of their surroundings.
With a heavy sigh, he finally started making his way toward the hut he'd had his eye on, his gaze pulling towards Periwen as she vanished into her own hut before finally pushing the door open to his own and disappearing into the darkness.
OOC: Exit Jude to new thread (will specify which later)
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