`just too close [shakes]

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i52.tinypic.com/21ovkeh.jpg] ZARA TALKS "" The athletic young bitch bounded through the long grass, letting the tendrils brush against her slender muzzle. Her strong lengthy limbs stretched and pounded against the hard earth, the sun beating down onto her silky soft fur. Zara panted lightly, flying across the meadow that led to the looming mountains. It had been so long since she had a good trekking session, ever since Estelle had found a friend in Ryku actually. Zara remembered a time when the twin sisters had been so close they could read each other's thoughts, now the silver and white female hardly ever saw her. That boy she'd met was all she ever thought about and saw these days.. it stirred a deep resentment inside her, jealousy. Sighing, Zara reached the bottom of the mountain and she tilted back her head to look at the climb. She padded onwards and upwards, enjoying the warmth on her back and the strength in her toned muscles that rippled beneath her soft thick pelt. The Akita mix felt the hard earth beneath her start to crumble, and she eyed the small cracks under her paws. The land was so dry, the soil was literally drying up and it had been weeks since the last rainfall. Now she'd mentioned water, Zara felt her thirst rising and glanced from left to right. There should be a small creek that ran down the mountain side somewhere around. Skillfully she lowered her muzzle and traced the faint scent of liquid, her paws carefully scaling the rugged landscape with effortless agility. Zara and Estelle had always been adventurous, brave in their conquests and relentless in their search for an adrenalin rush. Things had changed since then, Nikita and Hueso were now expecting a second litter of puppies, in fact they were due to arrive fairly soon. From her mother's swollen womb, Zara could tell there were quite a few little doggies in there. The thought of newborns reminded the lithe German Shepherd cross of her brother, who died at birth. She wondered how he would have turned out, maybe then she'd have a sibling that would always be around. No that was mean, she should be happy for Estelle, happy that she'd found someone like Ryku. Right? Zara supposed part of the jealousy was that she doubted the right dog would ever come along for her? She was stubborn, strong-willed, proud and pretty much a full tomboy. Finally Zara found the trickling water that gushed down the steep slope, this was what you call fresh from the mountains! She lapped up the cool, refreshing liquid and sighed. ----------------------- table -- created by Kezzi image -- (c) to Puck90 on flickr

[shakes]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/13zbsr6.png);][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=height,400,true] Small rocks and pebbles tumbled down the mountain, large white paws pressing down and loosening them, then letting them roll as it lifted to take it's next stop. The white shepherd who those paws belonged too stumbled a bit, not used to being so near the bottom of the mountain where the rocks were loose. He had been following a pregnant deer that would make a perfect meal for him and his small family, but it had noticed him too soon and made a break for it. The male's pink nose was to the ground, sniffing through the dusty rocks, trying to pick up the scent of his escaped prey. He was an excellent hunter, but he wasn't the most graceful, and he often gave himself away up here thanks to the loose rocks. He was a better tracker than he was graceful, however, and by the time he would find his prey again he would remember to be much more careful. However, just as he caught the deer's trail, his head turned a bit with another scent, his ears perking. Another dog? Not many came up here.. The brute lifted his head, amber eyes settling on the form of another, an akita mix, he knew. He had seen an akita before, so picking out the mixes wasn't hard. Joshua's bushy tail wagged a bit- he was a very social canine, especially with the ladies, and he could tell this was a girl. Forgetting all about why he was down this low, the excited male nearly skipped down the slope of the mountain, stopping a few feet short of the new dog. He watched as she leaned down to lap up water with her pink tongue, took in her appearance. Not too petite, she looked like she could handle herself. He better watch his step then, he thought with a playful smile. Holding up his head, the dog barked a happy note to alert her to his presence, sliding down the loose rocks and coming up beside her. It had been a week or two since he had seen another, and a female at that- maybe today was his lucky day. His tail wagging, and body posture showing him as a friend rather than a threat, he kept his head low and smiled. "Hello, miss." He greeted calmly despite his excitement. Didn't want to give her a scare or anything, not to say she looked easily scared, but looks could be deceiving, after all. Joshua looked to the water she had been drinking, smiling. "Nice, huh? That even through this heat the water's stayed for awhile." He was glad, honestly, that water was still available. For his family, living all the way up here, water could be hard to find unless you traveled so far down. They tried to find places up high that the water gathered though, more for little Berta's sake. She could never travel so far, she was blind, after all. _______________________________________________ words! 494. muse! Eh, it's living. tags! Kezz with Zara ooc! Sorry it's short. ^ ^; It'll be better once they start interacting. Credit for the table coding to me.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i52.tinypic.com/21ovkeh.jpg] ZARA TALKS "" Zara heard the dog behind her way before she saw him. Even before he barked really, the stones seemed to give away everyone's position up here. They crumbled underfoot, and the lack of rain didn't help things either. Her long ears, which she'd seemingly inherited from her father, flicked backwards at the call of another. Licking the last droplets of water from her slender muzzle, the she-dog turned to face the oncoming canine. She couldn't help the ripple of surprise she felt, it was unusual to see others way out in this rural area. Most liked to keep to inner Hexasol whether all the drama played out, or else in the outer suburbs but it was rare to see activity in the furthest reaches. Her dark seal-black eyes studied the white canine that skidded down the slope to meet her. Zara approved instantly of the pricked ears and the wagging tail, not to mention the striking features on his handsome face. He seemed sweet, excited and playful but Nikita had warned her many a time that people are not always what they seem. She sighed inwardly, for a moment wishing that she could just be relaxed around strangers. Keeping your guard up constantly was hard work, especially since she was part of the Tempest Pack. As much as she loved her extended family, there was always an air of pressure. You must never give away the pack secrets, or plans not even to someone you think you can trust. How do you know they weren't a spy for those goddamn awful kitties? You don't and so it was for that reason that Zara sat down upon her haunches and merely gazed at him for a moment. She nodded slowly at his words, on that she did agree. "True, although water isn't so hard to find if you know where to look for it. Even in the harshest of places." She smiled a small, curious smile. Zara cocked her head slightly, "Might I ask you what brings you so far out here, of course I can imagine you'd want to ask me the same question, right?" Her tail twitched, an ear flicking away an persistent fly. The resemblance of this dog to her father, Hueso the General of Tempest, was somewhat uncanny. They were both pure white German Shepherds, the same unconscious goofy smile toying with his lips. Zara couldn't help the little chuckle that danced from her mouth, "Apologies, it's just that you remind me of someone very close to my heart." The silver and ivory bitch grinned softly. ----------------------- table -- created by Kezzi image -- (c) to Puck90 on flickr

[shakes]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/13zbsr6.png);][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=height,400,true] Joshua smiled happily as the female took notice of him, turning her head to see the strong male behind herself. His bushy tail swayed happily from side to side, giving away his excitement. New dogs were always welcome, at least in his mind. Sure his mom wasn't as welcoming, but she wasn't here, so there wasn't a problem. She seemed like she was holding back, though. And that bothered the shepherd, just a little. She seemed kind, was she shy as well? No, for she spoke without a stutter, wisely speaking of how water was easy to find if you looked in the correct places. The large dog's head nodded, showing his agreement. Yes, that was true. It was easy to find water down here, and he knew that. The water that fell to the mountains usually trickled down a few small paths, collecting in the small crevice down here at the bottom. It was just difficult to get down here every day to drink; It was a rather long trip that his family preferred not to take, especially with Berta. It was impossible for them to bring water back to her, and with her being blind she would never make it down without falling. The family wasn't willing to risk her life, so they went with little water, having to search for days to find it. It was worth it, though. Joshua would do anything to protect is sister. Parting his jaws and setting his mind back to this beautiful female before him, he said, "Indeed that's true. It's just hard for me and my family to make it down to this collection every day. Sometimes we have to go without water for awhile; we won't selfishly come down ourselves." He explained, though he was aware the female wouldn't really understand his words. She didn't know of his family, and she'd likely call him crazy for passing up a drink, but that was fine. She didn't have a right to judge. The female's next words questioned his location; his purpose for being where he was. Ah, a simple question. She was right in assuming he was curious of her presence too. But, she asked first. Politely, Joshua sat down soon after she, showing he meant no harm, and didn't mean to intimidate either. He said with a small laugh, "I live further up. Way near the top is my home." He told her, nodding his head back towards the messy with rocks trail that led up the hill. Looking back, he added, "I was down here hunting. Unfortunately, my prey seems to have escaped me, and I caught your scent instead." He explained, smiling as he scooted a foot or two closer to the female. "And you?" He asked now. "What's a pretty lady like yourself doing in a dangerous place like this?" Tilting his head, his ears perked to ensure he heard her response. Probably just getting a drink, he was sure, but he might as well ask. Maybe that was only part of the reason? Who knows. That's what questions were for, learning. Finally the female's apprehensive behavior was somewhat revealed. He reminded her of someone she was close to? Well that was sweet! Maybe she'd learn to trust him quickly. He'd never purposefully hurt someone unless they threatened him or a friend, so she was perfectly safe. But how to make her understand? Ah, of course; put himself lower. Leave himself vulnerable; perfect! Stretching out his forelegs, the white shepherd lied down on the floor, resting his head between his legs with a friendly smile, looking up to her. "My name's Joshua. What may I call you, sweetheart?" He questioned calmly, his tail slapping the ground gently. Maybe he was about to make a new friend! How nice. And maybe it will go farther, he thought. He was a male, what did you expect? ________________________________________ words! 648. muse! Surprisingly good, once I started typing. tags! Kezz with Zara ooc! I'm sorry for how long this took. Credit for the table coding to me.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i52.tinypic.com/21ovkeh.jpg] ZARA TALKS "" This shepherd sure seemed happy to see her, his body language swaying with pleasure at the sight of her. Zara flicked an ear, gently wagging her tail in reply. Wow, so he had a family up here? That must be hard for them, Strangler's Mountain was hardly the most forgiving environment to bring up and look after a family. Her gaze softened as he spoke of his selflessness, Zara approved of this, she was well aware of the sacrifices one made when they were a part of a family. She had lived in a large, slightly deranged extended one her whole life; Tempest. Sure, they were a fighting pack but at the end of the day they were a family and they looked out for each other. Zara understood his predicament perfectly. She nodded, frowning "That must be hard for you." Zara could have snorted how he sat down, lowering the height of his body; a sweet gesture to prove his innocence but the bitch was far from intimidated by him if that was what he was getting at. She had fought larger creatures than him in her time but still, she supposed he was only being friendly. The silvery canine soothed herself, no need to get in a fuss, he was being nice. She followed his gaze further up the mountain side, and she wondered what it was like to live up here, away from all the drama and battles. Not that Zara would exchange her place in Tempest for anything in the world, that was where she was meant to be, fighting for glory alongside her packmates and family was priceless to her. That wasn't to say however that she liked some time alone, time to explore and think. It was pleasant out here in the countryside, she enjoyed the freedom. She raised any eyebrow as he scooted closer, though made no attempt to stop him or move away. This chap seemed friendly enough and it had been a while since she had spoken to an outsider. A flicker of worry passed through her mind, what if he was against Tempest, what if he was one of those lunatics feline-lovers.. Zara pushed away the thought, a big handsome German Shepherd like him wouldn't dream of being such a disgusting traitor to their species.. right? She was thankfully distracted by his words, oh now that was original. The Akita cross grinned freely for the first time, throwing back her muzzle and laughing. "Quite the charmer, aren't you? If you must know, this pretty lady is enjoying a break from .. well everything. Being a part of Tempest can be rather stressful at times." She watched his reaction to her admission closely, her dark eyes observing his every move. She chuckled as he lowered himself even lower. Hmm, not the best move, I could be a psychotic cannibal for all he knows Zara smirked at the thought, though she wagged her tail at him. Joshua, she liked it, it seemed to fit him perfectly. Zara gazed down at him, she liked the way his eyes gleamed warmly, waiting eagerly for her reply. "Zara.", she told him simply. Though she frowned afterwards, "Though if you call me sweetheart again, you might just regret it." She scolded playfully. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Joshua. Have you been a loner all your life?" She was intrigued to see what he knew about the war, it appeared that even away from Hexasol it was all she could think about. ----------------------- table -- created by Kezzi image -- (c) to Puck90 on flickr

[shakes]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/13zbsr6.png);][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=height,400,true] Hard for him? Perhaps she understood the difficulty of having a family, and only being able to do so much for them despite what you wanted to do. Offering a quiet shrug, he nodded his large head gently. "My little sister can't make it down here, so for her, my family waits until it rains." He explained gently, stretching his claws a bit into the soft ground that he lied on, watching the darker dirt come up to the surface after being shielded for so long, and more moist. Looking back up, Joshua wondered what he was seeing in her eyes. Worry? Hesitance... why did she feel that way? He was being calm, was he not? Low to the ground, he was being submissive. Why was she on edge? And then he heard it. Tempest. Oh, crap. This dog was involved with the murder and slaughter of cats. Joshua remained calm despite his sudden hatred for the female, his tail flopping to the ground in something akin to defeat. Maybe not hatred, but... disappointment. Slowly, the large dog got to his huge paws, ears low, just as his head. Well, he'd have to explain his thoughts on this eventually if he planned to talk to her. "Look," he began, preparing for a fight, his muscles tensed and prepared. Anyone from Tempest, he had heard they were vicious towards cats- and dogs, if they weren't up to slaughtering the cats. Neutral was a dirty word to them, you were either in or out. "I respect your decisions, and I respect that you care for dogs as a species, but I'm not like that." He told her, looking away slightly. "I'm not a murderer. I don't go slaughtering cats for the 'glory' of my kind. By doing what your mob does, you're disgracing us." He mumbled quietly, calling her pack a 'mob' to display what he thought, that he thought they were an organized killing group, which in reality, they were. All they did was kill cats. Fools. Still, despite his disappointment, he smiled warily when she told him her name. "Zara... It's very pretty." He complimented despite the tense air, showing that, even though he disagreed with her actions, he hoped to be friends with her. He just wouldn't be involved in what she did, but meeting her now and then to talk, maybe he could handle that. When she questioned his life of a loner, he shrugged his broad shoulders. "Not so much a loner. I've lived with a small pack- my family pack- all my life." He explained, glancing up the mountain. "Though I travel alone a lot. My family- aside from my sister- have never been the best dogs around, so I'm distant." The male told her, setting his amber eyes on the female once more. "I'm sorry if you think I called you a murderer. If that bothers you, if you are." He muttered, tail going between his legs, ears falling flat against his head. ________________________________________ words! 498. muse! Iffy. tags! Kezz with Zara ooc! I'm sorry it's short and sucks so bad... I'm rusty. Credit for the table to me.