{Someone} Like {You} [Hunter & Tazo]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/qzgjh1.jpg] OOC;; I was thinking that the three of us could have an Arctic wolf thread, (plus I was too lazy to write two different posts when I could write one) so here it is! Rikki lay on her side in the shade of a tree near the Tempest border. Her belly was swollen and rounded, causing her to look fat. She smiled weakly, feeling movement inside it. She had been pregnant for almost a month now, and her cubs were slowly but steadily growing inside her. Her cubs. Hers and Gravity's. She still could hardly believe it. He was missing, now; she didn’t know where he’d disappeared to and she worried for him. He had told her nothing of where he was going. All she knew was that he had gone somewhere, several days ago, and hadn’t come back. Maybe he had gone out of Tempest territory on a quick errand and something had happened to him. She didn’t know; she’d gone to the city and searched for him yesterday when her anxiety had become too much. When she’d become so exhausted that she could barely stand, she had returned to the Tempest lands and collapsed here. It wasn’t a safe place to be on her own, especially when she was heavily pregnant, but she was too fatigued to walk all the way back to the mental asylum. So here she lay, where any feline or less-than-well-meaning canine could pounce on her, because she barely had the strength to move. Not to mention, evening had fallen. It was a rather chilly Autumn night, and the Arctic wolf fervently wished Gravity was here. A soft whimper burst unbidden from her mouth. It was so pitiful, the state she was in now, but she couldn't do anything to change it. Why, when something good happened in my life, did it have to end? What did I do deserve this? As if in answer to her question, a picture appeared in her mind. Several dead cubs, lying on the floor of a hospital room, their minute bodies mangled and their blood staining the concrete. Rikki's body convulsed, once, and then she began to shiver uncontrollably. It was her fault those cubs had died. If she hadn't been so weak, if she hadn't told Florence that she loved Gravity, if she had been able to deter Florence and Panja, been able to stop them from killing those cubs. . . She blinked in the darkness, drawing several shuddering breaths. She had to be strong for her cubs. Even if those cubs were dead, her cubs were not, and she had to help them live. Live so that they could be strong and free and unburdened of every negative emotion that assailed her because of her time in captivity.

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[Hunter]

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[atrb=background,http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kitten_Lovour/wolftablemid.png] Actions. ; "Speech." ; 'Thoughts.' Gravity had been back for a while, his name had been on everyone’s lips as he’d returned to Hexasol. But now, after the battle with his Scavengers, he should have returned to the Tempest Pack and had taken a mate who now was with pups. Well, at least that was what the rumours said. But even though they just were rumours, Vladimir wanted to check it out himself. What had happened to the former Warden? How did the other canines react to his return? Who was his mate? Did he really have one and was she pregnant? If Gravity was going to have puppies with another Tempest member, then how would they become a part of the war? He’d already heard about Florence’s cubs who all more than less were growing up to become power-hungry monsters. And he feared these pups would become something like that. If that really was the case, when would the war then come to an end? He didn’t really know why he was checking. Because, what should he do about it? If Gravity’s mate was a cruel bitch, would he then kill her for the sake of peace? Hoping, that one single murder would solve all the problems in the war? But would he even be able to kill her if it came to that? He’d already killed many wolves, but he’d years ago been aware of the loss others would feel when someone dear to them was killed. He’d already killed one mother… at least. But how could he let a new generation of hatred be born? Wouldn’t that be just as cruel? He sighed and looked up at the sky. A few stars were already visible even though a little bit of sunshine still was reddening the horizon. It wouldn’t affect the war in any good way if he killed Gravity’s pregnant mate. If he had one. Besides, he could just take a new mate if this one should be killed by some stray wolf. Some stray wolf like him. No, the puppies had to be born. Even if that meant they would grow up hating the Iris Pride – because the war wouldn’t end if the Iris Pride won against the canines. There would be no peace if it came to such a massacre. No. The two packs had to be somewhat equal in strength and then come to a peaceful solution instead of killing one another. A peaceful solution, just hear yourself, the male wolf thought. It wouldn’t be easy to get anything peacefully out of these two fighting parts. The big white creature then passed the borders into Tempest territory. Now it was only a question about time before he would stumble upon a Tempest member. But who he really wanted to meet was that female wolf Gravity should have taken as his mate. But he didn’t know what she looked like. And if she was here, she was most likely in the Mental Asylum; the heart of the pack, where she was heavily guarded. So what was he actually doing here? Not coming up with a conclusion on his drifting thoughts, Vladimir heard a soft whimper not far from where he went. Someone was out here. Someone in need of help as far as he reckoned. He increased his careful steps into a trot, following the noise and it didn’t take long before he found a white silhouette lying on the ground, surrounded by nothing but the darkness. He slowed down and lowered her head, coming to a halt two meters from the female Arctic wolf. As far as he could see, she was around his age, and pregnant. No bell rang inside his heard at this moment, instead, he opened his mouth to speak. ”Why are you here Milady?” he asked in a soft voice, coming closer while looking her over with a concerned look visible on his features. ”Does someone know you’re here?” He contionued, looking up to see if others were near. Not fining anyone he looked down at the shewolf again. She didn’t seem to be wounded, maybe just exhausted since she’d collapsed right here, all alone. But why was she alone? If she was a part of the Pack, who would have let her walk out on her own in her condition?

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/qzgjh1.jpg] Rikki was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't hear or smell the other canine until he had approached her. Snapping back to reality, her ears twitched as she heard his pawsteps, her whole body tense. Her eyes easily picked out the white shape of another wolf in the darkness, her nose instantly detecting his unfamiliar scent. He certainly didn't belong to the Tempest Pack, that much she knew. Her heart began to race and she chided herself harshly. If you hadn't been wallowing in self-pity, maybe you would have heard him sooner. It's your own fault. If she had been on her guard, she might have been able to hide from the strange wolf, or at least call for help. For the second time that evening, she couldn't help but think how pathetic she was. She couldn't fight, she couldn't even run away. The Arctic wolf watched, eyes narrowed, as the other wolf approached her and then stopped a couple of meters away. He was examining her, sizing her up. That much was clear. But what would he do now? Attack her? Simply walk away? The questions flew through her mind, and she forced herself to be calm. She'd be even more useless than she already was if she gave in to panic. So she waited for something. What she wasn't sure. For him to speak, or make his move. "Why are you here Milady?" The male's polite words caught Rikki completely off guard, and she did nothing but stare at him for a moment. Then he spoke again, another question, in the same, genuinely concerned tone of voice. What would he do if she answered no? It was foolish to say as much to a complete stranger; how did she know he didn't have a few accomplices with him, or a whole group of canines, wanting to taking over Tempest? On the other hand, there were no scents of other creatures on him, which was slightly reassuring. Deciding to answer the canine's questions, the she-wolf told him frankly, "I'm here because I cannot go any further in my current state. And yes, I am alone, though it depends on what you mean by that. Though, I think I have more right to be asking questions of you at this moment, than you do of me, stranger. What are you doing here, on Tempest lands, at this time of night?" Her tone was not quite accusing, but neither was it particularly pleasant. It was, however, completely at odds with her position; she still lay on her side, with her head raised to look at the male. Lying on her stomach was not a good idea, as she might squash her unborn cubs if she tried. Neither was standing, as she doubted she had the strength to.

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[Hunter]

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[atrb=background,http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kitten_Lovour/wolftablemid.png] Actions. ; "Speech." ; 'Thoughts.' He couldn’t blame the she wolf as she eyed him suspiciously. He was a stranger coming to her, and she was most likely worried about what he would do – if not for the sake of her own well being, then for her unborn puppies’ sake. But he didn’t let her gaze bother him as he asked the questions. He would make sure not to touch her or coming closer to her than he was now, unless she would calm down in his presence, which wasn’t much likely for the time being. He wasn’t really sure if he would trust a stranger coming to him at night either. As the she wolf looked at him with confusion painted upon her features, Vladimir wondered if he’d said something wrong. He tilted his head slightly and muscles tugged upwards in his left cheek, making him smile a little hesitant while he awaited the other wolf’s answer. Then, as she spoke up, he perked up his ears and sat down on his haunches while listening. She eyed him closely as she lay there on the ground, resting on her side to make sure not to harm her soft, rounded belly which was filled with wolf pups. Her tone was neither harsh nor bitter, but she wasn’t being friendly either though she was trying to be polite. He had to admire her for that. He was after all a stranger who lurked around on her territory at night. And of course it was her territory – the scent of the Tempest Pack was strong on her, so there was no doubt that she belonged to the pack. And maybe she belonged to someone specific. The sound of a little bell rung inside his head by now, but he wouldn’t make any conclusions without being completely sure. And as for her answer; she was right. She had more right to ask questions of him than he had for asking her, so now when she’d been honest with him, he was going to be honest with her. ”I am sorry that you have to stay out here all by yourself, that certainly I am. As for what you just said, then you’re right - it should be you asking questions to me and not the other way around,” he said in a calm and friendly tone. Before continuing, a single smile parted his lips. ”But let me introduce myself at first. My name is Vladimir, and though this is quite an odd situation, then I’m pleased to meet you, stranger.” He smiled, almost shyly, and didn’t wait to see her response at him calling her stranger - just like she’d called him one just a few seconds ago. ”I see why you are suspicious with me - a male wolf on Tempest ground at this hour. I’m not here to be recruited as many other strangers do when crossing the borders. And don’t worry, I’m not here to hurt anyone – that much I can promise you. I’m simply here because of the rumours. I want to know if they are true, and I decided it was easiest to find out when checking it out myself.” His soft voice stopped as Vladimir let his answer linger there in the air between them, tilting his big head a bit to the side as he waited for the female’s reply.

[tazo]

Not too far off, yet another Arctic wolf hid in the undergrowth, eavesdropping on the conversation taking place upwind. The female had come with the intention of checking up on old friends - those who had fought beside her in battle - but she had forgotten about that plan almost immediately upon seeing the heavily pregnant Rikki practically collapse from exhaustion. Being a mother herself, the wolf - Dawn - prepared to rush to Rikki's side and assist in any way possible. She knew almost immediately that this wolf was Rikki, for she had heard stories of the female's tattered appearance that was due to being tortured by felines in the Iris Pride. Dawn had never met the brave survivor, but she'd always wanted to. Until the male wolf had appeared this had been her chance to do just that. Now Dawn was hugging the ground and being as quiet as possible, fearing detection. Like Rikki, she had no idea what this male's intentions were. And so she would wait until she knew precisely what was going to happen next.

Only a very small amount of dialogue took place before Dawn figured she could trust both of the wolves she was now watching. Rikki was very obviously no danger in her weakened state and in fact her appearance made Dawn want to protect her from any dangers. And the other wolf, who had introduced himself as Vladimir, had promised to do no one harm and his word seemed genuine. Thus trusting her unknowing company, Dawn stood and let out a short yet entirely audible whine to announce her presence.

The mother's stance was yielding to authority yet not completely submissive. She didn't want to cause problems but she wasn't by any means weak, and she felt the right to let the other two wolves know this. After a few moments she finally spoke. "I don't mean any harm to either of you. My name is Dawn and I'm just passing through, trying to get a glimpse of life since the battle. I overheard your introduction, kind Vladimir, and, if I'm not mistaken, you are Rikki. Would I be correct in that assumption?" Dawn stood even further away than Vladimir was from Rikki. She shook dust from her coat and awaited some sort of answer before making any further movements.

((Sorry this took so long guys. Also it's kinda short and crappy. It'll get better though! Promise! And I won't disappear for so long this time either.))

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/qzgjh1.jpg] Rikki watched as the male looked at her, almost examining her. A shred of recognition sparked in his eyes, and she wondered what he was thinking. She remained as calm as she could under the circumstances when he began to speak. His tone was tranquil and cordial as he told her he was sorry for her being out here, alone. He admitted that she was right in that he ought to be answering questions, rather than asking them; a smile appeared on his muzzle as he paused, and the pregnant female found herself warming to this peaceful and thoroughly amiable stranger. He went on to introduce himself to her, saying that he was pleased to meet her; a small smile tugged at her mouth as if in response to his courteous introduction. She found she did not mind being referred to as a stranger; after all, hadn't she called him that herself only a few moments ago? In any case, she found Vladimir's name much more fitting a title than 'stranger', for he was not strange or hostile at all. Vladimir continued, telling her the reason why he was on Tempest's territory. He succeeded in puzzling her for the second time since he had encountered her; he had trespassed on hostile territory to see if a rumour was true. Putting her head to one side as if mimicking him, the she-wolf pondered his words a little longer, not really knowing how to respond, a pleasant half-smile on her face, her body relaxed. She was about to speak when a whine sounded nearby, and a moment later there was a rustle and a she-wolf, her pelt as white as Rikki's, stood near the other two lupine figures. The ragged female pricked her ears and let her eyes scan over the newcomer as she spoke. Her stance was neutral, being neither aggressive nor submissive, which was reassuring. Something about her scent was vaguely familiar, but unidentifiable. "I don't mean any harm to either of you. My name is Dawn and I'm just passing through, trying to get a glimpse of life since the battle. I overheard your introduction, kind Vladimir, and, if I'm not mistaken, you are Rikki. Would I be correct in that assumption?" Rikki realised where she'd smelled the fading scent before as soon as Dawn finished her second sentence. This wolf must have been one of the Scavengers; she remembered the motley yet united group that had managed to rescue all the prisoners (including Rikki herself) from the hospital, kidnap Florence and Panja's cubs, and blow up the building. The events of that night were forever etched in her brain. A rush of sudden hope filled her as she remembered that Gravity was the leader of the Scavengers; maybe Dawn knew where he was? Her attention was suddenly torn from her thoughts and to the ex-Scavenger as she heard her name spoken. How did she. . ? Never mind. She realised that Dawn had asked her a question as the other female shook her coat, obviously waiting for a reply. "Yes, I am Rikki, and I'm pleased to meet you both," she told them both affably, with as much dignity as she could muster in her current position. Glancing at Vladimir, she rejoined, "I'm afraid I must appear ignorant to you, as I do not know anything of the rumour of which you speak. In my current state, I have not done much socializing, at least of late." She grinned at both of them for a moment, turning her last sentence into a joke of sorts. She wanted to ask if Dawn knew of Gravity's whereabouts, but the question was too random to insert into the current conversation. Do you want to see him again or not? She asked herself sternly. No matter how silly she made herself seem by doing so, she needed to say it. Otherwise she might as well throw away all hope of seeing her mate again. Even if that sounded melodramatic, it was practical. She would discover very little if she did not ask questions. "Dawn, I'm sorry to spring this upon you so suddenly, and when we've barely been aquainted, but to you know of your former leader's whereabouts? Of Gravity's?" She let the desperation show in her eyes, and an edge of worry, tinged with hope into her voice as she spoke. OOC;; That's fine, Tazo! <33 It's fine! And I'm sorry for taking so long with this, too. If it's all over the place, it's because I'm rather tired!

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[Hunter]

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[atrb=background,http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kitten_Lovour/wolftablemid.png] Actions. ; "Speech." ; 'Thoughts.' The female wolf didn’t seem to mind him calling her stranger and she also seemed to be more relaxed as he spoke. But when she was about to reply, Vladimir’s attention was caught by the sound of movement and a whine reached his ears. In the beginning, he feared it would be a less pleasant Tempest canine than the female wolf he stood in front of, but after a short flinch, he noticed the other female wolf. She introduced herself as Dawn and Vladimir couldn’t find any scent of Tempest, which confirmed her words. She was a loner, like him. But it didn’t sound like she always had been a loner. “A glimpse of life since the battle” she’d said. Vladimir knew perfectly well what battle Dawn spoke of. Even with the life of a loner, Vladimir had noticed the immigration of newcomers earlier this year, and those canines had joined the Tempest Pack in a battle against the Iris felines. He let out a sigh and shook his head shortly. All those lives which had been lost… He’d seen the scavenger birds gathering on the sky as the battle had ended and chosen not to go to Straight Bit for a whole week to prevent the sight of all the dead bodies which were eaten by the birds if they hadn’t been dragged off the their packmembers to get buried on their pack’s ground. But there was something else which Dawn said that got the white male wolf’s attention. Rikki. So that was the name of the white shewolf in front of her? The assumption was soon confirmed as Rikki herself spoke up, asking for her mate, Gravity. So the little bell in his mind had been true. And so were the rumours. Gravity had taken a mate and they were expecting a litter of wolfpuppies. But… should he be worried? He chuckled gently at Rikki’s words. The rumour didn’t matter anymore, and he was becoming calmer in his mind. Rikki seemed to be a fine female. She would take care of her puppies, but they would most likely grow up with hatred toward felines. If he just could prevent that… But his chances were small. Even if a friendship with Rikki bloomed, it would be hard to teach her puppies that there was goodness in everyone. They would most likely always be surrounded by members of the Tempest Pack who would tell them otherwise – and how much would his words weight against fellow packmembers’? But even though he wouldn’t be able to do much, he still wouldn’t stand by and let a possible friendship die out. With that, he smiled to Dawn. ”Please, Dawn, feel welcome here and come closer. I don’t think either of us will mind the presence of one more,” he said gently as he looked at Rikki to see if she approved. ((OOC: Didn’t really know what to do with Vladimir here, but here you go ^^))