standing outside the fire

Ithiel de le Poer · 03-17-2012, 10:55 PM

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Ithiel is by me!

The flaxen canine's immediate response was disappointing, though it did not show in Ithiel's face. There was no hostility in the dog's voice, and the dust-hued coyote was surprised to learn of a southern alliance for this one. Ithiel knew piteously little of Inferni's closest southern neighbor -- for all his scouting, he preferred to avoid the membership of packs. It was more interesting and easier for Ithiel to scout other pack's borders from a distance, determining by scent and approximation the size and strength of the group. He could not say whether the Cavalierians were entirely wolf or not, and he supposed it did not matter. This was a dog, not a wolf.

Yes, that's correct. Ithiel de le Poer, Vigiles -- scout, he said, introducing himself with ample information. Zedekiah is my bird -- he saw you first. This is Lystra, he said, indicating the big mare. Though the whites of her eyes showed and there was a peculiar tremble in her, the horse was behaving herself quite well. I did not expect to meet a neighbor this far north, he said, mildly. There was no smile on his lips, but this was friendliness, as far as Ithiel went -- he was not exceptionally outgoing in the first place. What brings you this way? There is not much to see, he said, swinging a hand wide to indicate the landscape.

It was not selcouth for Ithiel to behave in such a manner -- he was learning the ways of this land, and he had come to understand -- however slowly -- not everyone here intended harm. Encountering a wolf outside of Scintilla almost always ended in bloodshed, but here, Ithiel need not fear fighting from his fellow canines, regardless of their species. His experiences had made him wary, however, and the adjustment process slow. Perhaps he would rediscover the value of a well-timed smile, or perhaps it was lost to him forever.

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