[P] Wanted

[Solas Justus]

occ: wasn't sure where you wanted this to be located but he's flexible and can be anywhere...

With a dozen rolled up posters, pins, and tomahawk at hand, Solas walked down a commonly used path. He had been successful at temporarily paralyzing the unfortunate soul who refused to hand the papers over willingly, so the assassin was forced to do things the hard way. The world would be a very dull and boring place if everyone did as he asked without a scuffle, so sometimes these sort of brawls were welcomed to the lean yet muscular young male. As of the late, however, since he lost his target’s trail, he was not seeking rebels, but rather competent others were far more welcomed today.

A dull winter breeze carried his muddled scent towards a herd of deer. They startled instantly and leapt away in long graceful bounds. Although he may be on the hunt, he was searching for a prey of another kind. That’s when the ruddy yearling paused at a thick tree, placed most of his belongings on the ground, and held a single poster to the tree. With his elbows, Solas plastered the painting still, while the same hand held the pin that the other hand would use the tomahawk to pound into the bark. He did not know how to read or write or draw for that matter.

It was the work of someone else who painted the tan wolfess that he described in full. The words were supposed to read ‘Warning – criminal wanted. Armed and not to be trusted – Do not give sanction.’ But the illiterate male had no what of knowing for sure, so stupidly he had to blindly trust that the canine had wrote what he had told them to write. It all actuality, the words probably bleed something quite different, but either way he could never know, lest someone told him.

300

[Harvey Butler]

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This is fine by me! Thank you! :D [000]

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He felt like it had been an eternity since he'd been able to wander so far from the Court. It wasn't until he'd guarded Pascal on their way to Halifax that the Squire realized his travels were less frequent and cut in length when he did manage to get away.
It wasn't as if he needed to escape, but he was never the sort to say still for too long; even when he lived in London, he was happy to move around, exploring many areas of England as often as possible. He grew restless before too long, and trips helped clear his mind of any racing thoughts (which was therapeutic to the struggling canine).
However, he was never likely to go too far from Cour des Miracle territory. He did have a mate and plenty of children to care for, and while they were old enough to fend for themselves, they were still young enough to benefit from his company on occasion. In addiction to his own family, he had a responsibility to help protect the pack. So he wouldn't be gone long, if he could help it.

The Butler sire had been focusing on the scenery around him; everything looked so different in the winter. With leaves fallen and blown away, leaving dead branches to clear previously hidden landscape and various levels of snow covering certain areas and blinding those who trekked through it, the place might as well have been completely new.

His attention was grabbed by a steady pounding.
The merle male looked about cautiously, always prepared for whatever chaos could befall him in neutral land. He smelled heavily of the Court, which could make him a target to those with cross feelings toward the pack. And, he had no protection here; it was just himself and whatever creature was ready to attack.
But he refrained from appearing paranoid. It reality, while he worried, his time as a loner prevented him from acting too nervous in the territory. He was typically carefree around strangers, and could even be described as over-social to some. The only significant thing to change was now he had the ability to alter the reputation of not only his name, but the pack that he was loyal to as well.
In order to keep his fellow Courtier safe (including the plentiful Butlers), Harvey approached strangers more appropriately.

Seeing the other nearby, the Briton cleared his throat, attempting not to sneak up suddenly and startle the poor male.
He'd walked into sight, but kept his distance until he felt it was safe enough to ease closer. "Uh, 'ello!" The Londoner started, optimistic smile accenting his doggish features, "Seems a nice day t' 'unt, yeh? Plen'y of deer 'bout." He mentioned, noting the few he'd seen as he arrived.
He'd be sure to obtain assistance when he returned, so a meal could be contributed. For now, he was simply interested in his new company.

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[Solas Justus]

The faint odor of a native struck only mild interest in the traveler. He knew well enough that whomever was near seemed to be of these proximal earthen lands as they carried the same scent. Good, Solas thought to himself, all the better to ask if they had seen anyone who fit the poster’s description. Still, he did not allow himself to completely take notice of the incomer until a rumble from someone’s throat was cleared. Shiftily, the rustic colored male maneuvered around his hands fighting the urged to instinctively grasp either his blow gun or tomahawk. A quick scan over the patched mutt had him doubtful that he was an enemy but he never was one to put his guard completely down. Instead his hand subtly came near where his bladed weapon rested at his side, ready incased an incident arose.

Since the fellow certainly did not smell of his cruel father’s minions nor outwardly appear to fit their normal appearance, Solas gave the fellow the benefit of doubt. He still would not put it past someone to disguise their scent with the local flora and other objects to hide the fact that they were an outsider, nor did he have reservations in regard to the chance that Galvin could try and trick him with different canines. From the early dawn of his life, the Justus boy was taught to expect the unexpected.

The mismatched eyed male was quick to jump into some sort of small talk and petty greeting. Even if his scent was of that of a native, his tongue did not sound at all innate to these parts which threw Solas off right away, and felt an added misgiving towards the unknown dog hybrid. With a guarded glance, he eventually huffed, “I suppose if one were hunting for deer than perhaps, yes.” But no day while on a cold trail was a good one for an assassin. “But I’m hunting for a lady,” continued the red and white luperci. A very, very dead lady, whom he could not wait to get his claws on once and for all. He had come close to almost enjoying killing someone, but none would compare to the pleasure Solas would gain at her life leaving her body at his doing. That was one slaying that he would be sure to lavish.

300+

[Harvey Butler]

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-- [000]

---

He looked the stranger over as he stood, noting no familiar scent on him. It didn't imply much, however, as he hadn't experienced the scent of all too many packs.
Then his glance moved quickly to the weapon by the other's side.
With a heavy sigh, watching as his company prepared for an attack by placing a hand near the blade, the Butler sire mirrored the action. Shaking his head in a manner to suggest that he was not looking for any sort of fight, he placed a white hand over where his dagger stayed at his hip despite his desire for a peaceful conversation.
The last time the Squire had to use his blade, a body had dropped.

The rust-coloured male's response resulted in a raised brow from the Briton. "A bird, yeh?" He asked curiously, before nodding toward the poster nearby. "I'm assumin' the la'y in tha' picture? 'Ope she 'asn't caused too much aggro, though I doubt tha' if yer 'bout huntin' 'er."

Harvey shifted his feet a bit and dropped his hand away from his dagger, hoping to show that he was far from willing to start any trouble himself. "'Aven't seen 'er 'bout, mate." The Londoner considered apologizing as well, but there was little sense in it; not only was this hunter a stranger to him, the shepherd wasn't aware of this mystery female's crime (if was even guilty of what she was claimed to have done), so taking sides now would be foolish of the warrior.

He stepped closer after a moment and offered a hand. "I'm 'Arvey Butleh, by the way, a Squire of Cour des Miracles." An introduction was appropriate, he figured.
Perhaps if he could get more information about this problem, he could prevent trouble for himself; if there was a dangerous rogue in the area, he wanted to know of it.

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[Solas Justus]

Solas really did not care too much for dogs, but he had met more wolves that he despised than he had dogs that he didn’t like. Coyotes were a whole different story though. Every damn one of them pesky creatures could die off for all the ruddy male could care. He did however take careful notice of the other’s movement towards what was likely a concealed blade. Still, many travelers carried weapons for hunting and such so the loner did not make a huge conclusion in regards to that. Just to be safe though he would be sure not to completely take his eyes off the canine.

“Yes that’s her,” the Justus boy told the pack dog, holding the picture out so he could get a better look at it. Her picture was not precisely accurate but the basic idea should jar recognition into anyone who might have seen her. At the fellow’s comment the assassin snorted, “Trouble indeed. She is the most wanted criminal from my pack. Never in our pack history has there been such a hunt. I’ve been order to bring her head back home when – not if – I find her. Lost her trail not too long ago but she could be anywhere by now, these woods included.” He shared slightly more than he normally would but he turned his devilishly pumpkin colored eyes on stranger’s to search for a reaction. Pity for the lady would lead to Solas not trusting him what so ever, but equally he was bound to be skeptical either way.

He did not miss the subtle motion of the fellow removing his hand from where it had previously be posed ready to draw if needed. Inwardly the crimson male relaxed a little more, blades not at all being among his favorite weapons to have directed at him. He was much more into stealthy, unseen interaction rather than brute force brawling. “That’s too bad,” he huffed disappointed but not surprised. “You keep an eye out for her thought will ya?” Solas took the liberty to ask, still gauging the stranger.

His eyes narrowed at the motion of the hand out stretching towards him. He was not at all fellow to give into an alliance like gesture such as a shake of the hand so he simply kept his hands occupied with his tomahawk that he was using to pound his posters up with, and the posters themselves. Cour des Miracles, Solas repeated in his head to file it to memory. This was certainly the first he had met from that pack. “Arvey or Harvey?” he questioned if he had the fellow’s name right thanks to his accent.

“You can just call me Justice” he gave a fake identity but added his actual pack, “of Justus.” After all Solas Justus was no different than soulless justice, but the soulless part seemed too sinister for this sort of introduction. Perhaps some other time he would use that one. “Well you’ll be my eyes and ears surely sir? You seem to be a good enough fellow, a man of integrity. You wouldn’t want this one anywhere near your loved ones, family, children. I’d be more than happy to reward any tips that find their way back to me that lead to a successful capture,” the wolfdog continued, although in all actuality he had no intent in rewarding anyone. The Justus boy would be sure to pay a visit to this pack of his to check in and see if his criminal was found or not.

500+

[Harvey Butler]

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Congrats on SoSuWriMo! [541]

---

As the paper was offered, the merle male looked a better look at the image painted upon it. It was a brief observation, but he felt he could find the mystery female familiar based on the picture, if he so happened to come across her.
With a nod, he stood straight to imply that he'd gotten the image in mind.

"A criminal?" The Butler sire frowned, especially noting that she was apparently the most wanted as well. There was a difference between trouble and dangerous, and he'd only been sure of her bothersome status.
His brows furrowed some, bold interest in his voice as he continued, finding this important knowledge as a fighter, "May I ask what she's done?" He was a Squire after all; gaining information of possible threats or enemies was a logical move.

After only a nod, the Briton gave a nod. "Yeh, I will."
If this criminal was a threat, he wanted it taken care of immediately. Depending on her charges, the method of her disposal could be deemed either appropriate or cruel to the Courtier, but his opinion couldn't keep him from upholding his deal; he had to respect the pack's manner of handling their wanted rogues.

Harvey sighed after the unsuccessful handshake. It was a custom in London, and he'd met plenty that seemed just as comfortable with the gesture upon his arrival, but there were still some here and there that found his behavior foreign. He wasn't offended, but it was always slightly embarrassing on his part.
"Harvey, wif an 'h'." He emphasized. It certainly wasn't the first time he'd had to clear up misunderstandings presented due to the thickness of his accent. Leave it to his parents to name their Cockney son Harvey.

He attempted to commit the name to memory. While he'd like to claim that he was good with remembering the canines he came across, but after joining the Court and claiming the ranks, he was trying to acquaint himself with as many packmates as possible. That, and he was not getting any younger.
The shepherd frowned at the thought of somebody, anybody, of such a nature getting to his friends and family. While they had the safety of the pack, trouble could be found in the borders if anybody was careless. Besides that, it wasn't as if the Butlers were constantly in the territory of Cour des Miracles; one of the sons lived as a loner in Halifax, and it wasn't uncommon for the family to visit. Neutral territory wasn't safe, and this just made the father worry more.
He nodded, "'Course I will. An' I don't care 'bout any bloo'y reward, I would just fancy seein' this criminal managed. But..." Harv crossed his arms over his broad chest, expression serious. "If this bird is as wan'ed as ya say an' for appropriate reason, if she so much as catches a scent of me family, I cannot promise tha' I won't take care of 'er meself."
He'd leave this fellow to enforce justice and do what was required within the regulations of his pack, he respected that. But he would refuse to leave his loved ones in possible harm just to give Justice the opportunity.
Hopefully, that was not unreasonable.

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[Solas Justus]

Solas had been pleased with the reaction of the marbled male and that he had not tried to winnow too deep into his given information. Nonetheless, the cinnamon hued canine kept that to himself, only allowing the faintest of a twitched, genuine grin to lift up on to his lips; staying there for a few long moments before turning sour with disgust.

“Well,” he snorted, “Treason and murder are just at the top of the list, but the rest is confidential information. All you need to know is that she is dangerous.” The story behind her crimes was complicated and the Justus boy did not plan on indulging the other in the details as that was unnecessary. A grin that lacked any normal canine’s brightness appeared briefly. “Good man,” he praised, considering giving the other a pat on the back but such a gesture was not put into act as he reconsidered since the fellow was already on guard. Besides, Solas really was not a jolly guy so such motions came unnatural for him. His hands knew cruelty and unkindness more than they knew compassion and lightheartedness. In reality, the fire eyed boy had been raised and train just for this mission – but that was all too much for a common chum to know.

Being illiterate, he knew not what an ‘h’ was but the repronunciation of the name lead him to believe that ‘h’ made a huh sound, rather than an ar sound. “Ah, sorry about that, Harvey,” he said without any true apologies adhering to his voice. When Harvey said something about bloody, the adolescent paused mid breath. He had never heard that expression before in just a term tossed into a sentence randomly. He was about to say that the reward had nothing to do with blood, but the pack dog kept rambling on about birds and catching her himself. If there was one thing Solas did not appreciate was his criminal being taken down by another – it was a pride thing to catch her himself.

“I figure she’ll be on the down low,” he fought to keep himself from rumbling too menacingly. “She knows she is being hunted, her and her companion are likely trying to blend in. Could act like anyone. Has been known to join other packs, but those packs only met a bloody demise,” the Justus wolf hybrid grinned. “So keep an eye out more for false joiners seeking sanction rather than trouble makers, though she can be either or,” he elaborated. “Say, you wouldn’t happened to know where I can get a boat would ya?” the red male suddenly thought up to ask.

occ:Thanks! Sorry for the wait!

400+

word of the day: winnow

[Harvey Butler]

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No problem! :D [381]

---

Immediately after hearing what this mysterious female was wanted for, the merle dog frowned. While treason was less of his concern and likely more insulting to the criminal's originating pack, murder was definitely something to be worried over.
"It's nice t' be aware of the extent of 'er threat, mate." Harvey grumbled, growing somewhat irritated with the other male. There was just something about him that struck him the wrong way.

Waving his hand as if to sweep away the subject, he added a quick, "Nofink t' worry oveh, i's fine." before listening to whatever else this stranger had to say.
It didn't matter if he was particularly enjoying his company or not, the information being shared was critical; if somebody this dangerous was about, the Squire wanted to know everything he could.

"Hm. 'Course." The Butler sire huffed, resting his hand again atop the hilt of his weapon. It was not a tense gesture, but rather relaxed, as if merely impulse. "So she's gotta companion as well? ...Bollocks." The trouble was getting worse and worse as the Justice fellow continued.
The strange one's grin made the Courtier uneasy. There was definitely something about this bloke that kept him from letting down his guard. His hand now tightened around his dagger.
This was something he'd have to report to King Silvano; he gave approval to all that entered the Court. Until they could pick out who this killer was, perhaps it would be safer to be cautious about who is allowed into the packlands.

"Right." The Briton nodded, signaling that he'd taken it what was explained to him. He didn't have to like what he'd heard, but it was welcomed knowledge.
"Not in the sligh'est, sorry." He shrugged, and while it was not entirely false that he wasn't sure of where to locate a boat specifically, he could guess where one could trade for one, or at least gather the materials. He imagined it was difficult to just see functional ones just lying about. "Maybe search 'bout the shore. Might be somebo'y 'bout that can 'elp ya be'eh wif gaverin' what ya need, or wha'eveh." It was clear he was trying to end the conversation, no longer prying for information.
Now, he just wanted to get away from this untrusted individual.

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[Solas Justus]

It was tough to judge what was causing the color flecked dog to frown. Was it the news that Solas bore? If so he nearly voiced something along the lines of not harming the messenger, but thought better of it. Harvey seemed to be a wise fellow under the dumb looking exterior so he did not want to push any wrong buttons if he could help it. He seemed genuinely willing to help enough that the young red male did not have the desire to flay him or anything brash, though relationships with strangers were always unpredictable, and could go either way without a moment’s notice. This kept the assassin on his toes, always keeping the worst impression of everyone he met in the forefront of his mind anyway.

“Yeah,” he nodded in regard the companion, “A bit of a peacock he is, thinking he’s tough an all, but he is not much of a threat.” Solas explained with a snort. In actuality the young male was just as able bodied to bring anyone harm as the female he was traveling with but he often underestimated the white brute; it was the golden wolfess he was after. The fellow she ran with was not wanted for any crime besides being with the criminal that his pack was desperately seeking.

The story that the Justus slayer shared was true about a trail of blood following his target where ever she went, but that blood was shed on the behalf of him and the other, more amateur wolves that were set out to bring this lady down – not the enemy herself. Solas kept that tidbit to himself thought, of course.

“Ah, too bad,” scowled the wolf dominant hybrid. For a moment he contemplated threatening the guy to see if he was being honest, but that might threaten his credibility and wash away any hope of Harvey seeking him out should he see something. So in spite of his irritation, he tried his best to keep this bottled up and not exhibit this frustration too much. “That’s a good idea though, I’ll have to check there,” Solas praised as if he were about to head off now but devilishly kept the conversation going with, “Wouldn’t know of a good direction to start at would you?” If he was familiar with any of the coastal shores that did not have boats, that was a good place not to start and would allow him to save time.

400+

word of the day: peacock

[Harvey Butler]

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"On some occasions, i's the ones tha' merely fink they're tough tha' ya 'ave t' worry oveh." The Butler sire nodded. Though he couldn't go looking for the pair intentionally, hearing of a companion only influenced his desire to keep a look out. Two heads were typically better than one, even if a particular contributor to that theory seemed to do nothing but slow the other down; in the end, Harvey would still be outnumbered if he should come across them during his wandering travels, and that was unpleasant enough.
He shifted his weight some, letting out a disappointed sigh afterward. "Y'see, they're the kinda blokes tha' ave the initiative t' do what they fancy. Tha' sort of stubborn, blood-thirsty drive is enough t' make up for brute force sometimes." He just hoped the mysterious partner-in-crime was less bold than he was appearing showy.

News of two was ugly, but there was little since in simply worrying over it. The Squire would be sure to inform the others of her tier (as well as his family, to further suggest the need to stay within the pack's borders unless traveling with a guard), and if possible, the King himself so actions made on impulse would not cause the entire Court risk.

The merle male offered the Justice fellow a shrug. "Spent me time 'bout the coast nearin' the ci'y. Wouldn't boveh much lookin' there, maybe some place less urban." He more or less mumbled, trying to suggest what he could in honesty. "I 'aven't 'specially been on the look-out for boats, mate. My business lies wif protectin' me packmates an' supportin' me family. Oveh than tha', 'fraid I won't be of much 'elp." The Courtier said, trying to prompt a dismissal of their conversation.
Or, at least, that particular subject.

Now that he had enough information, there was no reason to dwell about talking about boats (something he admittedly had scant knowledge of).
But part of him also wanted to be sure that when he turned his back to return to Cour des Miracles, that he wouldn't be doing so with a knife lodged in it.

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[Solas Justus]

He had been raised without the guidance of a truly ballast parental figure. Solas’s view of his mother was muddle with variously stretched forms of fact and fiction but his father was very much alive and well when he was last at home. But Galvin’s parenting skills were that of a shark, brutal tough love, if it could even been considered that. The violet eyed male was even colder than his flame pelted son, so bitterly stony that while growing up, he had not known the true tenderness of affection or security. Still, one could not miss what one never knew, and to him, he was probably all the stronger for it.

An ominous but not quite hostile look developed into the Justus yearling’s eyes, not really inflicted towards the fellow before him, but speaking about his enemies was renewing the hate he had for them. They were undeserving of even the most miniscule breath of air that they filled their filthy lungs with. Solas loathed them and it showed. Tracking someone across the country on a wild goose chase with the intent to kill could not allow for mercy or softness. “I certainly don’t trust him,” growled the loner.

The fellow’s honesty was quite irritating even if it were appreciated. Solas did not want to hear that he had a family and pack to defend as he was not one for nobility. To him they were just excuses for Harvey to not be of any use to him. Yet, regardless of the galling frustration he felt, taking it out on the samaritan was not going to get him any closer to his assassination nor his boat. A forced smirk cracked on to him maw in an attempt to portray forgiveness in the dog’s futile assistance. The pages wrinkled deeply in the grasp of his hands as he bided, “Well, Justus appreciates your cooperation sir.”

300+

word of the day: ballast

[Harvey Butler]

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Thank you for the thread! :D [333]

---

He'd like to claim that he had the teaching style of his father; Mycroft Butler was a hardworking canine who would sacrifice anything he had for his family if the need called for it.
But that wouldn't be true.

The Briton was gradually working his way up the military ranks, and there was no doubt that he wouldn't give anything possible to assure that his loved ones were safe, but there was still so much differing the two Butlers. While Mycroft was a subtle, soft-spoken male with a tame personality and a plan for pups, the Squire was, despite being mated, known for being perhaps overly flirtatious and hadn't imagined himself taken the role of a father until he as presented with the position (however, when he became aware of his mate's pregnancy, there was little apprehension; he was and still is more than thankful for his children). While his father was tame and thought things through, Harvey suffered from problems of his past and behaved more impulsively.
So he couldn't say that he had acquired his guardian's skills, but at least he could claim that what methods he had worked.

"I should 'ope not." He muttered in response, although it was not intended to be aloud. It was typical for an enemy to be an untrustworthy individual; it was part of what made them so dangerous.

The longer he stood in the other's company, the more uneasy he felt. The two didn't seem to have a lot in common, other than the desire to dismiss the presence of potentially harmful individuals. Violence, though, was not a particularly positive quality to share, and thus would be worse to build a conversation upon.
The Courtier nodded, then cleared his throat before dismissing himself. "Right. Uhm..." He started, giving a polite nod toward the assumed assassin, "Cheers, then. If tha's all."
He brought a hand up to give a quick wave, but immediately changed his mind, combing it instead through his hair and sighing heavily.

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[Solas Justus]

His actions had to be particularly strategic at this point in the interaction. There was no way to really demassify this situation without completely turning it into complete and utter destruction, something Solas was very, very good at doing, and thus had to tread lightly. He would let Harvey go on being the family man that he came across as – such a petty job at that – briefly wishing that he had thought to ask more seemingly genuine questions about his family. Kidnapping was something that the young assassin had a great interest in, he suddenly realized. Parents would foolishly do just about anything to get their young back so it would be a bold way to get information.

Alas, he had not timed this plan well though, because if he lingered the conversation anymore, his intentions could be questioned. So the fire colored male simply gave a curt nod combined with a farewell of, “Good day sir - pleasure speaking with you.” Although there was his usual sinister look that kept reappearing in his lava orbs, one that could tell just about anyone with a brain that he was not one to trust and that he was very good at twisting words for his own ill intentions. Solas would watch the fellow as he disappeared, letting him go without causing a row, before he himself would continue with whatever was left to do for the day.

occ: thanks for the thread!

200+

word of the day: demassify