Lupus | Pine Barrens | Backdated: Lake October | NPCs: Wormwood & Xanthos
(+430)
Sorry for the delay, finally got a version of MS Word re-installed on my computer! I backdated this to be before the [SL] Curse of the Sanctum: Plot Stage III happenings since Coaxoch is in one of the Raids x3
Fall was in full swing, with the only few traces of greenery left in the world to be limited to the hardy plants and trees that could brave the harshness of the winter season to come. Quite a few leaves still clung to their branches, however, it would only take another harsh wind or two to fully remove them. There was a chill in the air despite the warm sun that managed to break through the spotty canopy above. The smell of autumn was crisp and earthy, with a hint of moisture still lingering from a recent, cold rain.
The leaf litter crunched softly as the Lupus male traversed the woodlands. He walked in a searching pattern, nose sniffing the ground as he stopped here and there and changed his heading frequently. It was the first time since his joining of the Kingdom a few weeks prior that he had taken such a form during the daylight hours. Having claimed a residence and started to truly settle in, however, Argive thought it high time to get to work.
Behind him, his horse followed dutifully along, though, moved at a very casual gait. The stallion wore his usual gear, to include his saddlebags that were filled with various collection supplies for his master. Wormwood was not far from Argive either, the fisher doing much of the same as the Luperci; searching. With his smaller form though, the mustelid frequently disappeared as he found various holes, dens, or otherwise to explore and investigate.
Argive doubted their search would prove very successful. It was new territory, and the creature he sought would have not been moving around enough to create easy to find scent trails. Still, he had them search. At worst, they’d find something to eat instead. At best, the Associate would have a new poison to play with.
He padded on, stopping as he came across a tree hollow. He took in a few deep breaths before cautiously moving his head closer to the entrance. The cavity at the tree’s base was small enough to keep a bit of heat in and ward off the wind and rain. It was a perfect option to house the deadly reptile that he sought. As his yellow-green eyes searched the hollow’s contents though, he found it disappointedly empty.
The hybrid let out a forced exhale, unimpressed by yet another dead end.
Suddenly, from the branches above, he heard Wormwood let out a warning chatter. Lifting his head, his sharp eyes sought out whatever might have been the cause for it.
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ooc: Very sorry about the wait there on this post. I just kinda suck a lot as a person in general.
[603]
Voyage o'er the mountains and wastelands
Coaxoch had been out in the Blackwoods, doing his morning rituals in the depths of the woods that spanned further from his house than he often wanted to. He had done this to keep his nosy partner out of what rituals he had been conducting, as well as to keep his children out of it too, for he did not want another repeat of the time where Eden stuck his hands into fire to save a burning raccoon from it's unsavory death. He sighed lightly as he finished his prayers for the morning and he rubbed his eye with his only hand and he yawned. It was still a bit early for him to be awake normally, but he wanted to get it out of the way before Sebastien woke up and he wanted to get breakfast while he was out as well. Something small, maybe more than one of the prey that he sought after, so he put his humanized things down in a safe place, and he proceeded to shift down into his large halfling form to be closer to the ground.
The speckled nose of the male caught the smell of rabbit dens that were nearby, and he figured that he might go ahead and try to raid one of them. It was easier for him to hunt in this form, even though he only had one arm, and he still did get around pretty quickly for a heavy male that had only one front appendage. He growled lightly as he sniffed at the ground and he found a trio of scents that he did not recognize that suddenly brushed up over the smell of rabbits. It was another male, and a horse at first, but as he pushed on, he found the third scent to be something unknown to him. It smelt like a rat, or a cat, or something in between that, and he found himself to be curious as to what this scent in particular was. He followed it, before he had been joined by the pale lynx, Ixion. The feeling rubbed against the agitated male, circling under the chest of the large secui where he had no arm and rubbing the length of his body on the male. Coaxoch thought to punish the feline, but he did not, and instead he ignored the feline and continued moving along.
Large speckled paw pads shuffled across the leaf littered earth as both the wolf and feline moved along in a straight line. The large blonde ears of the secui heard the creature before he saw it, and once he turned his head to see the little brown weasel, he felt the heat of a hunt in his chest ignite. He thought to snatch the creature up, but there was a snap and a turn of a smaller luperci with bright acid green eyes that stared up at the large tripod. The Warden lifted his head and his half-tail flagged as he looked at the other male and only glanced over at the weasel once more. The pale feline growled rather loudly as he looked at the smaller creature, but Coaxoch quickly turned his head to the cat and barked in retaliation. It made the feline flinch but he did not move from staying close to Coaxoch's missing arm as if he was a shield from any aggressor that might try to take advantage of the fact.
"I have never seen you before. I am Warden Coaxoch, and this is Ixion.." he spoke, as he tilted his bearded chin as if to ask who they were.
No worries! Sorry I couldn’t steer it directly onto the topic of poisons Dx With how things fell and Argive’s newness still, he wouldn’t have jumped into that topic right off the bat.
From his spot in the branches above, the fisher felt no sense of danger for himself from the larger predators that had arrived below. He was too high for the Luperci, would be too fast to escape to safer heights for the bob-tailed feline to be a threat. So, the weasel watched on with a cold, arrogant regard.
Argive, meanwhile, stood at little straighter, trying to look more presentable and respectful than too comfortable and casual. He was the lowest ranking member of the pack according to his sponsor. Only servants ranked lower than he at that particular time. It was in his best interest—and Sanguine’s by extension—that he act accordingly. He needed his new packmates to like him, not give them reason to have his tentative membership revoked.
The other that had found Argive and his companions was a larger male in Secui. His coloration was nothing terribly outstanding, however, his spotted nose was certainly something the Hemlock had never seen before. They looked to be about the same age, give or take a year or so. The most obvious feature though was not the male’s size, nor his speckled nose, or even his half-tail that had flagged dominantly behind him, but, rather, the missing forelimb.
A healer, Argive couldn’t help but to wonder what had caused such a loss of limb. How had he been treated? How had he recovered? How long had it taken? Were there any lasting effects from the lost limb?
Perhaps another time though.
Yellow-green eyes flicked to the pale coated lynx who was silenced with a bark from its master. It seemed things were in order there, and didn’t look like they would have much trouble with the cat seeing as it seemed to respect the commands of its Luperci partner.
Flicking gaze back to the Secui male, Coaxoch, Argive offered him a small, sharp-eyed smile in greeting. “Associate Argive Hemlock, sponsored by Warden Sanguine,” he introduced with a dip of his snout. “I only joined the Kingdom a few short weeks ago,” he went on to further explain why they had never crossed paths before. Argive had been busy trying to settle in and learn what he could from his sponsor than he had been trying to make pleasantries with anyone outside of Millstone Village.
Argive didn’t bother to introduce his horse or mustelid companion. It would have been pointless for one, and the other rarely spoke around strangers as it was.
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ooc; No worries! I would much rather you do what feels natural than to jump to something that don't make sense to jump into. :3
[+425]
It's looking like a write off now
The male had introduced himself as Argive, and he had given his rank and sponsor name too, which was helpful, for Coaxoch had been so secluded out in the Blackwoods that news of new members often would reach him last unless he or his father had been directly involved with recruiting the members, which, as one could imagine, was not often at all. This had been because of the reclusive nature of both himself and his father, for they often did not go outside of Salsola, and when they did, they were reluctant to tell anyone who they were because of their unique appearances. They were both very easily recognizable, if not for the way they looked, then for their glaring disability. It was not often that Coaxoch had met another with the same misery as he had, in fact, he hadn't met another tripawd ever.
When the other asked of what he could do to be of service to the Warden, the large ears of the secui had turned back on his head and he shook his head lightly. I do not require any services from you. he told the male, in a rather blunt manner, and once the monotony of his voice registered in his own mind, he realized that it might have sounded rude to say it like this, so he opened his maw again. I smelled your friend, and hadn't come across the smell before, is all. I was wondering what kind of creature it was. he spoke as he motioned his muzzle to point at the weasel who was safe up in the tree and away from them. Coaxoch huffed lightly as he placed a bit of his weight on his cat, knowing that the cat could handle having a bit of pressure on his back, for this had been normal for them when Coaxoch had been in his halfling form.
Coaxoch moved his muzzle and looked back at Argive with his bright blue eyes. He did not make any movement to enforce his ranking, for he did not feel the need to. This Associate seemed to know where he stood, and this would serve him well within the kingdom. Tell me, Argive. he spoke as he looked at the roots that seemed to be dug up at his feet. What are you looking for, exactly? You look as if you are looking for a plant, or something. Maybe I can help. he told the male,
wondering what plants he was looking for this late in the season.
Note: Argive does not know that there are no native rattlesnakes this far north.
He offered a shallow dip of his head to the Warden’s denial of needing him. He might have wondered further what the purpose of his interruption had been for had the bob-tailed male not explained as much only a few beats later.
The Associate didn’t need to follow Coaxoch’s gesture to know who he spoke of. “He’s a fisher,” he answered. Not knowing if the Warden was simply asking for what to call Wormwood or if he had never seen anything like him either, Argive added just to be sure he satisfied the higher ranking male’s curiosity, “Like a stoat or mink, only larger.”
Argive saw the subtle shift in weight made by the Secui male. Was it tiring? Putting all of his heft on that one front leg? Argive wondered how long he might last, if there were any side effects or aches that came with such an unfortunate disability. Did he experience infrequent pain in that wrist or shoulder from staying in one of his four-legged forms for too long? Argive might have voiced his questions had he not been so new and low in the pack.
Coaxoch’s interest in him did not cease at the mustelid, however. Argive canted his head slightly. Surely, the male might know of where to find what he sought. He was a local to the area, or, at least, had been living within the Kingdom much longer than Argive himself what with holding the title of a Warden. “Not a plant. A reptile. A rattlesnake to be precise. The first good frost hasn’t happened yet, and they tend to like hiding in warm places like this little hollow.”
Turning, he scratched some of the gathered leaflitter from the hollow, ensuring that he hadn’t somehow missed the snake somehow. The hollow was still empty though, his quarry still evaded him. “I wanted to milk the venom from one since they tend to be rather lethargic with this cooler weather. I have an interest in poisons, you see, and this one is a rather unique skill that only becomes better with practice.” And it was far easier to practice when one’s target moved and reacted slower.
His attention returned fully to the Coaxoch. “If you knew where I might find one, that would help immensely.”
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The other male easily explained what the smaller creature was, and Coaxoch looked to it once more before he looked back at the other male. He nodded to Argive, and gave no further questioning or interest about the creature in general. Coaxoch had been a keeper of many different types of companions, such as Ixion, and then his birds Skrak and Barkek. He also had horses, and his partner had ducks, so Coax did know what it was like to have pets of different natures. Coax never thought to have things like weasels, for he found them to be the same as anything else that was too small — worthy of being sacrificed to the Red God, Valyskr. The male flicked his half tail as he watched the other male, and noticed that his eyes kept flicking to the cat, or the stump — Coaxoch could not decide which — and he was tempted to question the other male, but he didn't. It wouldn't be a good move for him to call out the other for just being curious, as most Salsolans had been about what had happened.
The other had spoken of rattlesnakes, and how he wished to milk the venom from one, for he was a poisons master. It was interesting to have another one that was interested in the poisons that Coaxoch too studied, though he had never been one to look for it in animals such as rattlesnakes and the like because he simply did not have access to them, not unless they were from traders who kept the creatures as pets or for their venom. Coaxoch shook his head. We do not have wild rattlesnakes here in Salsola, nor have I seen them outside of Salsola. I only know of merchants who breed and sell the snakes down South in Portland. the male informed the other with another flick of his tail and a huff from his maw.
The Tripawd contemplated letting the other male know how he had known such merchants, for he did not know this male all too well, but when it came down to it, the slightly older male might have had more knowledge that Coaxoch could glean from him if they became friendly with each other. It was not a well known thing about Coaxoch, that he had an affinity towards poisons, and he had a shed in the back of his home dedicated to his research, but there were some whispers on the wind about the gated of garden with the looming shed in the back of the Church property. He had yet to really tell anyone besides Elphaba and his own father about this, for he needed his skills to be kept on the down-low, for his skills were for the use of the crown, and the crown only. He would not let simple heathens use his poisons for their silly conquests.
It's honestly much easier to find the plants you might need to do the same effects. Might be slower, but they all work the same. he shrugged his broad shoulders as he lifted his weight from Ixion and took a step forward. His large ears turned towards the male with interest, and while Coaxoch had not outright admit it, he was sure that the other could assume that he, too, was interested in the poisons.
I might not have given you the information you wanted, but at least you won't be wasting your time trying to find something that simply does not exist this far north. Though, if one could keep it warm enough in an enclosure, it might benefit Salsola to have such creatures around for a Veleno's purposes. he mentioned as he side-eyed the other male and he lowered his head to sniff at the ground, to see if there were any snakes nearby. He didn't even really smell any reptile in the area but they were sneaky little things, even the garter snakes were pretty difficult to find, without a specially trained nose for them, or an extensive knowledge of knowing their behaviors. Coaxoch was not much a snake man, for he lacked the equipment to be able to use them without a second hand.
Poisons is a pretty niche subject. Is that all you study, or are you a medic too? he asked, curiously. He wanted to find out what exactly this male was about, and if Coaxoch should keep an eye on him, should he try to pull a fast one and poison someone important.
Sorry for the wait! Needed to find my Argive muse again after last month xD
Argive could have frowned, deeply.
It seemed his search that morning had been all for naught according to the Warden. “Pity,” he said with a cluck of his tongue against his teeth. A bother, this would be. It meant that he would have to wait until spring and travel further south if he wanted to milk one for its venom. Such an inconvenience also meant that he’d have to figure out how to transport it back to the Kingdom, if at all.
He had never tried to transport over snake venom over such a distance before.
His ears pricked at the words of advice that followed the unfortunate let down. “You speak like you know from experience,” Argive observed with a small curl of his lips. Poisoners were far and few in this world, and it seemed that he had just found the acquaintance of another. What luck, to have another that might dabble in the same field as he to be so close by rather than merely a passing soul on the road.
Argive shook his head dismissively when Coaxoch downplayed his earlier answer, “Not what I wanted to hear, no, but helpful knowledge nonetheless. Thank you, Warden.” He tipped the edge of his nose to the Secui male. A shame it was, indeed, that it appeared no one in Salsola had any interest or experience in the care of such deadly creatures. The other had spoken of a strange name too—or perhaps it was a title? He recalled Sanguine mention jobs and their tongue-twisting names, perhaps this veleno was one of them—and Argive made a note to ask his sponsor about it later.
The Warden asked more questions of him, and the Associate didn’t keep him waiting. “My primary duties are that of a healer, yes,” he replied with a sharp-edged smile. “When you work with enough healing herbs though, you learn about the bad ones too. In order to combat one, you must intimately know the other.” He flicked the tip of his tail. “Healing may be my primary role, but poisons are my passion.”
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The words he had spoken were enough hint for the other male, for they did not know each other so well as to delve into subjects such as jobs and aspirations, so Coaxoch did not answer the male when he had commented about the male knowing from experience. At least, he did not respond in a way that one might have thought he would. My son, Eden, is an aspiring medic. He is a very intelligent boy who has rattled off some things to me in passing. he lied too easily, for it was more likely that Coaxoch had done the very thing to Eden in the past, and it was Coaxoch whom owned the garden that held such poisonous subjects.
The other thanked him for his information, and the Warden nodded his head briefly. Coaxoch knew that it would be the Salsolan way to ask something of the other male, but there was still trust to be gained, and ranks between them that were to be acquired before any True Salsolan would put their faith in someone. There was something about the other male's bright green eyes that made him also distrust the other male, something that made him want to recoil and leave, but Coaxoch's curiosity was stronger than his desire to not be within the presence of the other. It's not a problem. I'm more than happy to have been of help. he told the other as his head raised from it's craned position and he took a seat suddenly. His large ears tilted towards the other with interest as the male spoke of being a healer, and how he had become interested in poisons, and then he emphasized that poisons were his passion while healing was just a job.
That was something interesting, and the cock of Coaxoch's brow would have suggested that he took great interest in this. The other male had little regard to letting others know of his practice, and it was interesting for him to have such confidence in it, while Coaxoch had been on the other end of the spectrum. He did everything he could to cover up his tendencies so that he did not harm those whom were not intended to be harmed.
Salsola needs more medics. We have seen many wars in the past, so I am sure you will see a fair share of wounded warriors. the male spoke to the other as his own half-tail flicked lightly and he shifted his weight again on his front leg, wishing to be able to put another leg down but unable to because of his condition. The scar still did not heal over, and the ugly stump sometimes wiggled and made motions as if it was truly still a functional limb, even though it was far from that. We have not had a Veleno in some time, and I'm sure the Queen will have many uses for your talents. You should look into it with her. he told the other, even though he was the one who wanted to be the only poisons master.
Coaxoch had a long way to go with his confidence to allow himself to be known for such a dirty skill, if he would ever be comfortable being known for that.
We could probably wrap this up here or with your next post?
“I see,” Argive hummed, peacefully allowing an end to the subject matter. It seemed the Warden didn’t want to reveal what he knew and had possibly tried to divert the Hemlock’s attention elsewhere. He would find out eventually if the three-legged male knew as much as his original statement had suggested, Argive suspected. In the meantime, he was content to learn that the Warden appeared to come from a family—or, at least Coaxoch and this son of his—that was familiar with herbs. The more that practiced the art, the more that they could learn from each other.
Coaxoch seemed pleased with his answer, revealing a hint of the pack’s history and, perhaps, the reason why the huntsman from Portland had dropped the hint that he had to Argive. The news that the Kingdom had warred with others did not surprise the Associate. Salsola had impressed him for a reason, after all.
“The Kingdom’s people are strong,” Argive commented, “And I only aspire to keep them that way.” One did not win many war, did not survive the fight, if they were weak. What healers the pack did have must have been talented enough. Either that, or their fighters were top notch.
He blinked at the advice that Coaxoch further offered. From the connotation of the Warden’s words each time he had used Veleno, Argive could guess that it had something to do with poisons. It couldn’t have been snakes, as the Warden had dismissed the notion of any poisonous ones living so far north. “My gratitude for all of your advice, Warden. I’ll be sure mention your name when I ask for an audience with the Queen.” As a show of his gratitude to the one that had planted such a seed in his thoughts.
Argive chuckled a little then, “I believe I have some ways to go though to prove my understanding the ins and outs of what it means to be a Salsolan.” He had only been accepted into their secret society for a few weeks, after all. “In the meantime, however, is there anything else I can answer for you, Warden?” He had nothing but time now that his hunt for rattlesnakes had been ended prematurely.
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