the crimson meadows
#1
[html]
I thought someone could come find her trying to eat the horses. Smile



River had come a long way, and though she had not wasted away to hunger, she was constantly tired and she needed something to eat. Since the dog leader Haskel had accepted her, the dark woman had not been courageous enough to stray more than a half mile away from the border. The summer nights were cool enough for her to sleep outside, without the necessity of finding a place to dig a den. She was terrified to leave the safe confines of the forest, for she knew that in this country there were many things she was unfamiliar with, and many things she did not understand. It was not half as bad as Europe, where she had traveled through abandoned human cities time and time again and been frightened, skittering away each time she saw another canine. She had been comfortable where she was, until now. She was terribly hungry, and within the comfort zone she had created for herself inside of Cour des Miracles, there was nothing to eat.



River loped through the forest with her head level to her body, prepared to crouch if she saw someone. This place was thick with the trails of canines who had passed through, and she was not in the mood today to encounter any one of them. The underbrush could serve as a good enough shield until she could sprint away; the Russian wolfdog knew how to make herself invisible in places like this.



But gradually, the trees began to thin. The scent of pray became apparent to her, but so far she smelled no other canines. When the forest opened up to a large, fenced field, River sat on her haunches, icy eyes scanning the area below. The prey she had scented in the summer breeze was strange looking, something she had never seen before. It had a long, rounded muzzle, a mane that fell across the side of its neck like a waterfall, and hooves, like elk. It was fat with the season's grass and clover. Though the speckled female persisted with her cautious advance, she fell into a stalking pose, holding her body close to the ground. She had confidence in herself, this creature could not be too intelligent, and she need only be wary of the hooves.
[/html]
#2
[html]

I am assuming the clearing is the stables? Since that is the only place we keep the horses. Ever is 42 days pregnant and just starting to show.
478

A muted summer light filtered in silently from the tree canopy and created places for shadows to dance vibrantly on the ground and in between the large spruce and hemlock trunks. Long gashes in the trees clearly marked whose territory lie in these borders. The salt from the sea seemed to stain every inch of the tightly crowded forestry. Sea breeze and a familiar mingle of wolf scent clouded the air occasionally.

Ever listened to the gentle trot of the stallion under her thin, beautifully shaped body. Despite being pregnant, she was frail and thin, similar to when she was in her depression, with her ribs barely poking out from lamb-colored fur. The pregnancy had taken much from the silver girl, including appetite. Her soft blue dress that she began wearing concealed most signs of it. Work awaited that morning.

On her way to the stables, the ashen hybrid picked up an unusual fragrance. The mist from yesterday dawn had already dried off, taking away most of the usual aromas. However, this scent was fresh, and heading directly towards the barn. The thought wouldn’t have caused the Page much distress regularly, but this was not a smell she was accustomed to. Perhaps it was a new member wanting to get a look around the territory. Still, it was her job to protect the stables and its contents from everything.

Ever urged Saphraine into a placid trot with a docile tap, barely grazing his golden sides. He leap forward to obey instantly, picking up his snow-furred legs with ease. Through the dark and light shades of the forest, they broke through the thinning remains and opening to the Miracles barn. Most seemed normal, with Alder’s doing of putting a few horses out to graze early in the day. The silver female slowed her stead, giving him room to toss his head in appreciation. Suddenly, he lurched forward towards an unseen object. Ever let her sere fingers latch onto his silk of mane as he took off. The fence of the first corral came up swiftly and was cleared easily.

Saphraine landed with grace and instantly tore towards something in the grass. Ever saw her now, and older smoke-pelted female in a hunting position, staring intently at the small herd with devious jade eyes. The girl urged her guardian on, circling the Seigneur with elegance.

What do you think you are doing?”

Ever said, her words delicate and closely clipped. The expression on her face was hard and protective, ocean eyes glaring fiercely at the new member. Saphraine reared quickly, landing inches from the woman. His head continued to toss, throwing his man across his face and back. Ever remained silent upon his back, not forcing him to hesitate.

<style type="text/css">
.whitemorning-ooc {font-style:italic; padding:0px; font-size:12px; text-align:right;}
.whitemorning b {font-weight:bold; color:#818181; letter-spacing:1px}
.whitemorning p {text-indent:20px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px;}
.whitemorning-line {width:420px; border-top:1px dotted #ffffff; margin:0 auto 5px auto;}
.whitemorning{margin:0 auto; background-color:#c8c8c8; background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/s6st9k.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding: 180px 0px 10px 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#929292; letter-spacing:.3px; word-spacing:.8px; line-height:12px; text-align:justify; width:500px; border:1px solid #ffffff; margin:0 auto;}
</style>
[/html]
#3
[html]
yes, that works. shoulda done my research. and thank you so much for replying!




She was drawing near enough to attack, yet the beasts did not seem to have noticed her. They continued to move around and graze, much like a herd of elk. However, by now one among a herd of elk would have lifted its head and sensed the danger lurking in the swaying emerald grass nearby. She began to wonder if these animals had any brains at all, so unfazed were they by the predator lurking nearby with the taste of blood on her mind.



The sound was faint at first, a soft beating in the distance. River froze and looked wildly around her as the noise heightened in volume — she recognized hoofbeats, but the tread was much heavier than the graceful dance of elk or deer. Then, the answer came to her. A tan beast of the species she was stalking had come upon her, but the idea that he was coming to save his herd from her fangs was banished by the silver creature seated upon its back.



River balked, completely overwhelmed by the shock the sight had given her. In her "uncivilized" manner of thinking, it was against the laws of nature for the wolf to use prey animals for anything but food. Her instincts told her to flee this strange sight, but the shifted wolf had spoken in a firm tone, and River knew that she must stay and hear what the female had to say. If she was to be a somewhat valuable member of Cour des Miracles, she must learn their ways and obey them. The wolfdog did not rise to her full height, but rather remained crouched, her ears flattening against her skull and her tail folding against her belly. This woman was much more advanced in rank than she, and River knew she must behave respectfully as a wolf of the lowest rank in the pack.



She left all disdain aside at the sight of the werewolf who donned a human dress, and instead looked up at her with confusion in her eyes. I vas hunting, she spoke in a flat tone, flinching slightly as the tawny beast before her tossed its great head. In old country, these animals vould be eaten, not keep for pet. Again, she kept her tone measured and void of resentment at the loss of a juicy meal. She thought it important for the woman to understand her intention. I did not mean to break law.
[/html]
#4
[html]

Sorry for the wait! Maybe we could have another thread and Ever could aid her around? Big Grin
361

The stallion shifted under her, prancing on dark hooves with hard chocolate eyes staring. She could almost feel the long, soft grass he pounded upon, breath flaring down golden chest. A member so young, her scent still fresh with freedom, inclined herself in awe at their presence. However, the girl could see the glimmer of dread in her periwinkle irises. Perked ears flew flat against her speckled skull, seemingly driven back by their wind. Her muscles bunched, as if to flee, but Ever stared her down, heels hovering over Saphraine’s barrel. She knew together could catch the offender, and by her sudden change of mind, the unfamiliar hybrid realized this soon after.

At first her words were tentative, an arrogant edge icing the surface. Ever set her mouth in an equipped line, backed by years of experience. By now the flurry of excitement had caused the mares and geldings in the distance to raise their elegantly crafted necks. The girl glanced momentarily in their direction, prepared to gain the control the new member had almost unbalanced. But the horses went back to their grazing, shifting out of the beams of sunlight that filtered like falling leaves against their backs.

These animals are Cour des Miracles horses, they are not prey nor pets,

Ever’s tone was formal yet soft, returning her glare devotedly at the older lupus woman. An arctic ocean swam in her teal-tinted gaze, falling along the progress the unnamed hybrid had made from the edge of the forest. The hint of equine was strong in the area, nothing like that of a deer or elk.

This pack keeps them as companions, not just as steeds,

She spoke with compassion, laying a hand on the golden equine’s neck which quivered lightly with anxiety. His nostrils flared, expelling air more slowly now. The silver girl stayed upon her companion, feeling superior above the bowed member.

If food is what you seek than the surrounding glen will provide you plently.

There was something unsettling about this fresh member. If she didn’t know where to keep herself fed, perhaps she would need further assistance settling in.

<style type="text/css">
.softplains-ooc {font-style:italic; padding:0px; font-size:12px; text-align:right;}
.softplains b {font-weight:bold; color:#c28e3f; letter-spacing:1px}
.softplains p {text-indent:20px; padding:5px 15px; margin:0px;}
.softplains-line {width:400px; border-top:1px dotted #c28e3f; margin:0 auto 5px auto;}
.softplains {margin:0 auto; background-color:#ead981; background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/pw392.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding: 235px 0px 10px 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#9f8852; letter-spacing:.3px; word-spacing:.8px; line-height:12px; text-align:justify; width:500px; border:1px solid #eee4a6; margin:0 auto;}
</style>
[/html]
#5
[html]
that would be wonderful!



River warily watched the horse animal, taken aback by its fervent protests; it smelled of anger and fear. Her pale eyes trailed once from the intense ocean gaze of the mounted werewolf to the animal's huge hooves. Seeing the creature up close, sensing its emotion, made her deeply grateful that this woman had stopped her. Though they would have made a good meal, River became aware that she never could have taken one down herself, and even more, she certainly would have been seriously injured, if not killed.

River raised herself slightly, though she did not relinquish her submissive poise entirely, her ears remaining pinned back and her tail lowered. As the other continued to explain, she spoke firmly and with the authority she deserved, but it seemed she had softened to River's willingness to submit and learn. Horses... River repeated to reassure herself that she could properly pronounce the name of the animals' species.

The hybrid had trouble understanding some of what the stranger said, and while she feared pestering her superior, more important was that she understood. Companion, like friend, yeh? she wanted to clarify, her voice humble, although she still found the idea of it slightly repulsive. The nameless woman was gently patting the horse's neck, her touch on the beast's coat tender and warm. And what do you mean, steed? It was another word she had never heard before, and she had no idea of what it meant.

If I had known these animals were your friends, I vould have searched elsewhere, she spoke to the woman's final words, sighing. I thought them easy prey, but I vill not touch them. She gazed up at the agouti woman with the sincerity of her promise blatant in her lilac-blue eyes. My name is River Hati. Yours?






<style type="text/css">
.freebaug38 b {font-weight:bold; color:#3d6280; letter-spacing:1px; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.1em #000000; }
.freebaug38 p {text-indent:0px; padding:6px 16px; margin:0px;}
.freebaug38 {margin:0 auto; width:459px; background-color:#000000; background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/blWqK.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #8f9ba6; padding: 130px 0px 8px 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#8f9ba6; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.2em #000000; letter-spacing:.6px; word-spacing:.9x; line-height:13.5px; text-align:justify;}
.freebaug38 p b:before { content: open-quote; }
.freebaug38 p b:after {content: close-quote; }
</style>
300+

[/html]


Forum Jump: