Stranger to this Land
#1
[html]

Dated for the 11th. Ezequiel is a couple miles north of Salsola. The noise can either be Odessa or something else, up to you :3.



Branches whipped past Ezequiel's face as he moved stealthily through the trees. The tri-colour male had left his sister behind in a hidden camp while he went out to do some hunting, but somewhere along the way hunting had turned into climbing, which was in theory a good way to get the drop on prey but in practise too noisy when in unfamiliar territory. If he had been in territory he had explored, where he had cleared leafless paths and identified which branches would hold his weight without creaking, then climbing would be a viable hunting strategy.


Still, Ezequiel rarely allowed himself the luxury of just relaxing, especially with recent events, so for now he indulged himself. While making his way through unfamiliar trees was a lot slower than familiar territory it was also much more enjoyable to the male; having to work out what would hold his weight on the fly, and dealing with what happened when a branch didn’t hold his weight, had a certain thrill to it and doing such things in leisure kept him sharp for when he had to do it out of necessity.


Despite the fact that their latest ploy seemed to have worked Ezequiel had still been on edge these last few weeks. Even though there had been so sign of their pursuers since landing in America the last year had ingrained paranoia into Ezequiel's behaviour and even now the collie cross was constantly scanning around, ever vigilant for the flash of tan and black that would signify that they had been found.


Ezequiel's latest jump took him over a fairly large gap and he was forced to stop for a moment, wrapping his arms around the tree he had leapt to and digging his claws in, unable to find a branch sturdy enough to support his weight. Something had caught Ezequie'ls attention and as he stilled completely it came again, a noise from below. Slowly and silently Ezequiel withdrew one hand from the tree, claws sticky where they had pierced the bark, and brought that hand down to his bandoleer. While Ezequiel had left his staff behind, the hefty bladed weapon unsuited to climbing or hunting, he was suddenly regretting that choice. Still remaining silent Ezequiel brushed his fingers over the handle of one of his throwing knives, eyes narrowed as he tried to make out any shape through the leaves.


<style>
.irish .ft-ooc {font-style:italic;}
.irish p {padding:3px 20px 3px 20px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.irish b {color:#73EFB5; letter-spacing:-.2px;}
.irish {background-color:#16A811; background-image:url(http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... g1qh-1.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding:280px 0px 10px 0px; border:1px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:398px; text-align:justify; }
.irish-border {width:400px; border:1px solid #000000; margin:0px auto; }
.irish .ft-separator{width:250px; border-bottom:1px dotted #A67C15; margin:0px auto;}
</style>
[/html]
#2
[html]

OOC here.

Word Count → 000


Juan had been eager to get out of the territory, but he had stuck close to Odessa a lot in the winter, not trusting himself to go far in the snow. After all, he was made for the rain forest not the great white north. So when Odessa had left the den, Juan had followed, soon to be overjoyed when they left the borders behind. But, of course, the cat was smart enough to know that without either Remy or Keshi, the trip would be short one, both in distance and time. So he enjoyed it while he could, running ahead and leaping upon every rodent in sight, whether he intended to eat them or not. Odessa followed a few paces behind, contemplating various things, but still keeping her eye on Juan. While he was fully grown, or at least near to it, he was still rather immature.


Odessa was still pondering her life. After all, he relationship with Imhotep had just been taken to the next step, courtship. And Odessa was afraid slightly, of rushing things. She knew in her heat this was what she wanted, to be a mate and a mother, a housewife essentially, but now that it was coming fast, this courting business being the first base. She couldn't help but feel a tad... daunted, by the whole prospect. Juan moved forward making a large noise.


<style type="text/css">
.razeodessa b {font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; text-shadow:#99695c 1px 1px 1px;}
.razeodessa p {padding:5px 20px; margin:0px;}
.razeodessa {margin:0px auto; width:500px; background-color:#da8e80; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/2vbk9ec.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #ffffff; border-radius:10px; padding: 360px 0px 5px 0px; font-family:georgia, sans-serif; font-size:12px; color:#986359; line-height:15px; letter-spacing:.6px; text-align:justify;}
.razeodessa .wordcount {color:#986359; letter-spacing:0px; font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dashed #ffffff; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;}
.razeodessa .ooc {font-style:italic; font-size:11px;}
</style>[/html]
#3
[html]

OOC here. /+324


Ezequiel's breathing slowed automatically and what little movement he was making stilled completely as the noise resolved itself into a shape, two shapes as it was; a black and grey wolf and a strange feline that looked like a miniature leopard. Ezequiel peered down, considering his options. The female didn’t look particularly threatening and at a guess Ezequiel thought that even he with his rather unimpressive stature might outweigh her. He could certainly drop down and escape, packing up Anita and the camp before the grey wolf could catch up.


Just as Ezequiel was about to do just this a thought occurred to him. He had been running so long that the familiar motions of paranoia and aggression were ingrained into him. This wolf had shown no inclination to aggression, though it was true that Ezequiel hadn't revealed himself yet; there was no need to run or fight.


Another fact brought itself to the surface. Ezequiel and Anita were unlikely to survive by themselves. In Europe it had been sometimes possible to find leftover food as they travelled, supplementing Ezequiel's less than perfect hunting skills with the leftovers. However in this less civilised land there would be little chance of that and if the two wished to eat well they had to join a pack. A pack would provide numbers as well and a territory, others who would keep Anita safe.


Luckily Ezequiel was downwind of the female and so he sniffed deeply, taking in her scent. Sure enough her normal scent was overlaid with the strong, mixed scent that represented a pack.


Deciding to risk it Ezequiel loosened his grip on the trunk, allowing himself to drop down a few feet onto a sturdy branch where he would be visible to her. Just in case the noise of his purposely heavy impact hadn’t alerted the female Ezequiel coughed loudly and then crouched down on the branch, peering curiously at the duo below him.

<style type="text/css">
.ezekour b {font-weight:bold; color:#415747; letter-spacing:1px; text-shadow:#000 1px 1px 1px; }
.ezekour p {text-indent:0px; padding:5px 16px; margin:0px;}
.ezekour {margin:0 auto; width:500px; background-color:#000000; background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/TZfk3.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #000; padding:370px 0px 7px 0px; font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#b9b9b9; letter-spacing:.6px; word-spacing:.9x; line-height:15px; text-align:justify;}
</style>[/html]
#4
[html]

OOC here.

Word Count → 000


Despite his natural disregard of the Canadian winter, Juan rolled around in the white snow with little restraint. And of course, Odessa saw no reason to stop him from enjoying himself. But never the less she kept her eye on him, for he wasn't built for the cold, with short fur and thin, lithe limbs. It'd be too dangerous to do anything otherwise, for the young creature wasn't always able to keep himself safe. And as already said, the cold could easily get to him. Odessa had already considered having Novak craft him a small cloak, akin to the one Odessa owed. But she assumed it would get ruined sooner or later and she figured he wouldn't like it either.


While she was upwind of him, unable to scent him out from the trees, scent wasn't needed after all. With a large thud, and later on a strong cough, Odessa was alerted to the fact she had company. Looking up suddenly and instinctively reaching for the opening in her satchel, in order to retrieve her knife, she spoke, 'Who are you?' Her ears folded back in a weak show of anger and power. Pumpkin eyes from her uncle and mother narrowed sharply.


<style type="text/css">
.razeodessa b {font-weight:bold; color:#ffffff; text-shadow:#99695c 1px 1px 1px;}
.razeodessa p {padding:5px 20px; margin:0px;}
.razeodessa {margin:0px auto; width:500px; background-color:#da8e80; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/2vbk9ec.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #ffffff; border-radius:10px; padding: 360px 0px 5px 0px; font-family:georgia, sans-serif; font-size:12px; color:#986359; line-height:15px; letter-spacing:.6px; text-align:justify;}
.razeodessa .wordcount {color:#986359; letter-spacing:0px; font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; border-top:1px dashed #ffffff; text-align:right; padding:0px 5px; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0px 15px 15px 15px;}
.razeodessa .ooc {font-style:italic; font-size:11px;}
</style>[/html]
#5
[html]

OOC here!



It wasn't that the female was particularly unthreatening but being up in he trees like this gave Ezequiel a sense of security, especially when he had a bandolier full of throwing knives across his chest against the knife clutched in his opponents hand, so found himself snorting lightly at the female's violent reaction, casually giving a feral grin that showed of small but sharp teeth, his own large ears remaining fully upright as he cased casually down at the dark furred female.


The cat was an interesting thing, possessing the distinctive markings of a leopard but being much smaller, but it didn’t keep his attention for long. The female demanded his name and Ezequiel responded, his voice deviating from the clean formal tone he usually kept with strangers to an insolent drawl, his Irish accent showing through, "Ezequiel. Family's none of yer damn business an I'm wanderin' through here." Ezequiel was bored and needling at this wolf's pride seemed a good way to amuse himself. If she managed to keep herself from getting too angry he might even entice her into a conversation, trade some information. If not, well, Ezequiel felt fairly confident of his ability to evade capture or, at worst, kill the woman. Still that shouldn’t be needed; it was fairly hard to track somebody be scent across treetops.


"What about ye self Lass? Ye got a name or home or ya some sorta ghost?" Despite his mocking words and tone Ezequiel's hands were kept pointedly away from the gleaming knives that adorned his chest, not wanting to turn this encounter into a fight unnecessarily if the girl was able to keep her cool.


<style>
.irish .ft-ooc {font-style:italic;}
.irish p {padding:3px 20px 3px 20px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.irish b {color:#73EFB5; letter-spacing:-.2px;}
.irish {background-color:#16A811; background-image:url(http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... g1qh-1.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding:280px 0px 10px 0px; border:1px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:398px; text-align:justify; }
.irish-border {width:400px; border:1px solid #000000; margin:0px auto; }
.irish .ft-separator{width:250px; border-bottom:1px dotted #A67C15; margin:0px auto;}
</style>
[/html]
#6
[html]
OOC sup bitches? / +yo numbah!


Odessa's eyes narrowed, but he hand didn't move any closer to equipping her pocket knife. Fat lot of good it would do too, against this man and his plethora arsenal. Her tail flicked behind her stiffly, unsure of what to do or what to say. And ultimately regretting not bring Novak with her on this trip. Of course, she was able to protect herself. But only to an extent and right now she assumed that if this turned into violence she'd be on the receiving, and ultimately loosing, end. Juan hissed slightly, backing up so that he stood with his side against Odessa's leg protectively. It wasn't as if her could do much either.


His rudeness was irritating and both Odessa and Juan were wary of this male. The stranger stared at Juan and he replied with a angry hiss. He was well aware of the fact he didn't belong here, and that his beautiful pelt was a rarity, but now was not the time. The woman straightened herself up and cocked her head defiantly, 'Odessa. And my home and surname are none of your business either'. Salsola's scent was masked carefully by floral tones, too foreign to be from around here.


<style type="text/css">
.odessya b {font-weight:bold; color:#3c6680; letter-spacing:1px; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.2em #3b5362; }
.odessya p {text-indent:0px; padding:5px 16px; margin:0px;}
.odessya {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8fadbe; background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/o1vEW.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #0b052c; padding: 208px 0px 7px 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#5a7382; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.2em #; letter-spacing:.6px; word-spacing:.9x; line-height:13.3px; text-align:justify;}
.odessya p b:before { content: open-quote; }
.odessya p b:after {content: close-quote; }
</style>
[/html]
#7
[html]

OOC here!



Ezequiel snorted at Odessa's answer but nodded, "Fair enough, guess I can’t ask fer more considerin, eh?" Odessa's scent gave to clues to her identity; the faint scent reaching this high smelled of nothing but flowers. Since Odessa seemed more wary than aggressive Ezequiel decided to drop down, give his feet a rest from the hard bark of the tree.


"I'm comin down now, no need ta get all excited on my account." Ezequiel called down, half mocking and half reassuring that his movement wasn't going to be aggressive, and then he dropped. The distance was fairly large but Ezequiel was good at landing, especially from a controlled fall. As he hit the ground Ezequiel fluidly moved with the momentum, legs seeming to collapse into a crouch so that when his arms hit the ground the momentum was reduced enough that the impact didn’t even jar his wrists.


Ezequiel stood back up with the same fluidity he had fallen with, mismatched eyes of blue and gold roaming over the pair of wolf and cat. Seeing nothing particularly interesting, in this case no hidden weapons, Ezequiel let his gaze lighten, fingers moving to his front to thread into each other for warmth. "Bit of a cold day ta be out without a reason eh? I’d be wrapped up all snug next ta a fire if it weren't fer the lack of food I'm sufferin at the moment. You out here for the same reason? Mebbe we could share a kill?" Taunting the woman some more might be fun but if the other was amenable to some hunting then practicality would outweigh his whims.


<style>
.irish .ft-ooc {font-style:italic;}
.irish p {padding:3px 20px 3px 20px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.irish b {color:#73EFB5; letter-spacing:-.2px;}
.irish {background-color:#16A811; background-image:url(http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc3 ... g1qh-1.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding:280px 0px 10px 0px; border:1px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:398px; text-align:justify; }
.irish-border {width:400px; border:1px solid #000000; margin:0px auto; }
.irish .ft-separator{width:250px; border-bottom:1px dotted #A67C15; margin:0px auto;}
</style>
[/html]
#8
[html]
written in isolation in school / +yo numbah!


Juan's eyes were kept narrow as Ezequiel dropped down from the branch. He reverse from his spot beside Odessa and proceeded to let out a small hiss from behind her heels. Odessa took a step back at the same moment, avoiding the Margay behind her. He spoke and Odessa frowned, her pumpkin gaze sharpening, 'Who says I'm out here for no reason?' she questioned, tilting her head as she awaited his reply.


He spoke again and Odessa smiled briefly, 'At least you're not stupid'. She was glad to see someone with their priorities in check. Odessa could see the attraction to cuddling up in front of a nice warm pit fire. But work came first. 'I'm looking around for herbs' she said vaguely, clutching her note book lightly. 'I suppose' she said, when he spoke of hunting, 'But I don't know if I'd be any help'. Imhotep usually provided her food for her.


Odessa's light grey digits stroked the spine of her note book. She'd found it while searching through Halifax as a child. Well at east a few months before now. It was filled with drawings and notes. The sketches getting progressively better each time, through dedication and practise from Odessa.


<style type="text/css">
.odessya b {font-weight:bold; color:#3c6680; letter-spacing:1px; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.2em #3b5362; }
.odessya p {text-indent:0px; padding:5px 16px; margin:0px;}
.odessya {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8fadbe; background-image:url(http://i.imgur.com/o1vEW.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #0b052c; padding: 208px 0px 7px 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#5a7382; text-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.2em #; letter-spacing:.6px; word-spacing:.9x; line-height:13.3px; text-align:justify;}
.odessya p b:before { content: open-quote; }
.odessya p b:after {content: close-quote; }
</style>
[/html]


Forum Jump: