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aw
The black thing hung from his hand. The rain matted and tattered fur dancing in the evening breeze while its eyes watched the trail he made behind him. Its yellow and green orbs were clouded, in a haze that looked from this world to the other side. Limp and lifeless he only needed to grasp the base of its bent tail as the rest dangled with no opposition.
It wasn’t a kill to be proud of, or even worth the effort. But he had been looking at him. Staring and judging with no right to either. Cats were conceded creatures, feeding on the vile and vermin of the earth, making them vermin themselves. You are what you eat… Heath would starve before touching a rat to his maw, and yet the feline creatures savored their blood and flesh.
The concrete beneath his paws was slick with rain that had just finally passed, though the clouds remained. The sun would make an appearance in the last hours of day, leaving the world in a shadow. Crumbled buildings lined the road he walked on, but his eyes lingered on the cracks of the broken road. Swinging the cat idly he wondered for a moment what it might taste like, but was more curious to know how far he could throw it.
Its head swayed with his motions, the broken neck leaving such a fragile connection.
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The idea that she should better herself in one way or another had crept over the female slowly, over time. She didn't know what had decided it fully, that she would spend her days in Aniwaya and wouldn't leave the pack like she had all of the others...maybe it was Tayui, there with all of her pups...or her friend Dawali with his quiet, subtle ways. A combination of those things, perhaps. Or maybe it was that, for the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely happy. She woke up every morning with a smile on her face and ended each day with a prayer to whatever gods were out there. Ember was now taking notice of things that she had never noticed before, like the way the clouds turned colors when the sun went down or how brilliantly shiny the grass was in the morning after a particularly damp night.
Today the female was in the city looking for something particular, the second book to a series that she had been reading. In the books, set in medieval times, a pair of opposite-sex twins switched places and the female human went off to become a knight, the male a sorcerer. She had really liked the first book, and wanted to read more about the copper-haired woman's adventures. She had set out from Aniwaya earlier in the day, but it had been a long walk. She would most likely spend the night in the library, then return to the packlands in the morning to read the novel in between training sessions and puppysitting.
She walked with a dark cloak around her shoulders, sword strapped around her waist in its usual position. Her hair, normally free-flowing down her shoulders, was tied up in a long ponytail that reached her mid-back. Ember walked upon two legs as usual, her preference. The darkly colored female could almost see the library in the distance, and hurried a little bit. She hadn't really enjoyed walking through the rain, but this book was worth it to her. She had to know what happened to Alanna and her friends.
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!!
Heath licked a finger of his back colored paw, tasting the dried blood of a well deserved thin and stinging scratch. It had fought, but it was only wound that the male were had endured, while the thing had lost its life. Holding it as if nothing more then a dirty rag, Heath made his way across the city, to the portion that was new to him. Unsure of what he would do with the carcass, his soot furred paw held its tail firmly.
The plan that was set for him by his brother was temporarily forgotten, and instead of doing what ever he had set out to Heath figured that feeding his curiosity would be more satisfying. A large building, its walls and steps made of old earth harvested stone stood before him. Ivory, and other climbing plant life hid its name. Not like he was looking for it. The large beasts that lay in front of it, one on each side of the steps, captured his interest.
Jaws hung open on one, large teeth exposed, while the other sat more regal and composed. The tawny lean male strode up to the petrified beast, cat in paw, and looked the creature in the eye. It was only the presence of a feminine scent in the air that broke his focus. Turning his head he watched the midnight female stride over the broken street, her paw steps of fluid it was as if she glided over the ground.
Voice lost for a moment, the young male watched her with golden honey eyes. Her cloak hid the weapon she bore, but just the sight of her pierced his chest.
Hey. was all he could rip from his vocals.
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Occasionally the sun would manage to sneak a few rays out between a cloud or two, and the female was bathed in light for a few seconds at a time. Her fur wasn't completely black, as one might think--it had russet highlights in it that only appeared when she was in direct sunlight. The clouds kept most of the light away, though, so the girl seemed as dark as the cloak that was draped over her shoulders. Her eyes were fixed on the library door as she approached it, still a short distance away. The first time that she had ever seen the library it had seemed really impressive...but now that she was used to it she didn't pay much attention. It was a very regal looking building, with its giant white structures.
It seemed that she wasn't paying much attention to anything today, though. She hadn't even noticed Heath, standing beside one of the large stone creatures that guarded the library's entrance. One hand went instinctively toward her sword and she took a step backwards to put a little space between them. Out here, in these lands, were all kinds of creatures. He could be dangerous. She inspected him with careful eyes, from the top of his head to the dead cat that was hanging from his hand. It wasn't a very natural thing, to be carrying around a dead animal like that. Ember had only ever seen a cat once or twice, the creatures usually managing to hide before she got anywhere close to them.
"Hello." She said back. Would she be able to get into the library? She was so close, and had come a long way. "I...was looking to enter the library behind you."
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She was and interesting figure, far more intriguing then the marble statues that guarded the doorway of the building. He rather enjoyed looking at her, though knowing that staring was rude he could not help but follow her hand to the belt that she wore. Her cape now drawn back her sword was exposed, and his golden gaze settled on it for a long second. Her words brought him back to her face and the green orbs that watched him. What she was thinking couldn’t be determined, but as stoic words passed her lips Heath was ever more curious, what would a warrior bearing a sword need with books?
Taking a few casual steps closer he saw no danger in her presence. The male took in her pack smell, not familiar with it he figured that the woman has traveled to him from some far off place. She was different, and such uniqueness made the fur on the back of his neck twitch, and his skin buzz. Descending the steps toward her, the lean hybrid looked back at the building that she spoke of.
Oh His word response was lazy, sure that she wouldn’t want to any more. Not when they could have a conversation sitting on the large wide steps. The cat still held in his paw was forgotten as he let his curiosity get the best of him. You really use that? The question was meant to be judgmental, or criticizing, just curious and only interested. As he spoke he looked and nodded his snout to her waist.
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Her life hadn't been much more than a schedule lately, things that she did day after day after day. Ember was interested in meeting others, yes, but she'd had enough to satisfy her curiousity within the pack boundaries. She hadn't really had a reason to leave. Except to visit Utriu, sometimes. Her spirit companion was often found on the shores of Beast's Grin Penninsula, and some days she took a little extra time when visiting him.
She went from foot to foot in an uncomfortable manner, looking back at him with a small, cross sort of look on her face. She hadn't had to meet someone completely different, someone who wasn't related to her or one of her friends, for a while. She'd actually have to try and make conversation this time.
At his question her frown only grew. Of course she used it--why else would she be wearing it? For intimidation, maybe? But that wouldn't work if one got into an actual fight. Maybe he didn't think that she was capable of using such a weapon, that the weight would be too much. Her fingers ran along the hilt of the sword, tracing the designs on it. She'd already named the weapon, in honor of the brilliant sword that she had read about in the first book. Lightning. It was her Lightning sword. "I don't look capable of wielding such a weapon? You'd be a fool to carry a sword without having the ability to use it." She trained every day, and had been training for quite some time so that she could use it with ease. "Who are you, anyway?"
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didn’t mean to take this long 
His time was spent haphazardly. The only direction the young male received was from his brother, and even that was vague and misguiding. He needed a leader, someone to show him what kind of wolf he should grow to be. A beast that might be the masculine figure that he had lost to the hands of his sire. Until that happened he was cursed to walk alone and be the confused single entity he had become, rather then part of a pack. There was even distance between he and his siblings, another first time experience.
She didn’t look much like a confident warrior. The keen male noticed her slight fidgeting. He was one for spotting weakness, so the slight weariness she portrayed was seen quickly. Though, he did not believe she was frightened by his sudden presence. Maybe taken off guard, but that turned quickly to annoyance as she addressed him.
Having been merely curious Heath gave her a slight shoulder shrug at the question and paired it with the shake of his head. That is not what I meant. Was it meant to be an apology for the disrespect? Heath wouldn’t admit such a thing, instead he took another step closer. He found her so very intriguing. Taking all of her in with every sense but touch, he spoke. You just don’t see many with such a large weapon. He was used to tooth and claw fighting, but this female took battle to a whole other level.
I’m Heath. Who are you?
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She always said things without thinking about her words first. Ember had a quick temper, but when she did explode a little she was able to get it under control very quickliy and see the faults of her anger. He hadn't been questioning her ability at all, it seemed, just curious to as if she knew how to use the weapon. Maybe some wolves did carry things around without knowing how to use them. Or she could have been just walking back with it like she had when she had very first found the thing. He was, however, still blocking her way into the library. She didn't mind a conversation every once in a while, but the desire to get to her book was distracting her from the situation at hand. From the creature at hand. Now that she was actually looking back at him she was beginning to notice a few things. He had an interesting color pattern to his coat, grays, browns, and blacks. Not just one or two colors like hers. And his eyes were a hue that she hadn't seen around the area before. "I...uh...didn't mean ta be rude. I guess. Werewolves carry a lotta things around." Yeah, that certainly sounded smart. Clearing her throat again quickly, so that she might speak again before he completely digested what she had said, she addressed him once more. "Ember Phoenix." When he took another step toward her she stood her ground. They were about even in height, Ember being of an average build, and she looked back at him evenly. "Well...it was nice meetin' you. But I really need to get inside the library."
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not to worry 
Heath wasn’t one for rethinking, or even thinking much about what he said. Maybe if he cared more about what others thought, or cared about what kind of impression he gave he would. Though with the female in front of him, he paused to choose his words carefully. Not having done so before and with her still advancing towards the building that he blocked, Heath needed to consider what he said cautiously. Even the words she spoke made him straiten his back, and wonder if his mane was behaving well enough. Why it mattered what he looked like was beyond him, but he still hoped that she saw something that she liked.
Trying to keep from being discouraged, Heath gave a winning smile. But its such a beautiful day. Why spend it locked inside? Gold eyes looked to the sky behind her, but quickly locked with the green that peered at him.
They could sit and talk, or she could bring out the sword she wore and show him its true length. The young male found it hard to not let his mind move to her body, and part of him wanted to keep even the imagined image of her a mystery. Something about her, may it be the simple hue of her fur or the massive weapon that she carried, made him want to preserve that picture he held of her. Let the present be unwrapped gradually. Let each new thing he found melt him ever so slowly.
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She didn't understand why he would want to keep talking to her, with the way that she'd been acting. But apparently he did. Ember wasn't too used to being around others, only her packmates or close friends, and sometimes she didn't know what to say to other wolves. What could she say? What did he expect for them, two strangers, to talk about? She had no idea. It was probably better to just let him lead the conversation.
"I guess the books will always be there. But I'm not sure if this library even has what I want. It's nice outside...but it's nice inside too. You should come in with me." A compromise, maybe. The female cleared her throat expectantly. He wouldn't really keep her from her book, would he? If he did refuse to let her in, she didn't know what she would do. She could come back later, maybe, when he wasn't there. Either way, she'd get her book eventually. She looked at him curiously, a sort of grin appearing on her face. Perhaps today was a social day. "Well? Whaddya say?"
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Was she wrapping him around her little finger? Her words were filled with a sort of sorrow mixed with prospect. It meant something to her, and through her voice Heath could see that this was what she had set out to do and she was destined to fulfill it. But Ember wanted him to join her. With her smile Heath unknowingly gave his own as she gave her last two questions.
Suddenly the weather would last till the end of time. He wouldn’t miss it; it would be there when they exited. That was if they left together. And for some reason Heath hoped they would. He didn’t think twice, outstretching the black-gloved arm he always led with and let his golden eyes shine. I wouldn’t keep a lady from what she desires. His teeth could be seen in his smile as he moved to take her hand.
It was out of character, but felt so natural. It was easy to give her what she wanted and give into her sweet demand. It was a simple thing, and Heath was surprisingly happy to let her take him through the winding halls, letting them get lost among the shelves. It felt so easy to just let her lead.
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Heath sure was a peculiar fellow. Ember didn't know what to make of him, really. But she didn't meet new people very often...why not make the best of it? Maybe it was time for her to get out of Aniwaya and make a few friends from outside the pack. He seemed friendly enough, and good humored. "Good, then. Let's go."
It didn't take very long for her to find the right set of shelves, and she took a few moments to browse them. Ahah! Tamora Pierce. There were more books here than she had thought that were by that author, and she let go of Heath's arm so that she could take a better look. It seemed that there were a few series here with the Pierce name on them. She took the last few books to the series that she was reading and a few new ones, pulling open her bag and stacking them inside neatly. "Are you ready? Is there anything ya wanna look at in here, Heath?"
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All the wolves Heath was meeting were new, except his brother of course. Everyone else was a new experience for him to have. Each was truly different, as Heath felt this fey was. She was someone else, and such a discovery made him want to know more. She took his paw, proclaiming their departure on the grand adventure and leading him onward.
His smile widened as she strode up the stairs beside him. Golden eyes watched her more then the steps he took, or the entrance that led him into the library. Though, Heath tried not to stare, only taking sideways glances at her face and even looking down to snag a view or two of her paws. He missed the grand structure that had been built in the honor of mere pages of paper and bound leather.
It was the mention of his name that brought him back to the dusty shelves and the dim light of the large crowded room. Replaying her words in his head he remembered her question, and shook his head. No, I’m not one for books... I’m not much for reading. His voice was mater-of-fact, but there was a curiosity hidden with in them. Gathering the courage to question her once again he realized that he must have made himself sound stupid. Being illiterate was a sign of ignorance and stupidity. What do you read about? He understood that there many had a preference, and he hoped to talk more about her…
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[html] End this in a few posts and have another?
Ember didn't usually make friends quickly, so this was a rare day indeed. She didn't know what it was about Heath that interested her, but she found herself easing into a sort of easy friendship with him. She gave a nod when he mentioned not reading too many books. She didn't know how many wolves around here could read to begin with, or how many found it interesting. It was something to pass the time between when she trained and when she did her other pack duties, and now that she had gotten more into it Ember was very much into the stories themselves. They'd become more than just a pass-time.
She picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder, looking toward the exit. If he didn't want anything from here, then maybe he would walk with her toward Aniwaya. She would give him a future invitation, perhaps, to come and see her there sometime. "Sure. Lots of wolves don't like books, I've learned. Um...Want to walk with me to the edge of the city?" If he didn't want to, then she would be content to talk here for a little while before she headed back to the tribe's lands.
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sure
The golden-eyed boy watched her, a small smile on his face that he could not erase. It sat easily on his lips and expressed the ease he felt at her side. He had never been interested in such things, like book or words of stories. But he didn’t know much about any of it, so who was he to judge. He was happy to follower her and watched as she chose what she wanted, hoping silently that she would turn and set her gaze on his for another brief moment.
Her invitation to walk with her to the city’s boarder made his tail jolt to life and he fought to keep it at a soft steady wave. Yes. His answer was simple and quick, not having to take much time to decide. He wandered if she would show her sword, but didn’t have the courage to ask to see it. Thinking about it again he figured it was a personal thing, a sacred instrument. Even someone with as little maturity that he had at times could understand such an idea.
Where are you from? He asked, she was obviously a pack wolf and smelled deeply of it. He on the other had smelt of nothing but himself and the open world around him. He hoped it was a pleasant scent.
table by erin
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Her heart felt light as she walked beside him. Knowing that she would be able to read the books that she'd been looking for had put her into a really good mood. There was a certain skip to her step. She was excited to get back home, but didn't mind postponing her reading to talk to Heath. He'd been really nice so far, and she wouldn't mind seeing him again.
"I live in Aniwaya" She said, as they made their way toward the edge of the city. "You don't smell like any particular pack...if you ever want somewhere to stay, you're more than welcome to stay over a night or two. I know Dawali wouldn't mind as long as I told him you were one of my friends"
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I say end here!
He would happily take her home, or at least to the edge of the city. They both seemed to have their own agenda this day, Heath of course had an urge to find a quiet place and with a bottle fall sound asleep, and she of course had her books to read. But he was glad to walk with her, her company refreshing. He listened closely, shaking his head at her observation. No, I don’t call and particular place home. Heath didn’t even have a secure sleeping place. He beamed at her words, feeling as if he had made a god enough impression for such an invitation. I would love to visit. He expressed openly. He looked to her midnight hued face and smiled.
table by erin
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