Thoughts and Chances (Forget)

[Relairah]

OoC: Sorry for the time it took me to get this up... Dx

iC:

It was mid-afternoon, the weather cool but not unpleasant. The wind blew strong and sure, especially at this altitude. There were a few clouds drifting in the blue sky above and the sun shone, warming the land where shade was not given from rocks, foliage, and other things.

Upon a rocky ledge, jutting out from a lower peak among the mountains, sat a young wolf. He paid hardly any mind to the drop thousands of feet below should he fall. In fact, he wasn't even looking down. Rather he was looking off into the distance, gazing forward with crystal blue eyes, seemingly lost in his own ponderings. The wind whipped through his thick, red-tinted black fur as well as the farther feathers of the large wings tucked against his form.

He was handsome, with a strong build. His face was round with a long muzzle and pointed ears. His neck was bushy leading to strong shoulders and legs with large paws. His long, bushy tail lay lazily behind him. He was perfectly at peace, well at least on the outside.

Within his mind he thought of things not unfamiliar to him as of late, though secret to most others. Well, actually, all others. Of his growing independence. He loved the Shinkou territory as well as the residing pack dearly. He was loyal to them and had fought along many of them as well. His thoughts turned toward his family and he couldn't help the smile which came to his lips. Yes, he loved them the most, desiring nothing more than to please them and protect them. But he also needed his own life, his own way. And he was certain of his destiny for greatness. Just where and when he wasn't sure yet though.

He released a brief sigh, lifting his head and closing his eyes, breathing in deeply. The wind continued to blow, and he was enjoying it. Maybe he should speak with his family about his thoughts. But he just couldn't bear to hear their disappointment, worry, or sadness. Of him leaving. Of course he would visit. But the whole thing with Gelu still was in the back of their minds - he still hadn't recovered - and he just knew it wouldn't go over all happy-like. Still, it was better than letting it fester and gradually become his only thoughts endlessly.

Well, he had time to make a decision, he told himself. For now, he would just continue sitting here enjoying the view of the lands below and the feel of the wind in his fur.

[xxforgetxx]

((OCC: Lets just say they don't really know each other too well(like they've seen each other around a few times but don't really know each other other than that?), and that she isn't expecting him up here, okay? ^.^ And no problem. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply (: ))

IC:
A young lithe she-wolf padded softly along the ridge of the mountain side. The wind almost buffeted her to the face of the mountain, and she fluffed her fur against it though it did little to help. The sun shone down on her and kept her warm even as she climbed higher towards the beautiful blue sky.

Although she knew that if she were to fall, she would die as easily as that, she payed little attention to that fact. She was too caught up in her thoughts to care- and living in these lands her whole life she was sure-footed even on the mountain side. The wind continued to whip along her and through her almost all charcoal-black fur. Her chest fur was splashed with silver, and the wind pushed that back against her chest. Her normally thick and slightly fluffy fur was almost plastered against her and her tail that had a white tip was being blown behind her, and yet she continued on. She had to slightly squeeze her stunning ice blue eyes closed, so her sight was not to be affected by the wind, and in doing so the white dots above her eyes almost came together.

Although the wind was not on her side, she kept placing her small paws in front of her- one of her paws being colored white. She stopped to glance down at the drop beneath her. It didn't bother her at all. She took in the gorgeous sight of the lands with her icy blue colored eyes. "Its so pretty..." She murmered softly in a soft delicate voice, while squinting her eyes against the sun to see. The lands beneath the mountain were lush and plentiful. But that was not where she was headed. She felt the need to be alone, and knew she could do so up here. No one would come looking for her so high up in the mountains.

Continuing upward along the ridges, and having to leap a few times to do so, she made it to a ledge that was a little larger than the ridge she had been walking along. Hoping onto it, and having to scramble to make it up due to her small size, she followed it along the face of the mountain. It didn't rise any higher, but went around the side of the mountain. She followed it for awhile, until she had edged around the side of the mountain.

The small she-wolf was extremely surprised to find a young male from her pack sitting on the edge of the ledge. She was about to jump back in surprise when the wind blew a little bit harder and she remembered where she was. She turned and looked behind her. Jumping would have caused her to fall to her certain death. She shuddered a bit at the thought then turned back to the male sitting on the ledge in front of her. She didn't think he had noticed her yet. She had seen him around a few times, but did not really know him or his name. She wanted to turn around, but that meant it would turn coming this high up for nothing would be a long, tiring, and useless journey. She thought about going higher up and figuring out a way to avoid the male completely but decided she was scared to go any higher. "Hello? I'm sorry if I'm intruding, but I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here...." She called tentatively, her soft voice echoing off the mountain face.

[Relairah]

OoC: Okee doke... goodness this does not seem to be picking up very quickly lol

iC:

As the wind continued to blow, he was hardly paying attention to anything around him, except perhaps the skies. He didn't want to get pooed on by a passing bird. In any case, he didn't expect anyone else to be coming up here any time soon and it never occured to him someone else might have a similar thought process he had had... that is being, wanting to be alone with one's thoughts. In any case, her voice startled him, though he didn't show any outer reaction, other than his ears suddenly perking up and his head turning to see who it was.

Being within the Shinkou territory, he hardly felt the need to be cautious or threatened. This she-wolf didn't seem to exude any hostility either. But with the wind blowing in her direction, it was hard to pick up any of her scent, even from this close of a distance. He did have a feeling she was of the Shinkou pack, however, and he grew more certain to this as he took in the sight of her, now realizing there was something familiar. Perhaps he had seen her around. The pack was rather large and it was hard to get to know every individual wolf, but they often at least recognized each other in a general sense.

As her words sank in, he smiled, shaking his head lightly. "No, you're quite alright. I'll admit I wasn't expecting company either but that doesn't mean it is unwelcome. Join me, if you wish."

With that, he would step back away from the ledge slightly, allowing her more room to sit if she decided she was going to. He returned his gaze to the distance for a moment, though this time was actually focused on the view rather than blank space. It was very pretty, seeing the tree-tops of the forest which stretched below them and the lighter color of the swaying grasses in the field beyond. It was a common place for play and hunting - he was quite familiar with the different parts of the territory. Even the parts unseen from this height. In any case, it was indeed quite beautiful.

"So stranger, what brings you to this high ledge?" He wondered if she would return the question. And then he wondered if he would spill his thoughts. It wasn't like she was a total stranger... but in the same respect she was to him. Still, perhaps it would be nice to tell someone finally. Like one of those occasions where you meet someone, talk, and then be on your merry ways. Who knew. Either way, he was patient in waiting for her response, if she gave it. Afterward, he would add, "I hope you were not disappointed on finding me here." Upon saying thus he would look at her once more, a slightly mischievous twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face indicating he was teasing. He was also somewhat serious. If she wanted to be alone, he wouldn't mind taking off. But those words he didn't state out loud... at least not yet.

[xxforgetxx]

((It will, Im sure x3 Sorry if my posts mess up, Im on my phone so its a bit difficult to get it right >.< Blah!)). Ic: Hollow blushed as the male turned to look at her, and hoped he did not notice. She was shy, which is probably why she did not know even half of the wolves in the pack personally or even by name. The wind was blowing towards her, and she took in a breathe of his scent. It smelt familiar- yes, she had defently seen him around the pack grounds a time or two. She didnt know if this was the best thing to do, given if she made him angry he could easly push her off, yet he would be fine with those wings of his, but she padded over and sat next to him. She figured he probably would not, as they were packmates. However, you could never tell. Pushing these thoughts to the back of her mind, as she knew it would affect how she acted towards him if she did not, she tried to focus on the good things about running into him. She ran her gaze over him, before she grew embarrassed and turned away to look at the beautiful sight below them. "I suppose I could ask you the same thing." She laughed, still looking at the grounds below them. "Though I suppose it's a little less strange for you to be up here, than it is for me." She admitted bashfully, her gaze turning to linger on his wings. ((Not sure how to do the would thing, but I will try >.<)) She wondered if he would give her an answer, but for good measure she would end up giving her own. "I suppose that I thought I needed to be alone." She would admit, then wait for his answer. She would then blush darkly at his next question and bashfully shuffle her paws. "Perhaps what I want and what I need are two seperate things." She would bark, blushing more since she had pretty much admitted she was happy he was here.

[Relairah]

OoC: Haha yea... and no biggie XD

iC:

He smiled and shrugged when she said she could ask him the same thing. She seemed so shy and cute, but he didn't want to make her feel any more uncomfortable. "Yes, I suppose you could. For me... I was simply wanting to think over some bothering things and then enjoy the nice wind." He gave a brief nod afterward as if to affirm his words.

He was glad she stayed and chatted rather than running off. Though he supposed he hadn't expected different since she could have done so without ever alerting him to her presence in the first place. Thus he didn't let his gaze linger on her unless she spoke to him and he would then do so only to let her know he was paying attention. He caught her gaze as it shifted back and forth from the view to him and back. "If you say so... apparently you know just where to go with or without wings so perhaps it isn't so strange afterall."

She thought she wanted to be alone. Did that mean she didn't really want to be alone? Or that she did... Sometimes females were just so confusing! Still he stayed, especially with the reaction to his statement of him being there and her bark at him next. "Oo, ouch, calm down there," he said teasingly. "No ill will intended." He winked and chuckled.

"Well, pardon my rudeness. Since we are both here, and it is apparent neither of us are leaving, we should share names, don't you think?" He paused, trying to see her response and reaction, then would add, "I am Zefirino. Though you can call me Zef if you wish. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

[xxforgetxx]

The she-wolf grinned at his good naturedness. She was starting to feel alittle more comfortable with him, now. Perhaps he wouldn't eat her after all. She giggled a little at the thought. As he asked her name, she swilved her ears and looked up at him. "Im Hollow to the Bone, but you can call me Hollow." She grinned as she introduced herself. She would then blush, but force herself to look at him. She didnt want him to think she was uncomfortable or too shy. "I think I'll just call you Zef, then. " She laughed a little, and wagged her tail as the wind blew through her fur. Although she shivered a little, she had to smile. "It is a nice breeze." She admitted, her eyes shining. She glanced over the edge of the cliff and laughed a bit. "Even if I fell it would be my certain doom." She would laugh, taking in a deep breathe and smiling as the wind ruffled her fur. "You seem so good natured. If Im not pushing the limits, may I ask what your thinking of that bothers you so much?" She asked, turning to look up at him with her blue eyes. She doubted he would answer, but she figured that she could atleast ask. To show she was interested in talking with him, too.

[Relairah]

Hollow to the Bone she said... "Well, then, miss, I shall in turn call you Hollow," he smiled and dipped his head in a mock sort of bow. "I admit your name is unique to me... I like it." He was glad she decided to call him Zef. It seemed more friendly than two in business or uncertain of each other. The wind died slightly then picked up again... such were its fluctuations. She talked of how she liked it, then about if she were to fall. He laughed, "Hardly, Hollow, since of course one such as me would swoop to catch you." He paused, becoming a bit more serious in his tone, "I won't let you fall, so no worries, dying is not on your to do list. At least here, today." As if to prove it, he ruffled his wings against himself.

She said he seemed good natured. He was glad... but it seemed she also got a bit more serious. Well, it's not like he hadn't thought this might happen. Oh, why not? It certainly wouldn't hurt.... he hoped.

"Well, mostly it has to do with family. Long story short, I've been feeling more independent, like it's getting time to go my own way... do my own thing. I have this feeling like I'm to be someone significant. But I'm not sure I'll find that here... but I can't leave here... not yet. Which makes me feel restless... like I'm late for something important. I just couldn't tell you exactly what right this moment." He paused.

"The reason I can't leave yet is because... some time ago, my brother disappeared. No one knew where he went or what happened. All we knew was, after a time he returned with no memory of us or who he was or anything. Since then, he has recovered some, but there is still a lot of damage. My family has taken it quite harshly and I am not sure how they would handle my desire to leave. They just don't seem to understand my need for my own way." Another pause.

"Bah, I'm only ranting now I suppose. Didn't meant to dump on you if I did." He grinned. "But now you know... So... what do you think?

[xxforgetxx]

The little female blushed a little as he talked of her name. He was right, it was unique. But thats how she liked it. She liked his name, too, she decided. "Your name is really unique, too." She blushed, turning to grin up at him. She laughed a little as he explained her death was not to be today. "I would certainly hope so." She grinned, actually looking over his wings. They were gorgeous. She looked over the edge of the cliff, and decided no matter how pretty she found his wings and no matter how much she believed he would indeed catch her, she did not want to put it to the test. She listened quietly as he told her what was troubling him, and sat in thought for a moment when he asked her opinion. "I think it's very noble of you." She decided finnaly, giving a nod as if to confirm her words. "Only a noble wolf would stay for his families' sake. You want to go, but you stay so that your family will be happy. Thats really noble of you." She smiled, blushing as she turned to look at the ground bashfully. She turned to look at him, trying to keep her embarrassment at bay. He really was a handsome wolf. She was happy she had run into him. She thought about it and decided she would rather be with him than alone. His company was fun, and she was glad she had ran into him instead of another wolf who would have been less friendly.

[Relairah]

He had never had someone tell him his name was unique. It was a thought to ponder, indeed. He smiled, dipping his head slightly. "Well, thank you."

It was after then that she was saying how she thought him noble. Also a perspective he hadn't thought of. Quite the opposite really. He had thought himself a coward, perhaps, for not being totally honest with his family in the first place. But he just couldn't hurt them, was his reason... his excuse, as he had called it. It was funny how someone else could introduce a whole new idea on something. He smiled at her once more. "It is nice to hear you say such, Hollow. In truth, it gives me encouragement and comfort. Perhaps one day soon this will all be sorted out with myself."

She seemed still so shy but in a cute way, he was thinking. She seemed not to look into his face much. Perhaps like she didn't want him to see something. Though maybe it was just her on ways... maybe she just liked looking around. He wasn't sure. But he didn't ask either.

"So tell me, Hollow, do you have family here?" Naturally, it would be logical to assume such. But there were many who came to this pack from far off places for various different reasons. For the most part, he was familiar with the older families of the pack - hers not being one of them. One that he was familiar with, that is, and thus he was curious. He hoped he hadn't over-stepped any bounds. Quickly, he added, "Only if you wish to share of course. By no means do I wish I pry where my nose doesn't belong," after which he gave a quick wink. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable. But then, he knew nothing really, and perhaps he was worried unnecessarily. Still, he waited her response..

[xxforgetxx]

Smiling sadly, the she-wolf shook her head. When she turned to talk to him, her voice was bright but her eyes were sad. "My parents were a pair of loners who had only been with the pack for awhile," She explained, her gaze not wavering from him, "But they died when I was young. In a border scrap with the Gaiku." She finished, then let out a small laugh. "It's been so long, it doesn't even bother me anymore, though." She smiled, turning to look at the ground. Her eyes still had the sad look in them, but she shoved it away with a smile and a curious glance. "What about you, Zef? I know you have family, here... As you mentioned them, of course." She wondered, although she laughed at her own mistake. "I meant.... Like, what of their back story? If it's not too intruding to ask, of course." She grinned. She didn't want to offend him, but her playful side was getting the better of her now that she was more comfortable around him. She wondered to herself what family this handsome male came from, and suddenly felt subconcious that she had no noble family to call her own. Surely, he did. Just by looking at him Hollow was sure he came from a noble line of overly handsome wolves'. He had to get his looks somewhere, afterall. Or maybe he just got lucky with the gene pool. She wondered if his family appreciated him. The fact that he was staying with them. Surely they had noticed that he seemed restless, right? Most wolves would have left their family, regardless of the situatian. 'They better appreciate what he's doing for them.' She huffed to herself mentally, still looking up at him with curiousity in her ice blue eyes.

[Relairah]

He was silent when she opened up a little and told him of her parents and what had happened. His eyes softened and he dipped his head slightly. "My condolences," he murmured gently. Though she said it didn't bother her anymore, he had a feeling that wasn't entirely true. The sadness in her eyes had proven it, at least to him. He certainly hadn't meant to bring up old wounds, but then if she hadn't wanted to tell him, he didn't think she would have. She asked him about his own family in turn. It was only natural, he supposed, and a smile decorated his lips once more after a moment.

"Well, since you asked... my father is Icewulf Coldbane, leader of the Defenders of Shinkou. He fought alongside our recent Alpha in many battles against Giaku and others and lead his group. He trained many of the warriors of our pack as well. I suppose you could say he left quite a legacy, though he has retired. Not that he wouldn't fight should the need arrive," he added. Briefly, Zefirino remembered the long days when he would train with his father, strengthening his body and his skills. Even to this day he still spent time each day to keep himself in shape and alert. "My mother is from the north, and as for my siblings. I have already told you of my brother, Gelu. Everyone thought he was to be the next leader of the Defenders. But it seems fate had different plans. My sister... Aelariah. I think you might like her."

He glanced at Hollow to see her reaction and a smile was on his face. "You know, Hollow... I love them, dearly. And I am proud of my father. But it is not my destiny to do what he did." He paused. "I suppose it is that that will be the hardest to tell them." Or perhaps he was just afraid of not being accepted for his own self. Was he a coward then? Not being straight up? He knew his family would love him no matter what. He just wasn't sure...

"Anyway, I suppose everything will sort itself out. Tell me, Hollow, have you ever experienced flight?"

[xxforgetxx]

Hollow thanked him softly as he gave his condolences to her parents. She listened intently as he explained to him about his family, for she was rather interested. His father used to be the leader of the Defenders. 'Makes sense.' She decided, his eyes grooming over his body. That's pretty close to a noble bloodline, which explains why he is so handome. "Tell me, Zef, is everyone in your family so handome?" She teased, happy she felt comfortable enough around him to joke. It had been awhile since she had been comfortable around anyone. She did not have many friends, which she wasn't too unthrilled about, but she liked being around him. He seemed to enjoy her company as well, and for that she was gladdened. During their conversation, Hollow was able to gaze upon him without blushing. She wasn't so nervous anymore, and she had mostly stopped fidgiting and shifting her gaze. "Well, unless slipping and tumbling down a hill or two counts, then no. I've never flew." She laughed with a grin, and her eyes were sparkling with curiousity as to why he had asked. The wind blew hard as ever, but it was not so threatening with him up here next to her. Nor was is so cold. Infact, it seemed to carry a sweet smell- probably carried up by flowers down in a nearby meadow. As she took a sniff, she wondered what flowers they were. They smelt so good, and awful intoxicating to her.

[Relairah]

He raised his head at the comment of his handsomeness, a wide, mischievous grin coming to his lips and dancing through his blue eyes. "Oh, of course I'm the most handsome. But I suppose some might argue for Gelu, my brother. In any case, it really is a matter of opinion." He winked, his last words more serious than his first comment. "You know, it's funny, because the Defenders all considered themselves family. They considered my father to be their own, and each of them was like an older brother to me. But I suppose that's entirely different from what you meant."

He had noticed the way she seemed more and more at ease. It made him glad. He didn't like it when others felt uncomfortable around him - him being a very personable wolf. He simply observed her looks, her motions, wondering at each thought that was possible passing through her mind. He chuckled when she responded about how she had never flown. It seemed she was then sniffing at something on the wind and he did in turn. An idea formed in his mind.

"You know, we could change that..." he suggested, making a gesture toward his back with his head. "C'mon... it'll be fun. Just climb up and I'll show you." He hoped she would, although he could've misjudged the level of her comfort. Still, he supposed to offer wouldn't hurt and he patiently waited her response.

If she did climb aboard, he would make sure she was settled as he rose, giving his wings some test flaps. "I won't go till you're ready..." and if she gave him any indication, he would take off with a powerful flap of his wings, creating a strong gust of wind as he pushed off, his feathers catching the air as they were designed and they would be airborne. He wasn't used to carrying somebody with him, but he was a strong fellow and it wasn't too much effort any more than carrying someone on the ground. He would simply fly around a bit, letting her get comfortable before beginning to lower to the earth below. It would certainly be much faster than trying to climb down the slope on the edge of the mountain.

As they neared the ground, he would swoop toward the wildflowers, close enough to send a whoosh! and watch as they danced but not close enough to touch the ground quite yet. He would then climb higher and circle, swooping once more, if Hollow wasn't terrified. He would land whenever she was ready, of course, or even return to the ledge if she wished. Whatever she wanted to do...

If she didn't climb aboard, he would shrug and say, "Well, no worries, perhaps someday you'll be ready to give it a go."

[xxforgetxx]

Her eyes sparkled and she laughed. "I'm sure you are the most handsome." She grinned, wagging her tail. "It must be nice. To have everyone feel like family." She commented, a sad look dancing through her eyes before flicking away.

Hollow looked at him a bit unsure at first, and shuffled her paws. "Well, I...." She mumbler rather awkwardly, a small blush forming across her face. She shook her head, then peered over the edge, biting her lip. Taking in a deep breathe, she glanced over his wings. "You sure you'll be able to carry me?" She questioned, clambering onto his back. She shifted a bit on his back until she was comfortable. It was lucky she was a small wolf. She seemed to fit very nicely into the crook of his back, right between his wings. She took in his scent in a deep breathe, deciding she defiantly liked his smell. "I... I think I'm ready." She would breathe into his ear, as she would hold her entire body still.

Once they were air born, she would relax and peer over him. It was such a nice view up here. In fact, she would even begin to have fun. She liked it up here, with him. It was so peaceful. That's when he started to descend. She was a little disappointed that her time in the air was ending so soon, but her disappointment stopped once she saw the wildflowers. Her eyes lit up with joy as she took in the scent of the flowers, but she decided she liked his scent better- if only by a little. Once they neared the ground, she thought they were going to land, but was pleasantly surprised when he swooped up instead. She let out an almost squeal of joy, and began giggling. "This is so fun!" She giggled, loving the feel of the wind rippling through her fur.

"You are sooo lucky." She murmured in his ear, softly nuzzling his neck. Then she realized what she had done, and began blushing wildly. She pulled away abruptly, almost sliding off of him in the process, and yelped a quick "Sorry." at her touchiness.

[Relairah]

His eyes softened slightly when she murmured it must be nice to have everyone seem like family. Well... he got her meaning and he thought perhaps he shouldn't have gone into it so soon after her sharing about her own family. Idiot, he told himself.

In any case, she was asking if he could carry her and he smiled confidently. "Of course!" Only one way to find out... as she climbed upon him, he dipped, trying to make it easier on both of them and once she said she was ready was the take off...

His ears kept turning toward her as he caught her gasps and giggles, glad she was enjoying herself. It almost reminded him of when his wings had been strong enough to take his own first flight. Perhaps he had begun to take his flight for granted. Or maybe his mind had been too absorbed. Either way, it was fun to just enjoy it. He grinned, though she probably couldn't see it. "Yea, it is..." he agreed, diving once more, making the wildflowers and tall grasses sway before rising in the air and circling.

He was caught a little off-guard when she nuzzled him, though perhaps moreso because he had hardly been expecting it. Sure, she had grown more comfortable around him. But... well maybe he was thinking too much into it. Maybe it was like a friendly thing... it seemed her shy nature returned all of a sudden though and he could feel her body shifting. Quickly, he let himself fly lower so that her fall wouldn't be more than a high leap, if she did fall, that is, and shook his head. "Don't be sorry, just don't scare me like that. I don't need you falling off when I promised you safety," he said with a slight chuckle. He paused, trying to glance back at her. "Do you want to stop or continue?"

If she wished to be grounded once more, he would land easily, creating a gust beneath his wings which blew the wildflowers wildly, even sending some petals flying into the air around them and would then bend, letting her slide off easily. Afterward, he would stand and shake himself out, looking around. "So, shall we take a walk next?"

If she wished to remain airborne, he would swoop higher once more, climbing toward the heavens with ease. Soon, they would be at somewhat of a higher altitude once more, the wind becoming stronger and a few birds flew by, chirping. He avoided them, though he remembered times in the past when he had caught them mid-flight. That was fun... and he couldn't help a grin at the thought. He would follow whatever direction she gave him next. Whether it was flying over the tree-tops, flying into a cloud and out again... or even going to the ledge where they had been before.

He was completely at her command.