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Post by suzzie on Jan 29, 2013 21:02:49 GMT
 Schatzie68 by DesertRat2012, on Flickr ONLY Only was still young enough to be spry and want to be playful, but she had been through enough to know she needed to be vigilant. She knew that anything could be out there watching her. She was two years old, but she was so much more mature. It was early morning as the black and white wolf dog made her down Main Street. It was part of her daily routine. Go for a walk and see what was about. Catch some breakfast. Sniff around for any adventure to be had. Hold off trouble. Then as the day would wind to a close, she would go for a final stroll and find a comfortable spot to go for the night. But occasionally the mood would strike her to go for a night hunt. Sometimes the moon called to her, and she would find a way into one of the structures the human’s had built to make her way to the roof, to stare at it. Occasionally, she could not resist from howling at it. But for now, there was no moon, only the brightening sky of a new day. It had been some time since the pack had left. They had decided to leave the city and go into the wilds. But for Only, there was something about this place that kept her there. Something she could not quite put her paw on. She kept her nose to the ground and her pale blue eyes peered down the alleyways that exited off the main way. No telling what the deeper shadows could hide down one of those. She caught the scent of another dog. No, wait. More than dog. Wolf? She lifted her head and peered around, her ears twitching, listening intently for the slightest sound to indicate where this other canine was. Muscles tightened as she wondered if it was one of her former pack, come to try and take her out like they had the rest of her siblings. But another whiff confirmed that this was not an animal she knew. She positioned herself in the middle of an intersection. She turned and watched the sunrise as she waited for this other canine to make an appearance. Claws and fangs were ready, if need be. But she knew how to be civil. She just hoped they did as well. |
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» INCUBUS
-- creator
THE F?LI OF DOGS[M:-100]
don't want to let you down but i am hellbound
Posts: 132
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Post by » INCUBUS on Feb 1, 2013 15:02:20 GMT
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | | [atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/296nhqg.png] The city was not a place that Baratheon usually ventured. He was a wild canine at heart and there was something about the city that unsettled him. Even before the event that took the humans, he avoided their company as often as he could and he had learned that they congregated in the large cities of these lands. But it had been two years since they disappeared and their cities had all but turned to ghost towns. It was only now that he ventured within their limits.
On this morning, he had wandered far from his territory in search of time alone. However, time alone was not what he found. Instead, he spied a solitary canine positioned in the middle of the street. Being battle-hardened and wise in his old age, he understood that scoping out a potential enemy was crucial. He hung back, in the shadows of an alley and tried to determine whether or not this canine was a threat. He did not have the element of surprise though as she had noticed his presence, so he decided to make his appearance. He stepped out into the light in front of the canine and decided that, as Seer, it was his duty to be civil and courteous to other canines. Good morning, my lady he said and bowed his head ever so slightly I am called Baratheon. Pleased to meet your acquaintance.
He found no trace of affiliation to a pack on her scent so he supposed she was alone. But something else caught his interest as well. She did not just carry the scent of dog, she had the scent of wolf as well. Perhaps she was like him in that way? She was a beautiful dog and looked strong. Perhaps she would make a good addition to Cornerstone. But Baratheon was getting ahead of himself, he did not even know her name yet. |  |
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Post by suzzie on Feb 1, 2013 17:02:57 GMT
Schatzie68 by DesertRat2012, on Flickr ONLY A dog stepped out into the light. He was large and strong, with a coat of grey and brown fur. There were dog features, but more of him indicated wolf. Automatically, Only felt her fur rise. He might only be part wolf, much like herself, but she would be wary. Nothing in his movement indicated hostility, and he seemed rather confident. She cocked her head to the side as he spoke. She had never heard anyone speak like he did; and to call her ‘lady’ was very flattering. She could not help the smile that appeared. “Nice to meet you, Baratheon,” she replied. Her tail swayed a little as she changed position, placing him directly in front of herself. Main Street was fairly empty at this hour, and she knew a few places to run to if she had to, but she tapped her claws on the ground, ready to utilize them if need be. “I am Only.” She saw his honey-green eyes and felt comforted by his gaze. With another glance around the street, she stood and stretched. “I travel Main Street fairly often. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. Are you from around here?” She was curious to learn more about this other wolf dog. “I am sure I would remember seeing you before.” |
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» INCUBUS
-- creator
THE F?LI OF DOGS[M:-100]
don't want to let you down but i am hellbound
Posts: 132
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Post by » INCUBUS on Feb 1, 2013 18:43:23 GMT
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | | [atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/296nhqg.png] It soon became clear to Baratheon that this canine was not a threat. She seemed friendly but the raise of her hackles for the briefest moment didn't go unnoticed. It didn't dwell too much on Baratheon's mind though, he generally had that sort of reaction from others. He was a large, strong canine and more wolf than dog. It was natural for others to be wary of him. And at times, rightfully so. He could be fierce if it came to that. He could fight off the worst of them and he was proud of it.
Only? I do believe your calling is rather unique. It's true, where he came from, it was not a word used as a name but perhaps the wolf in her was from another region entirely. She seemed to relax in his company which put him at ease as well. No, I do not, my lady. It's no wonder you have not seen me before. My pack makes it's home quite a distance away, in the Graveyard. He let out a slight chuckle, knowing how morbid he might sound to a canine who knew not of his home.
Forgive me, Only but I couldn't help but notice you and I share a common ancestry. It is unusual to find those of wolf blood in these lands. He knew he was overstepping his boundaries at this point but he found the female interesting. He had not yet met another wolfdog and the notion that he was not alone was something he clung to like a drowning sailor to a lifeboat. | |
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Post by suzzie on Feb 4, 2013 16:54:52 GMT
Schatzie68 by DesertRat2012, on Flickr ONLY Only listened with great interest to Baratheon. The Graveyard? That seemed a rather interesting location for a pack. And it seemed vaguely familiar to her. Maybe something she had heard about before. She smiled politely. Generally, she did not like to talk about herself, and particularly about her pasr, but having met someone at least similar to herself was very intriguing. He did not seem a threat to her, and perhaps was as interested in her as she was in him. “My mother came from a pack of wolves who escaped from the zoo,” she said. It felt odd to hear herself telling this tale. “She met my father, a husky, and she had nine pups.” She paused briefly, trying to determine how much to tell him, or to finally bare her soul. “The pack killed my father, and then the rest of my siblings. We were attacked for being half-breeds. I was the only one to survive, so I was called Only. I fought to have a place within the pack.”Only was amazed to hear herself saying so much. She blinked, and almost expected this other wolf dog to either attack her as well, or simply walk away. And seeing him still present, continued. “But when the pack decided to leave the city, I decided to stay. I did not like having to constantly watch over my shoulder, always anticipating an attack.”She inclined her head and peered at Baratheon with her pale, blue eyes. “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your story? I haven’t met another wolf dog before.” |
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» INCUBUS
-- creator
THE F?LI OF DOGS[M:-100]
don't want to let you down but i am hellbound
Posts: 132
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Post by » INCUBUS on Feb 5, 2013 5:42:35 GMT
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | | [atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/296nhqg.png] For just the briefest moment, Baratheon was glad that this canine had answered his prying questions. He was genuinely interested and wouldn't quite know what he would have done should she have chosen not to speak. That truly is a remarkable tale, my lady. How tragic it must have been. I am sorry for your loss. He dipped his head in a slight bow at that, making sure to show the utmost courtesy to this new female he had met. To most dogs, Baratheon may come across as overly formal but the thing is, he was raised this way. He was raised as a prince and expected to be courteous at all times.
I'm afraid my story isn't nearly as interesting as yours, Only. I was born a bastard. My father was leader of a pack which still lives many leagues from here. A strong, capable wolf and a king in his own right. He ruled with an iron fist but alas, he had one weakness. Females. Baratheon chuckled inwardly to himself for he recalled being a young pup and the stories that were told of his father's dealings. He soon found my mother and fell in love with her beauty. She was a street dog, a mixed breed. But he did not care, together they bore a small litter of pups. But like all things, my father had to return to his duties as king, he had to return to his rightful queen. Being the oldest, he took me with him and I lived in his pack and was raised a prince. At that, his face twisted ever so slightly as he recalled the pain and anguish of his upbringing. Raised in a family and treated as if royalty but never actually ever being royalty himself. Being a bastard, he had no claim to his father's throne though he showed the most promise out of all his half-siblings. It was only much later, well into adulthood, when I left my pack and I found myself here. | |
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Post by suzzie on Feb 6, 2013 4:11:01 GMT
Schatzie68 by DesertRat2012, on Flickr ONLY “A prince?” Only appraised this wolf dog with renewed interest. His upbringing at least explained the way he spoke and held himself. There was a regal bearing to him. But most of all, it was that very manner that made her feel ‘the lady’. It had been a long time since she had thought of herself in such a pleasant way. “Why would you choose to leave your father’s pack? Or did you want a chance to find yourself, and simply not follow a path already designated for you?”It had been a while since she had such an in depth conversation. She averted her gaze. “I am sorry to have asked so many questions. Do not feel obligated to answer them. But you mentioned a pack that makes their home in the Graveyard.” She peered over. “They are welcoming to mixes? Half-bloods?”Absently, Only looked around the street. Morning light was brightening the street. A few other dogs were out and about, but paid her and Baratheon no mind. She had not especially though of joining another pack, but Baratheon was interesting, handsome, charming…And if he belonged to a pack that was accepting of her mixed heritage rather than use it as a reason to persecute her, she was very interested in learning more about them as well. |
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» INCUBUS
-- creator
THE F?LI OF DOGS[M:-100]
don't want to let you down but i am hellbound
Posts: 132
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Post by » INCUBUS on Feb 6, 2013 21:25:54 GMT
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | | [atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/296nhqg.png] Oh, my lady. I'm afraid that I've made it sound far more glamorous than it actually is. If anything, Baratheon was humble. He knew that during his times living with his father he lead an exceptional life. He had lived in safety and the type of comfort that only a prince could receive but he was not one to go around proclaiming his luxuries.
Ah, and there it was. The difficult question that always seemed to arise whenever he spoke of his past. Why did he leave? Well, it would probably take a year to explain fully, to make this female understand but he did not feel it necessary. He didn't know her quite that well yet and decided not to reveal too much. No, he was not going to be rude. He was a gentleman, he was incapable of it. He would simply answer only what she needed to hear. He had a certain tact that way, always giving a certain amount of information, never over sharing but never under sharing to make himself seem discourteous. Being a prince taught this sort of thing to a dog. Circumstances, Only. When a dog reaches a certain age, he has to make a decision for himself and, unfortunately, circumstances led to my decision being made for me. He didn't tell her that he left because he couldn't stand to see his half-brother on the throne. He couldn't tell her of the a bitterness grew in his heart.
Aye, yes. Although I am the only one of mixed blood, they welcomed me with open arms. We are a family and would die for each other if it ever came to that. His words were true, he had never known loyalty like his current pack, they would indeed die for each other so naturally, when a strong, battle hardened half-wolf arrived at their doorstep, they would take him in. Our Mother saw promise in me and has made me her Seer. And you, my lady? I presumed you do not call any particular pack your own. Why is this? | |
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Post by suzzie on Feb 7, 2013 15:13:15 GMT
| [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | [atrb=background,http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af20/burnscandles/onlymiddle_zps233e42d3.png]
Only listened intently as he spoke and nodded in understanding. "I know all too well about circumstance myself, kind sir." Something about the way he spoke to her made her want to learn more about him and his pack. In the back of her mind she knew that not all packs could be as cruel as the one she had known. There had to be a pack out there with genuine compassion for its members. Baratheon was the proof of that, wasn’t he?
She moved a little closer to him, but still kept some space between them. Just in case. "I belong to no pack. Not now. When my pack left, I had some peace, at least for a while. But it is a lonely existence."
Part of her was surprised that she was revealing some of her feelings. She really had not told anyone. But then again, there had not really been anyone to tell. "They were accepting of you. This Mother found worth in you." Was this an opportunity to find a new home, a place to belong?
Only peered into his eyes, as though that would reveal some truth she was seeking. Or perhaps it was her way to try to reveal to him her hopes and dreams and fears without saying a word. "Do you think they would be welcoming to me?"
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» INCUBUS
-- creator
THE F?LI OF DOGS[M:-100]
don't want to let you down but i am hellbound
Posts: 132
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Post by » INCUBUS on Feb 8, 2013 7:56:26 GMT
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true] | | [atrb=background,http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af20/burnscandles/baratheonmiddle_zpsfdc8a26f.png] At her words, Baratheon's heart cracked. What must it be like to live alone? For as long as Baratheon remembered, he had always belonged to a pack, a family. He was raised by his father's pack and, yes, It wasn't always pleasant and deep down, he always knew that he would leave the first chance he got, it was still a home. And then, when he did leave, it was not even a full moon until he was accepted into the ranks of Cornerstone. Although completely capable of fending for himself, Baratheon just could not imagine what it must be like to fall asleep at night without the curl of warm bodies and steady breathing of others around him.
The way the female looked directly at him did not go unnoticed. There was a certain hope in her eyes, a fervent desire for a place to belong that Baratheon understood far too well. He knew it because it was the same look the Mother saw in his eyes when he first joined the family. It was the same look many a canine had that he encountered. Of course, my lady. The Mother welcomes any and all into her arms. And as Seer, I am charged with bringing prospective canines to her. Quite frankly, Only, I think Cornerstone would do well to have you. Baratheon usually scrutinized possible canines more thoroughly before considering them but there was something about this female that made him trust her. Perhaps it was their shared lineage or perhaps it was something else. All Baratheon knew was that he would very much like this female to be part of his pack. |  |
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