Heading back to base ( open )

He could have kicked himself for not noticing the Doberman sneak up behind him, but it was all he could do to suppress the startled jump as her voice called out. The male bit back the annoyance, the retort, but it was clearly shown on his face as he turned halfway to look at her – the insult that was expressed as he did not deem it necessary to fully face this bitch. Her voice, her smile, it made a low growl rise in his chest – she was too confident; he’d have to deal with that.

Ruadh’s eyes followed the Doberman as she moved to his front, but he stayed standing, returning her gaze just as fully – he would not submit in any way to this female. Still, he frowned at her words – true, he was unfamiliar with this place, but he was hardly lost. Or...no, he definitely wasn’t. But he was not going to bow low enough to share residence with the rats and remnants of the humans and he fully intended to spit that barb back at the female.  

But his pause of irritation seemed long enough, and before he could open his mouth, she had started to speak again. A smirk played on his lips – this dog would just be too easy, but there was no way he was going to follow her orders (that tone of voice just made dislike well up in his stomach), he’d keep her drooling in anticipation for his answers.Oh, I can, can I? That’s very kind of you, Jaya Was that a hint of sarcasm peppered in his words?  

There was something in her eyes that made him want to irritate this dog, and he was set on seeing her despair. But something she had said clicked in his mind, and suddenly curiosity peaked. Duty, you say? I’m going to take a guess that you’re part of a pack, then? If she was, then there was a good chance that she was one of his own comrades that he had never bothered to meet. But, there was also a chance that she could be from an enemy pack, and if that was the case, she’d be a threat. Suddenly, his demeanour was all on edge – he’d be ready to fight, should he need.  

If that’s the case, I’d be interested to know where your allegiances lie. A cold smirk and arrogant glare. Just so I know whether you’re worth my time or not. It’s was the setter’s turn to circle, as he moved around the femme’s body, sizing her up – he wasn’t terribly strong, but he could be rather vicious when it came down to it. Oh, and in answer to your question, you may call me Red, but it’s none of your business where I’m from, at least, not yet. He didn’t want her using his lack of knowledge about the Ragdogs to infiltrate them, if it did turn out she was an enemy.

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Hah, so he had guessed correctly. A smug smile started to pull on the corners of his lips. Of course, it had been easy to figure out – no loner would use words such as ‘duty’, after all who were they loyal to but themselves? The setter’s body tensed almost imperceptibly; a loner would have been no threat to his pack, but there were plenty of spies from other packs roaming about, ready to find a weakness. In general, he hoped that this female was a comrade, but there was a little part of him that wanted her to be an enemy – he was already riled up and so far, not too fond of her.

But, the bitch’s next words caused his body to relax and he lowered his tail slightly. No. A little disappointed grunt escaped him but he covered his features with a smile, eyes finding the Dobermans. I suppose we don’t have a problem. He sat down and tilted his head a little as if in thought. It really wouldn’t do to make an enemy of an ally and by her words he was rather curious as to what rank she held. I apologise for not recognising you. I have not yet made much of an attempt at meeting fellow pack members.

Now was the time for proper introductions. My given name is Ruadh. I am a newly appointed Knight of the Ragdog Royale pack. Might I what your duty is? He dropped his gaze, instead following a rat that skittered out of the darkness just for a moment. He hated the human buildings, and just because this dog was a comrade, didn’t mean he had to like her, either. Though, I must say, I didn’t think I’d see a fellow member of the Ragdog Royale keeping the rats company. His tone was still polite, but he was curious as to how she would react to the thinly veiled insult.

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Ruadh listened to the bitch’s words with little interest, but his lips curved in a frown. Though her denial of keeping the rats company almost made him laugh – he hadn’t meant that in the literal sense, but perhaps she knew that. The rats probably enjoyed her company as much as he was right now, though that was partially untrue – there was something about this dog that made him want to keep pushing. The fact that she was a Ragdog should say something about her person, but he wanted to see it for himself.

I suppose that it’s only suitable that vermin take up the residencies of other vermin. Another jab towards her, the humans, the rats squirming in the darkness. At least the latter was useful for something, even if that only was a quick snack. He had never held much regard for the humans while they were still alive, but they had the sense to leave this earth. But he had yet to see just what this female could bring to the table – the fact that she avoided, no, ignored his question greatly irked him; he had been polite enough to at least acknowledge hers.

He looked her up and down from where he sat – her excuses might have held some weight. This time he let out a mirthless chuckle. Hah! Maybe my coat is a little...thicker than yours. Though it was a pain to keep clean and neat – the matted fur was itchy and uncomfortable and extremely difficult to manage should he let it get to out of hand. But even so, I’d rather brave rain and hail than stay in such suffocating confinement as this. The urge to leave had had to be fought down since the beginning, but at least he would not be resting here. The nightmares would be far more unforgiving and there was just no way he could go back to those times. No way. He would not be breathing in such stale air for any longer than he needed to. Besides, you’ll find that nature provides much shelter, if you’d just look. And much more comforting shelter at that.

As the Doberman moved toward him, Ruadh did not flinch, nor did he rise from his seated position. He simply returned her look with one of exasperation. Why were those suspicious eyes gazing at him? He had been the one to state his rank – if anyone had the right to be suspicious, it was him. Sighing, Ruadh finally shifted and stood to shake his fur. Of course I do! I probably spend more time there than you. The words where spat and the growl in his voice warned that she better not take the piss.

I’ve already given you my rank, the fact that I am part of the Ragdog Royale; that I have given my loyalty to King Hades. And yet, you’ve barely done that. His voice was rising, though he tried to reign in his anger. It was irritating him even more to think that this bitch would be getting to him in such a way. It is also my duty to protect the pack. And, as much as it pains me to say right now, that makes us comrades. By the end of the sentence, his tone had calmed somewhat again, and he admitted the last part somewhat begrudgingly. Surely the thick dog before him would get this!