A New Friend [Closed]

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River was sitting with her tail wrapped around her paws and her yellow eyes resting on a puddle. Her reflection rippled in the stagnant water as a light breeze swirled around her. Having been alone for many months River was beginning to get lonely. I wonder if I'll ever find a friend. She thought to herself wistfully. Ever since Onyx died she had came into contact with no other wolves. So far River had been content with her life however wolves were pack animals. At her age most wolves would begin to find a mate but she had no idea where to start.

Growling she leaped away from the puddle and bounded through the grass. Her paws skimmed the ground and she just kept running for the joy of feeling the wind move through her coat. Slowing to a walk River allowed her senses to roam across the open plains. Letting the stiff breeze blow the scents towards her River had stopped all together. She seemed like a wolf made of ice only her nose twitching now and then.

As the scent of rabbit reached her nose she felt her mouth water. Slowly her expression changed to her hunt face and she began to pinpoint her prey. Once River did so she began to track the hare with slow soft paw steps. When she first caught sight of her prey it was nibbling at some stalks of grass and was so absorbed that it didn't notice the wolf. Crouching low she made sure that the wind was blowing towards her rather then against before starting to stalk. Gently placing her paws she advanced forward til she was about a fox length away from the creature.

Bunching her muscles River propelled herself forward only to land clumsily to the left. The rabbit let out a squeal it sped off, once she regained her foot River gave chase. Quickly gaining on her prey she allowed herself to slow before speeding up again.

[Kade]

Kade watched in fascination as the smaller wolf tore off after the rabbit. Kade was impressed by her speed, he movements so rapid and graceful. Kade's own bulky form was much too large to be able to accomplish such a feat. His endurance was something to be proud of, not his speed. At the human compound he had never had to run around for speed, never had to run for anything other than escape. Kade had always been wary when approaching females, they had after all been responsible for all of his abuse. This female was different than the others he had encountered. She was miniscule compared to him and could not offer him too much danger. Perhaps just this once he could have an actual conversation with a female without freaking out. He knew that he needed to work on his issues, his fear of the separate gender, yet he had no idea where to start. Maybe he needed to to replace the bad memories with good, maybe he needed a change of perspective. He followed along after the female watching her chase the rabbit mercilessly. She seemed to be an efficient hunter, graceful and precise. That was something he could respect, surely he could respect a female. As he drew closer he began to feel the darkness swell within him once again. He needed to break away from his past if he was ever going to enjoy his new found freedom. He tried to stamp down the rising feelings of fear and anger.

Why can't I just leave all the horror behind me? Why does it remain with me, constantly nagging. He wanted to badly to forget about his past and move on, perhaps a new acquaintance would be able to help heal the hurt within him. To help him realize that not all strangers were dangerous to him. He continued along after her as she trekked down the rabbit. He didn't want his fear to stop him from enjoying what life had to offer. "Hello, my name is Kade." His name still sounded odd coming off of his tongue. He had chosen the name for himself a few weeks ago when the pup Vengeance had introduced himself. It was only in that moment that Kade had realized he had never been given a proper name. He hoped that his introduction wouldn't frighten the female, he just couldn't go on with stalking after her. He felt weird with the female not knowing of his presence.

@river

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The Arabian wolf slowed before speeding up again, it was one of her favorite hunting tactics. She swerved around a fallen log and leaped a pile of brush. Nothing would stop her from making her kill, nothing at all. River continued to chase after her prey not noticing the male following her. As she gained on her prey she put on a burst of speed and then leaped. Her paws left the ground and in a graceful moment she was soaring through the air until her paws hit the spine of her prey. With a crack followed by a squeal that was quickly cut off as River dealt the killing blow. Standing over her prey with blood pooling around her paws, she tilted her head and let her gaze range across the sky. The female crouched over her kill and began to rip apart its carcass. Eating the heart and liver first she licked her lips before beginning to gnaw the meat from the bones.

River became aware of the presence of a stronger being. Whirling around her eyes drifted to another wolf standing no more then ten feet away. Immediately she took up a defensive stance in front of the remains of her kill and narrowed her eyes. At his introduction she seemed to relax a little, at lease he seemed friendly. "Nice to meet you Kade, I'm River." she replied in a light tone suggesting that she wasn't posing a threat. "Have you been following me?" River asked a little surprised but not offended. This happy go lucky female enjoyed meeting new friends and this male was the first wolf she had talked to in ages.

Her eyes ranged around the males frame taking in all his details. Kade... a nice name. She thought and moved a little closer to him. Trying not to seem rude about it River circled around him before returning to stand near her kill.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade

Kade watched on as she tore into her kill, devouring it to it's entirety. She was a skilled hunter and had taken down the prey with as little effort as he breathed. He was impressed by her. He had never learned to hunt, but the way she accomplished it made her look like a professional. Kade felt the heat creep up his back when the female asked him if he had been following her. He was a little ashamed that he had indeed been following along after her. She began to circle him, seeming to look him over. Kade couldn't help the whine that escaped him, his nerves getting the better of him. "Yes. I am sorry for that", he replied sheepishly. He had been caught in the act and he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. He hadn't meant to creep along after her, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him. He had been intrigued by her hunting, awed by her grace and her beauty. "River that is a pretty name." He wanted to break the ice and get this awkward part out of the way, but his social stunting made him unsure of how to proceed. He wanted to break free from his memories and make a friend. His past had haunted him for long enough, but this female was different from the others. She was small and delicate, not aggressive and dangerous. Although she made him nervous it wasn't the paralyzing fear the others had caused. She seemed younger than the others had been, not as hungry for power. Kade tried his best to relax and settled himself down into a sitting position. "You will have to forgive my rude manners. It seems that I never learned manners. I am trying my best to stay calm, but if I make you uncomfortable I can leave." His tail wagged a little against the grass and he did his best to manage a smile to set her at ease.

He was constantly mucking his life up and he hoped that this would be a new start. Perhaps they could even part ways as friends, but he would have to cast aside his fear. This was just a female, she didn't seem to want to hurt him. Yet he couldn't calm his beating heart. It pounded rapidly sending adrenaline coursing through him. Part of him wanted to just give himself up and live as a hermit for the rest of his life, but another part wanted to be a survivor. He couldn't live his life caught in the swarming current of his past. He would best this dark shadow that clung to him ferociously. He saw no reason for him to be afraid in this situation, not when it was just her and him. River and Kade.

@river

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River felt embarresment coming off the male in waves. The female wagged her tail in response to Kade. "Don't worry Kade. Its fine, I'm glad that you did. I haven't had someone to talk to in ages. Not since Onyx died anyway..." She trailed off sorrow welling up and tears threatened to spill over. Doing her best to compose herself River sat down and twitched her ears. Taking a deep breath she looked at Kade. Kade....  River and Kade. Kade and River. She thought and felt a glimmer of happiness that hadn't been felt in her solitary months.

"Trust me I don't want you to go." She told him and glanced him over again. He looked thin, possibly hungry and didn't look like the speedy, agile type. "Are you hungry? There's still som of my kill left." River gestured to the partly eaten rabbit, he needed it more then her.

The young wolf knew there were bad wolves out there, power hungry vicious wolves. Kade didn't seem like one of them and she felt a strange bond of trust forming between them. Being herself, River knew something was haunting him, but what it was was still a mystery to her. Hopefully they could become friends, and possibly their relationship would last. Maybe even change into something more... She scuffed her paws and glanced around at the flat plains that stretched into the sky. River sighed and glanced at Kade again, there seemed to be something about this wolf. Maybe it was just that Kade was the first wolf she had spoken too in months. But she seemed to know it was more then just that, maybe they were meant to find each other. River shook the thought away, it was silly since she had just met this wolf.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade saw the pain welling up in her eyes. The despair that seemed to fuel her on. She seemed eager for him to remain despite his rudeness, but Kade was more than happy to oblige her. She talked of the death of someone, but she didn't seemed inclined to elaborate on who the wolf was. All the better it would seem because Kade didn't want to be drawn back into those dark feelings. Those despairingly painful places that left him ragged and broken on the inside. He had had enough of the despair and ruin that brought to where he was now. If he couldn't even handle his own pain her had no idea how he would handle someone else's. "I am sorry for your loss." He shuffled his weight a little before settling himself back down again. She was a cheerful little creature endeavoring to make him feel more at ease. She was even kind enough to offer him her meal. She is nicer than any female I have ever met. It could just be a ruse, maybe her charm makes up for what she lacks in size and strength. Kade bit back a chuckle as she made every effort to show him kindness. Kindness that he in no way deserved. "I am content for now. Besides what kind of male would I be if I deprived a female of her meal." Despite him not really having any qualms about stealing food when he needed it, it hadn't been long since his last feed and he was content to remain unfed. His body had to make the adjustment from the dry food humans had fed him to the raw meat the wild seemed to provide. The first time he had eaten it he had been sick beyond imagining, but he was getting better with time.

She looked at him with a sort of glimmer in her eyes. As if he meant something more than just the creepy wolf who had followed her. She had admitted she was glad that she had followed him, but he was still unsure of her feelings towards him. He didn't want to intrude on someone who didn't want him. Her words and body structure proved that she felt no aggression towards him so his body began to relax a bit. She was a smaller femme after all surely she had no secret plans to attack him when his guard was down. "So what brings you out here all by yourself? I myself was in some kind of accident that resulted in my landing here." If she was enjoying their little talk that he would try his best to indulge her. Besides he had nothing better to do with his time besides wander about. She was pretty enough to look upon which made the task of keeping her company so much easier, not that it was a burden to begin with. Her sweetness was endearing and he was also enjoying their time together. She seemed like just the kind of acquaintance that he needed to set him on the right path.

[Deleted]

River frowned at his refusal but said nothing, it was his choice. "I was the one who offered, so you'd just be accepting my gift." She told him. As she listened she couldn't help but reflect on her own history. It was odd to think she had traveled so far in such little time, yet here she was. "Well I am not even sure exactly where I am. I've only explored this portion of the land. How I got here is a very, very long story." She said thinking back to the night she found herself on the beach.

"I had left my den site when there was nothing left for me. My parents had both been shot by hunters and I had no littermates. The hunters didn't leave and started to set traps out, when the trouble from humans didn't recede I left." She found herself telling her whole story to this male, even though she had just met him. "When I was about seven months I had completely left my old home. On my travels I managed to kill enough prey to survive and avoid humans as much as possible. Around nine months I met another dispersal female like myself. However she was much older, she had seen eleven years of life while I only months. Her name was Onyx, and she became like a second mother to me." River did her best to keep her emotions under control but couldn't help it as a single tear rolled down her face. "She taught me everything yet it was all over much to soon. When we were crossing a road Onyx was hit by a car, the injuries were fatal..." She skipped over some things figuring the male wouldn't much care.

"After I buried Onyx I left, wandering aimlessly. I knew I had to continue to survive so I did. I ended up coming across a docking place and found myself trapped in one of the boats. I'm not sure how long I was on that boat, must've been a while. During one of the nights I managed to sneak up to the top and leap over the railing. Then with the help of the tide I swam to the first sight of land. And here I am." River concluded her story and looked at Kade hoping she hadn't talked him to death.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade settled in to listen to her. She had a sweet lilting voice that was pleasant to listen to, almost relaxing. Kade knew well that if one wasn't born here than it was indeed a long story. Kade had a long story of his own, tedious and irrelevant. He didn't want to dwell on what had lead to his arrival on the island. He was content to simply enjoy his new life here. "Mine is also a long story, but I am here to forget. I want to forget. This is a beautiful continent, although I have only explored this particular region of it." She talked about her time among another female and her interaction with humans. Kade couldn't suppress the growl that pushed forth at the mention of the humans. "Humans are nothing but cruel beasts. There is not a ounce of kindness within them." Kade's time amongst the humans had been devastating. He had spent the first part of his life in their hands, not able to defend himself. All the fond memories that he had kept from his pup hood amongst them had been washed away by the cruelty of his second master. He had been beaten and broken unable to fight against the cruelty of man. He had sought the comfort of the females that were also kept by the master. They had been almost as cruel as man himself. They were part of a breeding operation that would give the master a whole mountain of pups to train. He had wanted wolf dogs that would be as vicious as he was, to scare off his adversaries. He had even trained Kade to be his personal guard dog. He was constantly at the masters scrutiny which meant that he was constantly getting the beatings.

"I am sorry for the loss of your friend." Kade had never lost anyone that he had cared about, not having anyone to care about. He had never met his mother, but then he had never met any of his family. No one had ever caught his eye, had never made him feel anything. He had never grown close to another being in his whole life. Starting out here was the first time he had ever been away from the humans. This was his first chance to start a life that he wanted. Kade hunkered down until he was in the laying position, not really seeing any point in staying upright. "I assure you that I am well fed. Even though I cannot catch the faster rabbits and such I am proficient at catching larger prey. I have found that I have a liking for deer and elk. I have always wanted to try moose, but I am not large enough to bring a beast like that down on my own." He was glad to have this little bit of company. This was the most conversation that he had ever had in his life. It also didn't hurt that the companion was so beautiful. He had never encountered such a beautiful coloring, mostly accustomed to seeing blacks and browns and whites.

OOC: Sorry it took so long! I will be better about it I promise @river

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River listened to his comment in silence, the tone of his voice suggested he had a bad experience, worst then her own. "Indeed humans are bad. The likeliness of showing kindness to those of our nature is very slim. I am glad that there appears to be no sign of them so far." she murmured quietly. She wanted to press the matter due to curiosity but decided better leave the bitter memories behind. Her gaze lingered on his and her face twisted into a wolfish grin. "Do you have any place in particular you are heading to?" Hoping that she might be able to accompany him if so. Maybe Kade would stay here and they could enjoy each other company in familiar land. That is as long as he approved of it, she didn't want to push him. Her ears twitched as a fly buzzed near and she snapped at it.

The female was quiet enjoying the serene calmness between them. Usually she avoided males knowing the could be very territorial but she didn't mind Kade. Something about his careful composer and unspoken kindness drew River to him. She could tell that he had a rough past, though hers wasn't all that pleasant the way he moved and acted led her to believe his was worse. Much worse.

River was so tired of the solitary life of a lone wolf she couldn't help but talk. She always talked a lot and usually didn't stop but now she was taking a lot more then usual, just grateful to have someone to talk with. Not wanting to dwell on the past River waited patiently for a reply. Watching as the clouds lazily drifted past the female let out a happy sigh and looked at the ocean just a line of blue on the horizon.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade was a little saddened by the fact that this little female had to endure the cruelty of the humans. He wouldn't wish that on any of his worst enemies. She was friendly enough to him which was a first for him. He hadn't met any female that he could tolerate, but she hadn't given him any reason to doubt her. He didn't trust her or any female, but she was in better standing than most. He shook himself a little before giving her his attention. She wanted to know where he was heading. That was more complicated an answer than he was ready to give. He had no idea where he had been going, wandering aimlessly until he had met up with her. He had heard whisperings of a new pack that was being created in the east. The idea of pack life hadn't really appealed to him, but since having his fight with Faris he knew that he wasn't going to make it on his own. He needed help if he was ever going to get over his fear of females. He had heard that the leader of the group that would become Keone was a fair leader, despite being a female. He had decided to put his faith in her reputation and give it a shot. If anyone could help him conquer his past it would be her. His tail wagged slightly as he let himself relax. He didn't feel that River was a threat to him so he allowed the tension to flow out of him. He had been even worse before he had met Faris, but she had beaten some sense into him. Some much needed sense. He had been going down a path that would have lead to hi destruction. He was allowing his instincts and his hate to lead him when he should have let go of the past. Even still he felt himself clinging to the remnant of it, and he knew that it would always be a part of him, but he couldn't like that anymore. He needed to be able to drop this dark part of him.

He wasn't sure why this female wanted to know where he was headed, but if she wanted to tag along he didn't have a problem with it. She could help him begin the long process of healing. After all the was the first female that didn't send him over the edge in a long time. "I have heard of a pack being made in the Oriens. I was planning to head in that direction. I hear that the leader of that group is a fair one. I figured I would give it a shot. A second chance of sorts. Would you like to travel with me?" Kade was a little shocked that he even offered, but he was willing to give it a shot. If she wanted to accompany him then he would give them a try. He had never had a friend before and he would need one. Someone he could learn to trust. This life was to hard to go it alone. He could see himself beginning to trust River. She was sweet and kind and the only person he hadn't managed to piss off in his short time here.

@river

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The silence seemed to drag and when Kade didn't give an answer right away she decided he wasn't sure. Just as she was. Planning out the next leg of the journey while standing on unfamiliar ground was extremely complicated. Even easy going little River had a tough time deciding which direction the head, and if it was the right one. She had thought about pack life, more then once in fact. But since she had found no others until now she had no idea if there were any surrounding packs. She often wondered if she could possible explore further but it seemed as if the places beyond weren't suitable to wolves like her.

River enjoyed the open plains and freedom of a lone wolf however it did get lonely at times. The alternative was finding a companion but she didn't trust many wolves. Even Kade wasn't completely trusted but with time that could change. Her gaze wandered the surround lands trying to find the best places for a Arabian Wolf like herself. Well if he is leaving then I guess I will join a pack. At least I wouldn't be all alone. she thought sadly and looked at Kade.

She seemed even smaller next to him and felt resentment flood her from ear tip to tail. It wasn't her fault she was born an Arabian Wolf but she still felt as if she shouldn't be so tiny. He could've attacked her at any moment and crushed her, but she probably would've out ran him. Shrugging away the thought River flexed her claws digging them into the soil. She looked at the grooves her claws had left and frowned slightly. The female lifted her head and gazed once more at Kade. A slight breeze ruffled her silver fur ad she sighed.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade was so unsure about this next leg of his long journey. He knew that it was Lalani that he needed to seek out if he was ever going to have a chance at a new life. The longer he stayed a loner the longer he would be afflicted with his fear. The more time he would be forced to live in fear of these females. In fear that he would someday hurt someone in the blind rage and terror that drove him on. He was tired of trying to run from the things that haunted him, things from his past that he could never change. Kade waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity, but no answer was given. Kade was confused by her silence, the melancholy look in her eye alluded that she was upset about his departure. Did that mean that she wouldn't be joining him in his journey. The thought almost made him as upset as she seemed. For some reason her refusal to answer his question angered him. He wanted to know why she would refuse to join him in his quest to find Lalani. Her silence was almost more aggravating than a refusal. Was she too afraid to tell him no straight out. He pulled himself up and walked closer to the smaller female, drawing them together. "Is your silence a refusal? You do not want to come with me." Kade could admit to being a little more than disappointed. He had begun to like this spunky little females company, yet she cut him down by refusing to answer his offer. He hadn't offered lightly, but he wouldn't have invited her if he didn't want her to come along. Little spitfire. She tempts me in with her sweetness and her charms and then she lets me fall.

"Why will you not come with me? Have I offended you in some way?" Kade was impatient for his answer and shifted his weight from foot to foot. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong. They had been chatting so politely, not fighting like Kade had done so many times before. He had fumbled somewhere in there conversing. He must have given her some kind of offense along the way or she wouldn't have refused him. Perhaps she had a mate and a family tucked away somewhere that called her away from him. He knew not, but her silence still stung in the slightest way. It still irked him that there was something else that kept her away from coming with him. He hadn't realized until this moment that he had been looking forward to her company. Expecting that she would want to be his companion. Her rejection of him was enough of a blow to his pride, but it still pressured him for answers. He almost couldn't accept it. He wanted her to go with him and in his mind it was as simple as that. "You will come with me.", he barked taking another step towards her.

[Deleted]

River stared at him evenly, she wanted to go with him but she was scared. Still being young the unknown could hold any threat imaginable and that scared her. Plus she didn't know if she'd be able to handle loosing someone else like she did Onyx. River was surprised by his ferocity but replied steadily. "Kade I-I'd love to go with you." her voice was quiet and her gaze met him. "But do you really want me with you?" she asked.

River knew she'd most likely slow him down and she'd probably never stop talking. Who'd want to spend months with her? Onyx did.... maybe Kade will to. she thought a glimmer of hope illuminating her mind. Though she had been frightened at his command she wanted to be with him, no matter what. River got up and walked over to him slowly. She wagged her tail and licked his muzzle respectfully. No matter their relation Kade would always be the more dominant one, in her mind anyway.

"I want to come with you more then anything! I hate being on my own, I can't stand it. Your so nice and brave and even though you may be unstable I don't care. I want to stay with you forever." River found herself spilling her thoughts out as blood runs from a wound. She took a deep breath wondering how he'd react. Did she just blow it? Did she give to much away? Only his reply would tell her what he thought. She hoped that he still liked her and wanted her to travel with him even though she just spilled out her feelings, even if the message wasn't all that clear. She waited for his reply with a worried gaze.

Kade

[Kade]

Kade relaxed a little when she gave her agreement. She seemed to doubt his sincerity in his offer to join him on his journey. If he hadn't wanted her to accompany him then he wouldn't have asked. Had she no experience with a sincere friend. "If I didn't want you to come, then I wouldn't have asked." Kade wanted her to join him, the thought of them traveling together appealed to him more and more as their time together dragged on. He wanted her to remain with him when he made it to Keone. He didn't know if he could make it there alone, physically he would. Mentally he wasn't sure. There would be so many strangers, so many new females that were sure to get on his nerves. River could be a calming presence to him, keeping sane on the long road to recovery. He had never had a companion in his whole, life. Nothing, no one to care about. He liked the idea of River being at his side, for any amount of time. She was kind to him, sweet and understanding of his mental instability. She didn't care that he was damaged, and that endeared her to him even more. He stiffened when he saw her walking towards him, unsure of her intentions. He watched on warily as she leaned towards him giving his muzzle a lick. Kade didn't know what to make of this tiny little female that was pushing past all the barriers he had put up. Her little act of submission settle Kade and he relaxed back into a sitting position content. She had proved to him time and again that she meant him no harm, and he was finally starting to believe her.

Kade puffed up her chest in new found confidence. River had decided to put her trust in him and he wanted to be worthy of it. Such a precious gift she had given to his care. Kade's head turned to the side when she mentioned staying with him forever. He liked the thought of that. Her by his side for as long as possible. "You have nothing to worry about River. I will take care of you from now on. I will protect you, just watch. It is going to be you and me from now on." Kade knew that he wasn't the best hunter in the world, but he wanted so badly to be there fr River. He found these feelings inside of him so alien, but he wanted to prove himself. To her at least. His tail wagged slowly and Kade looked down into her eyes. "You won't have to be alone anymore." Kade understood that she was young and frightened of the road ahead, but he was determined to earn her trust. They could make it in this world as long as they had each other to lean on. He had no idea how long it would take them together, or even if the pack would take them. Even so he would make a way fro them in that pack or any that would take them on. He would even remain a loner with her if it meant they could remain together. "You will go with me and we will be happy.", Kade demanded unwilling to settle for anything less.

@river

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River waited patiently and sighed in relief as she listened to his reply. She seemed to return to her eager self and sat down beside him. "So when do we leave?" she asked curiously. River couldn't wait to get started on her new quest even if she was unprepared for the dangers ahead. She looked at the sky and noted the dark smudge of grey on the horizon. The sun was lower in the sky but that mattered not to the female. She smiled at his demand and nodded in response. "Sounds like a plan." she said nudged him playfully.

She got up and walked to her earlier kill and stripped off the meat from the bones. She carried it over to Kade and dropped it at his paws. "You should eat." River said nudging the food towards him. If he refused she would just push him until he did. She sat down once again and stared at him just waiting for his reply. She probably should eat as well but Kade needed it more then she did.

River was excited to have a companion and hoped their friendship lasted forever, but forever was a long time. She blinked warmly at Kade and let her thoughts swirl around as she decided to next leg of the journey. Hunt? Sleep? Hmm... maybe hunting would be best next sun rise and we could start our journey tonight. We might want to find shelter for the night and start off the next sun rise after hunting. She thought carefully making a plan in her mind. As she thought the sun dipped farther down the sky and towards the water. A stiff breeze picked up bringing the scent of oncoming rain, the breeze ruffled her fur and she narrowed her eyes. River's jaws parted in a yawn and she curled her tail around her paws.

Kade