Returning Home [Journey]

[Veles]

It was just the sort of day Veles loved. Clear, dry heat all around him, the sun somewhere between warming and scorching his fur, the slight discomfort in his paws as he walked across the sun baked sand of the northern part of Rodorr, not far from Isdyn’s Deep… It was familiar. He breathed deeply, happy to be back in the south, in the desert, in the only “home” he had ever known. While he loved traveling Anikira, there was a peace and comfort that came with the familiar. Perhaps that was why he had returned to the south in his search for a pack. He was well aware there were packs in the more northern areas of the island, but for some reason, none that he had come across appealed to him, as far as he could tell. Some were too large, some too small, some too religious… But he had no doubt that he could find something that suited him.

Until then, he was more than content as a loner. It was not an overwhelming need or desire that drove him on this search. It was simple curiosity and a gut feeling that this was somehow the next step he needed to take. Perhaps he needed to improve his ability to relate and respond to others? That could be a useful skill. There were any number of things he was sure he could learn in a pack. But what was the real reason this interested him so much? He was unsure. It simply felt right to him.

Veles struggled with himself, not sure how he should react at being home again. Emotional expression had never been something he was comfortable engaging in. He was excited to be here, for sure, and memories of his life on his own as a pup flooded his mind. But that excitement and nostalgia was well-contained, and he almost dutifully maintained an attitude of nonchalance. That was, until he sensed the presence of a wolf nearby.

There weren’t necessarily many hiding places in the desert, but Veles did not need one. His light color blended well with the sandy browns that covered everything here. He followed the wolf from a distance, not even really able to see who it might be, just following the scent and the footprints left that were quickly being covered by the shifting sands. There were not many wolves that he was aware of in the desert. Most did not prefer the sand, the hot wind streaking across and kicking it up into their faces, the desolate feeling of land without much life… He was curious what sort of wolf this was and why they might be here. Perhaps he could avoid being noticed. Perhaps he could find out where they were headed and to what purpose they were here. Perhaps, if he could keep this up, he might even be able to sufficiently freak them out and give them the impression of being haunted. The thought cheered the male and he let out a strange sound that seemed a bit like a soft cackle, full of mischief.

Words: 519

Muse: Good

Tags: Journey

Notes: Finally getting this out for you. :3 Had to find the muse by writing a different response first.

[Journey]

White paws padded softly through the warm sand, each one twitching slightly as it lifted off the ground. Journey growled under her breath, hating the feel of the grains between her toes but knowing she was close. Her travels had brought the light-coated wolf here, and once she crossed the despicable desert, she would be that much closer to her new home, and that was the most important thing to her since... well. She wouldn't think of that now.

It would do Journey no good to dwell again on the past, and her focus shifted back to the future--she could not yet see anything but dunes and sand before her, but surely it ended soon. She had been traversing the desert all day, despite the blazing sun overhead, and with the exception of the sand, she rather enjoyed the openness, the emptiness. It had been ages since she had interacted with other wolves, and while it was on purpose, she vaguely realized, too, that it was not a life she wanted for herself any longer.

Journey drew the line, however, at being followed, and the soft sound that carried across the breeze she recognized only as belonging to another wolf, even as she struggled to decide if it was a laugh, a growl, a spoken word. Clearly it had not been long, or her senses would have picked up some careless stumbling through the sand, or panting in the heat; the follower was not directly behind her, either, which made it harder to determine just how long he or she had been there. Due to the nature of the landscape, it would be truly impossible for her to confront the beast without pausing--if she tried to circle around, they would likely notice her before she realized exactly where she was.

So, instead of trying to trick whoever it was, the burly female stopped and turned where she was, just before the crest of another dune, and stood tall as a tan male approached, somewhat smaller than her but not significantly so. Journey's bright green eyes hardened as he came into view, and while her body tensed, she did nothing more to physically display her displeasure at meeting him. "It isn't polite to stalk a stranger," she said cooly, her voice low and threatening but natural. The female had gotten used to using her unique voice to her advantage while on the run with her missing lover, and she knew the power of it without having to think.

Words || 425
Tags || Veles
Notes || Wow I love this table.< 3 Hope this is alright, I'm sorry I didn't give you much to go on.

[Veles]

Veles was a little taken aback, but tried to maintain the calm, cool, and collected disposition that was so typical of the loner that indeed he thought it to be "himself." There was something he could not put his finger on about this she-wolf. It was not necessarily just the way she talked to him, although usually exceptionally good at keeping to himself, this was not something Veles had encountered much. But he decided right away that he did not like her.

No matter. He didn't like many. Or any, really, for that matter. Except that one fae he had traveled with. He often thought of her now, remembering her fondly. The point was that this she-wolf should not upset him so much. But try as hard as he did to write it off or dismiss it as an illogical and unnecessary emotion, it was there.

"I'm not sure I would necessarily call it stalking," he tried to respond casually and in a distant but friendly enough manner, forcing a slight smile. "One could make a case for 'following,' I suppose. Forgive my curiosity." Surely he could smooth things over with this femme as he managed with everyone. It'll be a piece of cake, he tried to tell himself. You'll see you had nothing to worry about. You're good at this. Just keep it together.

Veles briefly considered introducing himself, but the feeling of smoldering dislike made him cautious. No need to give out more information than necessary. But perhaps he could turn it around.

"What is a femme such as yourself doing out in the desert?" It was rather odd to encounter another wolf here. Perhaps that was part of why Veles found the desert so appealing. Certainly it had to do with the fact that it was familiar, but maybe he liked it in part because it felt safe. Others were not safe. Others could not be trusted. And he was not likely to run into others or have to guard himself carefully in the desert.

Words: 349
Muse: Pretty good
Tags: Journey
Notes: eep. Sorry it's so short.. but I'm having fun writing Veles! and GAH! I love Journey's table so much!!! -huggles-

[Journey]

Journey had waited patiently for the stranger to show himself, and when he did, she had not been surprised. With a quick glance she had judged his physical prowess and deemed him technically a threat, though neither wolf showed any signs of aggression at their first meeting. However, she had not made it this far by blindly trusting strangers, and neither had this wolf, clearly, for he was of a similar age as far as she could tell.

Sweet lies poured from his lips, and Journey cocked her head to the side and left herself standing exactly as she was, the only other change of expression a tiny narrowing of her eyes. The female had been lied to a lot, and though she had learned to recognize deception, she never was very good at figuring it out herself. Sunny had always been the talker, and the other female had not taken the time to study the ways of the lie enough to understand how to do it.

"Following someone without their knowledge and for an unknown purpose is more stalking than anything," the female replied quietly, now that the stranger was standing much closer to her. No need to let her voice carry across the sands straight into the ears of whoever else might be out there. She doubted there were others, as she had sensed only this smooth talker, but there was always a chance. "But by all means, please pretend your intentions were entirely pure."

Journey let him speak and judged his character silently, trying to sense his opinion of her in the words. He seemed friendly enough, but in a sneaky way; he did not introduce himself, and was clearly used to schmoozing his way through life, which did not impress her. Neither did it do more than annoy her, though, for there were worse creatures she could encounter on her own, and at least she could handle a wolf who only talked his way out of trouble instead of fighting.

"I'm not sure I know you well enough to explain to you why I am where I am. It's certainly no business of a stranger. And unless you're going the same way I am, I see no reason for this falsely polite charade to continue," she said a little coldly, though she had debated being much harsher with him. As annoying as he was, she had been traveling for weeks and weeks now with no purpose, and with equally as little contact with other wolves. It wouldn't hurt to have the smallest of conversations, though it was unlikely that she would offer--or accept an offer--for the two to travel together.

Words || 456
Tags || Veles
Notes || This feels like a conglomeration of poop and I am sorry. I'm still feeling Journey out a little bit so thanks for bearing with me.< 3

[Veles]

Perceptive. Yes, that was why he did not like her. It made sense to him now. That thing that he could not put his finger on before was perceptive. She was entirely too perceptive for his comfort. There was a case to be made for her having noticed his “stalking” her, as she was calling it. It was an open desert. But she asserted to know his intentions, and that was not a line he was going to let her cross at all.

Veles narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, making sure to maintain a nonthreatening posture. He did not wish to make enemies if he did not need to; this was only meant as a warning. As easy-going as he normally was, one thing he was definitely not was a pushover.

“You say you do not know me well enough to engage in harmless small-talk, but you pretend to know me well enough to know my intentions.” His voice was quiet, yet firm, expressing displeasure without hostility. This perceptive she-wolf would definitely pick up his intent in not glossing over her accusations.

He soaked in his surroundings to calm himself and relax and to remind himself that it did not have to be a horrible day or even a horrible encounter. It had started off as fun, following the femme, wondering where she could be going. Even now he was trying to figure her out. There was nothing about the way she had been walking or how she was acting now that gave the impression she was lost. For some reason, she was here on purpose, despite an obvious distaste for the terrain. The way she stood in the sand here was indicative of someone not quite comfortable with or used to the feel.

“Well, if you do not wish to tell me what you are doing here, perhaps you might at least tell me which direction you are headed so I know if I need to maintain the polite charade after all.” His tone had changed entirely to something that spoke of … strained amity, perhaps. He intended to communicate formal politeness with just a hint of a tease. Hopefully she would take it well. “I wouldn’t want to go through the awkwardness of saying goodbye only to realize we are headed the same direction. Especially not if you’re going to accuse me of stalking you again,” he smiled, again trying to convey both sincerity and playfulness. He did not feel the need to apologize. That would be to admit he had done something wrong, and that was something he did not believe.

Words: 435

Muse: meh.

Tags: Journey

Notes: this is so much fun! It’s been too long since I’d rp’d wolves that aren’t friends or being friendly necessarily.

[Journey]

The combination of narrowed eyes and cool words created a believable irritation, and Journey let a very small, almost unnoticeable smile touch her lips. She was getting on the nerves of this one, and it was bothering him enough to show it; Journey had learned from her travels with Sunny that this type of situation could work very much in her favor, but she would have to do it carefully, in order to properly convince him. It likely wouldn't work, as he love had been the one who usually did the talking, but what harm was there in trying?

"I pretend to know nothing, stranger," she said lightly, her tone slightly changed from her last statement, something he was sure to notice. It was not kindness, but an uncaring sort of air that now surrounded her, for she had not only deemed him no threat but was intending to have what fun could be had from the experience. "It is not my fault you are so obvious. Perhaps you should hide your thoughts better behind those grassy eyes." A hint of a flirt twinkled in her own green orbs, though it did not necessarily translate onto the rest of her face.

Next to leave the male's lips was a similar taunt, and that small smile spread into a cheeky grin as Journey grasped the opportunity. Her previously comfortable stance turned demure as she angled herself, turning her neck to cover one shoulder and arching her back slightly as her tail wagged back and forth a few times, very gently, behind her. Eyes became slightly hooded, and the large female suddenly looked softer, less like a warrior and more like a princess. It was a bit much, perhaps, but what harm would it do if she never saw this wolf again? Even if she did, it would be a simple matter to ignore him or harm him, depending on which direction his attitude went.

"I'm heading wherever my little nose leads me," she replied with a tone to match his own, winking one eye at him and moving her feet through the sand, wondering if he would allow her to circle him like a shark or if he would intercept her in an effort to keep the female in his sights. "It could be anywhere. Though obviously I had been headed in one certain direction before you so rudely decided to follow." Vocabulary was important; the less harsh words she used, the more comfortable he would be, in theory. "If you're worried about following me, maybe you should go on ahead," Journey suggested, slowly making her way around the male and eying him as she went. It was impossible that he would agree to instead be followed by her, but the banter was her goal, not the end result. This was about getting underneath his skin more than anything.

Words || 492
Tags || Veles
Notes || Well this is getting weirder.

[Veles]

The sudden change in the femme's demeanor gave the analytical male something akin to a mental whiplash. He was not certain what exactly was going on, but his immediate reaction was that he could be sure it was not to be trusted, whatever trickery it might be. Honestly, he was not sure what to make of her at all. There were so many possibilities.

A possibility, and he was not quite sure the likelihood of the possibility, was that he had succeeded in manipulating her. Her previously annoyed and defensive stance had been purely out of fear of being followed by a stranger and an attempt to play an independent, competent, and self-sufficient role to intimidate him and were not her true self at all. He could have successfully eased her mind and caused her to drop the role revealing a much more pleasant and friendly personality.

Of course, it was just as possible that the change in attitude was the role she was playing. He sought her eyes with a calculating gaze trying to discern her intentions. For now, however, the clever response would be to play along, whatever might be going on. Her continued responses and reactions through the course of a conversation would allow him to gain more information and insight, something that felt woefully lacking about this she-wolf. It was odd feeling for him, not immediately knowing what was going on in her head, although he would bet he had a good idea. He always bet he was right. It was the only way to convincingly act on his assumptions.

I pretend to know nothing, stranger

But even that statement spoke of a game. She was playing games with him. Oh, child. Do you not think I can see through this? he thought. It had to be an act. It just had to be. There was no way this was honest. Still, he could not shake the thought that he might just be too cynical and distrusting for his own good. Nothing about her actions was making sense.

"I apologize, then. I should not have made assumptions." After a short pause he continued, "I think I could get used to being called 'Stranger'," and smiled a cheeky grin at her. It was a way to hopefully establish a connection with her in her mind and simultaneously keep her at arms length.

Veles was slightly taken aback by her comment about his eyes. Was she actually trying to flirt with him? He even caught a wink. Admittedly, the male did not have much experience in this area, having preferred to live a life of solitude. Options for how to play this: feign confidence and competence; alternatively, play up innocence and ignorance. He chose the latter.

The cream coloured wolf put on his best slightly surprised, slightly embarrassed face as he lowered his eyes, hunched his shoulders together ever so slightly, shuffled his feet burying one in a bit of sand, and smiled shyly at the ground. The movements were subtle, barely spoke of discomfort. No need to overdo it. Perhaps the foot shuffling was a bit much. "I-I'm not sure what to say," he spoke in his normal voice and in a normal volume with almost no inflection. Appearing too sheepish was neither in his character, nor did he believe she would buy it. But he had picked up on her use of his word 'followed' over 'stalked'. Was it deliberate? No way to know yet.

If you're worried about following me, maybe you should go on ahead

He visibly relaxed his shoulders and his eyes darted back to hers, looking to see how his mini-act had been received. Did all wolves play such mind-games? Truth be told, Veles almost thought it fun. Had he misjudged this wolf? Friends was not really a concept Veles was well-acquainted with. The one fae he had traveled with was the only one he might call a friend, and even they seemed to have a mutual understanding that they were only acquaintances mutually benefitting from the relationship, companionship, and safety of not being completely alone. But enemies was not really something Veles had a problem with either. He seemed to come across as likable enough to most, and he kept them distant enough that he did not have a problem with them either.

"I'm not entirely sure where I'm headed. Likely a bit west. The desert ends soon in that direction."

Words: 758
Muse: hiiiiiiighh <3
Tags: Journey
Notes: I don't even know. lol. seems a bit chaotic to me. I'm sorry. we'll see how this goes. 

[Journey]

"Then Stranger you shall be known, if you will refuse to tell me your name," the female purred, the tip of her tail twitching like a predatory cat's would. "You can call me... Sunflower," she added, pausing ever-so-slightly before she revealed a name that clearly was not hers. "And I appreciate your apology. It's very big of you." The cheekiness only rose within her as she played the game that she had seen so many times, and Journey found that her smile, though it was being shown to someone she did not care for, was entirely genuine.

She quirked an eyebrow at the male before her, having made her circle as he danced awkwardly--not to much, but enough. When she was again standing before him, the two were much closer, though not quite within a distance which could allow them to touch. This was a dangerous part of the dance, for if either of them chose, they could do plenty of damage with a quick physical attack. That did not seem likely, but it was never a situation that one could rule out when one lived on their own. "Am I making you uncomfortable?" Journey asked quietly, her voice hushed and low, feigned concern adding to the mix of emotions on her face.

Deliberately, the female turned her head, momentarily putting herself at great risk as she removed her eyes from the wolf and glanced in the direction he had mentioned--West, the same way she was going. Journey had heard that the south was a place for renewed chances and starting new lives, and she was very much interested in a pack that would help her achieve that. But those were private details that she certainly would not be revealing to this manipulator. There were plenty of lies she could tell that would be of no consequence, anyway.

"Whatever is there out west that you're so interested in, Stranger?" she asked after a beat, turning back to him and cocking her head to the side while adopting a slightly serious and highly interested look. Whether or not he answered with a partial truth would reveal much about his character, but judging by the way he had flip-flopped as quickly as she had from slightly hostile to flirtatious lead her to believe that the only truth he would be telling her was what he had already said--that he was headed in a certain direction. That, at least, did not say anything about him, and information that could not be used to further twist and unbalance the conversation was useless.

Words || 448
Tags || Veles
Notes || n/a

[Veles]

The overuse of the word Stranger to refer to him caused a smile to tug at the corner of his lips in a twitch like fashion. There was something about this encounter that was beginning to feel dangerous. Perhaps not physically -- she did not seem like the type that would attack him -- but there was something about the way she spoke now that gave him the feeling he should end this interaction and run away, while he still had the opportunity.

But he did not. He chose to respond in like manner. "Well then, it is nice to meet you, Sunflower." The way he said this sounded sincere. It had lost the underlying sense of cynicism, sarcasm, and acting. But it did bother him that she sneered at his apology. He had meant that. He did not like people making assumptions about him, and when he realized his assumptions about them were wrong, he felt the need to apologize.

Am I making you uncomfortable?

The key to a believable lie is to keep as close to the truth as possible. And perhaps showing a weakness would serve to change her perception of him for the better. "Yes," he answered carefully, watching her closely for her reaction. "But then, most do. I would never call myself social." He almost seemed to sneer that last word, as if it was not something to aspire to, but something to avoid. It slightly surprised him that he would think of it that way, considering he was attempting to change his perspective in that area.

She took her eyes off him, possibly for the first time since she had confronted him about following her.

What is there out west that you're so interested in, Stranger?

"A good question," he mused. "I'm not sure I know, myself. Something, I hope." Even the way he said this did not speak of someone who felt lost, but someone who felt comfortable not knowing. It was an oddly... old way of looking at the world. He was not trying to find purpose, simply following wherever his paws took him next. "So where are you headed? Or is that information going to remain as guarded as why you're here?" he challenged her.

It seemed to him that he took all her cues from him. He waited eagerly to see if she would again follow suit.

Words: 419
Muse: good!
Tags: Journey
Notes: he just told the truth. O.O and essentially dared her to do the same.

[Journey]

Receiving an affirmative so easily when she asked if he was uncomfortable threw the female off, but only for a moment. Journey was now becoming curious about this male--in the way that one could be curious about the weather, or the changing of the seasons--and she debated, briefly, dropping her act and treating him like someone she was interested in getting to know. But the moment passed, and she steeled her defenses once more; she was not eager to allow someone who had deliberately followed her, then reacted with an attempt to trick her, to get under her skin in any way. No, he would get what information she chose, and that would be precious little.

"Your lack of social skills makes it obvious that you are not such," she replied casually, flicking her tail behind her once to accent the statement. "Though you are quite the smooth talker for someone who, one would assume, does not spend much time talking. I do wonder how you became so slick with your words." The words were posed as though a question, but the female expected no answer. That was not the nature of this conversation, and she had a feeling he would either avoid the truth or simply allude to it and allow her to make more assumptions that may or may not be true.

Though she was not tired, Journey desperately wanted to sit down and relax. Her confidence that no sparring would happen between these two was rising, and the adrenaline that had coursed through her at the beginning of their interaction was now gone, leaving her physically weaker and in need of a bit of rest. But something held her up against her will--perhaps the fact that the sand would only further irritate her skin, or that she did not want the male to know that she was growing tired. Regardless of the reason, she began searching for a way to either end this or bring it to a more comfortable resting place.

Puffing her cheeks out in a sigh, the female turned her body slightly, looking briefly in the direction they had both been headed but making sure the stranger was still visible. "I am headed the same direction as you, it seems," she said quietly, dropping her act for a moment and regretting it almost immediately. However, it was tiring to dance the way Sunny had done, and Journey found that it left a bitter taste in her mouth after all. "My name is Journey. And I do not like you very much," she spoke in the same tone, turning herself fully and beginning to walk away.

Casually, however, she tossed her head over her shoulder and her green eyes met his, her face passive. "But if we are doomed to head the same direction, I would rather you do it at my side than behind me. Come along if you will, for if I find you following me again, our next meeting will end in bloodshed." With that, she turned back and began the arduous task of walking through the shifting sands, a sinking feeling in her stomach as she realized that she had invited the male to accompany her despite the fact that she was entirely uninterested in his company. Hopefully it would not end as badly as she assumed.

Words || 571
Tags || Veles
Notes || I'm starting to wonder if they're actually gonna hate each other or suddenly decide to just be friends because they're so similar. xD

[Veles]

Veles was growing more and more uncomfortable with each passing minute. The playing field was too even. He needed to be a step -- or even a mile -- ahead of whomever he was interacting with. He needed to have the upper hand. And this femme made it obvious to him in every way she could that there was no upper hand to be gained. A feeling of irritation was growing stronger to the point he knew it must be affecting not only how he looked but his ability to make decisions.

The sand-coloured wolf could not understand what was going on. Typically manipulating his interactions with others came easily to him. But whether or not he liked this wolf, and he very much did not, he knew he had to change something about how this was going. It should not be that hard to put on an act. She had not bought his previous acts, but he had not really been trying either. He had found her a little too abrasive to put much effort into "being nice" or not letting her know that he did not like her.

Yes, that would have to be his course of action. He sighed and his head lowered a little in a show of giving in. She was likely to be skeptical for a while, but if he could keep it going long enough, he was sure he could convince her. Eventually she would feel forced to challenge her opinion of him in light of the new information.

"I know you don't like me. I'm sorry." He looked back up to make eye contact to increase the sincerity of his apology. "I know I can be difficult to get along with. Truth be told, I'm searching for somewhere to settle to be able to work on that. The smooth-talking I learned by being the youngest of three sisters before setting off on my own. It was a required skill for the position." He let out a small laugh, weaving truth and lie together so seamlessly into a coherent story. "But it is good to meet you, Journey. I am Veles. I do apologize again about before."

Her invitation to join seemed like as good an opportunity as ever, and Veles found some of the irritation giving way to excitement to practice fixing something he had let go entirely too far for his comfort. The irritation disappearing simultaneously gave him a measure of relief. Emotions could be such pesky things and could too easily poison interactions.

Words: 429
Muse: pretty decent
Tags: Journey
Notes: We'll see. >

[Journey]

Journey did not for a second believe anything the wolf behind her said, but truthfully she was more tired of the interaction than she was of the company, and so she would tolerate him for as long as was needed. With luck, they would go their separate ways sooner rather than later, and he would never again be a part of her life. Barring the fact that he was intent on going along with her, she was perfectly fine with him heading in the same direction. The new pack she had heard tell of was not far from here, and she would go to them regardless of where her companion wished to go.

"Keep your lies behind your teeth," the female growled as Veles trotted up beside her, flashing her own pearly whites in his direction for a brief moment. "I have spent more time with liars than you have been alive. You will not trick me into pitying you." Now that she had chosen to end the games from her side, it seemed Veles was going to redouble his efforts to win. It did not matter to her what he said, nor how he said it; so long as he did not bring danger to them, she could care less what he did. It was simply the talking that she was uninterested in, for his words held nothing but trickery and she would have none of it.

The two travelled on through the desert, Journey internally cursing the land as well as her companion. Had she been given the choice, she would have sent him away as quickly as he came to her; but clearly he was intent on going where he had been, and she was certainly not going to risk not finding a place to, at long last, settle down. So, a compromise had been made, and while she very much opposed it, there was nothing else the two could have done. At least if they went side-by-side, there was less either could do to harm the other--though Journey still was not sure she would not lash out at Veles.

Without warning as they crested the next dune, Journey lost her footing and slid several yards down with a yelp, her cool momentarily gone as she struggled to stay upon her feet. All four were planted, and suddenly they were in the air as she tumbled, graceless as a pup, to the relatively close bottom of the sandy hill. Shock filled her as sand entered one of her eyes and her nose, and the female sputtered while simultaneously rubbing at her eye, the stinging sensation overcoming her momentarily.

It was several moments before she was satisfied, her left eye red and irritated but open, her nose burning with stray grains that stubbornly refused to move. Belatedly the female remembered that Veles was with her, and she sharply turned her head in his direction with narrowed eyes, to be sure that he was not up to something while she was, essentially, handicapped.

Words || 511
Tags || Veles
Notes || Sorry for the delay darling.< 3 Also I hope you're okay with me assuming he had started after her, you never mentioned him moving in your post. xD

[Veles]

Veles padded after the she-wolf, always half a step behind her. Close enough that she could keep an eye on him if she wished, and yet trailing a bit to let her know he was not going to argue or attempt to take charge. As if he had ever been the take-charge type. It was obvious that Journey was still not even close to his biggest fan – the understatement of the century, likely. No matter. Veles brushed it off, as he did everyone. As long as he could keep up his invisible barrier between himself and others and remain detached, their opinion of him could not hurt him. That was what was important.

Again, he thought of the one wolf who had ever broken that barrier. Well, "wormed her way through" was more accurate than “broken.” She had been quite pushy and did not seem satisfied until he admitted he thought of her as a friend. It was interesting to him, even still, that someone should so intently seek after his friendship or approval or whatever it was she was after.

I have spent more time with liars than you have been alive. You will not trick me into pitying you.

He paused for a moment in his steps and turned to look at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. “I do not seek pity. But you do not know. I cannot expect you to understand.” It almost seemed as if he was speaking to himself, not to the fae a half step ahead of him, as if trying to convince himself of this. Pity was never something he was after.
 “And I doubt you are that much older than I,” he added after a short pause.

Just then, Journey lost her footing and slid down the dune. Veles was unsure whether to find this amusing, pitiful that other wolves did not understand how to maintain their footing in sand, or concerned for what might happen to her. He decided to go with concerned and confidently loped down the side of the hill to check on the she-wolf that was already picking herself up and defensively turning around to him.

He stood a few feet from her simply watching her, his eyes widened as if to ask her if she was satisfied that he was not up to any tricks. Attacking wolves was not at all his style. It almost amused him that she would have misjudged him enough to think he might be aggressive, but realizing it was possibly the one thing he had in his favor with her right now, it might be wise to keep it to himself that he was not only uninterested, but entirely inexperienced in fighting.

“Yes, I have learned that sand is not familiar terrain to most wolves.” It was obvious the sand in her eyes was bothering her. He was willing to help her get it out, but he rather doubted that she would let him close enough. “I could help with the sand in your eyes, if you would like.” he stated matter-of-factly but immediately continued walking, not waiting for her to make up her mind. He would give her time to be stubborn and cling to her pride. Perhaps he should not have offered and let her actually believe he was nothing but a selfish liar and a rascal. His attempts at getting her to stop regarding him as a threat had ended up taking him closer to the truth about himself than he ever wished this wolf to find out.

Leaving her now in the middle of the desert was not something he was comfortable doing. Of course, he wanted to. But his conscience would never let him forget it and would plague him with thoughts and images of things that could have happened to her left to her own in a terrain with which she was not only familiar, but obviously somewhat incompetent. Sometimes his soft-ness was annoying to him. He should not care about the fate of others, especially others he did not know or even like.

Words: 637
Muse: meh
Tags: Journey
Notes: -facepalm- did I not? So sorry. Yes, that’s fine, of course. If you want to wrap this up in a few more replies and have them split ways before the beginning of Ananke, that would be fine with me? Also, speaking of, were you planning on replying to the founding thread or have you already? Trying to figure out where to put Veles in there.

[Journey]

Journey sneezed several times in succession as Veles joined her at the bottom of the dune, smugness written all over his body language. He stared at her with what could have been surprise, and she bared her teeth for a second in response, though there was no true aggression in the action. The female was simply tired of him, and not enough to truly feel much anger. Veles was such a typical, brash male that she was suddenly remembering why she had never gotten close to any males, aside from her brother, and that had clearly been circumstantial.

"So helpful you are, to walk away from a wolf in need," she grumbled under her breath, squinting her afflicted eye as it became red and swollen. The stubborn part of her wanted nothing more than to let him retreat and go a different way, but she took pause for a moment. Veles was, it appeared, comfortable and knowledgeable about the desert. He said that he could help her, and she knew that an injury to her eye left unattended could result in loss of sight--and sight was half of her life. So, putting aside her pride, she shuffled to catch up to him, this time navigating the sand with a little more grace.

"Veles," she said as she approached, all sarcasm vacant from her deep voice. "If you are able to help, then help." Journey stopped moving then, scowled, and added, "Please," in a sour tone that meant she clearly was uncomfortable saying the word. And she would be uncomfortable accepting his help, too, if he really were going to offer it. But hurt pride and uncomfortableness were small prices to pay for her to keep her sight.

She stood silently, left eye closed, feeling pathetic. It had been so, so long since she had ever depended upon someone, and the wolf was unsure how she felt about it. Sure, she had leaned on Sunny time and again, but leaning was different. Leaning meant that she was not entirely helpless, whereas her lack of knowledge about sand and not knowing what to do about her eye made her just so. Journey had precious few options, and it grated against her even as she asked for the help she knew she needed.

Words || 401
Tags || Veles
Notes || I took this a different direction than I thought I would so I don't think it's quite ready to be done but I thought at some point they could find a place to rest and while one is asleep, the other just leaves. I had thought it would be Journey to up and go but Veles has that sort of personality to so I guess we can see. (:

[Veles]

Veles did not even bother responding to her wearisome show of aggression. It was obvious she was getting bored and tired of maintaining dislike for him. He thought it was just as well; he was tiring of it, as well. Perhaps it was time just to let go of the rough start they had had and the obvious disdain they had displayed towards each other. It was possible he might not hate this she-wolf. He doubted at this point that he would ever like her, but then, he did not like many to begin with.

So helpful you are, to walk away from a wolf in need

Veles could not help but roll his eyes, but he did not react to her words other than to slow his pace and wait for her to shuffle up to him. He was not trying to be heartless. Rather the opposite. He was hoping that giving her space would help her respond less reluctantly, and it seemed to have worked to speed up the process anyway.

Veles, If you are able to help, then help. Please.

The smaller wolf fought back a snide remark at her practically begging him, but he did as she asked and turned to face her, his expression giving nothing more away than concentration on the task at hand. “You’ll hold still, yes? I apologize if it hurts.” He slowly moved his face towards hers so as not to startle her into a defensive reaction or otherwise upset her, and gently at first started licking at her eye, growing more forceful each time his tongue passed over her eyelid, pulling at it and occasionally exposing the irritated eye to his tongue.

The easiest way, he knew, would just have been to wash her eye out in a pool of water, but he could not guarantee they would find one of those anytime soon, at least not one clean enough to bother trying to wash an eye out. He pulled back after a short while. “Can you try opening your eye and tell me if you still feel anything in it?”

He ignored her obviously uncomfortable posture. He knew from personal experience that a loner trusting another wolf was rare and difficult. It felt like defeat — like he was not fit for the life he lived, and he did not wish to make her more uncomfortable. In a strange way, he could almost feel her growing on him. The very perception that had bothered him so much before almost impressed him now — almost. He quickly shot down the train of thought. It was too quick to jump to conclusions about her.

Words: 450
Muse: BACK!
Tags: Journey
Notes: Well then. I think he will try to keep an open mind. I look forward to seeing how this continues to develop both in this thread and especially after this thread.