She showed confidence, a necessary attribute to be a good fighter. If it was lacking then that meant second guessing and that meant more apt to be wounded or even death. But then her light faded as she spoke of how little she really knew. Even so far as comparing herself to a pup in her level of expertise or lack thereof.
"A lion is not a little issue. By the sounds of it you used your head, which is important. You will come across opponents you cannot overpower so you have to rely on your wits." Malachi sat down as he spoke and tried to speak clearly despite the desire to ramble on about this strategy and that position. Clear and concise was important now. He tried to picture her as a pup, a little bright eyed flame colored pup. But it was easier said than done.
"It will take time. If you are willing to practice and learn, you should do just fine. I was taught and practiced everyday when I was younger, it was the one thing I was good at." His voice tapered off at that last sentence, wishing he could have bonded with his siblings when he had the chance. But he couldn't waste so much time mourning over days lost and long gone. He was no fluffy puppy anymore he was a hardened wolf. Or a least he like to tell himself that.
"if you can promise that you are truly willing to learn, I'll teach you what I know."
She would nod with a warm open smile. “I will learn all you choose to teach me, with a diligence you will not regret, Malachi. I would not burden you wish a lack of attention after the kindness you have shown to me.” The storm colored eyes of pale gray were cast to the skies, in the distance the billowing clouds tumbled upon one another their color an exact match for the gaze that watched them. “In the meantime perhaps we should find something more than a hare to split between us? And I need to find a place to shelter to rest out of the elements.” She did not want to assume he would stay with her the entire time, after all he probably had somewhere to go or wolves to be with. She did not want to admit that without his presence she would feel lonely, vulnerable. But he had already helped her so much she wasn’t about to burden him further with her silly insecurities.
“I don’t suppose you would have any suggests in that regard?” Standing up with an easy grace she scanned the area, her back to the lapping waves, the sun dipping lower toward the horizon. The scent of rain in the distance warred with the salty air. That’s not to say it was coming their way, but she’d rather be safe than sorry, being drenched wasn’t her idea of fun. That gaze shifted back to him with another of her usual brilliant smiles. She hoped he never saw behind the mask of cheerfulness that she was using. Granted she was upbeat, and optimistic, it was natural, something she never even thought about. But that didn’t mean she was alright, or that she wasn’t quaking with uncertainty and fear on the inside. Had she been alone she wasn’t sure she’d have been able to keep up the positive attitude. Thought Malachi was an awkward sort, at least he was around her, he had a strength to his character that was reassuring. If made her feel safe.
Normally she would have just come out and said such to him, but she hesitated a moment, not sure if it would do good for him, or harm. Still she always believed in being true to one self, and if others can’t handle it, well then it was their loose. Holding her breath a moment she decided to wait, at least to hear if he would accompany her for a little longer.
Word Count: 424 Muse: Boom! Haha Tag: Malachi/Open Notes:
Last Edit: Nov 29, 2015 1:24:46 GMT -5 by Gailleann
Satisfied with her reply, the serious male merely nodded in silence. "Yes, which would you prefer? Deer, perhaps?" He offered, fully expecting to leave and take down prey himself if she didn't feel up to it. "The beach is no place for shelter, you would need to search further inland to the trees where many of them offer caverns large enough to squeeze into in during a storm. Caves are plenty here all you have to do is look around a little."
He stood again, ready to move on if she wished. Watching her closely to see if she moved easily since he wasnt sure if she may have injured something during her tumultuous toss among the waters. "As for a permanent place to call home, that's up to you. There's a few kind hearted packs that will even let you pass a night or two in their borders."
"Personally I haven't found that spot yet. Wandering is all I have now, but I can show you a few dry spots sometimes if you'd wish. Until then, let me take you to a fresh water stream not far, the sea waters are known to dehydrate one quickly." He had to admit it was odd to be a guide, it was a occupation he never would have guessed he would do. But he couldn't let her wander around and potentially collide with further danger.
He wondered what Saphira would think of him now. The awkward male trying to act normal and social. She was sweet enough, he imagined that she would encourage him and tease at the same time. It was talents of hers to confuse and intrigue, but he was learning to enjoy it. Frankly he thought Gailleann and Saphira would get along very well.
She would take his inquiry seriously, tilting her head as she assessed her capabilities before replying. “A deer would be most welcomed.” The mere thought had her mouth-watering with anticipation. “I am fully capable of assisting in a small way. I believe I can run for a short time without causing harm to myself. So perhaps I could help drive or corner it so you may easily take the kill?”
The dip of her muzzle indicated she was listening to her words and it lightened her mood even more that shelter from the potential storm that threatened the horizon would not be too difficult to find. She moved up along side him, half a step behind. Though given his reaction earlier to her close proximity she made sure there was plenty of space between them. Easy steps, light and graceful made up her movement. Outward appearances seemed to show no damage, no weakness. But that did not mean there was none.
When he spoke of a permanent home she would shake her head sharply rejecting the idea outright. “No, I do not wish to find a pack until I find my sister, It would not be right to give loyalty to one when another mission still lays unfinished.” She wasn’t certain she explained that correctly, or well enough for him to understand. But she would not feel comfortable abandoning a pack she swore her loyalty to, to hunt for her sister, who takes first place in her mind and heart. Her safety meant more to her then her own life did.
To lighten up her mood she felt the urge to tease him, so she would side step pushing him playfully with her shoulder before retreating back to her respectable distance a smirk on her lip. “Come Malachi, let us go hunt. A wolf as big and strong as you surely needs more than a rabbit leg to hold him over.” And he was strong, just the light shove of her shoulder against him showed her, in small part, his strength.
Word Count: 343 Muse: -.- Tag: Malachi/Open Notes: Grrr-ness from the day needs to subside…yup
"If you feel up to it, then I shall not argue. It's easier with two wolves anyway." He had hoped she wouldn't push herself to much but who knew if she would even tell him if she was. Unsure if they were on the road to being friends of not, Malachi kept quiet about it. If she wished to help, so be it.
He appreciated the space given to him, whether she meant to or not. His sisters used to call it his 'comfort bubble' and at one time it irritated him if they teased him about but now he wished he could hear it again.
Her reaction to settling down was understandable and the stormy male could respect her reasonings. Blood was strong. "I'm sure your sister would agree." What was he saying? How in the world would he know what her sister wanted? Wrinkling his muzzle in irritation towards himself but kept walking.
A sudden brushing on his shoulder made his head snap towards the sensation. Why was she doing that? His social naïveté rearing it's head again as his muscles tensed slightly. But then she smirked and mentioned hunting again, maybe she was just trying to play?
"Shouldn't be long before we can find a scent at least." He said in hopes to mask his obvious confusion on what she was doing. Did she expect him to try and play in return? What would he do?
Flicking his tail tip towards her in response was the best thing he could come up with, well the safest anyway. He wasn't sure if he would hurt her if he did anything else, plus this was a no contact test to see if he was actually right about her intentions. But if he was right, how was the game to proceed?
Cursing his lack of social grace, Malachi simply continued to walk, alert for scents and marks that would tell of prey nearby.
If they had known one another’s thoughts, then the hunt might have been settled differently. She knew he had to be about a year younger then she, but that didn’t change the desire she had to prove herself to him. Knowing she would probably annoy and frustrate him at first when it came to learning to fight. Not to mention he had found her washed up on a beach, thus far she didn’t believe she had left a good impression on him. It wasn’t in her to show weakness to others, she preferred others see her for her strength and calm reserved self. But even that desire was at war within, always just beneath the surface bubbled with the desire to just run, to howl for the sheer joy of it, to romp and tumble and break the lady like cloak she wore. But she could only do that in private, far from the prying judgemental eyes of others.
She would chuckle softly, “Maybe, I am afraid she thinks me over protective. And perhaps I am. But she had such a gentle nature to her, she isn’t a fighter, doesn’t like hunting.” A slight shake of her head she’d give a faint snort. “Also probably my fault though, if I am to be honest with myself.” Thoughtfully spoken she turned her attention away that topic, instead focusing on his reactions to her playful shove.
It was as if he had never played before, the way he looked a bit tense and confused, as if he wasn’t really sure how to react. When his tail tip flicked toward her she would smile once more though a bit fainter then her usual bright smile, at least he didn’t completely ignore her action, still . “Malachi…” She would pause in her step hoping he would look at her. “I am not one to ignore something when it’s in front of my nose, rather I tend to address and issue before it becomes a major issue. So If I may ask…” She wasn’t sure how he would react, but she needed to before she burden him even more. “I don’t expect you to be happy over suddenly having an unknown wolf thrust into your life that for your own reasons you feel obligated to help. But I do not wish to be a burden upon you.” She sighed not entirely sure if she was able to get to the point she was trying to make. “Perhaps it’s just me…” Her words trailed as she found herself at a loss for words suddenly wishing she had never said anything, she just wanted to know what she could do to make him more at ease so he wasn’t forcing himself so much to tolerate her, but she could not see to find the words to explain. “Nevermind…if I do something wrong, just please…tell me..”
Word Count: 493 Muse: Tag: Malachi/Open Notes: Hah Gail is awkward ^^
He listened carefully even if it didn't look like it. As she described her sister, he began to wonder if she would ever find her. This place could be hard towards such a wolf and very possible to kill her before found. But he kept such thoughts to himself and let Gailleaan have hope. In a difficult effort, he tried to think positive, maybe being on her own Would bring out some stronger aspects of her personality and prove that she had what it takes to survive on her own. Again he was not to positive about it but he tried for Gailleann's sake.
Then came a harder subject, she brought up his social skills. Actually the lack thereof. Stormy blue eyes met light grey ones as he listened to her speak in a way that struck him as self-criticism. She thought herself a burden already and they haven't even started.
He knew he wasn't graceful in action or speech, he didn't make others feel at ease. Yes it was hard for him to be around others but he also wanted to help. It was, in his opinion, the only redeeming quality he had. Yes, he had the inner demons telling him to just disappear and not bother since he was the bad luck magnet but he knew he had his parents need to do good.
Stopping completely, body rigid and his face a mask of complete seriousness mixed with uncertainty, Malachi addressed her, "I haven't the skill of socializing easily with others. That's obvious. Everyone I've met has felt the need or comment on it either as an observation or an attempt to insult me. I haven't the gift of speaking sweetly. What most deem as a natural desire to play, I have never had even as a pup. If I tried I ended up hurting others, so I gave up trying to learn at a young age. I'm not a wolf that was blessed with an attractive demeanor, either, but I was raised to help if I could and I wish to do good even if my demons tell me to forget and stay away. It's a constant battle but that's my burden. I'm sorry I've made you feel unwelcome, that was not my intention but I have no way of knowing how to rectify it."
The thunderous rumbling of his voice rolled on in probably the longest speech he has ever given. The tone even sounded harsh to his own ears but he wouldn't have her constantly berate herself for simply being around him. "Now you know. Let's keep moving." He turned his face from hers and continued to walk, back to searching for food and shelter. He didn't want pity or words of sympathy, hopefully she could see that it wasn't her fault.
Gailleann OOC: Mal is having issues right now. Sorry about the table, not sure what's wrong with it.
Loner, 1 1/2 Years old, Saphira's sweetheart, adopted brother to Gailleann
Gailleann listened quietly as he spoke, ears cast forward. She would give a slight nod indicating that she was paying attention to his small speech. When he was finished he simply continued on his way, stalking out a scent. She would continue to sit for a few more heartbeats before she gave herself a simple nod and pushed to her paws, trotting to catch up to him. Once she reached his side she would offer him a smile, whether he saw or not didn’t really matter. “Attractive demeanor? I find blunt and straightforward far more attractive than silvered words that mean nothing when spoken. I pity those that did not have the sense to stand beside you when you needed them.”
She would glance sideways at him, it was neither pity nor sympathy she felt for him. Would he understand that? She did not know, still she side stepped to shove his shoulder once more, before returning to her place a step and a half to his right. “Play is not so hard, like fighting, it is about control, knowing when to push, when to stop according to your opponent. The only true difference is intent, in play you do not intend to maim or harm. Instead it is for fun, the pure joy of it. Fighting is the opposite, a necessary means to obtain certain things in life, in a fight you intend to cause harm, submission, or even death.” Twisting her gaze away from him she scanned their surroundings before looking back to him once more. “You will teach me to fight, if you wish, I can teach you to play? If you worry about harming me..” A faint smirk. “You do not need to.” She made her offer, a way that perhaps she could pay him back for the kindness he was showing her despite his inner turmoil to do otherwise. She had a feeling he would say no, but someday perhaps he would feel different. Her offer would never be withdrawn it would remain there for him to accept at his leisure.
With that being said, she let the subject drop, turning her focus on hunting. Lifting her muzzle faintly she would allow the gentle breezes to pass along the sensitive nares, ‘tasting’ the wind for nearby prey.
Word Count: 383 Muse: Tag: Malachi/Open Notes: She really wants to be playful with him lol, but she will hold her wilder side back until he’s more comfortable around her…even if it’s just a little.
Since she didn't immediately follow him, Malachi wondered if he only made the situation worse. He didn't exactly choose his words carefully and possibly hurt her feelings. The harder side of him shrugged, he just informed her what he was really like. That was all there was to it. But then he heard the paw steps of his companion padding up next to him and her sweet toned voice danced into his ears.
He didn't expect to be commended. Rather the large male was anticipating a more negative response. This girl wasn't just an eye level personality, she had her own inner surprises. He could respect that.
Just when he thought she would retreat in silence, he felt another bump on his shoulder. Turning his head to look at her in surprise, Malachi's eyes lit up ever so slightly. She isn't afraid of me.
Then came an offer very similar to that of Saphira. Teaching him how to play. He thought hard before he answered. His golden brushed friend was larger than the flame colored girl walking next to him, more able to take a hit that may be incorrect. Saphira had grown up with many siblings to tumble with while Gailleann had only one delicate sister. But they had spunk. A free spirit that may be able to crack through his rocky exterior and loosen him up.
"As you wish, Miss." He said simply, cut off as a stray breeze brought a tantalizing scent towards his ebony nostrils. "But not now." Changing into the familiar role of predator, Malachi sped up and followed the scent which promised to be a deer. Stormy eyes scanning intently as his large paws skipped quietly over the earth.
"Time for my kind of game..." He said in a low voice.
A brush of excitement touched the fire wolf as she caught sight of how his eyes lit up just a bit when she bumped his shoulder. She did not know why exactly, but at least it was a positive response. And coupled with the brief pause than acceptance of her offer gladden her heart even more. Though such thoughts were cut short as at almost the same instance as Malachi that alluring scent touched the blacken tip of her muzzle causing twin flames to perk with excitement. Her left ear, closest towards him flickered to catch the deep rumble of his voice, even as she matched his pace, remaining a length or two behind. Her intent was to allow him to take point, he was the stronger of the two of them, and given her weaken state she felt it was wiser course of action. Granted it meant relying upon him once again, and she truly hoped he did not mind, but rather then lose their potential meal because of her naturally stubborn nature she would only provide back-up should it be needed.
“I will follow your lead, Malachi.” The whispery soft voice reached forward to him. “I am still…weak.” It was obvious she did not enjoy admitting to it, but admit it she did. “Not that I think you will need it, but I will provide back up, and am capable of following your orders to the letter.” Excitement flushed through the orange and gold females’ blood, visible in the way her pale grey eyes intensified, the flaring of those nostrils as she tracked the scent through the air. The movement of those long limbs was smooth, unhindered by the fatigue that stubbornly dug its claws into her. It was a skill to shield how she truly felt, or what she thought from others view, even the most intuitive could be easily fooled if they did not pay close enough attention.
She kept her step light and silent, her words were kept within enhancing the silence that enveloped the pair. She kept one eye on him for any signals indicating what he wished for her to do, while the other kept a look out for their query.
This is what he was good at. No worries over missteps in propriety or accidental offenses, just the chase and eventual entrapment that would lead to the exciting tang of blood on his tongue. His dark rimmed ears flickered to catch the quiet vow of his companion, noting the uncomfortable tone when she had to admit not being up to complete physical status for a hunt. But now was not the time to try and buoy up her confidence, she said she would try and he trusted she would keep her word. Trust...a word he didn't use often.
Slowing once they came within proper range to sight the lone animal, Malachi assessed the situation, letting his mind play out several attack patterns to find the one with high probable victory. Of course a hunt was rarely a guaranteed win for a wolf, there were many unforeseeable variables that could cause a loss in a meal. He learned early on to try to plan carefully instead of like so many others that he swore relied on sheer luck.
Crouching low, the silvered male kept his eyes on the prize as a low voice reached out to his fire brushed companion. "If we separate, go at it from opposite directions, it should run straight towards one of us so we can at least pin it until we are joined up again to tackle it together. Make sense?" He needed to be sure she understood or else this whole thing would probably fail. Hunting with a stranger was hard in that way, generally each was on a different wavelength which caused teamwork to crumble. Now was the the iron things out. On the run, they would have no way of signaling each other. He knew hunters familiar with each other could change on whim and follow the lead of the other...there was no such luxury here.