Red Light [Datura]

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It started early, the slow and almost cautious crawl of the mild morning light. The western corner of Anikira had been plagued with scattered clouds for most of the week, allowing speckles of sunlight to shine through every once in a while, though the morning was full of mist and what one could only call gloom today. The night had been an easy one, no rain and though the clouds were multiplying, it had been peaceful and cool. The weekend promised rain and high winds, as well as the possibility of heavy storms. The daylight found Xena on the move, trotting slowly away from the mainland and towards Vor'asa. Large paws carried her effortlessly through the unclaimed territories, heading her towards the coast on the island to the west.

Though she stopped occasionally to catch a meal or two, her pace remained consistent. There was no rush in her movements, nor any obvious urgency in her expression. With a full belly and a relaxed demeanor, the large female made her way along the Aleisul Crossing and towards the western island. Her travels so far had been simple and littered with nothing more than scattered clouds and sunshine, and the only way to describe the powerful female was relaxed. Yes, she always remained alert and aware, but though years of practice, both serenity and caution went hand in hand.

After a couple of hours of wandering - from the mainland to the western island of Vor'asa - the tundra female finally slowed her pace as she reached Adeli's Cove. Her paws carried her slowly towards the edge of the water, carefully picking her way to what could be called - with a stretch - the beach. When she reached the water she lowered her hips, placing herself firmly in a sitting position on a large, flat stone near the water. Soon her chest followed suit and she laid down, front paws dangling crossed in the water and her head resting lightly on their intersection. Although she sighed softly and let her body relax, her ears and nose remained alert, listening and smelling for any signs of interruption and making it next to impossible for anyone to approach her unannounced.

Words: 360
Tags: None

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Clouds loomed ominously over the ocean, biding time. Soon, the rains would come as a sure signal of the changing seasons. As summer faded away, the cold autumn chill had returned to the early hours, and the promise of winter loomed heavy in Datura’s mind. Her night had been rather miserable as she wandered aimlessly through the northern dunes. Every sandy hill looked identical to its brethren, formed by relentless sea winds that howled through the darkness like a faraway wolf. Trees littered the landscape at random, and Datura had made a nice dip to sleep in when exhaustion took control.

She work hours later to a dense fog that swallowed the Aisu Dunes, and Datura hurried to put the area behind her. Her head was carried high as she found her way through the mist, which began to clear as the vague sunlight tried to fight through the pervasive cover of clouds. Vos’asa was a field ripe for harvest, the calling ground for those seeking purpose and protection. Datura’s luck there had been uncanny, discovering worthy blood for Kairos, one after the other. The place was seemingly a destination for many who could no longer abide by the restrictions made by packs of the main island. Anikira was a massive landmass, yet it seemed so small as other packs littered the island. There were only so many places left free to wander, and only so many lands to claim and control. Most wolves did not have the power or ability to take what was there – open land, water and prey to hunt – to make it their own.

Datura did not have that sort of power – not yet, anyway, though she could never hope to gain the authority and veneration that her Goliath deserved. Simply being his advocate gave her some authority, and it was far better than the life she had left behind. Sometimes it felt like her past was another lifetime. She was not prone to daydreams, but her thoughts distracted her as she pawed closer to the cove. This was a place where vagabonds roamed, so the presence of foreign scents was not unusual, but Datura stopped as she neared the beach, sensing that someone else was nearby. She moved as quietly as a shadow, but the smell that caught her attention was female.

It did not take long for her to notice the much larger wolf resting near the ocean, as tranquil as the water lapping at her paws. Datura squinted, unsure if her eyes and her nose were telling the same story – it was a fairly big creature that could easily be male, but the scent suggested otherwise. The smaller beast veered sharply towards the right so that she would not approach the stranger from behind, allowing the other to notice her presence before she dared to approach. Her flame-kissed tail lay placid behind her, and her head lowered to a respectful level to display her peaceful intentions.

words: 494
tag: @xena1

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In and out, in and out, in and out. Breathing came easy, and relaxation was quick to follow for the large female as she laid still and silent at the water's edge. Yellow eyes closed and ears finally stilled in their twitching and turning, it seemed she was finally at peace. If it were not for the slow rise and fall of her chest, one could easily assume that the tundra female was dead. The dark mask over her face absorbed the sunlight that speckled her form, shifting and moving with the cloud cover and the increasingly heavy winds. Her fur rustled and twisted in the calmer breezes that graced the water's edge, and though the wind blew her scent away from the water and towards the stranger that approached, her ears easily picked up the sound of footsteps.

And yet, they were diverting their path to the side, seemingly determined not to approach her from behind. A small smile graced her features for a moment before her eyes slowly opened, jaws widening in a long, lazy yawn before she lifted her head and turned it in the direction of the smaller female that now approached her. A small nod was all that was given to the smaller creature, her ears erect, but relaxed, as she watched the other and prepared for the introductions to begin. That was, of course, the polite way to handle things. Sure, the other had approached her first, but she had kept her distance and made sure that her presence was known before allowing herself any closer.

"Greetings. I am Xena, currently a lone wolf of Anikira."

She said, stretching slowly and yawning softly once more before pushing herself up into a sitting position. Although her attention was now on the female that had emerged recently, she was still the picture of peace and calm, at least on the outside. As per the usual, her mind whirred and spun, eyes carefully examining the creature before her and nose twitching as she managed to pick up the faintest scents of a pack. Yes, the wind still favored the opposing female, but that did not mean that her senses were all but useless. Yet for the time being her observations remained silent in her mind, kept from others and locked away in the mystery that was her brain. Analyzing and quizzical, her head never stopped spinning and her mind never seemed to rest. And yet, it seemed to never be satisfied. Although she had started the greetings, she left the other female to continue the conversation, as she had been the one to approach originally. Sure, she was capable of small talk and socializing, though the act never appealed to her very much. She was frequented by thoughts and questions, though for the most part she had managed to position a filter in a way that she could easily determine when it was appropriate to speak and when it was not. For the time being, such a gesture was not her responsibility.

Words: 507
Tags: @datura

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Her cream colored muzzle tipped forward in a slow nod as the other introduced herself, the void expression she wore melting into an interested smile. Datura had happened upon another loner, which pleased her more than her stiff smile suggested. Loners were not so difficult to persuade. If the loner possessed the right skills, temperament, and half a brain, the offer of joining Kairos seemed the obvious choice. She watched in silence as Xena lifted her upper body from the water to sit, eyes wandering the female’s physique as she moved. Even while Datura remained standing, the larger female was several inches taller. Her mottled pelt was a chaotic mix of ash and onyx, with dark circles shadowing both bright eyes. The unique hues decorating her façade accentuated striking pools of gold that met Datura’s eerie gaze unflustered and unaffected, and her attitude was markedly calm.

Datura had not approached the stranger to admire her coat or meaningless flattery – it was the talents one Xena’s size may possess that caught the femme’s attention. She was by no means the largest wolf that Anikira had to offer, but she would make an ideal hunter. It was the place of every female that Kairos protected. She assessed the other’s muscular forelegs, amber eyes falling away for a moment before returning to the other’s sunny stare. ”I am Datura of Kairos.” Uttering the name of her pack always inspired pride within the female, and a secret thrill surged within Datura. She paused to watch for any visible reactions from the other. Perhaps Xena had already heard of Goliath. Word of his growing pack had already reached the main island, and Datura assumed his prowess would soon be whispered in fearful warning between loners and packs from north to south.

Xena did not appear to be a wolf who needed the safety of a pack. Tala had been so easily convinced, but the fae who sat before her now was large enough to fend for herself. There was nothing fearful in her demeanor – even without speaking, she exuded confidence that many females lacked. She had a peaceful aura about her, but appearances could be deceiving, Datura knew. She counted on a pretty face and a feigned smile to gain the trust of others, but there was something unusual about Xena, something that Datura could not guess.

For once, the oft-deceitful female decided against the tactics she had practiced the last several days with other potential recruits. Slowly, she assumed a seated position, her auburn tail curling around milky paws like a serpent. ”May I speak candidly? I have come from Ina’mos in search of wolves. We reside just across this stretch of water,” she spoke at a leisurely pace, choosing her words deliberately. ”Soon, Kairos will be the strongest force across Anikira. Our alpha accepts only the strong, the capable.” She spoke as if it were a great honor to gain Goliath’s acceptance – in her mind, it was.  Her voice fell an octave.  ”You do not appear to need our protection as so many weaker females require. You are strong, and the strong are destined to conquer the rest.  Yet even the strongest cannot stand alone.”

Such candor was rare for Datura, but pretty lies did not seem appropriate for Xena's case. This one was different.

words: 532
tag: @xena1

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It was clear from the moment that the other female approached that she had something important to say, something important to do. She watched silently as the other sat, making note of her posture and of the way she held herself, confident and proud, obviously sure of herself and of her pack. Speaking of her pack, it was only a matter of moments before the mention of Kairos had her ears perking with new interest. She had heard rumors of the pack, of how their numbers were made up of mostly female hunters and male warriors. She knew what a female was for the pack, especially the weak females that she later spoke of. Datura's question received no more than a nod as she allowed her to continue, listening carefully and tilting her head ever-so-slightly as she finished.

"I have heard many a rumor of Kairos, of your pack's beliefs and their purposing for the females that join their ranks. I am a talented huntress, yes, but my skills are better suited for a warrior position."

She said, knowing her words would not likely be received very kindly. Though it was unheard of for a female to be a warrior - at least in Kairos - she was not about to roll over and accept a position that did not suit her properly. She was, of course, still intent on joining Kairos, just accepting any position in order to gain acceptance into a pack was beneath her. Datura was right, she was capable and strong, and she was definitely not desperate. She wanted a pack, and she could use the company, but she would never settle for less than she rightfully deserved.

"I have, in fact, been thinking of seeking acceptance into your pack, Datura. However, I will not accept any rank less than a warrior."

She said, watching the other female carefully. It was obvious that the smaller wolf was unaccustomed to a female of her stature, and the thought honestly did not surprise the large tundra wolf. Throughout the entire exchange she remained calm and alert, her tail still curled lightly around her paws and her yellow eyes staring directly back at the pack wolf that sat before her. She had no reason to submit or to roll over, nor to simply accept any rank that the pack threw at her. For now, however, she returned to her silence, watching Datura carefully and letting her words sink in.

Words: 408
Tags: @datura
Notes:
(I apologize if this doesn't make much sense. Apparently my brain is all over the place today.)

Staff Note: Remember to bold your wolf's speech (:

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”Warrior?” She repeated the word, suppressing an incredulous look from forming across her mottled features, auburn and ivory and seldom expressive. ”Kairos has no female warriors.” The idea was not impossible – at least in Datura’s mind, it was something worth considering. A good fighter willing to sacrifice for his alpha was good enough for her, male or female. But she was not an alpha or anything close to the top yet, so she could not make the decision alone. Still, the petite fae rather liked Xena. She spoke her mind without seeming pompous, and her assertive energy was not overwhelming. And, best of all, Datura knew that she was not the diminutive sort of female that Goliath seemed to prefer. Most females did not have the power to fight back when faced with male dominance, but Xena did not seem like a wolf who would be taken lying down.

A female warrior was contrary to Goliath’s plans for Kairos. The very idea went against her alpha’s vision of a male-dominated pack and the strongest yet to roam Anikira. The females had a specific role to play within Goliath’s growing empire. And Datura had no qualms about these oppressive intentions, in part because she felt an air of superiority when it came to the other females. Xena did not fit the mold of a Kairos warrior because of her gender, nor did she embody the submissive, diminutive hunter that Goliath preferred.

As a strange half smile appeared on her long muzzle, Datura allowed her stare to wander to the open sea that lay behind the pair. The bright blue water looked cool and inviting, as if it were tempting others to take the short swim to the fair shores of Ina’mos. It gave no hint of the trouble that flourished on the secluded beaches there. Eyes returning to Xena, the smaller fae gave a satisfied nod. Perhaps it would take some convincing on her part, but Datura was rather entertained by the idea of a female fighter in the midst of the behemoths that Goliath approved. ”You will have to meet Goliath so he can decide for himself if you are fit for his ranks. Were it up to me, I would invite you to join us myself. A female warrior – Why not? But I am only an advocate for Goliath and not his voice.” Despite her allegiance to Goliath, Datura did believe that some females were good for more than giving birth and rearing pups. Not all females were worth more than that in her mind, but a select few had merits of their own.

The sudden cry of a gull overhead drew Datura’s attention to the azure sky above, and she glared at the noisy sea bird, who cared little about the presence of the predators below. Still gazing upwards, her mind wandered to Xena’s statement. ”You have mentioned your skills. Are you trained in the art of combat?” she asked in conspiratorial tones as she looked back into Xena’s eerie yellow orbs, the same shade as sufur.  What was she hiding beneath her tranquil surface? 

words: 515
tag: @xena1

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The female could not help but smile as the other spoke, her head tilting ever-so-slightly at the mention of Goliath, the alpha of Kairos. She had assumed upon the other's arrival that she was in no place to be making any difficult or important decisions when it came to a pack like Kairos, so this 'new' development was no surprise to her. As the others' eyes scanned over the area surrounding them, surveying the inviting looking waters and the hot sand at their feet, Xena's eyes remained on her smaller form. It was good to see that even a female member of the pack seemed comfortable and even interested with the idea of a female warrior among their ranks. It was a good sign for her, but she could not be sure that Goliath would feel the same. But for now, a willing and helpful pack member was good enough for her. One had to start somewhere, right?

Finally she let her eyes wander as well, if only for a moment, to scan the waters they stood near. It was so peaceful here, so calm and serene, as if nothing bad could ever happen. Oh how wrong that could be. And yet, as she allowed her mind to wander briefly, the question that came from Datura's mouth had her snapping back into reality. She smiled, nodding lightly for a moment before stretching her front paws out in front of her slightly before opening her jaws to answer the question that had been put forth. "I have trained for years, ever since I was old enough to walk, I dare say." She said, shifting from one paw to the other for a moment before settling back into a relaxed sitting position. Although her body was not accustomed to perching itself on the soft, shifting sand, she had only been sitting here for a short while. Yet still she found herself uncomfortable, disliking the feeling of the uneven and unstable ground beneath her.

After all, a warrior relied on their ability to not only defend themselves, but also successfully launch an attack. This was difficult to do on terrain that was not solid and did not provide secure footing. Although she knew the smaller female before her was no threat, her instincts screamed at her that she was vulnerable. It was not a feeling she enjoyed, but it was one she would endure for now, if it meant she could be a part of the pack she had been studying the past several days. Kairos was on the top of her list of potential packs within Anikira, and she was not known for settling for less than she rightfully deserved. And settling for the rank of a huntress would not be an exception.

Words: 461
Tags: @datura

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In her difficult childhood, it had never occurred to Datura that her diminutive size would ever be considered a disadvantage in the larger world beyond her pack’s confines. Among her siblings, she alone was strong – bigger than the rest, healthier, and twice as cunning. This was the sole reason she had come this far. But they had wandered Africa, where others of their kind were in short supply. Datura had never seen a wolf outside of her species until her arrival on the shores of Anikira. Now, as she stood before the large female, she understood more keenly than ever that she was no match for the majority of the lupine residents of Anikira. The larger Kairos became, the more it blossomed and grew, the safer Datura was. She watched Xena sit, wary eyes locked on every move the other made, still sensing a touch of unease lingering between them, despite the peaceful scenery.

Now more than ever, it was her quick and capable that would keep her on top, partnered with her unwavering dedication to a better life at Goliath’s side. She could only venture to guess what her alpha would say about Xena. Still, in Datura’s mind, a female warrior was better than no warrior at all. In a way, she envied the much larger female (though, naturally, Datura was not capable of admissions of jealousy). Her robust physique and physical training gave her a unique position within Anikira, where many females had few options in life because they were considered the weaker sex. The thought vexed Datura, but she could not change her own size. She was convinced her eventual offspring would fare better than she had in their violent world.

Despite some semblance of envy toward Xena for being the stronger of the two, Datura took a liking to the stranger almost immediately. Her level-headedness and confidence were admirable, and her size rendered her useless to Goliath's fascination with females he towered over. A deep breath was inhaled, the air salty and wet, as Datura tried to make herself relax a little. ”I can see the benefits of training female pups to fight. Were you raised within a pack?” This seemed unlikely, for Datura was not convinced that the established packs had any semblance of an organized army. Still, she had to know a bit of the stranger’s history – even if Datura herself was not inclined to share the sordid details of her own past. ”It is my understanding that the lesser packs of Anikira are not known for their skills in battle. Whether they are peaceful or merely cowards, I do not know. I can assure you, Xena, that Kairos is unlike all the others.”

As far as she knew, there were no conflicts or animosity forming between the packs that existed across the main land of Anikira, no need for warriors or defenses. But nothing was meant to last forever. The seasons were changing and so, too would Anikira.

words: 500
tag: @xena1
ooc: sorry for the delay! busy week.

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It was easy for the tall and powerful female to take a liking to the smaller wolf that stood before her. Her self control and intelligence impressed her, though it was clear that this female did not hold the same abilities as she did. Sure, there was more to life than fighting and hunting, but only a rare amount of the remaining skills held much interest to the masked female. Yes, she had a brain and she used it frequently, but there was nothing like the feeling of the adrenaline and the rush of a fight. Her eyes wandered slowly over the water around them, her eyes losing their interest and easily displaying the wandering of her mind. Daydreaming, one might call it, but not of flowers and everything nice like a female should. No, her dreams were of using her abilities and the feeling of power over another in a fight.

It was Datura's voice that brought her - once again - back into the realm of reality. She blinked for a few seconds, looking down at the other female before tilting her head slightly and shaking it from side to side. "I did not grow up in a pack. My parents, however, considered our family a 'small pack', I suppose." She said, her ear twitching slightly and her tail flicking to the side at the mention of her family. She preferred not to speak of them, but there was no obvious animosity in her eyes as she had spoken.

The next words that came out of Datura's mouth peaked her interest once more, causing her ears to perk and her head to tilt in the opposite direction. "I have studied your pack over the past while, though my resources have been limited, as have been my contacts, until now." She said, nodding slightly to the other and even offering one of her rare smiles. "I have intended to seek acceptance into Kairos for a while now. Though I know that Goliath's decision will determine whether or not that happens." She said, closing her eyes for a moment and letting herself exhale slowly. She needed to meet the leader of Kairos in order to solidify her choice in rank, and though the task would likely prove to be difficult, there was a determination in her eyes that she was not about to let anyone snuff out.

Words: 395
Tags: @datura
Notes: I am SO sorry this took me so long! Thank you for being patient with me!!!

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Datura had never been one for introspection. The ghosts of the past should be left there, in the cobwebbed recesses of her mind. Those old memories were worthless to her now, and she guarded them carefully to keep them concealed. While Xena did not exude apparent anger or despair when she spoke of her family, the smaller female’s watchful copper eyes saw the subtle clues – the way Xena’s chocolate brown ear twitched, the light flick of her mottled tail. These veiled hints were enough for Datura to piece together the fragments of the robust fae’s history, and to deduce the extent of Xena’s situation. "I see." The quiet stranger had said just enough for Datura to know as much as was necessary, and so she asked no further questions. It seemed Xena had no real natal pack, but was raised from a young age to fight. Whether or not her family still lived was of no consequence to Datura.

She appreciated the other’s stoic attitude and her silence. If only all females were so straightforward, Datura’s interactions with her own gender would be far less infuriating. Her mind flashed to Aaricia, the uptight white wolf she had met on Ina’mos – a member of her own pack, and one she already despised. Secretly, Datura hoped that Goliath would see the sense in accepting Xena into the ranks of his warriors. Nevermind their militia – Datura needed more wolves like this one that did not require feigned flattery or civility, an animal she could respect.

Anyone willing to give their lives for the cause should be considered. She assumed Goliath had some test of strength or loyalty to administer to prospective warriors, though she had never specifically asked. The blood and the gore was her alpha’s domain, though that realm did not make Datura squeamish. She wanted nothing more than to watch her alpha maim and destroy the lesser creatures of Anikira. Someday, perhaps, she would have the good fortune of watching a battle personally.

Kairos was still relatively young in its inception, but already, word of Goliath’s power had seeped into the consciousness of the loners of Anikira. Datura was pleased, though her expression did not show it. She offered an unhurried nod, the hint of a smile toying with her dark lips. ”The decision is Goliath’s, and it may take some convincing on your part to rise above the vision he has for the females of our pack. Regardless, I wish you well in your meeting with the alpha.” She spoke of her mate with obvious hubris. Indeed, Datura was proud to be a part of Kairos.  Even if it meant sacrificing her autonomy, it was well worth it to be his.

words: 453
tag: @xena1
ooc: don't worry, school has been crazy for me,
so I'll probably be a little slow, too. <3

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She kept still, watching the other think and listening to her speak. The large and powerful female had nothing left to say, and though she - rather surprisingly - enjoyed the other female's presence, she was anxious to be on her way to speak with the Kairos alpha. Now, she was perfectly capable of turning off her manners and pushing herself onto the pack, without worrying in the slightest about the other female's feelings. However, she liked Datura, therefore she had at least some respect for the little female that sat before her. She nodded as the other spoke of the pack leader, and now she could not help but push herself to her feet and stretch slowly."If you don't mind, I would appreciate meeting Goliath sooner rather than later."

She said, tilting her head slightly with her ears perked atop her head. Obviously she was excited for the meeting, and since she was not a complete and total fool, there was some anxiety in her eyes as she looked down at the little female in front of her. She would be an idiot to believe that Goliath would just bend to her will and give her whatever rank she pleased. No, that would not make him a powerful alpha, nor would it really mean that his pack members deserved the ranks that they were given. She had no doubt she would need to prove herself, as well as hold onto her determination to be a warrior. There was no other rank that would suit her properly, and she was very sure that no other rank could make her happy.

She had heard rumors of the beliefs of Kairos, and she understood them for the most part, though she still had her questions. "I don't mean to sound rude, but I'm afraid I can't seem to find a better way to phrase this." She said, pausing for a moment to let her apology sink in before she continued. "I have heard that Kairos believes that females are meant only for breeding purposes, that they are the weaker gender. Is that true?" She asked, frowning slightly and almost wincing as she watched the other female's face, desperately hoping that she would not take offense to her words. She seriously wanted an answer, but if the question upset Datura, then she would drop it altogether and wait to find out herself. But she had to admit, a bit of a confirmation would definitely help her prepare for what she would need to say and do when she spoke with Goliath in the near future.

Words: 431
Tags: @datura
Notes: We can go on a little bit still if you'd like, though I know Xena is anxious to meet up with Goliath soon ^.^

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Datura smiled knowingly as Xena pulled herself to her feet, and she nodded, as was appropriate for these civil conversations. For two wolves that were not innately chatty, Datura and Xena had done quite well. At least, Datura knew she had said just enough to convince Xena. The following question, however, clouded the triumphant moment. The warrior inquired about the position of their gender within Kairos. Datura could not lie – but she had a way of twisting words just so, and she replied calmly.

”We all have our own strengths and purpose, our own paths to follow. We are given the gift of life – we can create it, you and I. The males cannot create life. They can only destroy. If we are born with the ability to create, the strengthen a new generation, than we should feel honored to do so.” Her tones were solemn, as if she had been following these tenets of Goliath’s philosophy her whole lifetime. In truth, Datura did not exactly agree with the ideas that Goliath had formulated for the structure of his pack – at least, not as far as Datura herself was concerned. The other females were all expected to produce offspring for the warriors. Undoubtedly, Goliath would have his proverbial ‘pick of the litter’ when it came to the females. Datura was fairly confident Xena would not strike his fancy, a thought that pleased the diminutive russet girl.

Datura was also choosy about taking a mate. Several breeding seasons had come and gone by for her. The idea of allowing a male near her had previously disgusted Datura, the notion of giving birth to some brute’s wretched young despicable in her mind. But that was before Goliath. Datura had been nothing more than a castaway. No longer would she allow herself to linger near the bottom rungs of lupine society, ignored and discarded, left to forge her own life and anticipate an early death.

Now, she knew she had forced enough conversation out of herself and out of Xena. The larger fae seemed convinced, eager to meet Goliath for herself. Datura gave one final nod in the female warrior’s direction before she began to turn away. There were other lost wolves to collect, and Datura was feeling very confident in her persuasive talents after two subsequent successes on Vor’asa. She was growing rather fond of the area, despite the hideous man-made abomination that littered its pale shore. With Xena convinced and the pride swelling within her belly, Datura turned her attention to the gentle sloping dunes to the west. ”I hope that we will meet again soon, Xena.” She did not bother to wait for a reply. The moment the words were out, Datura followed suit, tail wavering behind her as she retreated to find others.

words: 464
tag: @xena1
ooc: I think I'm done here! That was fun! <3