On the Prowl (open)

[Halo]

That might be a hard question to answer. Well, the words really shouldnt be that hard, but the situation is sort of complicated. He is, a the Light Guardian, an alpha of a terra, but since the occurence of the new creatures many have abandoned the land for hiding places, fearing to be discovered if they stayed put. And so now he finds himself alone again despite his ownership of a kingdom. So what is the answer? Does he run alone or belong to a pack? Isn't the answer sort of both? See? A complicated answer for auch a simple question.

"Hm," he begins, turning his eyes away with uncertainty, resting his gaze on a blade of grass growing alongside his paw as it twists in a slight breeze. "I'm not sure, but I suppose at the moment the answer would have to be both. For my position I was granted a land of my own to be leader over, but I have found myself alone besides that fact." He hadn't really thought much about it until now, not having really felt a need to since he had never had to express it in conversation. But now that he is, he finds himself rather heartbroken over the ordeal. "Those of my pack abandoned me for the shadows since the arrival of the equines in our valley and I've been alone ever since." He shakes his head.

He lifts his head and offers Kodi a closed-eye smile. Everything will be alright for him. It isn't the end of the world and things will eventually go back to normal; or at least as close to normal as change will allow. Haben doesn't expect to be alone forever. But if he must, he must, and he'll just have to learn to deal with it an adapt. He's been alone before and survived. This will be no different except that he had grown comfortable with company.
~Haben

[<3Kodi]

It was a sad tale to hear of wolves forced from their homes just because of good for nothing horses. Ha silent growl rumbled in her mind but she didn't voice her snarl aloud lest it give Haben the wrong idea. It disgusted her that wolves had to be herded like sheep while horses seemed to be all over. Shaking off the sour thoughts, Kodiak inhaled deeply and looked toward the moon, beginning her trip toward the horizon for dawn to come within the next few hours. Such a peaceful night was beginning its end but Kodiak was glad it had happened, glad to have met Haben. He was a good wolf in a tough spot though she had been right. Haben was someone of importance. A light guardian. She'd never seen that one coming. Go figure she had been romping around with someone like that, someone destined to be an alpha someday. Talk about coming out of left field with that one.

Turning her head to look back at Haben, Kodiak gave him a reassuring smile. "Well almighty Light Guardian I know of one other wolf, a healer, whom may be tempted to follow you should your kingdom grow again. He's a good wolf I've met only briefly but I trust well enough."

Rising to her paws, Kodi gave her fur a brisk shake to rid it of any bits of grass or otherwise that might cling to it. Padding toward Haben, Kodi lowered her head and pressed her nose against the side of his muzzle, a friendly but respectful touch. "I would also follow you" Kodi informed him, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. "I don't need to see you fight or slay a monster to see you'd make a fine alpha when your time comes."

Kodi took a few steps back, a respectful distance for an alpha, and sat back on her haunches. A smile on her maw, Kodiak dipped her head. Haben was an alpha and guardian. Oddly that seemed to change Kodi's tune a bit. She knew she probably shouldn't suddenly feel like she had to be formal but it was hard to shake after all the impressions she'd had of how other packs treated their alphas, stiffly and with strict respect or fear.

[Halo]

Almighty? No, not him! He hopes that she is joking for he does not want to be viewed at all in that type of esteem. Sure, respect would be nice for the hard work he puts into the title, it is, afterall, a difficult job to have, but he does not want to be venerated like a God. He laughs within himself, thinking of how there are plenty who would rise at the opportunity to be worshipped. But not him. And the formal air that seems to poison the lightness that was between them is sort of choking, uncomfortable and he thinks he'll have to see to it that it is taken care of immediately.

"Your confidence in me is very appreciated, Kodi. Some might, and probably have, cast their vote the other way because of my attitude, but it is nice to see I can still be myself around some." He stands up on his feet, padding forward through the grasses until he is face to face with his companion. Haben dips his nose and touches his snot to hers, smiling cheerfully with a light show of his pearly teeth. "However, there is no reason for you to distance yourself, my dear, just because you know my status now. I wouldn't want anything to change between us because of that." He lifts his head and tilts it as he gets a thoughtful look on his face, lips purses slightly. "I wonder how long I could've kept it a secret from you." He laughs.

Like mentioned, Haben is not a secretive kind of guy. It probably wouldn't have taken him long to spill the beans or get sloppy and have himself found out. He's just an open mind and heart, a true blue fellow with a down-to-earth view of things. No, he doesn't want to be the leader who is remembered as a strict stickler for the rules, but the fun-loving alpha who would joke and play with the rest. The ivory male just wants to be loved by those following him. That's where true loyalty is born, not from fear.

"It will be nice, though," he starts quietly..."To have you around." He really does enjoy her company. Her energy inspires him (not to mention she would really keep him in shape with these wrestling matches). Now as soon as he can get back to his lands he can show them to her. He'd been wandering about in search of those he had sworn to protect and had, though animals usually have a good sense of direction, got himself a little lost.
~Haben

(OOC: I'm waiting for the other players playing the guardians to pick their terras, that's why I haven't got Haben's up yet.)

[<3Kodi]

Kodi rubbed her muzzle fondly against Haben's and licked his snout before replying. "I don't know Haben, I probably would have been turning grey before I figured anything out. My powers of observation aren't always the sharpest." It was a half lie and a half truth more or less. Kodiak could be highly observant if she knew what she was looking for in someone or knew what thing she was looking for at all which helped her as a tracker and huntress. If she was among other wolves, active wolves such as Haben, well she was easily distracted and wouldn't always notice the little things. Haben had also been good at hiding or at least not acting like a guardian, probably because of seasons of practice or he had never really been one for status which lightened Kodiak's heart.

"I'm glad you won't mind me getting you in shape" Kodi teased, leaning forward and tapping Haben's side. Yep, still a little flab. They'd have to work on that. In the moonlight Kodi's eyes sparkled with wicked mischief but also gentle, almost loving, teasing.

Trying not to distract herself with the fact that she was actually very close to the ivory guardian, the tan and brown fem looked toward the forest, perking her ears and suddenly on high alert. Angling her head, Kodi breathed in. Her bright eyes sparkled with hope. Another deer seemed to be approaching during the time of quiet between the two wolves. Suddenly with the focus of a master huntress, Kodi eased herself to her paws, staring into the the brush in search of the scent she had caught. Glancing at Haben, Kodi smiled.

"Have enough energy for a brisk hunt Haben?" Kodi asked, her eyes bright with the anticipation of the hunt. If there was one thing Kodiak loved it was the hunt, its thrill, the pace, the feeling that everything was where it was supposed to be.

[Halo]

The femme’s new alertness brought Haben’s senses around to attentiveness as well, eyes sharp eyes and keen nose and ears searching the direction towards which Kodi had focused. At first, he isn’t sure what it is that they are looking at, keeping his eyes peeled for an enemy or danger. Then the scent of deer wafts across his twitching snout and the same hopeful feeling Kodiak must be feeling tingles inside his chest as his instincts go crazy. The brute has to work hard and carefully to keep his tail from wagging furiously and the eager whine from escaping from his throat.

His head turns with an energetic jerk towards Kodi as she speaks to him, his eyes wide and alight with his own passion for the hunt. It is nice to see the same enthusiasm in her gaze, something that they can share together. Haben’s head nods once and he gets to his paws quietly, ears perked forward as he looks off to where he had last sensed their prey, searching quickly until he catches up with it. There it is...

Slowly he slinks through the tall grasses, trying to blend the rustle of his movements among the stalks with the light breeze that ruffles them. He pauses and glances back at Kodi, checking to see if she is coming or not. Haben doesn’t want to leave without her or offend her by going ahead. So he offers her a kooky grin and a roguish wink.
~Haben

(OOC: Blah..stinks…)

[<3Kodi]

Remembering many lessons on hunting with others, Kodiak easily remembered her long hunts with Orin when they'd been in the heart of the north. Hunting with just two was something Kodi could easily do, nearly as well as she managed alone. Big groups however, always got her confused but with just Haben, Kodi was sure she'd be fine. Watching for a moment as the white male slunk low into the grasses, Kodi began to move as well. Powerful muscles flexed with ease under her thick feathery coat. Keeping her pawsteps as close to silent as she could manage, Kodi made a wide half circle away from Haben, flanking off to his right and heading for the trees a distance from where she smelled the deer resting. She was going to get behind the deer and kick it up toward Haben and herd it for him. Males being bigger and said to be stronger Kodi was sure he could manage while he herded and tried to hamper its run by snapping at the legs.

Her amber eyes were bright with anticipation for the hunt, her stomach churning happily at the thought of a good meal for once. In the moonlit forest, Kodiak blended but she knew Haben would still stand out a big with his pure colored fur. Hopefully out in the meadow's openness, the fleeing deer wouldn't notice him until it was too late. Kodi paused in her trek, ears perked. The deer shifted in its bed, snorting softly as if aware danger was lurking closer. Time was running out to act. If she didn't start the herding now the deer would run and run too wide for Haben to easily catch.

Crouching low, Kodi fixed her gaze on the deer and watched its head turn, large ears flicking. A very soft growl started up in her throat but before the deer could fully register what the sound was, Kodiak was moving. She made no attempt to be silent but instead purposefully scared the deer up. It worked like a charm. The deer snorted and sprang up, sprinting toward the open meadow with Kodi on its heels, snapping her jaws and swerving with the deer to keep it from straying from her desired path.

[Halo]

Haben doesn't have telepathy, but by coupling instincts with observance can do the job just about as good. Kodi doesn't have to tell him what she is doing for him to understand the plan. So he drops his posture lower to the ground, trying to be as invisible as he can manage wearing a white pelt, legs tucked beneath him like loaded springs ready to be released to send him lunging forward after the long-legged prey. And to say he is eager would be an understatement, his tummy grumbling quietly (him mentally chiding it for attempted mutiny) and his tongue working quietly to stem the drool of anticipation. Hunger does that; the way to a male's heart is through his stomach, don't you know.

His ears, pricked forward and ready to listen, easily catch the sudden flurry of movement from inside the brush, announcing the true beginning of the hunt. But he makes sure not to make his presence known until the most opportune moment so as not to scare the beast into another direction before the teamwork can kick in and affords the wolves a failure. Again, he relies on instinct and his sense of hearing, judging the distance more with his ears since his eyes are looking through resistance.

Leaping from hiding, he darts around the deer's front, doing a short leap towards its neck and failing the first attempt. But its dodge is not quite as successful the next time around, pressed between Kodi's assault on its hinds and the attack on its front. Desperate, it kicks out at the female assailant only to drop its head for it. Haben pounces, his weight pulling the deer to the ground.
~Haben

(OOC: Blah...)

[<3Kodi]

Kodiak hung back as the deer drew closer to Haben, weary of the sharp hooves should the deer rear or buck to try and fend off the hunters. Keeping close enough to keep the deer from trying to flee back to where it had come, Kodi snapped her jaws loudly to keep spooking it up toward Haben until she saw the white male spring from the grasses, moonlight making his fur flash brightly. Showoff, Kodi thought fondly. As Haben made his first pass at the deer's neck, Kodiak let out a growl and sprang forward as well, snapping at the deer's legs to see if she could break one. Her jaws missed but the deer bucked forward to try and kick at her. Kodi drew back barely in time to avoid the full blow but felt pain explode in her muzzle as one of the hooves half-hit her muzzle.

Recoiling from the beast, Kodi dropped back with a snarl of pain. Along the left side of her muzzle, a shallow scratch had been dug by the deer's sharp hind hooves. Giving her head a brisk shake and swallowing the pain, Kodi sprang forward with more ferocity then before. The deer dropped its head to try and fend off Haben's fangs from finding its neck. Loping to the right, Kodiak sprang at the deer's haunches. Fangs snapped at the thick hide, large paws pushing against the deer to knock it off balance. As the deer went down in the front, it's hind legs toppled and Kodi found herself tumbling off the deer as it hit the ground with a dull thump. It bleated pitifully in pain but Kodi paid the cries no heed.

Picking herself up, Kodi watched the animal die at Haben's fangs and smirked happily. Her stomach rumbled impatiently but Kodi ignored it. She would feed soon enough once they were sure the deer wouldn't be half alive and then walk up and it would kick them or something. Her muzzle was already too familiar with this deer's hooves, she didn't need any more introductions to other parts of her body.

[Halo]

Haben does not release his grip until he is sure the animal’s pulse has died and he slowly opens his jaws and allows the deer’s head to lay limp, licking his once white lips and tasting the sweet savor of blood there. He looks over at Kodi and smiles, taking a few padding steps over and licking her muzzle where the deer’s hoof had found her, as if the bruise would miraculously heal at his touch. “You okay? That sounded like it hurt. I can’t quite say it looked like it hurt...I was a little busy.” He grins and nips her ear, humored at the sound of the quiet rumble of hunger in her stomach. “Someone sounds hungry.” He steps back and allows her room to approach their prize. “Ladies first,” he announces, trying on a gentlemanly charm as he bends a knee and bows his head.
~Haben

(OOC: Sorry for the wait, the fact that this is short and bad. My muse kind of died by the time I got to this post. SORRY!)

[<3Kodi]

Subconciously Kodi pressed a bit closer to Haben's touch, flicking her ear away as he tried to nip her playfully. The gold-tainted fem smirked, a light still in her eyes. "Well I suppose I'm pretty lucky to have a big strong male to get back at the mean old deer for me" Kodi purred, butting her head fondly against Haben's neck. Her belly rumbled noisily, complaining quite loudly and this time Haben heard it. Kodiak didn't miss the amusement in his voice and felt her skin flush under her fur. Mentally cursing her noisy belly, Kodi licked Haben's muzzle in thanks for helping her get the deer.

Days with little food had started to take a toll on Kodi though wolves could go a while without feeding. Her recent romping session with Haben had also made her energy reserves drain and now she was almost certain she could eat the whole deer on her own. Knowing that was completely not true but still feeling it, Kodi approached the deer without further hesitation. Instinct took over, hunger making her ignore Haben and instead appease her growling belly. Deer had to be the best creation on earth as far as Kodi was concerned as she ate her fill, tossing aside tough hide in favor of the rich meat. It was a while before Kodi backed away from the kill, sure that Haben was probably still feeding.

Stepping away from the deer a few feet, Kodi flopped down on the long grasses that covered the meadow, letting them caress her sides. Weariness was starting to set into her limbs and a full belly was making her a bit more mellow. Long hours of walking, trotting or running over wilderness took a toll on a girl after a while, not to mention romping around with Haben and then hunting. Licking her muzzle clean, Kodi laid her muzzle on her paws and waited for Haben to finish his meal and join her or be on his way. She was still curious about him and in all honesty she felt almost addicted to his company. She didn't want to be alone anymore. She thrived on company, it was something she needed. Kodi had been raised a loner but was a packwolf at heart and Haben might be able to help her find one.

[Halo]

Despite some forsaking their brethren for whatever means, wolves are naturally social animals, yearning for and thriving upon the safety and comfort of the pack. So it can be expected that Kodi would enjoy and desire company from even a foolish nut like Haben. Even the alpha himself has found himself bummed and brought down without the luxery of friendship over the past several moon cycles. Now soaking in the female’s presence like a sponge sucking up water, he has no intention of being the one to initiate a splitting up of their pairing. She could do what she likes, and he would oblige to her wishes, but Haben will allow the choice to be hers (his is already decided).

As soon as his stomach is full, the ivory brute leaves off from the carcass, trotting over and flopping lazily on his side beside Kodi upon a bulging belly. He licks at his lips, determined to clean every lingering morsel from his whiskers. Accomplishing this gluttonous deed, he rolls over so his back is pressed against the fae’s side, flopping his head over so that it rests on her fores and he looks up at her with a grin. “Is the complainer gone?” He is, of course, referring to the grumbly in her tumbly. He chuckles, amused by his own humor.
~Haben

(OOC: Sorry for the lateness....)

[<3Kodi]

It was amusing watching Haben hobble over to her, his white belly bulging from the large meal. Kodi knew she was probably no better, lounging in the grass like a lazy, sleepy whelp after a good dinner. She half expected Haben to set off on his own again or go looking for pack wolves to join him in whatever home he had lost. The thought saddened the free-spirited femme until, to her surprise, Haben padded over to her and flopped down. Hiding her smile while he cleaned his muzzle of any morsels of the meal, Kodi regained her composure just in time for Haben to roll over and lay his head on her forelegs. Kodi didn't mind but was surprised at the feeling of being so close to another wolf again. It made her blood rush but not like the hunt did. It warmed her heart, pooling in her belly and making her feel oddly content. It was unusual but...nice.

Never again would Kodi take for granted a warm body next to hers or the sound of another heartbeat, another rhythm of breathing or the simple feel of someone else's presence. Sure, Kodi didn't thrive on it and in fact fasted on it. Her company came every few moons, a couple times a season or sometimes one wolf a year. Kodi knew how to do without, knew how to get along alone but when she did meet someone else, like Haben, she drank it in. It was like a camel in a desert oasis filling up stores for another long journey to do without. That was how Kodi lived, feasting at every oasis and fasting when company was scarce. She had adapted to doing without but that didn't mean she didn't like having it all the time.

Without thinking, Kodi dipped her head and started grooming Haben's ears and head with long lazy strokes. Orin, Kodi's uncle, used to take it as a form of comfort and used to do it to Kodi a lot after a long day of traveling. Kodi hoped Haben didn't mind being groomed by another but doubted he would since he seemed sleepy with the meal.

"Yes my little complainer is gone for now" Kodi barked lightly to reply to his question as she groomed his ears. "But now my mind is wandering again to what the morning will bring and where my paws will take me when the sun rises."

[Halo]

If Haben were a cat he would be purring right now as his ears and headfur are groomed, relaxing him to a point of dozing. His aqua orbs slowly close, blinking between the stages of the action until his lids have fully draped over his sight as the breath in his chest eases to an at ease pace. His one hind kicks thrice in a sluggish motion of delight before it calms beneath a not-so-unwelcome weight. One of the brute's points twitches as there is a slight tickle during a stroke of her tongue while he is trying to hear and decipher her words through the haze she is so expertly (if unknowingly) creating around his senses. He has to fight for his whole world not to revolve around the comfort he feels right now.

"Hm...don't be anxious," he murmurs, sounding nearly asleep as his lips move lazily and the vocals somewhat slurred. He chuckles lightly and wiggles just to press closer to her. "Besides," he yawns, eyes scrunching together until his jaws clap back together and sniffs. "Besides, you should come home with me. Had fun tonight, didn't we? We can have fun every night." He lifts his fores wide from where they had been curled up against his chest so that he can emphasize 'every night' even more than the tone did that he had added to it.
~Haben

[<3Kodi]

Kodiak's roguish heart softened as she watched Haben drifting. He looked as content as a pup curled up near its mother after a long day's play. Of course as she thought about it Kodi couldn't help but smile since that was technically what they'd been doing for most of the night. Obviously Haben wasn't quite in shape to deal with a wild-child like Kodi just yet but she was sure she'd beak him in eventually. Besides, a good alpha needed to be energetic and ready to deal with anything including restless she-wolves. The thought of other wolfesses however made Kodi grimace as she groomed Haben's fur. For whatever reason she couldn't help but think she didn't like the idea of other she-wolves being around Haben, even if her rational mind knew that was ridiculous. He was a Guardian after all, of course he'd want to be with more regal she-wolves or even just come across them when gathering pack wolves.

Shoving her jealousy to the back of her mind, Kodi focused on the brute's sleepy words, smiling fondly at the dozy male. "I think I'd like that Haben" she murmured, brushing her nose lightly behind his ear. "But I think for now it's time to sleep little pup." Her tone was fond as she shifted so she could lay her head on Haben's shoulder and his head was still pillowed on her travel-worn paws.

It was inexplicably nice to sleep with someone else beside her. Kodiak breathed in Haben's scent and let her mind drift closer to sleep. She knew she couldn't keep Haben to herself for ever, that was selfish and simply impossible, but Kodi would enjoy it while it lasted. Subconciously brushing her nose through his fur as she shifted her head a bit, Kodi let her bright gold eyes be covered by her lids. For now she was completely content for the first time perhaps since Orin's death. Her stomach was full, the night was quiet and she actually felt tired from something other then just walking aimlessly. Not only that but she had company and the promise of a home with other wolves.

Not to mention Haben, Kodi thought sleepily as she slipped deeper into sleep.

(ooc: awww Kodi's got a crush <3 I think after your post this thread's done)

[Halo]

Haben hears her words, but they barely register in his mind. He responds with a breathy 'mhmmm', fidgeting momentarily when she rests her head on his shoulder so that he can be comfortable, still unconsciously careful not to move too much so as to disrupt Kodi's comfort. That would not be at all suitable, for either of them. And as he sleeps the corners of his lips curl into a contented smile, completely satisfied with the night's events while his belly is full and he is napping with a good companion.

Companion...Kodi. In his dream-like state his midn still dwells on her: pretty, energetic, fun, sweet...all sorts of good things too impossible to name them all. The happiness he feels for knowing that she will accompany him back to his terra is overwhelming, spilling over his inner barrel of emotion and blocking out any other feelings not coinciding or agreeing with it. And secretly, maybe even from his conscious self, his intentions are starting to slip further from friendship and closer to something else, something more...deeper. To have her with him all the time would be overwhelmingly...well...just great.

He sighs in his sleep and drifts farther into his slumber as the moon and stars finish their dance across the sky. Haben is swallowed up completely by the vision in his head of Kodi and him simply spending time together. For the moment the next day and what it will bring is nowhere on his mind. Not really...
~Haben

(OOC: Blah...horrible post...)