Curing Loneliness [Open]

[slimestone]

Doherty relaxed slightly at Elija's words, and she did not seem like much of a threat anymore. Still, his heart beat a mile a minute, and he could not voice a reply. Instead he just looked at her in acknowledgement, before quickly dropping his gaze again. His tremors became a little subdued and he was able to support his weight more. He stood up slightly, and brought his ears more forward. His tail stayed stuck between his legs, though, giving away his still present fear. He decided not to take Elija up on her offer, no matter how amiable she seemed, and kept himself in a crouched posture, head low; submissive. Even if his fear was irrational, it was his nature, and he kept overly submissive between the two females. It was better, he reasoned, than making a wrong move and insulting one of them.
      Doherty looked on as the two alphas exchanged words, but little of what they said registered in his head. Now that he had calmed down enough to think clearly, Doherty could not get what Kylon had said out of his mind. Friend? He felt slightly giddy at the word, and never thought he would hear someone say that about him again. It made him feel warm inside, and somewhat important. Still, he would not show his feelings, because he was not sure if it was just some kind of trickery, to lure him into a trap. He was not sure why Kylon would do that, but he had been on his own long enough to have grown wary of the world. He decided that this was what it must feel like to be prey - not being able to trust anything except your family. Yet even then.... Doherty shook the thought out of his head, and brought his attention back to the two she-wolves.
      Doherty felt Elija's attention turn to rest on him, and he grew hot and nervous. "Uh-uhhhh," he stammered, shaking slightly more. He gulped down his nervous energy before continuing on. "N-no, y-you are w-welcome here," he said, flicking his gaze to Kylon. At least, he felt safe around her.

[elija]

Elija listened to Kylon, her attention on the inflections of her words. There was a subtle grace to her—some childish innocence, though lacking in the immaturity. A bay? That sounds delightful! Her tail began to wag to and fro upon the leaves as she imagines what it might be like to live near the water. Before we delved deeper into the matter of such things, Nameless responded. Looking between them, she sighed. There was what seemed like a claw imbedded in them that may have hooked them together, but also kept their wits about them. Such is to be expected, little thing, and Elija knew her exit well. She bowed at Namless’s response, as per her etiquette instructed, then back to Kylon.
Time to be Honest, she supposed. She did not lose her smile, though it faded somewhat into practicality. “Alphess Kylon, I don’t know if it is at all possible to be friends—you not knowing I completely and vice versa—but I would like there to be peace with our packs, perhaps even allies, if that is not too much of a stretch.” She smiled and looked down, slightly embarrassed with herself, her tail instinctively trying to curl between her legs. Stop it! You are an Alphess, Elija!... but do try to be a friend. “I hope you can forgive my bluntness, my curse and blessing.”
In an afterthought, a worry crossed her mind concerning Nameless’s wellbeing. She forced herself to slow as not to appear jittery. Looking up to Nameless, she cocked her head to the side, her eyes concerned, “I didn’t mean to scare you,” then addressing the group, “I will leave shortly.” A pulsating tension imbedded into the breadth of the group, in rhythm with their heartbeats. Are you running away? Elija stifled a chuckle and swallowed, relaxing and assuming an attentive countenance. Perhaps, yet I am not fleeing.

OOC: I'm sorry for the wait guys! I thought it was Kylon's turn XD
I'll be faster.

[zivve]

Kylon was happy to see Doherty beginning to relax. Apparently, Elija's words had helped calm him down. "Uh-uhhhh. N-no, y-you are w-welcome here," he welcomed Elija, in his shaking voice. Then, Elija spoke once more, though her words were not directed at Doherty. “Alphess Kylon, I don’t know if it is at all possible to be friends—you not knowing I completely and vice-versa—but I would like there to be peace with our packs, perhaps even allies, if that is not too much of a stretch. I hope you can forgive my bluntness, my curse and blessing.” She said, smiling though she appeared slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean to scare you," Elija said, a statement which Kylon presumed was meant for Doherty. “I will leave shortly.”

“It’s not much of a stretch at all. In fact, I was thinking a similar thought. I wouldn't want to make enemies with your pack - or any pack, if it were my choice to make." She wagged her tail happily. Elija had made it a lot easier for her by bringing up the subject of pack relations. Doherty wouldn't be interested in the topic, most likely. He wasn't the leader - or member - of a pack, so he wouldn't have a connection to their words. Maybe he'd stick around to talk to them?

Hopefully he doesn't leave. If Doherty left while they were talking about this and then Elija left, Kylon would be alone again. Then, she'd finally have to decide if she should cross the river, travel along the bank of the river, or go back to her territory. She didn't really want to make that decision yet. It was much more fun to sit here and talk to her two new friends. Decisions were important and Kylon never wanted to make a mistake. She also didn't want to doubt herself. If I can, I'll just stay here and talk. It's much nicer this way, at least for now. Then, I'll... Well, I'll decide my plan soon enough.

--- Kylon Talhera --- Timber Wolf --- 2 Years ---

"Speech." Thoughts. Actions.
Word Count: 336

[slimestone]

Doherty found it a relief when the two alphas started talking to one another, happy that there was no attention on him any longer, other than a quick apology from Elija. He flicked his ears in acknowledgement, but said nothing. He wanted to say that yes, she had frightened him, and no, it was not okay, and that yes, it would be nice if she left. However, he did not feel that he could say it - he was still too nervous, still too scared of getting on the wrong side of the she-wolf.
      Doherty once again contemplated sneaking off under their noses now that they were absorbed in politics, but the thought of Kylon stopped him. He told himself that it would be stupid of him to leave now, when he was at his most protected with this wolf who appeared to like him. However, deep inside, Doherty felt pulled to stay here, with her, holding onto some thin thread of hope that he might have found somewhere he could feel he belonged. He shook his head at the thought, telling himself that he was being naive. No one wanted him - he was bitter, mean and a nervous wreck. He was no advantage to any pack, and no pack would see him fit for their ranks.
      In the end, Doherty decided not to leave. He sat himself down on the ground, still cowering and with his tail between his legs, and looked between the two wolves. At least there was not much he could, or had to, say.

[elija]

She bowed again when she felt the cold gaze of the Nameless beside them. She did not bother to look but instead closed her eyes and inhaled. The scent of dominance was thick in the air, but so was a subtle fear and anger. Elija pursed her lips and opened her eyes, thought flickering behind them. Well, If wolves like this bother me maybe I shouldn't be an Alphess, but she studied the fear and anger a bit and realized that such emotions as those did not bother her. she looked toward Kylon. Oddly, I think I have been beaten. I am not an Alphess for these wolves. I am an Alphess for other wolves, wolves like me. She frowned, internally upset at herself for even settling the lands, taking up space that never belonged to her. Oh, don't be silly. One never knows until they try something. She sighed, and I suppose I will try elsewhere.

She stood up rather abruptly looking around the world around her, then dipped her head to the ground in apology. "I think I will leave the two of you now, I simply wished to meet another Alphess.--I should warn you that I might move on to other lands soon enough but I am glad to have met you." she turned her head to Nameless, pleased to have met the passive spunk of fur, "and you as well, Nameless. Your wish is granted; I shall depart." She did not wait to be dismissed but began away with a simple, "Farewell." But she did not retreat back to her territory; she walked on, moving toward the river and whatever lay beyond. She walked on slowly, wondering what sort of wolves she really left behind. Well, I am grateful for the chance I was given.

And she disappeared.

[zivve]

Elija closed her eyes, thinking to herself of some matter unknown to Kylon. After a few moments of silent thinking in which the sound of the woods were the only ones heard, the other Alpha stood quickly. She bowed her head down shortly, then spoke. "I think I will leave the two of you now, I simple wished to meet another Alphess. --I should warn you, that I might move on to other lands soon enough but I am glad to have met you. And you as well, Nameless. Your wish is granted; I shall depart. Farewell." She didn't pause to hear a reply, turning to leave as soon as her statement was finished. Kylon regretted not speaking more with the female, but it was too late now.

"Good bye." Kylon called. She didn't know if the female had heard her or not, but at least she'd tried. Once again, Kylon and Doherty were the only two wolves in the area. Kylon turned to him, resting her gaze on his form. One wolf was gone, sadly, but she could still stay and talk with Doherty. Unless he feels like leaving, too?

Kylon let out a small huff. "Well, that conversation was short lived. It would be a shame if she really left the lands she claimed... Who knows what kind of wolf will take it later?" She mused aloud. A small smile dotted her face. "It's up to her, though. Oh well." Not sure what else to say, Kylon fell silent. Doherty would probably have something to say, right? Who knows?

--- Kylon Talhera --- Timber Wolf --- 2 Years ---

"Speech." Thoughts. Actions.
Word Count: 261

[slimestone]

Doherty sagged with relief as Elija left, clearly relieved by this new turn of events. It was easier now, just him and one other wolf - fewer claws and teeth to worry about. Fewer wolves he had to be careful not to offend. He watched Elija stalk off through the trees, her form eventually melting into the undergrowth. Now that her presence was gone, the air felt considerably lighter for Doherty down by the river.
      Doherty's ears flicked towards the sound of Kylon's voice, the first time he had brought his ears forward the whole time they had been together. He noticed that he felt significantly more relaxed around the wolf, but he was by no means about to drop his guard, or admit that he felt comfortable with her. He had spent too much time bitter and alone to change so quickly. Her first words brought a smirk to his face. Elija's behaviour had been rather odd; she had only stayed for a short while, and had never seemed too settled the whole time she was there. Maybe she was just passing through, like she had said - maybe neither Doherty or Kylon would ever see her again. Doherty nodded in agreement as Kylon continued, but he could not say it was a shame. He had neither liked nor disliked Elija, but she seemed too wistful, too here and there to be a good alpha - although what Doherty knew about leadership was anyone's guess.
      A silence fell between the two wolves, and Doherty stared at his feet instead of Kylon. He was not sure what to say - he never really was one for words, at least not since he had parted ways with his siblings. He stared intently at a bug crawling across a leaf, scuttling here and there, trying to find its home or food or whatever it was bugs looked for. It reminded him of Elija, and the way she was not sure what she wanted or where she belonged. "I d-don't know wh-who will c-claim th-th-at new land," Doherty said, turning his attention back to Kylon, "b-but I know I-I don't w-want t-to meet them," he said with a small smile and a wag of his tail, to show he was joking. Although he knew he was only half joking; he really did not want to meet any new, powerful wolves. One - or two, rather - was enough.

(lol I just realised, until Elija left, all the alphas on the site were females xD)

[zivve]

Time passed slowly while no one spoke. Doherty was busy looking to the ground, lost in his own thoughts. This gave Kylon time to think for herself. If Elija did leave, which she apparently intended to, someone else would probably come and take her land - well, it wouldn't be her land once she left, but still... That someone could easily be trouble. It was clear that what the two had said about their packs getting along no longer matter because Elija did not intend to stay and rule a pack. Someone troublesome may come and take her place; someone looking to fight or hurt the other packs. That was only the worst case scenario, though.

Kylon's ear twitched as noise came to it. Doherty was speaking once more, so Kylon focused her vision on him. "I d-don't know wh-who will c-claim th-th-at new land, b-but I know I-I don't w-want t-to meet them." He said jokingly. Kylon smiled and wagged her tail. Having someone there to break her from her thoughts and tell a joke was comforting.

"Can't say who it'll be. Though I'm sure someone interesting will come along," she replied truthfully. "Someone interesting always shows up and makes life... well, interesting." She gave a short laugh at her lack of terminology and smiled. It was nice to have just Doherty to talk to. She could focus her attention on one thing, without worrying about disregarding something that the other person did. She liked groups, but when it came to trying to pay attention to too many conversations at once, everything would just get jumbled up and no problems could be solved until she sorted out all the facts mixed up in her head.

--- Kylon Talhera --- Timber Wolf --- 2 Years ---

"Speech." Thoughts. Actions.
Word Count: 286

[slimestone]

Doherty was pleased with himself, when Kylon wagged her tail at his half-joke, but did not let it show. Instead, he just looked at her and twitched his tail slightly in acknowledgement. Doherty only half-listened to what she said yet, not entirely interested in alphas and packs and how power would change within the land. He knew such things should concern him as they would affect how he lived (particularly if he joined a pack), but he just could not bring himself to care. He was lazy and ignorant in that way.
      "Well, let's hope they're not too interesting," he said absently. They had been here for a while, and as the day wore on the temperature grew colder. The light was already starting to wane and Doherty shivered slightly. "It's getting late," he said, and looked at Kylon, "and I don't plan on sleeping out in the open." He shifted uneasily on the spot, unsure of how to approach his situation. He needed to go and seek out a den to sleep in, but he was not sure how to tell the she-wolf that he needed to leave, and leave her. That and, he realised, he did not really want to leave her. He was not sure that it meant he liked her per say, but he appreciated the companionship. He had not realised until now the toll loneliness had taken on him.

[zivve]

Doherty acknowledged her words without much interest, but at least he was listening. "Well, let's hope they're no too interesting." He replied, without much emotion. Doherty shivered, the first motion that made Kylon look around and realize just how much time had passed. "It's getting late and I don't plan on sleeping out in the open." It was likely she wouldn't make it back to her lands tonight, seeing as how much time had passed since she'd gotten here.He seemed uneasy as he implied a good-bye, but did not commit to his decision by saying it outright.

"I've spent much more time here then I expected." Kylon said with a small laugh. "It's been lovely talking with you, Doherty, but I believe it's time for me to head back where I'm from - or at least in that direction. I suppose that means this is good-bye... at least for now." The slowly dropping temperature had begun to creep through her fur. Once I get moving a bit, that will change. I can't go too far though, or else the night will come and I'm sure to find trouble of some sort if that happens. She dipped her head politely and stood up.

A part of her didn't want to return to her lands, she was now realizing. It was nice here, with another wolf, rather than waiting there, all alone, for some wolf that may or may not come and ask to be accepted. Doherty was a nice wolf, but he wasn't looking for pack life. Kylon liked Doherty's companionship, but she wanted an actual pack, not just a couple lone wolves who stuck together. She waited long enough to hear if he spoke a good-bye before turning and walking back in the direction she'd come from - back toward her pack lands and her seclusion. With luck, other wolves would soon come, and she would be able to get along with them like she had with Doherty.

--Exit Kylon--

--- Kylon Talhera --- Timber Wolf --- 2 Years ---

"Speech." Thoughts. Actions.
Word Count: 328