Nature's Lullaby

[£adny Szkoda]

The Maiara River. Fish weaved lazily beneath the cool surface, unaware of the life that lurked just beyond their habitat. Delicious silver ribbons that swam in defiance around the line of weather-worn stepping stones. Flashing their tails as if to mock the bundle of ashed fur that resided on the largest of the smooth rocks. It was only by their luck that the sleepy wolf had not come here with the intention to feast. Their water dance would not be so peaceful then. Cobalt irises flickered to life as the wolf slowly opened its eyes to admire the scene unfolding beneath it. No, food had not been the reason for coming here. A full stomach had ensured that. And as a refreshing breeze ruffled the surface of the lake as well as the wolf's soft coat, the intent became clear. Relaxation. To find sleep on a stone, perhaps a few yards in diameter, set at the center of the river.

There was no better place to simply find rest for a lazy afternoon.

Szkoda breathed out a long sigh, basking in the warm haze of the sun. Mingled with the refreshing caress of spring breezes, it was impossible to become too hot or cold. Perfection was the easiest way to describe the setting. And after a long day of scouting the Southern and Eastern packs' borders, perfection was exactly was this white wolf wished to come back to. Drifting in and out of a comfortable doze, she made no sound or movements aside from her steady breathing or the occasional ear twitch. Anymore than that and Koda feared the peaceful moment could be broken. So she remained content to just enjoy her surroundings with no more than her senses. Sight specifically, as the navy gaze took everything in piece by piece until eventually they fluttered close.

To the sweet sound of moving water and birds, Koda was lulled back to sleep.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele had been running since he left the spot where he and Ryo, Alpha for the Southern Pack, had met. The two had spoken for a bit and at the mention of a walk the male couldnt help but isue a challenge of sorts. Okay so Steele wasnt much of a racer and if he was honest with himself he would realize that the other male had probably long passed him. Admittedly he hadnt see him but even he had seen a black blur pass the grey male he wouldnt have allowed himself to accept defeat, his pride was just too great. Now as he broke out of the forest area he noticed another body of water up ahead. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he allowed himself a glance back to check for the other male. Unfortunately once he took his eye off of the path ahead of him his paw tripped over a large rock and set him tumbling nose over tail tip.

Dust, dirt, and gravel flew as the Northern Alpha tumbled down the hill until he splashed into the river. There he sat and growled under his breath. It was one thing to trick someone into getting their fur wet it was another thing to humiliate himself. Thankfully there was no one around, or so he thought at first. With a small spray of water he jumped up and shook himself off even though his paws were still in the cool water. His tail rippled back and forth in aggravation and he allowed himself a minute or two to try and calm down. It was always best to stay calm, anger was a weapon that could be used against you just as it could be used against an enemy, and he did his best to keep his temper under control. With a growl at a passing fish just because he could he turned around and began to head out of the water.

He had only taken a few steps when he noticed the female. Instinctfully he took a couple steps back and tilted his head in a curious fashion as he looked the female over. Steele stood still and waited to see what the other's reaction would be.

[£adny Szkoda]

The sweet song of the birds stumbled to a halt, leaving only the soft trickle of river water to drift through the air. Perhaps this unusual silence was what alerted the ivory wolf that something was wrong. Opening her eyes drowsily, Szkoda's dark blue gaze took in the peaceful surroundings with a single sweep. The sun was just beginning to disappear behind the trees, casting strange shadows into the water. Being a light sleeper was a recently acquired trait, but a welcomed one. Something didn't quite settle well. Raising her muzzle a notch, Koda inhaled deeply. Her instincts found the short silence somewhat unnerving. What could have caused--

A single milky ear rotated to the side with a flick. In the distance was the soft rustle of leaves, accompanied by muffled thuds. Something was moving through the brush. Tensing, Koda slid her head in the direction of the noise. Keeping her nose close to the rock, she held herself cautiously still. With nothing remaining of her earlier drowsiness she waited for the noises to get closer.

And they did.

In the next instant, something large and grey erupted from the brush to slam into the river. Koda was crouched on all four paws before the splash had even reached it's peak. She'd caught a strong whiff of the creature before it'd tumbled head over paws into the water. Another wolf. It'd been too quick to gather anything more than that. But it was enough. Her muscles gathered and bunched instinctively as the other wolf stood and shook himself. He easily outranked her in size. With effort, she suppressed the growl that rose in her throat, knowing it wouldn't make her situation any better. But Koda was caught off guard when a low growl swept through the air anyways. Not hers. But his. The white wolf's ears flattened instantly as the fur along her spine rose. And when her cobalt eyes locked with ones strangely like her own, she lowered her muzzle slowly. Not in submission, but in warning.

He was a pack wolf.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele immediately went into a defensive stance as the female did. Unfortunately his growled was misunderstood as it was more of a noise in response to his situation than to the other wolf. Yet he was unaware that he had set the other's own protective stance there as he took his own. Normally his ego or pride would cause him to attack and ask questions later but he realized his brain was still a little shaken from his tumble. No need to try to fight in such a condition and give his opponet the upper paw, at least not yet. Instead he held his tail high to show he was not afraid should a fight take place but backed up one step to show he wasnt there for a fight. Why should he as he wouldnt gain anything for his pack by fighting this strange one. He kept his head held high to show his confidence but his eyes quickly scanned the area as his still somewhat befuddled mind tried to figure out his next move.

"Not one of my most graceful entrances I guess." he said with a grin that was friendly yet still showed his teeth. "Then again I do like a good soak after a run." With a chuckle he threw himself backwards into the water to soak himself all over before standing up once more. Sure such movements could spur a more aggressive response but he enjoyed taking chances.

[£adny Szkoda]

Ashen fur bristled with caution as the grey wolf assumed a defensive stance to mimic Koda's own. The only difference was that the pack wolf held his head high, a sure sign of his confidence. Szkoda, on the other hand, positioned hers low. It was a sign of...aggression. The white wolf growled inwardly, honestly displeased with her reflexive behavior. She'd grown so much better in the past year. This incident, however, proved she had very little to show for her efforts. Slowly, cautiously, Koda lifted her muzzle until her posture exuded much less hostility than before. She couldn't risk enticing an attack from this wolf. Standing on her rock, Szkoda held the advantage of position. But a single glance at the grey wolf's broad build was enough to confirm that physically, she wouldn't stand a chance.

God...she'd have to run again.

Risking a quick glance to the stepping stones leading back to shore, Koda hated the conclusion she'd come to. But she couldn't stay in close proximity with a pack member. It made her nerves itch, and she wasn't sure she could trust her instinctive reactions. So the only question remained was, which way should she go...?

His voice cut off her train of thought and Koda's gaze snapped back to the other's. His tone was friendly, as if he made a habit of sneaking up on strange wolves. The flash of white fangs, however, betrayed him somewhat. Koda remained on alert. As he continued to speak, though, she began to wonder if perhaps fleeing wasn't her only option left just yet. That was until, without warning, he leapt into a sudden blur of emotion. Memories flooded back, and for an instant Koda saw a black wolf instead of a grey one. It didn't even register in her mind that the other had jumped backwards instead of toward her; not until it was too late. A snarl ripped through the air, deep and low and full of aggression brought on by fear. Then it was over, cut off as realization hit home. Szkoda blinked, genuine shock at what she'd done flashing in her wide eyes. Then she was gone from her rock, already landing on the next one over and crouching to jump again.

She'd been right. Running was the safest option.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele came up from under the water and glanced back at where the female had been just in time to see her run for another rock. The grey male tipped his head this way and that to clear the water out of his ears while keeping an eye on the skiddish canine. Well it didnt take much to get this one all upset so he would have to tread lightly if he wanted to have a conversation with her. Then again it could be fun just to spook her he thought with a giggle. No it might be more fun and a challenge to get just a few words out of her. Perhaps he could even get some useful information that he could use later on. Yes he would simply use some caution and see where this little encounter would go.

Slowly he moved out of the water, not even bothering to shake himself off and barely making a ripple, until he was once again on the shore. He kept his tail held at ease with a slight wag to it. Steele's ears were in the relaxed position and he made sure not to make eye contact in an aggressive way though he watched her carefully for any sign of flight or fight signals.

"Was it something I said dear lass? I didnt mean to push you away from such a lovely scene though it isnt as lovely as you." he made sure he kept his voice friendly and his posture non-threatening. He wasnt one to use such sweet words but if it led him to invaluable information he would do anything.

[£adny Szkoda]

Ashen paws landed silently on grass just as grey fur came into Szkoda's line of vision. He'd followed her to the shore, all signs of aggression in his posture now abandoned. The white wolf froze. Her cobalt gaze turned wary, watching the other's movements cautiously. Water dripped from his thick pelt and softly wagging tail. Perhaps he was afraid the sudden motion of shaking himself dry would frighten her away again. Koda gritted her fangs, thoroughly frustrated. This had to stop. In running away, she was only feeding these foreign instincts. And she wanted them torn to shreds. Lifting her muzzle a notch, Koda forced her muscles into a semi-relxed stated. Her dark gaze remained wary, however. She'd slowly rip apart these reflexive reactions until only her old self remained, but that didn't mean she would lose her natural instincts.

He still belonged to a pack. And she remained a lone wolf. One who, as luck would have it, had only recently returned from invading lands she wasn't meant to tread without permission. Inwardly, she couldn't let her guard down.

Ale który pakuje...? The thought crossed her mind just as another voice lilted through the river clearing. A now familiar voice. Attention caught, ivory ears flicked forward. Supressing the low growl building in her chest Koda instead tilted her head slightly to the side and simply listened. His tone was kind and smooth, and his words enticed laughter to bubble in her throat. She did not allow it to escape her muzzle, but she could not prevent it from flashing in her eyes for just a moment. It'd been a long time since anyone had bothered to use a corny-but-sweet line on her. It was...refreshing.

"Ale to wola nie dostawaæ was gdziekolwiek." Adverting her eyes, Koda muttered the foreign words under her breath. She doubted he'd understand her native tongue, but one could never be sure. She lifted her blue gaze to his, and when she spoke again her voice was warm and soft, if not somewhat cautious. "You're a pack wolf..." It was a statement and not a question.

[Steele Dagger]

Her words, at first, were strange to him but they caused him to really pay attention to her. Another way to communicate? How odd yet what an idea. If he and his allies had a language all their own then they could howl all night for their enemies to hear yet they wouldnt know what was being said until it was too late. Definetly something to think about later and maybe discuss with certain close allies, he didnt like the term 'friends' just yet. Steele stayed where he was and tried to focus on the female. He was so use to moving or acting as he pleased it was odd to him that he had to censor what he did now. Yet he kept a smile on his face, this time one that didnt show his teeth.

"Aren't you a perceptive lass. Indeed I am a pack wolf." he puffed out his chest a bit as he allowed himself a bit of his usual self confidence and ego. As he caught his possible mistake he gave her a bow of greeting, something that was rare for him and made him feel really awkward, before he introduced himself properly.

"My name is Steele Dagger, or just Steele if you prefer, and I am the leader of the Northern Pack." Not knowing the female's past he was unaware why the idea of meeting a pack wolf would bother her or put her on edge. Instead he lazily groomed himself to get the last bits of water off of his grey pelt before he slowly lowered himself to his side. It was as close to submissive posture as he would ever get in front of another, or so he told his pride. "And do you have a beautiful name to match such a fine face?" He stretched out his back legs and flexed his toes as a cramp decided to attack his foot.

"Im suprised you arent being escorted here by some strong male to protect you. Surely any member of my gender would find themselves lucky to be your mate." Maybe he was getting a bit too personal but he wasnt one for talk and not really sure how to go about it. Steele was more of the plan and attack wolfy.