whose game are we playing, [Bronx] |
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Element
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Dun dun, here it is.
Ohhhh he hated this. His expression tightened into a thoughtful scowl, the Zayin was stopped in a clear halt at the Nova Mountain borders, worrying the inside of his cheek and lip as he rose to his feet and quickly dropped back down to his haunches. He knew better than to trespass – and even though Dragon had told him to seek her out at her den any time (well… that had been before the incident, so he wasn’t sure how that stood anymore anyway…) he still didn’t like the idea of traipsing on in. Especially since, no offense to his dear friend – she wasn’t a leader or a high standing pack member, and he truly wasn’t sure if she had the same right to let him in. Some packs would go for it, but he knew by now Nova Mountain was rather stern when it came to boundaries.
Rising to his feet again, he traced the territory beyond his stopping point with his eyes, getting up only to pace along the invisible line that stopped him from moving another inch forward. He was more unsure now than anything – afraid to call from her, and doubting altogether if he really wanted to be here or not. But he had come far… and it felt almost a shame to leave without getting something done, even if it was just a nice chat with a friend. Maybe Styx (whom he did not yet know was dead…) or Ambition, or Bronx or Poet or any of the other wolves of the fellow mountain he knew.
Sighing in frustration, he plopped himself back on the ground, looking disgruntled, as he continued to debate with himself, even if the battle was futile because he had already made up his mind not to go another step.
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This post has been edited by Element on Nov. 04, 2006 - 7:08pm
 ---------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at:  ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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There was a surprising amount to do, now that he had put aside his Guardian duties in order to take up his Præfectus rank with energy. He had almost fully expected that if he gave up on the patrols that took up a huge amount of his week, he would be able to rest his injured foreleg which was becoming more and more painful as the season went on – but, again in contrast to his expectations, he was becoming more and more resilient to it. Strangely enough, though, his days were very full – God knew where all the time went, but it flied by, and Bronx found himself settled enough into his leader rank; at least behind the scenes. He was a commander by nature anyway, so it came relatively automatic to him.
Nevertheless, he still wandered the borders every now and again, not only because no one held the now vacant co-rank, but because it was one of the few times when he could be alone with his thoughts. As he saw a familiar figure sitting by the borders, Bronx approached smoothly. “Evening, Element,” he greeted him in a friendly manner. Perhaps he would have simply seated himself and engaged in conversation with his friend, but these times were harsh and the male was on the borders. So it was straight to business. “Can I help you?”
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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His twitchy waiting didn’t have to last long, because soon enough the familiar figure of his friend Bronx came loping around the bend and into view, heading in Elements direction. Rising immediately, he bowed his head in greeting and submission to the older male, pleased to see him – pleased to see anyone, really.
Then rising to his normal stance again, he cast his tense gaze on the Præfectus . “Evening to you too.” It was obvious there was more of a business-like quality to Bronx’s words, and Element matched the tone. “Well… I was here to see Dragon. She told me a while ago I could just come on in to see her…” he trailed off slightly, peering around before returning his sight to the dark male. “But I don’t really think its right, still. Permission or not, I’d rather wait.” And here Bronx was, meeting him where he had cemented himself to the ground.
But as he’d sat here waiting, it had occurred to him that maybe he just wasn’t to see Dragon yet. Having now mentioned her name (oh boy, did Bronx know her well?) the sudden concept that maybe the ex-Guardian did know her well enough to know her spot on the mountain twinged a nerve, and he quickly tried to appear nonchalant about seeing her in the first place. “But… she’s probably busy or out, knowing her. So… yeah.” He frowned, knowing the words sounded fake and stupid. So, sighing, instead of explaining his nerves he gave in and offered a simple “Long story.”
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
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Bronx nodded briefly at the “I’d rather wait” addition to Element’s words. Honestly, it wasn’t about what he would rather; and it had nothing to do with his affiliation with any of the Novans. Element, as a non-Nova Mountain wolf, was not permitted to wander about the packlands; whether or not he had been “invited”. If the one who had invited him was actually with him as he trespassed then yeah, fine, but otherwise… trespassing was trespassing. And Element would have been in trouble for it. Luckily, though, Element had more good sense that Dragon did.
Speaking of Dragon, who was she again? That one who couldn’t speak properly and who had an extremely arrogant pet that bullied her? They made a good pair, though, Dragon and her bird – they were both idiots. Bronx shook his head lightly; “I haven’t seen her. You could call for her if you want.” |
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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Bronx’s idea of Element to call for his friend brought his ears a nervous twitch, and he diverted his gaze momentarily, eyes drifting to the ground between their paws. “Well… actually, I think I’ll see her around later.” He probably looked awfully stupid now – what had been the point then? Sitting and waiting and then deciding he’d rather not do what he waited to do in the first place? Smooth moves, Element. Very.
Knowing how foolish he must have appeared, the Zayin huffed slightly at himself, bringing his eyes up again and shifting a bit uncomfortably in place. “So,” he started, trying a bit harder not to appear completely confused with himself and the word. “How’ve things been for you? Nova Mountain?” He was all but clueless about the new rise in tension that had escalated to the breaking point between this mount and the Creek pack below, and the lack of knowledge was clear in the casual mention of his question. Then realizing as an afterthought that maybe Bronx had other things to do than sit around and chit chat, he added “You’re not too busy, are you? Otherwise I’m fine to talk some other time.”
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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Noticing a hint of awkwardness in Element in relation to Dragon, Bronx simply shrugged it off, though he did use the other male’s mention of “a long story” as a conversational tactic for later use. In the meantime, the young wolf went over the usual pleasancies that Bronx didn’t really see fit to return, but he answered them anyway. “I’m fine,” he answered truthfully enough, “I was promoted to Præfectus – i.e. Delta – in our last pack meeting. Incidentally, we’ve changed our rank names and structure… I believe the packs are trying to distance themselves from one another a bit.”
He let this evidence hover for a moment before he closed the distance between he and Element a bit more and sat down. “So what’s this ‘long story’ of yours? Is it interesting?” |
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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So, it wasn’t just Mount Shadow that had spiced up their ranks a bit, was it? “The same thing in Mount Shadow. Our Delta rank is… the Daleth, if I remember right.” He pondered the thought for a moment, and then nodded quickly to signal he indeed had the right word. “No one there right now though.” And maybe with that statement, there was a small bit of hope in his voice that in the future sometime their may just be – and with some ounce of luck and large bit of hard work their could have been a chance it may be him. But it was only a wishful hope in the present, and he moved along smoothly. “Congrats on that promotion.”
A light smirk appeared on his maw at the other comment, and the Zayin gave a small chuckle. Whether Bronx was serious or being joking the male wasn’t sure – the other wolf’s toneless voice didn’t display the difference all to well. “Who knows,” he responded.
Then, of course, the Dragon topic came up. He visibly shrunk back slightly, ears going back in mild embarrassment because for a split second he could have sworn Bronx knew something about it – and then he realized it was just a question. His nerves spoke instead of his usually steady mind. “Eh… probably not very interesting,” he lied. Sure, others may have found it interesting on the outside of things; those interested in gossip and drama and all that other stuff. But for those involved it wasn’t such a pleasantry, it was a hassle. “Me and her were friends as kids, that’s all, really. I was just going to check up on her and Ejoiçå.” Then, realizing something once more, he clarified again. “The bird she’s usually with? That’s Ejoiçå.” He wasn’t sure if Bronx had the… unfortunate or fortunate?... chance to meet her feathered companion or not.
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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At word of Mount Shadow’s new hierarchy, Bronx looked at least mildly interested. Word had been spreading of these new rank changes, and he did have a suspicion that in one or two of the packs this may have been… ahem… inspired by word of mouth. “They say this pack is changing their hierarchy”; “… that’s not a bad idea”. So farewell to “Alphaship” and “Sigmaship”; it was all different from here on in. And although this set each pack apart from the other with more strength than ever before, it was not, in Bronx’s mind, a good step towards Salvaje unity.
Nevertheless, he would let the Alphas argue over that. For now, he just nodded in appreciation of Element’s congratulations (no one else had bothered: not Sinistra and not his own sister, Allure. What was all that about?). It was true: the “long story” wasn’t interesting. In fact, it was far from “long”. He did pick up on the degree of hesitancy in Element’s voice and he gazed at him searchingly: if Element wanted to pick up on that gaze and elaborate, he was more than welcome to. “Do you think she’ll resent you for not putting much effort into your search?” |
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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Bronx’s searching gaze made him almost uneasy, but he tried to keep a normal look plastered on his face, not wanting to let in that there was very, very much more to the ‘long story’ than he had let on. But he didn’t feel like he could elaborate. He had told Takashi only because he had to – and truly, deeply, had to. But no one else besides he, Takashi, and Dragon (and unfortunately it seemed Ejoiçå too…) would ever know what had gone on. And only he and Dragon would know completely.
Element shook his head to answer Bronx’s question – knowing right away he wasn’t even sure if Dragon wanted to see him in the first place right now anyway. Let alone at all anymore. “Naw, I doubt it. I… saw her the other day, anyway. I was just dropping by to see if it was convenient.” Some part of him wanted to tell Bronx the truth, but the larger and more nagging part insisted on secrecy. What would the large Præfectus think of him after that? He didn’t want to think much more about it. He’d made mistakes – bad ones, and instead of stirring them up more he wanted to let them settle. “So thing’s have been good around home?”
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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The reason why Bronx’s eyes wandered so inquisitively over Element’s dark features was that he knew that his friend had become recently single. And meeting up with an old friend… well, it was possible that desire got in the way of logic. If that was the case, and Element had had a one-night-stand with a Nova Mountain wolf, he would be in very big trouble; there were a thousand and one reasons why not to tangle with other wolves in that way. Nevertheless, Element seemed intent upon letting it go – though Bronx did know that something was being kept from him. On one side, it was none of his business. On the other… if it concerned a Novan wolf, it sure as hell was.
But the conversation moved onwards, and Bronx’s gaze cooled and moved away to play vaguely over the horizon. “Not particularly, when it comes to pack relations,” his eyes wandered back to Element. “Nova Mountain and Silver Creek are now on the worst of terms.” He paused, “I’m guessing you don’t know that, or you would’ve thought twice before nearing our currently very strict borders.” |
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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Element would have had a heart attack had be been able to read Bronx's thoughts in the first paragraph. "OMGHOWDIDHEKNOW?"
Thankfully, Bronx let the matter slide and Element let it go without a second thought. Instead, he raised a brow curiously as Bronx spoke of the pack relations, and then frowned slightly as he mentioned what exactly was going on. He’d heard distant rumors trouble had been brewing again, but he hadn’t known it had been serious – or, in this case, this serious. “What happened to cause it?” He questioned, his interest in the matter rising. Silver Creek and Nova Mountain were homes to some of his best friends, and the idea of trouble between the two packs brought him somewhere along the outer lines of the debate.
He’d heard of the tensions between the two in the past, but what recent actions had caused such a thing? “Ah… no. Had I, there’s a perfect chance I wouldn’t have come at all.” He didn’t want to make trouble for Mount Shadow amidst all of this; that was for sure. “You don’t mind, do you?” He asked, hoping that since the ex-Guardian hadn’t mentioned anything before he wouldn’t take the liberty of sending Element away now. But if things were as strict as they could be, maybe it was a no-visitors whatsoever policy. In that case, he’d leave the questions for another day and make his way home.
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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OUT OF CHARACTER
Haha. Bronx does the logic thing quite well. :P
IN CHARACTER
Bronx let Element’s natural curiosity float by and simply shrugged a shoulder at the last question. What with he being the logical sort that he was, he thought it an impractical question to ask. Because his friend was so near the borders, the ex-Guardian was not 100% “okay” with him being here, no; so he was not going to lie. On the other hand, Element had absolutely no need to take it personally and, what was more, Bronx’s dislike of anyone being near Nova Mountain's borders did not mean “Element, go away now”.
As for the question, he proceeded to answer, feeling no harm in sharing his information – knowing, at least, that the young Mount Shadow wolf was no gossip-sharer. Hopefully. “From what I know, there have been tensions between the two packs ever since Nova Mountain’s founding. I think Sinistra and Sphinx have a great deal of… differences.” Then the present caught up with him. “In more recent developments, though, my sister Allure was attacked by one of the Creek wolves. The same wolf is believed to have trespassed here too, and a few Creek wolves have taken to being disrespectful in various ways.” He paused and moved his calm gaze back to the other male, “nothing to worry about, but I doubt it’s going to run as smoothly as some might hope.” |
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Element
Zayin · Skywatcher
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Ugh, delay. I know you don't really like out of date threads, so I'm going to wrap this up. I promise some other time we can have one where I'm not such a slow loser, heh. I guess one more reply here from you and were done?
“Probably not… but hopefully so,” he mused, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the words Bronx had spoken. “I think everyone knows things haven’t ever really been perfect between the two. Hoping for the best is all I can really offer though.” He shrugged, rising up and straightening his shoulders. “Either way, I should probably be getting back. I don’t want to keep you from your job; I know it’s especially important right now.” Smiling, he regarded the large Novian with a friendly nod. “Maybe I’ll stop by sometime when the times better. As long as I don’t run into any war fences or traps for unknowing trespassers that may be planted between now and then. Who knows.”
Chuckling, he gave a small shrug and a dip of his head at the plain…well, stupid sound of the supposed joke, and sighed heavily. “I’ll be seeing you then. Good luck with everything.” Finishing with a more respectful incline of his head, the Zayin then turned and headed away. Heading home, heading out, heading wherever his paws took him.
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--------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- AWESOME table by Orli/Bronx, and sig by Woovis. Avatar done at: ---- Want a thread? PM me! --- Crap guys. I'm dealing with some serious real life... drama. A lot of it. I'm trying to get back on track right now, so bear with me, please? Its tough. >.< |
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Bronx
Præfectus
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Their conversation, which had lasted a comfortable good while, came smoothly to its natural end, and Bronx stood up in turn. He allowed himself a faint smile and said, “you too,” in answer to Element’s wish of good-luck, and the young male would perhaps never know how much Bronx meant that.
As both males went their own way, Bronx's usually uncaring thoughts remained on his friend a little while longer. What would become of him? If Bronx had been a foolish puppy and had to describe each half of the couple of Element and Kiriana, he would have called the latter "the bad one" and the former "the good one". As an adult, Bronx knew it was far more complicated than that, and Kiriana was far from "bad". Element, on the other hand, was as close as one could get to "good".
And he would leave it at that.
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