A Wolf's Bite

[Valgærd]

​

Some people don’t care for the mystic arts

Some people consider it all a load of nexu dung. Those tend to be the first to die. Others, many of whom can not or will not begin to grasp it, tend to consider it fringe practice at best, barbaric and unsafe, not a study to be undertaken by civilised folk. A clever tactic on their part, as it keeps them distant and safe from that which they do not understand.

Then there are people like me.

I detest the word scavenger, I am an opportunist. Sure, I enjoy the finer things and a little luxury, the civilised side of my Family. However, I am wild at heart, and there will always be the yearning to run wild and untamed through the woods. Besides that, it would be foolish not to cover all my bases. I had one witch on my payroll already, but I had heard about another… one whose race and bloodline intrigued me just as much as his skill.

Of course, when I heard he was on Quilara, I just could not pass up the opportunity.

The Wolf’s Shadow could not only make it there in record-time, but could travel almost completely undetected to boot. So, it was with a certain confidence that I’d ventured out here alone. Ivory, Shaun, Colin, even Adder himself were capable and skilled, however, this was a trip I wanted to make alone.

So far, it seemed that none of them had yet cottoned on to who I am, what I am. To maintain that illusion, I had resisted shifting as much as I could. Now, however, I walked through the leaf litter on four large, white paws.

The light was grey, muted and dark as it barely penetrated the canopy above me. My mind new the forest was green, but beneath the dark, overcast sky, everything appeared grey. Long shadows lay all around me, like the slumbering tendrils of some creature of darkness. The trees themselves reached out, scraggly twigs and branches lashing at all those who dared walk this cursed path. The air, dim and heavy with fog, seemed to hold an almost tangible presence. Was that the distant, forlorn howl of an animal ahead? The wind whistling through something? Or was it… something more?

Even though it was white, not the black that was standard for my kind, my thick pelt protected me from the scratching branches of the trees. Through these mysterious, unwelcoming woods I walked, my tail swishing behind me, my ears perked forwards. I knew my destination was around here somewhere, I could smell him.

I just hoped he was more welcoming than this eerie forest.

​

[member="Rapax"]​

 

[Rapax]

Ever since he left his life as a shaman behind he returned home to live in a part of the forest as his own domain, It was quiet and let him roam around free in his own wolf like state as he was feasting on a fresh kill he caught while it wasn't the most civilized method of eating that he was used to but he didn't care anymore he feasted on anything or anyone who walks into his forest he wanted peace and quiet and that is something he finally got. At least he thought he finally got it until he heard a ship arrive not far away more hunters probably or adventurer's looking for his kind for what ever purpose they need them for, He let out a loud howl as he shifted from his wolf like state to a more humanoid wolf like state as he leaped to the trees and began leaping from tree to tree as he used force sight to try and catch onto his prey. He could only see there aura with force sight and wont see who it is till he gets closer but he was on the way.


[member="Ahtemis"]

 

[Valgærd]

A shiver raced down my spine as I walked.

This happened from time to time. I can't hear anything from my left side, which makes me feel vulnerable, particularly in this form. I should be able to hear everything around me, the rustle of the wind through the trees, the scampering of tiny creatures through the leaf litter, the mournful wail of distant howls. While I could pick up a little of that from my right side, my left was completely, eerily, painfully silent. In response to this, my left ear twitched almost constantly in this form, my head shaking occasionally. Not that anyone would necessarily knew what that meant, but I still did not like to take the chance.

Perhaps my right had picked something up. It must have, because I felt my fur stand on end. Again, my lean form released a shudder as I felt myself become fully alert. Tail falling still, I stopped and listened. It sounded... something in the trees, perhaps? I turned my gaze upwards, remaining in my lupine form for now. Could it be the quarry I sought? I sincerely hoped so. From what little I'd been able to gather about Rapax, I had a plan to talk him down from straight up attacking me.

Any other of my kind? Significantly less likely.

​

[member="Rapax"]​

 

[Rapax]

As he got closer he took note that the new prey he was noticing was a wolf like creature, Could another of his kind here have made there way into his forest? It didn't matter they where a intruder to be dealt with. He could have used the force and been done with them but his primal instincts chose him to leap down before her at first her was crouched when he landed but he slowly rose to show his towering wolf like form till he looked down on her teeth exposed and snarling like a territorial wolf would act to a intruder, This beast was something else but first he wanted to see how they would react to the beast and maybe get the hint that this is his home and leave.

[member="Ahtemis"]

 

[Valgærd]

I heard it a split-second before I saw him.

However, that didn't stop me from flinching in shock as suddenly an enormous wolf leapt to the ground, landing with a thud in front of me, crouching. I froze, my claws digging into the dirt, my eyes wide and fixed on the beast before me. I watched silently as slowly the silhouette unfurled, revealing itself to be the towering form of a wolf, but standing on two legs. My tail swished warily, the muscles beneath my fur taut as I braced myself. Most of my days were spent hiding how intimidated I actually was, but out here, that wasn't necessary. Instead, I tilted my head, flattening my ears and lowering one shoulder; a submissive motion meant to indicate I wasn't here to fight him.

For now I stayed in my lupine form. I wonder if it struck him that I had white fur. While I'd hardly met every other Gurlanin, I'd never come across another white one. But approaching him like this, showing him my secret... I hoped perhaps it would serve to gain a little of his trust.

"Rapax, I presume?" I asked, keeping the growl out of my voice as much as possible, "Shaman of the Jart, witch, elder, gurlanin? My name is Donna Nera Del Campo Delle Stelle Morte--"

I paused, that was my name these days, but not the one I'd been born with.

"--I was born 'Ahtemis', and I'd like to make you an offer."

​

[member="Rapax"]​

 

[Rapax]

He took note of her white fur and how she kept her bravery despite his hostility he raised one of his claws in preparation to slash at her but he stopped when she said his name and past titles, How she knew that was disturbing but he lowered his hand and took a more docile tone as she stated her name for a moment and changed it to her birth name @Ahtemis. An interesting name but she was here to make him an offer so out of curiosity he decided to speak in a deep tone to her.

And what is it you offer.....I have little interest with the galaxies machinations now a days.

Which was true but depending on what she offers will depend on if he bites or not.

 

[Valgærd]

I flinched, wincing as my much larger kin raised his claw against me. His shadow had fallen across mine, the witch towering over me.

However, he stopped, sparing me the sting of his blow--for now at least. Even though he chose not to strike at me just yet, I felt the subtlest of sneers through the force; this was a sensation with which I was familiar. After all, I was in the business of finding out things that people did not want found out. It was never a comfortable experience when someone like me came up and displayed such an unsettling fact. When the other gurlanin spoke, his voice came out as a deep baritone, seeming to rumble the very ground on which we stood.

Before answering, I pulled myself up into my human form. standing with a soft grunt, my fur became pale skin, long black hair tumbling down my back. Why would my hair in this form be black, when I was cursed to have white fur in my natural form? Ugh, that was not a thought for this day, anyway.

"in short? Knowledge." I began, my hands held behind my back in the hopes he wouldn't see how they trembled. "To elaborate, I have resources. Not quite beyond measure... but I do well enough. What I also have is enemies, some of whom employ the magic you, as a shaman, would know. I want to offer a trade; knowledge for protection. I can give you unfiltered access to my libraries, my resources, and even my influence. In return, I want you to use the knowledge you gain to aid me in plugging the holes in my defences."

I paused, taking a moment to let out my breath in a trembling sigh.

"Unless... you'd rather just kill me and return to the peace of your forest."

A risky statement for sure, and I was aware of how openly manipulative it was. Of course I would rather he didn't do that, but I wanted to illustrate to my kin that nothing could be gained by doing so, hopefully, without actually threatening him.

​

[member="Rapax"]​

 

[Rapax]

He lowered his hand and in a small bright flash of greenish light his large wolf like form was gone, Replaced by a completely hooded nothing but his dark glowing purple eyes could be seen for now but he wasn't much bigger then she was her offer was more then enough but he wanted to add a few more stipulations.

I would also require a place to conduct my experiments in peace...a simple large area would suffice for what i need, Other then that....I accept your offer.

He got the feeling he might enjoy his endeavors here and dealings with this group and perusing around her library in exchange for fortifications.

[member="Ahtemis"]

 

[Valgærd]

A flash of light.

Greenish, not hot and not blinding. However it was sudden and I did flinch slightly. When the light faded the enormous wolf before was replaced by a hooded figure. He was tall, just a little taller than me, presumably male like the wolf but it was impossible to tell before he spoke. The only distinguishing feature were two glowing pinpricks beneath the hood. Eyes, purple and still fixed upon me. As I was now gazing upon the other of his forms, I bowed low, swooping into an elegant curtsy,

"I have an entire planet, hidden within a reflection nebular. It has mountains and valleys and forests and tundras. Name a territory and it's yours."

There were many things that people did to seal contracts. Signed papers, shook hands, others simply nodded. I had something a little more... symbolic in mind. I raised my left hand, holding out my right hand palm upwards. As my other hand became a wicked claw I sliced it open with a hiss of pain.

I held out my bloodied hand to him.

"Deal?"

[member="Rapax"]​

 

[Rapax]

When she stated the possibilities and locations on her world that was open to him he couldn't help but chuckle a little pleased that he had such an avenue to work with before speaking once again.

I may ask for DNA of any prisoners you may capture...as long as I can have my share at gathering what they may know at your leisure of course, Experimentation and the like requires DNA of sorts.

He watched as she cut into her hand and held it out to shake, A blood pact eh?...there was more interesting ways but atleast she wasn't sheltered from the customs of Gurlanins or witches as he did the same and shook her hand and asked her one thing.

Forgive me for prying but....I am curios, Are you a Gurlanin as I am ...or a Lupine?

@Ahtemis.

 

[Valgærd]

Rapax shook my hand.

I watched as he mimicked me, clawing open a slash in his own palm, reaching out and accepting mine. The softest of sighs escaped my chest. It was done... and I hadn't died. A tiny smile curled at the corners of my mouth. This day had gone very well indeed. For the briefest of moments, my gazed flickered around us to the forest. This was my homeworld, where I was born. I'd barely let the thought remain in my mind for very long, preferring to focus on securing this deal. His stipulation caused me to quirk an eyebrow, pulling me back from my thoughts.

"By all means, Rapax, dear," I smiled, "DNA is not a problem. You can have their bodies too, if they don't want to talk."

I withdrew my hand, bringing out a small cloth from the pouch on my belt and wrapped up my wound in the silk. The question made me stop and glance up through my eyelashes at him;

"Gurlanin. Qiilura is as much my home as yours. Well... was. The fur... not sure why mine is white."

I turned from him, wounded hand still clutched in front of me. However I turned back to face him again,

"My ship is this way, I'll be waiting for you, come whenever you're ready."

​

[member="Rapax"]​