Shock Hazard ((Open))

[CursedErin]

Riek had started to wander from Frigid Plague's territory now, figuring his obsession was starting to get the better of him and he needed a break. He wouldn't stray too terribly far from the evil pack's home, instead heading for Kai Lake to relax and rest for awhile. His crusade would have to continue some other time, for now he'd just settle in next to the lake and perhaps meet a friendly wolf, or find himself trying to drown an evil wolf, whichever came first.

As the lean male approached the lake's side, he'd stretch himself out along the grass while he looked over the lake. "Hmm... A bit flooded from the previous season's snow melting off... Interesting." He noted, seating himself back upright. His golden fur with red tips was easily viewable in the open, not blending in with any of his own surroundings, not like he was making any effort to hide himself around.

Steadily, he dipped his muzzle down towards the water to try and take a drink from the water at Kai lake. A quick zap could be heard as he first touched the water with his tongue, causing him to recoil back. Groaning a bit, he forgot about his power and would have to train it to be controlled. He focused on discharge himself before lowering his head to the water once more. Another zap or two could be heard before he finally seemed to get the hang of it and started lapping up at the liquid. Once he had his fill he seated himself back again and looked up at the sky, watching the clouds as if they were some sort of omen.

[tovaana]

A white figure meandered through the foliage, adrenalin slowly loping through her veins. She could feel her heart in her ears, slightly muffling the noises around her. Her golden flecked eyes darted nervously every time she neared a clearing, pausing. She did not want to think she was becoming jumpy or nervous, but wandering alone… She thought back to her time in the barrens and shuddered. It also set her teeth clenched in anger, that wolves could be so cruel. Tov paused at another cleared and closed her eyes, breathing slowly and feeling desperately for her armor. It was there, faintly. The wolfess had found that it was easiest to throw a defense shield when she was relaxed and calm. She could throw one up, but to throw another meant relaxing again. In battle, that was a hard learned trait.

Eyes flashed open, determinedly setting her paws back on the earth and striding forward. Traveling alone was dangerous, and she was done with it, she needed to find a pack that would let her join them. And… besides protection, it would nice to have somewhere to call home. Before, it had been with her mother, but they had traveled, almost all of her life. She wasn’t sure what it meant to stay in one place, if she would get restless or not, but she did know what it was like to protect and defend…

As she traveled she paused, hearing someone’s voice. It was quiet – either softly spoken and near, or far off. There was the sound of water lapping against a shoreline as well. She licked her lips unconsciously, realizing she had grown thirsty in her journeying.

Tovaana’s white frame paused half emerged into the clearing, the beach of the lake. She blinked at the sunlight, her eyes had been used to the shadows of the trees. There was a golden wolf at the shore, flaming red at the tips of his fur – his tail and neck mostly. Her heart seemed to pick up speed once more, because she was alone, and while he was mid-sized, males seemed to have a natural strength… So far she had met Joey, he had been harmless, as were a few others – but she had seen first paw the brutal harms that could befall any who passed a dark wolf. She did not speak, not sure if she should make herself known or just slip away. Her white audits perked forward, she took a step back, and gold-flecked stockings glittered in the sunlight.

OoC// I’m playing this like it’s after she met Astral in the barrens, searching for “good pack” to join.

[CursedErin]

The nimble wolf flicked his ears as the wind blew. His eyes narrowed some as he picked up the scent of another wolf. Riek steadily shut his eyes as he traced the scent, trying to figure out who was watching him and from where. The two red circles above his eyes began to glow lightly with the black dot in the center. It seemed he was also focusing his own power, just in case he needed to use it.

"There!" He thought, shooting his eyes open and snapping his head quickly in Tovaana's direction. He could see the mid-sized female clearly. His ears stood straight up for a moment and his eyes seemed to snap back to reality. He looked down a little as his small patches of fur ceased their glow. He'd still need to discharge himself somehow, preferably before he touched the wolf. She seemed to meek to him to be a threat, and she didn't seem to give off an evil presence. Still, he wondered why she was watching him!

With a gentle sigh he raised his head back up, watching Tovaana curiously. "What brings you here? Surely it had to have been something. All things happen for a reason." He called out from the distance. Not wanting to scare off the wolf, he had kept himself beside the shoreline, afraid she might run off if he came too close. Of course, he also didn't want to risk shocking her by accident either.

"I promise not to be angry with you, I am Riek... I seek to cleanse these lands of evil and protect those with a good heart." He added on, raising himself to all fours and dipping his head to the she-wolf respectfully. It might've been a bit of an assumption that she was good-natured wolf, but at the same time he had a feeling he was correct on the matter. If it turned out she was evil, well; he wouldn't let her get too far.

[tovaana]

She felt her body go icy cold as he spotted her, his eyes meeting hers. Her back foot stopped its position in the air, which had been taking a step back as well. She could run, she wasn’t the quickest, but she would have a head start… And then he spoke. Her ears flattened for a moment, but her back leg reversed directions and she found herself moving into the clearing, still feeling exposed. It was an odd feeling to not have the trees crowding around her.

His second declaration calmed her heart, but still wary.. To cleanse, meant to destroy, and maybe he was dark and thought good evil and evil good? Those with hatred and darkness did seem to be very backward when it came to thinking. However, she doubted it, by the way he dipped his maw humbly. She took a few more strides near him, but approached the water a few meters away. Still, without speaking, she dipped her own muzzle toward the water and lapped a few swallows of water. Her ears stayed pinned on the other, even as she lifted her head to observe him at a closer distance.

Riek… His fur was just as brilliant as she had observed earlier, but she noticed his fur seemed to be… alive? It stood out a little more than a normal wolf’s would, giving him a larger appearance, slight glows in certain areas… Was it an ability that he wielded, just more offensive? Something to do with energy? She had not asked the good white goddess what other abilities there were, she had only asked for something that would suit her.

“My name is Tovaana.” She said quietly. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to tell him what she was looking for, but maybe he would know how to direct her to the nearest good pack, or the best one.

“I’m…” She paused, regarding him warily. “I’m seeking a pack to join, that I can lend my services to.” Another short pause. “Are you part of a pack?”

[CursedErin]

Riek seemed to relax himself as he watched Tovaana. She didn't strike him as any threat, but he'd still keep a bit of a guard up if he needed it. She soon made her way near to him, introducing herself and stating her claim. So she was looking for a pack was it? The static charged male wasn't entirely too sure about packs himself. Although the thought of starting one occasionally popped into his head, but he would always shrug it off.

He made his way next to the water again, after she'd taken her own drink. The male would hold a paw out and hover it over the surface before gently lowering it closer and closer. In a split second as his claws came close to the water surface, a short electric current could be seen, followed by a zap. Riek twitched his nose a little and recoiled his paw back slowly. His pelt seemed to relax in and of itself, falling closer to his body. He turned back to the she-wolf and sat himself down as he looked over her.

"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought of starting one my own... Though that takes time, of which I don't think I have right now. As for packs in the valley..." He started, tapping a claw on the grass as he tried to think. "Eternal Snowfall is the only good-oriented pack around here that I know about. Sorry I'm not of much help to you, Tovaana." The male dipped his head again solemnly.

Every now and again he wondered what it was like in a pack, though he had always been a nomad with his family, travelling from place to place. He had never slept in the same place for more than a few days, perhaps it would be nice to settle down sometime though. He shrugged the thought out of his mind and ceased his day dreaming, focusing his orange eyes on the wolf in front of him once again.

[tovaana]

She watched him bend over to the water, an odd noise reaching her in turn. Her head tilted a little, looking curiously at the water, and then at him. His fur lay more flat now…He soon distracted her with thoughts of packs. Start his own pack? Good gracious that sounded like a lot of work, and time like he had mentioned. What would he be busy doing? Her mind seemed to recall the bit of information that he had introduced himself with – to cleanse the land of evil. Did he really spend all his time doing this? It seemed like a heavy load to carry alone.

“Yes, Eternal Snowfall.” She murmured to herself. Though she had not known its name, she had heard rumors of it and its existence. “Thank you.” She said, letting her haunches fall into a sitting position, allowing her legs to rest for a moment.

“So, you’re alone then?” She asked, it seemed obvious, but maybe he had companions that were out hunting or otherwise occupied. “I don’t mean to pry… It just seems that your good intentions would help a pack greatly. You’re right though, in that starting a pack would be hard work…” Her mind started to wander then. Having never been part of a pack, the thought of starting one seemed foreign, but at the same time… Had she not met Joey and Talise? Had she not adapted to them, helped them? Service, a little bit of leadership… Yet she felt like she should not feel presumptuous in thinking she could easily fill the position with so little experience herself.

[CursedErin]

Riek seemed to relax a little himself as the she-wolf sat down in front of him, repeating the name of the pack and thanking him for his information. He dipped his head silently and politely before leaning himself back onto his haunches as well, taking the moment to rest with Tovaana while he could. He had accomplished enough for a little while anyways, it wasn't too terribly long that he got rid of that evil beta wolf after all. Of course, there was still plenty more work to do...


He shrugged his shoulders a bit softly. "I wasn't entirely sure if a current pack would... Agree, with my methods." He replied, putting a bit of emphasis on this word. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely alone in this world. Every wolf of good heart I gladly take as my friend, and I will gladly defend until my final breath." Riek added on, seeming a bit too righteous for his own good.

Despite how he sounded, he was truthful! He couldn't bare the thought of a good wolf getting hurt under his watch, nor could he imagine an evil wolf killing a good, or even neutrally aligned wolf! It sickened him to his core, and he was determined to bring them down. He'd need to hone his power if he wanted to take down pack after pack, but he had time to train; after all, he was still only a young adult.

[tovaana]

She felt for her power in her mind, making sure it was close, need she use it. When he mirrored her actions in sitting, her heart seemed to slow a little, muscles unwinding from her journey. They had grown strong in the multiple trips up the mountain and wandering in the valley in the past year, invisibly taut, even under her thinner summer coat.

Tovaana let his words suspend in the air, as if she were taking them apart piece by piece. Ever entering the valley, she had found herself more curious and forward than she had been before.

“Your methods…” She said after a moment of silence, she mused. She was sharp and had a quick mind, but half of her hoped he did not mean what she thought he did as she put the puzzle together. Cleansing the land of evil meant getting rid of it, and if he thought that his methods were unorthodox, he could only mean, “you mean, killing wolves?” There was a slight undertone of accusation in her voice, but her eyes watched him calmly. Once she had said it though, she felt for her shield in her mind once again; ready to whip it out if needed. It seemed like getting an ability had made her feel more on edge than before, as if gaining her defense power had made her more of a target for others, or more aware of how she needed it, depended on it.

She thought of Astral. Bleeding, beat up, and with a gash down her eye that would scar and leave her possibly blind in one eye… She thought of her words… Evil. She had been evil, and evil wolves had done that to her. Yet, if Tovaana had been there, she would have defended Astral. Tov watched the male curiously… Was this what it meant to be good? An extreme too far? How could he justify his methods as good, and what separated him from evil? Tovaana began to wonder of her own identity, was she good, evil, neutral? What did they mean…? Golden gaze flicked out momentarily at the water, her thoughts doused in confusion. She sought the water, like it would cleanse her mind of the chaos. Tovaana’s gaze just as quickly moved back to Reik.

[CursedErin]

It didn't seem to take the she-wolf long to piece together the puzzle. His methods were easily discovered by her, though it wasn't like he was hiding them! He noticed how she seemed to tense up, perhaps she was nervous? Had Riek been wrong in his judgement and assumed she was a good wolf when in reality she might have been evil..? His tail twitched anxiously at the thought, it wasn't often he was wrong on the matter. Perhaps she was seeking Eternal Snowfall to cause it harm! Though now that he thought about it, she hadn't asked for a good pack, evil, or neutral for that matter. The whole subject was starting to make the crusader uneasy.

He thought about readying his own electrical power as Tovaana turned her head, but he'd stay his paw for the moment. She didn't seem to want to attack him, that wasn't it... She seemed more defensive? He wasn't entirely sure. Riek relaxed a little and would nod lightly at the she-wolf before answering her question.

"Unfortunately, yes." He began, "Certain wolves have started down the path of darkness, they can always change... But if they do not turn themselves for the better, they deserve to be rid of. Think of it Tovaana, a world where there isn't any fighting between good and evil! It'd be glorious." Riek smiled, tilting his head back to look up at the sky. It would've lowered his defenses for a mere moment, foolishly as he trusted the wolf in front of him for awhile.

He closed his eyes gently and inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air. "I suppose I'm rambling on though... I'm sure you don't want to hear my whole spiel, yes? I believe everything happens for a reason Tovaana... But I don't think you meeting me was so I can convince you to join me... Of course, unless you think otherwise." He said with a bit of a manic smirk as he reopened his orange eyes and let his head drop steadily to focus back on the she-wolf.

[tovaana]

Her stomach squirmed like a worm avoiding a bird when he started to speak. Yes. Yes he did kill. She tried to calm her heart that started to quicken again. Her jaw clenched once when he said the word ‘deserved’. The white wolfess was having a hard time imagining a world without evil, when the wolf describing it to her was the one determining ‘who’ was good and evil.

She felt for her shield, feeling nervous, especially at his look and the way he invited her to his cause. Tovaana thought of many arguments, many ways she may persuade him to give up his crusade, but the look in his sunset eyes told her the sun had gone too far above the horizon. There was a mixture of emotions coursing through her now, anger, fear, frustration, confusion… all battling for the forefront of her mind.

Could she lie? What if she did join him, could she protect the evil lives that she thought may change? But then, what made her better than he? Playing like she was one of the White Sister of the mountain, dictating who lived and died. No, she couldn’t do that, and who would say that he would not kill her for defending an evil wolf, would he consider her to be evil?

“No.” Tov forced a smile. “I… I don’t think you could convince me.” She breathed a forced sigh and continued slowly. “I do consider myself good, but I’m believe… mercy to be more powerful than the tooth.” Mentally she recognized her power there, winding it up to throw quickly and powerfully if need be. As confrontational as he seemed, a wolf who killed other wolves could be unpredictable.

He also believed in fate… which was interesting. She had not thought of life with rhyme or reason, wouldn’t that take her freedom away? What reason could they have met?

“You are, by far, the most interesting ‘good’ wolf I have met. But I guess I believe in defense over offense when it comes to facing your demons. I don’t think you can get rid of them all, and on your own? You’ll just provoke the hornets nest!” Her voice seemed a little taut, on the edge of hysteria at the end. Tov remembered her mother telling her to not ‘provoke the hornets nest… or a mama bear… or put your paw in a ornery wolf’s mouth.’ She supposed she had inherited her mother’s cool stance when it came to others. However, Tov found herself more lost – her mother had been so sure about everything. She had supposed that surety came with age, but she had not found that the case.

[CursedErin]

Riek flicked his tail curiously, she seemed upset, nervous, and distraught. It pained him a little to see the she-wolf react such a way. Normally he told his tale to lighten the hearts of good wolves and brighten up their spirits, or at least he hoped so. Instead, she seemed quite the opposite and the words that followed only confirmed the crusader's suspicions. He thumped his tail a few times against the ground behind him while he listened, smiling genuinely at Tovaana.

For whatever reason it seemed to him, the wolfess seemed to be ready to go on the defensive if he attacked. Did he come off as a threat to even his own kind of wolf? The thought worried even him a little, perhaps he was becoming the very thing he set out to destroy. He'd have to work on his personality a little to try and make things easier on any wolves he encountered in the future. For now, he'd try and salvage any type of friendship or relationship that he could with the white wolf sitting in front of him.

He started with a bit of a gentle chuckle, "I do suppose that's not a terrible thing. I just prefer to see something done I guess. Nothing wrong with being defensive though. Riek started, smiling gently at Tovaana. "As for getting rid of them... I'll never know if I don't try right? I'm sure I've already started up one of the more elderly hornet's nests..." He said, referring back to his murder of the Frigid Plague beta. Though he figured he shouldn't be too direct about it, fearful that he'd scare off Tovaana.

The male tilted his head back and looked up to the sun. "I don't expect anyone to follow me on my quest. But I'll gladly protect those good wolves that I meet..." He gently shut his eyes and smiled happily. With a happy sigh he'd slowly lower his head and let his eyes drift back open to look at the wolfess. "Would you like some help finding Eternal Snowfall's territory? I think I vaguely remember where it is." He offered his services to her, figuring it might do him some good to at least see what all a pack might have to offer him anyways. Who knew, perhaps someone in a pack would share his same ideology. There was only one way to find out! Though he wasn't sure he'd just outright join any old pack of course.

[Deleted]

(Since Rithe has to take a swig of water from kai lake, I wanna introduce her to some people unlike Duality (cough cough)

Rithe padded, or, well, limped to Kai lake. Her potion was in her mouth and small drips of blood splattering the ground where her paws hit. She let one painful glance at the two wolves before padding away from them. She stopped by the shore and drank fully, preparing herself to be staying there. She laid down and uncorked her potion. She took a small sip, then gulped it down as she let the liquid flow down her throat.

[tovaana]

The ears that had flattened meekly perked and twisted in question that he had already poked at a hornet’s nest. He seemed to go on though, unfazed and not offering any more information. This wolf was odd, and she felt the need to watch his actions, but still came up with the dilemma – what made her any better of a judge?

He was smiling and being cordial, so why did she feel on edge? Perhaps he was not as unpredictable as her heart had judged quickly. Perhaps he was as obvious as his honesty…

“That is kind.” She offered, contemplating his offer to accompany her. He was an odd wolf, but powerful, and she would not have to worry about her safety with him… But did she have to worry about the safety of others?

She opened her mouth to answer when sounds interrupted their solitude. Golden eyes flashed and her head whipped to the female’s position. The other wolf had a vial that reminded her of the vial that the white goddess had given to her for an ability… Tovaana felt stunned by the odd encounter that she forgot Riek’s question in the moment. She stayed silent, acknowledging that the wolf had seen them and was not interested in introducing herself. The shore breeze carried the smell of blood to them, and she realized that the wolf was injured.

“Odd.” She said quietly, barely audible.

[CursedErin]

Odd seemed to be the word of the day for Tovaana, or at least Riek thought so. He'd begin to get hopeful that she'd relax some around him, after all he had no intentions of harming her, quite the opposite actually! The limping wolf caused the male's ears to swivel on his head, his dark orange eyes moving to focus on the new arrival. She seemed injured, that much was clear... Was she evil? Riek perhaps was always too quick to jump to this question whenever a new wolf met him. However, she seemed to be at the very least: non-hostile.

She didn't seem particularly good to him, but not bad either. Riek calmed himself a little, nearly statically charging himself up once again. If Rithe did turn out to be of malicious intent, the male didn't think he'd have a hard time taking care of it. At least not in her current state. Either way, he'd dip his head casually to Tovaana. "Do let me know if you want some company. I'll keep you safe at the cost of my own life." He said to her once more, before standing himself up.

He wasted little time as he stepped towards Rithe. The male was clearly curious about her now, though a bit unsure why. He wondered if Tovaana was interested as well, or was just going to sit back and listen, or perhaps even head on her way for Eternal Snowfall. "Greetings." He started in a calm and collected voice, now taking another seat just a few feet away from Rithe. "Why are you in such poor shape? Do you need any help..?" He asked rather bluntly. It didn't seem like he wanted to dodge around anything.

Riek was hoping for a response that would show Rithe's heart and intent to him. This is what he would use to judge another wolf, by their actions and their words. Any evil wolf was easy enough to distinguish based on their mannerisms, as well as any good wolf. He was a bit hesitant of neutrally aligned wolves as well, not really caring to help them too often or snuff them out. As long as they never tried to harm him or his ideals, he'd leave them be for the time being.

[Deleted]

Rithe gave a wide-eyed look to Riek, before her eyes closing. "Heya....." She began, opening her eyes and her lips lifting up in a smile. "I had a bad hunting accident - my fault entirely." She yawned, then spoke again. "I just had a potion from White Magic, so I don't need any help." Rithe stumbled up and walked a little closer to the water's edge. She sat down and closed her eyes, feeling the water splash up on her paws. Her tail hit the ground in a rhythmic motion, and she muttered, "I tried to go... to follow.... to kneel down at your feet..."