Old dog, new tricks (open/tagged)

[bluekachoo]

Fafnir:

Fafnir didn’t know why he’d stayed in the valley so long. He’d arrived in the area months ago, when the last brown leaves were falling from the trees, and now it was springtime. It was the longest that the lone wolf had stayed in one place since he was a reckless adolescent. Perhaps he was just getting old and sentimental and that made him want to set ay here. But somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind he knew that it was more than that. There was another reason he felt drawn to this place and it’s strange wolves. If he believed in such things he’d call it fate, but he didn’t.

Fafnir didn’t regret his decision to stay, however, especially now that the days were getting longer and warmer and the prey more abundant. In fact, he was in a rather good mood today. He meandered contentedly along the path to the waterfall pool, his belly full of elk calf. The banks of the pool were one of his favorite haunts these days, and he was looking foreword to soaking his paws and the old burn scar along his flank in the shallows.

Lifting his head he inhaled the flowery spring air, then stopped dead in his tracks. There was a distinct smell of another male wolf on the breeze that he didn’t recognize. Fafnir crouched low and prowled toward the source of the scent. He had learned to be cautious of unfamiliar wolves during his lifetime as a loner, a habit no age nor comfort would break him of. He peeked warily through the brush surrounding the bank of the pool at the wolf. He looked like a piece of the sky above had taken the form of a young wolf. He was looking the other way and hadn’t seemed to have noticed Fafnir.

Fafnir considered leaving, but decided against it. He knew that the wolf was likely just passing through, but he wanted to make sure that the young stranger knew that this was his hangout so he shouldn’t get too comfortable there.

So he emerged from the undergrowth and, in his friendliest tone, called, “Hello there! Beautiful day, eh?”

((Boomer))

[Boomer]

Azul

Sigh a relieved and calm exhale escaped the male's throat as he had breathed in the fresh air the environment gave him. The sky colored wolf trotted near the lines near the waterfall, looking at his reflection as he would trot, not paying much attention to his surroundings for the moment as his paw would crunch on soft, thin layers of snow as it melted into the earth.

After a few moments of walking, the wolf stops at his tracks and sits on his haunches, relaxing his legs a bit from the walk as he then dipped his head to drink from the water. As he dips his tongue within the fresh tasting water he enjoys the silent environment that only the river flow would make quiet and peaceful sounds. Once the wolf was done with his drinking, he lifts his snout up and shakes the remaining water off of him.

The male yawns, stretching his front legs before his attention would suddenly go to an unrecognizable voice. He instantly perks up and straightens himself, wondering why in the world he was paying attention to his surroundings to have notice the stranger.

The black wolf before him was clearly much older than him, with a grey muzzle and a scar to him. The stranger had a friendly voice to him, and although he did come off as friendly Azul would keep his guard up, though trying to keep at least a friendly-ish tone to him as well "Hello there, sir," he says calmly, looking at the area in which he did find it pleasing to the eye "Yes, the day's been acting good with us, I only hope the rest of the day stays as beautiful as it is now."

The blue eyed wolf would dip his paw on the water, feeling the cool water before smiling ever-so-slightly "I assume you came for a drink to, correct? The water may possibly flood since it is spring." He says softly, shifting only his eyes towards the older wolf. He shakes his head to himself, realizing the older wolf would clearly know about the seasons and its conditions. He sighs before speaking again "Ah, forgive me, I've not introduce myself yet." He takes his paws out of the water, facing the black wolf once more and saying "I go by Azul, a pleasure to meet you, sir." He says in his calm tone of voice, awaiting for a response from the older wolf.

[bluekachoo]

Fafnir chuckled. Not many wolves would call an old loner like him ‘sir’. Seemed somebody had taught this wolf to respect his elders. “Right you are. Hope we don’t get anymore of that damn snow.” He said jovially, approaching the young stranger.

He dipped his own paws in the creek a healthy distance from the wolf, sighing contentedly as the cool water burbled over his worn paws. Turning to the other male he said, “I’m actually here to have a little soak, maybe a nap. But now that you mention it, I could use a drink.” He lowered his muzzle and took a few laps at the water before straightening again. He didn’t mention that he stayed here often, sometimes for days. This wolf seemed nice, but he didn’t want to risk the younger, stronger male forcing Fafnir out of the area so he could take it for himself.

“Nice to meet you too, Azul. My name is Fafnir.” Said Fafnir politely. “Are you from around here?”

[Boomer]

Azul

He watch and listened to the old wolf almost intently as he saw the elder dip his own paw into the water as well. The wolf mentioned that he would possibly take a nap, Azul realized he hadn't much rest in awhile, so a nap sounded great right about now. Ah but he would need to find shelter and perhaps higher ground, he didn't want to wake up to a flooded river now did he? Curiosity filled Azul's head as he wondered if the stranger would do the same and leave the area in such case.

The wolf claimed himself to be Fafnir, a name that seemed unique to the blue eyed wolf as he hadn't heard of a name like that before. The wolf sits once again, curling his tail around himself as he heard the stranger ask him if he was from the area.

The blue wolf would hum quietly and think for a slight moment, wondering if he should answer such question, though he would think there would be no harm in telling the wolf "You could say that, I was born outside the valley, until one day I decided to live here for awhile. That was sometime ago, though I feel it still fairly fresh in my memory." he says, holding back more information for of course he was still talking to a stranger, and in no way did Azul want to mention that he had siblings, besides, that type of information was unnecessary.

"May I ask the same to you, sir?" The light colored wolf tilted his head ever so slightly with curiousity sparking in his bright colored eyes. Since the wolf before him was older than him, surely he had a few tales to tell, and Azul wasn't doing much at the moment, so listening to someone's story wouldn't be bad.

[bluekachoo]

“You were born outside of the valley?” Asked Fafnir. “Strange. I figured only wolves that were born here could have such unnatural-colored fur. Never seen a bright blue wolf anywhere else, you know?” He shifted into a more comfortable sitting position on the sandy bank.

“I’m not from here either. I was born quite a ways from here and I’ve lived here and there all my life. I’m just passing through this valley, really. Although I’m pretty tempted to stay with all this prey about.” He met Azul’s eyes blue eyes for a moment as he spoke. The young wolf was watching him a little more closely than Fafnir was comfortable with. He decided to try and get rid of him as soon as good manners allowed.

[Boomer]

Azul

The light colored wolf's eyes widened for a brief moment, looking down at his own fur color as he realized that it was true, wolves outside the valley never had such unique fur color such as he. There was a little pride in Azul, thinking he was unique and special, only to realize that there were of course other wolves born in the valley having such strange fur color, to the point where strange fur colors was a normal thing. "Maybe my ancestors before me was born in this valley, and over time their genes must be within me." He said having his gaze on his fur coat for a few more moments before looking back at Fafnir.

"This valley is abundant with prey, a reason why I do not see myself leaving this valley anytime soon." The wolf gave a quick friendly smile before looking to his surroundings "Ah, an elk across the way, drinking peacefully." Azul said in a calm manner, before continuing "When I am not hungry, I like to simply gaze upon nature, it's... calming in a way, no need to be all reckless or violent when needn't be."

He stood silent for a moment, almost getting lost in his thoughts before shaking his head and realizing he was dozing off "Ah sorry, was in my thoughts for a moment." he said excusing himself "This place gives me this sort of magical vibe.. I cannot explain to well, but I know not far from here the White Wolves reside near by, perhaps that is why I am feeling that vibe. I have always been curious and wanted to visit one of the White Wolves, but that is just to appease my curiosity. " The wolf finishes, looking down into the river and looking at his reflection, then lowering his head to drink from the river, cool and crisp water that was refreshing and quenched his thirst.

[bluekachoo]

((Ahhh dude I totally thought this site was dead lol))

Fafnir snorted quietly as the young wolf's light eyes widened and he looked down at his sky-blue coat as if seeing it for the first time. He decided that, even though he seemed calm and level-headed, Azul must not be very introspective. Fafnir traced a pattern with his cracked claws in the sandy soil as he waited for Azul to return from his thoughts. "Maybe I have ancestors from the valley, too," Said Fafnir after Azul finally spoke. "Considering my purple eyes. My mother had similar colored eyes. Perhaps she came from a pack here."

"I...suppose." Fafnir responede, eying the elk briefly. "I don't usually pay attention to prey animals unless I'm hunting. Or thinking about hunting." In Fafnir's experience, it was a waste time to think about an animal that had nothing to do with him. If they weren't a threat, and he wasn't going to eat them, then why should he care? The old loner always had more important matters to think about.

Fafnir snorted again, loudly, at the mention of the White Wolves. "Now, that's what I don't like about this place. Everybody's been deluded into believing in these god-things, and powers, and who knows what else! It's weird. Kinda creepy, too." He stood, shaking the sand from his thin pelt. He didn't need this. What he needed was a good soak.

[Boomer]

Azul

Azul confusingly cocked a brow at the older wolf's remark, shocked to hear a wolf say negative things about the valley's legendary goddess. But quickly he would realize that of course there were wolves out there that would be skeptical of it, he himself was skeptical about the White Wolves not too long ago. It was only because his sister had actually visited one of them that he had started to believe in it. However thinking about it more, his sister wasn't the most reliable wolf out there, and he wasn't there to actually witness it, so he could have been fed lies and for the moment he believed her "Well.. you might be right." he said, using his hind leg to scratch the back of his ear.

"Well, guess you can't believe it 'til you see it." Azul stated. Looking at his reflection once again, curious as to how is it that wolves can come in such unique colors in the valley but not outside of it. He opened his maw to say something, but he closes it without saying a word, thinking perhaps it was just a mystery of life. A couple of moments later however he was curious to ask the older wolf a question regarding the goddesses "But... if you did meet one of the goddesses, what would you do or ask for? I'm just curious. Even if they are not real, I don't mind a little adventure every now and then, especially when I am this close by to where they supposedly live."

[bluekachoo]

Fafnir sploshed into the shallows of the pool ungracefully. The cool water was soothing on his old wounds and aging body. He waded farther, his back to Azul. He didn't want to talk about whatever stupid delusions the wolves had here, and he didn't appreciate the younger wolf bringing it up. "You're damn right I'm right." He growled dismissively, not bothering to look back at Azul.

He stared at the cool water flowing around his legs for a long while as Azul continued. Fafnir felt his skin growing hot under his wiry fur. "It doesn't matter. I'm not going on a fool's errand to find some goddess that doesn't exist. Anything I want or need I can get myself." He spat, lifting his head to stare down the mountains in the distance.

[Boomer]

Azul

The young wolf watched as the older wolf sprung himself into the waters, seemingly having an attidude towards young Azul, perhaps it was the mention of the goddesses, and if that was the case Azul had no problem in stopping that topic right then and there. The wolf nodded slightly at what Fafnir stated "I believe that, with experience by your side I am sure you attained anything you have worked for, I hope I may become wise as I grow older as well." he said genuinely, looking down at his paws as he could see himself as an old wolf, hoping to be as wise as he dreams to be.

Azul shakes his head slightly, his head still pointing to the ground but eyes shifting up enough to spot the other wolf. His mind still wanders and could only think of the location he was close by to, curiosity simply fills his head with so many questions, and he didn't want to just up and drop it right then and there. But he didn't want to get on the older wolf's nerves either, maybe he could talk about it without being so direct, only one could find out.

"Sir, Without being too off topic, have you ever visited the caves at least? The caves where these goddesses supposedly resided, not to meet one of them but to get to say you made the trip to explore such an area not a lot of wolves possibly have. That I've heard, only the brave travel to those caves, it would be a story in which one could tell their pups to, and to their pups! One could run in to the fight of their life, or meet the love of their life, so many possibilities I can imagine and curiosity fills my very being at the moment!" Azul's tail wags softly and swiftly, thinking of the many possibilities of what he may encounter if he made the trip to the White Wolves caves. He wasn't too sure why he had the feeling of trying to convince the wolf, perhaps it was because the stranger was aged and would possibly leave this realm of life soon, but why would he care if the wolf got to have such an experience anyway? This wolf was a stranger and not family, but maybe Azul wanted the opportunity to take someone with him on an adventure. After all no one else was around and no one would believe him if he had an extraordinary adventure by himself, he basically needed an eye witness. The light wolf shifted his body to face the mountains, tail wrapped around his body as his eyes lingered to what was in front of him, feeling like adventure was simply calling him. And after a few moments in his thoughts he would also realize that there was nothing to stop the young wolf, for like what he thought earlier, this wolf was a stranger to him, so his opinions did not matter, he'd go and seek adventure with or without the old wolf.

[bluekachoo]

Fafnir scoffed at Azul's flattery. It was getting old, and the young wolf was really stating to get on his nerves. A lifelong loner, Fafnir had very little patience for other wolves, especially young ones sill filled with hope and curiosity like Azul. But for whatever reason he listened as the blue-furred nuisance spoke, back still turned as he stood chest-deep in the cool water.

"I have not." He said gruffly. "And I'm well past the age of adventuring and such nonsense. Why don't you go yourself, if it's such a great place?" No, that was not a pang of longing in his old heart. He'd done and seen plenty in his life; he's had his fair share of adventures and explorations, fights and struggles, even lovers, however briefly. No, he definitely felt no curiosity about those damn mountains.

[Boomer]

Azul

His ears went down and his tail stopped swaying, feeling that drop of disappointment in his very being when the old wolf denied the adventure. But young Azul would then realize, he was young, and Fafnir was aged, why would the old wolf seek adventure? Fafnir didn't need to say it himself, it was obvious just by looking at his appearance that Fafnir had seen a lot throughout his life time. What Azul had said would have probably been perfect for a young wolf like him, a young wolf who hadn't had much experience in life, but Fafnir was the opposite, so Azul's wording was completely wrong. He would have to reword his sentence, something that would interest the old wolf. But why does he care? Why does he care to convince him so much? At this very moment he could just walk away and start his adventure alone, even if he found something interesting and told everyone and no one believed him, at least he would know the truth, but that would just make him sound crazy wouldn't it?

He shook his head and got up, taking a few steps forward towards the mountains. His ear facing back as he could hear the old wolf swimming. "This wolf needs to lighten up a bit.." He thought, realizing the way Fafnir's voice sounded annoyed by him. Azul had been trying to be absolutely nice and respectful towards him, but maybe Fafnir wasn't the type to be nice to everyone, after all he does look like he's been through some stuff. But because he looks like he needs to relax, maybe this small adventure couldn't hurt him, and Azul is the perfect travel companion. He is young and strong, a good body guard if you will, and Azul wouldn't mind being able to say he made a wolf's day.

He turns his head back a little and looks at the wolf, a slight almost invisible smirk forming on his lips "Maybe I could make it worth your while." Azul shifted his body back fully facing Fafnir before continuing "If you manage to go with me up the mountains, and there is absolutely nothing there, nothing exciting, a waste of time, I will make it up to you by hunting for you and providing five large meals. I will do all the work but not get a bite from it, you would have the meals for yourself."

Azul paused for a moment thinking about it, slightly regretting opening his mouth and offering such an offer, it would surely strain his energy if he haunted five large games yet not take a bite from not one, but maybe this could be practice for him, besides it was too late now he already opened his mouth.

"But if there is something exciting and not a waste of time, you would have to teach me your ways of survival, and I would like to hear all of it. You managed to live a long life, and with I'm sure many battles you faced you survived them all, and I don't want to hear 'I'm just lucky' or anything like that, no one is lucky for that long in their life, and I know you must have some survival techniques hidden away in that head of yours." Azul stated, having his chest heaved up and out "So, do you accept my offer? If not, I will go my little way and not bother you again."

[bluekachoo]

((Oh my god I'm so sorry it took forever for me to respond!! I got wrapped up with school and procrastination lol))

In the ensuing silence, Fafnir stood still in the water. A feather drifted past him and he watched it float by as if it were the only thing in the world. He hoped that if he pretended Azul didn't exist then he would leave him alone. He was way beyond such immature fantasies, he knew, but Fafnir liked being on his own, and this young wolf was getting under his skin. He imagined Azul leaving him, letting him soak in peace.

Of course, the old wolf was not so fortunate. He sighed, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and swiveled his ears back in annoyance and to better hear Azul's offer. He wanted to say no. To turn and snap at this irritating stranger. But he knew this was an offer he couldn't refuse. Although he'd just ate, he began to salivate at the thought of five free meals. He imagined all the juicy prey he could no longer catch on his own, of stuffing his stomach with tender meat and fattening himself up. This deal was too good to turn down, and Fafnir was sure it was a safe bet. There was no way there was anything up in those mountains.

"Fine," Fafnir growled, emerging from the pool and shaking the water from his grizzled pelt. "I accept your offer."

[Boomer]

((Back at it again! I had change Azul's name back to his original, Ouranos, so I will be addressing him as that from here on out if that's alright!))

Ouranos

With a swift breeze of fresh air entering his chest and lungs, Ouranos would assure himself that he would not be losing much if the old wolf did not go with him and decline his oh so tempting offer. Thoughts of why the old wolf suddenly soured up ran through his mind, it was surely that Ouranos had said something to tick the old wolf off, but Ouranos would not know and possibly may never know what he could have possibly said or done to irritate Fafnir.

There had been a moment of silence, the two wolves seemingly collecting their thoughts. The silence broke however with Fafnir's snippy growl and reply "Fine," and accepted his offer.

He could not help but to tug a quick victorious smile to his maw, he convinced the old wolf to travel to the mountains like he wanted, but he would quickly cease his smiling as he did not want the wolf to get any more irritated than he already was with him. "Right then." Ouranos said, clearing his throat and placed a serious demeanor to him.

"Then I suggest we travel now while there is still daylight, much easier for us to travel especially to the mountains. Unless you would like to rest here a while longer." He huffed slightly, his young heart eager to travel now. Besides, if Ouranos was wrong and the future adventure turned out to be a failure, getting Fafnir's free meals would not be waiting forever.