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Post by Kvatch on Jul 21, 2012 9:16:45 GMT -5
[This scene is for Bone and is also open to all dogs associated with the muck-wide tiny plot group, Dogs of Winter]
Strange are these times, when dogs play at being wolves and the wolves whom lives they have stolen wander the forest like strays, squabbling among themselves. Where has the strength and loyalty of the wolf pack gone? Where is the howling and the love of the hunt? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west, behind the hills and into shadow.
For better or worse, a great shattering of worlds has occurred, becoming the likes of which shall score it's mark in history forever. For some, it is with hope in their hearts that a new day will break and that the sun might shine out all the brighter. For others, they will look to tomorrow with saddened hearts and a uncertainty for the future, but still take comfort in their love for each other, even across the great distance that divides them. But for one, who sat alone in the intangible darkness of the night, he would see no hope, nor light, or love. There is now only shadow to be found and within it's vast emptiness, lurk the demons waiting to devour him or be commanded by him. His name has become his future and his future his name. Grim.
~~~
Panic seized Grim by the heart, clutching and drawing tighter with every pounding pulse that thudded in his chest. Dimly did he hear the distant bay of the dogs, the cry of a scent trail being struck barely being comprehended in his frantic mind. For all that Grim could think of was how to save Brutal from this suicide, his brother's voice echoing just as dully in his ears like every other sound around him. Trapped in a haze of helpless desperation, Grim just watched the dark massive shape of the wolf turn to the elegant she-wolf standing nearby, four pups hunkered close to her flanks. In this moment, golden eyes narrowed covetingly as he watched Brutal and Naira, watched as his brother turned away to fade into shadow and abandon him to his deepest despair. Turning a stoic face to Naira, despite the hopeful and trusting gaze that he found there, it could not stave off the fear, nor make peace with the treacherous demon lurking beneath the veil. "Follow me..." The fate of many, sometimes is the choice made by one.
~~~
The days have begun to blur together, tangled up in the turmoil of a mind already fogged with ominous clouds of irrational emotion and thought. Voices argue loudly in his head while any ability to reason sensibly, eludes him. The descent into insanity and the loss of self has been like a heavy stone, plummeting rapidly down a mountain and into disillusion with no hope of slowing the fall. Any desire for food or water has gone ignored, or simply unnoticed, so greatly has his mind been bent upon the details of less than honorable intentions. Long did he drag the violent waters of his ill mind until the diseased thoughts that festered there finally came together with dark purpose.
Long has he stood on the edge of the forest, staring across the expanse of open lawn toward the far hill that rises up in the distance. Ignoring the stifling heat of late summer and the flies that have already begun to lay claim to the fresh carcass of a hare that dangles lifelessly from his jaws, for perhaps the thousandth time does he reconsider what he intends to do. Not because there is a conflict of moral, but rather a uncertainty that what he has to propose, will even be considered. In the end, the reward is decisively worth the cost and so it is with the confidence of a wolf that has nothing left to lose -at least that which counts- Grim breaks from the treeline to trot deliberately and purposely toward the hill, the corpse of the hare swaying back and forth like some proverbial white flag.
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Post by Pavane on Jul 23, 2012 18:10:44 GMT -5
Summer for these dogs has been a time of ease and plentiful food. They have grown strong, and they have grown restless. With no enemies to fight, they squabble among themselves. Those once high have been cast down, those who once kept to the edges have taken places in the higher reaches.
The top of the hierarchy remains unchanged. If Bone has grown weak from the bite whose scars mark his muzzle, none have chosen to test it. The red and white mastiff remains the king of this hill, and he lounges there now, as relaxed as one can ever be when those beneath are busy looking for signs of weakness as their own chance to rise.
They are always testing him.
So be it; he is always testing them.
Bone's gaze settles on Grim as he breaks the treeline, but he makes no sound of it. Instead, he glances to the others of his pack, gathered around. Who is observant and deserving of praise; who is lax and requires punishment?
There are some of each, today. The slackers are noted. Rask, once again snoozing in the sunlight. Bone frowns at the brown dog, and his gaze moves on. Sally, clearly in need of some further education. That can be arranged. The frown turns to a faint smirk, and his gaze continues.
As for the observant ones... Bone's expression to them is a smirk, and the slightest of nods.
His inspection of the ranks complete, the mastiff returns his attention to the approaching wolf. He has come to Bone, has he? Bearing gifts, no less.
Well! Let him come.
Let him have the audience he seeks.
Bone does not rise for him, a small and studied insult. This, the mastiff's body language says, is Bone's territory. The wolf is unworthy of his notice; not an ally, nor a threat. He is nothing, to Bone.
Perhaps not nothing.
The wolf is another test, for those Bone leads. This wolf is too insignificant for Bone to deal with; which of those beneath him will handle it? What shall they say?
Bone will be listening.
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Post by Tala on Jul 23, 2012 18:26:20 GMT -5
Indeed Bone is always listening, isn't that how it works? That is how many in the pack see it after all.
Jethro the large american bulldog is settled upon his thick muscled haunches eyeing the world from his perch as it was, upon a rocky bit that juts out from the dirt. The wind is in his favor though as the scent of wolf catches his attention and it only takes him turning his head to catch sight of the wolf as he is coming closer and closer towards the pack's new home.
The large dog shifts to his paws and is moving quickly in a bee-line fashion towards the approaching wolf. An within a few moments he is there ahead of Grim about twenty feet at most. "Well well... Who do we have here?" Is questioned with a thin tone, large head lowered as he watches this wolf. Oh yes he remembers this one, and that large brother of this. A glance is sent to the rabbit he carries before he looks back to the wolves face.
"An just what do you want?" This questioned with a thin tone, an snort escapes him in the process while his tail lashing about a few times in the process. "You came here on your own free will, either you are very stupid or you are looking for something, best speak up quickly if you value your life."
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nyx
Newborn
Posts: 4 
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Post by nyx on Jul 23, 2012 21:21:54 GMT -5
Nyx’s jaws have been busy taking the last of a kill, crushing bone and feasting on the marrow inside while inky eyes keep a look out. Always keeping watch. One hundred percent trust is given to no one, as if anyone is as opportunistic as she is, they won’t pass up a chance of moving up in the hierarchy of this little pack. With no one to watch her back, she must watch her own. And thus, it’s perhaps this reason why she is quick to note the arrival of another. A NON dog, which immediately lifts suspicions. Bits of bone are left to drop from her mouth as she lifts her head, nostrils flaring. Bone is here, but Bone is .. unpredictable. She’s lifts up to her paws, cropped ears up in alert, but she isn’t the first to speak. Jethro is.
She moves then, paws carrying her closer to the bulldog. Close enough to show an allied force without being overly friendly. They are on the same team, nothing more. The wolf and his kill are eyed with dark suspicion, the tips of fangs just barely seen. But for now, the only words spoken belong to Jethro.
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Post by Kvatch on Jul 25, 2012 0:51:07 GMT -5
Resolute are his intentions now, so much that not even the rise and movement of the large hog dog to intercept him incites even a moment of hesitation. Instead, golden eyes scan ahead to quickly sort through the various faces of dogs, though he can't quite be sure which one it was who had proclaimed to be the leader of this motley crew- or muttly, to be more precise. And while it would seem logic to assume that the first dog to approach is the dog with the biggest bone, so to speak, Jethro's manner of speech and his bold approach has 'lackey' written all over it. Grim might even go as far to guess that the more silent dobie stalking up from behind holds a bit more sway in the greater scheme of things. Still, despite her more calculating presence, not even Nyx could convince Grim that she's the dog with the biggest bark. No, Grim is looking for the calmest, nonchalant, most disinterested looking bastard there is.
For now, however, he first must contend with the rather familiar mister stinky drool face and the bitch next to him, who's less drooly face is entirely new to him but equally stinky. These mongrels sure are prolific, he'll give 'em that. Coming to a halt in front of the duo, but keeping a comfy distance between in the best interest of both parties involved, Grim's gaze flits between the two dogs before he lowers his head to deposit the rabbit. Wouldn't want to be rude and talk with his mouth full, now would he? " 'Who', isn't nearly as important as to 'why' I am here. But, to keep things short and sweet, I've come to speak with your leader on a opportunity I think he'll find most..rewarding." Grim smirks a touch, scrutinizing the dogs over with a less than impressed regard, "Would that be one of you two? Because this rabbit is intended for the pack leader. A show of good will on my part." Reaching down, Grim swiftly snatches the rabbit up to toss it's corpse well out in front of him, the fresh kill there for the claiming.
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Post by Pavane on Jul 25, 2012 15:56:37 GMT -5
By now, even the slower dogs have noticed what's going on. Grim's golden gaze is returned by eyes brown and blue and green, all the many shades of the canine rainbow to go with the red and black and white and brown and yellow of their hides.
The top of the heap remains on top of the hill as the executors of his desire (and sometime executioners) investigate. Bone also remembers this wolf; Grim was decent enough. Under other circumstances, perhaps there would have been a place for him.
Those were not the circumstances. Nor are these now.
Bone dislikes traitors.
There's no deep wound behind it. A traitor didn't kill his mother. Nor his brother, the useless lump. He's not trying to redeem himself from some past failure, some near-betrayal that cost him dear. Nothing of the sort. He just dislikes them. They're inelegant. There's none of the smooth fury of battle, nor the quick dance of command.
A traitor is a contradiction. He has a plan; he does not take charge. He does not wish to follow; he cannot lead. A traitor is weak. If he were strong, he would act, with no need for this subterfuge.
Bone dislikes traitors, and it is that which fuels the disdain in his expression as he rises. He slowly pads down from the hilltop, and many of those multicolored eyes flit to him as he moves before returning to the drama being played out with Jethro, Nyx, and Grim.
The mastiff comes to a stop a short distance past the flung rabbit. He makes no effort to scrub his expression, nor to take that corpse in his jaws. He simply regards the wolf before him.
"I'm listening."
Bone dislikes traitors, but he will make use of them. There are many things he dislikes, even in this pack. He did not get to where he is by letting his own distaste prevent him from using the tools offered him.
So. Bone is listening.
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Post by Tala on Jul 25, 2012 21:59:16 GMT -5
Jethro is anything but a lacky. Well, alright he is a lacky but doesn't get treated like one save for when Bone does whatever it is Bone wants to do of course.
He makes a face as she hears Grim, head lowering and ears pinning back while a faint rumble escapes him. Seems Jethro and Bone had the same idea, this wolf is indeed a traitor and that puts the wolf on the bottom of this bulldog's list of 'likes'.
He is about to say something when Bone is on the move, he steps back only slightly giving the lead dog the room to get closer but not enough to leave Grim any move to do anything stupid.
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nyx
Newborn
Posts: 4
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Post by nyx on Jul 25, 2012 22:55:11 GMT -5
Nyx's eyes follow that of the tossed hare. The look in them is not one of greed, but instead of disdain. Who is this wolf to be here with his meager offerings? The offered corpse is thoroughly ignored even if it is not meant for her, for soon her head both turns and lowers as Bone nears.
Bone. Their leader. Bone. The feared. She does fear him, and rightfully she should, for he is the Alpha and Omega. It is up to him who lives and dies. He has her respect and fear, and thus as he speaks to this wolf, she does not interfere and only steps aside to make room for him. Dark eyes return to Grim, head kept level with her shoulder blades and ears pressed back.
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Post by Kvatch on Jul 26, 2012 1:24:50 GMT -5
Traitor. Is he? Grim would argue that in order to betray, you first must be trusted. Ute does not trust him, or for that matter, even like him. No, he is no traitor to the Ute, for what has he been all this time but their enemy? Not to say that had things been different, it would not have still come to this. Because /this/ isn't about the Ute. No, this has personal written all over it. Of course, somewhere in the madness, it can be assured that there is something of a sordid pleasure to be found; a sick satisfaction and self-congratulation of killing two birds with one stone. Whether that makes him traitorous or not is still arguable, but what isn't, is that here is a wolf willing to turn against his own kind, kith and kin. Now that is traitorous.
Still, no matter how you slice it, this is a sin that Grim can live with, in just the same way that Bone can overlook it. Whats good for the goose, is good for the gander. As for the hare, Grim could hardly care less which dog's gullet it ends up going down, especially now that Bone has stepped forward. And if the mastiff's demeanor isn't enough to confirm Bone's rank, the reactions from the other dogs is certainly convincing.
Golden eyes shift away from both Jethro and Nyx, though it can be assured their presence is hardly forgotten. However, now that he has Bone's attention, the tall grey wolf doesn't intend to waste time in conversation, so he is quick to the point. "I'm here to offer a bit of a proposition. Ya see, those mangy wolves you ran off this land here ain't my pack or my friends. My brother just sorta thought he'd jump in an help 'em out, cause he likes to play hero. But, seeing as how things didn't go according to plan, he's been sticking around to help 'em get it back. They're just waiting for those mutt pups to get off the teat. I believe the daddy is one of your fellas, right?"
He gives a brief, searching glance around, as if looking to identify the father of said pups. Though the effort is small and it is more of a gesture affirmation than any real attempt, with his regards shortly returning to Bone. "Thing is, I really don't want a part of this and my brother, well, he isn't going to change his mind so long as they're in a position to fight back. So I propose you and your pack end what ya started, so ya's won't have to keep looking over your shoulder all winter when things get real hard, and me and my brother can be on our way /before/ the cold. As for my brother and his part in this, I have a way to take him out of the fight, so you won't have to worry about him roughing ya's up. All you'll have to contend with will just be an old worn out alpha wolf, that crippled old hag, and a few unseasoned upstarts. Oh, and possibly a lone she-wolf that has been hanging about with 'em."
Grim is careful not to give details of the pack's location, at least not yet. For the moment, he just watches as Bone digest all that has been said.
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Post by Pavane on Jul 26, 2012 12:59:14 GMT -5
For all his dislike of them, Grim knows far more of the dispositions of those wolves than Bone does. The mastiff maintains his disdain through the description of brother-says, brother-did, brother-wants, those wolves... though others of the dogs are showing distinct signs of interest.
Sally, no longer unobservant, has scrambled up to her feet with a hope for vengeance in her eyes - though she's not so foolish as to actually approach the conversation. Her floppy ears are perked and eager as she listens, though.
Itou's near to the younger hound, but she's not looking anything near so eager. Then again, she ain't one as has got a personal stake in this hunt, not like some.
The search for the half-mutt's father draws a brief smirk from Bone. Ah, Chua. The red-furred mutt has been absent a fair bit of late, but Bone doesn't begrudge him that. He does, after all, have some unfinished business. A shame, he's not here to see a chance for it to be completed.
Well. You snooze, you lose - and Bone's smirk continues as his gaze goes briefly to Jethro. The hog-dog is clearly not the father of those mutts, not unless genetics took a sharp right turn through crazytown. Still, wouldn't that be something - to finish something Chua started?
We all know what happens when betas - or those who would aspire to betas - fail.
Toby seethes, yes; but he has learned the wisdom of the beaten, and he does it quietly, from beneath the shelter of thorns and brambles not near so sharp as teeth and insults.
Chua will doubtless hear of this, regardless; for Ghast is listening, his head resting atop Genghis's back, and while that she-wolf was Chua's project, the alsatian could not help but to take an interest, given the circumstances. He'll be sure to convey the news.
As for Bone, his attention returns to Grim, and his lip curls up at the talk of Brutal and roughing up. Oh, there are scars there, to be sure, but pride is not a thing so easily set aside. Perhaps he'd rather have a rematch.
That, however, is not what he says.
"And all you want," says Bone, his words dangerously slow, "-is for them to be gone, so you and this brother of yours can leave." A moment of silence, after that, followed by a smirk. "Unmolested."
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Post by Tala on Jul 26, 2012 13:21:22 GMT -5
Jehtro was rather curious as to why the wolf had came, though this answer wasn't one he was even thinking about. His head lifts slightly, thick muscled form settling to his haunches while he continues to listens, a faint snort soon escapes him.
So that she-wolf that Chua was so busy with is still alive, an with the pups no less, living with the pack that was chased off. His gaze turns back to Bone and he can't help but grin. Oh, he is for sure not the father, not thick fur to be found here. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't jump at the chance to take over and finsh something that dear poor Chua could not handle. An Jethro is one for wanting to always get things done, an that means he /hates/ to fail.
An amused grin is seen and he sends a glance towards where he knows Ghast is settled. "Maybe that she-wolf you took a liking too is still around. I'm sure she would love to see you again." Oh yes can't forget about all that, and the teasing that happened afterwards when that she-wolf got away from Ghast in such a teasing manner.
His ears flick a moment, bright gaze turning to Bone before letting his attention turn back to Grim, to see what he wants it would seem for this to be done. For he is rather sure this wolf wants /somethng/ in return for this information after all.
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nyx
Newborn
Posts: 4
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Post by nyx on Jul 26, 2012 13:46:04 GMT -5
Nyx played a minor roll in the initial battle against wolves, one of the latter canines to arrive near the end of the retreat. Thus, she escaped unscathed and with little personal animosity towards the wolves. Her dislike for them is purely primal. Wolves and dogs should not coexist. She heard of Chua's ... romping with some she wolf, and the addition of other eager males nonetheless, and it disgusted her to no end. Still does. And now to hear that there are offspring? A muddled breed of dog and savage wolf? It's enough to narrow her eyes a little and the acidic taste of bile burns her throat before it is swallowed down.
Disgusting.
And this wolf here is willing to hand over that pack on a silver platter, why? It must be something deeper than a will to be free of the pack, for if that was the case, why does he not merely walk from it? She glances to Bone. This wolf, at least from what he says, is not bound to any alpha. He doesn't fear bloody reprimand or brutal death if he were to turn his back on the pack. Is he truly so weak willed that he cannot fend for his own? Depart without the shadow of a brother at his side? So much so that he is willing to sacrifice the lives of others for his own desires? ... And they call //her// crazy.
Her head is lifted a smidgen. She doesn't care either way. She missed the action before, and to prove herself an able killer, a fighter of wolves, would be opportunity for her to show her rank above these idiot females. Weak willed, sniveling Sally. She is no problem, but there are others who are. The collie, for one, who has been ensnared by Bone whether she likes it or not. She is untouchable despite the fact that Nyx could make quick work of the timid idiot. Yes, whatever Grim's motives, this could be beneficial to her. So she listens, gaze lingering on Bone before settling on Grim again.
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Post by Jatya on Jul 26, 2012 14:01:49 GMT -5
Jatya hasn't left, but she hasn't exactly been getting in close to the other dogs, either. Not yet. If she's gonna do this thing, she'd kind of better do it, though. Gulp.
Her tail is tucked as she slips closer to the hill, a meek posture as usual on a form at least some of the dogs have come to recognize. She's figured out some things - from Jethro, from Toby's rage-fueled ramblings and Ghast's dangerous courtesies, from overheard conversations. The scent of wolves is long gone from her fur, and she's learned to depart at the signs of Toby's mood turning sour and to hide her shudders from Ghast. She's learned many things.
Today, she's going one step further, and actually approaching the hill. Just another dog, nothing to see... but what's this? She stops at the sight of a wolf with three dogs around him, the focus of attention. What are they doing?
They're... talking?
Jatya hesitates, barely adult and fully uncertain, and creeps a cautious step closer to listen. Jatya listens, just like all the rest of the dogs.
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Post by Kvatch on Jul 27, 2012 3:10:04 GMT -5
For the most part, Grim's attention is fairly stasis, keeping his golden eyes settled on the wide face of the mastiff, especially as Bone reiterates his understanding of the terms. Which despite the dangerous drawl of his words and the sight of that smirk, Grim just mirrors the expression and offers a affirmative nod of his head, "Correct. And in return, you are assured not only this territory, but dominion over much of the forest, for I have heard in rumor that another wolf pack is too weak to challenge you and are actively seeking new land away from the threat of your kind." However, there is a subtle narrowing of his gaze, something of a scrutinizing suspicion that suggest the wolf is not so foolish as to think Bone is beyond double crossing him. A risk, perhaps, but a unlikely one, if simply because there is no real gain in it.
So to that point, the large wolf proceeds in further discussion, speaking in a manner so nonchalant, that he might as well be talking about the weather. "If you do this, then you too will be able to go about your ways, how did you say.." a pause, a smirk "unmolested." For a moment, Grim takes this time to sweep his gaze across the various faces of the dogs gathered about, discerning something of a consensus among the numbers. Most seem interested, or at least their curiosity piqued. Others, such as Nyx, are a bit harder to read with their stoic expressions and guarded disgust, but Grim suspects that no matter the difference of opinions, the only one here that really counts is that of Bone's, which means in the end, he's the dog Grim has to convince.
Jethro's voiced comment directed to one of the other dogs manages to provoke a mildly amused grin out of the wolf, along with a few choice words to sweeten the concept, "Last I seen, looked liked her and her arrogant boyfriend were having a bit of a disagreement. He stormed off and she had to go chasing after him. I'm sure she could use some comforting." An exaggeration to be sure, but no harm in giving the males a bit of hope. Besides this, Grim would love nothing more then to have that uppity bitch, Tala, raped by the likes of these flea-bags.
Such thoughts aside, Grim's pale muzzle continues to support the essence of a grin, but the expression almost appears more of a sneer as he rounds his gaze back to Bone. He's told the mastiff of the rewards to be reaped, now its time to remind him of the consequences, should he not take advantage of Grim's generous offer. "Of course," he begins, "if you are content to let bygones be bygones, just know these wolves ain't nearly as forgiving. In fact, I believe they are of the mind to join forces with the other pack and do away with all of yous in one fell swoop. Not tryin' to imply ya can't take care of yourselves, I'm just sayin', its the predator that hunts the prey. You don't strike me as prey."
Not that Grim has actually heard direct talk of this, or to mention that the Ute actually seems more prepared to move on and leave the dogs to whatever fate the forces of nature should hold for them, it doesn't exactly make him a liar- at least as he sees it. Because anything is a possibility, especially so long as Brutal remains among them. For if it's one thing, his brother has a rather insatiable hunger for justice, so long as there are those who would have it. But, if they should all just happen to die...
Fate is such a cruel, fickle thing. But sometimes, it needs a little help. However, so long as there is a balance between good and evil, of light and dark, and of love and hate, so too is there a opposition of ill fate. It is luck. And it is lucky for Jayta, that she is nothing more to Grim than another unremarkable dog among dogs, rather than a memorable dog among wolves. Of course, her presence is not entirely unnoticed, but neither is it suspicious, therefore it is dismissed.
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Post by Pavane on Jul 27, 2012 12:53:27 GMT -5
At Jethro's taunt, Ghast lifts his head, ears swiveling sideways. "She needed so very, very much work," murmurs the alsatian, before glancing to Grim as the wolf speaks of her. He shakes his head slowly, his eyes growing distant. "But yes, there is... potential."
If it were Ghast making this deal, a double-cross would be a worse risk. The value propositions for the pale dog are more than a little strange. Fortunately, at least for Grim, Ghast is not even a beta here, let alone the Alpha.
Bone is.
Grim's promises that they will rule the forest may be utterly empty. So too may his threats, though Bone lifts his lip in a token snarl as they're spoken.
It doesn't matter. Lie or truth, danger or opportunity... this isn't about that. Nyx has the right of it.
Bone doesn't fear wolves. Not one pack, not two of them. What he does fear lies much closer. The dogs watch, all of them, and if Bone does not bring them the chance for glory, the chance for the rank they seek - they will cut him down, as ruthlessly as they will wolves. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, and in this pack, there's no such thing as retirement.
To back down would be seen as cowardice. It would end him. Bone doesn't back down. Instead he smirks, padding a step closer to Grim. "We have a deal," he says. The rabbit's corpse lies before his paws, and he glances down at it.
The symbol of the deal. A wolf's gift to dogs. To eat it would be accepting charity. Impossible. To leave it would be admitting weakness. Equally impossible. He can't take it nor leave it, so what does he do? Bone lifts his muzzle, and barks sharply. "Toby."
It's a command, and as Bone's commands are, it is followed. The mud-spattered, thorn-scratched boxer limps out from his shelter. His injuries from the battle might have faded utterly given care and nurturing, but there is little enough of that around here, and so the dog struggles simply to survive. There's still the fury of command in his eyes, but it grows dimmer by the day, extinguished by the same rough treatment that leaves fresh nips on his hide and makes his tail tuck even further than Jatya's in a defensive submission he hates himself for with every step.
It has been a long, long time since Bone spoke to the dog who was once his beta. It is the others who torment Toby; those whose are beneath and must also assure themselves they are above. Everyone is above Toby... now.
Bone flicks his head to the rabbit's corpse. "Yours," he tells Toby.
The expressions crash across Toby's face. Lust for the rabbit, fresh meat when he has struggled to live on scraps. Hatred, for the insult; the charity of wolves. Fear, for what Grim may think of having his gift treated so. In the end, it's the hunger that wins, and he lets out a piteous whine as he darts forward, grabbing the rabbit and retreating with it quickly, afraid even this insulting gift may be stolen away again.
Rask chuckles at the sight, while Ghast's expression is more reserved, a slow shake of his head as he lowers it again to Genghis's back. Not that it stays there for long; it, with those of the other dogs, rises to what Bone says next, his voice raised to address the entire pack.
"We go to fight!"
The dogs rise, lifting their muzzles to bark, the many-headed beast of the pack calling out to a forest that shivers still. So many dogs, but it is a single will that drives them. Not the will of a Man; not anymore. The will of a dog, the lure of the promised fight. The promised glory.
It leaves little room for other thoughts, like considering on the presence of Jatya. Her face is a familiar one to some, and to others, it is simply the face of another dog. Hardly a challenger, given her posture; hardly worth considering, when the future holds glory instead of the torments of a boring afternoon. Sally turns to Itou with an excited comment, and the leopard dog nods, while Ghast considers on where Chua's latest hideyhole may be.
Once more, Bone rides atop the hurricane, the many-throated beast of the pack. He has attention for little else, and his gaze is on Grim. It's time for the wolf to make good, or else face the disappointed fury of this pack.
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