Post by Kvatch on Aug 6, 2011 20:26:05 GMT -5
Rolling Foothills
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Down from the mountains, the ground here gradually smooths out from the steeper inclines to the south. Rather than rocky slopes, the land ripples northward in a series of gently rolling windswept hills. To the north and east, the terrain flattens out; grassy to the north, scrubland to the east. Sparse grasses and scrub brush grow here, along with the occasional stunted tree, the ground closest to the mountains strewn with stray rock and gravel, while to the
north, the grasses grow tall and thick.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Steppe [North] to the Lowlands
[Northeast] to the Plains [South] to the Slope
================================================================================
[IC] Marrok
[IC] Grim
[ZZZ] Brutal
Autumn is in it's birth, and soon there will come snow. Snow, which Marrok remembers from his lands of birth, will make things worse for a lone wolf; without wanting to, Marrok has decided perhaps he should make a play toward one of the two packs he has so far discovered in these lands; the one without the puppies that liked him would perhaps be better to start with; especially with their lone female who seems to have lost her brother.. and may be right for playing off of. So, lazily, he trots along towards the stepps the Cerulean had taken roost among.. but comes here in the foothills to rest, sniffing at burrows and snapping at the occasional bee on a flower.
The drop in temperature and the gust of a gale wind if often enough to caution many creatures of the bitter winter that will inevitably creep in over the land, making the struggle of survival for the weak or abandoned a matter of life and death. However, there are those who choose to exist as neither, but rather, a sardonic mockery of the first and a ludicrous sneer at the latter. Grim would be one of them. Perhaps in part because he lacks the sense of self-preservation, but mostly because as a lone wolf, he is not entirely alone. Therefore, it is with the same ease one might find in a animal who seemingly hasn't a care in the world, that Grim lazily rest atop a rise of earth amidst the sprawling foothills, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it bleeds through the layers of his grey patchwork pelt, the cooler gust of wind ruffling and tugging at his neck fur. Its been nearly a week since Grim and his brother decided to set up camp, mostly due to Brutal's inability to walk and breathe at the same time. Its been a slow recovery, both in terms of Brutal's health and getting back on speaking terms with his brother. Not that Brutal engages him in any amount of conversation, but a grunt or two ever now and then would be nice. However, with the massive black wolf snoring soundly at his back and therefore no opportunity to provoke him into talking, Grim find himself forced into silence. Sigh. Boring. He must have dozed off countless times already today, and it is in one of those startling head bobs that stirs the male enough to even take notice of the distant figure of another wolf. "Ho? Whats this?" he mummers to himself, pushing himself up into a sit with a whining yawn and squinted, waking eyes.
A deadly combination, that lack of care, and accompaniment by the wounded, when it's crreeping on to winter. Marrok, had it been him, would have ditched the injured Brutal and left him far behind. But then, Marrok is not what some would call 'regal'. Instead, the sallow-eyed 'monster' just is, a creature of opportunity. As he starts into the hilly area, his ears catch a faint sound, and he shifts his one-eyed gaze up to find Grim sitting there, with the aptly named Brute-al to his back. The scruffy, large male takes pause in his slow trot, watching the two wolves warily; but when he judges that the slumbering lump to Grim's back will be no problem at the time, the snaggle-toothed rogue chuckles to himself, and puts on his best, if not biggest lie of a face. "Good day, dear sir. I apologise if I am tresspassing on your lands.. I'm simply looking for a place to hunt for the small time being, for it is that time of day when I wish a meal. Would you be so kind to allow a packless wolf one hunt..?"
Were it any other wolf laying there at his back, there is a chance that Grim would indeed have left the poor bastard to what ever ending fate desired. But despite his injuries, Grim knows the burly dark male is far from worthless and most certainly is not a wolf to be hastily discarded, or underestimated, for that matter. Though most of all, that same wolf is also Grim's brother and a wolf who Grim owes his life to. Quite literally. It is not without a fair amount of caution that Grim suffers the strange male's approach, with the tall slender male sloughing off the last tendrils of drowsiness and gathering himself up to all fours. Grim is by no means a giant among his kin, with that award going to Brutal, but despite the usual grin stretched across his face, he still manages to retain a certain poise about him that suggest he is still not a creature to be trifled with. A firm believer that the fight for survival justifies swindle and theft. In self defense, anything goes. As his gold eyes roam over the likewise impressive bulk of the other male, it is in moments that he is judged and his worth weighed. Dark lips creep back into a thin smile, a expression for which all manners of intentions hide behind. Dear sir? Seriously? It makes that smile sprawl just a bit wider before Grim replies, drawling out a smooth, "Suuuuure." A twitch of a smirk, "Wouldn't want to start with a particular herd beast back towards the north, would you?" he soon questions, gesturing with a subtle lifting of his muzzle. Giving himself a shake, Grim lets his haunches fold beneath him as he sinks back onto them, an act that would suggest he is suddenly dismissive of any threat the stranger might possess. Though his eyes do remain narrowed, slimming down with a certain conviction to them as he meets the other's gaze, "A bit over the top though, wouldn't you say? I mean, you're damn near the biggest wolf I've seen next to o'l Brute there.." he continues in explanation, giving his head a jerk toward the sleeping mass of fur. With a shrug of a shoulders, he turns his attention back to the stranger, a smug sort of expression caught in the corners of his eyes, "I think you're full of crap, personally, what with the whole apologizn' and near beggin' for a hunt. Thats for omegas and cowards, that is. And by the look of your ugly mug, no offense intended, you ain't no coward."
There's a moment of silence, and then a laugh, deep and throaty, as the once 'sniveling' wolf sits down in a thump. "Well played, well played indeed. You're right, I'm no coward.. and honestly, I've no care to really /ask/ for what I want, except that the wolves in this area -- yourself excluded, I see -- are... Interesting. That is to say.. Full of high opinions of themselves." He chuckles amusedly, considering, before casting a look over his shoulder in the direction indicated about the herd beasts, and he snorts. "Please. I've no desire to be stupid -- or desperate. If you are indicating the horses, while they make a good meal, they come in herds.. and very rarely can be handled by one wolf, let alone less than a full pack.." he pauses, appraising Grim again in thought, and then looking to Brutal.. before he chuckles darkly: "I imagine that's how your friend there got so badly hurt, isn't it.. you two were hungry, and picked the wrong prey in hunger." he chuckles amusedly.. then stands again, skulking a little closer to Grim in thought. "I approve your wit, and find your bravado equally amusing. To skip the... sugar coating, as it were, though.. I would say that you and your friend there could use some help if you want to hunt horses. Or else you'll both wind up in worse shape.. And with winter coming that will quite condemn you both to being frozen caracasses by the end of the snow." He considers. "I offer a proposal. Your friend, you, and I could.. Join forces, until he has become able to travel without looking like a wasteful lump of hair and bones.. I can hunt for you both.. And in return.. should I I ever need a paw in something.. you two would repay me with that aid."
The sound of that laugh hardly comes as a surprise, even less startling is the sudden transformation the stranger makes from besieging trespasser into admitted thief. Not that the new face concerns Grim any more than the previous facade, it's just more tolerable. As to the mention of other wolves, Grim merely gives his shoulders a shrug and cranes his body about to briefly scratch a his neck, "Wouldn't know much 'bout that. We're not from this area." Straitening himself, Grim does show some interest in the male's assumptions, his ears perked forward as his muzzle begins to creases with a small, but steady smile. Though he does make a snort of disappointment on behalf of the vagrant's aversion to hunting horses. "Pity." is his curt remark, before going on with a small chortle and a grin in correspondence to the one-eyed wolf's presumptions. "And yes, no, and err...something like that." Gold eyes draw together a touch tighter when the broad male ventures closer, the closing gap causing Grim to sparea quick glance to Brutal in the event he might need to wake the crotchety bear up. Always good to have your escape route planned ahead of time when it comes to rousing the beast from his sleep. Especially if said beast happens to still be recovering from a bad idea and a case of bruised ribs on account of it. However, that need has yet to arise and so Grim just shifts himself into a more solid sit, haunches gathered squarely beneath him as he considers the other, signaled by the lofting of his brows and something akin to amusement that rather abruptly lights up his face by the time Marrok is finished with his proposal. Barking a laugh, Grim just gives his head a incredulous shake, "Hoho, you are a sly bastard, ain't you? But don't worry, I'm not one to judge. However, I feel I must correct you on a few matters. You know, set the story strait so we're both barking up the same tree. My brother and I have no intentions of hunting...horse, is it? Anyhow, whatever they are called, we ain't real interested unless it's already dead. What happened to o'l Brute there occurred whilst we were 'avin a bit of fun. So you needed worry about him, he'll be back to his usual self in a few days. If you doubt me, just go poke 'im awake and you'll find out you don't need no snow to come a carcass." The threat is made with a tongue-in-cheek tone, but there is a glint of dangerous mischief caught up in Grim's gold eyes, a sadistic curiosity to see how many ways his hulking brother would fold the intruder in half before realizing it wasn't Grim himself. "'Sides, we ain't real big on building a debt we don't need in the first place. But, on the same coin, we ain't opposed to opportunities so long as there is some benefit in it for us."
"Touche," chuckles the 'Big bad Wolf', as it were, as Marrok circles them briefly, but with no real intention of attack; it's more an attempt to get a better look at just what it is he's found. One-eye, and all. Or so it would appear. He muses thoughtfully, then sits himself down once more before Grim. "A wise fellow you are. Debts can lead to trouble. But opportunities, well." He chortles then rumbles, "I can offer an opportunity, actually. I'm thinking of making a move once the winter has passed. You see, I've been examining two packs, one here, one farther from here, for some time, and and I've noticed a weakness in each that can be... Mmm. Taken advantage of. The pack to that direction," he nods towards the steppe, "Have recently lost track of one of their younglings, and are in a distracted state over it. The other pack to that direction," a nod towards the river, "Have... either very stupid, or very /young/ Alphas. They left their pups to run free unguarded, and honestly, if I'd not been scouting I could have made short work of their second generation very quickly." He smiles darkly and then says, "There are also hints of a cat .. clan, to the mountains. Three sets of mouths to feed, two with poor leadership, one.. well, one is a bunch of /cats/." He scoffs. "My idea is that I should gather some ... able, like minds, and perhaps see about budging one of these groups out of their very posh lands, and taking over the food resources. I wish to wait for the winter to pass however.. because I would like to see if it doesn't just kill one or the other off on its own."
The one-eyed wolf is not the first, nor will he be the last, who has made endeavors to figure out the two brothers. They are an unlikely pair to be sure, both in appearance and personality, that is, if Brutal could be accused of having one. Though whatever conclusions any may come by, they are possibly as wrong as they are right. In Marrok's case, the loner wolf is at a disadvantage in the fact that here is only one brother to study, the slumbering sight of the other only offering up an array of endless possibilities as for the role he plays. Though with Marrok settling himself back down in front, Grim merely goes about regarding the male in much the same way he has all along, his lupine visage touched with vestiges of humor and amusement. The grey male does seem to respond to the vagrant's attempts at flattery with the eagerness of a pup, grinning from ear to ear and letting his supposed wisdom shine through. Ooh the denial. However, as Marrok goes on to explain his plans for spring cleaning, the glow of Grim's enthusiasm wilts right along with his interest. Not because its a matter of moral, but because it just doesn't seem all that...promising. "Hmm. Not to doubt your battle prowess, but seems to me you're the one chasing after horses now. I mean, I ain't seen these wolves, but a pack is still a pack and supposin' we do join, three against a pack ain't good odds." He gives his head a rueful shake, a chuckle slipping past his lips, "I mean damn, ambitions like that will get ya killed quick. Got to have patience. Ya know. Play one against the other, thats what I'd do. Let the packs kill each other out while we just sit back and enjoy the show." Grim smirks impishly now, a expression that when combined with his narrowed eyes, lends to the male a devious expression. "Hell, you even have kindling to start the fire. Just have to point blame for that missin' pup in the right direction. 'Course that'd take gettin' to know some of the rivalries in the territory. Which I doubt you have the fineness for that."
A snort, appraising eye given of the other wolf. Marrok gives Grim his most lack of interest look as he can at the accusation of a lack of finesse. He then sniffs, and admits, "Well, no. Three wolves against one or both packs would do no good. But that's another reason to wait until the spring-- to gather more forces, after all. Besides. What's the fun in pitting them together, when they may decide that you are in fact the problem and both can dispatch you easily..? No.. No, I am thinking it a good idea to settle on one pack, and work on them slowly. The pack north of here is, from what I understand, lacking in numbers. A good way to, 'know the rivalries', as you put it, is to gain their trust and turn on them later, using that trust against them. I have thought of offering myself to them as a member to raise their numbers.. and then slowly picking them off. An.. accident here, a 'failed hunt' there.. you see? You yourself and your.. friend, there, have seen how dangerous 'playing' with prey larger tha than you can be. Why not lead some dim-witted youth into following me into a hunt, and then let them.. fall astray, of an elk's hooves, or perhaps talk them into raiding the lair of a bear.." he chuckles amusedly in thought. "But then, of course, there are.. other reasons, to try and take over one side or the other; one may have better lands than the other, you ken?" He chuckles darkly. And then closes his eyes, lifting his head to the wind, and rumbling a deep noise. "Besides.. I cannot fail.. Not yet.. No.. I have .. a great force, on my side.. And He will make sure that my will shall be done as long as I keep him happy.. And to keep him happy, I simply sew chaos."
The sound of the stranger's disgust in regards to Grim's voiced observation brings forth the need to grin wider, gray muzzle drawing agape a fraction as Grim's tongue lolls forward, watching the other with nothing short of one-sided humor. Grim doesn't dwell on his stab at Marrok's ability to be convincingly sophisticated, after all, not everyone can be born with his charm- or his ability to be obnoxious and pretentious, according to Brutal. But sibling opinions don't count. Besides, he's just jealous. Sniff. Returning to the matter at hand, Grim listens to the ramblings of the one-eyed male, boredom beginning to creep back in and bringing with it a desire to finish his interrupted nap. Nodding his head as a sign that he is at least aware that the other is talking, his maw parts in a yawn, tongue curling upward before disappearing behind pale lips along with a click of his teeth. Offering up a small smirk to the loner, it grows a bit wider when the burly male mentions the great force, the personification bringing the tall slender wolf to mutters a soft, "Oookay.." beneath his breath. Ultimately though, Grim just licks over his own muzzle in a final gesture of consideration, "Seems to me like you got it all worked out, which means you don't really need our help." he says pointedly, "But, we'll be in the area for awhile. Let us look things over ourselves, then maybe we can settle on a agreement. For now, I'm still in the business of getting back in Tiny's good graces, so if you'll excuse me, I need to find dinner before THAT great force wakes up."
A dull rumble of a laugh comes, as Marrok narrows his eyes slightly at Grim; some part of him perceives that the smaller wolf may think him mad.. Especially for the brief expression that may have passed his face at the mention of his Benefactor. Still. This wolf would see, they all would; in time. For now, Marrok simply reguards Grim in thought, then remarks, amusedly, "Yes, you go ahead and.. consider other matters, like that of the stomach of your.. partner." he says, amusedly, looking the large lump of matted fur that he presumes is nothing more than Brawn forcing a week mind to do it's bidding, before he adds, "But do keep in mind.. There will come a time when you may decide you like my offer.. and the circle of said offer may be closed to you then. And .. do take care that your friend and your.. entertainment.. do not wind you up in a place you cannot talk your way out of.." he smirks faintly.. then stands, shakes his pelt loose of a few stray hairs, and starts trotting back into the direction he had been heading before.
================================================================================
Down from the mountains, the ground here gradually smooths out from the steeper inclines to the south. Rather than rocky slopes, the land ripples northward in a series of gently rolling windswept hills. To the north and east, the terrain flattens out; grassy to the north, scrubland to the east. Sparse grasses and scrub brush grow here, along with the occasional stunted tree, the ground closest to the mountains strewn with stray rock and gravel, while to the
north, the grasses grow tall and thick.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Steppe [North] to the Lowlands
[Northeast] to the Plains [South] to the Slope
================================================================================
[IC] Marrok
[IC] Grim
[ZZZ] Brutal
Autumn is in it's birth, and soon there will come snow. Snow, which Marrok remembers from his lands of birth, will make things worse for a lone wolf; without wanting to, Marrok has decided perhaps he should make a play toward one of the two packs he has so far discovered in these lands; the one without the puppies that liked him would perhaps be better to start with; especially with their lone female who seems to have lost her brother.. and may be right for playing off of. So, lazily, he trots along towards the stepps the Cerulean had taken roost among.. but comes here in the foothills to rest, sniffing at burrows and snapping at the occasional bee on a flower.
The drop in temperature and the gust of a gale wind if often enough to caution many creatures of the bitter winter that will inevitably creep in over the land, making the struggle of survival for the weak or abandoned a matter of life and death. However, there are those who choose to exist as neither, but rather, a sardonic mockery of the first and a ludicrous sneer at the latter. Grim would be one of them. Perhaps in part because he lacks the sense of self-preservation, but mostly because as a lone wolf, he is not entirely alone. Therefore, it is with the same ease one might find in a animal who seemingly hasn't a care in the world, that Grim lazily rest atop a rise of earth amidst the sprawling foothills, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it bleeds through the layers of his grey patchwork pelt, the cooler gust of wind ruffling and tugging at his neck fur. Its been nearly a week since Grim and his brother decided to set up camp, mostly due to Brutal's inability to walk and breathe at the same time. Its been a slow recovery, both in terms of Brutal's health and getting back on speaking terms with his brother. Not that Brutal engages him in any amount of conversation, but a grunt or two ever now and then would be nice. However, with the massive black wolf snoring soundly at his back and therefore no opportunity to provoke him into talking, Grim find himself forced into silence. Sigh. Boring. He must have dozed off countless times already today, and it is in one of those startling head bobs that stirs the male enough to even take notice of the distant figure of another wolf. "Ho? Whats this?" he mummers to himself, pushing himself up into a sit with a whining yawn and squinted, waking eyes.
A deadly combination, that lack of care, and accompaniment by the wounded, when it's crreeping on to winter. Marrok, had it been him, would have ditched the injured Brutal and left him far behind. But then, Marrok is not what some would call 'regal'. Instead, the sallow-eyed 'monster' just is, a creature of opportunity. As he starts into the hilly area, his ears catch a faint sound, and he shifts his one-eyed gaze up to find Grim sitting there, with the aptly named Brute-al to his back. The scruffy, large male takes pause in his slow trot, watching the two wolves warily; but when he judges that the slumbering lump to Grim's back will be no problem at the time, the snaggle-toothed rogue chuckles to himself, and puts on his best, if not biggest lie of a face. "Good day, dear sir. I apologise if I am tresspassing on your lands.. I'm simply looking for a place to hunt for the small time being, for it is that time of day when I wish a meal. Would you be so kind to allow a packless wolf one hunt..?"
Were it any other wolf laying there at his back, there is a chance that Grim would indeed have left the poor bastard to what ever ending fate desired. But despite his injuries, Grim knows the burly dark male is far from worthless and most certainly is not a wolf to be hastily discarded, or underestimated, for that matter. Though most of all, that same wolf is also Grim's brother and a wolf who Grim owes his life to. Quite literally. It is not without a fair amount of caution that Grim suffers the strange male's approach, with the tall slender male sloughing off the last tendrils of drowsiness and gathering himself up to all fours. Grim is by no means a giant among his kin, with that award going to Brutal, but despite the usual grin stretched across his face, he still manages to retain a certain poise about him that suggest he is still not a creature to be trifled with. A firm believer that the fight for survival justifies swindle and theft. In self defense, anything goes. As his gold eyes roam over the likewise impressive bulk of the other male, it is in moments that he is judged and his worth weighed. Dark lips creep back into a thin smile, a expression for which all manners of intentions hide behind. Dear sir? Seriously? It makes that smile sprawl just a bit wider before Grim replies, drawling out a smooth, "Suuuuure." A twitch of a smirk, "Wouldn't want to start with a particular herd beast back towards the north, would you?" he soon questions, gesturing with a subtle lifting of his muzzle. Giving himself a shake, Grim lets his haunches fold beneath him as he sinks back onto them, an act that would suggest he is suddenly dismissive of any threat the stranger might possess. Though his eyes do remain narrowed, slimming down with a certain conviction to them as he meets the other's gaze, "A bit over the top though, wouldn't you say? I mean, you're damn near the biggest wolf I've seen next to o'l Brute there.." he continues in explanation, giving his head a jerk toward the sleeping mass of fur. With a shrug of a shoulders, he turns his attention back to the stranger, a smug sort of expression caught in the corners of his eyes, "I think you're full of crap, personally, what with the whole apologizn' and near beggin' for a hunt. Thats for omegas and cowards, that is. And by the look of your ugly mug, no offense intended, you ain't no coward."
There's a moment of silence, and then a laugh, deep and throaty, as the once 'sniveling' wolf sits down in a thump. "Well played, well played indeed. You're right, I'm no coward.. and honestly, I've no care to really /ask/ for what I want, except that the wolves in this area -- yourself excluded, I see -- are... Interesting. That is to say.. Full of high opinions of themselves." He chuckles amusedly, considering, before casting a look over his shoulder in the direction indicated about the herd beasts, and he snorts. "Please. I've no desire to be stupid -- or desperate. If you are indicating the horses, while they make a good meal, they come in herds.. and very rarely can be handled by one wolf, let alone less than a full pack.." he pauses, appraising Grim again in thought, and then looking to Brutal.. before he chuckles darkly: "I imagine that's how your friend there got so badly hurt, isn't it.. you two were hungry, and picked the wrong prey in hunger." he chuckles amusedly.. then stands again, skulking a little closer to Grim in thought. "I approve your wit, and find your bravado equally amusing. To skip the... sugar coating, as it were, though.. I would say that you and your friend there could use some help if you want to hunt horses. Or else you'll both wind up in worse shape.. And with winter coming that will quite condemn you both to being frozen caracasses by the end of the snow." He considers. "I offer a proposal. Your friend, you, and I could.. Join forces, until he has become able to travel without looking like a wasteful lump of hair and bones.. I can hunt for you both.. And in return.. should I I ever need a paw in something.. you two would repay me with that aid."
The sound of that laugh hardly comes as a surprise, even less startling is the sudden transformation the stranger makes from besieging trespasser into admitted thief. Not that the new face concerns Grim any more than the previous facade, it's just more tolerable. As to the mention of other wolves, Grim merely gives his shoulders a shrug and cranes his body about to briefly scratch a his neck, "Wouldn't know much 'bout that. We're not from this area." Straitening himself, Grim does show some interest in the male's assumptions, his ears perked forward as his muzzle begins to creases with a small, but steady smile. Though he does make a snort of disappointment on behalf of the vagrant's aversion to hunting horses. "Pity." is his curt remark, before going on with a small chortle and a grin in correspondence to the one-eyed wolf's presumptions. "And yes, no, and err...something like that." Gold eyes draw together a touch tighter when the broad male ventures closer, the closing gap causing Grim to sparea quick glance to Brutal in the event he might need to wake the crotchety bear up. Always good to have your escape route planned ahead of time when it comes to rousing the beast from his sleep. Especially if said beast happens to still be recovering from a bad idea and a case of bruised ribs on account of it. However, that need has yet to arise and so Grim just shifts himself into a more solid sit, haunches gathered squarely beneath him as he considers the other, signaled by the lofting of his brows and something akin to amusement that rather abruptly lights up his face by the time Marrok is finished with his proposal. Barking a laugh, Grim just gives his head a incredulous shake, "Hoho, you are a sly bastard, ain't you? But don't worry, I'm not one to judge. However, I feel I must correct you on a few matters. You know, set the story strait so we're both barking up the same tree. My brother and I have no intentions of hunting...horse, is it? Anyhow, whatever they are called, we ain't real interested unless it's already dead. What happened to o'l Brute there occurred whilst we were 'avin a bit of fun. So you needed worry about him, he'll be back to his usual self in a few days. If you doubt me, just go poke 'im awake and you'll find out you don't need no snow to come a carcass." The threat is made with a tongue-in-cheek tone, but there is a glint of dangerous mischief caught up in Grim's gold eyes, a sadistic curiosity to see how many ways his hulking brother would fold the intruder in half before realizing it wasn't Grim himself. "'Sides, we ain't real big on building a debt we don't need in the first place. But, on the same coin, we ain't opposed to opportunities so long as there is some benefit in it for us."
"Touche," chuckles the 'Big bad Wolf', as it were, as Marrok circles them briefly, but with no real intention of attack; it's more an attempt to get a better look at just what it is he's found. One-eye, and all. Or so it would appear. He muses thoughtfully, then sits himself down once more before Grim. "A wise fellow you are. Debts can lead to trouble. But opportunities, well." He chortles then rumbles, "I can offer an opportunity, actually. I'm thinking of making a move once the winter has passed. You see, I've been examining two packs, one here, one farther from here, for some time, and and I've noticed a weakness in each that can be... Mmm. Taken advantage of. The pack to that direction," he nods towards the steppe, "Have recently lost track of one of their younglings, and are in a distracted state over it. The other pack to that direction," a nod towards the river, "Have... either very stupid, or very /young/ Alphas. They left their pups to run free unguarded, and honestly, if I'd not been scouting I could have made short work of their second generation very quickly." He smiles darkly and then says, "There are also hints of a cat .. clan, to the mountains. Three sets of mouths to feed, two with poor leadership, one.. well, one is a bunch of /cats/." He scoffs. "My idea is that I should gather some ... able, like minds, and perhaps see about budging one of these groups out of their very posh lands, and taking over the food resources. I wish to wait for the winter to pass however.. because I would like to see if it doesn't just kill one or the other off on its own."
The one-eyed wolf is not the first, nor will he be the last, who has made endeavors to figure out the two brothers. They are an unlikely pair to be sure, both in appearance and personality, that is, if Brutal could be accused of having one. Though whatever conclusions any may come by, they are possibly as wrong as they are right. In Marrok's case, the loner wolf is at a disadvantage in the fact that here is only one brother to study, the slumbering sight of the other only offering up an array of endless possibilities as for the role he plays. Though with Marrok settling himself back down in front, Grim merely goes about regarding the male in much the same way he has all along, his lupine visage touched with vestiges of humor and amusement. The grey male does seem to respond to the vagrant's attempts at flattery with the eagerness of a pup, grinning from ear to ear and letting his supposed wisdom shine through. Ooh the denial. However, as Marrok goes on to explain his plans for spring cleaning, the glow of Grim's enthusiasm wilts right along with his interest. Not because its a matter of moral, but because it just doesn't seem all that...promising. "Hmm. Not to doubt your battle prowess, but seems to me you're the one chasing after horses now. I mean, I ain't seen these wolves, but a pack is still a pack and supposin' we do join, three against a pack ain't good odds." He gives his head a rueful shake, a chuckle slipping past his lips, "I mean damn, ambitions like that will get ya killed quick. Got to have patience. Ya know. Play one against the other, thats what I'd do. Let the packs kill each other out while we just sit back and enjoy the show." Grim smirks impishly now, a expression that when combined with his narrowed eyes, lends to the male a devious expression. "Hell, you even have kindling to start the fire. Just have to point blame for that missin' pup in the right direction. 'Course that'd take gettin' to know some of the rivalries in the territory. Which I doubt you have the fineness for that."
A snort, appraising eye given of the other wolf. Marrok gives Grim his most lack of interest look as he can at the accusation of a lack of finesse. He then sniffs, and admits, "Well, no. Three wolves against one or both packs would do no good. But that's another reason to wait until the spring-- to gather more forces, after all. Besides. What's the fun in pitting them together, when they may decide that you are in fact the problem and both can dispatch you easily..? No.. No, I am thinking it a good idea to settle on one pack, and work on them slowly. The pack north of here is, from what I understand, lacking in numbers. A good way to, 'know the rivalries', as you put it, is to gain their trust and turn on them later, using that trust against them. I have thought of offering myself to them as a member to raise their numbers.. and then slowly picking them off. An.. accident here, a 'failed hunt' there.. you see? You yourself and your.. friend, there, have seen how dangerous 'playing' with prey larger tha than you can be. Why not lead some dim-witted youth into following me into a hunt, and then let them.. fall astray, of an elk's hooves, or perhaps talk them into raiding the lair of a bear.." he chuckles amusedly in thought. "But then, of course, there are.. other reasons, to try and take over one side or the other; one may have better lands than the other, you ken?" He chuckles darkly. And then closes his eyes, lifting his head to the wind, and rumbling a deep noise. "Besides.. I cannot fail.. Not yet.. No.. I have .. a great force, on my side.. And He will make sure that my will shall be done as long as I keep him happy.. And to keep him happy, I simply sew chaos."
The sound of the stranger's disgust in regards to Grim's voiced observation brings forth the need to grin wider, gray muzzle drawing agape a fraction as Grim's tongue lolls forward, watching the other with nothing short of one-sided humor. Grim doesn't dwell on his stab at Marrok's ability to be convincingly sophisticated, after all, not everyone can be born with his charm- or his ability to be obnoxious and pretentious, according to Brutal. But sibling opinions don't count. Besides, he's just jealous. Sniff. Returning to the matter at hand, Grim listens to the ramblings of the one-eyed male, boredom beginning to creep back in and bringing with it a desire to finish his interrupted nap. Nodding his head as a sign that he is at least aware that the other is talking, his maw parts in a yawn, tongue curling upward before disappearing behind pale lips along with a click of his teeth. Offering up a small smirk to the loner, it grows a bit wider when the burly male mentions the great force, the personification bringing the tall slender wolf to mutters a soft, "Oookay.." beneath his breath. Ultimately though, Grim just licks over his own muzzle in a final gesture of consideration, "Seems to me like you got it all worked out, which means you don't really need our help." he says pointedly, "But, we'll be in the area for awhile. Let us look things over ourselves, then maybe we can settle on a agreement. For now, I'm still in the business of getting back in Tiny's good graces, so if you'll excuse me, I need to find dinner before THAT great force wakes up."
A dull rumble of a laugh comes, as Marrok narrows his eyes slightly at Grim; some part of him perceives that the smaller wolf may think him mad.. Especially for the brief expression that may have passed his face at the mention of his Benefactor. Still. This wolf would see, they all would; in time. For now, Marrok simply reguards Grim in thought, then remarks, amusedly, "Yes, you go ahead and.. consider other matters, like that of the stomach of your.. partner." he says, amusedly, looking the large lump of matted fur that he presumes is nothing more than Brawn forcing a week mind to do it's bidding, before he adds, "But do keep in mind.. There will come a time when you may decide you like my offer.. and the circle of said offer may be closed to you then. And .. do take care that your friend and your.. entertainment.. do not wind you up in a place you cannot talk your way out of.." he smirks faintly.. then stands, shakes his pelt loose of a few stray hairs, and starts trotting back into the direction he had been heading before.