Patrolling Koran (Exerci)

[Mav]

(OOC: Takes place after Phantom’s thread where she and Kadin become the new alphas, and the new titles are issued out)

The winds of change had blown over the land of Koran. With the reign of a new Dragga and Drappa, along with the several changes of titles that went about within the tight nit Koran community, it came as no surprise that the pack was now bustling with fresh activity. The change in titles did not bring a change in seasons, for the world around the new lead warrior was still blanketed and burdened in an ivory prison of ice and powder. Yet there was new responsibility that had firmly taken root on Maverick’s shoulders. It would be his job to lead the Koranian warriors into battle when such a time called. And soon enough, it would also be time for the lead warrior to train the others. This included Kai, the newly appointed Beta of Koran. Though the ebon warrior had achieved the title of second amongst the Koran pack, there was still much inexperience in the male, and Maverick hoped that Kai wouldn’t allow the new title to go to his head. As he had seen happen many times before.

But for now those thoughts would remain nothing more then concepts caught in the web of the ivory male’s mind. Once again Maverick patrolled the boarders of Koran, every so often marking territory as the time ticked on by. The wind was calm, and Fenris had blessed this day with his warm raise. If such weather were to continue, in a couple of suns even Wolfbane’s ice would fall to the mercy of Fenris’ warm gaze. For now the sun god’s heat licked the lead warrior of Koran’s ivory pelt, leaving a warm radiance to reflect off his fur. But winter was far from over, for when a breeze would occasionally comb the land, it would remind Maverick with a rush of cold air that despite the aura of calm that had befallen Koran, the season still had yet too change. By this time, the former Dragga of Frecne had reached the eastern boarder of Koran. All was calm as his golden gaze scanned the scene before him, ever watchful of events that could prove to be hazardous. Yet his mind still contemplated the events that had taken place just a few suns ago, and what those changes now meant for the lead warrior of Koran.

[Exerci]

It seemed only yesterday that the fae had found herself accepted into the pack, a tiny runt of a cub without much talent except in speed and climbing of trees. Nothing really, as she'd found herself aspiring to be a warrior at that young age. And yet it was so distant to her - the fae had watched the Pack grow and watched many come and go, and in that time the changes of Koran's Leadership had come about. Her transition from a tiny cub to the newly appointed Beta and Lead Scout of Koran had seemed to pass by so quickly.

Everything had changed in such a short period of time, and she found the time to train some of Koran's would-be scouts soon approaching, yet she doubted herself as much of a teacher. Hopefully, that would change in time. As she worked her way around the borders, she moved fluidly, only stopping to check a pair of tracks that were partially covered by snow. Shaking her thick peltage, the fae took a moment to contemplate the weather.

Fenris had temporarily broken through the cloudy reign of Wolfbane to caress the world below with warmth and light. But Wolfbane still reminded the varg of his presence, the occasional blast of wind he sent to twist through the trees and chill those who ventured from their dens. The ivory blanket that covered most of the ground was not as compacted as it had been just a couple of suns before, Fenris' power was obvious even in the darkest days of Wolfbane.

As she trotted forward toward the Eastern border, she caught sight of an ivory figure not too far away. Immediately the fae recognized the male as Mav, the former Dragga of Frecne and Lead Warrior of Koran. Silvered optics caressed the area around him, before silently moving out of the shadows. Fenris' warmth filtered through thick layers of fur that adorned her bodice, a blessing after the biting cool of the few weeks beforehand. Ice-hued paws carried her forward, until finally she stood not too far from the Lead Warrior. A smile painted her maw and she let a her jaws opening to pass a greeting toward him.

"Good morning Mav!"

The tiger striped Beta took a few more steps forward, so to stand at Mav's side. Lowering her bodice upon her haunches, the tall femme cast a gaze over the peaceful terrain of the Packlands, wondering if it would stay this way for generations to come.

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[Mav]

All seemed peaceful for the moment, as the lead warrior passed along the ivory terra of the eastern borders on surprisingly light steps. Yet being a male did not help the ivory Varg in light footed steps, for no skill could hide ones natural weight in the soft snow. As a fresh breeze cleaned the ivory terra, the scent of another had been carried along like a flimsy balloon sent aimlessly into the heavens. Familiarity of the aroma soon followed as his nasals tasted the smell. Exerci was near, and had it not been for the change in wind direction, more likely then not he wouldn’t have noticed the presence of the newly appointed Beta. Truly Tarkah had chosen well placing the title of Beta on her shoulders. One of the Hiycha clan would greatly benefit the safety of Koran, and no doubt even now her watchful orbs were studying his forms movements.

Sure enough the skilled scout showed herself. Fenris himself would smile down at the fae, blessing her with his gentle touch as a warm glow emanated from her tiger stripped pelt, truly a sight that caught the interest of the males golden optics. There definitely seemed to be an aura of attraction that ensnared the lead warrior’s senses. Before there hadn’t been a chance for him to talk with the lead scout, due to all the events in recent suns that occurred in Koran. But here an opportunity presented itself for the two northern Varg’s to better get acquainted. With a bow of his head, Maverick properly greeted the Beta. For after all, she did rank higher then him in the hierarchy of the pack. But more so then that, the ivory lead warrior was naturally a polite varg in his own right. “And to you Exerci, Fenris has blessed us with a good day.”

The tiger striped fae would soon pad up to Maverick’s side and take a seat beside him. So many possible conversation topics came to the ivory male’s mind. But surprisingly, he couldn’t seem to decide on one at first. Unable to help his own gaze from falling on her elegant form, she reminded the arctic wolf of his own kind who dwelled back in his homeland. There was still uniqueness about Exerci that he couldn’t quite place, yet found very intriguing and captivating. Now sitting on his own haunches, the most recent meeting of Koran was about as good an ice breaker as any. “So how does it feel to be Koran’s Beta?” Maverick asked, sure that many thoughts had to have passed through the femora, as they had through the ivory male when he received the title of lead warrior. His majestic ivory pelt danced in the gentle wind as he spoke. “It’s quite a responsibility, but one I know a Hyucha fae can handle.”

[Exerci]

//This isn't going to be very good now, because as soon as I clicked 'post', my internet disconnected and I lost the whole thing -.-'//

How long had it been? Honestly, how long? The seasons had come around so quickly the fae couldn't quite remember how long it had been since she'd joined the forces of Koran. The memories were hazy and seemed to be hued in the rich mochas and oranges of Autumn. Maybe, just maybe, that was the time she'd become a member. However long ago, it was hard to believe it had been over a year.

Watching Mav carefully, she noted how Fenris's touch caressed his pelt and made him look as if he was glowing with the auras of the Gods themselves. The light was playing off his handsome features as the femore gazed at him through silvered spheres. At his greeting, the femora smiled and bowed her head in responce. Despite her higher rank, the fae would most likely always stay the polite she-varg she had been since she was a mere cub, and the fact she'd been appointed Beta was still setting in - the fae had found it kind of hard to adjust.

"Yes, it seems he has. Almost as if he'sn trying to tell us that winter will creep away again soon.."

Ah, the dreaded question. How did she find being the new Beta of Koran? If the female was honest, she was having a hard time getting into the whole spirit of it. Being a simple subordinate had always been what she'd imagined herself taking the role of, she hadn't even dreamed of becoming a Beta. But still, her answer had to be truthful, so taking a silent breath, she began.

"Well.. Obviously it is an honor to be blessed with the title of Beta, but.. I'm just.. having a bit of a hard time getting used to it I suppose.."

Giving a weak smile of thanks to Mav after hearing the Lead Warrior's last sentence, she let her crania drop slightly. It was quite obvious that the fae was doubting her ability to pull off her new rank. Her paw dragged across the powdery snow in what seemed a shy manner, her gaze averted. The tora-ge female just awaited whatever responce Mav would give, keeping her eyes fixed upon the ground.

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[Mav]

She was sure a sight to behold, both uniqueness in form and past, there was certainly much to like about the arctic fae. Exerci’s kind nature was certainly appealing to a Varg who knew mostly of the cruelties and harshness of life’s bitter trials. His very face bore a mark handed down by man’s malicious hands. A scar that would forever find a home between Maverick’s golden gaze and muzzle. Even now the pain still ached on occasion, but the lead warrior did his best to mask such afflictions from the Beta. Such weaknesses were not common practice for the ivory male, for all he wanted at this moment was to get to know the femora from the Hyucha clan. But first his gaze would take in all there was to see of the stunning Koranian. Her personality as kind as ivory, yet several streaks of ebon passed along her back, like scars of a past that caused imperfection on a virgin pelt. Yet they too held there own allure to the former Dragga.

Then there were her pools of brilliant sky blue which held their own glisten in Fenris’ light. The orbs of intelligence which held the secrets of her clan seem to now be plighted with the aura of doubt, as the title of Beta was discussed. As she finished, a reassuring smile passed along his cream like maw. “I’ve never known my sister to judge poorly,” Maverick spoke, his tone majestic as the lead warrior’s lyrics flowed from his parted maw like that of the waters of a calm river. “If she believes you are fit for the position, then I’m sure you’ll make a very capable Beta.” A gentle wind would comb the ivory terra and pass gracefully over the two Koranians. Their fur danced and swayed with each gentle breeze that flowed along by. And though it was custom for a wolf of a lower rank to avert their gaze, Maverick found him-self unable to take his golden gaze away from the arctic fae.

“Forgive me if I stare,” Maverick spoke, realizing that such actions could be offensive and provoking; he found it necessary to speak on behalf of his behavior. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had the privilege to gaze at one as lovely as your-self, much less enjoy the pleasure of their company. Humans don’t exactly do it for me.” Of course the lead warrior spoke the truth, being held captive by man’s hand had caused the arctic male to have little to no contact with his own kind. Being able to spend time with Exerci was indeed a privilege to one who spent far to much time on the battlefield, and away from the simpler pleasures in life, like that of a loving fae and her gentle caress to ease the heart of a hardened hero. Hoping that he hadn’t given away his obvious attraction towards the northern Tora-Ge, he decided to take the conversation elsewhere, for there were still many curiosities that lay dormant in Maverick’s mind, waiting to be unleashed. “So what brought you to leave our homeland?” He inquired.

[Exerci]

As the fae held her gaze low, the scar across her muzzle seemed more prominent than usual. Never did she really look at the ground, usually it was the sky or the faces of her fellow Koranians. But there it was, an imperfection on her ivory muzzle, a salmon pink hue where the skin had never really healed. It was just there, a constant reminder of the fateful day that had shaped her life forever. Then there was the one that adorned her foreleg, again hued in the salmon pink of unhealed flesh and the reminder of her days in the far northlands. Those little reminders that ate away in her mind on occasion, just as mental as they were physical.

Even with her silver sapphires gazing down at the iced ground, she could feel her gaze creeping toward the muscular form of the Lead warrior. His words were comforting to the tora-ge female, and she felt a little bit of confidence ebbing back. Raising her head slightly the femme spoke. "It is true that I too have never known Tarkah get a judgment of someone wrong, but I was still adjusting to life as Lead Scout.. Lets just say Beta is a little bit of a shock" A light chuckle escaped her ivory maw, and as the shadows of some leafless branches danced across the ivory Mann's handsome facade, her optics couldn't help but gaze back at him.

His words caught the fae off guard, with having her head and gaze down she hadn't noticed that the Lead Warrior's gaze had been fixed upon her. If anyone's gaze had been upon the other, it had most certainly have been on her part, she thought so anyway. But, if varg could blush, the fae would've. It was likely the first time anyone had ever praised her in such a way, or maybe praised at all. The Beta smiled gently, there was definitely something she liked about her fellow Arctic male, something that certainly set him apart from the other Mann-varg she had met. Was it his chivalrous nature that attracted the fae, or was it the fact that he was so similar to herself in some ways. Her ivory jaws opened to let gentle words role forth to caress the auditories of the Mann-varg.

"Why thank you, never has such a compliment been directed toward me. Yes, those humans aren't so much company, are they? They know nothing of our ways, despite what they think.."

It was true, the humans thought they knew everything about the varg, the putnar and the lera - but no. They knew nothing, just of species and appearances. The natures of the animals were still unknown to them. As Mav inquired about her reasons to become an inhabitant of Transylvania, she smiled gently before letting an almost inaudible sigh escape her jaws. There weren't many who didn't want to know the past of the odd, striped, tree-climbing varg.

"Well, it wasn't really a case of me leaving, more a case of the Hyucha kicking me out. These markings may be a blessing here, camouflage to be used whilst hunting Herla or Lera, but in the ranks of a Pack that soley survives on being pure white, I was more of a restriction than an asset. As a cub I was chosen to learn the secrets most Hyucha members did not, like how to travel through the trees, not just climb them.. But when these arrived" The fae paused and gestured with a nod of her crania to the markings that ran down her spine; "I was exiled. Forever a Hyucha who had to live with the shame of dismissal. But I hold no hatred toward them, they are still my family. Even if Koran is my true family."

Her little speech revealed to the Lead Warrior, the fae wondered if she'd maybe gone a little too far into revealing her past. But it seemed the male's curiosity wanted to know, and so she would abide to his wishes.

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[Mav]

Somehow this peaceful day was made more tranquil for the ivory male by the presence of the tiger stripped tora-ge. It was as if her form alone soothed away all that ached in the body of the lead warrior, and left a calm Koranian. Perhaps it was Exerci’s figure, for she adorned the body of a fit scout. Well toned for a fae, she obtained the perfect figure for light and quick movements that could take the femora across the tera. Yet she still held the look of a beautiful fae that any male could desire over. Her own scars were seen as marks of triumph and beauty in the golden eyes of the lead warrior. A testament to the trials endured by the ebon stripped fae. How Maverick wished he could read the mind of the Beta fae, to gaze into her thoughts and answer the most perplexing of all questions. Could she perhaps see herself with one such as him? The battle hardened male of Koran, the guardian of Koranian borders, the Balkar Slayer. And even more perplexing, could his heart regain the lost loving touch that time had long since eroded away?

Maverick listened intently as the former clan member of Hyucha spoke of the difficult times that once lay before the tiger stripped femora. He found it strange that this little bit about a northern clan was un-logged in the library of the lead warrior’s mind. Such actions the ivory male thought strange as Maverick pondered about Exerci’s tale for a moment. “The Hyucha are indeed strange then.” Maverick spoke after a bit of thought. “Perhaps they regret that decision now. But it’s their loss. You are Koran now and I for one am very happy to share these lands with you. I’d have it no other way.” A smile would form on his ivory maw as his last sentence was spoken gently for one who was hardened by the trials of life. It showed that deep within the warrior lay a softness that ached for the company of another. One who could understand that many plights that the ivory male had endured throughout the course of his life.

His muscles now cramping from his stilled form, Maverick rose to his paws and allowed his body to stretch before the stripped Beta. Once feeling returned to his paws and legs, his gaze fell upon the beautiful Beta once again. Curiosity caused the ivory male to wonder if perhaps Exerci entertained herself by watching the display. Continuing to smile, an idea sprung up in the lead warrior’s mind. “I’ve always been curious of the ways of the Hyucha clan. I know a little about them, but perhaps we can take a walk along Koran’s borders together, and you can teach this warrior some new tricks?”

(OOC: I feel like I could have done better with this post, but my muse ran out somewhere.)

[Exerci]

It felt as if she really had found her home. With the handsome form of the lead warrior beside her, his caring words and his advice, she could safely say that Koran was where her heart and soul belonged. She couldn't help but feel happier in the presence of the lead warrior, his toughened exterior she found somewhat alluring. His bodice was much more muscled than her own, and if seen from afar it would be easy to tell what each specialized in, and yet there were striking similarities between the two.

The fae could hardly stop herself from gazing at the ivory mann, her silver-blue spheres seemed to have a mind of their own. She was entranced by the ivory male, unable to tear her eyes away, that was until his words reached her auditories. The immediate shock subsided, leaving her usual calm and kindly self. Nodding at his first sentence, she listened intently to his words. The ivory jaws of the Tora-ge femme parted as he finished, a smile evident as her words rolled from her throat in a gentle melody.

"I'm glad I can finally find somewhere that will accept me.. And a place where I can finally settle down"

Settling down. Despite being a Koran varg for the best part of a year, the fae was only just settling into her life within the Pack. Her excursions to her dying brother had torn her away from her loving family, and she'd found herself living as a Kerl for months - a lifestyle she didn't want to revert back to. But at her return it seemed she'd missed her home more than she would ever admit, and the arrival of a a few newer varg had spurred her to get to know more of her comrades. All those she'd met were wonderful - from the cerulean Tron to her fellow Beta, the ebony Kai - but none more so than one varg she had the pleasure of meeting at that very moment in time. He intrigued her, she would admit to that.

As the lead warrior rose, she watched as he stretched his muscled bodice. Every sinew was full of life - she could tell - and he was in amazing shape, the prefect warrior to guard Koran against enemies. Yet the ivoir fae let a smile travel over her jaws as she did so, because she did enjoy his little show. Bi-hued tail flicked slightly behind her, audits pricked as his words were directed toward her. Turning her crania to look directly at him, she rose. Entrancing pools of pale sapphire gazed into Maverick's golden spheres, before she turned and paced a few steps forward. Shaking her thick peltage, her jaws parted as she glanced over her shoulder to look at him.

"I believe it would be an honor, and that depends on what you want to learn.."

The ivory fae yawned and stretched her own lithe bodice, ridding all traces of sleep from her soul and form. Following that, now feeling void of all types of fatigue, the two-toned fae smiled back at the ivory warrior. Optics alight and brimming with youth, the fae raised a paw gesturing for Mav to lead - he was the guardian of the Koranian borders, after all.

//Sorry about my post, my muse dwindled during this one//

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[Mav]

Maverick stood and watched carefully as the Hyucha fae moved as he did. She stretched her limbs and shook her tiger stripped pelt to bring to life what may have fallen asleep. Every movement done by Exerci had its own alluring aura that took hold of his golden gaze like a target. Thankfully enough, his previous questions were now answered. She had returned his interest with her flirtatious movements and grace. Her lyrics would be the undeniable evidence to that testament, as her final words etched themselves into the mind of the lead warrior. He had failed to be specific on purpose, for playful purposes, and Exerci returned the gesture with her own lyrics that matched him in playful innuendo. Fenris would be kind to the tora-ge, as his light gently licked the ivory fur of the Koran Beta. Certainly getting to know this fae of Koran would be most eventful indeed. Just what could the lead scout teach the lead warrior? Certainly there ways would be different, the speed of a scout vs. the strength of a warrior. Yet they also held similarities, both varg’s being from the same lands.

Here the fae once stood as a proud Hyucha. Maverick knew of their ways to some extent, but this would be a great time to learn more about the infamous techniques that the tiger stripped femora held. A smile splashed on the guardian’s muzzle as he spoke to his Beta. “Surprise me.” Maverick spoke; his tone held an aura of sensual desire and allure, another flirting desire shared between the two Koranians. “Show me your secrets, and I’ll show you mine. I may have some tricks that you could find quite useful. But first, how about you show me how you were taught to climb and move through the trees.” As he spoke, Maverick noticed the way Exerci’s silver-blue optics always found their way to him. Again he smiled as the ivory male moved up to the Beta’s side and fur would touch fur. Warmth would pass between the two, and in this way, the two would be able to see each other up close. Golden orbs found silver-blue, and his mind was at ease when set next to the tora-ge.

[Exerci]

As Fenris' rays licked at the forms of the pair, the breeze dared to tussle the pelts of the two ivory varg and as it did so the tora-ge fae lifted her head to let it ruffle her thick, arctic coat. It seemed, to the Koranian Beta, that the day may prove interesting. Of course, the fae had no idea how events would unfold, but she hoped that everything would continue on a similar note to what it was now. Auditories flicking atop her crania, listening to the sounds of the terra around them, and then of course, to the Lead Warrior's words. Surprise him, hmm? Yes, this day seemed to be proving more interesting than she'd first thought. The smile that painted her jaws grew at the words which followed, and her own gentle tones were soon to escape her maw. As he reached her side, she found herself gazing into his spheres of golden-hue, hardly able to tear herself away to speak.

"Okay then, trees it is..."

Taking a couple of steps forward, so that she was able to reach one of the trees without breaking into a high speed, optics traveled back to the lead warrior, and so the lead scout would begin her little 'demonstration'. Slowly padding to the trunk of the tree, she placed her front paws upon the bark, turning her head around so she could speak to him with ease. Thickly-furred tail curling slightly, she let it dance in the breeze before gesturing to her paws, one of the key points to reaching the branches was being able to use your front paws as a guide.

"Right well.. Let us begin" She purred, leaving a little pause before continuing. "So, all you need is a little run up - but it will take all your speed, as you near the tree let your hind legs carry you upwards with a singular leap, before placing your front paws on the trunk like so and.. You know what? I'm not too good at this teaching buisness yet" Clicking her teeth in annoyance that she wasn't able to explain, the tiger-striped femme returned to the lead warriors side, turned, and sighed, her peltage brushing slightly against his. "I suppose it would be easier to just show the whole technique.." Still irritated with herself for her awful skills in the explanation department, her slim bodice lowered in preparation for the jump, but this time she wouldn't go at the high speed she was capable of, since that would defeat the object of showing the Lead Warrior. Flicking her tail slightly, she began at an easy pace toward the tree, powerful hinds carried her upwards as her front paws made contact with the bark without making a sound. A simple tree this one, and not tall either - but a decent starter at least. Now within the branches, she gazed down upon the handsome features of the Lead Warrior - tail curled around her legs. Jaws parted, calling out to him with a tone that held desire and a definite hint of flirtation.

"Alright! Impress me.."

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[Mav]

(OOC: Sorry it took me so long to get this up. My apologies.)

So now would come the demonstration on how the Hyucha mastered the trees. A secret kept amongst the confines of their clan would be revealed to the ivory male. Such circumstances reminded the former Dragga of his training with Kanis, and how alert and attentive one must be to fully comprehend what was to be shown to him. However, as Exerci moved gracefully, in truth Maverick’s mind could only half focus on the actual lesson itself. The very land and elements seemed to compliment the looks of the tiger-stripped fae. From the gentle waves of her fur that danced with each breeze, to the sways of her movements that gave off their own hypnotic effect. Could one really blame the lead warrior for being so utterly distracted? Unprofessional as it was to think in such ways, his ivory banner swished contently as Exerci placed her skilled front paws on the trunk of the tree and turned her gaze at him. Though unsure if the pose she struck was intentional or not, nothing could deny the golden orbs of Mav to the simple truth. The tora-ge of Hyucha blood was immensely attractive to the ivory warrior.

Maverick rose to his paws and gave a playful bark of enthusiasm to Exerci before she spoke. If any could relate, it was as if you tried to focus on your studies, but found yourself lost in the magnificence of your own teacher. As Exerci explained the technique, his mind was brought back into focus. But Maverick found it difficult to decipher the Beta’s words as he tilted his head to the side in thought. Perhaps she too could see the perplexed look in Maverick’s face and in response had decided to give up on the explanation. Returning to his side, her side brushed up with his as the beginnings of frustration was starting to show. To this Maverick gently passed his soft, expert like tongue across the forehead of the Beta a few times over. Her smell and taste took hold of the guardian, and he couldn’t help but display the affection. Perhaps such fondness was inappropriate, for Exerci was still a rank over the guardian, and he was unclear as to how the tora-ge would view such tenderness. “That would probably be best.” Maverick responded to the tiger stripped fae.

The lead warrior watched intently with his golden pools of intelligence as Exerci now moved to a simple tree. With the grace of her clan’s blood coursing through the veins of the tiger stripped femora, Exerci scaled the tree’s trunk with ease. Not a sound could be heard as paws made contact with bark. Quickly the analytical mind of the former Dragga kicked into high gear, as his brain began to decipher the technique in motion. Her skill was refined and precise as demonstrated by the Hyucha. There was something magical about Exerci’s movements that caught the interest of the guardian. Once Exerci reached the top, Maverick had come to a conclusion about the technique. Speed and precision were the prime focus for the skill. Having conditioned his body for power, Maverick realized that this technique did not suit his form and would be difficult to learn. From the branches, her pale sapphire optics locked onto the form of the ivory male, and words escaped her maw that held the distinct tone of interest. A smile would show on his ivory maw in response.

“Very well, I suppose it’s my turn then.” Maverick responded; his own lyrics and tone now fully showing the interest he had for the Beta. There was no point in hiding his desires any longer. Though how would Koran respond to the idea of this kind of courtship still remained a mystery. She was the Beta after all, was it against Koran law for one of lower rank to see themselves with their higher ups? But even more concerning, could the Beta of Koran herself, see a future with one not of equal rank? For now those concept was put to the side, for Exerci was testing the lead warrior, and Maverick was ready to take up the challenge. He took a few steps to the tree that Exerci had just scaled and studied it momentarily. Not a claw mark could be found on the bark, indicating to the ivory warrior that despite having gone up the tree at speeds below standered, a lot of speed would still be required. “Well… here goes nothing…” Maverick spoke allowed, his tone half reveling the doubt that the ivory male could perform the technique. With a bound of energy Maverick leapt up onto the bark, ivory paws finding their way firmly for the moment on the bark as his mind recalled the demonstration clearly.

For a moment, it almost seemed like he would succeed on a first try, for the guardian had made it half way up with ease. But something was terribly wrong and Maverick knew it. He had slowed down upon reaching the half way mark and now gravity was capitalizing on this mistake. Thankfully enough, the tree was situated next to cliff, and the rocky platform was close enough to jump onto. With a last ditch effort of energy, Maverick bounced off the trunk and onto the cliff’s edge. He landed heavily on his paws, and the recoil of landing on hard stone sent shock waves of pain throughout his limbs. This was clearly shown on the former Dragga’s face, as several grunts escaped his maw, and that same agony painted a terrible image on the ivory male’s face. After a moment, he turned his body so that his gaze could find the tora-ge. Did she think him a fool? Was she disappointed in the performance? Unsure of what to say, he waited for Exerci to speak, knowing full well that he had failed her test.

[Exerci]

Her ivory bodice still situated within the branches, the fae took a few seconds to contemplate the events that had unravelled so far on the winter’s day that was so blessed with sunlight and warmth. Just before she had travelled to her roost within the treetops, Maverick had let his tongue caress her forehead, in response she had returned such actions by letting her own salmon course the Lead Warrior’s cheek before burying her head gently in the thick fur of his neck, once more letting her tongue travel his cheek before making the leap. As her mind searched the pages of her mind, she was brought back to reality by Mav’s voice.

In the furthest reaches of her mind, a shadow of doubt hung over the possibilities of the future. She didn’t know it, but the Lead Warrior seemed to be thinking of the same things. Would Koran accept such antics between the two? Would they allow the Beta to consider taking a member of different rank as her mate if he so agreed? Or would such an idea be shunned? There were many possibilities for the future.

The doubt within Maverick’s tone was recognised by the tora-ge Beta, and she could feel her heart willing him to succeed. As he reached the tree and began to scale the steep gradient of it’s trunk, she was pretty sure he was going to make it to her perch. But soon she realised he had made some marginal error, and the unforgiving forces of the world around them cruelly began to pull him back toward the ground. He had made the decision to retreat to the cliff that rose next to the tree, and it appeared from where she was situated that the decision was a good one – for landing on the earth without experience in landing with such momentum were known to shatter the tibia and fibula of the lower leg.

Upon his landing, she immediately knew it had been painful. The impact had been audible to her sensitive ears, and in an instant she sprung from her perch to the graphite-hued platform. The expression on his face was of pure agony, and a look of worry crossed her own façade. Sympathy was visible within her silver-sapphires as her tongue once again travelled his cheek, words soon to escape her ivory jaws.

”Don’t be disappointed; no one can master such a technique on their first go. Not even the most skilled in my clan could do so. In fact, I’m impressed.”

Optics of silver-blue hue smiled out at the former-Dragga, showing how impressed she really was. It was the first time she had seen anyone from outside her bloodline reach so far, and there was no doubt in her mind that he was capable of mastering the technique, with practice. Almost as if on cue, the wind tussled the pelts of the two varg, the fae letting her peltage brush slightly against Mav’s once again.

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[Mav]

Only moments before Maverick had attempted the tree climbing technique, the lead warrior of Koran and the Beta fae would share a moment of trust with the other. Trust that for so long had been neglected for the ivory male. The warmth provided by the tora-ge brought a relaxed feeling that eased away any doubt that had for that moment lingered in his mind. The hardened heart of a hero had softened, his defenses lifted, and his weakness exposed to the Hyucha. But none of that mattered, for at that moment, all that concerned the ivory male was the attention being given to him by Koran’s Beta. If he could freeze that moment in time, Maverick most certainly would. Letting his eyes close momentarily, the ivory warrior ravished in the soft nuzzle given by Exerci, and returned the affection with his own lick on the tora-ge’s nose. But this was all before the failure that was ensured in the former Dragga’s attempt at Exerci’s stunt. At the present moment, such feelings were blocked out by a sense of failure and foolishness.

It initially wasn’t Maverick’s fault that he judged himself so harshly. He had been trained to do so by his mentor, the first Dragga of his pack. A tough and wise leader who held what some would think to be a cruel training method. Kanis had always expected nothing but perfection from the ivory male who he took under his paw. And so he had always pushed Maverick hard when going through the rituals of guidance. Often times he expected the ivory male to get each lesson on the first time, and if ever Maverick didn’t meet those expectations, the lead warrior would be rewarded with physical punishment the consisted of either bites or paw slashes. For the briefest of moments as Maverick stood on the cliff, he half expected someone, not necessarily Exerci, to critique the ivory male as Kanis had. Shame had taken hold of Maverick, in that he, Koran’s guardian could not scale the tree as Exerci had, and even more then that, he had probably looked like a fool in front of the fae he fonded. But her words were not like those of his former mentor. Cruel lyrics of disparage and ivory fangs that would scar his pelt were what Maverick was used too.

Instead however, soft lyrics escaped the Beta’s arctic maw. And a gentle tongue of encouragement passed along his cheek. To her words, a soft sigh would escape the former Dragga’s muzzle. Her silver-blue optics spoke volumes of truth to Maverick, for she was indeed impressed with how far the ivory male had come so quickly. “Well I have a good teacher.” Maverick replied as he sat on his haunches that still ached from the impact. His limbs cramped up a bit, however this time; he did not allow the pain to be visible to Exerci. Instead, Maverick allowed his maw to gently rest over the Beta’s muzzle, and his lids would pass over his golden pools. Instantly the pain that coursed his limbs vanished in the tender moment. The tora-ge was different then any fae the lead warrior had ever met before, and if she allowed, he wished to share this moment with her a little longer, as two arctic Koranians would hopefully share tenderness with each other on a cliff that looked over Koran’s landscape.

[Exerci]

It was unthinkable to the tora-ge femora that she had been void of such feelings for so long. In fact, had she ever felt this emotion? She couldn’t recall it at least. Even as a Hyuchan cub there had never been care directed toward the fae, her first encounter with kindness was when she had joined Koran as a mere yearling. Although unknown to all but herself, it was the warmth that shone from the hearts of all Koranians which had drawn her in like a moth to a flame, a longing deep within her had awoken at such a tender, young age - the longing to be thought of as a friend to those who surrounded her, and to share her mild heart with her packmates.

Such reflections of the past were banished to the back of her mind, for at that moment in time she found that the present was much more desirable than the past. The words of the lead warrior were to enter her auditories and in response a light-hearted chuckle was released from her own jaws. As he lowered himself upon his muscular haunches, she followed suit and did the same, his maw resting gently over her muzzle she nuzzled into the thick fur of his neck once again. Optics closed so that she could enjoy the moment of tenderness, revelling in affection she had never felt before. It felt to her that the moment went on forever, until her eyes opened, only slightly, to gaze at the valley beneath them. Stretching as far as the eye could see, the naked trees rose in a mass of brown, seemingly small from where they were located. Her tail flicked, ever so slightly entwining with that of Maverick’s.

As she emerged from their embrace, her tongue travelled the length of Mav’s forehead before stretching her front limbs which were aching after her sudden stillness, seeing as they’d only just accustomed to her journey into the branches. Silver-sapphires gazed down the valley before returning to the form of the Koranian Lead Warrior. Rising once again, she finally spoke. ”So, what’s my task?” Like Maverick had done earlier, she kept her question open-ended in flirtatious quality. If his limbs were still aching, the best thing to do would likely be to keep on the move, preventing them from seizing up. The breeze made her satin tail ripple as if on water behind her, making her entire form seemingly sway. Optics danced across the terrain before heading straight to the Mav’s form, silently awaiting any kind of response from him.

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[Mav]

Her warm touch brought many joys to the ivory male. Not simply the pleasures of warmth on physical form, but a sense of healing with each breath that escaped Exerci’s maw and licked at his ivory fur. The warmth of another acted as a soothing cream that willed away any ailments that may have plagued the lead warrior’s thoughts. For at this moment, none of those images played any significant role, and seemed insignificant next to the tora-ge. For now at least, The Beta of Koran and the guardian would share this peaceful moment together, each one lavishing in the other’s gentle touch and wondrous company. Soon Exerci’s tail would intertwine with Maverick’s, perhaps a symbol of what the future held for the two northern wolves. Locked together, their paths had intertwined and become one. It would seem that nothing could possibly break up the path that now lay set before Maverick and Exerci.

After her tongue traveled the length of the guardian’s forehead, she spoke quickly. Indicating to the lead warrior that Exerci hadn’t forgot the task in which the tora-ge would now perform. An aura of flirtatious encouragement filled her lyrics, to which brought a smile to Maverick’s ivory maw. Indeed there would be more games to play, and all ready Mav had several ideas for how to pursue her enticing offer. Slowly, the tip of his maw found its way close to one of Exerci’s open maw so that his hot breath could escape into the awaiting Exerci. A deep regal voice escaped the lead warrior’s muzzle as he spoke. “Well… how about…” Maverick would never get the chance to finish, as Koran would be rattled by a ferocious roar that shook the remaining snow off the skeletal trees. Quickly Maverick’s instincts kicked in, and the guardian moved toward the edge of the cliff, looking for the source of the sound with his golden optics.

As much as he wanted to spend more time with the Beta of Koran, he was a guardian first. And such a roar could only come from one beast, the infamous, stupid, yet powerful bear. But just where could this creature be, and what was it doing in Koran’s lands? Turning his gaze once again to Exerci’s optics, there was no doubt in Maverick’s mind that she too must have known what this meant or the Koranian’s. With a bear lose in the territory, no one would be safe. “No mistaking it, a bear has wondered into Koran soil. I have no choice but to confront the beast. Perhaps I can drive it off.” Being the only warrior near by, there was no choice for Maverick but to take up what should normally be a suicide mission for any Varg. But such was the path of the guardian. And now, he felt an even stronger need to guard what his heart cared for most. His family and the tora-ge, he would protect her, even at the cost of his own life.

(OOC: Sorry for the big delay.)