The Inferior

[Grell]

// so begins Grell's darker journey; if possible, could someone perhaps not right in the head join? if not, anyone really is welcome :) //

He shook as he looked across the glassy, frozen expanse of the river. His tail was still tucked between his legs, and his eyes felt like they were going to pop right out of their sockets, but even so, Grell couldn't possibly stop smiling. What an victory... he thought, and then, glared up at where the hazy sun was behind the wintry clouds. "So let me keep it, for once!" He demanded Fenris, the wolf god, with an angry pout. Even if the almighty deity was listening or looking at Grell, the threat was hardly credible. With a glance, even a flea would laugh at Grell's pitiful attempt to look menacing; he looked more like a fat, fluffy rabbit with a sour expression on its face. But, since there was no one about to laugh at him or tell him how silly he looked, he unsteadily shambled away from the river bank feeling particularly satisfied.

The feeling ended abruptly as he was knocked sideways by an unexpected gust of wind. Then another. Maybe Fenris really had been watching after all.

Pinning his ears back and glaring angrily in the direction the wind had come from, Grell started edging closer into the thick, dark, twisted roots and brambles that marked the boundary between forest and river. Only then did he start to notice how strange this side of the river felt; how sinister and cold it was. But he couldn't go back now, though he sent a worried glance across the river toward the vague waterfall in the distance. The sudden wind would surely knock him off balance on the slippery ice, and possibly send him to his death if he wasn't careful out there. Fenris! Fenris, why? He whimpered softly, throwing his gaze upward to the smudge of sun in the midafternoon sky. But another buffet of wind hit him hard in the shoulder, and Grell scrambled back into the woods for safety...

Only to come face to face with a giant, gaping hole in a hidden embankment. Though it looked quite unpleasant, like it was going to eat him - a metaphor Grell didn't particularly enjoy - it did offer a reprieve from the wind, and after another angry gust sent a tree branch smacking painfully on his rear end, Grell scurried inside. The startled yelp from the blow was thankfully swallowed by the rustling of the trees.

[Varloc]

ooc: I'm not sure what your ooc post meant, but if you don't want me joining, I'll delete the post right away. ~.~ And I'll apologize ahead of time if this isn't want you wished for.

Dark eyes watched with vague amusement as the young wolf shouted towards the sky in an attempt at a threat, if thats what it could be called. A soft chuckle rumbled forth from the male's jaws and he rose gracefully from his resting place among the bushes where he had sought out cover from the wind and chill. Dark in color, it allowed him to remain undetected for the most part, from the prying eyes of others, but for those who weren't expecting anything to be there in the first place, he was practically invisible. He had expected to be alone, for the most part, but understood the risk of being discovered because he lurked around several boundries of packlands.

So this sudden noise and disturbance, for a moment, had startled the older male, though now he found amusement in the behavior of the other. What had the young one spooked? Gliding gracefully forwards, slowing as he neared the giant gamping hole that he had obviously passed. He found some irritation in this, for the dwelling would have provided far more protection then a bush. Even so, he accepted he had missed it and eased closer, ears cocked forwards in interest. The light made it difficult to peer back into the darkness (though if it had been during the night, it would be a different story) and so he wished not to come face to face with some angry creature, nor did he wish to startle the inhabitant.

Varloc hesitated, but for only a moment before he called out softly. "Hello there, stranger." He paused, glancing back over his shoulder and bracing himself against a gust of wind that bit down to his sensitive sky, making him shiver. "I bring no harm... Only a question. What has you out here all alone?"

[Grell]

// heh sorry about that. I seem to be confusing a lot of people lately. just ignore what I said that last post xD Varloc is certainly welcome (by the way, I love your writing) //

The smooth rock walls instantly blocked the wind as soon as Grell hopped inside the cave. But there was a particularly rotten smell that seemed to linger on the stone that made him recoil; only the threat of being bludgeoned by another angry tree branch kept him from leaving. He gave his smarting rump another tender glance, then tried to put the incident out of his mind. No doubt Fenris was laughing hysterically, but so long as Grell couldn't hear the god, he tried not to let it bother him. He focused instead on the cave itself, which was long and narrow so far as the eye could see, and disappeared at a dark bend a little further in. A strange moss was growing on the walls, and from somewhere he could hear a faint drip, drip, drip. All told, this cave was not at all like the magical one he and Linnaea had discovered at Dierdre Falls. He grunted and started moving inward.

Only to be startled by a soft voice at the entrance. Grell turned back slowly, suddenly conjuring up pictures of monsters and ghouls and other nasties. He gulped.

The wolf at the entrance wasn't as threatening as Grell had pictured him. As a matter of fact, he looked rather drab. Still, the stranger had some strength in him - from his paws to the tips of his ears he seemed to be nothing but lean muscle, which no doubt could do Grell a serious beating. In addition, he didn't seem like the frightened, unassuming type like Grell, but someone confident in himself. Or, that was Grell's first impression of him. But he had been wrong before, and decided to err on the side of caution. He pressed himself against a wall, hoping to remain unseen in the thick shadows of the cave, and growled in a voice that he prayed made him sound ten times as big and strong and menacing as he really was. But prayers, especially in Grell's case, had the odd circumstance of rarely being heard. They seem to work more against me, than anything.

"Harm? What makes you think you could harm me, little wolf?" He snorted disdainfully. "And what makes you think that I am not alone? My cavern is full of snakes and spies and, uh, other things of that sort." His heart was beating painfully in his chest. What a bluff. Ah! Well, hopefully this stranger doesn't notice the difference. And, since Fenris had never been good to him in a pinch like this, Grell didn't even bother asking for the god's blessing.

[Varloc]

ooc; Why thank you. n_n I don't know if this takes place within the pack's territory, if it does, I would have had him ask blessing to be there. ;


As his eyes grew slowly accustom to staring head long into the darkness of the cave, he could make out the faint outline of the other. True, it didn’t offer much detail, but it was enough to allow the male to at least take note of the other’s position. However, there was a sudden shift inside and the other was gone, swallowed up by the shadows, no doubt having shifted either further back or off to the side. A soft flick of his tail was the only reaction that the larger male offered as he stood there, lingering just beyond the darkness of the cavern. He wondered, suddenly, why what this male was doing mattered at all. It wasn’t any of his business and he was certainly not one to pry. But true to his nature, he needed company. He missed his old pack and felt the need to at least speak with another, be it harsh words or not.

Muddy brown eyes twinkled at the growl reached his sensitive ears and slowly, a faint smile twisted across his slightly graying muzzle. What a clever one… Varloc mused silently. The male had used the cover of the shadows to keep his position concealed and with the closeness of the cave, his growl echoed softly, making it near impossible for Varloc to pinpoint exactly where the male was lurking within. The smile quickly dissipated, being replaced with a rather bland expression, his dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully at the darkness. He was becoming uncomfortable out in the wind and found himself yearning to be within the confines of the strange cavern, even if it wasn’t the prettiest place to be.

The words that came next stirred a good natured chuckle from the brute, his tail swaying several more times to help display his amused mood. He had seen the previous display from the male within and found it hard to believe the words that he was speaking. However, he drew in a breath to keep from laughing further and spoke seriously. ”My, snakes and spies and other things of that sort all within the confines of the cavern?” He echoed, pulling his ears back in mock concern. “Wouldn’t that be a bit dangerous for you though, as well. Only a wolf that dabbles in the black arts would, as far as my knowledge goes, be able to keep those terrible things from harming them..” He drifted off, nearly lost in his own thoughts again, but he managed to stir himself free from the daydreams.

Again, a smile pulled at the graying muzzle, but he managed to withhold a chuckle. ”I don’t think I can harm you, oh no. You sound way to mighty for me. Please, kind sir, whoever you might be, spare my old life. I have but a handful of years left to my name and I wish only to live them out relaxing in a pack, watching pups grow.” Pleased with his words and feeling that it would strike interest in the other, he reclined, sitting himself comfortably outside the cavern entrance and curling his tail about his haunches. He would wait, at least for now, until either things appeared to be lightening up or taking a turn for the worst. Then and only then, he would react.

[Grell]

// welcome! and I believe the caves are actually just south of List :) //

Did he just laugh at me? No, it was the wind. He cocked his ears and listened to the soft, strange sound as it whistled and echoed softly in the cave. Or maybe he really did laugh at me. Grell faced the entrance hurriedly to see, but the stranger stood with his ears pulled back in worry. Grell grinned.

Then his posture slumped. "Uh, yes?" He called, suddenly wondering if there really were snakes and spies and other awful beasties ready and waiting for a silly little runt to wander in so they could eat him. He gulped. He glanced quickly down the dark and narrow cave, but saw nothing. It was what he didn't see that suddenly gave him the chills. "I mean: of course there are you foolish thing! And they wouldn't dare attack such a -" runty, scrawny, gangly - "wicked, strong, cunning Varg like myself!" He meant to sound bold when he said this, and very well might have from all the echoing in the cave, but it actually sounded like a lot of empty bluster to him. No doubt it had a similar resonance to the gray wolf who sat outside, but so long as it delayed the inevitable, Grell was happy to keep shouting.

Of course, then came the pleading. Really, Grell hadn't expected this, though he probably should have. He had done the same thing numerous times. But to be on the receiving end was an enlightening experience. It gave him a sense of empowerment he had never felt before. Even if the begging was false, Grell felt much better for having heard it. He puffed out his chest proudly and stepped out and away from the wall. "Yes, 'mighty,' and 'sir' and whatnot." If Fenris was watching, he might have been amazed that Grell even had an ego to stroke. Grell himself was a little surprised. Fortunately, he didn't let it overwhelm him. Pessimist at heart, he knew more or less that these were just empty words. Anyone was just as likely to stab you in the back when you weren't looking. As he came forward, ears up and hackles raised slightly, he repeated his mantra just to remind himself how he had survived to be a yearling: Never turn your back on an enemy. Never turn your back on a friend.

He poked his head out of the cave and looked up at the gray stranger. "Fine, I guess. Old age and puppies... You know, most of my pack never got old enough to see a full generation grow up. In fact, I think you're the oldest Varg I've ever seen." Grell frowned, then shrugged and stepped aside. "Uh, after you."

[Varloc]

“Oh, of course not. Such lowly creatures wouldn’t dare harm such a mighty varg like yourself..” Varloc’s voice had drifted off, losing its fearful and pleading tone that it had once held. His attention had shifted to the outside of the cavern, studying the rocky edge and the strange vegetation that had taken up residence along the damp interior. Moss and such, he had come to know made for a good, comfortable bed, if you were careful to first inspect it for any living bugs that might have made it their home. Such pests could become quit the bother and Varloc had had his fair share of bothersome pests in the past. He then took note of the strong thick walls, finding comfort in this. It meant there wasn’t a great risk of it collapsing upon him if he entered, but then again, being in such a place meant there was one way to escape, unless there was an exit somewhere in the back. However, Varloc suspected that there was no exit and thus, was hesitant to even attempt to enter the cavern.

He was pulled, rather suddenly back from his thoughts, which he had such a great tendency to drift off to, to reality when the varg spoke yet again. Ah, so he’s growing bolder… Varloc wanted to chuckle, but held it back. Instead, he peered more closely as the varg finally removed himself from the shadows and stepped forwards. Varloc’s dark eyes glinted good naturely as they swept over the male before him. He wasn’t the male that he had made himself sound to be, but Varloc wasn’t one to judge to quickly. He had come across several less then intimidating vargs that could easily hold their own in a scuffle. So this male was not to be taken lightly despite the voice in the back of Varloc’s mind telling him that he was concerning himself over nothing. He took in every detail of the male; how his coat went from light and melted into dark from his belly to his back. He had no real special markings on him, from what Varloc could tell, just a simple grey wolf, not that Varloc found that to be an issue. He himself, was a simple grey wolf.

As the male steped aside to allow him entrance, Varloc stepped forwards with a grateful smile, though as he passed, he allowed his eyes to briefly meet the eyes of the male. He didn’t back into the cave as he might have done if he suspected the varg of being anything dangerous. Instead, he allowed his back to be displayed to the stranger, a clear sign that his trust was placed fully upon the stranger. This was also a move to use on wolves spouting threats. To walk away from them and give them your back was a clear insult to their ego. It said that you believed nothing that they were saying and were so confident in your abilities that you were comfortable to turn your back on them. After Varlco was inside and free from the gusts of the wind, he reclined, resting his rump upon the ground and curling his tail around his haunches and then turned his dark eyes to the stranger.

”Why thank you, kind stranger. Its nice to be out of that wind.” Varloc paused, glancing once about him before returning his eyes to the stranger. But with a start, he gave a soft chuckle and an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, I haven’t yet given you my name. I am Varloc, a traveler from afar.”

[Grell]

Grell frowned as he followed his fellow wolf into the cave, practically melting into the wall when Varloc briefly looked him in the eye. He was not at all the warrior he had made himself out to be, and now it put him in a very awkward and uncomfortable position. Now he had to share his shelter for an undecided amount of time with a complete stranger - who could probably tear his head clean off if he wanted to. Also standing right against the rock wall while Varloc passed made his legs ache rather fiercely.

He scowled. Why me, of all Varg? He groaned and glanced back at the silver stranger. Suddenly his ears came up and he stared. Of all the stupid ideas... Varloc had his back fully to him, exposed, vulnerable. If Grell jumped on him now, he might be able to actually win a fight, and also reclaim his freshly discovered cavern for himself. But his scowl darkened. A warrior could do all those things. Knowing his luck, he would probably end up crashing into the wall and breaking his leg, which would leave him worse off than he was now. He was better off running away if he wanted to be alone at all.

The wind sent a mighty gust whistling against the cave mouth. On second thought, he frowned and finally stumbled further into the cave to join Varloc, who was now finding a comfortable place to sit.

Grell only grunted when the stranger thanked him. He sat down with a thunk, and glared darkly in the stranger's general direction. Only when he chuckled, a merry sound in this strange, gloomy place, did Grell finally look up at him. His scowl was gone, but he didn't really smile back. He couldn't find it in him quite yet. Instead, he twitched his ears and arched one eyebrow, giving the gray wolf a quizzical and slightly irate look. Whether Varloc noticed or not depended on the thickness of his skull, which, as Grell cocked his head and gave it a second look, seemed pretty sturdy. I'd never win a fight against him. Not even if Fenris decided to move his lazy butt and help me for once. He frowned again. More likely that dumb god would sit back and howl with laughter while I was chased around the woods. He had heard that other gods were merciful and kind to their followers - Fenris, on the other paw, had this agonizing belief that, if you weren't the strong wolf of legend, you were only alive because you were amusing in some way. Grell snorted.

Through all these thoughts, the most important parts of Varloc's introduction actually got through. He twitched his ears again, as an awkward silence came between them again. Then he grunted, and said, "Right. Well I'm Grell."

//sorry its been so long. if you don't want to continue i completely understand! um.. and if you do, sorry if it sounds a little funny - getting back into writing mode and all that :) \\

[Varloc]

ooc: Haha, I don't mind either way. If you don't feel up to it, then thats perfectly fine. And I hope this is okay. xD


The grey male allowed the silence to continue, enjoying the sound of the wind howling outside the cave. It was comforting to know that he wasn’t out there suffering the beating that it would have undoubtedly given him if he had remained in the open. He felt no great threat from the other, feeling that if he had been capable of killing him or had the intention to harm him, he would have done so when his back had been turned. However, Varloc was no fool. He understood the workings of the mind in a dangerous wolf. He would be cautious, but no judge the creature as though he were already guilty of a crime.

Instead, the old male offered a pleasant smile and a dip of the head. ”It is a pleasure.” He now allowed his dark eyes to more closely examine the male. He saw that he was no physical threat, though again, Varloc knew better then to judge too quickly. But the idea of this male attacking him seemed silly and Varloc was ready to shrug away his suspicions and fall into a friendly conversation while the wind kept up.

”Why is it that you, a fine creature, is alone and not within one of the packs I have scented about the area?” A harmless question, Varloc thought. Of course, he too seemed odd for wandering about the outskirts of pack lands and not settling himself. However, this brute smelled of a pack and he, on the other hand, did not. Deciding to try and put the brute at ease, Varloc continued.

”I, myself, have yet to find a suitable pack. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting to be too old and most feel that I would become a burden instead of a helpful tool. No matter, if the Gods wish it such, I shall live out my life alone and in peace. I shall not harbor hard feelings towards the Gods. They work mysteriously and they’re plans aren’t always that clear. But I know they have a purpose for me. He turned his gaze towards the younger male and offered another soft smile, his dark eyes saddened.”How about you, friend? What do you think the Gods have planned for you? Perhaps a pack of your very own—you at the head with a darling female at your side and litters upon litters of pups all with your blood flowing through your veins. Or perhaps, a great warrior, defending your home and pack and preserving their lives.”

[Grell]

// I'd love to continue this thread, actually! Varloc is such a fun character to rp with, especially with the style you write in :] //

Grell sat there and stared out of the cavern, feeling rather awkward. He could tell that Varloc was sizing him up, but he didn't know whether it was because Varloc considered him to be some sort of threat, or because he was looking at his next meal. Hey, there were stories of that kind of thing. Cannibalism. Grell shuddered, and tried not to be so obvious when he looked at Varloc from the corner of his eye, trying to determine what exactly that big silver Kerl was thinking.

It wasn't so hard after he spoke up, of course.

Grell actually choked as he laughed, turning fully toward his companion with a look of bewildered amusement. Me, a fine creature? C'mon, he doesn't have to put it that way. But he let knew better than to interrupt, and soon Varloc's voice filled the silence of the cavern. Grell, meanwhile, tried not to look like he was having a good time, even though it was a hard thing to do while snorting back giggles. Honestly, of all the most ridiculous things to say. The gods - a plan? Yeah right. Fenris, are you hearing this? Honestly. He shook his head and smirked. Varloc gave him a sad look, then said the funniest things Grell had heard all week.

He actually burst out laughing, unable to contain himself.

Well, only for a moment. He quickly sucked in air and ducked, just in case the Kerl had a mind to bite him. Which, thankfully, he did not. "Me, a warrior?" he squeaked as he slowly sat upright, much amused and rather frightened by the prospect. He had tried to be a warrior once, in his old pack. They'd responded by sending the runt out on sentry duty while the patrol slept in a cathedral of trees. Needless to say, Grell came racing back within a matter of moments, convinced that humans were hounding him, only to discover he'd been deceived by his own shadow. So much for being a warrior. "Obviously, sir, you don't know what you're talking about. I'd rather be at home, spending time lazying in the den. Not out about protecting everyone else. Do you know how long warriors actually survive?" Grell shook his head. "Not for me. I intend to live a little longer than that, I think." He smirked. "And I will not be the Dragga! No way! Half your pack wants you to fix their problems for them, and the other half is plotting your death so they can take over. No thank you.

"And do you really know what your talking about, about the gods I mean? Fenris, when he isn't laughing at all our mistakes as mortals, he's smiting you with some disease, or bad luck, or some adventure, so that he can laugh at you. All of which are just ways to end up as someone's dinner prematurely. And I, for one, don't want to be smitten... er, smote... Honestly, how else do you think they survive an eternity of boredom?"

[Varloc]

ooc: Yay! O: And thank you. XD I think Grell is adorable. I love his attitude.


Dark eyes lingered for a moment on the brute before him before turning to gaze thoughtfully out the cavern. He could see that the other amused by his words and most likely thought him to be nothing more than a senile old fool. At the laughter, Varloc returned his dark cave to the brute before him. Again, he took a moment to asses Grell, finding his words to be interesting. Everyone had their own opinion, they’re own beliefs and he was no one to judge them. With a gentle smile, he dropped his muzzle so that it hung against his chest and shook his head slightly.

”If you don’t mind me saying, I feel you don’t give yourself enough credit. Anyone can be a warrior and anyone can be a leader if they have the heart. And it’s not all about problems and death. A pack, a close one, will work together and you won’t find anyone more loyal then that.” Again, his thoughts drifted back to his past, memories of his beloved and his family came washing across his mind like a storm across the plains. He felt the pain of loss like a thunderbolt to the heart and for a moment, had to turn away and squeeze his eyes shut in an attempt to force the thoughts away.

”I pity the Gods.” Varloc said suddenly, returning his dark eyes to Grell, ”They are stuck up there…living forever with no one to love except themselves. No family, no pack. Most despise them—such a life I would wish on no one. But they do good too… They’ve kept me alive and for that, I am thankful. He gave a slight shrug and rose, back arching as he stretched, bones cracking as he did. ”I am a stranger to you yes, but I am a wolf, just as you are. I face the same hardships and therefore that makes us almost as brothers. You will find no harm from me as long as you don’t mean to kill or harm me.”

He shifted to the side and strolled passed the male to peer grimly out the cave towards the trees. Again, thoughts of his family flooded his head and he found it difficult to send them from his mind. “Shall I tell you a story of how the Gods aided me?

[Grell]

// :] //

He snorted and flicked his ears. Obviously Varloc hadn't been paying close attention when Grell finally let him in the cave, or else the grizzled old wolf hadn't actually made a connection between Grell's philosophy about the survival of warriors and the age of his pack. "Well, like I said, most of my pack never saw a full generation grow up. When we weren't busy plotting the death of the Dragga and Drappa - or declaring war on someone else in the pack - we were pretty much laying down our lives as 'warriors.'" Grell frowned. He hadn't actually thought that packs could be loyal and close to each other. Not really. As a matter of fact, he wasn't sure he'd be willing to actually trust someone enough to find out what loyalty really felt like either. Much safer to slink around in the background and quietly stab his enemies in the back. Just in case they had plans to use him as bait later.

"Heh, I'd wish it on a few," Grell muttered under his breath as Varloc described how he believed the gods lived. No family, no pack. If only I had their invincibility, I'd happily switch Fenris places. He quite liked that idea actually, and for the brief time that Varloc talked about nobler things, like brotherhood, Grell cheerfully imagined slipping spiders into Porag's fur - the thrice-cursed warrior captain of his previous pack; or drenching Mongre in a torrent of rain - his brother, who'd sent Grell out to fetch a squirrel while he stayed cozied in the den.

As a matter of fact, Grell was having so much fun imagining these things, that he barely noticed that Varloc had stopped talking. When he finally did, there was the briefest pause before the old gray asked Grell if he'd like to hear a story about the gods giving aid. The runty yearling opened his mouth to protest about the generosity of the gods, but then promptly clicked it closed. It might pass the time quicker. And besides, I could use a good laugh. He smirked, and nodded. "Sure, I guess. If you tell it, I'll listen."

[Varloc]

ooc: I hope this isn't to horrible. xD

The grey male stepped back, dark eyes widen, glossy with grief and confusion that came with the sudden betrayal within his own pack. He had stepped down from his position; he had given that right up to another young bachelor after the death of his beloved and his young. ”You are not welcomed here! The leader barked, stepping forwards to add to his threat. The grey male pulled his ears back, lowering himself to the ground, however, not entirely for to do so would bring the leader upon him in a heartbeat, and there, he beseeched clemency in the name of the Gods. May wolfbane take you,” Samos, the new leader spat, “and the evil you have brought upon the pack!” He had entwined thoughts of fear and horror within the packs’ minds and now worked them against Varloc now.

”What have I done? If anything I am the one who has suffered the most—My mate and my pups, stolen from me! Varloc begged his fellow pack mate, a wolf that he had thought of as a brother to tell him what had happened. To let him speak to the entire pack without such violent outbursts, but seeing that there would be no let up, he begged to be allowed to visit the resting place of his young and mate one last time. Get quit, villain and be gone with you! You are nowhere near worthy to trod upon such sacred ground. The young leader bristled, stepping yet closer. Such was the hour when pain of flesh or spirit surpasses the heart’s capacity to endure it. Varloc shook himself as though in a nightmare, having difficultly comprehending that those wolves, the ones he had thought brothers could advance upon him with such hatred. How could they bare him from the ones he had so loved.

”Leave this territory! The male snarled and strolled forwards upon Varloc, baring his teeth in threat. ”By the Gods, if you cross again within my sight, that hour will end your life or mine.” Varloc withdrew, grief of the loss of his pack and family driving him nearly over the edge. It was his warrior’s soul that had kept him alive; that and the dream in which the mighty Zostar appeared to him and gave him the strength to once more move on.

It was this memory that swelled into his conscious as he studied the young male before him. The wind still howled outside the cave and he couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Such a feisty young male. [color=orange“Listen, youngster. For the story I tell you is one that I don’t tell often. Some may find my a fool, a senile old coot that should lay down and die—while others take it as gossiple.”[/color] He paused, lifting his head slightly and allowing his eyes to drift shut in thought.”I shall save you the boredom of hearing my adventure less upbringing, but merely tell you I was wrongly cast from my pack—well, half so. I was a leader, with a beautiful love at my side and a young cub growing fast. I lost both to sickness and I take the responsibility for their deaths.

Varloc had to stop as emotion threatened to consume him. Some wounds would never heal. However, in time, he regained his composure and offered a gentle, apologetic smile to Grell. ”After their deaths, I stepped down as Leader and left my position to a younger male of the pack—I was content on living out my life in aid of the pack—to make up for the loss of my own family. However, such would not be the case. The young male perceived me a threat—worked lies and stories into the minds of the rest of the pack and I was banished—kicked out to fend for myself.

Again, the old male paused, considering those words thoughtfully. “Being a kerl can work horrors on one’s mind and soul. It is a terrible thing to find yourself suddenly without protection or comfort. To be forced to rely solely upon oneself is a difficult task—but the mental part of it is the worst. I found myself rambling nonsense at times to birds, squirrels or whatever object I could find that resembled a living thing. It was in a dream though, when I was at the point of giving up—laying down never to rise again that I was delivered from my suffering into a world of hope. Zostar came to me in a dream--- it was then, with his guidance that I was able to accept the passing of my family and move on—The deep pain that had been haunting me so long was lifted off of my shoulders and I was able to survive.

Varloc concluded his story with a grim expression, feeling suddenly that his words would mean nothing to the younger male before him. However, it was that dream—that encounter that had replenished his will and what had kept him going and it was something he would never forget.

[Grell]

// Not at all! :D //

He tipped his fuzzy ears forward. His lips were turned down in a slight frown. He couldn’t believe he had agreed to listen to Varloc’s life story. It was bound to be a waste of time, as old wolves were usually fond of recalling vastly uninteresting and unremarkable events in their lives. Besides, he had never been fascinated by tales, and had only listened to those told by his Drappa because she threatened to box his ears until he was dumb if he didn’t sit and pay close attention. Through those stories, he had discovered his god Fenris.

Unfortunately.

Grell twisted his mouth unhappily and looked outside. There he saw - or rather, he heard the reason why he had willingly agreed to sit and listen: Fenris was obviously in an ugly mood, and had sent mighty gusts of wind down upon him, ready to flatten him if he chose to leave the cave. Also, he head nothing better to do until that horrible wind was gone. Why don’t you come down here and listen to some old Varg squawk about his tragic, inspiring life? It was hard to get his voice to whine so pathetically in his head, but somehow Grell whimpered to Fenris with amazing clarity. One way or another, Grell had it in mind to annoy the almighty deity until the wind went away. Or die trying.

He licked his lips. That plan wasn’t actually as appealing as it had been a moment before.

He looked at Varloc, who, fortunately, had already begun his story somewhere near the end. At least he’s not going to preach to me about being my age, Grell grumped to himself. He hunched his shoulders and blinked. The old habit of listening intently was slowly creeping on him, forcing him to sit squarely facing the old wolf, and making his ears stick up at attention so rigidly that they seemed to quiver ever so slightly. He still wasn’t happy about it though.

Varloc didn’t stop his story, whether he noticed Grell’s unhappiness or not. It wasn’t a bad tale, to say the least, but the runt felt a little awkward when the older wolf had to stop and compose himself after mentioning his mate and cub. After that, though, the story seemed to tug less at Varloc’s heartstrings, and he was able to continue without much pause. Soon, the rhythmic intonations of his voice had Grell fascinated, and rather than pay really close attention to the story itself, he found himself enraptured by the voice that flitted and echoed hauntingly in the cavern. Only after that voice fell away did he feel like himself again, and by that, he didn’t think much of the story at all.

“Oh,” Grell said flatly. What else should he say? If he gave the story a roaring review, it’d be obvious he was lying. And he didn’t want to say it was a complete waste of time, just in case Varloc decided to kill him for saying it. He shifted his weight from his haunches to his shoulders, and cocked his head to the side. A thought had suddenly occurred to him. “Who’s Zostar?”

[Varloc]

ooc: So short. I'm sorry.


The old male couldn’t stop the frown that worked its way across his muzzle as he stared at the younger male before him. He wasn’t one to get easily agitated but it was clear that something had worked its way under his skin. He talked little, unless really stirred to do so and having wanted to befriend the stranger, had offered a glimpse into his own past, hoping to ease the tension that came from their confined space. However, he noticed that his story and words had fallen on practically deaf ears.

A soft flick of his tail and a gentle sigh he once again reaccessed the male before him. Apparently there had been hard times in his past—but what wolf didn’t have some? Life was hard. That was plain and simple. It was something he had learned the hard way, but he was no one to judge. The male had a reason for the way he was and he was willing to accept that. He was drawn from his thoughts when the male spoke.

”Zostar?” Varloc repeated, startled. However, he offered a smile and a slight nod. ”Zostar is one of the wolf Gods—so said to have been born of the fire forests. A wolf of heat and flame and usually seen by us in dreams. Varloc paused, considering his words thoughtfully and then again, nodded. “I had little faith in the Gods but when he offered me guidance, I found that it was better to believe then to find yourself alone. I find him to be a great and wise God—who usually has a purpose behind his doings. I am not so sure about the others that wolves choose to worship—but I find my loyalties always leaning to the Mighty Zostar.

[Grell]

//don't be - I read what happened to Binx and I feel horrible <3
besides, I haven't been a very good RP partner at all throughout
this thread. I'm the one who should be sorry, and I really am :{ //

Grell was thrilled that his question hadn't been offensive. Thank the gods for that. Or, perhaps, thank Zostar. The youthful inquisitor naturally adopted a curious pose, his head tilted fractionally to one side, and both ears pricked forward, as Varloc began to introduce his almighty deity. With some pleasure, Grell found himself a little intrigued with the description of Zostar, and wondered why that particular god hadn't visited him yet. Maybe you are scaring Him off, thought Grell to Fenris, though only with a hint of his usually bitterness. Or maybe a wolf could only worship a single god at a time. That was a strange possibility, which made Grell consider his time with his own god. Perhaps I should find someone else more suited to the task. Like this Zostar. He seems to have some merit. Or perhaps there are others. He glanced at Varloc, wondering if the old-timer knew of any other useful gods.

"Are there many other gods, then?" Grell asked, his thin voice filling the chamber with an awkward sound. It didn't seem to be quite big enough to fill the room as fully as Varloc's did, but for once, his shortcomings didn't bother him. In fact, he failed to see it entirely. He stared intently toward the bigger gray Varg, questioning. "And, another thing, is there any particular reason why someone wouldn't be visited by Zostar? Will he only speak to his followers, or does he enter the dreams of everyone?" He didn't include that he'd never been acquainted with this god of fire and flame, this wolf of dreams, just in case Varloc thought him to be some sort of heretic for saying so. Better safe than sorry, even if it made him feel paranoid.