Consultation

[jaxon]

Amidst all of his lonesome musings, he had never given thought to asking any of the pompous packs where he might go to ask for help. Now that he was here, in this "holy" place, he wished he had. All of the other limping and lonely wolves he had asked pointed him in this direction, guaranteeing answers to all of his questions. All he saw here was the moon and a lot of high water.

Anger and frustration caused his scar to act up as he limped along to the water's edge, glowering up at the glowing orb with a disgust in his species' trust for the forsaken thing. Water lapped at his claws and he sank down into the sand, resting his head on his paws and staring tiredly at the water. He was exhausted with searching. It had been two years since the incident and no trace of his brother had come up. A cloud passed over the moon and his fur bristled, a habit that came with his conscious awareness of his night blindness.

The water rose a little more and lapped at his mouth, his paws nearly submerged, but he didn't move. He didn't feel like a wolf anymore. When he was younger, he and Torin talked of starting their own pack, sharing the title of alpha. But now his fur was dirty and matted, a brown hue settling in where stark white used to shine through. His growl was rough, course, and gravelly, sounding otherworldly at times. His pads where torn and often bleeding, he lost the thrill of the hunt so he didn't eat...he felt he was falling apart.

He shut his eyes as the cloud drifted off again, revealing him to the un-watching world. He felt his heart hammer against pronounced rib cage in a too-slow rhythm and his back right leg twitched in pain from his scar because he remembered that her fur had the same blue-ish glow of the light of the moon that he detested so much.

[Niyah]

She was in a particularly foul mood today, and the constant yapping of that irritating little companion of hers really wasn't helping. Her paws fell heavily as she padded along the shore line, her gaze shifting every now and then from the distant silhouette of Yoru, up to the bright moon that seemed to hang barely above the waters surface. However, No matter what beauty this scene may have possessed, it did not help her mood. Not one bit.

'Would you please stop wallowing in your own self-pity for just one minute?' Niyahs eyes narrowed visciously as the smug Vixens thoughts cam travelling into her mind. Why, if that fox had not saved her life more than once before now, she'd have the right mind to rip her frikkin' head off. Yoru came bounding closer, settling at a spot she must have assumed was a safe distance away from her grumpy master. 'Let me assure you, I am deaply offended at that thought. But enough, come see what I've found!' Niyah could feel the excitement running through the Fox's body, even without looking at her, and rolled her eyes at Yorus plain over enthusiasm.

The Fae followed the small canine across the sand, only becoming interested in what her 'discovery' was when she actually set eyes on it. She'd assumed Yoru was getting excited over a pretty shell, or something. But no, this was another wolf!
'What's he doing?' The Opakti asked, not even attempting to hide the familiar tone of discust she always seemed to adopt when in the presence of another wolf. Niyah could not answer the question, for she had absolutly no idea. He seemed to be lying on the sand, but was apparently not bothered about the fact that the tide was inching further and further in. What he was hoping to achieve by this, Niyah could not even begin to guess. So, ignoring Yorus question, she padded slowly towards him. 'God, he's a mes-No! What are you doing?! We can't go towards him! HE MIGHT EAT ME!' The Fox cried out, astounded by the fact that her stupid wolf was not listening to her fabulous advice.'That would be the day.' Niyah thought to herself, aware that the Opakti would be able to hear every word she thought, and then confirmed by an offended snort from behind her. 'I'm staying here! I'm telling you, if he eats you, I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE!' The fae couldn't help but smirk at the foxes panicked, stubborn shouts in her mind.

Her curiosity peaked as she grew closer to the Brute. Yoru had been right, he did look a mess. His fur, which looked as though it had once been white, was now a dirty colour, and she could see his ribs, poking out from under his flesh, as clear as day. My god, what happened to you? She thought to herself sadly. He wasn't dead, though. That was certainly a start.
Stopping a couple of metres away from where the wolf lay, she sat back on her hind, tail wrapping around her front paws. "You know, your not going to get any answers from the gods that way." Niyah said, speaking out loud for the first time in months.

[jaxon]

In between the splishing and splashing of the waves, Hafkin heard a voice that reminded him something of his own...one that wasn't much used to being used as of late. Aside from this voice, he felt two presences; a calm and collected one, and one that seemed to be panicking. Lifting his heavy head off of his paws and out of the rising water, he opened his eyes and appraised the newcomer who had sat a little ways off from him.

The Fae was a timber wolf with what he would once have thought to be magnificent coloring and beautifully lighted eyes. Shifting his eyes back some, he noted the panicky presence to be that of a small vixen that didn't particularly hold his interest. It had been a while since anyone had approached him, his appearance calling for reactions more along the lines of disgust rather than welcome, and was slowly registering what the Fae had spoken.

...Gods? She believed in those things? He snorted and pushed his paws into the sand, getting up into an awkard sitting position that kept his weight off his right haunch that ceased to be calm. His mouth was full of the taste of brine and his throat was sore on top of the fact that the last 'talking' he did was a week ago when he felt like he was ripping his vocal chords out while trying to growl at 2 other wolves that had been cornering him. Point being, he wasn't sure how his voice would sound.

"Should I feel the need to ask the Gods any questions, I'll change my mannerisms."

[Niyah]

'Run while you still can! Look at him, he's like, diseased or something. Lets get out of here!' Yoru continued in that whiney, panicked voice that Niyah hated the very most. Diseased? He wasn't diseased! He was just abit .. muddy? And skinny, very skinny. Atleast, she hoped he wasn't diseased. Nah, the fox was probably just getting herself worked up over nothing. He didn't look diseased. And, even if he was, chances were, she'd have some idea over how to cure him. 'I do not appreciate being called, "the fox", Niyah. How would you like it if I refered to you as "the wolf"? Frankly, I think your manners are worse than his.' Came that whiney voice again, with a hint of offence, and irritation laced into its tone. 'Shut up, i'm concentrating.' The fae thought sharply, only to receive constant cursings in the back of her mind, as Yoru complained about being stuck with such a 'bad tempered, ill-mannered, rude wolf.'

The Brute shifted his position, and Niyah, thinking he was trying to stand up, was relieved to see he was only attempting to move into a sitting position. She relaxed slightly, glad that he was showing no signs, as of yet, of being a threat to her, or Yoru. With the way he was sat, the femme could see just what a bad shape he was in. His ribcage was petruding in ways that should never be allowed, his fur was dirty and matted, his paws were bloody. This male had been through alot. You could tell just by the sight of him.

'Should I feel the need to ask the Gods any questions, I'll change my mannerisms.'
His voice was rough and gravvely, and the way he said his sentence, along with the snort, lead her to believe that he had no faith in his gods. 'oh, great, just what we need. Another grumpy wolf with no manners. Woohoo.' Yoru said in the femmes mind sarcastically, making Niyahs mood take a turn for the worst. She resisted the urge to snap at the arctic Brute, keeping her own voice calm and steady. "Well, what other need could you possibly come here for, other than to ask the gods a question?" Niyah asked curiosly, not meaning the words to sound as rude as they came out.

[jaxon]

Hafkin noted her annoyance and blight of rudeness in her words, obviously offended at his more obvious disregard for her gods, and let out a huffy, forced sort of chuckle. She seemed composed compared to the panicked fox yonder of her and so, for once, he didn't feel the need to bare his teeth or curl his lip at her tone.

"I'm looking for someone...everyone I asked said I might find answers here." He glanced back out over the waves and decided that he wasn't quite sure why he came here, regardless of what everyone had told him. He may have slightly spiritual when he was younger but even then he would never have asked the moon a question or whatever it is wolves did for answers around here. In all of his dancing around and avoiding the packs, he managed to find one or two wolves on the barest fringes of their brethren that would explain to him the hysteria that went with the Gods...but that's all they had called it. A form of hysteria.

Was that what he was dealing with now on this inconclusive search for a vague answer?

His eyes flicked back to the still turbulent fox and a slight scowl settled at the corners of his mouth. He was used to being walked around, but he didn't think he looked so bad as to stir that much panic in anyone.

"Is...she always like that?"

[Niyah]

'"I'm looking for someone...everyone I asked said I might find answers here.'

This wolf somewhat reminded her of the Brute, Zentha. They shared the same lost, uncaring glint in their eyes. Although he probably didn't believe in him, either. Afterall, Zentha was nothing but a wolf of myth, of legend, according to many of todays canines. They should know better. It saddened Niyah that this Arctic Wolf had no faith in their gods. And what made it worse was the fact that he didn't even seem to be trying. Although, to be fair, if this 'someone' he was looking for was another wolf, he'd probably have more chances of finding help from one of the packs, than from the ancestors above them. Whether they would help him, however, was an unaswered question. The pack wolves regarded themselves as higher, better than the travellers. They thought themselves royalty, Niyah mused with discust.

"You won't find any answers by lying in the water, though." She pointed out lightly, "Perhaps you'd be better off seeking help from one of the packs? Or of course, their is Natalay. I'm certain she would know how to help you." Another myth. But surely, if Zentha was real, that meant the others were too?

'Is...she always like that?'
The femme looked over to where his attention was pointed, only to see Yoru, still stood a 'safe' distance away, regarding them with a look of discust. The young Opakti spotted them watching, made a strange squeaking noise, and flattened herself against the sand. Niyah rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't take it personaly. She's not fond of our kind." A faint smirk placed itself on her lips as she watched the Vixen cowaring.

"Forgive me, for I seem to have lost my manners. My name is Niyah."

[jaxon]

"Perhaps you'd be better off seeking help from one of the packs? Or of course, their is Natalay. I'm certain she would know how to help you."

Hafkin's ears perked slightly at her mention of asking help from the packs. Was she suggesting this because she was one of them and she was attempting to evangelize and recruit more wolves? No, that didn't seem likely. For one, Faes didn't normally travel alone (as far as he could tell), and this particular Fae should have had a mate by now, had she been in pack, or so Hafkin supposed. Other than that, his appearance was far from stately enough to be presented to any alpha for consideration, or whatever the packs did. In any event, the packs would probably want nothing to do with him, in his condition.

Natalay...the name seemed familiar, though how, he couldn't tell. He hadn't heard it from any other wolf he had met. Wouldn't that be just perfect? To go hunting for another wolf who would probably give him a vague idea where his brother might not be. He supposed he didn't have much else to go on...

And her name was a Niyah. A surprisingly delicate sounding name for one who didn't seem delicate at all. It was a good name, he decided, and his scar relaxed a little, affording him a more comfortable position so he could lean on his haunch.

He inclined his head slightly and said quietly and tonelessly, "My name is Hafkin. I have absolutely no interest in seeking help from the packs with a matter that is as close to me as it is. Do you really think Natalay could help me?" After being used a little bit more, he was pleased to feel that his voice was returning to some kind of natural baritone. Satisfied with the explanation of the Opatki's behavior, Hafkin was fine with ignoring the fox.

[Niyah]

'Oh, pur-lease tell me you did not just tell him that Natalay could help?' Came Yorus astounded voice in her head. Niyah flicked a glance in the foxes direction, acknowledging that she had heard he over-the-top questioning. 'Whats wrong with that?' The femme asked, confused, and slightly annoyed that Yoru had decided to enter the conversation oh so suddenly. 'C'mon, everybody knows she doesn't exist! She's just another one of those myths your kind seem to be obsessed over. She's just a figmant of pups imaginations.' The fox explained smugly, as though this was a widely known topic, and she was ashamed that Niyah was not aware of these 'facts.' 'How do you know she's not real? Everybody seems to think that Zenthas just a myth, but we both know thats not true. Why should Natalay be any different?' The femme challenged, becoming impatient as she wanted to get back to her conversation with the arctic Brute. 'On the contrary, I do not know that Zentha is real, for I was not there when you met him.' The fox snorted, 'To be quite honest, i think the whole encounter was just your overactive imagination.'

That last comment hit Niyah hard. How dare that little rat talk to her in that way?! She growled sharply, but then remembered she had company, and so assumed an apologetic look onto her face.
'My name is Hafkin. I have absolutely no interest in seeking help from the packs with a matter that is as close to me as it is. Do you really think Natalay could help me.'
Hafkin. Nice name. A strange one, one she had not heard before, but it seemed to fit him. From the way he spoke, it appeared he had the same oppinion of the packs as she did. Which was hardly surprising. Those groups did not help themselves in any way, with their constant squabbling, and their stingy reputations. "Well, Hafkin, I think if their were to be anybody on the Island who could help you find what you are looking for, it would be Natalay. Although how you would go about finding her, i do not know.' 'Perhaps because she does not exist.' 'Shut up, Yoru.'

[jaxon]

Hafkin watched with a controlled deference as the slight changes in Niyah's features denoted her minor squabble with the fox. He had heard of Opakti before and knew of their mental connections with wolves, and so was not particularly perturbed by the slightly prolonged mental debate going on. Niyah did snap and growl at the fox, which derived naught but a slight lift of the eyebrow on his part, before turning back to him.

"Well, Hafkin, I think if their were to be anybody on the Island who could help you find what you are looking for, it would be Natalay. Although how you would go about finding her, i do not know.'

Just as he had thought. He would have to go aimlessly searching for one wolf in order to find another. He looked away from Niyah and stood up, stretching his front legs and shaking the sand out of his fur. His impatience was indeed building but it wasn't anything two years of fruitless searching hadn't curtailed. Especially in his situation, if he had to be anything, it was patient.

He yawned widely and sniffed a little before saying, "Thank you for your advice, but I think I need to be moving on again." And with that, he turned, not really thinking what her attitude might be about his back facing her, and started to pad through the shallows to a further rockface. He wasn't worried if she was going to follow him, question him, or ignore him. He didn't have anywheres to go except places he hasn't been, which where narrowing down quickly.

[Niyah]

'Thank you for your advice, but I think I need to be moving on again.'
As the Brute began to move away, Yoru decided it was safe for her to come closer, more than happy with the Arctic male ignoring her. That way, their was less chance of her being eaten. 'Not much of a talker, is he?' She inquired brightly, coming up beside Niyah and happily watching the Brute retreat. The femme shook her head in response, not quite as joyful as her companion at the sight of the wolf leaving. Oh, how she'd missed the company of her own species. Wandering the outlands with none but the Fox to talk to had really taken its toll .. it wasn't even real talking. Just mere conversations in her head.

Yoru snorted, offended at the pattern of her masters thoughts. 'I'm damn better company to you than any of your kind have been.' She retorted, nose in the air, tail flicking in annoyance. 'Right, Niyah agreed, 'Sorry, half-heartedly watching the Brute walk away, before padding off the in the opposite direction.

The two companions walked slowly up the beach, leaving faint impressions in the sand, neither of them entirely sure on where they would be going now. Perhaps it would be better if they were to join a pack? Granted, yoru wouldn't enjoy it, but it would definitely mean they'd have a better lifestyle. Less chance of them encountering the wrong type of wonderer, and getting killed. Maybe it was the comfort and safety of a family the two canines craved? With those questions in mind, Niyah sat on the sand, lifted her maw into the salty air, and conversed with those gods she most dearly loved.

[Exit Niyah]

[jaxon]

Hafkin's ears perked up in response to Niyah's conversing a ways off, but he didn't stop or pause or give it a thought. He had a little more information, but ultimately nothing to go on, as usual. Spiritual help didn't seem like it was likely to find him, and he was rather hesitant to go looking for it...again making him wonder why he even bothered to come here in the first place.

He had successfully been all around the world he knew, through all the barren wastes and barely populated lands, with the exception of the territories that where roamed and owned by the packs. His next decision was one he needed to think about very carefully. He knew he needed more help and the only way he was going to get it was from one of the packs. Naturally, he had to pick just one as they probably didn't approve of switching around when one didn't suit him right...pack devotion and such.

Climates considered, his best options where between the Liazo and the Skyla. If he did indeed ask help of the Liazo, he would no doubt be immediately distrusted due to his countenance, quiet demeanor, and current overall appearance. Much less, until he decided to get back into any kind of respectable shape, fighting the Skly would be ridiculously difficult. He wasn't anywheres near an incapable fighter, but that was when he was healthy. He knew he was a rather large wolf and he used it when he had to.

The Skyla, on the other hand, might not even accept him upon first sight. His personality was closer to theirs and he was relatively sure that his fighting skills would be just fine but they probably would have no sympathy for his situation like the Liazo might. He paused and drew in a breath, looking up at the moon. The crater covered surface seemed to wax and wane within its own light, creating a beautiful luminescence, but divining him with no spiritual connection.

Tail hanging limply and his tread heavy, Hafkin turned back toward the thinning trees, heading north, toward the cooler territories of the Skyla.

[Exit Hafkin]