11-28-2018, 02:13 AM
[div style="margin: 0 auto; border-width:0; width: 70%; text-align: justify; line-height: 1.5; font-family: arial; font-size: 9pt;"]It was mere misfortune that had driven them to such a sorry state. At the moment of their ambush they had been weary from travel, worn down by the constant moving and the harsh elements. Asteria was sure that they would have emerged victorious if they were confronted head-on and while in good health. The world was rarely that kind though, and it was uncommon to come across an opponent with the same sense of honour that she had. Targeting the weak and unassuming seemed to be commonplace these days, although she couldn't quite understand why. What did the bloodthirsty have to prove by attacking those at a disadvantage? There was no pride in a victory stolen through trickery and underhanded means.
Her eyes lingered on Tao's form as they led the pack through the rough terrain. Even her alpha preferred to fight dirty, although she held much more respect for them than anyone else that shared their tactics. After all, Tao rarely sought conflict. On the contrary, it seemed to follow them like flies followed bloody jaws, as evident by what had happened earlier. Her own pelt stung almost as much as her wounded pride, bloody teeth marks in her wings and the burning reminders of claws on her stomach. None of them were particularly deep, but rich dark blood joined the alpha's on the ground below them in a sparse sprinkle of dots. Still, she refused to drag her injured wing. Her head was held to its full height, and all her extra limbs were tucked neatly by her sides. Their attacks could take her feathers and her health, but no one would succeed in taking her dignity, she would not give them the satisfaction.
Their journey seemed to be coming to a close though. Even she had to admit that it was better to accept assistance now than carry on like they were. This home would give them an opportunity to regroup, rest and recover. Interacting with strangers was a small price to pay for the pack to be whole and healthy again. Without their epsilons they were at a significant disadvantage, especially when it came to hunting larger animals. The three guards were a large part of many of their tactics, although it was one of said tactics that led them to being split up in the first place.
Forked tongue dragged over bloodied lips, and Asteria focused her gaze on the gates she could see peeking up from the horizon. Golden eyes narrowed slightly, spine coiling impossibly tighter and further perfecting her posture. After such a long journey, closing the gap in between the gate and where they stood seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. This was their new home. The ground was muddy and littered with debris, speaking of a disaster that they had narrowly missed, but still the gates stood strong. A testament to their strength, she supposed. She exhaled through her nose and took a poised seat beside the larger Tao, sending them a glance through the corner of her eye. Their sentence was acknowledged with a swift nod, but then she decided it was her turn to speak.
"How are you faring, dear?" She would ask somewhat lowly, returning her gaze ahead of her to make sure no one was eavesdropping. After what had happened in the past, she knew that Tao was probably taking this separation less than well.
Her eyes lingered on Tao's form as they led the pack through the rough terrain. Even her alpha preferred to fight dirty, although she held much more respect for them than anyone else that shared their tactics. After all, Tao rarely sought conflict. On the contrary, it seemed to follow them like flies followed bloody jaws, as evident by what had happened earlier. Her own pelt stung almost as much as her wounded pride, bloody teeth marks in her wings and the burning reminders of claws on her stomach. None of them were particularly deep, but rich dark blood joined the alpha's on the ground below them in a sparse sprinkle of dots. Still, she refused to drag her injured wing. Her head was held to its full height, and all her extra limbs were tucked neatly by her sides. Their attacks could take her feathers and her health, but no one would succeed in taking her dignity, she would not give them the satisfaction.
Their journey seemed to be coming to a close though. Even she had to admit that it was better to accept assistance now than carry on like they were. This home would give them an opportunity to regroup, rest and recover. Interacting with strangers was a small price to pay for the pack to be whole and healthy again. Without their epsilons they were at a significant disadvantage, especially when it came to hunting larger animals. The three guards were a large part of many of their tactics, although it was one of said tactics that led them to being split up in the first place.
Forked tongue dragged over bloodied lips, and Asteria focused her gaze on the gates she could see peeking up from the horizon. Golden eyes narrowed slightly, spine coiling impossibly tighter and further perfecting her posture. After such a long journey, closing the gap in between the gate and where they stood seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. This was their new home. The ground was muddy and littered with debris, speaking of a disaster that they had narrowly missed, but still the gates stood strong. A testament to their strength, she supposed. She exhaled through her nose and took a poised seat beside the larger Tao, sending them a glance through the corner of her eye. Their sentence was acknowledged with a swift nod, but then she decided it was her turn to speak.
"How are you faring, dear?" She would ask somewhat lowly, returning her gaze ahead of her to make sure no one was eavesdropping. After what had happened in the past, she knew that Tao was probably taking this separation less than well.
open hand or closed fist would be fine
the blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine .
"oh but she burns." — demonic lioness — sunhaven — noitapiiri pack —tags