Wretches & Kings [MB]

Number of posts : 1144 Registration date : 2009-01-25

Mud and leaves flew up as the boar crashed to the ground, thundering beneath the dogs that tailed him. Jack saw Penilla leap and tackle the pig, and Nikita dodge out of the way just in time, but grabbing a leg to keep him down and expose the fleshy stomach. The German Shepherd seized the moment, ducking beneath a slashing hoof and diving for the belly, jaws wide and clamping down on the toughened flesh. A wretched, angry squeal erupted from the boar and he struggled to stand, but his leg remained in Nikita's mouth, even as he thrashed his head, tusks flailing. Jack ripped the stomach open like a feral beast, yanking out the insides so that they spilled next to his paws, his chest soaked with blood. Soon enough, the boar released a final groan, giving in to death. The battle was over.

But what had happened was not. Seething with rage, Jack's dark eyes whipped over to where the dog that had caused this struggle was. He watched as Kane threw the boy aside with a brutal amount of force, as if he were a creature that were three times bigger than himself. The caramel-colored mix tumbled, blinking in confusion, ears flattened, and then his golden eyes met Jack's, and Jack's charged for him. He shoved the dog into the earth, a furious snarl curled on his black lips, his temper no longer withheld. "You foolish pup!" he roared, snapping his teeth in his face, saliva and blood splashing onto the flinching dog's cheek. "Who the fuck do you think you are, barging in on a hunt like that? Do you have any idea as to the damage you could have caused?"

"I'm sorry!" the boy whimpered, tail tucked, his legs pulled to chest; a complete coward. "I... I didn't mean to!"

"Shut up when I'm talking!" Jack snarled, to which the boxer-pit could only shrink even further beneath him. Then, Jack's wild temper lowered into the seething, brooding hessian he usually was, glaring at him with seedy eyes. "Listen to me. Listen to me really fucking good. If you ever endanger my dogs again, I'll tear your fucking head off, understand? There's only one reason I'm letting you walk around with it right now. And it's that I'd rather tear it off myself than some wolf. Got it?"

The dog said nothing and nodded his head. Jack snorted and abandoned him then, as if he were a piece of rotting meat. He wasn't even hungry anymore. He could feel the other dogs looking at him, and his temper surfaced again. "What are you looking at?" he barked, tail curled over his back. "Eat!" And with that, he turned away, heading for the southern dens. The heat and humidity wasn't helping him. Those dens would offer the cool shade beneath the redwoods and crisp, cold water from the bordering Tirisfal Mountains. He knew that the other dogs would follow, given the time. He needed to see who was still willing to follow him, that is. This whole out-in-the-wilds thing was becoming more difficult than he anticipated. In the City, he would have dogs joining his side in seconds. Out here, it was as if they didn't know what the hell they were doing with themselves. It was incredibly frustrating, and his patience was thin. What would it take to bring this pack together?

As the leader of the gang vanished to the South, the boxer-pit mix stood amongst the very dogs he had just endangered. His tail was tucked and his head was so low that it touched the forest floor. He was terrified that the German Shepherd would come back, and even more terrified of what he would do now. He had met dogs like them in the City before, but he had always run away. He was just a pup, back then, and in a way he still was. His paws were still a little too big for him and he often forgot how large he was becoming. "I'm sorry," he whimpered, amber eyes going to the muscular Rhodesian that had thrown him, specifically. "I... I didn't mean to cause any harm... I was chasing..." But his words fell short. There was no excuse for putting them in danger, even if he didn't know it. "I'm sorry. I really, really am. Please... Don't kill me... Forgive me..."

Number of posts : 1161 Registration date : 2009-01-12

Nikita felt relief flood through her as she watched Jack grasp what she was trying to get across. She had aid in securing the boar now, it wasn't trying to spin to gouge her with it's tusks. She heard Jack's roar come next for Penilla. Her own eyes scanned quickly to see if she could spy her pack mate, blood filling her mouth with a hot metallic tang.

The boars squeals were growing louder and louder...seconds ticked by...Hurry Penilla...she thought. Suddenly she felt a shift. The boar was stumbling and she danced out of the way as the pig fell with a hard thud in the slurry underneath.

"Hurry! Ze BELLY!" She yelled and she moved to grab a rear leg go help expose the great hog's underside and to keep it from getting up too quickly. If they could tear out the belly then all they would have to do is wait if it got away...eventually it would bleed to death. Better yet if they were able to rip out some of the entrails.

The boar thrashed violently knowing it's impending doom. This was being weak.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:24 pm

Kane had stayed back allowing the few dogs to go start the hunt, his eyes flicked to Penilla happy that she stepped forth to join. They needed to grow stronger and that was only possible with more dogs joining. He wondered how many would eventually follow the trail that they three had laid on there journey here. Surely some city dogs would yearn for something greater than garbage heaps. With his watchful gaze on Jack's back as he led the dogs into the woods he turned and surveyed the forest around him. There was a lot that had to be done in such a short time but Jack was a force of nature and with Blue at his side he knew that they would push through and bring about a successful endeavor.

He circled the area where they were and marked a few places before setting off in a light gait towards the hunting party, liberally marking the area on the way. He could still feel the wolfs presence from the previous pack and from that rose a jealous territorial rage that drove him to mark the trees like this. He wanted no reminded of the former occupants, this was their home now and no one would take it from them, of that he was sure.

As he trotted after the party he heard a series of squeals and aggravated snarls that immediately brought him to alertness, pausing and cocking his head to listen he hesitated no longer when the noises continued signaling something awry somewhere ahead. Breaking into a run he jumped and dodged foliage and rocks twining between the trees. He smelled the boar before he saw it and when he burst on the scene and assessed with a quick mind. There was an unknown dog that Penilla had just forced out of the way of an assault risking a deadly slash herself that she just avoided. This made a snarl of protectiveness rise up in his throat even as the unknown dog stood dumbfounded and dared to ask a casual question while a boar charged his pack!

Nikita and Jack were on the boar, a garble of words he couldn't understand running from the fems mouth. Penilla had seized the moment of her and Jack's attack to get the boar while it was on its back and Kane was beside the fool dog grabbing his by the scruff as if he was a pup and hefting his body callously further away from the fight with a mighty surge of power and bounding in on the boar batting at its face with his heavy mitt adding to its confusion waiting for someone to make the kill...

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Jul 01, 2013 12:00 pm

She moved aside just in time to prevent another piercing as Jack latched onto the ear Nikita wasn't on. Penilla hadn't noticed what happened until she was free to afford to let her eyes do a quick scan. Nikita had been saying something, but muffled, but apparently their leader understood, because he was getting her attention. Vaguely, the lost dog said something, but she couldn't afford to listen until they were out of danger.

Angling herself, she glanced at Nikita and the movements of the boar. They had to both be in the perfect position when she would ram the beast from Jack's side to topple it over and to not trap the hunter underneath. With a breath, she shoved the boar, adding force in the same direction Jack was. With the strength of breeds built for strength, their combined force was enough to upset the boar's balance. There were never guarantees with unpredictable things, but she did hope Nikita was in a position to get out of the way. Once she felt the boar start to fall over, she stayed clear of the flailing legs and immediately went for the underside. There was no time to waste, for eventually the boar would right itself back up.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Jun 24, 2013 8:46 pm

Everything happened all at once. The muscular German Shepherd latched onto the back of the boar as it swung its head, white tusks almost ripping into Penilla's side as she dragged the stupid dog out of the way. His talons clenched onto the thick skin, and as hard as he may have been able to bite, he couldn't get sink his teeth into the tough flesh any deeper. He snarled in rage and heard Nikita's voice, but it was so garbled in Russian that he couldn't make out a single word she said. He pressed his weight into the boar and then released himself, landing into the mud. "What?!" he barked, and then watched as the limber hound dove to the boar's ear, shouting more in Russian. He caught on quickly; they needed to flip him, and expose his tender stomach. Nikita had hold on one ear, and he needed to grab the other, and force the boar to lose his balance. He surged forward through the brush, skidding through the mud, moving fast enough to avoid getting stuck in it like that dog had. The boar was heading for Penilla and that particular dog now, but Jack's incisors snapped to the other ear, a hot spray of blood exploding into his mouth, igniting his senses, the pig's squeals being heard for miles. It tumbled over its own charging legs, blinded by the pain. Yet, it was not enough to keep it down, a ferocious tangle of hooves and tusks slashing the air. Jack spared a moment to whip his head around.

"Penilla!" he roared, seeing her next to that idiot dog. "Get over here!" And he had to return to his hold on the boar's ear, and then press all his weight into its side. At the same time, he had to keep caution of Nikita's position; if Penilla didn't time her attack just right, Nikita would be crushed. The tension was high and if they didn't do anything now, their chance would be missed, and they would not only lose the hunt, but create a wounded, angered boar. With every snarl and growl and snap that came forth from Jack, all he could think of was the dog that had caused all of this chaos.

The boxer-pit mix next found himself away from the boar, but not out of danger just yet. He looked up to see his rescuer; a young female, one that looked to be his own breed, and naivety took hold of him. "Whoa, what are you doing out here?" he asked, not having seen another dog for miles upon miles since he had left the City. She was lithe and strong and not much older than him, and he was compelled to ask her much more than what she was doing out here, when he noticed the commotion that was headed for them. He let out a startled yelp and dove for the bushes as the boar tumbled, two more dogs attached to it. What were all of these dogs doing out here, in the middle of the woods? He backed up away from the scene as it unfolded, flight racing through him more than fight, a whimper pressed in his throat.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:52 pm

Nikita nodded. She had hunted Boar before, though it was with heavy dogs and leather armor to protect her. She ran her tongue over her lips and nodded. "Da." she said softly and would follow. The heavy scent of boar lingered in her nostrils and she listened to her leaders signals.

Moving away she would stalk the wood quietly ears laid back and neck stretched out in a serpentine fashion. Suddenly a squeal hit the air and someone ruined their surprise!! Snarling she would launch herself to where Jack called. A white and buff streak she came quickly. The boar would be struggling against Jack and Penilla and Nikita herself would latch onto an ear. A boar was a nasty piece of work and all muscle. It was hard to hang on to and one of the only points in her experience was the ears. If they could flip him.

She pulled on him keeping her body dancing away from the flying tusks. If someone could just grab that other ear....maybe then they could control him more. Snarling she tugged harder and pulled. "Ze EAR..." She tried to yell from a mouthful of boar ear and russian accent. "WE NEED TO FLEEP HEEM" Which came out a garbled mess. Which probably no one understood.

Her size aided her but she couldn't do this alone. Jack's hinderance of the boar and Penilla keeping it's attention was probably the only thing that saved her side at the moment. It probably wouldn't last. Boar are smart.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Wed May 15, 2013 12:31 am

She followed Jack, taking note of how few of them were in attendance, making her wonder how many were in the pack. Penilla didn't doubt their ability to catch anything, she just wasn't used to hunting with anyone except for Stark. Because of this, she only listened just enough to Jack's caution to catch anything that may be new to her. At his silent gesture, she split from the group, dutifully silent and cautious as she stayed downwind, steps light and eyes scanning both the ground ahead of her and to see their prey. She was also looking for a suitable branch, although most were brittle from where they had landed since mid winter. New branches were emerging, the weather not harsh enough for existing limbs to drop. Stark, although weird, was actually able to put things to good use. Things she assumed was due to his pranking nature. A sharp branch was her cousin's favorite choice for aggressive, short legged beasts. Something about it acting as a tooth, but giving a distance advantage. Normally, she'd distract whatever it was while Stark went as close to the neck as he dared and they'd let it bleed and tire.

She was just about in a suitable position to charge when Jack gave some sort of signal when she heard the crashing of something charging through. Suddenly, another dog had angered the boar and somehow got himself stuck in the mud. She was stunned for a moment, wondering if this dog was part of the pack, and wondering if he was stupid. If it weren't for her cousin, perhaps she might have ended up that way. Then again, she'd still be in the city serving humans. She was just about to ponder if she should give up her position when Jack's voice contained an unspoken order.

Hoping she hadn't picked up any bad habits from her absent kin, she charged, aimed for the unknown dog. Getting out of mud the gripped onto you was possible, but very slow without help. It was probably safe to assume the dog wouldn't know how, and if she could just push him out of the mud with a large momentum, both of them could assist in the take down if the rest of the hunting party required aid. Perhaps she pushed into the mix with a bit more force than necessary, but she could always claim getting him to safety was more important than any bruising and scrapes.

Quickly, she got up, knowing the boar would follow their movements unless it decided Jack was more annoying. For now, though, she kept an eye on the boar, stepping away from the mix so he could get up and do... whatever, while she dodged the tusks, narrowing missing a hit at the boar's second swing of his head. She neither moved further away or closer to it, staying just within reach so the beast couldn't completely ignore her and just turn around. Those tusks looked really dangerous from this point, especially without something to allow her to keep a safer distance, but she was somewhat sure she was capable of keeping this up a few seconds if it meant the boar would stay distracted.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Tue May 14, 2013 11:45 am

Jack glanced over his shoulder to see who would come. Nikita, Penilla, and possibly Kane followed. It was a much smaller hunting party than the one prior, but it would be enough. If they were not many, they were few, and they were skilled. "I've noticed that there are more boar here than deer, comrade," he replied to Nikita, heading southward, towards the great Redwood Forest. The game was always plentiful much further south, where it was warmer during the winter months. He could still smell Blue and Jacob's trail, though he was more westernly of it than following it exactly. Their scent still carried southward on the wind. However, the smell of pig was also on the wind, sweet like the garbage dumps in the summer, but rotten at the same time. "Be on your guard. Boar are territorial. Stay away from the tusks."

His heavy steps fell quieter now through the woods, the stench growing stronger. He motioned for the small group to scatter, to surround the boar, to confuse and terrify it. One of them would find an opening. Ahead of him were several snorts; a wrinkled snout scrounging through the mud and leaves for food. Jack silently pushed closer, and discovered a young male pig, his tusks bigger than his face. He was maybe about a year old, his belly fat and his shoulders round, and would pose a decent challenge to them. A smirk bewitched the shepherd's lips. Good. The elk they had taken down before was too easy, in his opinion.

Not far from the hunting party, a robust, lanky dog trotted through the woods. His pink tongue lolled out of his mouth, citrine eyes gazing up at the birds twittering in the treetops, the flowers budding on the branches. The boxer-pit mix grinned at the soft, squishy earth beneath his paws, pointed ears twitching at the sound of something in the bushes. He broke his stride and gave chase to a fat spring squirrel, leaping over fallen trees and dodging the giant, mossy boulders of the landscape. He barked at the red, bushy tail, until it scampered up a tree he could not reach. He jumped against the trunk, claws scraping the bark. "C'mon down!" he hollered, glaring at the squirrel, but it only stared back at him in amusement. He grunted, flashed his teeth at it, and gave up. Things like squirrels could only hold his attention for so long.

He returned to his path between the trees, wondering when he should turn back. If he should turn back. He was starting to get really hungry, and made for a poor hunter in the wild. Back in the City, he could eat wherever, whenever he wanted - it was full of food, especially people food. He salivated at the idea of crunchy pasta noodles and marinara, fermented Chinese cuisine and stale rice, and stinky, moldy bread that restaurants liked to throw out. The nastiest of food was always the best, in his opinion. He couldn't understand why humans threw such delicious things away. Just as he was thinking about burying his muzzle into rotting lobster, a familiar, too-sweet scent struck his nares. He paused. Garbage? All the way out here? He hadn't seen a city, or another town, for miles. His stomach won his curiosity over, and he bounded excitedly towards the stink. He grew stronger and stronger until he burst through the leaves and ended up right on top of it, an adolescent pig squealing and shrilling angrily. He yelped in surprise and tried to turn around, but floundered in the mud, his paws sinking into it like quicksand. He was stuck!

Anger flared up in Jack, this stupid dog from nowhere destroying their carefully-laid trap. "Penilla!" he barked, her position closest to the boxer-pit, and he charged at the boar. It was focused on the dog that had landed on it, right now, exposing his back to Jack's teeth and claws. There was no possible way he would be able to take it down himself, though, for hog hide was three times as thick as leather, durable and nearly impenetrable. It was like sinking his teeth into sold brick. Latching on posed the danger of ripping his own teeth out, but Jack clenched down hard, his rage fueling his strength. He couldn't wait to sink his teeth into this boy that potentially ruined their hunt.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Fri May 10, 2013 3:48 pm

Nikita looked at Jack and nodded in return. "Da...Good." she said in her heavy accent and then would follow Jack. It was better hunting in a pack. Alone it was hard and one ran a greater risk of getting hurt. It could be done but why when there are other's to help with the burden. She flicked her feathered tail and walked alongside but giving Jack the lead. He was after all their leader and would allow him that respect.

Soon another joined them. A fem. She perked her small ears slightly and nodded a greeting as she joined them.

"Zo what shall we hunt then Jaq?" she asked glancing at him. "Deer or sumthing beeger?"

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:51 am

Penilla reluctantly walked away from the stream, but reminded herself it'd be here and so would she... hopefully. Following where the scents were strongest, she traveled in what she assumed was where the rest of the pack was. She'd arrived just in time for her ears to catch Jack's last statement, causing the rest of his body to perk up at the idea of food.

For now, she took a bit of time to survey the group, and what a sight a pack of dogs seemed now. There was more variety in size and shape than the wolves had been. Each had their own strengths, though, and she didn't mind. Why her cousin didn't like his own kind, she'd probably never know. Seeing Kane, she gave a shy smile in his direction before stepping towards Jack, showing her intent of joining the hunt. It'd be a good opportunity to get a feel of the others and how she could interact with them in other situations. Stark had always reminded her she had to be bold and communicate so she wasn't seen as a recluse. The city was different than the wild.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:48 pm

He trusted the Rhodesian's words. They would get their chance, and Jack would show them the ferocity that they would all need to fight these neighboring wolves. He would clear the land of them, like the humans had cleared the forests for their concrete streets and steel skies. He returned back to his gang, Nikita appearing and voicing her hunger. He nodded in confirmation. "Yes. A hunt. There is a little meat left, but not enough to feed us all. The game is returning. Let us hunt," he said, dark eyes searching for the others. "Those that wish to hunt and feed, follow. The rest, do as you will." He didn't care how many or who came with. The fact was, he hungered as well; the rabbit he had slaughtered felt too long ago. Even if it was just Nikita at his side, the least they could do was take down a doe and her fawn. The dogs still had a lot of teamwork that needed to be done; they would eventually have to learn to heed his commands, or he would abandon them. He wouldn't put up with weaklings, no he would not.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Feb 21, 2013 6:10 pm

Kane walked with Jack companionably lending him his ear as he always did. He chuckled at the comments about Jacob, his eye flicking off to where the pair had left. He too trusted Blue to keep things under control and he knew that she would do whatever it took. Despite being a female Kane knew just how cold she could, able to make the hard decisions without hesitation. Living in the City made you that way. There was no way around it. He let Jack talk on as was his way, it would always be this way. He didn't need to speak unnecessarily and that was the way he liked it. An amused smile played across his mouth at his most recent scheme. While he did agree that the dogs needed to brush up on their teamwork he was unsure if catching a wolf to play with would be as easy as it sounded. And despite his own hardness he did have some morals...like if it were to happen it would most certainly not be a female. His mother had raised him...briefly..

"I'll see what I can do." Was his response and he knew the conversation was over. He nodded his dial not before pausing to note Nikkita striding towards Jack doubtless to speak to him on some urgent matter or other. He wondered how Penilla was faring and if she had managed to find a stream. They still had some meat left over on a carcass from a kill not too long ago. He had promised her a bite to eat though he knew that they would have to resupply soon.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:08 pm

Nikita watched from her position just on the edge of a treeline. Her silken coat a bit marred from her tussel with Jack before but no worse for the wear. She watched the comings and goings of newcomers and "packmates". She sensed a bit of frustration coming from their alpha...she wondered what it had to pertain to. If she had known maybe she could give some advice...though much of the time she was a lone hunter with her human she had hunted in packs when bringing down larger game...bear...muskox... She knew some of what it took to bring a hunting party together. But she did not know of his distress and she yawned casually licking her lips.

Her belly growled softly and she decided that if it was to be full she was to fill it. Nikita had come to push herself past the training of her handler on not to eat her kill. That had been the hardest for her to overcome after the crash. She felt some pride in the fact that she had overcome it...though sometimes it was a struggle.

Standing she shook her pelt to straighten her feathery pelt and she would stroll closer to let her 'alpha' know what her intentions were. They didn't take lightly on chaos around here. Jack was trying to pull them together as best he could.

"Jack.." Came her words in heavily accented Russian which made Jack sound more like Jock. "I hunger in my belly. I weesh to hunt Da?"

OOC: hope thats okay...trying to catch up

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Jan 31, 2013 4:21 pm

She didn't shy away when this alpha looked at her, and she couldn't imagine flinching ever since encountering that white demon in Muerta. Did they know anything about the packs in the area? The speech was short and to the point. He was probably busy. Kane pointed her in the right direction, and she gave a small smile to return his reassuring one. A dog pack couldn't be that much different than a wolf pack... hopefully. She started to walk in the direction Kane pointed out as the stream. Cleaning off would make her feel better.

She started to wish Stark was with her to help her feel more safer, but then again, he'd never step foot in a place like this, and even if he did, he'd stir up trouble, having a dominant streak when he knew he had more knowledge. Perhaps dog pack life would be much better than that of wolves. From first impressions, it certainly seemed that way.

She reached the stream and looked around. There were nearby scents, but this area was currently quiet other than the sound of moving water. Grinning, she jumped into the water, sand floating to the surface as the debris was displaced. Her chocolate fur started to regain part of its shine as she swam, enjoying te water while she could.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Jan 31, 2013 4:05 pm

Blue listened to Jacob's plan. So, that is what they were going to do. Pretend to be wounded lovers to gain access to the pack. It was a good start, he would have to think of more than that to get the ball rolling, but there was something about him that told Blue she wouldn't have to be concerned with that. Jack was the one that fretted over him, not her. She paused before responding to him, her tail tapping at her toes, thinking, thinking. He called her a liability. She wondered what his plan was without her. Regardless, she was with him now, despite how much Jack would need her to run the pack. Yet, he trusted her. He did not trust Jacob. That much was clear, and was why she was here now. "So. You want us to be wounded lovers," she said, blue eyes glinting with mischief, a smirk now on her lips. She wondered where he had come up with such a plan. They could have been siblings, cousins, or best friends, and he chose lovers. Not that she was interested in that, oh no. It was just something for entertainment, right now. She cocked a brow at him. "I can play the part if you can... Come. Let's leave. The sooner we do, the better."

There was more she had to say to him, but she wouldn't do so in these lands. She, too, knew that there was more to wolves than the stories she had been told, the things she had seen. She wouldn't let such slips things slip with Jack around, whether he was in the vicinity or not. She left the innards of the log jam and headed for the southeastern border, passing Jack and Kane along the way. She nodded at her two companions, her adoptive brothers, and looked over her shoulder, expecting Jacob to follow. It wouldn't be long until they were passing through the great Redwood Forest, the giant trees sheltering them from the sleet, like towering, silent sentinels.

Jack snorted at Kane's comment. "You could say that. The runt needs a good knock in the kisser," he grunted, seeing Blue and the other dog pass. He didn't know what Jacob was planning, but he trusted Blue to keep the pack safe, if things came down to it. A twisted smile met Jack's yellow teeth. "You're more than welcome to beat him up if I don't do it first." They didn't walk for a long while, but Jack enjoyed the Rhodesian's company. They were brothers at heart, and had come together as a family would. It was all he had for a family, really... ever since... Dark thoughts churned in his head and he stood at a small overlook, gazing down at the dogs below. "What am I supposed to do with them, Kane? I've tested their strength. They're weak. They know how to fight each other, but they don't know how to fight as a pack," he paused, a thought slowly coming to him. Oh... Oh, this was a thought. Funny, how whenever he spoke to Kane, the bru wouldn't have to say anything at all to inspire him. "I know I told you to fend off all wolves that come near the territory. Well. The next one you come across - just one, a loner - capture him, or chase him in. These dogs need to know what they'll be up against when the time comes."

He started back for the dogs, now. They had a plot going, though it would take time. For now, he would depart with Kane, and rest up with the others and stay warm. He looked over his shoulder down the path that Blue had gone, and wondered how long she would be. He knew fully well that she could put up a fight, far better than any other dog here, but he was still concerned for her. He loved her. He loved her not like a brother, not like a father, not like a lover, but he loved her, even if it never showed. He knew that she knew, and that was all that mattered. There were things that had happened to the pair of them in the City that no one else would ever know, and he planned to keep it that way.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:00 am

Kane's eyes trailed along his alpha's form, eyes flicking to the bloodied hare and back to his muzzle. Kane was not as...bloodthirsty or as violence ridden as his boss but it did not mean the capability wasn't there. There was a certain thrill of violence but fortunately his was usually easily sated. He finally addressed Penilla although brief and he wasn't sure why but Kane offered her a reassuring smile after Jack's blunt words. He was ordered to walk and he nodded barely noticing the command in his voice. It was just how Jack was and Kane knew he was riled up from the meeting. Flicking his tail he looked to Penilla once more and indicated in the southerly direction. "Walk a half mile in that direction and you should find the stream to bathe, once I return we'll get some meat in you." He made a pointed glance at her less than filled out form. Any dogs who lived here would eat well, he spent too many starving nights on the streets to allow it to happen in their own territory.

With that he moved after his alpha trailing right next to his flank. Glancing off in the direction that the young wolf and Blue went he smirked. "Someone mouthing off already eh?" Kane was did tend to me a more somber personality, most viewed him as a thug but under all that he had a sharp mind else wise he wouldn't be here today.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:39 am

Jacob didn't want to wait any longer, but he had to make sure that there was no one able to hear them. "First things first, if we are to do this, do not talk about it with anyone. We can't. If we're compromised then... You're all going to die. Here's the deal, I didn't plan this for you to go. Honestly. You're more of a liability I didn't want, no offense, but, Blue really. If anything happens, you don't go all high and mighty save your own ass. I think the 'leader' will be lost without you." He sighed and looked around. "You're going to have to hurt me. Bad. Enough that'll earn sympathy, if not, then go back here, that is if I can't make it. And pick a pack, A light hearted one actually, they will more then most of the time accept someone hurt, specially a frantic lover in need of her mate getting aid." He smirked and drew his head back. "Play the part and we'll be in. No one can turn down lovers in need. Specially when your mate is all sorts of in pain" He smirked and winked but then went straight faced again. "So, what do you think about that? I think it'll work, that is, if you can play along well with wolves. They're not that bad, but don't tell Jack I said that. He wouldn't let me live that down, or more, let me live. Some of them actually have hearts... some..." His mind drifted a little to the some wolves that didn't have a heart and he wanted to go back in time and rip out the dragga's throat all over again, he shook his head and came back to the present.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:46 pm

Jack looked up from his kill, his dark muzzle bloody and his black eyes still seething with his rage from before, but now subdued. He would take place no harm on his fellow companion, nor on the young woman he brought with him. Though his temper was wild, he knew when to reign it in, and where to take it out when necessary... Hence, the mess of a hare at his feet, the flesh torn from the bone and the innards spilled upon the frosty ground. He did not immediately reply to Kane's statement, instead studying the pit mix beside him. She had a roughness around her edges that suggested she, too, had come from the City, but also a softness... Probably her youth, Jack figured. When Kane spoke of her arriving with two wolves and another dog prior, he shook his head.

"'Lo, Kane. Penilla," he said, his vocals smoother with his hunger sated, his kill nothing but bones and blood now. He turned to the female. "Any dog is home here. No wolf will come to harm you. Find your own rank and your own skills amongst the others, and you will fit in." It wasn't much he had to say to her. She was a dog, she could figure it out, he wasn't going to lead her along like a pup. His gaze turned back to Kane. "You missed the meeting. Don't worry about it. I was hoping that these dogs would be as strong as we were, but they're nothing more than scoundrels with teeth and claws. Walk with me." His final statement was an order, not a request. He paid no more attention to Penilla and went over to a bended weeping willow tree, the branches brown and wilted, more like brambles than anything else. He sniffed around and then left his mark, reasserting his claim of the lands. He would have to do this more frequently, especially with the ice freezing his scents over.

Jacob headed for the interworkings of the log jam, near the base of the waterfall, while the others began to disperse. Seeing that there was no objections to her statement, Blue took her leave and followed him in. The logs piled around and above her head like a beaver dam, but the flowing river still rushed in a pool beside her. The water was cold, but not yet frozen, the lands more sleet and frost than ice and snow. Azure eyes landed immediately on the Shepherd. "So, what do you plan on doing?" she asked, calmly and curiously. She was direct, but reserved and imploring. Unlike Jack, she wanted to know what was going through Jacob's mind, how he had come up with such an idea to begin with. It was brilliant, of course, but it could not be done without careful consideration. She sat down near the back of the inside jam, an eyebrow cocked, waiting for a response, patient.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:47 pm

Kane's pace slowed once she followed so he was only marginally in front of her easily guiding her back to the pack. He could hear someone talking and then Jack's voice clearer as they got closer and also tense. His ear flicked wondering what got the alpha all up in a tiff. Stepping onto the scene it seemed that he missed it though he could see who the offender was and Blue seemed to be engaging him right now. It seemed as if the meeting was brief and he figured he did not miss much. He also figured Jack was more interested in gathering everyone to size them up rather than actually go over anything of large importance. He spied the bru savaging a rabbit obviously angered. His brow raised up but he didn't say anything otherwise. Looking back at the femme who he know knew as Penilla he motioned forward with a small smile that was gone by the time he looked forward again.

"Lo Jack, I bring from the borders a new member for us. Her name is Penilla, she was apart of the group that originally tried to return here..two wolves and another dog. She says it's just her now though." He hadn't yet considered the possibility that this fae might be a double agent but from his experience from meeting her the first time and now it didn't really ring true in his gut. He learned to trust his instincts and they led him well thus far. He stepped to the side, his body relaxed but posed in a way of a high ranking in the pack but less dominant that Jack would no doubt be once he stood to attention again.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:57 pm

Jacob waited and waited and what seemed like he waited more but nothing like he expected came. He gave himself up for a mission, assuming a step down from his assertion of Jack only to be ordered to do what he had suggested.His mind was working though, who would their leader make him partner with, he was thinking about this when Blue was thrown into the mix and his face portrayed no emotion about it though on the inside he was reeling a little. Of course it was smart, two of the same dog breeds, which was a good idea, but Blue. He didn't know if that was a grand idea but he wouldn't argue... right now. When that was all done and over with and Jack killed off a rabbit Jacob was fit with a stare by Blue. Talking, just not infront of the group. He nodded and turned away heading more towards the log dam. Talking. Strategy. He rolled his eyes to himself. Great.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:20 pm

Challenge burned in the Shepherd's eyes. Jack's shoulders tensed, but he listened to what the bru had to say. That one had a smart mouth, but he was right. He bristled when Jacob stood up to address the rest of the pack, though - Who did he think he was? He was a scout, not a partner. Jack took a step forward, holding his head higher than Jacob's, his chest proud. He couldn't stand to be dominated by words alone. "Obviously, we're outnumbered,"he sneered. "Which is just another reason we can't put plans into action yet. However, everyone here has a purpose. A skill that we were bred for. The wolves are born of the wild, but we are born of necessity. We are trackers, hunters, killers, protectors, scouts. It's a matter of biding our time and honing these skills together that we become strong as a team." He paused, dark eyes gleaming. He knew what needed to be done for everyone present. While waiting patiently was not his best asset, he at least made his plans known to those listening. His gaze returned to Jacob.

"But since you're so insistent," he said with a curl of his lip, "then go to the wolves. Play the part. Blue will go with you. But. If you're the downfall of everyone here, I'll be sure to have your head." His statement ended with a low growl, eyes straying on the Shepherd's frame, and with a sweep of his tail, Jack indicated that the meeting was over. The blood was rushing in his ears and he felt the need to assault Jacob for his arrogance, but he restrained himself... for now. He wouldn't tolerate it if the bru stepped out of line. His stomach growled and he found himself hungering again; luckily enough, a snowshoe hare skittered from the brambles at his approach and he lunged for it, jaws crunching right around its ribcage and piercing its tiny, beating heart. The blood soaked his lower maw and he put his forepaws on either side of the body, consuming the meaty innards. He ate it with such a ferocity it was as if he had never eaten before, hairs bristling on the back of his neck and legs tense, ready to defend his meal. It was what came with being a city dog - you never knew when you were going to be fed or find food.

Blue watched the two heated males with a cool demeanor. She didn't care for their contended dominance. When Jacob spoke of being raised by humans, somewhere outside of the city, something within her echoed... A place of clear, cobalt skies, rolling green hills, the sweet scent of summer and corn and flowers on the wind, and a little boy's laughter... A place of so long ago. She shook her head to lock the memory away back where it belonged, unwilling to dwell on the past like that. She hated it when it crept up on her.

She could see Jack's temper rising as he spoke, and for a moment, she thought he was going to challenge Jacob, but instead gave him orders to what he wanted to do, and she was to go with him. Blue snorted. "Men," she muttered as Jack dismissed the meeting. Her own temper bubbled in her chest, but it subsided. She had learned to treat things the way they were long ago. While Jack burned off his remaining energy by killing the rabbit, Blue addressed the rest of the gang. When Jack was in this kind of mood, and with his leadership skills, she had to assume the position. "Take some time for yourselves and rest up. I suspect he'll be throwing another exercise at you sometime soon." Cerulean gaze landed on Jacob. It was a silent exchange, one saying that they needed to talk about what they were going to do exactly and where they were going to go, before heading out. They were needed a plan.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:01 pm

Penilla was snapped out of her thoughts as Kane had already turned to lead her to the others. Wait... she was being allowed in? Maybe there was hope after all... She followed after him, not having felt this light on her feet since Stark had helped her escape her masters. Stark... No, she couldn't think of him, not now... She briefly glanced down as she tried to banish thoughts of him out of her mind, seeing the long, thin scar from the corner of her eye. Stark had done that in Muerta. She didn't understand it. One moment he'd been supportive and patient, teaching her, but suddenly changed during his obsession with those cursed mountains. He was still Stark, but... he hadn't been very nice. Oddly enough, she couldn't call him a hypocrite. She knew he'd cared in his own weird way, but at no point had he bluntly said it to her face, and therefore no promise had been made. He did what he pleased when he did... Like those cowboys humans watch on television. She hadn't wanted to some to terms with it, but he seemed more and more like them every time she made the comparison.

She looked up as Kane mentioned a possibility of bath and food, and Pin... well, she wasn't sure what she was feeling. She wasn't used to being around anyone who seemed like such a... what did humans call it? Gentleman? She was used to the occasional praise from her former human masters, but no one really paid much attention to be more courteous than needed... other than... her cousin.

"I'm Penilla, Pin to my friends," she responded. What kind of dog was the alpha of these lands, she wondered. If there was one thing to be thankful to her cousin for, it'd be that she wasn't a pushover anymore, although what could she do, really? Muerta was a place that only took the useful, which she hadn't really proven there. If everywhere was the same, it'd be something she would have to think of... soon.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Jan 14, 2013 3:04 am

And there came the slice of bully power. Jacob scoffed and let his head shake a little. Rich coming from the dog loosing his dogs. Orbs danced a little and he thought about it a moment. "Then send out the weak and let the strong come back" he strood and walked around to the front of the gathering. "Volunteers or whatever it is you wanna ask for. You want a pup, it's a hard but easy task. We dogs don't accept wolves here, but there are packs here who will accept dogs, play the part. I'll go. I'll act my way into a pack, with what, two others? Bid time and steal a pup. You want to attack a pack, it's not possible. I scouted before coming here, there are numbers far bigger then our meager number, and we're not a family, they are. We get a sense of family from what, humans? I did. I will admit it. Humans, I didn't come from a city, I came from the earth lands and where the water runs cleaner then anything ever possible and the dirt is the color or a summer's sunset on the trees. We kill to eat and get fed to track the kill... we act domesticated till the right moment when we need to chase down what they need us to, without us, they can't do a damn thing... so Jack, without us, and baring down on us with our weak useless selves, that wont get you anything" His eyes turned to the other shepard and he glared. What choice did he have but to assume there was nothing available for Jack either...

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:02 pm

The motley crew of dogs gathered before him. Jack's dark eyes narrowed. Their numbers had shrank since he had last taken a head count... for what reason, he did not concern himself with it. Dogs came and went. It was not their names or their personalities that interested him, but their bodies, their muscle; as a leader, their numbers were more important than anything else. At this rate, they wouldn't stand a chance against invading any wolf pack. A growl bubbled in his throat in frustration. Why did any plan he make never follow through? He didn't voice the source of his irritation, though, as he chose to instead survey the dogs that were before him.

"Know now that you are all soldiers," he stated in his deep, corroded vocals. "You all have a rank that determines your place in this gang. You are to uphold that rank and respect the ones above you. This, you should already know. You know each other's strength. I know your strength. And from what I've seen, you're not as strong as you think you are." The wind shifted northwest, grey clouds covering the sun above them. They were finally sheltered from the heat, but there was a lingering coolness that told him that winter was around the corner. It seemed that autumn here was as brief as childhood. Jack's gaze remained on his subordinates. "Individually, you are smart and strong. Together, you are stupid and weak. I would like to take down a wolf pack, maybe steal a whelp, but none of that can happen just yet. Why? You aren't strong enough."

At this, he paused, eyes narrowed as he sat back on his haunches. He wondered what the other shepherd, Jacob, had to say about this; he had the look about him that suggested he was holding his tongue about something. At the same time, he noticed Kane approaching, and with a chocolate-colored mutt in tow. What had he picked up? Jack would find out later.

Blue sat in silence at Jack's side... The King could change his mind whenever he pleased, and she knew he was doing that now. Not long ago, he wanted to attack a wolf pack, and now he called everyone too weak to go through with it? She clenched her teeth. A leader needed to be decisive with his actions. If the gang did become strong enough, would they go after a pack? She couldn't tell, but she knew that having their leader call them weak would not do well for their morale...

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Thu Dec 20, 2012 4:47 pm

Kane evaluated the whole time she was speaking his eyes taking in details and measuring her words against the sound of truth. His nose alert letting the scents tell their tales. True enough it seemed she was out of countenance and sand clung to her warm colored pelt. He had a strange chivalrous streak in him but you would never know given his reputation. Head tilted he was nodding his head before she even had time to worry about and motioned for her to follow. "Follow me then, we're just gathering for a talk, I'll have what my alpha thinks of ya and maybe he'll permit me to escort you to the river for a bath and a get some food in you." He turned tail and began walking off into the forest expecting her to follow, though he did cast a glance back to make sure. Wolves may do things different as pack but dogs...dogs looked out for their own. "My name is Kane if I never said it, and yours would be Miss?" He would introduce her when they got back to Jack, for all she seemed like a shy one.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:39 am

The Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix looked up as the larger dog approached. The same one who'd appeared last time she was here. A scout, then? But he was much more friendly this time around now that she was alone. "Yes, I'm here to stay. My cousin and I didn't part on the best of terms when he learned I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with wolves." She gave Kane a somewhat shy smile. Having traveled through various wolf packs and Muerta has cut her off from most contact with other dogs.

Although the actions were familiar, they had started to feel foreign. She probably looked pretty bad from her time in the desert like lone lands, too and probably resembled the leaner forms of those who didn't have a land to claim. The sand was at least only somewhat noticeable on her milk chocolate fur. Since she'd parted from Stark, she had to fend for herself, which would have been much easier in a more forested region. There was almost nothing in the desert, and what little there may be were quick, so it wasn't easy for her to catch something alone. She wasn't sure how up to par she was compared to the rest. Stark had taught her well, but she hadn't time to learn too much about solo survival, both having assumed they'd remain together so most of the lessons could be delayed apart from basic survival. Although her cousin pushed her hard, almost over the edge sometimes, he still showed concern in his odd ways, and had been aware things happened and so taught her enough to temporarily get by until he came to find her. There was no finding her this time. Perhaps one day their paths may cross, but it wouldn't be because Stark was concerned. It was more likely to end up in a fight, or even in the midst of war.

She didn't want to think of it, and so forced her attention back to Kane, hoping she'd been good enough to join. She'd heard life on the streets was hard enough, so what about here?
Stark was the type who would have been capable of leading a group, so if
she had half of his skill, she should be fine... right? Where else would she go? There were nicer wolves in packs, but she would stand out too much, and she couldn't live like that.

Subject: Re: Wretches & Kings [MB] Mon Oct 29, 2012 2:36 am

A call went up into the air and while he knew Jack was trying to gather everyone for the meeting there still needed someone to tend to the border folks. Catching his alpha's eye he nodded his crania and set off at a brisk trot into the woods. His tawny coat disappearing in against the browns of the forest. It did not take long for his powerful legs to carry him to where the call was. Standing there he saw a face that he had seen before. It was one of the dogs that was with the wolves that had come searching before. He paused and tilted his head genuinely curious. "Are you here to forsake your allegiance with the wolves and join your brothers and sisters or it is another reason you seek? As I said before all dogs are welcome here, I would not drive you out this time so you should have no fear of me." He had to play the scoundrel last time, putting on his best face of intimidation in front of the wolves. He wondered if she would be joining them, she was a cute young fem, slightly on the thin side but a few weeks amongst a true family would solve that. In this world is was almost certainly survival of the fittest but that's why packs took care of their own. Everyone was only as strong as their weakest member. He stood ears cocked forward eagerly awaiting her answer