Under every rock there's life -closed-

[Kailolu]

The vast and many hills of over grown sagebrush stretched as far as the eye could see. The shrubs were dry and poor looking, each one thirsting for a drop of rain. Dead branches reached up toward the sky, as if begging for clouds to come to quench their ever growing desire. The sun gave them no consent as it sat high in the sky, as if proud that it had killed most of the vegetation in the land. It let its light shine brightly, making the ground and everything touching it hot. The head was so intense that small animals would race across the sand and rocks to avoid from burning their paws. A rabbit scurried from the shade of a rock into a thicket, seeking comfort in the dark, cool covering. Even the lizards felt the rocks were too hot to bask on them, and so they would lay in the little light spots provided from the breaks in the shrubs. And even then, sometimes the heat was too intense. Today was truly a hot day.

Okron had been on the lookout for a charge for the past few weeks. The desert was the last place he had wanted to go, but he was left with no choice. For reasons unknown, traveling through the forests and plains had brought him no luck, and the only beings he had found were taunting weasels, and conniving foxes. Neither of which could he connect to for it wouldn’t take long for him to drain their life completely. The demon had to find one of his own species, or that of a coyote or jackal. Those two were just a few examples, for he could bond with a deer, cougar, elk, just something big enough to support two life forces. The black wolf maneuvered around a sage bush and perked his ears, listening for the sound of someone else in the immense lands.

He would have to find a charge within the next week or he would start to lose hope. A charge, in his case, was someone to protect. In the end, if he knew it would be this difficult to find one, he wouldn’t have picked to be a guardian. He thought it would be easier, but no, either his companions would get cocky with a demon protecting them and end up finding a way to kill themselves, or they wouldn’t believe him. The first one was the most popular so far, and he hoped this time it wouldn’t end that way. In truth, he liked each of his charges because they were all diverse and amused him in a different way each time. Protecting was something he was good at and something he enjoyed, though he wished his charges would be more wise with how they acted. Okron sighed heavily as he clambered over a rock, manifesting mist to rise above him to shade him a bit. Though when he tried to make the smoke solid to shield him, it formed into two large black wings, growing bones and sprouting feathers. The wolf growled in protest but held the wings up to provide shade for himself. He wished that they would just remain as smoke, but no, it didn’t work that way.

The demon sighed once again and rounded a rather large rock, trotting under a dead tree. He didn’t bother to stop, for he had to find someone. He didn’t want to die, that was for sure. The demon flapped his wings a few times to cool himself off before he moved up onto a hill. Maybe if he got up there he could see well. Dodging a bush, he topped the small hill and looked around. There, a spec in the distance! Was that a wolf out there? Or was it a rock perhaps? Okron sat down and barked. He then perked his ears and waitied. If there was a response, he would go. If there wasn’t, he would continue on his adventure.

Occ;
Word count; 666
Muse; 80.9%
Tags; Chloe!

[chloe]

``andromeda;;

 

Why had she come here? Here, to the land where as far as her eyes could see there was nothing but death. Sagebrush sprawled across the sandy terra, clinging to life, waiting for water or certain death. Brittle branches flailed about in a slow breeze, worrying they might snap if the wind dared to blow harder. The breeze was warm, uncomfortable. It carried the smell of the desert with it, one she always connected with death. The awful smell tinged her nostrils and she cringed. Why had she come here? Here of all places, the place where nothing but rocks flourished. No creatures dared leave the shade today. It was blistering out here, the heat felt like a thick blanket that had draped its heavy fabric over her. It made her lungs have to fight harder to pull in the miserable air. It felt like she was suffocating, but she managed to keep moving. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she panted to try and stay cool. She would kill for water right now. Still she had no idea why she had come out here. This place was hell, or at least the closest thing you'd find here on earth.
 
She hadn't seen any wolves lately and was starting to get bored traveling alone. Though, she did cherish these quiet moments alone, but sometimes she just wanted someone else around her. Her paws daintily padded through the dry sagebrush. The desperate foliage pulled at her fur, trying to trap her here to suffer like they had to. A small rock poked her paw pad and she whined. The paw lifted from the ground and she managed to get the tiny rock out and licked her pad a few times. This was the first time she noticed how sensitive and dry they were getting. This would likely be one of her last trips through here, she was irritated and hot and this place wasn't close to worth it. She grumbled to herself and kept dancing her way over the brush.
 
Her tail was starting to droop as she moved under the blazing sun. The once shiny purple fur that covered her was now a dull, dirty plum. The sand and dust sank down in her fur, clinging to her skin and weighing her down. She would have to get in some water soon and even though water wasn't her favorite thing, but she'd love it right now. She was getting really tired, her bodt needed water. How long had she been out here anyway? I have no idea. Too long, it would seem. This was worrying her. She knew it had been a while since her last drink and she needed something to cool her down or she would cook. A caw rang out over her head and she glanced up, squinting into the blazing sun. Buzzards were circling over head. Hopefully they weren't waiting for her to drop dead. Andromeda growled and barked up at them, showing them she was indeed full of life and they could go find food elsewhere. She startled them and the circle slowly evaporated. Satisfied with herself, she kept going, something caught her eye. A dark shape way ahead of her. She tilted her head at it. Her tail wagged slowly, another wolf? She hoped so. Andromeda picked up the pace a little bit. A bark hit her ears from the direction of the figure and she gave an enthusiastic bark back.
 
Her long, cat-like strides carried her gracefully over the brush. She was getting closer now and she could make out that this definitely was a wolf. She wagged her tail happily as she moved closer, she kept her stance friendly. She loved meeting new people, though she could be shy at first. She finally approached the large wolf and tilted her head at his wings. She had never seen those on a wolf before. Her tail wagged slowly. She spoke softly, happily."Hello."

[/color] She gave him a smile and fidgetted nervously in front of him. Her eyes moved over his wings, they were providing him with shade. What she wouldn't give for shade. She licked her lips and panted quietly, her tail still wagging.[/blockquote][/justify][/size]

[Kailolu]

The relief that washed through him was more comforting then a gulp of water would. Okron loped in the direction of the other wolf, flapping his wings to leap over bushes instead of running around. The dirt was hot and thorns threatened to stab the demon's paws, but he detected each little threat and moved to avoid injury. He met up with the wolf at a midway point, giving a shake of his head when some foreign dust tried to stick to his eyes. A familiar smell struck his nose and he inhaled deeply, recognizing the scent of a particularly annoying scavenger. A coyote had taken after the wolf, following with curiosity. The demon however did not address this, it would have to wait until a few words were spoken.

The wolf's ears perked forward at the voice of the stranger. So, you're amistress? He thought slyly, thinking up some rather inappropriate things to say. For being 267, he had some frequent immature bursts. Despite this fact, Okron bowed to the Fae as a horse would, tucking one paw under his chest and lowering his head. After all, if he wanted her to like him and let him protect her he would have to make a good first impression. Right? Right, good. Greetings, m'lady. Before I fall into any formalities, is there somebody following you?" He asked with a sly smile and a devious look in his eye. He glanced behind her and made eye contact with the unknown song dog. It look one look at him and dared to step forward, though its body language read submission.

Aiming to impress, Okron moved smoothly around the she-wolf and stood, raising his wings and slamming them down hard with a loud, aggressive bark, baring his teeth as he did so. His vocals added with the forceful sound of his wings smashing against the ground and his body was loud enough to make the coyote jump terribly and run. Proud with himself, Okron righted himself and stretched a wing out, offering shade to the unknown and hopefully soon to be known wolf. He made sure she was coated in the dark comfort, guarded by the sun before he spoke. "My name is Okron. Guardian, demon, witch, incredibly sexy protector, whatever you'd like to call me feel free." He let a bit of sarcasm string through his voice web, making sure that she knew that he was only teasing.

"And if your name is just as attractive as your outer appearance it would greatly please me to know it." He smiled again, and this time he dropped the devilish smirk and replaced it with a more, welcoming one. Now, how would he drop the question this time around? Hi, I'm Okron. I'm a demon that can't survive without protecting someone. Need a guard dog? No. That was stupid. He had to find a way to slide the question in smoothly, to act cool about it. He felt the deep need to impress her so she would make the bond with him, then he wouldn't have to worry about living for another fifteen years, or less. If she was stupid, which might be possible. After all, she ran right up to him. Even wagging her tail. But, he was not going to mistake kindness for stupidity.

occ;
word count; 564
Muse; 90.8%
Tags; Chloe!

[chloe]

``andromeda;;

 

She smirked as he shook the dust from his fur. Something smelled different about him, but Andromeda had no idea what it was. Her head tilted as he spoke of a follower. The fae twisted her head to see a coyote standing there. She watched it cower from the wolf in front of her. It annoyed her to be followed, and it sort of paranoid her a bit. Was someone after her? Her overactive imagination ran wild for a few seconds, dreaming up plots by some evil mastermind trying to kidnap her. Her pupils narrowed to slits at the coyote, she was about to move when the large winged wolf pushed around her. She watched him beat his wings against the ground and snarl at the coyote, the smaller dog cowered and darted away. Andromeda was not one to let males do things for her. After all, she'd made it this far alone, she could do things for herself, even if she hadn't noticed the follower. Why hadn't she? A bit annoyed with herself, she looked to the male, she was getting ready to protest his actions, and let him know she was perfectly capable of caring for herself when suddenly a dark wing stretched out over her head. Suddenly, the anger and protest melted away as she basked in the shade, enjoying it fully. Her ears quirked over toward the male as he spoke. Demon? Maybe that's why he smells funny. Andromeda licked her dusty muzzle and instantly regretted it. Her face cringed as the dirt worked its way through her mouth. She pulled her tongue along her teeth trying to get the dust off. She finally got most of it off and looked at the male called Okron. "Okron the demon, guardian." She smirked at him. "I like it. And you can call me Andromeda, Ann, or whatever comes to your mind. I don't really care, I'll answer to anything." She gave him a playfuly smile and inched closer to him, trying to get further into the shade.
 
She wanted to know more about him. Mainly what he meant when he said he was a demon. She glanced down and moved most of the brush and thorns out of the way with her paw, trying to clear off a place for her to sit so she wouldn't be prickled with thorns. Once she was satisfied she carefully sat herself down and curled her tail around her feet. Her position was like a sitting cat. Her front paws were pulled very close to her and her tail curled around over her feet. She sat up straight and slowly glanced around. Nothing was moving for miles, she didn't blame the desert creatures, most trying to find enough shade to hide them from the sun. She'd been doing the same thing until Okron showed up with his nice big wings. She looked up at the underside of his wings. Studying them closely, taking in the sight of them. She was a bit jealous of them, but then again, wouldn't it be hard to run with those big things? She looked over at him, he was in thought about something, Andromeda shifted her paws and smiled. "So, Okron, what do you mean when you say demon?"

[/b]
 
Sure the question might have been a bit forward, but Andromeda was never one to beat around the bush, or think before she spoke. She asked what she wanted to know, and she would keep asking till she got an answer that satisfied her. She was genuinely curious about Okron, mainly because she wasn't sure she wanted to get tangled up with some sort of hell hound. He looked normal enough to her, other than his wings. If worse came to worse, she would use her powers to get away from the demon, and not think twice about him. Andromeda often put too much faith in her powers. Especially since she had just gotten control over them. She had been trained hard her whole life and was just now getting a full reign on them. She was proud of them, but her pride got the best of her sometimes, and every now and then her power got out from under her and caused serious damage. She wouldn't let it happen if he turned on her, and he would regret it.
 
Her eyes shifted down to her once white paws, stained a light brown color. She hated being dirty, but there was no way she was getting all that dust in her mouth again. She sighed and shook her fur, sending a dust cloud flying from her. There was still so much in her thick fur, nothing short of submerging in water and rolling would get it all out. She wasn't incredibly fond of water, but she would do it, only to clean her tarnished fur. She glanced back at Okron, waitning for him to speak. A light, curious smile painted on her face.[/blockquote][/justify][/size]

[Kailolu]

The fae was straightforward. He liked it. Okron gave her a smooth smile and easily slipped closer, making sure she was completely shaded before opening his black maw to speak. "I am made of fire." He nodded his head to the left, trying to gain eye contact to show her. His eyes were red, yet since he was in the sun, the orange and yellow flecks were obvious. That was just one of the marks that showed the fire inside of him. He rubbed his tongue on the backside of his teeth, "I've lived to see things no real wolf has every seen. After all, once you live to be 267, you learn a few things. Like how to avoid certain situations, track the best prey, find the perfect way to give protection." Okron flexed his muscles under his fur, "Would anyone other then a demon be able to die and come back?" His voice dropped to a somewhat menacing sound, almost threatening. Though he only meant to impress her, though now he thought he may have scared her.

The wolf jumped right back into a pleasant voice, "You see the wings above you? They aren't real. They're almost like a manifestation--watch this." Okron forced the wings to start to shudder and then evaporate into smoke. The gas swirled around in the air and disappeared. And, then, it was just two normal looking wolves. "Though what kind of gentlemen would I be to allow such a mistress to bake in the afternoon sun?" In a smooth, graceful way, he summoned back the smoke which solidified into black feathered wings that he once again let hang over the fae. The brute cleared his throat, "Andromeda, m'lady, I must ask you something that may seem foolish or extreme, but I do hope you'll listen." He settled his other wing onto his side instead of holding it up for himself. Okron took a deep breath and looked into the females eyes, seeing determination and a somewhat demanding personality. It intrigued him. "I feel as though you like to do things on your own, but I must question if you are in need of...a servant if you will. Tidy up the den, watch the pups, bring you food, things along those lines." Okron kept his voice happy and joyful, though inside he was crumpling a little bit inside with every word. "I, being not of flesh and blood, need to be bonded with a true living creature. I know we have just met, but I feel drawn to you." He shook his head quickly, "I'd like to ask you not to think me obsessed, as it may sound that way, though I can assure you I am of sound mind."

occ;

Word count; 484
Muse; 30.7%
Tags; Chloe!

[chloe]

``andromeda;;

 

She noticed him smiling out of the corner of her eye and she turned her head to face him, her eyes moving over his face. Her own lips curled into a smile and she felt him move closer, his side was pressed lightly against hers.The fae noticed, but did nothing. It had been a while since she had been this close to another wolf like this. She liked it. It was refreshing to her to have someone else around. Someone who wasn't trying to hurt her. Her mind drifted back to the coyote briefly. Her mind raced again, paranoia setting in. Had somone sent it to follow her? Why though? No one wanted to hurt her did they? She shook the thought from her head, turning her attention back to the male. She tilted her head as he spoke. "Made of fire?! That's really interesting."

[/b] She calmed her voice down, trying not to seem too interested. How could she not be though? She instantly had a million questions for the male. She bit her tongue though and held them back. Her own electric green eyes moved over his red ones. She noticed the flecks of orange and then yellow. She stared into his eyes for what seemed like forever. Finally, the fae shook her head and smiled at the male. He was interesting enought to hold her sporadic attention. She listened to him as he spoke, her ears quirked as he told her how old he really was. "267!?!" Her pupils went wide. She blinked slowly, in extreme amazement of this demon. She barely noticed his muscles rippling under his dark fur, then mixed with the words he said, she grew a bit uncomfortable. Was he going to attack her?  Andromeda shifted her weight away from him a bit, nervous that he might jump at her. He'd died, so what chance did she stand against him? She'd be killed instantly. She swallowed hard, preparing for the worst. Hoping for the best, she calmed herself down as his voice lightened up a bit.
 
She gazed up as he spoke of his wings, her head tilted as they sputtered and quivered. The wings evaporated into gas and then disappeared. The fae jumped a bit and looked around, but what was she looking for? She watched the wings disappear, there was no point in looking for them. She felt follish and stopped. Her body went still next to him. "That's really cool!"[/b] She calmed herself down again, she was acting like a giddy puppy and she was embarrassed. Once she calmed down she gave him a playful smirk and spoke. "Hmm, I suppose you wouldn't be much of a gentlemen at all, now would you?"[/b] She smiled, baking once more in the hot afternoon sun. The wing reformed over her head and she smiled happily, glad to be back in the shade. Her fur ruffled in a warm breeze as it blew by. Her eyes squinted a bit as the dust threatened to invade. Her ear tiwtiched as he spoke again. She turned to face him, giving him her full attention. Nodding in his direction for him to go ahead and speak. 
 
She listened to his story, his somewhat pleading story. She felt a bit uncomfortable with it, but at the same time she wasn't taking it as seriously as she should have been. She thought he was crazy, even though he assured her he wasn't. She swalllowed and ran her tongue over her teeth, listening as he finished up. She nodded slowly. "Uh, so what happens if you can't bond to anyone? Will you, um, die?"[/b] The last part was a bit hard for her to spit out. The thought of death made her really uncomfortable, she hated it. She really didn't want to be the reason that anyone died, but she really didn't want this brute to tag along everywhere she went, did she? He mentioned pups and she felt a wave of panic moved over her. The thought of them scared her, she didn't want them, not now anyways. She wouldn't be a good mother, and if something bad happened to them, she couldn't live with herself. He said he was drawn to her? But why? Andromeda felt suddenly overwhelmed. She licked her teeth again and fidgetted nervously. She looked down and kept her ears on him, waiting for him to speak.
 

[/justify][/size]

[Kailolu]

Okron was entertained by the faes enthusiasm and it somewhat drew him to her even more. In a way, he felt as though he would both annoy her and amuse her enough to the point were she would tolerate him. Though Okron knew there were many ways into forcing her to make a blood pact with him, he didn't want to jump to that level yet. Perhaps he could talk her into it. He perked his ears at her question, noting her hesitation. He showed none when he answered, "I will die, yes. Do not fear to speak of it, m'lady, it no longer frightens me, nor should it frighten you." He smiled at her, reassuringly, and tilted his head. "Though it is rather painful. I remain a corpse for an extended amount of time, but during that period, others cannot affect my body, and neither can the earth. What better protector is there other then one that can rise from the grave to continue his assistance?" He bowed his head while keeping eye contact, giving her a wicked grin.

Okron suddenly blurted out a lie before he could stop himself. "What about this, mistress, you could hold some kind of trial. Bond with me, and if you do not enjoy my services, you may ask me to leave." Okron didn't dare come out with the truth, but he said it so smoothly she would have to believe him. It wasn't natural for him to lie, but at this point, he was getting desperate. He hid that need with humor and empty words in order to get what he needed. And this female was strong. She would easily be able to support his life along with hers with almost no side effects. She might end up hearing some of his private thoughts, but that was only if they grew close. He could talk to her telepathically once the bond is made, but he would not be able to hear her. This is unknown to him, but it honestly didn't bother him.

occ;

Word count; 341
Muse; 20.6%
Tags; Chloe!

[chloe]

``andromeda;;

 

A circle of birds caught her eye, she watched them. They cawed and squawked, hoping to find some unfortunate creature's remains out here to devour. Such was life, but it was a bit brutal. What was once a predator was most likely  now a meal for a scavenger. She wondered what poor creature didn't make it out of the desert in time. She pulled her eyes away from the birdsThe electric green eyes scanned the area as the brute spoke of his death process. It was very interesting to her, how his body could remain untouched for any amount of time. She didn't really want Okron to die, at least not when she could prevent it. However, he would just come back to life, why should she bother? Would he try to find her again after he came back, since he was so drawn to her, as he said? She figured he wouldn't, just go try to find someone willing. Not that she wasn't, she really wasn't sure where she stood on this whole situation. He gave her that wicked grin and she tilted her head a bit as he finished talking. He was right though, that was a good protector. One that you couldn't kill, or well, keep down after you kill. She eyed him carefully.

She quirked her ear as he started to speak again. A trial, hmm. That could be interesting. She gave him a small smile. I suppose a trial would be fine, so how does it work?

[/b] She carefully shook her fur and licked her dry teeth. There was dust in her mouth and she couldn't stand it. Her ears went back as she was a bit annoyed at the dust. She glanced up as she saw a small shadow dance across the brush. The buzzards started to circle over the two wolves. She watched them fly slowly, waiting for them to die. She growled softly, warning them that she was still very alive. She wouldn't be any food for the buzzards, especially not today. Her pupils narrowed at the birds, they were aimlessly circling, cawing and squawking. Why, though? Andromeda couldn't smell anything dead. Maybe she had missed it though, she was second guessing herself after that coyote had been following her. How could she have missed that? Maybe she did need protection. No, no, she was just having an off day, right? She was annoying herself with this inner conflict. She shook herself and calmed her mind.
[/blockquote][/justify][/size]

[Kailolu]

Hook, line, and now time to bring her in. Okron smiled and perked his ears. "Well, m'lady, if you truly wish to test my services, then allow me to show you." With that he made a deep bow and pressed his muzzle against his leg. He bit down on his leg, feeling his unnaturally sharp teeth slice through the skin light a hot knife through butter. The small wound started to bleed and he lifted the leg off the ground. He tilted his head with fake curiosity. "If you'll allow me, miss. The bite of a demon will only hurt a little." He gave a smile far more wicked then he meant it to be. "Unless thou struggle against thy fangs." He rid himself quickly of the face and smiled warmly, his heart pounding with excitement. What he said was true and he hoped she didn't flinch or tug her leg after he bit because that could cause him to shred the skin off her leg. It wouldn't be on purpose, but his teeth were fairly sharp. He stepped closer, keeping eye contact before he locked his gaze on her leg, right above where it bends. Okron leaned close, shifting his black wings to avoid hitting his soon to be mistress. He let his muzzle hover near her leg, looking up once at her for approval.

Then, as gently as he could, he nipped her leg, feeling his teeth pierce the skin. At the first sight of blood his tongue shot out and he licked it away, watching as the would slowly closed. He pulled away quickly and searched Andromeda's face for pain. He smiled and pipped up his attitude. "And now, to seal it..." He trailed off and offered her his paw, a little dot of his red blood sitting on top of his black fur.

occ;

Word count; 315
Muse; 50.5%
tags; Chloe!

[chloe]

``andromeda;;

 

She repositioned herself, standing for a bit to stretch her limbs. Her thirsty tongue licked over her muzzle, pulling more dust into her mouth. She frowned and cringed her nose up a bit. The fae's eyes shifted to the creature as he spoke, her auds locked on him as she gave him a small grin. Go ahead.

[/b] She settled, but stayed standing to watch him. He leaned his muzzle down to his leg, her head tilted slightly at him, she was about to ask him what he was doing but he bit down into his leg. Her eyes widened. She shifted back a bit and whimpered, confused by what she was seeing. She wasn't so sure about this anymore, her ears went back as he grinned wickedly up at her as he spoke. She shifted back farther, her tail tucked a bit between her legs. She only started to calm do when the smile warmed on his face. She forced a grin. Pain isn't so bad. I don't think so anyways. She tried to relax around him again, it was harder this time. What had she gotten herself into?
 
She shifted as he lowered his muzzle to her leg, she froze, waiting for it to come. Then, it did. She sharp sting of teeth sinking into her leg, she shivered and tensed up. Her instincts screamed at her to tear into this wolf. She fought them off and watched him lick at her leg, she met his eyes while he spoke and lifted his leg. She carefully stepped forward and licked the small dot of blood from his leg. She shivered a bit and licked her muzzle. She glanced down at her leg where the wound should have been and tilted her head. Where was it? She looked up at him and tilted her head slightly, a confused look on her face.
[/blockquote][/justify][/size]

[Kailolu]

Okron's blood began to boil and heat up and his body tingled. He smiled at the she-wolf and lowered his head, closing his eyes. He remained silent and still as waves of overwhelming emotion washed over him again and again. He felt her emotions enter his mind and it flooded his body like ice, cooling down the heated feeling. And then, he entered her mind. It shouldn't have hurt at all, but some dizziness or head aches have occurred in the past. Okron then felt as if his body was swelling as her thoughts filled up his head. His fast beating heart swelled as well as the rest of his organs and just as though he felt he would burst, he opened his eyes and sighed. "And, it's done." He said with a rather fake cheerful accent. Okron lowered the front half of his body and stretched one leg forward while tucking the other under his chest in a bow. "I am now yours, m'lady. Every breath, hair, drop of blood and ounce of soul belongs to you. You have control over every action that I make."

After his little ten second intro, Okron stood to his full height and stretched his wings over his new mistress. He turned his nose to the north and inhaled deeply, his red eyes locking on an unseen thing in the distance. "Care for some water?" He asked, turning another smile in her direction. Without waiting for her to object, pfft, like she would, he started to lead her in the direction he smelled. There was a small hidden oasis, covered by a large shrub bush in their eyesight, which lead most to believe there was nothing there. But, since Okron had heightened senses, he had smelled the mud and soon the water. The demon moved at a medium pace, making sure his mistress was close. A sudden strong feeling of protection hit him and he slowed to move beside her. It didn't take long before they appeared as the small bout of water. It was bright blue in the sun, and it was warm, but water was water.


Occ

Word count; 355
Muse; 64.6%
Tags; Chloe!