Wandering

[Naia]

18.45
December 6th
Year LV

Only a few hours till sunset, the sky that was barely visible to those on the forest floor was as beautiful as the forest at this particular time. It was autumn, the color of the forest wasn't the usual green, no this time it was full of beautiful reds and yellows. Leaves began to fall from trees, the trees began to prepare for winter. The sky was colored in a layer of oranges and reds. Certain bushes gave fruit at this time of the year. Having lived in the forest for about two years now, Naia now knows were almost everything is now. The wolf made her way in a slow pace towards the river. The scent of the rushing water became stronger, it was just a few more meters walking and there she is. Arriving at the river she looked around, her hazel eyes scanning the area for anything strange.

But it was the same, she took a few more steps to the edge of the river, then began to lap up some water. The water was very cold, yet refreshing in a way. She had a thick coat to keep her warm and it wasn't that cold yet so she had it slightly warm. Having quenched her thirst she decided to just lay down and watch the river, maybe a fish may swim by and give her some interest in catching it. She wasn't that hungry yet. She walked a few steps away from the river, laying down near a bush. Everything was quite beside the birds and nature. Hazel optics watched the flowing river, waiting patiently for a fish to swim by. Her ears tough were on the alert along with her nose scenting anything out of normal.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;

There was a growing chill in the air as the sun began to sink beyond the horizon, its fading colors only enhancing the rich orange, yellows and reds that dappled the trees. Autumn was well on its way, and it was a sure sign for the hibernating started packing and the predators to stopped slacking. …To put it one way. Breath ghosted out of the large canine’s mouth, the warm puffs quickly disappearing just as soon as they had appeared. In this type of weather his breath was almost like a mirage, just beyond his comprehension of sight as it escaped from his parted jaws. Soon, however, each breath would bloom into a small cloud of white against the winter air, his lungs and nose burn from the frigid winds while his paws and fur would dampen from the snow, quickly becoming numb upon treading through the cold substance.

Of course those were musings were to be chewed over in his human form. Right now his mind was in the present and was focused on one thing; finding a scent. Or two to be specific. Human or Gewin - though which one he wanted to find more Maddock couldn’t entirely decide. He hadn’t reached the point where his stomach had started gnawing on itself in an inexplicable hunger he suffered from every month, so Maddock didn’t need to find a human now. Want to find one on the other hand… Well, that was another story. Nonetheless, he’d be fine with either – depending on the sort of character he found. He wasn’t really in the mood to deal with any stupidity. Scent trails had been turning up cold lately and if he couldn’t find anybody this time… The trees in the middle of the forest would certainly be happy to help him relieve his frustration. As they always were.

The black wolf’s paws stirred up a mixture of scents and he trotted along. Decomposing plant life, wet earth, a rabbit or two under the bushes, and the distinct smell of… Gewyn. Maddock paused, sniffing the ground again carefully. Mental images briefly flashed across his mind, informing him that one of his own kind had traveled through here not to long ago. Interesting. Ears turning in a new direction, the male lowered his head slightly to follow the scent easier. As the scent got stronger, the more it told him. Instinct was telling him how to interpret the smells, but they weren’t always clear as sight was. It was defiantly a Gewyn and from what Maddock could understand it was a female. The sound of a river suddenly invaded his hearing and the large male lifted his head to get a better look at his surroundings. He’d traveled a bit quicker then he expected.

Spotting the female was easy. Her brown fur still stood out against the multicolored forest background. Maddock wasn’t surprised to see her there – he’d been following the scent for a reason. To find somebody. And there they were. He stared at her silently, inspecting her from afar. She looked healthy enough, and there was nothing telling him otherwise she was not what she appeared to be. Seemingly satisfied, he stepped forward, eyes narrowing slightly into a questioning expression. The large wolf's stance was enough to speak his questions aloud; Who are you? and What are you doing here?

Tact as always.

[Naia]

Everything seemed so quiet and peaceful. It's as if she was living in a world made just for her, but sadly it wasn't so yet for now it seemed like it. Hazel optics scanned the area once more, the place had this thing with it, it made her feel at home in the forest. It's scent, the sound and of course she sight. Looking up, all she can see is branches and leaves, there were some open spots to see the approaching dark sky, but those were pretty small. She'd have to climb up to the canopy to see the sky. It was about a week ago she climbed up to the canopy and gazed at the sky, it was a starry night with a full moon. Nothing could beat a sight like that. She took a deep breath, cause of the cold air it made her sneeze. She was so at ease that she can just relax at the edge of the river. She rolled on her side and laid there watching the water flow. No fish nothing, maybe it's because the water was already cold. She should have been here earlier when they were swimming to warm waters. She took another deep breath, closing her eyes and trying to take a nap. It wasn't much of a use as everything was too quiet for her to fall asleep.

Thinking of something to do other than stare at the flowing river, nothing came to her mind, everything was blanco. Well it's to lay there and wait for something to come to her mind. She wasn't hungry either so a hunt wasn't needed tough it'd be smart if she killed a few rabbits and hid them some were in case of lack of food in the winter. Last winter it was horrible, of course you find those frozen meals, but finding a human in the winter is damn hard. No one ventures in the woods anymore, especially in the winter. Last winter she almost went insane, the hunger drove her crazy, almost suicidal. Lucky her she found a villager collecting fire wood. Of course this winter she can't be sure to find a villager collecting fire wood again. Well she'd have to stock up on humans, but then you always get those idiots who try to steal from you. Their scent is so good that miles away they can smell food even if it's underground so it's no use stocking up. Maybe she'd have to attack the village and risk her life against the guardians for a piece of human flesh. Now that she was still sane, not driven by hunger she thought it was too risky.

Her mind was too busy and it took her awhile to notice a new scent. The female wolf lifted herself from laying on her side to just laying down, head up hazel optics searching for the owner of the strange new scent. She's sure it's of a gewyn, the scent got stronger and stronger. It was heading towards her. 'What does this one want now? Probably water.' She thought now getting up as the scent was way to close. Finally seeing a dark form appearing from the shadows. He was pretty large, hopefully he doesn't have any bad intentions. Already seeing on his posture what he's saying. Finally coming into action she moved, taking a step forward. Seizing the male and by the looks of it he didn't mean anything bad so far. It took her a minute or so to actually say something. Who are you? She said wanting to get to know him first. I am just getting some fresh air, you? She said this time answering him. Naia isn't he one to talk much but a chit chat wouldn't hurt it's been quite a while without talking to someone. In her mind probably he's here for water.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;

Maddock stared evenly at the female as the corners of his mouth lowered into a frown. She’d fired back one of his questions while giving a answering vaguely to the other. There was little doubt in his mind she was wary of his presence, though he couldn’t say he appreciated her attempt at dodging his inquisition and then throwing it back at him – especially when it was so obvious. True, this was not his territory, but his recent endeavors certainly would’ve reached her by now, would they have not? Traveled around the forest some either through spite or genuine curiosity? Hm. Maybe she didn’t meet other Gewin or they simply didn’t dare repeat his ideas. Whatever the reason, the female was already beginning to irk him, but he’d keep himself contained. He’d give her an answer, but with no extra details.

The black wolf tilted its head oh-so slightly to the side as if he hadn’t heard her correctly and was asking her to repeat the inquisition. I am Maddock. Had he a voice to speak with, his tone would’ve been undoubtedly cool. His patience was thin, and her lackluster response sparked a flame of annoyance within him. Yellow eyes bore into the females hazel ones, as if daring her to evade him asking her own name once more. Fresh air, was it? A peculiar answer, but he wouldn’t push it. There was no need to make a conversation out of the weather. The dropping temperature was enough to even think about. Maddock sparred the darkening sky a brief glance, the warm colors of the sunset quickly fading into faint greens and deep blues. Night would be upon them soon – along with a certain choice in changing shape.

The black wolf suppressed a small shiver as the thought struck him. He did not fully understand the transformation process – mainly just that he could shift between that of a wolf and into another that mirrored the Gewin’s very prey; a human. Even better though, was the form he could take in-between… Blinking slowly, his gaze gravitated back towards the Gewyn female. Exhaling slowly through his nose, Maddock’s stance visibly relaxed as his thoughts drifted back onto the subject at hand. Your own? He gestured towards the female with another tilt of his head, eyes trained onto hers. He had to take this slowly- casually, else he would not get the answers or reaction he desired. Coming at full force would probably only make the Gewyn back away, further stalling and potentially ruining his plans. Maddock’s ears twitched at the thought. No, he couldn’t have that. Not when he had so much to offer to his kind, not when the answer was dangling right in front of their noses but they were too blind to see it.

He’d make them realize what they were doing, living in fear of the creatures that protected their food. He would open their eyes and make the Gewin see that they did not have to suffer for being themselves, to experience hunger and seek out the only source of food that could calm it. Maddock would make his fellows see that all they needed to do was come together and finally take out the opposition once and for all. But he needed to start small, start somewhere and work further on up. He would get there, he could feel it. All he needed was a little patience and a lot of persistence.

[Naia]

A cold breeze blew by, this one clearly indicating the cold times that have yet to come. It almost made her shiver. She wondered how low the temperature would get this winter. He didn't respond right away to her redirected question. Hazel optics noticing the slightly muscle changes, thinking that she might have annoyed him by sending his question back at him. O well if he doesn't have patience he will soon notice how annoying she can get towards strangers, maybe it's all cause she prefers to be alone all the time and her auto response to it is to annoy others till they leave her alone or if they amuse her or just a slight interest which is not common for her she might befriend them. Finally hearing his name, she had never heard of him so he must be just another gewyn.

Thinking it's been enough time without introducing herself she decided to do so. And I am Naia. She said, her voice being calm and soft as almost always. The female watched him for a second in his golden optics, just wanting to look trough him but it was just no use, his golden pools seemed to pierce right trough hers. She tried avoiding direct eye contact with him, not wanting to challenge him. Maybe he can relax if she just gives in to his dominant posture. Thinking it twice she decided to just be like any regular female, she lowered her tail slightly along with her posture. Her hazel optics watched him carefully, wondering now what he'd do if he idea worked or not. If he's relaxed then maybe he'd get more open and state why he's here, if it's just for water it's fine with her. Not another word came from the dark male.

Things were clearly not working to make things at ease she decided to just say another few words tough it was directly what she wanted to hear. What are you doing here? Her voice the same calm and soft, her optics moving from the river to him, making it clear if it's water he wanted or not. She didn't get the feeling that he'd do anything. Lowering her haunches down to the warm ground were she had been laying on she took a seat watching him. If this didn't break the ice between them well she'd have to think of something else to crack him open and hear what he wants to do or say. Another cold breeze blew by, drying her optics slightly making her blink a few times. A faint sound of something moving trough the bushes could be heard, it sounded like something small probably a rabbit running around looking for food. Naia wasn't interested in it, right now she wanted to know what he's doing here. Well it's not her territory so actually she had no right to know it.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;

Her reply, while not as swift as he would’ve liked to have been, was eventually given and she revealed herself to be called Naia. There were many gewin that resided in the forest – probably too many to count by his current way of finding them. But Maddock had found one, and he finally knew her name. He was getting somewhere. Painfully slowly, but making progress. It looked like this encounter was going to be a bit more difficult then he imagined though, as it appeared she was not one for small talk. Her lack of answers should’ve been an example of that.

Maddock’s gaze drifted away from Naia’s, giving a thoughtful look as he lazily scanned the surrounding area. He rolled his head to the right in a shrugging sort of motion before looking back to her. Not very much., his pose suggested, his stiff posture lessening more by the minute. He had to relax, bring himself to her level and ease his way through this. Letting even just one gewyn slip away would be a huge lose to his plan, and right now he couldn’t afford to mess up. He’d just have to suck in his pride and do whatever he could to make each encounter worthwhile.

You could say I’ve been searching for something, Maddock added as his half lidded gaze rolled back over to Naia. Or someone. He had to keep her curious and less wary of his presence. Once he had her attention, he’d give her tidbits of information, then fantasies – ideas that would (hopefully) spark an interest. Even the dullest gewyn would have a hard time not imaging a world without Guardians. One where they could live and eat in peace without being bothered with the ever present threat of those filthy cat beings. Maddock felt the scar on his left leg tingle as a cold breeze rushed by. He could almost feel the warmth of the sun draining from the earth as the cold, almost numb heat that came with the moon rushed to replace it.

Feeling. Maddock knew he had more memories through sensation then images. One with his bones creaking when transforming, the popping and snaps of limbs as they grew longer, thicker. The feeling of flesh beneath his clawed hands, pale body morphing halfway between predator and prey as sharp fangs sank into a thin layer of skin…

Maddock shook slightly as he forced himself out of his reverie. His breathing had become shallow and quiet, his senses heightened and body gone into a numb overload. Memories could be quite… intoxicating sometimes.

[Naia]

Naia ketp an eye on the dark male, she had no idea what his intentions were. One thing she knew is that she can't really trust him. She had been in a few situations like this before, were an unknown appeared before her, stating a false name and then trying to use her for information. But that was a long time ago when she was in a pack, now she is enjoying the life as a loner. One can't know what the other is thinking so men must be cautious. That is her theory around strangers. She had learned not to befriend them too quickly or give them anything unless they saved you or helped you. Though it could all be an act too. Naia didn't let all her popping ideas get in the way of what she wanted to know. Seeing him relax slightly it made her feel slightly at ease. She frowned slightly once he said not very much, a small smile appearing upon her lips. This brute was playing the same game as she was.

Having brought a small smile the wolf became less tense, now taking the time to check her surroundings. The sky was dark, no light rays were to be seen piercing down trough the fall colored leaves to the forest floor. Another night, she was now free in choosing the form wich she wants to be in, her true form or an image of her prey. In this cold she'd prefer to stay as a wolf as she has a thick coat that kept her warm so far. At night the temperature will drop, getting colder than it already is. Her auds perked once he said he's being searching for something. The female turned her head to all sides, first left then right looking around, nothing in particular other than the river. Once his gaze rolled back towards her and hearing his words, it all raised her curiosity. Her hazel optics widened slightly. Now this male was getting interesting.

Who might he be searching for? She didn't know anyone important other then the pack leaders, she can give him answers were they reside. Things have gone quiet once more, she started to think who he might mean by someone. Turning her attention back to him she asked him who he might be looking for. May I ask who that someone is? Her voice sounding slightly curious now. The scent of distant rain entered her nose. It's going to rain soon. It's already cold, the wind is picking up and now rain? She can see it already, a freezing night were she'd have to spend it under the brush or somewhere warm. Good thing she knew the perfect place, a fox den that she had dug bigger for her to fit in. Sadly for the fox, it was killed eaten and it's fur used for the warm bed, but it's a bit far from the river. Shifting her gaze back upon the brute she noticed that he was staring at a point, not for long that is. She watched as he shifted thinking 'Men, how do they not feel this cold?' She thought. Naia wasn't going planning on shifting, she'd freeze! And to think it's not even winter. He still had her curiosity, she wanted to know who this someone is.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;

Maddock couldn’t help but feel pleased as the tension between them lessened bit by bit. Patience certainly went a long way. With hope he could keep it up and make this situation turn out into a success. He blinked as Naia gave a smile, seemingly amused at something. Not that the situation was a joke, but he could feel a certain humor beneath the awkward atmosphere. They were dancing around each other with questions and short explanations – trying to see who would slip up first. It was like a verbal game of hide and seek.

The dark canine hid his own smile at her next question. Just as he expected, she asked who he was looking for. He gave a sort of thoughtful hum, which was more like a soft growl in his current form. It was not a sound made to intimidate, more like he was wondering if he should tell the other Gewyn or not. Maddock let his gaze become distant, contemplating, looking as if he was ignoring Naia before letting it rest on her once more. He wasn’t going to answer immediately. He’d keep her on her toes – maybe make her impatient for him to answer. Whatever he could to make her stay interested.

At this rate however, he could not keep this baiting game up for very long. A new breeze swept through the small clearing, its chill damper then the one before it. It carried the fresh smell of rain and it would not be long before it arrived. If Maddock wanted to finish this properly he’d have to find a better way to communicate. Body language could only say so much and be interpreted in so many different ways. He had little choice if he wanted to finish this quickly.

Yellow eyes flicked to the sky briefly, confirming that the sun had indeed disappeared beyond the horizon and night was overhead. The sight of stars beginning to dot the sky made his fur stand on end. The aching sensation he’d only just subdued returned tenfold, though this time he was prepared for it and let it sink into his bones. With a grunt Maddock’s head went limp, paws pressing into the ground as his ears went back. His body tensed, spine cracking as it lengthened, his joints popping as they moved into new positions. The warmth of his fur was suddenly gone and replaced by a wave of cold air crashing against his pale skin. His tail disappeared as his snout reconstructed itself into a man’s face. With a shudder, Maddock flexed his digits, pleased to feel that he felt skin against skin rather then the limited movement of four padded toes.

Letting out a ragged yet satisfied breath, Maddock shook his head and reopened his eyes. The corners of his mouth turned upwards as he noted the new height difference between himself at the other Gewyn. He didn’t need to glance down to confirm he had in fact transformed – his racing heart and now slightly numbed extremities told him that much.

“Much better…” he murmured to himself, running a hand through his now short collection of hair. Of all the things Maddock missed in his human form, it was probably his fur. Human skin was far too soft and thin to be useful other then to be manipulated into a disguise. How one could remain like this was beyond him.

The feeling in his feet returned as he sat down from his previous crouching position, rolling his shoulders back with a wince as they gave a pop. With a relieved sigh, Maddock raised an eyebrow, as if Naia had done something peculiar. “I suppose you could say I’ve been looking for you.” He finally answered, head tilting once again. He was no doubt comfortable in this new body, though he was not sure if the other Gewyn would be happy with his change. Each Gewin had their own views on their human guises – there were some he’d come across that were disgusted in them. There had only been a sparse few, but one could never be too careful. Hopefully Naia was not among them. Conversing about his… ideas was just easier as a human anyways. Not to mention it got him more attention. That just made it all the better, no?

[Naia]

Naia was getting impatient, she wanted to know who he was searching for. So many people she knew popped up in her head. She wanted to know now why, it's mostly a girl stuff to know more than enough. The wolf shook her head trying to get rid of the thoughts but with no avail. They kept coming up. O well she'd have to deal with them and wait for the perfect time to ask more questions. Tough he only gave her his name she still has no clue who he is. His scent didn't say much either. Hazel optics watched as a fish swam by, she can't just go and fish it out with him here. She couldn't do much than watch the fish swim away. Hazel optics returning to the male. The scent of rain became stronger, according to her it might rain in half an hour or so. It would take the clouds some time to travel to were they are.

It's hard to see the change, but all of a sudden she noticed it was dark. Her hazel optics flowed almost yellow in the dark as a cold breeze blew by moving the leaves a bit enabling some moon light to fall down. It seemed as if she was standing right in it. She can already feel the freedom, the drive of just running away entered her. She felt like changing into her human like form and run around the forest till she's tired. Hopefully on her little trip she will find an unlucky human. But on a second thought she had to ignore those impulses, it was cold. Her human form didn't have fur but a pale skin that attracts the cold faster. Hearing a low growl she directed her attention once more back to him. What was he thinking, why is he letting her wait so long?

He was doing a pretty good job keeping her on her toes. She wanted to just spit it out, ask him to tell her already. 'No, I can't do that.' She thought, her hazel optics looking up wards barely seeing anything else than leaves. A few spots of the sky was to be seen trough a small patch were the leaves didn't grow yet. Lowering her head, her pupils widening adjusting her view in the dark. It was almost pitch black, o she hoped tonight a human got lost even tough she's not that hungry but anything goes. Each night she hopes for the same. The sound of bones cracking made her thought about food, tough it was the dark form before her shifting. First thing that went trough her mind. 'He's crazy. It's freezing!' After his transformation. 'It's magic.' She thought watching the man before her. Another remark that went trough her head. 'Pretty handsome.' She thought but tried to forget it, as she wanted to know what he wanted to say.

She remained quiet not saying anything even after he said "much better." Naia wanted to hear already, it was easy to read her mind the curious face she had on was like a book. Her bushy tail flicked from left to right, almost cleaning the dirt from all the leaves. Once he said he was looking for her it kind of stopped time. 'What the?' She thought in herself looking around then back at him with an even more curious yet confused face. Why would he be looking for her? Is he lost or something? But why keep it in for so long? It was worse now. Many more ideas popped in her head. What does he want? She got up from her seating position. The female would hate doing this as it was cold but it'd go faster holding a conversation in human form indeed.

The female wolf backed up a bit, closing her hazel optics. The change went pretty fast. As she thought, it was all magic. Her warm coat disappearing under her human skin, paws turning into hand palms nails getting shorter. Fangs turning into human teeth, her dark brown hair growing long. Naia was immune to the pain from so many shifts. Eyelids going up, she returned her gaze back to him. Her hand moved a hair lock behind her ear. Feeling the cold breeze she got the chills already. She crossed her arms and sat down were she was sitting. She tried to stay warm like this. Why would you be looking for me? She asked him her voice almost the same but this time less growly.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;

Maddock felt a small bubble of amusement boil up from his stomach. Toying with others had always given him an odd, almost rather sadistic amount of pleasure. It was a type of control he could hang just out of reach, fiddle with their patience and wait until the best possible moment to spring the surprise. The rush of the impact, be it was physical, verbal or even mental, was a type of control that never ceased to rise a less then innocent joy within him. Not that he’d ever admit that. His expression flickered for a moment, wavering for a mere few seconds between an almost devilish grin and back into a stoic, borderline curious look. Had that even happened?

Taking in a breath, he let out a soft breath, noting the growing visibility of his breath as the night wore on. Rain was certainly going to put a damper on things. It wouldn’t make living any easier to say the least. The more water, the more ice there would be. And with more ice the more treacherous it became to go hunting. For all sorts of prey. Despite it being his favorite time of year, the snow put Maddock at a disadvantage. His dark fur enabled him to blend in with the shadows and the night, not the stark and pale world of Winter. In certain areas, should he move and blend in correctly, he could look like a piece of foliage half hidden under the snow. Of course, that was when he was lucky. Otherwise he would have a better chance at getting a meal by chasing a human out of the village then by hunting one in the forest by day.

Giving a quick exhale through his nose, Maddock lifted his eyebrows when the female wolf rose and started to back away. Damn. Maybe he had been moving to quickly. Jaw clenching, he watched her carefully, muscles tensing, ready to spring after her should she move away any further. He wouldn’t loose his temper. Hopefully. No, should she run he’d give chase. Though Maddock would have to find a way to come off less… intimidating, he supposed. The man let himself relax when Naia stopped, her fur thinning, body quickly changing into what one could easily comprehend was a human female - if not for her distinct Gewyn scent and almost unearthly beauty. His head tilted back in appreciation. She was certainly easy on the eyes, regardless of form of course. Maddock had little interest in human’s appearances, but to ignore a female Gewyn’s beauty should be considered no better then a crime.

Her voice pulled him from his musing, an artful smile playing at his lips. The pale man gave a hum and a movement that could be interpreted as a shrug. “Ah, my apologies. I must have been too blunt.” He chuckled lightly with a small shake of his head. Intertwining his fingers, he let his hands fall into his lap, the vague warmth from his legs only just bringing a sensation of feeling back into them. “I have been searching for our kind – other Gewin. Of course our fellows,” Maddock paused to incline his head to the woman across from him before continuing, “have never been easy to find, however. As you might already know.” His smile grew the slightest bit, eyes flashing with something that might’ve been laughter. He stared at Naia for a moment, as if trying to find a reason behind her sudden defensive nature. Not that he could blame her reaction; he just found it entertaining that she all but jumped back and closed herself off once he admitted to have been looking for her. She must’ve had an interesting reason to be so wary of him. Whatever it was though he had no time to ponder about it now. “I do not seek to do you any harm, miss Naia – merely to speak. Call me… a messenger, if you will.”

[Naia]

O gee, why did she even consider going into her human like form? It was way too cold for her. Though it's just autumn she already can't stand the cold, imagine winter! She always manages to survive by making a comfy home for herself. Finding food is every animal's worse nightmare in winter. Luck plays an important role here. Naia rubbed both her hands then blew gently her warm breath to keep her hands warm. She could really use a jacket, maybe stealing one wouldn't be too bad she thought remembering the humans they always had these perfect clothing for each season. She tried to ignore it but it's not that easy ignoring it. She tried to focus her attention on him to see what he really wants. She still can't place it in her mind that he's been looking for her.

Her every senses were always on the alert, the forest isn't a safe place. Again sound of the bushes ruffling could be heard. By the sound of it it's something small. Turning her head to the direction, hazel optics focusing, but nothing to be seen just a few leaves moving...and a leg? It snatched her curiosity, to her it looked more like a rabbit. The river is a water source, everything needs water to live. So this place is crawling with prey that can only fill her hunger temporarily. The scent of Maddock reminded her that she had to return her attention back to him. 'Maybe he's trying to form a pack or something similar?' She thought now thinking of reasons why he might be searching for her. A few seconds after she spoke he replied, making her think with his words once more but it all got clear once he said he's been looking for his own kind. 'Should have said that first.' She thought in herself, then again different right after. Maybe he didn't want to bore her or lose her interest.

The cold breeze blew once more her hair entering the flow of the wind, passing a hand again to put the locks that fall in her face behind her human ear. She chuckled once he said that gewin was hard to find. By that he must have been searching for quite some time then. Well it's not easy to find another gewyn in a neutral zone. If he wanted to find his own kind it's better to go to an occupied territory, there he'd find lots. Then again traveling also takes time, the world isn't that small. So it took you some time to stumble upon me then? She said placing a small smile. Things were finally relaxed between both of them. It's better to communicate like this, when both parties are at ease.

The scent of rain annoyed her a bit, she didn't want to get wet. Then it will get worse, being wet with this cold breeze. Naia can only think of finding a warm and dry place. First thing that came to her mind was a nearby cave. O well she didn't have to worry. A glint appeared in her hazel optics once he spoke. Messenger? Her voice being curious yet slightly playful. Looking at the river then back at him. She placed a hand down, leaned on it and got up. She looked upwards looking trough a patch, it was pitch black still but you can see something slightly lighter witch are the clouds, she looked back at him. I don't want to get wet. In a split second she took a few steps then jumped, she landed elegantly a meter or two away from Maddock. She glanced at him then at the forest. If you want to talk, this would be the right moment. She said looking once more at him then back. She's been living in this place for year or two so she knows it pretty well. Naia took a few steps, looking at him to see if he would follow or not then dashed into the forest, destination the cave. It's no more then five minutes run. She can already hear the sound of pouring rain, hopefully they will make it in time.

[Maddock]

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Maddock;
Maddock watched in silent interest as Naia blew into her hands, trying to warm them up against the cold night air. He probably should’ve been doing the same, but for the moment he enjoyed the numb tingle in his fingers and toes. It was a reminder of what he could turn into, an experience that could further help him into understanding humans, how the ticked and quite possibly use it to slip under their defenses. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Flexing his hands, he blew a half hearted breath towards them, warmth only just tickling his fingertips. If he wanted to get warmer he could shift into the form in-between his human and wolf – one that had fur but came with the hindrance of a wolf’s snout. Hm. No. He could do this.

Lifting his head, he noted that her attention was being pulled elsewhere. Following her gaze, Maddock felt his spine tingle at the sight of a small leg peaking out from under a near by bush. Ah, he hadn’t taken into account she might’ve been hungry. The mere hint of a rabbit sent a sudden surge of hunger into his own stomach, though he couldn’t say it was entirely a hunger meant for animal meat… Maddock let his tongue travel over one of the sharp canines in his mouth, savoring the imaginary taste of more then just rabbit slipping down his throat. He gave a wince as another wind came past, each getting colder as the rain grew closer. Looks like he wouldn’t have much time to do this. He glanced back to Naia at the sound of a chuckle, a subtle smile playing at his own lips.

Giving a hum and a vague nod, Maddock murmured, “If you would like to put it that way, yes.” He didn’t really intend to literarily stumble across any Gewin – you could never know how they’d react to another one of their kind suddenly appearing in their way. Gewin were not very social creatures, pretty much only seeking each other’s presence for packing forming needs. ‘Well,’[.i] Maddock thought with a growing smile, ‘this is like forming a pack...’

[/i] With a shrug, Maddock let his hands spread out in an open gesture, smile growing ever wider. “Of sorts.” If by messenger she meant Maddock was his own… Then yes. A messenger not of any higher power, or of anyone else but himself. Just a messenger of an idea that could be brought to life so easily if only the Gewin realized it was within their range of making it into a reality. If only they could wrap around their heads that it was possible…

Looking up to the sky, Maddock gave a nod. He didn’t want to get wet either, nor could he expect anyone else would. The chilly conditions wouldn’t make it any more comfortable or healthy for any creature caught up in it. His attention snapped back down when he heard something land near him – right in front of him to be exact. Blinking, he stared at her for a moment but didn’t move from his spot. He wasn’t very mindful of other people’s personal space, so someone invading his own wasn’t all too different. It merely surprised him. It had been quite sometime since he’d been so close to another Gewyn, and their human form no less. He took a few quick moments to appreciate her other form with their new proximity, eyebrow rising at her need to hurry. He wouldn’t stall for any longer though. If he didn’t get to the point it’d most likely make this entire encounter go to waste.

“You have tasted human before, have you not?” He asked suddenly, watching her evenly, as if daring her to deny it. He could sense it from her, see it in her eyes. She was hungry for their tender flesh, the warmth of blood and the pure energy of their being. It was a truly an amazing experience to feed off a human… Not that they would know. That would be cannibalism – a pity for them. Not bothering to wait for her answer, Maddock continued. “Then you know the true pleasure of having a full belly. We can eat as much prey as we want here, but humans simply fill us like nothing else the forest could possibly provide…” He stretched his hand out towards the river, indicating the rabbit that had given them a glimpse of it’s foot just seconds ago. His smile thinned then, eyes narrowing as his expression darkened.

“Of course if you’ve satiated your hunger, something every being must feel and fulfill no less then any other, then you have no doubt encountered the Guardians?” Maddock’s arm fell back to his side, hands coming together in front of himself. Clawed fingernails lightly tapped against each other, the small sensation still sending a jolt of tense frustration up his hands, through his arms and into his chest. The pesky feline creatures were undoubtedly the biggest ire the Gewin’s existence, regardless of their tastes of prey. Maddock quelled a growing growl forming in the back of his throat. “The Guardian’s are the only things standing in our way of satisfying our hunger, even though they are nothing more then meager cats.” He all but spat out the word ‘cat’, mouth curling into a disdainful scowl, “Even at day we are more then they could possibly handle. Their forms are small and weak – nothing compared to our large bodies and teeth. So how do they keep us from reaching our goal? Our food?”

Maddock paused for a moment then, looking at Naia intensely, as if waiting for her or even the forest around them to answer. Fingers weaving together, he muttered, “They remain together.” Lifting his intertwined hands, he continued, “Gewin are lone creatures by nature. We have lived in such a way for as long as we can remember. But it is because of our tradition we remain subdued and beaten, kept away from the one food source that can settle the painful hunger inside us. I have pondered our existence – why we fight and the reason why we can never seem to win. If we wish to finish the Guardians, the Gewin must come together.” The idea was farfetched, something against their personal morals and undoubtedly an unsettling fantasy. But it held meaning – at least in Maddock’s eyes. Hopefully Naia would feel the same, even if it didn’t dawn on her immediately.

“I look to help all of Gewin kind to finally rid ourselves of the Guardian’s. Can you imagine a world without them? One where we could live in peace, without them constantly keeping us imprisoned in this forest? All it would take is for us to band together and take out the common enemy.” Tilting his head, Maddock’s expression softened slightly, though his yellow eyes remained sharp and trained onto the female Gewyn’s face. “I do not expect you to agree to such an thing now. All I ask is that you think it over and maybe, in time, realize how easily we make such an idea into reality.” He lifted a hand towards Naia, as if he held something invisible to offer her. The rain was near now, he could hear it. The winds were getting stronger and more frequent. The river was beginning to splash up along the banks, agitated by the strong winds. It would probably only be minutes until it poured over the area they sat in.

“If you’re ever interested…” He murmured, eyes still locked onto hers, hand outstretched in an simple yet firm gesture, “Simply call, and you will find me.” The large gust suddenly blew by, moist with water droplets, a final warning for any still remaining in the area. Smile returning, he gave a bow sort of gesture towards the female before him.

“I do not wish to force you to stay any longer. It was a pleasure to cross path’s with you, miss Naia. I would suggest to head away from the winds however.” His tone had lightened, having a feeling that Naia probably had somewhere in mind to get away from the oncoming rain.[/font][/blockquote][/blockquote]