A lapse in judgement?, [p] Luna

[Vale]

OOC There ya go!

IC

It had been a while since his poor choice of words had caused Luna to storm off, leaving Vale to feel bad about unearthing what were apparently bad memories for her. If he had thought of something to say as she walked away, he would have gladly said it, but it had taken him a while to think of a way to apologize. Once he had decided upon what to say, he set about trying to find her, which after asking another wolf in the pack, led him to a cave where he understood she might be found.

At first, he had stayed outside of the cave, and called inside to see if she was in. "Luna? Are you in there?" he would call, but receive no reply. Though he could almost smell Luna's scent coming from the cave, granted she lived in the cave, and that could easily just be a trace of her presence. After some time he chose to go inside to see if she was maybe asleep, cautiously approaching, and finally entering the cozy looking den.

"Darn... I guess shes not in" he mumbled under his breath when it became apparent that she was not home. Vale wandered around a bit inside of the den, Instead of immediately leaving, as he probably should have. Partly out of idle curiosity, and partly due to not really having a plan since no one was home.

This post has been edited by Pandemic on Feb 20 2008, 10:55 AM

[Luna Rheams]

spring meant the snowy female was restless, more so than usual. Cairo was at her heels. the kitten had sprouted up into a fine female cat, resplendant in her calico colors. The two had been hunting. The feline had flushed out two fine looking hares and luna had been quick to snatch them, breaking their necks. The sun beat down on the femmes, making their retreat to the alpha's den that much quicker.

Luna paused, her fur bristling. The scent of someone was heavy in the air. her den. hers. And someone was inside. She whispered a command to the feline, who stayed with the kills hidden in the brush outside the circle of stones. Luna slowly approached her den, her footfalls silent as her feline companion's.

Her growl was like the approaching thunder, her midnighted eyes glittering dangerously. She stood in the mouth of her den, eyeing the indruder coldly. Manners, she bit off acidly, Would dictate that you wait outside of the den for the alpha to return before entering her den.

She knew the scent, but didn't care. He was her inferior now, and he had invaded her privacy. Tell me, vale, what keeps me from exiling you from my pack? She stood tall, her tail held high, her ears flattened against her skull in ire. Her fangs glittered with the silver light of icesicles as she spoke, the ivory glittering in the faint light, the little bit she hadn't blocked out.

She alone knew of the secret entrance in the back. And she doubted he would think to find it and escape before she reached him, if his answer wasn't satisfactory. her eyes were narrowed as she stared at him, waiting his answer.

[Vale]

Vale was caught completely unaware by a startling growl from behind, which caused him to whip around to see who or what was growling. If she had not looked so angry, he might have been glad to see her, but her words soon reminded him of what he had done without thinking. Even for Vale who sometimes didn't think things through, wandering into the Alpha's den and then staying there when she was not around... he knew he had made a huge mistake.

There she stood bristling with fangs showing, while sounding like she might maim him or worse, and he probably would have run if it were possible, but the larger wolf blocked any avenue of escape. Panic seemed to nip at the back of his mind, his heart raced while trying to decide how to react, while his body instinctively moved closer to the ground with his tail tucked between his legs.

What Luna said next at least gave him the hope he might survive her wrath, but being exiled would not be that much better. "N-nothing I guess. Please don't though!" His eyes stared at the ground, to the walls, anywhere besides directly at Luna, while he gave his appeal for mercy. "I'm sorry, I was just trying to find you..." His vague, hastily added excuse trailed behind.

[Luna Rheams]

[[I gonna pp a little, tell me if you don't like it and I'll fix it.]]

Luna moved to one side, jerking her head to indicated he should leave her den. Her fangs were never hidden by her lips, though. Calm, she knew she was intimidating. Angry, she probably looked like a hellbent goddess. As he sidled past her, she snapped at the air infront of him. Close enough he'd feel the metallic click of her fangs, far enough she wouldn't hurt him.

Once outside she circled him, somewhat calmer. One glance had told her he hadn't disturbed anyything, only looked. that was good. Looking wasn't a killable offense, or he'd have died the first time they met.

Finally she ceased moving, her eyes focusing on the small stirrings Cairo made in the brush. She nodded, and Cairo came slinking out, joining her. the felines icy blue eyes stared at the male as she moved to her usual spot under Luna's belly. Protected by luna, Cairo hissed. She didn't like sharing Luna's attention. She wouldn't speak to anyone but luna, either.

After a moment, Luna's snowy pelt settled, though her ears still twitched occasionaly with ire. She snorted softly, then spoke. You were seeking me out for what purpose, vale?

[Vale]

OOC((Thats fine, I don't mind. ))

IC

Vale quickly recognized what he was supposed to do at the sight of Luna moving to the side slightly, and wasted no time slinking past with his tail still tucked tightly between his legs. His eyes flinching as the Alpha chomped at the air in close proximity to him, and causing him to speed his retreat outside.

The male probably looked pathetic the way he was being so submissive, and truthfully he wanted to just keep running once he got outside, but instead he resisted the temptation to run out of fear he might be chased. Soon he was being circled by the larger wolf, after having laid down to await what he was sure would be a punishment of some sort.

For the time being however, all that came was a question, one that he paused a moment to answer. Vale tried to not sound frightened when he replied, but that was hard to manage while being hissed at and circled by a very angry looking Luna. "I... was coming to a-apologize for the last time we met." he said, with some of the words being hard to find due to his nerve racking situation. Then he just had to wait, anxiously to see if his explanation would get him out of hot water.

[Luna Rheams]

His soft, stuttering words made her ire ease more. Her fur settled further, and she looked at him through half-lidded eyes, feeling thoughtful. Her mind immediately insisted it was because she was his alpha now, not becuase of any friendship they may of had.

Within seconds, she spoke again, her voice soft, but no less authoritative. Why? One word, with scores of meaning behind it. Why apologize, why seek her out? Why make this overture? She sat down, her eyes focused on Vale.

After a moment, she gave another order, this time with words. Stand up, boy, i'm not gonna eat you. Cairo sat at one side, just as regal looking as the pallid femme. It was a strange mirror, the feline mimicing the alpha's actions.

[Vale]

Vale had been avoiding eye contact, so he did not see Luna settling down, assuming he was still treading on thin ice, but soon he heard another question, and thought of how to word it without pushing any buttons. "Well, the last time we met... you left rather suddenly after I brought something up. I wanted to apologize for upsetting you." was his reply, and his stuttering seemed more under control, though his voice was still quiet.

What she said next, caused him to cautiously look upwards at Luna who was now sitting nearby instead of circling him. Was he off the hook? Had he escaped a brutal punishment for trespassing into the Alpha's den? Those were the thoughts that swirled through his mind while he started to follow Luna's command.

He obediently pushed his body upwards to stand on all four limbs, feeling a little bit better at things slowly turning out for the better. Of course it had started to seem a bit funny to him that he came to apologize, only to find himself with something else to apologize for.

"I'm sorry about trespassing, and for upsetting you the other day, and thank you for being lenient today..." He apologized, and was about to leave it at that, but for whatever reason decided to add idle thoughts "I hope more of our encounters are pleasant like the other day... before I upset you that is, rather then how today has started." he commented, his voice trailing off towards the end.

[Luna Rheams]

She nodded at his apology, the feline mimicing her actions. She looked fondly to Cairo. Having a cat was far better than having pups. At least the cat she was not presonally responsable for. And then his next words made her face warm, and she looked down shyly.

I hope more of our encounters are pleasant like the other day... before I upset you that is, rather then how today has started." She offered him a shy smile, not even stopping to wonder where this sudden bashfulnes came in. Perhaps it was because no one had ever told her that...except her former mate. And even then, he was being hurtful with it, not loving.

Midnighted eyes were warm and friendly as she looked at him through halflidded eyes. "I hope so too, Vale. i enjoyed it.

[Vale]

It had been an awkward thing for him to admit to, regardless of how true it may have been, but at the same time it was relieving to admit that he had enjoyed his initial meeting with Luna. Vale had however, avoided giving anything beyond a vague indication he enjoyed her company, but it was a little more then that, even if he himself didn't recognize it.

Slowly but surely the nights had become lacking in something for him, it may have been awkward at first having someone laying beside him at night, but loneliness found it easier to sneak up on him after he had escaped it if even for short while. He may have come to apologize, but he also came partly just to see and talk to Luna again.

Vale was a little confused by Luna's reaction to what he said though, the way she had looked at the ground, and started to smile. Soon she looked back up, looking much more friendly then she had been just a few minutes ago, and replied in a way he had not expected. Stating that she enjoyed their encounter as well caused his tail to unconsciously stir behind him.

"You did? I thought you might be angry with me... the way you had left." Was Vale's response, while a smile began to form on his face. His eyes remained fixed upon the wolf in front of him, seemingly unable to stop gazing at her. Soon after a few moments, Vale realized he was staring, and added "Umm... Could you show me around?" while turning his head to look at Luna's den. It was something to distract himself from staring too much, even if he did not believe Luna would accept after he had trespassed.

[Luna Rheams]

"You did? I thought you might be angry with me... the way you had left." She thought a moment, then responded honestly, I was angry. My past is my own, and I don't share it. It's easier that way. She looked at him quietly, then spoke again.

I have no problem showing you around...I just don't like my space being invaded. She led his into the den, this time she was ahead. She paused inside. This is it, really. She gestured to a crack in the wall. That's the back exit. She gestured to a small niche. And that's my food cache. I keep berries and some herbs there too.

She gave him a crooked smile. That's it. She moved into the exit. the tunnel was a tight squeeze for her, but she was larger than the average wolfess. Once outside, she took a deep breath. The exit tunnel deposited one at the bend of a sleepy creek. The movement was slow and gentle. She turned, looking at vale quietly, awaiting his response, if any.

[Vale]

OOCLuna should not put loose rocks near the back exit for poor Vale to trip on! I will amend my post if you meant they were going out the front.

IC

The way Luna seemed to guard her past so relentlessly, made the intrigue all the more intense for Vale, but he knew enough to leave the subject alone, and maybe one day she would tell him, or maybe not. "I understand." was his reply to the honest answer he had received.

Vale looked very pleased when Luna agreed to show him around her den, not so much from getting a tour of the den, as from his interpreting it as her not having a grudge against him. The male eagerly following his alpha into her den, while listening to her explain what everything was. He had a surprised look when she showed him the back exit, having been completely unaware of it when he had been cornered inside.

"Its a nice den! Much better then the one we met in." He cheerfully said, in an attempt to compliment Luna's belongings, and by extension her.

He idly stood inside of the den for a moment while Luna exited, before realizing he needed to catch up, causing him to pick up the pace, lest he be accused of overstaying his welcome. While trying to exit through the back door, he wondered how the larger Luna was able to squeeze through such a cramped exit, but was making fairly good progress on making it out.

The beautiful scenery on the other side was rather distracting, and it didn't help that his eyes were busy gazing at Luna who was now staring back at him as he exited. These two distractions combined to limit the attention he was giving to hit footing, and a bit of loose earth under a paw he was setting down caused him to start fumbling forward towards Luna. Potentially colliding if she were not quick enough to move out of the way. "Ah Cra" He said as he went down.

[Luna Rheams]

[[Luna needs to sweep back there more often. LOL And no, I meant the back ]]

She gave him a somewhat reserved smile as he came out of the back exit. She was nervous now, unsure of her footing. She hadn't felt this open, this free.....not since her dad had left her to the tender mercies of Orion. Not that the old wolf had known how Orion would turn out.

She didn't blame her sire. He didn't know how his eldest son would turn out...and he didn't know how the son of his oldest friend would turn out either.

She thought Vale was being goofy...until she realized that he had seriously slipped on some pebbles and was heading right for her. She attempted to move out of the way, but was too late. the two of them landed in the creek. She blinked owlishly, a little bemused by events.

And then.....

She started to giggle.

[Vale]

OOCThis should be interesting! I will change it back if I took too much liberty with having both of them sit up after the initial tumble?

IC

Tumbling with something warm and furry, then a splash of slightly chilled water, it all happened fast enough that Vale had to shake his head slightly, to orient himself once they had stopped moving. Soon it became apparent, that the warm furry thing he had been tumbling with, was none other then Luna. This made him worry that she might snap at him for his clumsiness getting them both wet, but was surprised at the reaction she had instead.

Giggling? He was expecting at least a disciplinary bite for getting them both soaked, or at least a mean glare, but neither seemed to come. When he thought about it though, it was probably pretty funny to see from afar, and it was equally amusing to see Luna look somewhat like a drowned rat. It was not long before Vale was laughing along with Luna, smiling widely at the interesting turn of events.

An idea flitted through Vale's head that if he spent anytime considering it, could end disastrously for him, but he was caught up in the light hearted moment, and did not think so far ahead. A grin formed on the brute's face as he tried to gently nudge Luna back into the water from their slightly upright position, he was feeling playful for some reason, and was in no state of mind to think of how she might react to being shoved however playfully or gently. "Whats so funny Luna?" He gently mused while he acted on his idea.

[Luna Rheams]

The look of confusion on the male's face made the snowy fey laugh even harder. Cairo picked her way down the hillside, looking indignantly at the two. The feline snorted and muttered something under her breath. That wasn't what she had in mind when she'd placed the pebbles in the boy's way.

Luna could only laugh harder as vale pushed her gently. This was rediculous, an alpha cavorting like this. But even her father had said that running a pack wasn't grim buisness. She didn't think he'd intended for his foavorite child to be sitting in a chilly stream with another wolf, the two looking like something the cat dragged in.

She caught her breath, pushing gently back. You should have seen the expression on your fave, vale. Her smile was genuine, not teasing or taunting, but superbly beautiful and happy. She nuzzled him on an impulse, grooming his cheek, before pulling back, looking a little startled. Without warning, she stood, only to slip on a slick rock and land in the water again. Now she was the one with a funny look on her face as more water dripped from her chin and neck.

[Vale]

None of this had really been a piece of some plan on Vale's part, it had all just sort of fallen in place, and happened. Yet it had all started to turn out so nice, he had made a very good friend out of the Alpha, had his apology accepted, and now he was frolicking around in a cold stream as though he were still a pup. Vale was so sure that nothing more could happen to top that, or so he thought.

He looked funny did he? He couldn't help but chuckle, since Luna had not looked much better when they first landed in the stream, and she certainly was not looking better the more drenched they became. Vale would have made a smart arse comment about then, but was interrupted by something he was not expecting at all. The sensation of having his Alpha nuzzle, and even groom at his cheek was enough to temporarily stun him.

The confused look would have stayed if, Luna had not made a splash as she fell into the stream while trying to stand up. Even if he wasn't completely paralyzed anymore, he still wasn't sure what to do, he seemed lost in trying to decide what to do. Without thinking very long, he did the first thing that popped into his mind. Reaching out to try and lightly lick at Luna's cheek could be a mistake, maybe the chill of the water was numbing his mind, but at the time it seemed like the thing to do.