&&! - LAYNORxAMBROSIA ; lost ++ .

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

Mist clung weakly to the edges of the atmosphere, stirring from the occasional breeze or movement within its veiled bod. All was silent except the gentle chuckling stream; pebbles glittered under its surface, and fog danced slyly above it. Suddenly the heavy cloak of dense whiteness wavered and broke, renting forth a shaded silhouette. As it neared the stream, it became obvious that the figure was a creature. Its fur contained various hues of black, red, and brown. It stepped gracefully up to the stream-bank with its slender legs, and bent its narrow muzzle down to sip the crisp water.

When the animal had finished drinking, it looked up for a brief second and turned, waving its bushy tail and shaking the mud off its delicate paws. Although similar to a fox in many ways, this creature was not a fox. This creature was a male maned wolf named Laynor.

Laynor gingerly stepped away from the river, squinting his eyes against the heavy fog that covered the landscape. He belonged to the Ventura pack, a pack of peaceful wolves, and very rarely was there a morning mist like this. He sighed and sat down, his bushy tail curling 'round his paws.

Looks like I'll be staying here 'till the fog clears, Laynor thought disdainfully, a frown creasing his face. His fur, although somewhat ragged and aged ( as he was in his forties ), was still radiant and elegant. He prided himself on this fact, but he never wasted his time bathing. It was too much for him, and, besides, he had more important things to do . . .

Which is what? He asked himself, looking at his white forepaws. I hardly do a thing. I'll bet everyone looks down on me . . . they have a right to. Laynor sighed and looked up, but suddenly blinked. His dark amber eyes took on a dazed look. Was that . . . a wolf? Yes, it seemed as if there was a wolf parting itself from the fog . . . "No . . . !" He muttered. "It cannot be! Elairn . . . i-is that you?"

The mist-wolf stepped forward. Trails of the white cloak seemed to follow her elegant pawsteps. She was beautiful as ever - Elairn, Laynor's old mate, that had left him for a loner. But as she neared, her beauty was slaughtered. Her eyes, small indents in her transparent face, narrowed and her lips curled back in a snarl. "Yes, it is me, Laynor," she said in one of the nastiest growls he had ever heard. Suddenly another figure separated from the fog. "No, it isn't him. Elairn, don't do this to me," Laynor whimpered.

The second mist-wolf joined Elairn - it was Laenr, the rogue who had taken his mate. "We do not want you, Laynor. You must perish," they chimed together. Laynor growled and stepped back. "No, you cannot hurt me! You are not real!" He screamed at them. "Just leave me alone!" And the figures dissipated. The maned wolf sat down again, panting slightly, and set his eyes to darting about him, looking for more mist-wolves. Nothing happened . . . that was nothing, he told himself silently.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

The once clear water was now milky brown, clouded with mud, creating a creamy paste that would soon be washed away by the current. The air was a thick mist, masking a slender, black and grey wolf from view as she groomed in the river. Her small frame was covered in dirt, her head half-submerged in the stream in a failed attempt to remove some of the debris.

Tail wagging from pure joy, the wolf smiled inwardly, proud of her own silly accomplishments. She stood for a long moment, letting the water run through her fur, removing the chocolate colored mask, unveiling her true alias. She like to think of it as a game; hunting, competing against herself to see on which day she scored the bigger catch.

When her coat was clean, she climbed out of the stream and shook, water spraying in every direction, with tiny droplets still clinging to her body afterward. She stood before the river and took a long drink, washing away the taste of fresh blood.

Not far from where she sat was another wolf, larger than herself, but unrecognizable from the curtain of fog separating them. Upon spotting this other wolf, she jumped, letting out a small bark before curling her tail around herself.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

The mist trembled and shattered under the resonating weight of another wolf's voice in the distance. Laynor looked up, his large, black round ears perked, and quickly groomed himself. It could be the male leader, Kruuen! The fog suddenly swerved, revealing a gap through which he could see the sender of the bark. A female.

Laynor immediately stopped grooming and snorted. His lips curled back in a snarl. All thoughts of his recent schizophrenia attack were forgotten now as he glared at the stranger. If only I had my scythe, he thought. Then I could scare her off easily.

Laynor often carried a small scythe in his jaws during battle or when hunting. However, today he had been on a mere stroll to the stream, and therefore he had not really needed it. He got to his paws and stretched his slender legs, flicking his puffy tail disdainfully.

"And just what do you want, female?" Laynor called, his voice trickling across the fog lazily. He stepped gracefully toward her, chin high in arrogance. Such filth - would she dare speak to him? All females deserved to live in the slums of the Pareil pack. Only males could be headstrong and brave, not filthy, slimy, scaly females!

Laynor stopped in front of Ambrosia. His fur bristled indignantly and his eyes glimmered with disgust. And, for a moment, he actually looked terrifying - well, that was until a figure moved behind Ambrosia's shoulder. Elairn. She was back. She glared at him with loath in her empty gaze and smirked. "You would never scare this female, Laynor. You're nothing." He whimpered and stepped back, managing to trip over a rock. A yip tore from his throat as he fell, and when he staggered back to his paws, he was covered from nose to tail-tip with mud.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

Utterly confused, yet not quite so worried as before, Ambrosia sat and wagged her tail slightly. Her fur was drying nicely, shining through the dull haze around the two wolves. Her eyes flickered, focusing their gaze on the large wolf before them. He seemed to be lost. That, or he was just crazy.
Crazy or not, Ambrosia refused to be toyed with. She raised her snout and squinted her eyes. "Funny, as I recall I was just taking a bath in the river." She laughed to herself, taking in his soiled coat. "Something you should take into consideration." She waited for another snide remark. It was unbelievable, the petty games some wolves would play. She, however, would not partake in it, as she tired to ignore the harsh tone of voice he'd given her.
She hadn't been part of the pack long, and hadn't yet met this wolf before. She decided it'd be best to keep her cool. She was curious as to why he stumbled back, causing her yet again to jump. She turned and looked behind her, seeing nothing but the familiar mist.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

Laynor gasped slightly as the foggy figure of Elairn disintegrated. He blinked several times before quickly regaining his cold attitude. "I meant you in general, not your pelt. Psh, you're like all females. Sharp-tongued but too stupid to understand a single word someone is saying." He rolled his eyes.

"Why are you here anyway? You should be back at camp feeding the pups. That's the only thing you creatures are good at." Laynor blinked once more and quickly glanced over Ambrosia's shoulder, checking for more mist-wolves. He sighed in relief. Good, they're all gone.

A small gale ruffled their pelts. The mist was swept away slightly. Finally, this mist is leaving. Not only is it annoying, it's really spooky . . . He shuddered from the cold. It was not often this breezy here in Ventura, but of course, it was dawn, after all. There always tends to be a small patch of cold fog somewhere at the brink of morning.

Laynor flicked his tail. He felt the mud which he had fallen into begin to dry and crackle upon his skin. He sent the female one last glare before sitting down and beginning to lick it off. Most wolves would have jumped into the stream to clean off, but he absolutely hated water. He didn't know how to emphasize that any more than he had. He gagged at the foul taste of dirt, but still continued licking his back vigorously.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

Trying to hide her disbelief towards this wolves comment, Ambrosia opted to change the subject. She analyzed the way he licked the mud off of his fur, cringing at how it must have tasted. Then she looked up at the river, glittering in little patches where sun peaked through the branches overhead, not a sign of the bath she had taken earlier.

She looked down at her own pelt now, clean and dry. Seeing him take in all that mud made her appreciate her dinner even more. "You are aware of the river beside you?" She laughed, relaxing a little more and wagging her tail, trying to convey that she was not afraid of him, which was in fact the opposite. She sighed, waiting for his response, no doubt it would be another dig at her ego.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

Laynor spat out a mouthful of dirt, sweeping his tail against the ground in frustration. Almost all of the fog had left by now, and the glimmering patches of sunlight that peeked through the canopy splotched his red fur. He didn't even bother to look up and examine Ambrosia's expression, for he did not really care, and he was too busy.

"You are aware of the river beside you?"

Laynor looked up, his eyes narrowed. "I'm not stupid, female. I know it's there. But I cannot stress enough on how much I hate water." He was about to bend his muzzle down to continue licking when he hesitated. "Anyway, what's your name? I don't enjoy being stuck calling you 'female' all the time."

Laynor looked down again, hiding his embarrassment from the question. Although he truly did not care about her name and he was annoyed by calling her 'female,' the shy part of him was releasing itself. He was sure that if he looked up, she would see him blushing. And he didn't want that - no way! Then she would think he was weaker and that he was portraying himself as someone tough - well, of course, that was true, but he didn't like anyone to know it.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

Although this wolf in front of her was rude and entirely too judgmental, Ambrosia could see he was putting up a front. She watched as he cleaned his fur one lick at a time, probably wincing at every taste. Her tail wagged behind her in amusement.

She pondered what he had said about hating water. "What are you, a cat?" She laughed, trying to make light of the awkward situation. She was only poking a little fun at him. She decided immediately afterward that a change of subject would be in order, appreciating the fact that he'd asker for her name. "My name, you ask? My name is Ambrosia. And yourself?"

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

Laynor sent her a narrow-eyed glance and spat at her. "M'name's Laynor," he muttered. His ears flicked mournfully. Oh, if he had to taste one more mouthful of dirt, he would die! He grunted and glanced at the river.

"Say . . . you were in the river, weren't you?" He asked, trying to sound kind, although a hint of steeliness bordered his tone. "Is the water cold today, by any chance . . . ?" Laynor looked up briefly before he shied away from her eyes once more. Such a pretty she-wolf. Perhaps she could help him?

It was strange to think that he had been harassing her of her ugliness and filthiness earlier, and now he was complimenting her ( in his mind, of course ). Laynor blinked and straightened his back, trying to look as tough as possible. Although he was asking a female for help, that didn't mean he was weak! He was still the tough, rough ol' Laynor who hated females despite how helpful they could be. He nodded to himself in satisfaction, grinning somewhat foolishly.

Suddenly his chest, which he had puffed up proudly, deflated. What if Kruuen saw him now? What if he saw him giving in to a female? Laynor flattened his ears and looked away. Perhaps I could pretend to be a fox if he came. Tch, although I doubt that would save me any embarrassment. He blinked his dark brown eyes and looked at the ground once more.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

The sky was turning a darker shade of blue, casting shadows across the river, which danced along with the current. Ambrosia looked up at her newest acquaintance, pleased to have finally learned his name. "Laynor...." She let the name roll off of her tongue. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Laynor." She nodded her head in approval.

Seeing this new expression across his face came as a slight shock. He seemed almost embarrassed, which was something she figured was foreign to him. She decided to take it as an opportunity to show him that she was not just a female, which in her eyes, was not such a bad thing to be.

She couldn't help but smile when answering his question. "Yes, I was in the river, and the temperature was just prefect. Might want to hurry before it gets dark, or it'll get too cold." She paused. "That is if you're considering taking a dip. Very brave, considering your aversion so water." She looked directly at Laynor, smiling.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

Laynor rose his russet head proudly. A female had complimented him - finally, what they were supposed to do! He smiled somewhat cruelly. He could get to like this one. "Very well. I guess there's no other way . . ." He flicked his ears and hesitantly looked behind him. The river's current was not strong today, but it sure did look chilly . . . and how deep was it? He shuddered and closed his eyes before leaping into it.

There was a mighty splash as his lithe figure exploded into the clear depths. Mud curved around him like spilled ink, and the pebbles underpaw wiggled under his weight. Laynor gasped. It was colder than he had thought. He shivered uncontrollably, but after awhile of standing still, he grew accustomed to the temperature.

Laynor closed his eyes and lowered his body. His head was submerged beneath the river. He felt the current lightly tug at his fur and ears, pulling him farther down. He opened his eyes slightly and swam, gazing down at the rocks. They seemed to glitter under his paws, and he even saw a fish dart past him, its gray scales sparkling. Finally he realized he was running out of air; he rose, gasping for breath. Hey, this ain't so bad once you get used to it!

Laynor circled around and paddled to the riverbank. Swimming came instinctively to him; first he would lash out one foot, then another. He kicked and squirmed until he finally made it to the shallow end. The maned wolf shuddered from the sudden change of temperatures and the small breezes that now felt like zephyr to him. He chuckled as water dripped from his ragged form; however, his pelt now gleamed cleanly, and it was no longer covered in mud. The wolf gently stepped out of the water to sit behind Ambrosia. "You know, that wasn't so bad," he said light-heartedly.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

Ambrosia watched as Laynor jumped into the river, just like she had earlier. It was unbelievable to her, the way he acted towards females, even though he was afraid of a little water. She wouldn't let it bother her though; well, she wouldn't let him know it had bothered her. She studied him as he climbed out of the river and onto the grass in front of her. She laughed and tilted her head, narrowing her eyes and laughing.

She looked up at Laynor smiling, "See, you made it out in one piece, clean fur and all." She felt the cool breeze against her coat, reminding her that it was getting later. She looked up to see that the sun was beginning to set, casting orange shadows across Laynor's face. She figured he was probably freezing, with his fur still dripping wet.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

It was then that Laynor noticed how late it was getting. Birds chattered overhead as they took flight, returning to their nests in preparation for their nightly rest. His body was racked with shivers. Despite how cold he was, he smiled. "Yes, I suppose so."

This was Laynor's warm side. It was a very rare side of him that he showed, especially to females. But he felt he could get to be this Ambrosia's friend. "So, I s'ppose we should start getting home now. It's getting c-cold . . ." He chuckled lightly as his teeth began to chatter against each other.

Laynor got to his nimble paws and began to gracefully trot back toward the meadow. He glanced over his shoulder, a kind smile planted on his face. He was in a fairly good mood today.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go!"

ooc . lol sorry, i'm listening to "hey, soul sister" right now . . . i think it's affecting the way i write. xDD
when they get to the meadow, we can move this topic. c:

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[ajessybear]

Ooc|

Hahaha okay :3. Laynor is so cute when he's happy x3!

Bic|

The night air was getting cooler, and Ambrosia could see Laynor shivering. She laughed, running to catch up with him. If she was getting cold, she couldn't imagine how he must feel, considering he was soaking wet. She walked next to him, taking in the cold breeze, letting it brush across her face. She too began to shutter, not looking forward to the cold night.

Ambrosia began to run ahead of Laynor, looking back and letting out a laugh. "C'mon, slow poke!" She called back at him, teasing him a little. She liked to poke fun at him; it was her way of getting back at him for how rude he had been earlier. She was only being playful, of course. She wagged her tail and walked backwards once she was far enough ahead. "We don't have all night, you know." She smiled and tilted her head.

[&&!; SONiDY - - x]

ooc . i know right? XDD
sooo . . . i'll move the topic after you post. c:

bic .
Laynor rolled his eyes. Typical. Females always think they're best. However, he did not let his vain thoughts clog his mind; instead, he shoved them away like pests. Tonight he would truly lay back and have some fun. It had been a long time since he had ever had such a nice conversation - and with a female, of all things.

He narrowed his eyes and growled playfully. "Oh, you'll be seeing just how slow I am!" He challenged. Immediately, Laynor took flight - not with wings, but with paws. His legs, long and lithe, yet powerful, were like springs. They let him run great distances at exceeding speeds. He proved this now as he ran, the wind trotting by his side. It caressed his fur gently, whispering secrets through his ears, so cold yet so warm.

Soon the Reind meadow came into view. This meadow was the home of the Ventura pack, where the wolves slept at night. It was warm, and the grass swayed in the wind. Laynor halted mid-step and turned round to face Ambrosia, hoping she could keep up. But this isn't just an ordinary female. She's special. I bet she can run as fast as me.

There was some strange emotion tugging at his heart now, as Laynor gazed kindly at Ambrosia. It was that feeling he received whenever he thought of Elairn. A mixture of confusion and deep admiration. He still loved his old mate, he really did, but she had betrayed him so easily . . . perhaps it was time to move on. He blinked. What am I thinking? I . . . I could never betray Elairn like she did to me. That would be mutiny.

Laynor would never, ever give her up. It was foolish, but true. Even if he found another mate, she would always be his first. He sighed. "Well . . . I guess it's bedtime. We should be heading back now." He smiled half-heartedly at Ambrosia. That feeling tugged at him, but he ignored it as weariness seeped through his bones.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]