what are you doing in my swamp?!

Harbinger

There had come distraction, a temporary detour that the fiery hound had not anticipated though no matter what may transpire this night it would not deter him from a self-assigned goal. Whatever it took he would find all he sought. If it did not linger upon the mountain side then perhaps one simply needed to delve deep within the concealment of stone? Surely the Fae would not be so foolish as to leave themselves so exposed, so vulnerable to any who may happen across them or their blessed possessions. The only problem was actually getting to the cavern’s which loomed above.

Fineás hardly excelled at climbing such steep surfaces, a lacking skill he rarely ever had to put to use. Something which showed in the ways talons scraped to stone whenever limbs scrambled in their efforts of pulling him atop the next overhang. Frustrations evident in the way features contorted though in time he would make his gradual ascent… at least none were able to see him like this. Limbs shaken when finally they settled upon a relatively flat stretch of rock, a gaping maw before him that led into the darkness.

Ears stood high as he listened to the silence within. Nothing giving way over a haunting presence or even the flittering of the Fae, at least he assumed they fluttered. Whatever. For now he stood alone. A short scoff fleeing his lungs as he strode forth into engulfing shadows with little hesitation. He was not coming all this way for nothing and the moment eyes adjusted they danced over everything within… rocks, rocks, and what a fucking surprise more rocks.

Constructs which seemed to stretch on forever, twisting paths reaching out to be swallowed by the darkness. Grumbling under his breath Fineás decided the only thing he could do was wander further into the gloom, it shouldn’t be too hard to remember the way he’d taken.

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There was much to do, so many things to keep track of, to account for. None of which had anything to do with the army and the steps he was instructed to take before the war inevitably came knocking on their doorstep. He had his own little agenda to tend to, with only one task to get to: stash inventory. Collected and stored away in the caverns hidden deep atop the steep mountains of Tir Na Nog was all of Coal's personal achievements and memories. Each item, each product, all something he received through hard work and dedication. And by hardworking and dedication, that simply meant he swindled or stole from scummy, dirty, mainlander grubs that didn't deserve what they had. He tool little time in making his way up the mountains, should the call to the field arise he wanted to be the first to take charge to the spot where mainlander blood would spill.

There were little nooks and narrow paths that drove upward, rather steep, through the mountains. His muscles didn't just appear over night, his chiseled look was formed by each trek up and down the mountain treacherous pathways. He rarely met strangers the further up he went, most quit before anything got too steep, or seemingly unpassable. And that was why he chose the tops of the mountains to stashes his goodies.

But, when rocks and pebbles were heard in small series of cascades down the paths not too far off from his position, he would slow his pace. Cerulean hues would look behind him, not seeing the debris he was hearing. Brows furrowed and a huffed a sigh out quietly, a growl laid underneath his puff of frustration. He would pull himself up the paths quicker now, searching for the cause of the debris trickling here and there.

An unfamiliar scent traced the path he was on, his upper lip would curl and as he pulled himself up onto the familiar footing. Before him were the caves in which he tucked away his earnings, his possessions. And threatening to discover such items was a body that laced the mouth of the caves with a saffron touch. He would stride into the caves, ears alert for any other movement aside from his own. There were small clusters of rocks that he laid out in their own places in their own way, all Beacons to help guide him through the stone channels of the inner workings of the mountain. As he traced his path forward, he lurked around each corner, through every crevice to another tunnel he could find. The scent of saffron burned into his nostrils now, the body to match the scent was now ahead of him. He could hear a grumble from the stranger, instantly moving himself closer to the cavern walls and into a smaller crawlspace that would place him infront of the stranger should he make it through.

After crawling with small, puppy like movements in the crawl space, he could see the dimly lit exit of the tiny tunnel he was in. Pulling fromself from the confines of the rock tunnel, he would shake himself off. Looking around slowly, he searched for the creature that was able to scale the mountain and make it to the caves. He noticed he came up further ahead than he planned, and so he began tracing bis way back to where the stranger was.

When his cerulean blues came across the figure, he sauntered forward, his strides were slow, and his breathing was low. Coming closer, he would let his tongue strike. Gu cinnteach chan e seo an dòigh cheart dhut, tha an t-slighe a-steach air ais an sin.(Surely this isn't the right way for you, the entrance is back there. ) his voice was low and a paw would point in the direction from which he came. He'd take no precautions, letting his native tongue either help the creature, or strangle them.

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Harbinger

Faint yet spiced aromas tinted the air as he delved ever deeper into the caverns, unknown paths chased as blindly as they’d been on his ascent of these rocky peaks. Yet he’d come with a self assigned mission and it was not one he intended to turn away from. Natures deterrents would not be enough to dissuade him. Even the perpetual darkness of these caves could be overcome as faint markers were left in hopes of not losing his way. There was always something to return to, a guiding light so to speak whenever he deemed a venture had run its course… but until he found something there was uncertainty on just when he might give in and turn back home.

Though it is the scuttle of rocks that brought pause, ears swiveling to better capture the sound as attentions hoped to peer into shadows. Whoever - or whatever - lived in this cave was in for a rude awakening if they thought to corss his path! But, what even dwelt within winding tunnels? Bats, the flutter of their wings heard further within; minuscule beasts, mindless blind creatures that lurked wherever water flowed; wolf. The most peculiar scent within - the sharp tang of spice - whirling with a new rush as the sound of talons clicked against stone.

Fur bristled in silent warning, ears turning back as the smoke tinged stranger seemed to slink from the very shadows. Vibrant gaze narrowed as Fineás looked the man over. A creature who stood a bit taller, quite a bit thicker though whether it was due to muscling or if this was a wolf who enjoyed his meals a little too often remained to be seen. Details claoked by the plumes of raven fur which enveloped that unexplored hide. Still a crown was held high as the piercing emerald of his stare sought to lock with glimmering cerulean. Limbs planted firmly in place as lips fought the urge to curl.

Instead, as if in consideration, his gaze traced the motions of another’s paw before snapping back. Accursed venom threatening to lace his tongue as lyrics touched the senses. Language the boy had been taught, however, twas not one practiced often. Fineás’ accent not perfected nor where phrases enunciated correctly at times though there was enough to hold and - hopefully - grant understanding. Short breath huffed free as jaws parted, “Ciamar a bhiodh fios agad air an dòigh cheart dhòmhsa? Thàinig mi dìreach às an sin, chan eil mi a' dol air ais fhathast.” ( “How would you know the right way for me? I just came from there, I'm not going back yet.” )

Whoever this man thought he was, Fineás wasn’t going to be turned away from whatever these caverns hid. Perhaps this beast was some guardian to the fae, a protector of their secrets and the blessed treasures each may caress. Well, if that was the case, he of all wolves would not keep the fiery hound from his prize. Tail swished lightly in show of annoyance before steps hoped to push past the stranger and delve ever deeper into the cavern’s mysteries. Purposefully bumping a shoulder into the other should he not move aside.

table by rae - image by mystery

His presence was met with a slight tinge of hostility, the usual signs one should take caution were written all over the stranger's features. It was delightful to see. It made a small shiver run down his back as he watched, and waited. When emerald hues glinted in the most perfect lighting from the cracks and crevasses of the caves, he too would offer the stranger his own ocean blues to wander in. Even after his not so subtle pointer in the best route for the stranger to take out, he was not disappointed in the dedication they had to continue further deeper into the caves. But, while he wanted to stay locked in their gaze all the rest of the evening, he couldn't let them get one step closer to his most prized possessions and accomplishments.

He would listen to the words the stranger spoke, picking apart the most tiniest of imperfections in each word that slipped from their tongue. He interest had long since peaked, the lack of a certain fluidity in the tongue they spoke was not the same as it would be if spoken by a native. His mother, for example. So easily did each letter piece together to form the words that would flow flawlessly from her lips, that was the standard he held any true native to. A small click of his tongue broke the little interest he had, pulling in a sigh that would fall out as the more common tongue for those south of his home. Perhaps this will help clear things up, no? That is the right way for you to go- out, away, not this way- and I can-- his words were cut short as he watched this bold stranger plow forward, a shoulder of theirs connecting with his own. As their weight was pushed into his, he held a firm stance on the hard surface beneath him, a snarl reverberating slowly up from his chest, though it would fizzle as they continued past him. His limbs would lurch himself forward, as he closed on the bold creature, he would lean his weight into them, his muzzle so boldy falling to their ears.

"if you insist, you'll need a guide. Tha na h-uaimhean sin mì-chosmhail ri.. coigrich. (these caves are unkind to.. strangers. he would lean just a little further into the stranger, if they didn't turn back and meet his face with fangs, or any other part or him for that matter. He was subtly moving their course, directing them both in a way more favorable for Coal, and away from any sight they may catch of his hard work.

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Harbinger

Crystalline gaze peered back at him. Those ocean blues seeming to swirl as the very waves did, clear, not yet reflecting the rising venom that festered beneath his own hide at the mere suggestion that he leave. Demands Fineás would not give this creature the pleasure of heeding. A guardian of the fae would not so easily lead him astray. His path would not be wound back to the cavern’s gaping maw nor lured to his demise in its depths. The fiery hound believed himself to be perfectly capable of navigating these sparsely illuminated tunnels on his own. Yet despite it all off kilter phrase rolled from another’s tongue.

Broken. Jarring. Lyrics bidding him to go. How it was the right way for one such as he. This cave dweller didn’t know what was best for him. No beast would stand in his way, any barrier that kept him from the secrets housed within would be overcome. Even if that meant just bulldozing past the first that had come into view. A light grin playing across his lips when it brought a welcoming silence, broken only by the snarl which died as quickly as it had risen in the warden’s throat. The shift of talons against stone reverberating off the walls as those limbs were quick to chase after his steps.

Each sound falling upon his ears as easily as the voice that nestled far too close for true comfort. That presence saddling against him, the warmth of a foreign body bleeding against his own. Spiced aromas sinking greedily into the senses as they dared to mix with his own perfumes. Nails curled against the earth as for a moment Fineás attempted to resist reaction, focus upon the lyrics which brushed to his ear in breathy whisper. It brought hackles to bristle before the feigned threat of fangs turned upon the unknown.

A false snap that would never connect as instead he whirled to catch the stranger in the midst of that hovering, hoping to crowd him against the cavern wall nearest to where they stood. Morphing phrase bidding ears to turn back, “How many times do I hafta say it, huh? You don’t know the right way for me kracyl zalqfy.” ( broken tongue. ) The bite of an Infernal tongue falling much more smoothly than one studied beneath a mother’s selected tutelage. Tone carrying in the same fluidity as the mainland’s common which led his phrases. “Xe'p laz dyijulq vorv sal'z oidd oar hafr zrutcw oiy,” ( “I’m not leaving and won’t fall for your tricks fae,” ) whatever they may be.

Besides why would one of the fae care? Weren’t they known for getting others lost? A thought which clung to his mind as the hound hoped to press further against the stranger. Corner him. Bring the stark differences of their pelts flush to one another. Allow his own muzzle to press to the guardian's ear just as he had done mere moments ago, “Why so eager to play the guide wzrilqyr?” ( stranger? )

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Giddy was he, the strangers reaction was all too amusing, entertaining. A chuckle would fall from his lips as a smirk besmirched obsidian kissers. His persistence gained him a sliver of a reaction, which was reward enough. Ocean blues swept over the stranger as the behemoth allowed the control to fall out of his hands, into the other's and used to bury himself into a wall- talk about a rock and a hard place. He let an unwarranted cackle rumble from his chest as he laughed at the circumstances and his own thoughts. “How many times do I hafta say it, huh? You don’t know the right way for me kracyl zalqfy.” He was overwhelmed with the humor, all in his own head, of course. crack-sil zal- whattt are you saying? Silly creature, and their silly words. A laugh fluttered around his question as he half mocked the words. “Xe'p laz dyijulq vorv sal'z oidd oar hafr zrutcw oiy,” he would raise a brow, his head falling back slightly, away from the tongue that spoke in words completely foreign to him. Now, now, takenit easy- how can i help youu if i cant understandd youu sincerity was hidden between amusement and sarcasm, his crown would roll back forward to meet sparking gems that were so heavily placed upon himself. His own cerulean hues would trace the lips that came closer, his breathing remained easy and steady as he let the stranger invade his personal space, vulnerability would be their upper hand. The warmth of their muzzle rushed over him, while their chests heaved together. “Why so eager to play the guide wzrilqyr?” he ignored the last bit, translating was the least of his priorities. He would press himself back against the stranger, using the wall he was pressed into as leverage, gradually pushing harder until he felt the tension of the other's body ready to break traction on the stone beneath. His own muzzle wrapped around to an ear. I can redirect my eagerness elsewhere, if youd rather that. he would coo to this brave, mysterious new face. A distraction is what they needed, perhaps this was it, and he could skew the strangers previous tasks in their mind. And thus, throwing them off the original course that was set- and away from his treasures.

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Harbinger

Pointed ears turned back as bemused laughter rolled deep in the chest of a nameless soul. Rumbling sensation which reverberated through his own hide from the very closeness held. Though even when hovering so near Fineás could not grasp what the other found so hilarious, whatever ti may be it would hardly stop the motions taken as weight settled upon him. This supposed guardian falling far more easily than he imagined one of such assuming ranking might - yet it was hardly something to complain over. If the simple press of a body could bend the whims of the fae then so be it.

Any perceived leverage would be grasped, seized hold of without hesitation for with proximity came realization. It wasn’t fat which bulked this creature’s frame. Rather something much more solid rested beneath the plush coverings of fur. Overgrown pelt cloaking this beast from prying eyes though it was not a figure touched so thoroughly which held focus for long as garbled mockery pulled his ear. Each lyric twisting in the jaws of one unfamiliar with the harshened tongue, every minute detail about it completely wrong. But as that shadowed crown rolled back a light grin still played over the hellion’s lips.

Expression which lingered as features pressed ever nearer to the stranger, “Who says I’m not takin’ it easy oiy? (fae) My fangs haven’t found you yet.” Had yet to puncture into the delicate flesh exposed so readily with a tilt of that skull. Temptation swiftly blossoming to bring a muzzle to trace over an exposed throat in falsified threat. Allow lips to curl and grant a flash of curved ivory to drag harmlessly over skin though before he could give wholly into alluring fantasy - it was his turn to shift as nails fought the need to scrape against stone.

This fae guard coming back in force of his own, a presence snaking closer so that breath may huff into an ear once more. It brought a tongue to click. Annoyance bubbling when he could hardly hold his own against what one could hardly call a shove. And while he wondered just what the sentinel implied with such phrase, he didn’t wish to find out. The potential for magical eradication or receiving some manner of curse was not high on his list of desires this night - nor any other for that matter.

Did this creature take him for a fool? Guardian, ‘guide’, trickster. Lips curled lightly as he attempted to shove the shadowed man back against the wall. Though whether success had been found or not it would not stop the way lyrics hissed between teeth, “I didn’t come here for something temporary.” He wished for something tangible whether it could be held in his paws or felt to course through his veins in a new found power. “First you insist I leave, then offer to play the guide, and now? This.” Leaning a touch closer a tongue pressed between fangs, “Unless your eagerness gets you out of my fur, I don’t care for it.”

table by rae - image by mystery