[ AW ] wayfaring stranger

For what little Grigori could remember of the concept of purgatory, lonesome travel through a wasteland seemed to fit the bill perfectly. At times, he wondered if he had died somehow already and ended up in one. Perhaps thirst has made him delirious. One step blended into another, one day into another, one horizon into another. Loneliness he could endure, no matter how stark of a contrast it was to his last encounter with another wolf. But the pointlessness of it all was wearing him thin. A purpose, no matter how blurred and uncertain it got, was enough to push someone like him forward. And yet, what use is a purpose in the middle of nowhere? There was nothing. No right or wrong to be done, no choices to be made, no meaning. Just another step to take. And another. And another… for an eternity.

That eternity ended a week ago. Eventually the land started to return to life with every step he took, and in turn it was like coming back to life for Grigori. Particularly when he had found some mint to chew on, its refreshing taste did wonders when it comes to keeping him grounded in reality. There were traces of wolves inhabiting this place as well, though the blonde male kept his distance for the time being. There’s no telling what kind of land he ended up in; he needed a moment to rest and unwind after the journey. Company can turn out any way, so he had to be ready.

One could say that the rolling green hills, stretching as far as the eye could see, were a wasteland in their own right. Still, a much more pleasant one, if nothing else. Without any thought, he gravitated to a landmark, forgetting the fact that it was far from an inconspicuous course of action. A great old oak tree. All by its lonesome, and it has seen better days – they had that much in common at the moment. Grigori took a seat in the oak’s shade, watching as its branches rustled on the wind with sparse leaves. A sense of intimidation arises when facing something so ancient; how many lives has it seen? How many star-crossed lovers, how many betrayals and wrongdoings? It’s like beholding god, but only just, only for a fleeting moment. Then it’s just an old tree again. “What now, then?” he muttered. A tree has no answers. And neither does god.


„*”

baelfire

"come on baelfire, catch me!"

children's laughter filled the air as two brothers ran across the rolling hills. urged on by his brother, baelfire was eager to do just as he was asked and catch beltane. he was larger and slower than his brother, though, and eventually he thought he was going to have to give up. "you can do it son," another voice called out to him. he stopped for a second, green eyes looking up to his father, who stood a few feet away watching them. he smiled wide and then tore off after his brother towards the large oak tree. beltane slowed near the trunk of the tree to look and see if his brother was still chasing him and that was when baelfire lunged and crashed into him. they both cried out and smashed into the tree, wails of pain and confusion shortly following.

their father approached as they tangled with each other angrily, he swiped a paw between them and though his voice was stern there was a smile on his face. "brothers do act like that." he said. the boys sniffed angrily and then looked at each other before murmuring their apologies. satisfied, adair stepped away and left them to their play. baelfire turned and looked at the tree, then at beltane. "brothers forever?" he said, his tail wagging. he couldn't stay mad for long and apparently neither could beltane; the pair turned to the tree and began carving with their claws into a giant root that poked out of the ground. the shapes were little more than squiggly messes, but to them? they would always know this was where they'd left their mark.

the hazy past fell away and with it came the deep well of loneliness that often followed. baelfire sighed as he looked across the hills, that very same oak tree still standing in the distance.

he couldn't explain it but he felt like he should go see if he and his brother's marks were still there. so he headed out across the plain until he got close enough he could smell the bark and... someone else. baelfire's gaze shifted to the figure beneath the boughs of the great oak tree and he stared curiously at the male, who he did not know. a part of him felt disappointed it was not his brother magically appeared before him, but he knew better than to hope for such things. still, he began his approach.

hello stranger, he said. a few moments pause before he offered his name. i'm baelfire, he said as he stood a few feet away from the stranger and the tree.

@Grigori

template © bean

A R Y T H M E T I K

The scholar tramped along the worn dirt path that curved along the hills. A faint, chill breeze stirred across the open fields, rustling the greenery and pausing Arythmetik with a shiver. He rarely left the Arboretum these days unless he was on an errand—and he was. The male carried a large bundle of yellow dandelions in his maw, all strung together with dried lemongrass that hung delicately from the wolf’s teeth. It’d taken quite a bit of time to gather so many (the damn thing nearly weighed a pound) but it would make sufficient payment if he could actually make his way to the market this time. Dandelions were delicious and nutritious additives to meals, after all, not to mention their medicinal benefits. As a Junior Professor in the College, it was up to him to keep the younger wolves there well-fed, just as he had been when he was an orphaned youth.


Aryth resumed his easy pace, the warmth of the sun beating on his russet back while the remnants of wind rustled his earthen and cream-colored tresses. He didn’t anticipate running into anyone on the road...not that he was specifically avoiding it. So when he spotted two males under the shade of a gargantuan oak tree, he blinked with mild surprise. Both appeared to be somewhat muscular and well-traveled. At the very least, the one with the scar might have had some experience with combat or hunting. He hoped it was the latter. Aryth grew closer and weighed his options. They looked like they were just starting a conversation, and he hated to interrupt. There was also the possibility that one or both of them were soldiers, which made him feel the slightest bit awkward. But in the end, the scholar needed to put professionalism at the forefront.


“Awrite, gentlemen,” he called through his mouthful. He stopped on the path near the base of the tree, smiling with a shimmer in his emerald eyes. His voice was warm as he continued, “Either one of you happen to be a hunter in these parts?”

code by claerie

Awrite = hi; hey there
@Grigori @Baelfire

In silence, he waited. Even the sound of his chewing ceased, hopelessly trying to discern some sort of guidance in how the wind whistled between the oak’s branches. Tired, that’s all that he was. Grigori knew it was foolish to wait around for signs instead of simply taking action. But this aimlessness was starting to make him eager to snap something hard in half with his teeth. The blonde male closed his eyes for just a moment. A raven’s croak tore through the quiet. He looked up, finding the bird staring at him. A knowing, kindless kind of gaze. A brief moment has passed and the raven took flight, never making another sound. Well, that’s a joke and a half. Looks like to be learned here is that if you go on waiting too long, a bad omen’s all you can find.

Grigori shook his head before standing up, but as he turned away from the tree with the intent to leave, he noticed a wolf approaching. Tired, indeed.. but he shouldn’t let that become an excuse to let others sneak up on him without even meaning to. No signs of surprise broke through his stoic facade, but his chewing resumed at a bit less than relaxed pace. The stranger was sizable, with a gnarly scar over his left eye. Grigori has heard of such wounds being inflicted as punishment in some places, but it was just as likely the white male acquired it in a fair fight or as an unfortunate victim. In the end, appearance doesn’t tell much about a person – but it does make one more conscious of the options. “Howdy.” he blurted out in greeting, all while growing somewhat consternated with the situation. Maybe it’s common in these parts to approach someone and introduce yourself with seemingly no other purpose? What was he supposed to do? ‘Maybe you just suck at conversation’ The words echoed in his mind, seemingly no less true now than they were the first time he heard them. Still, thinking of that now wasn’t going to help him any.

Company of yet another wolf wasn’t something Grigori would have thought of wishing for right now, but the timing has made it a blessing nonetheless. The second male to approach smelled strongly of the flowers he carried, but also something else, something odd and unfamiliar.. but more importantly, he seemed to have a purpose, and that was something Grigori could cling to like a lifeline. “I’m not from around here. Don’t know where ‘here’ is either, for that matter.” Wait, didn’t that come out too brusque and dismissive? He paused to chew, then tried to resume in more approachable manner. “But I can do huntin’, I s’pose. Sometimes. I’m not very fast.” But at least once he got a hold, it wasn’t easy to shake him off. Chewing again, he glanced back to the white male. Who names a kid Baelfire, anyway? Truly a strange land. Still, he should return the courtesy at least, if nothing else. “Name’s Hardin. Grigori Hardin.”



„*”

baelfire

baelfire wasn't alone with the stranger for long before another unknown male approached. this one smelled like home. not in the way of edidburgh; but the way his mother smelled when she came home from the college. his nostrils flared, soaking in the familiar smell that accompanied the males own personal scent. it made him miss his mother and a pang of sorrow struck him.

thankfully, both of them started to speak up and that was enough to distract him.

the newcomer asked if either of them were hunters and before baelfire could say anything in response, the first wolf stated that he was not from here nor that he even knew where 'here' was. his ears perked slightly as his gaze lingered on the man curiously. he'd only met one other outlander recently and he was curious if they were migrating here for some reason or if it was just sheer luck that he'd run into two so close together.

here is rionnach, more specifically melrose, he said, in an attempt to be helpful. then he turned his gaze upon the other male. and i'm not that fast either, but maybe we can find a lame deer. he said with a small smile. he was built more for fighting than anything else. admittedly he let sorcha do most of the hunting.

his ears flicked as the first wolf offered his name, and he gave him a glance of acknowledgement.

@Grigori & arythmetik

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A R Y T H M E T I K

Aryth could have sighed with relief as both males turned to him responsively, putting on friendly airs. If they’d been soldiers, I don’t know how I would have reacted. In return, Aryth’s own smile widened in a genteel and grateful expression. The blond wolf was the first to speak, and every now and then, Aryth’s eyes flickered curiously to the chewing motion of the man’s mouth. He could smell the mint from where he stood. Fascinating! Mint had many beneficial properties, but he’d never met a wolf who chewed it recreationally. Usually, the pungent, fresh herb was used to mask other smells—but the scholar had no reason to believe that this man was using it for that purpose. The minty man introduced himself as Grigori Hardin, solidifying that he was an outlander, and then the scarred warrior spoke up to provide answers. Aryth smiled at him as well (and had he overheard the pallid man introduce himself as ‘Baelfire?’).


“Well,” Aryth said, laughter ringing in his humble voice, “we make quite the trio of inexperienced hunters, then. I’m afraid I’m not very fast either, or strong.” It wasn’t that he didn’t have the frame for it; Aryth was a well-built, medium-sized male. But he rarely exercised. “I was going to take these dandelions to market to trade for meat. But...if you gentlemen are in the mood for a hunt, I’d be happy to split a meal and offer some herbs. I’d certainly be in your debt.” His tail wagged and his ears flattened ever so slightly. “I’d help however I can, don’t get me wrong. But I’d be just as pleased with company to Castle Town if either of you were headed that way.” Aryth couldn’t bring himself to call it Castle ‘Stuart.’

code by claerie

@Grigori @Baelfire

Mentioning being a foreigner seemed to get him extended glances, but not to the point that he felt he should be concerned. It’s normal for any folk to think twice before interacting with a stranger, especially an outlander, though in some places It isn’t caution as much as its outright hostility.. or so people say. Grigori hasn’t really done enough travelling to know that for a fact. Though his words weren’t exactly a question, Baelfire still provided an answer to them, giving a basic explanation of their whereabouts. It was appreciated, and the blonde male nodded to show as much, but ultimately a couple of names told him little. If he’d been looking for this place it’d be a different story – but he’s never even heard of it.

The strange-scented male continued, claiming to be neither fast nor strong. It begged the question ‘what are you good for, then?’ but, even in his lacking social prowess, Grigori knew better than to ask such things of someone he wasn’t intending to piss off. What followed wasn’t overly complicated at a glance, but still proved to be a lot to process. There’s a market where one can trade flowers for food? That sounds way too easy. On second thought, flowers weren’t exactly abundant where he grew up.. but the land here appeared to be much more fertile than that. The existence of what he assumed to be some sort of settlement nearby was an equally important fact, albeit one Grigori didn’t want to get too familiar with just yet. The more wolves are around, the more things that could go wrong – he needed to know more first.

So out of the two options, one was clearly preferable. “Sure, we can try.” Upon further reflection, that was just a tad too late, he realized that the choice being better didn’t automatically mean it was good. Sure, a meal might be nice, but what’s he supposed to do with the flowers? Other than trade them for food, apparently, but he wouldn’t even be able to chew mint while carrying them around. He didn’t even try wondering what sort of value as herbs they might have, that sort of business is way over his head. “Ye can keep the flowers, though. I don’t need ‘em.”He shrugged, pausing for a couple seconds of chewing. But there is something he actually needs. “What I could use is someone to show me ‘round and tell me what’s what, if that’s alright with ye Mister..?” Most people are quicker to introduce themselves than they are to recruit strangers for a hunt, but he wasn’t going to hold it against the male. Maybe he’s just really eager to be done with it.

As easy as it would be for the blonde brute to get sidetracked to solving his own problems, it’d be wise not to forget there was one more wolf involved in the conversation. One they likely needed for there to be any hunt. “Ehm.. maybe at a later date, that is. Wouldn’t want to bore Mister Baelfire with lessons he likely doesn’t need.” If this somehow works out, there will be more herbs for them to split, so maybe it’ll be a good enough deal to ensure the white male’s participation. And god knows that Grigori wouldn’t be able to focus on anything informative right after a hunt, anyway. Listening to elders when he was a kid was tough enough even when he was rested.

„*”

baelfire

it seemed the other two were getting along better than he was and baelfire wondered if suddenly he'd become the third wheel. he glanced between the two, ears flicking as grigori asked the other to show him around in a roundabout way before remembering baelfire was there. he offered a polite smile but thought that perhaps he should dismiss himself. he did have things to do, after all. he'd only come over here on the whims of his memories.

he glanced at the tree, eyes scouring the scored bark around the roots. he noticed the little markings he and his brother had mad and he almost smiled. he might've if he hadn't remembered two others were standing nearby. he didn't want to seem weird or anything. actually, i - uh, i'm headed to yorkshire on business so i probably should get going. he said. if anything these two could wander to town and find supplies and adventure along the way. he was sure they'd be fine.

he looked back up at the pair and then nodded his head in farewell before turning and taking his leave. he wasn't lying, he did have business to attend to. and so off he went, to do just that.

exit

@Grigori & arythmetik

template © bean

A R Y T H M E T I K

Grigori was a friendly man, and Aryth’s tail wagged once with optimistic anticipation. But then the minty outlander said he could keep the flowers, and the scholar struggled not to deflate. He often found himself in this position—that is, owing other wolves favors. He wasn’t particularly athletic or coordinated. And as a yearling, he’d left the Arboretum so rarely, he hadn’t developed any of the skills necessarily for hunting large game. He hoped, perhaps foolishly, that his knowledge of books and, more recently, medicinal herbs would be enticing. At least enough to get him by and to provide for the rest of the College. Sadly, it seemed like no one outside of the College lately cared about such things. (To be fair, with tensions rising in Rionnach, book knowledge was cast aside by most in favor of survival.)


Aryth was shaken from his musing by Grigori’s offer, and he smiled. “Oh, forgive me! My name’s Arythmetik, but you can just call me Aryth. I’m a Junior Professor from the College of Eòlas, and I’ve lived here my whole life. I’d be more than happy to show you around!” And hell be damned if that wasn’t the truth. Now they’d be even! But how could he repay Baelfire? However, before he could offer something in exchange, the scarred male recused himself. He politely turned to leave and Aryth found himself deflating once again. This time he couldn’t even keep his ears from drooping as the word “Wait—” strangled from his throat. The scholar glanced somewhat helplessly over at Grigori.


Now he’d actually have to help in the hunt if he wanted meat.


Well, that was just asking for disaster.


Aryth cleared his throat and grinned sheepishly. “Eh, maybe we should just start that tour after all? I could take you to Castle Town. I think if I’m trying to help you hunt, we’re likely to go hungry.”

code by claerie

ooc. Sorry for the wait! I didn't realize it was my turn. <3 @Baelfire @Grigori

Arythmetik, that’s.. a bit of a mouthful. Grigori was rather glad that a shorter alternative was offered and he didn’t have to risk tripping his tongue on that. The second half of the introduction included a lot of the words that the blonde male could only blink in confusion at, but that aside, Aryth seemed to be a pretty nice person. Perhaps his friendliness had a bit of a naïve and innocent quality to it, but.. it’s a good thing that there are times when the world allows for such things to exist, is it not?

Before he could say anything else, Balefire started to excuse himself and leave. A bit odd, considering he was the one to suggest a deer just a moment ago. “Ah.. so long.” Was it his fault somehow, for being more interested in prodding Aryth for information? He still wasn’t sure why Baelfire approached in the first place.. maybe the white male really was busy, and just got distracted. What he did know, however, was that losing a participant put a spoke in their wheel. So he fell silent, save for the sound of his chewing, waiting for Arythmetik to decide what happens next.

It surprised him that the offer was to focus on the tour instead, even though he hasn’t done anything to earn the favor yet. “Well, yer the one who wanted to hunt.. but alright.” He shuffled his paws for a bit, a bit nervous at the prospect of walking into what sounded like the middle of local civilization. Then again, maybe it’s better to get it out of the way sooner rather than later? And at least he won’t be doing it alone. “Let me know if ye need help with anythin’ else later, then. Favors shouldn’t go unreturned.” He offered a smile at that, before taking a few steps towards their new destination..

..only to realize that he had no idea which way he should be going. So he stopped and turned to face the other male again, trying very hard to pretend like nothing of the sort has happened. It was obvious in how his chewing intensified as he glanced to the side.. “So, uh, ye said yer a pro..pro-ffoser? What do ye do, exactly?” He just wanted to get them talking about anything, really. And since Aryth would have to explain a lot of things to him, by the looks of it, they might as well start with something that’s close to home for him.


„*”