Playing with fire (Open+Altan)

[Leo]

Leo padded through the wide open grassy plain, enjoying the enticing scents that reached his nose. His thoughts drifted as he walked aimlessly. He had no where he needed to be, and nothing he needed to do. He was not hungry, for he had hunted previously, and he had subdued his thirst earlier, drinking from one of the many pools of water that littered the land. He was content to be alone, but a nagging sense of boredom was beginning to grow. He paused in his stride, deciding to exercise his elemental power.
He was a fire lupus. He had received his power a little time before his second year of life, shortly after his sister death. Then, it had been a distraction, and a way to prove himself to his over demanding parents. In a little over a year, his power had grown immensely, and he was able to control any flame, no matter what its size. He was also able to manifest fire, although that didn’t always work. He had been thinking about ways to turn his power into a more remarkable weapon. He wondered if he could use it to aid his hunting, although he would have to improve his power to manifest fire before he could put it to any use.
He sat, curling his tail around his paws, and closed his eyes. He focused, as he always did, within himself. He had never been taught how to control his power, as no one in his old pack had been a fire lupus, but it had come instinctively to him. Inside, he could sense an energy, the same energy he felt when he saw fire. He had come to the conclusion that this spark inside of him, was the source of his power. When he had first explored deeper within himself, he had stumbled across the ability to create the fire. Although it had taken many months before he had been able to repeat it. First, he needed to expand the feeling within him, so that it flowed through every limb in his body, and then he had to extend the feeling to beyond his body. He had no trouble with the first part, but the second part he struggled with.
He didn’t know how long he sat still, until he felt the flame spread through his body, sending tingles along his skin, and into his muscles. He opened his eyes, attempting to spread his awareness to a spot directly in front of him. He concentrated on the feeling, trying to push it out of his body, to ignite a flame. He growled softly, frustrated at his lack of process, but not surprised. He had succeeded in creating fire at the swamp, and that had drained the energy inside of him. That was an after effect of creating fire. It seemed that the power would go to sleep, and it would take much longer to create fire again, and sometimes it didn’t work at all. He felt his muscles begin to tire, and a gentle throbbing in his head indicated a headache was approaching. He gave up.
Hissing in frustration, he rose to his feet, attempting to walk off the ache that had settled in his muscles. His tail lashed, but he attempted to keep himself calm. Elemental powers were a tricky thing to control, and he had only had his for about a year and a half, difficulty was to be expected

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] Altan had felt a little better about his place in the pack since his conversation with Satinka. The fact that Reynard still spoke of him was an unlifting thought, he still mattered to his god father, even despite not having been around for a while. Whether or not Satinka had a genuine interest in him didn't even matter that much, she had made some kind of effort with him and it had left him feeling happier than he had in a while. Perhaps more bonding, and sharing more with the members of the pack would help him fully get back to his old self. It was a thought that hadn't actually crossed Altan's mind yet though, and once again the lyxxus was off on yet another one of his small wanderings. Duties to the pack had been taken care of and a small amount of time to himself was enough to lead him out of the valley and back into the unclaimed lands of the prairie nearby. It wasn't the first time he'd made this journey, nor would it be his last he supposed. Perhaps all that traveling had left him unable to sit still for too long, no wait that had existed from practically day one. He still fondly recalled his first hunting trip, having left the den to explore on his own, Reynard had caught up with him and offered to show him how to hunt. The valley had been so large at that point, though after venturing round so many lands and having grown himself, well it was only understandable for them to feel small. He wasn't leaving any time soon though, just a little walk, more of that time alone, or perhaps not. It didn't take him long at all to suddenly become aware of another wolf nearby and upon closer examination, those bright blue eyes soon spotted the fellow wolf, similarly walking around the lands. Had he been a little more considerate and observant of the feelings of others perhaps Altan could have noticed that the lupus seemed somewhat irritated, though such skills weren't strong points for the lyxxus. Knowing that sooner or later the other wolf would notice him, Altan chose to make himself known, hopefully let the lupus know he was of no threat. "Hello there." He called, his voice holding no threat as he greeted the stranger. He held back though, not moving too close to either put himself in harms way or invade the other wolf's space too much. "Just passing through, not following you or anything." Well that sounded odd now didn't it, though had he wanted to follow the wolf, Altan was certain he could have done a fine job of it.

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[Leo]

Leo paused, glancing at the newcomer. He scanned the wolf, noticing that the wolf smelt like he was from the Children of Hvítur Ári. Hmm, interesting, a pack wolf in unclaimed lands. He smiled, realising that the wolf was keeping his distance. Leo was a wolf who preferred his own personal space, but it was rare to find another wolf that respected this. Leo realised that the stranger also probably preferred his own space, otherwise, why would he have wandered from pack lands alone? Of course, there could be other reasons, but he didn’t really care either way.
“If you were following me, you’re doing a pretty bad job at it, having just called out to me, alerting me to your presence” He pointed out and although his voice betrayed little emotions, his eyes gleamed with amusement. He realised that he liked this stranger. He hesitated, the feeling unusual to him. It was very rare that he could bare to be in the company of another wolf, let alone like another wolf. Especially with so little information. The most he knew about this stranger, was that he was a pack wolf, but probably preferred to be alone. He supposed it wasn’t to be unexpected, after all, wolves were social animals, and it was in their best interest to form emotional attachments to others.
“You’re a member of the Children of Hvítur Ári, I’m surprised to see you here.” He added, raising his eyebrows. “My name’s Leo by the way” He added, suddenly worried about appearing rude. Now, that was odd. He never cared about appearing rude, unless he had something to gain. Hmm, this is very interesting. His eyes brimmed with curiosity, and excitement, previous frustrations forgotten. This wolf was different, and he needed to know more.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] Altan had to admit he felt more than a little foolish shouting out to the wolf like that, had he been observant enough to pick up on that annoyance from Leo well then he would have felt even more stupid although chances were that he wouldn't have dared to bother him in the first place. Any moods aside though, the lyxxus found he was relieved when the other wolf spoke back and with a sense of humour too it seemed. The jesting response was enough to put Altan at further ease though and he took a few steps closer, if they were going to speak it was useless to do so from such a distance. The following comment was an observation made on the lupus' behalf. Considering they weren't too far from the lands Altan could only guess that the other wolf had been close to the valley and heard of the pack, perhaps even met another from within. Altan's own observations however, well the lupus certainly wasn't from the Children himself, this was a loner before him. It didn't quite seem any use to point out that recognition though, instead allowed the conversation to roll on. "Yes I am." He confirmed firstly before going on with some kind of explanation as to his being here, not that he quite knew what he was going to say as he opened his mouth again. "A walk somewhere different is refreshing from time to time." He felt happy with the response, surely would be satisfying enough for Leo and didn't give away too much. "I'm Altan." He added, giving his own name. He had considered giving it sooner, though thought it best to see the answer to his first statement before seemingly pressing Leo into a conversation. It seemed that it was a welcome thing for them both though, neither seeming awkward or unhappy with the new company.

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[Leo]

The wolf moved closer to Leo, and for once, Leo didn’t mind. In fact, he felt content around this wolf. He listened as the wolf confirmed his assumptions, and despite the fact it was obvious, he felt quite pleased with himself. He nodded at the wolf’s explanation, although he expected it was more than just a refreshing walk, but he felt no need to pry. He inwardly sighed, he always felt the need to pry, to know as much as possible about another wolf. Damn it, he was letting his emotions overrule logical judgement. That was a weakness he didn’t want. Still, it couldn’t hurt to befriend this wolf he supposed. He took care to remember the wolf’s name; Altan.
This wolf wasn’t a threat, that much was clear, and he was from the pack that Leo was thinking about joining. Indeed, befriending him could be an advantage. He told himself this, but deep down, he knew he had already decided to befriend the wolf, because his emotional side (which existed no matter what he tried to tell himself) and even his instincts were yelling at him to trust Altan. He pulled himself from his thoughts, for once more intent on another’s words, then his own mental ranting.
“I wasn’t aware that pack wolves were even allowed to go beyond their territory unless under orders to do so…” He pointed out, then realised that was probably the wrong thing to say. Damn, making friends was harder than it seemed. “I mean, I didn’t expect to see a pack wolf. That’s all. But I suppose everyone needs a bit of time to themselves, right? I know I do…” he hesitated again, realising that probably wasn’t the right thing to say either. He had never felt this helpless before. Okay, take a deep breath, and start again, and stop sounding so idiotic.
“I don’t suppose we could walk together?” He asked, and sighed inwardly again. This was pathetic. He knew friendships was a weakness! Although, the weakness was probably the fact this was the first time he had ever attempted to make friends, and he was completely inexperienced. Still, the only way to get rid of that weakness was to learn. Still, he decided to leave the talking to Altan in the future.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] Again with the correct skills perhaps Altan could have detect the slight unease within Leo at that moment, though he certainly wouldn't have been able to understand why that emotion currently existed without reading his mind anyway, though perhaps he could have asked. A friendly gesture, not a nosy one. Of course though it didn't matter, it wasn't about to happen regardless of the 'what could happen'. Altan did however pick up on the slight shock Leo had, though the question and stumbling over a comment was likely the biggest clue for him. It was a little amusing in some ways, though he did hide it after all some packs could be very different, maybe Leo's former one had been far more strict upon their rules. Reynard was obviously a good leader, the young lyxxus had a lot of respect for him though strict wasn't exactly a word he'd ever thought about using to describe him. "Well we can't all vanish at once." Altan pointed out. The entire situation was a little more complicated than it probably seemed though and more than he cared to explain too. "But yeah a bit of time, that's all. I've helped where I'm needed I can have that time for a while." Besides he'd be back soon enough, and the pack would know this too, providing anyone was actually aware he was missing at that moment. Now again, although not the most observant when it came to the emotions of others, Altan could sense that lack of comfort now as Leo continued to stumble of his words slightly, pausing for a moment before continuing and this time with a chance of subject. A simple relaxed answer followed. "Sure, that'll be fine." Attention, company they were things that Altan could never say no to, it still therefore really made no sense that he wandered around alone so often. Perhaps on some subconscious level he simply hoped to bump into his brother or at least some other lonely soul as he had done today.

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[Leo]

Leo’s eyes lighted up with pleasure, glad that if Altan had noticed his lack of social skills (which he probably had), he hadn’t shown any indication of it. In fact, it didn’t seem to bother Altan at all. It was then that he realised something was bothering his new friend; there was something hidden behind his words, that meant more than what he had actually said. He blinked, surprised that he was already referring to the wolf as a friend. Still, the point remained, and now Leo was curious.
He wanted to ask, but he had no idea how, and he didn’t want Altan to close himself off. Instead, he examined Altan carefully, looking for any sign as to what was bothering his…acquaintance. However, despite his skills in deduction, he was not a mind reader, and he couldn’t figure it out. It probably doesn’t matter. Still, a new emotion was stirring deep inside him, one that he didn’t remember ever feeling before. He pushed the uncomfortable emotion deep inside him, until he was convinced he could no longer feel it.
“You know, I visited the alpha of your pack recently. I’ve been thinking about joining the Children of Hvítur Ári. Still not decided yet, though” He started, his confidence in his speech returning, and his words began to flow more smoothly. “When did you join?” He asked, encouraging Altan to speak.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] "Shall we walk then?" With that response, off Altan moved, a slow few steps glancing at the lupus waiting for him to follow and move as close as he cared to before falling into a steady, comfortable pace for the pair. A calm walk to make a new friend, it felt oddly familiar actually, reminding Altan vaguely of the occasion he had met Cedrus. Unfortunately he had yet to meet the yagi again though, perhaps he would do better at keeping in some form of contact with Leo, depending of course on where the lupus' travels took him. Maybe not very far at all by the sounds of things. Leo knew of the pack from a visit and a meeting it seemed, perhaps it was why he had been so welcome to conversation, a chance to speak to someone else in the pack. It seemed rather likely really Altan supposed. "I may be a little biased, it's a great pack and Reynard's a good leader." Of course Leo didn't know just yet how biased that opinion truly was, after all it wasn't exactly an easy guess that the lyxxus looked to the keiyou as a father. "I was born into the pack." Altan admitted a little proudly actually. He was certainly rather fond of his home, not that others had possibly realised with that period he had spent traveling the lands, leaving them wondering if and when he'd ever return. He still hadn't told them though, he'd always planned on heading back to the Children.

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[Leo]

Leo walked besides Altan, but allowed the other wolf to lead them. It wasn’t like he was planning to go anywhere soon. His ears twitched at the comment about Reynard. His feelings about the alpha was neutral at best. He held some form of respect for the alpha, but he had no real liking for him at all. Though, he supposed respect was as close as he could get to liking. Except at the moment. He had a liking for Altan that went beyond respect. Maybe it was just a matter of the exception the proves the rule. Yes, that was probably it. However, it seemed Altan held the alpha in high regards. That was probably natural, having been born into the pack. Altan sounded proud about his pack, which seemed odd to Leo. It wasn’t like anyone had control as to what pack they were born into, it wasn’t really an accomplishments. Maybe he’s just proud about being part of the pack.
“I would have thought that a pack born wolf would prefer the company of their own, as opposed to wandering unclaimed lands on their own” He commented, raising an eyebrow in a questioning manner. He realised he was probably prying, but he was still curious about what was bothering Altan. He found it odd that a wolf, born and raised in a pack, would go off on his own without reason.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] Leo seemed to be growing a little more comfortable with the situation, Altan figured that perhaps as a loner he didn't often speak to others. It had been a rather quiet journey when he traveled alone through the lands, his brother Nocht was still probably the one more likely to be suited for a life as a loner. The fact he returned should certainly be the proof that he couldn't quite hack it himself. It just wasn't right to live on your own, especially not when he had family back at home. If Leo was looking for a new place Altan figured the male didn't have either strong connections with his family or perhaps sadly just didn't have any. Altan couldn't imagine the latter, the first though, well considering he still steered clear of his mother and those pups, he could sympathise with a little more. The question was an awkward one to answer really. Whilst Altan didn't mind someone taking an interest in him, this interest was more like prying. Still, if Leo wanted to join the pack he was bound to discover a few things. He chose to be truthful in his answer. "I left for a little while to explore and now I'm back, things have changed quite a bit." He started, it seemed right to begin and the beginning of this problem, though of course he did avoid the family issues that had led to this happening in the first place. "The pack has grown, and there are quite a few pups roaming round." Altan didn't really mind pups, just whose they were, technically two of the litters were his siblings and yet he couldn't really have felt more distant from them. "Just still easing myself into all the differences I guess." It didn't really make any sense to him, after all he wasn't aware of his jealousy, of the other pups or those wolves that were made Guardians whilst he was placed as a Hunter. Now whilst normally he didn't mind attention, as already mentioned these details were rather different from the usual showing off he had enjoyed, a slight diversion of topic seemed only fair. "So how long have you been a loner for? I always found it strange being alone so far from my pack." A little more detail of his own, simply to be Altan though also to perhaps get a little more information back. Didn't really matter if he didn't though.

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[Leo]

Leo nodded, happy with the answer. It made sense. You leave, and return to find everything and everyone different and you’re not sure where you fit anymore. Leo glanced at Altan when he asked the question, but he found no reason to be suspicious. I suppose I ask a question, it’s only fair he gets to ask one in return. Altan had replied fairly truthfully (at least, that’s what it seemed like) so Leo would do likewise.
“About half a year. It was a very small pack, and I was no longer needed.” He explained, thinking back to the time with his family, but no positive emotions filled him at the thought. He didn’t dislike his tiny pack, but it wasn’t a place he was ever happy to call home. After the birth of his parents new litter, he knew he had nothing less to offer as the one surviving pup. “I was never really close to them to start off with, only my sister” he added, the part about his sister slipping out unintentionally. His fur bristled slightly, and he was glad for the faint wind that hid it. His sister had died before he had reached his second year. He hadn’t even received his elemental power at that time. His thoughts occasionally drifted back to her, but he found that he could fend off the emotions with enough willpower.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] He was a little glad when Leo didn't try push him any further to speak of the pack and why he was away from it. Just general comments upon the pack were fine, regardless of his slightly irritated and envious emotions, the Children was still his home and right now he was certain would always be, he had plenty of fond memories and things to say of them, especially of course Reynard and his brother Nocht. Leo's own story was somewhat similar to his own it seemed. Well the family circumstances anyway, well he had no idea that Leo's sister had died and therefore seemed the exact same conditions. From his actual blood related family Altan could only say he was close to his brother. Of course the difference was unlike Leo someone else had taken care of he and his brother when their parents had failed them. "So what did you think of the Children?" He questioned, perhaps he could offer more insight to the pack life if Leo had any questions. Surely Reynard would be happy if he managed to convince someone to join the pack, not to mention it would be a new member that Altan was somewhat familiar with now. If Leo joined, well surely they would speak again.

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[Leo]

Leo hesitated, tempted to say he thought Coneiron was a pompous fool, who he lacked respect for and disliked the moment they had met, and that Reynard was only slightly more tolerable, but he knew this wasn’t a good thing to say. After he had joined the pack (if he choose to join the pack that is), then maybe he could share his view on his supposed superiors. Maybe it was just because he was dominate by nature, and the thought of obeying orders, and holding his tongue was foreign to him. Even though his parents had been dominate over him in his old pack, he had never listened to them, and they had never attempted to do anything about it.
“ There’s a large possibility I will join. I’m going south in a few days. Towards this jungle, where another pack I’ve heard about lives. I just want some more information before I devote myself to a pack of any type” He explained, although he was sure that the large possibility was even greater now that he had met Altan. Still, if he was better suited for another pack, then there was a chance he wouldn’t join the Children.

[Altan]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Tables/Altan3Mid.png] Had Leo voiced his opinions, then chances were Altan's views on the lupus would rapidly change. His loyalty to Reynard certainly lay deep and to hear someone saying something bad about him, well Altan would certainly have to try defend him and certainly choose the High Chief's side in the matter each time. Conieron was slightly different however, naturally as a member of the pack and the First Guardian Altan had no serious issues with him, though that latter point also brought forth that envy and sulkiness. How was it that he had gotten such an honorable rank when Altan had trained for the position of a Guardian and still not been able to receive even that rank? It certainly didn't make much sense in his own mind, regardless of that confusion though, he'd still defend his pack. South? There was only one pack there and that was the mafia. Talk about picking something different. Again being biased may have played a part but the Children were certainly a loving pack in comparison to the Mafia. They weren't exactly a nice piece of work and he had taken extra care to steer clear of the jungle on his travels. The decision was evidently Leo's own in the end, but Altan couldn't help but open his mouth. "The jungle really?" He quizzed, though unfortunately his point did not end there. "Don't bother. If you're even considering the Children then I can assure you the Mafia aren't the pack for you. They are not a nice piece of work. I mean come on, even the names give you that clue. The Children of Hvítur Ári and they, the Hellion Mafia."

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[Leo]

Leo listened to Altan’s views, wondering how biased they might be. He didn’t want to point out that he might fit well into a pack that was ‘not a nice piece of work’, as even with his limited set of social skills, he knew that revealing a potential dark side was not a good idea when trying to make a friend. He did however chuckle light heartedly, dismissing the comments, although not in his usual insulting way.
“Before I talked to Reynard I didn’t know what your pack was called, and I didn’t know that the pack was called the Hellion Mafia before talking to you” He pointed out, saying the words ‘the Hellion mafia’ in a dark, devilish, ‘the world has just ended’ voice. “All I know about the packs comes from other loners. I narrowed down the two packs that I thought were potentials, and am now going to ask for information on each before making my final decision.” He added, slightly more serious. “Besides, I’d prefer not to have to join a pack at all. Too much pride too take orders…” He trailed off, glancing at Altan quizzically.
“Is that why you left?” He asked, then he begun doubting the question himself. It didn’t seem likely to him. Most wolves were happy to take orders, he was the oddity. “I mean, did you want to have your own space, your own life? Like a loner has? Or doesn’t has, depending on how you look at it…” He added, trailing off again. A loners life was harsh, and often your own instincts were against it. Wolves were social animals, because that was how they survived. Your instincts didn’t like it when you went off on your own. As a loner, you were likely to die younger. Getting ill or hurt in any way was almost the same as death as well. If you can’t hunt properly, no one’s going to do it for you. And if you can’t defend yourself, well…Tough luck. So, you weren’t really free as a loner, as you would always have an urge to find others, for your own protection. That’s why he had to join a pack. That’s why he would have to follow orders, or become an Omega, or whatever the equivalent of that was for the pack he joint. If his pride wouldn’t let him follow orders, than it certainly would let him be at the bottom of the pack.