phantom no longer

[Free]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Stealth had been her friend over the past couple of moths; solace found in the quiet places. She had had time to heal, time to reflect on what she could have done different. While she probably wasn't completely healed, in her heart, she was ready to move on. Ready to end this stage in her life where everything was hard to come by. She needed a pack, but more so she needed someone to trust. For her, a pack meant nothing without a bond of trust and/or respect. Nothing. Gray body wound about in the snow, her paws only sinking almost a foot in the snow. Despite the depth, she still managed to walk with that unearthly grace, that deadly silence. She paused, once more an ordinary loner searching for who knows what in this rocky place. Light amber eyes scanned around her, disheartened by the lack of life. Not even prey was around, for fear of those like her, of course. Loners who had nothing to lose but everything to gain. She stared up at the sky, squinting while she thought about the times her situation had been eons different. What she would give to be back in her birth pack, a trusted member, if not the most powerful. She didn't have any illusions, she probably would never be in power. And what of it? Power didn't do one any favors, in fact, you had many others vying for your very spot. She gave a heavy sigh, sitting in the snow as she mused. Some people were born to lead, born to hold the reins. While her parents had always called her a leader, she sure didn't feel like one. She doubted their words. She was intelligent enough to pull it off, and could lead if the situation demanded it, but she much rather would follow, content to be in the shadow of one she trusted and respected. There she went again, thoughts drifting back to 'trust' and 'respect.' These were values she didn't take lightly, and only when she trusted the alphas would she be truly content. She believed they needed to be wise and intelligent, if not strong and physically worthy of the job. She sure wasn't, despite the strength her slenderness hid. No, she was far too ordinary to be a leader, she decided. And chastised herself for having this conversation again. There were open lands, she could have laid her claim. But did she have the strength to defend it? Strength, probably. Will? Probably not. Light brown eyes scanned around her once more, thick eyelids hiding her eyes from the worst of the snow glare. She felt exposed, a sitting duck, if you will, but the pang of loneliness and emptiness prompted her to stay in the open, willing someone to stumble across her sitting form and decide, despite her plainness, to come over and greet her. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Notes; OMG made a table. <3[/center]
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[SVENN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,true][bg=1e2a54] -- Cassel lowered his head against the snow, walking across the stretch of nothingness before him. It had not been long that he'd decided to lead his own pack, but the male was impatient to see a breathing wolf and had ventured far in hopes of finding one. A salmon pink tongue slipped out between a white muzzle to slide across his teeth. How long had he been stumbling about like an idiot, exactly? Too long, if you asked him. His thick paws glided over the banks of snow with ease, making his ascent down one of the hills quick. -- Being alone gave the male ample time to lapse into his memory. It was not necessarily a place he enjoyed voyaging into, but nonetheless, it was a place he frequented often. All though not the most tragic of pasts, Cassel could admit that he did not live a fortunate past. He was loved, yes, but there were many hardships in his past that at the time, he didn't fully comprehend. As Cassel grew older, events to which he'd been confused about grew evident. It didn't erase the sin, though. His mother still had left him helpless, disappearing when she knew damn well she was the only wolf alive he'd come into contact with. -- Cassel had little contact with wolves other than his parents, siblings and the sole pack member. Maybe it was the cause for his stoic nature and sometimes hurtful truthfulness. Cassel stumbled over a small rock before regaining his footing. Really, he had to be careful. All of this daydreaming would end up with him plummeting to his death one day. Inhaling the crisp air, he surveyed the great expanse. Nothing but snow and rocks. Wait. He squinted against the snow and there he spotted something. It was definitely not a rock, and not a giant lump of snow, either. -- Nothing was really going through his mind as he sauntered over to the presumable wolf. He was rather straight-forward and would greet the wolf as such. If the wolf didn't smell or hear him coming, it was their own fault. It took no longer than five minutes to make it near the other wolf. By physique only, Cassel labeled it a she. licking his jaws, he called out to her. "Why are you sitting there like a miserable pup?" Cassel asked, stepping forward and sitting on his haunches. He valued his own space, and wouldn't intrude into hers. -- Already, Cassel knew she was a rogue. It was easy for him to tell apart pack wolves and loners; he'd been one so long and had encountered numerous on his journeys. They all looked similar. Slender, some deathly thin. They all had that same look in their eyes. Or maybe that was all a figment of his imagination and he only saw what he wanted to; maybe he really just hoped she was a loner. Perhaps pack wolves looked just like her. Cassel really didn't care. -- "I don't take it that you enjoy the weather? Maybe sitting in a snowstorm is your thing?" Cassel inquired halfheartedly. He wasn't really good at small talk or introductions, but he couldn't just flat out ask her to join his pack. He had nothing to offer her and he wasn't even sure if she had anything to offer him. Cassel was looking for like-minded wolves along with wolves who had at least a bit of talent. He didn't want to carry the weight of useless subordinates. -- "I'm Cassel, by the way."

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[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Her thoughts took her back to her homeland, the frigid mountains and lush valleys. She had had free reign over them, free to explore as she pleased. Of course, the pack often demanded her time, but she didn't mind. The land was still there whenever they no longer needed her assistance, still waiting with open arms. When she came here, it seemed as if the land was closed off to her, and she had to fight to survive more than she could explore, more than she could just relax. For her, relaxing did not come when you were alone and forlorn, but when you were in a well run pack, able to relax in the standards and what was expected of you. That was where she was happiest. Her nose gave her only seconds of warning to his approach, having been far too absorbed in her thoughts to take heed of the snow softly crunching and the slowly coming scent. She stood, eyes wide with caution as he stopped. She definately wasn't in a submissive stance, but neither did she lift her tail over her back to tell him she was in charge. It had been long since she had met another wolf, and she felt a pang for pack life, a pang for close friends. His words just had to make her smile. She herself was often brutally honest, although she was a bit more tactful than he. I must admit at times I feel like one, sir. He sat, obviously feeling in control. He was a mighty wolf, taller than her lithe form. Unlike her, his strength was plain to be seen, and his piercing yellow eyes hid his emotions very well. If ever she had seen one, he looked to be worthy of an alpha position. But she cautioned herself. Just because someone looked the part did not mean they were worthy of the respect their looks seemed to demand. She had to admit she found him handsome, but one like him often had a mate, or females vying for his attention, and she knew she couldn't compete. His comments on the weather implied he wished to make small talk, but his honest ways again made it seem almost harsh. He was honest, but he wasn't saying what was on his mind. The 'worthless pup' comment had gone straight from his head and out his mouth, and yet here he was dancing around the issue. She tried to cover her amusement at that thought. Him? Dancing? From what she had seen in the mirror of a small pond, she could be considered dancing as she moved. But him? Despite his handsome looks, he seemed too rugged to ever 'dance,' in her sense of the word. My birth pack held land with the coldest mountains you will ever endure. she stated, meeting his piercing gaze with her own, although she doubted she had the same effect as he. This is no snowstorm, merely a snow fall, sir. The snow was falling swiftly, but they were small flakes, and didn't add much height to the already large accumulation they stood on. It did dust them in white, though, and she thought it only made him look more rugged, more a part of the landscape. She decided to at least treat him with respect until his actions told her otherwise. Or until he revealed he was a loner, as was she. Then they would be equals, still worthy of respect but not the formality she was treating him with now. No, she wasn't watching her words, merely because he himself obviously wasn't. Obviously. And while he wasn't lying, he could keep to himself if needed. Keeping some thoughts in were imperative, she knew, while others must come out were you to keep your sanity. Cassel... she murmured, A nice name, sir. My own is Leah, and I'm afraid it's as plain as my looks. She gave a half smile, but didn't seem to be shy about what she had just said. She obviously believed it, even though she had yet to find another wolf with similar coloring. Rareness didn't make one beautiful, and this she knew quite well. Maybe in someone's eyes, they could find what they needed in her looks, but she highly doubted she'd attract a mate through her looks. Which for her, was perfectly well. She didn't attract the shallow males who merely wanted to have the finest jewel they could find by their side until they got tired of her. Leah would never be at their side unless they wanted to risk their reputation with a 'plain Jane' such as her. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Quite alright, actually
Words; 775
Notes; I feel like I'm babbling and babbling. XD Hopefully you get something out of it.[/center]
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[SVENN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,true][bg=1e2a54] -- Cassel was unfazed by her smile; yes, it was a bit odd that a rather straightforward remark was amusing, but who was he to tell her what was funny. In return, he nodded at her reply. There were times when Cassel himself felt like he was just a miserable creature, but at those times he didn't sit alone. Those times for Cassel meant useless roaming. Cassel didn't mean to hold himself with much authority, he was used to having his head lowered. Especially when he'd get too close to a pack. Cassel was no idiot to act brave, he knew lowering his head and keeping his tail between his legs was the surest way to not get injured. Maybe his new rank was getting to his head; he was now free of tucking his tail between his legs and looking meek. -- Her words came easily to her, there was a flow to them that implied that she knew very well what she was doing. Unlike Cassel, who rarely had the time to chat, this female seemed to be fluid in her speech. Cassel sometimes yearned for something like that; a talent that perhaps would pull others to him. It would be much easier if he knew just what to say, knew what to do in every situation. Alas, the male was not gifted with such a fine art. -- "Maybe to you, it is merely a snow fall. " Cassel muttered, mostly to himself. He was never one for snow, actually. Even where he'd come from, the snow was heavy. He'd resented the snow; his father struggled the most hunting when the snow was too deep, and there were many times when him and his siblings would get trapped in their den. -- Cassel wondered why she was being so formal, maybe it was her mocking him or maybe she truly did mean to be respectful. He'd never been treated as such, and the words sounded very foreign to his ears. They swiveled, pricking forward before settling again to a relaxed state. Oddly enough, Cassel did not expect to enjoy it, but it really did feel much better being treated with respect rather than being called a dog. At her newest reply, he couldn't help but graze his eyes over her form. Cass wasn't a wolf that judged by looks only, that usually came last to him. -- She was plain, but not in an unappealing way. Not that he knew much in this field, but most females seemed to look the same to him. Perhaps it was because he never really took the time to appreciate a females slender build and softer features. "I hope this isn't your way of fishing for compliments," he stated simply, letting his eyes meet hers. He wasn't the type to give out compliments. He'd never know how to word a compliment, anyway. -- "There's nothing to fret over about looks, Leah. Your name is perfectly fine; it's merely a name," Cassel added. He didn't want to come off as if he was trying to better her, teach her as if he was much older. Cassel did think he was older, but not by many years. Not enough for there to be a significant amount of an experience gap between the two. "I'm going to assume that you didn't actually come here to wait on males hungry looks, so tell me the reason," he knew it would come off a bit offensive. It was hard to actually find your first few conversations with Cass endearing or enjoyable. Cassel had a way of warming up only when he felt like it, and a wolf would really need to tolerate his abrasive nature.

[Free]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] He was an odd one, of that she was sure. Not once had a smile or look of amusement crossed his face, if only for an instant. Instead, he sat still, almost for a status but for hid blunt remarks. A quick smile flashed across her face at his soft words, wondering if he was one of the wolves who grew up so far from snow the very sight of it amazed them. Apparently not to you, sir. Her words, said in a sincere tone, could easily be taken as playful or gently teasing. Amber eyes danced, but she didn't expect a smile or even a roll of the eyes. While his thoughts spilled easily from his mouth, his emotions were kept closed off. Despite his mannerisms, he seemed to almost be surprised at the respect and formality she used. Maybe he wasn't an alpha or something like that after all. But he seemed to accept it, and she caught the tiny hint of pleasure in his eye before he hid that too away. His next comment found her slightly offended, not having intended that at all. She didn't try to hide her emotions, but she did stifle a glare. Sir, by the way I said that I assumed you would know I was stating a fact, not insulting myself or trying to get you to compliment me. Her body posture had stiffened, her gaze become unblinking. She wasn't one to let herself be run over, despite the high tolerance she had to others. His next comment found her relaxing a bit more, almost back to the ease she had met him with. She took a deep breath, looking away for an instant as she reminded herself he didn't know her, he didn't know her character. As he spoke again, a quick smile lit her face. Hungry looks, sir? Never have I had the pleasure of being wanted in that way. Well, that wasn't completely true. But the real reason Xei had wanted her was because he loved her, loved her personality and herself enough he was willing to overlook the plainness and make her his one and only. She clamped down on the old sorrow, on what could have been before it engulfed her, consumed her. Too long had she dwelled upon that, too long had she been in solitude to try to heal. The reason I am here, out in the open, is because I need the comfort and structure of a pack, sir. Again she looked him straight in the eye, willing him to soften, even a bit. But maybe this was just him. Maybe he was always closed off to the world, always brutally honest yet hiding his emotions. She wasn't sure she could live with someone who always acted like he did. Unless of course, it became more of a game and he joked using this stiff exterior, and let her glimpse what was really inside every now and then. But why was she thinking about how she could handle living with him? Or someone like him? Maybe it was his line of questioning, or the way he held himself, suggesting power, or the illusion thereof. Whatever the case, she needed to keep an open mind. He might just have an offer to join his pack, if he had one of course. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Quite alright, actually
Words; 557[/center]
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[SVENN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,true][bg=1e2a54] -- Cassel was not stunned by her apparent anger. His choice of words were abrasive, and not anyone could easily swallow them. He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smile. "Maybe I'm not as intelligent as your assumptions," Cassel responded dryly, all though he could hardly say that with a straight face. Cassel may not be the most intelligent and wise wolf on the planet, but he very well knew he had enough wits and intelligence to put him above some. His eyes caught her stiffened posture, her cold eyes. He was amused. Not only was she still rather level-headed about it, she was clearly trying to hold in her anger. By now, many other wolves would have easily snapped at him. -- He couldn't hold in a laugh, "Perhaps I need to learn some manners. I'm rather rude," Cassel confessed. The snow around them was growing, and Cassel was getting impatient in the cold. He shook his coat, blinking against the snow, trying to figure out a reasonable way to get out of there quickly. With or without her in tow, he just despised the cold. At her latest remark, Cassel couldn't help but be doubtful. "Oh? Well, as a male I cannot ever wish to state my own opinion on that, so I'll leave it at that," Cassel himself had at time wondered if females would ever be attracted to him. He thought it was only natural. -- The male shifted his weight, dragging his tail against the thick snow. Finally. He knew there were only few options of what the female was doing, but he'd still hoped it was to look for a pack. "Well, miss, I happen to be an alpha. I don't boast a large pack, as I've just claimed land, but I'm sure it's much better than being out here in the cold." Cassel could think of many reasons for her to decline his offer; there were many other packs that were larger and more comforting than his cold voice. He waited for her response, and odd sensation of eagerness filling his body. Maybe, just maybe, she'd accept and he could make headway with his own pack. ooc sorry for the wait. it even sucks, i know. T.T

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[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] At that comment, she had to smile. While he hadn't shown a whole lot of emotion, only allowing a slight smile, he had joked. When they had first encountered each other, she wouldn't have thought it possible. But maybe, just maybe, there was more to Cassel than what he let on. She was certainly open, but her story was something kept close to the heart, unheard of by any. She wondered if Cassel would ever become enough of a friend she would venture to bare her heart to him. This time, he actually laughed. She couldn't hide her surprise quick enough, and he was bound to catch sight of it before she hid it away. It shouldn't be surprising for one to laugh. But she guessed with him, or from what he had shown her so far, it warranted surprise. I prefer to call it brutal honesty, sir, but it would help if you watched what you said. Lightest brown eyes twinkled, with just enough smile to show she said it with a bit of humor. She probably preferred honesty to complete shyness, but the brutal honesty he practiced could certainly be offending. His mask didn't hide his annoyance at the snow, and she found herself amused. If you let enough snow build up on your back, it would actually start to help you stay warm. He either didn't know this, or didn't want to risk being wet as he shook. With the way it was falling, she doubted he would be free of it unless he had a nice snug shelter to hole up in until the storm was over. Maybe tonight would be cold enough the top layer would form a crust. She was light enough that most of the time she could run on top of it. If it was thick enough, he could too. But just by looking at the two of them, she was the most likely to be able too. Her slenderness was handy in that area, but it still held formidable strength he probably didn't think she had. His next comment, in response to her own, made her smile. His doubt upon the matter was nice, even though she knew that look. Some of her friends had been the kind of wolves that attracted that kind of attention, and she knew the look that was given to them. Never had she seen it turned toward her. Oh? Are you admitting to the male's foolish sense of pride, sir? She couldn't hide her teasing smile, and wondered if he would reply in turn or just shrug it off. His brutal honesty had led to the comment, but he couldn't voice his true opinion in the matter. She knew it. She had known it from the beginning that he was an alpha. A new one, which explained why he was unaccustomed to the respect she showed him. I happen to like the cold, thank you very much. She pretended to act offended, but she doubted it came across as such. Sir, I would very much like to join your pack. She said this with a sincere smile and a nod. She wondered what he would require of her, and if she would be given a set position or just numbered as a pack member. She really wouldn't mind either way. Suddenly she thought of a way to get him to soften up. As an alpha, he would have a mate right? And he would love her, correct? So Cassel, what is you mate like? It was said with sincere curiousity, and with a hint of wistfulness. Xei had been the closest she had to a mate, but they had never reached the 'status' as mates before that fateful day. They had both kind of assumed it, but nothing had actually been said between them. It had been past breeding season then, so there had been nothing to 'confirm' that or anything. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Quite alright, actually
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[SVENN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,true][bg=1e2a54] [atrb=style, text-align:justify; ] -- As much as Cassel hated to admit it, even he enjoyed the company of others sometimes. Maybe not all beings could capture his attention, but the ones that did seemed to brighten his mood. Leah was one of the few wolves that Cassel could easily connect with; she was level-headed like him, straight-forward but not as abrasive. Cassel did not enjoy being vulnerable, and the easiest way to become vulnerable was to be easy to read. There were often times where Cassel was like a stone, his expression unmoving and his eyes hard pits. Those were times where he had to protect himself. -- "I'm not known to be the type of person to hold my words," Cassel responded, bowing his head slightly as an apology. Words were powerful things, and Cassel himself thought the way someone spoke expressed their individual personality. Wolves who constantly changed the way they spoke to suit that of the individual they were speaking to did not appeal to Cassel. It signified just how quick they could betray you; one could be in power and be spoken to kindly, the next they could be treated like trash once they lost that power. -- Briefly, she smiled. Cassel was never a humorous fellow, and was surprised. Oh well. If he made her laugh, so be it. "Possibly. Male's tend to boast too much pride than needed," he didn't want to admit that he too had a little too much pride but he did a good job of hiding this pride and not making it so obvious. Or so he hoped. He also knew that females could carried away with their own beauty. Not every male is the type to be willing to stumble around like a pup after them, all though there were more than plenty who would. -- Leah stated that she enjoyed the snow, which made him frown. "We might not get along so well, then" he joked, more lighthearted than normal. Her next set of words sent a flush of relief throughout his body. He didn't realize how tensed he had been and his muscles relaxed. He enjoyed the comfortable warmth sent to his muscles. "Good to hear, he said simple, trying not to appear overly enthusiastic about it. to his amusement, she asked him about his mate. --"You're very quick to assume things," Cassel replied. He'd never really needed the company of a female, as odd as it sounded. Sure, throughout breeding season he had to battle his lust, but that was a very different story. "I don't have a mate." He ended it at that, shrugging his shoulders. Pushing from his haunches, he rose to his paws and angled his head at her. -- "Let's go, I'll have to show you around your new home," Cassel added, turning around towards Katrien. In his mind, he wondered if there was anything behind Leah's words. Did she mean to ask to be the alpha female? Cassel wasn't very willing to give the position so lightly. He had yet to think of Leah as anything more than a pack member, but things could change for them later on. "So, what are your specialties? Hunting, scouting, guarding?" he inquired, looking back at her.

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[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] His comment made her quirk an eyebrow, wondering if down to earth, as in stating the obvious, was one of his attributes. From the very first, sir, this was not something I doubted. SHe had to chucke a bit at that one, because if there was one thing she had leaned about him, it was that what he thought would come out of his mouth, no questions asked. Unless, of course, it was of a nature too close to his heart or his feelings. He had opened up a bit, enough that she knew she would be able to live with him as alpha. Tend to, sir? she asked, sending a half smile his way. True, her pack had been tightly knit, but her father and the alpha had still managed to bullheadedly do things the hard way while the alpha female stood there, knowing a better way and waiting to be asked. Truth be told, she headed all the hunting expeditions herself, not letting her mate have any say in the matter. She smiled at the memory, fondness lighting her expression at the trust that they all had for each other. While some had more authority than others, they all basically treated each other as equals, just went to the alphas for decision making or such, while all felt free to voice their opinions. What pulled her from her memories was another pleasent feeling, and she had to search to figure out why she was having it. Oh! He joked again. SHe smiled, mischief lighting her eyes. Just you wait, sir. I shall make you like the snow whether you want to or not. In truth, she was only imagining what she could do. She couldn't ever think to plan something against the alpha, despite the easygoing alphas of her youth. They frowned upon 'disrespect,' as they called it, and she always paid her elders or those in power above her the utmost respect. If she couldn't manage to do so, she felt it was her duty to leave. He seemed pleased that she agreed to join him, but it was faint and he didn't show much emotion. He seemed to have high walls, and that included shuttering all his feelings from the world. What was different about him was that he didn't guard his tongue with the same tenaciousness. In her experience, either both were loose or both were tightly guarded. But obviously, he was something new to add to her small realm of experience. His first words after she asked about his mate alarmed her. Did his mate die? Were they not in good relations? As soon as he said he didn't have a mate, she became genuinely embarrassed. Oh, uh, I'm sorry, sir, I just assumed... She trailed off, avoiding his gaze and honestly flustered. To her, starting a pack was a two person affair. He wasn't of the same opinion, obviously, and she felt stupid for not thinking that others could be different. She managed to drag herself from her momentary misery, attempting to put it aside. She was never good at putting aside embarrassing moments, and at this moment she could call up five to ten moments that had had her this flustered in her childhood. She wished she could remember as many good things in the instant she had remembered all of those memories. Okay, sir. she replied meekly, following after him. Her footsteps were customarily silent, her movements filled with that aching grace. While non had envied her beauty, she had known a couple to envy her grace and poise while she moved. Frankly, she shyed away from the attention it brought, shy that something that came so naturally was so beautiful. She guess that was how she would feel if she were beautiful. SHe knew just as many friends, though, who would hold it over others as though it made them superior. As he turned back to look at her, she found herself able to tentatively meet his eye. His question startled her, but it made sense. He would want to know what she was good at so he could assign her a duty. Really any of them, sir. I am nearly silent as I move, and I have a good sense of smell and sharp eyes. I have experience with all of them, and if I wasn't good at them I definitely wouldn't be alive. She felt like she was boasting, but again she was just stating facts, just as she had said she was as plain as could be. She tried to think of a skill she was particularly good at. Hunting came naturally, as it was easy for her to scout out deer paths or rabbit runs or even spots where animals were right at that moment. She was probably better than he thought at felling said animals, because her slender build had no wasted space. She wasn't afraid to stand her ground if she were to guard the area, and many playmates when she was little had honed her fighting skills. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Quite alright, actually
Words; 844 (HOLY COW, sorry for the long post. XD)
Notes; BRILLIANT PLOT IDEA! I'll PM you. And I really don't know what to tell you as to where to put her. Probably a scout, I'd think, but wherever you need her will be fine.[/center]
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[SVENN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,480,true][bg=1e2a54][atrb=style,text-align:justify; ] -- Cassel stepped forward, lowering his head against the snowfall and letting his eyelids hood his eyes. He wasn't cold; as much as he hated the snow, it didn't affect his body temperature greatly. He could endure it if he had to. He smiled at Leah's comments; something about the way she spoke and worded things was very endearing. "I might just have to kill you before you force me into enjoying the wretched snow," he responded, all though a bit half-heartedly. Conversation was still something new to him, and he wasn't feeling up to a chat. Already, he was drained from the conversation and couldn't think of what to say. He let her apology folter through his ears, only nodding at her to signal her he was okay with it. Of course she'd assume he had a mate; most packs did start out that way. -- He didn't notice her flustered and embarrassed state, as he was intent on looking forward. Thick paws crushed the snow, which was still soft and fluffy. Trying to pick up the pace, he managed to awkwardly hop forward. Cassel was not the most graceful of animals, especially in the snow. He'd much rather get the job done quickly, but he could admire grace when he saw it. His mother had been graceful. She had glided over the ground as if some ethereal being, a fluidity and softness to her step that maybe only Cassel, her child who loved her dearly, could see. -- Even his father had been graced with elegance. Cassel wondered why he'd been born clumsy and awkward, with long and gangly legs. Still, those long legs were powerful and had carried him over long distances with no trouble. He'd be a fool to feel disgraced by them. His yellow eyes squinted and he turned to see if she was keeping up; of course she was. There he saw the grace and unreal beauty of her, the way she easily kept pace with his quick movements but with a talented grace he could never possess. "Fine then, I'll leave you to the scout position," Cassel responded. Again, the male shook his coat, pleading the snow to stop. Or, better, to melt completely. -- "Oh, and I'd prefer you to cut back on the 'sir'. I'm hardly a gentleman enough for that," he stated simply. ooc LOL. Um, yeah. It sucks. I think we should take it to the pack grounds now?

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ooc- Sure. And it's really not that bad, if I had tons of muse for her I'd still post. C: Sorry for my extended absence, I should be back-ish now that the novelty of new things has worn off a little.