The Shadows Meet

for @Sorina! Backdated to before meeting Misoka

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 As he stalked through the meadow, Esmeray truly camouflaged into the darkness of the night, the sun behind him as it sunk away, cowering in fear of the moon that was climbing it's way to the top and high-lighting the charcoal man's features in an eerie glow. Finding a small boulder that jut out of the ground like one of his many teeth, the man leaped upon it, shuffling until he was comfortable and gazing up at the stars.

 After sitting for a a few moments that felt like a decade, the charcoal-coated man heaved a sigh, standing and stretching atop the boulder, before jumping off as if he were a feline and trekking the meadows once more, searching for a place to stay, at least for a little while before he got back on task and started to really traverse Canis.

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not sure what Sorina could do but he's up and walking so ;;

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[Backdated. Set just after meeting @Reign]

Her paws missed the ice and snow. She craved the crisp crunch of crystallised ice, the howling winds and clarity it seemed to bring her. Down here in the warmer climate, it made her feel sluggish and lazy. But there was something about the North that called to her. Made her heart sing. Little did she know that this was the song of her blood, the wolves of ice. Salvatoré's were born of ice and ash. But now her blood was here, the Saxe's were settled and an Empire rising, with more on the way.

Sorina could not help but envy her Cousin. She wanted that. She deserved it.

Perhaps more than Reign herself.

Yet as Sorina walked, she found beauty in her surroundings. Lavender hues danced upon budding flowers, darkened by the cloak of night. Yet under the moon's tender embrace and subtle winds, there was an illuminated beauty that made her pause and simply admire. How strange... it had been some time since she had simply stopped. She had always been on the move, either meeting new wolves to amass under Haldis' icy flag, or scouting out potential lands, enemies and allies. 

It was nice to simply enjoy the quiet.

Yet in the corner of her candied gaze, a dark shadow moved. Eyes that were bright pools of pale yellow caught her. A small sigh whispered from her nostrils. Of course the moment she stopped looking, she found someone. The moment she craved peace and quiet, she would potentially have none.

And yet despite the slight irritation, she could never pass up and opportunity to meet someone new. Uplifting that proud muzzle of hers, Sorina beckoned the stranger, "Greetings." Her stance was neutral, as she peered down.

@Esmeray
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 Relishing in the silence and the frisky, cold air the swept across the grass and ruffled his fur, Esmeray took no notice to the ebony-hued woman, until he felt eyes piercing into the back of his fur.

 Defensively, he swung his head around, nosebridge wrinkled in what would of been a snarl until he realised that it was, in fact, someone else out for a evening-walk. How charming.
 Esmeray gave an amused flick of his tail before padding towards the stranger, curiousness gliding in metallic yellow eyes.

 Immediately, he started scanning her features; Both of similar height, though he was more lean, made for running the moors, and this woman in front of him looked more like a fighter than a hunter. And, while she was more of a violet hue, like her eyes, Esmeray was that of a black desert...

 But, nonetheless, introductions were important, no?

“Hello,” He greeted, dipping his head politely. “You don't look like you're built for these lands.”

 A slight teasing tone escaped his maw, and he quickly silenced himself. Perhaps he shouldn't 'joke around' with – what would be, for most, though not for him – an intimidating figure.
 Well, Esmeray just loved to play with fire. He gave a small hum while awaiting an answer.

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@Sorina

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What she thought would be a very interesting predicament, soon quelled. There was fire in those icy, metallic eyes, an almost predatory sense. His defence, was of course natural. Not everyone was a socialite. Not everyone wanted to be interrupted. Yet in a flick of a switch; he was intrigued. Assessing. Something that rose like a challenge to Sorina, who’s dark brows lifted at his reaction.

He was almost metallic in colour, a sheen wrapped around fine muscle and large paws. He was hefty and healthy. With eyes of icy yellow. Striking, of course… but she did wonder what lay beneath such a prime exterior.

Yet instead of a rude or gruff tone, came curt, prim and proper delights. It pleased her to be treater as such, As she should. Indeed not… She replied eventually, as whimsical and dainty as a Princess-turned Queen should. You have a keen eye. She regarded him with a wry smile. My heart sings the songs of snow and ice.And you?
@Esmeray
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 Indeed not, the woman would reply.
 Hm, it was easy to tell. Her fur was thick, silky, and she was well-muscled, while he was short-furred and thin, besides a few charming locks of fur along his cheeks.

 Esmeray dipped his head in a gracious manner at the semi-compliment, tilting his head at the words she spoke.
“Snow and Ice, you say? You are a tundra wolf?” He flicked his gaze along her fur. Black as midnight, which would certainly stand out against the sleet.

 The woman took a step forwards, and Esmeray blinked ice-honey eyes at the woman, squinted and questioning.
 What was she playing at?

“I am an explorer, though I awoke I the plains.” He revealed. “Esmeray is my name.” The man spoke in a – attempt of a – charming manner.

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He questioned her lineage, perhaps rightly so. She did not fit the typical tundra style colourings. No ice marked her pelt apart from the ice of her eyes. Yet her blood craved the snows and ice... it was all she had ever known. She gave a dip of her dark muzzle. "Partly. My father's side." It was still a bitter subject. She had twisted feelings about her Sire. One side loathed him for what he did to her Mother, what he did to their family. How he wasn't in her and more importantly, Iarna's life... but the other side was curious. She wanted to know why. More importantly, why she was not given the throne that was supposed to be hers.

She was simply trying to mirror his own game, she despised mundane conversations. But alas, decided not to entertain the thought any further. With a swish of her dark tail, she awaited his next question. Or small-talk. "I see." She may be blunt, but she was not rude. No, Vasilica taught her better. “Esmeray is my name.”  A small friendly smile grew upon her maw. "Pleasure to meet you, Esmeray. I am known as Sorina." 

@Esmeray
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 Partly, my father’s side. The woman explained, dipping her crown towards him. Her fathers side, hm? Esmeray wondered what her mother was, though he assumed something dark and sleek, like the lady stood before him.
 He mimicked the flick of her tail, tilting his head and squinting dying-sun eyes at the woman. She seemed… agitated? Perhaps his lack of conversation was throwing her off. He disliked making conversation with people he barely knew, but maybe it’d be better to prompt her…
 To get some.. information out of her…

“Pleasure to meet you, as well, Sorina.” Taking a quiet, sharp breath, he though for a few moments, before asking the big-game question; “May I ask, with how queenly you are—” That’s it, Esmeray, kiss her ass. “—Would you be running your own kingdom, perhaps?”

 He had questions lined up, things to really get her talking. Why have you strayed? Is it in the heart of the snow? Are you looking for citizens? Maybe not that last one. He didn’t want to seem desperate.
 Taking a seat, he’d await Sorina’s answer, flicking his tail around his paws and batting his lashes in an innocent manner. Esmeray didn’t want to seem as if he were purposefully prying, of course…

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Dark brows lifted in surprise at his question. So straight to the point… perhaps he sensed her impatience, or he, too was not a fan of small talk. ”You guess correct.” With a dip of her muzzle. I intend to form a pack up north. We are close to claiming the Everfrost. She watched his expression. Would he be interested to join?

If you would like to join, meet us there when you can. We shall be known as the Empire of Haldis. A flicker of hear ear. Would you like to know more?

@Esmeray
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 “No, i'd prefer to learn from experience.” He shook his head. “I will find you eventually, soon. Once I'm finished exploring.” And with that, the man stood;
 He had so many things to get done, so many places and people to see, he didn't want to go with Sorina immediately, he wanted to be himself first. Analyse.

 “Until we meet again, Queen Sorina.” Esmeray dipped his crown, turning away and looking over his shoulder before giving a small wag of his tail and walking away.
 They'd see eachother once more, no doubt about it.

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fade?

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His abruptness was akin to her own, she would often loose others due to such ways. But alas it was how she was raised. How she perceived the world and as future Queen, it would serve her well. Farewell. She offered to the male as he spoke his goodbyes and turned away.

She was unsure whether he would stay true to his word… regardless, she did not expect him to show any time soon. It unsettled her, to say the least; allowing this kind of open invitation. But if she were to start anywhere she would have to give those willing to join a chance.

So she turned back upon herself. It was time to return home.

-end thread. Exit Sorina.-
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