a little bit stronger {open}

[AVAK]

The only thing that let Avak know that Azaria was behind him was the soft crunch of snow out of sync with the crunches his large paws made. He threw a glance back again, making sure that he wasn't going too fast for her. That was the problem with him. He didn't judge how his pace may have been hard to keep up with. At times, he wondered how angry others got if they tried to keep up. That why he slackened his pace for her. But he wouldn't do that for just anybody. He found her looking back, but at what, he couldn't tell. He shrugged his shoulders as he continued to weave through the trees, careful not to almost run head-first into one. And then he heard the crunching stop. But it began again before he could turn his head. She gave him a sheepish smile framed by pristine white and set by liquid gold orbs. He turned completely around, saw the tree that had been in her path, and hunkered a bit, pulling his tail closer to being between his legs to keep himself from laughing, but it was only for a second. He turned again, and his face was set just as it had been before, and he met Azaria's small, embarrased smile with a larger, more powerful smile of his own. So far, the journey had still be silent. A grateful smile showed itself as he slowed his pace for her. A small one from him, as she drew equal with him. To tell the truth, he would have almost hit a tree himself if he had not been watching out of his periphs and weaving as he went.

At the sound of his slow, almost tired laugh, Azaria immediately looked worried, like he would drop dead from lack of sleep. He went without it long enough that his present state no longer really bothered him. The scents around him started to mingle a bit. The smell of water as the snow started to warm just a bit. It was still frigid, but hey, snow was water. It smelled like it just the same. Avak turned his head to Azaria, blinked once at her out of place looks and shook his head to dismiss her worry. The look was gone before he finished the shake. He reasured her with a nod of his head. But Azaria's face had reminded him of a worried she-wolf trying to look after a litter that was too large. It reminded him of his mother before she had gotten sick... His thoughts were interrupted as he saw her face cloud with determination. 'What does she think about when her face looks that way I wonder? It looks quite fitting to her though,' he laughed on the inside, smiling a bit as he padded in his set direction, taking Azaria with him.

He noticed that the thinning of trees or the changing of landscape didn't seem to faze her, although she may have noted them. When they reached the rocks, his weight was a great disadvantage. He felt awkward, and slightly embarrased, as he thought he could feel Azaria's golden eyes watching his back and his every move. He became more determined to not lose his footing, although it was not easy. He wasn't going to be embarrased. Not in front of her, and his body tensed with concentration as he maneuvered his way of the stones. She, as he did, tested each rock before stepping, but he could barely hear her, as before. But he heard a clatter, and immediately thought that she had gone over the precipice and had vanished below. He flung his head around, nearly giving himself whiplash as his grey eyes stood stark naked in shock. His ears pricked forward and he caught sight of her, he sighed heavily and then carried on, glad that she had not been injured or worse. If he had lost her now, especially after the travel, though short and wordless, he would have been quite depressed or so he thought. It would definitly be something along those lines. She was beside him again in moments however, and for that he was glad, even moving a bit closer, though only an inch. She had given him quite the fright. That was probably all he would take for today. At least with her.

She stayed where he told her to, but it was for her own safety. If there had been another wolf, he probably would have chased it out so that they could sleep there. It was probably another pathetic one. He and Azaria both probably knew the type already. He felt bad having her stay out there in the cold, but if there was another in the cave, things might get messy. She rushed in as soon as he told her she could come. Her speed surprised him a bit, but she soon relaxed and lay down regally, looking like something straight out of the south. Something rich and important, but he thought that about her anyway. She looked into his eyes only fleetingly before she stared out in front of her. Avak felt the grey boulders underpaw, slightly warmer than outside, and the air was much, much toastier, though not as clear. It had a kind of old smell to it. Like most small caves did. ”What would you do if I was just something your mind conjured up?” She was curious. He could tell. He mulled it over in his mind a bit. He thought about the previous scare she gave him and his face creased, his brow knit tight in thought. She was far away from him now, and he didn't know how to take that. He let out a small sigh, not out of exhaustion, but he was a bit at a loss for words. "To tell you the truth Azaria, I think I would be quite unhappy," he said. Avak's eyes lulled a bit. "I honestly don't know what I would do."

[AZARIA]

Azaria

Why do we stay instead of [ l e a v i n g ]?[/center]

The silence had not felt odd or out of place it felt like it was a companion. Normally, Azaria would lurch at the chance to make some sort of conversation but it felt pleasing. It was different to her to welcome silence whereas before she would wish it away. With this hulking figure beside her, she felt calm for once. There was no more of that almost frantic way of looking over her shoulder to ensure no one was following her. Her mind was no longer trying to entertain her as the boredom sunk deeper and deeper. She could just be free in a sense. She wondered if Avak felt the same. He was still a mystery to her which only ensnared Azaria and lured her in. Mysterious wolves always startled her curiosity into finding out more about them. There was just something about Avak that made her want to know more. She did not want to pry into his private life but hadn’t he said he wanted to get to know her more? It was something along those lines. If that was the case, how come he hadn’t asked her anything? She felt completely silly asking him things that normal wolves wouldn’t ask but Azaria never said she was normal. She was fairly unique in her own mind but perhaps to others she was just another wolf. She was just another set of eyes and another spirit to caress this world without so much as a second thought. She was just a wolf. A wolf that most didn’t know existed. That was all she would ever be.

The thoughts had been thrown away, dismissed from her mind as if they troubled her to a degree. Some of her statements made her feel uneasy. Azaria did perk up immediately, returning to her bubbly state of mind. The darkened thoughts lingered dangerously nearby to wait for their turn to catch her off guard. When her incident occurred, Avak’s head was tossed to glance back at her. His silver gaze expressed sincere shock as she steadied herself. He would never know it but Azaria had been scared herself. The fear had welled up in her chest and her heart erratically pounded before she told herself that she was safe. She had been relatively fast in both mind and in movements but Azaria had an ability to shield some emotion from coming through. Once she was beside Avak, he seemed genuinely frightened beyond compare. He moved in slightly, and though it was only an inch, it didn’t bother Azaria. Normally, she would move away but it wasn’t like he was right beside her. He still left some form of space between them. She exhaled into the air, watching the vapor swirl before her to release away all the fear that ached inside her.

Azaria’s smoldering gaze was turned away from Avak, allowing him to ponder over the question she had asked him. Her head was placed gently on her outstretched limbs. Her sides lifted and fell almost invisibly. As he began to respond to her previous inquiry, she left her eyes and head shift towards him. Her eyes lifted upwards to meet his gaze that seemed to hold wisdom above all else. She looked like a pup in her pose but she observed him now, seeing that strength and wisdom all at once. His sigh was amplified in the cave and her ears pricked forth to capture the sound. Their distance was out of sheer respect for his own personal space. Avak’s words seem to catch her off guard. Her head snapped upward as she studied him again, peering into his face that appeared thoughtful. She was momentarily stunned. He meant it. Every word he uttered was spoken with great care. It was like he was afraid to lose her. It was something that was out of the ordinary. Most loners would just forget about one another and move on. He, on the other hand, might just be a little depressed if Azaria had just been a manifestation his mind created. Then again, if Azaria wasn’t something his mind made up and she had gone off. What would he do then? She waved the thought away, deciding that he would just move on like nothing happened. She didn’t know if she was right or wrong but she didn’t want to ask either.

Azaria attempted to brighten the heavy feeling that grappled at the air. She brightened, shooting upright as she glanced at his laying figure. ”You don’t need to worry about that. I most certainly haven’t been created by your mind.” She trailed off, looking thoughtful. Her golden eyes locked upon his eyes. The ever familiar mischievous glint once again making its debut. ”I don’t think your imagination is good enough.” She laughed softly, teasing him. It was obvious by the way she spoke of it light heartedly. Her light, almost airy laughter died down and she evenly stared at him again. She crossed over towards him; her paw falls softly reverberating in the cave. She sat down beside him and nudged him with her paw. ”I hope you know that any question you ask will be answered. Don’t be shy now.” Her eyes were smiling at him and she nodded her head lightly. She shifted herself so she could view him better as she thought to herself. I wonder what’s going on in his mind… If only I was a mind reader. Azaria permitted her tail to rest upon her paws, letting the thought slip away but never caress her lightened features. She still obtained that mischievous glint as if she was planning something. Her mind now energetically piecing together ideas that she would have to attempt sooner or later but for now, she smiled innocently at him as if nothing was being tossed around inside her thoughts.

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[AVAK]

Avak always thought of silence as his companion, but with Azaria with him, his ideas had changed. They had shared quite a lengthy conversation, and to him the silence just seemed out of place. Abnormal. He felt like he should say something at least, but he never did. He tended to be much more silent when he was attempting to concentrate on surroundings or on a certain location. Azaria was still behind him, and he was calm, knowing that there wasn't anybody unusual or stalkeresque behind him. That really pissed him off. Anybody who wanted the sole protection of a large male like himself was extremely irritating. Azaria didn't give him that 'Don't look over your shoulder, 'cause they're there' feeling. Truth be told, instead of being silent, he wanted to speak to her. But he had no time. Not when they were travelling anyway. So he had weaved through the trees in silence. But she had asked him questions that no wolf would have asked him before. Most didn't even ask questions but started up stupid conversations. Conversations that began awkwardly, but then, his and Azaria's conversation had started out awkward enough. He thought of how stupid he must of looked or how funny the whole scene looked. She had, of course, never had anybody lay on her thinking that she was a snow bank. He smiled at that thought. At least his impression had been a good one and that wouldn't fade too soon. He hoped it never would.

Her near tumble had left him utterly speechless if he was about to say anything at all. And, when he had moved closer, he was glad that Azaria didn't move away. It was another way of telling himself that she was there, and not a ghost, and that she had not fallen over the cliff. He wondered if he could have smelled fear on her, for he had not seen any of it. Avak's senses just seemed to stop working rather than go into hyper-drive. Hell, even his heart seemed to fail him, and he thought that he would have fallen over from a cardiac arrest than from jumping over the cliff headfirst to help her. A lot of good that would have done her either way if she would have plummeted. As she breathed out, he gave a sigh. Another sign that she was breathing. And his mind still wasn't working all too well. Over the years, he had been able to shield his emotions fairly well. He was a bit difficult to read at times, but it wasn't impossible. And he knew that his feelings had been clearly plastered all over his face. Azaria's unique character brought that out in him. That was the side he only showed to a select few. And that hadn't even included his family. And, as of now, Azaria was the only individual of the select few.

When Avak answered her question, Azaria turned her golden gaze on him. His sigh made her ears prick and his ear twitched. Drops of water were now plinking down onto his ear, slowly. It was like slight torture. He shifted to his left, making sure that his head was not in any danger of water. But, his answer had stunned her. It was sincere, and his thoughtful face seemed to have caught her by surprise. He was careful in his word choice, not really making it something that she wanted to hear, rather turning it into something that was... well, meaningfull. And there was no other word for it. If Azaria up and left, he would pine. After not being attached to somebody for so long, since he was young actually, a sudden relationship with any wolf would have left him slightly hollow. That might not happen again after this. ”You don’t need to worry about that. I most certainly haven’t been created by your mind.” Reassurance, but he had other things that he was thinking about. What would she do. He let out a little chuckle at her statement. "So," he said with a smile, "Same question, though a little bit different. If you were to lose me in, say, a few seconds mysteriously, what would you do?" She knew what he would do, now it was his turn. He still hadn't asked her any questions yet.

So, she didn't think that he had a good enough imagination huh? She laughed, but it died down. He wished that it wouldn't die off so easily. ”I hope you know that any question you ask will be answered. Don’t be shy now.” She had come over and nudged him with a paw. 'Perfect,' he thought, and lashed out with his tail, only aiming for her small paws. He loved making playful gestures at times. "Who says I don't have a good imagination?" he asked, feigning a whining countenance. A pout graced his lips, but that vanished and was replaced with a smile. But, she herself looked like she was planning something or other. And then he gave her a playful suspicious look. "With your mind, I'm not sure I want to know what you're thinking," he laughed. He had been tired before. Now he felt energetic again. Azaria just had that affect on others. That's just what she did. Her small appearance and somewhat mischevious attitude made her look like some kind of wood spirit that loved to pick at you until you were laughing as well. His ear flicked again with a drip of water, and he took his paw and scraped it across his muzzle, shaking his head. Would that torturous plinking never end? But he was sure that he looked foolish nonetheless, no matter how irritated he would get at the thought of water.

[AZARIA]

Azaria

Why do we stay instead of [ l e a v i n g ]?[/center]

A sudden ripple of a smile had flitted across Azaria’s face at the thought of how she and Avak crossed paths. He had thrown himself onto her, mistaking her for a pile of snow. She exhaled a silent laugh, smirking at the male at her paws. Her mischievous glint increased and it was clear something was brewing within the confines of her potentially troublemaking mind. Though, she did not take action right then and there, she would let the suspension mount. Maybe even let Avak become paranoid to a degree before she would play out her ‘devious’ plan. She remained falsely innocent, gazing away from him as if to hide the glimmer of the thought that had been revealed in her mind. What a good one it was! Thankfully, Avak couldn’t read her mind but it was clear he could gaze into her molten gold eyes and see that there was something rolling beneath the surface. An unspoken decision to do something that he could very well either laugh at or take it differently than she intended it to be. Either way, Azaria was almost excited and eager to see what sort of reaction to get from her new counterpart. Her ears pricked forwards at the sound of the wind outside. Its raging anger tossing the snow around, swirling it and lifting it up as its rampage continued. She tilted her head to the side, hearing the whistle it created before it died down. At the entrance a small smattering of flakes had entered, forming upon the ground, staining the surface to appear identical to the outside world. She watched as their numbers decreased at the heat that was rising due to there being two, living beings. She couldn’t wait for spring but would miss the cover winter provided her with.

Azaria was contented with herself as she drew her gaze away from the snow that threatened to encroach upon them. It was what they were trying to avoid but it stuck around, staying nearby to remind the duo that it was all around. She watched Avak shift, his ear being lightly doused with dripping water. His words were still echoing around in her mind like he had spoken down a very narrow and dark tunnel. It still was odd for her to even have come across someone who wanted her to stick around instead of silently wishing her away. Most just loners wanted company for a few days – weeks or even months – that was out of the question. Avak kept surprising her in multiple ways. Perhaps she was too used to the bitter wolves to even take her time to speak to the friendlier ones. That was a reasonable conclusion for her to come to as it was true. She was always striking up conversations with wolves who just hated the world for no apparent reason. She would attempt to lighten up their irritable ways but her attempts were occasionally futile. Azaria’s ears swiveled in his direction, being brought away from her thoughts to focus upon Avak. His deep chuckle made her smile broaden and she felt like she was accomplished but she had made him laugh a few times before. She rolled away any other possible thoughts that might invade her mind and listened as Avak asked her question. It was a similar question to her own but she nodded. It was a fair enough question anyhow.

Remembering that she had promised she would answer any and all questions within reason, Azaria pulled her gaze away from him to the entry way. Her face looked serene as her mind took its time to think it through. It was only a few seconds before she shifted her gaze back to Avak and spoke what she had come up with. ”I’d hunt you down. I’d find you eventually but I would be greatly upset.” She spoke sincerely. Being stubborn, Azaria would hardly ever give up if Avak up and left without saying anything. She’d follow him around until he uttered to her that he was going some where alone, and then she would get the hint. Otherwise, she would follow him until she decided to go off on her own. Azaria was very much a conversationalist rather than just reading into someone’s body language. He could very well display all the signs of finding her presence irritating that Azaria wouldn’t even pick up on it. She would see some signs such as muscles growing tighter or one-worded responses or simply no answer at all. Then, she would get the hint. She had found that a few handfuls of wolves had done that and Azaria was gone, drifting on her own until another wolf had come along or just not even talk to them either. She hoped Avak would never grow tired of her being around him. Azaria wouldn’t even think about that.

Azaria’s gaze dropped downwards, feeling his tail swat her front paws. She released a laugh at his playful gesture. Her eyes sparking with laughter and was grateful for the uplifting distraction. Even so, that glint of her quiet plan still poked through. The slight whine to Avak’s voice only increased her laughter but what did her in was the pout upon his lips that soon transformed into a smile. She laughed for a moment before she calmed herself, regaining her composure to meet his gaze evenly. Her eyes still laughed at what he just displayed, finding it truly funny and amusing. ”Me.” Azaria challenged him, mocking ferocity in her tones that was still edged with laughter and gentleness. It was then that Avak had tossed her a suspicious glance, and she knew full well that he had picked up on the glint that still infiltrated her eyes. He would find out soon enough. At his remark, she faked a look of pain like he had insulted her but she grinned at him. ”My mind? You love my mind, I’m sure.” Azaria spoke, smirking at him. Then her plan was acted out. Azaria gave a light sigh and stood to her paws. She stretched out slightly as if to hide what she was planning on doing. She glanced over, seeing his paw rippled across his muzzle. Taking this opportunity, Azaria strode over towards him. She gazed left and right as if she never saw his large figure and then threw her front paws across his back. Laughter bubbled through her chest and up throat, entering the atmosphere with ease. ”Remember?” Azaria asked him and knew that he probably would. She stretched out before standing up, stepping back and her eyes widened with mock fear. ”Oh! I’m so sorry!” Azaria spoke before she laughed once more. She stepped beside him again and sat down, grinning at him. ”My mind and I could have come up with much worse.” Azaria remarked lightly as soon as her bout of laughter settled down.

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[AVAK]

Azaria's silent laugh reached Avak's ears. It was more like an exhale, but he could tell that some kind of enjoyment edged and encircled it fully. That mischevious glint increased, and he wondered if lying that close to her was a good idea or not... 'Maybe not,' he thought. But he didn't move, not an inch, not a muscle. He was intrigued by that look she had. It was odd. It made him suspicious, and the suspense was absolutly terrible. But when she glanced away, he really thought that he might not be in the best position. From his spot on the ground, and her spot sitting up, she could easily pounce on him, though he knew that, whatever she did, it would be out of fun and mostly humor. He doubted that she would just, ya' know, pounce on him to start ripping his pelt to shreds. But, at this point, Avak wanted to pick at her mind. 'What is she thinking?' But it was too hard to tell. But the raging winds outside brought his attention back to real life. Seeing the snow swirling around outside was both beautiful and horrid. Beautiful yes, because that ice always added some type of blue glow to the world, and gave it a slick, crystaline look. But, then again, if a certain white wolf walked out of the cave's precipice-like mouth, she would be lost forever in the swirling white of the terrain. A ghost of the past, come to haunt him for the present, only to disappear in the future. That whistling noise that the snow made was something that only it could conjure. Nothing compared to it. The high-pitched squeal, and then how it would suddenly die off and then suddenly initiate itself again. It was just unimitatable. But, soon, spring would arrive. Those howls would slowly taper off and bring with the warm weather, game... big game, and birds, squirrels, rabbits. All sorts of things that Avak missed. Things that he wanted back.

The snow did, however, build up in the cave's entrance. If that touched him in the hole, Avak would probably slink backwards for warmth. And a bit more dimness. Sun hitting snow was, once again, one of his least favorite things. But, back to Azaria, he hoped his question wasn't boring. It probably was. Maybe his imagination did absolutly suck... 'Yeah, it does.' But, her response was good enough for him, and it actually made him happy that somebody would want to follow him. But this time, that individual wouldn't exactly be unwanted. ”I’d hunt you down. I’d find you eventually but I would be greatly upset,” she had said. It was just as sincere as his answer had been. At least his tail swat made her laugh. His out of character, pouting. Golden. It made her laugh much harder. He was glad that she enjoyed his playfulness. She would, probably be the only one to recieve it. Azaria stopped to feign a type of brave front. A threat? 'Pah! Yeah right,' he thought, his eyes sparkled with mirth. But her statement was gentle. That was what had given it the feigned countenance. "Oh," he said mockingly. "You... and what army?" he asked, grinning as if he had won. He hadn't. And somehow, he knew he wouldn't. "My mind? You love my mind, I’m sure,” she said. Her smirk was laughable, and he did find himself giggling. But, his movements were, apparently, a bad choice.

She stretched out. Avak thought it was normal. She sure knew how to drop a guard. He didn't notice when he rubbed his muzzle, but Azaria moved. But when he looked back at her, she gazed left and right. 'Okay..... what is this?' But, a quarter of a second later, he had had the air knocked out of him. It rushed out in large whoosh, and then she got up. ”Remember? "Oh! I'm so sorry!" She laughed. He did too, after regaining any air that he could suck into his lungs. ”My mind and I could have come up with much worse.” And he thought, 'Worse? Oh God!' He crinkled his nose. "I'd hate to see what else your talented mind could conjure up. Especially if it involves a certain striking, gray male wolf," he said, puffing out his chest. He was such an idiot. Actually, he hadn't done that in a long time. But, he only laughed it off. "Nah." He winked playfully. He really enjoyed all the banter. But, what did he have on Azaria to mock her back with? 'Ooooooooo... how about trees?' He snickered aloud. He got up and walked slowly towards her, oblivious. And then he stopped right before he came within an inch of her. "Oh yeah. I saw that one," he said, poking at her with his muzzle and laughing. Was this what it felt like to kid around with somebody close? He remembered that he hadn't experienced that when he was a pup. Not too much at least.

He remembered that the times he played with his siblings were few and far between. His sickened mother watched from far off, her look glazed. He wondered about her sometimes. But he pushed that to the back of his mind. He nipped his sister on the ear. She was the only one left. He missed his brother, but he hid it on the inside. Deep inside. With all of his other troubles. The fact that he didn't have a father was even worse. He wondered what he was like. His father. And he wondered what he looked like. If he was anything like him. But she yelped. She was always weak. His sister couldn't handle a lot of stuff, although she was a bit spunky from having two slightly older brothers. But now she only had one. He was basically forced to spend time with her now. But he still played rough with her. 'Ow! Stop it Avak! That hurts.' He sneered at her. He hadn't really cared when he was younger. 'Oh yeah! I think you need to grow up a little bit more!' he shouted. And a few minutes later, he was gone. He would never see his mother or sister alive again. Hours later, his gaze fell on a bloodied body, quite small for her age. His sister was dead. His mother was missing. And then, that was when he felt alone in the world. Truly alone... He had howled for what seemed like forever. It hadn't helped. It wouldn't bring her back. All he remembered after that was saying that he would live differently. For her if for nobody else... not even his own sake... He had nothing else... Nobody to turn to... No father... Nobody to love... He was alone...

[AZARIA]

Azaria

Why do we stay instead of [ l e a v i n g ]?[/center]

There was no telling what Azaria was always up to and with that playful glint that possessed her eyes it usually meant that she planning something good. Her mind often got her into trouble when she was a pup but having matured, Azaria was almost sure it got her into even more trouble now. She had never been properly punished for her wrong doings so that was what probably fed into her untamable spirit that most packs were focused on breaking. Some wolves might have admired her courageous ways but most tried to destroy it in the worst way possible. She had been placed down to an omega, but Azaria hadn’t stayed around long enough to see if the pack would turn on her. She would never be an outlet for anyone’s rage or targeted for anything of the sort. She studied Avak, and shifted her gaze back and forth from him to the snow. He would be relatively easy to find. He wasn’t entirely white and his large figure would easily be depicted from the scenery. Then again, he could be a coy male and confuse her until she would lose sight of him. The thought disheartened her but she told herself that Avak was still around. He was, in fact, right beside her.

She shifted herself to gaze at him, visualizing the pout that was once there. The imagery was vivid and she let loose a few giggles that uncontrollably left her but she settled down. Azaria gazed at him, watching him take in her response to his question. He didn’t seem obviously happy about it but she felt that he was. That he was probably wanted rather than cast to the side and forced into the shadows of forgotten memories. If anything, Azaria could hardly picture how her life would be if Avak hadn’t mistaken her for a mound of snow. She knew that it would be even more lonesome and be filled with lesser amounts of laughter. No, it most certainly wouldn’t fly by her. Avak was stuck with her until he was so fed up of seeing her face everyday. Which could very well happen but Azaria was too preoccupied by smirking up at Avak. That grin and mocking tone filled her ears and grasping her attention. Oh, he’s asking for it. She thought to herself, playfully. She walked towards him fearlessly, trying hard to fight back the smile that threatened to burst through and shatter her “fearsome” appearance. ”I don’t need an army. I can take you down all by myself.” Azaria stated, her eyes narrowing as if she was prepping to launch herself at him but she gave a light laugh and sat down next to him once more.

Before long, Azaria was moving and upon her contact with Avak’s back, the air from his lungs was exhaled powerfully. Her ears caught his laughter mixing in with her own. Success was hers. She had gotten him back, reminding him that he would never live it down. She would hold that over his head for years to come. Clearly satisfied with herself, Azaria sat down once more, grinning at him with pride. She saw his noise crinkle slightly and she listened to his voice that accompanied it. She laughed as he puffed out his chest but her laughter settled. She rose to her paws and pretended to swoon. ”Avak, you handsome devil, you.” Azaria continued her dramatic display and with a contented sigh had collapsed at his paws to end it. She rose to her paws and grinned at him, her golden eyes becoming livelier than before. She shook her head lightly at his wink and gazed at him. ”I bet you would love what my mind would come up with.” She returned his wink and giggled quietly to herself. So much for having no energy at the start but it was now a different story. They both were laughing with utmost pleasure, basking in the radiant presence of one another. It was like the duo was healing each other, filling whatever gap that ached within them to be filled. They certainly meshed well together.

Azaria drew her gaze upwards. Avak was moving closer to her, appearing to look as if he didn’t even know she stood right in front of him. He stopped right in front of her and she laughed. His muzzle poked her and she shook her head, giggling. The laughter made her tiny body quake and she glanced at him. ”In my defense, that tree was in my way.” She told him in between laughs. Azaria felt her laughter drift away and she realized that she had never acted in such way before she left her family behind. She would do this often with her brothers, showing them up in ways and then being schooled in others. They protected her no matter whatever fights they had gotten into but it was sad to know that Macello had become obsessed with her. He could be tracking her but Azaria hoped that he had moved on. She only wondered what Raevyn was up to. Had he been blessed with the love he had always been talking about or was he still searching? She was fairly tough for a pup of her age, especially when she often fought with her eldest brother. Raevyn was usually off shadowing their mother or playing with numerous bugs. Macello was never gentle whenever they fought so Azaria had grown used to it and well, she fought back hard as well. She smiled faintly at the memories and sat across from Avak, closer than before. He appeared to have a sort of far off look in his eyes that made him look unattached to the world. Azaria nudged him gently before speaking in her soft voice. ”You okay?”

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[AVAK]

Avak could be the hard individual to read if he so pleased, but around people he knew, he found himself easily read, and he knew that he couldn't hide much from Azaria. Not anymore anyway. Any thought that he had, she would catch on, probably plan something ahead of time. And her mischevious mind had already winded him for a bit. But she was a comedy genious. He himself had always been one for humor as an escape. Clowning around a bit with others, but never like he had with Azaria. The underlying tones he gave others always screamed "Buzz off!" He had never really been admired, save for his monstrous size as a wolf, but he greatly admired Azaria, for her wit, her charm, and just for being herself in front of him. That didn't come around all too often. He was tired of other pretending to be something they weren't. Azaria didn't pretend to be funny, didn't pretend to be bright. She just was. And she wasn't a push-over either. She was somebody who could take the metaphorical punch and throw one of greater or equal force back. He glanced over and saw her studying him. One other thing that Azaria did was study others. He had never really been studied before. He gave her a curious look. "What?" he went cross-eyed, attempting to look at the end of his muzzle. "Do I have something on my face?" He turned his head this way and that, trying to scrutinize himself without some kind of mirror image. He failed... miserably. And he looked absolutely r-e-t-a-r-d-e-d doing it.

But he was glad that he had looked that way in front of somebody he now knew rather than some random stranger. How would he have acted? He meant if he hadn't thrown himself carelessly over Azaria like he did. Probably the same as he had always been. Distant. Detached from what world he lived in and took as his plaything. He didn't really care where he was. He could be aimlessly wandering around a packland and not even care anymore. He had never drifted through them, and he was never caught by any other wolf if he did. His scent was all that was left behind. But he didn't have to be distant and secritive. His mocking tones were welcomed by Azaria, once again, and she would throw something back at him, waiting for his own response. "I don’t need an army. I can take you down all by myself.” Avak chuckled. "I'd like to see you try!" he snorted jokingly. Azaria gave him that threatening mock look. He laughed again. 'Awww. So cute,' he said to himself. A comical scene that would have been. And again, he thought about what he had imagined in that clearing when they had first met. Her, gnawing on his ear after having pounced on him. But she only sat down beside him again.

When her joking comment reached his ears, it only made Avak's furry white chest puff out more. Complimenting him, even in kidding, could have serious reprocusions. He was boastful, stand-offish at times if he wanted to be. ”Avak, you handsome devil, you,” she sighed as she faked a swoon. But that only made Avak laugh. Azaria, swooning? Impossible right? 'Yup.' His playful winks were returned. ”I bet you would love what my mind would come up with.” And when she giggled to herself, Avak couldn't help but laugh. It was those little chuckles that he wanted to laugh with. "But that all depends on if they involve bodily harm to me," he laughed. But, at this point, he didn't care what she did to him. She had already helped him in the best way possible. She had given him a companion, and, whether she was a long-standing companion or not, he appreciated that enough. And, as the snow swirled outside, encroaching slowly because of the change in the wind's direction, he didn't feel cold anymore, and hadn't for hours now. She'd successfully filled the empty place in his life. His heart would ache if she disappeared. He knew that now.

”In my defense, that tree was in my way,” she said. It was broken though, but not in a bad way. Her laughs had gotten in the way of her language, which would probably happen often. The way she drew him out of thought like that was amazing. If she hadn't made any impression, he would be lost to her. He rolled his eyes. "Well then," he said, throwing his glance sideways and at the wall, keeping it there and then closing his eyes dramatically. Looking innocent, he continued. "If that's the case, then that snow drift was in my way." Then he opened his eyes, threw her a sideways glance without moving his head and smiled. But then, he just got detached. It was odd, but sometimes he could go on thought tangents. Wierd? Yes it was. He openly admitted that, but once again, one simple nudge from Azaria made him turn his head in the direction of her touch. "You okay?" He shook his head, clearing it. "Oh... sure." He didn't sound it, and he knew that she wouldn't be convinced. "I promise, I'm fine. Um... do you have any siblings?" he asked. He was heading onto unchecked territory, not knowing if she had as much of a tragic past with his siblings as she had, but... it was just conversational. It had been his train of thought a moment ago. He wanted to know...