All's quiet... Or is it?

[wolfkitten]

Sharia made her way in silence around the lands she was proud to call her own. As the lead of the land of the foxes, it was her duty to be certain all was well and organized for when they were called upon by the Wolf King to protect their home and way of life. For now all was quiet, there was danger, but no more foxes had been called away, and all was quiet at home.

The young she-fox trotted along, her long bushy tail swaying slightly out behind her. She was in no huge hurry, she was simply making a patrol around the territory, not having had any reports of enemy activity or any trouble at all really. Once again she was thankful that their territory was so small, she couldn't keep up with the territory of the larger animals... But this she could handle.

A smirk found it's way upon her features. Mere days ago there had been a visitor passing through, and he sought the lead of the land. It took her quite a time to convince him it was her... Though you never would think it by this small vixen, but it was true, she was the Mother of her Clan... It was her that had been chosen to lead them. This had surprised her when she had been told... And yet she vowed to lead them to the best of her ability.

She winced inwardly, however, as she thought of the decisions she had to make... How many had she had to send to this war? How many more would she send to protect all those she loved... The Wolf King had had the most precious possession stolen... How long would go before it was reclaimed... These thoughts bombarded the young vixen as she continued on her way in her patrol of the territory.

[nightshade]

Elfish lands were next to the lands of the foxes, and Zebrai's curiosity had got the better of him, in theory, he could go anywhere within the free lands he wanted, that was the idea of Mane's free lands. But in practise, each family and species were very protective over their homes. Which was perfectly understandable. For this reason, he had watched the vixen from within the tree, looking down, observing her each and every moves. Zebrai liked to learn, and felt he leant most by watching, he had been accused of spying many times, but the young elf did not see his actions as spying, or anything sinister at all, he simply was watching, learning of other species. And right at this moment, the female fox was who had chosen to learn from.

The fox lands were where he had begun, for the simple reason of their lands being next to the lands that he called home, he wanted to get to know the neighbours, figure out if their two groups would get along. Zebrai hoped so. His light fingers clung on to the branches he had rested in. He was a good climber, and heights didn't bother him, but he was always wary of the animals that were better climbers, his own sister had once been killed having climbed up a tree, and fnding herself stuck. To this day, Zebrai's grudge remained with the bears. It was lucky for him that the bears lived mostly within the rebellion lands. Zebrai was strong, but over confident, he'd see no reason at all why he should not take on a bear, and was confident in that he would win whatever fight he may get himself into. Though clearly, this would not be the case if he ever did chose to fight a bear.

[wolfkitten]

The young she-fox would continue her checking of her lands. She was nearly finished, just one small area to check now. She smiled slightly to herself, perhaps she would catch a few things for her Clan. There was sure to be someone who was hungry back in camp.

Such an opportunity soon presented herself. She soon saw a small mouse shuffling around through the undergrowth, likely searching for food itself. Well she would drop into a crouch, smiling a little as she snuck up upon it, using her speed and agility to aid her in catching her food.

Saddly the vixen wouldn't be so lucky, the wind suddenly shifted, drawing the scent of the she-fox right to the mouse, who imediately rose it's head and scampered off, darting down it's hole, which happened to not be too far off. Well Sharia was after it. She wasn't about to let it go, and yet it was soon down it's hole. She whimpered and began to claw frantically at the hole, but it was too late, the mouse was long gone and the she-fox had lost her kill.

Well, this wasn't the only thing the wind's change in direction had done... As soon as she lost the kill, another scent hit her sensative nose. It wasn't fox... She froze and looked around in uncertainty. She didn't recognize the scent. Sure, she knew of elves, and yet she had not had many run ins with them herself.

She would follow the scent imediately, glancing around, until she came to a tree... She shook her head slightly in confusion, before casting her gaze upwards into the tree's branches. She soon caught sight of the elf and gave a small growl, not threatening yet but one of confusion. She tilted her head and reared up to place her front paws upon the trunk, trying to see him better, before hopping off and trotting a few paces away.

She shook her head, not liking the fact that she didn't know the nature of the stranger on her lands... "You there." She barked. "Come down." Her voice was neither friendly nor hostile, but it carried a commanding nature to it, although the vixen wasn't entirely sure this one could understand her at all.

[nightshade]

The elf was surprised to find the vixen could find him so easily, and even more surprised she spoke to him. Or at him, he commanding tone left no options, and Zebrai found himself sliding down the soft bark of the tree, and out of the branches, he landed with a soft, dull, thud on the grass below him. He had done this before really thinking it through, and now felt somewhat defenceless on the ground of anothers terratory.
He reached behind him, and pulled out an arrow from his backpack. He was not lucky enough to yet possess a bow, and the glimmering end of the silver grey arrow was his only weapon. He clutched it tightly in his hand, but made no attempt to aim at the she-fox. He did not want to provoke attack, he simply wanted to be armed. He did not know this type of creature well, and was unsure of how she'd react.

I'm Zebrai

He was not entirely sure why he had introduced himself, but he guessed he had simply been searching for something to say, and that had happened to be the only thing he was currently sure of, his name. His eyes were trained directly on the vixen before him, such as a hunter would track its prey. But Zebrai's gaze was softer, much more defensive than offensive. They seemed to be the only two around for now, but he worried still, perhaps more foxes would surround him, perhaps they'd attack him, or maybe this fox was a really small fox, and all the others were ten feet tall, and they crushed him? Zebrai calmed himself down, he was being foolish and had let his imagination run away with him again. He focused back on the fox, unsure, wary of what might happen.

[wolfkitten]

The young she-fox watched as this elf dropped from the tree branches, sliding down the trunk, to land upon the grass before her. She surveyed him in silence, not moving hardly at all. Her ears would slide this way and that as she remained villgant in hearing what was around them, and yet other than that she didn't move.

Her small form tensed up as she watched the creature pull out this pointed object... A small growl formed in her throat, thinking that he was to threaten her with it. She watched him warily, standing to her feet, but keeping her stance and her place, tail and head up high. She didn't know about this creature, but as he stood there, not making any moves toward her, she remained still as well.

Soon enough she relaxed a little bit. He wasn't the aggressor and neither was she... They were both tense, him being on another lands, and her having her lands trod on by another. She shook her head slightly. "Put away your weapon, you are not to be hurt here."

She tilted her head slightly and even smiled a bit at his offering of his name. She dipped her head only slightly in response. "I'm Sharia, leader of the Foxes... It's a pleasure to meet you Zebrai... You are an elf, are you not?" She tilted her head a little. She had heard of them and seen glimpses, but never met one face to face.

[nightshade]

Zebrai glared easily into the vixen's eyes as she growled at him, but nodded shortly as she suggested he put away his weapon. He had decided that it was best he didn't annoy this creature, he was of course, within the foxes lands, if anything, Zebrai was the trespasser. He quickly stowed away his weapon, and looked back to the female, his eyes shining defiantly, his way of showing her that he'd do as she requested, but was still not beneath her, or wasnt going to go quietly if attacked. Under the treaty of course, all members of the free lands were allied. But this often didn't seem to be the case, Zebrai was hoping that he wasnt going to cause disagreements between fox and elf tribes. As she introduced herself, Zebrai stared, rather rudely he realised, and then quickly smiled and nodded.

As it turned out, he was meeting the leader of the foxes, so these were in a way, her lands. Zebrai was slightly uneasy at the thought, not only was he caught trespassing, but he was caught by the leader. As she questioned his race, he nodded once more, but quickly decided that nodding was probably not getting him anywhere, so he dipped his head respectfully, and spoke to the fox leader.

Greetings Sharia, lead of foxes.
Yes, I am one of the elves. But without rank to compare to yours. We elves do not believe in rankings.
..But we understand others.

He added the last statment as a quick afterthought, he did not want to offend the fox leader. And beside, he spoke true, although elves had no lead of their own, they were always respectful of the leads of the other tribes.

[briz]

Nimloth remained silent; she now realized she herself was on the fox's territory. She'd been on her way to a river to catch some fish, and right now her stomach growling would give her away. so she might as well make her presence known.
Spreading her hands out palm upwards to show peace, she stepped out of the trees. Sure the bow and quiver on her back didn't help but the gesture she knew should be enough. She was watching the vixen intently when she suddenly saw the other elf; she didn't know him. She tried to speak but didn't know what to say.

Keep holding the peace gesture she thought, and stood there, lost for words for the first time.

[nightshade]

Something else now caught Zebrai's attentions, movement, his head turned and he gazed toward the female elf. She was pretty, true enough, but something of her beauty stopped him, she did not have the brown henna tatoo's that he wore on his wrists. His mind processed this strange thought for a while. This was no time to weild his arrows, like he had for the fox, this was time for him to take his weapon. Each elf recieved a weapon upon their adulthood, a gift from the gaurdians. Zebrai took out his sword in a swift and graceful movement. The blade was jet black, and the handle a dull grey, and the word 'Zebrai' was written across it in ivory letters. Zebrai had been pleased with his gift from the gaurdians, but the sword was not as useful as some of the others he had seen, many had weapons that could help in some other way, like hunting. Zebrai was not so lucky, and his gift was usually hidden away.

Who are you? Explain yourself.

[briz]

Nimloth remained still, breathing deeply and not making any sudden movements.

Great Nim; first elf you've seen in God knows how long and you scared him

She didn't know what to say; it had been so long since she'd seen one of her own kind. Indeed the last time had been when...

no no! don't think about that! focus!

My name is Nimloth Nimloth spoke gently and clearly. She took her special weapon, her ancient spear, off her back and brought to rest, point down on the ground, her hand curled loosely in her hand. She was incredibly proud of her spear; it was a treasure of her family, the last reminder of them. It had ancient elfin markings all the way to the point, the blade at the end was sharpened to the finest point.
She stood still, watching the elf steadily

I'll fight you if you wish. But I'd rather not

[wolfkitten]

Sharia gave a sort of smile from her fox maw, her long bushy tail swaying somewhat behind her. She dipped her head slightly, never removing her gaze from the elf before her. But as he put away his weapon, she relaxed slightly. She had no ill feelings toward this elf, or any other of his race. She heard his words after giving her own and nodded in aknowledgement. No blood would be shed here today.

And yet suddenly another of the creatures appeared upon her lands. At first she showed only the peace gesture, and Sharia, sent a warm smile her way. Sharia, unlike other leaders of her kind, welcomed visitors, as long as they were peaceful, with open paws. And yet at the sight of this new elf, she watched as the one called Zebrai pulled his sword. Another growl came from her maw, obviously displeased at the possible show of hostility toward this new guest.

"Peace Zebrai of the elves..." She spoke softly, only to watch as the other pulled her spear, to place the point into the ground, weapon ready to be used, but not in a hostile position. "There shall be no fighting here." She stated calmly. "This place is, and will remain, a place of peace." Her words were soft and gentle, and yet they held all the authority she held within her Tribe. She dipped her head slightly again as she looked, friendly like, to the female elf.

"Well met Nimloth. If your intentions are pure, you are more than welcome upon my lands. I am Sharia, lead of the Foxes." She heard her stomach growl, and glanced to the stream they now stood beside. "You are welcome to hunt upon my lands as long as you do not waste and take more than you need." She glanced up to Zebrai and nodded to him. "You as well." She watched them both with a wary eye. The last thing she wanted was for a fight to break out between the two elves while on her home lands.

[nightshade]

Zebrai stood, torn. He did not want to anger the fox leader, and these were her lands, yet Sharia requested he did not fight. This other elf bothered Zebrai, her lack of clan tatoo's meant she was not from his clan, or any of the other clans he had met. He had not known an elf to be without a clan tatoo. There were wonderings of this sort of thing, and he had been warned against socialising with elves without clan tatoos. Because it meant they were hard to track down, and you could not tell if they were to be trusted. This Nimloth seemed to be showing gestures of peace, and seemed friendly enough, but still, Zebrai was worried. He would be punished for treating another elf like this, but still, he was frightened of this newcomer.

He would not lay down his sword. Instead, he titled the blade, and held the handle strongly, for all the gold in the world, Zebrai would not let go of his sword, not for a second. He pressed the blade against the spear of the other elf, not hard enough to damage it in any way, but there. As a threat, if this elf attempted to attack him, he would attempt to break the spear. It was against gaurdians wishes to break a gift from them, and Zebrai wouldnt want to anger them, but he did not remove his threat.

Where do you wander? I know of no rouge elves.

[briz]

Nimloth looked down at Zebrai's sword before yanking her spear free and turning it the other way up, so the point was facing skywards; it was a threat to match his without showing open conflict. She turned and inclined her head to fox.

I thank you, wise fox. I'm new to these lands so forgive my intrusion

She turned back to Zebrai with a look of distrust. Handsome he was and either brave or stupid to threaten her so. Who did he think he was? Who was he to judge her; the way he kept looking at her hands seemed foolish; was it just because she hadn't painted her hands in that ridiculous pattern? Oh how she wished she could put him in his place right here and now, but her respect for the fox prevented her.

I've told you my name and my intentions. You haven't given me anything. Not meaning to be rude or anything but who the hell are you. holding her spear in both hands she pressed gently but firmly on Zebrai's hilt, careful not to crush his fingers. You were saying...

[nightshade]

No! You will not order me around Nimloth.
You have not stated your business here, or where you are from.

He said firmly, the young elf was angered by the actions of Nimloth, he did not trust her. He would not trust her. And she did not answer his questions, she just pretended to. He was not phased by the spear pressed against his hilt. Spears were made for hunting, for fishing, for combat, But they worked best at distances, if she attempted to press the spear into his side, he would have enough warning to cut it with his sword. He rose his sword once more, and lay it touching the spear, a few centimeters above where it was pressed into him. She could threaten him, and he would retalliate by threatening her weapons. His eyes cast a stony glare, and his gaze met the eyes of the other elf, he would not tell her any information of him, until she had stated where she had come from, and what she was doing. He didn't trust her. Not one bit. Of course, if it turned out he was wrong in this, he'd look foolish later on. But it was not a chance he was willing to take.

You were saying..

ooc:// Sorry Its Short

[briz]

ooc//: you're telling me

Nimloth smiled; she was winding this elf up and boy was it funny. She made sure she kept her eyes on where his sword was; she knew the spear was a hunter's weapon not a fighting one. But she was quick on her feet; if the sword came at her she could probably dodge or duck it. Her hunter's legs she guessed were faster than Zebrai's who seemed more a warrior than hunter; once she'd dodged she'd simply knock an arrow t her bow. Simple. In the meantime she was content to stand her ground.

Give me one good reason why. So far and here she looked down at Zebrai's sword before her eyes flicked back up to his face. I'm not feeling encouraged to share.

She smiled sweetly. So far she'd been careful not to give any open hostility; simple threats were one thing. She was waiting for Zebrai to make the first move. She'd be humiliated first, rather than be the one in the wrong. She was fascinated by this new elf? What were the strange tattoos on his hands? Where had he come from? Why did he think like he had any excuse to order her around, when they weren't even on his lands. If she stated her buisiness she'd be forced to retell her history; and nobody, especially this brave but stupid elf, was going to make her relay that
Her mother had once told her she appeared insolent on first appearances You're so fierce Nim, you wear your heart on your sleeve but it's always under your arm gueard

[nightshade]

Zebrai scowled at the elfesses response, he was liking her less and less by the second. But did not want to anger the fox whilst on her terratory. It was not fair to her to exploit her hospitality like this, he sent a quick, apoligetic glance toward the female fox, and then turned his attention back to the elf before him. He did not want to risk the allience he spent so long planning. Having foxes as the enemies to their tribe would not be useful, he needed them as friends, especially as they inhabitated land so close to the elven lands. This angered Zebrai further, he disliked the idea of this elf living so close to his homeland. She was not one of them, and he didn't want her trying to join. Zebrai had been bought up learning not to trust outsider elves, sure, they could be friendly, but they could easily be from an enemy tribe, or even from the rebellion.

Zebrai disliked her sweet tone, and scoffed at her words, he could not, and would not, grace them with an answer. He knew he must be appearing rude, but honestly, Zebrai just couldn't care at the moment. The way in which this particular female handled herself made Zebrai dislike her. Even if she was a friend of his clan, she would not be a friend to him. Not now, not ever. Zebrai would protect his homeland, and do as the gaurdians wished with the magestic forest. He removed his weapon with a steely glare, and shook his head slowly and disapprovingly. He nodded politely toward the fox clan leader, and backed away from the hold the spear had on him, still at all times facing his enemy, he would not turn his back on an armed elf of unknown situation. He had been brought up to be far too proud and wary.

Sharia, I apoligise for the interruptions that have been caused here. I send greetings and good wishes from the elf tribe. But I declare that now is my time to leave.

He turned now, without a glance back, and pushed his way through the forest, weaving through the trees as he ran. Sparse glitters from the sun broke through the green shelter of tree canpoies above him, and he allowed his face to fall into shadow as he ran through the thicker parts, back to his homeland. He would not deliberatly run into this elf again, though he wished to speak with the fox leader more. He knew that some day, inveitably, the elf pair would meet eachother once more, but he did not know when this would be. Perhaps they'd meet in common grounds, or back here in the fox terratory. Or even back in his homeland, the terrain of the elves. The elfish lands were not too far from the foxes, they were close neighbours, and he found it did not take him long to escape the unfamiliar lands and return to his own. He breathed a soft sigh of relief, then strolled back into his home.

ooc:// Nimloth does not have a bow. Elves may find arrows, but only have one weapon. Check the rules if you are unsure,