Ara ventured to the stone steppe frequently. She enjoyed the rocky territory, and jumping across the fallen stones with relative ease now. She even had a little knock in a chipped off space a few jumps up, where she stored the occasional shiny thing that interested her.

She was making her way up there when sudden noise broke the peaceful quiet. Yipping and snapping and snarling as a group of mangy dogs shoot across the field towards the stones and circled around her perch. She paused, balancing precariously on her stone as she looked down at them.

If she leaped down to face them, they would be on her before she could find her balance. She wanted to take them on, but not in a way that gave them the full upperhand. She curled back her muzzle, snarling threateningly at the yipping dogs.

"Naráca Mendacium"

What was he doing around the stone steppe? Whatever in the hell he wanted, honestly. The giant marbled brute had caught the scent of some dogs near the Elysium border and, always looking for a fight, intended to teach them a lesson. Long, powerful legs ate the land up at a quick lope and he was quickly on their tails.

Drawing closer to the dogs, Merrick noted a wolf further up, growling at the dogs. That didn't mean much to the purple man. He was here with a purpose and he would fulfill it. As the dogs were distracted by the woman, the dire brute came up behind them, launching himself at the largest of the dogs and sinking his teeth into the back of its neck. The rest of the mutts scattered for a moment, but quickly regrouped and began coming back. The one between his jaws yelped and tried to break free, but the man had a damn good hold on it and wasn't ready to let go just yet.

"Merrick Mendacium"

It seemed her rescuer would be dressed in purple. She recognised the form of her cousin - Manea’s brother - as he charged at the dogs. His distraction scattered them, and that moment brought her enough time to leap down from the stones and find her paws. Balanced, she leaped forward and grabbed at one of the wild dogs.

It leaped out of her grasp, and felt the movement stir her fur behind her, alerting her to the danger. She turned in time to miss the attack from the dog behind her, as its jaws snapped on empty air. She lowered her head, and skwered its throat on her sharp horns.

As she leavered the dead weight back off her antlers, another dog took the opportunity to dive forward, snapping at her paws. She snarled at it. “persistent buggers. Good timing, cousin!”

"Naráca Mendacium"