The Warlord wouldn’t tire of the sight of the looming trees of the redwood forest any time soon. He liked to walk among the giants, and listen to the quiet woods. He didn’t take time away from the pack very often any more, so a little bit of time to himself to reflect and soak in the quiet was appreciated.

He wasn’t fully alone, of course. The Warlord hadn’t been fully alone for many, many years. The Bear and Bas had remained in the pack lands, but Marshal soared silently in the sky above him. His glossy black-purple wings glinted in the afternoon sunlight. A good way to spend the last few hours of the day.


"Speech"

Art by Salt

“Wolf, krak, woof.” A raven called out from above where it also glided in the sky.  It was an obvious warning signal to someone below.  After it got its call out the bird tucket wings and dove down into the leafy branches of a tree.

Elsewhere a lone reindeer raised its head, nose taking in a large scent of the air.  Sure enough, another detestable wolf was in the area.  This was no weakling to mess with, however.  His antlers could fall off any day but for now, they were on high and proud.  The deer’s shoulders alone stood about five n half feet tall.  Poking out of his muzzle were a set of twin fangs!

The deer had no intent to run from a wolf but he did move in the direction his feathered friend had called from.  Let this canine know right away this was no prey.  “Hello, wolf.” The tone had irritation in it.

"Speech"

The Warlord caught the scent of the reindeer. The woody scent of the creature reminded him of his grandson's companion. He raised his head and glanced in the direction of the creature. For a moment, he thought it might have been Basilisk’s companion. He didn’t catch the scent of reindeer often after all.

He moved slowly in its direction, not yet a threat to it. He would not hurt it if it belonged to his pack - but one glance was all he needed to see it was not. Full sized, it was taller even than the Warlord himself. Prey, then. He thought, until the creature spoke. He was startled, both spotted and… communicated with. “Good evening.” He said,a hint of amusement and surprise in his tones.


"Speech"

Art by Salt

“If you were searching for dinner I’d suggest looking elsewhere.” Not that the reindeer cared overly so long as the prey was neither reindeer, donkey or well, whatever species Rannoch was.  He could also mention their guardian that would put the size and muscle of this wolf to shame, or that’s how Kyren saw it going.  

At least this wolf was talking instead of sizing up a meal.  A back hoof stomped in some irritation hoping this bunch of fur and teeth was planning to stay in the forest for any length of time.  The area smelled of wolves more than recently.

"Speech"

He chuckled in amusement at the creature's words. It wasn’t often that a beast spoke to him. “Don’t worry, spirit of the forest. You'll find no danger in me.” He promised. He didn’t make a habit of eating things that spoke to him. At least, not unless they truly annoyed him.

Marshal took that moment to let out a soft cry and glide down towards him. Landing on his broad back and studying the reindeer for a moment, before making soft chirping noises to the Warlord. The Warlord inclined his head after a moment, now aware that the deer likely had a raven in its companionship as well.


"Speech"

Art by Salt