THEY’RE TRYIN’ TO KEEP HEAVENS GATES OPEN LATE FOR ME ooc. timed before Vlad shows up This whole place was surreal. He'd been given so much time to recover from his harrowing journey that he wasn't sure what to do with it. Sitting around was making him fidgety, despite his body's unwillingness to keep him upright for an extended period of time. As it currently stood, he was nosing his way through the tall grasses. He wanted to see what was around him. He also wanted to find the stream. While it wasn't hot out by any means, his battered paw pads needed to soak in the chilly water that rushed through the territory. It would clean them of any built up debris and germs. By the time he saw the source of the babbling sound of water, he was tired again. Breath heaved raggedly from his jaws, and he lowered himself with as much ease as he could stand. He edged towards the stream on his elbows, until his forepaws were partially submerged. Once he had his strength back, he'd soak his hind paws. Verdant gaze drifted along the edges of his surroundings, making sure he was safe. He was not as far from where he'd been found at the borders, and that made him uneasy. Someone could easily sneak their way to his den and snatch him up, never to be seen again. When he was mostly satisfied, he dipped his battered snout into the water to drink. Long pulls from the crystalline stream left water dripping from the sides of his maw. He was still rather dehydrated, and he seemed to remember this only when he caught sight of the water. "speech"

Odysseus had been tasked with guarding the boy and guard him he did. Rarely did he let Epitaph completely out of his sight. His presence was probably unwelcome and intrusive, but he couldn't afford to care too much. No, he had a job to do and he would do it to the best of his ability.

Currently, his charge had decided he felt well enough to wander around the territory which meant that Odysseus too was walking around. He hadn't forgotten Epitaph's reaction to seeing him for the first time and it was for that reason that he now kept his distance and allowed the small male a little bit of freedom. He could guard and protect him without being joined at the hip.

When Epitaph stopped to soak his paws Odysseus saw a chance to become acquainted with him and hopefully lessen his fearfulness. He approached slowly, allowing the younger male time to note his approach and, if necessary, steel his nerves. "You look well today. I take it you're feeling better?" he asked in his softest Vail-inspired voice.

"Odysseus" and "Olafur"

THEY’RE TRYIN’ TO KEEP HEAVENS GATES OPEN LATE FOR ME Cool water was a balm upon his tattered skin, and the moisture it provided to his throat was bliss incarnate. He left his snout dipped in the stream, cool water flowing over his scarred flesh. Toxic green eyes slipped shut partway, luxuriating in the simple pleasure the water provided. He's always taken his water from the dripping stalagmites, and the pools beneath them, when he lived with master Hemlock. To risk stepping out into the open was to risk being assaulted, and he tried to avoid that as much as possible. Thud, thud, thud went a set of heavy paws. Auds tipped back to catch the rustle of foliage as a wolf passed through them, and then flattened low against his skull when his fears were confirmed. He could all but feel the thump of massive paws through his bones, and he was certain someone was now approaching. Cautiously the male lifted his head, turned it to face the newcomer. It was the big male that had originally arrived to help him, looming ominously over his prone form on the borders. Epitaph was under the assumption that while he was being shared by his three masters, this one was prospecting to take full custody of him. He much preferred the nice female, she was softer spoken. "You look well today. I take it you're feeling better?" the titan questioned, voice low and rumbling. There was no apparent malice, but the younger male knew better than to assume tone meant everything. Grim had always been warm in tone, until he knocked Epitaph senseless. "Yes, sir." he rasped, tucking his chin down and dropping his gaze. He dared not move, in case it was poorly received. Instead, he drew his limbs in close to his body, making himself appear small and harmless. The lame leg did not bend well enough to be drawn in tight anymore, so it bent awkwardly in the sand with the knee drawn partway in. "Do you need something from me, sir?" he asked in return, voice barely above a whisper. He'd rarely spoken for long, since it was not his place to talk. Thus, his voice was neither loud nor especially deep. "speech"

Sir? The boy's manners were appreciated, but misplaced. Odysseus deserved many things, but being addressed so formally wasn't one of them. "Ah," he said with a chuckle. "Please, call me Odysseus and save that 'sir' business for Rhyme."

Epitaph's submissive behavior wasn't lost on him. It was understandable considering the background Rhyme thought he had, but Odysseus was determined to set Epitaph on the path to self-confidence while he kept watch over him. That, like tending his injuries and offering him refuge, were vital steps in his recovery.

Hoping to lessen how big of a threat he must have appeared to Epitaph, Odysseus sat down a short distance away. This way he wouldn't tower over him as they talked. "No, I just wanted to make sure you are alright and settling in well. Is there anything you need? Anything I can help with?"

  "Odysseus" and "Olafur"