oath of silence

Nothing. Iarlaith huffed to himself, determining he should merely withdraw into his cozy hideaway again and go back to his nap. It was dreary and gross and he didn't really feel like thinking about life. No sooner had he laid his head back down, however, than did he hear it again. This time, he was sure.

Racing pawsteps.

Not big. Fast. Trouble? Not sure, but he'd find out. With a soft groan he pulled himself back around, muzzle peering out uneasily again… just in time for something to clang! so loud on the shield over his back he flinched, the shield wobbled (okay, maybe sleeping under it hadn't been a good idea), and snow rained down… right onto his exposed snout.

"What the hell!?" The words left his maw before he could think about it, nose wrinkling in a scowl to end all scowls as the culprit came down—with remarkable grace, he thought—on the other side.

Iarlaith sneezed. Snow flew from his muzzle. Agh, why does this always happen?

The dark-coated stranger was big. And annoying. And had definitely disturbed Iarlaith's beauty rest. Can't a guy get a moment's peace?! Darting out from under his cover, fur bristling, he barked a short, "Hey! What's the big idea?!" before coming to a stop, paws planted as he gave his head a good shake to dislodge the remainder of the snow.