And So It Ends

N/A · 04-30-2013, 01:00 PM

Some of her words received no answer, others only a nod, until finally he found something he felt he really ought to comment upon - her brother, Neo, and the compliment she'd just given him. "As far as betrothals go, I'd say we both got lucky. At least we're both good looking and are roughly the same age. I heard father tell a story once about a young she-wolf married off to an old geyser. Can't imagine that was a happy wedding." Granted, their own wedding would be full of mixed emotions, but as it were - things could be a lot worse. Of course those same things could be a lot better, if fate had been a bit kinder to him.

The weight of her words about the marriage and alliance hit him between the eyes. He shifted his weight restlessly. "I suppose," was all he could think of to say - and once it had been said he was sure it didn't sound as good as he'd hoped. If he could have hit himself in the forehead, the boy might have done it, but instead chose to try to keep what was left of his composure. With a sigh he would wait for her response on wanting a tour. He hoped that she did, standing here was not something he was comfortable doing for long.

Receiving an affirmative answer, the boy set off at a mild pace, the first few steps tentative. Soon he took up his usual strolling speed, paws carrying him comfortably across the grassy landscape. He thought to guide her into the forest, but it really wasn't spectacular by any means. A forest was a forest, and the range had far more interesting scenery to offer elsewhere. So instead he skirted along the treeline, listening as she spoke. She wanted to see the bulls. He wasn't that keen on hunting them down, but it would be interesting to see the beasts that he'd heard so much about. Besides, it wasn't like he'd be alone. Still, he wasn't certain this was the proper activity for him to be participating in with his betrothed. What if she were harmed in the process? He gave her a quick glance and then nodded. "I know where some of the smaller harems graze. The bulls will be nearby. We'll see if we can get a good view of them - but I've heard they have nasty tempers." He wanted to sound brave, wanted to sound as if he knew everything and was wise beyond his years. But in all honesty, he was still a naive boy with a lot of learning to do.

"Shall we?" It was more a rhetorical use of charm than anything else, for the boy did not wait for an answer. Setting off at a moderate pace, he would lead her into the forest toward the clearing. He never understood why the cattle liked the forest, as less grass grew here than in the open fields, but they seemed to flock here for most of the day. At night they would venture out, but only in large groups. Maverick had spent many a night awake listening to them. Into the forest they went. The forest in the south was more sparse, with trees spread out and not much low vegetation. The forest in the east was thicker, more gnarled and tangled - but still easily traveled if you knew the right paths to take. They continued south, heading for the meadow where the cattle liked to bed down and graze during the day. As they neared it his pace slowed to a stop. His voice was a low whisper. "At this time of day the cattle will be either grazing or laying down in the meadow up ahead. The big ones with the long horns are the bulls. One of them has horns that are as long as a full grown wolf, and he has a golden ring in his nose! You can't miss him, he's the big brown and white one. Father says he has the worst temper of all, so try not to cross him if you can help it." He hoped that they might just watch the cattle - for he really wasn't certain the extent of the damage they could cause on a wolf and keen to find out - but if she wanted more action he would not refuse her. He didn't want to look like a wuss, after all. Lime eyes swerved from her to the cattle. A few were up and grazing, others were lying in the shady parts of the grass. He couldn't see the big bull from where he stood.

"speeeeech"

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