It's verbatim and it's shakin'

R̶ E̶ D̶ R̶ U̶ M̶

The marshlands of Ashen stretched out before Redrum as a vast and misty expanse, it was all very murky to say the least. But the labyrinth of waterways and tangled reeds kept him amused, especially as his long ears picked up on the lively cacophony of avian melodies. Herons gracefully stalked the shallows, their long legs stepping gingerly as they searched for prey. Ducks floated serenely on the tranquil surface of the water, while swans glided with regal poise. All things he was so curious to figure out how to ambush… As he padded forward on silent hunter paws, his crimson fur rippled like flames dancing in the twilight. His golden eyes, bright with determination, scanned the surroundings with a mixture of awe and anticipation. But it wasn't just the birds that inhabited this realm. Frogs croaked their chorus from hidden nooks, their tadpoles darting among the water plants like tiny shadows. It was a bustling ecosystem, teeming with life and energy. He found the diversity to be much different than back home, but he did not dare to hunt within another pack’s territory. Still, he daydreamed.

Regardless, he had another goal in mind today. With each step, Redrum's heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of excitement and nerves coursing through his veins. He was tracking down Elara’s father, the alpha. The scent was everywhere, of course it was, but the freshest seemed to be around this area… As he approached the island, the mist seemed to thicken around him, leaving him to rely on his senses rather than his eyes. The watery land meant twigs did not snap underfoot, nor were the usual prey-sounds available to the ear… Hmm. Redrum pressed on, his determination unwavering as he trudged through the water. Finally, he reached the willow tree, his senses on high alert as he scanned the surroundings for any sign of movement.

murder

Code by TR

Chimera had been out checking traps when he caught sight and smell of Redrum. The Insomnia boy was one of the few that he allowed to come and go as he pleased. Mostly because of Elara, but he also trusted the boy. Their interactions had shown the Ashen King that Redrum's personality wasn't a malicious one. He just seemed like... well... a good boy. Aside from that, Chimera adored children, so... Red was allowed.

Standing tall, the black and white brute rolled his muscled shoulders, ridding them of the feeling that came from being hunched over a trap. He'd placed them all around the estuary after promising Elara that she could have and care for ducks. So far, he'd caught two and they were placed in a crate woven of vines. The ducks were terrified into silence, but they were unharmed.

Sitting beneath the willow, Chi turned to the red boy with pink and aqua eyes. "Redrum," he greeted with a nod. "How are you finding Ashen?" He imagined that the boy spent most of his time with Chimera's youngest litter and was a little surprised that he was out in the estuary unescorted by one or more of them.

"Chimera Klein"

Redrum's tall ears perked up at the sound of Chimera's voice, the familiar and intimidating presence he had been searching for within the misty expanse of the marshlands. As the black and white brute materialized from the shadows behind the willow, Redrum couldn't help but feel a sense of self consciousness wash over him. Chimera was one of the few in Ashen whom he trusted implicitly, his towering figure exuding a blend of strength that drew Redrum in like a moth to a flame. Also, He was Elara’s father, and the only reason he was allowed in the territory.

With a respectful yet subtle dip of his head, Redrum greeted Chimera, his golden eyes reflecting gratitude. "Oh!" He replied to the Ashen King, thinking about his next words so that he might not embarrass himself. "Redrum thinks- Ashen is very– enjoyable! Red thanks- Chimera-- kindly!" His gaze swept across the estuary, taking in the beauty of their surroundings; and also to hide the furrow of his brows as he forced the words out of himself.

Then a twitchy smile crawled across Redrum's lips, a fondness evident in his expression. "Elara- has been-- showing Redrum around- lots!" He explained, his tone a disjointed spin on affection. "Elara- and her-- siblings." It was true; Redrum had spent many hours in the company of Chimera's youngest litter, soaking in their quirky if not playful energy. He didn't have the same sort of opportunity to enjoy his own littermates like he did here.

""

As Redrum began to speak, Chimera couldn't help but smile. The boy was unique but enjoyable to be around and Chi liked him quite a bit. The boy had manners and a sense of deference that the Ashen king appreciated. Red even went so far as to thank Chimera, prompting a nod from the big brute. "It's my pleasure to have you here, boy." Yes, he called him 'boy', just like he called his own sons 'boy.'

The lad's expression changed when he began to speak of Elara and her siblings. He seemed to light up inside. Ah, perhaps Chimera would have turned out much differently had he been in Red's paws when he was younger. Chi had been forced to grow up fast and fend for himself from an early age. Redrum, and all of Chimera's children, would never have to worry about that.

"I'm surprised that Elara isn't with you," Chi pointed out. "Not heading home already, are you?"

"Chimera Klein"

Redrum's chest swelled with a mixture of pride and warmth as Chimera's smile greeted his words. The Ashen King's approval meant more to him than he dared to admit. He returned Chimera's nod with a respectful inclination of his head, feeling a sense of importance in the simple exchange – though he was too inept in these sorts of situations to understand why.

"An– honor- to be– here, Chimera S-sir." Redrum replied, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude. The informal address of 'boy' from the Ashen King didn't bother him; if anything, it only reinforced the delight the boy felt in standing in the massive brute’s presence.

“Ah, Elara– is... off- hunting.” He explained, amusement lacing his words as he fought to suppress a spasm that rippled down his back, beneath his crimson fur. It seemed the more he resisted, the more intense the sensation became. “Elara wanted– to bring- Redrum something– pretty?” He mused at the words, wondering if it would be pretty like a flower or pretty like a well dispatched kill with minimal damage to the coat? The young hunter could only wonder.

A wistful smile played at the corners of Redrum's lips as he considered Chimera's next question. “Not home- yet. Resting while– visiting, because– Redrum will –go on a raid- with Insomnia –soon.” He said, shaking his head lightly as his golden eyes gleamed in determination and something a touch more feral. “Redrum must– do well. Like in- Redrum’s other– fights.” The vermillion boy stated with a firm nod, his skull lifting to peer up at the Ashen King.

""