Moonlight filtered in intermittently between the branches of the jungle copse above the silver mans head. He had been keeping himself busy as of late, after finding a den he knew that he needed to be prepared for any situation. Flamesong had gathered a healthy stock of herbs and was keeping it moist with large bundles of moss. Tonight though he had noticed that his supply was getting low.
So now in the middle of the night, he was climbing expertly over the northern rocks and higher up the island elevation. Luckily the change of season had encouraged enough growth to keep him stocked for a long while, yet, his jaws could only hold so much.
At his next rest stop, Flamesong set the moss in a pile beside him to take a drink of water. He had just dipped his silver muzzle into the cold pool when a sharp hissing filled his ears. Without moving a muscle, Flamesong aimed his amber opticals in the direction of the strange sound and saw the swaying spaded head of a watersnake.
The man narrowed his eyes at the serpent and lifted his head slowly, neck muscles tensing in preparation for a swift strike in its direction.

Sephiroth

Night had fallen once again, the world always turning in its never ending cycle. Sephiroth had been sitting outside his den on the highest bluff of the island, overlooking the Southern side towards the mainland. He had made this den specifically to have a secure spot to use as a look out, to ensure no trespassers or enemies could get by without being seen. And from his vantage point, he could see everything along the shores for miles. It was a good spot, isolated yet hidden from prying eyes. If one were to look up at this spot from the beach below, he would appear as no more then an illusion. Perhaps even a part of the jungle background. Picking himself up, Sephiroth decided to perhaps find some food. He had been patrolling nonstop, taking little sleep and little company. He had developed some sort of insomnia, though his body had been feeling the effects for the past couple weeks since he took up the task of ensuring their home was always safe. His bones felt tired and heavy, as if filled with lead. His paws the same, like weights constantly dragging him down. He knew it wasn't the bangles on his forelegs, those hardly weighed more then a pound each. No, he was wearing his body down...and yet, he would not admit it. As he walked down the path he had made traipsing back and forth, his ears picked up a hiss along with the scent of another. The owner of the scent was unknown. But Sephiroth detected Valhalla upon him, and so he changed course to see who it was. Advancing through the trees, a silvery male came into sight. Though the males attention seemed to be pinpointed in one direction, and then he saw why. A snake, coiled and ready to strike threatened the boy. And with a growl, Sephiroth rushed forward. For a moment, all the exhaustion forgotten as a paw slammed down on the adders tail and teeth snapped across the creatures body. Canines tore through it, and when he released the body jerked and wiggled from the nerves. The dual toned man stepped back, aquamarine gaze lifting to the stranger. "You should be more careful around here. Some of the creatures in these parts are more dangerous then back where we used to live. I'm Sephiroth, and I trust you are a new member of Valhalla?"

REGRETS COLLECT LIKE OLD FRIENDS here to relive your darkest moments Amber orbs met aquamarines as Flamesong's being was rescued by the kind stranger. His herbs lay completely forgotten on the ground beside him as he turned towards the alabaster man. "Thank you so much, sir. I am in your debt." The silver man dipped his head to the stranger who had so graciously torn the serpent away from its potential prey. It was odd, Flamesong had encountered many water snakes before, and had never frozen up like that. For gods sake he grew up next to a river and used to eat the things for breakfast. His head shook softly in frustration at the matter. He was truly losing his touch. "You are entirely correct my friend. These things are not to be trifled with, I truly should not have hesitated. Yes, though, I am new to Valhalla. My name is Flamesong Ethereo, at your service." With a second look at the man, Flamesong could see his age, and though his face spelled weariness and lack of sleep, his eyes showed youth. He was probably much younger than his own pups, yet he saved an old man like himself. He could tell that he would grow into a good man. it's always darkest before the dawn[FLAMESONG ETHEREO]

Sephiroth swiped his tongue over his lips, trying to remove the foul taste of the snake. He didn't particularly like the taste of reptiles, and much rather preferred to bite into the flesh of warm blooded prey. He nodded to the male, a small smile of warmth lifting his own features as the male thanked him. "No need to thank me, any one of our own would do the same." He responded briefly. He moved a bit closer, stepping away from the now still body of the serpent. He dipped his head to the male, the rush of the moment fading away as quickly as it had come. Nonetheless, he would try to stand tall and try to push away the weariness that dragged at his muscles and bones, as well as his mind. He was sure it was apparent, but it was something he would try to hide anyway. He was a warrior after all, a trained soldier. His duties always came before anything else...save for a few exceptions. "It is nice to meet you, Flamesong. I hope you find Valhalla to your liking, a lot goes on and we are very committed to one another. Have you been in Alacritis long?" He would inquire politely to the older male. Though Sephiroth wasn't old, he sure felt like it right now... Speech Thought Others