And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out I'm gonna raise the stakes, I'm gonna smoke you out It was an unusually pleasant day at the base of Mount Volkan. The sky was not dark with clouds, winds did not rip at the fae's pelt, and an easterly breeze was filling her muzzle with the fresh scents of spring, instead of malodorous sulfur. It made her oddly... hopeful. Or at least optimistic, at any rate, but for what she was not entirely sure. The day just seemed to hold a certain sort of promise, and it made the ex-Queen want to get up and move about. She looked down to Koros, who slept curled into her side, bathing in the warmth that radiated off of her dark, sunlit coat. She nosed his side gently, waking him. He started, then blinked sleepily. Her words were sharp and direct, and did not convey the affection she felt for her small friend. "I'm going to walk about. Are you coming?" His reply was hard to understand, more mumbled slurs than coherent use of language, but he stood and shook out his coat. Raisa smirked and stood as well. Their journey was not a long one, but it was slow going. Raisa did not set her usual crushing pace, but instead walked languidly over the stoney, dark terrain. It soaked up the spring sunlight and radiated heat, making her comfortable and sluggish. Before long they walked through the lightly forested ceder forest that bordered the volcano. Raisa breathed deeply, reveling in the smells of the spring growth She wondered what this promising day might hold, that she was bestirred with such optimism and purpose. Certainly, this was a day for change. "Talk" Think "Listen"

The gentle sounds of winds whipping around the terrain caught her attention, ears perking forward the as wind whistled past her lobes. Everything about this place was elegant and graceful, as if everything was all in line and coherent to each other. The sights were beautiful as she could see the gold and red leaves that still dangled on the branches from the cedar and oak trees.

The distant sounds of a stream caught her sound and lapped at the water once she reached it. The water was icy cold from the coolness of the breeze that whipped around her ebony coat that slightly stayed near her right eye. She shook her pelt as the fur moved back into her head and she smiled as she saw her emerald eyes in the reflection of the stagnant stream.

"This sure is beautiful," she thought to herself and smiled as she looked out at the world. She soon heard the sounds as if someone, or something was coming near her. She turned her figure to see if she could see the wolves or other animals that had come to her. She stood on guard for she was not sure if this was an enemy, or a foe.

They came quite suddenly upon another wolf, causing Raisa to pull up short. Koros was fresh on her heels, and did the same. A small sidestep placed him somewhat behind him, as was their custom. She had taken more blows than she cared to admit, allowing him time to flee. It was ritual now, whenever they came upon a stranger. This dark fae was large, practically of a size with Raisa, and her eyes glowed like green fire. The set of her body did not immediately alarm the fae or her fox companion, but this did not lull her into any sort of easy complacency. Raisa's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You're on my mountain..." she said simply. It was a statement, not unduly threatening, but nor was it completely friendly. Honestly! She had been her for an entire season, you would think these strange Alacritans would know by now, or at least have the decency to stay away. She restrained an eye roll, and instead looked down to Koros. He seemed more curious than fearful, so she saw no need to attempt running this wolf off. Instead she sat down. Exuding all the Queen's grace she could muster, she leveled the dark wold with a cool stare. "Well, you might as well tell me your name."

code by sam & image by lu