Walking through the night engulfed forest is a lone carmine figure, who's head is hanging sadly toward the earth. Even though she is exhausted, cold, and hungry she does not stop walking. Her steps are slow and unbalanced, and her snake companion has to hiss into her ear to keep her awake. She yips aloud every couple steps, her cries filled with sorrow and pain. Marco has been missing for a week now, and despite her searching day and night there are no signs of him anywhere. It just didn't make sense. They had gone to sleep together under an old oak tree, and the next morning he was gone. No scent trail, no signs of a struggle. Just nothing. It wasn't like him, he was so loyal to her, it just didn't make any sense. He always came when she called.

Her stomach rumbles in protest, but she ignores it. Her limbs feel like jello, and her throat is extremely dry and sore. Her usually flawless pelt is matted and tangled. She ignores that too. The only thing she can think about is her little wolverine and where he could have gone. She will not stop searching, will not stop calling until she finds him. Even if she found him in pieces, she has to know what happened. Not even exhaustion, dehydration, or sickness can stop her. He is the only thing she loves in this world, the only being she can truly call her own.

Ooc- I would prefer a thread with someone who would like to help her look for Marco :)

Xephyris had been spending a lot of time in these woods. Though he'd paced back and forth from here to the east, he'd been waiting most impatiently for spring to come, at which point he would go with Riv to Fiori. But for now, he was still here, restlessly waiting. He kept up his daily routine of strength and conditioning, spending a good portion of the day trotting across the territory to keep up his endurance. It was during one of these daily workouts that he spotted a most interesting character, her brilliant crimson coat standing out between the leafless tendrils of the willow trees. The sight of her made him pause, blinking silver eyes. Was what he saw truly real?

It would seem so, and thus the man would stalk toward the she-wolf, his tail fanning out behind him as he made his way to her. As he approached, it would seem the expression on her face spoke of determination, in fact, it almost looked like she might ignore him and stroll by. "Excuse me, m'lady!" he called out formally as he strode toward her, hoping to catch her attention before she passed him by, "On a mission?" He wondered if she would stop to give him details, or simply scoff and continue on her way. Yet, her features were quite appealing, and he didn't want to lose sight of her. Whatever she was up to, he wanted to know, hoping she would offer him at least a glance.

Carmine ears turn toward the sound of disturbed earth, her head twisting to follow as she seeks out the origin of the noise. Hope flutters within her chest, her fiery gaze narrowing as she stares into the dark abyss. But when a man steps into her view, and she realizes it is not her precious Marco, her heart sinks into her stomach. Her hell stricken glare falls upon his figure, her tail flicking irritably behind her rump. She makes no advancements as he trots toward her, instead staying perfectly still, the hair along her nape and spine defensively raising.

When he speaks to her it takes her a few moments to register what he had said. Exhaustion was playing dirty tricks on her mind, making it hard to focus. "Yes, I'm looking for something that belongs to me." She hisses, irritation present in her tone. It wasn't really directed at him, but she didn't feel like wasting her time by pretending to be in a good mood. "Have you seen a wolverine anywhere around here? A black one specifically. Large, thick claws and fur, with beady black eyes?" He probably hadn't seen Marco, she's been searching for days and hasn't found any trails that could lead to him. It didn't hurt to ask though.

Xephyris met her fiery glare with cold silver eyes, the hair on the back of his neck prickling with interest. She looked irritable, but he wasn't sure what had caused her displeasure. Perhaps he could find out and make it better. At last she would speak, and she made no effort to withold her aggravation nor pretend to be happy to meet someone. It didn't bother him though, especially as she quickly described what she was doing. So she was looking for something precious that belonged to her. She was on the lookout for a wolverine.

"Sorry miss, haven't seen any wolverines," he responded simply, shaking his head, "But is there any way I can help? It would be my pleasure to assist you in whatever way I can." He looked her over, admiring the crimson robe she wore over her petite form. Then he looked back to her hellish glare. "Well, where's the last place you saw this wolverine?" he asked. Surely she'd looked for him everywhere she could think of, but maybe if he had some leads as well, he'd be of more help...