On fire~

[Goanna]

The ground was starting to be enveloped by a thin dusting of snow and it sent ripples of cold coursing through Keeya’s legs as she stepped onto it. The past few days she’d kept very much to herself, reserving energy in the scraping of a den she’d dug out. Now there was an aliveness, a deep stirring within the shewolf’s soul, and she could not stand being shut off from the world any longer. She relieved herself beneath a tree and scouted around for a trace of any of the others, failing to detect any. Where were they all? It seemed that with the slow demise of the great king who held them all, his subjects were drifting apart.

She turned a tight circle between the trees, catching the scent of the pines in her fur. A stick snapped beneath her paws and she darted to the left in exaggerated shock. As she worked up body heat she explored further, till the trees thinned out to a straggly front against a white field. She skittered along this plane, dustings of sugary snow flying beneath her paws, and called out to the others. Surely someone would hear her.

[Tay]

Such was the way of the Kameskai. To be untied and together, everything a pack should be and then to fall into a kind of drought of social interaction. It was no fault of the leader, but fault of the pack and perhaps the mountains. The behemoths often liked to enchant and swallow those who lived within. The black wolf was not an exception. His large paws carried him easily over his birth land. The chilly air caused a puff to escape his maw with every exhale. His body was alive with a kind of electric energy that only the cold winter of the mountains could bring.

He sought only one wolf as he prowled over the terra. His auds flickered atop his head for a sound while his nose twitched attentively. A call reached his ears, the call he sought. He snorted and darted toward it, easily shifting into a run. His tongue lolled from his mouth as his green eyes searched hopefully. He came to the edge of a long stretch of white. He paused, watching as in the center some dust rose to the air. He stared, completely still. From the center of this cloud she emerged.

He smiled at her beauty, stepping forward eagerly. She was lovely, the picture of beauty. He leapt forward then, racing to his Keeya. She had accepted his request a while ago, to be his mate. Yet, the time had not come for that yet. He grew closer to her, long legs eating up the ground. He met her, pulling up beside her and letting his stride match with hers. He leaned in close so his coat could brush hers. He nuzzled her lovingly, grinning.

[Goanna]

Keeya furrowed her brow as she tested the air with her nose. The atmosphere was unusually dry. Of course, it was winter. Perhaps it was nothing to worry about. Probably in her anxiousness to meet up with her beloved she was paying too much attention to the subtle details of the terrain. The lupine had to continually shift her paws to keep them from getting too cold and she looked as though engaged in some winter dance. She sighed and waited, heart aflutter.

Her call had been heard and accepted, she knew from the sound of approaching pawsteps. Her ears stood up and she paced forwards, tail tip gently brushing the air. There was only one wolf she was waiting for, but the past few months had been awfully quiet. Soon her favourite wolf in the world emerged, a storm cloud rumbling across the white snow, framed by the grey mountains. The monochrome palette was the most beautiful sight in her eyes. She moved to accept him, burrowing her head into his chest. It was such a relief to see him again, to have contact with another of her species. Hello, she muttered beneath the thick mane of his fur. She grinned soppily, matching his own lovesick expression. How wonderful it was to have him to herself. The winter had been a long time coming for the both of them, and they both knew what it might entail. It was all the more reason for her tail to continue wagging wildly as she cuddled him.

[Tay]

Hello yourself. He rumbled, inhaling her scent. He sighed, stepping back from her and taking in her lovely body. His dark pelt caught the small flakes that drifted lazily from the sky, speckling him. He gently licked at her face, kissing and cleaning the snow away at the same time. This winter had been a long time coming for the dark brute and his gray mate-to-be. How have you been? Well fed, I see. He smiled, nodding to her coat and body. Her winter coat was full and silky, her body muscled but not fatty. She'd obviously kept herself well, he secretly hoped that she had done this not only for herself, but in preparation for a pregnancy.

Did she wish to bear pups this season? He didn't know. It would be his first time. His heart quickened as he looked at her, wondering about the future. In his mind's eye he saw small black and gray pups gallivanting all over the Kameskai. His puphood seemed so far away, the times with Sierra and Riyo. He leaned into her, green eyes studying her blue. I've missed you, Keeya.

[Goanna]

The female's eyes lit up, sparkling with diamond cut clarity against the white of the wintery surroundings. This was where she wanted to be; who she wanted to be with. The future to her seemed as crisp and sparkling as the reflection in her blue eyes. Wherever life lead her she knew she'd have Basile with her. It was a thought that sent a warm tingle throughout her body.
The matter of offspring she hadn't yet thought much about. Now though, in the season of love she knew what she wanted. There was a promised as yet not fulfilled.

She flicked a speck of snow off his cheek with the tip of her curled tongue and smiled softly. I've missed you too. Let's not lose sight of each for a while now, hmm? She wanted to play with him, to run with him over the snow and to lay by his side through the nights. Absence made the heart grow fonder but she was ready now. I've been well. Very well. You look wonderful yourself though. Keeya paused, mind flitting over the small talk. Impulse grabbed her and she leaned forward and tugged at his ear before skipping off some paces ahead, motioning for him to follow. They had more important things to discuss... or not discuss. She always thought better on her feet though.

[Tay]

The dark male grinned at her, exhaling softly. His breath created a cloud of steam that floated between them for a moment, before dissipating in the cold. His eyes looked up at the sky for a moment. Grey clouds drifted lethargically over them, seeming to promise a nice bounty of snow should they burst. Yes, let's not. I want to keep you close, in case another more handsome male comes sniffing around. He grinned at her, teasingly. He puffed his chest out at her comment, striking a mock-regal pose. Do you think so, dear Keeya? He said, in a booming authoritative voice, before winking at her.

She leaned forward and tugged at his ear, then leapt away. A playful growl issued through his lips and he jumped after her with a smirk. His strong pillars carried him over the snow easily, and he nipped at her tail. A smile covered his face as the cold air streamed past him. He knew she was fast enough to out run him for ages, but he would need to catch her eventually. He wondered, was this the chase? He thought not. Not yet. I'll follow you forever, beauty. He called.

[Goanna]

She laughed as she skipped over the snow, wheeling around to catch sight of his attempt at a powerful pose. Keeya knew he was joking, but against the white background and with the shining specks of snow set against his coat he truly did look magnificent. He was most definitely the son of the original mountain king. She laughed out loud and slowed beside him for a moment, rubbing her cheek against his. If there is anyone more handsome than you I’d need to be locked up. She darted to the side as his teeth touched her tail and giggled. She loved his sense of humour. He constantly joked, played with her. Puppies would love him she thought, our puppies will love him.

She’d felt the touch of winter in her heart before, as all young females did when they reached a certain age. Now though she had someone to direct her attention towards. When they found the right moment… She wondered if he was ready. They’d not spoken of their future together much. Most likely they wouldn’t. Basile seemed to let her know well enough by his body language what was going on with him. She only hoped she’d not miss her timing. She kept moving at a gentle, loping pace, tongue hanging out as she ran beside him. Follow me where? she replied to his lovefilled comment and when?

[Tay]

His green orbs twinkled with amusement and happiness as she spun to catch sight of his pose. Her comment made him snort. He smiled wryly and rubbed back against her. I suppose it's good for us both then, that no other male will ever be as handsome as I. He considered his words a moment before. She was running ahead now, darting to the side as he tried to catch her tail. That might change though, if we ever have a son. Your looks are the only thing that could improve upon mine. The comment was said matter-of-fact, as if he knew she wanted to give him children at all. He watched her subtly, trying to gauge her reaction to the idea.

He loped after her, his pace gentle, keeping him placed close to her hip, sometimes drifting behind her. She dropped back and they kept pace with each other, paws in sync. He started to reply to her comment when the second bit made his lupine brow raise. I would follow you to the ends of the earth and back, if that is what it took to catch you and make you mine. He rumbled, eyes serious. I am merely the brute in this, my love. I don't decide when the chase begins, for I am not the one leading it. I will follow you, and catch you, for sure. His eyes glinted as he smiled at her. But when is all up to you. He coughed lightly, eyes turning to the ground for a moment. You needn't worry about anything else other then our chase. Permission has been requested, and given, long before the time had come.

He watched her earnestly. I hope you don't mind. I thought it best to plan ahead...so things could happen when--and if--they wished. The dark wolf felt his heart thud in his chest. He had loved Keeya long before he even realized it himself. Here he stood, on the cusp of a new beginning--a new life.His intentions were clear. He wanted to make Keeya his mate for as long as he lived, and he wanted to establish this partnership this season...and hopefully have the pups to show for it come spring. Only, of course, if she was willing and ready herself.

[Goanna]

Keeya moistened her nose with the tip of her tongue as she moved beside him. Her head was reeling with the sound of his voice and his promises. But he’d let her know now that he was ready. You want a son? she queried, catching his drift, We’ll fill the island with our little rogues then, huh? Nowhere will be safe! She did not know when he’d gone to ask for permission though, the sneaky thing. He said permission had been given long before. If this was a proper indication of the time, well it seemed as though he’d been planning for a while. She hoped she hadn’t caused him any pain in waiting, but no, they’d not had the chance the last season. Of course not.

She caught the devilish gleam in his eye and her heart quickened. I…I don’t mind. It was true, she hardly thought ahead terribly far, unless it involved hunting tactics. Trust Basile to take care of the practicalities though. She didn’t mind though. Perhaps a tiny part of her wondered of course, why he’d gone ahead and asked without consulting her first, but him doing the asking would mean taking out a lot of awkwardness for her.

She halted momentarily, paw held in the air mid stride. Her face held no emotion though she was boiling inside. And slowly, she allowed a grin to spread across her muzzle. She darted forwards and gathered her snout up in the dark male’s thick coat, breathing heavily on him. I want you. I love you. I want you to follow me. The silver wolf drew away from him as sharply as she’d come to his side, lowering her front quarters onto the ground in a playful pose, as though ready to spring forward at any moment. But first… she growled, pausing to dance on her claws. It was instinct, emotion, and the ideas he’d just put into her head that lead her to behave as she did. The pack was not around; they were alone; they were both young and reckless, though of course years of tradition had held them to be fully understanding of what they were doing.

Her mouth, she pointed to the sky and drew in a deep breath as though to still the shakiness of her body. After seconds that seemed to drag for a lifetime Keeya lowered her blue eyes to his green and leapt forward, turning a circle away from him and lunging into power filled strides, carrying her away from where she wanted to be. …You’ll have to catch me! she called out as she ran. There was nothing that could make her more anxious in her life, for as much as she wanted him to catch her, the idea was also repulsive in her mind. Her pride lead her to believe she were truly gifted as a racer and letting him catch up to her… but there was always some hope. She’d have an excuse shut away in a dark corner of her brain. And no though, there was no time to think, apart from making sure she did not trip or slide in the snow. She thought there’d be enough of a head-start, hopefully her outburst had dazzled him. So she leapt every now and then as she sprinted forwards and forwards, filled with an unknown energy. The treeline was to the side of them and so there was clear enough ground to fly. After a few seconds she barked. Let him come.

[Tay]

Her words make his ears flick nervously. I would like a son eventually, but I also want a daughter. I really have no preference. As long as they are healthy and listen well. He smiled a little, his tongue darting over his lips. In truth, Keeya had not caused him any pain. He would never want to mate on the first season he had known someone. He was a brute of commitment and loyalty. It actually hadn't been too long ago that he had asked. One quiet day in late fall he had traveled to his father and asked for permission to make Keeya his mate should she agree. It did seem like ages ago he had asked, but in truth it had been a matter of weeks.

Good. Good. I didn't mean any...rudeness by that. I only wanted to ask so that...if you did wish it...we could, um, choose our own time. He swallowed thickly, nervous and tying his own tongue in knots. He watched her, his skin prickling with adrenaline. She paused and he copied her, ears aimed at her to pick up any comments. He had half-expected her to be angry with him for asking ahead, of course, he half-expected her to laugh at his proposal and leave him in the snow. She darted forward, her breath hot in his fur. His heart leapt to his mouth, pulse pounding in his head. I want you too, Keeya. I love you with more than I ever thought I would possess in my body. You couldn't loose me if you tried, Keeya. He said, licking her snout before she leapt away.

He smiled, banner waving as she play-bowed to him. It was like pup's play, but so much more meaningful. He returned the bow, paws smacking the ground and mouth opening in a wide grin. He knew what was next and he fought the urge to dart at her already. He must catch her. He needed to prove that he would bear strong and capable pups. She leapt toward him and he nipped at her, barking happily. She was gone then, away in a flash of silver fur and snow dust. He watched her flee a moment, her words carried to him by the wind. He released a howl, singing his happiness and love to the sky.

With that he leapt forward, long black pillars sending him flying after her like a dark shadow. His ears lay back against his head, tongue lolling from his mouth. His breath came out in a steamy cloud and his heart sounded a fast drumbeat in his ears and chest. His green eyes only saw her, his paw steps stepping in hers and around hers. While he was not as graceful and lithe as she he had the muscles and endurance to catch her. He closed the distance, still a few body lengths behind her. Snow began to drift from the sky, falling to catch in the coats of the young lovers. He would catch her, but not until after she gave him a proper chase. His mate was not a simple fem. She would make him work to claim her. His beautiful, dazzling Keeya.

[Goanna]

Her paws thundered over the ground, coming into impact with the snowy landscape with every stride as she settled into a run. She could see his face imprinted in her mind; his emerald green eyes and his laughing mouth. What else could a female want in a mate? She ran hard, tail streaming out behind her as she galloped. Though she thought it had, the chase had not yet started properly. No, that came when she sensed him closing in behind her. Suddenly she was filled with utter exhilaration and the adrenaline shot down from her brain to her feet. Keeya picked up pace and rocketed forwards, faster than she had ever gone before. The raging hormones were like a wind to her feet, and she flew, paws barely clipping the ground. This was the chase she had heard about, the chase that would lead to their connection, though now they were apart.

It was though she were weaving a thread for him to follow, despite the fact that the snow covered her tracks almost as soon as she left them. And still, Basile was keeping pace well with her. Her tongue hung out of her mouth as she urged her body forwards, focusing her attention on the feel of the breeze as it whistled past her. The mountains towered above them, framing the romance below. She continued to increase her pace, determined to draw even more forwards. Her competitiveness lay in quantities of speed; she paid little attention to endurance. And so as she pushed herself and pushed herself into quickening her pace even further her limbs began to burn with the energy of being used so much and her tongue hung out even further, inadvertedly catching the snow on it as she ran.

[Tay]

He chased. His black fur became speckled with snowflakes, but the cold could not touch his skin. He was full of heat, full of love, for this female he chased. Rational thought stopped as Keeya kicked up her pace. Something had changed. Her instincts had kicked in, the same way that his now did. His mind was no longer words, but feelings. He was completely taken by his instincts, as all wolves were during the chase. He was aware of his heart and breath, each pawstep that crunched in the dusting of snow.

His pupils followed her, locked onto her as if she were prey. He would catch her and make her his. He increased his stride, stretching his legs out further, taking more ground between each touch of his paws. His mouth hung open, but his tongue drew itself in. He needed to taste the air. To taste her emotions, her thoughts. He had to know, by her scent, that she was going to turn. He needed to know this at least five seconds before she did. His predatory mind began to take in account every detail, for while she was the runner, he was the catcher. He managed to stay with her, never letting her get too far. He caught the slight, nearly invisible lag in her speed. Her limbs were growing tired. It only showed for a second, but he had seen it.

He leapt forward, his speed increasing until he flew along at the maximum. He felt as if he literally flew, his breathing controlled, but becoming harsher. He was growing closer, slowly but surely gaining on her. Her tail was a body length from his nose, then half. His predatory instincts demanded that he leap and end the chase. This is where the rational thought would reoccur, reminding him who and why he was chasing. He grinned, pushing himself further. His body became level with hers and slowly he moved over. When barely an inch stood between them he stopped, running at her side. Their fur brushed with each step, sending electric tingles through his muscles. He ran with her, his paws and hers falling into rhythm. They were one for a while, feet hitting the ground in such a way...that the sound was of only one wolf. One being.

They ran like this for a while, the unity searing at Basile. Burning him with love and want from the inside out. Finally he turned his head lightly. Quickly his muzzle shot out, and he nipped the side of her neck. It was a sensual touch and all his emotions flowed into it. He held for only a moment, not wanting to trip them. The message was clear: I have caught you, you are mine.

[Goanna]

Keeya kept running as though a great opponent were behind her, pushing her forwards. In a way of course this was true, though she usually did not care to think of Basile as an opponent. Still she ran onwards, more seriously although her mouth was still open in a wide, exhilarated grin. Go said her mind with every strike of her paws against the snow, go, go, go. And she went.

She drew her breath in sharply at each turn across the field, in rhythm with the beat of her heat against the wall of her chest. Her pupils widened, dilated as she felt the wind against her and the feel of the chase pounding behind her. With each pace she felt her breath hitting harder and her legs weakening, as well the instinctual knowledge that she was being approached rapidly from the rear. She could feel him drawing closer and closer still, and this sense ignited her last adrenaline reserves. It was a transformation; the hunter had become the hunted. Her nostrils let out air and her eyes widened in much the same way as a deer would when on its final run from its pursuer. Though of course she were no deer and he no… well he was a hungry wolf. They were both hungry for something that which they had not yet tasted.

As utterly rapid as the run was, more so was the sudden catch in her breath that caused her to stumble for a second. She lost her place ahead of him and suddenly the female found herself beside him once more. So stoked and charged up was she that the first touch of his fur at her side sent a shudder coursing through her. She panted as they ran beside one another. As they went they unconsciously matched paces so that every time she found herself lifting her right paw, his was raised too. It was as one entity now that they moved, and she fashioned she could even hear his heart beating in his chest so close together they were, at last. But had he now caught her? She stole a brief second to think this.

A yelp escaped from her jaws as she felt a sharp pain to her neck. She was not hurt, of course for he had not meant to hurt her; but she was filled with longing and the slightest touch now was electric. She softened though when he drew his head back to the front again. She looked into his visible eye. It felt like years since she’d been enveloped in that emerald green, though of course it had only been minutes. He’d answered her question though, it was over. He’d won. She slowed down a little and whined. I love you, well done.

[Tay]

He smiled at her, reaching out to nuzzle her. She slowed, as did he. They stood before each other in the snow. He'd caught her and they both knew what would come next. He huffed lightly, tail wagging as snow began to fall thicker. Their view of the distance faded out, locking them into their own private world. Basile moved forward, nuzzling into Keeya's warm fur. I love you too, dearest. Well done yourself. He whispered. He glanced around, snorting as a flake landed on his nose. Are you ready to run with me, once more? He said, his voice sweet and smooth. We'll find a place to spend the night--our night. His eyes contained more meaning then his words.

He nudged her, leaping forward a little. He bowed to her, the playful motion a bit more graceful as he tucked his nose down toward the snow on the ground. Their night would be one of love, happiness the Kameskai needed. Soon, Keeya would pick a birthing den. She would bear their first litter and Basile would get to be the proud father standing watch. He would help lead his children to the world, the first glimpse of the land that was theirs' by blood. His chest was already swelling with pride, his eyes tearing at his hope for the future.

Unbeknown to the two lovers, the storm that bore this snow appeared in another form elsewhere. Lightening and thunder rolled, licking near the trees of forests. The land was dry and thirsty, opening it's mouth to the clouds for any form of nourishment. What it would get...none would expect. Tonight, though, was the time of love and life. New beginnings, all the way around. Though the pair had only eyes for their own now. Basile waited for his mate, waiting to find a nice cave to snuggle up in, and then...for them to bind themselves together for always.

[Goanna]

Keeya wrapped herself around his touch as he leant into her. She held her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes momentarily. When she opened her eyes all she could see in front of her was Basile. It was all she wanted to see. In their landscape; their world, they were the only two living things. The snow fell for them at their feet, swirled around their bodies and created a fantasy scene. Every sound was magnified, the beating of their hearts, the click of a claw on the ground. When he sneezed the sound carried for miles and she huffed out a laugh at it. At the sound of his voice disturbing the silence once more her tail began wagging of its own accord.

The night is too far away she muttered in response. His eyes gleamed with a light she felt sure was reflected in her own irises. He bowed to her and she returned the gesture, once more dancing on her front paws as she folded her front onto the snow. She stood and yawned. Then with a flick of her tail she reached up to him to press her forehead against his cheek. Though the world belonged to them it was too open. They would hold each other throughout the night and for that a more intimate setting was required. The afternoon had set; too late to dig out a den. Though in the Kameskai lands there was never a shortage of rooms.

The mountains held secret openings; stone dens carved out by waterways over time. She skipped over the snow now towards the hills. Now that the full out chase had happened she could regain her energy with a gentle lope. The chase showed that Basile had proved himself. He was strong, he was virile and she would wake up to his brilliant green eyes forever more. She skittered around the base of the mountain until her nose discovered the musky scent of an opening in the cliffside. She tossed a glace over her shoulder before laying on her side and wriggling her way though the slight gap. Inside the cave was large enough to hold the both of them, but it would be a snug fit. So much the better. She knew he’d be following, as he had promised to do. She climbed back out of the den and bounded back over to his side, awaiting his voice once more.