A Cry to the Heavens

[Kai]

If one where to look at Crescent Shore at the moment, you would think anyone crazy for living there. After all a nice forest was close by in the same territory. Most sane people would live there and never step foot on the windy beach. But bormally it was a rather calm beach, with crabs scurrying around the sand. But today the sky was getting darker with storm clouds and winds occasionally tore across the area. From the water, out came a rather wet wolf. His thick, white fur was soak and even after shaking water still dripped from his figure. But it didn’t seem to bother him. Flint simply walked out of the water; his paws stepping over patches of pebbles carefully.

His pink pads made a shallow indent on the soft sand as he walked down the beach. Another wave came, and he turned his head to watch. After the white foam retreated back into the water, his paw prints were almost gone with only a few small dents leftover. A wad of seaweed was now left on the shoreline, but it would probably be swept away with the next wave. After all, nothing in life lasted forever. Even the great oaks would one day tumble and fall and decay back into the soil. Eventually, Flint would die as well his body probably becoming another creature’s food. And in a way, he was alright with that. A sharp wind bell, ruffling his still wet fur. The blast of air hit him from the left, where his body looked like a normal wolf’s. On the right side, the one which faced away from the water, a pattern of black fur made him stand out.

In a sense, it was a scar. Two seasons ago, flames had licked at his body scorching the fur from his body and living only pink skin. The fur had grown back, normal in every way save for the color. His birth pack had rather grim ideas about why he had lived. Eventually, it had gotten to the point that Flint was tired of the whispering. That’s what he got for being born into a superstitious pack. Belief in the Gods was mandatory, and that was the end of that. Flint believed in them, but not like his mother had wanted him to. Flint knew that the Gods wouldn’t want him in a cave praying to them all the time. They would want him to walk their world and see the sights! And so he had done that. Flint said his good byes and left without a second thought.

He had wandered the lands and saw the sights. Well, most of them. Flint was mortal and therefore he was allowed to miss a few things here and there. But his love for water had kept him from wandering on this time. Flint wanted company, he wanted a pack again. He was a wolf, so it was only natural. On several nights, he still called out into the night and waited for an answer. None had come yet. So he walked up and down the beach occasionally swimming in the deep waters, waiting. That seemed to be his whole life as of late. Watching and waiting. Larger waves were coming now, and Flint had to dig into the sand in order not to be swept away with the tide. Tilting his head back, once more he cried out at the darkening sky praying to the Gods above that someone would answer this time.

[Blahwolf]

Cypress was tired of walking. He loved exploring as much as any wolf, but his simple hunting expedition had turned into nothing but a wild-goose chase... or a wild-rabbit chase, you might say. Worst of all, he hadn't even been able to catch his prey, which both angered and embarrassed him at the same time. No, it would not happen again. He would make sure of that.

But right now, he had other things to worry about. There was no doubt about it; a storm was brewing on the horizon, he could tell that plainly from the greyed sky. Small rolls of thunder echoed across the ocean, and the occasional water droplet moistoned his snout. Cypress began to panic a bit on the inside. His den (if you could even call it that) was roughly about a mile away--he'd never make it back in time, that much he knew. Certainly he'd never heard of wolves being struck by lightening, but in this land, one always has to expect the unexpected.

Quickening his pace, Cypress winced as a single water droplet stung his eye. Growling to himself and shaking his head furiously, he paused a moment to regain his composure, mentally cursing himself and the water droplet. His thoughts were quickly interrupted, however. There, off in the distance, a single, lonely howl pierced the night air. No, that couldn't be right. Cypress must be imagining things. What sort of wolf--well, other than himself of course--would be out on the beach now, of all times? He started forward, kicking up wet sand as he went, determined to find the source of the howl, although he wasn't exactly sure why. Perhaps he was in need of company himself, though he would never really admit it.

Pausing momentarily to catch his breath, Cypress had found what he was searching for, though he wasn't overjoyed to find it. A lone, very wet wolf stood howling on the shoreline, not seeming to even care that he was getting soaked. Cypress tilted his head in confusion (or maybe it was in awe) and stepped a bit closer. "You're crazy!" he called out, not even sure if the other male cared or was listening. "There's a huge storm coming. What's the matter with you?"

[Kai]

For a while, nothing answered his call. Flint hung his head, shaking it slowly from side to side. Another day, another time no one answered. But that was life, and there was little he could do about it. Scattered drops of rain hit his coat, causing Flint to smile ever so slightly. They were cold and sharp, unlike the ocean’s warm, soft water with threaten to sweep him away if his grip loosened. But the droplets were much more comforting, cooling his hot body. The sky was crying for him, perhaps. Maybe it felt his pain of being alone. Thunder boomed, and lighting flashed adding some faint light to the world before it disappeared. The storm had gripped all of his senses for that moment, and so when a question was asked of him Flint was a tad surprised.

He opened his eyes, swinging his head to look at the wolf. The first he had seen in a rather long time. His head was titled to the side, although why Flint was not sure. This wolf had to be slightly odd as well to walk the beach at this time, or just a dare devil like himself. Flint’s eyes drifted down the wolf’s paws noticing they were covered in sand. He had to been running, perhaps out of fear of the storm. It seemed this wolf was simply lost, and not looking for amusement. But still he had been asked a question, and it was only right to answer it. It was a rather interesting one, despite the fact Flint had been accused of being crazy several times. Somehow, it just never got old.

“Perhaps I am crazy; I have always accepted the possibility. Funny thing though, can you be crazy and know it? But, there is nothing I fear from storms anymore. Nor of the sea. Water is of little care to me; I can swim and dive better than most wolves. And on the subject of lighting, I’ve already been struck.”

Flint motioned to his arm, to the black fur. He had heard the phrase lighting can struck twice before but somehow he paid it little heed. What would it do to him this time? Perhaps turn his whole body black? Certainly it couldn’t drive him out of a pack for he had none. And at this time, as he thought about his own grievances, Flint had to wonder what this wolf’s story was. There certainly weren’t any packs around, so he could have not strayed from one. Besides, the beach was miles long and he doubted his motive was to enjoy a simply stroll. And if he was panicking, it was only on the inside. Of course, most male wolves refused to show emotion like that. This wolf was quickly proving to be a rather interesting fellow.

“If you want shelter, my den is nearby. I’ll show you the way.”

The waves were getting larger now, and as Flint turned a huge one swept its way onto the shore. Water came up to his chest, and he found that swimming was easier than walking. His paws found sand again, and gripped against the wave as it tried to pull him back. Soon this beach would be under water. And if a storm wasn’t coming it would be rather peaceful. You would be able to sit with all but your neck submerged close to the slope, and just think. You could swim further out to where little schools of fish darted around, and dive down to bottom and touch living seaweed. But for now if he wanted to have company, Flint would have to leave the area. Stepping over the slop, he felt his wet paws cling onto some of the dry sand. And as he came to the top, Flint stopped curious if this wolf was following him.

“Name’s Flint. So you coming or not?”

[Blahwolf]

Eyeing the wolf closely as he swam up to the shore, dripping from head to tail with seafoam and water, Cypress started to think he had gotten more than he bargained for by talking to this stranger. He was now starting to regret it. As soon as he was given the wolf's name, Cypress was a bit taken aback. Not many wolves ever spoke to him, let alone invited him to stay in a den. Cypress's own cramped den was far off, in the middle of the Great Forest, and by the time he'd reach it he'd be soaked. And according to Flint, lightening did strike wolves after all. Though he admitted to himself that this wolf was quite possibly the strangest creature he'd ever met, something about him seemed warm and almost inviting. Following him would be the best thing to escape from the coming storm, and whatever ounce of his dignity would be lost, he would regain it back with time. He nodded to his new companion and walked a few paces forward. "Cypress," he replied, indicating his own name.

[Kai]

As Cypress came forward, Flint turned and walked forward. He almost did not catch the name as a crack of thunder filled his ears. No other comment followed. Cypress seemed to be a much quieter creature than himself, something he found slightly odd. Of course, who was he to talk about odd? His own coat was still dripping salty water with each step, and the rain was quickly adding to it. Sand was stuck to the bottom of his pads, although as he walked in the grass some did fall off. Flint weaved through the trees without a care, following the path to his home. And as he found himself having to avoid several small pool of water, his tail began to wag. Familiar scents drifted into his, and his eyes searched for his rocky den. The pools of water became larger, and it seemed there were fewer trees here to block the rain. But soon a rather big stone appeared, with a crack in the front which served as an entrance.

Flint rubbed his head lovingly against the soft rock before trotting inside the entrance hole. Water dripped from his pelt onto the stone floor, making a wonderful sound. The cave was rather dark today, for the crack in the roof had rain coming in from it and very little light could squeeze in. But the floor was sunken in that area forming a drinking pool of sorts, preventing the cave from getting too wet. Flint trotted towards the back of the cave, where his eyes could easily see in the dark, sitting down in his usual spot. Despite it being a large den, Flint rarely used most of it. The little corner was enough for him; besides, it was bittersweet to have so much room. It reminded Flint of what he did not have. He could not scent other wolves on Cypress, so he assumed that the wolf lived alone. Like himself.

“So do you always take strolls on wonderful nights like this? Normally you will find me a little farther out to sea, but the strom drove me towards land.”

[Blahwolf]

Following Flint amongst the trees proved to be more difficult than Cypress had first imagined. Flint obviously knew his way around these parts, but Cypress rarely came beyond Emerald Forest. More often than once he had found himself pausing to search around the grove, finding himself a bit amazed at how different it was from the grand forest. The trees were considerably smaller, the terrain was grassier, and most appealing to Cypress, he could see the sky above him. While Emerald Forest is beautiful, it lacks sunlight, and Cypress found himself enjoying this smaller area.

As Flint skillfully winded through the trees, Cypress nearly had to run to keep up with him. He resisted the urge to yell, "Slow down!" and instead found himself relieved as they approached the den. It seemed small from the entrance, but Cypress said nothing and followed his companion inside.

The interior of the den truly seemed larger than the small crack on the outside might suggest. Cypress's own den was nothing like this, but only a small hole in the ground that didn't do much to protect him from the elements. The cave was wet, but Cypress didn't mind--his fur was wetter anyway. Flint settled down in the back and he did the same, though not right next to him, and shrugged some of the water off his coat.

"I don't come down here much" he said, replying to Flint's question. "I come from the larger forest to the east." Cypress was silent for a moment but quietly spoke. "You seem rather attached to the sea."

[Kai]

Flint thought about that last comment a bit. Yes, it was true that the sea held a special charm for him but so did this whole forest. He had seen the forest that Cypress spoke of. It was nice in its own charm. But the trees were packed too densely together for his liking. He liked to feel the sun’s caress, and be able to watch the clouds blow by on calmer days. Here he was able to roll in the grass, and play in the pools of water. The lack of hills was a bit disheartening, but not terrain was perfect. And the beach made up for the little things. Here he had food, and as Cypress has just learned wolves unfamiliar to this area found it hard to move about. His den was nice enough, secretive and private. And the pray was wonderful here that was for certain. But the sea! Little food came from it here, at least at low tide. But diving under the clear water was one of the most amazing experiences. For a few moments, you free and weightless.

‘I seek thrills, and the sea provides them for me. Swimming is something many wolves seem to avoid. Same for climbing trees and diving from waterfalls. I find pleasure in the rush of adrenaline, it prevents a boring life. And when one is alone life can be very boring indeed.’

A small pool of water was now under Flint, for his coat’s drip rate was quicker than the stone at absorbing the water. But the top part of his body, his back and ears and such were beginning to feel a bit dryer. His paws would have a longer wait, but at least his tail would dry soon enough. Looking at Cypress, Flint could easily guess why he received that name. His pelt was a much more Earthy tone than his own, which seemed more suited for heavy snowfall. The only reason for his name at birth was his attitude. Flint’s mother had always said he was good a sparking movement into his siblings. And it had turned out to be an accurate name, especially when his eyes changed from a lipid blue into the orange gold they were now.

‘I assume you are not part of a pack. These areas seem to have a lack of those, and wolves for that matter.’

[Blahwolf]

Cypress was starting to understand Flint, or so he thought. They seemed alike in many ways, although perhaps Flint was much more on the adventurous side. Cypress found a bit of respect for this wolf growing inside him. He no longer thought of Flint as the crazy wolf who jumped into the ocean, but more as a fellow wolf. He supposed it was like that phrase everyone always said: "looks can be deceiving".

He was beginning to feel comfortable in the den. Sure, it was dark and wet, not to mention cold, but Cypress rather liked it that way. It also felt good to know he wasn't the only loner in these parts.

"No, I don't have a pack," he said simply. "I don't need one, either. I'm fine on my own."

Was that really true? Cypress thought about it for a moment. Yes, he got lonely at times, but he found some comfort in talking to the birds and other small animals that lived amongst his territory. He had never killed or even eaten a deer before, and he didn't know much about pack life, other than the very vague things he remembered from childhood. It might be nice to have a family, but then again nothing could compare to the freedom of living life by your own rules.

Forgetting his thoughts, Cypress turned back to Flint, watching him curiously. "What about you? You ever want a pack?"

[Kai]

Another good question had been thrown at him. Cypress seemed to be full of those. Flint suspected it was because he liked to remain silent as much as possible, and to do so each word had to be worth its weight. And so when asked a question by such a wolf, he inturn was compelled to think out each anwser fully, it only seemed fair. Flint fully intented to get this wolf to join him, and from Cypress’s confidant statement he would have his work cut out for him. Flint doubted that any wolf could wish to be alone. Well for the rest of his life. Everything about the wolf suggested it was ment to live with others. From the beautiful singing voice each one had to the very tails that they wore, each part of their body was made to aid them in pack life. There was a drive in Flint that compelled him to reach out to this wolf. He was alone, just as he was. And therefore they had something in common.

‘I am a young wolf. I am strong and fast and confididant in the hunt. I eat what I can outwit weither it be a rabbit or a small deer. But at times I grow lonely. If I find something funny I am only one to laugh. If I wish to swim I must do so alone. I seek my thrills as a solution but it is a hollow victory. I had to come to grips with the fact that if I am ever ingured I will likely die alone.’

There was a good chance that this wolf would leave after the strom had mellowed down. Then Flint would have to go back to calling out from the beach, praying that someone would anwser his sorrowful song. He hoped his words would appeal to something in Cypress. Perhaps a distance and long forgotten memory. When Flint looked at Cypress, he was reminded of Mud Paw his childhood enemy and friend. They had jumped from the top of waterfalls together and fought over the stupidest of things. But they had been part of the same pack until Flint had left it. Maybe Mud was now on the road as well, looking for a place to belong. Flint realised he had a chance now, to create a place to belong. He lived in an almost perfect land, but without someone to be with what was the point? Right now he could easily live in a smaller area without any discomfort. Taking a breath he let out the second part of what he had to say.

‘Everytime I stand out on that beach, I howl before I leave. And each time I pray to the Gods to let someone to anwser. I do this because while I can survive on my own, I can not thrive by myself. It is true I seek companionship. I will not deny that.’

[Blahwolf]

Cypress listened attentively to Flint's words without interrupting, his auric eyes focusing on him with interest. There was no doubt about it anymore, they seemed to be alike in more ways than one. Perhaps he had made a new friend here, perhaps he was just happy to have the chance to speak with another wolf. Either way, Cypress felt peaceful, yet heavy hearted at how apart Flint seemed. Maybe his feelings were trying to tell him something, Cypress figured.

Thinking of nothing reasonable to say, he nodded and turned his attention to the crack in the cave wall that served as the entrance. The rain was slowing, though the muffled rumbling of thunder could be heard from outisde the stone walls, along with the occasional flash of thunder which casted odd, spidery shadows upon the walls. Looking down, Cypress stared at his own, shaggy shadow for a moment before turning his gaze to Flint's. They were nearly identical in shape and size. So even our shadows are alike, Cypress thought to himself.

"I guess we should stick together for awhile, huh? I have nowhere to go, my only home is my den in the Great Forest."

Truth be told, he didn't miss it all that much. It was too dense, not enough sunlight, and his den was too small. He rather enjoyed this area. The new scents were interesting, and there was plenty of room to explore. The beach was even close by, perhaps he could learn to dive as Flint had spoke of. Yes, he could definately get used to it here.

"What do you say? At least we wouldn't be alone anymore."

[Kai]

OCC: I’m watching Pysh as I type this. I love that show.

Nodding gently Flint silently agreeded to his new friend’s words. He turned his head to the cave entrance, watching water drip down and lighting creep across the sky. The ocean would probably be filled with huge wages, each taking a piece of the shore and dragging it back into water depths. The beach had been widening this was for years upon years. Every storm would take a centimeter or two perhaps even an inch if was truly ferisome! Not enough to be missed or even noticed, but over time it added up. A few small trees could be seen at the beache’s edge, a testiment to the process. Flint would have to show Cypress a few of his favoirte things. Turning his muzzle back to Cypress, Flint realized that the wolf might not be able to swim. He better ask before making plans.

‘Cypress, were you taught to swim as a cub?’

If he thought a wolf loving the sea was odd, there was a chance the anwser was no. Of course loving the water was a bit extreme. Flint’s tail wagged slowly back and forth spraying a few drops of water with each movement. Standing up, Flint walked over to the incave pool lapping up some of the sparkling clear water. His head got wetter doing this, but Flint pulled it out of the incoming water and shoke it a tad. When he was more or less at no wetter than before he stopped and looked at Cypress. So the cave was a bit wet, but it had its advantages. Besides if you went far enough in the back it was dry.

‘Normally its much nicer around here. But the forest looks wonderful after it rains. Very alive.’

[Blahwolf]

Pausing a few seconds to think, Cypress slowly stood up and shrugged, watching as Flint gently lapped at the small pool of water, the tiny ripples on the surface quickly becoming bigger and bigger until they reached the edge of the pool. Cypress was a tad fascinated by it, but focused his attention on Flint's question.

"I suppose deep down every wolf knows how to swim. But no, I was never taught much."

Cypress realized he was never really taught anything as a cub. Sure, he learned a few basic hunting techniques from watching the elders, but that was it. It was starting to dawn on him that he relied on nothing but instinct to live his life. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad; perhaps he'd ask Flint about it later. Right now he was a bit tired. Trying to stifle a small yawn, Cypress laid back down, his head resting on his front paw.

"Do you mind if I rest for awhile? I had a long day."

He narrowed his eyes a bit, briefly thinking about all that had happened. He'd made a new friend, he was thankful for that. Perhaps tomorrow they could go exploring and Cypress could see the rest of the grove. Perhaps we could learn to catch deer and Flint would show him how to dive. Feeling a bit of eagerness well up inside him, he shut his eyes and let out a small, content sigh.

[Kai]

OCC: Do you want to continue the thread by waking up ‘tomorrow’? I would like to do that.

‘No, rest away. I usually stay up late. Habit I suppose. But don’t worry, most of the time I am up and early and ready for action. The storm should have passed by tomorrow. Perhaps you could learn to swim then.’

Not taught much? It sounded like Cypress hadn’t had the best of cub hoods. But he had survived for several years, so he must have had some teaching. At least about hunting. He must have been a fast learner. Flint would have to ask him about his younger days. Maybe he could convince him to swap stories or something. Obviously he could be reached, it just took some time. Flint was rather happy with his new friend. The storm had threatened to ruin the day, and Cypress’s arrival had beaten it. Well, for the moment, it seemed that he had finally found the silver lining to the dark storm cloud. Since Cypress wished to rest Flint went towards the entrance of the cave. There he sat and watched the remains of the storm roll over the land. Lowering his head onto his paws, Flint had to resist the urge to smile. He had finally won.

‘Night Cypress.’

[Blahwolf]

OOC: Sure, this post will take place in the morning.

A few points of sunlight reached into the den through several of the small cracks in the ceiling. Cypress steadily opened his eyelids, his ears raised slightly. Not much could be heard, save for the rather loud chirping and singing of the morning birds from outside. Groaning, Cypress tried to sit up. He felt rather sore, but nothing he wasn't used to. Blinking his eyes to get them adjusted to the light, he stood up, stretched his front legs out, and sofly padded to the small pool of water. He took a few drinks, but found the liquid hard to swallow after just waking up. Flint was there, waiting by the den opening. Unsure if he was waiting for him or not, Cypress took a few steps forward and peeked out of the tiny crack.

A few droplets of water sprinkled down from the top of the cave and fell upon Cypress's head, much to his displeasure. The forest seemed peaceful this morning--wet and soggy, yet tranquil. Everything seemed to be dripping with water, even the birds who fluttered through the trees, chirping their own little songs of happiness now that the storm had passed. Cypress himself was now dry, but he wouldn't mind getting a little wet again. Speaking of which, he wondered if they would go swimming today. He was quite looking forward to that, although he didn't show it to Flint.

"Hmm. So, have any plans today?"

[Kai]

Outside of the cave laid a rather muddy wolf. Well, on his belly and legs and some of his tail. Flint had been outside for quiet a while now, and walking around the forest was wet work. Eventually he had sat down, and found out that it was rather muddy today. Flint was staring forward, through the trees and shrubs thinking of the ocean where he would rise all of this mud off of him. Flint could almost image it from this spot. It was easy enough to ignore the sounds of birds and imagine the roar of the ocean. The little crabs walking around, scattering if a bird came too close, and blobs of seaweed that had washed up from the storm. Of course, as soon as Cypress came out to view the morning, Flint broke his mind away from the image. He kept his head forward though. Cypress was someone he knew and therefore he did not have to watch him. Ears turning slightly, he caught Cypress’s words. Living with this wolf would certainly keep him on the tips of his paws.

‘Well you missed the sunrise, which is a great time to be out and about. The water catches the sun’s rays and makes them even more beautiful. So how about we go to the beach and then come back here for sundown? The forest will look its best then.’

Rising up, Flint motioned for Cypress to follow him. The ground was wet under his paws, and each step had to be carefully placed. Still, water would occasionally squirt from the ground, soaking the tops of his legs adding to the muck already there. Going back through the trees, he wondered vaguely when all the excess water would dry up. It would be nice to walk without being attacked by dirty water. So finally stepping on the sand was a major relief. Already warm from the morning sun, it clashed with the cold water on his paws. Grinning, he waited for Cypress. He was the one about to learn to swim.