Temperate Nights [Aroo/Meesh]

[arooix]

It abided an aboriginal feeling to be traveling for the black and white canine; due to the fact she had only experinced nine days of life. Along those days she had met many others, those in the orchard, Sombra, and a few more. Though she decided to take a little stroll away from company for a night or two, to see what she could see. The daylight was dim - signaling the end of another day. Walking with her head slightly downwards she watched as her paws made impact with the soil, leaving the impression of the pad. By looking at it she grinned, the soil was a changeable element from what Arooix had gathered. All in all, the newborn would need to be very attentive for she had no knowledge of what or who was within the woods.

When Arooix came to a stop the glorious sun had slowly been swallowed by the earth, or thats what Arooix thought happened at this point of the day. Her huddled form sat shaped upon the hill, surrounded by clouds of darkness. She had no clue what really to do but lay down and wait until the light of morn twinkled on the horizon. Sniffing, Arooix made her way to a massive brute of a tree with a twisting trunk and dwindling branches. As she approached the base of the tree she clawed at the dirt - making sure not to hit the roots that supplied life to the organism. By the time she was finished she had a deep hole, a nest of which she lowered her frame within. Settling her body into a tight circle, Arooix placed her bushy tail over her paws; cloaking her nose in the process.

It was a scary feeling, to be all alone on the ground - she always had another with her - so frightening that the pup whispered a feminine calling "H-H-Hello?" that came out as a stutter "Is anybody out there?". With swiveling eyes, Arooix peered through the darkness unaware if she was alone or not.

_{{ooc: I didn't know how to start it, so sorry if it isn't what you were expecting o-o}}

[Meesh]

The mix padded lightly across the dirt. His black pelt, striped as it was with even darker lines of black, made him almost look invisible in the growing darkness. Only his ruby red eyes gleamed, revealing his location.

Shadow supposed he knew the Maple Forest more than others his age, having been taken here by his parents the day of his hatching. He loved the forest, with all his heart, but sometimes he felt lonely, not knowing anyone his own age. There was Jamie and Maro, of course, but Jamie didn't seem to like him, and Maro was rarely at the den. Besides, both were older than him by quite a bit.

He could, in all feasibility, return to the Orchard, but a part of him felt a little shy to go there. Shadow was fully aware that he was different than others, being part canine and part feline. He knew his family and pack didn't fault him for that, but what if others did? Shadow sighed. He just didn't know.

A voice called out from the growing darkness- someone who sounded afraid. Shadow sniffed the air. The scent broadcasted a canine female. "Hello" he called, walking towards the voice slowly. "There's no need to be afraid. Where are you?"

[arooix]

The atmosphere changed once she heard the voice of another, from what the tone portrayed it was a he. Shifting in her nest, Arooix pondered what to do and how to go by doing it. It was a complicating position, but the voice that called in the night seemed decent - and admirable. "I'm over here..." her voice carried over the wind.

She pulled her body from the hole she had dug and shook off the clinging dirt. Padding forwards, Arooix narrowed her keen eyes and spotted the glint of ruby irises. She had seen that same shade of color in her friend Sombra, wherever the wee' cat was. Clearing her throat, she placed a small smile of her lips. This stranger had the aura of being one of lonesome, one who sought a friend - perhaps? Though her wits were on guard she did not want to seem rude or unfriendly to someone she knew naught of.

"Who are you, please show yourself.." Arooix asked politely, she could definitely tell the being wore a dark coat but not only that the mere shape from the dark shadow was different from others.

[Meesh]

Off to the side, a shadow detached itself from the ground and began walking towards him- the canine from before, he could see. In the dim light, it was hard to tell, but she looked to be grey and white.. "Ah, I see you" he called, walking closer. Shadow had an odd shape, being a little smaller than canines, and a little larger than felines. His head was that of a canine while his body was a feline's, long and sleek. Powerful hind legs wee clearly feline, but his front legs were that of a canine with their blunter and tougher paws. His tail was much longer and fluffier in proportion to his body than that of a typical canine or feline.

"Hello there" Shadow said politely, dipping his head. "My name is Shadow. I live in this forest, as a member of Starpack. Who might you be?"

[arooix]

Once the odd shaped being exited the shadows so she could see the features of the creature which had spoke to her earlier. It was a shock, though not a big startle to her. The beast looked part feline, part canine - which he actually seemed to be. Twisting her head, and holding a face of bewilderment while peering at the mixed species. Realizing what fixture was held upon her face she quickly wiped it off and replaced it with another smile. "Ah. Hello Shadow, your name befits you quite well." she commented kindly before continuing to answer his questions "My name is Arooix, but you may call me Aroo if you wish - I am nothing but a newborn traveling round the lands.". Tutting to herself, she moved closer towards Shadow, her head bent downwards.

Gazing softly she released a delicate exhale of breath - feeling better now that she was no longer alone.

[Meesh]

He paused as he saw the canine take in his odd shape. He had known, from his parents, that he was the only member of his kind, but he had spent mot of his life around pack members who already knew and were used to him. Her surprise, then, was almost surprising to him. He expected her to inquire about his odd shape, but to his surprise, she did nothing of the sort, introducing herself as Arooix. "Thank you" he said softly at the complement to his name, dipping her head.
He scooted closer a well, in order to better see her in the light that was steadily growing dimmer. "Traveling sounds like fun"" he said wistfully. "I've only ever been here and in the Orchard." remembering his manners, he asked quickly. "How are you enjoying the territory so far? Well, I guessh ow were you enjoying it before it got all dark?"

[arooix]

As the cascading light faded around her paws, her face smiled sweetly at Shadow. He looks so sincere and.. Different that Arooix felt the need to want to get to know him. "Traveling is only fun if you have a companion" she answered truthfully, still staring at Shadow's dark face. Huffing silently, she actually seemed to have a timid feeling towards him as he scooted forwards and peered at her closer. It was rude to ask why he was different from all the rest she had met, but she had a feeling that it wasn't as weird as it seemed. Being a person who didn't judge by appearance but by personality, Arooix felt Shadow was a good being.

At the mention of the Orchard, she nodded rapidly "Oh yes! The Orchard is my birth place - my cocoon had been knocked down by the wind.". Shadow's voice quickly proceeded to ask her another question "The forest is quite a delight, and it's beautiful at night as well..." looking down with a shade of shame in her eyes she continued "It's just strange being all alone, it's been my first night all alone out here.". Sharply looking up again a delicate smirk filled her face "I guess I'm not alone if your here though." Arooix stated.

[Meesh]

Shadow flicked an ear at Arooix's words, then nodded thoughtfully in agreement. "I suppose traveling on your own would be lonely. Who would you have to share the things you discover with if not for a companion?" he paused a moment, looking at the grey and white canine uncertainly to make sure what he said was alright. He hadn't traveled before, aside from being taken from the Orchard to the Maple forest as podling, so he wasn't quite sure.

He smiled at Arooix's description of the forest. "It is a beautiful thing" he agreed, tail wagging. His smile faded as he saw the look of shame in her eyes, and her pressed his coat against hers for comfort. "It's not that bad" he encouraged, letting out a purr in an attempt to comfort the canine. "It doesn't get cold, and the smells are wonderful. Hey, I have an idea! What if I spend the night with you here tonight,o we spend the night at the pack den, and in the morning, we can go explore together!" his tail wagged as his plan took shape. "See, I'll get to explore more, and you'll have a companion. It's a win win situation!"

[arooix]

Arooix watched as Shadows ear flicked, and with an agreeable tone he nodded his head. His words were true, when one is alone you have nobody to laugh with, nobody to share your fears and hopes with - such a horrible thing. To be alone, it sent a shudder up her spine, grateful the Shadow had come along. It was apparent that he had seen her eyes that had been filled with shame; for he lowered his wagging tail and peered at her with concern. His body met hers in an instant.

As Shadow pressed his dark furred body to hers, she leaned her cheek on his back. It felt a whole lot better to have him here, it was such a comfort. His normal heartbeat slowed her fluttering one. His scent held so many components of the wilderness, such a dignified scent. A purr rattled from his throat as he spoke in a tender tone, his suggestions both sounded great. Better than being all alone. Nodding she whispered, scared to break the peace "Yes, I would enjoy going to your pack and exploring come the morning light.". Around the two the trees spoke secrets of ages, that only mother nature knew. It was such a fulfilling feeling to hear and feel the foliage, the landscape of the Utopia -

..... and the presence of the mixed male.

[Meesh]

He left her lean her head against his back and pressed closer to her, glad to see her visibly relaxing at his presence. He remained where he was, leaning against her, until she spoke, expressing agreement to his suggestion that they head towards the pack site. "Awesome" he said, brightening. "I'll lead the way, just follow me-" he began, before glancing, for the first time, around them. It was pure dark now. Shadow had inherited partial night vision from his father, but it wasn't as good as a full feline's, and he knew that Arooix, as a canine, would have night vision even worse than his. "Stick by my side" he suggested. "I can find my way back in the dark, but I don't want you to get close. Stay close" He curled his tail over her shoulder. "That should work to keep us together for now" he called as he carefully made his way towards the den site. "We're not too far"

[arooix]

Darkness impaled her vision, she could only see just the slight shape of things that were only two or three feet infront of her. Shadow pulled back with a understanding look written on his face. He spoke of leading her to his home, and that they should stay close due to the fact canines were birthed with horrible night vision. With a comforting look, Shadow draped his thickly bushed tail over her shoulders to lead her through the gloom. Nodding, Arooix padded in step with her new friend. It was nice to know he could see quite well, and a delight to know he knew where he was going. Soon, Shadow notified her that they weren't very far. Arooix perked her ears, waiting to hear something as her paws burned with excitement but also a splash of worry "Will.. The rest of your pack be alright with me entering their den?" she asked while stepping over a log that Shadow steered her to step over.

[Meesh]

Shadow nodded as they walked along. "We're pretty open about the whole borders things" he assured her. Ever since the Cult left, Mother said, but she never really explained who they were . "Anyhoo, most everyone's asleep now, so it's not like I have to run you through each individual member" It didn't take long for them to reach the familiar clearing with its mossy ground and small cave entrance to the tunnels that made up the pack's dens. Silva and Nerah, as always, were asleep outside, being Absondings who didn't really like the underground dens that much. Most of the rest, from their scents, seemed to be already asleep inside. "Shhhh" Shadow murmured quietly to Arooix, guiding her around his mother and aunt's sleeping forms before pausing at the tunnel entrance. Silva awoke for a brief moment, offering the newcomer a friendly smile, before rolling over and going back to sleep.

The den was packed with the sleeping bodies of packmates. Shadow guided Arooix to his usual spot, then lay down and gestured for her to join him. "We'll leave before sunrise" he whispered, stretching once before curling up comfortably. "for now, let's get some rest"

[arooix]

With a curt nod, Arooix trembled slightly as she followed Shadow. Her breath was silent as they padded into the clearing. From what she could see the den was quite beautiful and layed out simply. The den was filled with murmurs of those sleeping, and those just turning in for the night. Arooix stepped with caution, careful not to wake the sleeping creatures. Her eyes opened wide as a large black female peered sleepily at the two and gave her a warm smile. The scent of the welcoming female matched partial of what Shadow smelt like, returning the smile was a pleasure for Arooix for she understood this was Shadows family. Transversing through the camp, he lead Arooix past the two Absondings and to the main sleeping den. Shadow shushed her as they entered, nodding she continued to follow him.

They made their way to the back of the cavern, the mixed male stretched and then lay down. Standing awkwardly, Shadow looked up to her and gestured for her to join him. Hesitantly, she lowered her body to meet his, together they layed side by side. The tickle of his whispered made her pay attention, "Sunrise it is, thank you very much Shadow" with respect, Arooix nosed his shoulder "Sleep well.." she murmured before lying her head between her paws.

[Meesh]

Shadow smiled softly, eyes closing as he went to sleep, curled up against the female canine. "Night" he murmured sleepily before his eyes slowly drifted shut.

---

A bird chirp woke Shadow up. He yawned, not quite ready to open his eyes as he sniffed the air. From the scent of it, most of his pack members were already awake and bustling. His adopted brother Jamie and adopted sister Maro seemed to still be asleep. It was only then Shadow was aware of something furry pressed against his side. He turned, relaxing once he realized it was Arooix, from yesterday. Oh yeah! Today was the day they were going to go explore! "Arooix" he said quietly, nudging her gently with his nose "Time to wake up! We're gonna go exploring today, remember?"

[arooix]

Closing her eyes, she faded into a peaceful sleep, listening to the breathing figure at her side.

·····

Her own name met her ears, opening her eyes to the shafts of dawn's light that entered the cave she watched as Shadow nudged her. At first he requested if she remembered their plans to explore. Quickly she nodded "How could I forget?" yawning she stretched her limbs and shook herself. Looking around she could see stirring bodies. These were members of Shadow's pack, most looked friendly. To herself she wondered if they were anyway bothered by her presence, she was a stranger in their home. Shrugging the thought off Arooix took a deep breath. Dipping her head to Shadow she blinked away the sleep in her eyes, "Lead on good sir" she barked - meeting the side of the mixed male as they faced the open of the den, and the wilderness.