rediscover [req/issa]

[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] The tan female had long ago settled into the easy, ground covering gait she had rediscovered while she and Req had been wandering. Once the puppies left, they had had no reason to stay in one place. They had wandered, always together, and she found out that Req wouldn't do well in a pack. When she had brought up wandering into a pack's land to see if they needed members, he got very fidgety and suggested they move on. Of course, that avoidance made her curious. She didn't bring it up right away, but she wormed out of him that he didn't like being bossed around. She would be perfectly happy as a beta or even just a low ranking member if he was with her, but she was perfectly happy wandering with him too. Her slender body had filled out, as much as it could. She held no extra weight- she wasn't sure she ever would- but her muscles had become lean and hard. She didn't get tired easily, and she could keep up with Req when he really started to run. In short, she was healthy. Probably still underweight, but she wasn't sure she could change that. Her summer coat that was coming in was soft and shiny, even more than before. It helped that she was happy and wanted to eat and play. With Req, she felt invincible. He would keep her safe, and she was free to be herself. She started to hear the surf, and she pricked her ears forward. Beaches gave her memories of rough fur snuggling close to her and warmth seeping through her body. If she had cheeks, they would have gotten considerably redder, but she picked up her pace. At this time of year the water would still be cold, but the sand would be pleasantly warm. She increased her pace, throwing a grin back to Req. "Catch me if you can!" she taunted. She sprinted forward, body lowering to the ground as she ran faster than she had in a very long time. They had been moving most of the day, but she still had enough energy to make it a good race. She aimed for the beach, expecting Req to catch up at any moment. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Eh
Words; No idea
Notes; Good enough for a start.[/center][/size]
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[ISSALYN]

[bg=d6dde5][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Two canine figures dotted the landscape, moving in the direction of the ocean. The larger one, a male named Requiem, was leading the way. His shaggy fur was rumpled into a muss of auburn tangles and mats. He had long sense given up keeping his coat tidy, for no attempts at keeping it either clean or flowing had been successful. His gait was strong and powerful. It was the mark of months of moving. In truth, he had almost always been moving. There wasn't a day he could remember in which he lay in one spot, taking the lazy man's road. He was active by nature. A curious sort who enjoyed adventure. Confinement wasn't in the stars for him, and he was beginning to wonder if he'd ever truly settle down and stay in a territory of his own. He thought he'd found the perfect home with the perfect lady by his side. Devi had made his dreams come true, and more. He loved her with all his heart, though his mind was just beginning to understand the extend of his devotion. Together they had overcome great obstacles to find a land where they felt safe. He'd planned on making it their home forever, but after the events surrounding Devi's puppies, he knew in his heart it was best they move on. And so there they were, on the move again. It was a clear day, though a crisp breeze still caught him off guard now and then. He loved the warmer seasons, but he loved the colder seasons too. He really didn't have any weather he hated. The summers could be tough, but his coat shed out and thinned down ever so slightly. Living in a somewhat northern climate, it was enough to keep him from being miserable during the brunt of summer. It was just now spring though, the perfect time between ice and snow and the humidity of summer. He felt refreshed and envigorated. Taking a deep breath of air, he could smell the salt, and knew they were drawing closer to the great expanse of the ocean. As they moved on, he began to hear the faint lapping sounds of the waves crashing upon a rocky beach. His partner, Devi, picked up on it too and moved up along his side, only to find another gear and brush past him. It felt good to see her this way. As she took off at a sprint, memories flashed through his mind of the gruesome days when she could barely walk. And then, the days when depression had sank in and she hadn't even wanted to walk. For now, she seemed to be content with him and enjoying life. He took off chasing her, but his mind was dwelling on the "for now". What would happen in the future? The warmer season would come soon, which usually meant settling down with a mate and planning a litter of puppies. He wasn't going to push the puppy issue with her yet, but would it ever happen - even years from now? His thoughts changed abruptly when he felt his paws sink into the sand. He'd left the grass and had reached the edges of the beach. The sand felt warm and moist beneath the pads of his paws, clinging between his toes as he followed Devi's tracks. She was still ahead of him, but not quite so far now. Was she going to go splashing in the water? Requiem didn't pause any longer as he lengthened his stride and came up behind her. He pretended to be out of breath as he called out, "Okay, okay, I surrender! You win!" He nipped playfully at her tail, and then nudged his head against the back of her legs, sending her forward toward the water. She was going to end up wet, whether she had intended to or not.

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[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] Req gamely sped up, although he didn't go full out. She was slightly disappointed, but it also felt very good to be out front, at least pretending that she was winning on her own merits. Her slender body was built for speed and agilty, hiding no reserve of mighty strength. She could survive on little food and water longer than bulkier dogs, but that was the extent of her hidden prowess. It was what led to her being easily overpowered, but she had Req now. He had the muscle and the gender to protect her, and she trusted him. Devi's trust wasn't easily won, and holding it completely was something not to be easily squandered. Her muscles protested the switch from hard dirt to soft sand, but she kept running. It felt good to do something that challenged her in a good way. She threw a grin behind her at Req, noting that his sides weren't really moving as fast as he pretended. They drifted closer to the water, and all of a sudden he was right behind her. Her tail flailed as she attempted to keep her balance after his shove, but she ended up falling into the water. She scrambled to her feet, standing still for a moment while she glared at him, only half playfully. The water was cold, but of course he knew that. She took off at a full run, straight at him. She was aiming to tackle him and start biting at his ears and legs, but who knew what the chase would yield. She wasn't quite powerful to push him over, but if she got up enough speed, she figured her momentum could carry her. Unfortunately, that often ended up with her barreling him over, keeping moving, and then ending up under his paws as they sprawled together. She didn't mind being the weaker of the pair, because Req was always gentle and kind, and often pretended that she got the better of him. She'd always walk away with her tail held high when they did this, and she knew he got a kick out of it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Muse; Eh
Words; No idea
Notes; She didn't do much. x3[/center][/size]
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[ISSALYN]

[bg=d6dde5][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,true][cs=7] Requiem couldn't help but chuckled as his "gentle" nudge sent Devi tumbling headlong into the chilly water. A few stray drops splashed onto him, but he didn't even feel it. Sometimes having a thick coat was such a blessing, though other times quite a hindrance. Before he knew it, Devi had spun around and was running right at him. He tried to dodge away, but she ended up colliding with his ribcage anyway. He made a sort of oofing sound and stumbled forward, his front feet touching the edge of the water. However, he managed to regain himself before he fell full on into it. He shook his still-dry coat, as if to assure Devi she hadn't succeeded yet. "Not so fast little lady," Req said smugly. "Did you really think you could pull one over on me?"

[/color] He laughed as his eyes sparkled. Teasing Devi could be such fun, and he was always sure to make the most of it.

Leaning toward the water, he lifted a paw and traced it cautiously across the surface, leaving a slight wake in it's path. It was cool, but not unbearable. Sinking his paw further in, he let it get nice and wet before pulling it out and shaking it off, aiming in Devi's general direction. He turned his gaze back toward her, feeling slightly guilty that she, with the thinner coat, was fairly soaked while he was still dry. Hmm, surely something could remedy that?

He thought for a moment and then his features lit up as though he had devised a genius plan. "So you think I need to get wet too, huh?"[/color] Then he took off straight into the water, running until his feet could no longer reach the ground, at which point he began swimming. He paddled furiously, not a great swimmer but adept enough to get by. Not stopping to wonder if Devi was following, he paddled out a few more yards, before turning and slowly moving back toward the direction he had come.
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[Free]

[bg=ffe7f4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][cs=7] Her attack came at enough of a surprise that he tumbled forward closer to the water. She managed to stay on her feet, legs splayed after the impact. Her tail was high over her back, her face spread in an easy grin. However, his smug grin made her straighten her posture, giving him a haughty stare. She wanted to shake the water off her coat, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of doing it while he was watching. "You wouldn't know if I was trying to be sneaky." Her voice was as confident and aristocratic as she could make it, although her eyes twinkled with amusement. He trailed his paw over the water's surface. Then he just stuck it straight in, before looking at her and flicking it at her. She barely stifled the flinch, and he couldn't miss the quick blink. Then he just paused, looking at the water. His sly grin and flippant tone almost made her crack a smile. Then he took off into the water, much to her surprise. She stared at him for a moment, and then took the opportunity to shake herself thoroughly. He was still swimming when she had satisfied herself that she had shaken off all the water she could. Her coat was relatively thin, so although the slight breeze made her shiver, she would be dry faster than Req would. Unless he got out of the water before his annoyingly waterproof coat started absorbing water, which was entirely possible. She settled herself down, sitting with her tail wrapped around her paws. She watched him with amusement as he finally turned around. She let him swim a couple strides before calling out. "You're an idiot, you know that right?" Her tone, instead of condescending to match her words, was full of laughter and fondness. She wondered briefly if he'd flop down on the beach and demand she come warm him up, which of course she would. She didn't know, because he might not want to bring up that memory for her. That had been a very dark time for her, but he had held her up. If given the chance, she would do her best for him. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[/size]
Muse; Eh
Words; No idea
Notes; Eh[/center][/size]
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