Rieka Hallows
~ She'd always liked the outdoors, perhaps that's why she'd chosen to wander through the woods today. Her quiet footfalls barely disturbing even a leaf, as if she were perfectly at home amongst the trees. Her pace slowed as she came upon a clearing, a small smile tugging up her lips as she came to rest with her back against a nearby tree. Out here it was peaceful, no people to bug her. Or at least that's what those that knew her would say, people friendly, she was not. ~
Alejandro Ramos [5:30 PM]
Alejandro had always had a fondness for the outdoors, too. Perhaps, it was the wolf within him. Perhaps, he was merely just the type of person that enjoyed the woods more than the bustle of the town. He moved through the woods and emerged on the other side of the clearing that Rieka just entered. The last thing he expected was to see anyone else here. Yet, given evidence of a nearby camp he was not at all surprised by her presence. Through, there was no evidence she belonged with that camp. She might be a loner like him.
Rieka Hallows [5:41 PM]
~ Her gaze caught on movement across the clearing, drawing her attention towards the male that had appeared there. Her head tipped to one side as she studied him. ~ I haven't seen you around here before... ~ He smelled like a wolf, yet she didn't recognise him. ~
Alejandro Ramos [6:01 PM]
"I could say the same of you." It might be good that she didn't recognize him. Her response to him might be less friendly than it already was. He rather enjoyed the perks that came with being unknown.
Rieka Hallows [6:04 PM]
~ Her brows furrowed in a slight frown, her gaze growing thoughtful. ~ Rieka Hallows. You got a name? And while we're on the subject, you gonna keep talking from across the clearing?
Alejandro Ramos [6:12 PM]
"Pleasure to meet you. Of course, I do. Doesn't everyone?" He titled his head slightly towards the side. "I don't have a problem with it" If she wished for them to be closer she was going to have to close the distance.
Rieka Hallows [6:15 PM]
Smartass. ~ She rolled her eyes with a brief smile tugging upon her lips. With a huff she pushed away from the tree and sauntered across the clearing. Each step holding a sort of confidence. ~ It's polite to offer an introduction in return.
Alejandro Ramos [6:32 PM]
He moved his shoulder in a barely noticeable shrug. He watched as she moved closer and the way she walked told him more of her character than any spoken words could have. "So I heard."
Rieka Hallows [6:36 PM]
~ She gave him a 'really' look, whilst propping herself against yet another tree. ~ You should totally tell me what I should call you. Or I'm just going to make up the most ridiculous nickname I can think of...and you'll be stuck with it. ~ He was a secretive one, clearly, but she wasn't quite ready to give up pressing for a name. ~
Alejandro Ramos [7:20 PM]
"This threat would only work if there was a guarantee our paths would cross again or if you could give me a nickname worse than the ones I am accustom to." He wasn't secretive as much as not answering a question he was never technically asked.
Rieka Hallows [7:25 PM]
~ She'd asked him if he had a name, even offered her own first out of politeness. Stubborn male hadn't taken that as his cue to return the favour apparently. Her pale eyes narrowed until she looked like she was squinting at him. ~ The world isn't that big, it's not like I couldn't find you again if I truly wanted to. ~ Plus she had his scent now and wolves tended to track by scent. ~ Why are you so afraid to tell me your name? I promise not to bite you.
Alejandro Ramos [7:39 PM]
She had asked if he had a name, but she never actually came out and asked him what his name was. "I'm good at hiding." He knew how to hide his scent. In fact, when it came to hiding he was quite infamous for his ability. "I'm not afraid. I simply don't see any reason to submit to your demands."
Rieka Hallows [7:44 PM]
Maybe so. Perhaps I'm good at hunting. ~ She teased, a smirk tugging at her lips before she blew out a soft breath. ~ I told you my name...there's no reason to be so secretive. ~ It was like pulling teeth to get an answer out of him...actually pulling teeth would probably be easier. ~
Alejandro Ramos [8:58 PM]
"I would hope so." Just as she had determined what he was based on his scent he had done the same. "You did. I'm not being secretive. I'm just not submitting to your demands." If she wished to know his name than all she had to do was ask, and by that he meant literally coming out and asking him 'What is your name?'
Rieka Hallows [9:04 PM]
~ Her lips twitched, she'd be a lousy wolf if she couldn't hunt or track all that well. She huffed, folding her arms with a comical petulant expression. Why did talking to people always become so difficult? After a second of pouting she attempted to change tact, giving him a sweet, for her at least smile. ~ Please tell me your name?
Alejandro Ramos [9:14 PM]
That she would. Through, some might argue that was why wolves hunted in packs. Those whom couldn't was taken care of by those whom could. He couldn't really answer that. He didn't put much effort into attempting to figuring others out. He returned her smile with one of his own. It vanished just as quickly as it came. "I rather not."
Rieka Hallows [9:18 PM]
~ She blew out a breath and frowned, she asked nicely damn it. And he said he wasn't being secretive. ~ So much for not being secretive. ~ She snapped, a slight growl to her voice, she'd been pleasant and even polite but he'd pushed her into the realm of frustration and it showed. If she'd been in her wolven shape, her hackles would probably be up right now. ~
Alejandro Ramos [9:43 PM]
She had asked for him to please tell her his name not what his name was. There was a difference--even if others didn't realize it. "I'm not being secretive I'm simply not giving into your demands." If he noticed her irritation he didn't show it. He appeared indifferent and aloof.
Rieka Hallows [9:46 PM]
Demands? I didn't realise asking a damn question, even adding a please was a demand. ~ She all but snarled the words. Besides jokingly telling him he should give her something to call him or she'd make up something ridiculous she hadn't _demanded_ a thing. ~
Alejandro Ramos [10:13 PM]
"Having an unspoken expectation that I give you my name simply because you gave me yours is a demand." He didn't expect her to understand that. In fact, he got the feeling that she wouldn't. It wasn't uncommon for others not to understand his way of thinking. This was probably why he was a lone wolf. He never played by the rules that others expected him to play. He had his own, and he found that there were very few people capable of figuring them out.
Rieka Hallows [10:17 PM]
That is a common courtesy. Not a demand. ~ She pointed out with an arched eyebrow. ~ You know introduction usually go both ways. I suck at social niceties and even I know that. ~ Her eyes seemed to fix on him as if to question exactly why it was so hard to introduce oneself when someone had done so to you. ~
Alejandro Ramos [10:58 PM]
There it was--proof that she didn't understand. "It is a demand." Saying these words was pointless. He knew that. "I didn't ask for your name. Why should I submit to your social rules?"
Rieka Hallows [11:04 PM]
~ She ran her hand frustratedly through her hair. ~ They aren't _my_ rules. It's pretty much a societal norm. Everyone does it...except you apparently. ~ Bites down on her lower lip as if it will stop her from going off on a rant. Breathes. ~ Look...I'm not good at this...making friends thing. It's why I'm out here instead of... out there...mingling. ~ That probably sounded like a huge understatement but it's whatever. She practically slumped against the tree. ~ Anyway...what is your name? ~ She pauses, narrows her eyes and adds. ~ If I don't get an answer this time I'm gonna call you...I don't know yet but it'll be embarrassing.
Alejandro Ramos [11:28 PM]
"They are your rules you follow them." He said nothing to her words about him not going with the social norm. Mostly because he saw no reason to reinstate the truth. "Is that why? I thought maybe it was your turn to collect firewood." It sounded like the truth. Through, he didn't know her personally to know how good she was at making friends. Probably better than him if he was being honest. She understood the social norm and had no problem following them for the most part. She wasn't the first person whom gotten annoyed with him. In fact, her reaction was pretty mild compared to some of the others. "I'm tempted not to answer that question just to hear this embarrassing nickname." He said nothing for awhile. Long enough that she might start to think he gave into that temptation before he said. "Alejandro Ramos" He would be shocked to discover that his name held no meaning for her. He was quite infamous. He was a man loathed by all or at the very least most of those whom called this world his home. He was the great betrayer. He was the man with many faces and even more names. Many more unpleasant than the previous. He watched her to see her reaction.
Rieka Hallows [11:35 PM]
Nope. Not collecting firewood. ~ She shrugged, not bothering to continue the debate about society and it's rules. Her eyes narrowed in a playful squint and she picked up a twig to throw it at him. ~ Don't you even think abou-- ~ She broke off when he actually answered her question. And just when she'd thought she'd have to actually think of something silly to call him. It took a long moment for it to actually register upon her what he'd actually said and when it did...her jaw dropped. Her mouth hung open as if she'd momentarily forgotten how to close it. ~ Wait.... The Alejandro Ramos? ~ Probably a stupid question, how likely was it that there were two of them? ~
Alejandro Ramos [11:50 PM]
"Clearly." There was no debate. She abide the laws of society. Their conversation just know proved this. He gave her a light smile when she told him not to even think about it. One that told her that he did more than just think. He actually considered it. Whom knows there might be another Alejandro Ramos running around. He felt sorry for the guy if there was or the guys, but he didn't think anyone within their right mind would name themselves after him and if they happened to have the same name they might have changed it. "The very one."
Rieka Hallows [11:56 PM]
~ That smile made her want to throw another twig at him. She refrained though, or was it more the fact she couldn't stop gaping at him with her mouth hanging open? Speaking of, she snapped it shut. Blinked twice and just to be sure she hadn't in fact imagined him, reached out and poked him. ~ So you're the big bad rebel wolf they all don't like...I'd almost say you were more infamous than the Great Wolf. Or equally as at least. (edited)
Alejandro Ramos [12:27 AM]
Now, this wasn't the reaction to his identity that he had been expecting. Sure, people have reacted to him in this manner. He just wasn't expecting it from her. Through, he had no idea what type of reaction he was expecting. He eyed her when she poked him "Don't like? That's a polite way of putting it. But, yes I am he."
Rieka Hallows [12:31 AM]
~ What had he been expecting? Her to snarl at him? She'd already done that once simply because he'd irritated her, she saw no reason to do so now. When he was actually answering her questions. ~ What? ~ She blinked at the way he was eyeing her. ~ I'm a polite person...sometimes. Though I am curious...what exactly did you do to become wolf enemy number one?
Alejandro Ramos [12:44 AM]
He didn't rightly know. It might have been he expected her to snarl at him or something similar. She had done such a thing when he outright irritated her. He couldn't be certain of her response when she discovered whom he was. She didn't really ask him a question. He took her words more as a statement and one that he confirmed. "You haven't heard the stories?"
Rieka Hallows [12:48 AM]
~ Oh she'd no doubt snarl at him next time he annoyed her, he could rest assured of that. She growled at anyone who pushed her buttons. Her head tilted to one side quizzically. ~ Well I mean...I have...but maybe I just want to hear your side of the story? It's hard to separate fact from fiction when the source is clouded by hatred.
Alejandro Ramos [12:56 AM]
He had no doubt of that, but he found that many people found his very identity to be annoyance. More than an annoyance if he was being honest. "I was born"
Rieka Hallows [1:02 AM]
That's a stupid reason to hate someone. ~ She stated, as bluntly as if she were talking about an undeniable fact. ~ I mean, you can be incredibly frustrating but... ~ She trailed off. ~ Why would you being born make you hated?
Alejandro Ramos [1:32 AM]
He let out a bitter laugh hearing her words. "Societies have their rules." A fact he was certain she was more than a little aware of. She lived by those rules, at least enough of them that she got offended when he didn't observe them. "Why wouldn't it? You are a wolf, are you not? Surely you understand the customs and traditions that govern the packs. Our birth is considered our greatest...look into ourselves. It is the moment our shamans can see into a very being and our destiny. Mine was something to be...hated."
Rieka Hallows [1:36 AM]
Yes I'm a wolf...I'm surprised you had to ask. Surely you could scent the wolf in me like I could in you? ~ The last comment sounded more like a question than a statement. As if she were unsure. ~ Yes...I know the laws of the packs. I just don't understand what was so bad about you. What did the shamans even see?
Alejandro Ramos [1:54 AM]
"I was not asking because I was uncertain of what you were but because I was a surprised as a wolf you asked why I was hated simply due to my birth." He had thought that every wolf accepted the fact some were hated simply because they were born. They might not all like it, but they didn't question it. "If you want exact details you will need to speak with the shaman whom read me upon my birth, but there are many within this world whom will claim that their hatred for me has everything to do with my actions than what was revealed at my birth. However, those whom believe in the shamans' sight will claim that my actions is only a reflection in what was seen."
Rieka Hallows [1:59 AM]
Perhaps I'm not like most wolves? ~ She chuckled softly. There were things about the packs that even she didn't agree with, even if she was more ingrained in the ways of said packs. ~ I don't know which Shaman it was and I doubt they'd tell me anyway. Your actions? You've been nothing but nice...frustrating but nice, this entire conversation.
Alejandro Ramos [2:09 AM]
“That remains to be seen” Through, her questioning did make her not as law-abiding as he might have originally thought. She had said she wasn’t very good at making friends. Perhaps, it was because she didn’t observe all the pack ways. “She might if she thought it was your place to know” He laughed at her words “I do not speak of my actions now. I speak of the ones which lead me to my reputation that caused you to react to my name in the manner you did.”
Rieka Hallows [1:04 PM]
~ It could be the fact she didn't follow the rules properly, always keeping some part of herself back. Or it could be how difficult it was for her to maintain conversations. Not that she appeared to be struggling in this moment. ~ My place? I'm not exactly high ranking. Might have been when my grandfather was alive but... ~ She left that sentence hanging. Giving him a thoughtful look. ~ What actions? And before you ask, yes I've probably heard rumours but one should never trust gossip.
Alejandro Ramos [1:26 PM]
It could be. She might not be struggling because well she was more interested in figuring him out than worrying about social interaction. "Your position has no baring on whether or not you are worth. Your grandfather? Who was he?" He turned his head to the side. "You might find the gossip isn't too far from the truth."
Rieka Hallows [1:31 PM]
~ Now it was her turn to look uncertain, as if she were expecting a negative reaction to what she was about to say. She bit her lip for a second debating, then blew out a breath and fixed her eyes back on him. ~ He was the Great Wolf. One of them in any case, until the last guy killed him. ~ She chuckled ever so slightly. ~ Perhaps. But isn't is always better to hear things straight from the source?
Alejandro Ramos [2:10 PM]
"I see" He reacted to these words in the same manner as he did the others. "I'm shocked to find that you didn't maintain a position of note even after your grandfather died." She might have, but she didn't realize it. "The source might not be honest."
Rieka Hallows [2:13 PM]
Why does that shock you? ~ She studied his face, trying to read his reaction. Only to be momentarily side tracked by his next words. ~ Perhaps. But I like to think the source wouldn't outright lie.
Alejandro Ramos [2:57 PM]
"Why wouldn't it shock me? Every other relative of the great wolf have maintained a position of note even after their great wolf had passed." Through, there might be those whom would point out that when he referred to position of note it might not be in the manner that others thought. It might even be exactly like she thought it was. "Some sources are just naturally dishonest."
Rieka Hallows [3:00 PM]
That doesn't necessarily mean they will tell us anything. Not like they would have when our relative was in charge. ~ She tilted her head, her lips twitching up into a slight smile. ~ You won't lie to me will you? Isn't it nice to have someone to talk to?
Alejandro Ramos [3:32 PM]
"Some might. Through, if you are speaking of the shaman they decision to reveal things to you has nothing to do with whom you might be related to." He rolled his shoulder. "I am a product of my nature. Just like the great wolf. Just like you are."
Rieka Hallows [3:34 PM]
You seem to know an awful lot about the packs. Considering you're loner wolf. ~ She winked at him, fighting off a grin at the direction their conversation had gone. ~ Everyone deserves a chance...regardless of their _nature._
Alejandro Ramos [4:38 PM]
"I wasn't always a loner besides there are benefits in knowing the cultural of different societies." He let out a short laugh at her words. "Believe me I was given plenty of chances."
Rieka Hallows [4:41 PM]
You don't...seem like a villain. ~ She eyed him in consideration, blowing a stray strand of her hair out of her face. ~ Maybe you just haven't met the right people yet.
Alejandro Ramos [4:52 PM]
"Perhaps, that's what makes me such an successful villain." What was she seeing when she regarding him in that manner? No, what was she thinking? He knew that she didn't see what other saw. It might just be because she didn't take the gossip as undisputed facts. "That is a matter of opinion."
Rieka Hallows [4:55 PM]
Perhaps. But I don't buy it. Maybe you're just different....or special. People often hate or fear that which is different. ~ She lifted her shoulders in a brief shrug. She wasn't truly sure what she saw, but she didn't see something to hate. ~
Alejandro Ramos [5:22 PM]
"Special." He snorted at that. "Believe me many of those whom hate or fear me are justified." She might want to take a closer look or he might want to actually say what he had done to gain the disgust of the entire world.
Rieka Hallows [5:26 PM]
Many but not all. ~ She gave him look, the stubborn set to her jaw saying she wasn't going to be easily dissuaded from this line of thought. Even if he told her what he'd done she might not be. ~ Even public enemy number one needs at least one person to see the good in them.
Alejandro Ramos [5:31 PM]
"More than you think." He didn't know how he should feel about this stubbornness of her. It was touching yet at the same time he wanted to scream that she was an idiot. She was only setting herself up to be hurt. "It's your funeral."
Rieka Hallows [5:35 PM]
You say that like it's supposed to scare me. ~ She poked her tongue out at him, mischief dancing in her gaze. ~ You interest me loner wolf. Perhaps that's crazy, perhaps I'm being the idiot I assume you're thinking I am. But it is what it is.
Alejandro Ramos [5:47 PM]
"I only speak the truth. If that scares you it was only a coincidence." He gave her something of a half smile. "Like I said it is your funeral. Just don't say I didn't warn you."
Rieka Hallows [5:50 PM]
~ She picked up a twig and tossed it at him with a grin. ~ You wait. I'll grow on you.. and you should smile more. ~ She paused, before adding. ~ So what brought you out here?
Alejandro Ramos [6:00 PM]
He moved slightly to the side, allowing that twig to wheeze passed him. "Oh?" He looked around for a few moments. "I just have a fondness for nature. What brought you out here?"
Rieka Hallows [6:03 PM]
~ She just grinned, flicking her gaze around the clearing. A thoughtful expression marring her face. ~ It's peaceful out here. I don't feel quite so...pressured among the trees. Even if the animals do eye me warily.
Alejandro Ramos [6:21 PM]
"It is. I think that is why I have a fondness for it. I can just be...me. Give them time they will warm up to you." Than as if on cue a tiny bluebird decided to land upon her shoulder, gave a few chirps before flying away.
Rieka Hallows [6:26 PM]
Yes. ~ She smiled brightly, happy he seemed to understand what she'd meant. ~ They will? Don't animals feel threatened by the wolf in us? ~ Even as she asked the question, all look of pure delight overtook her features. She reached out to delicately stroke the top of the bluebirds head before it flew away. ~
Alejandro Ramos [6:58 PM]
"The wolf in us are just as much apart of nature as they are." There were those whom would argue with that. Those whom claimed there was natural about the great wolf, and all wolves reflected the great wolf and those like Rieka more so. He didn't buy it. Well, the part that the great wolf was unnatural. Destruction was just as much a part of the natural order as anything else. He smiled at her reaction. It was not the half smile he had given before. It was a full smile that vanished just as quickly as it appeared.
Rieka Hallows [7:02 PM]
Everyone always looks at us as if we aren't a part of the natural world. ~ She mumbled, her expression still alight with the wonder the little bird had ignited within her. Her attention flitted toward him, brow furrowing ever so slightly. ~ Why do you do that? Show happiness and then wipe it away so quickly?
Alejandro Ramos [2:10 AM]
“That’s because they are blind” He had no idea that she would have responded to the bird like that. She was like a little child. “Happiness is fleeting. It is often gone quicker than we can grasp. This is why we treasure it more than sorrow or anger”
Rieka Hallows [7:24 AM]
~ It was the first time any forest creature had come close to her, in all the time she'd been coming out here. They tended to keep a wary distance, which was why the bird affected her the way it did. ~ It doesn't have to be fleeting though.
Alejandro Ramos [12:44 PM]
He had suspect that much from her response or that she was an animal lover whom got delight whenever an animal got close to her like that. "It does. Nothing can last forever. Even sorrow that tends to linger for ages eventually fades away."
Rieka Hallows [12:54 PM]
~ Perhaps she was both? Time would tell if the wonder would fade when the animals approached her. She blinked. ~ That's a rather...sad way to think. Nothing lasts forever, but it doesn't have to be a momentary thing.
Alejandro Ramos [1:02 PM]
Perhaps she was. "It is the truth. Things last as long as they do."
Rieka Hallows [1:05 PM]
~ She chuckled softly. ~ You need more happiness in your life mister. ~ She nodded as if this made perfect sense, whilst attempting to coax over a squirrel she'd noticed watching them. ~
Alejandro Ramos [1:13 PM]
"I have plenty of happiness within my life." The squirrel slowly crept over to her until it reached her and looked into her hands as if expecting to find nuts within them. Upon finding her hand empty the tiny thing climb onto her shoulder to search her hair.
Rieka Hallows [1:16 PM]
You can never have too much happiness. ~ She giggles, feeling the tiny paws scuttle up onto her shoulder. Only to begin combing through her hair. ~ I think it's hungry. Poor thing. ~ She starts looking around them for nuts. ~
Alejandro Ramos [1:23 PM]
"You can when that happiness no longer hold any value." The squirrel upon finding her hair empty crawled back down to check her hands once again. "It's not starving. See how plump it is." It was true the squirrel was anything but skin and bones.
Rieka Hallows [1:26 PM]
That doesn't mean it's not hungry. ~ She pointed out, stroking the squirrels head as she offered it the cluster of nuts she'd just found under a leaf. ~ How would happiness lose its meaning?
Alejandro Ramos [1:36 PM]
'It's just being a glutton." The squirrel took a few of those nuts she had found and ran off. "How couldn't it? If all you have is happiness than how can you treasure it?"
Rieka Hallows [1:52 PM]
~ She giggled, watching the bushy tail disappear into the trees. ~ Maybe it's storing them for winter. They do that don't they? ~ She pondered his words with a slight furrow to her brow. Chewing on her bottom lip. ~ I have no idea. But I still say some forms of happiness are supposed to last.
Alejandro Ramos [2:49 PM]
"Yes, they do. Even if they only remember where they hide very little of what they hid." He regarded her for a few moments before turning his eyes towards the sky. "You can't. Not forever. Nothing is suppose to last forever. However, it is growing late. I need to go." Before she could respond he had taken the form of a wolf and was gone.
Rieka Hallows [2:54 PM]
~ She giggled at the thought of the poor squirrel not finding all his hidden nuts. ~ Silly creature should hide them all in the same place. Then it wouldn't lose any. ~ She paused, opening her mouth to say something else. Only to discover her new friend had run off. ~ Oh. See you around! ~ She shouted after him, before rising to her feet and jogging off in the opposite direction. Becoming a pure white wolf as she did. ~
It felt like years had passed since her life had changed when in truth it had been no such thing. It was just so much had happened thrusting the girl that would have been content to stay hidden into the spotlight. Even at this moment as she tried to find a bit of peace she found people watching her. Retreating as quickly as she could to old ground she darted into the library closing the door behind her.