A Midnight Stroll

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The night air was crisp and clear. The night sky, cloudless and bright, with the light of a half moon. The perfect night for a run in the woods. It was around midnight and most people were asleep, except for the young crowd who came out to cause mischief. That group was probably just coming out about now, along with the other dark creatures of the night. But no human dared enter the woods, especially not after nightfall. Even the most daring of people shied away from this place most of all. There were stories of creatures that prowled the dark at night. Most brushed it off as stray dogs or wolves, some wild animal. The idea that any of the mythical creatures they were told about as children were actually real was impossible for any human to actually believe, no matter how many stories you heard.

Oh but they were real. They were so very real. Ask the woman who ran in the woods every night and maybe she would tell you just that. Or perhaps if you waited around long enough you would find out for yourself. If you were quiet and hidden in her woods, then just maybe you would see the secrets the woman held. Midnight runs were natural for her, especially when the moon was full in the sky. There was a wild animal hiding inside of her, locked away in the presence of humans. But the human town was a good distance away. Here, in her town, she could be free to let herself go. Most nights the woman gave in completely to that animal within, letting it to consume her body and change her. The shift was quick though painful, but the end result was well worth it.

Tonight, however, she was holding back. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a tight pony tail to keep it from her face. Though the air had a chill to it, she wore black jogging capris and a grey tee shirt. Nothing more. Her body temperature was naturally warm so the chill didn't both her. In fact if anything it gave her relief while she was running. Her sneakers thudded softly against the soft ground as she got farther from the castle. It was late enough that most of the other pack members should be asleep. This was the only time that she got to spend alone really. Running a pack was an all day job, there was no escaping duties. Someone was always needing help, or teaching, or punishing, or any number of other things. Not that she minded doing any of those things, if she did then she wouldn't be in her position.

Now though, now was her time. She planned on taking a nice, long, run through the woods and maybe even head all the way down to the waterfall. At night the waterfall looked even more majestic then it already did. The way the moon would shine off the top of the water. The waterfall was a good distance away though, so for now she just focused on the forest surrounding her. She was very alert as her feet hit the ground, taking long strides. Of coarse she was in no rush to get anywhere, so her pace was slow. Her breathing was kept even as she made her way through the foliage and trees around her. The exercise made her feel good, it made her more focused. It also did good for her body, which was a plus. Not that her body ever needed much work, but if she didn't keep up with her routine then who knows what might happen. So every chance she got, she stole away from the castle and went for her runs. Some time to think about matters at hands without anyone interrupting.

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[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=433d2c] Scars are my past, there all that binds me together, my fuel for all the coming Storms.... _____________________ Look out world here I come! The large well dressed muscular form of Gethro made his way around the town. He towered slightly over most of the humans, and his bulk along made some hurry out of his way. Not that he cared much, if someone didn't move then he usually made them one way or another. Granted unless he was fighting them, he wouldn't barrel over them or stomp on them or anything, but glares and death threats were enough to make most move. Rays of light glinted off his brown tinited glasses, the silver rimming managing to brighten his features. His Dark grey winter coat clung close to his form, his pants a dull shade of navy blue accented the jacket. He liked dressing in style, and showing off his physique, his power. Truth be told he wasn't a higher up member in the pack like a beta or anything, but he was a strong werewolf none the less. Once he had been given a chance to vie for positions, but he had waved it off like an offending tick. He cared little for high ranking merits, the badge didn't make someone better then someone else. Gethro had no problem with authority, but he sure was not falling into that cliche. That having been taken care of, he was an extreamly show offy strong sort of lycan. Espeacially for the ladies. This particular outting he was not looking for company. Nope he would not have a qiet or peaceful night either most likely. He had been told to seek the alpha out since none could find her in the territory. His superiors wanted to know where the Alpha always ran off too at night. Not that he was worried, by all means she could go where she pleased for all he cared. Personally to him it was none of there damn bussiness, and if she yelled at him for questioning her then he would happily turn her attention to her collage of higher rranking wolves. What bothered him was that she was alone, and that lycans from the other three packs or worse a ruffian outside of the pack could be hanging about. Gethro shared no feelings for her, but he as a member of the pack was very protective of her, especially since the last alpha had passed recently giving her the position in the first place. Well several years ago, but he had been good friends with Emma, and she was gone. He didn't want to have to see that happen again. Practically marching across the town , he had his game face on as he scented the air and shifted his eyes every which way looking for even a glimpse ot trace of her having been there at all. It was possible that he would not find her there, she could be any number of places out side the territory. She might even have doubled back already and be back with the pack by now. After scanning the area and giving one or two streets a run down, he turned his attention to Purity forest instead. His nose twitched at the faint familiar scent coating the air. He had almost missed it, and cursed his lack of alertness. However his features turned into a wide grin when he noticed where she was at. She had been running thourgh the forest. In her human form no less. He grinned, she had guts that was certain. He wondered if he should just jog to meet with her, or if a more sneaky approach would be called for. Considering if he took the latter, she would probably hit him, he decided on a less dangerous approach. His Eventoned, yet strong voice rushed out. " Lots of people were looking for you." Hoping that had gotten her attention, he quickly added. " I personally would have told them to piss off though thats your call." With that said and his being there having been announced, he ran closer to her and jogged to keep up. _____________________ 699 words.

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She was completely at peace out here in the woods. No one else around her, no responsibilites. Just herself and nature. There was no judgement here. Perhaps that was what she liked best about her runs in the woods. She didn't have to impress anyone, she didn't have to assert her power, and she didn't have to always look her best. The forest didn't care what she looked like or what she did. It was one of the most freeing experiences of her life. This was her happiness, and no one was ever going to take that from her. She took her position as alpha very seriously, but she needed time to herself. These midnights runs were her only escape, so if she had known that anyone disapproved she might have told them off. At the moment though, she was blissfully unaware of anyone missing her presence.

She continued with her steady pace through the trees, no hesitation in her movements. Each fall of her foot landed solidly on the ground, her body graceful and agile. Her longs legs and slender figure made her built for running. Even in her wolf form she was built for running, with a sleek figure. Her blue grey eyes were focused on the forest around her as she continued on her run. She had no idea that anyone was looking for her. As far as she knew everyone at the castle was out or asleep. If she had known that any of the pack were looking for her she might have stayed at the castle. But she was oblivious, she she continued on her run through the forest.

As she shifted her body through the trees she was quickly made aware of another presence. A masculine voice rang out into the night air and she skidded to a quick stop, her head turning sharply towards the male. Her breathing was only slightly off as she stood and stared at Gethro, listening to his added comment as he came towards her. "I didn't realize I was missed" she said, placing her hands on her hips. Her lips curled into a smile as she looked at the well dressed man. He always did have a good sense of style, but he enjoyed to show off far too much for her liking. "Is there something wrong?" she asked curiously. What reason would there be besides that for anyone to really be looking for her. Was she not allowed time for herself? A heavy sigh escaped her lips and she stared straight at Gethro, waiting for him to explain why everyone was looking for her. Her peaceful evening had been cut short, and she wanted answers.

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[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=433d2c] Scars are my past, there all that binds me together, my fuel for all the coming Storms.... _____________________ Gethro had never liked being the one stuck as the messenger for stupid things like fetching people. The look on her face and the sigh that followed was enough to make him want to go an beat those that had sent him. It wasn't even a big deal, they were just being pesky. He had a feeling she didn't want to hear that, but it wasn't his problem. Still it was proof that being a higher ranking member just meant that those under you were up your butt more then usual. Another reason he was glad he had never fought for the spot. He could be muscle for someone any day, but leading an entire pack was not his style. Since they didn't have to run and talk, he stopped near her to speak again. He was surprised she had stopped to hear him out. Gethro would have made the bugger chase him if he had been in her shoes and someone had been interupting his run. Perhaps thats why he didn't want to tell her it was something stupid, it just didn't matter. It was a perfectly unreasonable waste of his time and hers. He would much rather be doing something else. Still he was left no choice as she was waiting there expectantly probably losing her patience with him while he talked to himself over the ridiculousness of the matter in his head. His smooth and casual voice rang out clearly, though it dripped with irritation at having to even mention it to her. " Some of those in higher rank mearly wished to know what you were doing with your spare time away from the pack." He wondered if she would burst and rain her fury down upon him for such a pathetic waste of time. Maybe it was just how he thought of it all. Perhaps to her it would mean something, but for him it was meaningless. He tried his best to stand at attention in her preasence as a show of resepct, but he had always been a more relaxed tough guy sort, and found it difficult to look attentive. Not to say that he was blissfully unaware or open to attack, its just he liked to keep his body from getting tense, and his muscles relaxed and rested for when he did need them. Gethro waited for her response, for better or for worse. _____________________ 450 words.

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If others were looking for her she wondered if there were more of the pack out of the castle. She would have to start taking her runs at an even later time as to make sure everyone was asleep before leaving. She couldn't have her pack out searching for her, especially because someone could get hurt. If anyone ever got hurt it would be her fault, and she didn't want that on her conscience. It was enough that she had to worry about them during the day, but to worry about them all because they had been searching for her would give her a melt down. However if she didn't get the time she needed to herself she was sure to have a meltdown. Everyone needed their time to do things they enjoyed, to be alone with their own thoughts. Why because she was an alpha was she denied that privelage? Sometimes it made her wonder if being alpha was really the best thing for her. But she cared for her pack, more then she cared about herself. She could never step down nor abandon them, they were her family. No matter what, she would lead them and care for them. The only way to get rid of her was by death, because she would never give up a fight. At the present there was no one else that she trusted to run her pack.

Her body was still full of energy and her blood was still pumping, not quite settled in for simply standing. But upon hearing and smelling someone she felt the need to stop. She couldn't take the chance of running farther and having some stranger attack her from behind. It was better to stop and face your opponent, especially when you had no idea who it was. Lucky for her this was no opponent at all. As she stared at Gethro with her blue eyes she waited, confused as to why it was taking him so long to respond. Had he forgotten? Or was he trying to come up with an excuse? It was a little unsettling to be held waiting when she had asked him if there was anything wrong. If it was something bad though, he wouldn't be nearly as calm as he seemed. Though from the look on his face as he thought, he did look a bit distraught. Losing her patience she decided to ask him again. "What is it?" she said, a slight hint of irritation in her voice. She hadn't meant to let it out, but she was unhappy with being interrupted and then forced to wait for an answer.

When the answer finally came she frowned and folded her arms under her chest. "Please tell me your joking" she said, not bothering to hid her irritation now. She had been exactly right in her thinking, no one wanted her to have time to herself. She was supposed to sit in that castle all day and tend to everyone else. "Am I not allowed to have a little damned time to myself?" she growled, letting her arms fall and taking a few steps away from Gethro. She placed her hands back on her hips and cursed under her breath before turning back to him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be letting my frustration out on you" she said, shaking her head. Her pony tail flew back and forth when she shook her head, still swinging softly after she had stopped. Her entire night had been ruined in an instant, and she was now completely agitated. "Might as well head back now I guess" she said, feeling disappointed and not doing well to hide it. She hadn't gotten nearly as far in her run as she had wanted. Heck she had't even gotten to shift, which her body had been itching for. But that would have to wait, since apparently she wasn't allowed to be out.

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[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=433d2c] Scars are my past, there all that binds me together, my fuel for all the coming Storms.... _____________________ He almost cringed when she started looking irritated when he was talking too long to ponder how pointless the entire thing had been. Gethro knew now was not the time to play games as she was clearly serious. Her hands were placed on her hips as she heard him speak. For him that was a red flag. He knew he was being stereotypical, but most females tended to place there hands on there hips while expecting bad news, or if they were preparing to yell at someone. Gethro hated being the one that had to disappoint her, and he knew that it wasn't his message, but he didn't like having to see her get upset. Sure enough when she was told, she freaked out to a point, and tossed her hair back and forth in angst over learning that it was something so pitiful. She paced around a bit, and the whole time he had folded his arms across his chest, and leaned agaist a tree, so that his right shoulder were lying against it, and he calmly waited for her to speak to him again, not really showing how her yelling at him was annoying. Bringing his other arm up, he carressed the stubble on his jaw, and thought about how best to approach her with his next move. It was unrelated to the previous fiasco, but it could potentially save her little excersice outting. Shrugging his shoulders he spoke up." Its not a problem, I don't take it seriously. As for the matter of you going back, no one said what path back you had to take, or what way to travel it. Perhaps we could jump from branch to branch following the treeline letting our wolves out?" Gethro hadn't shifted in two days, and his animal half was starting to rebel, and he was getting easier to annoy by the second. He needed to run and release his beast's craving. _____________________ 416 words.

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