Chapter 1: 'The Red City'

[Ikken Isshu]

((Mehhh. Well, as I said in Alvirad, and as is written in the sig, I'm gone for an indefinite period, so perhaps it's best that my character goes off to sulk in his corner for a while. Less for me to worry about until I am able to come back reliably. razz ))  

[Archon Torches]

"Haunted Woods" Near Falacia

Melkar was sitting up against a tree somewhere in the woods outside of Falacia thinking about something to eat as his stomach was getting empty.
"Urrk.. I really don't feel like going into that vile city.. it wreaks of vampire and human scum... and more vampire than usual."
Just then he noticed a Lycan jumping through the forest not too far away. Normally he would disregard it but he could smell the fresh blood of whatever he had with him.
"Well.. just my luck.. I may just get some fresh meat, or if their in a bad mood I'll just have dinner AND a new skull."
With that he followed the Lycan at far enough distance where he could still smell the meat. Soon the Lycan had stopped and Melkar slowly krept up enough to see him talking with another Lycan. He slowly put his cloak up and started changing into Hybrid to hide his smell further. It may have been too late as they might have already sences his presence, but he had to be sure he wasn't seen quite yet; At least not by two unknown Lycans...  

[Mr. Blackbird Lore]

Ursus paused, glancing over his shoulder and took a deep breath; the wet forest, covered lightly with his mist was easy on his nose. The smell of another Lycan wasn't quite so comforting. "Declare yourself, brethren," the Rougarou Lycan called out. He did not like that another Lycan wished to surprise him; it wasn't normal in the slightest. His eyes calmly peered through the mist and underbrush as he waited patiently for the Lycan to fully reveal himself.  

[Archon Torches]

"Haunted Woods" Near Falacia"

The second Lycan had called out to Melkar, an event that he really didn't want. He had to use his head to stay out of too much trouble now. With that in mind, He slowly stepped out from his hiding spot, still hidden in his cloak.
"My name.. is Melkar. I'm sorry to have intruded on your.. exchange.. but I was only interested in that nice aroma drifting about the air. My... work.. has been slow lately as it seems there are less people willing to go against the Vampires... and there are more sum walking around than usual... I'm sure you have also noticed the lower amount of available meat walking around."
He stood by his tree, waiting for a response. His presence didn't seem to phase either of the Lycans before him.  

[Mr. Blackbird Lore]

"I see. Well... the meat is not mine to proffer; Otherwise, I would gladly provide you a portion. Perhaps the hunt has found a new pattern to follow..." He gazed away thoughtfully. It would certainly explain a lot. The humans, the vampires... It was a mess. "Or perhaps you simply have lost your knack; and take this not as a personal assault. I wish no evil amongst my Lycan brethren." He smirked oddly. "It is best for us to know our own limits if we ever wish to fully achieve our potential."  

[Archon Torches]

"Haunted Woods" near Falacia"

This lycan was obviously clever, and Melkar knew better than to attack clever opponents. Strong opponents don't pose as much as a threat as smart ones. He looked over to the other Lycan, the quiet one, and he couldn't read him very well. He then turned back to Ursus and spoke up.
"Yes.. my clan has always been reserved, and it seems I've gotten lazy without city duties. I find "tame" prey easier to catch than wild creatures. And Elk skulls aren't as satisfying."
Though he wasn't completely telling the truth, he does need some animal skulls for certain ritual spells. He didn't want to give away too much about his past.  

[Mr. Blackbird Lore]

Ursus smirked, having finally deduced where Melkar originated. "Well the humans and their expansion have been making quite a ruckus in these parts; the growth of our brethren clan in these parts hasn't made it any easier. Perhaps you would find it beneficial to all of us, brethren Mountain Stalker, if you were to thin out their encroaching ranks; you get your skulls, and the residents of this wood get some peace." He shrugged, still smirking. "It's not really for me to say; I merely voice ideas that seem relevant to all present parties."  

[Archon Torches]

"Haunted Woods" near Falacia"

"I see.. you know where I'm from then. May I ask, exactly, what gave me away? Was it the fact that I chose to be in my Hybrid form to hide my smell instead of my Human form, or maybe it was the collecting skulls bit?"
He then removed his cloak and began changing back into his full Lycan form.
"No use keeping up disguises when your cover and identity are already discovered..."  

[Mr. Blackbird Lore]

That smirk had returned...
"It was several things. The only clan that has a need or desire for skulls is yours. There is your desire for secrecy also, and referencing your clan's reserved nature. The clans that keep such a reserved manner are the clan of the swamp and the clan of the mountains. Your... intonation is that of the mountain-dwellers." He gestured toward the woods, and nodded also in their direction. "Shall we continue to safer grounds?"  

[Ronyo Storm]

Haunted Woods

Uurfu had noticed the new Lycan as he approached as well. His hunting skills had trained him in being alert at all times and keeping all his senses active. He watched the exchange between the swamp and mountain Lycan until it seemed to reach a junction. Uurfu heard the Mountain Stalker, Melkar he said his name was, talk about the smell that brought him to them. There was something off about this Melkar fellow, he seemed oddly distant for a Lycan talking among brethren, but Uurfu didn’t take much stalk in oddities of the present days, given how odd everything was becoming.

“If you wish to accompany us you may Melkar. My tribe is not much further now and we can treat you to a meal if that is what you seek. Yes, as Ursus stated, let us be gone to more favorable ground.”  

[Archon Torches]

"Haunted Woods" near Falacia

Melkar had grown less tense as the conversation progressed. With Uurfu's proposal Melkar felt much more relaxed.
"I thank you for your kindness, I am deeply greatful. It has been a long time since I have had communication with other Lycan. It's been since I left my village, actually.
He was anxious to be around Lycans again. Even though he was kicked out of his village, he missed being around other Lycans.