I Don't Think You're Ready for This JELLY (Private

[Sivoncé™]

"Maybe it's time you've done some searching yourself. You never know who could be out there waiting for you."

A solitary lupine figure loped across the Xavrien heights, his long silhouette following him as the sun began to set in a blaze of heat on the horizon. For any other wolf shaded as dark as he, the fire would've been unbearable. Fire didn't bother him anymore.
He took a pause on a rocky outcrop, peering over the lands as they were cast into the first shadows of night. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and inhaling the sweet scent of the summer air. What began as a pause lengthened into a hiatus as Damien sat and let the sunlight wash over his rippled, muscular body. The silver roots of his pelt twinkled idly, all but obliterated by the permanent midnight dies. The scars along his face and body stood out boldly, even with the darkness of his pelt. Even with the comfort of the sun, he sat in a rigid, tensed position. What might have been peaceful was soured by his expression.
Damien's eyes were liquid copper with sadness. His shoulders were hunched in a sulking manner, and his lips were pressed in a firm, unyielding line of displeasure.
Look for her?
And find what? He wondered. Find she tired of me? Find her on the arm of some other grand protector? His cringed visibly at the thought.
Not my.....not Sanceul. She would never be his Sanceul.
Whether it was because he couldn't think all that badly of her, or his spirit was stubborn, Damien knew that after Icarus had planted the thought inside of him, there was no way to stop himself from not giving the search a try.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Suffocation had already commenced. For now, all he could do was struggle against the thick python of heated air that weighted on his lungs.
Dear Golden Wolf, does it need to be this hot?
The thin ebony pelage shimmered with golden-scarlet hues, his blue eyes searching the distant horizon as it shifted with waves of heat. The blazing eye staring him down, high above and far out of reach, proved relentless. Sooner or later, the wanderer resolved, I’m going to find a place with no sun. Ever.
But it was only one scorching summer afternoon. Aside from the unfortunate weather, the brute held his head with a certain confidence—as if a dignified royal. Finally sidestepping the final legion of withered shrubs, Lucifer ducked under the shade of an oak tree and sighed. Opting to relax against the wooded bark, he began a casual scan of—are you serious?
Lucifer tilted his head. Get his attention.
“Hey, Mr. Delicious! What’re you doing out here?”

[Sivoncé™]

Him again.
Damien sent a silent prayer to the skies for patience, then turned to look over his shoulder.
He'd known the voice as soon as he'd heard it -- there was no mistaking that level of mockery and arrogance all rolled into one. Yet, somehow, his subconscious had still hoped it would be someone else -- anyone else, really -- instead of Lucifer. I could take down any Hellfirian or Blood Mist right now no problem. Maybe it would be good for me, I need a good fight. Get some weight off my back...but this....this is going to be a pawful. I don't think I can really handle the emotional abuse right now. He rolled his eyes dramatically and called back,"I'm having an intensely riveting spiritual revelation. Now go away, you're confusing the energies."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Lucifer blinked slowly, not exactly prepared for the response.
…what?
Shaking himself, the black brute immediately—as expected—did precisely the opposite of what was asked. Emerging into the blistering sunlight with nothing less than a swagger, Lucifer made his way to Damien’s side, and settled down beside him. A comfortable grin flashed from his jaws.
“What, are you… practicing gypsy beliefs now? ‘cause I don’t quite believe that’s how it works. Erm, of course, now you’ve got me curious—what are my energies radiating, exactly?”

[Sivoncé™]

Damien blinked at him for a moment with a gaze that shouted a sarcastic really? Getting over his initial irritation, he allowed Lucifer a small smile. Guess I could have some fun with this guy, give him a little bit of his own medicine.
"Nah, I'm no gypsy -- I don't know a thing about that stuff. I'm a hardcore Bhakti/Sufi sort of guy. You feelin' the synthesis, my brother?" He peered down at Lucifer with an extremely serious expression. Inside, he felt a sort of glow beginning to form in spite of his recent dimness. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he felt that maybe, just maybe, Sanceul would get a kick out of his endeavors.
"Lucifer, I see you're one of those swagger-walking types. Well, my revelations say that for you to connect with God, you need to put a 'B' in front of 'Allah'. Then, my friend, I think you will find your calling."
This is priceless!

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Again, that incredulous stare returned. This time, the self-assured grin all but faded into a befuddled squiggle of a mouth. The urge to reprimand Damien in a proper English accent was almost too great, but he repressed the urge.
“…mmhmm… you think so?”
Where am I today? Is this a mirage I’m talking to? I think so. Maybe if I attack it, it’ll disappear.
He reached out a paw and prodded Damien.
Damn it, he’s solid.
“…I’m just having a good day; I keep an upbeat walk when I’m feeling upbeat. What do Bhakti-Sufis do to express their happiness?”

[Sivoncé™]

(Ya know what would be funny? If Sanceul chilled in the bushes and heard all of this xD )

Damien maintained a humble smile of contentedness as he watched Lucifer's baffled expression. He raised a brow as he was prodded, and struggled to resist the sudden and powerful urge to laugh. Instead, he merely chuckled softly to himself and woofed, "Well, a lot of the time, we drop dead and join Brahman and/or chill in paradise. But other options include smoking...things....and weaving....mats and stuff." Suddenly, an amused fire lit in Damien's eyes. "My friend, you should join me in my meditation! It is ecstasy in the purest form! It's exactly like Diablo and his margaritas!" Wait, what's a margarita again? And I've never met Diablo...

[.Rabid Lycan.]

(( location-wise, she should be here anyway xD right on it ))

Ah, wolfnip. I should’ve known.
Unnerved by Damien’s combination of eerie cheerfulness and nonsensical explanations, Lucifer nearly simply sat up, turned about, and fled in the opposite direction. However, he was cut short. Steps 1 and 2 proceeded nicely, but Damien appeared to have no intention on releasing Lucifer from this world of uncomfortable-ness.
Why do feel like, somehow or someway, due to some bizarre circumstances and the power of video sharing websites, that this was coming to me?
“Um, about that… I kinda have an appointment. Maybe just give me a quick demonstration and I’ll be on my way…”

Meanwhile, a bruised, battered, and altogether exhausted female limped through the tall grasses. She kept her head low, her tongue lolling from the side of her maw, and remained at a constant pace, moving ever-forward. Nearing the peak of a hill, she began to slow, allowing the wind to stir her fur as various thickets and shrubbery hid her from the view of predators.
I don’t know whether to be glad that I’m alive, or pissed at every other little thing that happened to me in the past… how long?
She stiffened, sensing something on the wind. It was certainly not Blood Mist. Actually, what with the soot, fire smell, and Blood Mist run-ins, I smell more of a Hellfirian than most wolves. But she wasn’t bothered; she was downwind.
On top of that, she recognized the scents. Her heart skipped , somewhat pleased—but also too tired to make her presence known. So, head down again, she quietly tracked the familiar smell.

[Sivoncé™]

Damien stood suddenly, still keeping his serene smile in place. "Please, Lucifer, let the artificial barriers of time fall away from your shoulders. It is time you've set aside a piece of your life to observe the nature of your calling. Come, Lucifer." Eyes twinkling mischeivously, he took a few paces towards Lucifer and sat again. "I want you to join me in a form of meditation designed to expell all falsehoods, inhibitions, and false ideals. You and I, Lucifer, shall take part in the fantastical invention that is truth or dare. So sit." His smile broke into a wide, comical grin. Oh, there's no escaping this one, buddy. You've made fun of me for too long. You're not getting out of here with your tail out from between your legs and your dignity still intact. No, today will be your figurative end, Lucifer. Damien took no notice of the wolf approaching nearby, but the heavy sadness was temporarily off of his conscience.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

“Truth or dare?”[/i]
Out of all the outlandish comments that had spilled from Damien’s maw in the last minute or so, it was that individual notion alone that made Lucifer squirm. He semi-recoiled, raised his brow, and performed the most accomplished “you can’t be serious” expression in existence all in one single, fluid motion.
“I mean… seriously, where did that come from? I haven’t even played this before!”

What the hell…?
Expecting only what the scents had promised, Sanceul discovered Damien and Lucifer, alright—and the announcement of truth or dare, as well.
…
Unable to help herself, the gypsy settled herself on her haunches, downwind from the others , and determined to remain that way as long as possible. From her uphill vantage point—hidden behind the dense copse of bushes that surrounded her—she had a perfect seat.

[Sivoncé™]

A bright, cheshire grin bubbling on his lips, Damien blinked back at Lucifer, unswayed by his weak objections. His tail lashed behind him with anticipation. So this might be a little extreme for simply being a nuisance. Somehow, someway, I still feel like he deserves this more than I know. Huh. What the hell, he's gettin it anyway! He slowly began to drop the religious facade. "It works very simply, though it is the grandest game of all eternity, or whatever. I shall ask you a question: truth, or dare? And then, you will answer. If you pick dare, you will do as I tell you. If you pick truth, you will answer any question I ask. And then, I suppose, it will be your turn to ask me the question in return." He sat in a relaxed position, but idly flexed the muscles in his legs and threw another flashy smile Lucifer's way. Ya can't run, ya can't hide. Now pick your poison and say cheers before you drink. "So, Lucifer. Truth, or dare?"

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Swallowing the ever-alert squeak of his conscience that screamed for him to abandon all hope of maintaining his pride and get the hell outta dodge, Lucifer sat down. The ice of his eyes studied Damien carefully, still not quite believing that this was actually happening. Maybe it’s so hot that I actually imagined that he’s solid?
Briefly considering the option, but before touching Damien again, he emptied a heavy sigh. “…I suppose I’ll start easy. Truth.”
Really, what could he ask me that’s so bad?

Sanceul shifted in her protected nook, slowly rasping her tongue through her fur and cleansing herself of the mud, blood, and ash that stained her ivory coat. She held back a snicker at Lucifer’s obvious bewilderment, already wondering how he could thank Damien later.
Wincing as she cleaned the still-raw and fiery burn on her hind limb, she angled her ears for a better listen.

[Sivoncé™]

Damien's perfect smile never faltered.
This is going to be good. Much, much better than meditating or whatever. Oh, I can just feel it now! I wish I had something to munch. This is munch-worthy...I wish...she was here....
"So, Lucifer, how did you meet miss Sanceul?" Damien struggled to supress his mild wince, and hoped Lucifer didn't notice. If he thinks it's fishy I'm asking about her, I'll just say I wanted to start with a common factor; after all, we really met through Sanceul. He winced several more times internally. My searching begins now. I'll get what I can from Lucifer and hope it leads somewhere...where she might go or be now...
Most of all, why she might go.
He swallowed hard and waited for the answer, barely aware that his smile was gone completely and replaced with the lost expression that had haunted his face for so long.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Lucifer cleared his throat, mistaking the out-of-focus expression that Damien suddenly adopted as the aftermath of too much wolfnip. Maybe it’s a sugar crash… whatever sugar is. Why ask about Sanceul anyways? Ah, whatever… this isn’t too bad. Well, maybe awkward, but… erm, quite right.
“Well… she was a lot younger back then. Back when she was more of a spazzy little furball. Innocent, you know? Now, she probably told you this, but she left her Alastair in search of Morgan. Creepy revenge quest—never really understood the motivation. But we stumbled upon one another when were both hunting the same prey. I was younger, too… far more innocent myself. First reaction was to do as Mephisto had taught us—reel her in. Assess her genetic compatibility, and, if not woo her, then take her back. But we were young, and she was… different. Funny little thing, really. So, instead of immediately making her mine, I offered a trade—information in return for my temporary assistance. My greatest love is knowledge, you know. She was gypsy; an alien culture! It was too much to resist, plus I enjoyed the company.” He chuckled. “And we tracked down her father, alright… not the best ending, I suppose. We got separated when we found him. But that’s the gist of it…”
Curling his tail over his paws, he studied the ground hard in thought before glancing up again. The confused gaze momentarily vanished behind a hopeful string of words. Maybe I can turn this around on him? “So… truth or dare?”

Sanceul listened silently from the brush, her treatment of the still-bleeding gash on her shoulder altogether forgotten. A line formed across her lips, her gaze narrowing with every word Lucifer spoke.
…hurm.

[Sivoncé™]

Damien listened carefully, managing, somehow, to keep his face in a mask of cold detachment. It was a better alternative to the emotions he had caught leaking over his face as he had asked Lucifer his question. His heart dropped as he listened and abosorbed what he heard. His firmness on his expression faltered only twice as Lucifer spoke, but he recovered himself immediately and, instead, reflected privately over the gathered information.
It is a great possibility she went to fight Morgan...especially after he attacked us.Lucifer and Sanceul used to have a thing....I want to beat him up just because. Blame it on the testosterone. I'll pound him to a pulp someday.
As Lufcier turned the tables on him, with a determined glint in his eyes, Damien cracked a small, ruggedly handsome half-smile. "Well, one of us has to be the man, doesn't he? It'll be dare for me."