Thread: The Wolf, the Forge, and Love Forbidden - Raivh & Abovetheroses

videoyoutube Turning had been a terrible mistake. The second she'd lost focus and forward momentum was the second the hounds caught up. Elise's eyes were wide, threatening the beasts to come closer to her if they so dared. Her body was low to the ground, circling with the hounds, mirroring them as they stalked around her and snapped their teeth at her. It wasn't the dogs she feared. It was the men that followed. The dogs were but a nuisance, a distraction. Elise! She heard his voice again, louder this time, closer. Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard the men growing closer. She could feel the earth beneath the pads of her feet tremor as the hooves of their horses neared, could smell the sweat beneath the leather saddles strapped to their backs. Soon enough, they appeared from the shadows, smirking and laughing at her as she danced with the hounds, fending them off. Her eyes met those of the one called Luca, and she watched as he pointed his sword in her direction, motioning his men to advance, blades drawn at the ready. One of the hounds lept forward, taking advantage of her moment of distraction and latched on to the wound on her hind leg. She let out a sharp yelp of pain and wheeled around, her jaw open wide and then closing tight around the back of the dog's neck. Its blood poured into her mouth, staining the fur around her mouth a brilliant red, and she flung its limp body in front of Luca's men. Her green eyes locked with those of the man nearest her, unnerving him. He took a step back. Elise threw her head back, her lips parting in an eerie howl that split through the air and carried far. Birds squawked and flew from the trees, their wings beating a desperate pulse against the sky. Her howl was soon matched, and the sound was just as close as the hunters in front of her. A blur of brown fur and fangs appeared in front of her, blue eyes wide and transmitting a deadly threat to any one of the men whom dared to advance. The wolf was much larger than Elise, the height of his shoulder was just above the waist of the tallest man standing before him. His form was daunting and his threat conveyed. The hounds took off, ripping through the forest back to the keep. What are you doing? Luca bellowed, red-faced and infuriated at the cowardice of his men. Kill it, too! Frozen in place, the men didn't move, keeping their eyes fixed on the looming figure of the wolf that had just appeared. The wolf took a step forward, baring a set of large fangs, sharpened against the bones of many victorious hunts. Aldred? Elise sunk on her left haunch, her body giving way to the shooting pain in her rear legs. Snapping his head around, the wolf bared his teeth at her as well, a dangerous and most aggressive snarl rolled deep within his chest. Get out of here! Lowering her head, her ears laid back flat against her skull in submission and she averted her eyes. Now! Aldred gnashed his teeth at her again before returning his focus to the terrified group of hunters cowering before him. Obedient, Elise shakily rose to her feet and inhaled deeply, regaining some of her strength for the climb. Quickly, she leapt up in the direction Aldred had appeared from. When she'd made it some distance away, she turned to look over her shoulder and let out a soft, melancholic whine. Aldred faced off against the men before him who were still too terrified to move. Come on! Luca hollered, waving his sword around in the air as his horse stamped the ground anxiously, fearful of the large alpha male that it was now faced with. Everything in the horse's body was telling it to flee, but Luca kept a tight hold on the reins, forcing it to stand its ground. It wasn't until Peter slid from his horse that it took off, fleeing from the predator with nervous nickering at a full gallop. Sword drawn, Peter glanced up at Luca, who looked at his brother with a stern expression matched by Peter's. The two then exchanged challenging smirks, and Luca nodded his approval of his younger brother's actions. Very well, you cowards! Get out of the way if you're just going to stand there! Luca commanded, the only order the men heard as they stepped back away from Aldred as he took a step in advance toward them. Aldred held Peter's stare, unblinking and menacing. Peter lifted his shield and twirled his sword skillfully at his front. He lunged, but Aldred didn't budge, standing his ground. A guttural growl sounded deep in his chest, but Peter didn't falter. Again, he lunged, shouting in an attempt to cause the alpha wolf to feign back at the threat. And again, Aldred remained still, his eyes locked on the man, black lips curled back in what looked almost looked like an amused smile. This time, a growl that sounded akin to a deep, throaty chortle left the wolf, and he took a step toward Peter instead of away. He's testing you, Peter! Marco shouted, laughing as he pointed a finger in the wolf's direction and cast a glance in Luca's direction. Look, the beast even laughed at him! He finds you amusing! Peter gritted his teeth, feeling a line of sweat form across his forehead. Quiet your tongue, Marco! Peter retorted in a short, snappy tone. Something about him makes me uneasy. He doesn't scare like the girl. Aldred's eyes opened wider still, and he opened his mouth wide, nose wrinkling more as his snarl broadened and he cackled. He shook his head from side-to-side, tossing the mane of thick graying fur about around his neck. This action caused Peter to recoil, stumbling back a step or two. He furrowed his brow, a tight crease forming between his eyes, and he wiped his mouth along the shoulder of his leather armor. Luca, Peter said to his brother, voice low. Do you want your trophy or your life? I think we'll only leave here with one.