An Outing

[Ravyn]

A white horse breached the horizon, silhouetted rather poetically against the mountains. The rider sat tall and proud, dark against the milky white of her steed. A small contingent of soldiers followed behind her, all on lesser mounts. Beside them also ran a black jaguar, a magnificent cat. As they stopped, the horses pranced nervously, snorting and rolling their eyes in the beginnings of a panic. There was a smell they didn't like around here. Sharan, the jaguar, growled as well, crouching low, his golden eyes suspicious as they surveyed the landscape. It was rocky and mountainous; a perfect place for anyone to hide. Ravyn, clad in a magnificent black dress with red accents, steadied her stallion. "Be on the lookout," she called out smoothly. The sun was beginning to set, casting eerie shadows over the whole place. Ravyn admired the deepening purples and browns of the mountainside. There was nothing like a trip away from Minas Morgul to freshen one's spirits.

Canos wasn't aware, at least when she left, that Ravyn was gone. He would have never warranted a trip out of the castle. His protectiveness irked her at times. Yes, she understood that she was an important player in his plans, but she was tired of him acting like she was a defenseless little girl. Ravyn had been trained by the Nazgul and passing assassins; she knew how to handle herself. She patted the short sword she kept at her side, admiring the silver wolf embellishments. It had been a gift from one man who had, at one point, been her trainer. Unfortunately she had to kill him when he tried to take her as his own. It had been a pity; she had liked having him around. Small blades hidden in her skirt, sleeves, and waist ensured further safety. Most were poisoned; Ravyn was not one to mess with. Glass vials sewn into her dress meant that in the event she was eaten by something, they would die of poisoning in short order. Whether alive or dead, Ravyn enjoyed revenge.

She had come this way following rumors passing travelers brought. Of course, those travelers had made it no further than her dwelling. Most of her information had come from their screaming throats as they tried to give her any information that would make her stop torturing them. Even if she did get what she wanted, her captives rarely lived. It was a harsh game, but she couldn't have anyone coming back for revenge. Right now she was curious about a 'wolf man' one stray orc had mentioned in passing. Werewolves were rare; knowing one might prove useful one day. Plus, Ravyn liked traveling just to see new things. Being evil didn't mean you lost your sense of wonder at the world. It just meant you were more conniving with what you learned. "Let's move," she commanded, almost bored with this. Slowly, Ravyn leading the way, the party of twenty one began to pick their way through the rocks, beginning their ascent of the mountain.

[Vanargand]

The pack had awakened, despite the encasing darkness of their caves they remained consciously aware of the passing of day and night. At day slumbered, rest and bickered amongst one another over supremacy within the pack. Yet one position within the hierarchy remained unshaken, like the mountain itself and would remain as long as no colossal power shook the balance created. Every single warg gazed for their leader, who sat, in a surprisingly human like position before a throne of stone.

Vanargand remained silently until barking out an growling command, that was joined by the pack as they headed into the outer caverns of their mountain home. Like crop gives away before the blade of a scythe so did the orcs as they scattered at the very approach of the beasts. Last, slowly walking came their king, of wolves and orcs alike. In contrast to nights before, one orc broke the unspoken rule and stood near the werewolf, just close enough to mauled to death by the mighty claws.

"Our scouts have reported a small group approaching the mountain, what would you have us do?"

The orc informed and inquired with utmost humility in it`s voice, for one every single being within the cavern would have loved nothing more than seeing the poor messenger being torn to shreds, yet the arrival of such curious news held back the wolf`s fangs. For a moment all eyes locked onto the werewolf, who simply revealed his predatory fangs with a grimace on his beastly face.

"Leave them be, they shall be our quarry for tonight..."

He commanded as the orc retreated into the shadows, safety, and allowing the pack to depart from the mountain. Once outside they picked up the new, unknown scent and set forth in order to investigate or more preferably to feast. The hunt, the blood lust and the flesh of the weak were all that drove them at nights.

Occasionally they came across more than simple prey, but alas even so the wolf king was hardly persuaded to hold back his fangs from the throats of his victims. Only one had thus far been able to avoid the premise of such fate, one that had proven a curious entity from the days of old and youth. However at this very moment, the pack glared down from the high ground at the nearby traveling group.

All predatory eyes once more fixated upon the master, whose answer could not have ringed more clearer to his servants or their prey. A beastly, chilling howl was carried trough the evening, that had already began to turn to night. Their hour had once more come and they spread out, one by one circling around the prey in order to create an enclosing circle of fangs. They`d only reveal themselves at the appropriate timing lest they were discovered first by the prey, all the more challenging and enjoyable.

Finally it seemed, that the pack had taken their places upon the high ground and prepared to spring at their hapless prey from the shadows. This might have come to pass at that moment had their king not forbid it as he himself had sough to test his own mettle on these mountains and had found none worthy amongst the orcs. He had brought down two mighty orcs bickering for power over the mountain and claimed lordship after the rest had followed suit in events leading to their former leaders defeats.

The large, hulking wolf-being, that Vanargand was descended from the shadows onto the path, that the strangers treaded. Orange, predatory, eyes gleaming with blood lust and malice he stared down at his prey.

"Frail, brittle and soon to be broken, you mortals are."

He growled and bared his fang in a sadistic display of emotion as he stepped forth, standing on his two-feet and appearing in his full height before them. Mind games were detestable in the eyes of the hunter yet amusing from time to time, he himself as a sight alone was enough to send some beings wailing back in fear.

[Ravyn]

Ravyn knew they would come eventually; one had to think like a predator in order to find one. Prey was too irresistible if it was easy to get. So Ravyn led them through the rocks and boulders, choosing paths that were shadowed and surrounded by places anyone could hide. She kept them in a single file line, not a large group, making it easy for anyone to be picked off. Sharan crept beside her, his ears pinned flat, not liking this situation. The only sounds were the occasional nervous whinnies of the horses. Ravyn kept a smile on her face; she had no doubt that this would draw them out. Sure enough, a bone chilling howl rent the night air. Ravyn shivered, a look of triumph on her face. Horses began to rear around her, a few throwing their riders to gallop off into the night. Ravyn knew they would not make it far. Running only made the wolves more hungry. However, it was natural selection at work. The cowards who ran would be weeded out by wolves; the strong would survive. Ravyn was the strongest, so she was not afraid of being weeded out of their species.

Finally, the 'wolf man' stood before her. Yes, the traveler had been correct. It was a werewolf, for sure. His orange eyes bored madly into hers. Her eyes were dark brown, but no less dangerous. Ravyn knew she was standing before the lord of this mountain. His whole demeanor radiated power. The fact that he kept the other wolves from attacking - she couldn't see them but knew they were out there - was further proof of his dominion over them. Sharan snarled angrily as the werewolf stepped out. "Peace, Sharan," Ravyn commanded quietly, her voice holding an edge of deadly authority. Reluctantly he fell silent, every muscle in his body clenched and ready to attack. Her eyes moved up to meet the wolf's again.

Ravyn enjoyed the unexpected. She liked doing unprecedented things around others, especially if they were dangerous. Surprise, she had found, helped her when she was in a tight spot. A surprised person was more likely to pause and be confused than attack. Carefully, keeping her hands in view and her eyes always on his, Ravyn dismounted. She held the reins of the panicked moon-colored stallion in hand. "You speak truly," she said brazenly, unafraid but still wary, "but rash, violent, and hasty you wolves can be. Those who leap without thinking may find their prey more than they can true. I mean you no harm, sir wolf." It was a bold and perhaps foolish choice to make, standing up to the werewolf, but Ravyn would rather die strong than live to be weak.

[Vanargand]

Vanargand threw his head back in an amused chuckle at her arrogant words, to him humans were like cattle, who presented no apparent threat lest amassed together in great numbers. Alone they could not survive against beast nor orc within the savage realms beyond the comfort of their city walls. Certainly they had `defeated` Sauron in a spectacular display of heroism during the end of the third age yet the very last drops of the blood of Numenor had been spent, man had grown weak and despite his new-found glory they would wane in time.

The orange eyes glowed with blood lust as Vanargand raised his right hand claw towards Ravyn and her pet, that failed to impress him yet he were it to show it`s mettle he might allow it to flee before it`s masters fate.

"Arrogant words from a restless being, that does not share the longevity of the elves and stands in their shadows in all ways. And even, if you meant harm I doubt you might bring any to me....

Men have always been, always will be, pitiful and unable to grasp the powers beyond their understanding lest they are made into corrupt puppets of the dark."

He uttered a threat before sneering at her, impatient and restless like his pack, which appeared from their hiding places to surround the small group of travelers. They let out a chaotic array of barks, howls and growls at their preys. Every single muscle within their bodies prepared to launch themselves into the midsts of the travelers yet none of them would dare act lest their leader charged first.

The tension snapped like the string of a bow as Vangard charged forward, to the right of Ravyn before stepping towards her and swinging his right claw in a wide arc in order to unmount her. Meanwhile his fangs reached for the horses strong neck intent on bringing down the mount as well to prevent any attempts of escape upon it. The pack howled and charged forward as one, all picking their targets and bearing their fangs as they leaped at their preys.

[Ravyn]

Ravyn listened to the words of the werewolf, not impressed by his show of fangs and snarls. She was above that, in a way. Her evil was more direct and sophisticated, not the brutal savagery of the wild. Still, that savagery had to be respected. "Yes, I do not share the eternity of an elf nor the brute strength of the wolf, but I am dangerous nontheless. It would befit you to not underestimate me," she advised. She could see the tensed muscles rippling beneath fur, hear the barking and growling of the wolves, no longer hidden, hungry for food.

This, more than anything, was why Ravyn had traveled with a group of twenty humans. She had done some research before venturing into the mountains; the wolf also surrounded himself with orcs. They had those in plenty at Minas Morgul, but she brought the humans as an offering of sorts. Cruel, perhaps, but necessary. Around her the soldiers began to panic, unnerved by the vicious teeth and hungry eyes of the pack. "Queen Ravyn, we must flee!" one of them shouted. Then the wolves attacked. Ravyn knew this was coming, so she was prepared. With a metallic slash, she drew her short sword and held it at the ready. How fitting that she would fight with a wolf-embellished sword against a werewolf. Ironic, really. However, she didn't think the werewolf would find it so amusing. As he slashed towards her, Ravyn was one step ahead. She jumped from the horse, landing gracefully as the sharp fangs of the wolf tore open the horse's throat.

The equine corpse collapsed, twitching spasmodically. Around her the soldier scattered, the exact opposite of what they should do in an attack like this. The wolves, being faster and stronger, would hunt them down easily. Meanwhile, Ravyn held a battle-ready stance, Sharan in full attack mode. He slashed at any wolves that neared them, his two inch canines gleaming in the moonlight as hooked claws wreaked devastation upon any who ventured near. The silver flash of the sword also claimed victims who came within reach, but Ravyn would not give any ground. Slowly she backed herself up against a rock, Sharan staying near her feet. This would prevent any attacks from behind. Sword at the ready, eyes snapping and dark in their deadly intent, Ravyn prepared herself to fight for as long as necessary.

[Vanargand]

Enjoy the very last bit of the animal`s death struggle, the writhing as it`s blood gushed out of the wounds and colored his fangs in crimson. Finally the horse ceased to resist and fell slump, dead, to the ground whilst Vanargand released the death lock of his jaws. Now, with fresh blood dripping in a line from his teeth, he took a look around at the ensuing `battle`. A slaughter might have befit the picture as the poor men soldiers ran for their lives, only encouraging and pleasing the very nature of the beasts snapping at their heels.

Yet as it stood, one had not ran nor had her pet either, loyalty was a particular trait many beasts and animals alike shared in common yet then again sometimes the weak had to die so, that the rest might survive. Such was the duality, that was loyalty within a pack or between master and beast. They`d never abandon one another lest it meant, that either of them could escape with their lives and contribute to their cause by living on. Vanargand would have wanted to feast in peace yet as long as one prey stood, he would not, could not have peace.

Restlessly he took few steps, closing in on the human with it`s back against the wall, desperate even suicidal perhaps. The werewolf saw, that her logic at least remained sound, allowing the soldier to take the main blunt of the wolves attack and let them be hunt down instead of herself. Now she`d be left with less foes and gained a greater chance of escape, Vanargand granted it was clever and heartless, also amusing for a human to display such coldness. Surely this woman would not have ventured here were her heart not black and corrupt, otherwise she would have bared some regard to the well-fare of her soldiers.

One of them, as the wolf recalled from hearing the blood-red hazed moments he had attacked, had called the woman a queen. Certainly the arrogance fit the picture, but raised questions as to she were a fool or simply quite arrogant? Another interesting person in such an short amount of time, coming to this mountain had truly proven a most intriguing choice in a long time. Not only did he attain power over the goblins, but also was not bored to tears by the tiresome routine of a meager hunt.

"Quite the display Queen, you must be certainly far from home for I do not recognize you as one of my neighbors and your skin tells another tale of your origin. For a human I see your heart surprisingly dark as you shed no emotion for the sake of the meat running away from this place. It amuses me to see humans so corrupt in this day and age....

Curious as you are, I feel quite offended yet am willing to offer clemency of sorts. State your name and king, if you have one..."

The wolf commanded with a harsh tone as he hulked another step closer to her, remaining beyond reach yet it would not take long to close in on the gap remaining between them.

[Ravyn]

Slashing at a nearing wolf, Ravyn snarled angrily at him. Sharan stayed near her, claws extended and ready to tear at any approaching threats. Distantly she realized the wolf king was drawing nearer, though her main attentions were on any attacking wolves. The screams of soldiers as they were downed filled the air around her. It made her more eager for killing in a twisted way. She should be in anguish over the lives of the men under her care. However, orcs were stronger anyways, though much uglier. The humans were brought to be an offering of sorts to the wolves. Ravyn knew how to plan for visiting hungry animals. Once satiated, even slightly, it would be easier to talk to them. She didn't know if the other wolves were just wolves or werewolves like their leader. Could the others talk too?

The leader approached, his orange red eyes burning brightly in the dark. Ravyn's eyes burned too, though a dark and smoldering glow was in her brown eyes. So the wolf had heard her title. If the guard had not been dead already, she would have killed him. Some beings became defensive and aggressive when hearing she was a queen. She had a feeling the werewolf would not cower as most peasants did. No, wolves were nobler than that. Wolves didn't cower before humans. Unfortunately, she was a human. Often Ravyn had wished there was a way to make her race stronger, for her personally to become more than human. Disappointingly, there wasn't a way for that to happen yet.

She held her sword at the ready, moonlight highlighting the running wolves on the blade and the sticky blood that dripped over them. She hadn't kept count of any kills, or even if she had killed. Still, she knew she had injured some of the wolves. It was self defense; she didn't want to kill them for fear of making their leader angry, but she had to in order to live. Ravyn listened cautiously as the wolf spoke. Her eyes roved over the landscape, watching for any attacks. Usually when the leader spoke the rest of the pack snuck up on the victim. She was alone now, except for Sharan. He, too, watched for any attacks, growling balefully at any wolves that came too close. He was still in full attack mode, but Ravyn didn't dare let him stray from her feet. She didn't want to lose her companion.

"My king is Canos and my kingdom is Minas Morgul!" she declared, holding her blade at the ready, "I mean you no harm, sir wolf. As to why I have come.......well, beings who are alike seek each other out. Why do you surround yourself by wolves? They are most like you, are they not? So I seek others who are evil as I am. A simple matter, really. Now, what is your name, king of the mountains? I have heard about you, you know. Most impressive stories, too." Her eyes continued to watch his, waiting for an attack, ready to run him through with the blade if he lunged.

[Vanargand]

"Do not pester me with your flattery!"

Vanargand roared with his orange eyes blazing, annoyed by the down talking human, who dared assume them equals in kind. Tough she had made her case, true they were alike within their hearts it seemed yet that alone was not enough to wade the intent of an ages of being. The sudden outburst caused nearby wolves stop in silence, gazing fearfully at their lord, who knew no fear nor cared for pain caused to him.

Frightful, the wolves ceased all attempts to slay Ravyn or her precious pet yet never ceased from feasting, mutilating the remains of the men left for their pleasure. Vanargand was now puzzled at the very thing, that seemed like an obsession this female carried upon her, willing to risk her very life for the sake of finding him, another evil. Was this truly of her own intent or was the true will guiding her actions, that of her king? Was she seeking an alliance by coming here or foolish enough to hope to find comfort within the fact of that an old evil yet lived.

Either way he would not allow this arrogance slip past unnoticed nor the fact she had even attempted to patronize him with her petty words.

"I know of your Canos and a little of what has come to pass in the lands of Mordor, ever since the third age however I have sought to farther myself from that accursed place. Sauron was once a fool enough to have sought war like our first master, Morgoth and we all know well what came to pass. I grew wiser and saw the truth beyond the endless, decadent foolishness, that drives most beings to ceaseless violence.

We hunt not for pleasure, albeit we relate to that emotion once on the prowl, yet it remains a necessity to remain true to our nature. You speak of dark nature, that we share, but for your sake I hope you do not seek one`s like you to fool when there are fangs bared.

Thus as a courtesy towards your king and as clemency for you bravery, tough foolish as it seems, I will grant you a chance to save your life."

Vanargand explained with an angered tone, that towards the very end soothed down to a clever offer, dangling right before her eyes. She might be reluctant once hearing the offer, but she appeared reluctant to fight him and truth be told taking up his offer would no doubt increase her chances of survival not to mention gaining his trust.

"You speak of evil intent, seeking one`s like you, but I shall not regard you worthy enough lest you carry out a favor for me. We shall prey and watch you whilst you carry out this task yet aid shall not be lent lest I deem it so. Curious?"

The wolf tempted her with a malicious tone with his fangs baring into a grin as he spoke, still grimaced by the crimson color of fresh blood.

"As I mentioned my pack hunts, sometimes even without me as I always cannot leave my mountain abode. Yet as of late our hunts have been restricted by a group of rangers coming over the mountains from the west, from Arnor and the great kingdom of men. They`ve drawn blood and killed those of my pack, a crime I shall not forget nor forgive.

Despite the efforts of my orcish servants, they for one have not been able to locate nor surprise these rangers, who move like the shadows. To my shame I say even we must rely on the orcs for information and as of yet their reports have been inconclusive. Yet I for one have a way of making the rangers appear, a bait, not you tough.

I and my pack shall terrorize a nearby village in order to lure forth the rangers, it shall be your work to kill them, it shall be more inconspicious were a human to strike at them instead of us. Blood for blood, will you slay them or shall we slay you now?"

He inquired, clearly enjoying the predicament he set before her and were she to prove her evil intent then refusal would prove unacceptable. Were the queen of Minas Morgul to appear in the least malicious in the eyes of Vanargand then she would have to commit a crime against those, who had harmed him.

[Ravyn]

So flattery apparently did not work on this werewolf. Ravyn knew she was in a dangerous situation. She was surrounded by bloodthirsty wolves on the hunt, and they were led by a slightly irrational and highly aggressive leader. Her men were dead, an offering of sorts to the pack. She had no horse, only a very vicious black jaguar, a sword, and many poisons and daggers on her being. Her chances of escaping were low. Still, she did not come here to escape. At least now that the big bragging wolf had spoken, the other wolves dared not touch her yet. If the alpha was not attacking, the rest of the pack wouldn't dare cross him. This werewolf seemed like the type that would kill any who disobeyed him. Ravyn respected that; it was the way she operated as well.

The evil queen forced herself to stay calm. Animals could sense emotions much stronger than people could; a tense body and panic would only incite them to attack. Sharan stayed at the ready, his teeth bared in anticipation for any sort of fight. Given the chance, he would kill the wolf leader in a second. However, Ravyn would have to command such a thing. The black jaguar was loyal to her and her alone. He could not be corrupted - Ravyn was his only master.

Fortunately, the werewolf was at least slightly reasonable. Canos would wipe them all out if he found that they had killed his queen. Minas Morgul was full of orcs, all trained for battle. The wolves would be wiped out if Canos commanded it. However, she felt it would be better to have them as allies, or at least not enemies. That was the reason she had ventured here, though it might have seemed foolish. It was hard for her not to attack him when he spoke of her not being 'worthy'. Foolish, stupid wolf. Just because he had fangs and fur he figured she, a human female, was a lesser. He would learn differently in time.

She bared her teeth in a vicious grin as he bared his, matching his expression. It had always been a disappointment to her that she had not been born something stronger, at least an elf or something. Still, Ravyn had certainly made the most of her body and abilities. There was no one in the land as knowledgeable in the art of poisons as she, and few who could match her ferocity and will power. Her eyes alighted with an evil pleasure as the wolf mentioned the rangers. "You and I share a common enemy, sir wolf," she proclaimed, "The rangers have been a nuisance and a hindrance to us as well. I shall help you to the extent of my abilities; I have no issues with this. True, I value my life, but I would agree even if it were not at stake."

Yes, it would be a great thing if the wolves of the mountains and the queen of Minas Morgul could work together. The rangers needed to be wiped out or at least depleted severely. Their rein over the land had continued far too long. "I shall offer whatever necessary to kill them once and for all," she said. Sharan still growled slightly at her feet, not liking the thick scent of the wolves nor the tone of voice in the big one talking to Ravyn. It was dangerous here, but he followed his master wherever she went. "But tell me," Ravyn continued, keeping her dark eyes on his bright orange-red ones, watching for any surprise attacks, "what is your name, sir wolf?" Ravyn didn't like allying with strangers.

[Vanargand]

"Vanargand Of Angband and now of Gundabad, if you must so persistently know, but if you wish to keep my company drop the sir for I do want your flattery as I said already."

He snapped at her with an annoyed tone, but was calmer than before as she had at least agreed to do their dirty work for them. The Queen of Minas Morgul certainly dared cross dangerous beings no doubt, having confidence in her abilities and that her political influence alone might be enough to work as a vanguard against any aggression.

Had Vanargand cared too much of politics however he would have never even threatened her nor as so much attack convoy, but his nature was the opposite and it was howling for blood. Vanargand barked at one of the pack`s members, who obediently jogged forth gazing at Ravyn.

"Your horse shall prove of little value except as meat anymore thus I offer you to travel on the back of one of my pack. Certainly I see you have your own beast and shun us with distrust, but I do not see the black one carrying you on it`s back nor you wanting to do so.

We shall travel faster, if you agree and impatience runs deep within us."

He said restlessly as he noted, that the pack had already finished their meals and were returning to the fold to follow their leaders next move.

[Ravyn]

Ravyn had no problems dropping the 'sir'. In these types of situations it was better to be overly polite than to be rude to the person you were talking to. "Very well, then Vanargand," she said smoothly. Wolves were such jumpy, bickering creatures. Working with them would be trying. To show that she trusted them, even though she didn't really, Ravyn sheathed her short sword. However, she did keep her hand on the hilt just in case. Sharan was a bit bemused by all this. He didn't relax, but Ravyn was talking to this dog and not ordering him to attack! What was she doing? These were dangerous animals who would kill her easily. Sharan growled questioningly, looking up at his master. She confused him sometimes.

"Peace, Sharan," she murmured, stroking his head, "for now you will not attack." If the wolves turned on her, however, they would find the woman and her jaguar quite a handful. Her poisons would take out a good number, as would her sword, and Sharan could kill faster than he could draw breath. In the end they would be killed, no doubt, but at least they would take a lot with them. It would be wiser in Vanargand's scheme to not attack. "My horse is yours to eat, and I will consider it an honor to be carried by one of your pack," Ravyn said calmly. Riding on a wolf would be an experience, no doubt. Sharan was not built like a wolf; he was built for speed and agility. Wolves were built for endurance and brute strength. Carefully, dark eyes cautious, she approached the wolf he had called, Sharan sticking to her legs like a shadow. She didn't want to try to ride the wolf until he showed he was ready for it.