Strangers Meet [Mason]

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Alkali Forest. It had been home and territory to many a Rogue who’d travelled this far into the country. Only those who had refused the comfort of the other groups were allowed in these areas freely. Jack had been roaming these lands for years now, along with Zara Koliea—her wolf. Yeah, Jack was a girl. Full name? Ava Jackeline Rowentree. In truth, she’d never been a big fan of her first or middle name, so she’d shortened it to Jack or Jackie. Those who knew her well enough called her by that name. To others, she had lied and told them her name was Rowen. Of course, it was. Rowentree was her last name. It was the name she gave to people she’d only met, or people she was enemies with.

If she were intimate with someone, he would be able to call her Ava.. But she didn’t want a relationship. Everything she loved was always taken away from her in the end, anyway. No. She was a fighter, and she’d stay that way, alone and resolute about her place in the world. Sighing, she glanced down at Zara Koliea, ”I wish we could go home sometimes.. it’s too bad we gave that up..”

Walking along the edge of the forest, she looked up at the branches of beautifully green leaves, and what little piece of sky she could see beyond that. The sky was a clear bright blue with very few clouds to be seen. Something very rare these days, where the rain almost always sprinkled the land she now called her temporary home. Of course, it was still always dark there, and you could only ever hear the rain. It was hard for it to penetrate the thick expanse of tangled branches overhead. Jack loved the rain, but as much as she loved it, she couldn’t tolerate large amounts of it. A nice, bright, sunny day in the woods was a nice change of pace these days. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the gleaming white fur of her wolf, trotting happily along with her. Zara had always hated the rain. The wolf had preferred sunshine for as long as Jack could remember, but it never deterred her.

Thoughts of their home slipped through her mind like graceful wisps of wind reminding her that she wouldn’t always have to stay away. She’d once been one of Gaia’s Followers, and had lived in the clans territories in peace and harmony with the others of the clan. But that was before the tragedy that claimed the lives of those she loved most. A member of the Midnight Riders had come to kill her family. And, for whatever reason, she escaped. Or they let her. Whatever. It didn’t matter how. What mattered was they were gone and she would never see them again. The thought almost broke her heart. Thankfully, though, she wouldn’t show her emotions… She’d trained herself since the slaughtering of her family to conceal that part of herself, only showing the cool calm side. She hid her emotions, her fears, under sarcasm and dark humour. The tough girl forever.

It wasn’t until then that she realized someone else was in the forest, someone who didn’t belong. Zara’s body had stiffened and she bared her fangs in a soundless snarl in the direction of the new comer. Jack smirked. Time to have a little fun. Waving to the wolf at her side and watching the wolf go and hide in the brush, Jack swung herself up into the tree branches so she was concealed to the eyes of anyone on the ground. From her perch in the branches, she could see a male walking along the forest’s edge, his movements graceful. All she could see were broad shoulders and brown hair though.

As he walked, she followed his trail through the trees, keeping herself hidden while he kept to the ground. He’d be no fun if he weren’t a fighter. After a moment, she tired of not being able to see him and moved, jumping down from the branch she was on and landing in a graceful position—crouched on the ground with her hand holding her steady—before she stood up straight to get a look at the male before her. Without a word, she smiled, looking him over curiously before she realized what he was.

”Midnight Rider’s are not welcome in this forest. I suggest you leave unless you plan on becoming one of us.” she said. From what she could notice, he wore dark clothing that matched her own. When she’d become a Rogue, she’d changed her clothing style so she didn’t represent any of the other groups. She represented herself. He also had short cropped hair and beautifully green eyes, as green as the moss on the ground. He was muscular, built like a fighter, his body chiselled perfectly as though someone had sculpted him out of clay. They might as well have… He was a gorgeous man.

But, despite how gorgeous he was, the only thing he’d be to her was a quick thrill in the end. She didn’t like Midnight Riders and had no interest in being interested in one. Yet, when she looked up into his eyes, she felt something in her gut… Nope. Nothing there. You’re just imagining things, Jack. she thought to herself. Looking at the stranger, she crossed her arms over her chest, giving him a hard glare as she waited for his response.

[Mason Ashcroft]

He heard the soft padding of his wolf by his side. Crazy how elegant the creature moved for being so large. Glancing sidelong as they walked, he saw the shadow beast clearly. It's eyes locked forward to where they were going. Mason's eyes drifted forward again to stare at the daunting forest ahead. He had been told many times to stay away from here. That the rogues that lived in it's confines would chew up and spit out anyone who intruded on their turf. Did that scare him?

Of course not. He thought of himself as the biggest and the baddest around here. Refusing to tremble for anyone. And with the monster to his right, nothing was going to mess with them. The creature was cruel...dark. The very definition of a demon. Mason had never even seen his eyes. And at times...wondered if he even had any. Or were they just hollow spaces where eyes should have been placed. The thick obsidian fur that coated him did nothing to help make him look civil. A smirk crossed Mason's face, looking over the forest. If anyone tried to mess with them...it would be the biggest mistake of their lives. He had fought his entire life it seemed.

Stepping into the darkness of the forest, he glanced sidelong to his wolf again. He was almost missing in the middle of all the shadows. 'Never go into Alkali Forest...Rogues are tricky people and will murder anyone who belongs to a clan.' Rolling his eyes, he looked around, surveying for anyone who was watching them. he had considered becoming a rogue before, but his life with the Riders was too comfy since Xyla had asked him to be there. He had helped her gain almost everything she had. She had always treated him with some sort of respect...but since all this craziness with the other groups showing up. Valecia dismissing guards. Xyla sending troops to attack random locations. He held back a sneer. He had to question whether he actually wanted to be affiliated with them or not.

And then a girl dropped in front of him. How had she gotten past him and his wolf? He crossed his arms and stared at her as she looked him over. He could hear a soft growl emitting from beside him. 'Midnight Rider’s are not welcome in this forest. I suggest you leave unless you plan on becoming one of us.'

He sneered. "I don't take to being told what to do calmly." A hint of irritation underlined his words. He looked her over as she did him. She wasn't the worst thing he had ever seen. She had been up in the trees. He had been warned that rogues liked to sneak around through the branches. Uncivilized wildlings...one of the reasons he hadn't left Xyla's forces to be one. Wait...she had known where he was from...Probably heard rumor about him from somewhere. Most had known who he was when he started fighting with Xyla's troops. One of the fiercest fighters this land had ever seen. Or at least that's what he had thought of himself.

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Looking over at the ruffling of the brush, Jack smiled when her wolf walked over to her, standing protectively at her side. It was one thing to have a new rogue, but a trespasser who didn’t even belong to their group was different. ”I don’t take to being told what to do calmly.” Well, she had to admit he had fire. Stubborn, hot headed kind of man. Cocky by the looks of it too. She wasn’t too fond of guys like that, but this one seemed different.

Moving to walk slow circles around him and his wolf, she smiled, examining him as she walked, ”Then you fit in here more than I thought.” she said, finally stopping in front of him and looking into his eyes, searching, ”You aren’t like the other Riders… Something to admire. New comers call me Rowen and this is Zara Koliea. If you stick around, you might end up knowing me by a different name.” she smiled and moved, leaning against a nearby tree with her wolf laying on the ground beside her, her head on her paws but her eyes never leaving Mason and his wolf.

”It isn’t everyday we get a visitor from Xyla’s dominion. I would say its nice to meet you but my track record with her fighters isn’t all that great.” she shrugged, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jacket. It was odd to have strangers come in unannounced. Of course, if he tried to kill her, she’d do him in first… Around here, you took care of yourself and your wolf and no one else. Survival of the fittest. The harshest of all natural tests, and yet the most simple. This one was a survivor, she could tell.

Watching Mason, she contemplated whether he was with the rogues or against them. If he were with them, she’d at least feel better about this whole meeting. He hadn’t attacked her, so that was all good and well. But she was still confused by him. She could definitely admire his lack of the fear which most carried when they approached Rogue territory. It wouldn’t be long before the other Rogues found out he was there, though, and then he’d be screwed. They didn’t exactly take kindly to newcomers. Whereas, she just didn’t give a damn, so long as they didn’t try to her any of her group.

Looking up at Mason, she cocked her head to the side, curiously, ”You don’t have to give it to me, but what’s your name?” she asked. She liked him so far. He was head-strong and stubborn, like her. Kind of cocky though. Ah, she couldn’t judge. She was the same.

[Mason Ashcroft]

He watched her wolf walk out. Smaller than his demon obviously. He had gotten one of the largest wolves around here. And even with all of his black fur...it wasn't slimming him down a bit. Mason heard the soft growl crawling out from behind Loki's clenched and bared teeth. He knew it was killing the wolf to just stand there. To not go after the wolf standing by the rogue girl's side. The white wolf didn't seem to give a damn that Loki was sneering at her. Mason stood calmly when she moved towards him and started circling him. Loki reluctantly stayed as composed as he could. 'Then you fit in here more than I thought.' A small snort left his nose, arms still crossed as only his eyes followed her as far as they could before shifting to watch her come around the other side of him. She froze in front of him. Her eyes searching his. A crooked, devious smirk pulled up the right side of his face. "See something you like?" His voice dripped arrogance.

'You aren’t like the other Riders… Something to admire. New comers call me Rowen and this is Zara Koliea. If you stick around, you might end up knowing me by a different name.' And just like that, she was away from him, leaned against a tree with Zara at her feet, laying calmly but still protective. Mason knew better than to think Loki would ever just lay down and watch the enemy. His green eyes drifted from the wolf to Rowen. "I don't plan on sticking around in this hell hole long enough for that." One brow rose slowly with his words, head tilting down slightly as if to say, 'You really thought that I'd want to get to know you.' Maybe in bed...but not as a friend.. The smirk stayed on his face, but whether it was his arrogance, or the thought that ran through his head, that caused it was undetectable.

'It isn’t everyday we get a visitor from Xyla’s dominion. I would say its nice to meet you but my track record with her fighters isn’t all that great.' He almost rolled his eyes. Like he gave a damn about whether or not she hated the Riders. Everyone except the members of the group hated them. Hell...even some of the members hated them but were afraid to leave them. The Midnight Riders had killed many throughout their existence, humans and wolves alike. Most cherished the wolves that lived here, thought of them as gods of some sort. To Riders...they were only another fighter. Another enemy if they weren't sided with them. Only another target to destroy. He caught her shrug as if it didn't matter to her whether he was there or not, placing her hands in her pockets nonchalantly. She was way more cool and collected than she should have been with a Rider and a demon staring her down. Both fighters...the only difference is one bared fangs.

Loki had ceased his growling but still kept his empty eyes locked on them. He had apparently given in to the fact that Zara and this wildling girl were leaving them alone. 'You don’t have to give it to me, but what’s your name?' She tipped her head along with her question...almost cutely. He arrived with a badass attitude and a shadow beast at his side...and all she could do was ask his name, pretend they weren't a threat? It was almost insulting...but contrary to the norm...he glanced to Loki and then to Rowen. "Name's Mason..." Nudging his head towards the black wolf, eyes following before locking back on the girl. "...and Loki."

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’See something you like?’ Jack could have laughed, could have said anything really. Truth was, she did see something she liked, and that was the problem. He was a Midnight Rider. She’d vowed to kill any of them who came near her and now she wasn’t even thinking about killing this one. Why? Because she liked what she saw. She really was stupid sometimes… Her mind was screaming at her, telling her she couldn’t fall in love with her, but she felt drawn to him for whatever reason. She’d really never felt drawn to anyone before, not like this.. Zara maybe, but that was it.

Shrugging at his look, she crossed her arms. She didn’t particularly care if he wanted to get to know her or not. Really, what she cared about was the fact that he was in her territory. Normally, no one intruded in her part of the forest unless they wanted to get their heads bitten off. Figuratively speaking, of course. Although, she was sure she could find some sort of lone wolf to do her dirty work. After all, apparently some people thought decapitation should be a form of stress relief… Though, those people were morons. Would you stop your inner babbling?

So his name was Mason and his wolf was Loki. Hmm.. Well he definitely looked like a Mason. A badass fighter version of a Mason, of course.. She didn’t know any masons who really fought aside from him. But he looked like a cocky, stubborn jerk. Probably was one, come to think of it. How many times had she thought a guy was okay until he opened his big mouth and said something douche bag-ish? Plenty. Her taste in men had been lacking for a very long time, and this might not be an exception. He was interesting though. Definitely an attractive one, though she didn’t date or do relationships or such. He was still definitely nice to look at.

Glancing down at Zara, she wondered what her wolf was thinking at this point. She could only imagine what Zara would do if they decided to attack. She acted like a sweetheart, but she was really far from it when fighting. Somehow, she didn’t think he’d attack, though.. He was different from the other Midnight Riders.. she just couldn’t figure out what made him different from them, why he was so special as to attract her attentions. Weird.. Whatever, though.. She couldn’t do falling for a Rider, or any kind of male, really. Her only companion had been Zara for over a year now and she was okay with that. She preferred it that way, really.

”Well, Mason,” she said, looking over at him again, ”If you and Loki are sticking around for a while, Zara and I will gladly share our camp with you.” Did you seriously just say that? Are you on something? God, she must be stupid!

[Mason Ashcroft]

She didn't even seem phased by the fact that he was going to be taking off soon. Which shouldn't have surprised him really. He was from a hated group. The most despicable clans around here as of present. He was actually shocked that she hadn't banded together some other rogues to get him out of here. Clan members were never welcome in Alkali Forest...ever. His eyes shifted to Zara, who was still content with them. He sneered at her and could hear Loki join in by growling. He always was an antagonist with every situation. Begging for a fight to break out so he could murder something. Mason and him had been two peas in a pod since he had been brought to Xyla as a pup with the rest of the stolen pups.

Mason knew it was taking everything in Loki's power to not walk up and snap hold of Zara's throat just to shake her like a rag doll. Mason's eyes floated back up to Rowen. She wasn't too bad looking...but his standards had never been too high if he wasn't planning to stick around. If he was just planning to hit it and quit it...what did it truly matter what they looked like. His thoughts were interrupted by her. 'Well, Mason. If you and Loki are sticking around for a while, Zara and I will gladly share our camp with you.'

"Pft. Your funny...as if we need your help..." His Midnight Rider, bad ass front always stood strong. He glanced at Loki. "We'll be fine on our own." Rolling his eyes as he looked back at her. His arms remained crossed as they always were. "C'mon, Lok." Cutting Loki's name short as he did sometimes, he turned and started to walk away. Loki staring at Zara and Rowen as he took a step back slowly, not taking his eyes off of the two of them, growling and baring fangs from under a twitching lip before turning and stalking off after Mason.

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He set on the ground...Loki laying next to him, his head laying on the ground staring at the fire Mason was trying to create with little success. Everytime he'd get a spark...it'd go out. Cursing under his breath, he allowed his body weight to fall up against Loki's shoulder...it was useless to be attempting this...he knew he had no ability to live out here and would soon be going back to Xyla's command. He supposed it had been nice to give it a shot though. He sighed heavily..."What do you think, Loks?" The wolf's came back dark...rough as always. Deep. "I think you either need to learn how to make fire...are start growing fur...but you should decide quickly." Mason shook his head..."Thanks for the input..." Rolling his eyes.

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An amused smile crossed Jackie's lips as she listened to his spiel about not needing her help before he and Loki left. Men were so stubborn. Of course, so was she but that was different. Glancing at Zara, she smirked, "What do you think? They going to survive?" she asked when the boys had left to go about their own business. Zara snorted If we're lucky... No, I think they'll see the fire you build and decide to take advantage of the "help"...

Jackie shrugged and walked off to their clearing, which really wasnt far off from Mason and Loki's. She would have prefered to make camp at the waterfall but so much had happened there that Zara had made it clear she would never go back. It wasnt as though Jackie minded though. She sometimes didnt even want to look in that direction, after what had happened to her old friend and Zara's former human.

As the two walked to their clearing, she spent the distance between the two places collecting fire wood. She'd learned the moment she came to the forest how to make a sturdy, long-lasting camp fire. Those little skills here and there were what helped her survive. Of course, it wasnt always that easy. Sometimes she had to fight for her territory when a Rogue tresspassed. But it was nothing strenuous around here. She liked the quiet of it, where no one dared come unless they had more guts than brains or they wanted to join the Rogues.

She couldnt figure out what Mason was doing here though.. He clearly had brains and he didnt want to join the Rogues so why was he here? To hunt or recruit the Rogues? Xyla wasnt her favourite person. She wouldnt put it past her at all if she decided to try manipulate the Rogues, or at least most of them. There were few Rogues who were former Midnight Rider's after all.

Setting up the fire, she grabbed two stones from her leather bag and struck them together for a spark. When the fire finally started, she smiled, "Perfect. Who says living in the wild isnt fun?" she grinned at Zara.

[Mason Ashcroft]

His fingers tangled in the black fur covering Loki's shoulder blade. Taking in a deep breath, he released it heavily. He was a failure at living at here in the middle of nothing. His one side was warm from Loki's body heat...but his exposed side felt tingling from the cool breeze pulling through the already always cold forest...

He felt Loki shift a little, the steady rhythm of him breathing not even helping Mason lull off. Rolling over, his hands pushed into the wolf's thick fur again. If he could just wrap himself up with the fur...everything would be perfect. He could hear Loki's deep, monotone voice break the silence. 'You ever consider going and taking advantage of her?' the question caught Mason off guard...what exactly did Loki mean with that question? He could have taken it a few different ways. And the fact that Loki had said something that might be condoning Mason's usual behavior...was...shocking to him.

He never really knew why Loki was with him...The wolf had always disagreed with most of Mason's actions, but for some reason, stayed. Maybe he thought it an obligation since he had been Mason's since he was stolen from Valecia's guarded walls. Maybe he was afraid no other human would want him. Maybe he just thought that Mason would die without him around...If it was the first, it meant the wolf might as well go if the only reason he is staying is because he's miserable but it's his job to. The second meant that he was concerned about himself and had insecurities...and the third meant...he actually gave a damn about something...someone...

Mason filled his lungs to the brim with air before releasing it. "I'm going to freeze out here, huh?" His eyes drifted to try and see Loki's dark face. The wolf's eyes were closed, head up, audits laid back in a calm state. A smirk crawled across his lips sluggishly. "Looks to be that way." You could hear the humor in his deep voice. Mason scowled back at his companion discouraging words before pushing off Loki's muscled shoulder blade and standing up. He crossed his arms, trying to hold back shivers as another gust of wind pulled through the trees. "C'mon...let's go make sure she's alright." Loki's eyes opened slowly with an amused look. "Mmhmm....whatever you say, hotshot..." The black monster lifted his large frame from the ground and stretched slowly. Drawing his actions out dramatically as he shook out his fur. "Fine..." Mason growled. "I'm cold...let's go." Loki's grin grew. "That's better. Let's go.

[/i]" The beast almost pranced past his handler with the new satisfaction of hearing Mason admit he was weak in some way.

His eyes rolled as he followed after Loki.

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He kept his head down as he stepped out. Loki at his side, his black, empty eyes staring at Zara and Rowen. His smirk stayed on his face, waiting for Mason to talk and tell them why they had come back. "Hey....Rowen? We decided to..." His words trailed and if Loki had the ability in him to snicker...he would have. "C'mon, hotshot. Tell 'em." Mason glared sidelong at Loki. "Shutit!" His words passed through clenched teeth before looking back to Rowen..."WE wanted to know if WE could stay here with you two for the night..."

Loki's non existent eyes went wide. "WE!?" He looked appalled, staring over at Mason before shooting a glare at Rowen and Zara. "THIS" His head nudging towards Mason as he spoke. "Pathetic excuse for a man can't handle the cold. And can't build a fire. And can't sleep outside. Shall I keep going?[/i]" Mason's eyes narrowed as he sidelong glared at Loki again. His voice fighting past a wall of clenched teeth again. "Loki! Shut! Up!" Loki returned his grin to his lips and looked at the two females, wagging his tail a little. The feeling of slight happiness was odd to him. "Oh. Sorry. I mean...oh what was it Mason wanted to do?" The wolf tilted his head and seemed to stare upwards in mock thought. "Oh Yeah![/i]" His gaze returned to them. "Mase here wanted to make sure you two were ok for the night."

Mason shook his head and grumbled to himself quietly. "Yeah that...So...what about it?"[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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Jackie knew even before Mason departed out of the clearing that he’d be back. He didn’t seem like the nature-type, that was for sure. And he hadnt had to live in nature for years like she had. So when she finished building her fire, she gathered a few long, thin branches and twine. If she was going to hunt at this time of year she’d need to do it from the trees to avoid predatory wild animals who weren’t wolves. So, she’d make herself a bow and some arrows, probably find some sort of material she could use for a quiver. Throwing knives from the trees was effective but not nearly precise enough. Glancing at Zara, she smiled, “Estimated guess of how long it’ll take him to come back with his tail between his legs?” she asked. She could see the wolf contemplating it, and knew it wouldn’t be too long, but it was always amusing to see what Zara thought.

I give it two minutes, three at the most. the wolf replied, shaking her head and hunkering down by the fire to relax. It always amazed Jack how calm and quiet Zara could be, even in the thick of battle. While the wolf was a fierce fighter in battle, she always had a calm, calculating demeanor about her. Sitting next to Zara to start in on making the arrows for her bow, she watched the fire, thinking. She’d gathered the sturdiest, thinnest branches she could find for the arrows and a few that were about an inch thicker than the rest for the bow. It shouldn’t be too hard with a little trial and arrow. After all, there was enough twine in her pack to make about twenty.

Looking up when Mason and Loki stepped out of the woods, she smiled at Loki’s words and then looked at Mason, “Come sit down then. I’ll be going hunting in a bit, needed the fire started before I did though.” she said, nodding to the fire. Zara had lifted her head and gave a few short, amused growled, like she was laughing, I told you she said, looking at Jack before she looked over at Mason and Loki, Come on. There’s plenty of room here.”

Jack was amused by the bickering. They fought like an old married couple, for heaven’s sake. Mason’s clear annoyance at Loki’s words were the most amusing, but she wouldn’t say it. Smiling when Mason looked back at her, finishing the argument, she waved them over, “Zara’s right, we’ve plenty of room at camp. Newcomers are welcome, on occasion.” she said, looking at Zara and then back at her thin branches. She took a knife out, starting to cut the smaller twigs off of them, making sure she could use them. The ones she couldn’t afford to use, she tossed in the fire. Glancing at Mason and Loki, she smiled, “You can call me by my actual name, though. Rowen is a nickname I earned from my childhood. It’s a shortened version of my last name. My name is Ava Jackeline Rowentree. You can either call me Ava, Jack, or Jackie.”