Unwanted Attention

Kuerr

The early morning rays of Zonje’s sun had long since passed over the immense desert that contained the Following. The day was hotter than the last and showed no signs of cooling, not just yet. The gentle crunch of sand under hairless paws was all the male to focus on. The sound similar to the steady beat of a drum as he paced his way across the Following to the market place. Usually the bald mutt wouldn’t be out in the open during the midday heat, yet today was the exception. He had a mission. A reason to risk almost certain sunburn. For today, the male was out to retrieve minimal protection against the suns harsh rays as it was all his rank would permit. Not that he minded, anything is better than nothing.

He had been wandering the market place for some time now, feeling rather lost and annoyed. The small dog could feel the sun’s rays burning his smooth, hairless back. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he manoeuvred his way through the crowd, he would give up on his search temporarily and instead search for water. He was in desperate need for shade and water. Unknowingly the bald male decided that water was far more important.

His domed head leaned close to the water, lapping up the cool water. Once he had his fill he lifted his gaze to observe the dogs of the Following, rocking back onto his haunches at the edge of the fountain. He rolled the heat from his shoulders as his pale grey gaze searched for an adequate shady place to hide out for a few moments or at least until the sun had begun to withdraw behind the horizon.

<da:thumb id="670047054"/>

The female licked over the stitches in her leg, before the blessed Shaman advised instantly against the tampering of the wound, so she ceased, looking around the small room as the healer gently dabbed a substance on her neck for such minor lacerations that occurred to her. It had been a rough weeks of fighting rouges and learning to get along with her new peers, that had her feeling overly run down but she;d be damned if it showed through on her face. "You're done here, Champion," The Shaman said quietly before backing away from the already rising pale colored female. Cruz began her stroll out of the dingy room and back into the open quarters of the Shaman barracks, watching the Zonje pendants and hooded figures pass her bye, whispering certain things under their breath as the dried blood was scattered across her body. "Heathen." Some said, but she ignored them, soon feeling the heat of the day on her back, blinking slowly to adjust to the blinding light that submersed her in a pool of gold. The female made her way immediately to the Champion's quarters, The few palm trees that laid outside her fencing brought a hint of shade near the watering hole. The few dogs that were there, men of her own faction, moved promptly to let her take up the shady space. She felt the cool sands wrap around her paws, moving in one or two circles before lowering herself fully to the ground, taking in a deep breath.

Kuerr

His elegantly domed head lifted from the fountain, swivelling atop his thick neck as he took in his bearings. He had not travelled far from his den today, and he found that thought rather disappointing. His head turned towards the Temple of Zonje, its stunning figure towering over the Following as if to remind them all of who they worship. But that was the point of a temple, after all. His pale eyes glazed over the warrior district, and audible sight escaping his lips. He had seen that before. But since he was already going to be burnt to a crisp, he figured why not. He rose from his haunches and trotted over to the warrior district, nothing seemed to hold his attention for long as he continued to trot on by. He paused momentarily outside the fighting arena, the arena holding his interest only momentarily. He had witnessed enough fights to not care for needless bloodshed and so left without caring how the fight were to end. He was passing by what he understood to be the Champions quarters when he was nearly bowled over by a couple of larger dogs. If he had known his position to be above theirs, he would’ve growled. But he felt as though he were in another’s territory and it was not his place. So, there was no need to be so… hostile. Unfortunately.

His pale gaze turned to what they appeared to be leaving, hoping it were something interesting. Instead he saw a golden dog laying in the shade near the lake. His head tilted to the left. He had heard of the golden Champion, yet found himself at a loss for her name. Right, it was Cruz… at least that’s what he thought. He placed one paw in front of the other before pausing, his gaze remaining on the Champion. He remained there for a few moments before he realised that he was staring. His head once again began to swivel before he lowered it, doing a half turn. Abandoning the thought of approaching the Champion. Yet he once again paused. What if she had seen him?

With a sharp inhale, every muscle on his body tensed. His head once again turned to the Champion. He had better say something… ”Good morning… or rather afternoon, Champion Cruz.” His voice cut across the windless desert, it was filled with a certain confidence. One that Kuerr did not feel. It was at this moment, as he remained in his half-turned position staring at the golden form of the Champion, that he hoped that he had gotten her name right and that she was not sleeping.

<da:thumb id="670047054"/>

The female felt her body calm in the cool of the shade, though it was still hot, it was more than a relief. Her sore and newly stitched wounds seem to smell of the herbs the Shamans used, every now and again she'd lick her arm or her nape. It appeared to be very cat like, but somehow the licks soothed the wounds, let them cool, breathe, and for only a moment feel like her normal skin again. Her eyes were closed for a long while, again, licking so often as if it were her instinct too. It was only when she felt something in her presence. It's just the heat, it's warmth is surrounding me- Her eyes held tighter as her nose began to work, her tall ears beginning to twitch, "Heat doesn't breathe." Cruz's pale eyes sprang open staring directly into some stranger's and so her body tensed, half ready to rise and fight the male. Though she lowered back, shoulders rolling under her coat as he wished her a good afternoon, but frankly still she was tense. "Go back to your proper area, Follower," She licked over her teeth, her words coming out like a smooth drink of blood wine, before crossing her long legs and looking in the direction of the watering hole, "You've no business being out this way." Her words were sharp, perhaps rude, but it wasn't her job to make small talk with the passer-by, not unless there was business to attend to.

Kuerr

His eyes widened slightly at her words, they were smooth yet rather forceful. His mouth fell slightly agape. What made him think that he could talk to her? With a small shake of his head, he straightened slightly, “Of course.” He dipped his head slightly, his pale grey gaze never leaving her mismatched eyes. “My apologies.” His own words were just as smooth as the females had been, yet were far gentler… for lack of a better word.

He observed the way in which she had already turned her attention back towards the lake. He assumed his words would fall on deaf ears, as she had made it clear he was of no interest to her. Her legs crossed delicately in front of her, as if he were already old news. Which, to be honest, would not surprise him. He was not well known, had no business with the Champion and was probably just wasting everyone’s time. With that thought, he found his jaws clenching together and his gaze darken towards the female. Though it wasn’t directly her fault, he held her somewhat responsible for this realisation and he would not forget it.

Without any further hesitation, Kuerr turned his hairless form from the Champion. Head shoulder-height and with a deliberately slow pace he moved towards his den, not sparing the Champion a second glance.

<da:thumb id="670047054"/>

Cruz licked over her teeth, out of the corner of her eyes happening to catch the male's spiteful stare; which only caused her to look back sharply in his direction. Her pale eyes narrowed at his sulking demeanour, she wasn't sure what he was expecting, and she had little empathy. It almost came as a surprise to her how some Followers approached higher ranks; when she was fresh into this hell of a cult, she approached little to none, keeping to herself and only allowing her outspoken tendencies to flourish when it was asked of her. She had little sympathy or time for the kind-hearted that befriended everyone, as they were the easiest to betray and they knew it. The pale female shifted to her hips, pushing her upper torso up to a tall sit, still watching him slink away. "Come here." Her words were meant for the hairless male and only him, stern and somewhat heavy on her sharp and ladylike voice. "Come here," Her voice became louder, as if it were an order, and if he had an ounce of intelligence he'd certainly take it as one.

Kuerr

He did not register the Champion’s snap her gaze to him. His first mistake.
Her intense tone easily faded as he began to walk away, barely registering in his tall ears. His second mistake.

It was not until they were repeated that he took notice. His strides slowed as his domed head turned to face the Champion. She now sat tall, her golden coat seeming to shimmer under Zonje’s powerful rays. She looked regal, no, formidable. He knew better than to trust the illusions Zonje cast on others and her tone warned him of the impending danger should he not comply.

With a quick flicker of his gaze to meet hers, he instantly looked away. He knew he had been caught for something, and immediately felt his stomach drop. Reluctantly, he turned his sturdy form around and began to walk towards the Champion. His pace was not slow, yet was not forceful either. He did everything he could to control his movements to be those of neutral. Neither agitated, nor overly submissive. He hated being submissive.

He rocked back onto his haunches in a relaxed manner as he craned his neck to look up at the Champion. He wasn’t close, per say, just close enough to seem polite, yet far enough to not be in danger should she attack. Her tone had set him on edge and he did not want to be on the receiving end of those teeth.

With a calm, control tone he responded, “Yes, Champion Cruz. Did you want something?”

<da:thumb id="670047054"/>

Cruz licked over the two permanent scars along her sleek maw, eyes lowering down to the hairless wonder that now sat before her; half ashamed, partly confused, the rest - possibly coated in disdain. What a sight. Though she took notice of how he tried to be on his best behavior, unfortunately she was a bitch that dealt with so many males who would get in trouble, she already knew the true nature that lied beneath their skins. Anger and upset that they had been called out for perhaps a misstep in their usual activity, not wanting to hear a lecture, but mentally preparing for it anyway. The female's glossy eyes picked back up, studying the heat waves that danced along the sands' surface, "You should be more careful about who you show an attitude with, Follower," She looked back to him, lowering her head slightly, smoothly, like that of a dragon's firm and intimidating, "There are dogs here much less kind than I who would rip into you simply for uttering any cadence of words in their direction." She said softly, but a growl seeped through her teeth, making sure he was listening to her every words, before a strong breath emptied from her chest. Cruz remembered encountering the Deacons, the Bishop and High Priestess, and even the Sovereign for the first time in her life. She was but a mere Warrior with nothing really to her name but a den and some scraps of meat. At that time she had felt so proven, so worthy, a great fighter, one of the only females at the time among a sea of brutes. Yet in their presence, she was still nothing, any word spoken out of turn would be met with hostility and perhaps a quick bite to the face. Not to her, but to her peers, the Warriors that fought for this city, they would get attacked, pinned, humiliated, all for just speaking to someone so great as the ones who held an aristocratic position. Though not Cruz, she'd learned well an plenty to keep her space, to hold her tongue, and to slowly work her way into earning the right to speak to those who held the city in the very palms of their hands. If she, a proven Warrior at the time meant nothing, she could only imagine what a Follower may be looked upon as. If anything the slightly cold female was protecting the naked rat of a dog, protecting him from meeting a set of teeth that may rip his flesh for showing the insolence of trespassing outside of his district, and speaking to someone so high ranked, so casually as if they had known each other for years. Cruz let out a signature, dry and discerning laugh, "Did I want something," She shook her head, repeating his earlier words, and reeled away from the slightly smaller male, "You are much to bold for the position you carry. What is your name?" She demanded, but the words fell and rolled smoothly and calmly from her tongue.

Kuerr

Pale grey eyes locked onto pastel mismatched orbs as they lowered to observe the hairless dog that sat before them. Nearly as suddenly as they had locked eyes, the female turned her gaze away. This confused the hairless dog. If she was disinterested in him, why had she called him over? Though he did his best to keep his features remaining neutral. He nearly thought he had gotten away with his mild attitude display mere moments ago, that was until the larger female before him started to speak. Her calm, cool tone carried effortlessly across the gap between them as she lowered her head towards Kuerr, perhaps trying to be his height? No matter the reasoning, Kuerr found it rather intimidating. He knew what the Champion was capable of, otherwise she wouldn’t hold such a high position and it would seem as though he was getting on her bad side. Not a good move.

As she stated that other dogs would punish him for what she just witnessed he began to feel a smidgen of hope slither its way to his core. But her tone had it quickly retreating. His ears trained forwards, ensuring he would not insult her further by ignoring her words. Then he would be no better off than a slave. He allowed his pale grey eyes to drop to his raw paws as he dug his toes into the sand, “My apologies, Champion Cruz. It won’t happen again.” At his apology, he once again rose his gaze to meet hers, allowing her to read that he was genuine in his words. Though perhaps didn’t regret it, only the fact that he got caught.

It was then that she repeated his earlier words and laughed. That was never a good sign. But then she simply asked for his name. Was that good or bad? His ears flickered back momentarily as his gaze darted towards the direction of the unproven district. It’s not like he could ignore her. She would find him, of that he had no doubt, and the punishment would be far worse. With a deep inhale, he turned his domed head towards the Champion. “Kuerr. My name is Kuerr.” His gaze remained trained on the female, though now he was perhaps a little tenser. Preparing himself for the worst possible outcome.

<da:thumb id="670047054"/>

Cruz nodded gently at his name, after watching his gaze avoid her for the unproven district, then landing back on her. The young female shifted on her paws, raising her head and looking into the same direction of the district, taking a brief moment to inhale the warm air that surrounded them, "Well, Follower Kuerr," She let the name roll smoothly off her tongue, with a deep exhale, "You aren't in trouble," She licked over her row of teeth, looking down to him calmly but with a stern undertone to her sharp gaze, "I'm just warning you for next time. I hope you understand where I'm coming from." She said the last bit offhandedly, not really caring if he did understand or not, it wasn't her job to explain her warnings to people, they would have to figure it out. The female rose to her paws finally after some silence, turning back into the core of the shaded area, lowering her hindquarters into the cool sands and her body following suit. She watched the heatwaves and the sun's rays blare down before looking over her shoulder at the hairless sausage, then looking forward again, "Follower Kuerr, you're dismissed." She growled, curling her front paws in towards her chest, licking over her maw and beginning to pant.

Kuerr

His pale gaze picked up the gentle nod the Champion gave at his name. It was then that she had begun to speak. The hairless male expected her tone to be sharp and harsh, but instead it simply rolled across the distance between the duo. She had stated that he wasn’t in trouble, this caused his form to relax slightly. He had only just met the Champion and didn’t want to be on bad terms with her already. Even though he didn’t quite approve of her initial approach to dealing with him. The Champion continued by stating that she was simply warning him, and that there would be no leniency for next time he should displease her. “Of course, and thank you.” He ended his statement with a curt nod of his large domed skull. He didn’t know why, but now he had much more respect for the female. Perhaps she showed she was a female worth following or merely put Kuerr in his place. Kuerr was more of a follower than a leader and it wasn’t difficult to sway him to follow your lead.

After a few moments of silence the female once again returned to the core of the shaded area, just like before Kuerr had interrupted. Her gaze quickly glanced over her shoulder just as Kuerr had tilted his head. The heatwaves that danced across the sand seemed to be dancing from the shimmering golden coat of the female Champion. Though her glance was short-lived. No sooner than she turned her attention away from the hairless follower once more did her sharp tone pierce the silence between them. “Thank you for your time, Champion Cruz, and I appreciate the warning.” He effortlessly rose from his haunches and bowed his head once more before he turned to return to the Followers district.