The summer brings waves of heat across central Beqanna this time of year. Even the mosquito doesn't want to hang around out of the shade for too long. The resident birds sing happily and watch their offspring take wing as the golden sun sinks behind the eastern horizon. Quite a pleasant evening, really.

Chemdog has been loitering around the lake for a few days now. He watches the field from this vantage and relishes in the relief of it's cool waters and breezy shade. He stands on the shoreline, knee deep in the reeds and frog water. A few herons [ardea herodias] move quietly around him, feeding on the minnows dancing around his ankles.

His head is slumped and his eyes almost completely closed, lip drooping idly as he drifts into a nap. He's awoken at the sudden flight of his blue feathered friends. Cold mist splashes across his inky shoulders as they move off noisily. They were spooked by the subtle arrival of a mare. Sometimes Chemdog believed the fates must adore him – for they deliver such gifts so often. He notes his delight with his beloved Gods and silently watches the mare from behind a veil of black forelock. He follows her rather boldly, not trying to hide it, accompanying her to her shady spot and standing a polite distance away. “Well hello there.” He offers a genuine smile and tosses his forelock aside to reveal his bright teal eyes. His gaze blatantly scours her curves, her face and finally settles to bore into her own stare. “May I tell you you're a rather beautiful woman, lass. Note worthy.” His mouth twinges a bit and his smile betrays a small bit of deviousness if you look close enough. He is not bashful about looking her over several more times, but avoids looking too hungry. He wonders if the wolfishness is hidden to her or if she can see it clearly. “I am Chem. Chemdog. But Chem works better for all involved, shorter, easier. And what might your name be?”

chemdog

astra inclinant, sed non obligant.

“Make fun of me, eh?” He chortles and gives his thick tail a toss. “Well, woman with whatever strange name, is that what you're doing to me right now? Making fun?” His grin gains girth with yet another sinister chuckle, but this is nothing she should fear, only his ever spinning mind. Bugs are starting to find his dark coat now and he starts to twist his ears a little more, shaking and tossing his tail to scatter them every few minutes.

“Ah. Pests.” he bends to scrap his teeth against his shoulder, relieving an itch. “Little fuckers love it here.” Small black flies seem to be very attracted to his dark color. He notices her retreating step and only smiles, perking his head up. “No need to be fearful. I am not the worst type you'll find roving around this Field.” He shakes again, the bugs seem to be getting thicker by the minute... “They are not even half as bad back home. The dragonflies and the bats keep them delightfully in check in my Forest.” He watches carefully for her reaction. She seems weary, but not stupid. He might just be a very harmless opportunity for her to get out of here.

chemdog

astra inclinant, sed non obligant.

“Oh my, nameless one, you are quite sassy aren't you?” his words bubble up from a laugh as she snorts and moves away like some befuddled brat. He finds it slightly endearing, though, and is not put off by her rejection. He only picks himself up to trot after her and move in smoothly at her side, bending his neck down to drink beside her. His long hair dangles in the rippling waters while he drinks, keeping his eyes closed in case she's staring at him with displeasure.

Once they're done he cannot help but look over to the mare. “So you're saying you'll refuse my offerings before I even offer them fully?” He laughs a bit more and looks out toward the sunset. “What'd you come here for then, odd girl?” He looks at her face curiously. He attempts to read her, to pick apart the details of her expression, tries to guess what she might be thinking.

chemdog

astra inclinant, sed non obligant.

“If you can tell when I am being genuine then why can you not tell that my words about my home are in fact honest?” He smiles, but his face does show the dreamy delight in his eyes when he speaks of his home. That Forest really does mean very much to him, and everything, everyone within it. He laughs at her though, at her venomous rant. “Well this is the worst place to have come to get away from stallions of any kind, girl.” She moves away again and he doesn't follow, just watching her throw her small tantrum and look toward a sinking sun and it's frame of serrated clouds.

“Sreva then, you're being ridiculous.” He huffs at her dramatically, but his face betrays his humorous amusement with her attitude. “I have no big collection of women. No hoard of chained slaves, abused victims and a harem of brides.” He his still smiling at her, talking to her back, shouting a little so she may hear him. “I simply protect, adore, and care for my forest and all that lives within it. When I claim a woman, she's mine, yes – but I would never hold her prisoner or tell her she could not come and go like the breeze.” He steps forward a few steps but doesn't come within touching distance from her. “I like my ladies free. Individuals. Sassy.” He laughs at her stubbornness. “We work together, my family and I, and I do not force anyone to do anything.” He wonders now what she'll do with this information.

chemdog

astra inclinant, sed non obligant.

“ Give you a reason?” His face crinkles with puzzlement. “The reason must come from within you, I imagine.” He looks toward the horizon, pondering. “But I can tell you that many exciting things will be in the future for me and mine, adventures, love, children – conflict, if you desire it. Many things. I don't plan on hiding idly by in my dwelling, just taking in more mouths to feed.” He takes a breath, looking over her body and then back to her face. “I can promise you protection, fun, and your freedom – apart from you swearing your loyalty to me. I don't require your heart, but your utmost loyalty is a must. I won't force you to make a million babies or fight wars you don't give a shit about.” He draws in a breath once again. It's been a long time since a mare has asked for any sort of explanation in that depth before.

“My forest is beautiful and secluded. There are only a few paths leading in and out of it, secret paths used by us and the deer. Meadow grass, enough to sustain us all through the warm months, mountain caves, a lake, rivers and dense, protective wood that goes on forever. The resident wolf pack and I have an understanding, they will not bother us ever. It is a sanctum of whatever you desire.” He watches her carefully for a read on what she might think about his description of his Forest.

He almost can't believe he's even bothering, but there is something about the girl. Something he finds interesting – irresistible, even. He's drawn to her fierceness and reluctance to trust him even a little.

chemdog

astra inclinant, sed non obligant.