It was a cold, dismal Saturday evening. The night, slow and unrelenting; had masked the trees in a cloak of darkness. The sun's last stretches of pink had given way to the more solid blackness of night as Gregory turned onto the pathway. The moon was nearly full even that early, but both it and the faded stars were dimmed further by a heavy fog. Darkness reigned in more than one sense that night..In addition, the young god of light and darkness was sure to be affected by the gloomy hours of twilight that now caused him to turn deeper into the forest, at least until the young werewolf felt that it was dark enough. The forest was eerier now, and that he was pleased by. Starting to relax again, he breathed in time with the breeze as it rumbled atop the trees and caused the leaves to gently rustle together. In his werewolf form his paced steps suddenly quickened, the glowing-swirling-markings amongst his entire grey and black pelt glimmering cyan with his eyes. The gods-marking on his forehead though, seemed to glow even more so, acting almost as a flashlight, one that was completely unnecessary...

His heart seemed to beat faster and faster as his steps began to grow more heavy and broad, taking long strides as his senses honed more clearly on the abnormal sounds that now became so evidently clear to him. This night was not his night, as many nights weren't. His back arching more as he began to run in more of a crouch, dodging branches that now were lower than usual in the trees. Even through the curtain of the treetops, Gregory could see that the hour of twilight was over, and the pitch-blackness of night shaded the trees in an eerie veil, creating the illusion of a cage. One he feared, he'd never escape...

After his breathing began to grow more heavy he stopped and caught himself by grabbing firm hold of a tree branch, preventing himself from a fall he knew would have hurt incredibly so. Whoever..or whatever, was following him was gone, but who knows what else lingered...waiting. Gregory wasn't afraid as much as he was just plain aggravated, leaning against the tree and gasping in exhaustion. Running, he knew that was unnecessary, but he had every right to be paranoid, not even these woods could be trusted anymore...

http://DragonFire01.deviantart.com/art/Filladan-74218007

Filladan enjoyed the evening time, mostly because of the show of color that painted the sky with brilliant arrays of reds, oranges, yellows, nearly all the range of colors as the light of day turned to the dark, star speckled night time. The Ariarthe was sitting out on a hill in a field watching the spectacle. As old as he was, it never passed his mind that it happened every evening. His kind enjoyed and loved nature, watching it never got old. Plus it was so peaceful at this time of the day as well. It was that time where all creatures if not nocturnal, usually took shelter to settle down for the night and rest from all the activity of the day's events.

With a deep breath, the being sighed contently, as the last of the color drained and faded from the sky, like paint in water. His emerald green eyes sparkled, a gentle smile gracing his face, his long furred ears twitching slightly, swaying in the wind, as did his long, faun colored hair. The chains links chimed almost musically on his horns as he stood, grasping his bo-staff and turning to do as the residents of the area were starting to do. Find shelter and settle in for the night.

Gregory's eyes slowly faded to a illuminating sapphire-along with his markings- as he warily pushed himself off of the tree, arching his weight forwards as the young god forced himself to continue on. He knew it was a bad idea to wander around at night, even if his power could easily take on any competitor. The moon and the bright stars were his television, after all, the radiation from the T.V's were proven to be the number '3' cause of brain cancer. Intrigued by his own thoughts he wander aimlessly into the impending darkness, his markings easily giving him away with their dim luminescence. He had no idea where he was going what so ever, but somehow, he didn't care. And as the trees began to grow closer together and the paths-more than likely made by others-began to subside into nothing but thorns and overgrown shrubs remained. Gregory knew it was best to stop to rest. But his curiosity was the worst of all things, and always lead him into the worst trouble imaginable. The trees around him were looming, taunting, and almost seemed as if they were watching his every move, waiting for something...but what? After all, they're just trees.

His heart trembled with the cold though as he continued wind-bound through the forest. Somehow, the wind made its way under the thick mask of treetops and nipped at the sides of his muzzle, causing him a significant amount of irritation, even in the nice evening weather. The stars acted as no source of heat and became quite useless. Every day he lived was the same none-the-less. To abide by the rules and to live everyday as if it were a ray of sunshine, even in the stormiest and most miserable weather conditions possible. The darkness was almost so eerie is send involuntary trembles down his spine. He felt another presence grow nearer and nearer. Or perhaps, he was approaching it. However, he had no intentions of setting in his current stature and await whoever, or whatever it was. But he wasn't going to just pivot and turn back either. That, he was sure. The cooling sensations of night were completely harmless, and merely beautiful...

The night sky suddenly became more visible now...and he could finally notice that the previous overcast had subsided and caused the stars to be bare and the moon to be undisturbed by the thunder of the previous storm. The ground was still quite damp, and occasional splashes of mud would strike his face and cause him to squint and grimace in disgust. The scent of the other creature was more potent now, and stung his nostrils even more now as he flared them irritably. He couldn't help it now...it was only a mile away, and he had to talk to someone before he went insane from lack of socialization.

As the Ari made his way down the grassy hill to the field below, as he began sifting through the tall grass, speckled with flowers of all colors, some that seemed to glow in the dark almost they were so bright, Filladan's senses caught onto the presence not very far off, heading his way. Ears twitching again as they listened intently, but he remaining calm, continuing his way through the field. He sensed no immediate threat from the one approaching, and himself didn't emit any hostile energy. His kind disliked fighting, and avoided it if possible. Not to say they couldn't defend themselves. A large bow was hung over the Ariarthe's shoulder, along with a quiver of arrows. The being also had a dagger strapped to his wolf half's upper front leg. And of course his bo-staff. All of their kind were skilled in usually a few, if not many fighting techniques. And all of their weapons were hand made, expertly crafted into deadly, if needed, weapons.

But Filladan was sure he wouldn't need to use any of his weapons. The one approaching was welcome to find him if he or she wanted. He hadn't had a decent conversation with anyone in a while. Many people in this area, it seemed, disliked any kind other than their own species. He had numerous times tried to make good with them, but just getting some food or drink was difficult, and he had to pay double just to get some. Why, the being didn't know, he didn't pose any harm, or to cause any trouble. Just innocent business, and the emerald eyed Ari was perfectly friendly. Yet they all gave him dirty looks, stared, or ignored him completely. Rude, but Filladan just dealt with it, getting what he needed before leaving. No need to aggravate them more and spark unwanted trouble.

So now, as he passed through the grassy field, he paused by a willow tree, glancing around as the fireflies began emerging, lighting the air with their bursts of yellow light. One passed across the taur's face and lit up, the glow reflecting off his glasses and face, and giving his emerald green eyes a soft light as well.

Gregory's glance retreated ground-wards, watching his hind-legs as they swiftly bounded through the endless black that almost seemed as dark and treacherous as the night sky itself. Wanting to be noticed Gregory quickly snapped his fingers, the entire night sky flickering to a bright orange then slowly subsiding until it was back on black again, almost like a spark. And Gregory was sure the creature noticed it.

Being the god of light and darkness meant Gregory had many abilities, and even many wasn't exaggerating enough. He had many dark powers as he had many 'light' ones as well. To be subtle. The shadows around the young god seemed to dance around him, intriguing him as his eyes wandered back upwards again. Almost too lost in his imaginings as he realised the creature was just a short half-mile down the clearing.

Gregory sensed no negativity from the creature, nor did he receive any energy that the creature meant violence, none the less, it was definitely different. Either way, if the creature meant any harm, Gregory would be ready; but still cautious. Just because he was powerful didn't mean he was the master of resurrection. And wounds could just as easily be inflicted if aimed past his power.

Continuing onwards he stop just a short few yards off, snapping his fingers again, the sound coming out more like bells as he grimaced, hopping on one foot briefly as he tore a shard of glass from under the skin on his foot, wincing. His wound healing instantaneously as soon as the glass was removed. He had no intentions of approaching the creature, he expected it to make the next move, at least to see if it had any interest in conversation, he didn't want to come off as rude and just walk up and start conversing with it. What kind of god would do such a thing?

Gregory's glance retreated ground-wards, watching his hind-legs as they swiftly bounded through the endless black that almost seemed as dark and treacherous as the night sky itself. Wanting to be noticed Gregory quickly snapped his fingers, the entire night sky flickering to a bright orange then slowly subsiding until it was back on black again, almost like a spark. And Gregory was sure the creature noticed it.

Being the god of light and darkness meant Gregory had many abilities, and even many wasn't exaggerating enough. He had many dark powers as he had many 'light' ones as well. To be subtle. The shadows around the young god seemed to dance around him, intriguing him as his eyes wandered back upwards again. Almost too lost in his imaginings as he realised the creature was just a short half-mile down the clearing.

Gregory sensed no negativity from the creature, nor did he receive any energy that the creature meant violence, none the less, it was definitely different. Either way, if the creature meant any harm, Gregory would be ready; but still cautious. Just because he was powerful didn't mean he was the master of resurrection. And wounds could just as easily be inflicted if aimed past his power.

Continuing onwards he stop just a short few yards off, snapping his fingers again, the sound coming out more like bells as he grimaced, hopping on one foot briefly as he tore a shard of glass from under the skin on his foot, wincing. His wound healing instantaneously as soon as the glass was removed. He had no intentions of approaching the creature, he expected it to make the next move, at least to see if it had any interest in conversation, he didn't want to come off as rude and just walk up and start conversing with it. What kind of god would do such a thing?

As the occasional breeze swept by, Filladan could feel as the other presence came ever closer, yet still not sensing any hostility or aggression either from him or her. The Ari could tell though, that whoever and whatever it was, was large bodied, from what his large sensitive ears could pick up from the heavy footfalls heading his way. And as he heard his company approach, pausing a few yards away, the being could also feel the power emanating out. It was impressive, yet the Ariarthe felt safe within it.

After another moment, the faun haired taur turned his attention from the fireflies, his emerald green eyes hitting the other first before his body shifted around. Perhaps he would seem like an odd mix of creature, what, with the upper torso of a bare chested man, upon his head, long furred ears, and horns, yet with the lower body of a wolf. Filladan's tail swished slightly as he stood there, gazing back at the other gently, just taking in his figure and details, something the Ari always did when meeting others. Observing.

But then he smiled. "You don't have to distance yourself, I don't pose you any threat I assure you. I mean no harm." His observant eyes could pick up that the other was curious in his face and body language.

Gregory's eyes rolled and his eyebrows rose. It wasn't fear that made him hesitate. Fear of coming off as rude, yea. But fear of the creature itself...Nah. He had more important things to worry about, and this creature was not the only strange being Gregory had spotted in his travels. And he knew the creature noticed his sarcastic reply. Still, he had to do something besides stand there like a fool, in that case he'd only be looking like an idiot...or maybe even a lost dog...ironically speaking. Taking one last deep gaze at the stars before quickly stepping towards the creature, offering a smile as he stood before the stranger. Noticing now that he had to look down at it. You could think that he finally noticed the size difference. But ignored the thoughts none-the-less. After all, could Gregory really risk speaking his thoughts again? And he did have a problem of talking to himself on occasion.

Gregory's smile soon subsided though, as his lips pursed gently, one could tell he was readying for conversation. "Fear is not what hesitates me stranger..." He mused, backing up slightly for fear that his strange glowing markings were potentially blinding to someone else. Feeling his heart skip a beat as he yanked another piece of glass out from under his skin. This time the glass being at the back of his skull. Short grimaces replacing the pain as he quickly tossed it aside, hearing the grass sizzle as a speck of blood hit it. By now he'd noticed that the fireflies had gone, and he wasn't too surprised by that. His loud steps were enough to scare many away. And he knew pulling the glass from his skull more than likely disturbed the creature. At least...he hoped not.

Wincing Gregory suppressed a yawn that came so suddenly it came off as rather annoying. He wasn't tired...or at least that's what six days of barely any sleep had told him.

Filladan's expressive emerald eyes shown slightly amusedly yet apologetically. "Oh, I wasn't implying that you were. I suppose it's just instinct nowadays, with others, that I atleast express that. Many around here especially aren't very open minded about other species. And I would just rather avoid trouble if I can. My kind don't approve of useless fighting unless absolutely necessary." It just made it easier to state first so whoever it was speaking to him didn't have to feel nervous around him.

But the Ari then changed subjects. "I should introduce myself. My name's Filladan. If I may ask, what is your name? Are you native to this area?"

(short, brain died ._.)