Arctic Woe

[Argo]

The sun rose once more, dutifully beating away the darkness, defeating the night as it had done an uncountable number of times before. The smoldering orb did little to warm the icy mount, although it was somewhat comforting to Argo as he sat alone in one of the many crevices carved into Miaziden. Nearly two days ago he had come here searching for her, despite his instincts that told him an unusually early storm was heading towards the mount. Ignoring his instincts had been a mistake. A huge one that he regretted terribly.

It had been perfectly calm at first. Almost no wind or snow. Rather warm, actually. After the first two days, the sky had been muddled and knotted with heavy gray clouds. The day after that was when everything went to hell. The snow fell in piles, allowing not a soul to escape its icy grip.

And that was why Ar sat in this godforsaken place, freezing his tail off. He wasn’t equipped for this weather. He was used to being stuck in humid and steaming jungles, where merely breathing was a difficult task. This was different though. It seemed there was barely enough air to breathe up here. And when you did manage to get a lungful, your throat burned and your chest felt as if it had been filled with ice. Damn this place.

To keep from being blasted by the wind, he pushed himself farther against the back wall of the cave. Not that it did much. Curling up helped a little, but still couldn’t keep the arctic bite of Mount Miaziden. His head rested placidly on his tail. Practically catatonic from the cold, he stared out at the opening with indifferent iron eyes.

Please excuse any grammatical mistakes. Can’t concentrate right now.

[Diamrae]

The most recent storm had been incredibly brutal. Many of the felines that lived in this territory had migrated towards the lower portions of the mountains to get away from the frigid air. The snow had fallen from the skies as if there would be no tomorrow. Finally, after hours; days even, the snow had begun to subside. Thankfully for her, Diamrae was fairly use to these cold days. As a snow leopard, her thick fur provided deep insulation. She still felt cold of course, but not as much compared to your average leopard. Often, she found herself warming up her mate, Tieygo, since he was but a mere leopard.

The female snow leopard had been wandering around the Mountains to make sure that no one had gotten caught in the bad weather who may be unable to care for themselves. By nature, Dia was incredibly caring and put others before herself. She felt that by her good deeds, she would be rewarded in some way later on in the future. The snow leopard was not your average looking one. Her fur, instead of being lighter shades was black. Although she did have spots, they were black and completely masked by the rest of her fur. In order to see them, someone would have to be in a fairly close vicinity.

Diamrae had almost walked past the cave that Argo was stashed away inside of when she heard the faintest sound of breathing. Her ears perked up and with curiosity, she took a few steps back to take a glance inside. Peering into the dark cave, she could make out the male's huddled form as he tried to rest and keep warm. Sadness washed over her and she softly made a noise.

"Are you alright in there?"

The black snow leopard asked in concern.

[Argo]

Only the slightest twitch of his ear gave away the fact that he was aware that there was someone else in his little niche in the side of the mountain. Argo should have done something, perhaps stand up or at least open his eyes which had somehow closed on him. It would have been the safe — and smart —thing to do. Freezing weather like this often left many without food for a while, which could certainly turn one mad. Cannibalism usually wasn’t something mad animals were above doing. If it was even a feline he was talking about. For all he knew there could be a starving bear stalking around the entrance of his refuge.

"Are you alright in there?"

Eyes of iron slid open to make sure that he wasn’t hallucinating and that there really was someone there. It was a feline, luckily. Not a ravenous bear that had come here to tear him to pieces and devour him. Not that he’d taste that good. “Oh, erm… yes?” Ar called back in an almost uncertain tone. ‘Truth was his limbs were like lead as he tried to unsuccessfully change positions as to show her that he was truly fine. Blinking slowly, he examined the other cat… just to be sure she hadn’t magically transformed into a bear or something of the like…

She was small, seemingly to small to be an average leopard like he. But her coloring was dark… perhaps a jaguar? Eh, still seemed a little on the short side… Argo went on like this in his mind a little longer before he was brought back to reality. It suddenly occurred to the leopard that this she-cat might be in need of assistance, seeing as she was wandering around in the middle of a storm for no apparent reason. Being the kind person that he was, he would try to help her, if she needed it. Stiffly, he rose to his paws, a feat on its own as it felt as if the icy temperatures had left his limbs frozen solid.

“Are you in need of any assistance?” he spoke quietly and hoarsely due to the icy air having left his throat feeling raw. He took a few cautious steps forward, not wanting to alarm her. Argo had been attacked more than enough times for only trying to help someone in need of aid because they were to frightened or territorial to think better of it.

[Diamrae]

Diamrae noticed the uncertainty in his tone that betrayed his own words. She peered inside as he slowly attempted to stand up. At his returning question, she furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion. She softly shook her head.

"No no. I'm perfectly fine. I've been wandering around the mountains to make sure no one is freezing to death up here. You sure you're alright up here?"

The snow leopard had to ask a second time just to be sure. If he claimed to be fine, she'd most likely leave and go on her way to see if anyone else was up in the mountains. Argo's best bet was to head down to the lower regions of Mount Miaziden. The climate was generally warmer the lower one travelled. During the fall and winter seasons, felines tended to travel and migrate south of the mountain to avoid such frigid temperatures. Even she had to admit that in the coldest winters, she too had to travel south. It could be dangerous for anyone to stay in the cold for too long. Not to mention...food was scarce.

"I'm sorry I did not introduce myself. My name is Diamrae. My family and I reside in these mountains. Although some of them moved down south while this storm blows over. I'll probably be heading down there soon myself..."

She said as she took a quick glance behind her. Thankfully, the storm was lightening up. However, this did not mean the temperatures would rise any.

[Argo]

Took a bit. Sorry.

The female seemed somehow confused (although Argo didn’t understand why) as she poked her head to check on him or something of the like. With stiff, numb legs, he shuffled forward in an awkward, sluggish manner.

"No no. I'm perfectly fine. I've been wandering around the mountains to make sure no one is freezing to death up here. You sure you're alright up here?" He wondered how she could be ‘perfectly fine’ while he was pretty sure his limbs were about to fall off. He was gonna turn into a popsicle while she went about practically unaffected by the arctic temperatures.

“Well, it is a little cold…” he trailed off, as she wasn’t blind. She could see that he could just barely move and that his fur was gradually becoming covered with miniature icicles. Still shivering, he limped a few steps closer to her. It took a great effort…

"I'm sorry I did not introduce myself. My name is Diamrae.”

“Agro,” came the curt reply as talking was becoming rather difficult for the leopard.

“My family and I reside in these mountains. Although some of them moved down south while this storm blows over. I'll probably be heading down there soon myself..."

“Then you better get on your way,” Argo rasped bitterly. He hadn’t meant to seem cold and insensitive. It just came out that way. Envy had warped his reply into a harsh comment. Envy of the fact that she had a family, while he was left hopelessly searching for someone who had left him. He still refused to believe that she had just run off. So he still went around looking for her, despite what everyone had told him when they had discovered that she was gone. One he realized what he had said, he averted his eyes, unable to look at Diamrae. Argo believed that the spite in his voice who cause her to leave. He wouldn't blame her…

[Diamrae]

((Its okay ))

Argo, the male called himself, had finally admitted to feeling a little cold. Diamrae did notice that he had appeared to be a little stiff. She felt bad for the felines who were not adapted or well equipped for these types of storms. It was the reason that she came out to help. For some reason, she felt guilty that she had such a warm fur coat compared to everyone else. Her children had been fortunate to all come out with slightly thicker fur coats then their father. Alexis and Viaso had come out with the thickest fur coats of the bunch.

The male had now suddenly responded with a tinge of bitterness in his voice. What did she do to him? She was unaware of the fact that he has been searching for his own mate for quite some time now. The thought of her having someone had angered him for whatever reason. Unable to understand why he turned harsh toward her when she had only been here to help, she merely frowned. She adverted her eyes and heaved a loud sigh.

"Well then... I suppose you are right. I should be getting on my way. You seem to be fine so I'll look to see if anyone else needs my help. Nice meeting you...Argo."

The snow leopard now turned to leave. She had not expected for him to have turned suddenly rude on her. Maybe that is the reason he's alone today... Whatever the case may be, she didn't feel that she deserved it. Diamrae glanced back momentarily before continuing to slowly walk off.

[Ryu Arashi]

Akmun Ra bounded down the slipery mountian, his metallic fur casting spots of light all over on the drifts of snow. The storms were what he enjoyed most, the cold was no barrier to his enjoyment. Ra twisted and turned, leaping into deep snow banks and jumping off ledges.

For some reason he was in an especially good mood today, even with the storm whipping about around him. The only thing he did not like about this storm, was that every once and a while hail poured down and managed to get his coat dirty. He couldnt stand his coat getting dirty.

Ra lept over a particularly large ledge and landed hard on all paws. He had landed only a few feet away from his den, a particularly deep cave for these parts. Before he even turned to face his home, he smelled more cats around here.

He turned around slowly and saw two cats, one that was clearly not where it belonged. The other was a pretty little snow leopard, nice enough cats when one could stand to be around others.

Ra sat on his haunches and drew himself tall, waiting for the other two cats to notice him.

[Argo]

Argo, tired and cold, studied Diamrae as she frowned and released a sighed. Now what had he done wrong?

"Well then... I suppose you are right. I should be getting on my way. You seem to be fine so I'll look to see if anyone else needs my help. Nice meeting you...Argo."

Oh great. He scared her off. The one person who actually seemed able to help him and now she was leaving. God I’m an idiot, he thought to himself as he watched her turned away and head backs towards the cave’s entrance. “I’m sorry,” he grumbled, not exactly caring if she heard or not. Maybe he deserved this, to be freezing and alone. He had screwed up more things more things than he could count… maybe this was some sort of punishment for all the mistakes and all the times he had failed. Slowly, he settled himself back on the hard ground, his eyes watching Diamrae as she continued walking. As she gave him one last glance, he turned his head away, and went back to staring into nothingness. However, he became distracted by a noise outside caught his attention. It was definitely not the howling wind, which was beginning to lessen now.

In a sluggish movement, Argo raised his ears, which had been pressed flat against his head in an effort to create some kind of warmth. He managed to locate the creature that had interrupted his moping and self-pity. It appeared to be a cat, although was almost big enough to be two. The only acknowledgment that he made was a nod in the direction of the tiger. He wasn’t exactly in the talkative mood, if his reaction to Diamrae was any indication.

[Ryu Arashi]

Akmun drew nearer the cold cat, noticing the other cats slow retreat down the mountain.

"So what brings you to these parts? I am guessing that you are no mountain cat, your fur is to thin and not nearly thick enough. Now my fur, it is the best around. So soft...." He trailed off to an illegible murmur, occasional words like soft and luxurious were heard from him.

With a sudden movement, Akmun bounded into his cave. His fur glistening even in the dull light of the storm. He pranced around the edges of the cave, sniffing here and there for no visible reason.

[Argo]

Silently, the other cat moved a bit closer to Argo. The leopard lifted his head to meet the gaze of Akmun, who asked him as what he was doing in a place he was so ill-suited for an then went on rambling about his coat. What was he doing here? He had asked himself that question god knows how many questions. What was he doing here, freezing his tail off, in the middle of a storm, where he clearly didn't belong? He knew the answer, of course. He was looking for someone who had left him an eternity ago for someone else and he continued to look, even though he knew that he wouldn't be wanted, even if he did find her. What was the point of all this then? Ar also knew the answer to that too. Without the search for her, he was left without anything to do, without any meaning in his life. So he continued on, praying that he would find her and that if he did they could go back to having a perfect and care-free life.

Instead of explaining this all to the tiger, he simply said, "What's it to you?" Clearly not a friendly reply and the tiger would no doubt be offended, but Akmun didn't feel like his limbs were about to freeze off. The little run in with Diamrea hadn't exactly lightened his mood either. He felt like he had been abandoned all over again. Sure, he barely knew her, but that wasn't the point. The point was that Argo always seemed to drive people away, whether he meant to or not, it kept happening. To top it all off, he was having a hard time even thinking, because of the numbing cold. Now, he had this tiger bragging about his perfect and beautiful. "Way to rub it in," he grumbled until his breath.

Eck. A bit short.

[Ryu Arashi]

Akmun bounded back out of his cave with a couple large black things in his mouth. He had a large collection of furs from when he hunted, on and off of the mountain. He had somewhat of an obsession with fur, as long as it was wonderful. He kept his best furs for memories of how wonderful it was.. He now brought out a large buck skin, and a couple smaller random skins that had beautiful long fur. Akmun was obsessed with fur, even if it wasnt his own, but mostly just his own of course.

Akmun haughed a little through the furs, which he dropped on the packed ground. "Oh, no reason of course. I just thought that maybe you could use a little help, seeing as how you arent from around here. Your fur isnt long enough for the cold up here, especially because you seemed to come here right durring a storm." Akmun motioned to the furs.

"I figured these might help you. I keep them as momentous of some of the best furs i have ever had the pleasure of hunting. You could warm up under some of them if you like, as long as you dont hurt the fur." He sat back on his haunches, licking his paw with his great tong, his ears twitching at small noises around them. His tail curled in front of him, the end twitching every few moments.

[Argo]

The tiger left him here in the cave, perhaps forever. Well, not forever. Despite the icy temperatures, Argo knew he would live till the storm subsided and his limbs warmed back up. He wouldn't die here. He hated it here. Too damned cold. Even if he were dying, he would drag himself down the side of the mountain just so he didn't have to live in this hell of ice and frost. Once the storm ended, he would leave as fast as his frozen limbs could carry him and never come back to this place as long as he lived. Neeeevvvvvver. Nothing would make him come back here. With thoughts of what he would do after he escaped these freezing temperatures, he rested his head gently on the ground and closed his eyes.

Footsteps of some other creature, however, pulled him from his semi-unconscious state and back to the cave. His eyes snapped open and he raised his head, prepared to flee if it was a bear or something like that looking for a snack. It wasn't though. It was a huge mass of fur. Ah. So Akmun hadn't left him to turn into a block of ice. And he had something with him. Looked like he was carrying another creature, with a patchwork of fur, although it didn't smell like it. A light of interest appeared in Argo's slate eyes. What could this be now? They were furs, he found out when the tiger spoke again. He also found out that the tiger seemed to have an unholy obsession for fur. A bit weird…

Argo looked longingly at furs. He didn’t want to ‘hurt’ the furs, in fear of what the huge tiger would do to him. Sure, he was freezing but it being warm wasn’t worth being pummeled for. Ar’s eyes lingered on the furs a few seconds more, and then went back to the Akmun. “Why are you helping me?” His voice wasn’t as cold and hard as before, just curious.

[Ryu Arashi]

Akmun smirked at the cold cat, his ears perking up. "I suppose Im bored to tell you the truth. I dont see many other cats around here, and since the little snowy left, i have you to talk to. But i cant well talk to you if you are an ice cube can I." Akmun motioned to the cat to climb under the furs.

"Hehe they arent poisoned you know, and its not like Im trying to kill you or anything. If i wanted to, i would just attack you." Akmun smiled, hoping that the cold cat would take advantage of the furs. He didnt want to deal with another frozen animal today.

"Im Akmun, if your in the least bit interested in getting to know one another. Im pretty much the only thing around here, save that cute snowy. Ive never shown myself to her before, but i suppose that she knows about me. My fur is so easy to see in the bright sunlight when it reflects off the snow." At this Akmun began licking his fur on his arm, enjoying the soft feel of it.

The wind riped through Akmun's fur, making small glittery spots dance around them like small spotlights. "Hehe, would yea look at that. How pretty." He seemed slightly entranced by the light and his fur at the same time, and kept on grooming his arm.

[Argo]

Argo soon learned that simple boredom fueled Akmun’s enthusiasm to aid him. Most would go exploring or leave the mountain if they were bored, rather than go around offering furs to other cats. Well, why was he complaining? Atleast now, he had a chance of getting warm. With the mammoth of a tiger motioning for him to climb under the array of pelts he brought, Ar could not refuse. Why would he? The simple motion was enough of a guarantee that he needed. Carefully, as to not upset Akmun, he crawled under the furs. 'If I wanted to, I would just attack you.’ Now that wasn’t in the least bit reassuring. Once he had settled down on the hard packed ground, he let out a sigh of content. He could already begin to feel the warmth given off by the furs.

“I’m Argo,” he said in reply to Akmun’s own statement. ’What kinda name is Akmun?’ he wondered, although said nothing about the oddness of it. Offending the other cat could result in him leaving, taking the furs with him and Argo would end up in the same situation as before: freezing and alone. And that was something he didn’t want to have to endure until the storm came to an end. It wouldn’t be long now, as the wind and snow had let up some. “Thank you,” he said, once his attention was back on the tiger. “I’m afraid I have nothing to give you in return.” It was a true statement; Argo had no pretty collection of furs that collected over the years he’d been traveling. It would be a hindrance, carrying around although those pelts, while trying to cross a river or climbing a tree. They wouldn’t be much use to him either due to the fact that he usually stayed in the Yaxhain Jungle if he wasn’t on his little ‘quest’.

His mind was pulled away from his current predicament by the shimmering pelt, which threw shining little spots of light upon the cave walls. Whatever Argo was about to say after that faded as he stared at the walls with grey eyes, while Akmun went on cleaning his precious fur.

[Ryu Arashi]

Akmun chuckled. "I ask nothing in return, save that maybe we talk a while." He stopped licking his arm and walked to near the caves mouth and flopped down. The wind was fierce near the caves entrance, but he did not mind. He lived with the wind every day, afterall it was a part of living on this desolate mountain.

"Hehe, like the light?" Akmun asked, watching it himself. The sparkling light danced around now even more than it was before. "I love my fur, its so sparkly and beautiful." He stared at the dancing light, remembering how he was cast out of his family for it. Any time he would go to hunt, the animals would know of him before he was able to get close enough to burst forth and catch them. Because of that, Akmun had to rely on his intelligence to get him by for food. He resorted to clever traps, and well laid out chases that ended in the animals being trapped.

Akmun looked over at Argo. "Argo eh? Thats a good name, from what i know. Hehe, id give anything for a name other than my own, but i dont rid myself of it because it holds much for me." Akmun smiled at Argo as he was climbing into the furs, the cat would have died on his own, that much Akmun was sure of. Not many could survive a storm like this.