InsaneJournal

Regan: In search of greener pastures
[OOC: Cobra's parts written by Kas, Regan's by myself. Regan's still a skank.]

It was early evening, and the air was chilly. The sky was just beginning to turn from pink to blue as the last rays of the sun disappeared over the horizon. Regan snuffed and pawed at the earth idly as she lay in the fields, her slender red and gold shape flattening out the tall grass.

She had left Solo early one morning. She held nothing against the big shaggy dog; all her memories of her time with him were pleasant ones. But her interest in him had waned as Regan's interest was wont to do, and not being one for long goodbyes she had slipped away from him quietly, and crossed the river so as to break her scent. It had now been a day or two since then, and she had made her way to this place, this fine large field that she had taken notice of earlier on her travels. There was little sign of either human or dog, and much food. She had caught and eaten a couple of rabbits earlier on that day, and now she lay on her sated belly gazing impassively out into the distance at the growing dusk, and wondering what she would do next.

Something new and interesting, she hoped.

At last the sky had cleared and ground dried enough for the mud puddles to have receeded in the fields. It was still getting cooler, but at least the weather was nice enough to allow the stray out and about without getting muddy. And that is what the alpha of the White Foam pack was doing. He wasn’t one to like being cooped up inside for too long, and this was verging on too long. So now, full of pep and suppressed energy, the large Doberman mix strutted along the edges of the tall grass, his posture and expression nothing but confident and high ranking. His coat was sleek and well kept. His body was the same, well muscled and healthy.

His long strided trot moved him easily across the open area in her direction. He wasn’t looking for anything in particular, though he was certainly vigilant. Ears perked, flaring nostrils and seemingly calm eyes scanned the fields almost unnoticeably. Who knows what might be out here.

Regan's red silken ears swivelled behind her as the soft thud of four feet and the soft swish of grass from some distance away heralded the arrival of some other dog. The bitch wasn't really looking for company but curiosity compelled her to rise to her feet and glance in the direction of the sound.

Her ears rose further as the breeze carried the scent of the newcomer to her. A dog. A lone dog. And she could tell by the way he carried himself, his head high, his gait easy and powerful, that he was the confident type. But it was more than that... there was that little extra something in his bearing. No doubt about it - this was an alpha dog.

Perhaps she could do with some company after all. Head low, tail swaying behind her, Regan slithered through the grass, towards the new dog.

Although he was down wind, he did catch the movement in the grass a few yards away. He was certainly not a lone and as he got a glimpse of red, he knew it was another dog. Moving to an area that he could see the grasses in that direction clearly, he decided to wait. No matter what this dog’s intensions where, he was ready. Though he kept his posture relaxed, he remained dominant like he was meant to be.

Sniffing the air as the moving animal came closer, the mutt attempted to peer over the long grass. What it male or female? Friend or foe? Not that he was worried either way. That confidence was starting to take the shape of arrogance in his eyes. He couldn’t help it. He was strong, charming, intelligent… and an alpha. It came with the territory.

As they got closer, Regan could tell that he was suspicious by the cast of his ears and body. He would obviously not be able to catch her scent if he was upwind of her, and her season was fading, too, the aura of bitch-in-heat on the wane - which might be a good thing for her, as her judgment would be less clouded by her own instincts. Her ears twitched just a notch, her eyes took on a thoughtful cast. She would have to play this right.

Taking on the posture in the submissive, Regan slowed her pace, flattening her ears, her tail flickering like a flame just between her hindlegs. As she reached him she stopped completely, head lowered, deference in every eloquent line of her body.

But there was a quiet strength like a controlled fire in the setter-hound she couldn't quite extinguish - her own pride forbade it. She might bend, but she would not roll over. Though she would acknowledge him as her superior, she would not be pushed around and be made to fetch and carry, like a lesser dog. No, she wouldn't crouch that low.

As the female appeared, he’d relax slightly. She wasn’t looking for a fight, that much was clear. Brown eyes would wander over her form, taking in what he could, keeping the conversation silent for the moment. An arrogant, yet handsome smile crept over his muzzle as he turned, his side facing hers by the time he stopped. She was gorgeous! Though he wasn’t one to fancy things, he couldn’t help but let that thought flash through his mind. Of course that lingering scent of heat lingered in the front of his mind as well. He’d allowed himself to follow his instincts a few times in his life, but never stayed long enough to see any result.

In any case, he was always looking for more members for his pack. Things were shaping up, that he must admit, but there was always a need for more. More dogs meant more influence, more power and less he had to do himself. She seemed healthy and of a good age. That shape of hers said there was plenty of potential within her, if only to serve as something nice to look at. Now, if her mind and wits could match her beauty, she may have far greater a place in his plans than she’d know.

As the wheels in his crocked little mind spun, the thoughts would barely influence his own expression and posture. He seemed inviting and calm, but not foolish in any aspect. Of course he’d attempt to look a little more appealing than he already was, liking the slim prospect that the season whispered.

“Good afternoon, sleek one…”

His tone was as charming as his dancing eyes, tenor in nature and confident in sound.

It was only after he spoke, breaking the tension, that she lifted her eyes to his, still keeping her head down. Her tail rose slightly from where it lay curved like a feather against her hocks. It wasn't often that Regan showed this kind of respect to a dog - having lacked leadership early on in life, she tended to be careless and cocksure - but something in this one's sheer presence spoke to the rebel's deeper instincts, and she deferred.

Nonetheless, her golden eyes still looked directly into his - not to challenge, but yet another warning that she would not be completely dominated

"It is evening, is it not?" she inquired softly, her tone almost teasing, and she tensed in readiness to spring away should he choose to punish her for such a remark. Though she hoped he wouldn't. Now that she was right up close to him, she could see and smell him much better. What an interesting type he was, all muscle and long legs, and the unusual ruff of fur rimming his throat... She knew better than to go snuffing all over him like an annoyingly inquisitive puppy, but she drank in his scent from where she stood.

Well it wasn’t often that Cobra came across a dog willing to correct him without the intention to kick him off his pedestal. And that little hint of teasing in her voice drew a gorgeous and flirty little smile across his features. With his little nub wiggling, he’d step a little closer.

He was appeased by her display, this great creature. Good. Regan slowly straightened up again, careful not to move too quickly lest he think she was turning on him.

“Ah, well.” Chuckling a little he’d meet her eyes with his own. “I thought it was brighter out what with the glinting of the light from your eyes.” Pausing a moment, he realized that he had really just said that aloud.

Her tail swished at the compliment. "Flatterer," she returned, the playful note growing in her voice. She turned sidelong to him and just glanced at him over her shoulder. She could ease up now that she had him pegged, and now that she knew where they both stood with respect to each other.

Yeah well, he’d actually meant that, so instead of looking embarrassed, the Doberman mix would play it off as exactly what it was meant as, flirting. Yeah he was interested, and though he’d meant to keep that downplayed for a bit longer, he’d need to come off of that sentence strongly. So he’d touch his nose to hers, an "I know I’m amazing" grin moving across his muzzle. It only lasted a moment, but then he was standing confidently where he’d been before. “So, what name do you go by?”

She let her tail just brush his chest as she waved it to and fro again. "It's Regan," she announced, shaking her head and letting her long, well-feathered ears sway and catch the light. She was very proud of her feathers, inherited from both sides of her family, and she certainly knew how to flaunt her exotic appearance.

"What do they call you?"

He very, very rarely let a dog show any kind of dominance directed at him, especially now that he was an alpha. However, he was almost letting this female stand as an equal beside him. Though she wouldn’t know that she should feel very privileged, she was. Swelling his chest a little, to catch more of her tail, he’d mull her name over in his mind. He liked it, Regan. Strong name, unusual… It fit her. “Cobra.”

Cobra. An exotic name, certainly one she had never heard before. She decided that she liked it.

Regan's tongue flicked across her nose as she glanced at him again, a playful indication to him to cool himself off. She enjoyed the effect she had on dogs in or outside of heat season, though most of her pursuers in the past had been young and rather dimwitted adolescent dogs. To have an older, more mature dog showing ample interest in her -- now that was something very different and much more exciting.

He was even returning her display, puffing out his chest, emphasising the strange fringes of fur on his neck. Regan chuckled softly as she turned around to face him again. It was then that she heard his words.

Chuckling, a nice lower tenor laugh making it’s debut for the first time in a long time, he’d let his head go back to it’s normal place. And since he wasn’t much for beating around the bush he would go right into it. “You in need of a place to stay?”

It took her by surprise. Other dogs -- excepting the more hotblooded characters whose only ploy had been to leap straight on top of her at first sniff and earned only a bloodied face for their brashness -- had taken their time with courtship: polite sniffs, perhaps an invitation to play. Not this Cobra. He went right to the point, and not in a rude way, either. Regan's eyes sparkled with interest.

Well, if he was going to be blunt, she would too. The red-gold bitch stepped up to him, touching her nose to his, then put her head on one side.

"And what if I say yes?"

The handsome mutt would raise his orangeish eyebrows as she came closer. She was flirting in return and he rather enjoyed it. And so he wouldn’t hesitate to continue. Swave as he was, he was still male after all. “Well, then I would say… this way.” Rubbing his side against hers as he passed by, he’d start heading back the way he’d come, meaning to lead her home.

Those brown eyes would peek back at the red beauty as he walked, his stride slow but steady, muscular frame arched a little to show himself off. Not that he didn’t almost do that naturally. It was official, he planned on seeing out this flirting as far as he could get it to go. And when he set his mind to something, he didn’t stop until he’d gotten what he wanted, be it seduction, clever wording or flat out aggression. He could always put his money where his mouth was.

He hoped it wouldn’t come to that with her, because if he played his cards right, she might stick around. He was in need of an alpha female, though he’d not planned on having one… preferring to play the field. However, she was stunning, both in her personality and in her form. And he might just have to jealously protect this prize from any other boys.

A tremor of excitement raced through Regan's deep chest as Cobra brushed past her. He wanted her with him, this alpha dog -- that much was plain. And she herself could readily admit that she was interested in seeing much more of him. He exuded authority, power, magnificence. Surely this was a leader worth following, so unlike those dithering people who had tried to contain her.

But the thrill was soon replaced by a strange feeling of wanting to jump and leap and prance. Time to see if even this big dog had some puppy in him somewhere!

Leaping forward and returning his side-brush, she whirled around in front of him, flattening her ears and nosing at his muzzle in playful submission.

"I'll come gladly. But why waste what's left of the day?"

Aiming a lick at the corner of his mouth, she crouched in a play-bow for a split-second before leaping past him and bounding away into the fields, now gold with the setting sun. She wondered, would he follow her?

The Doberman mix was rather proud of highly proud of himself as she followed and returned the rub. Closing his eyes partly, he’d get a grand smirk across this face. That was until she was in front of him and wanting to play. Play? He froze, looking like he’d never encountered such a prospect before. He’d not played since he was a puppy… Of course that lick of hers, got that arrogant and flirtatious look back on his face and the glint back in his eyes. As she took off into the grasses, he would soon take off after her.

His posture as he ran was that of a wolf after a deer. Eyes set on her, he’d stretch and flex in rhythm, intent on keeping up with her. But of course she was built for speed and he was built for strength. He’d manage to mostly keep the distance between them equal but he wasn’t going to be gaining any. However, as her running became bounding, he found himself doing the same, leaping through the tall golden grasses with his jowls open and tongue hanging out.

Eventually he’d find himself close enough to nip gently at her flank, a playful rumbling coming from his barrel shaped chest. Wiggling his nub furiously, his bouncing would become a high stepping, but fluid trot, his spirits high and his mind mostly off of having to keep up his reputation and that air of perfection. Not that his arrogance and natural born love of power was gone from him, he’d just let down his guard a little. Coming to a stop, he’d stand, panting, the sun glinting off his shiny coat.

Regan felt light, airy, free, as she led Cobra a merry chase through the fields. Her long jaws opened in a canine laugh, exulting in her own speed and agility as she easily outstripped him. But she never went too fast, keeping her pace just enough to stay some distance ahead of him, enjoying the effortlessness of her own running.

Suddenly she became aware that he had slowed down and stopped, and she whirled around to look at him standing there, haloed in sunlight. Ah well. No longer consciously deferring to him, she danced across the field towards the big dog, shaking out her sleek coat, and touched her nose to his again before turning back around to look over her shoulder at him.

"Now, I believe we were going somewhere."

Nearly envious of her movement and flow, the lone alpha would watch her change her direction with grace and ease. Still panting slightly, he’d be unable to keep his eyes off of her, hypnotized. He’d manage to smile thoughtfully as her nose touched his. Letting out a sigh, now that his breathing was more steady, he’d just stand there for an extended few moments.

However, he’d finally snap out of it and give a strong nod before trotting over to her, his side against hers. “Yes, my sleek one… This way.” And he really was arrogant enough to say it that way. Cobra would start to walk, rubbing her as he went, since they had to turn around and go back the other way. Once completely around her, he’d start off at a trot, though he would glance back to make sure she was really following.


Regan padded by Cobra's side through the growing dusk, her red and gold feathered tail waving slowly behind her. It was highly exciting, being in the company of this powerful, purposeful dog. A true alpha. She had never met another male quite like him before -- so different from all the other blockheaded youngsters that she had come into contact with. Here was a dog of command, of action, and he had asked her to come with him.

Her pace quickened just a little as she matched her long strides with his, deliberately and playfully brushing his side with her shoulder. Where was Cobra's territory? She was curious to find out where he lived.

The stud of a dog made sure his stride was as long and gaited as her own, showing off his strength and agility as a flirt. He was clearly interested in her, nearly claiming her already. When there was something he wanted, he surely would get it and without all the fuss of dancing around the subject. His territory wasn’t all that far from the hunting grounds they had met in, and soon they’d reached the edges of the fields, the ground cover thinning out and then all but disappearing as the sound of the White Foam River met their keen ears. As they reached his boundary, the Doberman mix would slow his pace, looking for the tell-tale marked bushes that reeked of his scent.

Trotting around some thorny bushes, he’d find one of the places he marked daily. To reassure his new found bitch that they were about to entire the area that could be her kingdom, he would lift his leg and remark the spot, freshening the string scent of healthy male dog. Giving her a smirk when he was finished, Cobra would be sure to circle her once more, nosing along her side before continuing on their way. “Not far now…”

And he was right. Moving along the river’s edge, as the fog began to roll off of it onto the cooler ground, the shake would come into view. He could tell that none of his subjects where there at present, probably off hunting like he’d been. And so, bringing her around to the front door, he’d pause, looking back at her with those confident blue eyes. “After you.”

The alpha's scent was strong here, much like the territory of the pack she had wandered into before she had met Cobra. In this case, though, she knew that she had nothing to fear from the alpha himself and thus there was none of that unpleasant prickling of the fur on her withers and back. Instead, a quiet, almost smug confidence, an emotion that really sat much better with Regan. The red bitch wagged her tail slowly as her amber eyes took in the river bank, the scrub, and the shack -- a human dwelling, yes, but she could tell just by looking that no human had come through its doors in a very long time. The dogs had claimed it, just as she had claimed the human ship with Solo. It was theirs.

Theirs, yes, theirs. After all, if this alpha dog held her in as high esteem as he seemed to be showing her he did, then this territory was as much hers as his.

Regan put her nose up to his to snuff a breath into his nostrils before sauntering through the front door, head high, as if she owned the place. If her own calculations were correct, then she as good as did.

So many had been struck down for such a posture in his presence, even before he’d claimed this territory and began to gather dogs into a pack. He’d never been one to bow to another’s authority or tolerate such arrogance, unless it was his own. However, as he coolly walked in behind her, her demonstration was rewarded by the alpha male by means of his own lack of disciplining her.

Allowing her a few moments to look around, he would leave her side to move into his own room through the only partially opened door.

Regan trotted around the small room, her setter nose working as she inspected it. The floorboards were somewhat musty-smelling, but the place was by and large clean and dry, and it smelled lived-in. Regan's keen nose picked up the scents of at least two other dogs - one a male and the other a female, and filed the information away in her brain in case she might meet these dogs later on. Her tail began to wag. She had never thought she would set foot inside a human dwelling again, but here she was. And really, it would be nice to have a dry, comfortable place to sleep. She was getting tired of having to groom her fur with her teeth almost every morning to keep it as silky-sleek as she could manage.

Realising that Cobra had disappeared from sight, she followed her nose once more and soon found him in the next room ensconced on an old mattress, lined with blankets and old pillows.

“Join me, sleek one?” That seemed to be the name he’d decided to call her beyond her true name. There was no hint of threat in his calm posture or gentle tone.

She didn't need much of an invitation to join him, and she had soon made herself comfortable, curled up by his side. She had never been allowed on the beds back in her old home, much to her own chagrin. Why should she sleep in a tiny basket on the floor when there was room and warmth and comfort to spare? Here there were no humans to prohibit her, and the very flattering attentions of a striking alpha dog. Pressing closer to him, she laid her head on her paws. She could get used to this.

He would cross his front paws, brown eyes roaming over her for a moment. “Would you like it here? Here, with me… as an alpha female?”

Once again there was no dancing around the issue, or joking. Though his voice was almost tender, he was serious as well. He really wanted to know what she thought. If she was to be his equal he would treat her that way. He was not asking her to be as such, just her feeling on the subject. The asking for real would come later.

Regan's ear nearest to Cobra flicked backwards, though she managed to avoid starting with surprise. Once again his directness had taken her aback. But after the initial shock had worn off, she realised the magnitude of what she was being offered. She, an alpha female, to rule the pack beside this dog! It was all almost too good to be true. Certainly an offer she would like to take up. Turning her head finally to face him, holding his yellow-brown eyes with her own, she smiled, and licked him brazenly on the nose.

"I would like that very much."

Leaning against him again, she nosed against his muzzle, a deferential gesture, finishing off the caress with a playful lick against the corner of his mouth. Lowering her snout, she started to groom the fringes of hair around his throat as her tail wagged, wrapping itself around his flanks.

Though he’d expected a positive response from her, the bit of a lick brought a surprised but almost twitter-patted sparkle to his eyes and smile. Alright so, for a moment, he wasn’t that capable alpha, but just a dog that wanted to be hers. As she spoke he would give a slight nod, composing himself enough to keep his head high as she groomed at his fur. He knew how to keep the eye of a female, in heat or not. His inborn persuasive nature coming in handle on many occasions. Though he could be slick as an eel, everything he did was based in the truth, even his sometimes skewed view of it.

Partly closing his eyes, he’d enjoy the comforting feel of her teeth combing his serpentine ridges. Though the offer of being his queen, so to speak, would have been relished by any female… only Regan had been even considered. A few minutes into the affection, he would lean away from her just enough to catch her attention once more. “Then I will formally ask it of you. Would you, Regan… do me the honor of taking a place at my side? As my confidant, my equal… my mate? As alpha of this White Foam pack?” His eyes were focused on her, unwavering, rather like his tone and sincerity.

Regan almost burst out laughing at the flowery formalities. The words themselves sounded silly to her, but something in the dog's manner stopped her from laughing in his face. Perhaps it was the way he said them, all gravity and seriousness coupled with his arresting air of authority. Regan felt herself more drawn to him than ever.

As such, she merely giggled a bit, and licked his muzzle again with a teasing glance from her amber eyes.

"Of course I accept. I would be a fool not to."

Cobra would at last allow a smile, even if it was a rather amused smirk. Letting his nub wiggle. Though his posture would ease from that of an alpha attempting to subtly remind all around of such, to just a dog. However, his confidence and self assurance shown through even now. It was who he was and a good part of why and how he’d gotten this far. Her answer and giggle solidified in his mind that he’d made the right choice of mate and alpha female. She was intelligent and of nearly the same nature as himself. “Yes…” He said with his own, lower tenor chuckle, “That would have been foolish.”

Nuzzling along the side of his face, she shifted her position, draping her head and neck over his shoulders. Now, perhaps, she could just enjoy this moment for a bit.

She was queen, now.

As she laid her head across his shoulders, the mix breed would bend his own in order to groom at her side, caressing her silky fur with his teeth. Licking periodically, Cobra would be sure leave his scent over as much of her as he could reach. She was his and would be guarded jealously, though her own strong will would have freedom to express herself as she pleased all at the same time.