skinny dipping [ klaus ]

[CARROT.]

the other day i drew myself a map The summer heat was a little more than bearable this time of year, and even the shelter of his doghouse was not enough to keep cool. Zhubin had been let into the house for a while, which was a huge relief, since the air conditioning was running and there was nice, cold water in a stainless steel bowl waiting for him. Today was one of those days where he just felt lethargic, not wanting to do anything but lay around and sleep. However, his owner had different plans. Albert had clipped on his leash, and Zhubin hoped that this meant they were going to the groomer's for a haircut. He felt as if they actually were going to, since instead of going out for a walk, which they already had, the human had opened up the back door of his car for the Afghan Hound to jump into, before closing it behind him and getting into the driver's seat himself. The ignition was started, and the back window was opened a bit before the car started to move. It was just enough so that Zhubin could stick his face out the window and feel the rush of wind fly by his face. Oh, how he loved that feeling! However, it seemed as if they were driving for a much longer time than they should have been, since the grooming place was in town, not too far away from their home. In fact, the smell of human civilization vanished as they started to enter a heavily wooded area. After a while, the car was pulled over into a little dirt parking lot, and the steady rumble of the car stopped. First Albert got out of the car and Zhubin stood up, ready to jump out of the car as soon as the back door was opened. Once it did, his leash was clipped on, and they entered a mountain trail. Albert must've been crazy if he wanted to go on a hike on such a hot day, but who was Zhubin to stop him? They followed the trail right alongside a river, which at times could not be seen, but it could be heard, showing that it was still nearby. Eventually, they reached a lake, and it seemed as if nobody was around. The Afghan Hound took a long drink from the lake as his owner shed his clothes and jumped into the water. He let out a yell of surprise, as the water was refreshingly cold. Although, maybe the sudden change in temperature wasn't so refreshing to Albert's shocked body. The canine lay down next to his owner's clothes after his drink, watching as the human swam around, completely aloof of his surroundings.  Zhubin himself took in the scenery, the lighting, the scents, and how perfect this day really was, even with the humidity and heat of the mountain forest. so i could figure out your head

background image by Ricymar Photography ; dog image by Nelanthas

[fizzeh]

It was not often that he travelled to the lake, why would he? It was rather stale and boring, the lake did not move with force, it just sat there, gently rocking, lapping quietly at the shore in a lazy way. It seemed miserable, sulking in a motion of leisure and abandon, it did not care about anything; it was nudged only by the wind, which at the present time was rather non-existent to be quite honest. The air was humid, hot, suffocating. Each breath in was as if the creature were drowning, drowning in hot water. It was a rather irritating feeling, one that made him wish he had just stayed in the cave where it was dark and cool, moist, but cool.

Even for a dog with a short coat it was hot and even in the forest, where shade dominated the landscape, it was still hot; too hot. He did not like it. For a moment he even thought to go back home, but he needed to be out, he had spent too much time in the caves, even now his eyes ached from the brightness of the sun, even in the shade. As he wandered the trail, following the scent of a human and its companion- a male that was no doubt pampered by the smell he left behind. Honestly, the scent was not what interested him, it was boredom, he was insanely bored, and boredom with him was not a good thing. His mind rambled, creating cruel things to do to others that he stumbled upon, of course, he was far more amused in the idea of taunting a human’s pet. What would the human do against a monster like him? When in one bite he could rip flesh to pieces, break bones, and even end a life.

The mastiff was not a beast to trifle with or attempt to shoo away. He was to be recognized; as a threat and he would be taken as one by the way he prowled forward out of the trees and towards the dog. A fine specimen well groomed, longhaired, ignoring the water. His guess was that he did not like water, did not care for the filthy water of the lake, all green and hard to see through. No, he would not like that, not when he was so accustomed to the clear tap water and a nice frothy shampoo to clean her and make him smell ‘wonderful’ again. Personally, he liked the smell of earth and the dampness of his cave over the overpowering aroma the humans enjoyed on their pets. The dainty looking canine was not to be underestimated though, even one as elegant and fragile as him could be a force to be reckoned with, but he was hardly a challenge for the mastiff cross.

“You’re a long ways from home.” He was an observational canine and it was not hard, nor secret to find this dog did not belong here, but this was just the start, by his darker brown eyes it was obvious that he was just finding a way to bring in conversation, he did not care if he was far from home, only the fact that because of the distance neither he or his human would be wanting a fight. It was a long hike back to their vehicle, after all. A wound to the dog could be managed, but a nasty bite to the human, it would take them far too long to get back to the vehicle, or for help to arrive. They would be picking up shreds of flesh by the time he was done with them if it came to a fight. He missed the taste of blood.

[CARROT.]

the other day i drew myself a map The male had his eyes closed, simply wanting to hear and smell his surroundings rather than looking at it. The forest was a more mysterious and wondrous place when one closed his eyes, and he quite liked the idea of being in a magical place of only the harmonizing music of nature and the foreign scents of the wild. He was so engulfed in this, in fact, that when he heard footsteps, he didn't think anything of it until he heard a voice. Zhubin's eyes flashed open and he jumped. He looked around to see another canine standing behind him. "Oh my, you startled me! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to jump." He said in a smooth, friendly voice. He didn't expect to see a dog up here in the mountain forest, but then again, why not? "Ahem. Um, good morning, good sir. I am Zhubin, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He said with a small bow to the other male. He was a Mastiff, it seemed to him, and quite a strong one at that. He looked very well suited to surviving this forest, and judging from the fact that he didn't have a collar, he figured that the other canine probably did. "And yes, indeed I am. I come from the city, you see. Master Albert decided that we should come up here for a swim, I guess." He said with a smile, looking over at the human, floating along the surface of the lake. "And what about you? Do you live up here, or are you a traveler?" He asked with a polite, sincere tone. He was sure that he knew what the answer was, but for the sake of conversation he asked it anyway. "Yes, it's quite nice up here. I think I should enjoy another walk up around these parts some other day as well. Maybe when it's not so hot and humid. The summertime is really bearing down on us." so i could figure out your head

background image by Ricymar Photography ; dog image by Nelanthas

[fizzeh]

It was not often that he was able to startle dogs so easily, but then again the normal ones he ran into were strays and a lot more aware of their surroundings, even when their eyes were closed. This one, however, jolted and jumped at the sound of his voice, turning attention to the mastiff with wide, shock filled eyes. Klaus barely managed to hide the smirk that threatened to shatter his stoic expression, he was not ready to begin the game he wanted to see what the boy was like first. See there were details needed when one sets up a game, how to angle the pawns, which side to be on. It all made a difference to the mastiff.

The first words spoken made the smile finally break his straight face, who ever means to jump in fright? Especially in the mountains where the weak and the easily frightened are eaten as a meal, only the tough could survive in the wild. House pets have it so easy. He thought quietly, not letting the malice he held towards the house pet’s dig too deep into the thoughts, he didn’t want it to come across on his face after all. Still. It was amusing how the male spoke in a smooth, friendly tone after being frightened, not a tremor to be noted.

The male further introduced himself as Zhubin. Fitting for his breed in the mastiff’s mind, but he cared little for names, especially when the dog was not of the streets, it wasn’t likely they would run across each other again, why try to remember the name? Still, the dog spoke with elegance and manners, very formal and polite- gentlemanly. “Klaus.” His tone was not friendly, nor was it unfriendly, it was flat and to the point, he doubted it would matter if he gave him the name, although it did strike him that Zhubin seemed like the type of dog that would not forget a name and face.

He mentioned the human and fleetingly Klaus’ eyes shifted to the water where the human floated, oblivious to the obvious danger that had entered the scene. “Didn’t want to swim with him?” He asked, taking a few casual steps closer. Zhubin seemed quite fond of the human floating without a care in the world, but by the mere fact that only one of them was in the water he assumed the dog cared more about his looks than a quick dip in the lake to cool off. Even the thought of running into the river had crossed Klaus’ mind, but the current was strong, even for a dog of his size and strength and he had a town to take over, he couldn’t be risking himself with a current when he had a date with the town later.

“In the forest, mostly just some caves that go under the city.” He shrugged, the caves were nice, they gave him access to places he should never have access to, and he could disappear quite easily with little worry of being followed. Those that did would get lost and be easy pickings at his disposal. The dog sure liked to talk, whether it was simply keeping the conversation going and the silence at bay or just how he was, Klaus was not sure, but he was close enough to lash out whenever he wanted. He just had one more thing to put in place. Then he could keep the house pet Zhubin from wanting to come back to the lake or really anywhere in the forest again. He didn’t seem like the type to like danger and excitement, if anything he seemed very diplomatic and boring. “For some, I don’t mind the heat all that much. Creates excitement.” He said with a flickering little twinkle in his eye. Yes, it did create excitement, the kind that screamed dark and dangerous and nothing but trouble.

[CARROT.]

the other day i drew myself a map The strange mastiff identified himself as Klaus, and Zhubin nodded to show that he had heard him. When the other male asked about Zhubin going into the water, however, the Afghan Hound chuckled lightly, a small smile forming on his face. He turned to look at the human for a moment before looking back at Klaus. "Oh no, I couldn't. As much as I'd love to, I haven't gotten my haircut yet, and if I were to go into the water I would not be able to dry off. Master Albert only brought one towel with him, and the water would just cling to my long fur, even if i tried shaking it out, which would make for an uncomfortable journey home. Especially in the car." He said. He looked back at his companion wistfully, wanting to cool off himself. However when they got home, there would always be the air-conditioning to look forward to, so he didn't see the need to get himself wet. When the brindled male said that he lived in caves that went under the city, Zhubin looked back in curiosity. "Oh, is that so? I didn't know that there were caves underneath the city..." It was hard to imagine that his hometown, a civilization of beauty and wonders and all sorts of sights and smells, could be located on top of something that seemed so dark and lonely. Even more so, it was hard to imagine that whatever daily activities he was going through for the day, that Klaus was right underneath his paws, lurking around. Oh, but he couldn't live alone in some caves, could he? Zhubin himself would die of loneliness. "How is it, living in the caves? Do you live with anyone else? I imagine it could be quite lonely otherwise." He said. He wondered what kind of dog would think that a cave was a good place to live, but then again, where else when one was in the forest and needed shelter from the wind and rain? Besides the trees and bushes, there really wasn't much else. Klaus' final comment about how heat creates excitement perked a brow from Zhubin. "Oh? And how does it create excitement?" It was one thing if he had said that he didn't mind the heat because he lived in a cooler place, like the caves, or because he had shorter fur. But once again, the Afghan Hound found it hard to imagine what the other male had meant with his words. He couldn't think of how the heat and humidity of their environment could cause such an emotion as excitement. He imagined it to make someone tired or sluggish, what seemed to him to be the opposite of the emotion in question. Maybe the definition of excitement was different for this male, so he was curious to know what Klaus thought it meant. Zhubin kept his mind open, though. Maybe Klaus did have a valid reason to his words. so i could figure out your head

background image by Ricymar Photography ; dog image by Nelanthas

[fizzeh]

A dainty sound, the chuckle that jingled in the air, so delicate and fragile- yet still somehow hinting at masculinity. Klaus stared impassively at the hound as he waited for the reason for his lack of swimming to explained to him, had the hound been swimming it was likely the mastiff would have went on his way. A scuffle- as this was all it could ever be- in the water against a human and his companion was merely incompetent and down right close to pure idiocy. He knew better. The fact that he was here, on land, with no intention of getting his fur wet made the situation entirely enjoyable. The reason was amusing, the master had only brought one towel and without a hair cut the dogs fur would not dry. Rather pointedly, Klaus looked over his shoulder towards the sun. Would not the sun help in drying him out? It helped the strays…but then again, it was unlikely they cared how long it took for the coat to dry or if it had a few tangles in it. Turning back to the golden hound, Klaus made a note that not a single knot could be seen. “Seems inconsiderate, take your dog to the lake but not bring enough…towels...for two.” There was a clucking noise made as he shook his head in disagreement. The hound seemed perfectly at ease to sit in the shade, to bask in the heat while the human got a cool, refreshing dip. Klaus would never stand for such disrespect- but then again, there wasn’t a human in the world that could tame the cold-hearted stray.

Klaus nearly laughed at the dogs curiosity of the tunnels, it was not just curiosity he noted, but the way the dogs brows fell towards each other in thought that told him it was not a lifestyle he had imagined- or wanted to imagine having. “Few do, I like to keep it that way.” He mused quietly, there were many openings to the caves that no one knew about and he was not inclined to gossip about his escape routes. When Zhubin pressed him for information, although he was sure it was innocent, he stiffened ever so slightly, a shadow in his eyes. He did not want to give out so much information on his home. So far he had kept others from finding it- all but the ones he wanted to find it anyway- and he wanted it to stay that way. The Black Hand was not necessarily secret, but its headquarters would remain a mystery to the strays and house pets. “Alone for now, I intend to make it a home for those with an unacceptable nature.” There was a hint of pride in his tone, as well as mischief. His home was for those that society rejected as either malicious, crazy or downright wrong. That was who he would shelter and give a name, a family to. Klaus only gave mind to the innocent and naïve so he could screw them over and fuck up their lives. He enjoyed the rush of seeing terror in their eyes, the pain and misery knowing he held their life in balance, choosing to let them live or let them die. The power it gave him could not be given through anything else, not even ruling the city.

Finally the question of how heat brought excitement was brought up and at the inquiry Klaus sent a toothy grin, one that was full of hostility and there was no question of intentions any more. Again he took another leisurely step forward, wondering if Zhubin had caught on or if he was duller than originally thought. “Tempers flare, there are more fights in summer and winter, do you know why Zhubin?” He asked, his tone reflecting a quiet composure, as if nothing was wrong as if he had nothing planned for the hound. “In the summer, theres always shade to be fought for and with a temper caused by the heat it all seems necessary to fight for. In the winter there is always food and warmth to fight over, life or death, it hangs in the balance. Excitement.” It did come to mind that Zhubin would not understand the thought process of strays, why would he? He had a comfortable life style where food was never a question, nor was the place he would rest his body and mind each and every night. While for a stray either were unlikely to occur in the same place every day, food was often a rarity for the weaker and shelter was hard for any stray.

[CARROT.]

the other day i drew myself a map The Afghan Hound merely smirked at Klaus' comment about his master's forgetfulness. He could've tried to explain why he didn't mind it all that much, but he didn't think that they stray, or any stray that had never had an owner for that matter, would understand. So he simply said, "Well, I consider it forgetfulness rather than being inconsiderate. Master Albert is quite a thoughtful human. If you got to know him, you'd see what I mean." It was almost as if he were inviting Klaus to come meet the human, but it at the Mastiff's next comment, Zhubin wasn't so sure he would've liked to introduce this acquaintance to his master. To him it seemed that the brindled male was... the lonely type. One that chose to be alone rather than being a misfit who couldn't really make any friends. Why else wouldn't he share his caves with anyone else? The house dog couldn't imagine being all alone in a dark place, wandering underneath the city, where he could be making tons of acquaintances and friends. He never really understood those who preferred being solitary than having company. To him, just knowing that Albert was in the house was enough to keep him from feeling alone. It was still better than nothing, after all. The next comment from Klaus came as a surprise to the Afghan Hound, and it showed on his face for a brief moment. At first, he didn't think he heard the other male right. He perked an ear and asked, "Excuse me? Could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly." He thought the male had said that he was saving it for those with an unacceptable nature. But why would he do that? Zhubin turned the idea over and over in his head, examining it carefully, before finally coming to the conclusion that maybe this male was trying to hide away all the misfits, creating a community of them so that they could have company rather than be rejected by the general society. It seemed like a very good deed to do to the lonely. But if the caves were filled with other dogs, where would a lonely male like Klaus go? But then the Mastiff stepped closer to Zhubin... to close to be comfortable. The tall male stepped back to create more space in between them. Suddenly his seemingly friendly acquaintance didn't seem so friendly anymore. There was mischief in his eyes, and it was clear that his definition of excitement wasn't exactly what the Afghan Hound had in mind. He gulped. "Well... Why couldn't they share? There's always a way around conflict." He said. Fear didn't show clearly for Zhubin. Not on his face nor his body language. In fact, he seemed to have more of a mixture of confusion and discomfort expressed on his face, while he continued to stand tall. "No one has to get hurt." or die. "There must be some sort of code of respect? If someone claims some shade, or shelter, or something like that, and isn't willing to share, why would one put themselves in harm's way to fight for it? Some humans may even be so kind to help out a traveler. The world is big, Master Klaus. There is enough resources for everybody, I am sure of it." He tried to counter the Mastiff's dark view of the world and of the definition of "excitement" with reassurance that the world wasn't as bad as some made it out to be. It couldn't be. so i could figure out your head

background image by Ricymar Photography ; dog image by Nelanthas

[fizzeh]

The hound smirked and said that he took it as forgetfulness. The mastiff cocked his head at this logic; he did not understand how Zhubin thought his human was so forgetful. Yes, let’s me and the dog go for a swim, I’ll grab one towel, but leave my loving pet without one. His thoughts were laced, or rather dripping, with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes. No doubt this was brainwashing at its finest, what else could have this dog thinking such idiotic thoughts? Klaus decided right then that he would be doing the dog a favor if he hurt either ‘master Albert’ or Zhubin himself and that was exactly what he planned on doing. Either Zhubin would be dutiful and protect the human or he would let the selfish two-legger be given a nasty bite and a bad fright. Either way it did not unsettle him, Klaus just wanted to give the two a reason to think twice before coming back to the lake. Why, for entertainment. As he had mentioned, the heat brought excitement and this would be one exciting day for the two companions, whether they had realized it or not.

While one statement seemed to confuse the Afghan hound the one following it seemed to startle him, shock him a bit. That dark shadow flickered through his eyes again; the true nature of the seemingly polite mastiff was beginning to show. He chuckled softly, amused that he would think he had heard wrong, his hearing had been fine before that statement. “You heard me right, those with an unacceptable nature will be provided a home.” His tone was smooth, patient, if a bit amused. Had it not sunken in that he was not the friendly stray every house pet met? Oh no, he was something different and he was beginning to find others that were similar to him, slowly being drawn to the little town like a moth to a flame. Klaus was intent on recruiting them all, honestly, but they had to get here first and of course, be found by the brindle leader. A task that was becoming quite difficult considering his territory wasn’t quite so easy to find and he was not the type to go wandering uselessly through the town talking to every dog that crossed his path- honestly, he tried to avoid that. Most were house pets feeling a bit adventurous and those that weren’t were kinder strays that just wanted to live their life without hassle.

Again amusement flickered across the brindle dogs countenance as the hound took a step back, creating space between them. It was this retreat that ignited a flame within the mastiff, before he had no real drive to be mean- aside from merely wanting to. That single retreat, that flickering display of discomfort at such close proximity was enough to have the mastiff’s full attention. Momentarily his eyes went to the human, oblivious to the rising tension on shore. He choked back the laughter at a sincere answer from Zhubin, why couldn’t they share? Well, some would and most could, but then again, most of them did not want to share. “Why eat half a meal when you could eat a full one? Why give up your comfortable resting spot so another can stretch out? We could share, but we are hungry, tired and irritable. We don’t want to share.” He felt as if he was explaining something to a child and it reflected in his tone, what more could he say? Strays were greedy; they had to be to survive.

He gave the dog props, he did put a good effort to find a way around the violence, but honestly, there wasn’t much of a solution strays were willing to follow. He did note how the tense of his words changed, from ‘had’ to ‘has’ or ‘claimed’ to ‘claims’, inwardly he laughed at this. No, of course not no one needed to get hurt in the current situation, Klaus could just turn and walk off, but then again, he didn’t want to anymore. Zhubin had given him a reason to be mean, he had stepped back when he should have ignored the step forward, he had put the last thing in place. “Why search elsewhere when its right in front of your nose? So close, but a weaker dog has it? It’s easier to take something when you’re so hungry your body is feeding off its own muscle. So much easier to fight for some shade when you are so tired of wandering, but want out of the sun. Humans and strays aren’t likely to get along. Humans think we are filthy and we consider house pet’s slaves. Have a taste of freedom, why let it be taken away just for a warm bed and a meal?” Oh yes, he thought Zhubin a slave to his ‘master’ only the enslaved and imprisoned considered others their master. Klaus had no master; he was a free dog and intended to stay that way.

While Klaus was enjoying the idiocy the house pet, Zhubin, he did not think the human would be swimming much longer and Klaus could not let his reputation waste away due to idle chit -hat. He needed to create a name for himself and his slowly growing pack, who would respect him if he were known for idle threats? With that thought he shifted, such a delicate and fractional movement before he moved forward, advancing much more surely than he had before, now he had a purpose. Zhubin had put the final pieces in place and Klaus was making his move. His head elegantly went down to shoulder height, a prowling motion, predatory like, as he shifted his course to do a circle around the long legged hound. “You really should get your masters attention now.” He said smoothly, his tones were darker, hinting at the violence that was about to occur. He gave the house pet his warning and after a small pause for Zhubin to make some kind of noise, he jerked towards the hound, jaws closed, shoulder first, wanting to slam in to the hound and throw him to the ground. If he missed, well, he was on his feet and between dog and human, he could take his pick of who he wanted to sink his teeth into.



OOC: I love Zhubin. <3

[CARROT.]

the other day i drew myself a map When Klaus confirmed his words, Zhubin slowly started to realize that maybe it wasn't a good deed this dog was doing by creating a community of the socially inept. It was something more... sinister, although he wasn't exactly sure what. The friendly acquaintance was no longer friendly. He was a dark character, a mischievous glint in his eye, a threatening body language. He started to see it now. He started to see Klaus in a new light. Instinctively, the Afghan Hound lowered his head and tail to be in line with his spine, now on the defense. He could tell that he was about to be in for quite a bit of trouble. He didn't approve of violence, and he wasn't violent by nature, whether he was being attacked or not. Therefore, he felt awkward in that defensive position, truly not knowing what to do if the brindled male decided to attack. He hoped it was a joke. He hoped that this Klaus was just a really good actor who liked to mess with other's heads just for the kicks. But if it was all an act, so far, he wasn't giving any hint of it. "But you want to survive, don't you? Wouldn't it be easier to share an make friends who will help protect you rather than fight for everything alone?" It was then that it hit him. Klaus was providing homes for the socially unaccepted. He was sharing with them, and he was making them his allies. But for what? "What... What do you plan on doing with those you give shelter?" He asked pressingly. "You're sharing with them. You're making them your allies. And for what? To gang up on a poor dog to take what little he already has?" Zhubin had given this Mastiff the benefit of the doubt, but it was clear now that his motives were nothing but dark, and potentially evil. The next thing that Klaus had said offended the Afghan Hound. His eyes burned with a modest fire to them as they narrowed defensively. "No house pet is a slave to his human. We live alongside them as companions. Whatever work we do for them is in return for what they do for us. It's not slavery; it's a give and take friendship." He growled, not in a threatening or warning tone, but more in an offended, defensive tone. "That is the bond that you clearly do not understand, Master Klaus. A warm bed and food is all I need to survive, any stray should understand that. And I have not given up freedom for it. I have the freedom to do what I want, there are only rules. But no matter where you go, there will always be rules. It's all the same, house pet or not. The only difference is that I do not struggle. The only difference is that I do not have to fight for my needs, and I don't have to worry about being challenged for them." But despite his bold words, on the inside he was scared. The Mastiff kept looking at Albert with that same glint in his eyes, the one that made Zhubin feel uncomfortable. The Mastiff circled him, and the Afghan Hound turned with the other male, not letting the brindled canine ever get behind him. He could protect himself all he wanted and never had to fight back, no matter what. But he couldn't let his companion get hurt. He tried to divert the male's attention toward him with his words. "You know, I would've thought that strays would know how to be more grateful for the resources they have, rather than being greedy and violent about it. You, Master Klaus, have disproved this theory greatly. I've never met such a greedy stray such as you." He growled softly. He was afraid of being attacked, and knew there was a huge risk that he was taking by trying to egg the Mastiff on. But anything to divert attention from Albert. And then it came. The Afghan Hound braced himself, not knowing just how to react, and was hit squarely. He landed onto the ground with a hard thud and a loud yelp. He was on the ground, half kicking his legs out at his attacker and half flailing, but he only swatted at the air. He rolled back onto his paws to see the brindled male now closer to Albert than he was before. The human had heard the brief scuffle, and was now yelling at the two canines. Zhubin frantically barked at the human, warning him to go away. But blast it, he couldn't properly communicate to humans, and Albert only came swimming over to the shore. "No! Master Albert! Swim away! Swim away!" He barked frantically, trying to run past the Mastiff so that he was between the aggressive canine and his friend. But the human just kept coming. "No! Stop! Stop!" so i could figure out your head

background image by Ricymar Photography ; dog image by Nelanthas