Loki
The air was stale in the alleyway where the medium sized brute lay, sprawled out on his side along the cool pavement. His good ear on a swivel as he dozed quietly. It wasnβt always so easy to let his guard down, especially when it came to making sure Bear was around and not getting into some serious trouble. The alleyway has become a sort of quiet sanctuary for the canines to rest and regroup after a long days search, with only one side open to get in, the other blocked by rubble and steel trash bins. Around midday, Loki decided it was time to roll out and carefully search the building on the east side of town. Each day, they searched a new area, an idea that he had decided when searching a single area time and time again became pointless. His form slowly rolled over, a soft, tired groan resounding as he gripped the concrete with his claws. It took him a while to adjust to the trickle of sunlight that peeked its way into the alley opening, lighting up the rest of the alley in the most peculiar way. Loki grunted as he rose to his paws, stretching this way and that before finally shaking the tiredness from his soul. He remained silent as he loped down to the alley opening, scenting the breeze that drifted by, silent as death. He laid his tail down, next to his leg, unsure if it was safe to go out today. He did this everyday, stand at the entrance and ponder on the fact that today may be the day he wonβt return to this humble home. A soft whine of anxiety passed his muzzle as he yawned, watching the buildings closely for any movement. βI donβt know...β He muffled under his breath, loud enough for the large bat ears sticking out from a hole in a tattered blanket to hear.
Bear
The small black dog had checked in early the other night, completely wiped out by a long going rabbit chase that proved unsuccessful in the end. He had curled up in his favorite spot next to an old broken box under a ragged blanket and simply fell asleep for the night. When daylight crept into the placid alley, he snuggled under the blanket, knowing that Loki would be getting up soon and whining about how uncomfortable todayβs trek will be. Bear wasnβt one to worry, in fact it seemed as though death itself wouldnβt be able to scare the little canine away. He suffered too good a case of small dog syndrome. Nothing could touch him it seemed. It seemed... His large ears flicked straight up as he caught the usual grumble from Loki. βI donβt know...β Bear sighed with annoyance as he wrestled his way out from under the blanket and shook himself, ears to tail. βIt wonβt be so bad, youβve got me.β He strut to Lokiβs side and sat next to him, peering out at the vast street as observant as Loki. βSimple. We take the open road down that way and take the open-ended alleys to the east.β He padded back into the alley and nudged the rotted carcass of a rat, βWe need to get out today. I didnβt catch that hopper yesterday, which makes two days without a single meal to satisfy. If we donβt go now, Iβm afraid Iβll chew my own leg off!β He wagged his tail to reassure that he meant it as a joke. βI can take the lead if-β His offer was cut short by the pestered βNo.β from Loki. βIβll lead, you tend to get sidetracked.β The mottled dog took a few steps out, βBut you can stick by me, no need to trail behind. Deal?β Bear was already at his side, brown eyes shining, βDeal!β