White Rock Lake
A reservoir, White Rock Lake covers 1,254 acres and was once used for a portion of Dallas' drinking water supply. Now that it's use as a water source has been supplanted, the area has become one of the favored recreational locations in the city. The forested shoreline is dotted with numerous small cabins, fishing piers, and sailboat docks.
The lake is surrounded by White Rock Lake Park, which is home to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Running through the park is a 9 mile trail designed for hiking, running or cycling.
Though swimming was banned here back in the '50's, it is still a popular location for area teens who generally enjoy the more deserted areas, using the beautiful backdrop as a makeout spot.
Ever have one of those days, where you find yourself longing for the fresh, crisp air and the freedom to stretch your own legs? Well, Ivan has. And unlike some, he's decided to do something about it. Clad in athletic sweats and a long-sleeved shirt, the man has pulled out a pair of running sneakers and his iPod and decided to get a good jog in. And so, that's what he can be found doing, feet pounding against the path drawn around the lake as the man simultaneously enjoys his freedom as well as gets in a bit of a work out. He's been lazy lately - and that will just not do.
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Abbey is out wandering like many others at the moment it seems. At her side can be found her large dog, no leash found as Steele is staying close to her. A burning cigarette rests between her lips while she glances to her cellphone that is in her hand. While doing this she isn't paying full attention to where she's going or who might be around here.
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With hard rock thumping in his ears brilliantly, Ivan continues making his way down the pathways at a steady pace, brows furrowed slightly, as in in thought. As he approaches Abbey and the canine, something in particular seems to strike him - and it isn't recognition. No, it's an almost boyish glee at the sight of the large beast. "Oh wow, aren't you a handsome fellow," Ivan gushes, plucking his earbuds from his ears and positively beaming down at the creature. Clearly, the jog is being put on hold in favor of dropping to one knee and reaching a hand out to the dog with no fear. "What a gorgeous coat you have. Is it a boy or a girl?" He seems to have the familiarity of a former dog-owner as well, and he barely glances in Abbey's direction for now.
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Steele happens to be a bull mastiff, red brindle in color and a very large dog to say the least. The dog looks curiously at the voice and then Abbey glances over blinking a moment as she catches sight of Ivan. Though until he, she recalls him from the cementary. "Ah.. Its a boy, name's Steele." The dog wruffs out fiantly while leans forward slightly and snuffles out curiously at the man.
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Ivan waits until he has been sniffed at and inspected by the canine before moving to, hopefully, pat it's head. "Steele, huh? My, you're a big boy, aren't you - who'se a big boy?" He is bright, almost boyish in his enthusiasm, and when he turns to face Abbey, it's with an amiable grin. "I used to have a german shepherd, back when I lived with my folks. I've always kind of wanted a pup when I moved out here, but I wasn't sure if I had the means to properly take care of it." He explains emphatically.
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Abbey hums softly at this while flicking the cigarette and lets the ash fall to the ground while she nods slightly. "Well.. There fairly easy to take care of really." At least it is for her and how she works. Steele wruffs out while leaning into the attention. For a guard dog he seems rather nice, only because his not home for sure.
—
Ivan is perfectly willing to scratch Steele behind the ear and generally lavish his attention upon the beast. "Aww, what a good boy! Ahem - well, yeah. But my life is pretty erratic, at times. I wouldn't be able to walk a dog or even feed it at the proper times, I think. Or…well, maybe I can now. But I'd have to ask my girlfriend." Eventually, he pushes himself to his feet and reluctantly leaves the bull mastiff alone, turning instead to face Abbey. "I'm Ivan. Ivan, Fontane. I…" Beat. "We've met before, haven't we?"
—
"Well.. You sound like someone that would be good for a cat." Abbey points out with a slight shrug. Steele just yawns out and settles himself down so his sitting. "Ya.. We did that one night that Hope went insane at the cementary." Seems she knows the girls name now. "I'm Abbey Wallace."
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Ivan makes bit of a face, his nose wrinkling slightly. "Well, maybe. But still, I've never felt for cats the way I do for dogs. They don't love you so much as use you. Cats, that is." But then, at the mention of Hope, his expression dims slightly, as it always does. "Right," he offers, solemn. "I remember that night. It was…a curious one. Anyway, it's nice to meet you, Abbey."
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"True.. Which is why I have the dog." Abbey says with an amused tone. A faint ah escapes her and shr shrugs. "Ya.. it was a interesting night. Guess she had a good reason behind it." Not that she like Hope mind you.
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"Did she, now?" Ivan inquires, looking to Abbey with increased interest. "…What do you know of her, exactly?" Call it research. Hope is a personal foe of his, and Ivan never enters a battle without a plan of action. And so, getting as much information on the Fellowship of the Sun fanatic would be quite, quite advantageous to him.
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Abbey lifts a brow at the question. "I don't know anything about her.. Just figure she was under a lot of stress dealing with her sister. Not that if gives her right to go bat-shirt crazy on anyone."
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"Well, yeah. That's definitely true. I figure you heard from all the media coverage about her and her sister, huh?" Ivan inquires, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his head to the side, glancing around the park almost restlessly.
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Abbey shrugs slightly. "I've heard a little here and there. Truthfully I didn't pay much attention to it. I have other things to think about after all." Steele yawns from his spot andsoon flops down upon the ground and stretches out looking rather relaxed.
—
"Well, I can understand that, yes." Ivan offers with a precarious lick of his lips, taking his time to properly give Abbey a one over. "You know, you shouldn't be out here in the dark all alone. These are dangerous times, and you should at least have an escort or something if you want to head out."
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Abbey smirks at this while watching Ivan, a slight look of amusement crosses her eyes before she points to Steele. "Steele is a trained attack dog.. I don't think anyone will attempt anything with him around." An well.. being a wolf sorta helps matters.
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Ivan shakes his head slowly and deliberately. "I'm not sure that'd stall a vampire much. Not that they're all bad folks and all, but there are bad eggs in every group of people. I'm jus' saying…I wouldn't want anyone I cared for to be out at night alone anymore. These are dangerous times." With a shrug, Ivan crosses his arms over his chest, no ulterior motive to be garnered from his words.
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Abbey shrugs slightly at this. "I haven't had a problem with anyone or thing yet." She offers, not seeming that worried about it at all. At least she hasn't had to deal with a vampire that doesn't like wolves lately which she is happy about.
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You say, "Yeah…well. In that case, I suppose I can't do anything to stop you. Well…it was a pleasure meeting you, Abbey. And, I mean, meeting you without the threat of an insane brunette looking to stab me in the chest. But I was trying to get some exercise done, so…ought to get back to jogging, you know?" He grins down to Steele, reaching down to give him one final pet. "You be good, boy!"
—
Abbey chuckles a moment and nods. "Ya.. That's true." She says with an amused tone as she recalls the first meeting at the cementery. "Nice talking to you Ivan." Steele wruffs out and lifts his head to watch Ivan leave. "Come on boy." Is said while she starts to leave herself with the dog following at her side once more.
