Posted October 27, 2011 Quince was angry now. The stranger called it a courtesy to tell them who he was which definitely made him ready to scorch the sand creature and turn him into solid glass...that would make him feel much better. "I have had enough of your insolence you sand demon." Quince growled and stepped closer to Kido his large mane bushed out like hackles would on a normal wolf. It helped to make him look larger, even if he was already rather large for a Southern wolf. "Your attitude is that of a loner and if you continue in such a manner, I will call my fighters-" "only if I get to join in." Xylia interjected. This new comer had a "higher-than-thou" attitude that was getting on her nerves. Quince snarled at Xylia's interruption then turned his attention back on Kido. "And if we have to, Ava and I will turn you to solid glass." he said a, deep, frightening growl within his throat. "Ava, you won't need to show him around. He doesn't deserve the honor of having a Beta escort him. The only time that you would need to escort him, is if his attitude doesn't change and he doesn't become submissive to the Alphas in this area. Unless he has forgotten what submission is." he said as his growls became loud enough for the pups to hear in their nursery. By this time, Xylia, Fraden, Nix and Speedy were all growling darkly at Kido. Xylia's wings were bent around her body with all of her spikes aimed at this new wolf. she didn't know if she cold hurt him, but if Ava and Quince turned him into class, and Char chilled him, then her spikes would break him apart, or at least the glass parts. Quince was glad for the support and his frustration didn't stop him from crouching almost as if he was ready to pounce on the other wolf and sear him with the energy building up in his paws. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 ~Oksana~ ((I now use "sienna" as her color. Cryptic, tell me if this post doesn't work for you ^^)) Oksana adored the weather. It was warm and cloudy and a bit dark, as though it was going to rain. The wind was moderate but would soon be getting stronger. It was absolutely perfect weather to Oksana, and she wouldn't mind going days in such weather. Unfortunately she knew it was going to rain and she really didn't want rain. Cloudy was good; rain was not. "I hate getting wet," she announced to a random warrior walking by. He was quite startled, especially since he was from the North Pack and Oksana was from the South. She winked at him playfully and trotted on her way, ignoring his staring after her. Oksana wasn't exceptionally beautiful. She was little and thin and her fur wasn't fluffy at all. She was built for speed, with strong hind quarters and a light front, though her scruff was full sized. Her tail was thin and long, and her feet were small and wide. Still, her voice--combined with an undeniably witty look in her gray eyes--often made those who didn't know her well stop and take a second look. Oksana would never admit it, but she truly enjoyed such attention. She never flirted--no, she was quite happy with her mate and wouldn't give him up for anything--but often others would mistake her nature as flirty. Well, those who didn't know her at least. Oksana was quite enjoying meeting and messing with the wolves of the North Pack. She still hadn't met them all, but intended to do so. Well, maybe not the pups. Oksana trotted about the huge camp, greeting wolf after wolf as she ran into them. She and Pax had woken up an hour or so ago and had already split ways to go do their duties. Oksana knew that she probably wouldn't get a chance to do any reasonable hunting due to the weather, but that didn't matter to her right then. What mattered to her was meeting up with Pax, since he was probably done with his job by then. Oksana blinked and suddenly turned around to face the North Wolf warrior, who had been about to turn around and leave. "Hey, have you seen a black wolf with astoundingly strong form and a deep and powerful voice around? Male, of course, and from my pack." The warrior regained his composure and shook his head. "No, not that I remember." Oksana smiled. "You'd remember him. Thanks anyway!" With that she turned and darted away, happily speeding alongside a ridge of the mountain in search of her mate. She knew she was being impatient, but today she was especially excited to spend the day with him because they had been mates for exactly six months, down to the day. Yes, Oksana was keeping track, and she never intended to stop. Oksana leapt over a few rocks and past a few small trees until she came to a cliff that jutted out, a sort of viewpoint that let her see the entire camp below it. She took a deep breath. "PAAAAAAAAAAAX?" Many wolves below turned and looked up at her, but most only looked up for a moment; Oksana had called her mate this way several times before, and others had given up on glaring at or disciplining the Gamma for her 'immature' behavior. So long as she didn't wake the pups, they didn't care. Oksana's voice echoed several times. She was about to call out again when she heard a distant and familiar growl. It was joined by more growls, and Oksana homed in on the sound. She couldn't see what was going on from where she was, but it sounded important. How exciting! Oksana was now prepared, but not at all concerned. Be it bear or moose, she was prepared and had no doubt in her and Pax's abilities to take it out. She waited patiently for Pax to join her so they could investigate. Despite her curiosity, she didn't want to go without Pax. It wasn't out of fear, but out of respect and mutual friendship; she knew Pax might feel 'left out' if she ran down there by herself... and she couldn't wait to see his excited self coming to greet her! ~~~~ ~Holtan~ The weather was awful--there was definitely a storm coming, and Holtan had spent his morning making sure everyone was prepared. First he had gone to the pup den and run them through a drill of what to do if a Big Turning Wind were to come. He had never heard of one coming over a mountain, but you could never be sure. Second, he drilled them in what to do if they got caught in a current of water. By this time they were being silly and pretending to drown, and so he simply left it at that, gave them some regurgitated meat as a treat, and headed off to make sure the young mothers were doing fine. The storm seemed to laugh at him in the wind as he ensured the safety and togetherness of the wolves in his pack. When he was finished, Holtan wondered about the pups in the North Pack. Did they need a wolf to drill them? He wanted to think that they didn't, that they were prepared, but he didn't want to be guilty if they weren't. Finally he decided it best to ask the Alpha Quince, and so he trotted in the direction he suspected the Alpha might have gone. he soon caught the older wolf's scent and began to follow it. After about thirty seconds, Holtan could see the Alpha in the distance... along with several warriors and a stranger. There was growling and shifting and crouching, and Holtan didn't like it. He began to approach but stopped short when he saw Ava there. Instead of approaching, Holtan stood where he was--about twenty feet back--and simply waited. The loner seemed strange and didn't seem all that threatening. though Holtan did notice a lot of sand on the ground... Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 Ronan turned his head slowly, looking into the eyes of each wolf who now faced him. Three physical, two heat, one cold, one sharp, one sight, he noted this for further memory and turned back to Quince. "No insolence. Insolence would imply that I was already under you and rising above my position to challenge you. No disrespect either, I fully intend to abide by your decision about my question. Neither aggression, I came to you alone to prevent a stir at my arrival that I might part in like manner, without being noticed, so as not to interrupt your day. No secrets, I answered your questions truthfully as you asked them, had you wanted an answer that would satiate your pride as alpha I could have groveled at your forepaws, but I chose honesty. Courtesy, I disclosed my full plans to you without being asked, and elaborated on further questioning." Ronan groaned inwardly, this is what he was trying to avoid, having to explain every little thing to a pack wolf... such a drag. But he spoke calmly, not demeaningly, explaining each action in turn with no particular emphasis anywhere. "If you would, however, convict me for breaking laws and traditions of yours with which I am completely unfamiliar, then that is your way, and I will leave and be relieved to be gone. But if you assume that I should know these things from experience you are as naive as the pups who lead me to you, never having ventured out of their home to see that their pack's tradition is not the only in existence or the model that others follow. I say this not to dishonor you, but because all I have done is fair and right and proper under the rules and traditions to which you are as unfamiliar as I am to yours." He inclined his head to the others around him. "Unfortunately my mission is important enough to me that I can't simply bet my life on your naivete or lack there of. I will continue this conversation... from elsewhere." And in that moment, his eyes changed from their natural brown to a dull glowing red. However from Jin's perspective his aura vanished along one of the strands linking him to... the sand... imitations of him. Fascinating... With both Ava and Xylia interjecting comments, Jin felt it was wise for him to add his own at this stage. He at least knew he was following the newcomer's train of thought correctly, at least it seemed that way. "If I may..." Jin stated. "Obviously Kido is not familiar with the way of life that is second nature to the rest of us. While he's done things that should earn him a good beating..." he glanced at Xylia, knowing that she would be more than happy to agree with that. "... he has done so in ignorance. Like a pup isn't punished as severely when they do something they didn't know was wrong but are simply corrected the first time and expected to behave the second or be punished, so this situation is similar. If he wants to act like a pup, why not treat him like one." Jin smiled, having come up with a non0violent solution to the problem that included as much a lesson in humility as anything, one that he thought would please Char. "Why not have him attend the pup sessions that Xylia supervises until he's learned our rules the way everyone else has to?" Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 "Hey, heeeeeyyy..." Kiv chimed in, walking over to the group. He was...an odd one. He was demanding, confident, and more importantly, he didn't seem to care about what the 'higher ups' thought. He was perfect. "What's with you wolves?" he asked, in a somewhat childish way, as he swept in front of Char. "He said he'd follow the rules, didn't he? I don't see what's wrong with that." Kiv let a sly smile spread across his muzzle. "Though a solid glass wolf would be quite impressive..." he glanced back at Kido, or whatever his name was. "You put up with me, don't you? Why won't you put up with this one? It will be just like having two of me!" he started to laugh. If they actually did let him in, then these two could have some fun together. On the other hand, Kiv did start to wonder what a glass wolf would look like... "So he might be a little rough around the edges. You can't blame him, it's not like he's been in a pack in, from what I've heard, a long time. Give him a chance, huh?" he grinned again at Char, hoping that the twisted images in his head of him and Kido annoying the hell out of her would come true. Not that she wouldn't be able to foresee it, but still, it was fun to think about it. And it's not like she could just reject him because she didn't like him. The loner said he'd follow the rules. That had to be good enough, right? Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) [looks perfect to me, Lady! So cute!] |Pax| Pax would have preferred sleeping in another hour or so but, sadly, that was always the last thing on his mate's mind. He knew they had duties to attend to and all that but she had rushed off so quickly! Pax always knew that once they got going, something was always pulling them apart. Today, however, would be different. He was going to have her all to himself and bite off anyone's head to tried to tell him otherwise. With that thought in mind, he'd went about his warrior duties quickly, snapping at everyone to hurry up. He usually wasn't so impatient but he wanted to be with his female! When he was finally dismissed and he'd greeted a few of the Northern wolves he'd hadn't spoken to before, per his mate's request, he'd sped off to find her. "Hey, you see a pretty young female run by here? Golden brown fur, lean and slender? Beautiful voice?" Pax asked a passing wolf, full out stepping in front of him to stop the other male. Now, Pax was a well-built male, a muscled warrior, so when he stopped someone, they didn't argue. Compared to the small pup he'd once been, it was almost like Pax were a different wolf but his brown-tinged black fur remained the same. "Eh, maybe. That way?" the wolf jerked his head over his shoulder and Pax nodded, giving the male a friendly, though possibly overly exuberant, nudged as he walked by. He took off after that, surprisingly quick given his large frame, picking up her scent easily. He smirked and increased his pace, intending to sneak up on her. It would be perfect! She'd be so- "PAAAAAAAAAAAX!" The call stopped Pax in his tracks and his head swiveled around in the direction it had come, ears perked forward. There went the surprise, he laughed to himself, and changed directions. Soon, he was headed up through the trees toward the very spot his mate had called him from, the cliff that over looked the camp. "There you are, 'Sana," he said, his voice deep and low, and he paused to look at her. His mate of exactly six months, Oksana, and she looked absolutely beautiful standing there in the sunlight. He tipped his head slightly before darting right at her, barking happily as he circled her playfully, trying to nip at her tail. -- |Ava| Ava nodded at Quince's words. She wouldn't hesitate to light this loner up with a combined electrical attack. She was still greatly honored Quince had let her copy him, as it added immensely to her power data bank. When the loner started speaking again, she was still not impressed and was only becoming more and more annoyed. And then he was...gone? Ava didn't know what just happened but when Jin spoke up, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Because he is not a pup!" she started, the frustration evident in her voice. "He should not be coddled and taught like one when he is old enough to understand. He is an adult and should be treated as such, not allowed to join our pup sessions. Secondly, that's all but throwing him right in there with our most vulnerable pack members," she added, shifting in place now to release her pent up frustrations. That loner should not be allowed anywhere near pups, let alone in their sessions with Xylia. No, Ava would not stand for that idea. As if she wasn't annoyed enough, Kiv was talking now. Oh, they'd been over this! He was speaking out of order again and Ava was all but ready to tackle him and shut his muzzle for him. "Kiv! Do be quiet!" she hissed, turning a heated glared on him. How rudely he was speaking to Char and, though she was not her Alpha, Ava would not stand for it. "We need another wolf like you as much as need another hole in our heads! That matter will be taken care of, thank you, so do run along." Edited October 27, 2011 by crypticsoul Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) Char's ears went back and she bared her teeth at Kiv, all but ready to clamp down on the closest part of his body and hold him there until something had frozen. "I put up with you simply because I don't want to upset Quince by slaughtering one of his pack," she snapped. "But I'm not wondering if he isn't thinking of doing the same, or at least demoting your sorry hide down to Omega." She gave a final warning glare to Kiv, she was fully prepared to take physical action at his next act of insolence. With that, she took her more formal stance again, eyes and ears alert as Jin began to speak, his words followed almost immediately by Ava's. "You both make good points," Char said, nodding to each Beta in turn. "And for what it's worth, I find myself liking this Kido more than Kiv. Perhaps we should make Kiv learn with the pups and give this stranger his position instead?" she said with a harsh chuckle. The sarcasm in her tone was clear, but... well, there was no denying that a piece of her didn't actually think it was a good idea. Once they got to know this loner, anyway. Edited October 27, 2011 by Dr. Paine Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) (Okay, I can't tell what Ronan did at the end there, but I'm going to assume he's still there...somehow. Edit: DAMMIT RAK. HE BETTER STILL BE THERE. >:I) Gusts of wind whirled around the great wings stretching across the sky. The gathering of clouds gave the animal coverage as it dipped carefully through the mist, thankful that the lack of sunlight allowed the shimmering blue feathers along the bone of the wings to remain undetectable. Moisture from the clouds slicked his silvery fur as it was pressed against his body, which was lean from well-exercised muscle. It was the body of a warrior, one who practiced his skills every day and never ceasing to become better. Of course, in the past two years, Talcore didn't have much reason to expend energy on warrior training. He had to teach himself how to hunt properly, how to survive on his own and how to cope without the company of his friends in the dreary solitude of the ice-capped mountains. However, now, Talcore was out, free from his snowy mountain prison, ready to find others whom he might recognize. He knew the chance was slim, even if he had no idea what had actually happened to everyone. There was the sinking feeling that he was utterly alone, the very last of his pack to roam the world. The wind combed through the steel-peppered fur as Talcore angled one of his massive wings downward. He circled several times, each time dropping slightly closer to the earth. There was a gathering of some sort below. As he drew closer, careful to allow his body to mimic the nature posture of an eagle or hawk as to not draw suspicion, he suddenly noticed one of the figures below that everyone else was circled around. It couldn't be, rang the thought, but even in his disbelief, the overwhelming emotion of relief and joy flooded his veins. Never, in all his life, did he think he would be ecstatic to find Ronan among the living. Soon enough, conversation drifted to his keen ears, and Talcore pressed forwards, spreading the feathers outwards as to not allow sound to give away his position. Ronan appeared to be having difficulty with these strange wolves, something that brought the glimmer of a smirk to his snout. There were wolves nearby that looked quite agitated for some reason, one in particular that appeared ready to jump the sand-wolf for a fight. I highly doubt that would end very well, the old warrior mused, shifting his tail upwards into the sky. A moment later, the azure-accented wings curled neatly around his wiry frame and Talcore dropped like a two-ton rock from the sky, a white and blue arrow that exerted the same precision as an experienced bird of prey. It was only when he was mere feet above their heads did his torso suddenly right itself and his wings snap out before he landed quietly on the ground, a couple feet diagonal to his old rival. The power in which surged through his wings gave the impression that he could have shooken the earth with his impact if he so wanted, but the grace in which he folded his wings after a moment's pause and stood before the others calmly suggested he did not approve of such displays of power. "Getting into trouble, like always," stated a mature, rough voice from the maw of the silvery and blue warrior. Although the wolf stood tall, obviously the stature of someone who lived alone, there was no air of arrogance about him, and the steadiness to his gaze as it traveled across the other wolves was not unpleasant. "Making new friends it seems."His tail gave a gentle swish against his hindquarters, giving away the hints of humor that laced his deeper, older voice. Years in the mountains, silent, led his voice to loose its soft quality and gain something of a gruff wisdom to it. Though he had been looking towards the others, the direction of his words was clearly pointed towards Ronan, and after a moment Talcore turned his head slightly to regard the sand-wolf from the corner of his eyes for a brief moment. Talcore's expression was stony, guarded, just as it had always been, except perhaps now there was a undercurrent quality of lifelessness somehow present in his eyes. Upon seeing Ronan again, there appeared to be a sliver of new energy in his gaze, but he remained passive and mysterious in the presence of the wolf pack whom he had just rained down upon. Among the procession of pups that had led the wave of sand through camp, the trailing figure of a young wolf followed behind. Her bright, golden eyes watched the parade with extreme interest; there was also a flicker of faint confusion somewhere in the depths of her eyes as she surveyed the sand moving across the earth. Why did she feel such a strange sense of familiarity upon watching it crawl? The scent was foreign to her, yet it excited her somehow. She snorted softly into the grass where the sand had traveled over, as if trying to pick up whatever it was that interested her so. When Lucifer loped past her, Dayhl jumped slightly and looked up. The white female had come to a halt behind the pile of sand, watching as it slowly manipulated into the figure of a wolf. This, too, struck Dayhl oddly, but not only because the event itself was particular to witness- it felt as if some dark dream she suffered weeks ago was trying to barge through the fortress of her young mind, but something was blocking it. And she had no idea what any of it was supposed to mean. Quietly, the yearling approached the hind flanks of the ivory Gamma, stepping into her shadow as to appear inconspicuous against the female's grand carriage. There was always something about Lucifer that had impressed her, though Dayhl wasn't sure exactly it was. Perhaps there was something in the way the she-wolf moved or spoke, or even looked towards the others that made Dayhl feel privileged to be on the receiving end. Nevertheless, the Gamma noticed the young wolf slink into her shadow, and cast a short glance at the dark huntress-in-training before returning her watchful eyes to the mound-of-sand-turned-wolf. Dayhl attempted to mimic Lucifer's observation- she stared fiercely in attempt to copy Luce's cool, indifferent gaze and pointed her ears as far as they could go so she could drink in every word and process them, just as Luce could do by simply standing and letting the conversation flow around her. Although Dayhl was much more interested in becoming a hunter than a scout, she still wanted to learn everything there was about every job, so that she could become the best. The wolf called 'Kido-something' was speaking, and his words sounded strange and jumbled as if he were talking in long, complicated metaphors than in direct sentences. Dayhl felt drawn to him, and as she watched him move, him speak, she unconsciously began to step towards him. It was only when a white arrow dropped out of the sky that Dayhl yelped in surprise and hastily returned to Lucifer's side, in case whatever had come to Kido's aid was dangerous. Peering through Luce's long legs, however, she had the distinct feeling that this new stranger was just as familiar and oddly comforting as the wolf made from sand. She gazed at the winged wolf in half-awe, half-wonder. Many times she had been caught staring at the Northern Beta's mate, who also had wings- there was just something particularly alluring about them that Dayhl could not resist, as if it were a key to something she had yet been able to access. Glancing up at Lucifer, she noticed the she-wolf gazing at her from the corner of her blue-black eyes. Although feeling sheepish from her childish shock, Dayhl huffed with annoyance and turned her head away, cheeks blazing. Edited October 27, 2011 by Shiny Hazard Sign Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 Kiv let out a quiet whine as he heard the words that came from Char's jaws, and he hoped no-one heard it. You think you're so tough... he cocked his head to the side and tried to make it seem like she didn't get to him. "All I'm saying is that you shouldn't turn this one away 'cus of his attitude. Maybe--Gah!" Kiv jumped and turned around to find a white-blue blur land on the ground. "Wh-What...?" he noticed that he was almost huddling up against Char out of fear, so he swallowed and calmly took a few steps away from her. He looked over the new wolf with excitement and wonder. "Are those..wings?" he gazed at them with a spark of interest in his eyes. How he wished he could have wings... "Well then." He stopped looking at the new-newcomer and back to Char. "No need to yell at me, but maybe we should let this one in, too?" he smiled his sly smile again. More wolves to play around with. More to trick, more to have fun with. Oh, this was going to be fun. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) The sandy presence before them all suddenly turned at the sound of Talcore's voice, an expression halfway between shock and absolute joy passed through his figure in a moment of obvious loss of control of his usual cool and calm self. Suddenly he didn't seem to notice or frankly care about the new wolves around him and as the wind created by Talco're sudden downdraft pulled at him, he allowed it to dissolve his form out of the circle he was in and reappear right on top of the other male, glomping him in a large pile of sand which quickly formed back into his body and rolled off of him. "Talcore!" He shouted, his voice halfway between anger and relief. "You winged devil! You insufferable philosopher, you arrogant, uptight, no fun... Sand Spawn! It's good to see you my friend!" He stared him in the eyes hard for a moment, there were literally a million questions he wanted... no... he needed to ask. But one rose to the surface first out of actual care for his old friend. "How long did you suffer in silence alone you stoic idiot, I may have done the same in the desert but you could have come visit me..." A huge smile continued to split Ronan's face, making it hard to tell if he was smiling or bearing his fangs at the newcomer. "Or did you? Where is everyone else? Tanis, Oksana, Pax... Roshan... have you found anyone?" More seriously he asked, "do you remember what happened? I... have only regained bits and pieces of the puzzle... the main part still eludes me, what happened to our packs?" Jin had been about to reply to Char and Ava when yet another unfamiliar thing entered his vision, a wolf... and it was flying! or... falling was more accurate. It sped through his bubble of perception in an instant and suddenly appeared before them all, a winged wolf... Xylia wasn't the only one then. But this to was a stranger... and by what he said, perhaps one of those that Kido had been looking for. By Kido's next actions, that seemed to obviously be the case. Jin was surprised at his sudden change of character. He had been so lifeless and still before, speaking calmly with a lot of words, more than needed, but now... now he was jumping all over this new wolf like a puppy who'd just found his brother, what on earth was going on? He spoke quietly to everyone present, "so... is it just me or did someone plan an old pack reunion for our campsite without telling us first?" He whispered this next to Xylia. "He couldn't possibly mean those two love struck younglings that we always laugh about... even if I may or may not feel exactly that way about you most of the time...." he grinned at her, nudging her shoulder. "our Pax and Oksana?' Edited October 27, 2011 by Rakashua Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 ~Oksana~ "There you are, 'Sana." Oksana spun her head around with delight at the voice of her mate. Oh, how she loved listening to his voice. It was stronger than any voice she had ever known. She giggled and lifted her tail in greeting, allowing him to stare at her for just a moment more. When he tipped his head she slammed her forepaws on the ground and laughed as he darted straight for her. She tucked and whipped around her tail as Pax tried to nip at it, all while laughing in pure joy. After a moment more she put a paw on his chest and licked his face, tail wagging furiously. "Just in time, and not a moment too soon!" She greeted happily. "I'm super excited we don't have any duties this afternoon, but before we do anything you might want to see this." Oksana trotted to the edge of the platform she had been standing on and nodded to the scene far off and below, where the Alphas and others had been circling the newcomer wolf. To Oksana's surprise, there was another wolf there, one she had never seen before. They were too far away for details, but Oksana could see something on that wolf's back... She spun to face Pax. "Let's go investigate!" Oksana didn't wait for his reply; giving him a playful bump on the rump, she sped around and started down the mountain. Because she was going downhill she knew Pax could easily keep up; unlike her who had to dodge spiky rocks and sticks, Pax could just bust through them. Assuming Pax followed, Oksana stopped about thirty yards away and looked again at the gathering. Most of her pack was standing in the way, but she could see wings on one of the newcomers. She looked at Pax, a question in her eyes. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 "Explain yourself!" Char shouted, stepping up to the winged wolf who had just dropped into the camp. Just when she had been calming down and at least growing neutral to Kido, this had to tear at her already frayed nerves. "You..." she swung her head around to face Kido, eyes blazing and teeth beginning to ice over from the humid air. "You wander into our camp and act like you own the place, and you-" here, she turned back to the white winged wolf, "- decide it's acceptable to simply fall from the sky? What kind of packless mongrels are you? Did your mothers teach you any sort of manners?!" Char glanced at Jin when he spoke up, a snort of annoyance escaping her mouth. "I'd be inclined to agree, if it weren't completely mad," she muttered, trying to cool herself down. Figuratively, though she wouldn't mind just leaving this entire mess and giving herself a good wash. Or just jumping in the river, that sounded much preferable to the current situation. No wonder the rest of the pack had so little faith, if that was her course of reason. Char shook her head, sitting herself down beside Quince, watching the winged wolf and Kido. It wasn't fair to act so harshly to them, they both seemed rather old and... well traveled. Perhaps they were packless, loners who had stuck together? Even if they had no manners, they hadn't tried anything that bad... "Please, forgive me if I sound... testy," she said, forcing herself into a calmer tone. "This has just been a rather trying morning, and having two strangers waltzing into camp has not done me any favours." Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 ((Please pardon any misspellings. The keyboard I am using totally sucks)) Quince glared at Kido and was about to really let his energy loose when Jin interrupted. He spoke about letting the wolf in with the pups which Quince thought was totally outrageous and luckily for him, his Beta voiced that opinion before he was able to even open his mouth. Since she ahd spoken already, he merely nodded in totaly agreement. Before he lost his thought though, he turned to Char momentarily. "I wouldn't mind you at elast taking one of Kiv's legs. It would make him more tolerable in my opinion." he said with a chuckled before turning back to Ronan....the annoying being. It seemed to be a bit odd to him that so many of his pack were awake and were actually observing what was going on. Even Dayhl, a yearling wolf, was out there looking around like Lucifer did in her intese ways. It was enough to make him lose his focus for a moment and turn back to see another winged wolf landing in front of them, and next to the sand wolf. The way that he held himself was a way of a warrior...not an old know-it-all and that was something that he could understand and resepct himself. However is anger was still boiling within him and Char seemed to let hers out very quicky upon the two and it seemed that everything was building up in the both of them for Quince's growls accented her yelling. "As she has said, you both have been, for a lack of better words, acting like packless mongrels. Kido, you said earlier that it was a courtesy and Jin said that you were ignorant." Quince stopped and in a moment, his anger was gone and his bright, electric blue eyes, were trained on the new wolves. He listened as Kido said something about his two newest Gamma's, Okasana and Pax. The two were hopeless romantics but they were handy. "If you wish to learn the ways of a pack again, and if you wish to spend time in our territory, then learn from us and," he glanced at Char to make sure that this was all okay. "I am sure that we can allow a few Epsilons or Gammas to help you in your search. Speaking of two of them that you mentioned actually...." he turned to where he smelled Pax and Oksana standing there and barked at them to go ahead and come forward. "Are these the two that you mentioned?" he asked and glanced at Xylia who looked absolutely dumbfounded at the new comer with wings. "They are Gammas from my pack, were they once in a pack you were in?" he asked and was now starting to become rather curios about everything that these wolves were talking about. Xylia's mind followed everyone's words perfectly. As was her ADD nature. She couldn't figure out if her Alphas were angry, sad, upset, or what?! It was so confusing to have to watch both of them and Kido who seemed to be very sad. Towards the end of her observation though, she noticed that Quince had calmed down considerably and so had Char. Such an odd and sudden change in behavior. Xylia had to be honest with herself with Jin mentioned the new wolf attending her lessons with the pups. It frightened her and not only that, he was going to be put near the pups. That wasn't exactly his best idea and she sent that thought and emotion to him immediately before being relieved that both Char, Ava and Quince rejected the idea quickly. When the new wolf flew in, Xylia was absolutely dumbfounded. He had wings like she had which made her both upset, and happy at the same time. Whereas her wings were large, and made to support her thin frame and the weighty spikes within her wings (it makes her wings look too large for her body...almost way to large for her body), this other wolf, his wings were beautiful and shaped perfectly to his body. It was obvious that he was older and his muscles had been increasingly developed over time making his grace and power, magnificent. After observing for a time, Xylia noted that Char had yelled at him, but Quince, his anger died all of the sudden and seemed willing to help these wolves find Pax and Oksana. She was about to ask Jin the same question that he asked her so she just shrugged. "It they are the same, then it looks like Quince is willing to help them. They obviously are either very stupid, very ignorant, or just very lost and very sad." she said in a hushed tone to her mate. Things started to get very active around here and if they didn't hunt soon, Xylia would have to leave on her own, before he mind snapped into that angry rage that most knew very well. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) |Ava| "Where do they keep coming from? Next thing you know, they'll be crawling out of cracks in the rocks," Ava grumbled to herself but she would admit that she was a little pleased this was getting more exciting. What was more exciting than a wolf dropping from the sky and landing so gracefully before them? Another winged wolf! The only one she'd ever known in her entire life was Xylia, and she had not known her for very long. At least this knew wolf made that Kido a little more...pleasant. Still annoying but this knew attitude of his made her less angry. It seemed Quince had calmed down too and she was glad to see that. When her mind focused back in on Quince's words, she realized he was talking about Pax and Oksana. Those were a crazy, love-struck, loud pair but Ava knew she was not the first to recognize their worth. The male, Pax, was an excellent warrior and his mate, little Oksana, was a brilliant, fast huntress. Ava didn't mind them. She looked over her shoulder in the direction Quince had noted, indeed finding the pair standing there. She almost laughed, if the situation were not so serious. She watched the pair carefully trot down, Pax leading and keeping a careful eye on the group. He was an distrustful one, she thought, recalling a few times he'd nearly attacked her for criticizing his mate. "Well, do you two know this pair?" she asked, jerking her head toward the sand-wolf and the winged-wolf. She really hoped they did, if only so they could shed some light on this situation. "Speak up if you do, come on then, I know you have no problem with it," she said, giving Pax a hard stare. Stubborn thing he could be. While she waited on their answer, she noticed another familiar scent had reached her nose. She hesitated, almost refusing to look but she finally, barely turned her head. Holtan..., she thought, making eye contact with him for the briefest of moments before looking away. |Pax| Pax had darted after Oksana immediately, not about to let her go investigate something along or get all the excitement by herself. He stopped beside her, slowing his breaths as he surveyed the wolves gathered there. Half their pack, half the other pack and...two new wolves. When Oksana looked questioningly up at him, he only looked back down at her. There was no way...was that...no, it couldn't be, he thought, swiveling his head back round to watch the group. It was then that Quince noticed them and called them over. Pax hesitated but made his way over, keeping in front of Oksana the whole time. "Well, do you two know this pair? Came Ava's question and Pax looked at her, stopping a few feet away. Though he'd been barking and happy a minute ago with Oksana, his aura had completely flipped. He looked at the pair of newcomers again and shifted his stance, the only sign that he was slightly uncomfortable with the situation. Ava urged them to speak again and Pax finally answered her. "Yes," he said but he offered nothing more. This was too close to the truth. He didn't want anyone knowing this but...two of them, right here before him, how could he lie? He knew Oksana would be angry if he didn't at least admit that they knew them. He didn't move back but he side-stepped a bit so Oksana could get a better look and so she could be seen better if she wished to speak. Edited October 27, 2011 by crypticsoul Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) ~Oksana~ The other wolves were all talking and didn't sound happy, but Oksana couldn't quite hear what they were saying. She thought she heard her name, but she still couldn't see the newcomers clearly, partly thanks to Xylia's wings. At Quince's bark, Oksana immediately trotted forward, her bold curiosity taking over. She did stay behind Pax and actually felt quite proud that he cared to guard her so. But his big body was in the way, and Oksana had to crane her neck to peer around him. As they got closer, Oksana stopped dead, unable to breathe. "Well, do you two know this pair?" Oksana was silent, staring in disbelief from Ronan to Talcore. "Yes," Pax answered for her. Oksana swallowed. Finally Pax stepped to the side, and Oksana stepped forwards, able to see her old friends--the father and brother she never had--clearly. She could hardly believe it... four and a half long years of wondering and searching, and there they were. And they had been searching for her too! They remembered her after all this time, her and Pax! She knew she and Pax had lied and shouldn't reveal anything now, but she couldn't help but speak to the old wolves before her. Yet she couldn't find the words to say. Memories came flooding back; rivers, wings, howling, crying... Tanis... "Is..." she paused, staring into Talcore's eyes. "T--Talcore?" Oksana was still half hidden behind Pax, unable to believe the scene in front of her. Pax had certainly taken it more in stride, but Oksana was stunned. She had thought Talcore dead, from whatever cause. They had been in the mountains and something had happened, something she couldn't remember. Then she had been somewhere else, and had never been able to find Talcore again. But he had protected her somehow, done something very noble for her and Pax... Oksana remembered that. And Ronan... Ronan was alive too? She had been sure that both males had died somehow. For a long time she hadn't given up on finding them, Dael, someone... anyone... she had searched for months as a pup, and she and Pax had almost starved themselves looking for familiar faces. It had been her and Pax, alone for months after the part where she couldn't remember anything. She had been eight months old and Pax about ten, but the weather was good and they survived using their powers. But that was a history that Oksana kept secret; to everyone else, Ronan and Talcore were... Edited October 27, 2011 by LadyNatasha Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) Despite Talcore's cool composure, he was utterly surprised by Ronan's reaction. As a reflex, his wings unfurled slightly above him as the sand wolf fell onto his shoulders. It was a strange feeling to have the grains of sand moving through his fur on its own, and as Ronan re-built himself off to the side, Talcore gave his lean body a good shake to dislodge any straggling grains. "I can't tell if you're happy or upset to see me," the winged warrior responded gruffly, swaying his tail a few times in unison to Ronan's exuberant words. In truth, Talcore was over joyed to have found Ronan. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be enemies from the origin of their packs, Talcore had always found that he enjoyed Ronan's presence- at least, when they weren't fighting or bickering over pups. The memory flashed before him and he chuckled roughly, before the sadness of Oksana's and Pax's disappearance once again weighed down his heart. A frown then curved over the male's face for a moment. "I have been alone these past few years," he said after a while's pause. His voice sounded quieter, as if he were unconsciously pushing away the despair that threatened to creep into his tone. "I believed everyone was already dead. Everything is...gone." Even...Even Tanis, was gone. It was then that his old warrior mind caught up with him and scolded the winged warrior for his slip of emotion. Blinking, he glanced back up towards the other wolves that surrounded them. There was a winged female there that reminded him somewhat of a Raven, and she was regarding him with an odd look on her face. Talcore felt as if he had seen the expression before, but years without interacting with another wolf left him a bit rusty when discerning emotions on someone's face. It was the other female, however, the one that appeared to have the most dominance in the ones standing before him, that suddenly burst out angrily. In instinctual response, Talcore's wings flared upwards protectively, the faint sunlight that managed to crawl through the storm clouds catching weakly on the blue feathers. His eyes were narrowed, though not unfriendly- he was studying the female closely, examining her features and picking through her words with the careful calculation of a practiced soldier. When finally he appeared to accept that the wolves weren't truly in favor of aggression, the sixteen-foot wingspan of the warrior slowly withdrew to his powerful frame, the shoulder muscles moving fluidly beneath the silvery fur. "I apologize, Madam," he answered after a moment, his gentlemanly tone even and undisturbed, "That we have caused a commotion for your kind. It was not my intention to 'barge' in on you and yours, merely I believed my friend to be having difficultly and took the opportunity to support him." The more he talked, the less gravelly the quality of his voice, allowing the powerful, strong trill to slowly seep back into its natural sound. When another voice met his ears, Talcore glanced to the side to see a large male addressing both himself and Ronan. Again, Talcore's gaze sharpened, grazing over each feature of the male. There appeared to be a flicker of recognition in his eyes, though it was not meant for Quince- simply, the memory that the Alpha Male presented him was strangely similar. He reminds me of Zeus, he thought, holding back a small chuckle. Instead, he gazed calmly into Quince's eyes. "You call us mongrels, sir," Talcore answered casually, and the tone of wisdom that rolled heavily through his voice was oddly comforting, especially to the yearling crouched under Lucifer's white body. "And yet, a visitor I am, meaning no harm, and I am confronted with aggressive opposition? If my manners are lacking, sir, I wonder where yours might be as an alpha. If my friend is indeed ignorant of how your pack system works, then I beg you to forgive his naivety." He dipped his head, however, in the respect of an old warrior acknowledging that Quince was, indeed, an Alpha, even if his methods were a little...unorthodox to Talcore. Perhaps not as much like Zeus as I thought. His ears perked uncharacteristically at Quince's suggestion of the two wolves in his pack. Impossible, the warrior thought, but as he turned, a flash of russet-red fur appeared to blind him and he stood frozen, staring at the she-wolf who had approached the convention. He tried to murmur the name on his tongue, yet his jaws were locked, and he remained as still and ominous as a statue. When both of them, a dark wolf he could hardly recognize besides the familiar face staring back at him and the red-pelted female he had yearned so much to father as his own, approached, Talcore blinked a single time as if they were going to disappear in that same moment. But there they were, standing flesh and blood, returning the stare with as much disbelief as he felt. Oksana's voice carried his name to his ears and they flickered slightly in response. A long moment stretched out before him as he gazed between the two, dumbfounded and startled at the same time. It was only when a happy warm spread through his body that Talcore's amber eyes twinkled with recognition. "Oksana," he answered softly, his same, faint smile gracing his muzzle. Edit: Wah, ninja edit~ Edited October 27, 2011 by Shiny Hazard Sign Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 Ronan growled but in a friendly way as Talcore replied to the others, wolves he could now care less about having found a familiar face they may as well have been a distant memory for all he was concerned. "There you go again correcting my..." He stopped seeing a shocking amount of emotion on Talcore's face... he followed his gaze. Hadn't the alpha said something about Pax and Oksana? but he couldn't have been serious, after all they had a Jin, who looked nothing like... His gaze came to rest on the two wolves approaching from behind and now standing some short distance away. The bodies were changed... but the faces... Oksana's especially, just the same as before, it was them! But how? Ronan had searched high and low amongst ruins and rubble he didn't remember... to find no one? To leave for the desert believing himself the only one left? Yet they were alive!? to find Talcore was one thing, the slightly older male was brilliant and very tough, Ronan wasn't surprised that he lived... but to find the two pups, now having grown up... He finally managed to speak for his dumbfounded friend. "It looks to me..." he said, a sweet smile on his face, an expression he only remembered using once in his whole life, "that our plans for them seem to have worked out... despite our absence, happy, healthy, grown up... gosh Talcore... now I really feel old." Then he raised his voice to the other two. "Well don't just stand there staring!" He called up to them, "we old folks might dissolve into dust at any second, snap out of it and come down here before Talcore's maw freezes in that ridiculous expression of his..." Suddenly Ronan didn't want the wolves behind him to exist, to ask questions, to interrupt them, or even sneeze. This was a moment worth living for, and he wasn't going to miss it even if they all asked questions at the same time. fortunately... he had the unique ability to be in two places at once... All of the sand left his fur, making him shrink by one body size and revealing the true muscularity of his strong frame as he gazed with a smile at the two who he had last known as pups. His sand meanwhile transformed into a copy of himself and turned back to the others, trotting back over to them with a smile on its face. "I think perhaps you should all like to hear the whole story, else this may continue to baffle every wolf present and lead to another misunderstanding. If I may?" It asked Quince. Jin knew as soon as he spoke it that it had been a bad idea. Though he had partially hoped it would be understood as a joke to help relieve the tension, apparently no one was in a joking mood either. And he was so tired, the adrenaline of the new wolf's arrival was beginning to wear off, even after the arrival of the second one he half expected dozens of strangers to just randomly pop out of the ground... He leaned gently on Xylia, avoiding her sharp spikes, "oi vey..." he sighed and yawned, "harmless. They're harmless..." he yawned again, reviewing their auras with a glance. " No foul intentions or negative emotions, I think he's being sincere as best he knows how. But yes, ignorant, lost, and sad for sure." Jin regained his feet, swallowing another yawn and forcing himself to concentrate... Even his mind was reeling a bit from trying to pull everything that had been said together into one coherent piece... and then the best thing that could have happened and should have happened to begin with... did happen. The sand wolf apparently wanted to give the whole story... which... looking at the age of the other two... was probably not going to be short. He glanced at Char and Quince, giving Char an apologetic smile, he could see she was frustrated, even if she hadn't been just recently made alpha, an experienced alpha like Quince was having equal amounts of stress in dealing with this. He desperately hoped everyone would just calm down and let things be explained... as it was he figured no one had a good idea of exactly what was happening or why. And with all the assumptions flying around nothing would end well until they were settled. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 ~Oksana~ "Oksana." Oksana felt tears enter her eyes. That was her name he said; he recognized her, he knew who she was. And Ronan... he left his sand body so she could see him. It really was Ronan. "Well don't just stand there staring! We old folks might dissolve into dust at any second, snap out of it and come down here before Talcore's maw freezes in that ridiculous expression of his..." And that was all it took; Oksana could no longer help it. This was Talcore, the Talcore she knew, the Talcore who had promised to take care of her and who had never given up, even when she had. This was Ronan, the Ronan who had saved her life somehow in a way she couldn't even remember and had let her cross one little river long ago... "Talcore!" Without hesitation or reserve Oksana dashed past Pax and leapt over to Talcore, who was quite a bit taller than her. She whined in pure joy and licked his muzzle several times over, ears back and tail wagging low. This was Talcore, her Talcore, the one she had wanted so badly for so many years. Her words came out jumbled and mixed with joyous tears (assuming wolves can cry) as her emotions overflowed as she looked from Ronan to Talcore. "We thought you were dead, we looked and looked and you're here alive and Ronan too and you didn't stop you kept looking and you're alive and not dead!!!" Oksana hadn't been so emotional since Pax had asked her to be his mate, but she didn't care if she looked ridiculous; Talcore and Ronan, they were alive! Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 |Ava| "Please," Ava nodded at copy of the sand-wolf, eager to just get some explanation from someone! Realizing she had spoken out of turn, though, and to a question that was not even devoted to her, she stepped back and sat beside her Alpha. She glanced up at Quince briefly but looked back at the sand copy. If Oksana and Pax knew these wolves...then they must not be so bad. "That is if my Alpha should so wish you to explain," she added, correcting her mistake. She hoped Quince wished to hear him out, if only to stop this mad confusion and mess of a situation. |Pax| When Oksana had dashed passed him, Pax had nearly stopped her but the joy in her voice had held him back. Still, what if this were a trick? They had searched for years, two small pups wandering around an unknown world, and had never once come across anyone they knew. And now he was to believe two of them were standing before him? It seemed...sketchy at best but Pax hadn't had the heart to hold Oksana back. She was so overjoyed, so happy, that he wouldn't dare ruin this for her...even if it wasn't real. But how could it not be real? Talcore had spoke her name, Ronan had talked to them, recognized them and his sand was clearly not an illusion, no, it was too familiar. They were too familiar. When no harm came to Oksana, Pax made his way over and sat, watching with a careful, guarded expression. Too many people around to get emotional and it's not like he would, anyway. Yes, he was happy to see them but he was content to sit here and watch Oksana. "Where have you been?" he asked suddenly, looking between Talcore and Ronan. His voice was not accusing or angry, just curious. Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed. It probably had been when he was with Oksana and Pax last, or at least, before what it was that happened to separate them occurred. But there he was, laughed softly, the sound deeper and huskier than it had been in his younger years. Though Talcore was not necessarily an old wolf at this point, he certainly was reaching the farther points of adulthood, and the maturity showed in his gentle chuckles and affection gaze. He draped a paw over Oksana's shoulders as she jumped up to him and licked his muzzle. Part of him suddenly remembered a similar scene from long ago, when he had placed his large paw over Oksana and drew her closely to him, as he did now. Back then, he worried about injuring the young pup, but now... now he doubted he could even outrun her. She reminds me of Tanis, he thought suddenly, gazing at the now-adult she-wolf in wonder. Though much brighter in saturation than Tanis, Oksana could have been her sister. Or her daughter. The winged warrior licked the top of the she-wolf's head a few times, listening to her speak with amusement in his wise face. "I thought you and Pax were dead, too. I couldn't find you no matter how hard I searched," he said quietly, though now the subject held no more sadness for him. Looking over to Pax now, Talcore remembered how excited the pup used to be in his presence. How excited Pax had been to train under Talcore as a warrior. Now, it seemed, the dark wolf had accomplished much more than that even without the winged warrior's direction, and he was proud to see the careful, cautious stance that true warriors held in Pax's posture. At his question, Talcore's merriment seemed to dim somewhat. "I roamed the mountains afterwards," he answered. "I stayed there for many years, looking for the two of you and hoping to find others. I see you and Oksana have adjusted well." As the strange wolves began to relax and others from the joint pack came forth to greet them, Dayhl eased herself out from under Lucifer's legs (who helped by lifting a paw for a better exit). The dark yearling was still slightly embarrassed for seeking shelter like she had, but the safe, protective sensation that Lucifer gave off was too much to resist in such unusual circumstances. She gave herself a quick shake now, as if ignoring what childish antics she had just displayed. The winged warrior was kissing the top of Oksana's head, and she stared wide-eyed at him, wondering what was going on. Did he know Oksana? It seemed so, the she-wolf looked positively radiant with joy. There had always been something about Oksana that interested Dayhl. More often than not, she would be found lurking in the shadows, watching the bouncy huntress and listening to her pretty voice. She wasn't sure what exactly drew her to the rusty-colored wolf, but even the other wolves noticed how enchanted (though she would never admit it to anyone else!) she was. The name, however, struck Dayhl strangely. "Talcore," she pronounced slowly, carefully, sizing up the large warrior with bright, intelligent eyes. He seemed kind, if not a bit reserved, like Lucifer. With a burst of determination and bravery, the dark brown yearling trotted forwards and poked her nose between Oksana and Talcore, as if suddenly protective or possessive of the she-wolf. "Who are you?" She demanded sharply, staring at him with intense and burning eyes. The winged warrior looked down at her in pure surprise, and even took a respectful step back as Dayhl wiggled her way in front of Oksana with a stubborn scowl. The one named Talcore was silent for a moment as he watched her, and suddenly Dayhl felt strange. He was looking at her with curiosity and a hint of confusion, and so she strengthened her glare to a point where her squinted, puckered face looked almost comical. "I am a friend of Oksana's," he answered, and there was a note of bafflement that Dayhl ignored. Now there was wonder in his eyes, but it made her uncomfortable and she jumped to the side, paws splayed out as if she were ready to challenge the new comer. She gave him a short growl, as if accepting his statement, and sent him one long, last glare before turning tail and bounding over to Ronan. "You!" She commanded, placing her oversized paws on his chest and rising to her back legs so she could look at his face closely. She gave him the same intense, warning stare before gesturing with her head towards the sand demon that sat in front of the Alphas. "Can you teach me to do that?" There was suddenly a bright expectancy in her eyes and a devilish hunger that mimicked the face of an old she-wolf that once terrorized lost lands. Lucifer tolerated Dayhl's presence between her legs calmly, and in fact rather ignored the young wolf than anything else. Only when Dayhl squirmed to get out did Lucifer raise an ivory paw to help her escape. The white Gamma wondered where Holo was; Dayhl wasn't often far from the mute she-wolf, and so Luce glanced around, but her dark eyes found no trace of the heavenly being close by. Oh well, Lucifer had more important matters to attend. She glanced back at the loners and the friends whom they had once known long ago. Pax and Oksana? Lucifer never would have guessed such a history, and although she was greatly interested in learning what the sand-demon had to offer, felt as though she had intruded enough on the Alpha's duties to sit and join them again. She gazed towards Quince and Ava for a minute, before Dayhl's young voice tickled her ears and she looked over to the sand-wolf to see the yearling standing boldly with her paws on Kido's chest. I am not a pup sitter, Lucifer though with an inwards sigh, but she gracefully padded forwards and seized Dayhl by the scruff of her neck. "Wha- wait, Luce!" Dayhl whined, but the regal white female pulled her back so that she was at least five or so feet away from the desert wanderer. She glared sharply at Dayhl for silence, and then glanced back at Ronan with a small, apologetic nod of her head. "I apologize if she was pestering you. Dayhl can get out of paw at times," she stated indifferently, cobalt eyes unwavering from his face. Edited October 27, 2011 by Shiny Hazard Sign Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) Taking Ava's comment as freedom to begin, the sand demon began to speak, his voice younger than that of Ronan's, but essentially the same. "Long ago, before any of us was born, a single pack discovered something of great value and power, what it was I can't remember, though I know I should be able to. Whatever it was the pack was divided over what to do with it, to protect it and keep it hidden or to use it for the betterment of all. Those who wanted to use it were banished by the others across the once great river to the less fertile lands on the other side." The wolf form sand continued to speak. "For generations wars were waged between the two packs, those on the side with the important... thing... called themselves blessed, and they called those on the otherside the wicked, though right and wrong had nothing to do with their battles. Bloodshed was fierce for years followed by seasons of peace, and then more war. I was born into this vicious cycle and won't recount the many things in life I lost to war. Talcore as well was born during this conflict, though he was born to the "blessed" side of the river and I to the side deemed "wicked." Through the course of the conflict we became friends. Pax and Oksana too were barely pups when I knew them, from my pack, my side of the river. But I wanted a better life for them and before open warfare began again, I met with Talcore and turned them over to him for a chance at a better life than I knew they would have as orphans on my own side. I resented the war itself, and both sides, neither of which would consider peace, so long had the grudge been drawn out that diplomacy had been kicked to the side long ago." He frowned, "and then... the event occurred that changed these lands forever. Vegetation died, animals, wolves, died. They were born mute, deformed and so forth. The powers that once ran strong in our blood thinned out and became rare. I was there when it happened, I saw the thing that took place and caused all of that to happen, and Talcore was as well... But neither of us has any memory of it. I tried to find my way back to the place where my home used to be, but it was destroyed by what must have been a terrific earthquake, all the lands, even the river had shifted, and there was no one to be found. I wandered through the desert to talk to myself." The sand wolf smiled and winked at Xylia. "You see, each of my demons, as this one speaking to you is called. retains a part of my mind and personality, allowing it to act on its own, being controlled by me but without my direct involvement. As such I can access parts of my mind and hold conversation with myself in ways others cannot. In this manner I was able to ascertain that I was present during the catastrophe. And there was blood, so much of it, my sand still carries its scent after two years. There was a conversation between Zues the leader of the blessed, the greatest and most powerful alpha wolf I've ever seen, able to command even lightning from the sky at his whim. And he was talking... but to who and what he said... I do not know. Then a white light... and nothing. It took me two years to come up with that much." The sand demon lowered its voice a little as it reached present time. "I left the desert, drawn back to this place in a way I cannot explain. Believing that others may have felt the same if they yet lived, I came here, to where all of this might have taken place, I cannot remember. I came to seek answers and lost friends and family, and as you can see, I've found the latter already in your care. What are your questions strangers?" the wolf asked. Ronan meanwhile smiled and watched Talcore and Oksana, the two of them were a touching sight. But it wasn't his thing, he would greet her when she had settled down, Pax as well. He stood at a distance, watching them, and Ronan felt the power of his gaze. He was no longer the young pup with all talk and no bite, now he was grown, at least a little, and he had something... someone to protect. He would be good for Oksana, and that made Ronan very happy. And then there was suddenly a younger wolf staring him in the face. Her look instantly made him leap backwards and the sand demon vanished from where it was going to answer questions, appearing as a wall before him even as Lucifer came down and grabbed... Dael. Ronan swallowed, shaking his head to clear it and get a hold of himself. "no..." he replied to Lucifer... "that's fine... I'm... sorry. Please... don't make her go... what... what did you say her name was." The sand had moved now that Ronan had calmed down and reformed as its previous form, sitting as if it had never moved. "hehe," it laughed nervously, "I apologize for that, I haven't seen the old man move that quick since the last time someone tried to kill him... As soon as the rational part of him catches up he'll realize that Dael," the wolf pronounced the name slightly differently than Lucifer had to indicate it was a different wolf, "the Dael he knew, couldn't possibly be this Dayhl of yours, because... she's so young. Albeit the resemblance is completely freaky... But just to be safe... your Dayhl doesn't randomly go around killing... others... right?" Even the sand demon looked a bit apprehensive and kept shifting its weight from paw to paw, and it was rather... disturbing to hear part of Ronan's mind referring to Ronan himself as if he was another person entirely. The sand apparation shrugged, "I didn't say the wicked pack didn't end up earning it's namesake more often than not... Dael... was a mad powerful and brilliant wolf. She could kill you just by standing near you, and if she bit you you'd be dead in minutes. Even plants died wherever she went, bad news, very very scary, I assure you." Edited October 28, 2011 by Rakashua Share this post Link to post
Posted October 27, 2011 (edited) ((Sorry guys!)) *Sigh.....ninja'd....hold on* Quince looked at what was going on with mild surprise. The old warrior was looking at him and taking apart his being, just studying him to make sure he was who he thought he was. But what surprised Quince the most, was the fact that this wolf showed him respect...actual respect. The wolf's face showed emotion for once and Quince thought that the old stone had cracked momentarily before he seemed to become stony again...however it was broken once more when the older wolf noticed a very young Oksana. Quince looked at Oksana and Pax and realized that the two recognized the older white wolf and possibly Ronan as well. He could tell by how Oksana reacted with such joy and enthusiasm that she had once loved this older wolf and Pax had as well. As pups they might have trained underneath him and possibly had grown up with him for a time. Space was what they needed, and Quince dismissed all but a few wolves ((those that are being RP'd)) so that there was more room for the new wolves to breath. He doubted that they felt overwhelmed, however one could never know unless they were Jinjekkai. When Ava asked Ronan to explain, though, Quince did glare at her for a moment since she had spoken out of place while around others of less rank than she. But her comment did release a torrent of information explaining what had gone on in these wolves history. It was sad indeed and the fact that Oksana and Pax had never spoken about it almost made him worry more than he needed to. These wolves were powerful....just the fact that they had survived such tradgedy and hardship made them worthy to be in the pack of they so chose. With a chuckle, he watched as Dahyl reacted to Ronan in an odd way by demanding of him to teach her something. He was curious as to what that was but was proud when Lucifer trotted over and pulled Dahyl back so that the two older wolves could actually see again instead of having the young wolf filling their view. However, the further reaction that Ronan had to Dahyl worried him some...was she evil or good? "I only have one question good sirs, do you think that we have anything to worry about from any others? You both seem kind enough, despite my first and brash assumption, and at least one of you knows the ways of a pack still. And one other question, if you both so wish, and as long as it is alright with Char, would you both like to stay the evening and have a real rest?" he asked then noticed that Xylia was fidgeting. A habit that meant she needed to hunt....soon. Xylia looked around and noted that most of the Southern pack was gone, so out of respect for the order, she enforced it with the Northern pack and growled them off while sending her three best warriors off to make sure that everyone obeyed. She couldn't believe the audacity of some people but her surprise at her own growl was evident on her face. Xylia wasn't your typical warrior. She was bold, out there, and unafraid to she emotion. Her scars proved her worth and her battle attitude was fiersome. Xylia laughed at what Jin said and glanced at him as he looked at Char. She did indeed seem stressed therefore they really should go to the main den that way they could rest, and Jin could as well without having a problem. But Xylia was getting ancy...it was becoming hard for her to sit still without fidgeting or looking at a passing rabbit without wanting to eat it. However, she kept herself under control, for she wanted to learn what was going on...but even then, the pack had to be taken care of...and the hunt had to be organized. Even as Ronan told his story, and a sad story that was, she had a hard time listening so she hoped that Jin would listen for her and she could ask him after the hunt. Edited October 28, 2011 by LoveLost Share this post Link to post
Posted October 28, 2011 (edited) Ink looked, startled, up at the sky. For coming down from it was a wolf unlike any other wolf Ink had ever seen, save for Xylia, who bore some resemblance to the new wolf. The new wolf rode the skies on huge wings of blue and white, while the wolf itself was white. His wings were more... fine then Xylia's, more adapted to fit his body. Her wings seemed large and clumsy compared to the new wolf's, though they had never seemed so before. The new wolf's wings didn't have the large, heavy spikes which made him and Xylia look so different, unless they were hidden in his blue and white feathers. Ink took a small step back as the new wolf landed, and felt a small, cool gust as the wolf gracefully landed. Kido seemed to immediately recognize the new wolf, who was revealed to be named 'Talcore'. A strange name, but oddly fitting with the wolf's wings. It seemed like Oksana and Pax also knew the winged one, Talcore. Why does everyone know each other? Ink asked herself. But when she looked up, there was two Kidos. The second one must be a copy, like Ink had seen before. Then the copy was talking, explaining what had happened, or at least what he could remember. "Long ago, before any of us was born, a single pack discovered something of great value and power, what it was I can't remember, though I know I should be able to. Whatever it was the pack was divided over what to do with it, to protect it and keep it hidden or to use it for the betterment of all. Those who wanted to use it were banished by the others across the once great river to the less fertile lands on the other side." An object of 'great value and power'? What could that be? Ink had never heard of anything like that... no she had. When she was a pup. Her father had told her a strange tale, one about a large... rock? The rock... increased a wolf's powers when... a wolf got near it? Something like that. But... it had been destroyed... somehow. The memory was fuzzy, but she knew the rock was gone, and wolves couldn't find it again. And then... something about pebbles. Yes. Her father had said something about magic pebbles. What he had said the pebbles did... Ink couldn't remember. The rock her father had told her about seemed to fit Kido's description. "For generations wars were waged between the two packs, those on the side with the important... thing... called themselves blessed, and they called those on the otherside the wicked, though right and wrong had nothing to do with their battles. Bloodshed was fierce for years followed by seasons of peace, and then more war. I was born into this vicious cycle and won't recount the many things in life I lost to war. Talcore as well was born during this conflict, though he was born to the "blessed" side of the river and I to the side deemed "wicked." Through the course of the conflict we became friends. Pax and Oksana too were barely pups when I knew them, from my pack, my side of the river. But I wanted a better life for them and before open warfare began again, I met with Talcore and turned them over to him for a chance at a better life than I knew they would have as orphans on my own side. I resented the war itself, and both sides, neither of which would consider peace, so long had the grudge been drawn out that diplomacy had been kicked to the side long ago." The war Kido was talking about seemed too bloody and pointless to be real. Why would a whole pack of wolves decide to 'protect' an object of such power? What would be the point of losing lives, just to protect something that sounded like it should be used? Ink sat, mystified, and listened to the rest of the story. "and then... the event occurred that changed these lands forever. Vegetation died, animals, wolves, died. They were born mute, deformed and so forth. The powers that once ran strong in our blood thinned out and became rare. I was there when it happened, I saw the thing that took place and caused all of that to happen, and Talcore was as well... But neither of us has any memory of it. I tried to find my way back to the place where my home used to be, but it was destroyed by what must have been a terrific earthquake, all the lands, even the river had shifted, and there was no one to be found. I wandered through the desert to talk to myself." What sort of event could do that? She knew many wolves had strange powers, but none were that powerful. And why would the wolves' memories fade like that? Ink wanted to know what could do all that. No mortal wolf could, that was for sure. Edited October 28, 2011 by Backup77 Share this post Link to post
Posted October 28, 2011 (edited) ((I'll try to keep up as much as I can. If I forget something, tell me)) Scorch jumped back, startled when the strange wolf landed in their camp. He couldn't believe that today was so hectic. First, there was a discussion and now strangers were arriving in the camp right and left! His mind was jumbled from everything and he was even more eager to go hunting. The upcoming storm meant that many animals would be scurrying around, trying to avoid it, making it easier for a hunt. He padded hesitantly over to Char and asked in a quiet voice, "Alphess? Even with the strangers here, we should still hunt." The two strangers made him uneasy and he wondered what was going to happen to them. Would they drive them away or let them stay? Edited October 28, 2011 by dragcave:D Share this post Link to post
Posted October 28, 2011 ((Oksana's post is mainly reaction to Talcore/Ronan/Dael until Quince speaks near the bottom, so most of you can skip to that since it's so long)) ~Oksana~ Oksana was delighted to hear Talcore laugh, and she slowly calmed herself, comforted by the paw he draped around her shoulders. His paws were still huge and strong, Oksana sighed quietly when he licked her head. "I thought you and Pax were dead, too. I couldn't find you no matter how hard I searched." Oksana nodded and backed up a step so she could see Talcore's face. Oksana was forever grateful to Pax for keeping her alive when they were separated from Talcore. After a month of searching, Oksana had given up hope and become so depressed that she had refused to even hunt. Though Pax hadn't even been a yearling, he had taken care of her for the few days she couldn't function. When she had accepted their fate and started being useful again, Pax just kept going as usual. He was strong in that way, and he knew when to be a warrior and when to be Pax. "Where have you been?" Speaking of being a warrior... Oksana glanced back at Pax and gave a happy wag of her tail, then turned expectantly back to Talcore and Ronan. Where had they been? "I roamed the mountains afterwards. I stayed there for many years, looking for the two of you and hoping to find others. I see you and Oksana have adjusted well." Oksana felt a sort of happy sadness inside. She couldn't say she didn't know how Talcore felt; the first months without any adults had been very difficult and confusing, and she could imagine how Talcore felt being unable to find any others. Oksana suddenly remembered Tanis, but seeing the look on Talcore's face, she decided not to say anything. Something inside her told her Tanis was gone, and there was no need to bring up the subject. Oksana moved forwards to lick Talcore again, but suddenly a furry ball of brown fur poked her way between them. She stepped back in surprise, then smiled at the recognition of one of the only pups she liked; Dayhl. Oksana had faint memories of a mother-figure wolf she had known before with a very similar name, and partly because of this, Dayhl was the only pup Oksana actually liked. She liked it when the little yearling was impressed with her hunting, and she liked to do things for the pup. Somehow she felt a respect for the little thing and never licked her on the head. Although she wasn't supposed to show favoritism when it came to teaching the pups, Oksana definitely gave more detail in training to Dayhl specifically than she did to other pups. "Who are you?" The question was directed towards Talcore, and Oksana blinked in surprise. Normally she would have walked right over or past a pup, but somehow she felt rather proud that Dayhl was so brave towards Talcore. She smiled up at Talcore, deciding to leave the answer to him. "I am a friend of Oksana's," was Talcore's reply. Oksana liked that; she liked the way he introduced himself. She smiled brightly and backed up until she was next to Pax, then licked his ear. She had a lot of catching up to do with Talcore and Ronan, but today was her day with Pax and she wanted to do what he wanted to do. After all, it wasn't like Talcore and Ronan were going to just... disappear again... Oksana tried not to laugh as Dayhl glared at Talcore, and Oksana gave him a wink. He seemed quite surprised by the pup's attitude, though Oksana couldn't imagine why. Sure, Dayhl was being quite the spitfire, but Oksana had been a bit of a spitfire herself when she was little. Well, maybe not quite as bold as Dayhl was. As a pup, Oksana had never felt the need to glare when meeting a new wolf. Then again, she had never felt the need to protect anyone as a pup as it seemed Dayhl did now. Even so, she was surprised when Dayhl demanded Ronan teach her a trick, and even more surprised when Ronan dashed back a pace. She watched Luce remove the cute pup and then apologize. She giggled, unable to remember the last time an adult carried her by her scruff... had Talcore ever? Not that she could remember, but it had been so long ago. Oksana glanced at Ronan curiously, wondering what would spark such a jumpy attitude in him. "I apologize for that, I haven't seen the old man move that quick since the last time someone tried to kill him... As soon as the rational part of him catches up he'll realize that Dael, the Dael he knew, couldn't possibly be this Dayhl of yours, because... she's so young. Albeit the resemblance is completely freaky... But just to be safe... your Dayhl doesn't randomly go around killing... others... right?" Oksana just stared at Ronan. What kind of crazy wolves had he met in his time in the desert? She half-smiled, thinking he might be joking, but he looked pretty serious. Oksana had always found the name 'Dayhl' to be a familiar one, something from her puphood, but after four years of trying hard to forget her confusing past, Oksana could only remember four wolves from her old life; Pax, Talcore, Ronan and Tanis. Everyone else was a blur, a mix, and no one else mattered... there might have been a green one, and then there was the mother-figure that little Dayhl reminded Oksana of, but Oksana was sure that the mother-figure wasn't an evil killer of any sort. "Dael... was a mad powerful and brilliant wolf. She could kill you just by standing near you, and if she bit you you'd be dead in minutes. Even plants died wherever she went, bad news, very very scary, I assure you." Even plants died...? That sounds familiar. Oksana shrugged to herself and sat next to Pax. Maybe I'll ask Pax about it later. Since joining the South pack, it seemed both of them had silently decided not to remind each other of their history. The past was the past, and it was the future Oksana looked forwards to. Her future... Pax's future... their future. And now that future could include Ronan and Talcore. She hadn't heard the sand copy's explanation of what had happened because she had been greeting Talcore. "I only have one question good sirs." It was Quince who was speaking, and Oksana swiveled her head to look at him. "Do you think that we have anything to worry about from any others? You both seem kind enough, despite my first and brash assumption, and at least one of you knows the ways of a pack still. And one other question, if you both so wish, and as long as it is alright with Char, would you both like to stay the evening and have a real rest?" Oksana stood and faced the Alphas, tail wagging low as a sign of subordinance to Quince. "Could they? I promise they're safe. Oh Quince, could they stay forever? I could keep an eye on them and teach them how the pack works, me and Pax, and I just know they could be helpful! Please?" She looked from Char to Quince, a hopeful expression on her face. ~~~~~~ ~Holtan~ Holtan watched as Oksana and Pax greeted the newcomers. He was quite confused; he knew Oksana and Pax had come as younglings with a mysterious past, but he didn't have any idea that they would know two random loners who happened to show up on the same day. It almost seemed... suspicious. He especially was not fond of the sand one, though both loners seemed trustworthy and experienced. Holtan sat back at quite a distance, but could still hear the conversation. He sighed quietly, glancing at Ink. She didn't seem too fond of all the strangeness either. Ink had always had good common sense, and Holtan liked that in a wolf. He liked a wolf who got things done and moved on. There were lots of South wolves like that, but in Holtan's opinion Ink was one of the only wolves from the North pack with that kind of sense. Then again, Holtan knew he was biased--he didn't like the idea of joining packs. But Quince knows what he's doing. And this might not last anyway. I... wonder what Ava thinks of it... Holtan turned away and started back up the mountain, slowly but surely. He wanted to keep the newcomers in sight, just in case they attacked and his healing was required, but he also had other work to complete. I'll just check on them once in a while... Share this post Link to post
Posted October 28, 2011 As Kido's sand thrust upwards like a wall, Lucifer instinctively crouched low in front of Dayhl, in case the loner was about to pose a threat to the yearling. The white wolf's dark eyes narrowed on the wall, making quick calculations of how she could easily pass through that sand and tackle Kido to the ground if she so had to. While she was not a warrior, she knew enough from her training to exhibit such qualities and knowledge. However, it appeared after a moment that Kido had merely been startled by Dayhl's brash approach. Lucifer regarded him with a hint of wary suspicion, but momentarily glanced back at the surprised young wolf as if trying to understand what had startled the old loner. "Her name is Dayhl," Lucifer repeated coolly, turning to look back at him with a placid, slightly guarded expression. Her ear twitched upon hearing a younger version of Kido's voice float over from where his twin- er, replica- sat in front of the royals. Although her sharp gaze did not stray from the original's figure, one ear plastered itself in the direction of his copy and listened intently. "Dayhl has not killed anyone," Lucifer said after a moment, swishing her tail a single time against her chalky flanks. At the summon, the yearling crept slowly forwards, as if now more alert to Kido's presence and power. "She is a year old and was born and raised here, so it would be impossible for her to be anything of the wolf you have described to us." Though she wasn't able to explain the identical names, and part of her grew thoughtful of Dayhl's natural tendency towards sharp intellect and bursting aggression. Either way, most of it was suppressed whenever Holo was around, so Dayhl's unusual attitude was normally hidden away. Again, like earlier, Lucifer's slender head rose with an innate authority, gracing her figure with a majestic composition. It was only when Dayhl broke away to snatch up a weed from the rocks did Lucifer lower her muzzle slightly upon realization that she was acting out of her rank. Dayhl was watching Ronan with wide, staring eyes, as if awed and mystified by his reaction. The story he told was intriguing to her, especially to hear her name used to describe someone so...malicious and brilliant. Unconsciously her tail wagged in growing excitement. Death with a bite? She could do that! She had killed a young squirrel that way by nipping its tail when it tried to scramble by her one time. The same also happened when she gnawed on plants. Suddenly fueled by eagerness, the darkly colored yearling jumped up and raced off to find something to use as an example. A thick, tall weed had sprouted out of the cracks of the rocky outcropping, and she hastily tore it out of the ground with her teeth. Quickly turning around, Dayhl trotted back over to Ronan and stopped a foot or two in front of Lucifer to present to him the plant she held proudly in her mouth. Around where her teeth impaled the stalk's flesh, a brown, sickly-looking crust had begun to spread through the plant material, until the weed finally hung limp from her jaws. Spitting it out onto the earth, she grinned up at him eagerly and wagged her tail again. "Like that?" She asked, and for a minute there was a strange, prickly sensation at the back of her neck as the fur rose slightly along her spine. It was as if the story about the crazy she-wolf Dael was trying to take hold in her young mind and trying to break down the thick, black wall that harbored intense dreams and memories she could make no sense of. Her bright golden eyes, however, continued to gaze up at Ronan in pride and immense curiosity, while the weed on the ground festered from the poison coursing through its damaged veins. Share this post Link to post
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