The twinkling stars above were beginning to fade, and mighty Tor began her decent behind the mountains. Soon Fenris would peak over the horizon, bringing the light of a new day. And ebon fae lay alone under the pine canopy, curled up in a ball with her jet black nose under her fluffy tail. Winter always came early in the mountainous lands of List, snow already covered the mountain peaks and it had already flurried in the lower lands. The grounds had become hard and soon they would be frozen solid. Right now none of this mattered to the ebon fae, she was lost in dream land…
She ran, ran as fast as she could. From what, or to what she didn’t know; all she knew was that she was running. Everything was dark around her, she could only see a foot in front of her and she didn’t know where she was going. Her heart was racing and pumping so hard she could hear it and feel it in her auds; something was terribly wrong in this dream and she was about to find out what. In the distance she heard a howl, a very familiar howl, and one she hadn’t heard in a long time. Then it was as if Fenris lit up everything around her, she was on the mountain side overlooking a cliff and there at the bottom of the gully lay a slate gray mann…
Ayame’s paws were moving rapidly as she dreamed, and whines and whimpers escaped her maw. Then Fenris began to break the darkness as his rays tickled her eyelids, slowly the dream faded away and her eyes fluttered open showing her fiery red hues. A relieved sigh escaped her muzzles, “It was only a dream, only a dream…” she said to herself as she shook her head back and forth. The large ebon fae slowly sat up and then rose to her paws, first leaning forward and stretching out her hind legs and then bowing down to stretch out her back and forelegs. She then began to shake debris from her downy pelt, her fur rose and then landed back down perfectly into place.
Her thoughts then immediately turn to her dream, the images of the manns body that laid lifeless in the gully. “I pray to Tor that you are alright, and that you will return home to me unharmed.” Looking out from where she stood, everything was still lifeless, everyone still remained in slumber; and that is when Ayame began patrolling the boarders of List. She really didn’t have a job in List, she was never really assigned one, but with the absence of so many pack mates she felt like she had to do something to assure List’s safety. The territory was vast and took several days to cover; today she was at the beginning and starting the circle all over again.
She was once again at the same spot Oren and Styr had brought her home after her battle with the Deorian Drappa, if it wasn’t for her two sons she would have never made it home, she wouldn’t have had a reason to live. A smile developed across her maw as she thought of the two trouble makers. She sent them off to think after she had healed enough to take care of herself. She wanted them to go off on their own and make the decision by themselves on whether or not they wanted to join List. Ayame knew that they wanted to be with her and to do that they might make sacrifices they didn’t want to. The ebon fae let them go and told them to return once they were certain about joining; for once they did there was no turning back.
She smiled once more as she thought of them and then began her long journey around List’s territory, her black bodice making a silhouette into the sun.
The time of discerning is over. Sure of what he wants to do Oren is heading back to his hopefully soon-to-be home. Now that the young mann has reached his decision he is anxious to get it over with. It is hard not knowing if he will be accepted. Ayame has always been encouraging and has always had faith in his abilities, but even she cannot lie and say she knows for sure that he will be able to become a member of List. Unable to sleep he got up early, figuring he would almost be able to cross the remaining miles back to List before sunrise. At this point he is almost there, and the sun is beginning to rise. Shivering slightly the rusty coated mann picks up his pace, grateful that he is moving and not trying to sleep. The short time before the dawn is indeed the coldest part of the day, and for a lone varg it is not only cold, but somewhat lonely. The sky is clear and turning from almost black dark-blue to a lighter, cold blue as the light of the sun disperses the lesser light of the moon and stars.
Sighing deeply enough so he can see his breath as it comes misting out of his maw, Oren picks up the strong scent of the pack boundaries. His attention is scattered and his mind is occupied with many thoughts and concerns - the most prominent being whether he will be welcomed at last into this great mountain pack... whether or not he will finally have a home to call his own. Though this concern doesn't leave him, he wonders too about his brother. Ayame sent the two off on their own to discern for themselves what they want to do with their lives. Oren can only hope that Styr's decision is the same as his. When they were younger the two brothers were practically inseperable... before recently there were very few if any times that they were apart for more than a few hours. Now it has been days since they have seen each other. If he were to guess at his brother's decision it would be that Styr still wants to join List as well, but there is a faint possibility that something has changed. If that is the case Oren will be greatly torn. His first obligation is to his brother - but he also has Ayame to think of... and his own desires. Shaking his head as he trots steadily uphill the young mann decides to trust in fate and in his brother and do his best not to worry about such things that are not in his power to change - at least right now.
This has all been such a tough time for the young mann. He and Styr met Ayame when they were still cubs, and it was wonderful to have an almost immediate mother-figure. He instinctively knew he could trust and love her completely. But as it is... he has always been somewhat independent... and much has happened since then. He can't help it, and though he is outwardly confident, he sometimes feels confused and unsure of what to do with himself and his life. It would all be so much worse if he is denied entrance into List. Since he first heard of the pack it was like a fantasy land that he could dream about and hope for - now if he were to be denied... it seems like he would be lost. He needs a place to call home and he needs some stability in his life to give him the chance to grow up and learn what he needs to for life. He is still young and though he knows much for one his age, having had to learn to survive with only his brother for company and protection, he needs something to keep faith in.
Raising his head to look up at the mountain summits, Oren's breath is taken away by the beauty of the sunrise. It is almost as if the gods are answering his hope - that this is surely the place for him. He has to trust in that, and, taking a slightly shuddering breath, heads straight into the packlands. Slightly past the border he crosses another scent - the one he most hoped to find. It is Ayame, and she is close - the scent is new. Lifting his muzzle to the cool blue sky he howls softly - not wanting to wake any vargs who might still be sleeping, and not wanting to call any others to this place. His howl is not yet the deep baritone melody that it will be when he is fully grown and matured, but it is not the high yip of a pup trying out its first howl. Oren has certainly howled before and so is not an amateur. At this point it will just take some time for him to get his adult voice. He is proud of his ability, and though it is obviously a young voice, it is indeed nothing to be ashamed of. It is for Ayame that he calls - to tell her he has returned and get some reassurance from her before it is time to formally ask the Dragga for permission to become one of the vargs of List.
As the ebon fae began her early morning patrol, the thoughts and images of Oren and Styr continued to fill her mind. It seemed a smile was permanently fixed on her maw; from the moment she met them she fell in love with them. They needed her, but more than that she needed them. It was as if they filled an empty whole in her heart and now that she had them, she was complete. A sigh escaped her maw and a shiver engulfed her whole body, Wolfbane’s winter would be bad this year, just like in years past. She decided that to try to keep warm she would run this boarder patrol, but just as she was about to sprint forward a soft howl entered her auds. Her auds immediately perked and her heart began to race, and giant goofy grin replaced the small content smile on her maw, one of her sons had returned.
She turned around, her fiery hues scanning the terra, and there in the distance a rusty young mann came into view. She lifted her muzzle to the cold dark blue sky and let out a soft howl in return, one only meant for Oren. She began to trot towards the young mann, and it was then she realized how much he had grown since she first met him. They were still cubs then, and to this day she still wanted to call them her cubs, but today it was very clear that he was no longer a cub. His body had begun to fill out, and his howl was that of an adolescent not of a cub. She smiled once more, “Yes it is time”, at least she hoped.
When they finally reached each other, she gave him a motherly nuzzle, “It is good to see you my son. I have missed you so much.” She looked around; there was no sign of his trouble making brother. She knew that they had done what she asked, that they had spent time alone, contemplating whether or not to join List. “I see your brother is not with you, I hope he will join us soon.” She looked deep into Oren’s chocolate eyes, it was clear to her that they were full of determination, yet worry still existed. “Oren my son, have you made your decision or is this just one of you kind visits? Though I know that look, it seems that you have made a decision.” She nuzzled him again, and then laid her head on his shoulders as to give him a hug, her ebon tail wagging contently behind her.
Ayame sat back on her haunches, taking a good look at her growing son. She was proud of him, he was growing into a strong, healthy adult varg. “You are very wise and strong for your age Oren, and I don’t have to tell you what you need to do next, you already know. If you have decided to join the mountain pack, then let your proud song be heard.” She sat there, her tail sweeping the ground behind her, and a proud look on her face, this was it and she had no doubt he had what it took to be a List varg, he had it all; strength, endurance, and smarts. She was proud to be his “mom”, just as she hoped he was proud to be her “son.”
Thanks Shunke!
Wishing for Acceptance after being Accepted Missing Oren and Styr Staying Close to Sarnes Shattered Nieten
Lowering his muzzle Oren waits just a moment for the quiet sounds of his song to end before he picks up Ayame's trail again and follows it at a steady lope, knowing that he will find her soon even if she didn't hear his call for some reason. There is little need to worry about that, however, and any doubts he may have had on that account are soon wiped away as a soft reply comes to his sharp ears. Smiling as an image of his beloved mother comes into the orange adolescent's mind, he is pleased that it was she who he first found on this cool, clear morning. Knowing her faith in him gives him faith in himself and some of his worries seem fairly trivial now that Ayame is near. She will never doubt him, and with that knowledge he finds it hard to doubt himself. Lifting his head even higher so as to say that he is ready, he strides forward, his eyes growing soft, though they do not lose their determination as the ebon fae first comes into view.
Restraining himself from yipping and dashing forward excitedly like a young cub Oren smiles in amusement at the thought and returns her nuzzle gently, but warmly as they first meet. "Hello Mother. Yes... I have missed you too. Many thoughts and things wondered have passed through my mind in these days that I have been alone." This was the wise fae's intent - to give both brothers the chance to make their own decisions on what they ultimately want to do at this point in their life. Through much pondering and thoughts of what other possibilities lie open to him, Oren has decided to try his best for acceptance into List. As Ayame looks around behind him he knows immediately for whom she looks, and shakes his head. "No, I haven't seen him since we first parted. I have made my decision... I hope he comes to decide on his soon." This is also in reply to her question, and he smiles at her. "No - as much as it is certainly possible - that I would visit you just to see you, it is for the other reason. I feel that... there are many paths open before me at this point in my life. But since I know you love this pack and these lands so much - and since you are here, I have decided to ask the Dragga Sudak for permission and acceptance into the great mountain pack of List." The young cub's voice has deepened throughout his words and at the end of his statement his head and tail are high in the air. This is the first time that he has spoken of his decision and there is something in the speaking of it that makes it so much more real. His words are formal because of the formality of the task... and he knows he must stay true and not back down now. There is the possibility of great trials before him, but he has indeed made and spoken of his decision, and won't change his mind.
Taking a deep breath he smiles faintly at his mother and puts his head on her shoulder, following her example in a loving embrace. Pulling away after a few moments he looks around at the still dawn-pink mountains and nods as he hears her words. It is time... Taking another deep breath he slowly lifts his muzzle to the skies once more and closes his eyes. His howl starts very softly - a tender, gentle sound - but then it grows louder and deeper - asking for the majestic white Dragga to come and decide on the fate of the one who is asking if he may join List. This time the echoes of the howl are clear, and last much longer than the smaller ones of the time before. Listening to them with pricked ears, Oren lowers his head at last, turning toward Ayame and opening his eyes. He dips his head in respect to her and waits silently, suddenly looking older and even more grown up than he had the moment before his howl. He has made his decision and his request, and now he must simply wait on Sudak.
Tor began her trip along the sky, to spread her life to the world below, and to warm the pelts of the lera and putnar alike. Silhouetted within her light lay the icy Dragga, Sudak. Eyes peering intently over the valley below the ridge he lay upon, his pelt letting out an ivory glow from Tor’s light. The rigid forms List’s territory brought many wonders that not many packs could claim, though one that the others could brought hardships upon List, it always had. The migration of the herla through these mountains diminished moon by moon. Ge-Rad and others hungrily feasted on their abundance while List grew thinner. This same hardship however, brought strength to the great pack. Some may say the lack of food in List is a curse, but this Dragga thought differently, it was a blessing from Tor herself in disguise. It brought the pack together, tighter and stronger. It taught them to work as a pack, to endure the unendurable. Every year the same hardships come even stronger then that of the previous, but List becomes ever stronger. Every Dragga yearns to say he leads such a pack, but Sudak could howl it from the heaven’s above to the depths of the valleys below. Honor and pride filled his heart with the very utter of the name of List. With that same pride though, came responsibility. A howl rang through the very form of List, carried through its curves and razor peaks to the auds of the ivory mann. His eyes became transfixed, like that of targeting his prey. This song rang new to him. It sounded young but strong. The echoes followed it’s original tone in ever diminishing waves, giving the Dragga time to analyze it a few times over.
He gave a smirk and rose to his broad pads, nails digging lightly into the terra beneath, his stilts stretching his bodice ever skyward. His form was larger then many of the varg in the surrounding lands for his ancestry lay not of anywhere near here, but far to the north in the lands of ice and snow. Sudak set his senses to that of his target and began at a slow galloping gate down the mountainside. Leaving giant paw prints after each vast leap. The winter may have begun to wear away the fat but the muscle still remained strong beneath, and that he had plenty of. Blazing across the valley the thought of Ayame crossed his mind. She had mentioned bringing a young varg into List for testing. This could very well be that pup. He neared the boundaries after a short time, his breath clearly visible in the crisp morning air. He had stumbled across Ayame’s scent a few times in his crossing of the lands and now followed it to a clearing where he saw the form of the ebon fae. Before her was the form of a much younger auburn mann. Sudak padded into the scene with a tall posture, his auds and tail at full attention. His gaze didn’t waver from the newcomer for an instant. This could be the new introductory to list or it could very well be an unwelcome intruder. Until he knew otherwise no chances were to be taken. His words were now directed to either varg who should decide to speak. ”Now who is this and what brings him to List? Especially during this frigid time of year.” The mann’s voice range loud and strong, as that of a Dragga’s should. He paused a few feet from the pair awaiting an answer.
The ebon fae sat there, waiting for the rusty mann’s beautiful voice to ring out to the heavens calling for acceptance into the greatest pack she knew. Ayame briefly looked at the beautiful sunrise, all the pink and oranges filing the never ending sky. Her auds perked to attention when Oren’s song rang out, so deep and grown, even from just mere minutes ago. Her fiery hues focused on the mann in front of her now, he seemed so proud and grown that she hardly recognized him. A caring smile came across her maw, she couldn’t have been more proud and it was then she knew that her son was ready to make the commitment to her family. As Oren finished his call, Ayame rose to her paws, her head was held high and her tail swayed back and forth as she approached her son. “I truly realize now, that you are not my little cub any more, that you have grown up to be a wise, strong mann.” She nuzzled him gently, small loving whines emitting from her throat. “I am so proud of you.” She whispered to him softly and then walked and settled a little behind him. She had done all she could for him the only thing they could do was wait.
Ayame lay there watching Oren, and thinking about everything the two had been through together. The first night out by the stone castle when she first met the two cubs and immediately felt a motherly connection to them; since then they had all grown. They had lived through many challenges including her bloody battle with the Deorian Drappa and all of the trouble making scandals that the two brothers had gotten into. She began to chuckle to herself, oh they made one heck of a trio. “Oren my son, I want you to know, no matter what happens you will always be my son and I will always love you. I will also always be here for you, all you have to do is call and I will get to you as soon as I can.” The ebon fae smiled and nodded at Oren and then rested her muzzle on her paws waiting for her Dragga to arrive.
A gentle frigid breeze began to blow and with it came the scent that made her smile and raise her head. She smiled at Oren, “You are lucky on this day, you will not have to wait long for the Dragga he must have been close. Don’t worry son, you’ll do just fine.” Ayame was right, in a matter of minutes a snowy proud form appeared on the hill, his silhouette in Fenris’ blazing rising image. When he arrived she walked up to her son, beaming with pride and licked his muzzle to reassure him that she was there and that he would do great. She then approached Sudak and bowed her head in respect and nuzzled him and sat beside him looking deep into Oren’s carmel orbs, it was time.
Thanks Shunke!
Wishing for Acceptance after being Accepted Missing Oren and Styr Staying Close to Sarnes Shattered Nieten
In the icy air, it seems that the echoes of Oren's call fade slowly, and as he listens to them, waiting in heightened anticipation for Sudak's response, he watches his adopted mother as she approaches him. He smiles at her, one ear cocked outward, in case the great Dragga will reply with a howl of his own before joining the two. Oren has great admiration and love for Ayame, and respects her opinion whenever she gives it. Now, he takes a deep breath, feeling older than he has ever felt, but also young again. This is a hard age to begin with, especially for young manns. Oren, like most vargs of his sex feels as if he is caught between worlds. He is definitely no longer a cub, but nor is he fully grown. He wants to be old enough to be respected and no longer treated as a cub, but there are times he still wants to play, and would find the responsibilities that come with adulthood rather difficult and tiresome. With all these concerns already, plus the added weight of his request to join List, Oren feels pulled in too many directions, and as if he will only barely be strong enough to fulfill everything - assuming he won't fail. Ayame's words of encouragement - that she believes in him and is proud of him, gives him the courage to stay where he is until Sudak comes. There is nothing now in his stance that tells of his many concerns and fears, and, returning Ayame's nuzzle, Oren takes a deep breath to calm himself, and tells himself he can do this - now, thanks to the ebon fae, having the ability to actually believe it.
If there is any remaining doubts in the young mann's mind, Ayame's further words banish them. Her tender voice and encouraging words would be enough to make Oren go to the ends of the earth for her - he is not about to mess this up. Here is his chance to not only make her happy, but to join a strong, proud pack where he will grow and learn and become an actual member of something. He will not let her down. "Thanks Mum... I don't know what I'd do without you." He whispers, before smiling at her as the two pull away from each other. Ayame's position behind him is more than simply physical. He feels as if she chose that spot so she could support him through his request and first sight of List's majestic Dragga. An unfamiliar scent comes to both of them on the chill breeze and Oren makes himself stay in a relaxed pose, though his muscles are taut and ready for anything. His ears are pricked and his chestnut hued eyes search the mountainous landscape in search of the great silvery-white mann.
At the first sight of Sudak, Oren can't take his eyes off the Dragga, and he feels quite small and young as the older mann looks at him with piercing orbs. Sudak's rumbling words are directed at either varg who would answer, but both Oren and Ayame know that it is for the young mann to reply. Neither of them would gain any respect if he hid behind his mother and let her speak for him. This is his time to truly become more than a cub, and it is for him to make his request. Realizing he is still staring, Oren starts suddenly and dips his head and tail low in a gesture of deep respect for the Dragga of the pack that he will hopefully be able to call his own. Taking a breath to try and calm his nerves and his voice, Oren finally speaks in reply. "I am called Oren, Sir, and I have come to List to request acceptance into your pack." More than this would seem presumptuous, and Oren is not sure what else he could say that would help his position at all. Sudak will decide his fate and, if he wants to know anything more about the rusty young mann, he will ask.
Troublemaking orange mann, inseperable from Styr Adopted son of Ayame
The icy mann stood tall, towering over the young one before him. His lanky legs holding his rigid and agile frame what would be seemingly among the clouds to the pup. Oren spoke swiftly even in the presence of the icy Dragga. Oren’s name caught a liking to the mann. His request also came quickly as Sudak let a serious stature take his form as he let his eyes shift and nothing else. The orbs caught Ayame the back to the significantly smaller form of Oren, their pelts contrasted against even the darkening night sky. Sudak had half expected a request such as this for quite some time from Ayame as she had discussed it with the pack many a night. Sudak let his eyelids close as he seemingly became entranced in deep thought. His form seeming to grow before the two as he took in a slow, silent and deep breath of the refreshing list mountain air that he had called home for nearly his entire life. He let the very essence of the mountains flow through his lungs, and through his veins. Slowly exhaling Sudak revealed his piercing blue orbs staring directly into Oren. Finally he spoke with a soft and gentle voice for such a strongly forged mann.
”Oren,” repeating his name he began, “List is not just a pack. It isn’t just a family. It’s a being that consumes you and becomes your very life.” The Dragga didn’t flinch a muscle as his eyes continued peering deep into the soul of the pup before him. ”Many packs claim to have what we have here in List, but to be quite honest, none of them come anywhere close. Our history is long and heritage is rich. Our roots are sprouted deep from within that of the Balkar, a claim that no other pack can ever make. One must live wholeheartedly dedicated to not his pack, but to his family. It is no easy task what you are asking to pursue. This is not something I can grant you on the whim of a word but something you must prove to me over time. To the pack both present and past.”[/b] For the first time Sudak’s orbs darted to Ayame, judging her reaction to the situation then quickly back to Oren. ”Are you willing to dedicate your very being and prove yourself even to the Gods?[/b] Auds perked the mann awaited Oren’s response. This was a lot for such a young one to take in, however Sudak didn’t quite expect him to quite understand it all. It was indeed a lot to take in.
The mountainous lands of List were colder than any other place in Transylvania in the winter and even the early spring for that matter. Soon the lands below would begin to thaw, but List would still remain frozen and cold. Though the frigid air consumed the trio that now sat at List’s borders, Fenris’ rays began to warm the ebon fae. Her dark pelt absorbed its rays, and warmed Ayame. The warmth of the rays, along with the warmth from the snowy Dragga beside her made her feel like it was a warm spring day, when all actuality it was just another sunny, but cold winter day. Knowing that it was not her place to talk for her rusty colored son, she sat in silence beside Sudak, waiting for Oren’s brave and humble words. She had no doubt that her expectation of her son would be crushed, and his calm and collected growl reached her perked auds reassuring her every belief in him. She couldn’t help but smile, she was so proud of him she could hardly contain her joy, her tail wagged happily behind her.
She looked to the Dragga by her side, she had told him of how she wished to bring her son to join the ranks of List one day when he was ready and though she had no doubts that he would be accepted, it was not her decision, but Sudak’s decision in the end. His icy hues seemed to almost look straight through the adolescent mann, though she knew he did not mean to appear unwelcoming, she also knew how much he believed in this pack and this would not be an openly easy time for Oren because of that. As Ayame listened to each proud word that the Dragga spoke, it reminded her once again of their time together before she joined List, when she was just a young adolescent herself. He had once given a similar speech to her and she accepted the challenge; she knew her son would do the same. The ebon fae was proud to be a member of List; though the pack was scarce at times the bond between them was stronger than any other pack. Her fiery orbs looked deep into the chestnut orbs of Oren, it was her way of telling him he could do it, without running to him and muzzling him along. No matter how much she wanted to be his mother and stand beside him and support him during this time, it was not how it could be. This is something that he would have to do on his own and she knew he would, her loving and encouraging gaze would have to do for now.
Once her Dragga finished his last words, his icy hues met hers briefly and Ayame smiled and nodded. There was a reason Sudak had become Dragga of List, and this is just one example of his ability to lead a pack. His words were harsh, but sincere at the same time and that is what Oren needed, he needed to know that this was not some game and that he would need to prove himself to this pack, much in the way she was still proving herself to the tri-hued Drappa. It was not time for Ayame to speak, but it was time for her to just listen until the conversation was directed to her, right now this was between Oren and the snowy Dragga, the only thing she could do was be there for both of them and answer any questions that may arise from either her son or her Dragga.
Thanks Shunke!
Wishing for Acceptance after being Accepted Missing Oren and Styr Staying Close to Sarnes Shattered Nieten
