A Proper Greeting (Renn + Gryff)

[Sudak]

((Primarily for Renn and myself, I think Gryff could join in as well as I think Sudak shines his true self most with her, ))

Sudak had marched away with great frustration following quickly after Fiory back torwards the crimson lakeside den where Gryffin was surely there waiting. Sudak padded up beside Fiory and gave her a brush along her side and made a motion with his head informing her as he was taking Renn along with him. With such Sudak veered off from there trek and gave a look back to Renn with a smile and motioned her along once again. Sudak padded his way patiently through the crusting snow as his weight plunged him through it at some points. Only the trees and a few branches seemed to be the contrast upon the landscape as the ghostly figure of Sudak made his way towards a small worn in crevice in a cliffside, it looked as if it may have been served as a den at one point but it was awfully small and cramped. He turned back to face Renn to then lay in an arc inside the protection of the makeshift den. Waiting for the cub to make her trek through the icy snow Sudak patiently waited as the light flakes of snow began their long, extended descnet from their perch high in the sky to rest on his matching paws to then melt away to the life giving fluid of it's original form.

[Gryffin]

Gryffin entered the den. She had just returned from a curious gathering of List wolves as they had found a wandering Kerl that embedded herself a spot in List lands to heal. The beta fae was wary of another kerl. Less food would be hazardous for he pack. But with Gryffin staying near the den and her pups, there was one less pack member to help the pack hunt. She had seen the black hued fae and could swear there was a spark in her eyes that was different from other Kerls.

Gryffin nuzzled her pups affectionately. They were indeed growing and getter bigger each day. But for now they were content and sleeping peacefully. Their sense of sound had developed and they had just opened their eyes a while ago. To see their first sight of the world around them.
Gryffin nudged some bedding and fixed the den up, pushing the bedding closer to the pups as it would be better insulation. After she was sure that everything was set and right did she pad toward the den entrance and pop her head out to gaze at the world outside.

She blinked and surveyed her surroundings. It was snowing lightly and the crimson lake had been frosted once again. Gryffin paused but she spotted moving forms at the other side of the lake and past the trees. The List had returned from the gathering. Curious once more Gryffin had looked back to see her pups once more before hopping out and into the snow and bursting out to see the pack.

It did not take long for Gryffin to make her way over to the bank of where the makeshift den Sudak had found was. Gryffin jumped on top of the den and barked, her tail swishing as she did not know the seriousness of the air.

breath visible on the air gryffin cocked an ear and leapt of of the den top and in front of the entrance. She could see her mate Sudak. Though she did not see anyone else as Renn had not arrived yet. Gryffin looked to Sudak, "Sudak what are you doing in here?" she asked slightly amused.

[Renn]

Grudgingly, Renn trotted after the ivory Beta, bouncing from paw to paw on the cold snow. Her thoughts centered on the three bundles of fur that made up Sudak's children, what was it? Two Drappas and a Dragga? Yes that was it. Unfortunately, the cubs had been born at an awkward time, during the harsh Winter period on the Eve of a bloody War. List may not be dragged into such a perilous battle, but their allies, the Balkar, and the Pack, Sarnes, were facing up to the strong Packs, Deor and Ge-Rad. The very thought of Ge-Rad whirled Renn's thoughts to a slightly older Varg, an adolescent with grizzled fur and a proud muzzle. Kop, Son of Draeg and Cwen, Alphas of Ge-Rad. After a few tricky meetings, the relationship between the two young Vargs had blossomed into something more, a fiery love that burned away at Renn. But in the dark time, it seemed that the two could nver be together, for so many things stood between the pair, the most important one being the rivalry between the Packs.

The melodious voices of familiar voices dispelled the golden faemme's thoughts as she recognised them as Sudak and Gryffin. At once, the anxiety that had been kicking up a storm in Renn's abdomen faded, for Gryffin was a good friend to the youth, and a generally friendly figure in List. Striding forward, Renn bowed her head to the BEtas and growled steadily, "Well, Sudak, what is it you want?" Such disrespect was common between the BEta and youth, for the relationship they had was an uncomfortable tie by the bond of List, jeapodised frequently from the two showing their mean streaks in the other's prescence.

((Aaaaah! The crappyness))

[Sudak]

Sudak had dozed off slightly as his heartbeat slowed down to a more steady rate after the slight upset at the List borders. As he slowly his eyelids slowly reopened they revealed there secret that lay behind, the secret of twin piercing, icy blue orbs. Sudak's vision was slightly blurred as Gryffin's form came into his view. With his perception coming into focus Sudak's ears perked upright to their full extent and Sudak gave a slight chuckle at Gryffin's question. In doing so he took a long lasted blink as he needed a little extra rest after moving around List more than usual lately. With the tiredness very evident in his voice Sudak let out a soft yet clear voice.

"Ohh, Hi Gyff. I'm waiting for Renn. She's been acting a little out of place. I think it's about time we got to know each other. After all, List is a family"

Just as Sudak finished Renn emerged on soft pads atop the crystaline snow. The edginess in her voice brought a slight irratated expression to Sudak's face as he gave a long a glance up to his mate. Sudak had no need to snap back at the new Listern cub this time. It wasn't of Sudak's nature anyways to snap at varg of his own pack. As he had stated earlier, List is family, and family should learn to get along. The varg of List as long as he'd been a member had always been very close and lived peacefully together. Not many were annoyed of the others, but it had been occuring more often with the introduction of the new members.

With a sigh Sudak then began with a little louder voice than before.

"Well Renn, I really think we've both gotten to know each other as our opposite beings. I'm really not the big bad varg of List that you probably have interpreted me to be. It just seems every time we meet I am doing my duty as the warrior, protecting my family, you included. You see those in the List pack are all a tight-knitt family. That's how we've all overcome these fierce, deatly winters. And now we have had the odd occurance of two litters born under the unforgiving frost of Tor's ivory winter. Without this bond we surely would not have survived as well as we have. Hopefully our attitudes toward each other can change. If not for each other, but for the sake of the pack as a whole, for our family."

Sudak had much pride and power in his voice as he seemed to unintentionally lecture the young she-cub on the foundation principles of the List pack. Sudak concluded with yet another gaze towards his tri-hued mate, Gryffin. Concern could be seen in his eyes if one looked at this point.

[Gryffin]

Gryffin raised an eyebrow as she padded a step toward Sudak. She eyed the small den who's roof was hung low. Gryffin came to the conclusion that the den had somewhat collapsed but still managed to steady its roof up by the intertwining roots that were exposed from the rocky earth, yet were covered by the frosty layer of white snow.

Gryffin nodded, "uh huh." she said still not too clear on the matter that was presented upon. Gryffin had not been aware of the strife that had slowly grew between her mate and Renn. She though had frowned with confusion when Sudak had said Renn was acting out of place.

Gryffin shifted her weight to her right paw and only nodded, she opened her mouth to speak when the soft crunching of snow came to her ears making Gryffin turn to see who it was that was padding across the snow. Gryffin made it out to be Renn and she smiled nodded in greeting. But the icy words that echoed from Renn's maw reached Gryffin's ears and she looked to Sudak. What had happened whilst Gryffin was in the den?

The tri hued she varg looked from her mate to Renn and then back to Sudak. Her brow was furrowed and her eyebrows raised as she listened to Sudak's speech. When he had ended Gryffin barked, "right... what's going?" she said as if she were bored. her front paw scratched at the snow as she looked up at both Sudak and Renn waiting for someone to answer her question.

[Renn]

"I understand your reasons for wishing to get to know me, Sudak," Renn growled steadily, keeping her voice neutral. "However, it is against my morals to watch a Varg as strong as you force a crippled faemme who may or may not have been at death's door. I spoke up against your act and was instantly threatened with being banished from List." A small hint, that was all it should take, a small hint that Renn had been hurt and wanted an apology from this ivory Mann, who did have the power to carry out that threat.

[Sudak]

Sudak felt a small rush of fury race through his body as Renn had ignored his acceptance of her. He understood that she hadn't agreed with why Sudak had so swiftly jumped to conclusions forcefully on the fae that had ealier trespassed into List lands, but he had been doing his duty to his pack and family. The tension of the ivory varg could be sensed by all that surrounded him in the confined makeshift den in which he lay. Sudak's lips began to curl into a snarl but he held back as to only reveal the slight quiver of his ebony lips. The few parts of his form that did contrast to his shimmering ivory pelt. Sure thing Sudak should have thought more thoroughly on what he said to the young fae, Renn, but the heat of the moment had his blood racing through his body. The way she was acting still now, Sudak was beginning to think maybe what he said is really what he meant. Maybe she should be chased out. Luckily for Renn, Sudak was not the varg that easily gave into the troubles created by young yearlings. He rose to his majectic paws and padded forward a few steps towering over Renn, making sure his dominance was clearly understood. He then began with a soft growl that could easily be told to be that of one held back with much strength.

"Renn..."

Sudak blinked his eyes, holding them shut for a few seconds as if in deep thought, turning his head away from the yearling below his enormous form. Then returning his icy stare straight into her eyes Sudak continued with a growl slowly raising into a lounder, stronger bark.

"You are making this very difficult. I can have you removed from this pack in the heartbeat of an Herla. Yet you still insist on mocking me, my duty, and what I stand for... I am a gentle and forgiving varg most times if you get to know me, but this peace must be maintained with cooperation. You must learn to understand the ways of List. We CAN'T take every sick and scraggly varg into our care, or for that matter into our own hunting grounds, our territory. The marked borders layed by the great Leohlic and Shato, Gryffin's parents, are prevailing and they serve a purpose. If varg choose to ignore these territorial symbols, then maybe they are asking for a death wish. There is no excuse to come crawling into our lands seeking something we already lack. Food is scarce if you haven't noticed. The sooner you come to grips with this fact of life the better a chance you have remaining within a good standing with List."

The ivory Beta now closes his eyes once more. He lets out a long stretched sigh, letting the hackles along his neck to relax. Sudak seemed to have a very high stress limit for ignorant varg but he understood. She was still young and had much to learn. He hated lecturing in such a way as he was doing now but nothing he was doing seemed to be getting through to Renn.

"Please... I hate doing this. As List you are part of my family, and this is not a way that family members should act. Just understand, that I have done what I have done for the best of everyone... Including you."

With his last few words he reopened his eyelids to reveal his icy orbs. His body relaxed and eyes cool and full of sorrow, but still they held the glow of warmth and love.

"Perhaps, one day, when you hold the experience that I have... perhaps... perhaps you will understand."

Sudak turned with his last lines and with a shot of pain in his eyes he glanced up to his mate whilst he was returning to the shallow receses of the den. He tightly curled up as far back as he could and lay his nose underneath his bushy tail that was so rich and full of the ivory pelt that so completely covered his slowly starving form. With eyes closed tight he lay in deep thought, and if one looked closely a tear could be seen creeping its way from his eye to rest within the recesses of his arctic tail

[Renn]

Still, Renn carried boldly on, the warning not fitting right with her spirit. She seethed silently at the way Sudak had missed out the apology she was waiting for, though it was hard for the ivory Mann to concieve such a thought as he did not know how deeply Renn's feelings were for List and the way she was being torn apart by her love for Kop and her bond with List. Another reason to dislike Sudak was that the Beta had unknowingly hurt the golden youth when he snapped at her grizzled love at an accidental intrusion, but that was blown out of proportion. "But can't you see the possibility that Alkiera has opened up for us?" The golden faemme exclaimed, shocked that Sudak's watchful eye had missed such a detail. "If we are friendly to Kerls, then we could have many friends and allies. For example, when Drathlic first joined this Pack, he united his Sister, Ilinga, to it by his family bond with her. From what I have heard, if List was in a tight spot, she would support us and so would those close to her. For all we know, that could be many. Alkiera will remember the help we gave her and immediately we have a new supportee. If List built up enough stable friendships with Vargs from outside, then if List became involved in a War, like the one happening now, we would have Vargs to call for aid and if the relationship was strong, they would come!"

[Gryffin]

The tri hued varg of List sat on her haunches, her eyes wandering from the young she varg to the ivory male. Eyebrow raised as she cocked her head. She gave Sudak a surprised glance when she had heard that her mate had threatened to chase the young she wolf out of List. Gryffin was ruffled by the idea but in her heart she knew that it was possible, and it could be done. It was common that a disagreement could see a wolf be chased out of the pack, or even an alpha or beta being chased out my subordinates that seek a higher ranking. This was the life of the wolf. However the wolf Gryffin had learnt and with instinct was not one to be appalled with the idea of chasing foreign vargs out. Gryffin had done once as well and wanted to so much chase Drathlic's sister Ilinga out, but held herself by with the words of Fiory and for Drathlics sake.

Gryffin looked to Sudak and then to the bold Renn, her tail twitched as her emerald orbs flickered with the reflection of the falling snow. Gryffin sighed, she knew Renn was a bold one and sometimes very stubborn. The tri hued emissary stepped forward and listened to Sudak's speech. She nodded. It was the way of life, especially here in List. The pack came first no matter how hard the choice was. That is why the wolf has a pack. For support and protection, but more then that for a family.

Gryffin looked to Sudak as he padded to the den disappointment upon his brow. Gryffin frowned in desperation and looked to Renn who was still defiant in her cause. Gryffin nodded, "True yes my dear" Gryffin said softly, into the wintry wind. "But remember we have allies with Sarnes and the Balkar." Gryffin said importantly, "But, I am not expecting to go into any wars not worth our taking. We are wolves, not man. We do not fight for stupidity, nor do we fight just to say that we've fought." Gryffin told, she had learnt many of these words from previous packmates. Emerald orbs grew soft, "We fight only if we have to. For food, packmates, our land we fight for what belongs to us, and what we hold dearly in our hearts, but not for dignity nor something that would cost us greatly." Gryffin explained, her tail hung limp. War had caused one too many a deaths.

Gryffin shrugged. She had liked the character Alkiera, she liked her fire that so matched the likes of sarnes and List. But the she wolf seemed that she would much prefer the life of a kerl more then a pack life. "The choice is solely up to her. But would a varg truly fight for something that has nothing to d with them?" Gryffin asked. "To fight another wolf's war ?"
Gryffin's lips twitched at the mention of Ilinga but she let the thought pass. "Bu Renn, what do we have to offer them that they would even think of fighting with us?" Gryffin said and sighed. Her eyes looked to Sudak and she turned her oculars back onto the golden form of Renn. "Perhaps we shall go for a walk Renn?" Gryffin asked. Walks along the Listern lands always calmed the young beta and besides Sudak needed time alone to think and rest.

(bad post yuuukk)

[Renn]

Though she knew that each word that slipped from her maw in an arguement like this cost her another hold onto List, Renn still felt that she had to defend her opinion. "Gryffin, Ilinga would fight for List to keep her brother, Drathlic, safe. Alkiera has a rebellious streak in her, but she will remember the care she recieved in List, and, well I wish to be freinds with such a fiery faemme." What Renn said was not a lie, for the golden youth could not help but be drawn to the ebony cripple's sparky spirit that flared up with one word. Though she did not know the truth, it was a hereditary streak in her personality, and had run strongly through her dead Mother's family. Big mouths frequently get their owners into big trouble, but Renn felt that if her freindship with Gryffin was strong enough, she could waggle her way out of the arguement.

((Cryppola))