~*Never Gone*~ (Everyone Please)

[Fiory]

((Excuse my absence everyone, I am terribly sorry for not popping in sooner...Hopefully I can make it right..))

Grayed clouds covered the skies, evergreen conifer's scraping the surfaces of puffy opaque as if trying to reach forth and shed the blue sky upon the world once more. Deep within the confines of the forest of List, traveling alone as the shadow usually did within these wintery months walked the figure of grace over the past few years. Years, how such time had flown by like the spring and summer birds in autumns cooling breezes. List was still crumbling from it's former glory, though the ebon drappa knew that things should be looking up by now. Aiyu, her beloved neice had not learned the necassary tools to truly live the life of a stargazing varg, but there was something that she had already seemed to have within her heart that would show her the true path. In silence, the figure moved, light frost beneath ebony pads crunching the snow. Ebony pads, laced with grayed tinges around their outer edges. Her muzzle though still as black as night had begun to grow white with age, and even those golden ears, a trademark of her beauty, grace and regal prowess, seemed almost faded. Sure, the femme was not ancient, but she was aged. Each day she felt older, and her spine continued to burn and to pain as it had in last winter's horrid accident with the doe. She still retained the star shaped scars littering her back.

A jagged cough, ripping through the lungs and slicing through the tracea erupted from that muzzle, echoing off he hollowed trees and the deserted areas. She was definatly aging, if not there already. It was time, whether her heart or mind wished it to be so, she knew deep within the confines of her soul where no light could penetrate, that it was time. No, death would come at it's own convenience, and perhaps by the varg she seemed keen to dispise; Ziev of the Balkar. No, it was time for the streamline figure of Fiory to step down. Her paws carried her far and wide throughout that territory, until finally leading her down to the dens where her neice of Shatocwnn and Leohlic probably lay sleeping with her growing cubs and loving mate. A loving mate; Bristol had been gone for so long, and Fiory's broken heart never did mend properly with his disappearances. Perhaps he was truly dead this time, perhaps he had just moved on. Whichever reason was to blame, the agile femme did not care. In silence, blowing plumes of breath from her nostrils, Fiory sat outside of the dens and waited, waited for life, waited for a stirring form of tri colors and a fiery spirit. The era of the Stargazer was beginning to dusk, and the dawn of The Balkarian Femme was beginning to rise.

The things we did, the things we said,
keep coming back to me and make me smile again.
You showed me how to face the truth.
Everthings that's good in me I owe to you...
All the distance that's between us, it may seem to be too far.
It will never seperate us, deep inside I know you are.

Never gone. Never far,
In my heart is where you are.
Always close, Every day.
Every step along the way.
Even though for now we have to say goodbye,
I know you will be forever in my life.
Never gone.

I walk along, these empty streets,
there is not a second your not here with me.
The love you gave, the grace you showed,
will always give me strength and be my corner stone.
Somehow you found a way to see the best I have in me.
As long as time goes on, I swear to you that you will be.

Never gone. Never far.
In my heart is where you are.
Always close, every day
Every step along the way.
Even though for now we have to say goodbye,
I know you will be forever in my life.
Never gone.

Never gone from me, if there's one thing I believe..I will see you somewhere down the road again,

Never Gone! Never Far! In my heart is where you are!
Always Close! Every Day! Every step along the Way.
Even though for now we have to say goodbye,
I know you will be forever in my life.
Never gone.....

[Gryffin]

(oh fiory your being too hard on yourself! I've been gone for as long as you, i only got back like a few days ago, )

The blue skies above was not able to fight of the curtain of grey clouds that seemed to colour the blue canvas. Alogn with it it brought an essence of cold and the thought of winter in everyones mind. Underneath the conifers lay a den. partly hidden under the leaf litter and pine needle bedding. From the shadowy crevice crawled out a she wolf. Her pelt was two times its size, thicker and warmer as the seasons whispered change. Emerald orbs blinked as the she wolf stretched out her limbs to rid the stiffness from the damp night before. Gryffin gave a half hearted sniff at the mountain air and it was remarkably fresh, filtered by the rain the ngiht before. Gryffin shook out her fur still feelin damp and uncomfortably.

The she wolf turned, her auburn tassel giving a swish as she slipped her head into the den. He eyes raked out the sleeping shapes of three whelps. Giving a satisfied huff mixed with a impatient growl Gryffin started padding away. She looked over to a black form sleeping a few bounds away, and the tri hued she wolf gave the sleeping form a stubborn look before trotting off. She needed her free time. Gryffin then strutted away fom Fernlick and towards the main List dens.
The beta loved her nieces which lay sleeping in the den and she felt a great loss for them for they had never knew their mother Mantic who had fell in the hands of man. Loved... it was merely because they had her family bloodline in them and the thought alone brought out her agreement to mother the somewhat orphans.

The she wolf trotted on now, her banner high as it swung. Her senses sharp as she stopped. Her eyes worked with her senses to spot a hare. Its legs lean from the mountain environment. Quietly she stalked it before charging, her jas in full throttle as she closed them onto the wreathing ball of whie/grey fur. Fangs found jugular and before long Gryffin was trotting to the dens with her catch. Emerald orbs bright she lifted her head high as the winter winds nipped her. Gryffin then looked up as she neared the dens, he eyes resting on a lithe black form. It seemed as if Fiory had recovered from the famine yet already winter would be here again. The vivid yet alluring scar along her drappas back reminded her of the harsh realities of the winter. With a nod of her head in respectful greeting Gryffin padded up to Fiory, dropping her prey in front of her. "For you Fiory" the beta gestured as she licked Fiory's muzzle in a respectful gesture.

[Aiyu]

Shadowing her mentors trail Aiyu padded gracefully through the towering monoliths that made up the forest of List, maintaining a respectful distance from her beloved aunt and trying her best to hide her apprehension as she kept a vigilant eye on the stargazing drappa. Lately Fiory’s health had begun to wane as time finally began to take its toll on the aging she wolf, Aiyu had been helpless as each day she was forced to watch her mentor’s movements become sluggish as her strength was slowly diminished. Aiyu couldn’t imagine what she would do if anything ever happened to her beloved aunt, Fiory was her mentor and had been Aiyu’s closest friend ever since she had begun teaching her the ways of the stargazing clan. Emerald orbs shone with worry as a ragged cough suddenly erupted out from within the ebon dam’s graying muzzle, the harsh sound amplified by the hollowed chambers of the canopy as it carried out into the surrounding wilderness. Thankfully it passed quickly, having only been a minor fit though that did little to ease the feeling of dread that had been steadily growing within Aiyu since Fiory had first begun to grow ill.

Delicate ivory mitts danced gracefully upon the snow laden terra, mimicking Fiory’s regal gait Aiyu followed her mentors streamline figure deep into the heart of the packlands. They traveled in silence, not a word passing between them. No words needed to be said as there was nothing left to say, Aiyu already knew where Fiory was leading them. Spotting a large willow tree Aiyu felt a sudden pang of nostalgia tug a way at her as she immediately recognized the familiar landmark, not far lay the series of dens where Aiyu had been born. And where the parents and the rest of List undoubtedly resided. The young femme remembered how she had been reluctant to stray very far from the comforting shelter of the burrow, often clinging to the familiarity of the pine laden chamber oppose to venturing out into the vast expanse of List. Aiyu longed to returned to those long begotten days but alas such times were fleeting and meant to pass.

Spying movement from the corner of her eye Aiyu turned her attention over to a uniquely colored form trotting leisurely toward Fiory lithe form, dipping her head in respectful nod and depositing the still form of a rabbit she had been clutching in her jaws in front of the ebon drappa. At the sight of her mother Aiyu instinctively pulled to a stop, reluctant to go any further and greet the tri-hued beta. The bi-hued femora could still remember the look of sheer and utter disappointment Gryffin had tossed her when she thought Aiyu hadn’t been looking, the shame she had felt during that moment had never quite faded despite the passage of time and Aiyu was surprised to find that it still pained her to think about it. Ever since Fiory had announced her declaration of change List had undergone a dramatic transformation, in essence corrupting the pack and showing Aiyu a side of her parents that she had never seen before. It frightened her and while Aiyu was glad to finally be returning to the mountainside where she had first started life she couldn’t help but be afraid of what she might find. Whimpering softly and lowering herself to the ground submissively Aiyu looked on the reunion nervously, wondering what sort of changes had List undergone during her absence?

((sorry for taking so long, I've had a bad case of writers block. Personally I think this could've been better.))

[Fiory]

((Yes well, I still should have been her much more then I have been Gryff. It's been completly aweful of me not to be here as much as I have been, and it's not showing good qualities of myself being so absent...Though I do appreciate that you think I was being to hard on myself. I'm just thankful you and Sudak and everyone else were still here to continue on with List. ))

A coppertoned ear flipped softly, listening to the paddings of her neice. Almost in a blur, the tri colored female billowed in front of the ebon drappa, hardly recognized until after that respectful gesture was given. A shiver of winter froze her already creaking spinal cord. Gryffin had always been her favorite neice, and now here she was a mother of three with a mate and second in command of one of the most recognized and respected packs this side of the mountains; Shatocwnn and Leohlic would have been exuberantly proud, as Fiory was now. A grin crossed upon her muzzle, and a shimmer ignited within those golden hues, her streamline head turning so that those glistening hues could turn to the waiting ivory figure not far behind her.

"Come along Aiyu, you should hear this too." Yes, the femme had heard her prodegy following her within those woods, yet she hadn't really paid it much mind until now. Her tail gave a gentle swish in the frost and sleet, shifting the snow from one area to another behind her, giving the impression that it was alright, and there was nothing to be apprehensive about. The ebony figure didn't touch the meat set before her, she let it's blood clot at her feet, and it's body continue to stiffen in the cold. It was a fate that would befall all living things in this world, and would probably consume her in the same way, but such a thing could not be foretold of when, where, how... or perhaps even who.

"Gryffin, you have made me so proud, watching you grow from a stumbly little pup to now a full grown drappa with all the trimmings. I promised myself, at your aunt Bila's grave site that after my time had ended I would give the bloodline back it's territory. I am aging, and my ability to lead our small pack is waning. So I ask you, Gryffin of Shatocwnn and Leohlic, Daughter of the Balkar and strongest of us both, will you recieve my rank, as Drappa of your parent's pack, List?" It was a simple statement, said with an air of generosity, regality and an inner strength unmatched by some of the strongest of warriors. Fiory was stepping down as Drappa, and she was giving the role of leader to her neice Gryffin and her mate Sudak. A star from one golden iris shot in silence to it's counterpart awaiting the young beta's answer of the promotion before the stargazer made one final remark.

"All I ask, if you accept, is that I am allowed to continue to train your daughter in the ways of stargazing, becoming both her mentor and an elder nurse for the pack." It was a simple request, to continue leading Aiyu through the path of Stargazing, even though she was not to be Drappa any longer. Of course, she just wished for Gryffin's approval first. After all, even though Aiyu was Fiory's neice...She was first and foremost Gryffin's Daughter.

[Sudak]

The dens lay quiet and undisturbed in the ever chilling air. Laying with his paws crossed and head resting neatly atop the mud stained ivory pads, Sudak was ever attentful eyes shifting, scanning the horizon. Auds perked to their fullest extent and the feeling of the winds blowing through his fur picking up the ever slightest movent in the forest that lay before him and beyond. The beta had been dozing earlier but now rustling from other varg in the pack brought him to his fullest attention. Now that he was alert Sudak caught the movements of his youngest and most shy daughter, Aiyu. She bore the resemblence of her father very well. Though she at the moment wasn't apt to fighting or the task of emmissary as her mother performed suitingly well, Sudak was sure she would find her suiting role in the pack soon enough, and perhaps the training with Fiory would fit her well. He was proud for Aiyu to have the privelage of learning from the greatest varg to have lived among List's ranks. Aiyu would surely live up to, if not beyond, the expexctations that Sudak hoped she would achieve. She did seem to moving swiftly after something however, and this came to Sudak as aukward. Aiyu never was the kind to go exploring or chasing after something, atleast not as much as her brother and sister. Following her first with his eyes and auds alone she moved outside of his view of sight and deep into the forest. Rising to his pads he set forth after his lone daughter seeking what so greatly had her attention.

Coming to a halt just short of his daughters position he caught the sight of their ever respectful Drappa Fiory and before her stood his shimmering mate who seemed to be glowing more today then ever before. This brought a smile to his maw and it only grew wider as he saw his daughter begin with her puppy ways. What joy they all brought him. Who would have thought all of this would be granted to him, the orphaned arctic cub who wandered to List as if he was led there by Tor herself.

A few lines spoken by his drappa caugh his attention quickly. Words of resignation and passing along her roles, also of conditions of the previous. Was Fiory done with leading List? She had held the pack up through some dark times. She had overcome many obstacles including the loss of her own blood many times over. Sudak couldn't bear to think of what it must feel like and for that he knew she was strong and for that he respected her even more. He couldn't hold it any longer, he had to emerge from his cover and face this issue head on. Steping silently from the brush. Grazing the fallen limbs that lay beneath his pads as he made his way forward lifting one paw, then the next in one fluid motion. With azure eyes piercing through the crisp air towards Fiory he paused amidst the clearing with the trio before him.

"In all seriousness my Drappa. Do you trully believe in your heart that we are fit to lead this majestic pack?"

It hadn't really come across as a question but more of making sure she knew who she was placing the responsibility on to. There was no doubt in his mind that both Gryffin and himself were capabale of leading a thriving List. Looking back he could see that the pack of old was molding the couple into fearless leaders that would bring List to the height of it's glory. Sudak had no doubt in his mind that that was precisely what they would do.

// Hope that kicks things off Sorry it took so long to get a post but you know how it goes //

[Fiory]

((Ok, after this post, I would prefer that Gryffin get a chance to have what she'd like to say.....Though I know others would like a chance to post aswell..So...I'll post, and then I'll let Sora and Drathlic to post next (that was in no particular order btw) and then Gryffin (if she doesn't post before Sora and Drathlic that is) can post afterwards.... ))

Sunshine hues of gold and auburn shone softly in the direction of the ivory mann, his words of apprehension and unease on the subject of herself stepping down trickling from his muzzle quietly for the four to hear. A smile just creased upon that aging muzzle, soft graying hairs lightly creasing with the movement of muscles beneath sinuey fur and skin. Ears of goldenrod yellow flicked foreward with interest, her tail curling silently over her haunches which had begun to tremble lightly with the chill air.

"Dear Sudak, of course I believe you and Gryffin can run this mighty pack. You are far more capable then you give yourselves credit for. Gryffin is as strong as her mother with the fiery spirit her aunt Bila possessed when she still lived. Sudak you contain the wisdom of your heritage and at a young age I knew you would grow up to be a formidable mann to trifle with in a fight. You both show the courage and heart of true leaders who care for their pack with love and understanding as the family that it is and yet for the outside appearance foes would rather quiver and run tail betwix their legs then face such formidable vargs..." A pause was given, that smile dissipating and a rash cough erupting from the depths for Fiory's lungs. Her muzzle turned to one side away from her Betas and their young daughter, waiting for the fit to end before turning back to them once more, ears again foreward and eyes star-filled.

((Bleh..what a crap post..x.x'))

[Sora]

“Finally,” the wind breathed into her ears. The hairs along her hide shuddered along her body as if a waft of a breeze had traveled up along her spine. The tip of Sora’s tail twitched, just barely caressing the very edge of the spindly conifer trunk before each and every muscle grew rigid. She gazed with icy, unfathomable orbs at the sundry gathering of wolves from where she lay crouched against the ground, trying to draw the forest around her like a cloak, and beneath her lids her eyes narrowed.

The she-cub of Gryffin and Sudak was no more; she had weathered six moons and she was almost as immense as a full grown wolf. Her once long, awkward legs were sturdy and slender, bulging with a wiry kind of muscle. Her body had elongated, her sharp face had grown ever more narrow, and fur had sprouted thickly all along her pelt. Sora was larger than many her age, but she still looked incomplete. Her ribs were thin, her fur was too sleek around her ruff; her frame had not yet filled out into the vast she-wolf she would someday become. But she found that this new body of hers was more manageable and that the boundary between instinct and her physic had grown ever thinner. Sora skimmed across the snow, she blended into the thickets of pine trees, and she disappeared among the ridges of the mountain with steps as light as air. All by itself and in one single night, it seemed that she had developed into a huntress. She was beginning to claim the moonless night, and she was finally finding her way into the ranks of the pack.

An ear flickered compulsively to the left and her emerald eyes gleamed from her crown. Slowly, like fluid, she spilled into the presence of her pack mates, fully aware that they could tell how much knowledge of the earth, if not the world, that she had gained. She halted near them, her tail aligned with the ground and her pale brown ears perked forward. For the first time beneath those trees a look of hunger entered the obscurity of her expression. Her jaw unhinged itself, gaping slightly into a wry grin that was all for Gryffin. Sora was giving her mother, the Beta of List, the choice to share with her the bounty of the moment, but quickly she than looked towards her father, welcoming him as well into the cynical joke. Her own mind was full of twisting schemes and she could imagine the stream of Sudak’s own thoughts, but of Gryffin, she was not sure if the fierce femme had any profitable intentions.

With a flick of her head, a nearly cocky shake, she lowered her head to Fiory in respect, down casting her sly look to pause and allow the nasty coughs to rack her Alpha’s body. She raised her head, triumph wriggling inside of her, and met the star filled gaze of Fiory; golden, proud, and regal. The black, aged she-wolf was a blind fool in the way of the world, but she was also a noble wolf of List and one that figuratively speaking shared the true blood of List. Suddenly, Sora inclined her nose and meant it. For the reign of Fiory, though one that was troubled, had been a time ruled by Sora’s true kin. She was grateful to the wolf, even if it had delayed the moment she had been so long waiting for. Gryffin was here, she had stepped from the olden ages into today with Sudak at her side; and a thin line spread from their feet to connect with the Balkar’s, far away in their own territory.

The cub stood in the silence beneath winters growing glare with the solitary figures of List, and realized with a thrill of adrenaline that left her eyes untouched, that power was yawning before them all, waiting for the wolves to take a hold of it. It was so tempting, Sora was so eager, but she was wary too, and a little uncertain. As had been the traditional tale, power destroyed, and Sora knew she should know not to be the fool, but she felt as if she was ready and that the frost of winter had truly began.

A smirk on her lips she dwelled on Aiyu and her smile deepened unpleasantly; that snob would truly learn the meaning of triumph. “Finally,” the wind whispered, surrounding them all.

[Drathlic]

The morning air was thin and cold. Taking a breath of such icy air was so sharp that it felt as though one’s lungs could be sliced mercilessly. A stream of mist was blown out from the wet ebony nose of the large timber male. Drathlic had recently returned to his pack after yet another restless wander to the Kerl lands and beyond. It had in fact been the incident during the warrior training that Renn, Sora and himself had been put through that had made him snap and long for solitude and the time to think on his own. Thanks to the little rat Sora, Drathlic’s fine line had snapped and a side he never thought he could show had come out. He had furiously shook the young faemme in his jaws and taught her a lesson that she was in fact a minor…nothing more than a cub that during this stage in her life could do nothing more but plot. It had scared the ruddy male intensely and he felt there was no reason for him to remain within the group until a later date, once he’d sorted himself out.

Light brown lids flickered open to reveal oddly coloured hues for an adult male wolf; Azure blue, the colour that puppies were born with. Gazing out at the mountains and valleys that lay before him, the young adult let out a sigh of relief. He had made it through the storm the night before and was once again safely back within the Listern territory. He had not managed to reach the pack dens however, and instead had managed to find a shallow cove within the mountain’s rocky exterior to nestle in for the night. Stretching out his forelegs and yawning widely, Drathlic managed to sluggishly pull himself out and succeeded in allowing himself a far better stretch out on the rocky outcrop. Shaking his thick winter pelt thoroughly, dislodging any debris or dust that may have gotten caught up within his fur the night before, Drathlic grinned pleasantly towards the direction in which his pack members would soon be waking up themselves. Including the beautiful faemme Silent who he had been growing strong feelings of love towards.
With his thick, brushy banner swaying out cheerfully behind him, the ruddy male began his decent on nimble, light paws. It had taken him a long time to gain so much stealth and knowledge of how to tread upon the delicate slopes of the Carpathian mountain range without losing his footing and falling to a more than likely death. Though now it was a mere skill that came to him with ease, and he no longer had to think so carefully about where to put which paw where to remain safe.

By the time Drathlic began to approach the pack dens, it was already mid morning and the sun, strangely enough, was out and shining down on the Meeting Place. And not to mention, he was not the only one to arrive this day having been gone for a moon or so. Fiory too had returned with Gryffin’s young cub Ayui. Excitement brought a new skip to the male’s lope as he made his way towards the group, though on approach he noticed the strange expression of shock and misunderstanding painted across the muzzles of Gryffin and Sudak. Slowing himself to a mere strole, Drathlic circled the outside of the gathering and proceeded to advance from behind, his tail lowered and his broad auds perked up with interest. Fiory was stepping down from her status of Drappa? That managed to stop the male in his tracks. So many questions began to mount in his mind that were simply pleading to be asked, though he held his tongue fast. This was Gryffin and Sudak’s right to speak first, not his.
Turning his head round swiftly as he noticed the approach of the now far more adult looking Sora, Drathlic held a gasp of shock. She was swiftly reaching the size of an adult faemme, and though in her scrawny appearance it was still clear that she was young and had not filled out fully, the difference in size had been enough to startle the flighty Drathlic. Yet the memory of how she had attempted an attack on him on that training day over a moon before settled back on his mind and he threw her a glare of distaste before returning his azure eyes back onto the happenings of status.

[Renn]

Drathlic's scent cut through the thin air like a knife. Delicately, Renn raised her nose to get a better whiff of her friend's scent before carrying on with her trailing. She had been following Drathlic since the early hours when he had first woken up, practicing her Scout skills for when Sudak called upon them. Though it was unlikely as Renn was training as a Warrior, the golden faemme knew that it was best to be skilled in all areas so as to truly be the best she could for List. And also, she needed to talk to Drathlic about some important issues. In actual fact, there were only two such issues that needed to be discussed but they were both equally important. Besides, Renn and Drathlic had not had a proper one-on-one talk in moons.

The first issue was one that swelled Renn's heart. She and Kop had gotten back together. It was official. After pondering the question for many days and then finally meeting up with her lost love, Renn had decided to take Kop back, but only if he could impress her and prove that he still loved her. The she-wolf had ached with pain at watching what Kop had attempted to prove himself, jumping from slippery rock to slippery rock to try and bring back a precious stone of some sort. It was a truly beautiful gem, a deep dark glossy translucent blue that caught all light and sparkled. But the price Kop had paid had been all too much. By the time he had gotten back the Ge-Radian Mann's paws were covered in vuts, including the worst, a deep gash that had bled freely. And of course, his bad leg had been close to collapsing under his weight after what it had endured.

But it was the second subject that seemed all the more important as it actually involved Drathlic himself. Renn felt as if she needed to talk to him about his growing relationship with Silent. It was not a jealousy thing, that had ended ages ago, but instead it was about how Renn felt, well, left out. It had become obvious that Renn could never compare to Silent in Drathlic's eyes, and she was fine with that, but what was painful about it was that they ahd originally been a threesome, and before that it had just been Renn and Drathlic for a short amount of time. Compared to the problems each of them had faced before, it was trivial, but Renn knew she had to get it out of her system or it would eat away at her friendship with both of them.

Following Drathlic's scent, Renn soon realised that it was leading to the Meeting Place, and that the scents of Fiory, Gryffin, Sudak, Aiyu and Sora were now laced within it. She could here the Star Gazer's voice, catching the words with excitement. Her whole body twitched and the faemme trotted forward, appearing behind Gryffin, emerald orbs glittering. Renn knew not to speak before Gryffin, but she could barely stem the flow of joy she felt for her friend. Fiory stepping down? Gryffin becoming Drappa? It was truly brilliant to see the tri-hued faemme come to lead the Pack she loved. Catching Drathlic's eye opposite her, Renn flashed him a friendly smile.

[Gryffin]

Everything seemed to come all at once to her. The tri hued beta hook her head, as if trying to clear her ears incase she had heard wrong. "What Fiory? Us lead?" Gryffin said with a blinking stare. The she wolf was not expecting such news. Surely her aunt was still young and could lead List. Throughout her life in List it seemed that the new drappas were appointed when the previous drappa had ended her life. Gryffin had somewhat expected to take on such role after Fiory had left. She was simply not expecting such news.

Her auburn tassel gave a swish of thought, though she could not find any other word to reply. Yet in no time later Sudak seemed to have saved Gryffin from her realm of silence. The beta blinked padding over to Aiyu who had just arrived. Gryffin swept a warm tongue over her cheek in a motherly welcome, though no soon after did her tail lift and lips twitch as if a growl would exploe any minute. Gryffin did not forget about her absence. Though now was not the time to dig answers out of her daughter.

Gryffin turned back to Fiory her ears perked as she listened to her drappa's reply. The beta grinned shyly like a pup at first to the showerings of Fiory's praises, before slowly lifting herself, flattered yet proudly, her muzzle and tail. Though her height did not reach higher than fiory's. Gryffin stepped forward as Fiory dove into a spasm of coughs. the she wolf whined as she touched the tip of her muzzle to Fiory's shoulder. "Of course, your forever part of List, and your already Aiyu's mentor and oh Fiory is it really necisary?" Gryffin spoke looking over to Sudak.

Looking over her shoulder Gryffin flicked her tassel her emerald orbs shimmered as she nodded in acknowledgment to the arrivals of Sora, Renn and Drathlic. Gryffin looked toward Sudak, would they really be alright in taking on the responsilities of leading? Besides with winter nipping at their heels the dangers seeemed so much greater.

(augh sucked)

[Fiory]

((Oh please, it wasn't bad at all *thwacks Gryffin* Be nice to yourself missy. Your posts are always great. ))

A sense of calm fell amongst the pack that had so quickly gathered. What had been meant to be a private conversation between neice and aunt had erupted into a meeting where all eyes and ears were transfixed and eager. A grin rose upon the graying muzzle of the Drappa of List, realizing for the first time in a long while one of the most headstrong and stubborn of her grand-neices had appeared as if out of thin air.

"This should be a blessing for you Sora; I am sure you are recieving exactly what that black heart of yours has required for quite some time." In essence it was a small statement made only just with the wind and with a stare. No words were uttered, but the feeling of electricity stung through the golden opticals of the ebon black she-varg, zapping the countering ones of the younger femme nearby. But such a glance was only given momentarily and as quickly as it had come the moment passed on in time and in history. With the pack there to listen and quiet fallen upon their muzzles, the light agilic frame of Fiory quietly stood, staring face to face, nose to nose with Gryffin; as an equal, not as a higher rank to a subordinate. A sparkle glistening from one hue to the next in Fiory's glistening golden eyes, before words were lightly breathed upon an unfelt wind of change.

"Gryffin, I fear I may not live through this winter. My first as Drappa was a stroke of luck, with the fat storages from my litter of stars, though even still I faded drastically as the winter drug on and the weather grew nastier. My second, was worse then the first, resulting in this starry scar lining my spine. Already, I thin once more for this next winter and my heart tells me of it's struggles to keep my lungs from breaking in the middle of the night, and as you can clearly see I am showing the tell tale signs of illness creeping upon my weakening form...Please, I ask of you all not to fear for me, for I will do my best this winter to live on to see the blossoms bloom in spring once more...But if illness takes me down a path where I may stumble and fall, I would rather trip as a nurse, then as the Drappa of a strong and proud pack. The leaders of a pack show strength to their foes and to their allies, they give courage and hope to their subordinates and they provide a sense of well-being throughout their territory...An ill Drappa, is not what this grand pack needs." It almost appeared as if Fiory might go into another small fit of coughs, yet her muzzle remained closed and only a slight clearing of her throat sounded behind those strong ivory canines. Her chest heaved in and out at her sides and from the angles each member of the pack had, it was clear that Fiory was telling the truth as she always did. Her ribcage was already beginning to show in some places when a breath was taken and spent, and the scar upon her back would surely begin to bone up in the leaner days if it hadn't begun the process already.

"It is neccassary for the pack's survival to have a strong and healthy leader at the healm, forging their path and guiding their journey; I will be here to help you if it is needed, though I know the blood that runs through your veins, Balkarian Daughter, and I know you will make us very proud..." Us. That word meant more from Fiory's muzzle then just the pack and herself that stood by, awestuck and awaiting what was to be. It meant those of the fallen, of her aunt Bila, the captivating fire hearted Drappa before the Stargazer; it meant of her father, Leohlic of the Balkar and the most noble of them all; It meant of her mother, Shatocwnn, the most courageous and positively honorable she-wolf Fiory had ever had the blessing to meet...

[Aiyu]

Pinning her ears against her scalp submissively Aiyu let out a slight whine, holding her tinted form close to the ground as she reluctantly complied with her mentor’s command. Aiyu wasn’t entirely sure what was so important that Fiory wanted her to hear but she had grown to trust the old drappa in the moons they had spent together as student and teacher, even so the prospect of having to face her mother so soon disturbed her. Her paws seemed to leaden with each step, her apprehension rising the closer she came to the conversing fae until finally she froze altogether. Too frightened to continue simply stood there, trembling visibly before her aunt and mother. Tor why had Fiory asked for her to come along? Clearly this was something between her and Gryffin, Aiyu didn’t belong here. She felt her hackles begin to rise as the sound of snow crunching behind her suddenly caught her attention, prompting Aiyu to scramble for Gryffin and Fiory without giving even a fleeting glance behind her. Instinctively she dove behind Fiory, taking comfort in her proximity to the ebon drappa and the protection that she offered. Still trembling Aiyu lowered herself to the ground in a submissive crouch, watching Sudak’s emergence from the brush from between ebony pillars. Emerald orbs like saucers she watch as her father joined in on the conversation, letting out a surprised gasp along with her parents upon hearing Fiory’s intentions.

Aiyu wasn’t sure what to think, Fiory had led List since long before she had been born and Aiyu had come to believe that she always would. It was so much to take in that Aiyu almost didn’t notice Gryffin padding towards her. Upon seeing the tri hued she-varg approaching her Aiyu couldn’t help but wince, licking her chin submissively and shuffling her paws nervously beneath her before staring down at the ground. “Hi mom.” she mumbled. At a sharp look from Gryffin the tinted femme retreated behind Fiory once more, practically jumping over the ebon drappa in an attempt to put some distance between herself and Gryffin’s wrath. Soon the clearing was filled with familiar scents and sounds as one by one the pack began to gather, their sudden presence threatening to fill the air with the familiar clamor of pack life that Aiyu had been born into. Among the newcomers was Aiyu’s elder sister, Sora, whom Aiyu noted to be looking particularly smug over the news of Fiory’s resignation, her emerald eyes shining triumphantly as she watched the reunion in silence. Sora’s gaze shifted over to her sister and Aiyu found that she couldn’t help but shudder, the tinted fae quickly averting her gaze as she try to block out the feelings of fear that her sister’s dark look had invoked within her. Somehow Aiyu doubted Sora was planning on giving her a warm welcome, if experience had taught her anything it was that Sora had something elaborate planned for tormenting Aiyu. Fiory spoke, breaking the young fae’s train of thought and causing her to give her mentor her full undivided attention.

((I was going to write more but decided this was enough))

[Sora]

Fiory was a great she-wolf, she had proved it many times over, but she was so black and white. Sora met that golden gaze with the beginnings of pride and defiance, but Fiory’s look withered any evil eye she could give. Sora had to look down at the snow encrusted forest floor, a slight pucker to her lips; it was a laugh at her own defeat. With a flap of her gentle brown ears she tossed her head high, looking beyond the black form of her Drappa. There was no challenge in her body position, but her self-confidence shone through her face.

“The only thing I have ever required is for List to be the most powerful pack in the world; greater then even the Balkar.” she responded in a carrying voice. “I want us to be strong, to outlast the stars. I want for us to own the mountains and beyond; to bring every wolf into our domain. And whoever defies us would fall, for we would be more powerful than any god ever could be.” It sounded now as if she was talking to many more than the wolves looking upon her. “We would be the shadows of the forest, so black that the sun burning down could not erase our presence. I want to expand, to claim the Herla, the world if we have to. I don’t care how big it is, I don’t care how hard the fight. All I want is for List to be so mighty that we can live without fear of winter and man and vengeful packs. All I want is for ourselves and our posterity to be free from anyone’s commands or threats. I just want List to outlive this earth.”

“Fiory, you are my kin. You know of the Crimson Pool I’m sure? I am thankful to you; you who have led us through bitter years. I am sorry the world has aged you, unlike some.” she turned to Renn, beginning to snarl. “What is it Renn; do you think you will become Beta of this pack? Do you think the end of the Star Gazer’s rein a perfect opportunity to become powerful in List?” she was hissing murderous words into the golden femmes face, her tassel stiff behind her. “I’ll kill you myself before you become Drappa; you don’t deserve it. You don’t deserve this pack and you never have! You’re an outsider here; go suck up to a Dragga and leave these mountains!” Her nose was nearly touching Renn’s and her orbs burned. She forced a twisted smile and her tongue slithered from the gap between her lips. Her voice was a mere whisper. “I know you will betray us all before the end; you don’t have the courage to stand by us. And I want to be the one to worm you out of these ranks, Sikla.”

[Fiory]

((Sorry Gryffin, it'll be your turn next, but I gotta say somethin to my little spirited neice over here *noogies Sora, why? Cause........she can? 0.o? * ))

Fiory gave a light sigh, blinking gently without even turning towards the form of the carrying voice beside her. Her ears moved but an inch, and a gentile grin arose upon her graying muzzle. So these were Sora's true feelings, what was within that heart of hers so tangled and twisted Fiory dare not try to unwravel. It was little shock that the youth knew of the Crimson Pool as Fiory did; Sora had always been as far back as the star gazer could remember an adventurous she-wolf keen to explore and claim whatever territory she happened upon. A slight curiousity arose for but a moment, flitting around like a fallen leaf of gold in autumn's blustery winds about how much knowledge Sora had gained of the Crimson Pool; it's dwellings, meanings, etc...but this soon was placed on hold, to be re-evaluated upon a later date.

"This world through which we wander, is wonderful and strange...The only truth we can really know, is that everything will change...Like the rain that fills the oceans, and the storm that shakes the pine...We are all apart, of the Grand Design. This land belongs to us, as the eagle owns the skies...We are one with all around us.. Brothers and Sisters to all we see...we only take what we need to stay alive and free...The one thing we will surely learn as we walk the path of time, is that everything must be in a balance to survive....Ruling this world, will never be possible Sora, for then the balance would have shifted, and surely doomed this land and the surrounding areas. We all have times when we are to be extinquished like a flame to a raindrop, it's just a matter of how and when that raindrop falls that extinquishes us. All we can do is live out our lives as best as we can; doing what is necassary and only when it is needed..." Her words were quiet, gentle to the ears as if spring had returned early to the chilled over transylvannia and listern world. But just like all of Fiory's words, they were wisked away with a passing breeze, twisted and turned with each tree the wind took it through.

Not a breath of air stirred out of Fiory's onyx muzzle. A breeze merely lifted her fur and fluttered it about playfully. She sat quite stiffened, ears erect and motionless to the naked eye. She actually seemed either to have completely ignored Sora's outburst, or to have been listening with great intensity. No bone move, or muscle twitch. She almost appeared lifeless, a statue before her pack.

" I know you will betray us before the end; You don't have the courage to stand by us. And I want to be the one to worm you out of these ranks, Sikla"

Orbs of gold gleamed with a fire's intensity and a spark ignited brightly from within their cores. In a flash of ebony black, much too fast for an ill femme as aging as she was thought to move, the onyx figure of Fiory was upright, her limbs stiff and her fur bristling as wildly as a furious wildfire. Eyes blazed in a controled rage, a snarling muzzle exposing those shimmering ivory canines pressed before Sora's eyes as threatening as ever. Fiory's body nearly seemed to enlargen and the hidious growl that erupted from those clenched jaws sounded as if it would have frightened off the toughest of grizzly's. Aura blazing so hot it almost seemed as if the air ran thick with the rage the stargazer had suddenly and unwarningly unleashed. Only the side of her face was shown to Sora, a singular golden hue gleaming brilliantly, threateningly...dangerously into the eyes of the youth in front of them. A glare of pure hatred, brutality, a vicious nature never thought to have come from such a gentle creature as the One of Stars seemed to petrify time and space. The pack was no longer there in Fiory's world, all she could see, was the defiance and absouluteness that was Sora to her right, and the timid Renn to her left. Without more than little warning from the horrendous growl that had erupted from Fiory's muzzle, the she-wolf snapped her fangs at the youthful trouble maker's jaw, nearly if not snagging at Sora's shorter delicate hairs upon her muzzle.

"Your body has aged, but your mind is still that of a child...picking petty arguments and fights with those you have still lingering hatreds for. Enough is enough, let the past die as I have and live on without regret..If your preminition of Renn is to be correct, take self satisfaction in knowing you were right, but it is unwise to count your herla before they have become your meal. " Her words were sharp, crisp and icy clear. Not another word from Sora about Renn was to be tolerated, and if Sora had any mind what so ever, she would not disobey her aunt on this subject.....It was perfectly clear as an indigo pebble in crystaline waters that Fiory would punish Sora greatly if another offensive tone was taken with Renn, though if one's ears were keened enough, it wasn't as if Fiory agreed or disaggreed with Sora's statement; merely halted it before further actions could rise up...

[Renn]

What was passed between Fiory and Gryffin paled into insignificance once Sora had unleashed her rage. Throughout the duration of Sora's verbal attack Renn felt her whole body tense and her lip curl into a poisonous snarl, bristling at such venomous insults. And how dare Sora attack her when Renn knew of the bitch's own treachery to List. Before Renn ahd refrained from telling anyone, afraid that no one would believe her, perhaps accuse her of lying and then where would the golden faemme be. But now that Sora had so visciouslly attacked Renn infront of most of the Pack she had to hit back.

"Well, that is a bit hypocritical coming from you Sora," She snarled loudly, loud enough to let the whole clearing know. "Afterall how dare you accuse me of being a traitor at heart when you have betrayed your own Pack. Did you really think you could get away with what you did? Maybe you should tell Sudak why he was captured. Maybe you should tell everyone of how you conspired with Demon, Drappa of Dreogan! You disgust me Sora, you're the personified definition of sick. You are loyal to List, I do not doubt that, but your loyalty to the actual members vanished long ago. And I am no Sikla you arrogant bitch, if you attack me now I will flay your pathetic pelt. And as for seizing power within List? I had not given the honour of possibly becoming Beta a moment's thought. I would say you were an outisder more than me, Sora, sucking up to not jsut a Dragga but the entire pirate Pack. Why don't you go and spread your filth someplace else, traitor!?"

Renns stopped then, remembering that there were other member's of List arround her. The golden faemme watched with dark sataisfaction as Fiory put Sora in her place, though she could tell that Fiory did not disagree with the youth's statement either. How could the Star Gazer not believe that Renn was a loyal true Listerner? Or did perhaps the former-Drappa somehow know about the Mann who had stolen Renn's heart? Dismissing this instantly, the golden faemme continued to watch Sora with narrowed orbs, waiting for her and the Pack's reaction at the revelation of the treachery she had commited.