Familiar Stranger

[§ - Vampa - §]

Her howl was pure and strong, calling out to the Vargs of Ge-Rad, allowing them to be aware of her precence through ehr own choice. Waiting at the Border, Vampa settled herself down among the undergrowth, her jet-black pelt surprisingly stark against the bright green. Of course, she blended in better than a paler colour wolf, but it wouldn't camouflage her unless it was night. As it was, the sung was beating down upon the Kerl's back, forcing her to take refuge in the shade rather than stand out in the scorching heat, boiling in her ebony pelt that she had been 'blessed' with. Blinking her odd eyes, one amber, one blue-green, Vampa gazed at the terra before her, the invisible barrier of scent preventing her from going on. She had learnt a lot since the last time Vampa had come to Transylvania. Last time, Vampa had not been at her best, her mind fractured due to the death of her Father, and, due to this the ebony faemme's behaviour was arrogant, confused and downright annoying. Only one wolf had seen through this and that was Draeg.

Back then, Draeg ahd been the only thing Vampa had that was close to a friend. They had known each other and she had most definantly liked him - but then Vampa had gone and mucked it up, for, pushed so far to the edge, Vampa had become delirious and, confusing her dreams and fantasies with real life ahd declared love for Draeg. The night of that catastrophic day, Vampa had fled Transylvania, leaving to heal. It had been brave of the Kerl to return to a place where some of her most embarassing moments had occured, to seek out Draeg, the one who had witnessed Vampa's maddest moment (though she doubted he had realised that).

Since those days of youth, Vampa had changed, not only mentally but physically. What was once a slightly scrawny dull black faemme had grown up to the adult she was now. Her fur now shined with health and her body had filled out so that she kept her fine build but was certaintly not scrawny. She was taller and now she gave off the aura of knowledgeable confidence, not the cockiness she had once had. To be truthful, Vampa was worried that Draeg would not realise her, that he would not remember the mad Kerl from his adolescence. Well, now it was time to find out. And to see if his Packmates would like her at all.

[Cal]

A large brown paw dipped itself into the water, shattering the glassy surface with ripples. Once it settled, the water reflected the face of a handsome brown he-varg, once a proud emissary of Ge-rad. Cal found himself wandering to the heart of the forest once more, still residing in pack boundaries but rather not to let others disturb him. As usual in his life, he was troubled once more, except his problem had no solution, this was a fact. Also, his family life have been extremely hectic and with his daughter being his growing concern he found it nice and relaxing to sit by the water, trying his best to let his problems flow away as he continued to cause tiny ripples with his massive paw. Taking a deep sigh and getting into a comfortable position on his stomach as he gazed at his surroundings, which he called his home for so long. The calming breeze was soothing and he almost fell into a daze, eyes slowly closing when a loud howl that could easily have travelled all across Ge-rad reached his ears. His eyes opened quickly and his head jerked upwards as he quickly spun on his feet. Giving an annoyed growl as he turned to the direction of the pack borders. "Just when I was getting comfortable." he muttered under his breath.

Cal moved quickly through the trees in the direction of the Ge-rad borders, being the emissary of this pack he knew all the short-cuts to every single location whether it be the pack dens or the meeting place. Paws moving swiftly which was turning into a cloud of dust as it moved on the dirt yellow eyes bright in the shadows as he moved closer and closer to his destination. He wondered who it could be at the borders, it was certainly no pack member and if it was someone from another pack, then he would be perfect for the job. Finally, he arrived at the Ge-rad borders still keeping himself hidden and camouflaging himself in the shadows. Standing right on Ge-rad territory was a fae who he had never seen before. She had a pelt of jet-black and judging by the looks of it, she looked slightly younger than he was. Her mismatched eyes held colours of bluish-green and the other one was amber. He continued to watch as the fae finished off the last of her howl and closing her maw her head still held high. Slowly he stepped away from the shadows and letting Fenris's rays reveal him and he gave a low growl to alert her of his presence. "Welcome to Ge-rad, I'm Cal emissary of this pack. Now, what brings into our lands on this day where Fenris shines so bright?"

[§ - Vampa - §]

That was quick, Vampa thought, her eyes spotting movement in the territory before her. A brown Mann stepped forward, the Pack-scent strong and intermingling with his own personal aroma. He had kind amber eyes, and his greeting was not hostile, unlike other Packs that Vampa had heard of - and she took this as a sign that she may be able to gain permission to enter Ge-Rad terra, though not permanently. Smiling, Vampa stood and waved her tail in a friendly fashion, hoping that she was acting right, the Kerl had mucked things up once in this land and she did not want to again. "It's nice to meet you, Cal. I'm called Vampa and I'm an aquaitance of three of Ge-Rad. I briefly met Raikan when I was helping another cub pull porcupine quills from his nose and I met Skep more recently. He looks a bit like you actually. And I met Draeg ages ago when we were both adolescents when I used to live here, but now I'm back and I thought it would be nice to see him again. And Skep if he is in, I got on well with him." Vampa explained herself, open and friendly to this stranger, hoping to win his trust and be let in. She yearned to see the amber Varg again, even if she had been mad when they last met. Cal seemed nice too. Even if he had only welcomed her to Ge-Rad, the brown Varg had a nice look about him. Vampa could guess that Cal was Skep's Father, though she did not wish to make a statement of it incase she was wrong.

[Ayasha]

(((mind if I join?)))

It was the last day Skep would visit Ge-rad. The last time he would walk the familar lands and see his family. Sure he could come and visit. But never the less. It was the last day.

He was here to make it short. To say goodbye to his father and the others if they were around. Other wise he was gone. Nose scenting the breeze Skep picked up his father's scent. Along with that of another varg. One he knew well. "Vampa!" Excited that he would see his friend before leaving the brown male cantered through Ge-rad's territory.

A quick hello to both of them, a small chat and then he would leave. After all he had to be places, he had to find somewhere to live. Perhaps one day a mate. And then a pack. Who knew? But with so many possibilities he was excited.

"Vampa!" He called out as he could see her just beyond him. there was his father too. Tail wagging Skep slowed to a trot as he neared. "Vampa it's so good to see you." He smiled and then greeted his father. "How are you Cal?" He called him so not because of anger or lack of politeness. But because Skep felt that he was an adult, that he should act so.

"I didn't expect to see you here Vampa. I knew that you had mentioned Ge-rad and visiting but I didn' tthink so soon. To bad you didn't come sooner, I'm leaving today. Gonna become a kerl and start my own life." He paused, realizing he had probably blabbered on to long, yet again.

[§ - Vampa - §]

Vampa could hear her name being called. The caller sounded distant at first, but whoever it was was getting nearer, racing at a great speed it seemed. Hearing her name - much enarer as if the wolf was just behind her - Vampa turned round slowly to see who it was. She recognised the strong scent and voice, the brown pelt and friendly face. It was Skep, a Varg whom the black Kerl had met about a week ago. "You look well, Skep," Vampa smiled, her tail swishing slowly from side to side in greeting. Despite the age difference in which Vampa was about a year maybe more senior, Skep was already taller than her, his masculine physique dwarfing the older faemme, who was a bit older than Cal at best guess.

Watching the polite greeting between the two Ge-Radians, the midnight furred wondered if there was tension between them, something that was too deep for a stranger to sense. But then, she shouldn't be wondering about their buissness, and she would certaintly not pry unless Skep chose to confide in her, which was extremely unlikely given the fact they still barely knew each other. "Yes well, I thought I might pop in," Vampa said, "And leaving? Goodness, I would not advise the life of a Kerl, Skep, it can get quite lonely being on your own."

((Short and crap))

[Draeg]

The amber varg lay sprawled across the craggy surface of his favorite perch, his chest rising and falling steadily with his breathing as he dosed peacefully with his belly upturned toward the heavens. Despite the blazing heat that accompanied Fenris in his trek across the azure sky the sun felt good on his fur, with everything that was taking place in Ge-Rad it seemed that moments like these were becoming harder and harder to come by each day. Draeg awoke with a start as a somewhat vaguely familiar howl manifested from just beyond the pack borders, causing him to jump to his feet with a startled yelp. "I'm awake!" he yipped, whipping his head about frantically. Upon seeing that he was alone he bit down on his paw in embarrassment, grateful that no one had been around to see him during what he was considering to be an award moment.

Still a bit groggy and more then a little shaken from his unexpected wake up call the amber Dragga took a moment to regain his bearings, his ears erect to the oddly familiar song that hung in the air. Tratto's Blessing. It seemed that some varg, a kerl most likely and a fae at that, had come rather close to the border, well at least she had the decency to ask for permission before wandering into Ge-Rad. Usually most varg stumbled past the scent markers he and Cwen laid out, though in truth Ge-Rad seldomly saw any visitors. For reasons he couldn't comprehend Draeg had a nagging feeling that he should, no, that he knew this femme, however try as he might Draeg could never managed to bring a face or name to mind. Damn Fenris, it seemed that once again his curse upon the varg was going to be a thorn in his side this day.

Rolling his shoulders in light shrug and flicking his tail nonchalantly he broke out into a light lope, making his way towards the pack boundaries to investigate the matter further and find out exactly what this fae wanted. It wasn't long before Draeg could hear voices up ahead in the distance, though they were still too far away for him to make out he was able to identify the speakers through there scent which he was able to catch on the passing breeze. Once again it seemed that Cal had taken it upon himself to investigate the matter further as well and managed to beat Draeg in arriving first, however apparently it looked like he had brought Skep with him this time. Draeg was pleased, recalling how he and Cal had discussed the latter of the two varg making more time for his offspring, it would be good for Cal to spend time with his son. He finally spotted them, the trio had remained near the boundary line just within the invisible scent where they had apparently been conversing peaceably amongst one another. Letting out a rough bark the amber Dragga made his way over to the small group, his head and tail raised high in the air in a show of dominance. Taking a moment to greet his packmates his eyes immediately fell upon the strange femme, studying her intently for a moment as he noted the physical changes she had undergone before finally speaking. "Vampa, it's been a long time."

[Cal]

Cal still kept both his yellow eyes fixed on this stranger, even though she seemed to be friendly, with everything that has been going on his life, who could blame him for being cautious? Listening intently on why this fae came to Ge-rad he nodded his head at her explaination. It seemed reasonable after all, and it was a visit from some kerl. However, even though she said he knew his son and friend he would not let her go any further onto Ge-rad territory until the alphas and betas came, and they would decide if this faemme was allowed to stay or not. "Skep eh? Well, he should look like me. Afterall, I am his father. Now, where did you meet my son?" Indeed his was interested to hear that his son would know some random kerl but with recent events he like many times haven't been able to keep a real close watch on his children. It was Skep and Chilaili that he was worried about, but still proud of what fine vargs that they had become. A father would always be protective of his children no matter what happens to them. Ayasha on the other hand...he thought it was a waste of time. He still cared about her deeply but tried his best to stay away from her not wanting to spring into another agruement with her and tear the delicate threads that tied this family together. She'll soon see that what she did was wrong even if it involves her heart getting shattered into a thousand pieces. Taking a sigh and trying to take his mind off his troubles and instead do his job and stand by this kerl and guard the borders. "Well, I'm afraid that you're going to have to wait here, I'm sure that everyone in this pack heard your call. I expect Draeg to be arriving momentarily."

Sitting on his haunches and feeling the burning rays of Fenris shine down on him, feeling slightly impatient at the lack of attention his packmates were giving to visitors. It was a time where Ge-rad members were still returning back to their homes, but still Cal haven't seen much of them with the exception of Draeg, his mate and a few pups.At last, emerging from the trees he thought he saw a double of himself heading in their direction only to realize that it was his son in the distance and a smile curled in his lips as he stared at the proud Dragga. "Hello, son." Moving forward eagerly and giving him a playful tug at the ears. "Couldn't have warned dad over here if you were gonna bring a friend to Ge-rad borders eh?"he chuckled. However, his smile faltered slightly at hearing his son move out of Ge-rad and knew that he was going to lose the last one in the litter. At the same time he was happy that Skep was heading out into the real world outisde the pack and see what life had to offer. "You're leaving today son? Best to be careful out there. Remember, Ge-rad will always be your home and you're welcome to visit us whenever you want. I'm sure Draeg doesn't object to family reunions." A loud echoed in the air and he turned to see the blazing Dragga of Ge-rad moving to the trio. Speaking of the devil... Dipping his head in greeting and as a sign of respect for the dragga he padded toward him. "I believe an old friend has come for a visit. Now that's all good. I'll leave you two to it."

[Ayasha]

"Well I'm sure we'll see each other again. It's just to bad I'm leaving today. It can't be much different than around here. I never interacted with many of the pack." He gave an odd smile, but he knew Vampa was right. It would be lonely. Answering his father's question Skep turned to his father. "I would've told you if I had known." He gave his father a gentle nudge with his shoulder. "You knew this day would come, when I left. Besides you can come visit me anyday."

Turning Skep caught the sight of Draeg approaching. The Dragga probably knew he was leaving today so Skep felt no need to explain that. As Draeg approached, Skep greeted him as usual. Nod of his head and a small bow. For Skep, his mother had taught him manners that happily were being used. Remembering the conversation he and Vampa had had, Skep could recall some mention of Draeg, but he was still a little surprised that they knew each other. He supposed it was that Skep had never really known his Dragga to leave Ge-rad. Even if it had been before he had become alpha it seemed oddd to Skep.

Unsure if he should leave Skep turned to Vampa, after all it was her visit. "You don't mind if I stay do you? Or I could leave. You both have a lot of catching up to do I imagine." He gave her a smile but still felt ackward in his position. Skep had never been taught much about being a young male, family issues aslways getting in the way. Now that he was leaving there wasn't much anyone could teach him.


(((terrible post, thanks for waiting)))

[§ - Vampa - §]

((Am I the only one who's seeing symbols instead of apostrophes and speech marks in Draeg's post?))

"Oh, I don't mind waiting," Vampa smiled at Cal for extra brownie points. Listening to the interaction between father and son, the midnight Kerl thought back to her relationship with her own father. The old grey Mann had sheltered Vampa to say the least, keeping her away from others, keeping ehr all to himself. And despite the claustrophobia she felt when they were together, Vampa had still loved him, though wether that was due to the first seeds of madness being sewn in her mind was uncertain. The black faemme had stayed with her father until his death, eventually leaving his bones in a cave. It was obvious that her sheltered childhood had led Vampa to being unstable in situations with others, her slight madness not helping in any way. It was her father who had caused this and it was a miracle Vampa had come so far since her madness. Anyway, Cal and Skep seemed comfortable around each other, something Vampa herself envied. "Of course we'll see each other again, Skep, I haven't come here to join, merely to catch up with an old friend. I still choose to remain a Kerl - but I've been a Kerl for many a moon, and am used to the downsides. Just don't go as mad as Kar did many years ago," Vampa growled, responding to Skep's slightly uncertain smile with one of her own. "And if you ever get too lonely or fear your going mad you can come and find me. I'll sort you out."

Vampa, it's been a long time.

The voice have matured, grown deeper, and carried a hint of dominance and perhaps nobility. A Dragga's voice. But it was still familiar, and Vampa recognised it instantly. Turning, her odd eyes took in the form of Draeg. He had changed so much since they had last come across each other. Once a scrawny little adolescent, Draeg had blossomed into a proud and dare she say handsome Dragga. He'd grown so much taller, and he'd filled out, hard muscles rippling beneath a pelt of rich amber. His posture had changed too. Now the amber Varg held his head and tail high, dominant and pride in his land, his kingdom really. Ge-Rad terra. It was a wonder the faemmes weren't jumping all over him. He probably had a mate and Vampa thought Skep had mentioned a Drappa but she couldn't quite remember. "Too long, Draeg, too long." Vampa replied, the ghost of a smile playing at her lips.

Watching Cal leave, Vampa turned to where Skep stood, uncertain and feeling awkward. "Thanks Skep, you can leave us," She said, ehr voice warm as she smiled at the brown youth. "I'll see you in the Kerl lands, friend." Vampa waited for Skep to leave before saying anything else to Draeg, she needed to go over some dragged out old privaate stuff and explain so much to him.

[Ayasha]

(((Inoticed it to, last post of mine)))

Happy from her words of reassurance Skep nodded. "Well I'll be sure to track you down." He smiled and bowed his head once more to Draeg.

"Yes, I hope we meet again soon." With that he turned and padded away from the first home he had had, the first and possibly only alpha he had. The forests of Ge-rad began to dwindle as Skep left the terra. Thoughts from his time spent here flooded his memory. It was sad leaving such a place, but then again it was nice. Now he could be on his own, for once.

With one last look Skep left Ge-rad. As he trotted away from it he stopped and lifted his head in a howl, a goodbye howl to the pack, and his parents. Then with a smile the brown he varg left his home to find a new life.

[Draeg]

Dipping his head into a slight bow Draeg acknowledged both Vampa and his packmates greetings and returned them in one single motion. He had managed to recall the she-wolf's name at the last possible moment, her scent having jarred his memory just enough for those of concerning her to resurface from the depths of his mind. Looking at her now the amber varg became aware of just how much Vampa had changed since the last time he had lain eyes on her, while her pelt had retained its dark hue from the days of their youth it seemed to be richer and more wholesome then it had the year before, shining brightly like obsidian in the noonday sun. While she seemed roughly the same height as Draeg remembered her he could tell that she was about a head taller then she had been when they last met and she appeared a great deal more confident then Draeg remembered, her oddly colored eyes shining brightly with a familiar warmth that belayed none of the madness they had previously held.

Had it really been a year since they had last seen each other?

Realizing that he was being addressed the amber varg shifted his attention towards his packmates, acknowledging Cal's statement with a sight gesture of his long bushy tail before turning to the emissary's only son. "You have my permission to stay if you want to Skep, but if you feel that awkward about all of this then you don't have to stick around." He growled, tossing Vampa a quick glance as she bid the younger varg farewell. "Kerl lands? What about the Kerl lands?"

((this post sucks, sorry about that but I couldn't really think of anything else to say at the moment))

[§ - Vampa - §]

Vampa smiled after Skep's retreating form. She liked the Mann, he was sensible with a good head on his shoulders. His Father, Cal, seemed the same though it was not certain, and besides it was slightly rude to judge one on first impressions. Turning back to Draeg, Vampa's smile wavered slightly. It was a constant worry that past events may darken her meetings with those from her past, making situations far more awkward. Especially with Draeg, for it had been he who Vampa had practically declared love for in the days of her madness. Hopefully he would understand her explanation and excuse her of that foolish behaviour. Though now as she faced him, it seemed far more daunting.

"I was speaking to Skep then," She said neutrally, unsure of what to say. It was not a lack of confidence, it was the shame of the past that stole her words. "Look, er, this is sort of awkward for me, shameful even when you think of the past," She began, pausing every now and then between her carefully chosen words. Though of course, they seemed stupid, like trying to kill someone with a blunt blade rather than the quick slice of one that has been sharpened. "Back when we first knew each other, I was mad. Not too seriously, but bad enough to affect my social skills I s'pose. That was to do with my past before that, my cubhood. I was very very sheltered and new very few wolves. The only one I ahd formed any kind of relationship with was with my Father and when he died well, the trauma of losing one so close is what I think was to blame." Ah yes, her Father, one who must have been half mad himself, constantly pushing away the company of others, creating a barrier between Vampa and anyone else. It had actually affected her mental upbringing quite badly, stunting the way she related to others and darkening her ways in later life. "I'm better now though."

((Sorry for the crappiness))

[Draeg]

Draeg watched Skep's retreat with a look of mild confusion, having been completely unaware of the pup's decision to disperse from the pack. True the amber Dragga had been planning on discussing the matter with the younger varg as he already done with his sister, Ayasha, but still Draeg hadn't expected for Skep to come to that decision on his own, or at least not so quickly. His ears perked as a howl sudden ripped through the air catching the amber dragga off guard and causing him to pull away from his thoughts to return to the situation at hand.

Lifting his muzzle and allowing his ears to fall flat upon his skull Draeg let out a soft howl, responding to the pup's final farewell and bidding him good luck on his journey in the outside world before finally turning to regard Vampa once more. It had been a very long time indeed, the last Draeg had see of the odd eyed fae she had been a wreck due to the emotional state she had been in at the time. Looking at her now though Draeg was pleased to see that Vampa seemed to have recovered from whatever tramatic experience she had gone through as she was clearly more stable then she had been during their last encounter, however he couldn't help but notice that she seemed to grow a bit more nervous now that Skep had left her alone with him.

for a moment Draeg wondered if she still retained the same feelings she had declared for him when they had last met, knowing that he would spur her affections again if she made any attempts to make an advance on him. However something else seemed to be on her mind as she suddenly turned to face him, speaking somewhat reluctantly and pausing from time to time as though she were considering what to tell him next. Giving his tail a brief flick the amber Dragga seated himself back on his haunches in an attempt to make himself more comfortable as he patiently awaited the conclusion of Vampa's tale, quirking a skeptical brow when he was sure that she was finished speaking. "Alright, I can buy that. But exactly what was the point of telling me all of this, I may have been worried about the state you were in but your past wasn't exactly any of my business." he growled. "And for the record, you never struck me as mad. Excentric maybe, but never mad.