The ivory Dragga retreated slowly from the ebon fae’s flank as she padded towards his daughter. Inquisitive looks still dominated his expressions. His gaze drifted between that of Fiory and his ivory offspring. He was amazed at how much Aiyu had grown, physically yes, but more impressive was her attitude. Her complete submissiveness that she clenched to so tightly as a pup and through her early adolescent moons was fading fast. Though a remnant did still remain, what Fiory seemed to have in store would prove her otherwise. A grin spread across his maw as he noticed the young fae’s tassel begin to sway back and forth with happiness. In fact, the ivory Dragga had never seen Aiyu happy besides in greeting of her mother occasionally. His gaze followed Aiyu’s to Fiory’s weakening form making her way across the dreary terra to come to rest close to the ivory fae. The brief moments of happiness were nothing short of that, brief. Fiory’s words shifted to that of what seemed to be a last will and testament. Sudak had expected this, though not so suddenly. Her beaten form had been tested well beyond its limits for countless moons and it was only a matter of time before nature took its course.
Sudak padded forward a few steps before laying himself facing the duo before him. His auds at full attention so as to not miss a single whisper among the crisp nights air. One aud swung about quickly followed by his whole head. Ayame had sunken back into the shadows. With a momentary delay so to let his icy hues adjust, her form was revealed in the blanket of darkness. The mann gave a soft, short bark inviting Ayame to his side. He motioned with his head before returning to the event unfolding before him.
Glimpses of distress crossed the broken fae’s face many a time, thoughts obviously, at least to the mann, recollecting the past, both good and bad. Her attention shifted to that of Ayame and himself. Words of parting being spoken in metaphor at times. The icy mann’s mind was racing on what he could do. Soft whines momentarily emitting from deep within his maw. He quickly tensed himself, trying to remain composed through it all. He had seen death many a times and faced it plenty on his own, he could get through this, at least he thought he could. One part of him was proud of his daughter who was standing before one of the finest vargs he had ever known, the other was wanting to somehow stop whatever Fiory somehow knew was coming. Claws dug into the ground as he clenched his pads tightly, holding back with all his might. The mention of the others that remained absent from the parting felt like a blow to the gut. How would he tell them of what they missed? His heart beat was increasing, his hearing becoming impaired by its rushing. All he could muster from within his being was a quick set of nods and a short ”Of course… Fiory”
Sudak had never before experienced what was taking place at this moment. A somehow supernatural exchange of power, or rather an exchange of life. The usual riddles of sorts came softly from Fiory’s maw. Sudak’s mind worked vigorously to decipher its meanings. With an ever decreasing form Fiory raised her maw to the heavens and recited an eerie vow that sent shivers down Sudak’s spine, fur rustling along its way. All attention shifted therefore to Aiyu, his daughter, to take her rightful place as the new Stargazer of List.
(( Well I guess this will do, if I'm not going to be able to get another post in before Fiory bites the dust I may want to edit this real quick and put some final words in... ))
The ebon fae just sat there, not knowing what to do. Her head was spinning; she wanted to be closer to the elder stargazer, wanting not to miss anything. Ayame had only just started to get to know Fiory and now she was losing her, and deep sigh escaped her maw and she began to shake her head slowly back and forth. She couldn’t believe that everything was coming to an end so quickly. Then she stopped, she thought about what the stargazer and she had discussed earlier that night while they were alone. She had lived a long life, and this is what she deserved. She deserved to walk in the red flowers with her loved ones that passed on long ago, to be able to run free once again and to be able to move without grimacing in pain. Then a smile came to the young ebon fae, this was no time to be sad, but yet it was a time to rejoice and celebrate the great, long life of Fiory.
Looking back at the trio in front of her she nodded, she could tell it was going to be much harder on both Aiyu and Sudak. They had both known the stargazer their whole life and now they were with her in her last few moments. All Ayame knew was that she would be there for them when they needed her, to confide in and talk to, if they so wished it. Then a soft bark entered her ebon auds, it was the icy Dragga calling her to be beside him. She bowed her head and rose to her paws. Quietly she made her way over, not wanting to disturb the special moment between the young stargazer and the elder stargazer. She lowered her self slowly to the ground and nuzzled Sudak gently so he would know that she was here for him. Her full attention then turned to the stargazers before her.
She had never heard such lyrics, such beauty and it put a smile on her face. Ayame would treasure this moment for the rest of her life. Not wanting to disrupt the on going, she closed her eyes briefly and thought to her self, both talking to the gods and to Fiory, “May the gods look after you Fiory, may you run free with your loved ones in the Red Meadow and always know the love that List and my self have for you.” She opened her fiery hues, just as the elder stargazer lifted her muzzle to the sky, reciting the prayer of the stargazer. It was time for Aiyu to grasp her destiny and to take her place among the great stargazers of the past and continue on the path that has been laid before her.
Thanks Shunke!
Wishing for Acceptance after being Accepted Missing Oren and Styr Staying Close to Sarnes Shattered Nieten
A cold wind swept through the trees. The breeze wailed and shrieked with octaves high and low. Gryffin lifted her head, her pink tongue fell out of her mouth, dangling as pulses of visible breath poured out from her maw. The cold bit at her skin. As she panted her rib cage rose and fell, and could be seen everytime she took a gasp of breath. Her tongue flickered with hunger as vivid emerald eyes searched the bush, begged for some sort of gift. But nothing came.
Gryffin shook out her fur before continuing, the crisp snow crinkled under her paws. She was being carelessly noisy with her steps. Gryffin sighed, what use was it to continue lurking in shadows and silence when it would not have given her any bounty either way. All she felt now was the biting chill from winter's jaws and the clenching hunger that gripped her stomach.
Without another look Gryffin continued on her way. Her paw steps lingered on as she reached the eastern patch of woods. Her ears perked something was different now... Everything was eerily silent, as if the world had held it's breath. The winds died into soft whispers, delicate and melodic. Passionate and spiritual.
Gryffin stood in the clearing, blinking. Something about this was queer, not right. As if holding her breath anylonger would cause her heart to pound louder within her. But as if calling the wind rustled the trees, bringing with it the scent of Ayame, Sudak and Aiyu... They had all passed by here... but for what exactly? What was this magnetic force that drove all three of them toward.
Curious Gryffin trekked on, auburn tail waving behind her as she sped up. Her emerald eyes locked on at the blurred forms in the distance. Gryffin loped on and stopped abruptly within the shadows. She hardly noticed her legs shaking as she looked toward the huddle. There in the centre lay Fiory.
Gryffin's maw opened, eyes widened at the sight. Fiory? could it be? Her aunt Fiory that had taught her so much. Gryffin wanted all the world to rush forward and take in the ebony stargazer's scent, and muzzle right up next to her as she did when she had been a mere yearling. But for some odd reason, that evening Gryffin could hardly move. Eyes hardly blinked, heart pounding maniacally in her chest as her body shook.
Fiory began to speak, and all eyes turned to little Aiyu. Though now. not so little any longer. Gryffin cocked her ears closer, Fiory's voice rose, though it was faint. One could say that all Fiory had left to keep her alive was her spirit itself. Gryffin starred in awe as the ebon stargazer recited the prophecy. Crimson ears flickered. The riddles confused her, and Gryffin blinked. Her eyes turned to watch Aiyu.
The sight was strange, and Gryffin was left starring in awe, her eyes sparkled from the distant moonlight that began to fall upon the pack. As if from Fiory's mysterious word's themself Gryffin suddenly felt a new life, as if her words had soaked into Gryffin's very soul and lifted her from its sullen state.
Turning to view Aiyu, Gryffin smiled. Her heart gave a sigh, and a smile wrapped her maw. Finally her youngest pup had finally found her place in a pack that had seemed to mirror the opposites of the beautiful fea.
Yet the faint cough from Fiory caught Gryffin's attention. As if she had been sprung from a trap Gryffin galloped over her eyes filled with worry, disbelief. Her aunt had lived this long, and surely had outlived the curse of dying drappas in their pack. Surely... Fiory could make it through this. Surely by now... she was.. immortal.
"Fiory.... aunt Fiory..."
Gryffin felt as if something had clung to her throat, her windpipes clogged and shrivelling. Memories raced back. She could remember everything. Gryffin turned to Sudak, memories of Fiory teaching the two pups how to hunt in the depths of winter. No... she must be immortal, she had to be...
~Daughter of the great Shatocwnn and Leohlic~ ~Sister to Fernlick,Jade,Baleful~ ~Cousin to Shatila,Orion,Denisha~ ~mother of Sora, Aiyu and Arias~ ~Forever Remembering, Lyft, Bila, Mother. Father and Shatila~
Unused to being the center of so much attention the ivory femme did her best to cover her trepidation, forcing her shaking legs still so that she might stand firm in the eyes of her packmates. Aiyu watched Fiory with growing concern as the ebon fae drew closer, her entire body seeming creek and strain from even such simple movements as taking a few steps, before resting her umber head upon on one of Aiyu’s shoulders in a comforting nuzzle. Reveling in the brief contact between them Aiyu returned the gesture, leaning into her aunts touch and nuzzling her gently. She felt so proud to have had the chance to train under such a wise and caring teacher, to have even gotten the chance to know Fiory as she had. Not just as a mentor but as someone who had cared for her and done more than just teach her about stories and tradition.
The moment passed, Fiory retreating to smile down the adolescent youth. Aiyu couldn’t help but notice how fragile Fiory looked, almost as though her body might give out on her at any given moment. And yet at the same time the elder drappa’s eyes were as bright as they had been in her youth, filled with the same love and joy they had always held. Attention fixed solely on her mentor Aiyu looked up at Fiory reverently as she began to speak, polished auds drinking up her every word and coveting them close to her heart like a precious treasure. There was a sense of finality in her words that sent a dull throb through Aiyu’s heart however refrained from speaking, allowing Fiory to finish. Aiyu wasn’t a fool, she had known about her mentor’s failing health for some time now. She had hoped that time might ease the strain on her aunts body however now Aiyu realized that she had been a fool for ever thinking anything could mend the ancient drappa. There was no doubt in Aiyu’s mind that this would be their last lesson together.
Fiory’s time was drawing to a close, not even the most skilled healers would be able to stave off what was to come for much more than a day or two. Even then, why prolong her suffering any longer? And so Aiyu listened, unblinking at the prophecy her mentor uttered through labored, wheezing breaths. Prophecies are like puzzles however, deceptive in their own way, the harder you focus on figuring it out the more complicated it seems to become. As attentive as she was Aiyu found that she could not decipher everything, one verse in particular seemed to nag at her the most though. How was she supposed to put her trust in a star, let alone a dark one? And how was it of any importance to her happiness?
She pondered the significance of her mentor’s words before opting to take everything into consideration another time, these things had a habit of revealing themselves given enough time. Turning her muzzle towards the heavens Aiyu repeated the binding oath as her mentor had so many years ago, substituting Fiory’s name for her own as though to make the ebon drappa’s words her own.
"To the West is the setting Sun, To the East the rising Moon...In between lies Aiyu, Keeper of the Stars.."
((ending sucks, sorry for the wait everyone))
Daughter of Gryffin and Sudak Descendent of Leohlic and Shatocwn Niece of Fiory and Bristol Sister of Sora and Arias
((Aiyu my dear, that was Perfect. I couldn't have done better myself *sniffles and blows her nose* ))
As the adolescent fae gazed up at the darkening sky, the stars above slowly being covered by the gentle clouds rolling in from the north lands, a twinkle could catch her attention for but just a moment longer. Those stars seemed to call down to her, as if in those few words she recited, some ancient ritual had begun and could not be undone. They seemed to glisten and glow with renewed purpose, their ownership leaving that of the aged Fiory and transferring to the adolescent Stargazer taking her place. A constellation or two could be seen above, the most prominent being of four squared stars lined between with an addition of three minor glowing specks. The twinkling lights stayed for a moment before a few more grayed clouds rolled over the outlying stars and eventually over the sky above. A breeze blew from the mountains surrounding List's territory, and all at once as if out of the thin air above a flock of geese interrupted the silence of the night with their soft echoed honking into the horizon. They were flying southward away from the chilling winds and the bitter cold which was to come.
Below their beating wings, lay the varg below, a snowy white Mann and an ebony fae; an adolescent youth with a new sense of life, and a new coming auburn fae of great importance. A glisten of gold from the star gazer's trailing eyes was given to Gryffin, for the ancient femme had heard the desperate cry for reason and understanding from her niece. It was soft and quiet, hardly audible to any living thing's ears, and yet Fiory had heard it in her last dieing breaths. She gave a look of satisfaction and pride to the grand Drappa of List, her grown niece who had risen to the top of the pack's order. Soft lights twinkled in the elder's eyes as they began to glaze over, and yet they still gave the aura of 'it will be alright...I am so proud of you...I love you Gryffin, and I always will....I promise...'
With that, the ebony elder's head fell softly to the ground, her thin body resting comfortably on the bitter cold grass, her shoulder creaking gently as it rolled onto it's side, allowing her body to follow suit. Her eyes closed for one last time and a soft rolling cloud of steam escaped her slightly parted lips. Her goldenrod ears flicked no more, her chest remained still, and her tail no longer flicked. The only movement left to the elder was the wind's playful tugging at her grayed whiskers and dancing black coat of fur. As the geese flew off and out of sight, so did the soul of Fiory, flying with them to the meadow of red flowers, to the heaven set forth to all varg by Tor and Fenris. Invisible to the varg below who carried her legacy on and had honored her with their presence, Fiory gently looked down upon them, grinning from ear to ear, her eyes glittering stars in the heaven's forevermore.
The Aged Stargazer, had finally found her place, amongst the stars, and with her passing the gentle breeze from before lightened softly against the varg's coats specks of white falling serenely from the menacing clouds of gray above their heads. Soft freezing bits of sky fell softly to the ground, in a near non-existant fashion, but steadinly began to grow in numbers. The gentle flakes lightly stuck to the coats of the four living varg, and also to the one who no longer stirred...Winter had arrived, just as Fiory had gone...
"The world is turning, Telling me to hurry on... You gotta run to get ahead, try to take the things you want... but when the sun begins to set, so many things I haven't done yet..
Oh but I won't hurry, cause there's no hurry The world's not passing me by.. Cause the lord he knows just where each day goes, I know he won't leave me behind... And I won't be bringin' a single thing, that my heart can't carry inside... Cause I'm going home, and I'm only Taking my Time...
The weight of worry, is never worth the price... Of a world of treasures, that can never satisfy.. But I know heaven's up ahead.. Where the best is yet to come..
Cause I won't worry, there's no hurry the world's not passing me by... Cause the Lord he knows, just where each day goes, I know he won't leave me behind... And I won't be bringin' a single thing, that my heart can't carry inside.. Oh I'm going home, and I'm only
Taking my Time...." ~Taking my Time, by Susan Ashton...
((It has been, a pleasure Role playing with all of you here on TS as Fiory. I can't tell you how sad it makes me to have her die, and the emotions that you all show with her death. It touches me down to my core, and I literally have very few words to describe it. She will be missed, and I'm touched that she will be by so many people. Thank you for everything you've all done; it was an Honor rping her with you.))
~*Mother to Orion, a star gazer at heart*~*Packmates and dear friends: Gryffin, Sudak, Novex, Bristol, Drathlic, Renn, Silent.*~*New aunt to Gryffin's Three Shooting stars*~* Mourning for: Shatocwnn, Bila, Lyft, Shatila, Denisha, Leohlic~ R.I.P~
An icy breeze from the south ruffled the thickened, ruddy winter pelt of a well built varg causing the putnar to shudder involuntarily. It wasn’t the cold on this darkening evening that caused his skin to prickle and hackles to rise; it was in fact the sorry turn of events that was happening on rocky mountain terrain below his viewing point. With the skies churning a rich, deep royal blue above and the stars scattering out as if they were painted on a white light at a time the scene played out below with the same synchronicity as the heavens. One by one varg arrived to join the aged nurse of List, showing their sympathies for her worsening condition and offering their help to aid her through yet another strenuous winter. The scene seemed to be one of repetition – for the ruddy Beta was sure he’d seen something similar to have happened in previous years – as it always ended the same. Fiory would continue trudging on with life and make it through to the warmer days of spring where she would seem to make a rather decent recovery. At least...that may have been what happened in the past...did his broad auds pick that up right? Thirteen years of age she said? Now that was something new to his knowledge. Shifting awkwardly where he lay all of a sudden, Drathlic’s throat tickle with the urge to growl and clear the sudden lump that had arisen there. He had been gone, once again, for moons now; despite his reasoning for leaving the pack behind this time being worthy it did not stop the guilt that wrenched at his mind. He hadn’t realised things would grow this tough, so tough that even the Stargazing Nurse Fiory would suffer so bad that eventually it would be time for her to join the stars themselves. Cussing himself silently, Drathlic had to remind himself that his heart was in the right place at the right time and that if he’d left Shayla to simply run off and struggle with her emotions alone then he’d never forgive himself. At least with Fiory, her life had been long and prosperous, and despite his absence there was still her niece, nephew and all the other members left to care for her. Why should he needlessly punish himself further than he already had over the past two moons? For now, he’d think no more of this and simply allow the future to happen...leaving the past in the back of his memory where it belonged. Varg and other lera were at least blessed – or cursed depending on the situation – with short term memory. If he didn’t think about it for long enough, the thoughts would simply fade into nothing and he could merely just move on. Suddenly the scene below shifted and Drathlic’s cyan hues flickered away from the horizon and peered once more to the collection of pack members below. Before it had merely been Fiory, Ayame and Sudak; now two more were on their way. Aiyu, shy and reserved – totally terrified of other varg and especially group gatherings – made her way slowly towards the falling star. On the opposite side was his Drappa Gryffon, her sensories had clearly picked up the bad vibes of the situation and was swiftly making her way to the aid of her beloved aunty. Listening intently to what was said, Drathlic could no longer contain the low whine that burst out of his chest and caused a flurry of misty breathe to rose from his muzzle. He was far enough away so that the others would neither hear nor see him, but that didn’t stop the paranoia of either happening and as soon as the sound escaped him he slunk back further onto his rock, peering more cautiously over the side. How could Fiory act so casual about a situation no one wished to face? About passing on her one role and evident talent finally down to her apprentice Aiyu? The sheer emotion of the pack was just too much to handle! With Aiyu finally confirming her role and acceptance as the new Star Gazer, Fiory finally allowed herself to rest; to breathe her last sigh of relief and simply let herself be. All was silent and a new wave of sadness washed over the ruddy mann, a new wash of guilt for not being down there with his fellow varg to help comfort them in such hard times. And yet no matter how hard Drathlic tried to rise, he simply couldn’t muster the energy to do so. And so, instead of sharing his physical presence, the Beta merely parted his jaws, closed his eyes and allowed his mournful song to play out into the night, to assist Fiory’s spirit on the way towards the Red Meadow and show his grief for her loss.
(I wasn't sure how to end this. But so sorry to see you go Fiory, and sorry everyone for the absence...)
Friends with ~ Renn, Silent, Shayla, Amore, Kop, Novex, Amber (Channon) Lost Love ~ Silent Loving Mate of ~ Shayla Member of ~ N/A
The howl echoed across the land, floating softly towards the border where List met the wilderness beyond. A lone figure stood, listening silently to it, his face contorted in disbelief. The ebony coated mann sniffed the passing breeze, the light snow fall tickling his nostrils. A huff of cloud erupted from between those pitch nares, his strides increasing, his legs flying across the ground. Through the darkness of the woods the dark figure moved, ears flicked foreward as he travelled. Onward through the pine and the bramble, across the mountains that List was famous for. Scents began flooding his nostrils, a few he recognized, and a few he did not.
As the scents grew stronger, his strides began to slow, his billowing black coat and rippling muscles contorting to slow his pace. Liniage gave him the sparkling gold hues of his past, yet they were not as warm as they had been when he was younger, nor where they soft as their heritage hoped they would be. Over time, his sparkling gold eyes had grown a strong coldness to them, fierce and dazzling. As he continued, scanning the area for the scents he had picked up, his paws walked with stealth into the area, his eyes catching glimpses through the leaves of the group among the clearing ahead.
Slowly, he emerged, the snow beginning to collect once more upon his ebony pelt. It was now clear, now that he was standing in plain sight at how handsome the male had become. Grown into a fine young adult, with fur as black as night and eyes a dazzling gold, he strode closer to the group. The familiar outlines of Gryffin and of Sudak pulled at his memory, his eyes moving to glance at the new ebon fae who stood nearby and another who he did not recognize at all. Yet something seemed wrong, this was List wasn't it? Well, if it was, then where was....
There in a small heap, he saw the ebony figure lying amongst the collecting snow on the ground. The world seemed to grow colder with each passing moment as the strong male stared at the figure, her protruding ribs and agilic body unmoving. And yet, it was those goldenrod ears that gave away the fallen fae's identity the most. For a moment, the male stared at her, stopped just short of the entire group. And then, he spoke...
"What happened to my Mother?" His voice was strong, melodic yet it had a robust harshness to it. It was cold to the ears, unlike his dam's where her words had always been soft to the touch, his was hard like handsome marble. For a moment, the area was in silence, so he repeated himself, a growl in his vocals, determination for an answer in his voice. He would get an answer, so help Fenris he would.
"My name is Orion, Lost Star of the Great Bristol and the Stargazer Fiory, and I Demand to know what has happened to my Mother."
~+Forgotten Son to Bristol and Fiory+~+Nephew to the late Bila and Lyft+~+Brother to Denisha and Shatila+~+Returning to his Rightful Place in List+~
Sudak couldn’t do more then stand there in awe in what was happening before him. His daughter was privileged enough to be taken under Fiory’s wing at such a young age and now was rising to something greater. As the two muzzles spoke to the heaven’s a cool and eerie chill was sent throughout the mann’s body. His attention deterred for a moment as his body trembled into a shiver. His gaze returned to see the very essence leaving Fiory’s form as if rising to the stars she so deeply welcomed, and Aiyu seemed to hold a newfound life and being within her. Fiory’s form softly fell to the terra below. The Dragga stood partly in shock, while the rest of him yearned to rush to the fallen side of his adopted Aunt. Time became frozen in the mann’s mind as his focus shifted from one member of the group to the next. Ayame at his side, he was unsure how she would even react to the passing of a fae of such stature, whom she had just met. Gryffin staring from afar, and the distant howl ringing from Drathlic atop the mountains.
One paw broke the frozen time as it struck the terra with a thud. This would be the only paw to move in the time that returned however, due to the entrance of a distant yet strangely familiar kerl. Dark and demanding as can be, this mann beat into the scene with undo threats steaming forth. Sudak’s fur bristled and stood on end at an instant. The threatening tone bring a snarl upon his maw, canines glistening in the starlight. It took a moment for the word uttered from this dark mann to sink in and Sudak to understand what the kerl was actually saying. Mother? Sudak’s eyes darted from the intruder to the silent form of Fiory. That strange resemblance seemed to draw a connection for a moment. Sudak shook his head and refocused his attention. This could not be the Orion he claimed to be. So long had he been gone after disappearing.
His maw returning to a snarl he marched himself between the lying form of Fiory and rest of his pack. ”Orion!? Like hell you are!!!” the words were thrown from his maw with deadly accuracy. ”Orion wouldn’t have stormed in here demanding answers like he ruled this pack! Orion wouldn’t have deserted his pack!” With each sentence he took a step closer to the mann and standing taller and more dominant, keeping his senses attuned. ”And Orion would not have left his mother to DIE without seeing her one and only son!” Each word seemed to take a bite, deeper with each flick of his tongue. ”How dare you storm in here demanding answers from us! From me!” A growl rose from deep within the essence of the icy Dragga. This may indeed be the lost star, Orion. However in his absence he indeed lost his manners and place in this pack.
//Sorry Fi'... uhh i mean Orion, finally up.. sorry it's a bit rough hehe.//
Hues gleamed brightly out as the ivory dragga stepped forward and proceeded to snap at the ebon male with deadly words. Yes, Orion had demanded what had happened to his mother, could Sudak really deny that he was doing what was logical? If it had been the other way around, would Sudak not be doing the same thing? His lips curled in an upturned snarl, his ivory canines gleaming out of the dark pelted lips with great strength echoing behind them.
"How dare I? How dare you! A Beta Male, barking at the Son of the Drappa like this! By Fenris himself! I didn't think you had it in you Sudak.." His snarl was loud and it had grown full of anger and hurt as the moments ticked away. A step backward was given, to keep the short distance between Sudak and himself a constant. Orion had been gone so long, he didn't realize that Fiory had stepped down, and that Sudak now was the alpha of List, along with Gryffin. He never knew that his mother had resigned to being a nurse in his absense, and so was still under the pretence that he was the Drappa's son, and should be treated as such.
"Had it been the other way around, with Gryffin laying where my mother now does, would you not be outraged as I!? I would question the integrity of your heart and soul if you are able to answer no to that." His words were a harsh snap to the Dragga, his ebon coat bristling with anger and frustration. Orion was no longer the young cub that he had been before, highstrung and arrogant. He had grown into a fine young varg, able to take his own indefinately against Sudak if it came to that. His muscles bristled beneath his sinouy coat of pitch, and for a moment, he defiantly took a step forward, coming off of the defensive and onto the offensive.
"As far as me leaving my pack? I left to better myself For my pack! I felt I was not good enough for List, and needed to grow stronger in body and spirit! I left to join the Balkar, and found myself in a turmoil I won't soon forget! I have finally finished being on my own, and am now ready to show my mother to make her proud, and I happen to come on the day of her death! For Fenris's sakes, it wasn't my doing that killed her, it was fate that my arrival came but a day too short, not mine!" he snapped, his tail rising in a more dominant position. A fire brewed behind his golden hues, and for a moment it appeared that one last flicker of that flame against the tightrope would cause it to snap; One last straw would break the camel's back.
A breeze blew toward the two varg, almost unfelt to the others in the area, and it almost seemed to calm the ebon of the two. A large intake of breath was exhaled in a cloud of wintered smoke through clenched teeth, and Orion's ears softly fell backward, his gaze leaving that of Sudak's. "What does this matter now anyway...she's dead...and I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye..." His words were quieter, softer. They still held that strong alto tone to them, and yet, they were much more gentle in their baritone vowels. He would never see his mother again, never show her how much he had grown and how strong he had become. Never able to tell her of the tales and battles he'd gone through, just to make her proud...She would never know how much she meant to him, for he thrived to be strong, for her. After his father's death, Orion saw himself as the 'man-of-the-family', and was quite determined to be as strong as he could be, to protect his mother and sisters. Now it seemed, all his training...would be for nothing. A slight shift in his gaze made it's rounds to the others in the area, the three femmes; Gryffin, an ebony fae he didn't know, and another who he had never met. For a moment, a twinkle passed between one eye and into the next upon spying Aiyu, the newest Stargazer of List, but a silent blink later lost the gentle twinkle into the cold gold once more of his eyes....
((Wow blah....how ick was that...Sorry....Oh, and Happy New Year All))
~+Forgotten Son to Bristol and Fiory+~+Nephew to the late Bila and Lyft+~+Brother to Denisha and Shatila+~+Returning to his Rightful Place in List+~
Ayame’s head was beginning to spin, so much was happening. Almost everyone in the pack was now returning, just as Fiory had said, but everyone seemed so broken, they didn’t seem to know what to do. Their beloved Stargazer had fallen and her last breath escaped and sent her to her rightful place among the stars. The ebon fae took a minute and blocked all noises and other vargs out, she closed her eyes and smiled, the Stargazer was finally free from pain and finally with her loved ones she had lost so long ago. She looked up to the stars, when a sorrowful howl pierced her auds, it was Drathlic the beta mann, he too had returned to List and was watching from above. Ayame rose to her paws, lifted her ebon muzzle to the sky, her ebon gums parting ways to let out a beautiful song to join with the rusty mann above.
Snow had begun to fall, landing so gently and began to cover everything, winter had truly begun with the Stargazer’s passing. For a moment she looked at Aiyu, in a matter of minutes she had gone from being so unsure of herself, to taking her rightful place as List’s new Stargazer. She smiled at the icy fae and nodded her head in a way to say congratulations and to say she’ll be just fine. Though Ayame had never met Aiyu before, she felt that she already knew her well from the many stories that Sudak had told her as a pup, she hoped that they would live to be lifelong friends.
She was about to approach the snowy fae, when a dark shadow appeared out of nowhere claiming to be Fiory’s lost star. The ebon fae shook her head back and forth, she was confused. Then she remembered what Fiory had told Aiyu about a black star,“Could it be?” She said out loud, but only to herself. The words began to be exchanged between Sudak and this dark character and Ayame didn’t know what to do. All she knew is that this was not the time for such confrontation, it may not be her place to say something but she felt she had too. She walked over to her Dragga, facing the ebon mann growling a warning to him, then she turned and faced the snowy mann, her head held low and her ears folded to the side,“Dragga”,spoken loud for the dark mann to hear that Sudak was Dragga, not just a beta, “ forgive me for it is not my place, but now is not the time for such harsh words and confrontation. It is now that we should both be morning and celebrating the long life of Fiory, this is the last thing that she would have wanted at her death.”She looked deep into his icy blue hues, and walked away, brushing his side with hers as she walked over to the elder Stargazer’s body, there she nuzzled and licked her muzzle. Ayame lowered her body to the ground and laid her head on Fiory’s body, it was her way of saying good bye and paying her respects one last time.
//So sorry it's horrible and all over the place but it's up.//
Thanks Shunke!
Wishing for Acceptance after being Accepted Missing Oren and Styr Staying Close to Sarnes Shattered Nieten
The words of the ebon fae almost seemed to fall upon deaf ears. Until, a single word spoke out amongst the rest. Those golden hues gave a disbelieving blink, his fur lightly falling from it's peaks, and his ears relaxing a bit more then they had been. Could it be? Can it be true? It was impossible, and yet....
"D-Dragga?" His soft tenor vocals rang out on a silent whisper, staring at Ayame as she trotted off to the corpse of his dead mother. Dragga... The word wouldn't stop ringing in his head. It couldn't be...Could it? "Sudak, you are...Dragga now?" His anger had slowly subsided, and before Sudak stood a very different varg. No longer the distrustful loathsome kerl that had barged in upon sacred ground, but now a true black knight, returning home after a long crusade. The clarification in his shining gold orbs showed that he did indeed understand what the fae had said, though it had taken him a while to swallow. In silence, the great brute bowed his head, his right foreleg bending to stetch the left foreleg outwards in a pose a stallion might make bowing to a superior. His tail lowered quietly, and swayed back and forth, pushing the air from side to side behind him.
"I had...no idea...I do apologize for my rude entrance..." He had clearly not forgotten his manners, he just chose the times when he would use them. He remained in that bow of a position for quite a few minutes before his thickly muscled limbs stood once more, facing Sudak with a new air of respect in his gaze. In a quiet sigh and an intake of breath, Orion continued slowly, speaking with a clear tounge and a filtered muzzle.
"Though I must ask again...What has happened here...Please....I must know." This was no longer a demand from a self-bannished kerl, but now a request, if not a plea from a devestated son...
Emerald orbs starred blankly as a whine escaped her muzzle. Gryffin starred bewildered, frightened of the site before her. Her heart pounded within her chest. She didn't know what to feel anymore. She wanted to be angry, she wanted to hold a temper tantrum just like a cub again, to scream at Fiory for leaving them... for leaving her.
Gryffin closed her eyes tightly. Her mind whirled replayign the last scene over and over. How she saw Fiory's eyes sparkling as she looked into her soulful eyes one last time. Words we not spoken, yet Gryffin new all that was said. That was the beauty with the lera, how they could speak with eyes alone. Speech was never needed.
Gryffin felt her body lifeless. Frozen and stiff she couldn't move and yet her legs were shaking as if frail and fragile. Why Fiory? why? why did you leave so soon. Now Gryffin felt lonlier than she had ever felt. What was to come in their future. Would the death of the stargazer break apart their already fragile pack? Or would it be the force that would bring them together closer than ever?
For now the auburn femme would not know, all she knew now was the empty feeling in her heart. She felt trapped in her own mind, the scene kept on replaying. The beings that dwelled around her were nothing but mumbles and murmers of muted sounds. All she saw was darkness as she clenched her eyes shut.
The howl of a ruddy male played on in her head as her head bowed in despair, eyes still closed. It sooth Gryffin but only so much. The tri hued femme was in her own world now, day dreaming about the past, and lost in her own mind that she forgot where reality was.
The growls from her packmates beside her seemed distant and far away, meaningless now that her aunt was dead. But something deep inside her knew she should not mourn. Gryffin's body shook as she soared back to an old memory. There she could see her tri hued form, small, thin and awkward. She was young, and unwise then. She had remembered how the deaths of her mother and her two other autns had flooded back, haunting Gryffin to her core. And there upon the mountain top and under a wash of beautiful stars was where Fiory comforted the blooming yearling. There the stargazer had lamented to Gryffin how she should not mourn the deaths of her beloveds, but rather celebrate it. How could Gryffin have forgotten about that night. Strength returned into her body as she was determined to do just what Fiory had taught her herself.
Reality zoomed back into existance and all of the muted sounds returned in an overwhelming headache. Gryffin snarled. Eyes opening as she lifted her head and turned to see who would disturb her silent vigil.
Emerald pools glared to find a ebon form, as black as night itself. Growls issued on as Gryffin's neck hairs bristled. But she felt anger no more, she felt exhausted and wanted no more than to shut everyone out of her head. Oh Fiory how can I stay strong now? ...
Gryffin lifted her head, padding slowly toward the black male. She remembered him well. Fiory would not have wanted List to welcome her only son with this such manner. Tired of this exchange of snarls Gryffin spoke slowly, "Your mother has returned to where she has loved all her life... She has returned to the stars, dance in the skies, drink with the moon and hunt with the sun... "
Gryffin turned away, her eyes slowly lifting up to the sky. It was clear that night, and the stars seemed faded, so far away.. All except one that shone the brightest, the star that nestled itself right above List. Gryffin couldn't help but whisper Fiory....
[sorry not my best]
~Daughter of the great Shatocwnn and Leohlic~ ~Sister to Fernlick,Jade,Baleful~ ~Cousin to Shatila,Orion,Denisha~ ~mother of Sora, Aiyu and Arias~ ~Forever Remembering, Lyft, Bila, Mother. Father and Shatila~
The icy mann held his ground as the ebon mann forced his position, replying with a snarl of his own. Beta? He did indeed know a bit about List and Sudak in general, this reinforced the ebon mann’s argument for being the long lost star. Much had changed since Orion’s disappearance including the rise of Sudak and Gryffin as the Alpha’s of the pack. Sudak let out a light chuckle that seemed to have a hint of an evil tone to its bitter sound. ”Beta? Young one we’ve not waited for you this whole time frozen in time. We continued on without you. Much has changed.” In the midst of his speech the ebon fae, Ayame, padded forward to him. Sudak silenced himself and turned his gaze to the young femme. She had many wise words though Sudak was still a bit irritated at how rudely Orion had barged into the gathering. The icy mann’s titled ringed in his ears, ”Yes, one of those things that has changed, Gryffin and I now lead List.”
The ebon mann continued this time much more submissive it seemed, again questioning the condition of his mother. Before the icy Dragga could speak a word his silent mate whispered from behind him, his head turning slightly over his shoulder to see her mourning the limp form of Fiory. He returned his still slightly agitated gaze to Orion and with a nearly silent snear to the others surrounding he whispered to the mann, ”She’s passed from us. She led a long life full happiness and sadness. Whether that length was holding out for one of her own to return only she knows.” With his last word and a stone cold stare Sudak turned to take his turn in mourning the great stargazer, his tail flying high and padding tall and strong.
He gave a light nuzzle to Fiory’s scruff before whispering. ”Thank you Fiory” The ebon stargazer had done much for the ivory mann, more then she had ever known. He rose and stared around those gathered to mourn. His orbs froze on his mate, mourning alone as she seemed to be ready to collapse. Sudak trotted to her side giving her a gentle lick to the muzzle, his auds perked. His orbs rested on his daughter, Aiyu, the new stargazer of List giving her a smile as his tail slowly wagged behind him. The Dragga lowered his head and motioned her to lead the pack in a howl for Fiory. His voice boomed out among the group, the trees shuddering around clearing. Let us all remember Fiory for who she really was, a Drappa, Nurse, Mother, Aunt, and friend. One of the greatest Varg I have ever had the privilege of knowing." The mann gave a quick look to Aiyu as if to cue her.
//OMG horrible I know but I was just trying to get this knocked out.. sorry kinda all over the place.
Her pledge fulfilled Aiyu looked down upon the withered form of her beloved mentor, eyes filled with love and appreciation for the ebon drappa as she accepted her role as the new Stargazer of List. Aiyu could feel the pride and warmth radiating from Fiory’s gaze even as the life slowly ebbed from her body, silently praising her and comforting her even in her final moments. Somewhere in her mind Aiyu was aware of others coming to pay their respects to the elderly nurse and see her off to the Red Meadow where she would be reunited with her long lost mate, were she to separate her gaze from the ebon Drappa and look around the ivory fae would have identified her mother and Drathlic amongst the varg present. Yet she had become detached from everything but that which was before her, watching Fiory’s waning form through shimmering emeralds as the strained and labored breathing gradually slowed; giving out a shuddering breath before becoming still. With that it was done. Fiory, Stargazing Shadow of List, mate to Bristol, mother of Orion, Denisha, and Shatila, successor to Leohlic and Shatocwnn, died.
Aiyu felt an emptiness in her of which the likes she had never known, like her heart had been ripped from her still living body and tossed upon the ground to be consumed by the earth like a common pierce of carrion. In it’s place was a dull ache that pained her like a festering wound, threatening to consume her. Although she had known to expect Fiory’s death for quite some time it had still caught Aiyu by surprise, the ebon drappa had been like a second mother to her and in some ways part of Aiyu had grown used to the idea that Fiory would always be there. That hardly seemed to matter anymore, Fiory was gone now. The only thing that kept the pain from becoming unbearable was that at least she had had the chance to say goodbye and see Fiory off in her last moments.
Lifting her muzzle she joined Ayame and Drathlic in their mournful song, uplifting her muzzle towards the heavens and letting out a mournful howl. Lost in her own little world of sorrow and contemplation she failed to notice the arrival of yet another visitor, only registering the presence of the dark mann upon shaking her present state of mind. Gleaming emeralds sweeping across his rugged form Aiyu examine him cautiously, instinctively sinking down into a submissive crouch besides Fiory’s body. He was handsome as far as males went, with fur like the blackest night and eyes like molten gold, under different circumstances Aiyu might have even found him cute. Having been off in her own little world when he had arrived Aiyu had missed out on his introduction, instead joining the conversation in the middle of what looked like a heated squabble between her father and the unknown male. Judging from what she saw things seemed to be coming to a head, both males squaring off against each other.
Somewhere in the melee a name was uttered that caused Aiyu to lift her head, ears perking with interest. Orion? It couldn’t be. During her time with Fiory the ancient femme had often mentioned her son during their outings together between lessons, Aiyu remembered that she had always spoke very highly of the ebon male though there had always been a strange sadness in her eyes. Was it possible that the Wandering Star had finally returned to List after all this time? Aiyu felt another wave of sadness wash over her, whatever his reasons for returning Orion had arrived to late. Even if he was the same varg her mentor had spoke of it none of that mattered now, the ivory fae knew how much it would have meant to Fiory to see the last off her kin before journeying to join her mate in the Redd Meadow. However it was too late for that now. With Fiory’s passing and emotions running high Sudak would not allow for such disrespect for his person, Aiyu knew that given the chance her father would most likely use the ebon brute as an outlet for his own grief. She was relieved to see Orion become more or less subdued upon learning of his mother’s fate, allowing her parents the brief respite they needed to announce their status amongst the varg present.
Orion’s eyes fell on her and for a brief moment Aiyu felt her face heat up, something about the way the dark mann looked at her causing her to feel oddly embarrassed. Ears reddening further beneath the cyan gaze of her father Aiyu winced, not quite used to being the center of attention for a change. The ivory fae had never lead List in anything before, it felt odd that Sudak should allow her the privilege of starting what would be her families memorial to someone as great as Fiory. All eyes once more on her Aiyu felt it best not to speak, feeling that it would only cheapen the moment and thus dishonor the ebony fae’s memory. Lifting her muzzle towards the heavens Aiyu mimicked her actions earlier, soft howl escaping from amidst her cracked maw as she sang a song to the heavens in honor of late aunt.