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Post by Sudak on Jul 16, 2008 0:24:20 GMT -5
Crimson waves lapped at the ivory paws of a Dragga lain across the edge of a secluded lake. A lake hidden from those who knew not where it was. This body of water lay deep within the lands of List where even very few members of the pack knew its whereabouts. Here many members of the pack have risen and fallen with the time that had past. Now here lay the Dragga by the name of Sudak, starring deeply into the darkness that overwhelmed the waters of the crimson pool. Mixed feelings tearing at the strong mann for it was not the loss of his own life he was mourning but the loss of one of his own, his offspring.
Many moons ago many of his cubs had vanished leaving no trace of their whereabouts. No paw prints left in the loose soil or scents leading through the pack boundaries. Many nights had the ivory dragga made his routine patrol of the pack borders, and even wandered beyond in search of the young few but always had returned with the ghostly images of his cubs by his side. Through the many moons Sudak had grown accustom to their absence though he was determined to not give up hope. He would never forget their memory but here he found a peace with the matter. He knew somewhere, somehow his cubs were alive for the single flower in the center of the crimson pool had not bloomed. Day in and day out there had been no sign, for with the bloom of the single crimson flower in the middle of the pool, one member of the Listern pack had been called to Tor and Fenris. For this reason Sudak could not give up.
Following the ripples of the waters that soaked his pads his icy blue eyes were lead across the pool to the small den entrance that lay slightly overgrown on the other side. Beyond the sandy shoreline the small birthing den of his litter lay abandoned. The pack had not needed the den in some time now though it remained, ready for the next litter that would one day grace List with the next generation. A vision faded through Sudak’s mind as if a daydream appeared right before him. The vision of paw prints at first, making their way from the den entrance slowly towards the water’s edge. As the prints neared the crimson water the form of a cub appeared. It lowered its head to the water for a cool refreshing drink. Its pink tongue lapping at the fluid as if it hadn’t drunken in days. Flying behind the cub appeared another running along the shoreline. Sudak could not tell if it was chasing something or just running aimlessly as cubs do. Behind the two forms, at the den entrance, sat a third cub waiting shyly looking on eagerly, though seemingly afraid to venture farther. The three images now clearing revealed to be the images of his three cubs. All three right before his eyes. Aiyu, sitting at the den entrance, and Arias, running freely without a care in the world along the shore, and the third, Sora, drinking from the pool just across from himself. Sudak’s eyes shot wide open with awe. It was as if he could reach out and touch them with his own paw. He dare not move for fear they would disappear into the abyss once again. The form of Sora raised her head and starred directly into his eyes, as if peering into his soul. Words escaped his maw as tears started to form in his eyes. Whether tears of joy, fear, or sadness not even he knew. Arias’ barks of laughter could be heard faintly echoing on the breeze followed by a equally faint bark from Sora, her voice screaming excitedly "Daddy!" Just as soon as the form had appeared it slowly faded away as Sudak crawled slowly into the pool as if it would bring them back. He sat there in shock for a few moments until all hope was lost for their return. His heart aching to have them alongside him once again. He lowered his head towards the water and lay there staring at the den trying to recall the images that had just blessed him, for it was a blessing to the mann to have seen his cubs even if it were not reality. A warm breeze blew through the forest rippling the pool and stirring the coat of the ivory dragga as he slowly faded into a sleep. The only sounds reaching his auds being that of the lapping water against his soft pelt.
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Sora
Cub
Adolescent of List
+The World is Weird+
Posts: 89
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Post by Sora on Jul 18, 2008 22:22:02 GMT -5
For some time, as often as a tree stimulated recognition, Sora had been thinking about the memories. Not just her own that smelled of childhood, forest, and hunger, but of the ones that belonged to List; their scent was the blood of wars and birth, of past seasons, of dirt. The packlands was a newborn whelp compared to the ancient mountains, but for Sora all creation had began with List and chaos depended on its survival. Yet the she-wolf, merely an adolescent, had apparently abandoned her home. She had dispersed the pack that brought her such honor. Indifferently she had turned her back on her family and wandered away, as dignified as ever. Or so it seemed.
The wolf, barely two years old, loped beneath the shadows of the pines, her emerald eyes catching the glint of the falling sun. She moved with grace for such a massive creature; she was as large and sinewy as an average male wolf. Sora belonged to the woods and the cliffs. That age old allegiance granted her the deftest of movement, the quickest of reactions. She had become a hunter, and now she would return to her parent, List.
The shadows grew thicker and her nose flared to ensnare the scents. As a cub she had been one of three littermates whelped by the betas. Her own dams parents had been Shatocwnn and Leohlic. Much of who she was now was due to her heritage. All those moons ago, when she was lanky and narrow, she had romped the days and nights of Fiory’s packlands. She had battled to outshine her siblings, easily dominating Aiyu and acting out mortal combat with Arias. As time went on her dominant ways, her lack of respect had turned more than half the pack against her. Now, remembering all of the troublemaking she caused, she had as little care as she did back than.
This place had become weak until finally she turned away in disgust from it all. But she never abandoned it; instead Sora wandered its far regions, discovering its old and neglected haunts. In solitude she grew, and grew, and grew. Food was hard to find and she mostly lived off carrion heralded by the birds, but she was as strong as a seasoned buck and almost as fleet. Living alone, wandering by sun or moon, had sharpened her survival skills. She had learned the ways all wolves must know to survive, and now that life as a Kerl had made her more determined then ever, she was ready to come back to List.
The state she had left it in was teetering on the brink of extinction, and she was not sure what she would find. If she had to she would proudly pick it out of the mud and restore it as she had wanted to all along.
These packlands were enormous, due to lack of prey, so it could be a while before she found a worthy member. But she knew of a place, and though it was usually empty, it was sacred. The Crimson Pool was Sora’s beginning, and it would be her end. A steely fire, one that had often burned in her puppy eyes, was back. This was her return.
As Sora brushed through the undergrowth of ivy, many smells hit her. It was that of water, of greenery, of evening. The place of her birth was somehow achingly familiar, and amongst the scents that flooded her and the noises that trembled in her ears, was that of her father Sudak. Sora, a young adult, huge and wild, brushed into the open. Her father stood chest high in the water christened by eight bloody lilies. He was as white as a snow peak, and for all the fact that her love had changed, she bowed her head. Proudly she met him in the eyes, a wag gently waving her tail. “Tell me of List,” she growled in her old voice. She hadn’t change as much as it appeared.
Sora had not abandoned List; List had abandoned her.
ehh =/
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Post by Sudak on Jul 18, 2008 22:57:30 GMT -5
The setting orb of Fenris forced it's way through the thickening foliage above, spreading its rays in small slivers onto the lake. The crimson waters shimmering an eerie shade. The coat of the large mann, closest to the water, shined an off tint of red. His eyes reopened revealing their icy hues that so highly contrasted against the scene before him. Staring at the water below him, his paws not able to be seen below the even shallowest of waters, the ripples echoed off his broad chest. A sudden change in atmosphere alerted the dragga at once. A silence of the lera had swept of the scene. All those able of flightl now have taken to the skies. Soon the sound of rustling came from just where the mann had not a minute ago seen the form of his three pups. With a fully alert form, tail and ears erect, the mann met not the gaze of a young pup but that of an adolescent form. That unmistakably of his daughter Sora. She stood before him tall and proud. Her bodice healthy and strong. She had indeed survived and had grown into a well rounded varg from the sight of things. For a moment Sudak thought this could only be another image, perhaps that of her present form, but that image was soon shaken from his mind with her growl.
This at the same time startled and excited the mann. He wasn't quite sure how to feel. Of all the time he had spent searching he had not quite thought of what would happen once he did find any of his pups. He inquisition of List left a little pain in his heart as she hadn't bothered to ask of himself or her mother but this was short lived as she hadn't really changed much at all. Sora was always one of business so to speak.
Quickly backing from the waters Sudak padded around the pool to greet his daughter face to face. His expression showing some emotion hinting towards the question of how she had been but his words did not speak this. The two had never been quite good at words on the personal level, in fact they hadn't spoken much at all. A few shifty glances broke the stillness that hung in the air before the icy dragga spoke.
"List is wandering. Few in the pack remain together with this past hard winter. I have tried to regain the pack, along with your mother, neither with much results. We are here, we have not died for we are strong and will not go out without a fight. Survival is the will of List, as I can see very well in you my daughter."
Uncertainty filled the gut of the mann, not really knowing what to expect from his daughter whom he hadn't seen in years. There was still no doubt that his blood flowed through her veins, they were family.
//if you that that was ehh, this wasn't any better//
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Sora
Cub
Adolescent of List
+The World is Weird+
Posts: 89
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Post by Sora on Jul 18, 2008 23:32:24 GMT -5
Sudak recognized her right away; she was almost surprised at the piercing look he gave her. Sora was not even two, but she felt as if she had spent half her life away from her father. However, all that time alone could not stiffen her tongue. She watched closely as he backed out of the pool, his thick ivory pelt clamped to his barrel-like ribs. His motions seemed to hold back as he padded sedately around the waters edge; their was no bounding, no excitement. Sora had always remembered Sudak as being open, it was always she that scoffed at everyone else.
And then he was in her face. The two wolves stood with frames of near symmetry. Sudak was a large wolf, thick pelted, born from a different world of ice and death. His orbs were as blue as a winter sky, his tail as proud as the eagle that flew it. Sora, his most loyal daughter, was almost as large. Her shoulders were slightly narrower and her bones a little less dense, but her stance mimicked his. Her own pelt, that of a summer forest, was equally thick. The eyes that met his and glanced away her as green as her mothers, with a color of self that was all her own.
Sudak carried himself as a Dragga, and for a moment Sora had an external struggle with herself. “You’re not a Drappa yet,” she fought with herself, and after a tense moment her tail and muscles relaxed into a more passive state.
Daughter and Father faced each other, both parties having put those titles almost behind them. As that look of emotion faltered in Sudak’s face, Sora leaned forward and sniffed his face. His scent was pungent and familiar. It brought back waves of memories connected with it, and her heart surged. “That’s right, I’m Sora of List,” she thought to herself, almost in wonderment as she inhaled his perfume again. She’d always known, but now it meant the same as it once had.
As he spoke, his voice a childhood song upon her ears, she began to smirk and unintentionally her tail rose, along with her chin. She laughed, scoffing. “Didn’t I tell everyone Renn would betray us before the end? I knew she was a traitor, and good riddance. I swear Father, if she was still hear I would kill her sooner than later. She was scum,” Sora had triumphed once again; she had outlasted Renn. “You are no longer alone. I have come back and I will support my Alpha’s to my fullest. You have one daughter who knows her place.” Her eyes were lit with that fire, but she needed to know more. “Tell me, does Fiory still live? And what of the beta’s… have they abandoned you too?”
Silent and Drathlic. Her lip almost curled; they had something she wanted.
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Post by Ayame on Jul 19, 2008 0:26:59 GMT -5
Laying there silently behind a thicket was an ebon fae, watching her Dragga silently wondering what he was doing at this blood colored pool. Ayame had followed him from deep within pack lands, so stealth-like that she had yet to be noticed. She laid there watching, her head resting on her crossed paws, almost like a guardian angel watching over the icy mann. In the distance Fenris was losing the battle to the all mighty Tor and brilliant reds, oranges and pinks filled the sky; the ebon fae lifted her muzzle to the sky, closing her eyes-hiding her fiery hues and took in all her surrounding in silence as if she was meditating. Her gaze returned to her Dragga who seemed to frantically enter the water, and seemed upset. She rose abruptly to her paws, worried, frantically searching the lands surrounding her Dragga; she noticed nothing out of the ordinary, everything still remained silent. Calmly she lowered herself back to the ground and continued to keep an eye on her beloved, Sudak.
Ayame had met the icy dragga when she was just a pup, lost and scared and not a soul in the world to care for her. She owed Sudak her life, and she was willing to give it for him. It is why she joined List; she was forever in his debt. Of course when the icy mann first met her she was nothing but big ears and large paws; now she had grown into a strong, beautiful fae thanks to him. Her size rivaled his, her broad shoulder and thick head was almost level to his and unless she was bowing her head in respect her fiery hues met evenly with the icy blue hues of Sudak. From a distance Ayame would be mistaken as a large mann, only her walk distinguishing her different from any mann; her hips swayed back and forth as if to tease any on lookers.
A sigh escaped her chest and noticed that the icy Dragga was removing him self from the reddish pool; on the far side of the pool stood a large varg, one that was almost the same size as her. A low growl emitted from deep in her throat, one that was hardly audible. Her auds perked to attention, Sudak seemed in no danger, and almost acted as if he knew this strange fae. Closing her eyes, she listened intently to what barks might be exchanged but from this distance she could only pick up a word here or there. She picked up the name Sora and most loyal daughter. Fire flew through Ayames veins; Sudak was like a father to her, the only father she had ever really known. She knew it best to stay quiet but her temper got the best of her, she began sprinting for the icy Dragga; from the distance she looked like a demon hovering over the mountainous lands. In a matter of seconds she came to a stop slightly in front of Sudak, her tail was held high as it seemed to tremble back and forth, she held her head low awaiting a challenge as she began to snarl and growl; she was not going to give up her ‘father’ without a fight-and she wasn’t giving up the chance to gain high ranking in the pack she has never abandoned unlike so many others who had.
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Post by Sudak on Jul 19, 2008 0:44:50 GMT -5
Sudak's tri-hued daughter drew closer to his broad form as he stood his ground, his icy hues following her as she neared. She sniffed his pelt, a refound sense of being seemingly surprising her, as if she had revisited a part of her past. All status aside the two varg were now getting along as if they'd been together all this time. Tails flew high and they starred straight into each others eyes. Seeing a smirk spread across Sora's maw and the following laughter brought a smile to his own maw. A feeling of pride filling his being. With the mention of Renn the mann's thoughts rushed back to the day she had disappeared. A quick bark soon followed.
"You have no idea how glad I am to be rid of that deceitful pup! I knew you would outlast her, you have yet to reach your fullest potential, I am sure of it."
A nod of agreement and a smile accompanied Sora's pledge of loyalty. She was the one daughter of the litter with Gryffin that he knew would have a proud future. Soon thereafter however the form of Ayame lunged from the brush, Sudak sensing her movement and turning his head to see her charging at full strength. The icy dragga turned his form placing himself between Sora and the charging bodice of Ayame. Never had Sudak seen this much frustration from the young fae and this surprised him. She had been known to follow him but this was totally unexpected.
"Ayame, calm yourself!", barked Sudak, while throwing a quick glance back towards Sora to make sure she hadn't been startled into an attack.
"This is my daughter Ayame. There is no need to be hostile."
Looking back towards Sora he barked once more.
"Sora, this is Ayame. My, I would say, adopted daughter whom I found stranded. I've trained her as warrior for List."
The icy dragga was trying to resolve a conflict before it truly infused into an all out brawl between the two fae. Ayame had learned well the way of the Listern warrior but Sora held that same training. He did not want to see the outcome of this battle.
//well now that sucked lol//
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Sora
Cub
Adolescent of List
+The World is Weird+
Posts: 89
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Post by Sora on Jul 19, 2008 13:56:33 GMT -5
Sora felt a glow at Sudak’s words and was slightly humbled. Her endeavors had rarely been praised as a cub; not the time she awoke her fellow members, nor the time she fooled the white omega, nor the times she stood up for what she believed was the greater good of List. Yet Sudak stood in front of her and accepted her. Sora didn’t need acceptance to attempt to do what she wanted, but this was a change. She had always felt her parents had her back, and now it seemed true.
Her green hued eyes focused on the Crimson Pool. It rested quietly in the ground, made of snowmelt and collected rain. The water was stagnant and a coat of algae embraced the shore. On its surface, as stagnant as the water, bloomed seven crimson lilies. Each one stood for a fallen member of List. A single lily for an unborn cub, another for the legendary Frost Drappa, Shatocwnn; one for the silver blue beta Lyft, two each for a Fire Drappa’s deceased cubs, and than her own as well, followed by the black Bristol’s lily. His had been the last to bloom, moons ago. But now there was another lily, red as blood floating with the rest. Somebody had died. Sora narrowed her eyes; who had been blessed with the honor of becoming a flower in that sacred pond?
Something caught her nose beneath the forest; wolf scent. It was alien. So another wolf had joined the ranks? Probably unworthy, an omega who didn’t know what it meant to be List, who didn’t share its past. “Let it eavesdrop,” she thought to herself, she had important things to attend to. However, she tensed a moment before the undergrowth was rendered shaking. A huge black wolf, bigger than herself, stormed to Sudak’s side close and thrust herself close to Sora’s muzzle. The wolf began to tremble and growl, her posture dominant and her muscles ready to fight.
At the sign of threat Sora had tensed too, but Sudak shoved himself between them. She looked away from the other femme and cast the dragga a look of contempt. “So you still allow your members to wave their tails higher than yours,” she asked Sudak. “I hope this time you’ve welcomed a fool who understands what it is to be a part of List.” All of them accept Fiory, Gryffin, and herself knew what it meant to carry on in the names of the past. The Sikla’s of now knew nothing.
She ignored the angry wolf and instead, still annoyed, returned to her father. “You still haven’t told me how everything stands, or which wolf has joined the lilies.”
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Post by Gryffin on Jul 19, 2008 20:09:38 GMT -5
The summer days were hot and heavy, though the lush and greens had presented the listern pack with gift of food. The mountain pack would thrive again. During the beginnings of winter the Balkar had dropped their ranks into List. Partly Gryffin had rather been pleased by this contract. With Sarnes members growing recently, List had been shoved into the shadows. Let Translavania know who had been the first pack to be allianced with the balkar. No List would be forgotten no longer.
Gryffin turned, her eyes caught the faintest motion of black against green. Nose lifted to scent the passerby. Ayame was what the scent spoke back. Curious as to why she was lurking so hauntingly she began to follow the ebon fae's scent trail.
Where she brought her came as a surprise to Gryffin. She peered through the trees, they had arrived at the Crimson Pool. There she searched for Ayame once more, but before she could find her she caught sight of yet two other wolves. The pure white form was unmistakably Sudak, yet the other form was a whole other story. Gryffin would always be able to recognize the she wolf that almost mirrored her perfectly, save the bulk and muscle. Gryffin was a streamlined wolf, while her brother Fernlick was built strong and made for a warrior, Gryffin was built for agility, speed and precision. But if anything Sora had her mother's piercing emerald eyes.
It seemed awkward how Gryffin had stood there for who knew how long, listening to their conversation, and watching Sora, observing and examining her, noting how much she had grown. Pride flooded into the tri hued Drappas heart as she watched silently.
Gryffin listened longer and sadness enveloped Gryffin as they talked about the members that List once loved, where were they now? Talks about Renn were heard and a feeling of uneasiness grew in Gryffin's stomach. She knew how much Sora had hated the golden fae, and she had accepted that, though she also knew how Sudak felt. Though his reply had sent a storm of anger racing through her veins. A growl seperated her maw. Perhaps the anger was driven by the fact that Gryffin had trusted the golden fae, she had opened up to her and now where was she now? She would never admit her dissappointment and feeling of betrayal, this feeling of anger she would direct to Sudak for that moment.
A slight rustle of the leaves reminded her about Ayame. Her head turned to see a black streak racing toward the pair by the lake. Gryffin's tail flew up as she charged after her, paws thumping the floor, there was no need to stay hidden any longer. Gryffin tried snapping at Ayame's heels but clearly missed.
By the time Gryffin arrived Sudak had stood between the two young females. Gryffin hackles raised, and tail curled was lifted high in the air. She thundered in front of Ayame, bumping into Sudak with her rump. She faced Ayame, emerald eyes icy cold with anger and frustration. her motion not yet stopping her jaws found a mark on top of Ayames hackles, finding the fleshy piece of skin and fur. Her jaws wrapped around it, her canines touching the flesh ever so lightly. Gryffin's jaws we're merely touching, but resting on the top of her neck, there was no need for a bite. Ayame needed to remember her place. Giving a low growl Gryffin released her, eyes locking onto the ruby ones of Ayame challengingly.
Gryffin spat out the fur that tickled her tongue from the ebon fae. She then turned to glance at Sudak. "I only have two daughters. She is no daughter of mine".
The tri hued Drappa spoke, her head lifted and her ears perked forward as her hackles began to release the stiff tension, though her tail stayed raised like a proud flag.
Hate was a strong word, she did not hate Ayame. She may dislike her, though she had sensed that the femme may be foolish and young for the time being. Gryffin would not let another new member get to her soft side so easily any longer. So far it only ended up with disappointment. It time though when Ayame finds her place in the pack, might Gryffin settle with her presence.
Gryffin turned away from Ayame with a huff, padding of to greet Sora. Daughter..."
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Post by Sudak on Jul 19, 2008 21:40:16 GMT -5
The sudden rush of madness that had overtaken the group stirred the adrenaline in the ivory mann’s veins. His eyes shifted from side to side with blurred vision, his aging body did not help the situation. His muscles tensed with the uncertainty of what was going to happen next. Among the blurs a new form appeared and with the brief still he saw the form of Gryffin. She lunged for Ayame’s hackles, and among the confusion Sudak lunged towards Gryffin though by now she had retreated towards Sora, spitting out the remaining fur in her maw. The mann’s heart beat quick and the muscles in his ears tightened, they pivoted one at a time trying to distinguish the varying sounds of the scene. “Two daughters”, those words reached his auds bringing his body now front faced with the tri hued drappa. The mann quickly barked back.
”This has gone on long enough Gryffin! I give you my word for this fae and after all our time together you do not trust me. She has joined this pack to help fight for us, not against. You may be mad at me still for being away from you for so long but I can only apologize but so many times. I am here now so accept it and move on!”
The dragga’s form stood tall and fixed, as he seemed sure of his position now. His eyes moved from one member of the party to another now, leaving the imprint of his icy hues in each of the minds of the gathered.
”Open your eyes, this has been one big misunderstanding, and we all have gotten out of hand.”
The mann’s voice rattled through the group with the growl emitting from deep within him, his voice booming. His hackles began to retreat to their passive state though he was still tense. Once again he had tried to diffuse the situation.
”We have a returning daughter and fellow member of List, we should be joyous in her return.”
With a brief scan of the gathering Sudak returned his gaze to Sora finally able to answer her questions.
”First off, nobody waves their tail higher than mine.” growled the icy dragga. His eyes piercing into the orbs of his daughter. The tension in his body still evident.
”And in a way we are all fools, just some to different extents. Ayame is no fool.” With his last sentence his gaze met that of Gryffin’s. With a low sigh Sudak continued.
”As for the status of list we are about as you tell, though the Balkar have made a figurative claim over List, though against my will. They feel the need to control List themselves, though their presence has been short lived as of now.”
The mention of the eighth lily in the pool did not stir the mann much for he did not know the fae for whom it bloomed for very well. Much of her training resided with Gryffin. The loss of a member of List did still stir the dragga however. His eyes met the ground for an instant before returning to Sora’s hues.
”My only conclusion for the lily would be that it blooms for Silent. She has been absent for some time, though the lily seems to have defined her fate. But enough of this talk, Fiory does still remain, though she is weakening in her older age. ”
The stargazing drappa did indeed remain and had pressed through many years and situations that Sudak himself wasn’t sure she would overcome.
”But as you can see, we are here.”
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Sora
Cub
Adolescent of List
+The World is Weird+
Posts: 89
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Post by Sora on Jul 20, 2008 0:50:55 GMT -5
Behind the blazing form of the black femur was a sudden burst of stirred forest. A scent became stronger in Sora’s quick nose, and the unmistakable lithe bodice of her mother shot like a snake head after the charging wolf. In the blurred thoughts of Sora’s mind, which was almost overcome by instinct, she realized her mother was defending her. A roar of adrenaline rushed through her ears; if Gryffin fought Sora would also. However she controlled herself, except for a furious growl as the she-wolf faced her with sparkling, bloodshot orbs. However, the proud she-wolf of List was upon her with the wrath of a Night Hunter. In a fluid motion, muscles powerful and angry, Gryffin ever so gently wrapped her teeth around the females neck; it was enough. The power beneath those gentle fangs did not need to draw blood to claim her dominance.
As Gryffin spat words and hair at Sudak, Sora’s thoughts perked in interest. Her mother, so affectionate of Sudak, had no love in her voice. Her tone, however, and the words she spoke, only cuddled Sora’s heart. That’s right, she would always have a mother’s love… no matter what.
She was greeted warmly, and Sora, though once she had sworn not to love, found herself eagerly licking Gryffin’s muzzle. She rolled at her feet, whining and trembling as she had once done when just a cub. The strong scent that was Gryffin’s was a comfort almost as deep as a forest day; she just could not calm down. That oath she had made to herself, to be strong and above love, had been broken in that moment. In her early days she had always struggled for a place in the pack, doing so much for List but never earning the credit she deserved. Now that she had returned, old enough to be accepted, she could rise through the ranks to her rightful place. She could afford to accept the love of her mother… and her Drappa. Gryffin was the strongest ally Sora would ever find.
The exuberance in her chest caused her eyes to sparkle. “Mother…” she growled. Despite her appearance, Sora had not changed. She still thought she was right about the world, she still thought hers was the only answer… she had not experienced yet the defeat that would come.
At Sudak’s sharp bark, a wall fell across Sora’s eyes and her tail was subdued; she listened intently. This tone was never used on her mother, something had happened between them. He had gone away? Hmm. Sora did not look at the white dragga, instead she pretended not to hear his words rubbed her head against Gryffin’s, knocking her with a blunt nose. However, she could not have been listening more intensely.
”Open your eyes, this has been one big misunderstanding, and we all have gotten out of hand.”
“Only one of us got out of hand,” Sora whispered pointedly, clearly not to herself. If it hadn’t been for the fool newcomer there would have been no fight. For the first time she cast the black she-wolf a glance; it was superior. Sora knew Gryffin backed her up; there was nothing the femme could do in her own defense. Sora looked away, that old foolish cocky glint in her eyes. But when her father spoke again, she quit pretending not to listen.
“The Balkar came here,” she growled, amazed. “They claimed List!” Excitement coursed through her blood. She could not believe it had actually happened, the two packs had come together! But “claimed” List? She cocked a questioning eyebrow at her mother. She needed to know what that really meant. But her heart still pounded in her ears at the fact that the Balkar had been in her own territory. They were her heritage, she owed her existence to a red brute of moons once radiant. The good news, however, did not stop coming.
Silent is dead, her quickened mind thought. It was to good to be true. Allowed, she voiced her thoughts more clearly and severely edited. “So she has died; List has only one Beta?” She guessed the Alpha’s probably saw through her innocent question, but she was not concerned. If she was allowed she would claim the position. But she knew she would have to be patient, Gryffin had obviously considered that Sikla, Silent, a worthy wolf. She would need time, and Sora was not sure her mother would even think of her for such a position. That didn’t bother the she-wolf. With her youth came a feeling of invincibility.
With Renn out of the way, there was nothing to hinder Sora’s ambitions, except… Sora glared at the figure Ayame.
They wouldn’t dare.
ehh =/
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Post by Ayame on Jul 20, 2008 11:10:04 GMT -5
Though the ebon fae stood there, growling and ready to fight, she would never make the first strike. She wasn’t one to start a fight, if someone wanted to fight, they would have to make the first lunge. Sudak’s sharp bark entered her large auds, somewhat calming her and she relaxed, though a low growl, hardly audible still escaped from deep in her throat. Through introductions Ayame wagged her tail and bowed her head on slightly to say hello and show a tiny bit of respect for the fae in front of her though just returning to pack lands, she was still a good winter and a half older than her. As Sudak spoke of the ebon fae, a small smile crossed her maw, the icy dragga seemed proud of her and it made her feel loved and cared for.
Her contentment was soon interrupted by the arrogant bark of his true daughter, Sora. The tri-hued fae reminded the ebon fae a lot of Gryffin though her size was more comparable to the icy mann that stood between them; for the most part Sora and Ayame were pretty perfectly matched. “Fool?” she barked, “Maybe you should think before you speak!” The ebon fae was not about to take lip from Sora, especially when she didn’t deserve it. “Father has taught me well in the ways of the world and in the ways of List and I am proud to call it my home.” The two faes were very similar and she didn’t know how their relationship would end, either there would always be aggression between the two, or they would be the most evil pair you had ever met.
Tension still filled the air, but things had somewhat settled at least for a few moments. Those moments were short lived; from the corner of her eye she noticed another tri-hued fae charging forward, “Gryffin” she thought to herself. She hadn’t seen the Drappa since she was first accepted into the pack. For a while it seemed like Ayame was the only varg around pack lands, but as of late others had started to appear more and more. Though the ebon fae was large, she could still move with the quickness of a scout and emissary, as the Drappa lunged for her neck she lowered her self slightly; Gryffins sharp teeth grazed her skin and came up with a mouth of ebon fur. Though the action enraged the ebon fae, she knew her place in the pack; a low growl still emitted from Ayame but at her Drappa’s challenging stare she looked away, lowering her ears to the side and tucking her tail; she knew she was still nothing to her Drappa. She made that point very clear when she claimed she only had two daughters, Ayame knew how Gryffin felt, but the words still stung her heart and a sad sigh escaped her maw. The ebon fae was determined to earn her Drappa’s trust, it would take time but she had to stay strong; List is where she belonged, she felt in running through her veins. She yearned for the day that Gryffin may show affection towards her they way she did Sora, maybe even call her daughter. Looking over at the Drappa and her daughter interact the ebon fae had become a little jealous, and her veins began to come warm with anger, but she stood there silently, listening intently as the icy Dragga began to speak.
Ayame sadly flicked her tail back and forth, she was tired of being treated like an outsider; once again her auds perked to the voice of her Dragga rang out, he was angry and frustrated. The tension between him and his mate was once again so thick you could choke. She could always depend on him to defend her and stand up for her just as he was doing now. She couldn’t help it, a small smile crept across her maw; it was immediately wiped away when he spoke of Gryffin being mad at him. “Had she caused all this trouble, all this tension between her Dragga and Drappa? While he was out raising her and helping her, had he risked losing his own eternal mate?” she barked to herself. Sadness filled her orbs, she began to feel guilt. Again Sora’s cocky tone rang in her auds, “I didn’t start anything, I simply stood to protect my Dragga before I knew who you were.” She lowly growled to herself, almost inaudible to others around her. To them she was still just a sikla though she was a Beta at heart whether they ever see it or not. Sudak’s cold icy stare brought her back to the reality at hand; he was determined to make things work. His attention then returned to his daughter’s questions, and he irritably spoke of the Balkar. Ayame knew that above all else, they were allies with the Balkar and that is where List had grown from and it made her proud to be a member of this almighty pack. No other pack was stronger than the Balkar and in turn no other pack would be able to remotely compare to List. On the other hand, she understood where her Dragga was coming from; it was like salt in an open wound to have the Balkar over look his pack. The young tri-hued fae on the other hand was ecstatic to hear the Balkar had entered List territory
Talks then retreated to a sadder point, a silvery fae known as Silent had disappeared beyond List borders, but even though there was always hope she was still alive, the lily that had formed on the blood pool had proved otherwise. The ebon fae was slightly saddened by the event, but on the other hand this may be the break she needed. Then she noticed Sora had spoken up about their only being one Beta now, and the tone in her bark meant trouble for the ebon fae, she knew she would have to fight to be accepted but now that one of the Alpha’s daughters had returned she would now have to fight for Beta.
Deciding it was time for a change in topic she spoke up, “Dragga and Drappa, on my patrols around the borders of List, I have run into two young mann cubs. They are young, but strong and I believe they have great potential, the same potential that you Sir saw in me. I would like to bring them into List, raise them to forever be loyal to our pack. Would you be willing to allow me to do so?” She softly barked then lowered her head into respect to her Alpha’s awaiting their answer.
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Post by Gryffin on Jul 20, 2008 12:25:08 GMT -5
Gryffin closed her eyes giving Ayame a nod when she had sunken back to her spot in the pack as a subordinate. Hate was not directed at Ayame at that single moment, but anger at her naive actions at stepping out of line and by showing herself as being more dominant than that of a beta. Gryffin was simply reminding her of her place.
Tension choked the clearing as the four wolves stood, fur on end. Though it all seemed to pause as Sora greeted the tri hued fae. Gryffin's hackles fell gentle against her nape as she tilted her head to Sora's puppyish greeting. A small smile crackled Gryffin's lips as she lowered her head to offer a few licks in return. It was a sight to behold as Sora had Sudak's large fluffy build. Gryffin stepped back so Sora could stand up.
Her anger had subsided as she glanced back at the other three wolves and momentarily at the eighth lily that bloomed in the crimson tainted pool.
Though not long after did she calm did Sudak add to her frustration. Gryffin almost chuckled. "You don't understand do you? Where I place my trust has nothing to do with you." the tri hued varg circled back so she could face the ivory mann once more. "and your relationship with me has nothing to do with Ayame, unless you want it to be so"
Gryffin looked to Ayame before turning back to the ivory mann, "You can't and won't always be able to protect her and fight her fights for her. Perhaps it is you who must learn to let go"
The drappa growled, she believed that pack hierarchy was better off set with body language and growls. There was no need to draw blood. But all this talking and resolution with words was exhaustingly wasteful in Gryffin's mind. She had grown up needing her tooth and jaw to keep a place in her pack and not fall into a sikla position. No doubt this was not determined with tea party talks. Though she had looked up to her oldest brother Fernlick, she had always challenged him in rough and tumble playfights. Gryffin accepted that out of their litter she would only be second best, though she made sure she would not fall below her other two siblings Baleful and Jade. Though with Fernlick leaving for the Balkar she had been able to claim the spot without much of a challenge.
Gryffin turned her head away from Sudak, though her ears were still turned to listen to his words. Gryffin huffed and lifted her tail a little higher so that it rested just under an inch higher than sudaks, almost teasingly challenging. She had always been stubborn and hardheaded.
She was silent as she listened to the rest of his speech. Though she growled, true she was a fool before, but now she would not be. She will no longer be a fool to trust Ayame so easily. Had she not been a fool to trust Renn? Nor had she not been a fool to give Silent heart to heart training sessions? Where were they now. Gryffin would not give up her trust and acceptance so openly any longer.
Gryffin though ignored Ayames retaliation toward Sora. That was not Gryffin's fight. and she very well knew that Sora with her hotheadedness could take on any challenger with a toothy grin.
The talk of only one Beta brought Gryffin to look at both faes. Only time would really tell who would be able to lead with a firm head.
Gryffin thought back to when she had let Silent climb ranks to Beta. she wouldn't lie, she had rather been fond of Silent, but a fool she would be no longer. Fiory could no longer be Beta for though she had harbored far more wisdom and intelligence of a leader she would no longer be able to keep up with the strength and agility of these two femmes. If she had chosen Renn to become Beta than the pack would have been in shambles. Sora was simply too young and inexperienced in her leadership to be able to take such a large role.
Emerald hues blinked snapping herself out of her inner thoughts to glance at the raven painted female.She paused for a thought before giving a nod. "Very well Ayame, you may bring them in but watch them closely and do not allow them to get out of your sight. Bring them back to the main clearing for some questioning."
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Sora
Cub
Adolescent of List
+The World is Weird+
Posts: 89
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Post by Sora on Jul 20, 2008 13:00:58 GMT -5
Sora flicked her ears in annoyance at the change of subject. She had wanted to see her parents reactions, hear words that hinted of the future. The hackles arched than settled, like a beast taking a deep breath. If the Alpha’s would not decide now, than she would prove herself once again worthy. Sora, spoiled and hotheaded, felt she could not lose. “Bide your time; the wolf who does not wait loses the deer,” she told herself, and let her temper abate.
It flared back up, however, at Ayame’s next words. Sora had always hated new members; in the past they had all proven to be weak and foolish. Even if someone worthy of List joined the ranks, they would still have to be taught its history. Few could understand its beginnings or the Crimson Pool. Her eyes narrowed to green slits at Ayame’s suggestion, but opened wider when Gryffin approved it.
Sora stared at her Mother, and her mind whirred behind her emerald eyes. How could her mother do this, what about the custom of six members only? She opened her maw to object, but quickly rethought her actions. She was no longer a cub, she had to stop trying to control every situation. A realization struck her; she would never be chosen for Beta if she continued to cause problems. “Fine,” she thought almost bitterly. “I’ll have to do everything in a new way.”
“Mother, do you think we need two more members,” she growled, carefully keeping anything but curiosity in her voice. “We have only ever had six members before.” She was behaving passively enough on the outside, but internally she was furious at Ayame. That wolf knew nothing of List, and she had no right to make herself look good.
For once in her life, Sora had not expected a challenger. But Ayame would find that Sora, who only knew her own ambitions, could go far on will alone.
ehh =/
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Post by Sudak on Jul 20, 2008 13:53:56 GMT -5
Sora could be heard whispering under her breath. Sora hadn’t changed much as far as her attitude was concerned and that really didn’t surprise the icy mann one bit. She would probably be bitter and sharp till the day she joined the lilies in the pool. Her ears perked with the mention of the Balkar’s presence and that too was not too much surprise to the mann. A smirk spread on the ivory maw.
”Yes the Balkar show their graces every now and again here, though they feel the need to have some kind of so called control over the pack.” muttered the mann with a agitated look.
Sudak was proud to be affiliated with the Balkar and to have them around was definitely approved of by the mann, but to have them trying to rule over List was pushing Sudak to the edge. Especially with Ziev’s ambush of sorts, threatening Sudak with death if he didn’t surrender this control. The two had never been on great speaking terms and this didn’t help the matter one bit.
Ayame was quick to retaliate barking replies to Sora. Sudak had all but given up in settling this feud between the two. He could see blood wasn’t going to be drawn now that they were acquainted though a squabble between the two still erupted, whether it was verbal or not. Ayame brought up a subject that Sudak had not heard of much to this point, the two new cubs. Sudak’s ears perked as Gryffin approved these two varg and offered her the opportunity to bring them to the clearing. This was a move Sudak had not expected with how agitated Gryffin had seemed with Ayame lately.
Gryffin had barked several witty comebacks towards the ivory dragga and Sudak’s hackles were raised with her remarks. Sudak was quick to retaliate.
”I’m not trying to tie Ayame to you, though you have welcomed her into the pack. You have treated her as if she were a total stranger to the whole pack. Whatever happened in the past you have to cope with your own way but not everybody turns on you.” Sudak paused for a moment, glaring at the femme.
”… And she doesn’t need me to protect her. Her battles have long been fought for by herself. I have three times had lessons in letting go, and coping has not been an issue of mine,” noting his three pups who had since grown. The ivory mann had frustration burning from his eyes. A low growl emitted from his maw, penetrating his teeth as they glared.
He hated arguing with Gryffin for he hadn’t really done so in all his time with her. It was something totally new to him.
Sora had briefly given her mother some licks of greeting and Sudak felt a tug of jealousy. He quickly shook it off as the subject turned back to the cubs being brought into List. She was obviously upset about Gryffin’s decision though she was obeying her position and trying to disguise her disgust. Sudak himself had mixed emotions though primarily still shocked she would allow two new members after her attitude with Ayame.
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Post by Ayame on Jul 20, 2008 14:46:25 GMT -5
The ebon fae had no intention on rallying up the young tri-hued fae with her question of her two mann cubs she had grown so fond of; but the question in turn did and she couldn’t help but smile about it. “Getting under your skin am I?” Ayame evilly thought to herself; she knew if she wanted to move up in ranks she would have to grow and mature and learn more from the pack as a whole which included both Sudak and Gryffin along with Fiory. Fiory probably had the most to teach even though she was older now. Unfortunately she knew in some way she could learn from her competition as well, she looked deep into Sora’s emerald orbs and wondered what really laid beneath them on the inside, was she evil like her self of was she all show; only time would tell.
Gryffin’s calm bark brought her back, she listened intently, lowering her head and tail, “Thank you Drappa, I will not disappoint you. You have my word.” Now looking at the rest of her pack mates she could see that the icy mann was surprised by her question; she had not spoken much to him about the cubs. She also noticed Sora who undoubtedly had something to say or argue rather. Of course none of this surprised the ebon fae and she stood there patiently as she waited for the outcome.
The icy mann spoke in retaliation to Gryffin, though he defended her this wasn’t about her at all, this was between them something that they must work out. It was obvious that fighting was something new to them; and she could tell it pained Sudak but frustration hid his pain well. “Dragga, Drappa and Sora; Sudak has raised me since I was six moons old, he has taught me many things and the most important thing he has taught me is the strength of this very pack and what this family is raised on. We must put our feuds behind us and work as a unit. I meant no harm in wanting to bring cubs in, they are strong and have what it takes for List and maybe one day the Balkar, you must trust me as hard as it is, you must. I will bring them to you and you can see for yourself. I am not trying to step out of place, but I must voice what I have to say.” Having said what she wanted, she once again backed down looking away from her Alpha’s to the ground. Looking back up, she didn’t know what to expect all she could do was hope for the best.
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