Darkness Against the Light

[Ayame]

Ice and snow now covered the Transylvanian mountain terrain and as the ebon fae made her way over the region, the snow and ice crunched and crumbled under her heavy paws. The fae’s fiery eyes scanned over the white blanketed grounds searching for hide or hair of her pack mates. It had been far too long since she had seen any of them. Recently she had been spending time with the Sarnes shattered nieten, though she always returned to look after her pack and territory. A frigid gust of wind picked up ruffling the downy coat of the fae, she closed her eyes to protect them from the cold and dry gust, as she did images of past times began to flood in, she saw Sudak’s icy blue hues looking at her, along with his mate and alpha’s emerald gaze standing beside him. Ayame couldn’t help but smile at the images, she was glad to see the two alpha’s on better terms. Shaking her head she opened her eyes once more in hopes that those images would be more than just images, she hoped she would find the dynamic duo before her but sighed with disappointment.

Continuing her journey through the dangerous mountains of List she wondered where not only her alphas had gone, but also wondered where Silent, Orion and Aiyu were as well. The ebon fae worried about Silent, she knew the recent loss of Drathlic must be plaguing her and all of a sudden her search turning more towards finding the silvery fae, everyone else in the pack seemed to have someone to lean on, but Silent, she was alone. Ayame had to find her, not only to check on her, but to catch up on everything since she had been gone.

Gone…yes, she had been gone. Not on purpose, and even though she did check back and make rounds around the territory she had not made contact with anyone in the pack, if anything her scent smelled more like Sarnes then of List. Ayame shook her head in disgrace, her heart was almost torn, she loved her pack, and she would never leave their side, but something was drawling her into the shattered nieten, his bi-eyed hues and that smile kept her close to him. As the ebon fae reached the edge of a cliff she plopped down in the snow her fluffy fur rising and falling as she thudded to the ground and let out a deep sigh. Would the alphas and her pack be angry with her, would they think that she had abandoned them? She hoped not, but what was she to do, her heart ached to be with both List and the Sarnes bi-eyed mann. “I must find someone; I must talk to them and see where the pack stands.” With a new determination and her eyes lit of flames she started off towards the pack dens hoping to find signs and life of her pack.

[Silent]

Golden eyes glowed in the light as she sat upon the hillock of snow looking down upon the lands she called her home. No scent lingered upon the air, everything and everyone seemed to have simply vanished into nothing. The packlands empty. Winter was harsh up in the Transylvanian mountain range, every year the lera migrates down into the forests and away to find the lusher and more sustainable places to survive, leaving the wolves of List with very little for themselves. But, it seemed as though the whole of the Listern pack had also gone, leaving the silver fae on her own.

Many things had happened within the last few moons which could have affected the pack. The tension which seemed to have been between the Dragga and Drappa when she returned to her home, the loss of her beloved Drathlic. The whole pack seemed to have been drifting apart at the last time she had seen them all together. She had not seen her good friend and Drappa, Gryffin, since their chat after the rugged Beta male had been dragged to his death by the raging river. Sudak had not been sighted since the loner, Lykos had tried to enter the pack. Where had they all gone to? Her mind ticked over all the disappeared varg of her pack.

Auds twitched as the wind threw up a spraying of fine snow, covering her gaunt frame. She had recovered since her first return to the lands, but the harsh winter was once again taking it's toll. Her form still remained strong though, her musclestensed slightly as she stood to turn her head slowly towards where the pack dens were, some small noise attracting her attention. Golden eyes scaping across the untouched white earth and landing upon a solitary figure. Was it the ghost of the passed Fiory? No, she had once though the reincarnation had returned on that foggy day, her first encounter with Orion. No, this was not the same as a brute. It was Ayame. Long tail twicthed slightly at the recognition, at least another had remained in these lands. A whine emmitted from her maw as a paw took her a step closer. Then without thinking, a howl burst from her chest, being whipped up by the uprising wind which also carried a drifitng of snow around her body. Oh how nice it was to see one of her own kind! The joy uplifted her aching heart as she flew down the slope toward the ebon fae.

{Apologies for the lameness but I though this pack needed a bit more action =) }

[Orion]

((And right you are my dear. What're we all doing, sitting on our haunches like this...Not like I should talk, I've been the worst out of anyone...heh...^.^" ))

Another day, another blisteringly cold, bitter, frozen day. The ebon brute was tired of so much white everywhere. It made it too hard to hunt. Perhaps this was the reason Fiory had always gotten so lean in the winter months, her ability to camoflauge into darkness hindering her ability to catch a meal. For now, her son was facing the same problem. However, he was younger then his past mother, strong and fit, and above all else he did share half his genes with Bristol. His pelt was a shimmering black, a light coating of white covering his back and the crown of his head. A wolf in sheep's clothing, almost in a literal sense kept trekking on, his nose to the ground, dragging in the white powdery frozen fluff. He was tracking something, perhaps searching for something. Something to eat? Someone he missed? Either or would work. His stomach growled hungrily, and for a while he let himself wander off in search of the hiding hare somewhere nearby.

A howl screamed across the mountain range, and his head flew upward. The hare bounded off, leaving light prints in the powder, it's white coat mocking the conspicuous black of the ebony mann. But he didn't seem to care. Golden orbs looked skyward, as if looking for the source of the howl. Well well, someone was home after all. He was a young stud, and he wouldn't let the call of a fae go on deaf ears. His long strides made easy work of the distance, which honestly wasn't too far off. He remained quiet, ears pricked listening in the little shadows that held to the treeline with all their might. Eyes of sunshine were puzzled. The black fae he knew to be Ayame, only meeting her for a brief meeting prior to today. But the silver fae? As he plodded forward, tail high and ears pricked forward with interest, his mind raced. Had he met her before? Ayame obviously knew her, but did he?

A light breeze blew her scent into his nostrils along with the fresh aroma of the pine in the area and the frozen earth below the snow. The aroma seemed familiar, as if it had crossed his path once before. A jogged memory, one of not too far back, but far enough to have slipped his mind. Was this the Mistress of the Mist he had confronted before? When Little Lykos had intruded upon List? Orion had never gotten her name, though he was certain now that this was the fae who had revealed herself on that foggy day. His eyes moved over both of them, a kind grin on his face. He wished Aiyu could be found, he missed her company most of all, but he was simply male and he couldn't deny the beauties that List had produced in front of him. He was full grown, and as mature as he was ever going to be; wasn't his fault that his mind worked like any other male's mind would.

However, composing himself, he walked further out before them. His sinuey fur shone in the bright white light of the snow, the gold tips lining the feathers on his paws and back more pronounced in the bright light. His soft amber eyes blinked a few times before he gave a light clearing of his throat and called out to them in his sweet baritone voice.

"Good Day Ladies...It's been a while."

((*ahem* one word....Playa..... lol jk))

[Sudak]

Glistening white fangs glimmered in the warm sunlight of a crisp Transylvanian afternoon. They belonged to that of a Dragga, and one with a great many moons under his pelt. The fangs shined brilliantly as the Dragga of nearly 8 human years yawned taking in the abundance of still frigid winter air. The sunlight was a welcome treat in the Winter in Transylvania and Sudak, as the Dragga was known, was taking full advantage of its life giving warmth. He had dug out a small crevice in the snow that went about a paws length or two into the soil. There the terra was dry and warmer then the wind blasted surface. He stretched his paws, letting his claws spread reaching for all his might. His joints popped loudly, a clear sign of his aging condition, though he wouldn't let that slow him down just yet. List had taken a toll on his body yet he looked back on his past a true blessing. He closed his eyes relaxing his muscles in his little mountain top encampment that lay surrounded by a wide berth of pine trees and a few boulders closer to the ledge that let way to one of the many life giving valley's the Listern territory had to provide.

The many changes List had thrown this mann through rushed through his mind. From when he was a cub with Leohlic and Shatocwnn leading mightily through the many changing of the guards to courting the founding Alpha's one and only Daughter, Gryffin, his mate and current Drappa. Together they ruled over List and ensure the protection of all those within their tight-knit family. The sun soaking his ivory pelt, shielded from the blustering mountain winds brought back memories of sprinting through the valleys alongside his packmates of old. A small batch of snow, no larger then his paw, fell off of his makeshift fortified wall surrounding his hole to find it landing square on his nose. The Putnar's eyes darting open briefly only to discover the sun had melted a portion of the snow enough for it to cave under its weight. The Dragga couldn't help but smile and continue his reminiscing. The cool touch of snow brought him the vision of Lyft and how she had taught Gryffin and himself, all those moons ago, to hunt mere field mice in the snow covered valleys. All the memories of past were those of time tested and here he lay a leader of the mightiest pack in all of Transylvania.

Waking him from his daydream a gust carried a howl up the steep slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. This howl however was not that the wind itself but that of a familiar tone, one he had not heard in quite some time. With auds perked Sudak rolled onto his massive pads stretching as he stood, with the occasional pop of course. Slowly he made his way onto the boulder overlooking the valley to be greeted with yet another gust of wind, this one square in his face. His pelt rustled with the breeze as his eye closed tightly. When the rushing air ceased and his orbs were allowed to take in the world once more he spotted a gathering far below. Two of the varg were of dark pelts, close to if not ebony in nature. The third a lighter shade of gray. He couldn't make out distinct features but he could nearly guarantee that these varg were of List. Sudak's tail rose quickly and waved anxiously with the wind as a flag would in a hurricane.

The icy mann began his long trek down the mountainside to join those below. It had been so long since he had seen much of his pack and in fact he missed them dearly. Though his form was aging his agility was hardly hindered. The rough terrain had trained him well over the moons, to the point that it seemed almost unnatural for a varg of his size to move so. True he didn't move as gracefully as his mate, Gryffin, the Lead Emissary and Drappa of List, but as large of a Dragga he was, he might as well have been floating on air. Approaching the side of the brush leading into the valley he could now tell that those gathered were indeed his pack. They were actually Ayame, Silent, and Orion. He slowed to a trot as he approached the group letting out a soft howl and bark. His tail continued its race in the air as if chasing itself in an endless battle.

"List! Where has everyone been? I'm sure you all have stories to tell by now. Well come on now, out with it," Sudak barked jokingly.

He was very glad to have his pack in his presence once again. The family was slowly becoming reunited. A past full of bright and dark lay behind them all, but one thing was certain, there was indeed a bright future ahead.

[Orion]

An ear tipped with gold flicked, but the male didn't turn around immediately. Instead his eyes closed, and a light grimace came to his face unconsciously. Well, there went his chance to get to know his pack mates without be supervised. Sad enough to say, Orion had figured out that he was the only single bachelor in the area for miles, and he knew at least three young fillies who could use a male at their side. With Sudak aging and tied to Gryffin, and Drathlic tragicly gone from this world, it was only natural the young mann strutted a bit more then normal. And honestly, he wasn't exactly a bad looking second choice...

Well, no need to mope. The boss was present, so Orion began wagging his tail lightly in response to his Dragga's pressence. His eyes were a sparkling gold, reminicent of his late mother shining through. His tail swung back and forth lazily, his ebony frame turning to face Sudak finally, his head low, and his ears forward once more.

"Good Day to you Dragga..." His kind baritones were gentle in the air, his breath clouded as it escaped his nares. "It has been a while, hasn't it? Not like I have a story for my absence, just following a bear's example with waiting out the bitter winter cold." His voice was playful, almost joking in a way. "Though I did hear a rumor about a pair of varg further from our borders. From what I understand of them, they are returning after a long absence, a brother and sister duo. The rumors weren't too kind either...but I thought.." His voice wavered for a moment, letting the pause take effect before continuing on. "Of what List would do, should their noses turn our way of course..."

((Blarg...short post...but at least it's something...Hope to see a reply soon! <--wants to get List and TS Active again))

[Ayame]

It didn’t take the ebon fae long to reach the pack dens, she was large for a fae and in her prime just pass two winters. And though the winter had plagued the Listern territory with lack of food, and she was a tad skinnier than she should be her muscles still shown under the fluffy pelt. She began sniffing the ground for any scent of pack members, but all scents were old and stale, a frown came across her maw momentarily only to be replaced by a smile on the next gust of wind. As the wind ruffled her downy pelt she raised her muzzle to the air, her black nose twitched back and forth breathing in the scents it carried with it. As she smelled the air images of the returned silvery fae flooded her mind, as if on key her auds perked with a faint sound of a howl that the wind carried with it. Her tail began to wag happily, as she turned towards the howl, lifting her muzzle higher to the sky she let out a loud and bellowing howl back to the silvery fae as she moved towards the sound to meet her in the middle. As the silvery fae reaches the bottom of the slope Ayame ran up to her nuzzling her dearly, her tail still wagging happily behind her, “Silent! How have you been? I’ve been thinking about you lately, and am so glad to have found you!”

She couldn’t control herself; it was so good to see another pack mate, another member of her family. It wasn’t long till she heard crunching of the snow behind her, she tensed at first, a low growl emitting from her throat as she turned around, but all the tension seemed to melt away as she notice the other midnight varg from her pack, her maw was covered with a large smile as she nodded towards him as a greeting with her tail wagging. “It has been far too long Orion, far too long my friend. It’s good to see you in good health.” She smiled at him, before turning and smiling at Silent, her tail seemed unable to stop wagging she was so happy. Her family was once again becoming united again, she had set off in search of the silvery fae, but now the ebon mann has also appeared. Then her auds perked to an unexpected howl that pierced the skies, immediately another howl broke from her lips, the howl she heard belonged to none other than her Dragga and mentor. Turning again she looked up the snow and ice covered mountain side, icy blue hues set the alpha apart from the glistening snow, as he reached the bottom she bowed her head to him with her ears folded back lowering her tail, before walking up to him and nuzzling him deep into his fur taking in his scent her tail began to wag again. Sudak was more a father to her than anything, he raised her from a pup and protected her, taught her everything she knew and for that she would be forever in debt to him and List.

Ayame’s auds perked as her crimson gaze turned to the ebon mann as he told about a brother sister duo that had been moving about. She wondered if they would be trouble and who this duo was. “What do you know of the pair Orion?” she asked defensively. Her pack meant the world to her, and she would have no trouble or harm come to them. But now was no such time for discussion, now was a time to catch up and be with her family. Looking back to the icy Dragga she smiled,“Apologies my dear Dragga, you know how I get so worked up with trouble makers.” She laughed softly. “I have been spending my time right outside of List boarders, always making rounds and checking up on List. Though I must admit, some of my attention has been elsewhere with a tri-hued mann from Sarnes.” Trying to change the subject quickly she diverted her gaze to the silvery fae, “Silent, what have you been up to?” she said wagging her tail sheepishly.

[Orion]

The brute was quiet for a moment, listening as the fae of his same hue chatted about, wondering how each of her packmates were doing in sequence as they appeared. It was cute, in a way, the way she cared so deeply about her pack, her family. How endearing she was, so happy just to see her family becoming more reunited by the moment. It reminded the brute of someone, someone he had a hard time putting his mind to. He didn't know her love long, but he knew his mother would have loved the same as Ayame did now. It was, comforting in a way.

At her question, his haunches rose and fell again, his head turning to the side for a short moment before flicking back again, sending his whole frame into one fluid violent shake down, ridding his coat of any flurries that may have settled there, or perhaps just to loosen himself up a bit. "I don't know much. I know they look like complete opposites, but as to how far away or anything I couldn't say. I have heard rumors that these two are avid cub killers, so I suppose it's lucky we do not have any young in our dens at the moment." Orion's baritones were quite serious. The rumors he had heard were few and far between; but none of them were good. The brute was a bully while the fae that traveled with him was more sinister in speech then actions alone. Both were dangerous apart, but together? That did seem like a force to be reckoned with. The male was unsure what the duo had in mind upon returning to the lands of transylvania, and he surely didn't much care, as long as their intentions had nothing to do with his pack.

"I'm sure there is nothing to worry over though. If they come looking for a fight, we, 'll be sure to see them off, " He gave a quick wink to the black and silvery faes, his tail wagging and a gentle charismatic grin on his face. Although he displayed a cool and collected tone, inside he was unsure. He had heard aweful things about the brute, that he could rival any Balkarian male around. Why he had never joined, was probably because of his sister, wanting to keep his closest ally and family with him. Though neither could really prosper from a pairing like that. With the brother looming over the fae, she could not find a mate of her own and thus join a stable pack and vise versa. Staying together meant they were perpetually alone, but given the fact that they were only slightly older then Orion himself, it was safe to assume that neither wanted to be apart of a normal varg society and preferred the loner relationship they held with each other.

Nares blew smoke out of their obsidian holes, and those golden hues looked back upon the Dragga of List, wondering perhaps, what Sudak felt about the whole situation, or lack there of. The trouble makers hadn't been seen near List yet, that being the key word, so it was safe to say that list was still in good shape. At least, for the time being....