Post by Cael on Dec 30, 2006 8:18:05 GMT -5
Deepening Woods
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Moving further into the forest causes the light to dim even more as you follow a faint game trail winding deeper and deeper into the trees. If you strain your eyes upward, you may be able to see the faint hint of a glow penetrating through the fog-like air surrounding you. Noises appear to be muffled though occasional cracks and groans are heard from all around as the trees seem to move and breath on their own. If you aren't careful, something may just fall from above, pinning you down among the leaf-litter. Should you continue or run back the way you came?
Felstride, Lazuli Alpha
Midnight, Lazuli Omega
Snap, adolescent wolf
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He's been out a lot recently, especially since the coming of the winter storm that's blanketed the land in white. There has been much on his mind for some time, but his main concern now what to make sure that the borders were clear. So far, so good. Felstride trots briskly through the snow, his breath coming in steady clouds from his muzzle and the wind plays little games with his long coat fluff. Amber eyes peer through the evening darkness, illuminated by the moon's glow against the snow, and he constantly puts his nose to the ground, to the trees, to the air, searching for stray wolf scents. Hmm. The Alpha slows to a walk, taking a silent moment to prick his ears and listen to the deep woods around him.
A wolf is pacing back and forth through the snow. Midnight came out here to hunt but his thoughts have haunted him. The lack of attention to himself was obvious, his fur was unkept and his form was noticeably smaller due to not eating. "It's hopeless." he smacks his paw at a little of the snow sending it flying a bit.
The voice catches his attention, for it was the very thing he was waiting to hear, and Felstride's eyes drift through the trees to spy the once Tremayne Alpha. The wolf flicks his ears forward as his face grows calm and serious, belying his usually carefree demeanor. Eventually, he alters his course and begins stepping lightly through the snowdrifts until he is closer to the lone canine. Felstride watches silently for some time, eyes narrowing as he realizes just what kind of state Midnight is in. As he approaches, he opens his maw just barely to speak, "What is hopeless?" And it is just the question, no hatred, no spite rises in his voice; just a simple question.
Midnight knew the time would come to meet the male alpha, and it has finally arrived. "To ever be fully accepted here. Storm allowed me here because I'm family and she knows a side of me I don't show to everyone. I've made..mistakes..." continuing his pacing he sighs feeling rather at a loss, "How can I prove myself when no one...no one other than Storm is willing to give me a chance."
He listens, but to be honest Felstride already figured what it was that Midnight was worried about. The wolf approaches his once enemy, stopping a mere tail length away and looking him over. He can tell he's weakened from hunger, and his eyes are not so bright because of stress most likely, "I have given you a chance, and you have not yet given me reason to do you ill." Quite simply, Felstride isn't distrustful yet, but watchful and wary and his once foe. He trusts Storm implicitly and will not question her judgment, but with the reactions of others in the Lazuli like SilentPaws... well, it's getting a little tough for him to hold the pack's faith in his mate's decision. "I cannot force anyone to listen to you, and I know that Storm is keeping very tight constraints upon you. But she knows there is more to you than the rest of us know, and if we see that side perhaps my kin may come to accept who you are."
"I know I can't make anyone listen. Honestly I don't blame him for being mad at me. Really he has every right to hate me. My cousin took me in when I have no where to go, I couldn't take being what I wasn't. I put on a good front...." finally coming to a stop he settles down to his haunches. Midnight stares down at the snow, "I left my pack without word to them. If anything I made the ultimate betrayal an alpha could make."
"And so you have the ultimate price to repay that betrayal," Felstride replies simply, rolling his shoulders back ever so slightly in a shrug before he too follows suit and eases himself down on his haunches. He curls his tail around his foot paws to keep them warm in the snow and for a while he says nothing as he considers many, many things. The addition of Midnight has put him on edge just as the rest of the pack, and the protests from SilentPaws has only made his uneasiness grow. He's spoken with the adolescent about there being a hidden side to the wolf that attacked him, but the young wolf refuses to listen. Here now, face to face with the once dreaded Tremayne leader, Felstride feels the pangs of pity. "I do not know why you left your pack. I only know that you are here now." He pauses, ears twitching, "You say that you could not continue to be what you were not. Now.. you have a chance to be who you think you truly are. Use that time well, and perhaps you will at least earn the respect from yourself, if not from my family as well."
Midnight nods his head, "I'd gladly give my life for anyone here. Even if the remnants of my old pack were to show up I'd fight against them to protect this pack. I know no amount of apology will SilentPaws take, and I agree I messed up and I'm lucky you haven't killed me. Storm was part of the Tremayne you know, I hated the way my father and sister treated her."
"She told me of the Tremayne once, and how she was treated," Felstride replies, his ears slicking back at the thoughts of what Storm had gone through. "And its image did not improve when SilentPaws was attacked." The Alpha burrs deeply in his chest, shuffling his forepaws in the snow and taking a brief moment to scan through the trees with slitted eyes. "However," he intones quietly, returning his attention to Midnight, "that is all in the past." Ah, forever forgiving, Felstride.
Midnight looks back up to Felstride then dips his head, "Thank you." It was a small glint of hope, at least a couple were willing to listen. Rain he knew was wary but was willing to give him a chance since Storm let him in the pack. Mia and SP were going to be the tests and he is willing to do whatever it takes.
Snap moved through the trees with not even an attempt to hide or silence himself. He can smell the scent of wolves nearby, but he ignored it. He knows that such ignorance can get him in trouble, but he prefers letting them find him instead of the opposite.
"You are welcome," Felstride replies with a dip of his head, though he doesn't take his eyes off Midnight until new noises in the trees surrounding them causes him to stand. The Alpha's brows knit in concern as he lifts his nose to the cold wind and paces until he catches the scent; wolf. Ears slicking back, Felstride turns his bright eyes to the movements in the dim light as the stranger comes closer. "Identify yourself," the large wolf barks sharply, his tone commanding and firm; the last thing Felstride wants is an intruder deep in the heart of his family's territory.
Midnight also looks toward the direction of the noise. Slitting his eyes to try and see farther he just remains silent for now letting the Alpha do his thing. Rising back up though poised in case there is a need for him to do anything if it was to come to such things.
Snap pauses. His ears perk and he walks toward whoever called him out. "Oh, I didn't see you there." He said when he spotted the two wolves. It isn't /technically/ a lie, since he didn't really 'see' them.
"Your name, stranger," Felstride asks once again, not caring whether or not they were seen but more interested in this new wolf; he doesn't seem to be from the female's group that's been marking up their territory, nor Pinta's splinter pack that's taken up residence in the mountains where.. the Tremayne used to be. He flares his nose, taking in the adolescent's scent, his tail ticking away the seconds behind him. "You are on Lazuli territory, friend," the Alpha churrs, his tone firm but not threatening, commanding simply attention rather than fearful obedience, "I would know your name."
Midnight didn't recognize the wolf, so that as at least a good thing. Though remaining silent he just listens and waits.
"My name's Snap." The adolescent says. He seems a bit excited. Must've been bored, but then again, why else would he wander into pack territory?
The tension in his shoulders relaxes -- to a point -- and Felstride slowly eases his worry back down to a manageable level; it seems as if the young wolf has stumbled into the Lazuli without knowing. Luckily for him, they aren't a threat like the other wolf packs. The Alpha gives a quick glance to Midnight before easing himself back on his haunches again and returning his attention to the adolescent. "Well, young Snap," he begins, wondering just how to greet this new wolf, "I am Felstride, Alpha of the Lazuli. Behind me," the burly wolf motions with his nose, "Midnight. These are dangerous times to be wandering through pack lands. You may find yourself on the wrong side of the border if you are not careful."
Midnight settles down to his haunches after the look is given. Once introduced to the young wolf he simply nods toward him in greeting. Indeed these are bad times to be crossing into unknown borders, but young rogues would not know better.
Snap looks from Felstride to Midnight, examining him quickly before looking back at the alpha. "I wouldn't cause much trouble." It would be a far fetch to say that he wouldn't cause ANY trouble, due to his attitude. But at least no harm would result from it. "I am just walking around, here and there. I don't really know much about the others around here. I guess you can say that I am new."
New would be a way to put it, but Felstride is more interested in the idea of trouble; that's really the last thing he needs. A brief smile flickers the corner of his muzzle, his good natured side coming out for a moment, but he hides it for a little while longer. The leadership thing is still a strange concept, and the use of force and power is not something this peaceful wolf wants to resort to. Felstride offers the adolescent a nod, "I would that you cause no trouble," comes his reply, "especially in my territory. There is a lot of bad blood running through these woods, young Snap, and I do not think you want to be caught in the middle of it. There is a small group of dangerous wolves to the west. Another in the mountains to the south. It would be wise for you to keep your wits about you."
Midnight thought bad blood was putting it mildly. After his life he was that bad blood trying to cleanse itself. He'd offer that if the young wolf needs a home the potential to get to know the Lazuli was always a way to go, and he does just that. "If you are seeking for a place to belong young wolf. I'd suggest the Lazuli here, won't find better."
Snap turns to Midnight, "If the Lazuli would tolerate a wolf like me." He turns to Felstride to explain. "I am what you'd call... a loud mouth. And a bunch of similar words which may not be welcome in company." He grins for a bit. "I argue. I disagree. Perhaps too much. It isn't though I want it... it is just whom I am. I am willing to keep my muzzle shut most of the time, but I don't know how I can keep my control /all/ the time. It always... slips out."
The Lazuli could use every paw they can find, really, and though Felstride is wary to let every which wolf slip into their pack, he is not above a trial run. His family is far from an ordinary pack; in fact, they're quite the opposite. The Alpha's don't rule with an iron paw, and they listen to their pack mates, blather or not. His ears twist around to catch Midnight's offer, and Felstride nods slowly in assent. "There is always something to be said for a wolf that is not afraid to voice his opinion. If you are searching for a home, the Lazuli are open... though, I make no decision without my kin's consent." Felstride smiles lightly, rising to all fours. "As I said, these are dangerous times, Snap... my pack offers a safety that a rogue cannot have, but it will pit you against some of our enemies."
Midnight goes silent letting Felstride take care of the rest.
"They'd probably be my enemies, pack or not." Snap simply said with a nod. "But I'll be as well-behaved as possible. You may rip my voice box out if it bothers you too much." He grins. The adolescent has a bit of a dark humor. "If anything, I am obedient." After experiences in the past, he has learned to be, the hard way.
Letting a dry chuckle slip from his muzzle, Felstride stands and gives the young wolf a nod. "Then you are welcome in my lands," offers the Alpha, taking another deep breath to cement the adolescent's scent in his mind. The wolf takes a moment to pace through the snow, peering into the moonlight through the tall, looming trees; first west, then east. Watching as his breath dissipates into the cold, he turns to Midnight with a seriousness in his eyes and voice, "Midnight, I still have rounds that I must make through the territory to make sure that the wolves in the west are not coming closer. Snap is welcome, though to remain he must be accepted by Storm and by the others. Perhaps you can show him there?" Though such duty would not fall to the omega, Felstride is giving Midnight the chance he wants to prove himself; though for some there might need to be many more. That said, he turns to the adolescent. "My kin welcomes you." With a nod to both, the Alpha soon trots off into the darkness to the west to ensure the safety of his lands.
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Moving further into the forest causes the light to dim even more as you follow a faint game trail winding deeper and deeper into the trees. If you strain your eyes upward, you may be able to see the faint hint of a glow penetrating through the fog-like air surrounding you. Noises appear to be muffled though occasional cracks and groans are heard from all around as the trees seem to move and breath on their own. If you aren't careful, something may just fall from above, pinning you down among the leaf-litter. Should you continue or run back the way you came?
Felstride, Lazuli Alpha
Midnight, Lazuli Omega
Snap, adolescent wolf
================================================================================
He's been out a lot recently, especially since the coming of the winter storm that's blanketed the land in white. There has been much on his mind for some time, but his main concern now what to make sure that the borders were clear. So far, so good. Felstride trots briskly through the snow, his breath coming in steady clouds from his muzzle and the wind plays little games with his long coat fluff. Amber eyes peer through the evening darkness, illuminated by the moon's glow against the snow, and he constantly puts his nose to the ground, to the trees, to the air, searching for stray wolf scents. Hmm. The Alpha slows to a walk, taking a silent moment to prick his ears and listen to the deep woods around him.
A wolf is pacing back and forth through the snow. Midnight came out here to hunt but his thoughts have haunted him. The lack of attention to himself was obvious, his fur was unkept and his form was noticeably smaller due to not eating. "It's hopeless." he smacks his paw at a little of the snow sending it flying a bit.
The voice catches his attention, for it was the very thing he was waiting to hear, and Felstride's eyes drift through the trees to spy the once Tremayne Alpha. The wolf flicks his ears forward as his face grows calm and serious, belying his usually carefree demeanor. Eventually, he alters his course and begins stepping lightly through the snowdrifts until he is closer to the lone canine. Felstride watches silently for some time, eyes narrowing as he realizes just what kind of state Midnight is in. As he approaches, he opens his maw just barely to speak, "What is hopeless?" And it is just the question, no hatred, no spite rises in his voice; just a simple question.
Midnight knew the time would come to meet the male alpha, and it has finally arrived. "To ever be fully accepted here. Storm allowed me here because I'm family and she knows a side of me I don't show to everyone. I've made..mistakes..." continuing his pacing he sighs feeling rather at a loss, "How can I prove myself when no one...no one other than Storm is willing to give me a chance."
He listens, but to be honest Felstride already figured what it was that Midnight was worried about. The wolf approaches his once enemy, stopping a mere tail length away and looking him over. He can tell he's weakened from hunger, and his eyes are not so bright because of stress most likely, "I have given you a chance, and you have not yet given me reason to do you ill." Quite simply, Felstride isn't distrustful yet, but watchful and wary and his once foe. He trusts Storm implicitly and will not question her judgment, but with the reactions of others in the Lazuli like SilentPaws... well, it's getting a little tough for him to hold the pack's faith in his mate's decision. "I cannot force anyone to listen to you, and I know that Storm is keeping very tight constraints upon you. But she knows there is more to you than the rest of us know, and if we see that side perhaps my kin may come to accept who you are."
"I know I can't make anyone listen. Honestly I don't blame him for being mad at me. Really he has every right to hate me. My cousin took me in when I have no where to go, I couldn't take being what I wasn't. I put on a good front...." finally coming to a stop he settles down to his haunches. Midnight stares down at the snow, "I left my pack without word to them. If anything I made the ultimate betrayal an alpha could make."
"And so you have the ultimate price to repay that betrayal," Felstride replies simply, rolling his shoulders back ever so slightly in a shrug before he too follows suit and eases himself down on his haunches. He curls his tail around his foot paws to keep them warm in the snow and for a while he says nothing as he considers many, many things. The addition of Midnight has put him on edge just as the rest of the pack, and the protests from SilentPaws has only made his uneasiness grow. He's spoken with the adolescent about there being a hidden side to the wolf that attacked him, but the young wolf refuses to listen. Here now, face to face with the once dreaded Tremayne leader, Felstride feels the pangs of pity. "I do not know why you left your pack. I only know that you are here now." He pauses, ears twitching, "You say that you could not continue to be what you were not. Now.. you have a chance to be who you think you truly are. Use that time well, and perhaps you will at least earn the respect from yourself, if not from my family as well."
Midnight nods his head, "I'd gladly give my life for anyone here. Even if the remnants of my old pack were to show up I'd fight against them to protect this pack. I know no amount of apology will SilentPaws take, and I agree I messed up and I'm lucky you haven't killed me. Storm was part of the Tremayne you know, I hated the way my father and sister treated her."
"She told me of the Tremayne once, and how she was treated," Felstride replies, his ears slicking back at the thoughts of what Storm had gone through. "And its image did not improve when SilentPaws was attacked." The Alpha burrs deeply in his chest, shuffling his forepaws in the snow and taking a brief moment to scan through the trees with slitted eyes. "However," he intones quietly, returning his attention to Midnight, "that is all in the past." Ah, forever forgiving, Felstride.
Midnight looks back up to Felstride then dips his head, "Thank you." It was a small glint of hope, at least a couple were willing to listen. Rain he knew was wary but was willing to give him a chance since Storm let him in the pack. Mia and SP were going to be the tests and he is willing to do whatever it takes.
Snap moved through the trees with not even an attempt to hide or silence himself. He can smell the scent of wolves nearby, but he ignored it. He knows that such ignorance can get him in trouble, but he prefers letting them find him instead of the opposite.
"You are welcome," Felstride replies with a dip of his head, though he doesn't take his eyes off Midnight until new noises in the trees surrounding them causes him to stand. The Alpha's brows knit in concern as he lifts his nose to the cold wind and paces until he catches the scent; wolf. Ears slicking back, Felstride turns his bright eyes to the movements in the dim light as the stranger comes closer. "Identify yourself," the large wolf barks sharply, his tone commanding and firm; the last thing Felstride wants is an intruder deep in the heart of his family's territory.
Midnight also looks toward the direction of the noise. Slitting his eyes to try and see farther he just remains silent for now letting the Alpha do his thing. Rising back up though poised in case there is a need for him to do anything if it was to come to such things.
Snap pauses. His ears perk and he walks toward whoever called him out. "Oh, I didn't see you there." He said when he spotted the two wolves. It isn't /technically/ a lie, since he didn't really 'see' them.
"Your name, stranger," Felstride asks once again, not caring whether or not they were seen but more interested in this new wolf; he doesn't seem to be from the female's group that's been marking up their territory, nor Pinta's splinter pack that's taken up residence in the mountains where.. the Tremayne used to be. He flares his nose, taking in the adolescent's scent, his tail ticking away the seconds behind him. "You are on Lazuli territory, friend," the Alpha churrs, his tone firm but not threatening, commanding simply attention rather than fearful obedience, "I would know your name."
Midnight didn't recognize the wolf, so that as at least a good thing. Though remaining silent he just listens and waits.
"My name's Snap." The adolescent says. He seems a bit excited. Must've been bored, but then again, why else would he wander into pack territory?
The tension in his shoulders relaxes -- to a point -- and Felstride slowly eases his worry back down to a manageable level; it seems as if the young wolf has stumbled into the Lazuli without knowing. Luckily for him, they aren't a threat like the other wolf packs. The Alpha gives a quick glance to Midnight before easing himself back on his haunches again and returning his attention to the adolescent. "Well, young Snap," he begins, wondering just how to greet this new wolf, "I am Felstride, Alpha of the Lazuli. Behind me," the burly wolf motions with his nose, "Midnight. These are dangerous times to be wandering through pack lands. You may find yourself on the wrong side of the border if you are not careful."
Midnight settles down to his haunches after the look is given. Once introduced to the young wolf he simply nods toward him in greeting. Indeed these are bad times to be crossing into unknown borders, but young rogues would not know better.
Snap looks from Felstride to Midnight, examining him quickly before looking back at the alpha. "I wouldn't cause much trouble." It would be a far fetch to say that he wouldn't cause ANY trouble, due to his attitude. But at least no harm would result from it. "I am just walking around, here and there. I don't really know much about the others around here. I guess you can say that I am new."
New would be a way to put it, but Felstride is more interested in the idea of trouble; that's really the last thing he needs. A brief smile flickers the corner of his muzzle, his good natured side coming out for a moment, but he hides it for a little while longer. The leadership thing is still a strange concept, and the use of force and power is not something this peaceful wolf wants to resort to. Felstride offers the adolescent a nod, "I would that you cause no trouble," comes his reply, "especially in my territory. There is a lot of bad blood running through these woods, young Snap, and I do not think you want to be caught in the middle of it. There is a small group of dangerous wolves to the west. Another in the mountains to the south. It would be wise for you to keep your wits about you."
Midnight thought bad blood was putting it mildly. After his life he was that bad blood trying to cleanse itself. He'd offer that if the young wolf needs a home the potential to get to know the Lazuli was always a way to go, and he does just that. "If you are seeking for a place to belong young wolf. I'd suggest the Lazuli here, won't find better."
Snap turns to Midnight, "If the Lazuli would tolerate a wolf like me." He turns to Felstride to explain. "I am what you'd call... a loud mouth. And a bunch of similar words which may not be welcome in company." He grins for a bit. "I argue. I disagree. Perhaps too much. It isn't though I want it... it is just whom I am. I am willing to keep my muzzle shut most of the time, but I don't know how I can keep my control /all/ the time. It always... slips out."
The Lazuli could use every paw they can find, really, and though Felstride is wary to let every which wolf slip into their pack, he is not above a trial run. His family is far from an ordinary pack; in fact, they're quite the opposite. The Alpha's don't rule with an iron paw, and they listen to their pack mates, blather or not. His ears twist around to catch Midnight's offer, and Felstride nods slowly in assent. "There is always something to be said for a wolf that is not afraid to voice his opinion. If you are searching for a home, the Lazuli are open... though, I make no decision without my kin's consent." Felstride smiles lightly, rising to all fours. "As I said, these are dangerous times, Snap... my pack offers a safety that a rogue cannot have, but it will pit you against some of our enemies."
Midnight goes silent letting Felstride take care of the rest.
"They'd probably be my enemies, pack or not." Snap simply said with a nod. "But I'll be as well-behaved as possible. You may rip my voice box out if it bothers you too much." He grins. The adolescent has a bit of a dark humor. "If anything, I am obedient." After experiences in the past, he has learned to be, the hard way.
Letting a dry chuckle slip from his muzzle, Felstride stands and gives the young wolf a nod. "Then you are welcome in my lands," offers the Alpha, taking another deep breath to cement the adolescent's scent in his mind. The wolf takes a moment to pace through the snow, peering into the moonlight through the tall, looming trees; first west, then east. Watching as his breath dissipates into the cold, he turns to Midnight with a seriousness in his eyes and voice, "Midnight, I still have rounds that I must make through the territory to make sure that the wolves in the west are not coming closer. Snap is welcome, though to remain he must be accepted by Storm and by the others. Perhaps you can show him there?" Though such duty would not fall to the omega, Felstride is giving Midnight the chance he wants to prove himself; though for some there might need to be many more. That said, he turns to the adolescent. "My kin welcomes you." With a nod to both, the Alpha soon trots off into the darkness to the west to ensure the safety of his lands.