Bramble Falls to gather an army

It was cold, and dark in the mind of a young black wolf. His heart beat at a deadly pace, perfect time with each fall of his dark pads. His head was low and eyes gleamed ferociously in the light, the ring of green bright and vibrant in his right eye. He was a short distance from Sloane and off to the left behind his leaders. His mind was alive with resolve, resolve for future generations of pups and loners that would be part of his pack. He was resolved to help the other packs as well for what he would not wish upon his own pack he would not wish upon others. This plague had to be stopped and the wolves who were behind it had to be stopped as well. They will not take this away from me, never again will I watch my family die around me... never again. He was solid steel now for this especially knowing that in Sloanes pack Simaea lived, his own sister whom had fought impossible odds and come back to him.

The next thoughts in the young wolf's head were of Azariah Hollow please, don't go, what if you don't come home? The words echoed in his mind and made his passion for life burn bright, a will to live he had never known burned deep inside. I will come home Azariah and we have to believe that, I know you and the others can take care of yourselves, if they get back here, run do not fight they may be infected. His eyes began to swim with the memory of her last words to him before he left with Nina and Koda. I love you, Hollow Those words from her always made his heart beat fast and he would forever heed their meaning in a way she may never know.

At last they arrived and Hollow took up a position on the side of his leaders opposite Sloane. He had never met any of these other wolves but that would not scare him he kept his position and began to wonder if he was the youngest one here. He waited for them to speak and kept his eyes trained on the ground, most of these wolves would no doubt be alphas and that would make him the lowest ranking wolf here as he was merely a yearling. He could feel the sheer power and felt humbled to be allowed in the presence of such immense strength.

Gone Tomorrow

The mass meeting had come and gone in a blur, and the two days time that had elapsed between the meeting and this moment had come and gone in the blink of an eye. For two days, Corinna had watched her two daughters, green eyes searching for anything that would give her an indication of what they were feeling in these tumultuous times. But her youngest daughter had remained as cold as ever, and her oldest was just as impossible to read. But when the group of River wolves had made the decision to head out that morning, Corinna would not stay behind. Her pink tongue had washed her daughters' ears in a loving caress before she departed, following in the trails of Ice, Fenru, and Cali.

And now they were here, and as Ice's voice sang for the wolves of Relic Lore, Corinna found the tension building. Her muscles were tense, and she found herself shifting back and forth from one side to the other as to try and ease her anxiety. But how could she? One by one the others gathered around Ice, many of whom she still did not know. They had all gathered because these mysterious wolves posed a threat, but none of them knew her pain. They had lost loved ones, to be sure - friends and pack mates. But they had not lost a daughter, a tiny creature that Corinna had nourished since the moment she had come into this world. Rissa had been taken far too early, and her mother would be damned if she allowed others to avenge her daughter's death.

Corinna had drawn up beside Fenru, watching the crowd quietly assemble around them. Resisting the urge to lean into her son's side, she stood close beside him. Only time would tell who needed who's strength more today, but as the group grew larger and the atmosphere grew thick with anticipation, Cori was thankful to have him there. Taking a small step forward, she hoped to catch Ice's eye. A nod of her head, she hoped he would understand the message. Let's go.

The burly male made his way across the mountain in silence and alone. He followed the scent of Ash as he had no idea where they were headed. He purposefully lagged behind his superior in the shadows in his ever-present quest for solitude. He needed to enjoy it while he could for it was his understanding that they were amassing a veritable army to scour the demented wolves from the Lore. Typically, he went about his day and let the rest of the world do it's own thing. But this was bigger than him and it affected everybody in the Lore. It affected Athena and her coming brood. Little else was needed to spur the stoic man into action.

The miles ticked away and soon the scent of Ash grew stronger, albeit mixed with the scents of many other wolves. A shudder passed over his broad shoulders at the thought and he barely suppressed a snarl. He found it difficult being around even one other wolf most of the time. As he approached Ash's side, he noted nearly a dozen other wolves and had to force himself to stay put. He had nothing against any of them, he was simply whatever the complete opposite of a 'social butterfly' was. With an inaudible grumble to himself, he settled next to Ash with a slight dip of his two toned head in acknowledgement of his higher rank. He glanced around quickly at the others, but didn't meet anyone's gaze. Not out of fear or submission, but as a way a avoiding any interaction with them. In silence he waited with the others for the call to arms.

At first, a few days ago, Kasai had been intrigued when Elettra called for him. However the news of war made his heart quicken. The dark wolfs blood boiled and suddenly both light and dark personalities had a reason to merge. Both parts of the burnt males mind could take out their pain and anger from life on the Aniwaya wolves pelts.

Now Kasai pads forward beckoned by the dark lady's howl. Guiness' bulk appeared first in his vision as the Kage's yellow eyes searched for Elettra's form. First to be greeted was Elettra with a curt nod, averted eyes, and a lowered body. He offered a tiny lick barely touching her gray chin. Then he padded closer to greet the brawny wolf. Kasai touched his nose under Gui's chin as a sign of respect and submission, so far the red male did in fact have his respect.

Then they started off first at a trot, then as the pack traveled in single file they started into a run. The lighter half of Kasai was exhilarated as they began running. Responding to Elettra's encouragement by speeding up a little. He had a little more stamina than Guiness and soon the burnt wolf found himself bounding alongside the rusty wolf. With a grin on his face, even before a battle, Kasai wagged his tail playfully trying to get Guiness to run faster. The dark wolf did not fear death. So why not enjoy the time you had with your pack mates?

His happiness was dashed when the scents of the other wolves came across his ebony nose. Scents of his former comrades made the black wolf hesitate in his stride and soon he fell back behind Guiness hiding in the massive wolf's shadow.

What will they do when they see me? The two halves wondered and hoped that Jessie wouldn't be there. He wanted her to be safe protecting her pack. Not out on a battlefield. At least I don't scent her yet... Kasai's heart calmed a little. Though Ice's scent stuck fast in his nose.

When they arrived he simply kept to himself watching the other wolves cautiously. Then he spotted Fenru. Why the hell is he here? The youth should not be fighting yet. Worry crept up even though the black wolf had made an oath to separate himself from the Tainn family. For some reason he still felt concern for the young male.

Standing off to one side of Elettra and the other side of Guiness, Kasai waited for Ice to bare his fangs and point him out. Though if he's smart he'll let me be until we take out the Aniwaya wolves. Both sides of Kasai growled in unison to themselves.

athena

scars remind us who we are

Two quick days had passed since the meeting had been concluded and instructions have been given to meet at Bramble Falls if you wanted to fight. Before she had left, she told Eden to stay with Namara and Navar in case anything happened. She felt better knowing that there was more than just Namara and Navar back at Poison Path. As soon as she was done speaking with Eden, she set off after Ash and Steel, following their trail towards the Falls. Not knowing what to expect, set Athena on edge. There was a chance that she wouldn’t make it back, but the wolves of the Lore needed to get rid of this danger, or else the future cubs will face the same fate. There was also a chance that either Ash or Steel wouldn’t make it back. She couldn’t bear loosing either of her loyal subjects, but she had faith in their skills.

As she made her way across the mountain, a call from Ice pinpointed his location. Hearing two others answer him, she quickened her pace until she could finally hear the distinct thundering of the falls. Knowing that she was almost there, she adopted a neutral posture before coming upon the meeting. Pausing to look over the gathered packs, she recognized the all the scents that were a part of the last meeting, expect for Naira’s pack. Resuming her movement towards the group, she settled herself next to Steel, not before offering him a nudge on his cheek in greeting. Leaning forwards to get a look at Ash, she offered him a meek smile. ”I told Eden to stay,” she explained before turning back towards the main group. Her fiery eyes scanned over the gathered wolves, hovering over Corinna’s body for a moment, until she finally settled on Ice’s massive form before them waiting for his instructions on how to get over this pass to the other side.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Destin heard the rustles nearby while on his night watch. Ever since the meeting he had been on high alert. Images of more rabid foxes or crazy wolves came to him while he was trying to sleep. Wolves were fighting in the dream, the ones he had met versus those he imagined. The days before the event were coming to a close, he knew, and he was aware that soon it would be time to face his fears. Before then he spoke to the others, a quick good-bye and an assurance that he would certainly be returning to them. Now his head and gaze lifted, his golden eyes studying the darkness to make out any strange forms. Moonlight filtered down through the forests of Grizzly Hollow. After the noise of a howl faded, a grey-ish shape moved through the trees towards the sound. Scenting the air, Destin recognized it as Kade and stood to follow. This must be the sign.

The journey to wherever they were going seemed to take forever. The McBain needed to stop every once in a while to get his breath back. His leader seemed to be tireless with his gait and never slowed once during the trip. Nevertheless the subordinate managed to keep up, though arrived on the scene a little later than Kade. By then many other wolves had gathered, too numerous to name all at once. He spotted Kade in the crowd and made his way through the other wolves to sit by him, giving him a nod and remaining silent. All of these personalities at once was overwhelming to the poor male, as he felt much more comfortable in smaller groups amongst the trees he now called home. Those days seemed to be behind him now, as he looked back, and now he would have to fight and prove his loyalty to those above him.

He recognized many of the wolves in the group now that he calmed himself down a little. So many smells mixed together to form one that described all the areas of Relic Lore in complete detail. The mountains, the rivers, or the forests, all came together to guard against their invaders and move in on them in order to protect their families. Who would not return to these lands? His eyes passed over each wolf in order to memorize them, because this could one of the last times they were all together- or alive. Taking a deep breath Destin tried to remain optimistic, though the ideas of war were not helping very much.

(This post was last modified: Apr 06, 2013, 02:14 AM by Destin.)

She had left the decision to him – words that were taken with unsteady conscious. Did she feel he did not serve her fully? Did she doubt his ability to fight? He had hoped to reassure any doubts she may have held, but he felt his words and actions inadequate. Elettra was a closed book to him, and the Argyris male was slowly beginning to accept this as a natural way of her being.

She gave them a few days rest, and the ivory male stuck close to her side as they traveled to the rally. War was not unfamiliar to him, and vaguely his thoughts danced back to younger days when he had helped to defeat his ex-mate’s birth pack for their slight on Asphodel Meadows.

Yet that was a long time past, and as they arrived to Bramble Falls, the swarthy she-wolf gave a signal they had arrived with the flick of her tail. He slowed then, his fiery eyes taking in the wolves about them – none were familiar, and yet he cared little to learn more of them. They had gathered under dire circumstances, and his thoughts maintained only that which was needed: to eradicate Relic Lore of the threat that opposed them on the opposite end of the mountain. He was uncertain how these wolves had effected the other packs that stood with them, but the alabaster wolf was not slow on such thoughts: had they not held interest against the threat they would not have stood here now. With a slight dip of his muzzle in respect to the brothers and sisters that fought against a cause, Phineas remained his silent vigilant self, awaiting orders.

It had not come as a surprise to Skana when Elettra informed them days prior of the mission they were to embark upon. There was a blight on the Lore that needed to be eradicated. Already Kanosak had been taken by the disease, and the Ridge wolves could not sit idle as it further festered in the shadow of the great Serpent's pass. Skana found herself oddly invested in this new life she had cultivated in Relic Lore, and she would be damned if she would let a pack of sorry excuses for wolves ruin that for her. The Aniwaya would be stopped at all costs, or she would go down trying. It was a risky venture, but if this was the event that finally managed to wrestle the life from her firm grasp, she would only be glad to go down fighting, though she fully planned on making it back alive.

Skana had no regrets as she set off that dark, early morning in her leader's wake. The old wolf kept on with a well paced run, her shoulders bobbing unevenly with each stride. The pain of her arthritic paw was kept at bay with the bitter willow bark, but it would of course wear off, making for a weary trudge up the mountains and beyond. She mostly kept to herself on the journey, letting Kasai entertain himself by frolicking with Guiness and simply focused on following Elettra's trail in the snow. There would be a time for celebration later, though she had to admit there was some excitement for the battle to come.

Roaring water could be heard nearby as howls peppered the surrounding area. Elettra signaled they were close, and Skana slowed her unsteady step to respectfully enter the meeting place with head and tail relaxed. Skana quietly snorted as she saw the myriad of wolves assembled. It almost seemed as if they were going to take down a pack of bears with the numbers present, though she supposed one could never be to careful. She stopped just behind and to the side of Elettra, quietly observing the wolves from practically every corner of Relic Lore. The sight of their ex-leader Koda came somewhat of a surprise. Skana didn't take the time to seat herself, and was sure it wouldn't be long before they set out.

Gonna archive this in some two-three days, if you want to get an exit post up that's fine, if not, that's fine too! ^^

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the ICE breaks. First one howl broke the silence of dawn. Then more and more, as the wolves of the Lore drew closer to his location, their paws leaving an odd message for all to read: going against their instincts, they had gathered beyond pack boundaries, for some purpose, some reason. He could feel his heart thump in his chest, wildly, and the first to come out of the slowly lightening darkness was a black wolf. Regarding him impassively for a moment, his tail stiff with uncertainty, Ice called forth what he recalled of the meeting a few days prior. He'd not looked at everyone, knowing that it would just overwhelm him, but of course he'd seen Ava when she came. The handsome dark stranger climbing up to his perch had been with her, and as he came close enough to smell properly, Ice felt his 'brows shoot up in surprise. He smelled thickly of her, the same way Indru had smelled of Corinna, and something about his scent told a tale Ice wasn't sure what to think of just yet. Was this dark stranger good enough for his friend? He sure hoped so. "You're Ava's man, aren't you?" he asked in a low voice, giving his tail a flick. More wolves were streaming in, even as the howls kept ringing from those further away, and Ice made a mental note to properly interrogate this dark wolf once the Aniwayans were dealt with. Call him protective, but he wanted to know that it wasn't some asshole she'd got herself landed with. But then, not even Ava's mate could keep his attention eclipsed any longer. So many more came rushing in; the one-eyed Nina and her band of forest-dwellers, Athena from the Lake, Fenru, Cali, Corinna, Elettra and her Willow wolves... And, would you look at that - Hotei. For a moment Ice's silver eyes landed on him, then the neutrality shifted into a half-snarl before he looked away. Hopefully he'd be less treacherous in Elettra's pack. Then Corinna was suddenly taking up the space in his field of vision, her nod decisive, firm, and he knew that she was right. With the sky lightening to pastel peach and yellow above the spine of the Serpent, it was time to go. His loud bark shattered the otherwise still morning, and he hoped that whichever friendly greetings were being exchanged would fall silent. For now, Ice would be the leader of this huge pack; his head and tail came up, but he did not expect any of the other leaders present to lower theirs. "With the numbers we have now, we hardly need to wait for latecomers. The path across is narrow in places, but there will be broad stretches where we can rest along the way. If you lose your balance, try to just drop down on your belly instead of falling. Mind your paws, the rock is rough." He paused for a moment. He needed to get them across safely. "If you grow tired, call out for a rest. Better that than falling, for you might fall on someone else." Then, with a flick of his white tail, Ice had reversed on the path and began the long trek up the foothills. .ice aesir

We continue here: {t_4158}

(This post was last modified: Apr 08, 2013, 09:51 AM by Ice.)

let the stars above shine in your soul

It was quite the sight to behold. As the shadows began to recede and dawn broke over the horizon, they filed in. Wolves of every shape, size, and color, each proudly wearing their chosen brands. Though the congregation would have been more admirable still if only it had not been war to bring the clans together, there was a certain awe that resonated in him regardless. 'Proud' hardly did the feeling of this justice. As he watched the last of them gather, trickling in from the forest from every direction, it was the pale wolf at his side who would break the silence he so tenderly kept. "You're Ava's man, aren't you?" His posture, demeanor, and facial expression remained unchanged as he kept quiet just a moment longer in the face of such a blunt question from a...certain, white-knight-stranger. He watched Ice from the corner of his eye, as if to study him for his intentions before looking him square in his pretty little face. If anyone was going to be asking questions about Ava around here it was him, and he'd not overlooked the friendly excitement behind the calling of her name at the recent meeting, either. His face was like stone, his eyes narrowing for the slightest moment upon the ashen features of the man who, unknown to him, was one of Ava's dearest friends, before his features softened and a sly grin emerged on his lips. "Kade Attaya," he returned smoothly, amiably. "And yes, I am." He was proud, there was no denying, nor was there any denying the fact that he was rather curious about this one and held no grudge or ill-will against him for asking. It wasn't quite what he'd had in mind going into war, but he was sure Ice would make for good conversation - or interrogation of his own - somewhere along the way to or from the mountain. But before the dark and white knights would receive their proper and due introductions, or make light of the many things they truly had in common, the River Queen would assert her will and set the morning into motion. Kade listened to Ice's words intently, eventually filing to his flank as the Aesir led the way into darkness.

table by mimi

(This post was last modified: Apr 09, 2013, 04:07 AM by Kade.)