/ better watch my mouth /

ＧＷＥＮ

Tired. Gwen was tired. The dull ache in the fae's bones had set in a few days ago [at estimate- the slender female wasn't in the habit of keeping note of such trivial matters], and it spread like a lukewarm fire down her limbs and into her paws; so with every step came a sensation rather like that of pressure against a bruise. She should have stopped a long time ago, but something in her gut told her to keep going- whether that was her fierce independence unwilling to give up so soon, or of a more spiritual origin, she didn't know; but either way Gwen was beginning to regret her decision.

Ears pressed flat against her smooth skull, the she wolf tread carefully in this unknown territory. She wasn't truly certain what she was doing here- after all, Gwen was used to living by no rules but her own, so a pack life was not really something she had considered or given much dedicated thought to. But there was always a flicker of doubt in the back of her mind, always a curious wondering as to what a pack life would feel like; or how it was to have a family. At these sentimental thoughts, Gwen cleared her throat and gave a derisive sigh. Pathetic. She scolded herself, picking her way over a fallen branch in her path. She had come to an ultimatum with herself- if she could behave, perhaps this pack would accept her as one of their own, and maybe she could start a new life. But then again, there was always the chance her fiery mouth could run away with her, leaving her in a rather uncomfortable {if not downright dangerous} situation, not only getting her rejected, but potentially injured as well. She resolved to try and remain calm and impassive- an act that Gwen was uncertain on her ability to pull off. On a good day, the fae would swear like a sailor, but keep her insults to herself- it was the bad days that she should be worried about.

Gwen wasn't particularly sure on the process pack alphas used to either accept or reject newcomers- hell, she wasn't even sure they'd find her here. Maybe she'd just come across another lone wolf like herself. Figuring they'd find her scent eventually, the ivory she wolf rolled her haunches underneath her and sat down. I'll just...wait here, then. She thought to herself, scanning hazel eyes out at the unfamiliar surroundings. A flash of apprehension and maybe even fear skittered across her mind, but Gwen stifled it- emotions were weak things, and she didn't have time for them.

;;; 440 words

<3

When I look at the stars, I feel like myself

Killing time was on Triell's list. To do this he trotted the borders he had better memorized. Dark nose falling over the brush, sweeping up the swirls of wind that may carry the elements of strangers. Nothing would be found, and he continued on his lonely path. Often letting his fiery eyes find the breaks of sky, unsure what he was hoping for. He often had to choke back the feeling that often churned in his chest. That this wasn't his to guard, this wasn't home.

There was nothing to miss back at the ruins of Swift River. Oak Tree Bend had become their new home, and despite the miserable homecoming, he had made into a mess (with the help of Fenru), they had accepted him, and he stayed. Part of his family again, trying to start over despite the recent tragedy, the recent loss of a great and dear member. That should be the only thing missing, he told himself. Eventually, that wouldn't hurt so much. It was open again, when he had pierced the rest of their hearts. The Tainn grimaced. Why did they keep him around?

Dark banner swaying behind his feathered haunches, he continued his stride happy at least his body had recovered from all the damage. Thinning it was about time to head to the creek, with his ears arched forward he skipped over a log, than pushed through some stubborn brush. It was easy to see the cream patched female, a bit on the small side settled close to Ice and Corinna's borders. If Ice would have laid eye upon her, Triell mused she might be already on her back. Today he wasn't fond finding teeth in his cheek, or using his right this very second. Since Ice seemed to need his space, and Corinna likely watching the new ones, he decided to handle this on his own for now.

Black tail raised above him, but his fur not yet bristled he strode closer with a stiff gait. He might as well pretend he was the man in charge, letting his fiery eyes settle upon her. If she was rude to him, he had no point to let her farther."If your tired you might rest else where," he commented, trying to tell if she had been a lone wolf long or just recently. She didn't necessarily looked ragged, just weary. So what did she want?

(This post was last modified: Jul 31, 2013, 06:09 PM by Triell.)

are you with me through it all?

gwen / raised on the edge of the devil's backbone

She wasn't certain how long she'd been sleeping, before the sound of approaching footsteps jolted her out of the thin semblance of sleep she'd been gripping onto. Somewhat bemused, Gwen jolted upright, her skinny legs still shaky, but better- the she wolf figured she could still run if she had to. It took her a few moments to realize the brute had spoken, and she turned to face him fully this time, hazel eyes widening as she noticed he was, in fact, much larger than herself.

Gwen studied him for a moment, struggling to find a reply that wasn't heavily sarcastic of downright rude- she had to do this right; the fae could simply not afford to let her mouth ruin her chances of being accepted here. Worst scenario, it could kill her. "Right...Granted, though it wasn't my intention to fall asleep."Gwen began casually, though her pounding heart was all the evidence she needed of her nerves. This male certainly held himself like someone of importance, even she could see that; but she wasn't entirely sure- still, a good impression was clearly necessary."My name is Gwen." She briefly considered forcing a cheerful expression- something she never did, but decided against it; not even a rabbit would believe for one second that she was happy.

"It was no accident that I crossed your borders- I seek acceptance." Gwen said gruffly, keeping her gaze low. Half out of respect, half due to the fact that she did feel somewhat intimidated by the dark male, though she'd rather swallow her own tongue than admit it. A wolf of few words unless the situation required them, Gwen lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, examining the ground beneath her paws with a renewed vigor.

Words: 291 || Tags: @Triell || Notes: <3

♥ NEVERTALE

(This post was last modified: Aug 01, 2013, 12:22 PM by Gwen.)

Abi if Gwen actually walked over OTB borders than Triell would make her leave by chasing her out. Sooo I'm taking this as she came "across" them/found them? I thought she was resting near the edge of their territory. xD

When I look at the stars, I feel like myself

Puzzlement could be found in the small raise of his eyebrows. Had she ran here? Sadly, even if she was dying Triell wouldn't change his mind about her moving. He was set on "no more funerals" until his own. There was a look to her eyes that seemed to say she was alive, somewhat surprised to find the dark wolf there. The Tainn would agree it was something to wake up to. Since she didn't seem to be "all there" Tri was about to speak again,thinking she had blanked out when her lips began to move.

Okay, he thought, but that doesn't answer much. His black tail gave an uneven twitch, waiting. Introductions were necessary, and he nodded his head. The Tainn held onto this own name, not wanting to interrupt her. Apparently, she wanted to join them. Orange-yellow eyes searched her expression, finding her voice made her appear tough. Was she really? If she stayed maybe he would find out. No smile nor frown upon his muzzle, she looked to be trying to show submission. Finishing her explanation, and finding the ground was the best place to rest her gaze. So far, it seemed worth calling for another, that she might have a chance.

"I'm Triell, and you wandered upon Oak Tree Bend. We are a family who doesn't tolerate users, and liars. But I can see unlike other loners you hold yourself well enough. I'll call my leaders and they can decide..." It wasn't optional to bring her into the territory with the pups, and other reasons Triell didn't let his mind settle on. Tipping back his head, he let out a deep note, beckoning @Corinna or Ice to come see him. They had company.

are you with me through it all?

yup, that's fine <3 :3

gwen / raised on the edge of the devil's backbone

Ears twitching on the crest of her skull, the cream female listened to the stranger as he gave his name, and pack name. Her heart pumped a skittering rhythm in her chest, the beat not something Gwen had wanted to hear- hearts lie...she thought bitterly. There was no chance she would admit to being afraid.

At Triell's mention of his leaders, Gwen wasn't sure whether she felt relieved or unnerved. So far, the black male hadn't given her any indication of her likelihood of acceptance; his expression had remained impassive no matter how many times the she wolf tried searching it. Generally, Gwen did not have a good history with authority figures- in fact she found them suffocating, with their orders and intolerance, but perhaps here it would be different. After all, she did want this; and she'd already decided that she was willing to behave. Sure, Gwen was in no way a 'yes sir' wolf, but she would try. She would definitely try.

As the long note of the howl rang out, the female shivered. A nauseating sense of apprehension clouded her mind like a fog, and Gwen shook her head sharply to dislodge it. These wolves could end up her family; and she knew she'd meet the alphas eventually- but that didn't make it any easier on her already frayed nerves. Fear is for the weak. she snapped at herself, irritated that she was feeling such trivial emotions over something she expected anyway. Glancing around at their surroundings, then back to Triell, Gwen's mind wandered. Now she waited.

Words: 277 || Tags: @Triell || Notes: <3

♥ NEVERTALE

Gone Tomorrow

Triell's howl shattered the quiet of the afternoon, and instinctively Corinna lifted her head, her ears perking to better listen. The howl was her's to answer and with the sound coming from the direction of the borders, there was little left to the imagination as to why the ebony furred guardian was calling. Another lone wolf wanting to take shelter among them. Tilting her head back, the leader howled back to her brother - she was coming.

A sharp bark of instruction sent Serach and Sceral scurrying into the den. She set off in the direction of the borders, only once their furry behinds had disappeared into the darkness. They were growing and quickly, but a mother's worry never subsided and while there were others nearby to look after them, her absence was the boys' signal to cause mischief. So best be quick about it. Increasing her speed, Cori pushed herself as quick as she was able without wearing herself out, slipping in and out of the trees in the direction the call had originated from.

The pack's den had been intentionally located towards the center of the territory, so her arrival was not immediate. Slowing as Triell's scent became stronger, the leader resisted the urge to pant - it wouldn't do good to look exhausted in front of whatever lone wolf waited upon the borders. The lone wolf stood out well against the foliage, her white and creme fur a stark contrast to the green and browns all around them. Coming up beside Triell, Corinna nudged his shoulder in greeting before taking a step forward. Lifting her head and tail, the leader's posture gave away who she was within the pack and her pointed gaze left little room for argument about it. "I'm Corinna," she said simply. "Who are you, stranger? And what events have brought you to my borders?" Her tone was direct, and though not unkind, it was evident that the stranger's answers to these questions were important. A stray looking for a temporary home would not be welcome here.

gwen / raised on the edge of the devil's backbone

A surprisingly short amount of time had passed when the lead female came into view. Every muscle in Gwen's slender body tensed with anticipation, and she dropped her gaze as the other she wolf approached, ears flattening with a peculiar concoction of nerves and a desperate need to keep a good, submissive appearance- though it had been so long that Gwen had almost forgotten how to do so.

The leader wasted no time in speaking, and introduced herself as Corinna. Gwen lifted her head to listen, her tail at half mast. The question asked was a good one; there was no doubt in that, and the cream female blinked in thoughtful silence, pondering the answer she would give with a dry mouth. How would she reply to such a broad question? "My name is Gwendoline." She began evenly, glancing up at the alpha with a neutral expression. "Or, Gwen, rather." She had felt the situation called for her formal name, even if it was a calling that the female never used- she had not been referred to by her full name in a long time; since she was a pup.

Shifting her weight to stand in a more balanced manner, she took a deep breath of the crisp air around her. "I have been alone for a year- I left my birth pack to..." She paused, hesitant. Gwen's birth pack did not hold pleasant memories for her. The ruling had been stern and unjust; and it had pushed the already temperamental young wolf to her limits- she could not bear to stay. "To find a new life. My wanderings lead me here; I seek a family, and a purpose in life. I believe I could prove myself to you and your pack." Gwen trailed off eventually, her weariness ultimately leaving her struggling for air. Somewhat embarrassed at her long rambling, the she wolf closed her maw and observed Corinna carefully, her gaze flicking back to Triell once or twice- had she blown her chances?

Words: 334 || Tags: @Triell & Corinna || Notes: <3

♥ NEVERTALE

Got permission to skip Triell from Switch for the next round or two to keep this moving. =) Cori is going for a muzzle grab, but it's up to you how Gwen reacts (let's her grab on or no).

Gone Tomorrow

Meeting new lone wolves seeking entrance to the pack was a rather routine affair. The names and the faces changed, but that was usually it. This one's name was Gwen, and staring down at the pale she-wolf, the leader couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before her scent faded from the land. There was nothing spectacular about the girl's story - just another wolf who had decided to leave home to find their own experiences. It seemed that it was chance that had brought her to Corinna's borders in particular, and that was it. A wolf's worthiness could not be determined by asking questions, no matter how much the weary leader wished it.

Corinna's gaze never left Gwen as the younger female answered the question given to her. When she had finished, Cori did not immediately answer but merely looked on, thinking. They had nothing to lose by it, and Gwen had everything to gain. Decision made, the mottled gray female took a step forward, followed by another until she had invaded Gwen's personal space. Corinna stood straight, her forelegs stiff and muscles straining with the tension of holding herself above Gwen. The goal being to get Gwen to lower herself closer, if not completely to, the ground. Reaching out with her muzzle, her black lips pulled back to display her teeth and she moved to grab Gwen's muzzle in her own in a muzzle grab, which was both an assertion of dominance and an acceptance of the girl into their ranks.