Sacred Grove It All Falls Down...

2 replies each - Rhysis, then Athena, then Ava then Naira again, Cori will wrap it up after Ava's second reply, naira will react, then we can all claim LP. Will try and get the claiming thread up this morning too but i'm on my phone so we'll see how i go.

<blockquote>They had spent the day at the charred remains of the giant tree before slinking home some time during the night. Since then they had always been within sight of each other. She was curled close to the large dark wolf, the moon was high in the sky, yet to begin it's downward decent to signify the sun was on its way. The tawny lady awoke with a start, eyes wide with realisation as she noted her slowly changing scent. They were out of time.

Rhysis was yet to inform her of his plans, and so she had already resigned herself to the life of a lone parent once the time came, knowing full well her pups chances at survival were slim. Sitting up slowly she nudged the dark male at her side gently, allowing her scent to wash over him first in the hopes his subconcious mind would recognise her smell before he lashed out at her. <b>"We have to leave. <i>Now...</i>"</b> she whispered urgently, well aware of what would eventuate if Corinna caught her quickly changing scent before morning.

Raising herself from his still half asleep form, she slunk from her den, happy to believe that if he didn't come now, he would be more than capable of catching her up. She couldn't stay here now, not a minute longer. She headed straight for the Wildwood. When the dark form following her veered off in a different direction she assumed he was splitting their scents so it wouldn't be discovered they had both left until later in the day. If only she knew.

She refused to flat out bolt from the place she had come to call her home, but that didn't mean she was going to casually stroll out either. Her ground eating pace covered the distance between her old den and the hidden tree before the moon had finished setting, and she waited. Hoping against hope that Rhysis would stalk forwards from the shadows soon, after all, he had said he would never leave her again. Her anxiety was beginning to build. What would she do if he didn't show up?</blockquote>

<blockquote>He felt someone nudging him. At first he thought he had been dreaming about it and ignored it, until the nudging grew more impatient and forceful. With a grunt, he opened one silvery eye and saw Naira standing by the entrance to the den they had slept together within. Around him, a variety of scents, plants and herbs dangled here and there, giving the den a sweet smell, but there was no mistaking Naira’s own musk in the mix. He hadn’t realised he’d been sleeping so well. Perhaps it was the mixture of herbs here, maybe purposely laid out to induce sleep, or perhaps it was because he was sleeping next to her. Either way he was awake now. He hadn’t quite caught what she said, but something had changed with in the den. It wasn’t the same place he had fallen asleep within. Something didn’t smell right...

<i>We have to leave. Now.”</i>. The words she had spoken came crashing back to him. He wasn’t sure why, he was not exactly well versed in what happened next but she was obviously panicked and he wasn’t going to doubt anything she said. In an instant, he was up on his feet and trailing out of the den. He escaped its boundaries just in time to see the silvery female slip into the shadows at a quick pace. Something was up, but it appeared the most important thing to do at this moment was to run.

Then it hit him. Like a ton of bricks. That smell. Her fleeing. She had conceived. <b>”Shit.”</b> he said out loud, a mixture of a cuss and a snarl. Panic settled into his skin. He didn’t know what to do, he wasn’t well versed in looking after pups. Of course, they were his, he was their father and was going to drag them up, but he was going to need help. His mind flashed through all of the faces he knew and settled on one. Athena. He thrust his head up and let a howl slip out into the night hair. He called to her. She had to be here, somewhere on the pack lands. Whilst they had kept their distance, it was best for their future plans, he was now calling her. The time to leave was now. He needed all of the help he could get. As soon as the message was sent he bolted after Naira. His long limbs eating the terrain behind him.

As the scents of the River wolves began to fade he paused again. He could smell Naira upon the air, but he couldn’t see her. He would track her down in a moment, but he had another wolf to call upon for help. Ava. Again, he threw his head pack and called her name within a howl. They had arranged to meet in these woods, but with Naira on the run he had to catch her first. She would have to find and follow his trail. As he fell silent he inhaled the air before he headed off in the direction Naira had left in. He had to track her down, calm her down... no, calm himself down. Shit he didn’t know what to do. All he knew was he had to find her and they had to leave these lands, tonight... right now.</blockquote>

(This post was last modified: Mar 26, 2012, 09:01 PM by Rhysis.)

The day was productive for the River wolf. She had patrolled the borders for half the day, then went in search for food, but came up with only a rabbit for a snack. By dusk, she had found her perch to watch the sunset; it was beautiful as usual. The birds were quiet by the time she reached her den on the east side of Sacred Grove. The white girl was already situated and comfortable in her beat down spot. Her delicate muzzle pointed towards the entrance of her small abandoned fox den. The land was dark and the only sounds that echoed through the dark land were the chirping crickets.

The lids of her soft amber eyes were almost sealed when a distressed howl rang out into the lands of the River wolves. It was directed specifically to her. Rhysis. He was desperately calling for her, for a reason he didn't say, but he knew what he wanted. It was time. Time for the creation of the pack. Springing up from her relaxed position, she sprinted out of her den and started to head dew west.

With her being on the east side of Sacred Grove, it would take a little bit before she would be able to make it to him. alerting him with a loud, unusually strong howl telling him she was on her way, she continued towards the Wildwood. Who would be the lead female that Rhysis is going to lead besides? The answer was unknown to Athena, but she hoped that whoever it was, was nothing like Hawke or Nina. Crazy bitches, she thought angrily. If he chose an unfit ruler, she might have to think twice about joining in the little pack of his.

The moon was still high in sky when she finally made it to the borders of Swift River. She paused for a moment, looking back at the marvelous lands; she could not help but feel guilty. The white lady will surely gain some unwanted enemies if she goes through with this, but she already gave Rhysis her word, so there was no backing down now. Indeed, she was grateful for the hospitality of Corinna and her pack, but now was her time to leave. Without saying goodbye and telling the regal lady her reason for leaving almost made Athena turn right back. Shaking her head, she continued forwards towards her future.

Two fresh scents caught her attention. Rhysis and Naira's scents were as clear as day in the night air. Naira? That's who he chose? Not that she had anything against the tawny female, but she just didn't seem like the type to be alongside Rhysis. Looks like not everyone is who he or she seems to be. She should know this, because she does this on purpose. Oh, well, at least she is not a crazy bitch.

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

There came the howl she had been long awaiting. Ava had been sure to hang around where she was first shown, and outside of a little exploaring a-here and a-there she had kept her promise quite famously. She had slept well, ate well, and drank well, and now that her name was flying on the wind, she was able to fly with it too. The female roused herself and took off at a quick lope toward the sound of the call. She could tell by the way it grew faint that Rhysis was on the move - the call would give her only a direction; she would have to use her nose to actually find him.

Swiftly the dark female fled the night, all senses fully alert. Whenever briefly she broke from the forest into the field, Ava would set out in a full out sprint until she was once more beneath the trees, where her pace settled somewhat. There was the scent of a pack closeby, so Ava was wary to appear suspicious or to even appear at all, which explained her pattern of movement. The female's body was stronger now and could withstand it; in fact, the hunting-borne female loved the thrill of the chase and strategic movement. Though her expression and care remained serious, there was an excitement in her amber eyes.

At last she saw, up ahead, the form of Rhysis on the move. Ava sped up to match his pace to hers, and followed him behind a several yards. A quick bark informed him she had found him, and was following the leader. Along the way she had not seen the white female who was also part of Rhysis' plan, although she had been on Ava's mind - not her specifically, of course. He had mentioned two others, both of whom she hadn't met, but she surely was to meet them soon.

art - threads

<blockquote>She had begun to pace in exactly the same place Rhysis had a few mornings before. Between them both they were wearing an almost unrepairable path of destruction about the base of the large tree. What was taking him so long? Almost resigning herself to leave, alone, the sound of approaching footsteps was enough to put her on edge. There was more than one of them, and they had the breeze on their side..

Taking the safer option, she retreated into the base of the hollowed charred tree, at least that way they couldn't attack her from behind. She was ready to fight for not only her life, but those that were already growing inside her.

From a split in the trunk she saw the three wolves approach. One was white, and two were black. Finally within sniffing distance, she recognised Rhysis's scent, and another familiar wolf, Athena... but the third she did not know. In her current stressed state, she was not in the best of moods and stalked forward from her hiding place, eyes for nobody but Rhysis. <b>"What is going on?"</b> she questioned quietly, clearly confused by the presence of two other females when they were meant to be fleeing for their lives.

It took a moment to dawn on her, exactly what it was he was planning. She didn't need his explanation. A simple bump to his cheek before walking forwards and greeting the two other females in a similar fashion. A small smile for the familiar female and welcoming warm one for the younger darker female. <b>"Naira.</b> she whispered in greeting. It was all they would have time for now. They may have jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, but at least they had each other.

<b>"We have to keep moving."</b> she said to nobody in particular, but aiming it at each and every one of the gathered, including herself. It was high time the conspirators made their way well beyond the reach of the soon to be gnashing teeth of the River wolves. For their own sakes they wanted to be well clear of the Wildwood by the time the sun finally broke the horizon.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Finally his female fell into view, pacing beneath the tree where this had all began. As he snaked from the shadows he walked up to her, strong, confident and bumped his head against her chin. A message of confidence and something more within it. Though outside he might be feeling certain, inside he was hoping that he would soon hear the tell tale signs of two other wolves joining them. Without them, this would all fall to pieces.
He didn’t have to wait long until his ears caught the thundering of paws. It was a monotonous sound, a rhythmic pounding upon the floor. With it came a gust of scent, alerting him that Ava was coming. He knew he could rely on the girl. His first impression of her had been right and as she came into view, looking a little healthier then she had before, though not too much, he had made the right choice in recruiting her. He offered her a small smile and a nod in greeting, but didn’t move from Naira’s side. Afterall, this was the first time they were all meeting and should anything go wrong, she would be the one he protected.

They didn’t have to wait long until the little white wolf arrived. Athena. He glanced towards Naira. He assumed she would recognise their fellow pack mate and hoped she wouldn’t feel worse about her leaving too. They were all going to be in big trouble for abandoning their pack. Whilst the pack had been forming, slowly, they could have done it the correct way. Thanked the leaders for their kindness, said their goodbyes and left... it had all changed with Naira’s scent. He couldn’t risk her staying there and she knew that. Sure, they could have just exiled the pair and he had his backup pack waiting of course, but they could also have attacked Naira and whilst he might be a warrior at heart, his logical head told him the odds of him fighting off at least 5 other wolves were slim. This was the best action to take, flee into the night and hope that they would get far enough away that the trackers would lose them.

He released a breath he didn’t realise he had been holding as Naira asked what was going on. The relief came as he saw her face change, realising just what was happening here. As she introduced herself he remained silent as the shadow. <b>”You know Athena.”</b> he then said, nodding his head in the direction of the little white wolf. <b>”And this is Ava.”</b> he said then offering a tilt in the skinny black wolf’s direction. <b>”They’ve been waiting for us... for you.”</b> he said, then looking at Naira. <b>”I was hoping to make this a little less dramatic but well, time doesn’t wait for any wolf.”</b>

Naira’s next comment was right. She was too panicked to small talk and she was right, they did need to get moving. <b>”We move as a group. I will lead, Naira I want you to follow me. Athena stick close to Naira and Ava you can take up the rear. You don’t have the scent of a River wolf and you may help to mask it.”</b> he said, then stepping forwards as he continued to speak with his strong, confident southern accent. <b>”We walk through every source of water we can find. We have to scatter our trail as best we can. They may come after us and we do not want to lead them to our new home.”</b> Though he hadn’t actually told anyone where it was yet. He wasn’t bothered about keeping it a surprise, but should one of these wolves change their mind along the way, he didn’t need them knowing about it. <b>”Let’s move.”</b> he said, before he tore off in the direction that the tall Riddle Heights loomed in. Within the darkness, he seemed almost invisible but his scent was as strong as his determination as he lead the wolves <i>home</i>.
</blockquote>

Her long legs ate up the land in no time. Rhysis's black form was in front of her while another black form came from her west. Taking in a deep breath, she made account of the smaller black form. She didn't know who she was, but she obviously must be another potential member. In the distance somewhere, the tawny female was waiting. Rhysis and the other female had made it to her and it didn't take long for the white lady to finally reach the group.

Slowing down to a gentle trot, she glanced behind her, hoping and praying there were no River wolves on their tails. They'd be surely outnumbered. All they had was a head start and if the River wolves followed them, they would not be able to take them all. She turned back to the group, silently greeting the two familiar wolves with a small smile. As Naira neared her and gave a gentle bump on the cheek, she returned the gesture with a gentle lick on her maw.

After the introduction from Rhysis, she finally learned the black female's name, Ava. Storing this in her mind, she focused back on to Rhysis's instructions. Nothing, too complicated, but if they failed, they may be lunch for the River wolves. The white girl again glanced behind her, making sure there were no followers. Seeing none, she turned back and nodded, understanding the plan. She'd stay by Naira, while Rhysis took the lead and Ava covered their scents. Good enough plan, hopefully it worked.

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

Ava followed Rhysis and the unknown white female to what she assumed was some form of designated meeting spot, slowing her gait the closer they got and finally coming to stop a respectful distance from her future packmates. The tawny female's warm, unwary smile, coupled with the short yet affectionate greeting Rhysis bestowed upon her gave Ava the understanding that this was her other leader - the alpha female. At her introduction, the black female lifted her maw and nodded, a polite smile along her dark lips. Naira. Atheana. Her amber eyes showed a certain steadiness within them - she was a loyal wolf, and the meeting of the new pack instilled the desire to be ever so more into the fiber of her being.

Since the other three had all already been acquainted, she felt a certain need to listen closely and obey completely, to prove to them she had any worth at all. The black female knew she held skill, but they didn't, which had her more ready to prove it. Her tail twitched with anticipation as she took in the game plan, finding it wise and strategic to put her in the rear. Ava almost felt a sense of pride as the caboose - she would keep guard while being their cover as well. Her company all smelled of the territory nearby - it was clear they were ditching their pack, and as she had once ditched out herself, she knew it'd be unfortunate news to be caught.

Ava fell into position as they took off. She felt more certain about the destination this time, though she still knew now where they were going.

art - threads

OOC: I think Fenrir wanted to have Ice post here once as well. =)

Gone Tomorrow

The shifting of scents did not go unnoticed by the female leader of the River wolves. Her own body had begun its subtle changes. They had mystified her, in the previous year, but now that she knew what it was, she couldn't help but smile to herself. New life was being brought into the world inside of her. In a few months, she would take to her den, a prisoner to her newborns as she nursed them solidly throughout the day and night. During that time, control of the pack's hierarchy would fall to Naira. Or at least, it was supposed to.

Corinna's scent was not the only one to have changed. It had been slight at first, over the past couple of days, barely noticeable. In all honesty, Corinna had believed it to be her own scent that was changing, signifying to the pack that their leaders were strong and healthy. But when the howl came in the night, the baritone voice of Rhysis, calling for Athena, the green-eyed she-wolf had also been roused from her den and into the night. It was just a suspicion at first, and she had no desire to accuse without proof. But she was not one to question her instincts, and there was a nagging feeling that something had gone wrong.

Quick to hustle towards the borders, the scents of Rhysis and Naira grew stronger. In the wind, she caught the scent of Athena, the female who had been accepted under Naira's recommendation. Eyes narrowing, she noted with growing worry the peculiarity of the Second's scent. But worry was rapidly being outpaced by rage, and the faster she ran, the noisier she became, the growls starting softly but growing to become a full blown snarl. Not an idiot by any means, Corinna had realized what the scent was. A direct challenge to her leadership, the newest member of the River pack and her Second had bred. She had wondered....they had seemed comfortable around one another, more so than natural when Rhysis had been greeted at the border. But the betrayal was quick to cut across that observation as another became blatantly obvious. Athena had mentioned an affinity for pups. Throwing a sharp howl to the sky as she ran, Corinna increased her pace. Not only a direct challenge, but the stealing away of pack members from the pack that had provided them shelter - it was a crime, and one that would not go unpunished.

Crossing the borders, she plunged after them, well aware that whatever headstart they had would put them far out ahead of her. She wasn't even sure she wanted to catch them, but instinct was driving her, fueling the fire. It felt like hours, but the Grove felt like an endless expanse. She found them, alright, the scents of Rhysis and Naira. But their physical selves had long since disappeared, and all for the better. Pulled up to her full height, fur raised in a straight line along her back, Corinna Tainn looked a force to be reckoned with. Coming to a stop in a temporary patch of trees, she flung her head back. "Betrayer." It was a violent howl, her normal calm alto sliding in the screeching ranges of a soprano. Whatever Rhysis and Naira had planned was sure to end miserably, and in her rage, Cori couldn't help but let them know it. "It's funny how loyalty is such a temporary thing. You took them from me, how difficult will it be for somebody else to take them from you? You have no family here, and rest assured, you will find none." Throwing the last few notes into the air, she finally quieted. Poised in the half-light of the oncoming dawn, bristling and shaking, there was a brief moment of an emotion beyond rage. Once again, Corinna Tainn had been abandoned by the ones she had trusted, and while they might not know it, their actions would cause a permanent shift in the gray furred leader.

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the   ICE breaks. There was still a couple of hours of darkness left, not the absolute cover of a cloudy winter night, but lit with stars and moonlight - a predator's eyes easily pierced the gloom, though. Stargazing had driven the large male out of a covered den, but at some point in the night he'd grown tired and simply slept where he was, sprawled on his side in a clearing. He wasn't certain what had woken him, for it had not been any sound, but it was.. something. Even though his breath pooled like a white cloud into the air and rose without a hurry, even though the birds slept and everything else slept too, he felt restless; anxiety built inside him like a choking pressure. A cool night wind sighed among the trees, and the large male blinked in the dark, one pale paw twitching as he waited, listened, held his breath. It was definitely the calm before the storm, but whether it would be a physical storm or simply a metaphor, he was far from certain of. His wait was brought to an end when a howl rang out across the Grove, calling for Athena, a wolf who had called the River home for a very short time. The world took on a new clarity as adrenaline spiked his blood, and with eager eyes Ice hauled himself to his feet. Why on earth would Rhysis call, a call filled with urgency, for Athena in the middle of the night? Something was afoot, and he didn't like it. It unnerved him.. it was unnatural. Every sense alert, Ice let his eyes pierce the night. They were far away, and probably had good reason, but... His heart hammered, pulse like a steady war drum; his lungs worked, air rushing, being sampled, analyzed. He couldn't put his paw on it, but the entire spring night smelled wrong. Anxiety came flooding back in, indecision on its tail, and the River wolf keened to himself, fidgeting. What to do? Investigate? Or just go back to sleep? Fat chance... Frustration threw itself into the mix, and Ice's teeth ground together. A rapidly approaching Corinna made up his mind for him; he smelled her, then heard her, then saw her... and wished he hadn't. Her green eyes were flaming, teeth bared as snarls ripped themselves from her throat, and Ice flinched to the side, ducking as she charged past. Something had her thoroughly upset, and granted her direction... Ice cursed, tossing his heavy frame into frantic motion and sped after her, long legs stretching out to their full capacity as he tried to catch up with her - impossible, though. She was faster, and soon she was out of sight, but he didn't let off anyway. Confused and uncertain, his heart roaring in his ears, Ice kept racing through the spring night, trying to sort out the mess and unable to come up with something that made sense. Eventually, yet another howl split the night and nearly sent him tripping with its suddenness. It was definitely Corinna's voice, but it was uncontrolled, graceless, ugly; so many emotions had been crammed into that one word, that it had turned into a mess. Finally it all made sense, and it sliced through his heart like a sharp knife. Naira and Rhysis had gone behind Corinna's back, and conceived. Now, they had run, taking Athena with him. And Corinna... was she pregnant too? Had she and Indru managed to spend some time together before he disappeared to wherever? As the female leader came into view, howling her rage to the stars, Ice slowed to a trot. Harsh breaths slammed out of his lungs, and he blinked away spots that danced before his eyes. Damn, they'd.. they'd truly left. Only now did the emotions roll in in the wake of the storm - confusion, betrayal, anger, hurt. Naira.. she'd seemed better then this. How could she have done this to Corinna? And Corinna... just looking at her made his heart spasm in pain. What they had done to her... that was enough to make him see red. A howl lacking words but overflowing with emotions ripped the silence apart again, fury and sorrow blending together in his strong voice. They would not be welcome here again.. not for what they'd done to her. Slowly, Ice approached the lone female, gently touching his nose to her hip, then her shoulder, then her cheek, nudging the corner of her mouth. "I had thought better of her then this," he said, so softly it was barely more than a breath. Overwhelming emotions still rolled through him, scents and implications running amok, and he found himself unable to disentangle it all. Sighing tiredly, he looked aside for a moment, before fixing his gaze in the vicinity of Corinna's head. He could barely think straight, his head was a mess, but he needed to hear it - to hear it as truth from the only one who could possibly know. "But tell me true," he began slowly, cautiously. "Will Swift River have any pups this year..?" A merited question with Indru so scarce since the snows began to melt, a question brought into painful clarity with this rogue couple breaking free from their pack; a question he still wasn't sure why he asked. .ice aesir

(This post was last modified: Mar 31, 2012, 08:37 AM by Ice.)

let the stars above shine in your soul