Drooping Willows Guardian of Faith

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Time had been ticking, sunrise by sunrise as Tempest and him had been looking for their younger brother. It had been awhile and still. . .no sign had turned up. The young female Narimé from Willow Ridge had mentioned his brother and he had gladly, in an odd sort of way, enjoyed talking to her. Even if his speaking had been limited. She had succeeded in annoying him slightly though. . .just, she talked too much. . Yes that was it, she talked to much. As the days had passed he had grown further apart from his sister, traveling, though still trying to keep his eyes on her. It had been hard for him to let her go, but he had wanted to join that pack for some time. . .his curiosity easily overriding him.

He hadn’t expected to find the borders the way he did though. . .he just happened to be strolling along when the scent of borders made his paws stop moving and he was instantly rearing back, as if an invisible force were blocking him out of the area. Guiness did not like trespassing, it was against his own laws in his churning brain. He huffed slightly as his nose twitched at the scent. Well, well, well, if it wasn’t the Willow Ridge borders he had run into.

Decisions ran through his head as he paced the border, keeping ways away from the edge of it as he stared into the area. He gave a long sigh. . .he knew he would have to do it right now. It didn’t matter though, he knew this would most likely make him happy. To have his loyalty glued in one place and once place only. Hesitantly, he stopped his pacing, sat his rump down(still quite far away from the border) and let out a deep howl, asking for one of the alphas. He wondered if the pack had pups though. . .breeding season had ended a few months ago, hadn’t it?

Pillar of Strength

The call was bellowing, deep and powerful as the man whom voiced it. She smelt him far before she padded up close enough to see him and when she did, he was easily enough spotted. He was a beast, a mammoth stronger then her leading Guardian, Remy, and by far towering the size of even Koda, her lead and strongest of the men within her pack by size alone, that is. He held creams, blacks, and reds. The reds of his tone reminded her of the brightness in Reed's own timber coloring, causing a frown to pull at her lips. Where was Reed? Where was Remy, Koda? For too long she had been telling herself that Reed had been devoting much of his time to the patience and waiting of fishing. Remy was a woman whom distanced herself from the pack, merely watching the boarders and doing as she was told. She understood their nature. But Remy was to watch the boarders and Elettra could not recall a single time she had met Remy along side a rogue at the boarders looking to join, unlike Shade, Gabrielle and Nairme had done on numerous occasions. And Koda? The friendly man was always about, her partner, but he too was fading. Elettra was seemingly alone in her leadership, and she had not her seconds to back her up ether. She grew weary, but she would not allow an ounce of this to cross her face, should it be seen as weakness on her part.
She stares at him moments more, a tank surely to crush anything under his weight alone, without even the need for tooth or claw. He was something to be seen, not heard, as surely the intimidation of him being there was enough for any wolf to go packing. But stamina for this mass power? For speed? Surely Elettra could run circles around him for hours, but would not allow herself to risk being on the male's bad side should she ever get caught by his awaiting jaws. She nears the beast furthermore, finding herself arcing around him in a circle as she studied him in silence - and then: "You called?" She asks simply, the dark woman still arcing around him form before stopping before his front in wait.

<blockquote>There would be no glorious return, that much Remy was sure of.

Such negligence would never go unpunished under her watch - and she fully expected the wraith of her ebon leader to fall upon her head upon whatever whim she chose. As tall as she carried herself the Geddes woman was not untouchable. Those hands which could scar belonged to a select few only, and she had managed to royally piss off one of those select few - that much she was entirely sure for.

The marks on her pelt were still visible - those mountains were not kind to her; they never were. It was embarrassing enough to have gotten lost within their depths, somewhere far enough away that she could not find the scent of that mountain pack any more - and now she would have to suffer the humiliation of her leader's utter disappointment, which was far worse than if she had met death at the hands of stone. One thing was for sure: Remy had a place amongst the Willows and she had been gone from her post for far too long. As much as she was not looking forward the the whooping of her most beloved Leader, she could not stay away another moment. She straightened her spine and pushed her weary legs on.

And her aforementioned pride did not falter, at least not upon her face, as she approached the scene. The pristine white of her forelegs was blemished by dried blood which was at the very least a testament that wherever she had been it was not a paid vacation; her lips would not shed the exact details, at least not yet, for as she finally approached the willows two scents became very apparent to her: Elettra's, and that of a rogue. A siesta was certainly not deserved by the woman, and with a stranger in her Leader's presence she would die before taking one. Despite the tire in her muscles she continued on, feeling the willow's fingers trail across her spine until the two figures came in to view.

Her pawsteps slowed as she rounded the two wolves, coming alongside and slightly behind Elettra in silence. Her frost-coated eyes did not approach the royal woman; she did not dare envoke her anger, yet. For now the stranger would know nothing of her temporary disappearance - he would see only their united front as it was meant to be. Any exchange of conversation had been missed by the female - whether Elettra and this newcomer were on good terms she could not tell. So without a moment's waste she let her tail rise high - not higher than the Queen's - and fell her ice-cold gaze upon the male. The wear could be seen upon her body, but her expression held differently. She was here to protect; late, but here anyway. </blockquote>

The call that echoed across the lands was beckoning the Leaders of the pack – thus far, Phineas had only encountered Elettra, and had yet to meet her mate. His own arrival to Willow Ridge had included a few of its residents, and without hesitation, the ivory male trailed forward along the borders he had been scouting. He wasn’t far off from the cry, and if an extra hand was needed, he was certain to make his presence known.

It took him only moments, but it seemed others had been swifter than he. His fiery eyes stole over the tawny and red male, noting the size of the rogue and feeling weary; perhaps it had been best that he show up.. not that he believed the lady Elettra to need help from anyone. She seemed feisty enough.

Another she-wolf was in her presence and Phineas withheld an amused smirk. My, the dark lady certainly had enough body guards. His expression falling blank, the frosted wolf trailed to stand just behind both she-wolves, his eyes fixated now upon the beast of a wolf before them, not speaking. He was simply here to ensure nothing happened.

http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/230/6/f/6fdf36f22e24f95e36c07739cb8591a2-d5bkwky.jpg) bottom center no-repeat #003377; outline: 5px solid #003377; border: 1px solid #fff;" valign="top"> With her mind set on getting back to the pack Narimé spaired no time in getting to the border. She had spent all of yesterday and half the night over at Iridescent Lagoon for her own reasons. She was specifically looking for her friend Sloane. The young female wanted to talk to him about everything that had happened so far, news about her father, and about her pack. However the silvery wolf did not see hhim during this visit. She was beginning to doubt whether he would visit or not. But then again I haven't visited the Lagoon recently either so he might have visited a few times, saw that I wasn't there, and then left. She felt bad about not visiting more often, but it did take time to get to the beautiful waterscape. Plus she had lots of pack stuff to do like hunting and everything. Nearing the border Nari paused as a howl pierced the air. It was close. The howl ended near the border and was most likely calling for the alphas. However the deep male howl had sounded very familiar to the silvery young woman. Almost like Sloanes voice, but not quite. However she knew she'd heard that voice before. Narimé loped along towards the border where the sound had come from. When the young wolf got to the site she was greeted by the sights of her packmates and the fur of a familiar rusty, cream, and gray coat. Padding closer Narimé dipped her head in greeting to Elettra first, then to Remy. When she got to Phineas Nari smiled warmly but nipped his nose softly telling him she was had higher dominance compared to the new guy. Then turned to watch what was going on. She smiled seeing Guinness and flicked her ears in greeting.<b style="color:#FFFFFF">"Hey Guinness!" She barked happily then waited to see whether he was just visiting or joining. The fact that Elettra was there told her that he was joining but Nari kept quiet anyway. She didn't want to but in if she wasn't needed.

code by bryony

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He watched silently far away from the borders, when soon another large shape came into view. It had not taken long for his call to be heeded and answered, and time was something that the massive male kept in mind greatly. His golden amber eyes took in the female in front of him silently, his head lowering in greeting to the obvious pack member of Willow Ridge. He was, by far, quite larger than her in size, though he tried making it to the point where he looked slightly smaller than he was out of a sign of respect. As she approached he took not of how she carefully walked around him in circles, as if evaluating him. He stood, still as a statue, as she did so. When her voice rang in his ears, they twitched and his eyes turned to her. Getting straight to the point. . .he liked this, less talking on his part. And from her words, it seemed she would be the alpha?

His mouth opened and a small grunt noise escaped his mouth. Annoyed with himself his mind cursed at him. He hadn’t used his voice in quite some time and now his vocal cords were getting back at him for it. He tried once again, two words making their way out of his throat. They were lowly grunted, though just loud enough for the female to hear, "Pack. Join." He huffed, proud with himself for the way he had formed his own words. His eyes watched the other female, though when other paw steps alerted him of their presence, his head whipped in the direction of the noise. Another large wolf, though still, not as large as himself, stepped in the clearing. His head dipped in respect to her as well, becoming quite comfortable in his area. . .until of course, others arrived.

His eyes roamed the small male upon his arrival, still disappointed with the fact he hadn’t met any wolves larger than himself. All the little wolves running beneath his paws. . .how fun this could turn out to be. When a familiar voice and face came into view he was happy with what she had to say. It made it to the point of where he might not have to speak so much anymore. He briefly nodded his head to the talkative girl as he took in all of the unfamiliar faces. It was then he became slightly uncomfortable. One of his large massive paws crept its way backwards, tucking into his chest as his golden amber eyes watched them. There were so many wolves here. . .this might be something he would have to get used to.

Pillar of Strength

He hesitated, opening his mouth and a series of gruff noises echoing his mug before he manages to speak, two simple words which leaves Elettra to nod in understanding of the small statement of which he had made. It became very obvious to her the lack of speech which he used, perhaps by long travel on his own without the need to talk, or perhaps that he just simply preferred not to talk at all, using the mass of his body to due the talking for him most of his life. Though she was certain of what he wanted, she did not plan on allowing him to simply come into her home with just those words alone. If he wanted in, he would be working for him.
Her mouth opens, the dark woman ready to speak yet again until the arrival of another stirs her, her attention snapping into the direction of the other wolf: Remy. Though she is her second and first made Guardian of her pack, it pains her that it comes as a shock to her that she is here. Though Willow Ridge's creation, she had not once been in the presence of Remy during a rogue's arrival to the boarders. It makes her wonder, in all honesty, how she had kept her placement within the pack for so long and could only assume it to be by her size alone which kept any challengers at bay. Elettra had forever longed the woman to be close to her side. As both a Guardian and both a second, Remy was to not only watch over the lands but watch over Elettra's placement within the pack, to insure that both were safe. Elettra's pale cold gaze burned into Remy for a moment, though given the time and place, said nothing.
By then, another showed, a newer member of the pack whom already had proven to show initiative: Phineas. Still, the lightness of his pelt reminded her of home and the stories of the old code. However, the fire of his gaze reminded her that he was surely not marred by the traditions of her family's upkeep. That is, of course, until her mother had risen to run the show. Next then, was Narime. Still the youth within the lands, but growing into the full height of her large frame more and more each day and with it, came a pride and knowledge of her placement within this pack, all of which she had worked hard for and deserved. Soon, she would not be some simple yearling.
When Narime speaks, it is with acknowledgement of the wolf whom had come to these lands and it is with wonder if Guiness decided to join by an idea of Narime, as Elettra had assumed Phineas had gotten the idea from Roselia, and Roselia from Shade. "it is very obvious of where your skills lie...." She speaks, as her eyes roam the length of the man in both height and girth. She had seen quite a few large men in her time - Angier was quite the sizable man. Koda was large and imposing and even Phineas settled behind her was tall, cut and chiseled in fine caliber of the battlefield. But this beast? Though surely slow and bulky, was like the Hulk. Though he had not by far the capabilities of catching his prey, should his victim come close, he had very much the ability to destroy with one simple SMASH. He was a fitting Guardian, perhaps not to chase off the prey, but even something to act as a Body Guard personally, to intimidate trespassers from even thinking of doing the act of trespassing. "But why Willow Ridge? I want to know it all - if it is simply that this is the first pack you crossed, or if it is true devotion for this pack you seek. ...Or, a home for winter's purpose." Already, he seemed a man of action and little words, though she longed to yank words from his throat now, if only this once. Already the pack was large and overwhelming in members. The Hunters were working hard and those whom did not hold the main task of hunting were being pushed to help in order to feed the new members. If he was going to join, she damn well wanted to know it was worth the effort.

<blockquote>Elettra's stare came just as she had expected it. For something so cold it burned quite deep, but Remy did not recoil from it - this was deserved. Briefly, she averted her gaze and folded her red ears to her skull: <i>message received</i>. While the matter was not settled, both were women of business, so she followed suit and returned her attention the the guargantuan visitor. The wolf was an enjoyable discovery. He was perhaps larger than her - at such a distance he seemed her size, even bulkier, which certainly pleased Remy. Size was not maybe the most important factor of Guardianship but it sure was aesthetically pleasing to have a mass of massive wolves guarding the border, now, wasn't it? His polite greeting sufficed for now, though she was almost surprised to receive it. It seemed every wolf in the Lore chose friendliness over wariness which was an unwise tactic for survival but apparently prefeffered none the less. His common courtesy pulled Remy in a kinder direction - though she did not know if her opinion would have any pull with Elettra today.

For a moment her green eyes flashed at the arrival of another, but she knew there was no way a stranger would be at their backs. The wolf had arrived from within the packland and his pale fur was marked with the scent of Willow Ridge. Remy did not find his appearance entirely surprising - the border she'd crossed had been marked with many a new scent embedded with the familiar ones. The growth of the pack had not stopped for her pitfall through the mountain trails - more wolves to receive her <i>proper grooming</i>. This, of course, was good. With more than enough to keep her busy she could find no more time to get lost - <i>excellent</i>, in fact. But it seemed he was content to hang back, and Remy was content to allow it.

Just when she thought the party was all gathered did Narime arrive. To the dip of her head Remy returned a slight lower of her chin - a friendly greeting without removing her dominant stature. Then her lilac gaze fell upon their visitor and the familiar nature of the huntress appeared - much to Remy's discontent. She could not help but wrinkle her nose to some small degree as a friendly greeting bounced from Narime. The Mackenzie-blooded female turned her head slightly to glare at the grey she-wolf from the corner of her eye. There was a certain set of manners to be displayed at the borders - and her greeting didn't particularly fall underneath the category. Regardless, Elettra returned the setting to the proper tone and Remy allowed her attention to follow suit. After all, she was quite curious of the answer as well, and though she rarely put her faith in anything she somehow anticipated a pleasing reply. </blockquote>

With his gaze fixated upon the stranger, the ivory male just noticed a flash of silver as a young wolf came upon them. Phineas allowed his eyes to drift over to the girl, regarding her as she moved closer to him. She was young – and when the Yearling made to dominate him the male curled his lips back in a silent snarl, his teeth flashing at her as he made to softly correct her with a nip of his own to her muzzle, his own head lifting. New to the pack, Phineas was still not going to let a wolf who had not even reached sexual maturity attempt to claim rank over him.

His gaze flickered back out to the male before him, a large wolf – yet so was he. Emotionless, Phineas’ ear shifted to the sound of his Leader’s voice, and the pale wolf remained ever silent and ever vigilant. His presence right now was simply to watch, and to interrupt and defend should the cause arise, though it seemed the stranger meant no harm.

Elettra's words were expected, and the ivory Argyris regarded the wolf in question as he awaited an answer. It seemed the male was of few words, and he was intrigued as to how he would respond.

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/291/b/a/naritabletwo_by_terra_anne-d5i6qdf.jpg) top center no-repeat #02345e; outline: 5px solid #003377; border: 1px solid #fff;" valign="top"> Nari was only slightly annoyed by Phineas rebuttal but she knew that she couldn't be above him yet. The girls annoyance turned to an amused grin and with a wagging tail she licked the white males chin playfully. It was nice to still be thought of as a pup. For too long had she taken care of herself before she found Elettra and Willow Ridge. Sometimes though rarely, she did forget her real age. Especially since she was catching meals for herself and the pack already at an age where most yearlings would only be learning to hunt with the pack. Narimé returned her focus to Elettra and Guinness. If he was joining she would be glad to perhaps hunt with him sometime. Maybe let him open up to her so she could try to learn some more about his past as well as perhaps his siblings pasts. It would be good to have another close friend within the pack instead of being on edge with the rest of her packmates most of the time. Narimé listened quietly waiting for Guinness to speak. She knew he didn't speak much and even if she did want to help him the silvery wolf wouldn't be able to speak for him. She hoped that Elettra could see past his quietness to the real guardian inside. Just then out of no place Remy appeared. Narimé was surprised to see the second since the gray lady had been oddly absent from pack activities as of late. The young wolf dipped her head politely to the second though eyeing her with a suspicious look. Besides even if she did speak up about it number one, she didn't have that much evidence on knowing if she was missing or perhaps always checking borders, and number two no one would listen to a yearling. So she stayed quiet, at least until Remy gave her a death stare after Nari greeted Guinness. <b style="color:#FFFFFF">"What was wrong with that!?" She growled low but kept her head and tail down in submission. She tried to stay quieter since business was going on with the alpha a few feet away on the border. Elettra didn't seem to have a problem when I greeted Guinness. So why did Remy have to be irked by it? Narimé frowned and her tail twitched annoyed to the side.