Drooping Willows Family Matters...

<blockquote>Tempest sighed. She'd been away from Guiness for several days and she was worried about him. She had started venturing farther from him in her search for Sloane. She had sensed his growing discontent with traveling and his need to set down roots. She had returned from her latest venture to find him gone from where she had left him. <i>Wonderful. Now she was missing two brothers!</i> At least Guiness' scent was strong and easily tracked.

Without a second thought, she left the impromptu denning site and loped in the direction that his trail led. As the musk of her bear of a brother grew stronger, she also began to detect other wolves. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that she was nearing the borders of a pack. A strong one if the myriad of perfumes was an indicator. This was where Guiness' trail led so this must be where he had taken up residence. There was no sign of a battle or bloodshed of any kind and she felt herself relax. He was still missing, but it appeared as if he was at least whole.

Not wanting to trespass, Tempest was careful to stay just outside of the borders. She needed to see Guiness though. If he had chosen to put down roots here, then so be it. Perhaps she too would join if they would have her, but she could not rest yet, until Sloane was found. With that final thought, Tempest raised her russet muzzle to the heavens and called for her brother. Then she set forth another howl, requesting the presence of the leaders of the pack. If Gui was here and was to stay, she truly wanted to meet them. If he was not, then she would aplogize for bothering them and continue on her search, only for two brothers, rather than just one. </blockquote>

The Calm in the Storm

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Shade was patrolling the borders as usual. He'd just gotten use to the male Guiness being there without this sister. But then it hit him, the familiar scent. "Tempest is that you?" He asked, walking out and actually seeing her now. "It is you! I assume that your here to talk to Guiness right?" He asked, did Guiness really not tell anyone had noticed that she called for him and the leaders. If Koda and Elettra were to make an appearence, did that mean she wanted to join? Or was she just wanting to talk to her brother. But if so, why call for the leaders?

He looked at her, it almost looked like she was worried. Shade assumed before that Guiness hadn't left his sister hanging and just suddenly left without a word. Now Shade wasn't too sure. He studied the fae, she seemed healthy so she was taking care of herself. Had she followed Guiness scent here? Or had she stumbled upon here and noticed his smell? Either way, it was good to see her again, last time they'd met, Guiness was over protective.

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It hadn’t been long since Guiness had joined Willow Ridge and though he wasn’t one to like a large crowd, he found himself already enjoying the time spend here. He now had a place to put his loyalties down and hard, with never ending confidence and courage. Though he was pleased to see that alpha female was not someone who beat around the bush, many of the others just talked. . .way too much. Mainly Narimé, the small girl of whom he had met awhile ago, the first lead he had to his brother. The massive man had finally had enough of traveling and settled down, with a pack of who he knew slightly of and had a few friend. . .though he wasn’t quite sure if they were friends or not yet, perhaps acquaintances.

Today, however, was not a day for his own thoughts, for his large paws were taking him around the borders again, for another round of marking the already strongly marked borders. When a meeting had been called a little whiles ago, he had been quite shocked to see how large the pack was, but when he first came to the borders, he now knew why they were so strong. His own pelt now strongly resembled the scent on the borders and yet he had only been here for a short while. It was quite a shocking thing, be accepted and prove yourself. . .and that he would do for his lady.

Not too soon after he had made his way to some of the borders, was a howl lifted from the heavens. Upon instant reaction, his paws sped up and his strong muscles flexed beneath his pelt. He didn’t even have to think about who the call was from, it was his sister, Tempest. He had not been shocked to see that she had followed his scent, for he had made sure to leave it strongly for her to follow it. He had felt bad about leaving her unprotected but his own instinct and nerves had been telling him to settle down somewhere, and so. . .he had,

When he arrived he was not shocked to see one of the other members had already arrived, and Gui quickly dipped his head while pinning his ears in submission before turning to his sister. Words were exchanged or rather. . .given out by Shade, while Guiness just stood there, offering a brief nod to his sister, his golden amber eyes watching her wearily as she stood away from the borders. Had she succeeded in finding Sloane?? If so. . .then perhaps she could join in the ranks in Willow Ridge. He wouldn’t mind having someone to communicate for him since he wasn’t much of a talking. It would save him much of a hassle and most importantly, it made sure he could ensure her own safety.

Pillar of Strength

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"> With her spirits a bit higher Narimé trotted through the territory. Their family was so big now she had to hunt everyday and still the caches always seemed to look low. Perhaps she would find Rosealia, Skana, or Shade and go out on a hunt with them. If they could bring back a deer that would definately fill up the caches for at least a few days. Or maybe a day with all of the new mouths to feed. she snorted. Most of the wolves that had come were making themselves guardians and she almost never saw them hunting. Just checking borders day and night. Narimé was fine with them doing their job but once in a while it would be nice if the guardians actually helped the hunters bring back some larger food items instead of groundhogs, fish, and fawns. The only time she ever saw the guardians hunting was during big pack hunts. It kinda sucked for her because normally she would be up and active doing her job. Lately now she was worn out and tired after hunting everyday. Maybe we need a few more hunters and not messengers or guardians. She sighed inwardly as she padded closer and closer to the border. Dad would have been helping me.. She growled low and shook her mane trying to rid herself of the thought. The youth had been able to push the sad thoughts about her father to the back of her mind by keeping herself busy. Ever since she'd returned to Willow Ridge from Poison Path territory Nari was plagued by memories of her father and bad dreams that woke her at night. She truly hoped that her packmates did not wake up hearing her whimpering in her sleep for the past week. Stop thinking about it and go hunt Nari. She told herself this but her paws told her different. They were tired and she thought honestly to herself that she wouldn't be able to catch much of anything today. A howl to her left caught the silvery females ears. Pausing she turned her body to the direction of the sound and listened. Nari knew this howl. It was Tempest, or at least she was fairly sure that it was Guiness sister that was calling from farther down the border. Quickly Narimé began trotting towards where the howl had come from. The scents of the border swam through her nose. Scents of wind, water, and willows. Then the scents of three wolves reached her nose. Guiness, Shade, and Tempest scents made Nari's nose twitch. She glided along pausing when she finally came into sight of the two russet, cream and gray wolves. Turning her head she also spotted Shade with his blackish form standing calmly next to the border. Stepping forward Narimé dipped her head and greeted Shade correctly then did the same with Guiness. Thesilvery yearling stepped to the side of the three and smiled barking a low greeting to Tempest.<b style="color:#FFFFFF">"So what's up guys?" She looked around first to Tempest then to Shade and Gui. Her blue eyes were curious and she did have other questions but Nari kept quiet. Something was going on here. Maybe Tempest had found Sloane? Narimé sincerely hoped for that. With no word from him for a long while the girl was getting quite worried about him.

She moved with the shadows of her home, the length of the willows branches bended to her will to brush along the length of her backside, causing the hairs to prickle and rise. She licked at the rimming of gray at her lips, her silky black ears twitching to the new harmony of howl as she approached it with mild curiosity tough little else more. Already, the Willow Ridge was strong as can be and pushing the very limits with it's members. They held strength in their different sizes for strength and speed and balance and stamina, as well as their rounded interests of scouting, advisory, hunting, fighting, fishing and more... Hunting was not only hard due to the winter, but due to the size of members which it held, pushing members whom otherwise mastered in another task to aid the hunters when they could to supply them all with what they needed. They would hold secure boarders against other hungry predators and would keep well warm with the many of them, preventing frost-bite and illness. But food would always be the hardest game to play.
Now that another had come to the boarders, Elettra was skeptical. Each step was flowing and true as the poise of her gaze and as she came to them, her silvery pale attention swept over the group slowly - the youngest still of the pack and one of it's skilled hunters, as well as Shade, a guardian, doing what he did best as boarder patrol. For the time being, she says nothing, for she has answered the woman's call and allows her to speak of what she willed now that Elettra was here.

<blockquote>Tempest was somehow not surprised with the speed that her call was answered. Somehow she knew that this wolf family would be at the top of their game. It wasn't Guiness that first met her, but it was a familiar face. A smile lit her face as he inquired about her reason for visiting. <b>"Yes, Shade, exactly so. Is he near?"</b> Almost as the words left her mouth, his great hulking form appeared. She quirked an eyebrow as he displayed his respect to Shade. It wasn't so long ago that he'd been prepared to rip the very same wolf to shreds to protect her if need be.

He looked content though, more at peace. His gaze seemed to worry about her reaction to his decision. She gave him a beautiful smile and nuzzled the side of his face affectionately. <b>"It is good to see you safe and happy, Brother."</b> She truly meant it, but at the same time a peice of heart broke that they would be apart, at least until she found Sloane. They had been inseparable for so long it would truly be strange not to have him at her back.

Then another wolf showed up and Tempest's smile grew even bigger. The younger woman greeted the others with the proper respect and then barked a greeting to her. <b>"Hello, Narime'! It is good to see you again. Both of you!"</b> she ammended, tipping her head at Shade, amber eyes lit with pleasure at seeing the two again. Although she and Guiness had been traveling alone for a long time now, Tempest craved the company of other wolves and these new friendships were quite welcome. Thoughts of returning once her quest was done spun in her head and she knew that she'd be back if she was welcome.

With that thought, yet another fae presented herself. There was no doubt in her mind that this was the leadess. Her regal bearing and inquiring look spoke volumes of her status as she silently appraised Tempest. A slight flutter of nervousness overcame her, but it was gone quickly. Her own confidence in herself shown through, although she dipped her head respectfully at the grand lady, appraising the other fae's dark forn with her own bright amber eyes and seeing no weakness. A strong leadess for her brother then... a good sign.

Her voice ringing with confidence and purpose, she answered the leadess' unspoken questions. <b>"I am Tempest Thorben, littermate to Guiness." </b> She angled her gaze briefly towards her brother, but the family resemblance was hard to miss. <b>I wished to assure myself that he was safe, as I must continue for a bit to find our other brother, Sloane."</b>
</blockquote>

(This post was last modified: Nov 06, 2012, 12:08 PM by Tempest.)

The Calm in the Storm

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Shade saw so many things happen at once. First Tempest responded, then Guiness showed up. Then Nari, who apparently knew Tempest as well. Then Elettra after Nari asked what was up. Shade all in all was confused with what happened around him. "It's nice to see you again. How have YOU been?" He asked, his eyes calm, it was a Guardians job to be stone cold. But he knew Tempest to not be a threat. No, Tempest was like family. Shade was like Guiness' brother because they shared a pack. Tempest was Guiness' sister. He gave a respectful bow to Elettra, as he had always done when it came to her arrivals.

He thought about all that had happened. He talked with Nina, and Koda. He knew the deception that Koda and Elettra truly were not mates. They pretended to be it seemed though. Koda was Nina's mate. All the talk confused him slightly. He wanted to serve his pack to the best, so he figured not to bring it up. His eyes had a bit of sparkle to them as he talked with his pack mates and Tempest. Oh how much his family mattered to him.

Tempest's gesture was quick and proper. Her muzzle dipped in a respectful gesture, though she remained high in her large stance, with an air on confidence that reminded her in the ways of power which radiated through both Remy, Skana, and herself. It was easy to see the resemblance between the pair, Tempest and Guiness, being both of brighter timber coloration with accents of ginger and red hues. Not to mention, their size alone. Where all the family members of Thorben this large in stature, as the member of Archer were equally large and harboring their own dark features? Elettra viewed with wonder, taking in the last name that had not been given from Guiness with his lack of speech and, that she was not here to beg for a placement within the ranks, if only for survival within the winter. Elettra's weariness eased away not that it seemed, for the time being at least, Tempest had only come about to see if her brother was fairing well now that he had found settlement of his own. "I can assure you his safety here, and I could only hope in the short time he has been here, he is fitting in well?" Her eyes shift to Guiness then, assuming he might offer a grunt or a nod in response, being of little words. He was the last member to join the pack and had not been here too long. Perhaps it was too soon to tell if he was comfortable here on not, though surely it would be easier for him with the friends he already held amongst the ranks.

OOC: Sorry it took so long!! I have been SO busy! <3

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It was not soon after his arrival did others arrive. The pack was large, and when he had called for a leader, a few of the members with in the pack had also showed, making Guiness uncomfortable for a small time. When Elettra arrived, he quietly dipped his head down and let his tail curl instinctively under his belly. Her large frame carrying the power and strength she could easily possess over all of them. He was almost sure that she had led over all of them, for at the meeting the alpha male’s presence had been limited, as if he had been distracted by something else held within the meeting.

When Tempest approached him, he quickly returned the affectionate gesture before twitching his ears. Listening was one of his greatest attributes and it was something that he could easily take into mind. Elettra’s voice broke through to him, a question in her words. He nodded his head giving a brief grunt and small words, "My…family." He breathed to her, his eyes giving away his longing for her to join with him. He knew that she had to go find Sloane, but perhaps after her quest she could return back to Willow Ridge and come to live with her. Only time could tell though, his eyes making their way back to Elettra’s calm ones. What did she think of this exchange?

Pillar of Strength

Narimé was surprised. She didn't know that Shade knew Tempest. Then again Gui might have told the dark wolf about his sister. nahh... she thought knowing that Guiness didn't talk much. Then that meant Shade had met the Thorben female someplace else. Narimé wondered when he had met Tempest.

Nari smiled nodding her head again when Tempest acknowleged her. The young female quite liked the russet female and was also curious as to how her search for Sloane had gone. Or whether she was still searching.

Listening to Shade's words and Tempest the silvery young woman watched quietly. Guiness was doing the same she noted. When Elettra arrived Narimé shifted herself to a low position and licked the noble womans chin while whining a greeting. Then Narimé resumed watching as things unfolded. Elettra was naturally curious of Tempest and what she was doing at their border. Narimé understood this and nodded as Tempest explained to her alpha why she was visiting.

Narimé's happy demeaner vanished when she heard that Tempest had not yet found Sloane. She sighed and closed her eyes wondering where the russet male had gone. She hoped her dream had not come true. That he'd been eaten by a bear. She shivered then glanced up hoping no one had noticed her momentary depressed state. Lifting her eyes back up Nari faked a smile and wagged her sad stiff tail trying to look like her normal self.

"speech"