Hidden Grotto prickly thorn, but sweetly worn

All these places were familiar to her. She could be away for a thousand years and still know every inch of Relic Lore like the back of her paw. A light snow fell from a cloudy sky, able to gorgonize even the most focused on wolves. There was something lovely about the little dainty flakes, something captivating. Her orange eyes followed them as they fell, eyes nearly crossing as a few of them landed on her nose. Shaking her head, the woman pulled herself out of the stupor that the weather put her in, and fluffed out her fur. It was so cold that the water in the falls was frozen, making her journey to the grotto that much easier. Twisting around rocks, she managed to slip into the private space. A smile shimmied onto her muzzle and she hopped onto the ice. It made no protest, letting her know that it was more than stable and solid. With another hop, she was on the other side and settled onto her haunches, giving herself an absent minded groom, glad to be able to wander about Relic Lore in peace. The land was always the same, more or less, though the wolves changed. It made her wonder who she'd run into first. Admittedly, she was rather close to Swift River. It made her wonder if she'd accidentally run into Marsh or, god forbid, Corinna. They'd probably avoid her like the plague, just like she'd probably do. Any company would be welcome company, even though she was enjoying her peace. It would have to be broken eventually. Her ears twitched and she aimed her eyes towards the path, looking for some kind of shadow against the pale white ground. <b style="color:#5c312b">"speech."

table by bryony

(This post was last modified: Jan 24, 2013, 03:13 PM by Borlla.)

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

The white wolf was once more feeling restless. She loved her river and tended to stay close, but the occasional need to go beyond the borders would be too strong to resist. She found herself crossing the border on the northeastern side of the pack lands and heading towards through the Wildwood towards Bramble Falls. The last time that she'd been here, there was no snow on the ground and she'd met her young friend Narime'. Perhaps that was why she chose this way. Narime' had been trapped below the ground in some hidden caverns for what seemed like forever. She was safe once more and Cali was more than relieved. The thought of the sweet girl perishing all alone in the cold earth was unimaginable.

Before she knew it, she had reached the Falls, but the sight that greeted her was completely alien. The magical falls seemed to be frozen and they no longer flowed... at least not like before. A thin sheet of water still cascaded down to the river below, but the pool near the edge was all but empty and the water in it was frozen solid. She hadn't really considered the change of seasons since her last visit, but now she had a new reason to be awed with the magnificence of nature.

She craned her head upwards to the top of the Falls and tipped her head to the side. A sudden compulsion to see it up close overcame her and she looked at the surrounding terrain leading up to it. The land was rough and fairly steep, but she felt exhilarated at the thought of the challenge. Without delay she walked over to the base and looked up, scanning the rocks and brush, mentally picking the best path to reach the top. With a firm nod to herself, she began the trek up the ledge and after many stops and starts and one frightening ten foot slide, she achieved her goal and set foot on level ground very close to where the water normally cascaded over the edge.

Cali soon saw why the cascade was nearly gone. the surface of the river that fed it was frozen over completely. Her emerald eyes went wide. Thinking back to her homeland, she'd seen ponds and such freeze over, but never a flowing river. Moving closer to the shoreline, she could see vague movements through the plate of ice. The river actually still flowed beneath the ice. The wind shifted just then and brought the scent of a strange wolf to her. There was someone else up here? It didn't seem likely, but the scent trail was there and the spirit of adventure that had overtaken the normally cautious wolf soon had her following it. She hesitated as she stepped onto the ice, but it held and she walked softly on.The trail weaved to and fro once leaving the ice and Cali followed it without hesitation. Then, the scent became much stronger and she lifted her snowy head and called out softly, "Hello?"

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...

Her jewel eyes only hovered there for a moment, before she tipped her head back, rising back to her paws and throwing her body backwards towards a tiny pool that hadn't quite frozen. Nature had never been something that she was particularly enamored with. It was just there, it happened, she experienced it secondhand as it changed and moved with it as best as she count. It was a container for life. Nothing more, nothing less. But it was hard not to wonder how this pool had survived the freeze and the snow. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed frozen, but not so solidly as the rest of the water that pooled around her. Lifting a paw, she dropped it down upon the thin layer of ice. It let out an unhappy groan and then cracked. Instantly, she withdrew her paw and scowled, shaking off the freezing water. She wondered how fast it would refreeze, but was nowhere near interested enough to stare at it for however long it would take. A voice, though soft, called out from somewhere, and Borlla turned around, ears back, nose twitching, trying to identify the scent before the wolf saw her or vice versa. It was unfamiliar, though she could detect the scent of Swift River, and she noted as well that though the wolf didn't see her, they smelled her and didn't seem to know who she was either. Although it had been a long time, a year, maybe longer, since she smelled of Swift River, there was no doubt that anyone familiar with her would likely be able to identify her by scent anyway. <b style="color:#5c312b">"Yes?" She answered, peace falling over the woman again. Her stance was somewhat dominant as she watched the direction in which the voice came, waiting to see exactly who she was about to stare down. She should have expected to run into a Swift River wolf. It was only natural for her to be thrown headfirst into terrible situations. <b style="color:#5c312b">"speech."

table by bryony

(This post was last modified: Jan 24, 2013, 03:13 PM by Borlla.)

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

Cali waited patiently to see if her inquiry would be answered by the other wolf. Her scent told a bit of the story. It was a female and she was a loner, for her scent was the only one on the trail, rather than an ever present mingling of scents that made up her own. A year ago, the snowy wolf might have been leery of encountering a strange wolf in unfamiliar territory, but her confidence had grown exponentially under the teaching of Marsh and the security of her beloved home. So when a voice eventually called out "Yes?" she gave a small smile and waved her white plume once, even though they could not yet see one another for the terrain.

She lifted her head and tail in her now familiar stance of confidence, although her demeanor lacked any aggression whatsoever and she stepped forward in the direction the voice had come from. It didn't take long before her careful steps brought her around a boulder and a lovely pale tawny young woman came into view. She had beautiful yellow eyes that brought Indru to mind for some reason. She didn't want to ruin her good mood by thinking of him, so she pushed him out of her mind and smiled at the other fae. With another wave of her pristine tail, she greeted the girl with a small friendly smile. "Hello there, I'm Cali."

Now she waited for the other wolfs response. She truly hoped it, too would be a friendly one. Although she would defend her pack with her life, she much preferred friendly encounters. Even on the border, she tried to talk sense into those foolish enough to test the them, but her fangs had marred more than one hide when they pushed her too far. She soft-spoken and friendly normally, but she'd surprised herself more than once when she'd been called to action.

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...

She called out, and silence then took over. A slow exhale slightly plumed her nose while she waited to see who her company would be, other than a Swift River wolf. She got the feeling that by the end of this, she probably wouldn't have a friend, but part of her was looking forward to that. Though, simply by thinking that, she was probably sabotaging her chances of actually making a friendly acquaintance. Her eyes fixed upon a boulder, the only thing really blocking her view. Slowly blinking, she finally spotted a pelt of white, striding with pride into her line of sight. A pair of lovely green eyes met her own, and Borlla cracked a friendly enough smile. Her tail failed to wag, however, as her hindquarters touched the ground. She looked happy, goodnatured. It was good to know that was still what Swift River stood for. The fact that it still stood at all was enough for Borlla. <b style="color:#5c312b">"It's a pleasure, Cali. I'm Borlla. You from Swift River?" Her ears pressed forward with interest and her gaze was steady. After a few seconds, she cut in again, a slight warble in her voice, a hint of laughter, <b style="color:#5c312b">"That was a stupid question. Of course you are. You reek of them. Unless you just hang out in the forest a lot." She smiled a bit wider, and her tail beat a few times against the earth. <b style="color:#5c312b">"How's it going over there?" Yellow eyes met green, before trailing off towards the forest. <b style="color:#5c312b">"speech."

table by bryony

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

Cali felt relieved when she wasn't greeted with suspicion and snarls. The girl seemed friendly enough, smiling and greeting her with her name. Borlla. When she asked a question and answered it herself with a laugh, Cali joined in. "Yes!" she laughed. "I'm proud to call Swift River my home." She was curious how this girl knew of Swift River for she had not seen or smelled her in or around the area since she herself had joined the river pack.

She saw the other fae's tail thump the ground and she asked "How do you know of them?" at the same time as Borla asked, "How's it going over there?". She couldn't help another soft chuckle as their words tangled together in the air, but she had heard. Many pack wolves got extremely defensive when others asked about their packs, but that never made sense to Cali. You wouldn't want to announce any obvious weakness, such as one of your leaders simply abandoning you and taking young with him. But there was always a way to give thinks a positive light.

Of course, not knowing Borlla's last name and her previous affiliation with Swift River she had no idea how her next words might affect the young woman. She kept it simple, merely offering brightly. "Wonderful! The young grow strong and the pack thrives under Corinna and Marsh."

(This post was last modified: Jan 24, 2013, 05:05 PM by Cali.)

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...

Proud. Heh. Well, that was good to know too. Clearly this poor girl wasn't just some low subordinate who wandered too far. She knew what she'd gotten into. Another brick laid. Swift River was still solid, whole, good. Why did she care, though? Why was Borlla looking for any sign, any trace that Swift River had gone "down river"? Some further excuse that it was all her fault, perhaps? Some weird desire to be the cause of grief to her family because at least then she'd still be something to them. But at the same time, she was glad to hear that they were okay. They were thriving. At least happy, if not just bursting at the seams with wolves. Cali seemed oblivious to who she was, something Borlla had intended in keeping her last name to herself. But she'd probably raised some suspicion in knowing Swift River. For all this girl knew, Borlla was some wayward loner, new to these lands. Of course, Borlla probably knew this place better than Cali ever would. Their questions mingled awkwardly in the air, and Borlla tipped an ear, allowing the River wolf to go first. She expected something basic. They were doing well, lots of pups, Indru and Corinna happy. What she got was completely the opposite of what she'd expected. Well, more or less. Her eyes visibly widened at Cali's cheerful admission, and her ears twisted back. Marsh? Once upon a time, she'd been fond of the silent brute. Now she could easily say she didn't like him much at all. The girl tried to regain her composure, feign innocence and mere curiosity. It was hard when she was filled with a tepid slurry of anger and confusion. <b style="color:#5c312b">"Marsh? Well," She let out a nervous laugh. <b style="color:#5c312b">"What happened to Indru?" Once she'd gotten the words out, she seemed to slip a little, eyes wide once more, ears falling back into a cautious position. <b style="color:#5c312b">"speech."

table by bryony

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

Borlla had held her tongue, allowing Cali to speak first, but when she gave her positive report on Swift River, the tawny fae seemed confused, perhaps even stunned for a moment. She quickly recovered though and Cali wondered if she'd actually seen the emotions that she thought she had. Borlla's interest in the pack seemed to point to being quite familiar with it at some point, although when, Cali didn't know. Before her time certainly, but the young woman would have still been in her puphood. How odd.

When she questioned Marsh being the leader, Cali smiled inwardly for anyone knowing the gruff male would never imagine him at the helm with his silent stoic nature... but he had adjusted well. However, when Borlla asked after Indru, a shadow passed over her own emerald eyes and her smile faded. It surprised her still, this deep hatred that had formed for a wolf that she had admired and respected so much. He had betrayed his mate and his pack... nearly broken them, but they had survived and would continue to do so.

She hoped dearly that this young woman did not care too much for the ex-leader as she tried to decide how to answer. The change of command had been a shock to the girl that she had hoped to call friend, or a the very least a pleasant acquaintance. Still seething inwardly now that Indru was once more at the forefront of her mind, she ground out, "Indru has moved on." and her eyes flashed green fire at the mention of his name. It was the first time that she'd spoken it since learning of his betrayal and it brought a vile and bitter taste to her mouth.

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...

The meeting seemed to turn sour so quickly. At the mention of Indru's name, the woman before her seemed to be angry. Borlla could feel it and it made her so very uncomfortable. What had happened? Just one more thing to add to her wonderful list of wrongs? Her brother had made it clear what he thought of her months and months ago, so she felt only the faintest tinges of remorse upon hearing that he'd left the area. But Corinna and, she assumed, her children were still here. It seemed her brother had gone the Borlla way. She was disappointed. She'd once held him in such high regard, and now he was just as terrible as she was. No. No. He was still worthy to hold the Tainn name, while she wasn't. When he'd turned her away, he'd disowned her. Those five precious letters were simply hanging on by a thread, an empty title that wouldn't get her anywhere in life. <b style="color:#5c312b">"I'm, uh...Sorry to hear that. He was good leader." She could say that in honesty. Yes, the woman was bitter that her own brother had abandoned her, kicked her out of her own home, but he'd had the right to do so, and she couldn't deny that his rule had been right. It would have been childish, and that was something she was trying to put behind her. However, this new knowledge only solidified Borlla's decision to stay away from Swift River. The forest that laid just past this ethereal waterfall was as close as she'd ever get again. Something told Borlla that the disappearance of Corinna's mate would only somehow make the Lead female's hatred of her even more strong, and she had a very strong sense of self-preservation. Part of her wished there would be some way to make right the wrongs she'd caused, but it was too soon still. The wounds were still too fresh for all, and even Borlla wasn't sure how cordial she would be towards the emerald-eyed woman. One day though, perhaps she'd risk the forest, and see if anything good came from it. <b style="color:#5c312b">"Well, I'm pleased to hear that all is going well." Borlla attempted to divert the conversation back into at least neutral grounds and pull the sickly feeling from the air. <b style="color:#5c312b">"speech."

table by bryony

Lurking until the end of July - Please PM/tag me to get my attention

The girl seemed almost as taken aback as she, herself, was by her anger. It was most certainly not directed at her, for she had absolutely nothing to do with Indru's departure. He had betrayed the loyalty and trust of his family in the worst way. It should have been irrefrangible, yet that trust had been shattered into a million pieces... never to be rebuilt. Not this time, the cut was far too deep. Cali took a few deep breaths and the fire in her emerald eyes died down somewhat as she used sheer willpower to shake the dark shadow that Indru had brought over an otherwise pleasant encounter.

She waved her thick white plume once in thanks and apology, as Borlla was quick to change the subject. She gave the girl a rueful smile when she'd gathered her wits and was once more a soft-hearted and peace-loving fae, rather than the angry woman that she had briefly become. "I'm sorry. Yes, he was a good leader, but Swift River does not take desertion lightly. That has nothing to do with you, though!" She paused for a moment, glad to have the feelings of hate wash away. It was an ill-fitting emotion for the kind wolf and it rarely reared it's ugly head with her.

She tipped her head with curiosity. She had been with Swift River for nearly nine months now and yet this girl had not been in the picture in her memory. She was close enough to know the leaders well. As green eyes met orange once more, a startling realization hit Cali. Her eyes were very distinctive, their shade not common...except amongst the Swift River royalty. Could this girl somehow be related to the Tainns? It didn't seem likely. Her coat was far paler than Indru and his son's and she would have only been a yearling when she'd left if she'd lived in Swift River, given Cali's time there. If so, had she deserted as Indru had, or left for other reasons?

Cali's head swam with the questions that now roiled within them. She liked Borlla so far. She seemed nice and was quite polite, which Cali certainly appreciated. Did she want the answer to a question that might change how she felt about her? Maybe not, but she had to know. Her gaze still friendly and curious, she asked in a light voice, "Borlla? How do you know of Swift River? I'll have been there a year in the spring and I've never seen you about the River." Her voice still conveyed her liking for the younger wolf. She, herself would not hold her past against her, even if she had left Cali decided. She had been young and now seemed quite lovely.

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...