Swift River the future holds promise

This is just a pack thread, non-compulsory but everyone is very welcome! For the sake of simplicity and making sure it doesn't die too easily, there will be no post order, so post however much or little you like. Think of this like the official 'SR pack thread' but with more of a theme and encouragement for more wolves to be here at once :)

Set directly after '<a href='http://relic-lore.net/index.php?showtopic=3207&hl=' target='_blank'>i will destroy you</a>'.

<blockquote>It was more of an effort to drag the bobcat to the middle of the territory than it had been to kill it in the first place. Sides heaving, Marsh finally dropped the corpse, his muzzle red from the fresh wounds which still bleed freely from his victim's throat and chest. He had cleaned it in the river not minutes before, not that you could tell anymore. Panting, he surveyed the corpse for a moment, wondering what his packmates would make of it. Some might turn their noses up at the flesh of another predator, and he would not blame them for it; winter was setting in, it was true, but the pack was far from starving yet. Besides, he had not killed the cat directly to fill their bellies. It had been for their safety, for his own satisfaction, but also to make a point. With Indru gone, and Marsh being all but forced to accept the role, it concerned him how different his manner was to the pack in general. It was a thing that had only bothered him peripherally before, mostly due to worries that they would not be able to accept him, but those days were over. He considered Swift River home, and they saw him as their ally, which was all how it should be. But their leader? He could lift his tail and grab their muzzles and act the part, but wolves here were not wholly content with that alone. They wanted to be spoken to, comforted with words, gathered together to listen to wise teachings or announcements or anything else that they really should be able to figure out on their own. He accepted that. It didn't mean he could give it to them.

He could give them this, though. He could keep the borders stinking of his presence, he could chase away anyone foolish enough to come close, and he could slaughter their foes. He could protect them, keep them fed, and keep them safe. All he wanted in return was that they do the same. He had killed the bobcat because it was fun, but also because he needed to know that he was at least partially capable of the role that had been thrust upon him. Corinna could handle the nuances of leadership, the inspiring presence and everything that she and Indru were good at. Marsh would do what he was good at, which, perhaps, were some of things that Indru himself had failed to do. Consistency. Transparency. Marsh didn't keep secrets - he <i>had</i> no secrets - and he would not leave them. Until the day that he died or was challenged out of his role, or Corinna dictated that he step down, he would try to fill that role as best as he could.

Licking some of the blood from his lips, he turned about and lifted his head, issuing a soft call to his packmates. He wanted them to see the bobcat, see this promise that he had made to them. If they wanted to eat it, then they were welcome to. Marsh just needed to be in their presence, to stand with them, and to know that they were truly stronger this way. It was bad enough that he be forced to consider himself an equal to Corinna. He could not bear to fail his pack in anything else.

Once, he had needed Indru's acceptance, had been torn apart when he had been denied it. Suddenly, the tables had turned, and it was all different. It should have been <i>Indru</i> begging for <i>his</i> love and devotion.

And so he waited, soft hope in his expression, tail raised and swaying from side to side.</blockquote>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/Jessie-Table.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top:250px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">

Much had passed over in the amount of time that Indru had left and it had left scars within Jessie’s own heart. He had been the one that had grabbed her muzzle within his jaws and proclaimed her as Swift River…the one that had allowed her a family again. She had not seen Corinna much since the call she had issued out…the one filled with heartbreak. It had angered Jessie at first…but now she just seemed broken. She had barely spoken to another being since she had heard the official proclamation that the alpha male had deserted them…and so close to winter it had been. With her heart heavy, her paws dragged across the ground. She did not notice it much, no one had even bothered pointing out to her, that she was starting to get thinner. She could not even remember the last time she had hunted for herself. She remembered getting something for the pups, or a pack mate…but nothing for herself. She ate little now, unaware of how it was threatening her inside and out.

The call of another caused her already buried head to rise and look towards the soft howl. It had been Marsh, one of the only wolves, she had decided, she could feel completely comfortable around. He never snapped at her, he just…was there, and Jessie was grateful for it. Her dragging paws picked themselves up as she ran towards him, not as fast as she would usually be, but fast enough, regardless. Her emerald eyes darted around as she ran, everything she passed was a blur. When she finally got into the area of which she could see the male, her head dipped in respect. Her body instantly went to him, nuzzling him under the chin, before taking a comfortable spot next to him, yet not too close. Her submission was completely obvious, not even having to give it much thought. Her shoulders were already slumped and eyes hollow from the deprivation of sleep.

She did manage to take notice of the large black thing in front of Marsh and she quietly sniffed at it before looking back up at him, being the first to arrive, she dipped her head at him, respect and gratitude in her eyes. He had done it to protect his family, and that was exactly what Jessie should have been doing. She did not speak to him though, for she knew he was not one of many words, she just simply licked his shoulder in thanks.

there's so many things we're not

but with what we have

i promise you that we're marchin' on

Even at 18 months old, Fenru Tainn had yet to outgrow the young, timid boy his soul still believed he was. He was supposed to be considered fully grown now, a man in his own right, especially in the wake of the shift in ranks. With Indru and Rihael lost to the wilderness, it only made sense to the yearling that he, too, rose in rank. It might not have been a drastic change, but he was a fully functioning part of Swift River, no different than Uncle Triell, even if the dark man had been Fenru's lifeline and caretaker a year ago.

He had been picking his way along one of his own marked trails when a soft howl reached his ears. His gaze went over his shoulder then somewhere into the forest before him. He had never heard Marsh's voice, let alone any sound above something as low as a bark. Ever since he and his siblings were born, the russet man had been a silent protector, the ever-watchful Guardian and teacher who had ensured their survival. The way he did things, acted and behaved, it occurred to Fen that not all wolves talked and that was fine. Well, "not talking" was natural, he had to understand, as long as one wasn't traumatized by something as disastrous as a flood taking over a pack den.

The clockwork in his head started spinning and his brows knit together. Uncle Triell, Uncle Hotei, Ice... Rihael. Indru... His head tilted to the side as it finally clicked after he took into consideration the recent events his family had endured.

He started running.

His feet brought him onto a path that merged with Jessie's and when he came onto the scene, he adopted a cautious stride as he observed the lick she placed on Marsh's shoulder in gratitude. Fenru paused for a moment to look away, not out of shame or embarrassment but out of respect. His eyes flit toward the Swift River leader again when he thought it was all right to approach. His tail relaxed and he untucked his chin from his chest, coming forward to do the next thing that came naturally to him. He lifted his muzzle to lightly nudge Marsh's chin then drew back just enough to offer him a small smile.

For as long as he could remember, he had considered "Uncle" Marsh as a parent in Indru's absence. Today, right now, was no different. Something with mottled fur caught the corner of his eye and he turned to take in the sight of a hefty and battered bobcat. Of course Fenru had always revered Marsh for his strength and prowess, but seeing now the foe he had taken down and brought to his family made him hold Marsh in high regard now more than ever. This deed clearly spelled out his devotion to the pack, his love and agape for them. The Tainn wagged his tail as he craned his neck down to inspect it, to stare into its lifeless eyes and make sure its ribcage held still. Half a rabbit from one of his usual caches had filled his stomach today, but if Jessie, who seemed to have lost a bit of weight, wanted it, she could have it. If not, he half-hoped he could have a sizable piece of its pelt to give to his younger sisters to play and practice their tracking skills with.

FENRU TAINN

template made by GINNYSAURUS. of RPG-D.

(This post was last modified: Jan 01, 2013, 04:56 AM by Fenru.)

Taekwondo (M, W, F) | Rapid-Response Day (Tu) | WoW Nights (F, Sat, Sun)

( Aiyana and Rissa are with him; once someone interacts with Aiy, I'll post her from her own account. :P If someone objects, let me know! )

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the   ICE breaks. He'd taken Aiyana and Rissa for a short patrol - not because they were old enough to learn, but because they needed to be familiar with the concept. Because he'd found such shortcomings in Fenru the past spring, that were not fault of the boy himself, but of his upbringing: of his missing parent, Indru, who was missing, again. And this time, for good. Because Ice wouldn't let him back. Ever. And so, because he'd had nothing to do and they'd just been fighting again, he'd taken them along for a short route. He didn't point out the finer details of it, just said oh, here, smell this? a badger crossed the border, probably early this morning, or here, a coyote has been, but it left, not daring to come into our home, pointing out landmarks, telling anecdotes, doing whatever to keep them interested. Rissa seemed more inclined to explore everything and chase after butterflies, whereas Aiyana was silent - as usual - and drinking in every word he spoke like a dry sponge soaking up water. While it felt a bit bad to "rob" Corinna of both daughters at the same time, she had to learn, that they too would grow up: he often found Aiyana lounging as far from the den as she could without getting out of sight, staring with patient misery towards the forest. Besides, they were with him: he'd not let them get lost, or be stolen away. He'd die protecting them. The low howl was different from how it usually sounded; more mellow, somehow. Ice kept walking, but three pairs of ears snapped up, taking it in. It was Marsh, asking the pack to come together, and Rissa, not having lost her childish exuberance, yelped out his name. Wagging her tail, the young River princess howled herself, saying that she'd come and she'd bring uncle Ice and, just because she felt nice, her lousy sister too! Smiling, Ice gave her back a nip. "Well, get going then!" She needed no more encouragement than that; the tawny girl disappeared in a flash between the trees, heading straight for Marsh, but Aiyana hung back. Frowning, Ice turned to look at her. "What's the matter, Aiy?" But she just shook her head, silent. As usual. Giving her a small smile, he gave her muzzle a tender lick, before nudging her. "Let's go." Quiet and subdued - worried - Ice led the black girl towards the source of the call, finding Jessie and Fenru already there with Marsh. Rissa was bouncing around greeting everyone, and Aiyana's tail started to sway, too, as they came in sight of the gathering - but he couldn't help but wonder, if she'd become morose and lackluster again, once they drew apart? He hung back a moment, watching the eldest girl make the rounds, licking chins politely before going to stand beside Fenru, staring at him with wide, questioning golden eyes - what is this? Ice thought it unlikely she'd ever seen a bobcat before. He wasn't sure what Jessie thought of him, especially not after he'd flown at Hotei during the Rhysis confrontation (Hotei had deserved it, but perhaps she didn't see it that way) - but he couldn't let that worry tear him apart. If she couldn't understand that he did what he did to keep the pack safe, then it was her problem. When he passed the bobcat and the two Tainn kids (Rissa inspecting every inch of it, too far away to be nipped in passing) he gave Aiyana a nudge with his nose, and Fenru a friendly shoulder shove. Jessie he touched his nose to, before finally stopping in front of Marsh. This was their leader. He'd taken down a bobcat. But there was more to it - to the pair of them. Striking a pose that wasn't challenging, but not exactly submissive either, Ice eyed him up and down in silence for a few seconds; he reeked of blood, both wolf and bobcat, and he thought he could see matted fur here and there - nothing was bleeding majorly, though, so he was in no danger. The most obvious wound was his nose, though, bloodied all over. Marsh, he wanted to say. I know you're going old and gray on the muzzle, but this is not the way to hide it. Instead, he just gave the older wolf a sudden grin, relaxing his posture and stepping forward, tail low and limp. He ran the bridge of his muzzle under Marsh's bloodied chin, smearing crimson across the white. His low, characteristic keen slipped from his half-open mouth before he withdrew, ears back. His tail came up somewhat, wagging, and for a brief moment he marveled at what a balsamaceous effect Marsh had on him, most of the time. Being near him filled Ice with peace, a sense of weightless joy, and, not caring that he was hogging the leader, he began to tenderly lick Marsh's muzzle clean of blood. If he couldn't keep himself from being torn up, he'd better not bicker when Ice patched him up. .ice aesir

let the stars above shine in your soul

You're all wise people, but just a reminder to take care with timelines - the whole Rhysis thread could go anywhere yet, so it might be best to make as few references to it as possible, since it could work out to be a very eventful thread! Thanks to all for joining in, and I apologise for how rambly this grumpyface is. <3

<blockquote>Eager for his family to arrive, even if it was not all of them, he was not disappointed to see Jessie's face emerge first. His tail wagged once more for her, the loyal female who had long earned his trust. Accepting Cali had definitely been one thing that Indru had done very right, and Marsh did not like the notion of a Swift River without the Swiftpaw sisters. Until Cali had joined, the female ranks had been a joke, with wolves coming and going with no respect for the pack at all. They had managed to change that, and though it could not be said for all their members - or their leaders - he had seen a change in the pack since then. Fewer impulsive acceptances, more focus on the pack as a whole. Having young puppies had not encouraged them to welcome outsiders. Perhaps it would change from now, with winter coming, when the pack and lone wolves alike sought strength in numbers. He would have to make those decisions now, who had the right to entry and who did not, just like Indru had. Hopefully he would not make poor choices. Corinna's support of every one of his actions was critical. She was still mourning her lost mate and stolen son, so Marsh felt the weight even more than he may have otherwise. He did not want to fail her.

Jessie greeted him politely, and he pressed his nose to her cheek briefly, accepting her nod of thanks with a pleased rumble. She was too thin. When did she last eat something substantial? He would have insisted she either eat the cat or go to their caches when the sound of footfalls drew his attention, and his tail rose to wag anew at the sight of Fenru. Marsh had not mourned Rihael as he had done Torrel, for Rihael was a wolf young but grown, and entitled to wanting his own life. He could have waited another year, perhaps, but such was the way of the headstrong boy. Knowing that Fenru and Kisla kept their loyalties tied to their parents' pack, though, was ever a joy, and as they grew older so Swift River grew stronger. The pack of his own parents had consisted largely of family, the act of accepting strangers into their numbers more of a rarity than here. It made everything feel right, that they stayed. Perhaps Fenru would one day inherit the pack, or Kisla, and where once the Tainn name had been tied to the burned tree, it would be rooted in this very grove.

Marsh waited for Fenru to approach, as ever noting his willing submission, and when the nudge to his chin came Marsh took the opportunity to swipe his tongue over the boy's muzzle, in love and respect of his own. When the young Tainn went to inspect the bobcat, Marsh watched him with fondness. It was at that point that Rissa's enthusiastic call rang through the air, and the copper wolf huffed in amusement, though felt a surge of anticipation for the arrival of yet more wolves that he deeply cared for. Rissa's bouncing introduction made him chuckle anew, and Marsh bumped her on the rump with his nose as she turned away from him, letting her investigate the bobcat with Fenru. Content, he glanced up, and saw Ice and Aiyana stood watching. When the black girl came up to do her own rounds of polite greeting, he rumbled and briefly caressed her crown with his tongue, enjoying the look of wonderment on her face when she also went to inspect the corpse.

That just left Ice. The white wolf took his time reaching Marsh, or so it felt. As if sensing a confrontation, he tensed slightly, the fur prickling down his neck and shoulders when those grey eyes moved over him, assessing him. It was not out of anger, but a faint panic. Ice's stance hovered somewhere between respect and too bold, but Marsh did not want to put him in his place, to demand proper treatment. They had both jumped one in the ladder, so why did it feel so different? But worst of all was the idea that Ice, out of all of them, would be the one to harbour disquiet over his leadership. Jessie, Fenru, Rissa and Aiyana - three of them Indru's own! - had all come to him, given their affection and respect, and he wanted nothing more than to give it back. Ice had it all and more.

The panic grew as Ice hesitated, as he felt how acutely he needed their acceptance, Ice's trust, Ice's respect. He saw the hesitation and read from it Ice's doubts.

When the grey eyes relaxed, the guardian grinning in that way he had, the heat down his spine cooled, but he didn't let himself believe that this would be the end of it. Ice had shown his cards. Once upon a time, Marsh had expected a challenge, waited for it... but it had never come. Otherwise, their roles may have been entirely reversed right now.

He pressed down on Ice's muzzle when it came under his, needing the pressure, the reassurance. As Ice pulled back and gazed at him again, he felt his concerns melt away, hidden somewhere he didn't need to worry about yet. When the cleaning commenced, he growled in half-hearted grumpiness at the ministrations, though did not pull back. He would want to spend time with them all - and Jessie still needed to be fed - but he could put up with it for now. With both Rissa and Aiyana present, the pack's most vulnerable assets were well protected, so he could afford to relax for a time.</blockquote>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/Jessie-Table.png);background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top:250px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">

Her movements had barely registered that of Marsh’s greeting to her as she simply sat down, next time him. Though she knew it to not be her place as third, it was still hard for her to go near anywhere else…all by herself. She felt safer next to her leader and she would relish in his presence until others of higher ranking arrived. They sat in silence for awhile though, Jessie not minding the quiet and she was quite sure that Marsh didn’t mind it either. Her mind hardly caught up with the facts when Fenru arrived…all Jessie could manage was a brief nod of her head at the younger Tainn. Unconsciously, her tail curled around her, towards her paws, as if her own paws were cold, even though they were not. Perhaps it was her soul that was cold…the feeling of loneliness still settling heavily in her soul.

More rustling echoed in her ears, giving her a short headache all the while. Rissa’s short form traveled into her view and Jessie smiled at the small pup. She had met one of the youngest Tainn’s when she had been with Hotei…a short time of happiness and freedom for her, something that might be no more for the time being. It seemed all the siblings would be interested in would be the bobcat though, and Jess silently accepted the facts. She watched them, one of her ears pricked just in case she could hear anything to be useful for them. Her main priority right now would to be protect the pups if any harm was to home their way, but the gray Swiftpaw’s mind and heart was just not set on it.

The last to arrive was Ice, his white fur now easily blending in to the snow that was slowly starting to cover the lands. When he reached her, she gladly licked his shoulder, her ears flattening…her head quickly pressing into his shoulder before she pulled away, as if she had been looking for some sort of comfort among his fur. Her emerald eyes then went back Corinna’s pups, her ears pricking towards them, taking no notice of the exchange towards Ice and Marsh. Perhaps if she would have been more alert she would have took note to their small challenge…which is what it would have seemed. She left her place next to Marsh, her pace hesitant as she got down low on her haunches when she neared Aiyana and Rissa, her rump plopping on the ground to where her whole body was sprawled next to the bobcat and the three siblings.

Her tail twitched slightly as she took in the curious eyes of those around her, own eyes of her own watching them closely. Perhaps they didn’t know they could eat the cat? In all truth, bobcat didn’t taste to bad. It had a bitter…yet satisfying at the same time. She remained quiet for a few moments longer before speaking, "This is a bobcat guys!! You can eat it y‘know. It‘s not that bad." Not even noting that she could have taken her own advice, she silently watched the pups and Fenru, curious as to if they were going to sniff their noses up in arrogance or actually try the cat.

there's so many things we're not

but with what we have

i promise you that we're marchin' on

Somewhere beyond the scene around him Marsh's name sounded along with the announcement of Ice's approach, and before Fenru knew it, Rissa appeared. Not a even a leap behind her, Ice and Aiyana appeared. Rissa mirrored his amusement with the prize Marsh had presented them with and the boy grinned. He caught her curious gaze and affectionately licked the tip of her ear. "Scary sort of thing, huh?"

A tickled grin formed on his maw and it broadened further as Ice gave his shoulder a nudge. He watched as the Guardian made his own rounds and as Ice exchanged a greeting with Marsh, Fenru turned back to his sisters. While Rissa was already seemingly all-ears with learning about this particular "prey," the yearling quickly noticed Aiyana's reluctance. It struck a chord - not in a painful way, but a rather tenderly fashion. Giving his tawny sister another fond lick to her temple, he went to greet the coal-pelted girl.

The few shuffled steps he had taken to close the space between them were slow and quiet, but once he had come within her reach he sat down beside her just as Jessie had. He might not have settled down in a graceful manner as the svelte woman had, but to plunk his large, hefty frame down the way he did implied that he wasn't just about ready to go anywhere until he made sure both of his younger sisters were 'okay.' Jessie stated what the corpse before them was properly called and that it was considered 'all right' to eat. Fenru nodded to her then turned his attention back to Aiyana. "Hey," he smiled, his tail sweeping the ground behind him. "I bet you 'aven't tasted bob cat before."

FENRU TAINN

template made by GINNYSAURUS. of RPG-D.

(This post was last modified: Jan 01, 2013, 04:54 AM by Fenru.)

Taekwondo (M, W, F) | Rapid-Response Day (Tu) | WoW Nights (F, Sat, Sun)

Sorry that I suck so much :x Didn't mean to take forever with this, I promise!

Aiyana Tainn

I walk upon the river

Why did she feel so detached, disconnected? Some small part of her had woken when Ice brought her to the meeting, her cursed tail slowly swaying into motion, but somewhere deep down, she wasn't truly here — not awake, not alert... Someplace else, where life was not confusing and painful. Where her father, the one who was meant to help protect her, hadn't stolen a piece of her family. Where her mother was not a broken shadow of herself. Aiyana's gaze landed on Rissa, sitting next to Fenru. A life where her sister didn't speak so damn much.

She slowly padded aside from Marsh, feeling the first stirring of curiosity as she cautiously approached the dead feline. It was a predator, feeding on dead flesh just like them. It felt like breaking some sacred code to eat it — you didn't eat other predators.. right? Rissa was busy sniffing it all over, and the black girl made a grimace at her before titling her head up at Fenru. Jessie came up, too, moving away from where she'd perched on the sidelines and plunked down on one side, and then Fenru on the other. Feeling quite hemmed in, she slowly leaned back to look at them both; she was almost of a size with the small huntress, but dwarfed by her huge brother. Frowning slightly she looked back down, at Rissa, who wasted no time in taking Jessie's advice. Aiyana gave her head a small shake at Fenru's question, and slowly got up; inching closer to the dead beast.

I'm sorry.

Would I eat Indru, if he showed up dead?

She pondered that a moment as she stood poised over the dead cat's body, then decided that yes, she would — not for food, but for revenge.

The young carnivore lowered her head, sinking her small, sharp fangs into the tough skin and tender muscles.

like it's easier than land

Love is all, from what I've heard, but my heart's learned to kill

Ice + this thread = no muse. :/

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the ICE breaks. In most things, Ice was a very social, caring wolf — and sometimes, he could be a complete ass (though seldom without reason). When it came to most of his pack mates, he cared. He had comforted Triell when his brother, Kinis, was reported lost. He had comforted and stood by Corinna for so long, especially during Indru's frequent absences... And now, he hesitated a moment — had been prepared to move away, but rocked back, paused where he was and turned his own head to briefly cradle Jessie's. Then she withdrew, and he let her, continuing to Marsh instead. It didn't exactly surprise him that the auburn wolf protested at having his muzzle licked clean, but Ice wasn't going to let that discourage him. Instead, he kept 'pestering' the older male with it until he was, in Ice's opinion, sufficiently clean. Then, he yawned, watching the others and the pups, before settling in a sit beside Marsh.. kind of.. leaning on him.. a little... .ice aesir

let the stars above shine in your soul

Soooo...I've been like, delaying ending this thread, and I am SOOOO sorry! <3

The ones gathered around the corpse were quick to pick up on her words. Each one of them quickly gathered around the thing, and Rissa, the adventurous young pup, was quick to dig into a meal, and Jessie did not bother concealing a small smile with the act of the young Tainn. Aiyana was soon to join into the frenzy, along with Fenru who silently sulked around next to the quiet sibling. As soon as the three Tainn siblings were settled, Jessie subtly took a small piece of the tough carcass to herself. She had not realized it until she had settled down, but she had been so hungry! She quickly ate her fill, emerald eyes moving back towards the two males. Marsh and Ice seemed to still be a little bit together. Jess ignored the gesture though, and was kind of disappointed to see that Marsh was breaking up their little fiesta.

Watching as Marsh departed, along with the soon departure of the pups, Jessie turned on her heels and padded area, her pepper-colored body moving through the territory with ease, having been in the pack for so long. It honestly had not felt like such time had passed but apparently it had. She was not sure what the future had planned for the future, but she knew she would always do her best to make her family proud and not let them down. She was a true River wolf.

{Exit and archive if no one else wishes to post.}