Verdant Mosses full moon, fog, friends and foes

Not a mountain wolf by any means, the steady trudge over the pass was an extraordinary test of endurance for the old advisor. Winter had held firm over the Serpent's Pass, and the icy chill there seeped deep into Skana's bones. Step by stiff step, she staggered in pace with the others, refusing to hold up the mission by lagging behind.

Making it down from the mountain they traversed through the seemingly darker, thicker forests of the Eastside. The scent of another pack wafted up from the wretched ground, setting the hairs of her nape on edge. Instinctively she lowered her head, ears panning about for anything odd beyond the innumerable pawsteps of the legion.

Suddenly they stopped, the group still and silent, waiting for something. The tension was tangible, a sour tinge over the bitter scent of the land of the condemned. Skana glanced about skeptically, clear eye narrowed at surrounding forest, bathed in the misty glow of the moon. They had no idea of how many they might face here, and Skana would have preferred if a scout had been sent ahead before the whole of them marching in. It would be all too easy for the Aniwaya to sneak up on the group, and easily the hunters could become the hunted.

Before they could stand around for too long, Elettra broke the silence with an order. With a curt nod Skana started on the move again. She walked a parallel path that was far enough from her packmates to cover more ground, while close enough to retain them in her rather poor eyesight, and close enough to move to their aid if they came across anything.

It made Koda nervous to have young Hollow in their midst, the boy filled with such life and vitality that could very well meet its demise to either the treacherous mountain or the dangerous wolves that lurked on the other side. Koda kept close by Nina's side, trying to divide his attention between making sure Nina and Hollow were making it along alright, and making sure he himself did not slip and fall on the snow-covered terrain. While Nina and Hollow held most of his careful attention, he still kept an eye out for all those around him. Each of them had homes of their own to return to and he fully intended on everyone making it over these mountains, and back, in one piece.

Making it off the mountain and into the eastern forests awarded him no sense of relief, and worries about others tripping and falling down the mountain face were replaced with apprehension for the barbarians they were soon to face. His nose brushed over the snow as he walked, detecting the reek of the wild pack that inhabited the lands here. Surely it was only a matter of time before they would find their quarry. Koda's head was starting to ache with everything fighting for his attention at once that he nearly didn't notice when the group suddenly stopped up short.

There was a stillness and unsurity that reigned for a moment, their pale leader seemingly contemplating what to do now. It was Elettra who spoke up, and finding her tactic reasonable he looked to Nina, a silent question for her agreement, before he started on the move again. He went opposite the direction from where Elettra's group was already heading, hoping to trap the Aniwaya somewhere between them.

Arla and Emma are the ish and made my pretties!
Koda will most likely always be accompanied by Chiron unless otherwise stated, or requested.

athena

scars remind us who we are

So many wolves crossing the mountains could prove to be quite dangerous. Someone could walk over a worn down ledge and could potentially break it off causing others to fall down with them to their deaths. Having experience in the mountains put Athena on edge. So many things could go wrong in such a dangerous place, especially with so many inexperienced wolves that have never even placed a paw on the rocky slopes before. Helping others now and again to make sure nobody trips or falls to their death, they kept moving without any casualties. Sticking by Ash and Steel’s side, they pressed on following their pale group leader across the path that would lead them to the bastards’ home, so they could finally exterminate them.

They were soon off the mountain and were making their way closer into the barbarians’ den. The trees around them became thicker and thicker as they moved closer. The horrid smell in the air made her snout wrinkle in disgust, but they moved on, her burning eyes fanning over everyone. They had an impressive group with them, but not knowing how many the enemy had was still unknown. They were indeed going in partially blind.

The group stopped eventually, her fiery eyes looking to Ice for any further instructions, but it was the black cloaked woman, Elettra, that she heard next. Following her orders, she began to move her way to the east, before the lick on her cheek interrupted her. Smiling at her loyal Guardian, she returned the gesture, knowing this could be the last time. With that in mind, the leader looked over to Steel, also giving him a gentle lick on the cheek in appreciation for everything that he has done for her. With her two loyal Guardians at her sides, the Poison Path group moved out away from everyone else. Neck low, hackles raised, Athena pushed on, waiting for one the bastards to come out of their hiding.

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

Much like he had when he, Jessie, and Ice had come to the face of Mount Dire, Fenru Tainn stuck to the back of the group while the makeshift pack of Lore wolves marched on Aniwayan soil. The reek of the intruders was everywhere and the stench bit at his nostrils, sparking within him a renewed wave of vexation. The climb had not taken its toll on him as it had the last time he was here... This time he was here for a more desperate and terrible purpose. The yearling was going to give his sister the revenge she deserved; and, with the help of the other Leaders and their companions, he was certain Rissa would receive it.

When the pack had come to a stop, Fenru's ears came forward, looking from his mother's flank somewhere ahead of him to the side of Ice's face way up in the front. The wolves around him seemed to do the same, heads and ears up while attempting to peer through the fog that was beginning to press in around them the further they traveled. He stalked forward to find a spot beside Kade when Elettra of Willow Ridge (a face he had finally come to memorize and regard with awe) suggested that they spread out... and stick to someone's side in case they were ambushed. As much as he wanted to strike out on his own, he gazed from his parents, one to the other as some of them began to branch out.

A suppressed growl vibrated in his throat, a definite sign of his anxiety and desire to advance forward.

(This post was last modified: Apr 17, 2013, 09:18 PM by Fenru.)

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

Sloane traveled in silence, trailing near the back, keeping a watchful eye on young Hollow. A smile quirked the corner of his mouth more than once when the lad's energy seemed to overflow, even after hours of travel over the rough terrain. He worried for the yearling, going into battle at such a young age but he knew that Hollow would not have wanted to stay behind, merely waiting for news of the outcome on the other side of the mountain. The huge russet male spared a thought for the tiny golden fae that sure waited for him back home in just that predicament. He hoped for both of the young lovebirds that Hollow returned unharmed.

He noticed all of the other wolves, mostly grouped by pack, but still helping one another as needed on their journey. He knew that certain packs and wolves had grievances with others, but for the good of everyone all of that had been set aside for the time being. The whole of the Lore was coming together for the good of all and showing the outsiders that nothing could break them as long as they stood together as pack and community. He had to admit that he was proud to be a part of this and that he'd come to the Lore and made it his new home. Now, more than ever, he had something to protect. His own family and his own pack. Friends that he'd made. If he needed to die so that they might live it would be worth it.

His golden amber gaze fell on Nina and Koda as the miles ticked by and he couldn't be happier that his dear friend had finally been reunited with her love. He would do all that he could to keep her safe as well. She had seen so much heartache already and she deserved her own piece of happiness. Thoughts of mates of course brought his sweet Blue Eyes to mind. By now, she and the others would be back home in the cave awaiting news and carrying on with the business of life. He fully intended to come home to her, but he knew that in war there was always a chance that he wouldn't. Time would tell.

Eventually, they arrived on the other side with everyone intact, if more tired for the journey. That would disappear with a rest. Now it was time to decide what to do with the mass of wolves that had come together to drive out the enemy. Elettra finally broke the general silence, calling for them to fan out. He looked to Ice, who had stepped into the 'Leader' position for the group, wondering what the large male would suggest. Spreading out made sense though and he moved forward to at least be closer to Nina and the others, prepared to move as directed under the senior wolves direction.

Knight of Honor

Something about the day was amiss.

She stalked the borders of her home – the once delicate and even pretty features of the pale and silver she-wolf was now wrought with stress and the curl of her lip. Ripplefang was gone. Dapplefur, gone. Slyscar and Slimtail were all she had left, and she barely seen them. Slimtail raged with the sickness – something Fleetfoot had come to realize would not simply fade away with time after they appeased their gods, if only because their god had turn back to them.

Aniwaya Woods, a pack that had once held so much glory, now held itself in a hushed state of death. She recalled the day Blackcrow had brought her here, the shroud of green and the earthy scent that had enshrouded the land he called home. She had thought it ethereal in a unique way, perhaps more because he was within the borders, and she would have followed him anywhere.

Now, she would follow him to the afterlife.

The silence was broken by the shifting of noise. A lone stranger would not make such sounds upon intrusion, and as she stilled, the sun reflecting upon the ghastly skeletal figure she had become, a low growl bubbled forth from her lips. They had finally been found.

Her first instinct was to call for Slyscar and Slimtail – to perhaps lead them further away from these lands and to never return. But this was her home, and she would give her last breath here.. even if it meant to be so on this very day.

Without further thought, the ivory she-wolf scaled forward, pushing past the still dead foliage of the woods. There were many of them.. their disgusting scents littering the sacred woods without regard. One final thought pressed to her mind, and turning her muzzle, she paused momentarily, gurgling spit within her jaws until it frothed and drooled from her mouth – a lesser imitation of Slimtail’s. Let them believe she held the disease.

Finally she caught glimpse of them – a myriad of pelt colors. Blacks, whites, browns, greys. It would seem an army had come knocking to her door, and bristling, the she-wolf emerged from the shadows much like a wraith – a sender of death. Saliva pooled upon her lips as she parted them back, her icy gaze falling upon each wolf before her. “Come forth, the Leader of this mess, and meet your fate. I will bleed you dry, whether it is from this life or the next.” Her voice sang out across the gathering, waiting. Watching.

you do not know who is your friend or who is your enemy until the ICE breaks. The freezing fog and the ghastly light across the mossy, overgrown land certainly seemed to take its toll; they all grew subdued with the smell of Aniwaya and the haunted feeling the night bore, eventually winding to a stop. Snow and moss cushioned his body where he stood, sides rising and falling as every breath of air passed through his nose and dumped its information in his brain. It seemed fitting the murderous bastards lived in a forest of decay. When Elettra spoke he realized he'd slipped from his position of commander. For a moment, the dominant leader in him protested, growled within his soul; it had been pleasing, to know that the wolves and leaders of the Lore followed his words, his guidance, his plan... But the next moment, he breathed out a sigh of relief. He had never thought to wage a war upon another pack. He knew where they were, knew their scents, knew how to cross the mountains - but warfare? No. Her suggestion made sense, and as the Willow wolves started to drift away, more followed suit, spreading out across the mossy ground and passing him like specters in the fog. Would he ever see them again? Would the sounds of their deaths be muted by the heavy air, muffled, absorbed, until they all lay dead and no one knew why? His eyes cast about for Fenru, but barely had he seen him that a movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Snapping his white head around, Ice saw one of them, for the first time. Without thinking, a rough bark escaped his mouth, warning that one of their foes had come to greet them. At a glance, she looked ordinary, pale, intense, ready to defend her home. At a second glance, he saw the saliva dripping from her jaws, the foam coating her lips - and recalled the dead animals he had seen, frozen in their thrashing and with bubbles lining their mouths. "Watch it! She's sick," he barked, his ears and tail rising high as his heart picked up speed. Warm blood rushed through his veins, adrenaline heightening his senses for a moment. He knew that smell. He knew it, because it had tainted Rissa's all the way. It was her captor, the one who had ruined so much, the one to blame for the death of their young - Ice drew forward a couple of steps, lips peeling back as a growl rumbled in his chest. "Circle around her, keep a few eyes outwards, in case more come out. Keep your distances," he ordered of those closest to him, not caring which leader they normally obeyed. Some part of him wanted to barge in and rip her throat out, heedless of the danger, and not care if her sickness spread to him. Only the thought of it being a terrible way to honor Rissa kept him back. Surely she would not want him to die needlessly. If worst came to worst, they'd have to take turns hunting and wait for her to starve. Still growling Ice advanced until he was maybe twenty yards from her, signaling that the rest should close to the same distance. He only hoped no one would give in to fury and attack, and lose themselves to the illness. .ice aesir

Not sure how you guys want to deal with rounds from now on? Each round being five days, and you just post to it when you have the time?
Edit: thought I add it in as a note; Ice is unfamiliar with the smell of rabies in living animals (and dead animals mostly smell of death), hence why he's not calling her bluff. :P

(This post was last modified: Apr 18, 2013, 11:35 AM by Ice.)

let the stars above shine in your soul

The journey had been long and her discomfort in the heights of the mountains did not make it any easier, yet she moved on as if unfazed. She did not wish to worry Corrina or Ice with her silly fears, so she pushed through them and breathed a sigh of relief when they arrived on the other side of the mountains, gratefully digging her claws into earth that was not laden with rock and letting the tension flow from her shoulders. She let her emerald eyes wander and take in the travel weary wolves around her and the unfamiliar terrain.

A familiar voice caught her attention. Elettra, calling out a plan of action. She glanced to Ice who had been their leader thus far and just caught the play of emotions on his face. In one second objecting to being replaced and in the next relaxing and accepting it. He'd had the knowledge to get them here and Cali knew not of his skill in warfare, but the plan laid out by her friend made sense. Yet she looked to Ice still, awaiting his confirmation.

Cali almost jumped as another voice rang out from beyond their group. This time and unfamiliar one, demanding that their leader come forth to face her wrath. Her snowy hackles raised instantly, even as a shiver ran down her spine. This was it. The first step in securing their freedom from the unknown heathens. The baby killers. This thought alone nearly sent the motherly wolf over the edge in memory of sweet innocent Rissa, torn from this life far too soon. Ice's sharp words of caution put a stop to her forward motion. Much as she wanted to stain her pristine fur with the other fae's blood, she must heed her leader and bide her time.

Once she came to a stop on Ice's left with a growl vibrating her chest, she saw the dribble of foam on the others' muzzle and her eyes widened in fear for a moment. Then her resolve returned ten-fold and she bared her fangs, green eyes blazing. Sick or no, this wolf must die and if she had to sacrifice herself so that her leaders, their young and even Jessie and Narime' back home could live, she would do so in a heartbeat.

Never Underestimate a Heart of Fire...

kso... no stuffing around for Sly...

slyscar

we can watch the world devoured in its pain

Such a large group just for the three of them? So noisy as well. The stink they gave off made them impossible to miss and so he had stuck to the shadows, which embraced him as an old friend. He wasn’t sure whether it was fear or determination that drove them, but their true natures were shining through, to weak for any of them to do it alone they had been kind to their competitors and joined forces. The thought made him sick to his stomach. Unelanuhi could not tolerate such weakness in her lands surely and so she would hand them the victory, regardless of the numbers that opposed them. He could feel her approval shining down on him, blanketing the brown wolf in a halo of conviction.

He watched as Fleetfoot made herself known. As ragged as he had ever seen her, she still held herself proudly, and a desire to stand by her side, as was his right was sparked within. He saw as she worked a lather to her jaws, a small smile at her cunning lighting his eyes. As the others moved to circle her he knew his chance was gone for now, but he was in the better position, at their backs, unseen, unheard.

Ears and eyes locked onto the familiar voice of the pale male. He had seen him before, in the woods, with the small one... Heard his pain at the loss of the first and his lips drew back from his teeth in a savage smile. He would be the first, just as soon as the time was right.

With Fleetfoot proving to be an adequate distraction and the approval of his god shining down on him, he worked his own lather to his jaws as his muscles tensed, readying himself to launch bodily into the much larger wolf before him. To target a leg or a flank would be useless with so many to take down. No, he would need to aim for the back of the much larger wolf’s neck.

The thoughts were flying through his head as he moved as if in slow motion. Jaws opening in the hopes of clamping around the thick white coat and through to the flesh and bone beneath.

Surprise! he all but laughed in his head.

(This post was last modified: Apr 17, 2013, 10:56 PM by Slyscar.)

I'm replying to this thread with the knowledge that wolves can smell diseases and infections on other animals, thus giving them the ability to ether avoid them or hunt then down due to the weakness. I read this is a few places before making this post but if it is false, let me know and I'll edit this post. However, with other facts to account, El will likely still reply and act in the same manner, none the less.

There was not an ounce of objection - no huff or growl or snap in detest. Those who might not have liked the idea forever held their peace and thus, went unnoticed whilst the mass group of wolves slowly fanned out, moving in a arc forward through the mossy green landscape through the night. Only the footfalls of her fellow travelers was heard, along with their breaths and small bits of snarls with anticipation. In moments, the silence is broken, a woman coming forth from the brush opposite of the group - their opponent, their prey. Her mock display for fear falls on deaf ears to Elettra, though Ice sees the woman's foaming mouth and reacts quick to warn his soldiers of the threat. "Ice, she lies!" Her words bark, meaning not to make the man seem a fool, but to allow him to calm, along with the rest and take a moment to scent. The woman before her could play her game all she willed, but with a single sniff Elettra could tell she was not of the infected. Kanosak had come to her and in this, taught her well. Showed her the true imagine of a wolf with rabies - their movements, their words, their reactions and more concrete, the smell of them and the festering, rotting wound they held from which they were bit. Sure, she had only seen Kanosak like this, but took it all to memory for this exact moment. Sure, it was a risk, though a risk worth taking to avenge her fallen pack mate.
"No." Her words growl to the woman as she began arching around to close the distance on her in a movement to surround the woman from the other side as Ice and Cali were ahead. "This is no glorious fight between wolves of honor." For the creature before them all was something Elettra regarded as filth, a coward. They had picked off children and ganged up on those whom could have proved a challenge. This woman, nor any under her command, deserved such a proper end. "This is an extermination." Her words were final as she readied herself, having already been in the majority of defenses prior (head and tail level with her spine and head eased back for protection) Elettra's ears then flattened to keep from being snagged. Her limbs slightly bent and spread, ready to spring into action where needed and her jaws agape, offering a snarl that was far less intimidating then the bite to come after.
It is only the quick movement of another that has her head snapping into it's direction with quick reaction. The man as he charged (aiming for the thick of Ice's nape, a foolish move on his part where so much fur and fat was held) was a smack to Elettra's memory: the man who had been scouring her borders after having ventured 'far from home'. The sneaky bastard had been far too close to her home for comfort and it was he who had been the spine of Kanosak's demise. Instantly her direction alters, powerful long limbs pushing her with a speed for the kill. She comes in low, straight towards Slyscar's left side with jaws agape and shoulders forth. Her attempt is to bash straight into the running man's rib cage to alter his attack on Ice before it could fully take place, seeking any part of his flesh along his shoulder line in the process.

Elettra is currently attacking Slyscar.

(This post was last modified: Apr 17, 2013, 11:28 PM by Elettra.)