Heartleaf Creek i’m waking up

Although he would much rather be somewhere else – preferably eating his catch with his companion without having the presence of this gargantuan Arctic looming over them – Lachesis listened (im)patiently to the loner as he spoke. He understood that the fiery eyed male came from a rough past – most lone wolves did, thus why they were lone wolves – but there was something still bothering him. Something that didn’t add up… He watched the loner with narrowed brows, lips pursed as Reaper’s story continued; it was long and harsh, filled with deceit and horror, and ended with a kind of but not really happy ending. Compared to the rest of his story, the ending was the only part that could be considered ‘happy’.

It was evident that the large male liked talking about this organization; his fiery gaze gleaming with something in their depths as it darted between Lachesis and Anastasia, and the yearling could see his fur bristling with excitement. Then Reaper started to speak of starting a branch of this organization-thing here… what? Confused, the boy glanced over at his blue-eyed companion, but her gaze did not waver from the large loner. She was completely engaged in him, hanging off each word as it feel from his tongue. A frown cut deep into his lips as he turned his attention back to Reaper, claws digging into the earth beneath them as an unsettling feeling began to gnaw at his stomach. No, whatever this was, he did not like it.

’We can join the pack that Capella is a part of.’ Although XIX did not understand this organization, or like where this was heading, he could not deny that he was happy that he could join Capella in the woods. As soon as the excitement bubbled, it was vanquished by the discomfort that was settling deep within his gut. Anastasia seemed oblivious – she desperately wanted to be a part of something, to have others adored her (because having just Lachesis adore her was not enough). Reaper’s story had bewitched the girl, and the time that they had spent together had caused her to become bias to whatever he suggested. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px;">“What exactly is this organization?” He finally asked, the stuttering temporarily absent as he demanded a response from the fiery-eyed male.

stick with those who stick with you

Pride filled the large male as the beautiful she wolf suggested a pack they could join, it seemed leadership was within her after all. She had a smart head to her, and took every suggestion to heart and found ways to complete them almost instantly. He approached her slowly before nudging her muzzle gently with his own and licking her chin, a practice of greeting between pack members. He looked upon her, his eyes shining with fondness and pride, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"That sounds like a lovely idea Anastasia, but I think it best that when joining a pack you keep your intentions of leaving it later silent. Most packs want wolves who plan on staying with them forever, and I wouldn't want our own plans getting in the way of you being taken care of until we have enough power to become our own pack." He nudged her again, this time though it was more like a nuzzle, displaying just how much he wished her to be taken care of so no darkness would fall upon her. The boy was still distrustful this much was clear, and with his demanding tone Reaper could feel dislike for him building. Still he was a pure one, and if he wanted Anastasia to join he knew he would have to accept the boy as well even if he wasn't pleased about it. Perhaps once he joins and feels what the organization really is he will change his tune, it isn't an evil thing, it was meant to help wolves such as himself. When he looked upon the boy it wasn't with the adoration he used with his female companion, but it wasn't with dislike either, the expression was still neutral. He smiled at them both now and a slight chuckle slipped from his jaws, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"Oh how foolish of me! I forgot to explain to you both the general message, well lets amend that now." He looked upon the boy now with happiness, though the tone had been rude the question was a good one, perhaps he would make a good picker. His tail began to sway slowly behind him with a sort of lazy happiness as he explained, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"The organization is a group of wolves from all sorts of breeds that began in Alaska. We believe that the different breeds of wolves all of different sorts of talents and that pack roles should be given out accordingly with that in mind. For example, the size of Greater Plains and Mackenzies make them excellent guardians and hunters. While Timbers are smaller and swifter, which makes them better suited for roles such as scout or healer as they can more easily squeeze into odd nooks and crannies to gather herbs." He finished with another smile, this was just the tip of the iceberg for the organization, there were more rules than this, but these were the basic ones.

omg, i sry. i wrote a novel and ana is omg emo.

The itch that gnawed upon Anastasia began to grow, festering as she stood near to its core. Lachesis, being the core. It was no secret to her that something was bothering him, and it was becoming increasingly apparent in the vibe that she got from simply being in his presence. This dislike towards Reaper was growing and she didn’t understand why. He was being nothing but kind to XIX yet, he seemed to just roll over everything the guy said or did like he was some monster.

Truthfully, Anastasia was experiencing a wave of emotions that she didn’t want to feel. Upset was one, since she liked Reaper and could see great things in the future in that direction but Lachesis seemed to see different. But, how could he see different when Reaper had posed them no threat? Another emotion she felt was loss—she felt as though she was going to lose her best friend. Was this what he came to? Her desire to want to see where Reaper’s pack/organization went because it provided her with safety and the benefits of a well-rounded home? She loved Lachesis, she rolled in the fact that the boy adored her just as she adored him; but, she was young and infatuated with the idea of a place among a blossoming pack. But even moreso, she was overcome with the idea that she could be at the top of it.

With her suggestion to her pal, she was granted with a nudge to her muzzle in which her heart thrummed mercilessly. Praise was always welcome, she considered with greed. Anastasia nodded her head, mostly to herself, to remember that at this point they couldn’t share that they would leave somewhere in the future. Reaper would likely come to them when the time came, but for now it seemed that Shade and Capella would have two new members on the way. Unfortunately, Ana felt that once they decided to leave that pack, XIX would no longer follow her. With her head metaphorically held high, she decided that they would cross that bridge when it came. There was no rush or bother to worry about the future.

When Lachesis somewhat rudely asked Reaper what his organization was (something Ana was curious about, but assumed it was logical so refrained) she felt trampled. It was like a motherly instinct in her crept out and she wanted to speak his name out loud to reprimand him for behaving in such a way, but she stopped herself. So far as to have not even budged or make a face, just in utter shock that he spoke so demandingly to someone who wished to shelter them and provide for them specifically. Her mood was changing, altering, finding its way into her heart and breaking it slowly. This was painful, almost too painful, for her to manage standing here much longer.

Reaper’s explanation lay blank within her mind as she mulled it over. It wasn’t necessarily a horrible thing as Lachesis was apparently making it to sound, but it might take some adjustment. The more Anastasia thought about it, the more she began to wonder if this was how things were in the Alaskan heritage that she had come from. Perhaps her pack had altered it quite a bit to where Arctic males were the supreme and the women were inferior… it seemed plausible. Although she wanted to bring up questions and comment, she couldn’t shake the stress level that was plaguing her—wanting to be happy and healthy with the pack that Reaper spoke of but also wanting Lachesis with her, but it seemed that would only be a wish that wouldn’t come true.

by Sarah

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Lachesis didn’t care if he was being rude – he wanted answers. The large Arctic male, although he had gone in depth about his past and the grief he had endured, he had been vague about what this organization was all about. The yearling did not understand it, and would not join (even if it meant losing Anastasia) if he

a. did not agree with it, or

b. did not understand it.

It would be a difficult decision to make to leave Ana in the care of this fiery-eyed loner he did not trust – Lach wanted to stay with his friend no matter what, but he was beginning to realize that sometimes he would have to be selfish and put himself first. He cared for the blue-eyed girl more than he had ever cared for another – even more than his own mother – and never wanted to abandon her. Just as he was her rock, she was his and he would always want to protect her no matter the situation. Even if she was in the wrong, and he knew it, Lachesis would always take her side even if it meant throwing himself into the fire. They shared a remarkable bond, one that had blossomed during their travels together. Her faith in him and the patience she had for him had only strengthened how he felt toward her – nothing would ever change that.

But that gut feeling was still festering, clawing and gnawing at his insides, searching desperately for the source of this uneasiness. On the outside, Reaper did seem like a genuine wolf – although menacing in size, there was an air of charisma that engulfed him. Words flowed smoothly off his tongue, his tone and expression exerting an unmistakable friendliness.

Even though he appeared to be an ally, something was screaming at the pear-eyed boy that this stranger was not to be trusted. The boy knew that this could be some strange form of jealousy – Reaper spoke to Anastasia in an affectionate tone, and the nudge-nuzzle he had given the blue-eyed girl caused Nineteen’s fur to bristle in annoyance. There was something else, though, something more than just jealousy – but he couldn’t figure it out. He thought perhaps he was being judgemental (he barely knew the large Arctic, after all), but something just didn’t feel right.

As the loner began explaining what this ‘organization’ was about XIX listened with his ears pinned forward, brows narrowed as he caught each word that fell off Reaper’s tongue. Why were breeds so important? Lachesis did not understand why – like all the local packs – wolves couldn’t share roles, why did it have to be divided because of their breed? That didn’t make sense, nor did it seem fair. Why force wolves to do something they did not want to do? As Reaper finished his explanation (which, to the ghost, still seemed rather vague) a silence fell over the three wolves. Lach wasn’t sure how to feel about this… Anastasia seemed thrilled to be a part of this, but the lanky boy did not feel like he would fit in among these wolves. He knew that packs had structure, as his companion had explained to him, but this didn’t seem right. She had never told XIX about a pack following this type of structure – this must be new to her as well. He glanced over at her for a moment, wondering what her take on this was, before returning his gaze back to the Arctic male. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px;">“Why are breeds so important?” He asked, the question hanging in the air with the same tone that had accompanied his last question. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px;">“And where d-do Arctic wolves play into this?” His stutter finally kicked in, although his voice remained strong as he finished his second question.

Without answers and clarity on Reaper’s proposition, Lachesis wanted nothing to do with these wolves – even if it meant losing Anastasia. He would love her always and desperately wanted to make his friend happy, but he did not want to lose himself in the process.

stick with those who stick with you

The boy was on his last nerve and Reaper stifled a growl, if the boy did not submit soon he might no longer be able to fight the urge to teach him a lesson. An impatient sigh slid from his jaws at the boys tone, anger flashing clearly in his orbs now, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"If you had waited I would have told you and you wouldn't have to be asking such foolish questions." His tail flicked in annoyance and he could barely keep his hackles from rising, though his teeth barred themselves while he talked, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"Patience is a virtue you know." The large male turned his head and closed his eyes, pulling himself back together, he would not attack Anastasia's friend, for her sake, or at least he would try not to. Hunger panged through him again and his sights saw the half eaten fish upon the ground that the boy had refused to eat. Making clear eye contact with the yearling he moved forward and grabbed the salmon before returning to his spot to eat it. He took his time, savouring the fish, before smacking his jaws as he finished and rising to stand once more. He looked at the boy and gravely said, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"You shouldn't waste food, beggars can't be choosers," it was a lecture, clearly displaying that the boy was just that, a boy who needed to be taught. Reaper knew he hadn't answered his question, he planned on making him wait, he was going to teach the boy patience even if he couldn't physically do it. In his mind XIX needed a good forced bow, a hold on the scruff of his neck until he chose to submit on his own, but he knew that this would upset the woman so he refrained. Finally after many moments of silence that large man began to speak once more, to answer Nineteen's question even though he felt the boy was not worthy of an answer. He took a seat, though his tone showed that he thought he was talking to an imbecile, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"Have you ever heard of genetics? It means what traits and skill are passed down from mother and father to a litter of pups. This is why breed is so important, all breeds have different base genes, so have different base skills, simple really." The next question made him puff his chest out proudly once more, his tone much happier as he continued, not that it was a good question, but it had an answer he liked talking about. <b style="color:#FF2501;">"Do you know who explored and conquered the Great North and took it for themselves when no other breeds could? It was the Arctics with the help of the Yukons. We have leadership in our veins, passed on for generations of wolves, we were meant to lead, to advise, to teach. Now we also have many other skills, leading a hunt for example is still leading, leading a scout group, still leading. The point is, we were meant to lead in everything that we do." He ended with a wistful smile, oh how talking about his organization made him so happy.

Ana could feel herself begin to shake, starting with her paws and growing into her legs. Only then did she begin to realize that things were falling apart, she was caught between two wolves. One she loved and one she had faith in, but where was she? Anastasia loved Lachesis, truly. She didn’t want to be without him but the fact that this was upsetting him began to upset her. He deserved love, yet she had brought nothing but confusion and irritation to him. It was her fault, all her fault. Nothing had prepared her for the possibility that she could lose Lachesis, and by the rising boil in the discussion she couldn’t even find her words. Even when her friend turned to look at her with questioning eyes she couldn’t find her voice.

Perhaps it was when Reaper spoke back to her friend that she felt fear. The growl that he Reaper emitted, worried her. It was directed at someone who simply asked questions, he was anxious to know these things—a disagreement that might be between her and Reaper. Patience was a virtue, but it couldn’t be taught so easily. In mere minutes he lunged towards the fish that Lachesis had caught and turned back to eat it. Her eyes looked to Lachesis subtly, urging him to not feed into this. “Reaper…” she whispered, weak and obviously not buying into this aggression that was building in her proximity. Even though she did like Reaper, she would protect XIX.

From the moment she whispered she simply stood by Lachesis, not wanting to leave his side. She somewhat listened to what Reaper was speaking about but more focused on trying to keep herself calm. She didn’t know how to react to the idea that Arctics were supposed to lead, because where she had come from she had been told that she couldn’t do anything besides be a woman. “I th-think we should start our t-travels South to find that pack,” even she begun to stutter now as she feared the repercussions of her decision. Anastasia just wanted to get Lachesis out of here, as these two men were not going to get along even if she was here.

by Sarah

(This post was last modified: Jun 23, 2013, 06:30 AM by Anastasia.)

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The more the larger wolf spoke, the more XIX found himself disliking the fiery-eyed male. He wanted to drag his blue-eyed companion away from his by the scruff her neck as the feeling continued to gnaw at his stomach, fueling more questions that sprouted in the back of his mind. It was evident that the two wolves did not like each other, but Reaper realized that they were a package deal – without Lachesis, Anastasia would not join the organization that the loner spoke so highly of. The boy knew that it was because of this that Reaper had not thrown him down into the dirt, breath hot on the back of his neck to force the yearling into submission. Although he was a nervous wreck and the stuttering made him look weak, XIX would not submit to the larger wolf. They both held the same loner title, and although the fiery-eyed male was obviously a lot stronger than him, Lachesis refused to show any sign of compliance toward him. XIX allowed the words that spat from the Arctic’s mouth to roll of his shoulders, lips pressed into a thin line as he kept his gaze focused on the large male. He could sense that Anastasia was growing uneasy, and as she spoke Reaper’s name the yearling had to supress a growl from emerging. He knew that she only wanted everyone to happy, as she was similar to Lachesis in that sense. However, the boy did not understand how she didn’t think that what he was suggesting was not ideal for the duo. As the large male pulled the half-eaten fish toward him Lachesis only felt indifference – once the male had started speaking, XIX had lost his appetite and was only focused on what the loner had to say. It had been rude to judge Reaper simply on appearance, but the words that spilled from his lips had only backed up his suspicions. There was something not right, something that Lachesis could not get on board with. He cared for Anastasia deeply, and wanted to see her happy and flourish within a pack, but he knew this wasn’t right for her – for both of them. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;"> “I just want to know what I’m getting into before agreeing to be a part of this,” he said finally, his stutter temporarily absent as his attention remained focused on the large Arctic. He listened patiently as Reaper responded to his questions, his distaste evident in the tone that he used. Lachesis restrained himself from rolling his eyes, and glanced over at his companion while the loner spoke. What did she think of all this? She had been awfully quiet, which had confused the yearling since she had been the one to bring Reaper here. He could not help but wonder what it was that she saw in the strange male and why she believed that this organization was right for them. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;">“I admire your passion about our heritage,” the boy added after Reaper finished speaking, his gaze flicking back over to the Arctic. Finally, the boy had something nice to say to the fiery-eyed male. His words dripped with honesty, as the youth truly did admire how passionate Reaper was – it did not necessarily mean that he agreed with him, just that he did possess at least one commendable trait. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;">“We could leave tomorrow, after you’ve r-rested?” This time, his question was directed toward Ana, eyes softening once they met her cerulean gaze. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;">“W-when were you hoping on establishing your b-branch?” The stutter returned with a vengeance, but XIX did not let his annoyance with his speech impediment show. Hopefully this was a suitable question for the short-tempered male.

stick with those who stick with you

He heard the whisper and the protectiveness in her voice over the boy and tried his best not to snort, it was like she was his mother or something. The fish sated his hunger, for now, he knew he would have to find something else to fill his belly, but the pangs were gone from his sides now. It was the compliment that surprised him, Reaper raised his head and when he looked on the boy now there was approval in his gaze, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"And I admire your strong will, you ask a lot of questions, you would make a good advisor." The compliment felt strange in his mouth, he had been beginning to hate the boy, but he might be able to see him in new light. It was now that the fiery eyed man could see how exhausted Anastasia had become, and she seemed uncomfortable in their meeting, he wanted to care for her. Another question arrived but this time the Arctic didn't lose his temper, the more he thought of XIX as becoming and advisor the more this made sense, and he was beginning to approve of the questions he asked. The question wasn't the easiest to answer however and he had to ponder it for a few short moments, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"As soon as possible, though it's hard to judge when that will be, I wouldn't want to rush it before we had gathered enough information and members." He had seen many packs fail by rushing into being, these things took time if they were to be carried out correctly, and he would not let his branch fail. He felt the weariness in his bones now, his body begging for slumber after their long journey through the mountains and a yawn slipped from his jaws. Reaper approached Anastasia slowly, licking her chin as a member of a pack would do to their leaders, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"Travel safely, I will come to see you as much as possible until it's time." Looking to the boy he nodded in new found respect, <b style="color:#FF2501;">"You travel safe as well, make sure you take good care of her." Turning away from them now he took his leave, walking towards the creek he might catch another salmon before resting, but the world of sleep called to him now. EXIT

It was very likely that Reaper had not taken a swing simply because Anastasia was there. She would have been ultimately upset and probably would have rocked herself on the floor from the obvious anger in the room. Lachesis was something familiar to her and all she wanted was complete happiness in all three of them but this moment here was straggling the air around them. Anastasia was not breathing easy and she just wanted to take Lachesis and go for a walk or even a nap. They would need their rest for the journey, even though she knew that that journey would be strained now.

It was a surprise to hear Lachesis say something nice to Reaper, though she couldn’t help but feel like it was sarcasm. How could it not be? They had been spitting at each other for a while now and a compliment simply seemed out of place, but from when Reaper complimented him back the confusion only got worse. Where had these random compliments come from? Anastasia didn’t understand but she didn’t need to, their space was still struggling to breath. Yes, resting seemed a good idea now as she stood there feeling the exhaustion hitting her body roughly. Nodding to clarify that they could begin after traveling she was met with a lick upon her chin that she appreciated but it was enough to make the very little strength left in her body give out.

Reaper would come visit her, which meant that she would make sure that Lachesis was away so that he wouldn’t feel upset by his company. Ana liked Reaper’s presence but if it would upset the closest friend she had, she wouldn’t risk them coming across again. It brought a small smile to her face when Reaper asked XIX to take good care of her but she knew that Lachesis always took great care when it came to her. “Rest sounds good,” she whispered as Reaper exited hoping that two of them could turn in for the night. It wouldn’t come as a surprise that once they did reach their den, she would pass out immediately.

by Sarah

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looking for friends, potential love interests and role-inspired threads!

For now, the boy had managed to gain the fiery-eyed male’s trust back. Although Lachesis was not interested in joining the organization when it became established, he at least wanted to know what Anastasia was getting herself into if she chose to join him. Of course, he didn’t want to be separated from the blue-eyed girl – he loved and cared for her in a way that he couldn’t put into words, but if it made her happy he would not object. Until that time came, XIX didn’t want to think about possibly losing her to the large loner – he would deal with that when the time came. After he had administered the compliment Nineteen had not expected one in return – his eyes widened in shock as he accepted it with a quick nod, a faint smile falling onto his maw. He wasn’t sure if Reaper was being sincere or not, but the compliment had left a positive mark on the boy. An advisor? For a moment, the youth almost considered joining the group when he called upon the duo – having this role would make him important; valued; something the boy never expected to obtain within a pack. His mind screamed no! at him as the thought appeared, and it was quickly dismissed with a quick wag of his tail. He was pleased when the male did not object to his next question and offered the loner a faint smile as he answered. Lachesis needed to do some more thinking about whether or not this was ideal for him – for all he knew, Reaper could be spitting lies at him only to gain numbers. He needed a starting point for the organization, and that was exactly what Lachesis and Anastasia were. When Reaper announced that he would be visiting them XIX quickly glanced at his companion, although her face remained unreadable. The only upside to this was that the teenager could ask the Arctic more questions – even if it annoyed the male, Lach needed answers. Reaper’s explanation had been rather vague and the yearling was itching for more; he still didn’t trust the older male, but he was still curious about the organization. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;">“Of course,” he responded to the male’s comment about taking care of Anastasia as he bowed his head to say good-bye, pear gaze finally peeling away from the Arctic. After the larger male had left, Lach stepped toward his companion, expression soft as he nudged her cheek affectionately. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#446819;">“Let’s g-get some sleep, Ana.”

stick with those who stick with you