Darkwater Rapids Those Who Left

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#D7DDDF;"> Never had the thin yearling been exposed to such weather conditions until now – the rain came in sheets, making it nearly impossible to see, and the water level was rising at an alarming pace. It splashed at his stomach as he and Anastasia pushed their way to the hill that lead to their safety. While he wasn’t acquainted with the members of the pack Lachesis was still frightened for all the Darkwater wolves. He had been excited to start fishing at the river, but now it was impossible to tell where the river began and ended. Just as he began to ponder where the pack was going to go Maksim’s voice shouted over the downpour, insisting that the wolves travel over the mountains. Bright eyes widened at the idea as they flickered over to his companion, pointed ears flattened against his skull as he took a hesitant step forward. It was once Anastasia pushed forward that he allowed his pace to quicken, his side still pressed against his companion’s damp fur as they moved together. He felt guilty for being a part of this when he had no attachment to the land like the wolves of the Rapids. Now nature was taking its toll on the land and punishing it for an unknown reason, driving the wolves away from their homes. With a heavy heart, the yearling picked up his pace and tried to ignore the bitter chill that made itself home deep within the marrow of his bones.

stick with those who stick with you

Water whirled and rushed around her body and, shaking and stiff, she seemed to sink into the shifting mud beneath her body. Was this life was to end? In a violent storm from which she couldn't escape on her own? She'd only ever known these mossy woods and the hidden ravine where the river ran deep and fast. She'd only ever known the pack that was her father's and her blood relatives. Quil was young, but she was old enough to recognize that there was a bigger world out there to be found─one that she knew she would never see.

When all hope had flowly faded, washed away by the murky currents that seemed to swallow the forest whole, the figure of a stranger emerged from the storm's shadows and the slanted curtain of rain. A low whine thrummed in the girl's throat as she shivered helplessly. Instinct told her this wolf was a danger, but rationality spoke that this was, truly, her only hope. Immediately her amber eyes, wide with fear, fixed upon the dark furred male, and as he neared her another figure came into view. As unfamiliar as the tawny man was, too, the rain hadn't completely washed the scents of her mother and father from his slick fur. She breathed in the faint trace, able to procure a hint of comfort from it, before being hoisted from what would have been her own watery grave.

What came to follow was a blur. Seemingly safe in the care of one of her pack, the Attaya girl tried to push the feel of the cold and rain as it slipped down her trembling body far away. Memories of sunshine and mother's warmth rolled through her mind; Cinder's soft fur; Mace's suave smile; Rowan's earthy scent; father's stunning silver eyes. A lurch of pain and terror shot through her chest and her stomach knotted up. Her eyes opened wide once more, looking out into the chaos but seeing the life she should have, and would have had. Would everyone be alright? What was more─would her family make it out alive, or would they be swept away like she almost had been?

The sharp call of her name tore her back to reality. Maksim. The child looked around, hanging from her tawny savior's mouth, for the guardian. Others had gathered, many of them faces she'd never seen before and none of them members of her family.

She'd grown knowing and loving the rapids and this place─now, they were washing her world away. Finally overcome by the shock of it all, Quil slipped away into the safety of her own mind helplessly, her eyes watching thoughtlessly as the scene around her and the words of Maksim began to fade into numbness.

The rain cascaded down all around them, the soaked pup clung to Ash and Maksim tried to establish some kind of order. Namara on the other hand felt oddly detached and calm. It felt as though she had seen so much disaster and tragedy that this was no longer a painful thing. It was simple, they would cross the mountains, it would not be too difficult. Namara knew the terrain, as did Ash, naturally they would be the best leaders for this trek at least until they made it across. But something told Namara that more than one wolf may not agree, dominance battles would ensue and the cause would be lost so instead, she snapped her jaws as loudly as she could and gave her most commanding of barks.

"Once we make the mountains I shall lead, Quil can stay in Ash's care, he knows the mountains better than I do, the pup will be safe with him." Hopefully the other would see sense, Namara was beside him now moving through the flood waters calm, and collected. As if there was no flood, just running straight into the mountain in this weather would spell disaster for the rapids wolves and Namara knew it. To the male, and only to him Namara spoke in a voice that barely edged out the rain for sound, "If you go running into the mountain in this weather without some knowledge of it you are sentencing the pack to death." Now was no time for being soft, it was not the time to be gentle with her words. Right now Ash was responsible for a pup, and she knew the way over the mountain. In her mind once they made the foot of the mountain it was up to her and Ash to guarantee the packs safety across. Once on the other side.... she didn't know.

Wind picked up, threatening to remove the trees from the ground that they were so faithfully rooted to. At first it had started out as a few droplets falling from a light-gray sky, but over the past days the clouds turned darker and with it came more fear. For the pups, for the pack, for the river. Nothing else mattered except keeping an eye on the banks of the river that had invited them so encouragingly to pause, to rest, to make a family near the rapids. It had been a trick, mother nature had duped them, and showed their true fool colors. She might as well dress them all up with red noses and colorful garments, because that was essentially what she was showing the world now.

The McBain had been keeping an eye on the children, the den, for the past couple hours when the storm really began to speed up its pace. Why would there be a reason to check the river when all of them were right here? If the pups did not leave, then they would be safe.

But the sky kept darkening and sheets of rain began pouring down, the water was getting ever closer to the den. It was just then that Destin noticed Quil was missing. Leaping to his feet he attempted to track her trail, ordering the pups to remain with their mother and father while he ventured out into the tempest. Despite his large form the wind whipped him around like a rag doll by its master, and frustration filled him as he was buffeted back and forth. All around him the sound of water filled his ears. Destin could not track Quil's scent, he could not hear her cries, and soon became quickly disoriented in the darkness. He howled for anyone that could lead him away from this mess, and also for Quil... Minutes later, there was still no response.

Water was pooling up around his legs, growing higher, soon at his belly fur. Another howl, this time with more urgency, more need. Trying to swim, the liquid slowed him down as it sloshed back and forth, soaking his skin and causing teeth to chatter in the cold and cruel conditions. From somewhere a familiar voice spoke to him, calling to everyone in the area. His ears barely picked it up, yet he went towards the angelic source all the same. Water began overwhelming him, causing his large body to slip beneath the surface as he attempted to keep his head upright. It began filling his mouth and his nose, and the male let out an alarmed bark, a howl cut off. Destin struggled to keep swimming, but his body was just becoming so tired... he was so helpless.. who knew it would end like this?

"speech"

DARKWATER Rapids

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

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(This post was last modified: Oct 09, 2013, 10:15 PM by Destin.)

The pup had seen him, so Hati glided forward like a ghost out of the rain to help her out of her frightened freeze and get to shelter, but before he could act a stranger—of Darkwater by the common scent clinging to his brown fur—scooped her up and jogged towards the demanding voice of Maksim Baranski, alpha of Darkwater Rapids. This struck a cord of annoyance which flickered out through his golden eye but the dark subordinate was left only with the choice to follow his pack mate. Pushing through the driving rain it was not long before reaching the place where the alpha and several other members of the pack had congregated near the dens. The brute looked frantic as he glanced back and forth between the wolves he led, many thoughts spinning through his burdened mind, and finally came to a decision.

Up the mountain. It would be a trying journey for the pack, especially the young Quil even under Ash's care. Though Hati approved he mourned the peace that he had so looked forward to, left behind to escape the roaring waters that would destroy his new home. Nothing could be done, and yet still he hated the thought of abandoning Darkwater Rapids.

But Maksim did not hesitate to push forward and leave the territory forever, probably. He already headed towards the mountains, towards a new future. Hati chose a place near Quil and Ash—his heart yearned to keep the young one safe in this terrible storm—and followed.

The male that had called for them all did not hesitate in giving out orders, which was a quality Ash could respect…for now. The little ball of fur that he was carrying finally seemed to go limp and Ash made sure to keep the small girl in the protection of his chest. Not many moments passed before the familiar form of Namara slithered through and relief quickly shot through all of the Guard’s senses. When his suggestion was shot down he did not scowl. He could have scaled up the hill perfectly fine in this weather, but alas he had not taken in the conditions of the other wolves around him. He was still not use to being one of the only ones use to this kind of weather and felt terrible for not thinking about it sooner. The trek up the mountain would be hard for them, but Ash had the pup safely secure with them and Namara would be able to get anyone else who needed to get up there. When his woman spoke, Ash gave a short nod of approval at her leading strategy.

Even though the trek up the mountain would definitely be hard for the pack but Ash was sure they would all manage somehow. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits about traveling. The male that seemed to be leading this mission was executing it with excellence. Ash had no doubts that this was one of the reasons why no one gathered even thought about questioning his motives. Every once and awhile he would feel the small body that he was holding shake or quiver and h would then show her body close to his chest to keep her warmer and make the smaller girl feel more secure. He breathed easily, trying to warm her with his breath as well as his own body heat. If Maksim did not want to risk the small girl's help, then it be best if they started moving up the mountain soon before it was too late. Sickness was the last thing the Darkwater wolves needed.

(This post was last modified: Oct 20, 2013, 02:32 PM by Ash.)

I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

She heard her name called out distantly – the thrum of heavy rain seemed to drown out the noise, but there it had been. The little princess looked up, her eyes narrowing as she attempted to peer through the rain as it pounded the forest. She had not wandered far from the den – she had not thought she had wandered far, and yet as she peered around, she could find nothing familiar. Whether it was the dark clouds, or the hammering rain that fell from the sky like heavy bullets, she did not know.

She could hear voices, distantly, it seemed. Panic began to arise in her chest as water pushed past her paws.. water that had not been pooling about her only moments before. The scent of fear rose within the air, filling her lungs with desperation. Her eyes darted then, seeking out Kade, Ava.. any familiar face that could promise comfort. There was none.

Swallowing this, she pressed her worry aside, now rising to her full height and loping in the direction of the hollering voices. They were not all familiar, but had she heard her sister’s name? The simple thought of seeing Quil’s face was what propelled her forward with more determination, and as she slipped and slid, hardly able to maintain grasp upon the grounds that had been her home for five months now, the girl moved almost blindly.

She found the group – her eyes blinking rapidly as she looked over them. They moved fast, and as she came to them from the side, her gaze caught upon Quil’s and that was when she lost all sense and false bravo – “Quil!!” The shrill shriek escaped her, and under normal circumstances she would have been embarrassed by such tone, as princesses did not scream, yet she could not consider anything else now except pushing past the others until she was at her dark sister’s side, her smaller frame pushed in to her, her eyes gazing up at her with unspoken fear.

like a black widow, baby

Aaaand it's the last round! Ends 21st of October.

Once everyone responds, I'll make a wrap up post and will get started with the acceptance of a few new rag-tag members. Then, not long after, it will be time for the founding post if things go smoothly!

He glanced over his shoulder, spying both Anastasia and Lachesis pressed close together. He was glad they had each other in such a dire time; their friendship was a strong one and it was likely their bond would even stronger upon reaching safety. In all honestly, Maksim envied the closeness they shared. His thoughts could not dwell on such matters for long, however. There were other things that buzzed in his mind, things that were of dire importance. He wanted to embrace Quil, offer her some familiarity in this chaos. He wanted to search for the others, for Kade and Ava but he could not. Oh, if only he knew of Destin’s current position, the Baranski would not be able to forgive himself. Perhaps it was for the best that he didn’t know. The weight of knowing he could not save his pack mate would weigh heavily upon his broad shoulders. He could only spare himself the sorrow by reassuring himself he had evacuated many. It was all he could do. The snapping of jaws brought him from his thoughts and the Baranski lifted his lip in irritation, hackles bristling once more. Namara Laylani, the woman he had just met, was trying to command the wolves? Who on earth did she think she was?! She had not been sighted once during her time in Darkwater Rapids! She had no right to prance around and act all high and mighty. She would not been seen as his equal. She drew up beside him and he found himself even more frustrated by her calm demeanour. And the she spoke and Maksim saw red. He let loose a roaring snarl, snapped his jaws in her direction. He did not intend to bite, but to simply shock. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“Just who do you think you are, Namara Laylani?” The leader’s voice was cold and acidic. He was not a happy bunny. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“I have not seen you once on the pack lands, the place I have called ‘home’ since its very founding and yet you walk up here, expecting me to simply allow you to take the place of Ava when I have just met you?” Her name stung the agouti brute’s heart, though he pressed on. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“Do you think me a fool? A wolf who has never climbed a mountain? Or this very range? How do you think we got here? We—” A shriek cut him off and his head whipped to see Cinder approaching. His eyes widened. Thank God. Another Attaya was safe. Verdant gaze, full of rage cut back to Namara. He had no respect for her. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“If you want to help and are such a mountain trekking veteran,” he growled lowly, <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">“then you will carry her with him.” He would not take no for an answer. Frankly, the way Maksim saw it, she should consider herself lucky he was trusting her with Cinder. That extended to the tawny brute with Quil. They were strangers to the Baranski and they were transporting the wolves who, at current, were most precious to him.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#d8ddcf;">

table by mimi, image by hun

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Astra would waste no time in following the others to find higher ground. With Maksim taking control, he directed his small band of wolves towards the mountains, which hopefully, weren't too far away. As the water sloshed about her paws and rose up to lick at her belly, Astra immediately broke out into a swift legged trot, away from the forest. With the water rising by the minute, she wasn't too keen on swimming her way out of here. At the tail end of the group, she made sure that everyone kept close together by keeping a visual on them at all times.

The words of the dark brown and gray female did not go unheeded, despite her lack of acknowledgement. In these conditions, the rocky slopes could be slippery, making the going difficult. Everyone would have to be extra careful with their footing once they got there. She had traversed a mountain or two in her days, and while they weren't among her favorites of settings, she was fit enough to endure a hard crossing over one. Her greatest concern thus far, was not for herself, but for the youngest members of the pack. Another dark pup had joined the group, worriedly pushing up close to her litter mate. Breathing a sigh of relief, she relaxed, assuming all were accounted for.

She was wrong. Out in the distance, a strangled bark of distress caused her ears to prick up stiffly. Spinning around, her stormy eyes quickly locked on to the form of a struggling wolf amidst the waters. The current was fast, too strong for him. It showed just how lethal the situation had become. While no one else seemed to have heard his plea, Astra plunged back into the treacherous waters to come to his aid. Her long legs pushed her forward with strained, yet powerful strokes, while her paws fought to find purchase on solid ground. With the water only chest deep, it was a daunting task. "Hold on! I'm coming!" She shouted to her distressed pack mate. Off to the side, the gentle rise of the den poking above the water caught her eye. Perfect. It was to there she headed, not far from where Destin was stranded. Once she was there, she leapt atop the den and reached out, attempting to grab him by the scruff to pull him to safety. From there, they could take a quick shortcut to rejoin the group. Unaware of the drama unfolding between Makism and Namara, the shouts of her Alpha were but a distant voice in her ears. No wolf would be left behind...not while she was around.

DARKWATER Rapids

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#D7DDDF;"> He did not know where they were going; he knew that it involved climbing the mountain, but the youth did not dare question the leader’s motives. Instead, he followed dutifully with Anastasia at his side, pear-coloured eyes struggling to remain focused on the large shape of Maksim. The falling sheets of rain made it difficult for XIX to see farther than a few feet in front of him, but he knew that if he continued to follow the voices in the distance that he was on the right track. As long as he had the blue-eyed china doll at his side Lachesis knew that everything was okay. He had faith in her decision to join the green-eyed male’s pack, and although this was a minor setback, the youth was confident that this was the right move for the pair. The male’s voice distracted him from his thoughts, yet the yearling was unable to make out what was said. It sounded as though he was arguing with another, and if that was the case Lachesis knew it was none of his business. With a deep frown pressed into his maw, the boy trudged forward, his gaze constantly flickering over to his companion to ensure that she remained at his side. The last thing the yearling wanted was for them to become separated – she was the only thing keeping him going, and XIX was terrified at the thought of losing her. With the weather being so unpredictable he was worried of what could happen to either of them if they got separated. Although he was still new to the pack, Lachesis was also concerned about the well-being of his new packmates – especially the puppies. Giving his head a quick shake, the yearling glanced around nervously to ensure that the rest of the pack was following Maksim’s lead. The faces that he was able to make out through the heavy rainfall were unfamiliar, but Nineteen was relieved to see that they had survived the flood. But would they – along with himself and Ana – be able to survive the mountain trail before them?

stick with those who stick with you