casual affair

@Capella<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#D7DDDF;"> The snow came as a relief to the Arctic yearling, who preferred the frigid temperatures opposed to the undesirable rain that had previously plagued Relic Lore. Due to the frequency of the rain, Nineteen’s new pack had to abandon their former territory when the rapids they resided next to flooded unexpectedly. The flash flood had caused the small group to travel over the mountains in pursuit of dryer ground, which they found nestled within Cedarwood Forest. It was strange to think that he was no longer a part of Pitch Pine Trail, but he knew that this decision was ideal – both for him and his blue-eyed companion. After Shade’s passing and the pack’s struggle with its leadership positions, XIX knew that it was no longer his home. If he – and Anastasia – had remained there any longer, he knew it would only tear apart the pair from the inside out. While he had wanted to be there for Shade’s remaining children, especially Karpos, but for once the ghostly boy needed to be selfish. His well-being and happiness was at stake, and he knew that if he remained in the haunted lands any further he would eventually wither away and turn into the stumbling mess that first arrived in Relic Lore many month ago… While the shock of leaving their former home behind was still present in Cut Rock, XIX felt as though the pack was finally beginning to adjust. The nimble healer was working feverishly on stocking up his inventory before the snow made it impossible to find the plants he sought after. As the snow settled comfortably on his thick fur, the long-limbed yearling silently made his way to the Grove to collect an assortment of plants that were necessary for the winter. There was the black hawthorn, ergot, and white fir which would improve bloodflow and combat chest pains, treat migraines and control bleeding, and reduce joint pains and heal cuts (respectively) to those in need. Although the life of a healer was particularly exciting XIX enjoyed helping others and found the job immensely rewarding – when successful, of course. Some injuries (like Shade’s) were impossible to mend. Giving his coat a quick shake the boy snaked around the trees with his nose hovering inches above the snow-dusted ground, pear eyes narrowed as he searched for any of the three plants he was searching for. The white fir would be easy to spot, as it was dusted along the trees that made up the Grove, but it was the other two that would more difficult. He cursed himself for plant-hunting so late but it had not been by choice – prior to the flood he had done some collecting, but due to the flood that no longer existed. It was difficult to start fresh, but Lachesis needed to be prepared if something were to happen – winter was cruel, sadistic, and incredibly unpredictable. He paused briefly, struggling to remember the distinct scent of ergot as he snuffed through the thin layer of snow, a frown cut deeply against his dark lips.

(This post was last modified: Nov 16, 2013, 06:59 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

So sorry this is so late, but my rattie passed away yesterday ;~;

The days following her return to Pitch Pine Trail were spent in relative silence. Of course things could never be entirely quiet when the bustling of pack life danced around you, but when all of your time was spent on the sidelines, it could leave one feeling out of place. The pale girl now watched with dulling eyes as the world around her passed. Time went on without mercy regardless of how much she pleaded for it to just stop, but nothing could halt the universe. The world would keep spinning whether she was ready or not.

The loss of her small family was a grim realization for her. Now when she looked upon her pack mates she could only notice that they moved differently somehow. It was as if they all held some sense of belonging that she no longer possessed, but when did it all change? She figured it was the passing of Shade that set everything in motion. If he were still alive, would Anastasia and Lachesis still be with them? Would Karpos, and Adsilla look at the world with the innocence of a pup that had yet to learn loss? They were all questions without an answer, for it could never happen. Shade was gone, and she needed to get over it.

A sigh left her lips as she opened her eyes. Once her mind began working it was no use trying to sleep. Shaking off the thoughts, and snow that blanketed her coat, she began moving. Her destination was unclear, but it felt so good to run. Instincts took over as she flew through the trees, and her brain shut down. The only sound past the wind was the crunch of packing snow under her paws as she ran.

Eventually she found herself on the other side of the mountain, in a grove-like place. Even this side of the lore seemed to be blanketed with snow. She wasn't sure why she felt it would be any different, but she had to admit she was a little disappointed. Yellow eyes poured over the landscape taking everything in, when a movement caught her attention. A very strange sort of creature was lumbering past, sniffing the ground. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. It's coat stuck out in all directions, and her curiosity got the better of her.

Crawling across the snow she made her way to the creature. It seemed completely undisturbed by her, even as they made eye contact. Easy prey? Inching her way a little closer to it, the thing made absolutely no attempt to run. Something was wrong here. The pale fae could feel it in her bones, but she couldn't walk away. Now only a few tail lengths away the creature still held it's ground, paying her no mind. Irrational anger set in as a growl left her throat. She was giving it fair warning! Did the thing want to die? Finally fed up with the strange animal she made an attempt to take it down. It finally noticed her, for only a second as it seemed to brace itself. She remembered thinking how odd that was as her mouth opened to crush it's spine. Then a searing pain radiated around her maw and she had to pull away. A whine sounded through her throat as she attempted to paw at her face. What did it do to her?

Putting as much distance in between herself and that thing she found a spot at the base of a tree to curl up. Pitiful cries fell from her mouth as she attempted to remove the quills herself.

(This post was last modified: Nov 14, 2013, 09:02 PM by Capella.)

Lovely table, and signature by Arla <3

:( i'm so sorry about your rattie <3<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> So far the yearling’s little expedition was going rather swimmingly – he had managed to find a small patch of ergot was able to collect a considerable amount. Not wanting to carry his stash with him XIX dug a shallow hole against the trunk of a tree that he marked with several claw marks at its base. Feeling pleased with himself the ghost bounded forward with his nose glued to the ground once more, tail wagging absentmindedly behind him. While XIX was accustom to the cold it seemed as though the frigid air had crept up a lot sooner than the wolves of Relic Lore had expected. Which was precisely why the deer-legged yearling had to build up his inventory – injuries and illnesses were bound to happen during the unforgiving winter, as they were completely unavoidable. Not only was the Arctic fond of the snow, he was also quite partial to the silence that came along with it. Everything was dialled down – muted – which it made it easier to tell if there were others around. The crunch of snow beneath his toes made his spine tingle, a soft smile just barely visible against his dark lips. He couldn’t help but wonder what Karpos thought of the snow as the Trail prince had never witness the phenomenon before. As the thought crossed his mind his former smile faltered as a worried expression made itself home across his maw, but it was only temporary. The sound of another dragged him away from his thoughts and the guilt that clawed at his stomach. It had not been a loud noise, but the whine had been enough for the yearling to grow concerned for the stranger in the distance. Changing his course and quickening his pace, Lachesis headed toward the origin of the sound, his nose raised high as he searched for the wolf’s scent in the air. Suddenly recognition settled in as a familiar set of sunflower yellow eyes filled his memory – no… it couldn’t be… could it? His suspicions were answered when her scent finally reached him, consuming his senses as he closed the distance between them. However, when her pale body came into view XIX was confused by her painful cries and fetal position as he crept closer. He approached slowly, not wanting to startle the injured Capella, and offered a soft whine in greeting. The ghost was struggling to contain how excited he was to see the sunflower-eyed friend as he studied her through narrowed brows, his head cocked as he watched her claw at thin quills poking out of her snout. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Pella?” He called softly to attract her attention, pear gaze never once wavering from her wounded maw. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Leave them – I know it hurts, but let me take them out. Please?”

stick with those who stick with you

Her eyes were positively brimming with anger as she watched the pine needled creature waddle away. The amount of anger she held for the thing now was ridiculous, but with the recent changes in her life, it was unavoidable. Her nerves were completely shot, and she had to release her pent up emotion in some way. She was going to make it pay, as soon as she got the quills out.

Her whines grew louder each time she clawed at the quills poking into her skin. Panic was overriding logic, and the world around her ceased. The only thing that mattered now was getting rid of the pain. It must have been why she missed the familiar scent that should have poured over her, and the soft crunching of footfalls as they met the new snow. It wasn't until she heard his voice, that she stopped her desperate plight. Her heart broke into a million pieces, and she had a nagging feeling that she was finally losing it. The beautiful melody that sounded so much like home, but she knew it couldn't be. Lachesis was gone, off with Anastasia on a new adventure. Just like Shade, he had passed through her life, and wouldn't return. Right?

Dandelion eyes were forced to the snow, unable to look in the direction of the sound. If it wasn't him, could she take it? With only a slight hesitation she tore her orbs away from the blanket of powder, landing them directly on him. Dull eyes once again filled with life as she realized that it truly was him. Her ghost had returned. Even the pain on her maw seemed to lose it's edge. "Lach.." A whine broke the air between them as the quills moved with her mouth. Giving him a slight nod she began crawling forward. There was so much she wanted to say, but with the needles poking into her skin, it wasn't a possibility.

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<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> Struggling to remain calm before the first friend (aside from Anastasia) he had made in Relic Lore, Lachesis began to study the quills that protruded from Capella’s muzzle. A delicate frown made itself home against his lips as he began to quickly plan how he was going to remove the foreign barbs. Unfortunately there was no way the deer-legged yearling could remove them without hurting the sunflower-eyed girl – removing them as swiftly as possible was his only option. He needed to swallow down his excitement and focus on the job as there would be time for celebrating after. Taking a deep breath Lachesis leaned forward, his nose hovering inches away from her wounded maw as he reached for the closest quill. He knew there was no easy way to remove them as the spikes had buried into her skin. With the approaching winter and the scarcity of food Lachesis was not shocked that Capella had dared to make a meal out of a porcupine. Regardless of what the prey was, it could be detrimental not to hunt. Snow had arrived early, covering the lands of Relic Lore in a thin layer, which meant that prey would begin to migrate much earlier than normal. Unfortunately the animal that Capella had attempted to eat had a brilliant (and painful) defense – luckily, the aspiring healer had been in close proximity. As he plucked each quill from her muzzle Lachesis applied a quick, soothing lick to the wound, his brows narrowed as he worked silently. Gripping the last one between his teeth XIX pulled quickly, relief flooding his system as he spat it out next to him. His lips formed a thin line as he studied the pale female for a moment, his pear gaze soft as it lingered on her wounded maw. Tilting his head to one side as something on the tree behind her caught his eye realization dawned on him, his eyes lighting up. Leaning over her the yearling pulled some white fir off the tree, his tail wagging softly behind him. Lachesis placed it on the ground before her and nudged it forward as he pressed his body against the cold, snow-covered ground.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> “Eat this,” he woofed softly, finally breaking his own silence as he met her bright, sunflower gaze. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“It won’t taste as good as that porcupine, but it will help heal your wounds.”

stick with those who stick with you

White turned to red as each barb took with it tiny drops of blood landing in the snow. Thankfully they weren't big, and she was positive that she would survive her first run-in with such a strange creature. The removal process didn't hurt as much as she had thought, leaving in it's wake only a wince and a tingling sensation, but maybe she wasn't paying enough attention to the pain. Rather, she watched his face as he worked. There was a new found determination in his eyes, or at least one she'd never seen before. Even the infamous stutter that once clouded his words seemed to be lost, but that was alright. She too had changed, and just his comfortable presence was familiar enough to satisfy her.

"Thank you" A smile filled with either melancholy or delight graced her lips. One pale paw moved forward, as bright eyes poured over the ashen male. The urge to reach out and nuzzle him was overwhelming, but she stopped herself. Things weren't the same as they used to be, and she feared his rejection more than anything. Instead she allowed her eyes to move over him. His coat was perhaps the same as it had been, while his eyes still radiated a pear green color. He looked whole, and safe, with no injuries to speak of, and she couldn't have been more relieved. There had been many nights where she laid awake wondering what became of him, and if he was happy wherever it was that he went. Of course she knew Anastasia would take care of him, but it never helped to ease her mind. Now that she could see it with her own eyes, she felt guilty for not putting more trust in the snowy female she had once called her leader.

She took the medicine Lach set down without hesitation. The strange texture caused her nose to wrinkle, but still she swallowed. Once it was gone, and the sore spot on her muzzle had ceased to an annoying throb, she returned her attention to the ghostly male. "I imagine that is what puppies taste like?" She played the joke across her lips, trying to remember what it felt like to roll banter off of her tongue. It was a sickly sweet feeling that she hadn't realized she missed until now, but maybe it wasn't the time for teasing. After all, there were more important matters to attend to. "How have you been?" A million questions begging for release, but that was the only one allowed. At least for now.

Lovely table, and signature by Arla <3

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> It was strange to be so close to her after so long – she had disappeared, without a word, yet here she was. Safe and sound – except for the fresh injuries, of course. Where had she gone? Why did she leave? When did she return? These were only a few questions that threatened to fall off the tip of his tongue, his pear eyes struggling to look everywhere but her. Surely this wasn’t real – it was all just some extremely realistic dream. It had to be. There was no way that they had managed to cross paths after all this time apart. Her thank-you dropped effortlessly off her tongue, catching his attention as he nodded softly, lips drawn shut. There was so much he wanted to say yet he could not conjure the words. They hid, frightened to stain the cool air, at the back of his throat. The air that surrounded her was so familiar; it brought back both pleasant and painful memories. Karpos’ youthful scent mingled with her own and the sting of guilt squeezed his chest, making it even more difficult to meet her sunflower-yellow gaze. Lachesis couldn’t help but wonder if the Pitch Pine prince still hated him as their final meeting together was filled with spiteful words and malice toward both him and Anastasia. The soft crunch of the bark between Capella’s teeth distracted the youth, dragging him away from his memories as he flicked an ear toward her delicate voice. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Puppies taste better,” he joked softly, though his gaze still remained focused on his large, fidgeting forepaws. He desperately wanted everything to return to normal, but everything had changed in her absence. Shade had passed away, murdered by a former packmate, and the leadership of Pitch Pine was constantly being shuffled around. Even he had changed – Lachesis had found something he was truly passionate about (his medicinal practices) and had nearly abandoned his stuttering. His former home was no longer that; it was nothing but a lingering memory, one that would soon fade away as time dragged on. The day that the deer-legged yearling had discovered Shade fatally wounded by the lagoon Lachesis knew that Pitch Pine Trail would no longer be a home to him. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Good, I suppose,” he answered finally after mulling over her question, unsure of how to answer it at first. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“What about you?” The awkward tension in the air was so thick it made it difficult for the lanky youth to focus, his brows furrowing slightly as he finally gathered the courage to take in the pale female’s sunflower gaze. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Where did you go?”

stick with those who stick with you

His eyes touched everything but her, only aiding the heart's decent into her stomach. Ace's reaction to her return had been less than welcoming -- of course she deserved it, but that didn't make it hurt any less. What would the pale fae do if she found only anger and disregard in the gaze of a male she once called her best friend? Of course whatever he felt, it would be completely founded, as she had left him without a single goodbye.

His light answer to her banter brought back memories of foggy woods, and puppy breath. How long had it been now since she had crossed his path? Months maybe? Capella never kept track, because that would have made it real. If she chose to pretend like he wasn't gone, then would he really be? The same rule applied to Shade, whose scent had all but vanished from their home. Of course it wasn't their home anymore, and she wasn't quite sure it was hers either. Nothing felt right anymore. Under Ace's rule, she felt as though she was walking on eggshells trying to prove herself. One wrong move could send her packing, and it was her biggest fear. If she didn't have Pitch Pine, then what did she have? There was nowhere else to go, and with Karpos beginning to accept her again, she was stuck there inside of her own head, numb to each and every day that passed.

"Things are.. ok, I guess." her answer was short, but not necessarily sweet. She wanted to tell him how ridiculously unhappy she was, and how every day she spent stuck in the Fen passed so painfully slow, but she wouldn't allow herself. It was not his grief to bare, it was her own, and she brought it upon herself. His familiar voice once again broke the thick air between them, asking for an answer that she didn't have. There would never be a viable excuse to abandon your pack mates, regardless of the circumstance. Not when one was making a conscious decision to leave. When she had first stood outside the boarders upon her return, she felt that it had been a journey she couldn't refuse, but now she wasn't so sure. If only she had ignored the trail everything would be alright now. "I'm so sorry Lachesis. I didn't mean to abandon you." Her eyes fell from his gaze, landing on the distance between them. Would they ever shorten it again? "I thought I found a trail I recognized, and I followed it for much longer than I should have. It.. It was my brother. I know it was, but I came to a dead end when he crossed a river. I never meant to hurt anyone, but I felt like I had to go at the time. I should have said goodbye. I messed up, and I'm sorry." Her apologies could have fallen on deaf ears, but they needed to be said. She wanted him to know how genuinely sorry she felt, and how badly she wished she could take it back. The pale girl wasn't looking for forgiveness, but rather understanding. He could hate her for the rest of time so long as he knew that she admitted her mistakes, and understood that she felt like she was making the right decision at the time.

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He just wanted everything to be okay; to be normal. The yearling’s world had shifted after Shade’s death – the land he had called home for months was haunted with painful memories, and there was an unbearable guilt that consumed him when he wandered through the Trail. His unhappiness had begun to make him both physically and mentally ill. For days the healer had walked around the territory with the espresso male’s blood staining his once luxurious white coat. He was unable to eat, his fur straggly and unkempt, and his vision seemed permanently foggy as grief took over. Although he now understood that there was nothing he could have done to save Shade, at the time Nineteen was certain that it was his fault he was going to die. Leaving, with Anastasia at his side, was the only option. XIX knew there was nothing he could do to stop the shadow prince from hating his ‘uncle’, but the yearling needed to be selfish and think of his own wellbeing for once.

The sunflower-eyed female stole his attention once she started speaking, his pear gaze finally focusing on her as he studied her comforting orbs for a moment. A soft smile broke his licorice lips at her gentle apology, though they remained glued tight as she dove into her explanation. He had known all along that the pale female would not have abandoned him without a justifiable reason. While he was still upset that she had left so suddenly, without even a simple good-bye, relief flooded his system as she explained herself. Another apology came, and so did the end of her speech, and silence fell between them once more. Gulping hard he digested her story, his eyes falling away from her temporarily. She had returned – that’s all that mattered. Silently the boy scooted forward, applying a quick lick to girl’s cheek before he met her bright, warm gaze once more. <b style="font-family:georgia;">“I’m just glad you’re back,” he finally mumbled, words barely above a whisper as his smile widened. <b style="font-family:georgia;">“I understand why you left, you don’t have to apologize. That’s in the past, it doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here now.”

stick with those who stick with you

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#F4DA00;">"Speech." In a familiar, but long forgotten gesture the ashen male moved forward, licking her cheek. She couldn't help but meet his liquid gaze with a watery smile, knowing full well that she was receiving praise for a mistake that she made. He told her that it didn't matter, and that she was here now, but if that was true then should it still bother her? Disbelief allowed itself to permeate her mind, clouding her thoughts even more. Lachesis had every right to shun her from his life, and yet he had shown her such a kind gesture. Maybe it was the fact that he hadn't had the same reaction that everyone else seemed to have. He wasn't blaming her, or attempting to make her feel worse, he was simply letting it go, but she knew that this wasn't over. The pale fae would once again have to earn his trust, prove to him that she wasn't going to leave without an explanation again, and if there was even a semblance of friendship left then she was going to try her hardest to pick up the broken pieces. Then she would work to put them all back together. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#F4DA00;">"Thank you," She gave him a light nod before continuing on, <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#F4DA00;">"I'm happy I ran into you. I haven't stopped worrying about you and Ana since I've been back." Of course she had no right to worry after making them worry for so long, but she couldn't help how she felt. Then once again her mouth began moving before her brain had enough time to process what was coming out.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#F4DA00;"> "Home isn't really the same without you... If it can even be called home." It really couldn't be anymore, and she was sure that he knew it, but she wasn't yet sure to admit it entirely. worlds are ruined this way, and we've all been there time and time again.

Lovely table, and signature by Arla <3