Oak Tree Bend Take the fall

Clear — Current Temperature: 14° F/-10° C Late Morning

With the RE going on, I'm going to say this takes place after the storm. This is a pack meeting, and I would like to see everyone at least post once. If you can't just let me know. I'll start the next round 29th-30th

@Serach @Ruiko @Aeylen @Drestig @Nayeli @Sceral @Jessie @Hotei @Miro

Take the fall and run to Heaven

Upon a clear morning the dark wolf diligently ran the perimeters of his home just as he had always done. In the mist of his bobbing trot there wasn't anything different to be found. Though he relied on scent, sight played a part in his route. The snow had been melting, but a few days ago another wicked storm had laid down another fresh white coat it was only disturbed where the Oak Tree Bend wolves had come and gone on usual trails. Here and there he sniffed, checking there was not an odd loner's scent. Then he would thoroughly mark his posts should one come along to assure them he was here.

The sun rose higher, the Tainn tilted his head back, glimpsing the light blue sky. He hoped see more green, or even faded yellow begin to reveal itself again. He was incredibly anxious for spring. Who couldn't use its new beginnings? Even with no clouds to block the light, his breath trailed him in silver wisps. The cold was rather relentless to give up its grip, and it almost put him in a sour mood. Knowing what he wanted to do, he brushed off the mild irritation. Today they would gather, and he would make the most of it. Trotting long the stream, past the cluster of angular rocks, he stopped beneath the great oak tree. Everyone should be awake, maybe not out and about, but least awake. It was time they all gathered, it was time to do something. He let out a deep, long howl for the wolves of the Bend to join them. It was Spring, snow or not.

are you with me through it all?

The loss of Corinna was still heavy in the mind of the woman, a constant reminder that they still did not have anyone to take the lady's place. Certainly, soon everything would be sorted out and the rest of the pack would be able to rest easier. It was finally getting warmer, at least, warmer than it had been for what seemed like forever. To Jessie, it still didn't feel like spring and it was this that made her the most upset. It was nice that Hotei was with them now, even though they rarely had in depth conversations; passing him throughout the territory was enough to ease her troubled mind of negative thoughts about him leaving...again. She wanted something to happen though, anything that would give her answers to the millions of questions that constantly echoed in her mind.

Luckily, her wish was rewarded when a call from Triell alerted for the rest of the pack. Relieved that he was finally calling them, Jessie moved from her spot on the forest floor, her limbs stretching quickly before starting in a light jog towards the Tainn. She had not seen much of him around since Corinna's death, though she could hardly blame him for such a thing, for it was usually her who happened to avoid confrontation with any of the pack members. She did what needed to be done to fulfill her role, but when it came to anything social, she veered further away from that then anything else. Hopefully, this meeting would answer some silent questions she had been asking herself. Upon her arrival, she was surprised not to find anyone else there before her and pointedly ignored such thoughts and instead dipped her head respectfully to Triell before taking a seat relatively close to where he was.

Dawnthieves.de, somestock @ DA & candyhorse @ DA - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Mar 23, 2014, 10:05 PM by Jessie.)

The snow was fading, but certainly not quickly. No matter how light the sky seemed to get, the snow and the chill were unwilling to let go of their grip. With a huff, Serach flopped over onto his side, his face barely flinching at the feel of the snow. He had settled into a lump somewhere in the pack's territory; he hadn't put too much thought into it before plopping himself down to rest. It was still hard to find the motivation to do anything, his mother's death and continued absence of his father having led him to an awkward state of melancholy and apathy. He participated when he needed to, but there was little joy to his movements these days.

One ear lifted instinctively as Serach heard Triell's call. He listened with disinterest, but he was not so stubborn to ignore the call. Triell was family, but he was also the pack's leader. Soon enough Serach would have to answer to the pack's hierarchy, no point starting off on the wrong paw.

"Hernnggg," grunting, the youth rolled himself to his stomach, flattening the snow beneath his body. Pushing himself up, he spared a few extra moments to stretch his legs and back before trotting in the direction that the howl had come. It took a little while, but he eventually was able to make out the bare branches of the giant tree the pack took its name from. One of Serach's first memories was playing with @Sceral and @Fenru beneath its leafy branches. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to smile at Triell and Jessie as he approached. Soon enough, those branches would be leafy again. Nudging first his uncle and then Jessie beneath the chin in greeting, he settled off by himself to wait to see what Triell had to say.

As per her usual habits, the Stormwright lady had risen early, starting her day with the sun. It surprised her a little how quickly her habits had adapted to being part of a pack again - already the frozen trails felt familiar to her feet. Nayeli knew most of her pack mates now, by their scents, if not their faces and voices. Her ears were pressed back as she trotted between the trees, scouting the borders. Her tail flicked idly behind her. Lately her thoughts had been more preoccupied than usual, as she tried to sort out whether she was growing to feel at home in this place, or merely accustomed to it, just wanted this to be home... among other worries, the stormclouds brewed in her mind. She didn't have easy answers to these questions.

A call broke the quiet, pulling Nayeli's focus from her own thoughts to the present. Triell's voice was quite possibly the most familiar to her of all the wolves in the Bend. Troublesome thoughts were banished for the moment as she turned, springing to dash through the forest, answering her leader's call. She wondered why he was calling them together today, hoping it wasn't to deliver bad news. Let it be something good that draws us together today, she thought, as she sped over patches of snow.

She wasn't the first to arrive - she was encouraged to see young Serach with a smile on his features, and the presence of Jessie already beneath the great, spreading oak. Dark tail swaying at them all, she dipped her starred head toward Triell, stepping nearer and giving a fleeting bow. She couldn't help but glance his way for an extra moment, a small smile warning her features before she swiftly diverted her gaze. Choosing a spot beside the quiet Swiftpaw, she sat in the dappled shade, her tail only falling still as she curled it upon her toes. A gathering was a welcome respite from patrols, fruitless hunting, her mired thoughts. The Stormwright lady settled to wait for the rest to arrive, calmed by company and the sun that shone above, promising an end to the winter. It was only then that she offered verbal greeting to them, a brief word spoken to all. " 'Morning."

The sky was clear and azure blue, and though it was cold, it wasn't freezing; Spring seems to be just around the bend... Then again, it had felt so for several weeks. The ebony wolf sighed at the heavens, his breath forming detesting little clouds against the blue, he was utterly ready for spring, every fiber in his body screaming for the warmth and plenty it would bring.

He had slept in today, like he had for the past many mornings, still allowing himself some slack to recover fully from his injuries; though they were all scars now. So he had only been gone from the den, heading out to relieve himself and find some water, when he heard the howl, loudly demanding his presence; Damn! Hurriedly taking care of his business, wolfing down a few mouthfuls of snow to hydrate his dry throat - gritting his teeth as the coldness radiated through his chest - the dark man quickly turned around and headed back to the clearing.

Triell was standing under the old oak, Serach just walking up to great his young uncle when Drestig entered the scene. A light trot brought the black lad through the glade, slowing to a walk as he passed Jessie and Nayeli - the only others to have answered the call, yet - nodding at them in greeting as his paws lead him up the hill to stand before his leader. With an unusually somber expression, the older male bowed his head in greeting, sitting down close to the dark alpha. With a mildly cheerful voice, much more neutral than his usual, joyful bark, he uttered; "Triell, any news?" It was as much a greeting as an actual question; he knew the young leader wouldn't have called them without reason, but he would not likely start to explain before everyone had arrived. So he let his eyes drift, waiting for the rest of the pack to gather, so the meeting could begin.

Word Count: 329

Dawnthieves.de & Burtn @ DA

Hotei Tainn

His eyes snapped open at the sound of his brother's howl. Since he first joined, he had been walking around the lands, learning his way around his new home. But with his constant travels around the borders, it weared down his meager stamina. Life as a loner coming back to the Lore didn't treat him well. Most of his pack mates were of better health than he, but he refused to look weak. His weariness finally got the best of him though, and he had slept in later than he had planned. Shaking himself fully awake, the man lifted himself to his feet and made himself head to where he believed his brother's call had come from. Hotei arrived to the scene, his yellow orbs remaining neutral as his gaze fell on each wolf briefly, nodding at Triell respectfully. He had briefly reunited himself with his brother, and Jessie was his mate, but that was the extent of the wolves he knew in this pack of Oak Tree Bend.

Hotei moved and sat on his haunches, not really sitting near anyone, but still at a comfortable distance. The wolf briefly let his gaze wonder to Jessie, her very presence easing the nerves he dared not show outwardly. Moving his gaze from her, he let his mind wander. Did anyone know of their relationship? He supposed they would have to talk about that soon enough, whether she wished for them to keep private or become public. As he continued to wait like the others, his thoughts wandered more. There was one scent that he couldn't get out of his head. At first, he couldn't really put his paw on it, but it somehow seemed familiar to him. Then at the oddest moment, it came to him. Ruiko.. The burnt man could barely remember the last time he had seen his brother. Surprisingly, their paths had not crossed in his time here. He couldn't help but wonder how his brother would react to his presence.

"speech"

Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Mar 25, 2014, 04:34 PM by Hotei.)

Ok this likely is the last round. Anyone feel free to join in. Going to give it a week. 4/13 and end it. Also going to "pair" people to spar, but you don't actually have to. Look in the common room for details. :3@Miro @Ruiko @Sceral

Take the fall and run to Heaven

Triell held his seat patiently, eyes scanning the surrounding trees as he gave the pack time to heed his call. He had mixed feelings how things would turn out. It was hard not to feel strange about calling them together when that part had never been his. Jessie's silver face was first, and Triell felt an assurance in her presence, because she was a solid part of the Bend as he. Serach didn't seem entirely enthusiastic, but managed to smile. Triell offered him a wag of his tail, accepting his respectful greeting. He didn't want to force the boys into things, at the same time everyone had to continue life, and if they were going to stay he needed to know they would listen to him. He didn't think Corinna would appreciate if they or the pack deteriorated. With Fenru departing the Uncle was sure it was just another blow to the pale wolf. There was little to do, but hope Fenru would be the one wolf to keep his word and return. No matter Triell planned on doing what he could for the youth, for Corinna...for Ice.

Nayeli's black figure seemed stark against the white caught his attention next. There was something easing in her small smile, but Drestig seemed to swiftly appear by his side he had little time to wonder why her presence stirred something in him. It was with an eased smile he a nodded at the question, but waited to say anything more. The only one next to come was his brother Hotei. This time his presence didn't set off any ill feelings. Hotei seemed to be doing what he could, minding his manners, and this eased one of Triell's many worries. The Tainn nodded in turn, hoping the subtle movement would be seen as a sort of acceptance between them. Where was the rest of the pack? When it was clear they were not as close, or maybe even choosing not to answer Triell no longer smiled. Hopefully they would show, but he hated to continue to sit in silence. Trying to ignore the lack of faces, he rose.

"I do have some news. Fenru and Arlette have left Oak Tree bend for the time being. They are going to see if the mountain is passable in hopes of finding his father or sister. They plan to return, and if anyone hears word from them you're to share it with the pack." The rest of the Bend needed to know where they went, the reasons behind it, and the likely hood of their return. He added nothing further, only a pause for questions.

"There is something I want to make clear. Since our hunt with Magnolia Glen it doesn't seem like they'll be much for allies. I rather we try to remain on friendly terms. Meaning if you get in a fight with a Glen wolf it better be for good reason, and I better not be the last to know." It was with a serious tone, he gave a sharp look around to everyone. "If they want to continue down the path of enemies we'll have to take that leap when it gets here." Again he held his mouth closed, waiting for anyone to speak up on the issue, or any disagreement that might linger. He had more.

"Now the pack has changed a lot since our founding. Fenru was our last official Guardian, and we lack other places as well. Jessie, you have been with us since the River I would see now that you are our head Scout. Drestig, Nayeli, Hotei if there is a role you strive for, now is the time to speak up." It was to the youngest, his warm gaze turned upon. "Serach you will be a yearling soon, and I want you to think about what you would like to do to strengthen the Bend." Like Fenru, Triell would have to start seeing him as an adult. He needed to sharpen his skills. "I also have a request. I want everyone to practice sparring. It's a a good way to improve skill, and get to know your fellow pack mate. I'm going to split you in pairs, and we can get started. We'll see if the others care to join us hmm?"

Whoops, I'd forgotten that Serach would have known about @Fenru leaving prior.

The pale ghost could feel their eyes upon him, but nobody addressed him specifically. He wore his melancholy like a cloak, and while he had forced a smile to please his uncle and Jessie, he had no desire to sit there with a fake smile upon his lips for the sake of the others. Nobody sat near Serach, leaving him aloof from the rest of the group. He had hoped that @Sceral would have joined him, but his younger sibling was nowhere to be seen. His was not the only face that was missing either, but Serach had little time to dwell on where his best friend was hiding before Triell spoke up. At the sound of his uncle's deep voice, the wolf stirred. Straightening his back, he sat up straight, his ears rising as he listened.

Drestig had asked what the news was, and with a sinking feeling, Serach knew what it was before the pack's leader opened his mouth. He remembered glumly Fenru pulling himself and his brother aside, telling him where he was going. While Fenru deserved all the support in the world, Serach could only stare at him numbly, pale gaze committing Fenru's face to memory. Fenru had always been trustworthy, but the Aesir boy had learned a harsh lesson in his first year of life. Those that left were not likely to return, no matter the promises they made. Casting his eyes downward, Serach avoided looking at the rest of the pack gathered at the meeting - in his mind, they were beyond understanding the coldness that had grown around his heart when it came to his absentee family members.

Preoccupied with his own thoughts, Serach was brought to reality when Triell addressed him directly. Head snapping upward, he stopped messing about with his paws and looked at the ebony furred leader. What could he contribute? He didn't know. So he merely nodded his head to indicate that he had understood. Perhaps this sparring practice would help point him in the right direction, though he sincerely doubted it. Glancing around at the others, he wondered briefly who he would be paired with. He was beginning to surpass Jessie in size, but his lack of training would be evident quick enough.

Hotei Tainn

To his dissapointment, his brother didn't show up. But he didn't let that dissappintment show, for he had other things to feel happy about that countered the dissapointment. For instance, the nod that Triell had subtly sent him. Hotei saw it as an acceptance to his presence, much to his inner joy. He was one step closer to regaining his brother's trust. Of course, it wasn't a huge step. More like a puppy step, but at least it was still a step in the direction that Hotei wanted. His brother began to speak, and he paid close attention to what he was hearing. Who was this Magnolia Glen? He stored the name in his memory, so he could ask later to know of their importance. Triell moved to what he spoke as 'the future of Oak Tree Bend.' His eyes followed his brother's as he adressed each wolf. First Jessie, who would become head Scout, and then the other two. Nayeli and Drestig. As his brother mentioned his own name, his brows briefly rose and then settled back to where they normally were. He really shouldn't have been surprised, but surprised he was.

His yellow gaze moved to the boy that Triell had addressed as Serach, not missing the warmth in his brother's tone as he spoke. Keeping his eyes on the pale soon-to-be Yearling, Hotei's curiousity was snatched away as Triell addressed the pack once again. Silence surrounded them all as their leader finished, and Hotei's gaze moved around the small gathering of wolves to see who would speak up first. Noticing that no one would, at least for the time being, Hotei rolled his shoulders and cleared his throat before opening his maw. "I wish the role of Guardian br - Triell," he spoke up. He had smoothly covered up his blunder in quick time as he realized what he was about to say. He would rightfully prove his worth to the pack as his own person, not as the leader's brother. Maybe they would notice the resemblance, maybe they wouldn't. Hotei didn't really care. The only people he truly had to prove something to were Jessie and Triell. And possibly Ruiko, though he wasn't sure where they stood. Lapsing into silence, the burnt man wondered who his brother would pair him up against concerning these spars he had been talking about.

Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Apr 10, 2014, 11:03 PM by Hotei.)

Nayeli waited wordlessly once she had found her place. Only two more arrived to the gathering in the next minutes - Drestig, whom she knew, and another male that she recognized by scent alone. No others? she thought, trying to quell her growing sense of concern.

Triell's smile seemed to fall away as he rose to address them, his opening words explaining at least two of the absentee pack members. The mountain pass... she hadn't thought about it in months. If it hadn't been impassable when Nayeli had wandered into the eastern Lore this winter, she very well might have gone onward, continuing her own search rather than choosing to accept Triell's invitation to join the Bend. She'd have to ponder what the melting snows and ice meant for her, but now was not the time for such thoughts – Triell had already reached the next topic of discussion, and Nayeli inwardly banished the thoughts, saving the dilemma for later.

The matter of the Bend's neighboring pack certainly warranted everyone's attention. Nayeli could still feel the mark the tawny Glen male had left behind her ear the day the two packs had met while hunting, and she wondered whether he still wore the scars she'd given him. No doubt that day had left other wounds, not strictly physical ones, that had yet to be healed. She frowned as she thought of it, but her ears tipped forward to hear Triell's words. Seemingly, he didn't want anyone to escalate the already tense situation between the packs unless they were left with no choice. No problem there, Nayeli thought to herself. She wasn't afraid of conflict, but she still preferred to avoid it when she could.

When no one else voiced any objections, Triell continued to the next matter. Thoughts flickered across Nayeli features now, and one triangular black ear flicked back against the top her head. She tried to think of a role she might fill in the Bend, and instead only found herself treading the same familiar paths of thought, thinking of home and wondering what her place there might have become if it hadn't all been snatched away. "I'll... think about that and get back to you," she voiced a moment after the other male had spoken up. It was something she was going to have to chew on, but she hoped that was acceptable for now.

The talk of sparring practice made her ears perk up a bit - Nayeli didn't like fighting, but sparring was a little different. It stirred up more pleasant memories of her upbringing, and was certainly something the competitive lady could appreciate.