Blackberry Fields sing the song of kings

@Tokino @Inali @Ryka @Lugh
Claiming time officially <3 I would like this to be done ASAP if possible so if everyone could put this as top priority that would be great. Some pp in here, I was thinking 2 rounds: 1 Everyone showing up/howling/claiming/responding to Minka and the 2nd everyone leaving to do duties :) Please feel free to pm me if you have any problems but I would like the second round to begin, May the 17th at the very latest!

May 10th, Mid-Morning, Partly Cloudy 57F/14C

The new mother had woken that morning with more energy than she had possessed since the birth, enough energy to do more than just eat and allow the pups to suckle. Golden eyes watched the young ones, still so little they could do little but cry, expel waste and suckle from their mother but soon Minka knew they would open their eyes and leave the den. She had to keep them safe, and the way to do that was make the pack official, make their stake on this land and ward of intruders. So she nuzzled each one gently, before standing careful not to jostle either of them as she exited the den. For long enough they had waited, quiet among the woods, careful not to leave too permanent of a mark as the land was not yet theirs, today this would come to an end. Squinting briefly against the light Minka took note that Tokino's scent was fresh though her mate was not present, he must be on a patrol. Taking a deep breath to steady her excited heart the tawny women lifted her muzzle and called for them, her family. It didn't take long before they all stood before her, Tokino taking is place at her side. With a smile the woman looked at her family, these were the wolves she trusted with what she prized the most; her children. Over the past week they each had been allowed to enter the den and meet the future of the pack, though their visits had been short as both cubs and mother were still tired. After a silent moment she began, leaning gently against her mate, "Now is the time for the world to know we are here, that we are proud to call this our home, our territory." For the alpha was proud, proud of what they had accomplished and what they were building in this very moment. The rusted head lifted and it was a song of triumph she sang, inviting each member to join her. It took nearly a full minute and a half for the ruckus to die down, for the howls, yips and barks to quiet, for the paws to still their stomping. Again the golden eyes settled briefly on each member of the pack, taking in their appearances, and remembering how loyal each and everyone of them had been thus far. It was true that they had already lost Erebos, Tokino had alerted Minka that shortly after the birth he had left the territory and never come back. It was frustrating for the new mother to hear but she knew it was for the best, if these wolves were not willing to be loyal they had no place in their home. Now that they were official order would need to be in place, roles and ranks and duties would need to be assigned and completed and on this note the woman spoke again. "If any of you know a role that you would like to carry I encourage you to speak now, though Tokino and I will always be available to hear your requests at a later date if you're unsure now. Even if you carry a title please note that you will be expected to help with other duties as well, especially those that may not have a member assigned to fulfill that specific task on a daily basis." Her heart was strong as she said the words, this is what she was born to do, even if she hadn't always realized it when she was younger. Thinking of her birth pack she spoke again, of a tradition that lay close within her heart, "Also if any yearlings should join, you may be assigned one as a apprentice in your specialty, it will be your job to mentor them and teach them the skills they will need to know." It had been a proud moment, her yearling ceremony where she had graduated from 'apprentice huntress' to full blown 'huntress' one she would cherish always, and hoped to pass similar moments on to others.

Vinyonga @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: May 11, 2014, 04:24 AM by Minka.)

click!

This new place Lugh found himself in didn't quite feel like home yet, but each day brought it closer to it. His paws marked the den he had helped dig, his tracks pressed into the soft spring soil, the scent of him and his packmates beginning to permeate the place just as the blackberry fields own fragrant perfume worked into their skin and fur. Still, it was not yet theirs to keep but it wouldn't be long until it truly was.

Minka's voice called for them all, and Lugh was quick to heed her summons. His heart swelled at her words, and as Minka's claiming song rose forth, Lugh's head tipped back, a high note of jubilation bursting from his maw. His tan tail waved a quick banner, his paws paced at the earth as he could hardly keep them still. This land was theirs, their voices one to claim this place.

Lugh managed to tamp his excitement down, calming his voice but unable to stop the delighted flailing of his tail and the panting of his tongue, knowing that their leader would surely have more to say. As Minka spoke of roles, Lugh knew what he would say. "If th' pack is in need of a herbalist, I'd be happy t' serve," Lugh spoke up, his head dipping. He would be happy to help out anywhere he could, and make the most of his abilities. Even the opportunity to train the younger generations was an exciting prospect.

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the snow. Hunt Opportunity

Speech.

An eye slowly cracked open as Inali heard Minka's howl ring through the territory. Recently coming back from a scouting trip to Southern Eden, the woman was tired, but she knew this was important. Arriving back to their unofficial territory that morning as dawn approached, the petite she wolf had only had a few hours of sleep. Still, she made herself get to all four paws, shaking the sleep away. As she arrived to the scene, her blue orbs landed on Minka. Excitement and pride basically oozed from her close companion, and with a smile Inali realized it was time. It was finally time to claim these lands as their own. Minka's words closely echoed her own thoughts, and Inali raised her own muzzle to the air to join the jubilee. Her paws, though weary, couldn't keep still. A new chapter was finally beginning, and the young woman couldn't contain her excitememt.

Finally, the ruckus stopped. But like Lugh, her tail waged and thumped against the ground. Trying to tamp down her eagerness, Inali's ears pricked in attention as she noticed that Minka was about to speak. At the prospect of teaching upcoming packmembers the skill of scouting, her blue orbs shined with renewed fervor. Waiting for Lugh to finish speaking his words, she opened her own maw. "You know me," Inali began looking at Minka. "There is nothing I'd rather do then scout." Smiling slightly, the brown pelted woman waited for others to speak, forcing herself to sit on her haunches to contain her excitement.

Tokino might not have truly claimed the land around their birthing den as of yet but the older wolf would sure as hell patrol it to make sure coyotes, bears, and other trespassers stayed away from his new family. Occasionally leaving his single lone scent near an area that smelled of some rogue or coyote would make sure someone stopped to think about their actions before heading any closer to Minka's den. It wasn't long before the lean silver man heard his mates call and noting its enthusiastic tone, Kino ran quickly back towards his mate. Maybe she has the strength now to help claim the land.

Tokino hadn't been unhappy about their little slot of heaven. Yes occasionally by wandering off paths could you get scraped up by a thorny blackberry bush, but that certainly wasn't the worst problem you could have in a territory. The only thing he was worried about was bears coming along in spring and summer to harvest fruit from the fields. The older wolf knew that bears would get more plentiful the closer to winter they came as long as the berries were still upon the bushes.

Which was why they had kept the den away from the main portion of the blackberry fields.

Sweeping past other low lying bushes Kino's blue gaze fell upon his mate. He smiled at how beautiful she was standing there with pride and excitement echoing across her rusted features. He came in like a wrecking ball jumping over and through a separate clump of brush and pressing against her side in a warm touch.

"Now is the time for the world to know we are here, that we are proud to call this our home, our territory." Minka proudly announced while Kino raised his head confident as a king. For our future! He urged the others on trying to excite them further.

It seemed like minutes passed before Minka spoke again, "If any of you know a role that you would like to carry I encourage you to speak now, though Tokino and I will always be available to hear your requests at a later date if you're unsure now. Even if you carry a title please note that you will be expected to help with other duties as well, especially those that may not have a member assigned to fulfill that specific task on a daily basis."

Tokino nodded and gave those who had come a warm smile. These wolves had stuck with them through thick and thin before the pack had even found a territory to claim. Though he was angered by one "supposed" pack mate Erebos's leave. If he didn't want to join us then, then if he ever tries to join us later he'll have to have a long talk with me firstly. Kino thought quietly before his attention was directed to the wolf named Lugh standing before him. The gray king nodded at the prospect of having a healer within their ranks. Surely with pups growing and fumbling around they would need someone to patch up scrapes and bruises. We appreciate your offer Lugh, and I do believe Minka would agree with me in saying that you got the job. Kino tipped his chin up in approval and wagged his tail slowly behind his hocks.

Then Inali spoke up and as always proved herself to be a scout through and through. He nodded silently to the younger she wolf accepting her position without a second of thought. Then he turned to Minka raising his brows in expectation while his fur felt like electricity.

Like a mystery without a clue

Minka & Tokino

There is no me if I cannot have you

(This post was last modified: May 18, 2014, 06:57 PM by Tokino.)

Weeks had come and gone, and with the passing of time, much had changed. The small band of rouges no longer needed the safety and protection of Makism and Cut Rock River. Instead, they had found a place to call their own. A little slice of heaven, even though it was not yet theirs. The blackberry fields, Ryka felt, were an ideal location to build their future pack and to raise young. The berries were plentiful as an occasional snack, and they were far enough away from any other neighboring packs in the area. Not long after their arrival here, Minka had given birth. It seemed that their timing had been perfect, and she was pleased to know she had such a reliable group of wolves at her side. She was optimistic, looking into the future.

With new pups in the den and Minka as a first time mother attending to them, the gray and chocolate female had been working overtime, doing everything she could to make sure the new family was safe and happy. Be it from stocking up on herbs, to patrolling the edges of the fields, or filling the caches, she was always busy pulling her weight. It left her little time to mingle with the others, but she knew that eventually she would.

It was on just such a day, that was no different than the others, that a note of excitement rang out. Minka was calling them together. Time to celebrate. Time to officially lay claim to these lands, where a new pack would be born. Ryka had been in mid chase after young, inexperienced rabbit, keen on fetching a snack for Minka and the children when she heard the call. Not one to delay matters of importance, she broke off her chase and headed back to the den Minka had taken up residence in. Gathered there, was the russet Alphess herself, her mate, Lugh and Inali. Lowering her frame slightly, Ryka bumped her muzzle up against the chins of her leaders, tongue flicking out submissively. Her tail was wagging though, a sign of her eagerness to be with them. Tilting her head back, lips parted as she let her voice echo throughout the air, mingling with the others in a loud symphony. All in the area would now know of their presence. After the commotion settled down, Ryka paid attention as Minka spoke, outlining what was to be expected of them in this pack. At the mention of roles, a single thought came to mind immediately, but she was happy to let Lugh and Inali speak first. Then it was her turn. "I too, would be happy to serve as a healer. But if one is all you need, then I'd be just as happy as a hunter." She offered, smiling warmly. While she and Lugh were of equal experience in the healing arts, her talents didn't end there. Ryka would be just as content making sure the pack was well fed, if that's what Tokino and Minka preferred.

@Tokino @Lugh @Inali @Ryka
Alright exit posts now <3 the sooner the better so no more LP drops but hopefully everyone can respond by the 23rd as I will be leaving that day to go out of town/have surgery and would love this done before then. Whoever is last to post has permission to archive <3

ps. Tokino came in like a wrecking ball: http://cubeupload.com/im/IsNm4f.jpg

The sound of the joined voices in chorus only further strengthened Minka's pride and trust in the pack. These wolves were her family and here they were, after months of planning making all of their visions a reality. Finally once everyone had settled enough to speak the rusted woman listened to each member carefully, including her mate as he responded to them. After a moment of consideration she turned to each wolf in turn as she offered her announcements, "Inali Wahya, as our scout it will be your duty to explore the nearby territories, relay any messages Tokino or I may need to send to other packs or individuals and search for and return with useful information. Lugh Whelan and Ryka Tiaroth as our herbalist and healer respectively it will be your duties to create a healing den and ensure it is well stocked in case of time of need, as well as take charge in any medical emergencies that may arise." Her tail waved behind her at a rapid pace as she spoke, her children would have healers to aid them, and a messenger to keep them informed. Tokino of course would always be an advisor in her ways as well as a partner and Minka was more than happy to take the lead as a huntress for the time being. It was but a moment after her thoughts that the sound of protesting squeaks and squeals could be heard from inside the birthing den. The pups had been awoken by the ruckus and were none too pleased to have their mother missing from within their tiny worlds. With a smile Minka nodded to her family, addressing Inali again, "I know you have just returned from the south, but I ask that you go and give word to Maksim of our whereabouts and official announcement, let him know that he will always have an ally in Black Thorn Downs." The sounds of her children were growing louder and the mother knew if she did not return to them soon that there would be full blown tantrums all around. So nodding her farewell she nuzzled her mate's muzzle before returning to her den to nurse, she trusted her family would be busy with their new roles and marking the borders for the very first time. EXIT

Vinyonga @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: May 19, 2014, 04:38 AM by Minka.)

click!

Lugh listened as everyone pledged their particular talents to the pack, healing, hunting, scouting, it seemed the pack had most everything covered between them all. Lugh dipped his head graciously to Tokino and Minka once awarded the herbalist position. He was happy that Ryka would be able to work with him, knowing already that they made an excellent team. And to admit his faults, Ryka did better with blood and gore than he did, as much as he hoped none of the pack would be coming in with bleeding wounds, injury was unfortunately a fact of life.

The sound of small yips and whines started to leak from the den, the pups giving their own signal to wrap up the meeting. They all had much to do, and with his new assignment given, Lugh was keen to get started. "Well, we better get going and find a nice spot for the infirmary, eh?" Lugh said with a nudge of his nose to Ryka's shoulder. He then started off into the brush alongside Ryka in search of a nice secluded place for the healing den, just far enough to give patients peace but close enough to be convenient. He was sure that somewhere within these tangles would be the perfect spot, and then he could start to stockpile herbs like the little packrat he was.

EXIT

(This post was last modified: May 19, 2014, 04:56 AM by Lugh.)

Speech.

Roles were asked for and delivered. Lugh the role of herbalist and Ryka the role of healer, herself receiving the role of scout. Inali knew, Minka was a huntress at heart and Tokino...Tokino was an all around guy. It seemed they had almost everything covered, and with the blessing of the Fates, even more numbers would join the fledgling pack so they could truly flourish. The mewls of the pups not only grabbed the mother's attention, but Inali's as well. A small smile played upon her muzzle as she thought of the little bundles of fur. They were cute little things, and the woman was glad that Minka had given them the privilege and had honored them with the trust to see the pups on occasion. Of course, it was on the scout's to do list to get more acquainted with the little things, for she truly loved pups. If she hadn't held such passion for travel, the red-hued woman was sure she would've been destined to become a teacher.

Minka's voice brought her out of her thoughts, and her new alpha wasted no time in assigning her a task. Inali was weary, but she knew what she had signed up for. This was her job, and she would try her hardest to carry it out sufficiently. Nodding at the tawny woman as she left to go to her pups, Inali turned to Tokino, her new King. A mischievous twinkle rose in her eyes as she scampered toward him like an excited pup to her father. Licking his chin in submission, she stretched slightly to briefly touch her muzzle against his in a friendly manner. Yes, they were good friends, but the man was her alpha now and she would treat him as such. As she pulled away, she spoke teasingly as she began to walk away. "Don't you have pups to care for you old geezer?" But, just because he was her alpha now didn't mean she couldn't have fun. They held a special camaraderie, and the woman hoped that wouldn't change any time soon. Quickening her steps to avoid any backlash she might receive, the woman's chuckles could be heard as she left the territory once again.

Black Thorn Downs. She liked it.

{Exit}

Tokino loved the sound of their howls filling the air. Their howls, not some other packs voices, not his family from the mountains, his own packs howls.

Black Thorn Down pack howls...

Once the group settled down a bit Kino rubbed excitedly against Minka's fur. It felt like electricity was flowing between each new pack mate, as if their pack was the beginnings of a storm about to crash upon the fields. The future held such promise for the new family now. Though things might get rough from time to time, Kino knew that as long as they were willing to push through the darkness towards the light, that they would survive and flourish.

As Minka exits the gray male noses her muzzle before looking towards the den. His family was here now. Not outside of Lore where his old home last reside, but here where his mate and pups were. The silvered wolf briefly pondered on whether his father would be proud that he was continuing the Lagina line here instead of back in the outside lands.

Then his gaze swept to Lugh and Ryka who were beginning to leave and search for a medicine den. Good luck you two... was all the farewell Tokino had been able to give before Inali brought herself excitedly close. He smiled and chuckled as she licked his chin happily then touched his nose with hers.

"Don't you have pups to care for you old geezer?" She says... Kino mumbled with a joking heart. Aye I'm getting to them! He called back as the she wolf skittered away expecting his rebuttal.

With a content sigh, the gray male turned to follow his mates path back to the den to check on the pups. He checked on them at least five times a day between doing bits of the border and looking for food just for his lovely Minka.

(Exit Tokino)

Like a mystery without a clue

Minka & Tokino

There is no me if I cannot have you