Drooping Willows Forget about James Bond

make a stand show your hand, calling a high command

Morganna Archer

don't think just demand, I'm like a bird of prey

Her brothers snap towards the Thorben’s face did not go unnoticed by Morganna, perhaps if she had taken up her regular position next to her sibling she would have offered a snap of her own, but then imagine the chaos that would ensue… Rook and Quil would be able to sneak off like thieves in the night while the Willow wolves scrapped among themselves, a wonderful precedent to set in front of potential rivals that would have been! It was amazing the clarity a little distance was affording her.

Much of the tension left her with her mothers approach, she was more than happy to follow in this instance. Thinking the situation under control, (despite her brothers frustrated gnashing) she was taken by surprise when the Queen’s presence wasn’t enough to restrain him. Instinctively she wanted to move to join him, to bring down their foes together - it was in her blood. She even moved half a step forward before she managed to ground herself again. The combination of Renier at her side and Elettra’s commanding presence pulling her up short, the growl of frustration in her chest aimed at the situation as a whole as it seemingly began to spiral out of control.

She wanted to simply turn around and stalk away, this was what curiosity and diligence got her! Already her paws were itching for the deep virgin snows of the sacred grove and a large tree to shovel a hollow out of so she could curl up and pretend none of this had even happened. But she was here now, with her mother kept in the corner of her eye, ready to move if the order was given.

As far as she was concerned, it was nothing personal.

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If there was not enough gathered two more arrived. Elettra herself and a sibling of Quil's. Respectfully, he lowered his head, hoping she would ease the tension rolling about. It was the silver Queen with sounds and words that carried promises of pain and regret that cut into Renier. Could Rook not hear the same? Did he think mother's blood in him made him invincible?

Screw it. He thought. They had both spoken and he was sure they were both too headstrong to sway the other. The line between them seemed to grow the further they stood, staring each other down. Ren could only see the young boy he had left. The one who had fallen in love with the stories of the Hollow and the wonders it promised. Renier wanted to tell him he couldn't bring it to life. It would always be different. He couldn't help feel, that the youngest Lyall was doing this for himself far more than their parents.

No matter how Ren tried to keep face all of that changed when the ink cloaked prince slithered to his brother. When Morganna moved forward just so as if knowing something he didn't Ren was cutting the distance, seeing the world blur. Seeing his little brother in peril. There wasn't time for him to weigh his choices, to calculate and delegate the consequences of his actions. All he was sure about was he would regret standing by and doing nothing above far else. He couldn't live with that guilt too.  He couldn't hope that Elettra would call Skoll off. He could not count on Skoll listening with a mouthful of Rook. Not with that gleam to his cold silver eyes if he only waiting for a final command.

No shit was about to get real when it was his brother on the end of a loaded gun.

Large, cream paws slipped over the snow with speed, force, and purpose. There was no growl of warning. Just a large tawny,silver, russet stroked Lyall bounding for two yearlings with all his might. Every pull and pinch of his muscle driving to ram into the ash and black wolf with teeth placed to grab a piece of the Archer. A piece of him that wouldn't forget. Maybe, Quil and Rook would have to runaway. Maybe, Ren could least make sure they got away unscathed. What was worse than attacking a leader's son and brother of a woman who had begun to start a fire in his heart? 

(This post was last modified: Feb 19, 2015, 04:46 AM by Renier.)

Yep, he should have known that was going to happen. Wrinkling his nose in annoyance while ducking away from Skoll's fangs, Titan then narrowed his gaze on the Archer prince. His muzzle turned to Morganna to see how she was reacting to the whole hullabaloo and to her credit she looked annoyed, angry even, but far more thoughtful than her brother. Maybe I've been rooting for the wrong noble? he thought dryly before Skoll launched himself at Rook. Titan's hackles rose while his claws dug into the snow and frost. A deep growl left his muzzle at the unfolding events while he tensed waiting for Rook to be killed.

It didn't happen. It seemed that Skoll had enough restraint to keep from killing somebody under his mothers scrutinizing gaze. Quickly he forced his fur flat and relaxed. Surely Elettra wouldn't give the order to kill, not for this right? He stayed in that forced calm pose as Renier ran forward. Titan wasn't sure whether he was showing Skoll who was dominant here and shoving the Archer prince into his place, or whether he was actually trying to help Rook. All Titan knew was that things had gotten out of paw rather quickly. Turning to look at Elettra with an annoyed look that might have matched hers he then sighed.

"Is there anything I can do to help this.."  He motioned to Renier, Rook, and Skoll hoping that @Elettra would allow him to intervene or help Renier with Skoll should she command it.

Learn from these streets, it can be bleak,
Accept no defeat, surrender retreat...

Elettra Archer had not been gone long from her pack lands, though it seemed even in those few weeks, she had missed much. Just moments to her arrival, came Cinder, eager to brush against her side and stand with her, though obviously injured. By who, the Leader did not know and would surely have put a hit on this wolf (if it had actually been a wolf) had she have known. Rook's words left her further standing on edge, not to mention the glare which was sent not only to Renier, but her child; her daughter, her only daughter. A snarl edged across her features, a deep, daring growl echoing from her muzzle as she took one more single and solid step into his direction. Whatever help he had been seeking from her pack had not been run by her and if it had been by her mate, he had not bothered to tell her. Ether way, if he came here demanding something, he would get nothing.

At the moment, she had every intention to toss the Lyall from her pack lands, who seemed to have taken up much after his father which was against him whilst standing before Elettra. Mentioning Jaysyek and the friendship they held was most certainly a low blow, causing Elettra to twitch, holding back the initial willingness to flinch at the very thought. What was happening? Was Jaysyek hurt? Threatened in some kind of way? "Besides coming here to whisk Quil away..." Which was obviously his intention at the mentioning of taking her companionship. Surely, her sister Cinder and her brother would also follow, leaving her with much less members to go and support an unknown, unallied back (Cut Rock River). "What is it you need, wolf?" She speaks to the yearling, still unknowing of the strangers at her borders other then the fact that he was the son of both her best friend and most hated enemy. It was as the question flowed to an ending off her lips did her son collide with the wolf she had been speaking too, with every intention of pinning him there to the ground in submission. Surely, Rook was in need of reprimanding for coming here with such haughty demand and with intention of having her members turn their backs on her and join his cause, though given the fact that Elettra did not give her son the 'go ahead' and she had been in the middle of trying to speak with him, it was not hard to see the Leader was certainly pissed off.

Before she could retort to these actions, Renier was right behind Skoll to enforce his own manner of retaliation. Though Renier was of greater power as far as dominance and age went, this was not a manner of dominance, but clearly that of protecting the outsider (though his brother) from being reprimanded. "ENOUGH!" The loud bomb of her voice shouted out with such ferocity, she hoped to still everyone in her tracks including those in the tussle. Should they not scatter apart immediately, should would take the whole lot of them on.

(This post was last modified: Feb 20, 2015, 08:16 PM by Elettra.)

 

let me remind you what you're waiting for

It was hard to put a finger on what was rubbing against the grain, but each moment that passed made her feel more on edge. It could have been the terrible glare in Skoll's silver eyes, or the words that Titan whispered in the prince's ear (ones that she could not quite make out), the way Cinder's eyes questioned her, or Elettra's chilling remark about what had happened to the last wolf who had betrayed her. Was she the only soul here who could see that Rook was looking for help, attempting to find some support? Maybe his words could have been chosen more carefully, but part of her thought that, even if they had been, it wouldn't have changed this situation. Perhaps she was the only one who cared.

Quil could feel Elettra's caustic gaze sweeping over her as if she had already done something wrong or gone against the rules. How quickly did the majority of her pack mates seem to share the queen's view, that Rook had been wrong ─ out of line, even ─ for coming here in the first place. Even if it had caused a commotion (undoubtedly due only to Skoll's feelings, or lack thereof, toward the Lyall), didn't Elettra see that her nephew was only asking for her help? Would she really assume that Quil would 'betray' her, or leave on a whim? The girl wasn't expecting Rook tonight, wasn't expecting him so soon, and if it had been up to her, she would have discussed the possibility of her leaving with Elettra personally.

The truth was, she had been put on the spot. And she didn't like it. But, what she ultimately felt that she didn't like the most was that her companion was now in the crosshairs of every wolf on the scene. The tension between she and Rook and Skoll felt like wind off the sands of a desert, hot and dry and making it harder to breathe...until, all at once, matters quickly escalated.

In the blink of an eye, Skoll had lunged for Rook, grabbing hold of him and barreling him over into the snow and what happened next wasn't something she could have anticipated. A deep, dark, feral sensation of protection and possessiveness and disregard of everything in the face of harm done upon Rook took her over; and she moved on it faster than all four of Rook's legs could come off the ground. Without a sound and in a flash she was upon Skoll, catching him as he tightened his grip upon the Lyall's tawny ruff. With his teeth preoccupied, the Attaya's jaws parted to eagerly clamp down on a portion of the prince's exposed neck, and in the corner of her eye she saw a flash of fur as Renier barreled forward. She would have went on...for the first time in her life, she would have embraced whatever violence was necessary to negate Skoll's wayward attack...she would have fought to whatever end...But Elettra's voice, clearly commanding and sharp enough to make her heart skip a beat, carried enough authority to cause her to release her hold, for now. Her attention belonged to the matriarch, but her eyes and energy were, with absolute clarity, focused on Skoll. If he did not relent, then neither would she.

She would not stand for this. She would not stand to support a pack that would not hear a boy out, that would readily turn against her if she chose to 'betray' them all, even if it was for her own good and all the same not her initial inclination. What did it say about the lot of them if they cared not about her well being, but only what she could do for them. Who she could be for them. She felt like an outsider! What did it say about Elettra if she was willing to come down upon her own nephew with such callousness? The Elettra she knew was as kind and loving as she was lawful, capable of deducing a just decision; Quil could hardly wrap her head around how quickly, and subtly, the Archer had issued her warning. She didn't know that betrayal of Elettra had led to murder in the past, but she clearly could infer that leaving now, tonight, wasn't going to end up well for her. Or, perhaps things weren't going to end up well at all now that she'd made a move at Skoll ─ which was justified.

Her sides rose and fell, her breath a puff of fog as she held strong to Rook's side. Quil was ready ─ to fight with words or with her teeth and every muscle in her body. She was no traitor, that much was clear, and if they all were to paint her as such without knowing the whole of the situation or at least giving her the benefit of the doubt, well, then they weren't worthy of her. Depending on what happened next, on how Elettra chose to handle it all and Rook's reaction, her choice would be made quite simple.

Cinder’s presence went unnoticed by most – Quil’s eyes fell upon her, holding a gleam of something the young she-wolf did not quite recognize. She did not know what she had walked in to – what the stranger at the borders meant to her sister, nor why the others were so quick to rise against him.. and what appeared to even be a malicious threat to her sister. Elettra’s dark words were not missed, and the yearling felt herself bristle, pulling away from the pack matriarch and seeking out Quils’ eyes with silent question.

Skoll, the dark prince who remained unknown to the swarthy girl spare his scent, suddenly lurched at the boy – and in turn, Quil lurched for him. Panic arose in Cinder swiftly, and as a flash of fur and mess was taken in by her eyes, it was her own svelte figure that leapt forward as well, attempting to push herself between Quil and anyone that dare try to lay harm to her.

The leader’s voice resounded throughout the terrain – Cinder’s own sharp amber eyes were thrust upon her with mistrust now, her form pressed as tightly to Quil’s as physics would allow. Her heart raced, though she did not spare a glance to her sister and her strange companion – instead, her eyes remained intent upon the Willow wolves, waiting for their verdict, still unsure as to why the situation had risen to such a tense scenario. Either way, her life was intricately wrapped to her littermate’s, and her stance would only clarify this for any onlookers who had been confused about her allegiance.

like a black widow, baby

Everything happened in slow motion. Skoll's dark fur color against the night had been enough to camouflage him and make for a perfect attack. Just like that, one moment Rook had been attempting to gain some sort of fellowship from his mother's previous Second and healer (a woman who had once helped Jaysyek in the birthing and rearing of his older siblings), the next, he was bowled over. Head over heels. His right shoulder hit the ground at first and due to the force of the prince's leap, he rolled once, soon landing with the side of his face planted into the snow while Sköll managed a tight grip on the back of his neck.

In a game of chess, this was a possible deadlock to an amateur player. This could have been the end.

What occurred next was something the younger Lyall had been praying for - Renier had reacted and, in what seemed like one clean swipe, shoved the Archer boy off and away from him. Quil did the same, racing to his side now and drawing with her a similar reaction from the other dark-coated girl - the one that had initially stood by Elettra's side. He pushed himself up and took a staggered step to one side, standing shoulder to shoulder now with the two Attayas beside him.

His breaths rose from him in a sequence of wisps, the instinct to fight rising within him. Forget it, he thought to say before deciding against it. It was rude and made no declaration or clarification as to what he was doing here or what he had wanted.

Tensing the muscles in his left shoulder and arm, he adjusted his stance, prepared for the possibility of another attack should Skoll decide to have another go at him, even with Renier somewhere at his back. It  didn't come. Now was a better time than ever to say what he had been meaning to say. "I've asked you for your support," he panted, swallowing once as he scowled. He supposed mentioning his mother had not been enough to pull any strings or overshadow the partial fact that he was indeed going to steal Quil away from the Ridge. "But, I suppose your... guard has already expressed his opinion on the matter. I've already said that Jaysyek and Borden need your help." His tail fell from its high position over his back, coming to rest in a gentle arch by his ankles.

It was very obvious now that this place was not safe for one as dear as his beloved Quil and, perhaps, not for the age-mate also at their side either. He was done, if the wolves of Willow Ridge and their monarch did not want to hear him out, then so be it.

"If you will not help me, then I won't waste anymore of your time. Never mind the months of pain I've seen Jaysyek endure, the hurt she's had to heal from time and time again. To be loved by my father one day and forgotten the next; to care for him at every hour of the day, not knowing if and when he might be the man she's known for years, the one who had fallen in love with her, made a life with her. She told me to come find you and for what?!" His ears relaxed from their previously forward position. This just wasn't worth anyone's time anymore. "My mother wouldn't stand for this... If you won't help me, then I'll get support elsewhere." Whether or not Quil had said anything of her wants to help the Lyall's, Rook was not sure, but he added something in for good measure, a figurative stake to the heart, possibly, "At least Kade Attaya's daughter still honors all my mother had worked hard for, what she strived so hard to keep."

A scornful snort was offered to matriarch then and he slowly turned about to start walking in the direction that would lead him back to Cut Rock Ridge. Whether or not anyone would say anything else or if Renier or Quil and their 'plus ones' would follow him, Rook was not going to convince them further; now was their chance to make a move and Rook had given them the opportunity. Maybe if Elettra said anything else, he would stop. Otherwise, he was going to leave.

(This post was last modified: Mar 06, 2015, 06:13 AM by Rook.)

Chances are I have a BEN WHISHAW gif for that.

Skoll was not able to keep hold of Rook for long. He was swept off his feet, launched into the air and into the snow with a hard hit to the side of his ribcage and a snap of jaws into his side. Instincts urged him to scramble back onto his feet, to pull away from his attacker and yank the bit of winter pelt and flesh away from Renier's muzzle; but, before he could even move a muscle to counterattack, Elettra bellowed.

"ENOUGH!"

There was just enough willpower within him to remain where he was. Forget the fact that the older Lyall had probably broken the skin where his jaws had gotten hold of him, the pent up energy in him made him itch, want to fidget, twitch every black-nailed digit at the end of his paws. Renier had been lucky he had not lunged for his throat instead. Sköll's plume-like tail lashed about behind him and he lowered his head with a flash of his teeth toward the older Lyall. A wordless warning that he was a ticking bomb just waiting to go off - and he was just within striking range.

Much of what Rook had left to say went over the Archer yearling's head but once he noticed that the masked boy was turning to make his leave, he stomped a paw into the ground, growling now as he faced his mother, wondering, waiting, anticipating for what she was going to say. Patience was never usually one of Skoll's virtues. He glared at Quil and her sister, at Renier, at Morganna (who had come to stand at the other Lyall's side), and he roared. His tail rose back up over his rump, the bridge of his muzzle wrinkling while he shifted his weight from one side to the other in restlessness, "Let me have him, Mother! Let me do it! Give you one less reason to fret about - let me KILL HIM!"

(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2015, 02:06 AM by Skoll. Edit Reason: added more details for Renier's attack <3 )

i'm a dreamer, i'm a man

i'm doing whatever i can to make the bad things go away

It was a fucking mess. The whole damn lot of it. Her members were attacking one another, a wolf of an enemy (or at least tense pack, granted their hostility to Whisper Caverns) pack was making demands of her help for yet another enemy, her son was clearly out of line and, to top it off, her mate nor her Seconds were here for any kind of support. After having screamed out for them to stop (and after trying her hardest not to lung out at Rook herself for his disrespect) she took a moment to breath deeply, her dull nails pressing hard into the ground, her hairs standing on end, tail out high and stiff behind her. Watching as Rook turned his back fully on her, she takes but a single step closer, ignoring Skoll's words other then offering a flash of her teeth. "Borden Lyall is no ally of mine - he knows this, Jaysyek knows this. You are no ally of mine, Cut Rock River wolf. There are plenty of other healers in Relic Lore - FIND SOMEONE ELSE. If Jaysyek or Whisper Cavern's Leaders personally need me, they know where to find me." A good part of her, in all reality, could not believe that Jaysyek would have sent this haughty child for help on behalf of Borden Lyall, knowing very much how she detest him. If anything, Jaysyek would have come on her own, even with Narime, in order to soften the information at just exactly what they were asking of her.

Elettra did not look poorly to Cinder, who was otherwise defending and protecting her blood - her sister. The same went to Renier, who had not only been protecting his brother, but likely trying to stop a death match from happening (though she could not help but be a bit upset with both). Quil, however, who sided with her boyfriend over her Leader and pack mates, was in no good position. She awaited for her to turn and leave, for it was obvious she did not hold an alliance to them anymore. "As for anyone else who wants to join them, feel free to get the fuck out." Her eyes move, pale and cold as they scanned over each and every one of them. Certainly, she would look like the bad guy to the lot of them, though if any had known the situation (or even been born when it happened) she did not doubt they couldn't blame her for her hostility. "Titan" She barks the child's name roughly. "Would you be so kind as to escort him out and make sure that he stays out." Surely, the young man would not have a problem with this. He was a large, solidly built wolf, larger even then anyone here. She could not trust Skoll not to further attack Rook on the way out and was displeased with Renier to allow it.

Now, her focus moved away from the problem at her borders, she moves on to the problem within them. She moves quick, dashing towards Skoll so that she is facing him head on, her neck aligned with her spine and her limbs splayed, fully upholding a fighting stance before her son. "You were out of line, Skoll Archer!" She growls, her jaws reaching out and snapping towards his face angrily. "Do you not see what you've done??? You've caused another enemy to the pack, you ruined what could have been a possible alliance with a new pack and you made us loose our own members! I am your leader, and you will respect and accept my judgment, like it or not." Of course, Elettra would have turned Rook away granted the fact that she did not wish to help Borden in any way, shape or form. Yet him being irritated with having to get mommy to come out and ask on her own and being furious with being attacked (and causing their own members to question their sanity) were two totally different manners.

(This post was last modified: Mar 06, 2015, 08:03 PM by Elettra.)

make a stand show your hand, calling a high command

Morganna Archer

don't think just demand, I'm like a bird of prey

Her singular step forward seemed too much, and as quickly as her brother had moved, both Quil and Renier were upon him. Dread filled every fibre of her being as her worst fears were realised in front of her very eyes. A mess like this would make them look weak and disorganised in front of a potential rival. Her mothers booming voice seemed enough to break the scuffle apart and she moved to place herself between her brother and the tawny coated subordinate, squaring her shoulders and lowering her head with the beginnings of a snarl pulling at her lips. If looks could kill the judgement that burned in her eyes should be enough to make her sibling shrivel before her. He was out of line, unhinged, and his actions had only concreted her decision to go looking for @Asriel. Wherever he was, he was needed more here.

She didn’t even bother to listen to the young stranger, her attention darting from one wolf to the next, watching to make sure no more foolishness got hold of them. At Skoll’s outburst she growled a warning, but it would have been easily missed under the weight of their mothers wrath that quickly rounded on her oldest son, causing the young Archer woman to smirk. Sensing the worst was over with Rook being escorted from the Willows by Titan and any who chose to follow him being told in no uncertain terms to leave she dropped her guard and turned to nudge @Renier with a nose to his ribcage. She could only hope he would follow her as she turned her nose to the north. She would rather not undertake such a long journey on her own.

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Morganna Exit

(This post was last modified: Mar 07, 2015, 01:40 AM by Morganna.)