Secret Falls beyond thunderdome

Bitch.

The dragon coiled angrily inside his chest and Kjors was thankful his princess was nowhere to be seen, that she could not see the wyvern screeching angrily inside his head.  Perhaps more importantly, there was no priestess here, able to predict his intentions before he had the chance to act upon them.  Lips parted in a grin of wicked daggers, head tipped to one side as he dismissed the witch with a shake of his head.  "Ah answered yer question, Banshee," he hissed, tongue flashing out across ivory knives.  "Now, if yer gonna throw a fit 'cos y'ain't got th' answer y'wan', by all means."

Bu' Ah know y'never came here wi' peaceful intentions.

After all, @Camio had made a sudden appearance, hadn't he?  As if by magic, or silent summons – or as if it were the plan all along.  While he'd never admit it out loud (nor would he ever repeat it in the sanctity of his own skull), the man was glad that @Naia had accompanied him on their quest for knowledge, for it was about to turn into a throw down.  Swinging his head again, the swashbuckler allowed the blood lust to overcome him, breathing it in until he was drunk with it.

In one fluid movement, the sway rolled backwards like the water before a tidal wave – and like the ocean he so loved, the one-eyed wonder exploded forward, jaw agape as he launched himself at Camio.  The alpha female would be left for his partner in crime.  While he wasn't certain whether or not her companion was her mate or simply a wolf looking for a fight, Kjors was more than chuffed to proved it.

Yer mine, his dragon screamed as he rolled with the singular motion, charging for his opponent head on.  At the crest of his motion he surged upwards, seeking to catch the other male by his throat or chest and tackle him backwards with the power behind his assault. Unfortunately, his ill-timed assault did not go quite as the wolf planned, and as he powered forward, one hind end slipped in a patch of loose ground. Something twisted in a direction it was not meant to and the male stumbled, leaving himself wide open to Camio's attack

Fight fight fight!

(This post was last modified: Jun 25, 2015, 10:52 PM by Kjors. Edit Reason: Now includes Kjors' epic fail. )

Aaand here is Zia barging in to tip the odds. Permission to slide in ahead of Camio via Becca. Let me know if you want anything changed! 
Time for some battle scars!

 The day had started out peacefully enough...perfectly routine just like any other. The brand new mother laid curled up inside her den with her single, dark child. Arion, her son, was growing like a weed. He was healthy, robust and strong. Surrounded by plenty of love and his pack, he would grow up in safety. Or so she hoped. Not everything in life was ever guaranteed. The sleek silver coated female was resting contently on her side, with her small son latched firmly onto her belly for a warm drink. Bright blue eyes drooped lazily in obvious bliss while watching her only child gulp down his lunch so heartily. Within time, he would be old enough to have his first taste of real meat, and Zia couldn't wait for that day to come. Not only would it mark a milestone for Arion, but it would give the hard working mother a break. She was starting to get sore.

So relaxed that she had nearly dozed off, Zia did not notice the commotion coming from the borders until the pitch of the voices escalated. Instinctively her head shot upright, charcoal lined ears rigid. She most definitely recognized Iopah's familiar voice, but the others were new. Arion, having been startled by the distant sound of yelling and growling, whined in protest. Shuffling closer to his mothers form, no longer interested in his meal. Her dark lips pulled into a frown, her eyes narrowing slightly. Whatever was going on didn't sound good, and with infant pups to look after, the Pine wolves could not afford to let danger threaten. Smoothing the crown of his coal head with her tongue in a soothing lick, she crooned into his ear. "Shhh...it's alright. Mommy will make it all go away..." Rising, she nuzzled her son gently, instructing him to stay put, and that she would be back soon. Inkheart was never far away, so if for any reason she was gone longer than she expected, he could keep Arion company. 

Slipping out of her den, the silver female made a beeline for the borders. The noise was getting louder, the growls more threatening. She needed to step in. As she closed in, the scent of Iopah grew, and she could now tell that her friend was not alone. Another packmate...a male she had not known about before, was with her. But also present were two outsiders, bearing no traceable scent of a pack. As much as she would have liked to just rush in boldly, upon seeing her Leader step forward threateningly to confront a dark male, she hung back. Using the assortment of fallen logs and tall trees as cover, she stayed hidden. Watching. Her steely eyes were pinned coldly on the male, who was missing an eye. Everything in his body language screamed violence. Just as he lunged to try and grab Camio, Zia had made up her mind. Skirting around to the right through a densely packed cluster of trees and shrubs, she attempted to circle around behind the outsiders, where they would be blind to any oncoming attack. Her slender frame was perfect for rapid bursts of speed and stamina, and just like a silver bullet, she zipped by. If these wolves wanted a fight, then they sure as hell would get one! Since Kjors was the one who attacked one of them first, on their borders, the Pines wolves had every right for vengeance. Her eyes glinted with malice as she made no sound while she tore up behind the duo, muscles rippling beneath her metallic pelt. Lips drawn back in a taut, teeth baring gape, a thunderous snarl ripped past her throat. Hackles fully raised, tail flagged up in dominance and aggression, she coiled back and then lunged at Kjors from behind while he went at Camio. Sapphire eyes flicking to her male comrade, she silently conveyed that she had his back, regardless if she knew him or not. Pine wolves looked out for one another. Her aim was for his scruff, at the base of his skull, and when she felt the gratifying give of flesh beneath her fangs, she did not hesitate to lock down as hard as she could.

(This post was last modified: Jun 25, 2015, 08:44 PM by Zia. Edit Reason: Roll determined Zia's attack as a CRITICAL HIT )

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Their initial greeter had at first appeared content to fade into the background as her packmate and Kjors strutted in front of one another, but when Kjors asked again for a little more information about their pack, something shifted within the woman. She seemed to have realized that her belligerent companion had stolen the show, and she snarled her demand for the attention to refocus on her. Naia took a few steps forward, lowering her shoulders and gaze, ready to give the pack wolf the submission she demanded. Courtesy always earned more answers in Naia’s experience, even if it meant submitting to this petulant woman. The Timber lady’s mouth opened to apologize, but Kjors spoke over her instead.

Naia watched it happen as if in slow motion—Kjors deeply insulting the alphess before lunging himself at her protector. What was he thinking?! She had brought along the newest River recruit because she’d taken him for a man with a little cunning.. more than willing to bow if it meant gaining the information he sought. This impulsive, snarling beast was the last man she wanted standing beside her on a reconnaissance mission, and yet.. here they were. Her misjudgment had landed her directly into a fight, and at another pack’s border no less. 

The moment Kjors sprang for the egotistical male, there was another wolf upon him in a flash of white fur. If it had been one-on-one, Naia might have been content to let the blustering males take out their masculine warmongering on each other while she attempted to treat civilly with the lead female. With the addition of another battling wolf, the dutiful pack wolf had no choice but to intervene. Naia lunged for the fray, her lithe body launching high enough to grip the snowy female by the ruff. Her intention had been to grab the white woman and roll her away, but the pile shifted suddenly and Naia felt her jaws snapping against air. Her feet sailed through the air as she rolled harmlessly off of the arctic woman’s back and landed with a sickening thud on the rocky riverbank. World still spinning, she dragged herself to her feet, and the shoulder she had landed upon protested torturously. Dizzy and disoriented, the reeling Naia wouldn’t even see another attack coming.

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edited to reflect Naia's critical miss. -headpalm-

(This post was last modified: Jun 23, 2015, 05:09 PM by Naia.)

@Zia @Iopah @Kjors @Naia Let me know if anything needs to be changed.

Before he knew it words became actions. He had a wolf lunging at his throat, while he should have been shocked he was't at all. It wasn't the first time something came lunging for him. Ready for action he pulled his lips back to expose sharp teeth. Lunging for Kjors with jaws wide open, Camio aimed himself at the dark man's front right shoulder. His aiming was just right. Enough to grab onto the shoulder but not enough to truly maim the man's shoulder.

The male Zamora wanted blood. No one was going to come waltzing to his home demanding things from his queen then try posing an attack. This one-eyed man was going to pay for his sins. Perhaps it was the feral beast inside of Camio's mind but if blood wasn't shed right here it would be shed later. He would start a war if it meant getting revenge.

Releasing the dark man's shoulder Camio back up a few steps. His neck was pulled in but held low to protect his own throat. Squinted brown eyes looked around. The scene was becoming gruesome quickly. Zia had thrown herself into battle too it seemed. Even the small little female was tossing her cares away at Zia. Growling the earth toned male was not going to have it. No one was going to hurt the females, let alone mothers, of his home. It was down right sickening.

For a brief moment Camio wondered why the hell this all began. The one-eyed male had started something he clearly wouldn't finish. Three Broken Timber Pines wolves against two strangers. Camio liked to think the odds were in his favors.

"Speech."

and all the love lost was the love that i kept
in coffins and boxes, a museum of the dead

A banshee. He'd called her a banshee.

It was one of the few words not mangled and her eyes flitted to his singular at it's clear utterance. The term might have been derogatory or not, Iopah couldn't care less. It would always be action that spoke louder than words. Gold eyes followed shifting of his musculature, jaw tightening as she tried to estimate it's intended course. The male shook his head violently and she crouched slightly in anticipation, stance widening to better grip the earth. Iopah's birth pack had taught her what they'd known, border skirmishes were common-place and the Barberi's only surviving daughter had seen her fair share of them. Kjors was close, but it was not a banshee that was her name-sake.

He blew past her and the re-named barbarian snapped at the air in his wake. She swung around at the sounding of incoming wolves, lips briefly pulling back before the silvery charcoal of Zia was recognized. Her second lunged for the one-eyed dragon and the alpha gave a growled bark as the Broken Timber Pines wolves rallied. The bark turned to a shrill shriek as Naia charged forward, warning the scout in no uncertain terms the consequences of her action. It didn't matter that Naia was aiding her supposed mate, the re-named Barberi was simply protecting her family.

Blunt nails ripped at the earth as she hurtled for the smaller woman. Respect would only extend to the length it was offered. And Iopah had been extended none by either. She hit Naia hard, putting speed into ramming her tawny shoulder into the scout as she raced by. The other woman was clearly indisposed now. Iopah minced closer, letting bared teeth hover menacingly over as she spoke. "Idiot! This wolf will get you killed!" Teeth closed sharply on air as she added: "For nothing!" It was one thing to attack for a reason, but this? This was insanity on Kjors part and Naia was becoming a willing accomplice.

(This post was last modified: Jun 25, 2015, 07:14 PM by Iopah.)

Things had not gone as planned. Things had not gone anywhere near as planned. If stumbling upon his first assault wasn't bad enough, something had definitely twisted in a way it wasn't meant to. His hock screamed with aggravation, and no other wolf had even laid a tooth or claw upon him! The male had not enough time for frustration, nor to scold himself, for Camio dived upon his right shoulder with jaws gaped like a viper. A moment later, the ivory knives sliced through thick hair and gentle pelt. Inhaling sharply, the male tried to twist away, but gained no ground as a second wolf came charging up behind him.

With a powerful lunge, Zia tackled him towards the ground, grabbing him by his scruff and forcing him earthwards. By only a breath, his chin did not tear into the ground and he did not go sliding into the male before him – it took a violent twist in order to free himself. With it, a chunk of his scruff was sacrificed, but that was simply a price he'd have to pay. Kjors had only come for information, to sate a curiosity – instead he would come away with scars and embarrassment.

"Naia," he hissed unhappily, summoning his companion with him. She was faring no better than he was, despite having only one opponent. Clearly, Hearthwood River had done something to offend the mother, and now he and his packmate were paying dearly for it. Once he was certain she would come with him, the wounded male turned and slithered free from his opponents – with the wounds already sustained, and the possibility of even more wolves joining at the pack borders – they had no potential victory. It was best to regroup, relay to Kisla what they had learned, and perhaps revisit the sight at a later date.

Perhaps.

Exit.

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The relentless scout began to stumble back toward the fight once she was on her feet, honeyed gaze still spinning as she attempted to focus on the blur of fighting wolves. She never made it back into the fray though; her approach was interrupted by what felt like a runaway boulder smashing into her side. The delicate woman found herself reeling end over end across the rocky riverbank once more. Her body slid to a halt in an unceremonious heap next to the river. This time Naia did not rise; she simply lay quietly beside the bubbling waterway, wondering how she had been defeated so soundly before even entering the fray.

As if answering her question, the original female stepped menacingly into Naia’s view, and the River woman continued to lie still. Her honey eyes were more curious than afraid, watching the packwolf who would in a few moments decide her fate. Was this the woman who had claimed one of Lugh’s legs?  The unnamed woman moved to stand over her, and as she lay on her side Naia pulled her ears back submissively and let her tail flutter against the ground in a signal of capitulation. Even those small movements ached throughout her tiny body. Would this stranger attack a submitting, helpless wolf, who had so far shown her no aggression?

It appeared not. The woman called her an idiot, which she no doubt was, and though Naia did not agree aloud her acknowledgement of this fact shone out in her penitent gaze. “I’m not an idiot,” she finally croaked out, her voice calm and sounding very different from that of “Sprite Firstpaw”.   “At least I wasn’t until today.” Even speaking was painful, and Naia’s eyes closed in a grimace. After a moment when it became clear that the pack woman was not going to attack her, Naia rolled slowly and unthreateningly onto her stomach, her posture still submissive. There was a pervasive throbbing ache throughout her entire body, but no sharp pains that would indicate a serious injury.

Out of respect for her conqueror, Naia did not look her in the eyes, but Naia was very curious about a wolf who would rather lecture than draw blood from a fallen enemy. Perhaps she had judged this woman too harshly, and too soon..  Naia’s only impression of these “Woodland traitors” had come down from the Black Thorn Downs wolves and Minka, who by hastily declaring war on the Woodlands had proven herself to be reckless and trigger-happy in her decisions.  Perhaps this was someone whose only “fault” was being very, very different from Minka. This might be a woman who could actually see sense.

“I think..” Naia began, pausing to pull herself shakily to her feet, “..we will speak again sometime.” It was in no way a threat, and though she was now standing, Naia’s body posture remained respectful and subdued. “Without the men,” she added, struggling to keep her disdain for Kjors out of her voice, “ ..and without the masks.” If the woman before her hadn’t guessed that the two “wanderers” were more than they appeared, that hint would certainly do the trick. Something in the woman’s golden gaze told Naia that she was free to go, so the Timber lady bid her farewell with a deferential nod and slinked away after Kjors.

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