Kingsfall navigate me

for anyone, pack members or loners. lach has got a lot on his mind come keep him company :3

Lachesis was not quite sure how to deal with the recent occurrences in his life. The long-legged healer was growing immensely troubled as the days went on, but he had not voiced any of his woes to his fellow River wolves – nor did he want to.

The first of his troubles was Bastet’s absence. She had arrived to Hearthwood with them and had promptly disappeared. The situation was irritatingly similar to Capella’s infinite absence; both female’s had left, without a word uttered as to why. XIX was beginning to wonder if he was always going to be abandoned by those he loved… the thought caused a knot to form in his stomach. Anastasia. He hoped, for the sake of their friendship/relationship, that she would inform the healer if she were to leave him behind. He had just wished that Bastet would’ve done the same, considering the progress in their relationship. Exhaling hard through his nose, Nineteen stomped through the forest, too distracted by his own thoughts to even think of collecting herbs.

Which led to troubles two and three. Amisun had also disappeared; she had vanished during their travels and never made it to Hearthwood. As concerned as he was, the boy was also irritated by her sudden disappearance. It seemed that the River wolves had a problem recruiting those who would remain loyal. Now that he was the only healer within the pack, Karina also seemed to pull back from her lessons (the third trouble). XIX was frequently worrying that he had done something to push the River princess away from the life of a healer. Had his lessons not been interesting enough for her; had they been too slow paced? Perhaps her interest in herbs had only been a phase… this time, the ghost sighed into the warm hair, his pear-coloured gaze focused on the lush ground below. Lachesis blamed himself for Karina pulling away from his teachings as much as he blamed another influence that had weaseled its way into the pack…

As much as the healer did not want to blame a newcomer that he had not yet had the (dis)pleasure of meeting, XIX felt as though Kjors had something to do with Karina’s sudden lack of interest. The aloof recruit had quickly become Lachesis' fourth trouble as his friendship with little Karina strained as the duration of Kjors' stay increased. He knew that the pack’s other second, Naia, had her concerns about the one-eyed male – which had only been strengthened by the rank challenge that occurred between him and Karpos. The ghost was overwhelmed by joy to learn that Karpos had succeeded in defending his position within the pack, but he was also worried that his own rank was at risk. While the healer shied away from violence, he would defend his rightfully earned title until he could no longer stand – especially from a wolf who, as far as XIX was concerned, did not belong. He knew it was not right of him to be so critical of a wolf he knew nothing about, but the gut feeling was hard to ignore. The feeling was similar to the one he had gotten from the alabaster loner Reaper, who had tried to reel Ana into his sadistic ways. He did not know what Kjors’ plans were, but he knew that something was not right.

He moved with an eerie grace as he slithered through the forest, his brows narrowed darkly as his thoughts consumed him. XIX was not sure where he was headed, he just knew he wanted to be as far away from the pack dens as possible. 

(This post was last modified: Jul 17, 2015, 06:49 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Speak of the devil, and He shall appear. Or, perhaps, thinking about him was plenty to summon the dragon's presence. Things had been going further and further awry of late, and the man often sought only his own company as he remained among the Hearthwood River wolves. This was not to say he forgot his manners if approached, for even he couldn't vanish completely without a trace, but the specter was much more difficult to track – often it was not worth the effort if one did not already know where to find the swarthy beast. Perhaps that was why the medic's aimless wandering had led him not far from the one-eyed wolf's personal den, drifting through the forest like a fogdog itself, shimmering among the gentle mists that wove through the sequoia trees once it was warm enough. It seemed Kjors had spotted his packmate before the other had noticed him – so lost in thought, the younger wolf may have continued his march without ever have realizing he had company. For a moment, the subordinate was content to leave it that way. After all, his only pleasant relationships seemed to be among the Baranskis themselves. Karina, of course, was his crown jewel, but Orren and Aleksei had both proven themselves to be amiable (and capable) company. Of the family members, he favored the Queen if he could not have access to the princess herself, though the new litter did not disinterest him, either. And yet, he chuffed softly, drawing the male's attention towards himself as he slipped from the shadows of a nearby tree. They were near his home along the Zephyr Rill – it would have been wiser to herd the other male away. But he knew this scent. Not personally, of course, but one Karina wore whenever she went to the den she shared with the other healers, and since Amisun was missing (a shame, really, as he'd been rather fond of the other River healer), he could only assume this was the male his gem referred to as her 'mentor'. "'lo," Kjors greeted the male casually, all the usual signs of submission present. He was not of the physical strength, nor of the mindset, to go around challenging any other males, thank you very much. It would not do for others to start assuming he meant to disrupt their position after his run-in with Karpos. That- That had been a bitter pill to swallow, but a lesson learned all the same. "Don' believe we've actually been acquainted yet. M'name is Kjors."

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

thank you for joining! <3
don't mind lachesis' bitter thoughts :3

As the trees crowded around him Lachesis slowed his place and his breathing in an attempt to clear his thoughts. Negativity affected the healer like a virus; it consumed him, making him weak and vulnerable. He was irritated by the presence of his negative thoughts, yet he could not shake them. XIX knew it was wrong of him to be so judgemental of the newest addition to the River wolves – he knew that Anastasia would also give him grief for being so quick to judge. It came from his days spent as a cautious, skittish loner after his departure from the Reserve. The wolves that he lived with behind the fence had been so open, so honest (aside from his troublesome brothers); there was no reason for secrets. However, beyond the fence… the feral wolves did not like sharing things; they kept to themselves, and Lachesis had quickly learned to do the same and found it difficult to trust the ferals.

Things had slowly progressed during his time in the Lore. The blue-eyed china doll had helped him open up to others more (when he felt it was necessary, of course) and did her best to teach him when to be cautious. He was still wary of others, especially those who left a sour taste in his mouth – he doubted that would ever fully disappear. The healer figured it was better to be wary than to be too accepting, like his closest companion. This, he believed, lead to too much trouble; trouble that the ghost did not want, or need.

The ghost was still often fueled by his loner tendencies and  found solace being completely surrounded by nature. The fresh scents, along with the soft sound of birds chirping in the distance… it soothed the healer perhaps more than his closest confidants. The leaves crunching beneath his paws satisfied the slender male as he continued his pursuit through the trees. As much as this new forest reminded XIX of their previous home among the cedars, it still did not feel like home. He knew that he would have to venture beyond the trees to get properly acquainted with the new area, but the troubles that plagued his mind were holding him back.

It was almost as if his thoughts had called upon the newest River wolf – an unfamiliar scent caused his movements to cease, a scent that could only belong to the older male that Karina was so fond of. For a moment XIX considered sprinting off and avoiding the confrontation, but he knew that it needed to happen eventually, whether it was today or a week from now. They were now packmates regardless of Lachesis’ predetermined opinions on the one-eyed male. The healer remained where he was as the older male approached; his body instinctively adopted a dominant stance, his pear eyes hardening as he studied the rugged dragon. His voice carried a heavy, unfamiliar accent – it was not as wild as Bastet’s; however, it suited the older male’s demeanor and appearance. As Kjors spoke XIX realized that his previous assumptions (and worries) about the male might be completely off, but he was hesitant to relinquish his them. “Nineteen,” he introduced automatically without realizing that if his apprentice had mentioned him at all, she would have addressed him as ‘Lachesis’. He did not correct himself, as sharing his assigned name was not uncommon of him. With his dark lips drawn shut, he observed the one-eyed dragon with curious eyes. 

stick with those who stick with you

The dominant stance went unacknowledged, but it was certainly noticed. Something steely glinted in the wolf's eye as he sized the specter up. While no taller or longer than Kjors in size, it was obvious he held weight better, resulting in a thicker, stockier frame. A tank, no doubt, and assuming the ghostly second did not fight simply because he held the assignment of medic was a stupid assumption to make. Hadn't he been brought to Hearthwood River to teach a healer to fight in the first place? If the Queen expected her first daughter to be able to hold her own against threats and challenges, he did not doubt the leading pair expected the same of the subordinates. (Loathe was he to have to admit he'd gotten trashed not once, but twice. How horrifying.) After a moment of silence, the dragon bobbed his head. "Pleasure," he replied gruffly, even if it was nothing of the sort. Wouldn't do for Karina's mentor to figure him the unsavory type. "'m Kjors. Supposed y'coulda guess as much. Ain't a whole lot of one-eyed wolves wanderin' 'round these parts…an' if there were, Ah haven' met 'em yet," he chuckled dryly, shaking his head. Oh, sure, he probably wasn't the only cyclops in the forest, but he seemed to be the only one their pack harbored. Shifting his weight, it became increasingly obvious that Nineteen wasn't looking for playful banter. The older male shifted to probing, back leg altered to a relaxed position, further indicating his recognition of the beta's position over him. "So tell me, Nineteen – why does m' lil' friend call y' Lachesis? S'wha' Karpos calls ya, too." It'd never been said to him in those words exactly, but the wolf Karina smelled like after working in the healing den, the only male healer, Karpos' uncle? Even a pup could put those links into a chain. "'er am Ah jes' special?" Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

Not a problem! I like Kjo to thread with his packmates. uwu Besides, seems like these two might have interesting interactions, at the very least.

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

sorry for the wait <3

The older male’s accent was different from the one that Bastet possessed but it still captured his curiosity. If he was not so suspicious of the one-eyed dragon perhaps he would of questioned the dark male on its origin; instead, he studied Kjors’ body language in silence. The rugged River wolf seemed… “normal” enough – he spat out too many words to attempt light conversation with an inviting tone. XIX almost felt guilty for having such negative thoughts about the one-eyed male prior to their meeting when he seemed so… so average. However, appearances were deceiving and Lachesis’ trust would be difficult to earn, especially after the newcomer had already challenged his nephew for his rank.

“Can’t say I’ve seen many in the Lore,” he commented absently in a feeble attempt to respond to Kjors’ rambles. His lips tightened immediately following the dropped words as his pear-coloured gaze lingered on the male’s rugged physique. Although the dragon had size and experience on his side, Karpos possessed youthfulness and speed; he was springy and full of impulse, which was precisely why he had won the rank challenge. Pride was also a factor – Karpos was extremely proud of his accomplishments and was constantly in the pursuit of achieving more.

Silence was broken by the male’s gruff voice once more as he questioned the name that XIX had given. The healer was not partial to either name; he would give both and answer to both, just as he always had. Although his assigned name, by the two-legs that operated the Reserve, was a reminder of his past and what he had (unwillingly) left behind, he still liked it. The name – or number – was a part of him and helped define who he was.

At first, the slender ghost shrugged in response, his lips tight as his brows narrowed slightly. “Nineteen or Lachesis – it does not matter. I was given two names and I will answer to both.” While he usually preferred to give his assigned name to strangers, or those he planned on not seeing more than once, the name had fallen from his tongue before he could catch himself. It did not matter – the wolves of the River called him by both, so Kjors was bound to hear ‘Nineteen’ uttered by another. XIX knew that his blue-eyed china doll favoured the number when addressing the healer. To him, it did not matter – he was both, and always would be both.  

stick with those who stick with you

"Ah." Given two names, did it mean Nineteen was a wolf with two faces?  It certainly got the subordinate's mind whirling, wondering how a man went about earning two names (and either of them a family one, he noted, though those were easily shed by those who no longer wished to associate with the group they were born into).  While he himself had several aliases, all of them had been self-assigned, save the one his father blessed him with upon his birth.  It was the name he held most sacred, and perhaps that was the only reason he held onto the title for so long. "If ye've no preference, suppose Ah don't, either," he hummed amicably, having no interest in making any more enemies among the River wolves.  He had, after all, challenged the male's nephew – of course, meant as no slight towards the head healer, but probably something he thought of all the same.  There was likely to be less ill will than if he'd succeeded in besting Karpos, but, well.  He hadn't.  It wasn't worth dwelling on that fact. It would likely be Lachesis, he knew – he heard it enough from his constant companion. All the same, he tipped his head.  "How is she doing?  Karina.  Ah know she trains wi' ya – only ya, now tha' Amisun's…gone."  Ears swept back at the notion, lips twisting as he reflected back on the third River healer.  He'd met her before the pack had abandoned Cedarwood Forest.  In fact, he'd found her to be excellent company, and had even wondered…well, it mattered little what he'd wondered, she'd vanished as the pack had migrated north.  "Wonder wha' happened t' her.  Seems unlike her, t' jes'…go." But ah, what really did he know about Amisun? "'nyone ever look?"

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Aug 09, 2015, 05:44 PM by Kjors. Edit Reason: Broke tags. )

thank you for being so patient <3

The slender healer gave a soft nod of acknowledgement at the dragon’s comment about his name; XIX was no stranger to wolves addressing him by both names. He did not give a preference for a reason – he had none. Although he was grateful to be out of the reserve and away from the two-legs, the experience had help shape the young man into the wolf he was today. He had endured so much since his reluctant departure and had learned so much of the ‘feral’ world he had once feared. Now, he could not imagine ever returning – he was worried that even if he ventures too close, to try and get a glimpse of his former family that the two-legs would restrain him once more. The thought caused a shiver to run down his spine and a grimace to fall onto his dark lips.

Quickly, the ghost returned his attention to Kjors as he spoke once more, this time mentioning his little apprentice (who had taken a liking to the one-eyed male). The dark male brought up Amisun’s absence and his concern about her sudden disappearance. Lachesis, too, worried about what had happened to the other healer. It did seem rather uncharacteristic of her to just… vanish, but like Kjors, XIX did not know the girl as well as he wished he had. “She’s a fast learner – very keen. Sometimes I can’t keep up with our lesson plans; she’s always eager for more,” he answered with a soft smile. He was always thinking of what to teach his little assistant next. Whenever he came up with a lesson that would normally take a few days, or weeks, to complete, she whizzed through them without hiccups.

“I’ve tried looking for her,” he ghost commented in a defeated tone, his pear-coloured gaze falling away from the one-eyed male as he focused on the trees behind him. “I retraced our steps and tried to visit the areas I remember her taking interest in… but I couldn’t find anything… I hope she didn’t land into any trouble.” Amisun was a smart girl – she was extremely knowledgeable in her field (sometimes XIX even found himself envious of what she knew) – which kept Lachesis hopeful that she did not land herself in any trouble with neighbouring packs. Hopefully she would return to the River wolves… or perhaps she found something better. Regardless, XIX just hoped that she was happy (and safe). That was all that really mattered.

stick with those who stick with you

No problem!

"Good," Kjors rumbled, nodding decisively at the beta's answer. While the girl was always a good student for him, it wouldn't do if she slacked off elsewhere. Hopefully, she would never need his lessons – she would have a father, a pack, and a mentor keep her safe from harm. Unfortunately, the one-eyed dragon was too worldly to believe that thought for even a heartbeat, but even still, he knew Nineteen's lectures would prove more useful both to the princess and whichever wolves she associated herself with. A medic was an invaluable sort, especially to wolves prone to violence (or those prone to horrible bouts of bad luck, much like himself). With nothing but praise for young Karina, thoughts quickly shifted to the third member of the therapeutical triumvirate. He, too, had spent a cursory amount of time trying to track down Amisun, but never strayed too far from the pack. After all, he'd been the newest member at the time, and had not wanted Kisla to believe him deserting so soon after being accepted into the pack only on her daughter's good word. A hefty sigh escaped the male as he shook his head, ears rotating into airplane position. It was a shame, but she'd vanished without a trace – he could only hope it was of her own volition and not a misfortune that tore her away. After a moment, he rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "Can't say," he sighed, mouth turned in a grimace. "But Ah hope tha's th' last of it. Th' River pack was bigger when Ah arrived. Numbers 're dwindlin'. Suppose we ought t' do somethin', but ain't seen much a' Maksim an'…" Kjors shook his head as he trailed off, brow furrowing. What was he thinking? Since when was he upbeat enough to recruit another wolf to a pick that wasn't his? "…eh, dunno wha' Ah'm on about. Ain't very good a' this whole 'pack' thing. Jes' seems t' me somethin' ought t' be done?"

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

 

On the surface the one-eyed wolf before him seemed relatively… normal, so to speak. Aside from his rugged, worn-out appearance, there was nothing ‘dragon-like’ about the older male, nor was there anything that screamed danger. He was a large wolf, that much was obvious, and had experience under his belt. However, aside from his battle wounds, there was nothing out of the ordinary. So why did he call himself the dragon? Why did he leave Hearthwood smothered in the smoke of discomfort?

He dismissed his negative thoughts temporarily as the older male shifted the conversation back to Amisun’s whereabouts. It seemed peculiar that he was so concerned about what had happened to her; he had not realized that they had been so close. During the time that the two healers had spent together she had never mentioned Kjors… at least, from what he could remember. As the one-eyed dragon mentioned the lack of members, Lachesis’ curiosity spiked once more – especially when he mentioned that he wasn’t good at ‘this pack thing’. Perhaps you would be better suited as a loner, he thought grimly to himself as his pear gaze remained focused on the older male.

“Unfortunately the River seems to attract disloyal wolves,” the healer responded swiftly, the corners of his lips twitching in irritation. “The only thing to be done is trying to recruit more – which the remaining members have been doing. Maksim has been busy tending to his family, like any father would. It will be easier to recruit in the fall when loners are seeking shelter from the winter.” While he knew it was wrong to assume, to XIX it seemed as though Kjors doubted their leader’s capabilities. The medic was fiercely loyal to the green-eyed King; they had been together through two moves, now, and Lachesis would remain at his side for as long as he was needed. Any threat to Maksim was a threat to Lachesis. 

stick with those who stick with you