Wild Rye Fields Burning bridges shore to shore I'll break away from something more

Back dating this to monday
COUGH COUGH @Laike, but all welcome!
scouting dem 1/3

It was all rather strange to see the field from an outsiders perspective. Askan had half-expected to see the rye broken and withered, a sad brown sea that paled in comparison to the field's golden glory days.  But no, just as it had been this time last year the grass was long and lush as it swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. The ferns in the distance stood proud and green, whilst the hills in the not so far distance provided a familiar, if not impressive backdrop to the place he'd once called home. Appearance wise, the field hadn't changed one bit. Askan couldn't decide how he felt about that. 

All was not as he remembered though. The pack's borders were not as well marked as they used to be, that wasn't to say they were neglected, the scents stale and old. Rather....Askan's nose wrinkled. Was this his pride rearing it's ugly head? Probably. Leadership had changed him in many ways, some for the better, but he was still Askan Selwyn. For better or for worse. Notably though there were a few scents that were unfamiliar to him, he couldn't help but wonder if the same old problems plagued the field. Whether newcomers came and went as they pleased, took what they needed and left without a word, let alone an explanation. Those who remained deserved better than that, even if they hadn't always seen eye to eye Askan cared, in his own grumpy way.

Askan sighed as he curled his toes into the dirt. Months ago he would have strode over the threshold, his shoulders square and gaze level, but too much had changed since then. He no longer belonged, he'd forfeited the right to come and go as he pleased. And so, he tipped his head skyward and let out a call, he made no demands nor did his tone throw the weight of his title around. He was simply...Askan, a-sort of- old friend dropping by. Better late than never, right?

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2018, 07:09 PM by Askan.)

guardian demonstration 1/3

LAIKE ARTEMIEVA

He didn't register the voice, didn't know it well enough to make any historic connections, but it was a call nonetheless. The father made sure his children weren't being too rambunctious before he set off towards the borders. His stance was tall as his tail arched and his head lifted. The Artemieva had become more comfortable in his position of leadership lately. It was beginning to show in his actions and decisions.

There was a dark figure on the horizon and his brows pinched together tightly. He knew plenty of dark furred wolves so picking them all apart wasn't exactly the easiest thing to do. Instead he greeted them like he would anyone on his borders. A chuff of his arrival before he halted. "What brings you to Wild Rye Fields?" He asked with a raised brow. Something about those yellow eyes were familiar but not familiar enough to spark any sense of recognition.

Regardless, Laike's stance was clear enough. These were his (partially his as he felt they belonged to his co-leader more than him) borders and he wanted answers for the stranger's arrival.

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(This post was last modified: Jun 30, 2018, 06:12 PM by Laike.)

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Normally he wasn't so easy to catch, but today Cancer happened to be in the worst place at the worst time imaginable. Still hugging the tree line as he always did, he had been in the middle of marking when Askan's voice rose through the air and chilled his blood. Blue eyes and black ears snapped forward, frantically seeking where the Edge alpha was, and he lost the feeling in his legs as he realized he could see him, dark and small and obscured by waving grain.

Fuck.

If he could see the Selwyn, maybe the older man could see him. Cancer wanted to turn tail and disappear, a skill he had honed finely over his two years of living, but he remained rooted to the spot. Because this was kind of his home now and damned if he was gonna let Askan see him run from it like a scared little bitch just because he showed up.

Laike answered quickly, and Cancer shadowed, silent and tense but present.

guard dem 1/3

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2018, 11:20 PM by Cancer.)

scouting dem 2/3

For a moment Askan thought-hoped-that Drestig would appear, that the Old Man would defy death to see him once more. There were so many things Askan wanted to say... But it was too late for that, dwelling on it was only going to make him sad. He shrugged that tangent of thought away with a roll of his shoulders and waited, luckily not for too long. A tawny figure came bounding through the grass, tall and broad, yet unfamiliar. It wasn't hard to surmise who he was though, what rank he held. The question that passed the orange eyed strangers lips only proved Askan's assumption, this was Jessie's new co-leader, the man who'd chosen to try and fill Drestig's shoes. Not an easy task.

"I lead Shallows Edge to the south-west, we're allies." Surely he knew of that little detail, if not it was time for him to learn. "Askan Selwyn." He dipped his head just a little. Contrary to what some believed he wasn't a mannerless heathen. "I'm here on a courtesy call, I suppose. The Falls are teeming with coyotes, I just wanted to see how the Field was doing."

He glanced about, he'd been fortunate enough to not encounter any on the way here so he couldn't help but wonder if they were an east side exclusive problem. If that was the case then...fuck his bad luck. It was then he noticed a familiar black shape drawing ever closer. Even if @Reyes hadn't told him about his encounter with Cancer in the Lowlands, Askan wouldn't have been at all surprised that the former Edge wolf now resided in the Field. Ris had stayed her for a time, in a sense it was almost like a second home to her. And considering that Jessie was an honorary Tainn they were practically family, more or less.

Admittedly, Askan was still a little bitter about the clusterfuck their last conversation had been but... Well, he wasn't going to admit he'd been wrong, the way he saw it he had every right to get snappish but-maybe, just maybe he'd been a bit heavy handed. Just a little.

He debated for a moment on what to say and do. Loath to make things awkward he pursed his lips, this was harder than he'd anticipated.

"Who else is here?" That seemed like a fairly safe bet. Maybe he'd work up to finer topics, maybe not.

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2018, 07:10 PM by Askan.)

guardian demonstration 2/3

LAIKE ARTEMIEVA

Oh. Yeah, he knew that name. @Adelayde had talked plenty about him and they even met once. Although the meeting was rather hazy in his mind. His stance didn't loosen up but the smallest of smiles found a place on his face. "I've heard plenty about you from Adelayde. I'm Laike Artemieva, leader of Wild Rye Fields." He let his small introduction settle in for a moment before he tossed a glance over his shoulder, noting the shadowy figure of Cancer. The blue-eyed male was given a brief nod before the leader's gaze returned to their guest. He hoped that the Rye male wouldn't let past events interrupt current ones.

"We've had some run in with coyotes too. Here all the way to the forest east, Kingsfall." He informed Askan with a sharp frown. It was not reassuring that even their southern neighbors were having trouble with the vermin. Something would have to be done sooner or later. A mass coyote hunt? A rally of the packs? He was getting a headache just thinking about it, he would have to discuss it later with @Jessie.

He turned his fiery gaze back to the Selwyn the question causing a slight raise of his brown. Now that was an interesting question. "Jessie still leads and Adelayde is second. Although we've collected our share of new faces too." He held his tongue on informing the swarthy male of Adelayde's new role as a mother too. Laike was deeply protective of his children which meant he wanted to shield them from the world - even allies - for as long as possible.

"So, Shallows Edge?" He asked with a quirked brow. "I believe almost everyone -" Which was an exaggeration but almost came close to the truth. " - has been down there but me. Besides an abundance of coyotes, how is your pack fairing? Anything we can help with?" It was a good natured question for if they were allies then Laike was going to act like it. Regardless of who was standing at his back.

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(This post was last modified: Jun 30, 2018, 06:12 PM by Laike.)

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Something in him attempted to waver as Askan's golden gaze settled upon him, but the rest of the orphan remained firm in both his physical and mental presence in the encounter. His blue eyes stared back as words were exchanged amongst the two leads, hardened and almost challenging the other to make something of his existence now. It almost irked him how easily his alpha turned conversational, but of course anything less would have been petty on Laike's part. It wasn't his problem that there was bad blood between his ally and the subordinate he'd taken on, likely only because of Risaela's attachment to him (or so Cancer was convinced). Even if there was reason for the king to express some venom on the charcoal-bodied wolf's behalf, he'd recently learned his lesson in expecting a leader to have his back.

Bitterness, that was definitely the word for the feeling residing within his chest, sharp-edged and too large to fit comfortably. It only grew as Laike questioned whether or not the Shallows needed assistance, and Cancer decided he would not take part in doing so if Askan ever swallowed his pride to ask. Not that the Selwyn would, he assumed. While the Edge had numerous encounters, it was far from in trouble last he knew, and he was certain it's leadership was still confidant in their ability to handle their own.

guard dem 2/3

(This post was last modified: Aug 18, 2018, 11:20 PM by Cancer.)

scouting dem 3/3

Was he just going to stare the whole time? Cancer had always been a bit of a lurker, so it wasn't anything new but the Selwyn couldn't help but wonder what he wanted. What did he think he'd gain from standing there looking as though he had a fir tree shoved up his arse? Contrary to what Cancer might have assumed, Askan wasn't here to fan the flames. Cancer chose to leave so Askan let him, he had no intentions of dragging him kicking and screaming back to the the Shallows, with a crying Ris in tow. Not only would that be awfully barbaric but it sounded like a lot of effort too...

His name rang a bell, sort of. Askan could have sworn he'd met him before, but try as he might he couldn't remember where or when.  Any irritation that arose due to Laike's last night was shoved aside, as tempting as it was to paint the man with the same brush he was clearly not Lorcan. Though whether they were cut of the same cloth was yet to be seen, Askan wasn't going to hold his breath. Still, in some sense it was reassuring to know that the coyotes hadn't been only bothering them.

Seeing as Adelayde had paid him a visit not so long ago he wasn't surprised that she remained, aside from being worried about the Drestig she had seemed in good enough health. As for who these newcomers were, Askan wasn't very interested in finding out, as far as he was concerned he knew everything he needed to.

"It's fine, nothing we can't handle." He waved away Laike's concerns with a flick of his tail. Askan wouldn't say as much but the concern was appreciated, the fact that he hadn't bitched or scowled about it was pretty telling."Got a few leads to follow, if anything comes of it I'll send someone to let you know."

He had more than a few candidates, yearlings with itchy paws...

Askan's gaze settled upon Cancer once more. He looked well enough,the marks he bore from the coyotes had faded with time, he assumed Ris was more or less in the same condition.

"@Pietro's plants didn't kill you then...that's good."

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2018, 07:10 PM by Askan.)

1/3 guardian dem

adelayde artemieva

The twins were growing more and more each day, both of them bolder and more rambunctious. The new mother was taking everything in stride, cooping with the worry and stress to keep them protected and safe at all times. Laike made the task easier on the Artemieva female, allowing her to relax often. However, her children were always lingering in her mind, whether or not if they were hungry even though she had just fed them right before she left. Were they cold— well its was summer, so she dismissed the thought. What if Laike needed her? What if they were being too much to handle? Those thoughts never made her alone time relaxing, she'd rather be with the twins then sitting here worrying the whole time. Plus she missed them already.

However, when his voice rang out across the rye field, she knew she couldn't miss his visit. Sensing that the new parents with their newborn weren't far, Ade settled the twins down and went to see her old friend. Missing whatever conversation that transpired between the men, her mismatched gaze glancing to each of them before she reached her husband's side. Placing a kiss upon his pale cheek, Ade continued until she could nudge the dark brute's cheek in greeting. Nice to see you again, she murmured softly before retreating back to Laike's side. 

A smile graced her lips as she peered at his dandelion eyes, Everything faring well? Adelayde asked her head cocking to the side slightly in question. She hoped it was just a social call and nothing terrible happened, unlike her most recent visit to the Shallows.

(This post was last modified: Aug 16, 2018, 04:01 PM by Adelayde.)

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guardian demonstration 3/3

"I'd appreciate that." He nodded to show his appreciation at the offer. For one who had doubted being in a leadership position, Laike felt he was doing okay dealing with their ally so far. Not to mention his subordinante hadn't thrown a fit or anything snide yet which was obviously a bonus.

Then there was another presence. He had expected her - his wife - to show up with such a call. Although that left him feeling drawn back to their children more so. Perhaps she had left them with the other new parents or even Jessie. Either way the father was ready to go swoop them back up.

"I'll leave you in the care of Adelayde." He murmured with a faint smile as he gently bumped his shoulder against his wife's side. "You're welcome to rest here before heading back." The male lead informed the Edge leader. If anyone wanted to throw a fit then Laike would deal with it personally.

As he turned to leave he offered Cancer a nod and the faintest figure of a smile (which was a lot for Laike) before disappearing back into the rye fields. Hopefully his children had behaved so far.

-Laike Exit-

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Sorry for taking so long to post! Thoughts. Speech.

The Fields looked healthy under the summer sun, a sight that was truly calming for Alvar. He was beginning to worry about his position in the pack, however little it was. He had spent the past half-hour mulling over what he could do to better his position. But nothing came to his mind, there was not much opportunity, so he relegated himself to simply doing the jobs he was given, and not saying anything out of turn, which did not sit well with him.

He had just begun to relax when a call came from not far away, he did not recognize the voice of the wolf that owned it, but he felt that this would be a good opportunity to show his loyalty to the pack. He got up and started running to the source of the call.

He had run for not more than a few minutes, when he came over a hill and saw Laike leaving a group of wolves that had gathered below. He walked forward and called out to @Adelayde in a kind and submissive voice... "Hello Adelayde..." He took a moment to bow and lick her chin before posing the query to her... "Who is our visitor?" He held himself lower than her to make sure not to seem full of himself.

Alvar Forsberg.