Lost Lake Finally, A Place to Call Home

Slight rain littered through the area, raindrops dripping into the lake surrounding the place hat a young male would soon call home. He had been through the mountains quite few times to get used to the way that they felt. His paws had roughened throughout his time there and after a few days, he knew it was time to go seeking Athena. She had told him that her leaders had been on a trip so he had reluctantly kept his distance. It only meant more time away from his love, Treena. He didn’t like the fact that they couldn’t spend as much time together but soon that would all be changed. Ash had even went as far as killing his sister. That was his job and he had definitely been proud of it. His sister was gone and her twisted ways would no longer survive.

But now as he made his way to Poison Path borders he was even more determined to have a family. A real family who wouldn’t betray him and he would have some place to finally call home. Bowing his head he stopped a few yards from the borders. No use in pissing off his soon to be pack by crossing the borders. Taking a deep breath and preparing his brain for what was about to happen he lifted his muzzle to the sky and howled. He called for Athena. . .the obvious message underlined in the howl. He was here to join her alpha’s pack and he was ready. He knew that Athena was the Second of the pack. . .but he knew he should run by her what she would want him to do.

He then sat down, away from the borders and waited. He would be reunited with Treena soon and the thought warmed his heart. His beautiful little Treena. The one he had fallen in love with and had taken under his wing. Their affection for each other was shown many times but never spoken about out loud. It wanted to be her mate but knew that if it was so then the two of them could never have pups together. . .the fact that they were together in the same pack with alphas confirmed that and Ash knew that he wouldn’t disobey his leaders. . .ever.

I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

The wolf blended perfectly into her home, camouflaged by her own beauty and the beauty around her. The mountains were Poison Path’s territory. The smell drifting through the air was warning to others, but here, embracing it, letting it radiate off her glistening pelt, it was far from threatening to her. It smelled of home and comfort, of the wolves she spent speaking to, of the cubs now resting in their den. Obviously, she wasn’t doing her job very well at that second. Her eyes closed, a well-crafted statue of solid rock, Treena was isolated from the actual world. Each breath dragged her deeper and deeper into an alternate universe, until a howl broke through her day-dreaming and she was confronted with a familiar scent. She was dumbfounded at first, like waking up in the middle of the night in an unknown place. It took her a moment to return fully to the lake, and return fully to the handsome male loner in her view.

It was Ash. The howl had been obvious enough, she knew his voice. She could smell him. Had it been any other loner, she’d have her fur bristling and teeth gleaming. She would have thudded towards them most intimidatingly, asked what they wanted, and maybe chased them out. Ash already knew who she was. She knew who he was. The howl had been for Athena, for a leader to meet him at the border and choose to accept him as a member, or force him out. Instincts told Treena to jump off her platform, run towards him, and give him as many licks as possible right away. Yet, her paws were glued to her spot. It was not her role to interfere with this type of business. She knew why he was there, and so she was merely overlooked until Athena made her decision.

It was her job to supervise all who came to the border, and even the familiarity of Ash could not overpower it. Soaking in the heat, of the wind which blew each section of fur back, she let out a bark. It wasn’t a warning bark, nor did it gesture for Ash to come closer. She was acknowledging his presence, and letting him know that she was there, and that Athena would be there too. Maybe it was this moment which drew her to border patrol every day, but it was unlikely. What drew her to border patrol was her own dominance, her skills in intimidation and strict mindset. Straining her neck forward, she refused to let her tail wag. If Athena saw her as a giddy pup that couldn’t set her own personal feelings aside for the wellbeing of the pack, respect would be even harder to earn. If Athena saw the bond between Ash and Treena, she may be even more sceptical accepting him. Athena had recently got her own mate, which was both a pro and con. Pro: Mating season, when she is most desperate for a male, Ash will not be an option. She will have Tlarx for that purpose. Con: Treena will have Ash, and even as loyal as the female is, the pair may seem like a risk.

That was why she held back. Watching him desperately, hoping he could see the longing in her eyes, but that Athena would not. Her body stayed frozen in time. The dream of children was prohibited, and she respected that. Keeping her place, she watched the water reflect the sky, and Ash’s two green eyes. Who knew if their relationship would hold out anyways. The incident between him and Nina went against everything Treena stood for. She did not understand, and all was well as long as she didn’t. Nina had done nothing to her, and she failed to see what she had done to him. She had never asked, but if she did, would she be happy, would she look at Ash the same? If there was even a slight danger in letting Ash entire their territory, Treena would have chased him out, right?

Her mind was quite unclear. Her friendship with Ash was progressing, quickly, but it was still unstable. It was built of trust, but how much trust there was is undetermined. Staring too long at the water, she moved her gaze to the mountains, hoping to spot Athena. She would not risk losing her role in the pack for the male, especially at that moment, where the thought of Nina’s attack was still fresh. A male who was capable of murder was not a male she looked up too. Yet, if that was the only thing she disagreed about him, did it really matter? Her eyes falling to her paws, she realized the answer was yes. She was lawful good, justice was the only excuse for true violence, and even then death was never an option. Revenge. Frustration. Hate. Treena had never felt the need for revenge, so she didn’t understand how it controlled your other emotions. Standing alone on the boulder, her eyes met Ash’s figure once more as she waited for Athena.

(This post was last modified: Jun 16, 2012, 06:13 PM by Treena.)

The new Leader found her peace and tranquility in a place that most dare not venture. The mountains were her home, her place of worship and freedom. She worshiped the sun, the basis of all life. If there was no sun, there would be no life. And with that she found the sun to be mesmerizing, but lately her daily visits were starting to seize. With the cubs to take care off, a pack to run, it was starting to get hard for her to get any free time for herself. The pups were getting older and she trusted Ava with them, so she snuck away for a little bit in the mountains.

When she arrived at her little outcrop, the sky was beginning to show signs of a thunderstorm. She sighed in frustration, but stayed were she was. A little rain wasn't going to ruin this outing. She looked out across Relic Lore, her fiery eyes following Swift River. The scent of rain weighed heavily in the air now as a light drizzle befell on the earth. The pitter patter of the rain against the nearby rocks was that filled her ears. The stayed were she was for a moment, before finally turning back towards the lake. She had a feeling that the weather will soon become worse and she might was while get going now before she's stuck in the mountains.

On her way down, the howl of another broke the silence of Poison Path. The howl was familiar and sounded like Ash. He was calling for her and his message was clear, he was here to join her alpha's ranks. Too bad she didn't have a leader anymore. She was the leader now. Her pace didn't get any quicker as the rocks were quite slippery anyways. As she finally got to flat ground by the lake, she saw the male close to the borders, but far enough for her liking. She could smell Treena nearby, but she had yet seen the sneaky woman. She began her approach to the male, tail and head held regally.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Silence met him with his howl, something he didn’t mind listening to. No other voice except the one of the rain. Peace came to mind when he was here, the wind slightly blowing and the rain pouring. Ash didn’t like the rain. . .neither did he like swimming. He would swim occasionally but not often. He preferred not to though, he almost didn’t like the rain as much as he didn’t like his sister. Recently, unfortunately, he had found out that he had indeed, not finished the job. She had lived, with that unexcused of a mate. It seemed as though the fool had enough heart to love the thing.

Soon enough the sound of paw steps made him flick his ears and look up. There she was. . .his angel. With a small nod to her he displayed silent love in his eyes for her before shutting it off. If in fact Athena’s leaders let him join then having mates in the same pack would be a bad idea, and that was why when Treena arrived he stayed silent. Waiting for the Second to eventually arrive. When Treena looked down he doubted himself. But when she looked back up at him he was taken aback. What was that in her eyes? Did she hate him now because of what happened to Nina. . .she had once claimed that no matter what happened they would always be able to stay near each other. But what was this? Did she not understand his reasoning. A flashback of his pup hood quickly played in his mind.

A dark brown coat moved back and forth in his line in vision. The male’s green eyes were a mix between green and emerald, his build large and muscular. This wolf was his father. Someone he looked up to and would do anything for. Believing anything he said and doing anything he requested. At the moment Reese Hervok seemed agitated. Something that Ash had grown used to. . .but this type of agitation had a whole new level to it. No one usually denied his father of anything, and if they did, they would surely have Hell to pay. The thought almost made young Ash laugh at the thought of someone denying Father. No rightful fool would ever do that. Though Ash seemed to be wrong when his father turned to him.

The voice that came out of his voice didn’t shock Ash. . .it didn’t shock him at all. He was used to his father using this tone with him. If not commanding then probably utterly terrifying. “Young Ash, you remember Nina. . .the one that you heard about, you sister? She did something unacceptable. It seems that she is denying herself to the Hervok clan. She will not join us. . .so I am going to let something slide with you. . .as long as you repay the favor. Now keep in mind, my son, that she has a Dark Heart, one of the things that the Hervok’s do not accept. You do remember, correct? She must not be able to live. If I allow you freedom from this land. . .you must find her and get rid of her. . .no matter how long it takes. Will you take the oath?” And Ash had taken the oath. . .

When another set of paw steps arrived Ash was snapped out of his trance. Had his father been wrong? When he had attacked Nina she hadn’t even fought back. What his father claimed to be a good wolf only seemed to push his doubts farther. Athena and Ava hadn’t seemed to like Nina very much, something that had struck him as odd. His own oath to his father couldn’t be broken but now he had to concentrate on something else. When Athena approached him, he respectably bowed his head to her, tucking his tail and lowering his ears before opening her mouth and in a respectable tone spoke to her, “Miss Athena. . .”

I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

Standing at the soft water’s edge, grey boulder in place, Treena’s mind ran wild. A wolf standing on her own performance stage, looking over the kingdom she believed to own, each move was a wild gesture. Her ginger tail slightly swung, her ebony claws shifted to a secret beat, and her fluffy throat was exposed, not in submission, but in freedom. She could sense the on-coming weather, the wind growing harsher, the clouds covering the blue sky, hiding it like a blanket of silver. A deep exhale escaped her perfectly portioned mouth, narrowed muzzle reaching towards the darkening sky as she debated where to go. The scars on her figure where not distracting. They didn’t make her ugly, did not seem out of place against her smooth silky fur. Each one of those scars showed her strength and experience. Each one of those scars was a story, one she’d tell the pups when they were old enough. Many avoided physical contact in the idiotic fear of getting a mark, but the female felt no need. She was beautiful anyways.

The ground felt rough on her paws, not intolerable, but something she scowled at. Her mouth felt dry, the strange stickiness which wouldn’t leave her gums becoming a frustrating experience. Off in the distance she heard the mountains goats, probably waiting patiently for her exit so they themselves could get a drink. She felt bad for them, being so low of the food-chain, having to sit and count the seconds while their evil predators took all the time in the world. Another grunt left her mouth, and this time it wasn’t too negative, it was of shock. Across the water she saw Athena making her way towards Ash, coming from an angle she hadn’t expected. The good-sized timber wolf had been looking over her shoulder towards that side of the mountains, though the white fleck had come from a totally different location. Not offended, just a little off guard, her ears instinctively twitched in their place. The girl looked like a bird the way she jumped off her spot, catching the breeze and riding it. The wind grabbed onto her fur like fingers, digging deep in her soft undercoat, and she closed her eyes to drag out the moment. From there, she made her way over to the pair.

It wouldn’t take long before she stopped and realised why she hadn’t went over there in the first place. This was none of her business. She would not put herself in a troubling situation. If Athena rejected the man, there was nothing the she-wolf could do but sulk. Like a strict mother meeting her daughter’s boyfriend, the girl had no control. She would not stand at Athena’s side, nor would she stand at Ash’s. She would stand away off and await the choice respectfully, paws itching in anticipation.

It was weird seeing the two important people in her life meet where they were, one small and white, a delicate female who deserved respect and love, another male, one who had taken care of her, gained her heart, who stood tall and proud as she approached him. Treena knew the male would be an asset to the pack, especially in these times. He always seemed so sure he’d get a rank with her here, but Treena was much more cautious. She had prepared for the worst, and hoped for the best. He had already bonded with her. He was on her fur just as much at the pack. He had been introduced. Everything was to go well, but there was a chance. That chance kept the female alert, eyes catching every action shared between the two.

She wanted to embrace Athena as much as Ash, but instead she took a seat and kept her company limited. She was in the open now, trying to catch the remaining spots of sun which broke through. Every so often it worked, and like a spotlight it fell upon her as each jagged breath came in and out. The female was ready for the verdict.

His submission please her and she became more relaxed although never letting her guard down. She had always been a cautious, guarded wolf, but lately her guard has gone down with her fellow pack mates. They now see sides of her that many would never see if they weren't apart of her family. Her family, her pack was what kept her going and they deserved to see her true emotions. However, Ash wasn't a poisoned wolf, yet, so those privileges are still on hold.The scent of Treena was strong and a quick glace behind her, the Guardian-in-training was watching from afar. If Athena knew what type of relationship these two had, she may have been a little more reluctant to allow this man to be here, but she did not. She only assumed that Treena was here to do her job, guard the pack. A smile and nod was given to the lady, before turning back to the man. "I hope you didn't run into any misfortune while away." She said, smiling politely before getting down to business.

Ash, I would like to tell you there had been a few mishaps that have developed while you were away." With Rhysis and Naira gone, she had to take up their roles that they left behind. She had to become a mother, a leader, and a support beam. Everything that she never believed would happen to her and it was thrown at her in less than a day. "My leaders have abandoned us, leaving two of their children behind. I have become leader, alongside Kegan. In order for me to officially accept you into my pack, I want you to plead that you will serve and protect Poison Path. Protect all your family within this pack and serve all your family within this pack." She said, her fiery eyes pinned on his. She couldn't afford another abondonie, there has been too many. This pack needed loyalist that would die for their family. And she hoped Ash would be one of them.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png);background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">His eyes were no longer on the female he had proclaimed his love for and of whom was his mate. His green orbs were focused on Athena's amber ones. This was one of the most important things Ash was going to go through within this land. He had indeed gotten into a problem along the way. But with the help from Treena and an interruption from Nina. Everyone had survived. Ash had indeed broken his paw through the fight though, one that still clung to him now. He had a few other nicks here and there but otherwise, he was completely fine. His paw was hardly giving him any problems now though. It did indeed hurt and his amount of running had been limited but otherwise. . .his injures were coming along quite neutral. With Athena's words he dipped his head and spoke politely, "Nothing I couldn't handle, ma'am." 

He wished he could have looked at Treena and shown her that it had been her helping him too, not just him. But his actions were limited as he heard Athena's next words. Things had changed? Like wh- oh! She was now leader? Along with another male he had heard nothing of. How was Ava? He hoped she had been doing well if what she said was true. The brown male dipped his head to Athena again briefly before looking up to meet her amber gaze. She was asking him to give her an oath? Something he had to live by for the rest of his life. He could live with an oath. . .he had in fact been tied to an oath ever since he had been able to comprehend everything in the world. 

Opening his mouth, he spoke in a strong voice, "I swear on my life that I will protect and serve Poison Path with my life. Along with you and the family along with it. My loyalty will remain strong to you and the pack and no matter what I will protect everyone within it with my life." 

When Ash spoke the words he felt every muscle in his body react. He had taken the oath and even of he was refused he would still have to do everything within the oath he had just taken. Truth was obvious in his eyes as he gazed up at this leader. The one he knew he would respect no matter what. She had his loyalty. And the fact that her leaders had betrayed her made him slightly angry. Who would do that to their pack? It only made his oath all the more serious and important. 

The female felt slighter more comfortable, watching a short distance away. Her presence wasn’t needed, but a mix of curiosity and instinct drove her closer. Now, very little light touched her eyes, and she was as weak and vulnerable as ever. She knew what she was supposed to do, but she was too weak to actually bring it to the table, instead her tail wagged nervously and she kept herself from racing forward. She couldn’t apply herself that strongly, she could only hold back. Of course she was the same wolf, but never had she had the will-power to control her emotions to that extent. Each thought had always been clear on her lightly scrunched nose and wide feline eyes. She was no actor, and wasn’t capable of trickery at any level. She was a terrible liar, though the trait would have been a wonderful gift. She couldn’t fool anyone into thinking she was anything more or less than what she was, and she was merely a wolf. Some days she wished to be more, but her fumbling paws and eager ears which twitched multiple times made her out to be quite pathetic and powerless. She could only stand there and wait for something to happen.

How she wanted something to happen. Had she been higher ranked, she would have dared venture further towards Ava’s side. Had she been lower rank, she wouldn’t have dared step down from her rock. Now, positioned between the royal and the disregarded, she didn’t dare take a step back or forwards. She was not a pup. She was old enough to know the rules and use them wisely. Her mouth was formed into a smile and grimace, as if she was trying too hard, or struggling with something mental, but wanted to keep it off her face. It wasn’t easy, but she was waiting. She didn’t want to wait further, but she couldn’t speed the process.

Something in the distance gave a squawk, which grabbed her attention easily. She had been listening to Ash so strongly, trying to catch what he was saying, that the sudden notice broke her concentration. It wasn’t a pleasant noise, but it made her stomach rumble. She bet it would be a pleasant meal. The thought of hot warm blood filling her belly was intense. She hadn’t had a good meal in quite some time, she would have enjoyed one now. Yet, she couldn’t find it in herself to budge a single muscle. She had to wait for Ash and Athena. She needed to know if this male would be accepted as one of their own, or if he would return to the life of a loner. She needed to know if it was okay to love him, if he would be her family.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AthenaTable.png);background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 200px;padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; text-align:justify;">
It may have been a little desperate to have Ash pledge loyalty towards Poison Path, but with the recent disappearances and abandonment that Poison Path has witnessed. It was for the best, though, the best for Poison Path. She had run those words through her head multiple times to make sure every word was right and it wasn't too distressed. That pledge that she required him to plead was an oath that she wished she would have taken at Swift River. That oath may have prevented her from making her rash and unethical decision about leaving Swift River in the dust. However, she wouldn't be here now. But, if only she would have politely and honorably left Swift River. The past is in the past...for now.

Her head was held high, showing no weakness. Her ears were perked and ready to hear from Ash, whatever he decided. Her pledge that she laid before him was repeated in return and her upright tail gave a slight wave of happiness. The truth in his eyes eliminated like a beacon in the night. He was telling the truth and she was sure about it. If not, then she'd have to deal with it after. She stepped forward and mimicked her past leader's movements when they have accepted new members. Her tail high with dominance over the male, she grabbed his muzzle in hers. She applied enough pressure to get the point across without hurting him. I am your leader and you are my subordinate. She then walked along his sides, allowing their fur to mix together, making him an official Poison Path member.

"Treena! Come over here and show Ash around our home." She barked towards the guarding poisoned wolf, giving her a smile before turning back towards Ash one last time. She stared at him for a little bit before nodding towards him briefly before heading off. She'd made the right decision. "Be careful on those mountains, Ash." She called over her back towards the man. A light chuckle was the last thing that would be heard from the white lady before disappearing.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/bluepups/AshTable.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; padding-top: 250px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; text-align:justify;">Soon enough Athena’s teeth gripped his muzzle. . .and he was accepted. He would now have a family and a mate, who he could live happily with. He felt her walking around him, his pelt now light in the scent of Poison Path. . .claiming him as there. His new fate was wrapped in the future of Poison Path. He could be happy now though. He was going to be with his love and he couldn’t ask for anything more. With a respectful nod to Athena his eyes turned to Treena at her last words. Her beautiful pelt and eyes.

When Athena was finally out of sight, he rushed forwards towards Treena and pressed against her firmly. All sources of personal space was forgotten. The simple fact was. . .they had been away from one another for too long. He covered her face in licks and nuzzles, joy pouring through his features. Happiness was obvious in his green orbs as he looked over his beautiful mate. He couldn’t believe he had been separated from her for that long. It was near impossible that they could stay away from each other for long, and now they were once again united. Nothing could make the day any better.