Cedarwood Forest Sound of Madness

<i>I created the sound of madness,
wrote the book on pain,
and somehow I'm still here to explain,
that the darkest hour never comes in the night,
you can sleep with a god, but when are you gonna wake up and fight?</i>

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Isen's eyes steadied as she hunted her prey, her ears perked up to attention. She listened as she heard mice scuttle around the forest floor. She'd need something bigger then that. Voles made loud noises, the: Thud, thud, thud of they're footsteps heard for a while around. Her eyes closing in on they're source. She'd never been the best at hunting, but she'd survived two years without her parents. Without a pack so she couldn't have been all that bad. She went into her hunters crouch, her tail levitating behind her, no higher then her spine. Her eyes keened in, her pawsteps light as she approached her target. As a lone wolf, food was between life and death, this she knew.

A sudden distraction from her prey made her leap. The rabbit ran away from her and she cursed. A voice, hunting her down. she listened to it's words. You'll never find her, she's no where near here. But death will come, and collect you. Death created the sound of madness. He wrote the book on pain, you won't be here to explain that the darkest hour won't come in the night. Now Fight. The voice whispered in her ear, her eyes wide. Was she going insane? Probably, but she got into a highly agitated stance. Ready to fight the voice. "Come out! Come fight me you coward!" She screamed, she was scared out of her wits.

((couldn't resist.... even though I'm in another thread too haha))

The sounds in this forest were... pleasant. These were Destin's first thoughts as he arrived amongst the tall trees whos age seemed to tell a story. The male wolf was exhausted, mentally and physically. It had been a while since he had begun to follow Shadowstorm, much to his displeasure. His earlier encounter with a female wolf certainly did not help, especially since it scared him out of his mind...

Here he felt he could finally relax. This place seemed like somewhere he could someday call home, as long as he was accepted of course. Perhaps he would not be- what would he do then? The male didn't- and couldn't- think about it. He had already been rejected once, and didn't have a backup plan if it happened again. And so he took every step carefully. The scent of other wolves got stronger every time his foot touched the ground. Stopping suddenly, he thought about what he was going to do. No turning back, now. The yearning for a family, a home filled him with every breath he took now. His leg began throbbing a few minutes earlier, clearly very disapproving of the torture he was putting it through. Destin was hungry indeed- he hadn't eaten in a while because he had been so preoccupied with other events. And so, he was again scared out of his mind when he heard the hollering of a wolf close by him. Filled with fear, he realized that the wolf must be talking to him! He <i>was</i> the only one around!! Destin didn't know what to do in this situation. The urge to run was the most important thing on his mind, but he couldn't. If this was pack territory, what if someone needed his help like he once wanted some? But if the person was screaming at him, certainly they didn't need help! Yet should he show himself just because she called for it? Beginning to run away, he didn't realize it but soon he had gotten closer than ever to the female in his wild confusion. He was now standing right in front of her it seemed! The sight of her surprised him so much that he almost immediately fell to the ground, half in part as to not run into her <b>"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, ma'am! I didn't mean to do anything!"</b> The male screeched, at wit's end, comically rolling on the ground into a more submissive position.

(This post was last modified: Nov 01, 2012, 12:18 AM by Destin.)

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Isen spun to the males voice. She was freaked out, thinking she was going insane. But she mistook the wolf's voice for the one in her head. She growled and leapt at him. Her eyes with anger and furry. "How do you know I won't find her? Huh? I will find her even if it's in Aranna. So why did you say: You'll never find her, she's no where near here. But death will come, and collect you. Death created the sound of madness. He wrote the book on pain, you won't be here to explain that the darkest hour won't come in the night. Now Fight. Are you trying to scare me?"

Her eyes full of anger. She knew it had to be him, but he acted so scared. She stopped. "I'm sorry, I heard a voice. I thought it was you. I am Isen Aranna." She said, her eyes closed a bit as she narrowed around for sites of her sister. She was happy, this place seemed nice. Her ears calmly at they're normal stance as she looked for another male wolf.
(I actually got the character idea from Isenpup)

The female wolf above him grew even angrier than Destin ever saw another canid in his life. What did he do wrong!? The wolf said a bunch of words that just flew over him, some as if she was repeating them from memory. She was threatened and looked like she was about to bite his throat out. Scrabbling to his feet, Destin tried to run at an awkward angle that pained his leg, causing him to fall back to the ground a few feet away, whining in pain and fear. He had gotten so far, right on the edge of the territory! What happened now? Was this the end for him? Turning his head, he twisted his body around to face the female, golden eyes wide with fear. He looked down at the ground and not at the female's eyes, scratching at his face with his paws as if he was trying to hide himself. <b>"I'm sorry ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."</b> he repeated. Was this death staring him straight in the face? Hopefully it would be a quick one if it was...

Suddenly her voice grew calmer and softer. She apologized, and said she heard.. a voice? Ears still down on his head, the large male wolf still said nothing, eyes still wide. Didn't.. crazy people hear voices? At least that's what his siblings had always told him if they ever caught him talking to himself... They always teased him about it too. So, was this wolf psycho? If anything she changed personalities very quickly and in an instant which took Destin aback and scared him even more. The female then introduced herself as an Isen and calmed down completely, looking relaxed as if what had just occurred hadn't actually. <b>"I-I-I'am Destin McBain, m-ma'am..."</b> he stuttered quietly, conceding to her demands and the pleasantries that he had always been taught- if one told you his or her name, you were supposed to give yours in return if you hadn't already. And yet, this seemed like a curious situation, and one that made Destin feel ill to his stomach.

(This post was last modified: Nov 01, 2012, 12:49 AM by Destin.)

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j347/holdbacktherain/tables/sibyltab.png) bottom center no-repeat; background-color: #33353b;"> Head slung low, Sibyl skulked along the outer edge of Hollow territory. Jaysyek wasn't mad at her, nor had she kicked Sibyl out of the pack, yet Kiche's death still weighed heavily on Sibyl's mind and heart. She felt rotten, useless, and undeserving. She thought talking to old Follko would help her sort out her thoughts, as the elderly wolf seemed to have some wisdom about him. Yet lately Follko seemed to have all but disappeared from the territory, which worried her. Perhaps he had simply wandered off and would soon return, but with winter closing in Sibyl had her doubts that the elder would be the type to go off on his own like that. Trying to make herself useful in some way she poked around with her ruddy snout to the ground, searching for any sign of the old man. Shouting followed by pleading echoed through the tall cedars. Sibyl lifted her head and perked her ears forward intently. It couldn't signify anything pleasant and her instincts were itching to avoid whatever it was completely. She threw a glance behind her, a single forepaw lifted hesitantly as she deliberated whether to proceed or retreat. She was scared that something dangerous could be up ahead, yet the last time she had run away it had cost Kiche his life. She couldn't have another possible death on her paws. She heaved a great sigh before treading forward at a cautious gait. It wasn't long before her stout limbs carried her into the midst of the presumed noisemakers. She blinked at the scene, the earth-hued man crinkled nervously on the ground before a rather unoffensive looking woman. Just who had been yelling then, anyways? <b style="color:#8a90a1">"Ex- Excuse me? Is something the matter?" She said softly with her head lowered and tail curled near ankles. <b style="color:#8a90a1">"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." She murmured, suddenly self conscious. Her eyes flicked between the male and female, unsure of who she was even addressing. Perhaps this was a private matter, and Sibyl was making a rude intrusion? She knew she shouldn't be nervous or apprehensive. As a wolf of the Hollow she had full right to stick her nose into anything along the pack's borders. Knowledge of that right didn't make her feel any better about it, however. The pack's membership had been steadily dwindling, and more than ever did Sibyl realize the necessity of doing her part, from scaring off bobcats to checking out strange shouts, no matter how scary it was to do so.

table by bryony

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"I'm sorry ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I-I-I'am Destin McBain, m-ma'am..." Her eyes were wide. She hadn't meant too. No, she was definitely insane now. "N-No, don't be sorry, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to. I-I just mistook you for a voice I was hearing. I guess I'm going insane!"She said, her eyes full of worry for Destin. Another wolf came to her presence. Great, it was just what she needed. "Ex- Excuse me? Is something the matter? I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Isen looked at her with kindness. Her eyes filled with the sorrows of her past. She thought about it, what was the chance that she'd actually find her sister. Ashanti may not even be alive. But she could not give up. she'd never give into the voices wishes, no matter how convincing it was. No matter if her own subconscious was telling her to give into the will.

"N-No, your not interrupting anything. I am Isen Aranna. There was just a misunderstanding." She formally introduced herself. There was the smell of pack to the new comer. "Are you of a pack? do you know my sister? She's younger then me, a yearling, her name is Ashanti Aranna. She has white fur, blue eyes." She said, her eyes full of wonder and concern for her sister. She was on a wild goose chase. She wondered if anyone knew her. Her eyes were now emotionless and she was going to find her. Her mind inside was at war with herself. She was her, no one would scare so much out of her as to give up the look of her sister.

The female wolf responded in a similar fashion as Destin; the voice had a stuttered, nervous tone and had even admitted to being insane! It was a completely different wolf than the male had encountered only previous seconds ago. Despite the fact that she had appeared to calm down, the brown wolf was still wary. He was in unfamiliar territory and infringing on a pack's land for all he knew! Even if he wasn't within the borders, he had smelled a strange scent all around the area. Someone was definitely living here- more than one someones, in fact.

As soon as this thought passed through his mind, another female wolf seemed to emerge from the shadows. She had striking golden eyes, and when she spoke it was without authority and extremely soothing for the startled male. Destin could smell the female wolf's scent, it was similar to the one around the land. So, was this a pack wolf? She wasn't acting like one if they were infringing on territory. Expecting a welcome similar to the one this female had gave him when they so recently met, the male was met with a surprise. His golden gaze returned to the female as she began to speak once more. The female said her name was Isen Aranna- an interesting name indeed. Destin wasn't sure if he would be able to remember it since he was always so bad at names and always mixed up the letters. Seconds later Isan was explaining how she had a missing sister- or so Destin assumed- since you don't go looking for someone unless they're lost! The sisters shared a similar surname but of course their first was different. This name would be even more difficult to remember, so the male didn't even attempt it.

At this point Destin had not even spoken a word. He just listened silently- <span class='word'>gleaning</span> information about this scary 'isun' character bit by bit. <b>"I was just scared is all."</b> Destin finally contributed softly. By now he had turned himself around- albeit painfully- to look at the female wolves at the front. He remained laying on the ground with his injured leg awkwardly splayed to the side. <b>"I hope you can find your sister."</b> he suddenly said. <b>"I wish I could help you. I hope you find her soon."</b> Destin's eyes were opened wide as he looked at Isen. It must be terrible to not know of your close sister's location! What if she needed help like Destin thought she might when first hearing her cry? He really wanted to assist her but wasn't sure if he could in this position or situation. Plus he was hoping to join a pack and not go on an adventure... but sometimes unexpected things came up.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j347/holdbacktherain/tables/sibyltab.png) bottom center no-repeat; background-color: #33353b;"> The strange scene unraveled further, leaving Sibyl further confused as to what was even going on. Both wolves seemed equally meek as herself, though Sibyl never did yell, so she wondered which of the two had. Her red ears folded down and she started scuffling backwards as she wondered if she had imagined the yelling. And why was the male still crumpled along the ground. Was he alright? The female, Isen, had introduced herself and said that it was just a misunderstanding. A frown pulled at Sibyl's dark lips as she listened to Isen's question. It seemed everyone in the lore had missing relatives, fragments of families scattered across the lands. Sibyl couldn't say she wished to see either of her siblings, and hoped that they wouldn't spend any time looking for her. <b style="color:#8a90a1">"Yes'm, I do." She answered, her eyes cautiously meeting the liquid blue ones of the female. If she was the second female of the pack, she needed to start acting like it. This would be her first test, she supposed. <b style="color:#8a90a1">"My name's Sibyl Balik. I belong to Grizzly Hollow, which is quite nearby." The gentle implication of their stance along the border was the closest thing the little wolf would ever get to a warning. The strangers could take that knowledge and use it however they'd like to. On to the matter of the lost sister, she slowly shook her head. <b style="color:#8a90a1">"No, I can't say I've seen anyone like that around here. Sorry Ma'am." She wanted to offer help, offer to keep an eye out for the lost sister, but Sibyl couldn't really afford the time for such ventures. She owed her allegiance to the Hollow, and even besides that, traveling never turned out well for the Balik wolf. Her bronze gaze wandered down to the russet wolf, her head tilting curiously. He still hadn't risen. <b style="color:#8a90a1">"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, are you alright?"

table by bryony

(This post was last modified: Nov 11, 2012, 04:11 AM by Sibyl.)

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Isen nodded, why was she stuttering though? She was an Aranna. Deemed to find her sister. Maybe it was the insanity talking? She knew that had to be it. She started to back into the undergrowth to regain herself. She needed to focus on finding Ashanti. For if she failed, this mission was a waste of time. She scented once more for prey. Perhaps catching something for Destin would be a peace offering. A vole. Another vole that scuttled around. She walked around slowly, her eyes watching it as she stalked forward. Leaping on it and killing it she grabbed it and ran back to Destin. "Here, take this with my apologize. I am a bit on edge in this new land." She said. Her eyes turned to Sibyl. Grizzly Hollow? That was an odd pack name.

Her thoughts jumbled as she looked at them. She stayed silent and stepped back. she watched contently to learn a thing or two about these strange new lands. She was excited, she felt it. Her sister was no doubt close.
(This is short and late! I apologize!)

Destin remained laying on the ground. His leg still gave him bouts of pain every time he moved it since he had over-worked it so, but not as badly as only a few minutes previously. He listened intently to the calm female named Sibyl. She was part of a pack? The male did suppose it made sense. Now he knew he was going in the right direction the whole time and wasn't as lost as he thought he had been. Breathing a slight sigh of relief, he turned his golden eyes to look down at his leg before back at Sibyl, still listening as the female responded that no, she had not seen Isen's sister. Then the female turned her attention to Destin. She asked him if he was okay. The question surprised him, he did not expect someone else to be worried about his injury. <b>"I am okay. My leg just works up sometimes is all. The past few days have been eventful and I have not rested much. If I stay like this I should be fine, thank you for your concern, ma'am."</b> He said politely, his eyes flicking down to the ground as to not catch the female's gaze.

Destin was going to remain silent but then Isen came towards him with some prey. This gesture further took him aback- for really, he did not even notice she had disappeared as he had been too busy inspecting the grass underneath his paws. <b>"Thank you ma'am, you really did not have to."</b> He said quietly looking back up at Isen. She really did seem sorry for frightening him and Destin forgave her completely. <b>"I'm sorry for taking you by surprise earlier, ma'am. I should have been watching where I was going."</b> He looked down at the small prey that Isen had caught him. The male wanted to dig in really but it was not polite to eat in front of others when they were not. His belly rumbled and argued otherwise, but Destin resisted the temptation. Though he also did not want to seem ungrateful! Nervous about his situation, he leaned down further in front of him and took a tentative bite, attempting to adjust his leg as little as he could. Then reclining backward slightly, he turned to meet the golden gaze of the pack wolf Sibyl. He was not sure how to ask this question so he decided to be straightforward. <b>"Are any ranks of your pack open, ma'am?"</b> he asked tentatively.