Hearth and Home

Hearthwood River claiming thread! Exciting! 
I'm very sorry this took so long to get up--lots of things happening IRL at current so I haven't had too much time to post. /smooches you all.
Deadline will probably be June 4th. @Kisla, you're not obligated to post because bebes, but if you want to throw in at least her hearing the howl(s), then please go for it ♥.

Figured this way might be fun. That way, characters can do their own thing when they join in and have their own thoughts/opinions/experiences without being confined to a grouped meeting.
Presuming Kis and Mak discussed names for the territory before she birthed the pups.

@Lachesis @Karpos @Kjors @Orren @Naia @Bastet @Anastasia @Amisun @Jynx @Karina 

Kingsfall ... so swiftly they had all fallen for the lush forest, so quickly had it filled the cracks and crevices left by abandoning Cut Rock River. The wolves who had migrated to this safe haven were already shared in the mindset that this place--this wonderful, rich land--was home. To go anywhere else would be madness in the simplest of terms. And now, there were children to watch after once again; two healthy, beautiful girls. None would risk their lives.

And so, the lordly Baranski had begun to scent mark, a signal to his followers that they would claim this place as their paradise. Only one thing remained for the pack to call this patch of the great forest home. A song. One without fear of neighbours hearing, without fear that they would be rallying troops and finally pushing towards a war. No, this was to be joyous; celebrated. He would not need to summon them. In fact, it would prove to be more desirable for the wolves to be spread out a little more. That way, their declaration would travel further. They would not be challenged in performing this task. Let them try, he thought bitterly. I refuse to run again.

Tipping his muzzle to the canopy, his crown tilting back, Maksim Baranski sucked in a deep breath. He pushed it from his lungs with a great, deep howl. His message was clear. This was home now--their home. "For Hearthwood River," he cried out to the skies. "Let them try to fell us here!" He continue his call, waiting to hear the echoing voices of his followers--no, his family--to join the chorus.

(This post was last modified: May 28, 2015, 08:41 AM by Maksim.)

I'm assuming you mean the deadline is June 4th :P ♥ 

Although they had traveled far north from their previous home, it was as though they had never left. The forest that engulfed them was similar to Cedarwood and offered the same comfort. As the pack’s second – and healer – XIX had been busying himself with tasks since their arrival in Kingsfall. Since discovering the territory, the slender male had immediately started on rebuilding his infirmary after discovering an abandoned den. Scents of both bear and coyote had littered the den, but they were long gone. Now he could finally start assembling his plants and rebuilding his stock. During their travels he, along with Amisun and Karina, had collected a number of plants. When their bundles became too heavy to add more, they began marking the areas that they would need to revisit. XIX was pleasantly surprised to find that the territories they had passed through had such an abundance of medicinal plants – he could not wait to explore the neighbouring areas to discover more.

His new den was still a mess. The alabaster male had told his healing partner and his apprentice that they were both welcome to make themselves at home in his den. He had spent the first day digging a separate nook inside the den for him to seek privacy when he desperately needed it; aside from that, his den was open to all members of the pack. He had not spoken to Bastet as much as he would have liked during their travels, so he was unsure of her current situation and whether she would be sharing the den with him – or if it would be Anastasia. XIX was not sure how the fiery, raven-coloured female felt about Ana’s return; Bastet was aware of the relationship between him and the pale china doll, but she had not voiced any opinion on her return. It made him nervous, and Lachesis being the awkward creature he was (despite the positive changes in his behaviour) did not know how to approach the charcoal girl about it. A frown creased his maw at the thought – why did girls have to be so complicated?

Maksim’s call sounded as Lachesis was scouring the new territory for more herbs – he could never have too many plants, as the male liked being prepared for anything. His movements paused at the howl, his chest instantly swelling with pride as he listened to the green-eyed male’s deep voice. It did not beckon the wolves together; instead, it called for them to join him in song, to stake their claim over the land. Without any further hesitation, the boy threw back his head to join his leader. They were home, and no wolf (or wolves) would take it from them. 

stick with those who stick with you

Shallow water has trapped several fish in a small pond. Hunt Opportunity

Kingsfall – further north than he'd travelled since his arrival in Relic Lore. It was more densely wooded than the Ghastly Forest. The trees here towered like lords over their middling plebeians, massive giants among a world of mere mortals. Your average wolf might have been cowed – perhaps even inspired by such a majestic, otherworldly place. The dragon, however, found himself questioning why he left his former den in the first place. It was not the small hole he'd carved out under a dead tree that he missed, nor was it the familiar, earthy scent that clung to Urotho that he craved. The sparse wood was sheltered enough to leave him unbothered, lest he sought to seek out others, and populated enough by wildlife that he did not go hungry, even as a loner, but it was not that home he found himself reflecting on. The Scarlet Cliffs – far, far away from here, further south and upon a harsh coastline. It was beautiful in its wild nature, whipped by fierce winds and carved out from a unique, red earth. A territory untamed, he felt like he belonged there, even if he hadn't stumbled upon it until the age of three. Well-versed in the role of adult wolves by then, he made it his own as if he were still the alpha his father had left behind in charge of Ered Luin. It was an exhaustive effort, for one, slightly smaller than average male, but that did not deter Kjors from his calling. The cliffside was a place a dragon could spread his wings and take air, bound by nothing but his own desire and ambitions. He thrived, despite the challenge and sacrifice required to maintain the small area, and he was satisfied. There he could nurse his wounded pride back into the monster it once was, and grow into the wolf his father had once inspired. It was there, upon the salty winds, that he'd met Urotho in the first place. The massive female towered over him – but when had the dark, earthy wolf ever let a little thing like size put him off? She was not unlike him, quiet and brooding, preferring to keep to her own company, and he might have let her, had he not scene the bite of her wit. It was chance that brought them together, though he had believe it was the Mother acting through the natural world to bring her to him, and a whim that opened his grizzled maw while his thick accent fell out. The badger woman had answered, and between them a kinship was struck as lightning might ignite tinder left to the wind for too long. The friendship had sizzled into something more, and the massive creature came around more often than not. Before he knew it, he'd sought her permission to court her properly, bringing her a snowshoe hare in the dead of winter. Placed at the mouth of her roomy den, he'd been granted the opportunity he wished for. A courtship began. A courtship, dashed by the outbreak of a war that had little to do with the two starcrossed wolves. The massive, war mongering pack of the south had set their eyes upon expanding their reach – something he'd have to dealt with regardless, but the wicked, secretive wolves north of them did not wish to see their own boarders encroached upon. It quickly became a force of nature, countless wolves he did not recognized rumbling on his own territory. Being mistaken for a member of one group or the other was only a matter of time, and as two lone wolves that stood not a chance. Dens were abandoned, and while Kjors wasn't privy to the exact situation that had forced Kisla, Maksim, and the rest of the Cut River Rock pack from their original territory, but he could, at the very least, understand the humiliation and rampant unhappiness that was coupled with such a traumatizing event. The loss of two of the alphas' cubs was testimony enough to the sacrifice wrought by the couple and the wolves they led. Empathy was not something the dragon generally cared to practice, nor he was a pack wolf terribly devoted to a second family. But he was a pack wolf, now, and if nothing else, he could understand what had been wrought upon the group he willingly joined. So when the call rose up through the sequoia trees, Kjors paused from his hunt. Paws stilled as the pine marten scurried away, scaling a tree out of harm's way. The male paid little mind to his prey's escape, head tipping upwards as his ears swiveling and taking in the song. It was something proud and joyful, an announcement to the world that the river wolves were here, no longer under the banner of Cut River Rock, but presenting themselves as the pack of Hearthwood River. Something foreign bubbled in the male's chest, a strange sense of pride in witnessing the birth of something greater than one single wolf, and he listened a little longer. A second song soon joined the wind – it was a voice he did not recognize, but the tenor added strength to the Lord's proud call. Not about to be outdone, the one-eyed timber rested his haunches on the ground and threw his head towards the heavens. His first call was a softer one, seeking @Karina if his favorite princess was nearby. This was a moment they ought to share, if the little gem was anywhere in the area. He did not dwell on the matter, instead raising his voice to join Maksim's call. The male might not consider himself a prime example of a pack wolf, but this was a suffering he well understood. Kjors lent his own raspy, wild song to the group, announcing the presence of Hearthwood River to all who had ears to hear it. This was the place they would carve out their existence, all of them, and he would be damned before any creature, notion, or force of nature drove them from it. This was Hearthwood River, these were its wolves, and they would make this home.

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

find a new place to hang this noose

Karpos had some time to himself as he explored the new territories that the pack would cross in order to find their new home. He hated leaving and lately, he had been cursing those whom had made him leave and travel. He had taken to loathing having to travel because of his horrific past and what was sure to be a daring future. He drew in a deep breathe as a call rose out above the trees. Jynx had been distant as of late, making him feel even worse than he already did. Why was his only friend avoiding him? It confused him so much that he pondered it day after day. He would exhale as his sturdy frame pushed itself to maximum speed. He would run towards the call put forth by his alpha.

Maksim had helped him through a lot, which was the reason he still called this pack home in all honesty. He had considered leaving so many times for various reasons and part of him considered it again. One thought was on his mind that made him believe this might be the best course: Adsila. His beloved sister had disappeared months ago and he was plagued with the worry that ate away at him only twice before. The first was when the pack, Pitch Pine Trail, had disbanded. The second time? Regretfully, it was when Aponi had gone missing in the storm, back when he had cared for her as more than just a friend. Perhaps Jynx would be willing to help him search for her? If her distance was any indication: she would not help with his quest. "Maksim." The boy would dip his head slightly when he arrived, his tail lowering a respectful distance to show his ran amongst his peers.

(This post was last modified: May 29, 2015, 01:35 PM by Karpos.)

 ♦♦♦♦♦

In the days following the birth of the River’s newest generation, Naia had turned her exploration southward along the eastern rim of the Pass. She had discovered quickly that only soggy, inhospitable marshland lay to the north. Naia knew there must be a way through somewhere because she remembered picking her way down to Relic Lore from the north two years ago, but she hadn’t been successful in locating the path she had used then. Perhaps it had frozen over or flooded out—Relic had experienced a few harsh seasons in recent memory. It had been startling for the Timber lady to discover that her only known path back to her birthpack had been lost.. not that she had ever had the slightest desire to return, but in the back of her mind it had always at least been an option.

Traveling southward was far more interesting. Naia had discovered that following her family’s newly claimed river led straight into the territory of a newly formed pack. The woman kept her distance, knowing it would be unwise to approach them all alone, having no idea who they were. They seemed to be in a similar developmental stage as the River wolves; they had staked out their land but had yet to claim it and lay a border. Having gone as close to the territory as intelligence would allow, Naia was now on her way back home, following the river northward toward her family.

”Hearthwood River.” Naia heard Maksim’s claiming howl rise into the sky. Though there was no one with her to share her joy, she grinned to herself in agog. She’d had a feeling that once they named the river, they would have named the pack too. It was tradition, after all. Once a River wolf, always a River wolf. Ears peaked, the woman enjoyed listening to her packmates weave their voices into Maksim’s song. Though she was still a bit outside of the border that had been agreed upon, Naia felt the compelling urge to raise her own voice-- not to stake a claim on the lands she stood upon, but to encourage her family and express her pride. The scout’s song would sound faraway to her family back in the heart of Kingsfall, but graceful still and with the strength and confidence of a Second.

♦♦♦♦♦  

Kisla found herself settling easily – something she hadn’t thought possible during their travel, when she had been heavily pregnant. Two girls had come to the world by hers and Maksim’s creations, and the having the ability to give them the simplest form of life by claiming a home that was not by their old enemies was perhaps the best sacrifice they could have ever made.

The honeyed woman heard them crying to the sky – Maksim began, and she felt a thrill course through her. She unfurled herself from her two daughters, pulling herself to the den’s entrance where her bright green eyes blinked in to the sun adjusting to its light.

As the sun played upon her fur, she cupped her ears forward, hearing Lachesis’ strong vocals join with her husbands. Next was Kjors – a newer addition to their pack, but one she was warming to. Naia was quick to offer her own beautiful song to the wind, and with a small smile, the dove pulled her own muzzle back to the heavens, releasing a lifting song to announce her joy – and pride, of their claim. She might have woken her two babies within the confines of their den, but she could simply not pass by partaking in a glorious moment for the newly formed Hearthwood River.

Her own song crooned to a fade, feeling her fatigued self settle back upon her haunches after giving her pelt a light shake. This was their new home.. and none would push them from it.

sparking up my heart

   

Orren Baranski
I wanna feel like I’m somewhere I belong

-

He was by the river, trying his skills at fishing in the, strangely calm, waters, brows furrowed in concentration. He had his eyes on a particularly fat trout, shimmering in the rays of sun that reached down through the towering trees. Fishing was a difficult art, and one the young Baranski still lagged a lot in mastering, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity, with such a rich river at the center of their new land; perhaps he would do well in seeking out some teaching; Maybe Karpos can help... Karina did say she learned from him. But it would have to wait, he didn't have time to go ask for help, the fish would get away. Stepping carefully out into the water, Orren grimaced as his paws sank into the muddy bed, he wasn't used to this river, it was so different from the swift, rocky stream of his previous home. The boy snorted to himself, he would have to adjust, this was home now!

The decision had been made swiftly, though it wasn't yet official. As soon as the Baranski's had laid eyes on the river at the heart of Kingsfall, they knew they had found their new land. And Orren was happy! He liked this vast forest of the huge trees, was excited by the many different terrains that lay all around them and the diversity of prey that was to be found in them. He hadn't been exploring nearly enough though, much of his time was spend close to the den where his mother had given birth, where he watched over the queen and her newborn - at least that was how he thought of it. He liked to bring his mother treats to build her strength, hoping to get a glimpse or two of his new sisters; soon they would be ready to come out, he was told, but he couldn't wait. The trout he was now eyeing was such a treat, the perfect prey, large and fatty, and to be found close to the den. It was because of this he had been fishing so much lately, even though he enjoyed hunting on land more, preferably larger prey. The river was right there, such an easy source of food; But I need to get better at this!

The thought proved itself right as he lashed out with a scooping paw motion to land that large fish, but miscalculated because of the refraction in the water. A large splash and a rain of water revealed the young fisherman's position to the entire river, and his prey scurried out into the stream, disappearing quickly. Orren groaned and leaned back on his hunches, sitting down halfway into the river, he was drenched by the splash anyway. Before he had time to get truly irritated though, the loud voice of his father resounded through the trees, making the bronzed boy's ears twitch. Forgotten was the lost fish, as Orren's chest swelled, heart fluttering in his chest; Finally! Kingsfall had truly become their home.

Leaning back has coal-masked dome, the younger Baranski son let his voice sound in echo of his sire; "Hearthwood River! Here we will stay!" All of his soul was in that call, he would fight for this home; No one will run us out of THIS ONE! With a wild grin, Orren listened to his family singing, from all over Kingsfall, and he joined them, voice powerful and joyous; HOME!

"Speech" Thoughts

PLOT WITH ME!

Half a moon was what it had taken for the Baranski princess to recover from her family’s exhausting journey to Kingfall.  Once her physical journey had come to a close, Kisla had given birth to a brand new litter, initiating an emotional upheaval that was far more debilitating than the child’s sore, weakened muscles.  Inna, Inna, Inna! The name whirled around in Karina’s mind, her distress spurring her to dig faster. Karina felt oddly detached from her body, as if she was watching from a distance her paws flying over the soil, unable to control their speed or activity. It was rare that she let herself even think the name, and in the privacy of her own mind Karina referred to her sisters and Lekalta and the other one.  Corinna.  Karina.  Corinna.  Inna.  Kisla could not have made it clearer that her first daughter was a disappointment and a slight to her mother’s name; why else would she have named yet another daughter after grandmother Corinna? Karina’s raven colored sister was a constant reminder of her own inadequacy, and she just couldn’t take it anymore. She wanted to dig and dig and dig until the earth swallowed her up and there was nothing left to even hint that a failure named Karina Baranski had ever existed.

A summons from a familiar voice broke through her whirling thoughts, and Kjo’s bark grounded the girl enough to regain control of her own body. Her paws stilled, and after taking a steadying breath Karina shook the dirt out of her pelt. She now noticed that not just Kjo, but all of her family members had raised their voices to claim the redwoods as their own. If her mentor hadn’t called out to her, she would have missed it in her despair.

Karina began to move toward her swarthy teacher’s voice, bringing her pace from a trot to a lope. Laden with emotion, she felt as if she were swimming through something thicker than water. She found Kjors just as he loosed his wild song into the sky, and the girl watched and listened for a moment, wishing she could manage to even fake such easy, uninhibited, aloof confidence.  The girl joined in the song, weaving her languishing voice through Kjo’s robust anthem. Without Kjors, the princess’s piece would have been considered a strained tune at most, but with the support of the older man’s vocals they created a powerful requiem. The hymn weaved her way through Karina’s soul and squeezed, filling her with a sense of contentment and belonging that she only ever felt when she was with @Kjors .  Kisla, Makism, Aleksei.. they all had new princesses to love and protect, and Karina knew she could not begrudge her sisters the affection they deserved.. but Kjors was all hers. He liked her better than her brothers and better than her sisters, and probably better even than the badger woman. Kjors belonged to no one other than her, and that was just how she liked it.

(This post was last modified: Jun 03, 2015, 04:36 PM by Karina.)

   

    
 

Jynx was quickly settling into her new home. While a small part of her would always miss Cut Rock River, she eagerly embraced this new, thriving forest. A home that which, she would hopefully be a part of for many years to come. Until the pack officially claimed the land as theirs, there was plenty to do in the meantime. The russet wolf often went off on her own, exploring the un-touched corners of her new territory, placing distinct scent markers as she went. They had been fortunate to find this redwood forest un-inhabited when they did, and no amount of force would drive them from it now. She would stand and fight for this home.

Off on her own once again, Jynx was busy not exploring, but tracking. With a goal to eventually become a hunter, possibly the Lead, she was keen on fine tuning her skills. And that started out with the fundamentals. Any good hunter had to possess a thorough knowledge of the prey in the area, and their habits. This, was what she was doing now. Studying and following any promising hunting paths, peeking in on any herds of animals, or sniffing out dens of the smaller critters. Lost in concentration, nose to the ground skimming the slender blades of grass, her eyes searched for the faintest sign of tracks. She had picked up a trail of them some ways back, but had lost them. Finding where they began again was the hard part. Her thoughts were interrupted when Maksim's booming voice filled the air. At last....the claim was official!

Lifting her head up, ears raised, she listened as more and more voices of her pack mates mingled with that of the Baranski male. Hearthwood River had been born! They were home, and they were here to stay. Feeling a surge of thrill and joy race through her core, her bottle brushed tail swished madly. Unable to contain her enthusiasm, she held back no longer and raised her head proudly. Belting out a long, soaring soprano howl, she sang proudly in declaration and ownership of this grand new land. All other wolves in the area, be they pack wolves or loners, would now know that the Hearthwood wolves had arrived. Home at last, her heart sang!

(This post was last modified: Jun 04, 2015, 12:52 AM by Jynx.)