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Post by Abyss on Dec 2, 2022 6:41:19 GMT
[googlefont="Poiret One"][googlefont="Forum"] | [attr="class","box3"] ARTEMIS Key: The background color of the thread title indicates what season the thread takes place during. Green: SpringRed: SummerOrange: AutumnBlue: WinterAll threads are listed in chronological order. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Planting the Seed of Doubt Early Summer | Dusk Zero (Bri)LinkFinished While out wandering, Artemis runs into a young white pup, a pup of the Vertok, named Zero. She takes notice that he seems pretty unhappy with his life in his pack, given how far he had come to get where they were. With a few choice words, she convinces the pup to meet her here again, where she will teach him how to be a "real" wolf. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Where the Waters Once Lay Mid Summer | Midday Tobin (Pesty)LinkInactive With Summer growing to be the hottest it has ever been in her lifetime, Artemis is approached by a Number and informed that the river is beginning to dry up. Artemis takes this opportunity to go out and investigate with her newest young Ace, Tobin, by her side. [attr="class","itsabox2"] A Ghost Amongst the Grass Mid Summer | Late Afternoon Dire (Burn)LinkActive While out searching for some food, likely for herself, Artemis runs into something she didn't think possible: a wolf larger than herself. A large black-furred brute named Dire who hails from some distant land, and, much to her pleasure, is much like herself: intelligent, witty, and logical. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Sadly, I am not a God Tensions grow high in the Sanzin as the river is nearly dry, much of the prey has fled for greener pastures, and the pack has been living off of salty ocean water. A brute named Draek approaches Artemis and esentially challenges her ability as a Leader, at which point she mauls him and rips off his ear, sending him running from the pack. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Come, Little Bird Mid Summer | Dusk Zero (Bri)LinkActive Just as they discussed, Artemis and the young Zero meet again in the Neutral Lands, where they discuss Zero's life in the Vertok. Artemis agrees to begin training him to become stronger, as he wishes, and she tests his combat abilities. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Emergency Meeting Mid-Late Summer | Midday Conri (NPC). Rieka (NPC), Akala (Kaz), Timber (Bri)LinkActive As all three packs face the challenges of the drought, word is spread through messengers for an Emergency Meeting held at the Great Oak, called by the King and Queen of the Vertok. All of the pack leaders meet, and the Vertok introduce an outsider, Timber, Leader of a new Guild, who knows of a large dam in the mountains. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Hay in a Needle Stack Mid-Late Summer | Midday Helva (Ches)Link With all of the stresses incoming with the drought and the dam, Artemis takes some time to relax in the Zero Hollow, where she runs into the young pup Helva. As Artemis has not spent much time with the pups who are secretly of her own blood, she takes this chance to interact with her little white-furred clone. [attr="class","itsabox2"] Thread Title Season Time | Time of Day Participants Ah, how shall I do it? Oh, I know. I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives... [laughs] I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say! [attr="class","itsabox2"] Thread Title Season Time | Time of Day Participants Ah, how shall I do it? Oh, I know. I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives... [laughs] I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say! [attr="class","itsabox2"] Thread Title Season Time | Time of Day Participants Ah, how shall I do it? Oh, I know. I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives... [laughs] I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say! [attr="class","itsabox2"] Thread Title Season Time | Time of Day Participants Ah, how shall I do it? Oh, I know. I'll turn him into a flea, a harmless, little flea, and then I'll put that flea in a box, and then I'll put that box inside of another box, and then I'll mail that box to myself, and when it arrives... [laughs] I'll smash it with a hammer! It's brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, I tell you! Genius, I say! |
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Abyss
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Post by Abyss on Nov 21, 2022 6:11:45 GMT
For a moment, Kai caught himself off-guard. The wolf that he ran into was quick to greet him, and just from first looks, he didn’t seem like he was going to attack. The pup could remember lessons that the caretakers back home would say, like to not trust wolves you didn’t know, especially ones from other packs. But…he didn’t actually know what wolves from the other packs looked like, or smelled like. This one didn’t really smell like other wolves, so maybe he wasn’t a pack wolf? That didn’t mean he was trustworthy, but…..he seemed friendly?
This thought solidified in his mind, watching with wide eyes as the brown and white wolf lowered himself to the ground, laying more at eye-level with Kai than before. He even saw small glimpses of the male’s tail behind him; was it wagging? Was he…happy to see Kai? Did this loner know him? Did he know the loner and just didn’t know it? He was kind of confused, but his mind admittedly wasn’t entirely focused on the loner.
He was actually quick to introduce himself, saying his name was Axel. It wasn’t a name Kai had ever recalled hearing before, so maybe they didn’t know each other. And he said that he came to get to know the packs, so it seemed like he was a loner. Though, if this wolf came here looking for knowledge about the packs, he wasn’t entirely sure that he was the best person to ask. He hardly knew anything about the other packs besides their names.
“Y-Yeah. I’m from the Vertok.” He glanced around, suddenly realizing that he didn’t even recognize the place they were in. Was he even still in Vertok territory? Had he actually left the territory by accident?! No, no, there was no way. He had to be in the territory still. Then again…what were the chances that Zero and Shep were still in the territory…? If he wanted to find them…
His ears lowered against his head, glancing nervously back to the loner. He wanted to ask him if he had seen his brothers, or if he knew if they were actually in pack territory, but that might seem kind of backwards. A pack wolf asking a loner if he was in his own territory still? It didn’t make sense.
“We uh….live in the mountains. A-And in this bit of the forest. Have you…um…been here before? Do youuu know where you are, or where you are going?” It felt odd trying to beat around the actual question, and honestly he didn’t know if he was good at lying. Was this lying? He didn’t really lie that often…he thought…no, he wasn’t trying to lie, he was just asking simple questions. Then again, what if Axel said yes. Would that mean that a loner had been travelling in Vertok land and they didn’t know? Or maybe they did? Should Kai even be talking to him right now? Or should he be trying to chase him off? But wait, that was the job of adults, not pups… He could almost feel his own mind giving him a headache.
"Speaking." Thinking.
523 Takes place 1 week after lynx attack (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 21, 2022 6:10:43 GMT
He knew that he was safe here. He knew that it had to be impossible for anything to get in here without the whole pack noticing. He knew that within this branch of the cavern that there were only wolves. No lynx here. And yet, even standing here right next to an adult wolf, he could feel his heart pounding. But it was hard to tell…was he afraid? Of what? He was home; nothing could get him here. He had never felt afraid in his own home. But it was different now…maybe it wasn’t the presence of something that scared him…it was something else.
Even though he had initiated it, the dark pup jumped just slightly when he heard the deep voice of the wolf he had awoken rumble at him. He took a deep breath in, searching in the dark for where he assumed the big male’s eyes were. He saw a pair of yellowish orbs appear in the darkness and peer at him, and for just a moment he felt as though he were in his nightmare again…locking eyes with something unknown in the dark…watching him…waiting. But this was different. These eyes weren’t thin or threatening, or bloodthirsty. Instead they were gentle.
When he heard the male actually speak in a hushed whisper, Kai’s mind went blank. He had made it this far, but he never actually thought of what he would say when he got here. He glanced downwards, for just a moment seeing the faint outline of the male’s paws in the dark and wondering if his paws would ever get that big. But a sudden touch against his nose made him jump again, silver eyes lifting to meet Caveras’. He spoke again, and Kai had a moment of realization that he didn’t remember this wolf speaking this way. Then again, he couldn’t actually remember any times he had talked to this guy prior to the other day. But he hadn’t talked to him that day either…he had been too out of it…
“I…uh…I had…a nightmare.” His anxious eyes fell to the ground, his front maws shuffling together against the cold stone beneath them. He was almost afraid to look the man in the eyes again. Would he think that Kai was just being a baby, being so afraid of something that wasn’t real? Even though…it kind of was… “Could I…um…s-stay with you?”
"Speaking." Thinking.
397 Notes (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 21, 2022 4:23:27 GMT
The white she-wolf’s silver-tipped ears flicked, catching the young pup’s brief answer but gaze remaining forward. A loud yelp caught her ears, and she watched in vague amusement at the pups ahead. One of the smaller young ones in the field of chaos, the ever-determined blonde pup who dared not turn her back on any before her, found herself pinned under the weight of the larger dark-furred brute.
Even among those not old enough to fully take care of themselves, there was always an order of things. Despite the fact that all of the wrestling youngsters before her were under her personal protection, and the protection of the mothers and elders, even they already found themselves bending to the will of instinct and nature. Survival of the fittest. One’s own survival before the survival of others. On the outside, these were just wolf pups, playfully battling in practice. But, in reality, they were preparing themselves to face their future: survival under the protection of no one but themselves. In a pack such as the Sanzin, being able to fend off competition and stand above the rest was crucial. And in the case of some…determination and willpower was all they could rely on.
Though, this brought forth a thought, causing the Suit’s golden gaze to shift to the side, side-eyeing the mostly-white pup at her side. This pup was not among them. She was not fighting for a place to stand, nor was she trying to kick those from where they already stood. Instead, she sat to the side, watching. A small part of the large wolf’s mind wondered which line of reasoning it could be attributed to. Perhaps she did not fight because she cared not for where she stood. Perhaps she did not fight because she had no intention of remaining among the ranks of her peers for long. Or perhaps she did not fight because she merely wished to watch the chaos. There were a plethora of other reasonings, but none would satisfy unless the pup said them herself.
Artemis’ gaze flicked back to the group of pups, silent. For a brief moment, she felt a sense of dejavu, as this was what she too once saw, years ago. Watching in calculated silence as her brother and sister fought with the other pups their age. Fighting over food. Fighting for a place among the strongest and most recognized young within the Sanzin. Fighting for their place to stand. And, despite never willingly joining these battles of hierarchy in her puphood, despite remaining on the sidelines, the young white wolf who sat as a silent bystander had still grown to hold the most powerful position within the pack. Meanwhile, her siblings, who fought for their places since puphood, had found one of two things: averageness, or death. An ironic, and amusing, turn of fate in her opinion. But, she wondered, would the pup at her side, who resembled herself in far more ways than one, follow the same path she had?
Perhaps one day it will be her demoting me, just as I demoted my own family.
After a little while of silence, the beastly white wolf spoke once more, just loud enough for the pup to hear. “In everything that we do, there is always a battle, whether it be on the outside, or within. A battle for strength. A battle for recognition. A battle for survival.” She looked between each of the pups before her, confident that she knew what each of them were battling for, in that moment, just by how they fought, the expressions on their faces, their voices. It almost brought her a sense of pride to think that she, a constant judge of character, did not know what her little look-alike was battling for. All the more reason for her to discover if the saying was true. How far did the apple fall from the tree?
“You sit here, watching as your siblings and peers battle for what they strive to reach. An observer, rather than a participant. So, I wonder…What is it that you find yourself battling for, Helva?”
"Speaking." Thinking.
687 Excite!! (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 20, 2022 1:50:50 GMT
As the beastly she-wolf spoke of the valley, she kept a keen eye on any signs that may cross the brute’s features. She may not truly know where this male hailed from or his history, but at the very least she knew that he likely faced a variety of problems that she faced herself. Of course being a large and powerful being brought you many advantages in life, ones that quite often she took full advantage of, as she was no fool to let her abilities go to waste. Unlike some others that once stood where I now stand.
But such things were the problems of one individual, and what she spoke of was not. Though, the two sides were quite similar. It was difficult sustaining such a large body, and much harder to sustain a large pack such as her own. Especially when said pack was full of rabid dogs who did what they pleased when they pleased. It would be one thing if the Sanzin were the only pack within the valley, for then they would be without so much competition. But this was not the case.
Her gaze narrowed a tad, remaining silent as the large brute questioned what she meant by her words. He had already proven that he was not so foolish as many other wolves that she knew, so she would think such things to be common sense. Then again, she knew plenty of empty-headed wolves who would have no idea what she spoke of. As long as their own belly was full, they hadn’t a care in the world. Though, she had a feeling that this brute was not one of them. For the most part at least.
“One would think that three packs of stature living in the same valley would be rather complicated to maintain. And this holds true, at times. Though, as of late the packs have far more than just each other to contend with. As dry as our valley has become this season, it seems as though outsiders found this to be the best time to come here.” She shook her head, scowling a tad. She had no doubt in her mind that by this point there were enough loners in the valley that a whole new pack could form, if they so wished. Which would only make life that much more uneasy. “A plethora of loners, on top of the typical predators that remain, such as bears like yourself.”
A small smirk formed on her maw, taking a very brief moment to look the dark-furred brute over once more. She began to wonder just how it was that this monstrous male had managed to come as far as he had, how he had fed himself. The thought that he had been hunting prey within their valley was almost a nuisance, considering his size and the increased amount of food he likely had to consume, like she did. But, at the same time, the thought of a wolf such as himself taking root within the Sanzin had already crossed her mind. Sure, more food would be needed, but no good thing came without its own struggles.
As she described each of the packs to him, her eyes would momentarily dart in the direction said pack could be found in, but she kept her primary focus on him, watching intently for anything worth noting. Any expression shifts, any spark in those eyes, anything to judge what he may be thinking. And, much to his credit, she did not catch much, save for perhaps a very tiny smirk or two that quickly disappeared. He seemed intrigued and interested, at least. And as she finished speaking, an ear twitched in her mentioning of the ways of the Au’Dar. Which seemed to catch his attention.
Her eyes narrowed, though her expression did not change much. She was almost glad that she only had general knowledge on the other pack, as this meant she hadn’t had to deal with them just yet in her time as Suit. “That they are.”
He spoke again relatively quickly, rather straightforward in his question of her own origins. She did not speak for a minute, considering both his words and her own. Did she wish to reveal this much about herself so soon, or should she keep quiet in the hope for him to come waltzing back for more answers? She did wish to make the brute’s curiosity grow, but she also did not want to leave him completely empty and send him seeking out the other packs.
“I do not keep the company of another species by my side, nor have I fallen to your paws offering land and a free meal for your services, so…..perhaps.”
"Speaking." Thinking.
791 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 19, 2022 23:49:24 GMT
Oddly enough, though she spoke of these actions to the young one, Artemis had not truly expected for the young brute to leap forward as he did. His sights had shifted towards the same patch of yellowed grass she had begun to observe, though he seemed to think this his cue to leap forward as if this one patch of grass were an animal of prey. She may have thought highly of his actions and his efforts…had they actually been worth while.
His stride was lacking in precision or intention, his leap was hardly powerful enough to do any damage, and his landing…it was pitiful. The large she-wolf watched with a mixture of amusement and disappointment as the white pup’s tail and rear went flying right over his head, flipping him through the patch of grass and just over the small incline of the hill. She rose from her well-practiced stance she had shown him, standing there for a moment as the pup’s rolls came to a stop.
Large paws padded forward slowly, stopping just above the pup’s head. Her own head angled downward above his, looking down at him in his daze, though she masked the expression that had been present across her features before. Amusement and disappointment were replaced with something else, perhaps sympathy, or maybe pity. But her voice, when she spoke, sounded optimistic enough.
“Well done. T’was a good first attempt. Though, perhaps grass is not the best first opponent.” Golden eyes lifted and peered around them, gazing at the tall dried grass that surrounded them. There were no others around, beyond her Aces, though she felt it best not to involve them in this scenario. This pup was not aware of who’s presence he was within, nor were the Aces aware of what company their Alphess was keeping. And she felt it best to keep it this way. For now, at least. And, with a quick breath, it was easy to tell that there was no prey close enough for them to hunt properly. They didn’t have many options, unfortunately. Well…perhaps…
Her gaze turned back down to the pup, waiting for him to rise from his fallen position. “I believe I have a better idea.”
The large wolfess turned and padded a few strides away from the pup, pausing and lifting her tail if he began to follow in order to keep him where he stood. She did not go far, just far enough to be a couple leaps and bounds away, before she turned back towards him.
“I cannot truly see what you are capable of when you face nothing more than plants. You must face a real opponent. One that can dodge, one that can surprise you.”
With this, the large white wolfess slowly shifted her body, returning to the same pose that she had demonstrated to him before, narrowing her gaze to lock on to his, and she did not merely speak, she ordered.
“Charge me.”
"Speaking." Thinking.
494 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 15, 2022 3:02:35 GMT
Narrowed golden hues looked to the sky, pupils thin and calculating. The sun was at its highest, beating down on the tree canopy that sheltered the dens of five wolves. Sunlight filtered through the dry and brittle leaves, practically lifeless and dull but hanging on to their branches by mere threads. Speckles of light cast down across the face and back of a large white wolf, reflecting a vibrant light that brightened the small densite. While full exposure to the sun's heat, lately anyway, was harsh and cruel, this sort of basking was much welcomed. Though, it could not last.
Movement caught her eye and a singular orb glanced over, side-eyeing two figures who emerged from their dens. Othis and Tobin. She may have expected the other two to emerge as well, had she not already sent them off to watch over The Clearing for her. She glanced between the two males, holding their gazes for just a moment before she turned, large white paws carrying her forward towards The Clearing. She could feel them following behind her, but as they approached the shallow river, hardly even a stream at this time, she sensed others just ahead.
A group of Spades, the Queen among them, taking small licks from what water remained. As they reached the edge of the bank, all of those standing on the other side lifted their heads, meeting the gazes of the three superiors. One or two of them growled, but didn’t meet the white wolf’s gaze. Others just averted their eyes, some with a scowl, others out of fear. Only the Queen met the white wolf’s gaze, the two locked in their individual glares of enmity. Something dark flashed in the white giant’s eyes, and though it was done so with an expression of irritation, the Queen averted her sights. Artemis turned, peering at Othis in an exchange of silent conversation, the brute offering a nod before padding forward. He did not cross the small stream, but instead walked along it upriver, and those across the way followed, including the Queen.
While they disappeared into the dark of the trees, the Suit and the Ace crossed on their own, padding into The Clearing where many were gathered, either sitting amongst themselves talking, gathering together for patrols of some sort, or dueling. She watched the rather typical activities of the day for just a moment from her silver stone perch, catching a brief glimpse of one of the other Aces stalking through the trees in the background, watching. A small smirk crossed her maw. But, as thrilling as this big scene was, she had other matters to attend to. Her large body turned, walking along the outskirts of The Clearing towards an opening off to one side where no bushes blocked.
A very small trail of sorts was carved through the brush, basked in shadow and hidden if one didn’t know where to look. And it was on the other side of this very short trail that another smaller clearing opened up, the sounds of roughhousing and high-pitched growls and yelps finding her ears. The Suit stopped just inside the trail, her body covered in shadow as she watched ahead. Off to either side laid wolves of different calibers; some old and frail, some with large bellies full of pups, and others already with little ones by their sides. While they laid in the shade, at the center of the clearing was a decently-sized group of older youngsters, leaping over one another, biting each other’s ears, pulling tails, tackling, mauling, any number of actions. It seemed as though they were practicing, either improving their general skills, or being ambitious, as young ones were, training for the day they would enter the Chance Games. It was still such a shame that this foul drought interrupted the occurrence of the event. Oh well.
Among the group of battling pups, two stuck out. One a large brute who seemed to be overpowering many of those who tried to take him down, all the while keeping a sharp toothy grin on his maw. The other was a much smaller she-wolf, and though she kept continuously being lost in the pile of pups, it seemed she was the loudest of all, yelling and snarling even as she was squashed. Artemis’ legs tensed, but her expression did not change. Though, rather than continue to watch them, something else caught her eye. Just barely off to the side sat another, a pup who appeared to be observing rather than partaking in the mass battle.
A smaller she-wolf, lanky, lean, not quite as built as some of the other pups were. Not as small as the loud and unruly pup amidst the battle, but small nonetheless. A course coat of nearly pure white, flecked and speckled with dark grays and blacks, blanketed over the young she-wolf. A coat not unlike her own, minus the shades of gold and red that she inherited from her mother. The young one was turned away, watching as the rest played their rambunctious game. Golden eyes narrowed, but grew curious.
Despite their size, her paws were quiet as she approached the young one, seemingly being unseen. She stopped when she was just alongside the little she-wolf, joining in watching over the mass of fur and fangs.
“Observing the chaos, are we?” Her deeper voice was low as she spoke to the pup, though contained no hidden undertones. She thought she caught a slight jump from the pup out of the corner of her eye, but she paid it no mind. Though, different movement caught her eyes, her head turning to peer at where a pair of other she-wolves watched her closely from the shadows. Two mothers, no doubt, ever so keen to ensure that no trouble was sneaking its way into the Zeros Clearing. But they knew better, as did she, that her presence here was no threat, even when sat alongside one of the young.
She turned away, watching over the rumbling group as she sat next to the white she-pup. “And why, do tell, are you not among them, dear ibis?”
"Speaking." Thinking.
1024 Excite!! (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 10, 2022 2:03:04 GMT
He took in a deep breath and released it quickly, determined. He was gonna do it. It had taken him a few days of overthinking, anxiety, and minor panic, but he had worked up the courage. This couldn't go on forever.
Kai was going to confront his brothers. Or at least…talk to them. Try to. It had been about a week now since he, Zero, and Shep were attacked by the lynx. A week since that loner and that other lady saved them and drove the lynx off. A week since he had run away, leaving his brothers to face the lynx alone…
As cowardly and anxious as Kai was, he was still solid and believed in his reasoning for doing it. But…they were not of the same opinion. At least it seemed that way, based on the fact that neither of them had spoken to him or even gave him the time of day since then. Truthfully he didn't actually know what they thought of that day. What their actual reason was for avoiding him, glaring at him, even baring their teeth as Shep sometimes did. Did they think he had abandoned them? Or left them to die? That wasn't….
All morning he had been working himself up, telling himself over and over the same thing. 'I'm going to go out, I'm gonna find them, I'm gonna talk to them, and I'm gonna fix this.' He tried to think of what he would say in his head as he got ready.
He snuck out of the caretaker's sights. He evaded being caught by the other pups. As far as he knew, no adults had seen him. But he froze when he reached the entrance of the Homecave. He was going out alone, something that he never did, especially not by choice. He had no adult with him. He didn't have his brothers. No one. He was on his own. If he ran into the lynx again…..NO. He would not think that way. Yes he was small and yes he was weak, but he had strong legs. He had been racing since the day he was born. He could outrun it if it found him again….yeah…..sure….let's go with that.
He huffed, sticking out his chest and lifting his head. He padded from the cave and slunk into the nearby bushes, disappearing in the darkness of boulders and trees.
He was confident when he was in the entrance. The first couple minutes he was fine. He knew what he was doing. He could handle himself. He could. Most of the time. At least he tried to. He totally could. For the most part….but…what if…
His confidence faded fast, as multiple realizations dawned on him. He didn't even know where he was going! Zero and Shep hadn't been home all morning, he could only assume that they were off cliff jumping or elk tipping or some other crazy things pups shouldn't be doing. But regardless of what they were up to, they were gone, and he had no idea where they went. Sure, talking to them was a good idea, it was a good thought, and he was determined this plan would work. But he hadn't considered that he would have to find them first. And with how big the valley was, and how little they cared for their own well-being or rules….they could be anywhere by now.
He had to stop and think. Where would they go…..silver eyes glanced around him and his nose breathed in deeply. He couldn't smell them here… he went further ahead passed a small cluster of trees. Not here either…….maybe passed this little trail of boulders. Not he- wait! His nose found the ground, taking in what he could of this scent that he caught, plus a little bit of dirt. It was…..definitely wolf. Was it them, though? He tried to tell, but it was difficult; something else was mixed in, like muddy water or dirt or something…
He followed this faint trail, paws moving a little bit faster as it got stronger. He was on to something. But he still couldn't even tell if it was them. It had to be somebody.
It got stronger and stronger, and he increased his speed to a trot. He heard footsteps. The scent was the strongest it had been. It had to be them! He rushed forward, turning a corner around a big boulder, and nearly running into someone.
"Oh! I finally-"
He looked up, finding that this was not Zero, nor was it Shep. Nor was it someone he recongized. This wolf was an adult, but not one of the Vertok. He swallowed a lump in his throat, looking up at this other wolf with wide eyes.
"I-I'm sorry! I…I thought you were…someone…else….." His voice slowly got lower, with a hint of disappointment, or maybe sadness. He took a few steps back, giving the bigger male(?) space, his tail and ears drooping.
For a moment, he dwelled on this, but then it occurred to him. He knew for a fact that he was still in Vertok territory. And this was a wolf he didn't know. Silver eyes lifted, looking to this stranger in confusion.
"I…I don't..recognize you?"
"Speaking." Thinking.
880 Takes place 1 week after lynx attack (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Nov 10, 2022 2:00:52 GMT
He had recovered from his paralysis. For the most part, anyway. He wasn't completely back to normal, but he was able to move and speak again, so that was an improvement. But…it wasn't much, when each time he had slept since the incident he was plagued with nightmares.
The rush and slashes of bushes smacking his sides and face as he ran. Screams echoing off the trees behind and around him. His brothers calling for him to save them as he continued to run. Large, bloody, gaping feline jaws wide open and ready to swallow him whole. Eyes watching him from every angle.
They were constant. Nearly as soon as those little silver eyes closed he could feel them, see them, hear them. He hadn't gotten much sleep in two days. And…there was something else, too.
Watery eyes flashed open, the young one's dark red and brown body quivering. The lynx…he had been so sure that it got him. But it hadn't. His sight scanned quickly around him, and he was not out in the forest. He was in the Central Keep. As he was meant to be. Which was a relief.
But…as his nerves calmed and his senses returned, he found that this wasn't all. He was still…alone. Not alone alone, but…not with who he wanted to be. The pup caretaker laid beside him, a fast asleep dark silhouette in the dark. He could hear the faint whispers of the other pups sleep talking on her other side. But, beyond them, he was alone. He kept searching, his eyes landing on two figures in the distance. One bright in the dark, and the other nearly invisible, but definitely there. They slept along the wall, no others around them, curled together.
His heart ached, almost feeling residual warmth from himself being in that pile with them only days ago. And now he wasn't. And he felt as though he couldn't. If he walked over there and tried to lay with them, they would just…glare at him…like they had been the last few days…and probably move somewhere else.
Kai's chest hurt and his ears pinned back to his head. He was cold, despite the fact that the valley was the warmest it had ever been. He wanted warmth, he wanted contact, but there wasn't anyone who would actually give that to him and it mean something. Not the caretaker, not any of the adults that often casted sympathetic glances his way, not the other pups. Not his own brothers.
But…maybe…
He slowly stood from where he laid, glancing at the caretaker to make sure she didn't wake. He turned away from her, taking painfully slow steps forward away from her with as much silence as the little pup could muster. It was hard to see, but he could just barely see the even more intense darkness of one of the smaller caves. The Rook cave. He froze for a moment at the entrance, looking into the dark. The lynx…..what if it…..no, no that wouldn't be possible. A giant cat could never sneak into their cave. Not without nearly the whole pack noticing. He swallowed down his nerves and padded forward, hesitant with each movement. He tried to navigate through the dark, feeling along the tunnel wall with his paws and nose. It wasn't until he walked into a flat wall that he stopped, nose squishing roughly against the ledge. He took a step back shaking his head and rubbing his nose with a paw. He forgot that this tunnel had a ledge to jump up…
It was an easy jump, and the rest of the tunnel was easy to get through. When he reached the end, it was really hard to see, but somehow the cave being bigger than the tunnel let him see a little bit better. He lifted his nose just slightly, searching for one scent in particular and very slowly following where he thought it led. He spotted a familiar silhouette laying across a somewhat elevated ledge, and the scent he had followed was quite strong.
He made a small and quiet jump upwards, nearly stepping on the wolf that laid before him, making him panic for a second. He swallowed again, realizing what he was doing now that he was standing here. It was too late to go back now.
He leaned his head down to the other's, lightly nudging the big male's cheek with his nose.
"C-C-Cav-veras…? A-Are you…um…awake?"
"Speaking." Thinking.
745 Takes place 2 nights after lynx attack (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Sept 20, 2022 2:14:10 GMT
His body was completely frozen in place, a permanent look of fear plastered across his face. It was as though every muscle in his body had been coated in ice, the only signs of life the consistent shaking. Wide silver eyes stared into the forest where he had come from and the strange wolf from before had disappeared into. He heard nothing, saw nothing.
What was he supposed to do? Would it have been right for him to stay? Was it right that he had ran? He had only done what instinct told him to do, what was the safest. He was a pup, he had no reason to think that he could truly face a beast like that, with or without his brothers by his side. Surely they knew that too, even behind all the bravery and fearlessness they put on? They were just pups…..against a monstrous cat with a muzzle coated in blood and adrenaline fresh in its veins from a hunt….what chance did they stand?
A small corner of his mind registered the sound of rapid footsteps to his side, but his body did not, nor did his nose. It was as though everything he heard was distant. He could hear a voice, a familiar one, but he didn’t understand what they were saying. All he could hear and see were flashes in his own mind.
Flashes of blood. Of bone. Of a contorted body. Of Shep dangling a piece of meat in the air. Of a large and looming shadow appearing before him. Of an open maw full of sharp fangs dripping with crimson droplets. Of branches smacking against his sides as he ran. And the snarling…..
Suddenly he felt gentle nudges against his legs and side, and at first nothing happened, his body completely rigid. And when his muscles did cave, they tumbled, crumbling beneath him. His legs hit the ground with a thud, but his eyes still trained forward. He could feel movement, he could still hear a voice, he even felt a gentle pressure press down on top of his head. But he didn’t feel like….he could feel them. It didn’t make sense, but his mind was not there to consider it.
Multiple things scattered through his mind. But, slowly, there was one image that appeared in his mind and it stayed: Zero and Shep, looking on at him in distaste, and turning their backs on him.
Tears began to well up in his eyes, his mouth just barely opening to reveal clenched teeth. His body taking in a tiny bit of life, he grew smaller, curling in on himself, and turning his head to bury his face into the fur of whoever was by his side. He still didn’t know who it was, who they were, where they came from, when they got there. But, right now, it didn’t matter. They were not the monster he had run from, and that was all that counted.
"Speaking." Thinking.
496 Notes (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Sept 20, 2022 2:13:39 GMT
For a few moments, he didn’t know how to feel. All Kai ever did was get pushed around, and after a while it got tiring. This was the first time that he had fully tried to stand up to himself, and he only found the courage to do it knowing that this pup was a stranger. She had no right to push him around! Nor did she have any right, as a pup who was smaller and younger than him, to assume that she could help him. But, at the same time, he recognized something there that he envied. She had only just met him, he was a stranger to her, and he was bigger than she was. And yet she still had the confidence to just shove him around and view herself as being in control. When he was with adults of the pack, he always felt helpless, as they could just pick him up and move him if he tried to protest to anything. Even with Zero and Shep, if they wanted him to do something he didn’t want to do, either they could push him to do it, or he would do it anyway out of fear of displeasing his brothers. Even a tiny pup was stronger than he was…
Something flashed in the younger wolf’s eyes at his demanding statements, no matter how pitiful they may have sounded. Was she…scared? Concerned? Worried? Frightened? He didn’t know what it was. But the moment his silver eyes found her’s and saw that expression, guilt washed over him. “Wait, I’m-”
She spoke first, apologizing with a certain tone in her voice. Forgot how to do what? He didn’t know how to respond, especially since he didn’t even know what she was trying to do. He hadn’t meant to suddenly seem so aggressive, or at least not as much as he had, and he felt bad immediately. He hadn’t wanted to scare her.
But then she flipped it around, raising her own voice right back at him. First he had felt envy, then anger, then guilt, and now it was turning into a mixture of confusion and frustration.
“You can- what do you even mean?! You are smaller and younger than me! You shouldn’t have to take care of yourself! Even I’m not supposed to be out on my own, so why would it be ok for you to be?! What would you do if some big scary predator came after you and you were by yourself?!”
His eyes darted around them for a moment. Surely she had a guardian? She had to, right? He hadn’t smelled any other wolves on her, but she had also been swimming in the lake. Should he take her back home? Did she have a home of her own that he could return her to? Could he take her back to the densite so they could take her in? What was he supposed to do in this situation?
“Is there…where did…do you have somewhere or someone that I could take you back to? There’s no way you are actually by yourself.”
"Speaking." Thinking.
517 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Aug 30, 2022 3:03:24 GMT
Though it had already done so previously, suspicion crept through the ghostly she-wolf’s mind, golden eyes narrowing at his words. There was potential for his statement to contain many more meanings than just one, and she took heavy note of this. In one scenario, perhaps he meant that this valley was simply not big enough, or at least not sizable to what he was used to. Perhaps he presumed that there was not enough food within the valley to sustain a wolf his size. In current times, he wouldn’t be incorrect. But size did not matter in that regard, for there was little food to maintain anyone’s proper health and well-being, monstrous or otherwise.
Or his words could hold hidden meaning behind them, which she heavily suspected. He was not born within this valley, he had come from a land far off of which she doubted many wolves of this land had ever seen or heard of. For all she was aware of, his origins could be vastly different than her own, or than that of the other packs. The likelihood was high, but she found no benefit in questioning this. Not yet, at least. If this were the case, though, he could be taking on a position of self-awareness, recognizing his own faults that could cause him to struggle in finding a place to stay. Understanding one’s self was something that could be difficult for some, so meeting someone who had a grasp on their own being was a welcome interaction in her mind.
Her thoughts held firm in her mind, though she did not speak them. She knew that this brute was careful, he was smart. He would not so easily reveal his secrets to her. While they both basked in the knowledge that there were others like themselves, and so far, from what she could tell, seemed to be enjoying one another’s company, they had only just met. Being the same massive size and of presumably equal intelligence did not mean that someone was trustworthy. If she truly wished to clip a claw on this one, she would have to be more careful than she was with any regular little pup.
“Indeed. The loss of another beast of power within the valley would be quite a disappointing outcome.”
Her ears did perk at the mention that he had not met anyone from the other packs thus far, but only slightly. It was strange to think that a wolf of his stature had managed to make it this far south within the valley without meeting anyone else. Unless he had crossed the mountains in the not-so-far distance from the Sanzin and Au’Dar territories to the west. If any feat were to be deserving of recognition, the crossing of a whole mountain certainly was one. It was still intriguing, nonetheless.
“Yes, it has been this way for a very long time now. Under normal circumstances this valley is surprisingly lush and capable of supporting three. Though, it comes with its disadvantages, as would be expected.”
A part of her mind flashed to the other packs, both of their collective existences a thorn in her side. Had it not been for them, her own territory could be far larger, and the amount of prey that typically stood healthily in the valley could all be her own. But alas, she had no such luck. She could dream of the days when the Sanzin could rise in power and eliminate, or convert, those of the other packs. But the chance of this happening, especially any time soon, was slim to none. Disappointing, really.
Her large white tail flicked as he mentioned a desire to learn more about the packs, an understandable notion on his part. Perhaps an explanation could provide him what he needed to navigate the valley better, or even give him some insight to what he may find should he ever wish to investigate the packs further. She could have her own hopes, but they would remain small and rooted deep within her stomach, far from the whims of reason and logic.
“Your curiosity is to be expected.” She considered her words before she spoke. Not that her words could bring forth any undesirable reactions or actions, but she must choose her wording carefully. The last thing she needed or wanted was to supply either of the other packs with a valuable asset.
“Within this valley resides three: the Vertok, the Sanzin, and the Au’Dar. The Vertoks live within the mountains in the distance just behind you. Though they are the smallest of the three, they live their lives open to those not of their own blood. Should you ever have a need for pity or a free meal, accommodation is a way of life in their eyes.
There is the Sanzin, who hold control over the meadows you see behind myself. Their values revolve around power and influence, both of which can change instantly in a moment’s notice. They are not quite so willing to accept outsiders as the Vertok, but they do make exceptions should someone show the resolve and determination to make a life for themselves among their ranks. It is possible for an outsider to rise in recognition and power, should they have the strength to do so.
And then there is the Au’Dar, oddities of the pine forests to your right. They are definitely a strange group of individuals, but they are admittedly the largest of the packs, so obviously they have made a way of life for themselves that works. They are the least welcoming of strangers of the three, though for good reason. They hold a very…unique…way of life. Every wolf of Au’Dar origins that you may meet in the future will have another at their side, a creature of which is not a wolf. Birds, rodents, reptiles. I don’t believe there is a limit to what beings they see themselves worthy of taming. They always have at least one by their side, a bond, they claim, or something of that nature, but there are many creatures within that forest.”
"Speaking." Thinking.
1017 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Aug 30, 2022 3:02:56 GMT
It always did bring a flicker of pride when all signs pointed to her plans following through flawlessly. When there was no shadow of a doubt that she had done what she intended to. And, just from this young brute’s enthusiasm and readiness for the next step, it was clear that her efforts had never been in vain.
The little white wolf was quite eager to follow the instructions given to him, his body leaping into action at her command, bringing a small smile to her maw. Obedience was always a perk. She watched his movements closely, taking note of his speed, his posture, his footing, any sound he made. There were many aspects of a battle stance alone that could make all the difference when in a real situation of danger. And this young one would have to learn those things if he wanted to go anywhere.
She slowly stood, lifting herself from where she sat and padding closer to the pup. Though her size would likely make it difficult for him to look up at her, that was not something that was needed, for he needed to be looking forward, to his invisible enemy. Large paws took her in a slow half circle around the little wolf, examining him. As she rounded him and came to his other side, she lifted a large paw and placed it on his rear which was lifted in the air and tail held high, gently pushing down just slightly.
“Keep your back legs bent, but steady, and your rear low. You must be ready to leap at any moment.” Her eyes peered down towards his paws, taking note of their position and spacing. “Your paws should be spread apart, but not wide enough to stop you from moving quickly. You should be able to lean in any direction at will, should you need to.” She slowly came around the front of him, stopping just ahead with her side facing him.
Her eyes watched him carefully, taking in the face that he put on and the aura that he gave off. He was young, and naive, and had no worldly experience. Just as most pups, he required molding and teaching. He did not know the true feeling of battle, the rush of adrenaline when life was at stake, whether it be your own or someone else’s. Unfortunately she had no way of truly giving him a taste of this experience without…well…attacking him. Which wasn’t exactly the route she was intending to take. Instead, it would be best to lead by example.
She walked forward again, standing alongside the pup facing the same direction. She adjusted her stance, lowering her body towards the ground but keeping her head and eyes forward. Her tail pointed straight back away from her rear and her back legs were, as she had instructed of him, bent, but steady in their stance and balance. Her front legs too were bent, but were spread just enough that it gave her solidity on uneven ground. Her head was lowered to match the level of her shoulders, eyes narrowed, sharp, and trained ahead to an unseen combatant.
“Remember, in the event of battle, confidence is important, but confidence alone will not gain you a win on its own. You must be balanced, stable, prepared. Ready for anything your enemy may attempt to gain advantage over you.” Her eyes narrowed, honing in on a particular patch of yellow grass just ahead, swaying gently against the light wind of dusk. “Your eyes must never waver. Even a second without sight on those who wish to do you harm could cost you your life. You must see them, watch them, know what they will do before they know themselves.” There was a chance that he would not understand, and she could not expect him to. But he would, in time.
“Strength in battle is not just physical strength. It is stability, it is durability, it is an observant eye.”
"Speaking." Thinking.
664 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Aug 30, 2022 3:02:14 GMT
The tension in the air was thick and cruel, likely to snap at the single flick of a claw. There was a part of the Suitess’s mind that grew curious as to what it would have been like had this new wolf not arrived in their sacred land. If it had only been herself, the Vertok King and Queen, and the Centurion and her guard dog. It could never be denied that the packs had very different views, that much the haughty Vertok bitch was correct on. While the smaller pack of the mountains were open to outsiders and willing to give their trust and empathy to those they did not know, both the Sanzin and the Au’Dar were not the same. At least, for the most part.
In her years of life, Artemis had always known the Au’Dar to be very mistrusting wolves, canines who never stood for anyone unknown to them taking even a single pawstep into their lands. Every wolf was viewed as a threat. Though, that was in the old days, when family lineages mattered and the views and attitudes of their heads were predictable. And their newest conqueror, Akala, was far from predictable.
As for the Sanzin, multiple arguments could be made for both sides. The Sanzin were untrusting, that much was certain. Half the time they did not trust their own, much less those of outside blood. But, at the same time, outsiders finding a way in and making a life for themselves wasn’t always completely off the table. Said life was never easy, no matter who or what you were. But it was not impossible. Strangers had to work to prove themselves and earn respect within the Sanzin. The same could not be said for the Vertok. It was a surprise they had not already been ripped apart from the inside out, with or without influence from the other packs.
Gold-flecked ears twitched as the shifty Centurion reluctantly offered her own support in the dam endeavor, though those sharp golden eyes did not turn away from the Vertok or from Timber. If any of them were truly intelligent, they knew what they were signing up for by making the actions and choices they had. The packs never worked together, and for good reason. And now the three of them, plus some extras, had come to a hesitant agreement to join forces. It was almost amusing to think that it had been the Vertok who sought for this reunion when it was always the Vertok throwing accusatory tones in the direction of others. They thought the Sanzin to be heartless and merciless beasts with no sense of morality or empathy, and they never hid these thoughts. Sure, they were correct, but they didn’t truly know that. They only knew what had held true in the past. And yet they still wished to join forces. Brave little hill-dwellers.
Her gaze narrowed at the brute’s words of thanks, holding back a chuckle. Do not thank us. Our choices have not been made for your sake. The white beast stood from where she sat, beginning to turn without another word. Her body had just begun to face the exit she had entered the meeting from when she stopped, eyes finding the Au’Dar Centurion. Her eyes narrowed further, not in aggression or anger, but in purpose. There was something in her gaze, something unspoken, but clear. We have a common enemy.
Silent, Artemis momentarily dipped her head to the other, sneaking a sly glance in the direction of the remaining three of whom she offered nothing. The Suit padded away from the group, ducking down to slip through the entrance and appearing on the other side.
“We are finished here.” Without any acknowledgement of those who also stood outside the bounds of the ancient tree, the white wolf’s large paws took her forward back towards home, her duo of Aces trailing along either flank.
"Speaking." Thinking.
656 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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Post by Abyss on Jul 15, 2022 18:21:05 GMT
Calculating golden eyes narrowed a tad, scanning over the brute’s facial features and expression as he spoke. Though the words he voiced were done so in a rather apologetic manner, something she may not have previously expected from a beast of his stature, his features remained neutral. In truth, she had taken no offense to being addressed as a beast, for he was not incorrect. She was indeed a beast of a wolf, and she agreed with this examination and title. In her own eyes, this feature was something for herself to take pride in, and she did quite regularly, for it provided her the size and stance needed to hold a demanding presence. One that suggested that she held power and was not to be reckoned with. Though, when faced with another who matched her, things equalled out. A mutual understanding.
As their conversation of interest continued, the white huntress took note of the hesitation that passed over the brute before her at her question. Just as she had not expected him to introduce himself so quickly, she in turn did not truly expect him to answer her questioning of his origins. Not truthfully, at least. It would be rather foolish for him to simply give away where he hailed from in detail, if at all. The most logical way of answering, no matter who one came across, was to lie, for it was better to make corrections later than it was to avenge treachery.
When the male did speak, she found that his answer to her inquiry was done so in a rather astute way, one that while she took note of, did not waver her current opinion of him in a negative direction. He was smart to keep his response vague; this was an action that she could respect. She was left with the assumption that he had neither lied nor spoken truth. Even if he did not have any secrets to keep or history to hide, one’s own safety was more important than the interrogations of others. Clever beast.
“I see. It sounds as though you have been voyaging for quite some time now.” She took a moment to allow her gaze to pass over him once, a suspicion growing in her mind that perhaps his size was partially due to the sheer amount of travel. Or maybe taking on the size of an impressive creature had come to him naturally by way of genealogy. Regardless, it felt fitting that of all wolves he should encounter upon his arrival to the valley, it would be herself that he found, presumably as the first.
“Though, you stand correct.” Her gaze shifted, peering over the lands surrounding them just as he had. “While I do wish that our encounter had been within better circumstances, I’m afraid you have rather awful timing. Summer has never been known as one to be forgiving. But this year it has grown merciless in nature.”
Artemis’ eyes found themselves landing back on the brute when his deep voice spoke once more, returning the same question she had presented him with. Just as he had done, she took a moment to consider. She could lie, though in this moment she felt no need to. He hadn’t yet made her feel as though she were being threatened, and had even bared his side to her upon her approach. Sure, she could potentially tell the truth, but what fun was there in revealing all so soon? What better way to provide oneself with entertainment than to leave another in suspense of what was to come? While sadism and torture were often her entertainment of choice, she did have a softer side who enjoyed the far more tame variations of enjoyment gained from others. She had been indulging herself in this form of pleasure quite recently, in fact, though with a much younger and far more naive victim. At least, in this particular scenario, she was more evenly matched.
“This valley is my home by birth, though in times like these I find it is difficult to truly enjoy being within said home. Far too much humidity, and far too little prey and water.” Her eyes narrowed for a moment, once more considering something in her mind. It seemed as though her tactic of scent cover had worked thus far, for he didn’t appear to automatically assume she was from a pack. As far as he was aware up until this point, she was a loner, and nothing more. It was amusing to think of how far from the truth this thought was.
She had multiple options she could take in this moment. She could speak truth and inform him that she was the Leader of one of the valley’s three primary packs. She could keep her identity vague, as they had both done up until this point. Or she could continue to lie and leave the brute assuming that the white ghost before him was a mere loner who wandered as she pleased. While she already did wander as she pleased, loner or otherwise, it was hard to say what sort of reaction any of these answers may gain from the brute.
“Though, to better answer your inquiry, I do, in fact, hail from one of the three packs that have laid claim to this valley for generations. While I suspect that you are aware of their presence here, I do wonder if you have met any other beings from them thus far, besides myself?”
"Speaking." Thinking.
919 NOTES (C) ABYSS
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