|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 22, 2009 15:18:02 GMT -5
A T K A [/color] 
The night waned in blissful ambience, clear spans of crystal indigo stretched out into the heavens without a single blemish. And that stars, how brilliantly they clung to their transparent twine as they glistened in the dazzlment of archaic knowledge and wonder, suspended upon a throne that seemed immovable. Ah but their precipice was not a perpetual one, and even now, as the alabaster beast gazed longingly upon them, a flame seemed to falter. Its ember restless as it teetered and toppled, plummeting gracefully down across the horizon in its final show of majesty. The death was witnessed with a solemn acknowledgment, and a respectful one. Soon the cerulean eyes that had beheld those stars were drawn away from that royal court and cast steadily into the swaying pine that preceded him. Nostrils indulged tentatively upon the scents that swirled about him as if color codes painting a rainbow at his feet, and whisking by his head. Wolves.. They loomed here not far off, and that had been his mission all along hadn’t it? To find a pack, far away from what was once his home.
He moved at a peculiar gate, the dropping of the recent temperatures which called for the coming frost caressing the joints in his left hind spitefully. An old injury which was chained to an old story yet to be told. The limb did not hinder the male in the least however, and though the smoothness of his gait was slightly off, he did not seem to grimace out of pain, nor slow in need to compensate. He had come too far to let the shadows catch up with him now. The swim here had been enough to remind him he could never go back to his island home. Not that he would want to… no not ever. He shook off those dismal memories of blood and war and glanced to the sky again. He had followed a particular formation when swimming through those icy waters, and they had led him here, to this foreign island where he would make his home. His search for a pack was relentless, for he was a far cry from a loner, and the habits of a pack wolf were far too deeply instilled in him. The beta of his former pack held direly to the notions that upheld the hinges of pack life, knowing well that every piece of the puzzle had its purpose, just as the circle of life did.
Pads warmed greedily to the fertile soil as his bodice bent between the timbers, stopping every few meters to sniff at the base of an elderly trunk before continuing on. Passing through a few large rounded boulders so large only the mountains themselves could have heaved such a weight, he stepped into the moonlight as it drifted between the boughs overhead. He would go no further, this place was quite clearly marked. His haunches collected beneath him and he sat quietly, one hip slightly ajar from the other. His noble head leaned back and as his jaws parted a song sprung forth, drifting as music through the trees in a lonesome psalm. Somewhere far off he could have sworn he had heard another melody of the same lonesome sorrow but it was not an answer to his call, it was a song sung from the heart unto the night itself.
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 22, 2009 16:25:31 GMT -5
As Larka gazed plaintively into the night sky, the stars were veiled by the many branches that only wished to shelter, but oftentimes seemed to smother her. Her auds swiveled about sharply as she heard a faint cry, although it was not the answer to her lonely call...Or was it?
It sounded as if it were a loner, and from the deep tones a male. Larka, despite her past, still maintaned a gentle soul. She knew it was not wise to answer and invite, but her heart ached for companionship.
Tilting her crania towards the heavans once more, she howled, this time loud and clear, with the authority of her rank clear in her tones.
Loner, whomever you are, You are granted access into my lands provided that you move swiftly to my side. I do not have the heart to leave a lonesome wolf on the borders. Enter the Ravilin, and make your way to me.
Her howl rang in such a way that it seemed to cling in the air, surely giving the loner enough of a sense of direction and distance to locate her reclining form hidden within a small clearing, where three pups nestled around her that were not her own.
Larka's golden orbs blazed in anticipation, curious as to wether the loner would be bold enough to answer her strange request. She continued to stretch and relax her hind limbs, warming and limbering them lest he prove to be of a different soul than she, if his wishes were that of forced power, she would be ready for him, injuries aside.
|
|
|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 22, 2009 17:25:34 GMT -5
A T K A [/color]
His eyes, a soft cerulean the color of distant Caribbean waters wandered the constellations overhead, counting the blazing pinpoints as if to memory, minus one of course, for she had fallen into the void of nothingness far beyond his eye’s view. The stars never ceased to amaze him, and fill him with a sense of knowing as he looked upon them. For surely they had seen the passing of an infinite amount of lifetimes and though they could foretell the future their tongues were held, just as the ancient trees which hovered before him. They knew the stories that had played out in their midst, they knew the tales that had been forgotten, and would stand witness to the sagas that had yet to be written.
As his song had wrung off, dissipating into the mists of eventide, he had turn as if to lay his pallid body upon the soil which was moist from the heavily saturated air but was stopped mid stretch. A call, no much more than a call, a beckon, with a voice that wrung of royalty and dominance. Yes… it was the same voice he had heard echoing through the trees, over the hills that had lain between them. It was a voice of sorry and of loneliness. She beckoned him forth, for what reasons he was not met at the border he knew not. But the call had been clear, and he had no choice but to answer it with quick movements and agile steps. It was uncustomary indeed, not to be bombarded at the boundaries of the pack lands, but he should know better than any that in certain circumstances, things must be molded to suit. It was not difficult to pick his way through the forest, for she did not seek to without his entrance and instead welcomed him into the thickets and underbrush, quickly delivering him into the open woods.
Something hung thickly upon the air, the smell of fresh meat and the scents of many wolves. Perhaps a hunt had taken place here, in fact he was sure of it. Leisurely his eyes took in the sites laid out before him before settling upon a wolf in the distance, her matching hue to his own casting an ethereal glow in the embrace of night. Several small pups surrounded her and he assumed they were her own though it puzzled him as mating season had not yet even begun. He did not dally further though, and progressed slowly upon them, keeping his tail low and his posture unthreatening. His voice was deep, but soft as a flowing river as he spoke.
“ Thank you, for allowing me within your borders. I mean to bring no harm or challenge to you and yours and come seeking a home. I am known as Atka, given to me by my father.”
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 22, 2009 18:50:58 GMT -5
Larka had watched his arrival carefully, reserving her strength lest she had to spring for his throat. Relieved that his posture was one of chivalrous courtesy, Larka relaxed visibly until she forced her aching limbs to support her weight, so that she might rise and greet the wolf whose pelt shone as brightly as her own, though where her orbs were a fierce golden, his were a gentle azure. Hiding the wince that accompanied her stiff stature, she willed her limbs not to tremble as she adressed him, plume and crania held proudly at Alpha rank. Her voice was gentle, overlayed with an authorative tone that belied the suffering insecurity of her saddned heart.
Atka? I am Larka, the Alpha of this-the Ravilin Forest Clan. I welcome you warmly, and appreciate the fact that you were so willing to accomadate my rather unorthodox request. As you can see, it is rather difficult for me to stand, or even walk. I was crushed by the reindeer whose slaughtered corpse lies a few yards from here. It has been several days, and I am still suffering from the aftermath.
She paused then, to let him take this imformation in before she continued, a slight smile gracing her pretty muzzle.
If it is a home you seek, I am more than willing to accomodate you. We are few, but those who remain are fiercly loyal. I expect you to be the same. Welcome to the ranks of the Ravilin wolves, Atka.
Her golden orbs held a slight sparkle of amusement-she never was one for the stuffy overbearing Alpha tones. Moving as elegantly as she could, she brushed her muzzle and neck along his side, mixing their scents into the unique scent of stars and pine that cried 'Ravilin.'
Reclining upon her weakened haunches, she settled in a way so that Ember and Polaris were still feeling the warmth of her bodice while she remained seated, she studied him then, wondering what his next move would be, or what words he would speak next.
|
|
|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 22, 2009 19:25:38 GMT -5
A T K A [/color]
The silence of the stilled night carried with it a wary alarm, as if the foreboding squalls spoke of disaster. But the trees spoke of a time when this place had been of peace, thriving as the numbers of wolves strengthened, and the earth below their feet welcomed the feel of their pads upon her face, and allowed the landscape to blossom with fruitfulness. Perhaps that day would come again, but for now, something here seemed missing or out of place, it weighed upon Atka’s shoulders though it was not his place to take on such a burden, for surely he knew not the stories of these wolves, nor the saga of this place.
It was clear however, that this lone female alpha had met with severe misfortune, as she struggled to stand, old war injuries and experience knowing of that façade of strength she wished to display, and who was he to mistrust it? He was but a mere loner seeking refuge in hopes of a new way of life, for the stars had dictated it and his heart had longed for it. He watched her carefully, not wishing to overstep his bounds yet eagerly took on her scent swapping embrace, taking heed not to brush against her too hard as he took on her signature perfume. He did not stray far from her side, but reclined into a sitting position as well.
“Thank you Larka, it is gracious of you to accept me in your home. And if I can offer you any assistance to your burden you need but ask. Your injuries must weigh heavily on you while caring for your pups.”
Of course he could not know that they were not her own, and simply assumed her mate to be away with the rest of the pack and that she had strangely been left here with the young ones. The act seemed odd, but he would not question such things for it would be out of his place. He gazed at her quietly for a time, taking her in as he breathed a sigh of relief at finding at last a place to call home.
“ I am glad my journey has ended here, for it has been a long arduous one. Is there many wolves in this land that answer your call?”
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 22, 2009 20:19:35 GMT -5
Larka smiled wearily at his questions, for the subject pained her greatly, but he was new, and would not know such things.
These pups are not my own. In fact, two of them arrived stranded on my border earlier this same day. the third- She indicated the larger pup that was nestled near her chest -is Polaris. Her mother came into my lands and died of a crippling illness shortly after birthing her.
her gaze grew sad as she remembered, and was even more somber as she spoke again.
As for a mate, I have none. I have birthed two litters of pups, both fathers vanished without a trace. only two young remain. I feel as if I am cursed...destined to forever be alone.
She was surprised at herself, for revealing so much to such a new member, but she was alone, and he seemed willing to listen where no one else was.
There are few. Less than a dozen if my memory serves me. Even my Beta is gone. There is an older disgruntled wolf named Carrick, two females named zena and Cloud, my daughter Kira, my son Lorkan...the pups Polaris Ember and Kesh..ahh and the dark colored male who went off with my son and Cloud-Surulian is his name. so there are now 11 of us, including you. The new blood is very welcome-we seem to have been caught in a wandering rut, the pack splintered for some time...it is a long tale, I do not wish to bore you.
What of your own story? Where do you hail from? What is your past?
She laid down around the two female pups to keep them warm while she glanced over at Kesh with gentle eyes, always watching over them. Her warm gaze returned to his cool one, the pained look that always seemed to dominate her golden orbs was replaced with a thin varnish of curiosity, and the genuine comfort at having another there with her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 22, 2009 21:02:08 GMT -5
A T K A [/color]
Everything about this ghostly female spoke of a melancholy infinite sadness, her song was not one of enchantment though it was no less alluring, it foretold of heartache and endless pain. His sympathized with such a pain, and though his own scars that nestled upon his heart where not that of love, for the male had never experienced such tender things.. Never had he been given a chance, he knew what it was to grieve. Her sadness seemed to wrap its way around his throat, traverse his larynx and slip down into the pit of his stomach and grip him.
"I am sorry to have brought up these memories that plague you, it was not my intention to make you sad. Please forgive my curiosity? As for me I come from an island not far from this one, in fact I swam here in order to find a new way of life. You see my home is a barbaric one, and though my father was not of the same ilk, he was forced to resort to extreme measure in order to protect his family. I stood beside him as his beta for the last three years, attempting to protect our lands and the pups born to my pack mates. Survival though, in a place of war such as the Korsek Pass is not for the weak, and those who do not embrace the ways of a barbarian parish. In time my father forgot the ways of our ancestry, and …"
He paused momentarily, realizing he was rambling on about a story he had vowed to leave behind. But if this wolf, his new leader, had chosen to reveal a part of herself to him, he would do the same.
"… Well let’s just say the wolf I knew him to be slowly vanished. I could no longer support his ventures, and I no longer knew those around me. For once I found myself a stranger in my own home. It was perhaps the hardest thing I had ever done to leave those I cared for, but I left… and I followed the stars, letting them direct my path. The tide brought me here, and the skies, to these forests. And so here I find myself amongst strangers yet again, but I refuse to abandon hope. It would seem that you have a healthy numbered pack on the rise to greatness. Perhaps the sorrow in your eyes … maybe time will heal your pain as I hope it will heal my own.?"
He knew immediately he had spoken out of place, but hoped she would know he meant no ill will and that his words had been spoken genuinely. He did not like to see anyone suffer, not of the heart, nor body, nor soul.
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 22, 2009 21:41:24 GMT -5
Larka listened to his story intently, knowing the feeling of seeing someone change so drastically over time, to the point where you can hardly recognize what you once knew... Carrick's image flashed before her orbs, and she almost shook her crania violently to rid herself of the image.
Do not fear my wrath, dear Atka. Though I have been wounded, it has not made me bitter. In fact, it has kept me a gentle soul, for bitter misery breeds naught but more suffering onto others. It was wise of you to have left for such noble reasons. I believe I would have done the same. As for my sufferings, wounds of the heart may be healed if there is some brightness to strive towards.
She looked away from him then, almost shyly, averting her attention to gaze over the pups, ensuring their safety before she resumed her speech.
You are not entirely among strangers, for in me you have found a friend, I can promise you that, at least
She smiled gently, her golden gaze meeting his azure one in the understanding of an almost kindred spirit.
|
|
|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 22, 2009 22:13:06 GMT -5
A T K A [/color]
Strange how not only joy, but pain could bring those together who shared equally under the weight of wounds not easily forgotten. Though their paths had not crossed previously, and their pain was not related, they certainly held similarities that were unmistakable. Funny how fate deals the hands it does, testing those with the gentlest of hearts with tragedies of the soul. And should we endure? Should we trudge through the shadows like the slime of a bog in search of what may, someday, somehow be the breaking of sunlight? Though it might seem the harder route, Atka would search an eternity to find the light amidst the darkness. He was a child of the moonlight yes, akin to the night sky. But his heart was as light as the hummingbird that soars across horizons. He sought for the good in all things and would fight to the death for what was right. That made him an old soul surely, but that was the way of his father, before he had lost himself to the ways of the world, it had been his grandfather’s teachings, and those before him. Some may say his chivalry was archaic and overdone. But alas, this was who he was. He would not say however, that he was not flawed. For he had made his share of mistakes as anyone had. And he was just as ashamed to admit it as they would be to. But his lack of perfection was made up for in heart, for he had a heart the size of the heavens if only he had someone to share it with.
Awkwardly at first, he met her gaze, unsteady at just then and yet soon stabilized, he held it, soft ceruleans clutching her wounded eyes that sought desperately for absolution. She was a beautiful creature, and he could not understand why any would have left her side. She did not seem an unkind creature, infect she seemed much like himself. Of course that could not say much on his behalf, for none had ever approached him in search of his heart. Had he some sort of defect that pushed females away? Or perhaps it had been his rigorous devotion to his father and rank. He had attempted to brush the idea away for years and only now it began to haunt him again.
“If I have found a friend, all my heartache has been well worth it Larka.”
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 22, 2009 22:37:14 GMT -5
Larka's orbs would have spilled tears if they were able, for at that moment such a great upwelling of repressed...love and joy tied a knot in her chest so that she was unable to answer him. Finally she spoke, her voice a bit thick with the emotions running rampant within her heart.
So long...so very long has it been since kind words were spoken to me...Atka, you are truly a blessing to my soul. For in those few words you have healed some of the damage, lessened some of the pain. I suppose It has been so long that I assumed my life would be one of silent agony, while my gentle soul led my pack alone...
She ached so desperately for the loneliness to be quelled within her once and for all, but she was one who had suffered too many times to assume that this male would stick around. Even though he seemed so different...he too could vanish before her very eyes...
Are you going to be like the others? A few sweet words, my heart within your paws...and then you vanish without a trace...?
Her thoughts were evident in her golden gaze as she could not meet his own, for fear that those same thoughts would be written there, to mock her yet again...leaving her soul ever more barren
|
|
|
|
Post by Saosin on Oct 25, 2009 19:32:58 GMT -5
A T K A [/color]
He was uncertain why any, and even more so how many, could have left this wolf’s side. Ah but he could not pretend to know the stories that were not his own, for they had been written in a time before he graced this landscape. But he grieved for her, oh how he grieved. That wary look of emotional defeat that hung so heavily in her eyes was heart shattering. Let us not confuse his interest as pity though, for never would he project himself the way he was as merely an act of pity. He did not pity Larka, but he did feel her pain, and was sorry that she had had to have experienced such heartaches as she had. Perhaps in time she might lend him the knowledge of her woes, so that he might better understand that broken look in her gaze.
But enough of this, she did not need more sorrowful looks and tales of overcast skies. Perhaps he could show her his world, not his home of course, but the light in which he gazed upon this word with. The essence that drove his soul through the darkness and paraded in the light. He shifted then, drawing up nearer to her and rubbed a soft pallid muzzle against her neck in a soft embrace. A gentle lick is given of that moist pink tongue across her own muzzle before addressing her in a rather soft, tender tone.
“ Dearest Larka, do not be wary and sad, it breaks my heart to see that look in your eyes. Life has too much to offer to dwell in these shadows. And you .. You are far too beautiful to be swept away in those shadows.”
His words, they seemed as though he was trying to woo her. But quite the contrary. A compliment is needed where it is deserved. And the way life was weighing on her at the moment, she needed to be reminded that it wouldn’t rain all the time.
[/font][/color] Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars
[/font][/color][/center] |
|
|
|
Post by Kaziph on Oct 25, 2009 21:04:38 GMT -5
He had to keep his heart in his mouth as he swept into the clearing and found a strange male with his jaws much too close to Larka's neck for comfort. A snarl sounded from him, and even as he issued it he realized that the white female was relaxed and lapping up the attention like a yearling that finally had caught the one she'd been padding after for moons. Carrick stalked forward with his mane bristling, and even though he was now an older wolf he found he was still larger than this handsome new brute.
His stance wasn't so much a challenge as disgruntled disgust. How could you, Larka, let a stranger so near to you? Especially after she'd be wounded not days before! And with cubs at her side! No wonder her cubs had all left, if that was her mentality about protecting them. He found himself picturing Zena in the same situation, and was inwardly pleased that he thought the younger dusty female wouldn't take such risks.
Even though he stood there, so angry he would fight the brute off - it was nothing personal, he didn't know the stranger... which was sort of the point - he held himself in check several meters away. He growled again, this time with less force or threat toward the new white wolf. He wasn't quite sure what to do, for apparently Larka had accepted him, but Carrick's eyes betrayed his growing dislike of Larka's policies. |
|
|
|
Post by Tay on Oct 25, 2009 21:59:02 GMT -5
[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow] Zena watched Carrick's flight through the forest for a moment. She wondered if the older brute still did have feelings for Larka, and here again she felt the twinge inside her chest. She issued a growl, mad at herself. Deciding she need to catch up, she turned the anger and focused it on the new male. If he had hurt Larka, though it may be Larka's own fault, more then reindeer blood would darken the ground of the clearing. Her golden orbs were alight with the possibilities of what the male could've done and she leapt forward to race after Carrick. However when she landed, a yelp was drawn from her muzzle and a stinging entered her paw. It was all she could do not to tumble to the ground. Great. She let out a bark of outrage, mad that she could not run to her leader’s side. The numbing of the river had worn off, and now her idiotic leap made it even harder to walk then before. She limped through the forest, irritated at herself and this loner, who she blamed for her current predicament. Think before you leap. The words echoed in her ears, and she scowled bitterly against the pain. Her limp was still better then when first inflicted, but this was a definite set back. She hobbled along, golden orbs bright with irritation and pain. She noticed Carrick's short cut, and walked through it. She managed to avoid two pieces of a thorn bush, for it looked as if Carrick had run through it. Despite her own pain she silently wondered if Carrick had hurt himself. She finally limped on to the scene, and her orbs shot around to all gathered. The male seemed at ease, as did Larka. Pups slept soundly at Larka's side. Though she felt relief, she also shook her head, her eyes narrowed on the loner often shot confused to Larka. Unable to protect the pups at your side, you invite a male loner to you, Larka? Why could you not have called for us? If only for the sake of the pups? She did not condone any loner near pups, and she figured it was just inbuilt instinct. She itched to drive the loner back a few paces, but it was not her place. She sighed. You have much luck, Larka. Zena managed, setting herself on the ground. Her paw now maintained a nice rhythmic throbbing, and she could not even manage to stumble to Carrick's side. She did not lay, however. Though Larka trusted this male she was still at edge from the panic she'd felt. |
|
|
|
Post by Amanda on Oct 25, 2009 22:36:16 GMT -5
Larka was startled by the tender touch, the fur along her spine prickling in a strange manner as some of the sorrow started to lift from her orbs as she leaned some of her weight lightly against him.
How is it, Atka, that you can compliment me so readily when my own pack mates shun and scorn me?...Beautiful? I am beautiful?
She looked down at her thick silvery white fur with a strange expression, as if seeing herself in a new light for the first time.
Shadows and sorrow...these things have clung to me for so very long...I was but a yearling when I was given this empty land to rule...I was beginning to wonder if I was curs-
Her intense golden gaze shot from dreamily gazing at her coat to the bristling Carrick and disproving Zena. Alow growl eminated from deep within her chest as her voice took on an acidic, bitter edge, with which she adressed the two who had come crashing into the clearing.
You would chastise your Alpha, Carrick? It is you who left your injured Alpha alone with three young pups to go romp with your plaything. Atka is a Ravilin wolf just as you are.
Larka refrained from speaking further, for she did not wish for a confrontation, but their accusing looks angered her greatly. She was no longer a yearling, the pups were fine, Atka had been a soothing balm to her wounded soul. The fur bristled along her haunches, making her look rather impressive as she sat next to Atka, her fur still gently brushing his, as if drawing courage from his very presence. Inside her heart was trembling, the healing Atka had begun to perform was quickly undone by Carrick's snarling muzzle and Zena's disproving gaze.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tay on Oct 25, 2009 22:49:12 GMT -5
[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow] Zena felt her anger rise and she fought to keep it in check. Plaything?! Do not forget Larka, that this plaything was only away from you to tend her own wounds. Wounds she recieved while attempting to help you survive the injury from that cow. Bitter tears shot to her orbs, and she shook her head. It was a great insult from the fem she'd looked up to as a pup. Jealousy is a very ugly thing, dearest Larka. The words were venom, spat out at the reclining fem. Not wishing to stay any longer, Zena glared at the loner and turned. The pain in her foot seemed to be gone, perhaps taken by the pain from her insult. She dashed off through the forest, tears beging to drip from her golden eyes. She ran off, deep into the forest leaving the insult behind. |
|
