Come By Thread

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Completely, blissfully unaware of events occurring all across the island, both tragic and menial, the large gray wolf made his way along the outskirts of a pack land. His nose had warned his early that the territory was claimed, and thus forbidden, but something drew him back each time he turned his broad shoulders away from the markers. He couldn't place what sense it was, but certainly there was a... thread... that kept his curious brown eyes trained on the distant woodlands.

His massive shape, akin to a bear from a distance, was unaccustomed to moving through the wooded topography. In the north, where he hailed from, the earth was open to the skies above and nothing blocked out the pale sunlight. If something had, surely those under the shadow would have frozen to death. The land there was harsh, the ways of living harsher still, but Sarvarni had not left for those reasons. He had long since meant to travel, to find out some delicate information about his past... and now, since his few ties up north had rather violently been shattered in the past year, he was wandering south in search of something that he wasn't even sure existed.

Regardless, the big brute hadn't a clue of what political machinations were happening right under his very nose, and so as he came to the edge of the pack's territory he was rather optimistic about his future. What clan wouldn't take a large beast like himself? He was loyal to a fault, honest and open, a good hunter and a strong protector. He was a good wolf to have on one's side. So Sarvarni sat, not calling out because the wind was against him. Whatever had brought him to the forest clan, whatever sweet scent he had caught on the markers that reminded him of home... it was enough to turn the tides of his fate.

[Tay]

Zena wandered the forest, blissfully unaware of the event happening with the clan. It would not surprise her when she learned of Larka mating with Atka. She'd just about predicted it when Larka had called to him, sending her and Carrick racing to protect her. This thought made her lip raise, and she snorted to the ground.Both Carrick and her should have known better. They could never protect Larka from herself.

Her yellow orbs searched through the trees and she brushed her side against a trunk. Her paw was doing marvelously better. It hadn't been a bad injury to begin with, but the events had stressed it more then it needed to be. She tried to be more light on that paw but not enough to give her a noticeable limp.

She had wandered over the to the beach, once her leg was better. Of course, by now, there was no scent. She now trot toward the border, hoping if Carrick had indeed gone outside the clan lands he might have returned. Or have been waiting for her.

Hoping against hope... She thought as she grew ever closer. The breeze picked up now. A scent was swept her way. Perhaps because she was searching so hard, she caught the familiarity. Her ears stood up, and her banner stuck out straight behind her. The rest of the scent was ignored, a mistake that couldn't be helped.

She inhaled the scent she'd grown so accustomed to, the scent she dreamed of smelling again. Her pillars were moving before she was even aware. She jumped from behind a tree, and caught a glimspe of the large wolf. Sitting on the border. Sitting...and waiting...

A whine escaped her maw, and she raced toward him. Carrick! Oh, I've searched for so long... Her muzzle buried itself in the side of his neck as soon as she reached him. A little more friendly then they'd greeted before but she didn't care. She was too happy to have him back...to happy to care-

This scent is wrong. This is not him. The scent is wrong.

She jerked back as if stung, her senses causing a brilliant red alarm to sound in her head. Her yellow orbs searched his face in vain, seeing the familiarity, seeing the wrongness. She sat stunned for a moment, her dreams crushed. Then she was on her feet, defensively staring at the brute.

She must have been mistaken...the scent had tricked her. She was wrong. She'd been so sure but she was wrong. I..am sorry. I mistook you for someone else... Her orbs seared over his facade. So right...and so wrong. She must be insane. Smelling scents that weren't true.

I...apologize, again. I...I am Zena. Something kept her from turning tail and fleeing into the sheltered shadows of the trees. The brute wouldn't be able to follow, but she stayed. Who are you?

(OOC: Slightly G-M for a second. Would you like me to fix that Kaz? I wasn't sure if it would bother you or not. I'll be happy to fix it if it does. Just let me know.)

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

He was, needless to say, in utter shock for several moments after the rather embarrassing scene. The large brute had heard the other's approach, had turned to stand and face them in greeting - only to be greeted with the affection that one sees between mates or extremely close friends. Sarvarni stood, bewildered, as the pretty she-wolf staggered back away from him. He read the confusion in her eyes, and knew before she spoke that she had guessed him to be someone else. His pulse quickened with hope. Could she have thought...?

His brown eyes, so warm and kind compared to many others with saffron or blue, gently took in her appearance better as she continued to back away. It is quite fine, although I wonder at who you could have mistaken me for, seeing as how my size usually distinguishes me from others. There was a soft humor in his voice, a cub-like sweetness that hadn't quite been taken away as he aged and matured. Zena, is it? he continued, trying not be rude or brass, or worse, startle her further. It is a pleasure. My name is Sarvarni, and I am from the north. Do you... he paused, awkwardly. Are you a part of this clan? Her scent was distinctly of the woodlands, but it was almost too faint for him to tell.[/color][/font]

[Tay]

Zena did not wish to speak Carrick's name, or to truly explain her behavior. She wished to start searching again. Afraid that if she stood around talking with this brute, who she was forcing herself to see looked nothing liked Carrick. He began to talk, and she exhaled slightly, only just then realizing she'd stopped breathing when her senses sent her hope crashing upon her.

She flicked an ear toward the forest behind her, but did not turn or bid him farewell. She'd been impolite and rude enough. She'd salvage the situation somewhat if not for her own pride, then for first impression's sake. She ignored his first statement, and nodded politely to the second. She couldn't help but prick her ears at the word: North.

Sarvarni...Your name almost tastes of the North. I...was once from the North as well. She looked him over, dismissing him for anyone she'd known. He was not a white-wolf. He was not of her clan. She smiled, slightly, seeing the irony of him also hailing from the North. Like her...and Carrick.

I am of the Ravilin. She almost chuckled at the words. She did not feel of the Ravilin as a true pack wolf should. I am a poor pack wolf. I like to be alone and think. That is why it is hard to smell my packmates. You wish to join the Clan I take it? She wouldn't tell him of the complicated pack matters. He would find out on his own.

If you don't mind my prying, may I ask what brought you here? To the Island, or to this Clan? She was curious, perhaps because he was from the North, perhaps because when she looked at him something was making her think of Carrick. Either way, she'd asked. Her golden orbs looked over the loner
brute before her.

He is a handsome brute, how does he not have a mate at his side? She startled her self with this thought, and she shook it away quickly, waiting for his answer.

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Sarvarni was almost overwhelmed as she spoke, for the fem had a lot to say in a short manner. He remained quiet, letting her speak and ask questions which she didn't give him time to answer. He thought it was adorable how she continued on, obviously bothered by her mistake and wanting to be elsewhere. That's interesting, he rumbled, amused. All of it was interesting. Her spending her time alone explained why her scent lacked a solidified clan smell. And yes, I think I may wish to join this clan. He looked away from her, into the trees in the distance. Something here... it calls to me. Whether it's scent or sight or sound, I do not know.

The large wolf shifted his mass to the side, considering how to answer her question. How was he to know who to tell his story to? Wouldn't it be strange for him to announce his reasons, his history, for coming to this place? There was something missing in his life, and he needed to know it - face him. The brute who had left. Sarvesh had raised him, his uncle. Yet when the black wolf had died Sarvarni had stayed as a loner for a few seasons, which quickly turned into years. Now, though, it was time for him to find some answers.

So warily he answered her. I came here looking for something, someone actually. His dark eyes narrowed as he considered what to say. A wolf that I know but don't, in all honesty, actually know. I hope to find him, and tell him exactly what I think of his actions. He didn't consider the other's side of the story. He was rather short-sighted on that particular issue, even though normally he would be generous when it came to accepting an apology. When he glanced back to Zena his eyes were burning. It wasn't the fiery blaze of anger and wrath, but rather it was more familiar, perhaps, burning embers which, at little provocation, could erupt into a ferocious wildfire.

[Tay]

Zena turned to stare at the trees when he did. She looked at the trees, and knew how they seemed to call to her. To lay amongst their roots and listen to their whispering. It was one of the few 'voices' she did not shrink away from. The trees, perhaps. She said without thinking. She doubt few wolves, if any would understand the way she loved the trees. She'd never thought about it before, but maybe it steemed from her Northern heritage. Where the trees and had few and far between.

His words about looking for someone struck her, and the way his orbs lit up like... something on fire. For the first time she noticed the familiar color. It was all too much. First she mistook his scent, and size for him. Then, she couldn't shake the feeling. The weirdness of feeling like they'd met before. Now, he was looking for someone? And a male at that?

Her orbs took on a seriousness, and she tilt her head. Who is it you look for? Atka? Faris? Rhys? She could think of no more, but the one. The one she knew it would be. The one she sought. She knew without knowing that Carrick would be the name to fall from his maw, and she knew she didn't want to hear the name from his mouth. it would be scornful, or angry. So she took a few steps toward him, golden orbs meeting his well known eyes.

It is Carrick you seek, is it not Sarvarni? Her tone was tender, and confused but mostly awed. You are his son. She shook her head, knowing that she'd not let herself admit the idea.

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Sarvari's eyes narrowed and he shook his head as she listed the first few names. Atka, Faris Rhys. He didn't those sounds, those words which signified a creature residing within the forest. What she said next, though, brought him up short. The massive wolf, a shadow of his parent, lifted his head and stiffened, his body tensed like a spring. How could she know? How... unless, perhaps this was the reason she had greeted him so warmly? Had the brute taken another mate?

His voice, when he spoke, was thick with emotion. I seek him, yes. The wolf who I have never known, yet for him that I exist. Varni lowered his head again, eyes once more narrowing. Are you his mate? A fang slid out from under his upper lip, threatening unconsciously. He wouldn't hurt Zena, but she didn't know that. He jerked away from the fem, knowing that it would probably hurt her emotionally, and leapt back several paces, keeping his distance.

Is this why I felt drawn here? Is it fate that I am to find him so easily? He swung his head back around to face the she-wolf. Forgive me, you have given me something of a shock. I did not expect to find him so easily.

[Tay]

Zena watched the brute react, knowing it would not be pretty. She found herself thankful that he had not said Carrick's name. This Sarvarni did not know Carrick, he admit it himself, the name would fall from his lips as if it were something disgusting. It would be tarnished and stained when it hit her ears, and she did not wish Carrick's name to be soiled so, not without defense.

The dagger that was exposed to her brought no reaction. She could easily turn to the forests and run from him. Were he dense enough to follow, not only would she have the home advantage but the pack would descend upon him. If not for the distant pack-mate Zena, then for the safety of the Clan itself. He jerked away from her, and she felt sorrow for the loss of his closeness.

She took a step toward him, sighed, and then sat once more. She would not press his boundaries, despite the fact that she wanted to press him for any and all information she could get on Carrick's past. No, do not judge me so readily, Sarvarni. I am not your Father's mate. I am merely a... friend of his. She wasn't sure exactly what she was to Carrick. Friend, however, did not seem to even be the tip of the iceberg.

Don't be shocked, either. I have not made anything easy on you. He is not here. Or...if he is...I know not where. I was looking for him, you see. That is why....I made such a fool of myself. I am probably the only real friend Carrick has in this forest. I think...perhaps...you should tell me of the Carrick you, as you say, know without knowing. Then I will tell you of what happened while he was here. Of the Carrick I know. Her golden orbs searched his face.

That is an offer inside a request, my friend. I would love to know your story, and you Father's. If you wish to remain unknowing, I will leave you that way. As you can leave me. She rose to her feet again, and tilt her head at him. Your Mother was a beautiful fem, wasn't she? I can see him on you...but other parts are not him. The comment was odd, for Zena wasn't feeling quite right. She felt as if she was in a dream. Sarvarni's appearence had shocked her greatly.

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Sarvari took up pacing, his eyes remaining on the gray wolf's form just inside the pack's borders. He didn't know what to say to her. She wasn't his mate, but certainly there was a connection there more powerful than friendship, just judging by the she-wolf's actions. Again, he was confused but interested. Carrick didn't have hardly any friends? Well, he was inclined to say that didn't surprised him, but not all of Sarvesh's words about Carrick had been foul. There had been days of good friendship between the large wolf he sought and his uncle... before everything that happened in the open lands.

In truth, he replied to her query about his dam, I didn't know her. She died, I was told, only hours after giving birth to my litter. There was too much blood lost, and she was weakened from the circumstances surrounding my conception. The large wolf paused his steps, looking to Zena. I doubt I know any more about him than you. I will take your knowledge and give you mine, then, what little use it may be to you.

He stepped closer to her again, this time less tense. What I know of him comes from my uncle, my mother's brother. The depths of his eyes shifted, remembering. There was no use in telling her of the strange rituals of the north. He would edit his story for simplicity's sake. They were from different clans, Carrick and my mother. They mated when they were not supposed to, and as a result they lost their families. Carrick would not be accepted into my mother's clan, and she would not live without the father of her cubs. So they left together to go out into the open lands, territory that is barely livable. Few loners stay there successfully. They would have both died if not for Sarvesh, who went with them for his sister's sake. As it was, when time came for the cubs - me and my sister - to be born, she was so weak from malnutrition that she could not cope with the loss of blood she underwent during the difficult process.

There was no pain in his eyes, nothing reflecting any sense of loss. He hadn't known her, so the story of her death would never touch him like it had touched his uncle. That telling had been hard to sit through, years ago. I was told Carrick went mad with his sorrow, and didn't even stay the hour after her death. He and my uncle fought, and then he ran off and didn't look back. Sarvesh never saw him again, and I have never known him either. Sarvesh believed, though, he said more quietly, as though not sure what to think of this redeeming factor, that Carrick didn't even know his children had survived. He thought, perhaps, that we had died with her. There was some hope in that for his parent.

That's all I know him. There was more of his own personal story, like how he had survived in the terrible bleak land in the north, but Zena had not asked for it. The massive wolf brought his eyes away from the fem and back into the forest, wondering where his sire really was. He wondered, too, what he was like.

[Tay]

Zena listened to the story she'd heard before, a different version...and this one had an ending. She sighed, and looked to Sarvarni again. I'm sorry, Sarvarni. I did not know. I have heard that story before though. Carrick attempted to tell it to me, but, we were...interrupted. She shook her head, angry at Larka's actions still.

She'd forgiven the fem, but that did not make her any less angry at her actions. I only knew that Lanessa had grown weak...I assumed both she and the...and you died. Though, at the time I had no idea of you. I...cannot say if Carrick knew of you. I'd like to think though, he didn't know you'd survived.

She watched his orbs shift to the forest, and then sat again, she watched the ground before her paws. She all she'd been doing is sitting and rising and rising and sitting. She couldn't help it though. She didn't know how to treat the brute before her. May I call you Sar, for short, Sarvarni? She let her orbs raise to his, pausing only a moment for his answer.

I am younger than your Father. She started her tale, though it wasn't much of a tale in truth. So I came to this Clan after your Father did. I know...the lead female and he...they have some history. From what I can tell, she wanted to be his mate, or loved him anyway. I know not if he refused her, or if there was another fem, though I doubt that. Either way, he and Larka, the Alphess, haven't really gotten along since. She paused, considering where to take the story.

When I came to the forest, I didn't see much of Carrick. The pack was strong...and together. For a moment...I actually felt right with others at my side. Then, it was gone. I went of into the North of the forest. I wished to learn the sounds. I explored the lands there... She stopped, realizing she'd begun to tell more of her tale and less of Carrick's.

One day, I was headed back from my...soul vacation, I suppose. I was greeted by a large and handsome wolf. He told me the Clan had grown apart, and he wished to bring it back together. I was overjoyed. She glanced down to the ground, again, remembering that day. How young Carrick had been...how young she had been.

He sent out a howl, to call the Clan. Some did come...and then...then Larka came. With fury. She was angry we'd...we'd tried to take her place I suppose. She was angry she had not been the one to try and pull her own clan back together. I think that is where our friendship started. Later...some things happened between Faris and Carrick. Faris ended up mated to Larka...and I think this broke one of Carrick's few friendships. she didn't bother to explain who Faris was.

Your Father left for a while...right before Faris and Larka. I think perhaps Larka may have made Faris choose. He came back and I found him. We talked and I told him of what had happened. Then we explored the woods together. He took me to a beach...and we raced together. Happy, and laughing. He needed that. He needed to be free. She stare at the ground, seeing the two of them racing to the old dead log. Him beating her. She smiled, her orbs msity. She shook herself out of it.

Your Father was nice to me. He was a good friend, when one remained a true and loyal friend. We left the beach, to search for water. Larka had called, saying their was a carcass. Saying we could eat. We didn't need to. We were full. We went our own way, and then she came. She threw a fit at Carrick. I think of it now...and...she was always so unfair to him. She almost had him removed from the Clan. He left again. She shook her head.

I don't remember when...or if he returned. I'm not sure he really left that time, though. When I next saw him enough to mention...he helped to save Larka from being crushed by a dying Caribou. I was injuried and afterward he helepd me to a stream to wash my paw. Larka called to a lone male, and let him in. She was injuried, and couldn't move. We were afraid for her, and ran back to her.

She was fine, with a loner male seated at her side. She accepted him, and yelled at us for questioning her. She insulted me...and I ran. Carrick chased me, and calmed me. We had to call them to us...and he couldn't stand to be around her. I've been looking for him since my paw healed. She sighed, and shook her head. That loner is your new Alpha male, by the way. She wasn't sure why she added these words, but she did.

That is what I know of Carrick. He was nice, and kind. Though Larka seemed to try and stop his happiness every chance she got. Zena suddenly wondered if perhaps Larka had mate with Faris purely to disrupt Carrick's friendship. Her trip through the past had not been good for her.

You said you had a sister...does she live too? The question came from nowhere, but she'd wanted to fulfill her part of the bargain first.

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Before her story began, Sarvarni had brought his attention back to Zena. He too had noticed her rising and sitting, but then, this was an awkward meeting. He didn't think less of her for twitching so much. He smiled when she offered to call him Sar but shook his head. Most that I have called friends know me as Varni. You may call me that, if you wish. When she began to speak, he nodded and copied her actions, this time sitting.

The story was longer than he had expected, and although there was indeed trouble surrounding Carrick, Sarvarni found that his father didn't seem all to blame. His eyes narrowed as he listened to the stories Zena had to share, and he found some solace in that his sire was kind... or at least this femme said as much. He wondered at how much pain Carrick's life seemed to hold, and it saddened him. That emotion was surprising, since he didn't come looking for his father to bond with him. He had just longed to know what had indeed happened to him, and here was all the information he needed.

It seems like his life has been full of sorrows, doen't it? His dark brown eyes, a copy of his heritage, blinked slowly. First my mother, and then he came to this place and found nothing better. I wonder if he has ever gotten past what happened before. He would have to be a strong wolf to have done so. These thoughts made him waver, trying to decide what he himself would now do. He had come, after all, for two reasons. Varni had sought information first and foremost on Carrick; the second reason had been more homely. His ties up north had been cut rather quickly off, and having nothing else to remain there for, he had come looking for a new home.

The brute's maw quirked up at the side when she mentioned this brute, apparently Larka's new mate, to be his new alpha male. Hardly, he grumbled, his voice deepening with laughter. No one rules my fates as of yet. I haven't seen an alpha here, which makes me wonder at the ability of the clan. His tassel curled around his haunches as he inhaled the air, testing to make certain there were no others nearby.

Her question about his sister caught him off guard, and he winced before he could stop himself. Er, yes, she lives. He recalled her bright eyes glaring challengingly into his own as they argued not so long ago. She stayed in the north, though. She was never overly concerned about finding out what happened to our blood father. Changing the subject, he continued on. Can you tell me, how many clans are there on this island? I haven't traveled it enough to know but the scent boundaries of this one.

[Tay]

Varni it is then. Zena smiled slightly, at the brute. His next statement earned a slow nod. The truth in Varni's statement was something she'd always thought been aware of. She hated it. Yes...He has had many sorrows.

She looked over her shoulder once more. Wishing Carrick would suddenly appear from the forest. He was a protective brute. She knew he liked to keep loners from the forest. What would he make of Sarvarni, though? Had he known of his son and daughter?

Zena looked back to Varni, a smile playing over her face too. I am sorry, Varni. I only went on the assumption you were still joining. She thought a moment. I would be careful of this forest, were I you. It has not been kind to Carrick and while you are not him, I cannot truly say you would get treated as such. Her golden orbs met his, and she was sickened at the truth of this statement as well.

I cannot say for sure, of course. Do not take my word for it. She glanced back to the forest. Larka and Atka are most likely looking for a den, or just running together. She shrugged. Larka means well, I think. She shook her head, and looked back to Sarvarni at his next answer. So Carrick has a daughter as well... She thought Sarvarni looked like he would have rather had his Sister with him, and Zena wondered if she would ever come looking too.

A smirk flashed across her face at his next question, and she chuckled. Don't tell me I've turned you away? I thought I made this forest sound oh so appealing. She smiled again, then turned her head toward the Kameskai. There is another Clan. Just one. Mountain wolves.

She gestured toward the general direction of the Clan. I don't know much of them. The last time I was near their border they had scent markers out, showing they were drawing together again. Perhaps with so few trees, their clan does not get so easily separated... She thought, wondering just what the Kameskai Clan was like.

[Kaziph]

S A R V A R N I

Sarvarni shook his head, laughing at Zena's quirky statements about the forest. Truly, you've made me consider my options more carefully, perhaps. He scented the air again, making certain there were no others close enough to overhear him or read his body language. There were none. He then leaned in closer to the fem, his voice quieter now and eyes more serious. Let us keep this information between us, Zena. I do not believe that I wish for them to know my heritage if things are so bad here for it. He straightened up, looking more open and friendly again as he sat on the loner's side of the markers.

I don't know about the mountain wolves here, but up north they are all a tough lot. Mountain clans, all of them, are... barbaric in some ways. He smiled, and the laughter easily reached his warm chocolate hued orbs. Perhaps they are kinder, here though... He looked away from the fem again, tasting the air for readings of another's approach. If the alphas did actually show up, he wasn't about to let them catch him in so open a position. He would drop and make himself humbled, for Varni had never had an over large ego, even if he decided he didn't want to join them.

As it was, though, he was hesitant about joining the forest. It didn't show in any of his features, but in the back of his mind he questioned himself. Should he join simply because he hoped to see and speak to this Carrick, his father? Was it worth the promise of his abilities to protect the clan? He looked to Zena again, and saw in her pretty face some of the traits he thought his father must have seen in her, to make them so close. She was pretty, and actually closer to Varni's age. He exhaled, though, discarding any romantic ideas toward her... he wasn't the type to encroach on another's property, let alone another's potential mate.

[Amanda]

Larka had left Atka at the den, telling him to explore and become familiar with the area. she had patrolled and marked the den so heavily that he couldn't have lost his way if he tried. It had been too long that zena had remained at the borders with the loner she had faintly scented.

Why hasn't she brought the wolf to me? Does she hate me that much? I know we have a rocky past but still...

Her golden gaze took on a worried sheen as she loped quickly to the borders, her belly not yet crippling her. Arriving at the borders she saw the loner was a large brute, and some of her anxiety released itself once she realized that Zena was unharmed. Her voice was friendly as she held her crania and plume proudly at rank, her golden gaze locking with the somehow familiar warm chocolate of his orbs. She couldn't place it, not right away at least.

I am Larka, the Alpha of the Ravilin Forest Clan. What do you call yourself, and what brings you to my homeland?

No snarl muddled her features, no hardness was seen in her orbs. If Zena had been comfortable enough with the loner for all this time, than he must be alright. but it still sent a twinge up her spine as she wondered why Zena had not brought the loner to her.

[Tay]

Zena didn't get a chance to answer before Larka arrived. Her orbs went wide a second, worried the fem would recognize Varni's heritage. She didn't seem to however, and Zena felt some tension slip from her. She smiled to Sarvarni, taking a step forward.

I'm sorry I did not bring him to you Larka...I did not know how far within the clan you and Atka were...and...with pups coming I didn't want to risk angering you. Zena's ears slid back in an embarrassed fashion. We started talking...and...I just lost track of time. She glanced back to the border, her banner waving slightly.

He never crossed the border, and he's very nice. She looked to Varni, deciding to let him introduce himself. Her golden orbs roamed the Alphess's form. Her bellyful was showing, and Zena wondered how many Larka would deliver. She felt a piece of her longing, and it shocked her. She'd never before wanted pups.