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Post by Amanda on Sept 9, 2010 18:50:28 GMT -5
Larka limped painfully back into her lands, the matted blood and dirt staining her pristine white coat was testament enough to what had happened. Carrick's howl had lured her, and things had gone downhill from there. Lowering herself wearily to her haunches she let a long, loud, and still proud howl echo throughout her lands. I have returned, do any remain?Whimpering softly, she curled into a tight ball, trying in vain to groom the blood and dirt from her wounds. What a long, strange journey she had taken...
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Post by Kaziph on Sept 9, 2010 21:20:55 GMT -5
She moved like a ghost through the forest, paws leaving soft indentations in the earth as she passed. Time had flowed as the seasons passed, and before she knew it, Cloud had roamed under the trees another full year of her life. She was now six years old, but the same youthful exuberance sparkled from deep within her puppy-blue eyes, and her face was still set in a pleasant smile. Real clouds might change, but this Cloud was a static fixture in the forest.
Her ears pricked when Larka's call sounded, and immediately she changed course. It didn't take her long to reach her leader's side, and her eyes flickered easily over Larka's frame before she spoke. Larka, my friend! Wherever have you been? Cloud moved to the white female's shoulder and touched her muzzle to her nape, comfortingly.
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Post by Saosin on Sept 10, 2010 0:20:42 GMT -5
[bgcolor=#71b5e6] 
He would not lie. The past year had been a trying one on the porcelain wolf who once held galaxies in his eyes. They seemed older now though… surpassing the mere year that he had spent without the warmth of his mate at his side… they seemed ancient, and a bit cold. The onslaught of the winter months and the hormones that brought on had thickened his luscious coat and he once again seemed overly burly and robust. But should he not have already been the hue of freshly fallen snow, a graying of his muzzle might have shown. Not that he had limped into elder years no… but a graying from stress and the dyeing of one’s soul. For surely where a brilliant flame had once billowed, no drew only the slightest of flickers. His heart had withered with time and the passing of hollowed days when hope seemed but a silhouette playing shadow games with his heart. Hr missed her… had had always missed her… and longed to know… to have some sort of closure… but there had been none. And so they had existed in her absence, him and the remainder of the Ravilin pack, but they were forever changed. And when her sweet though labored voice rose up through the trees, he instantly dismissed it as an echoing memory and winced against the emotions it caused. But yet that had not the familiar tone of his dreams, for her voice told of pain and strife… an altogether new tone that frightened him and excited him all at once as he came to the realization that it was her… truly her. He rushed without hesitation, moving as fast as his limbs could carry him, scrambling over rocks and fallen trees, through the labyrinth of forestry. Already the soft white female Cloud accompanied her, but his limbs did not cease until he was at her side, opposite of Cloud, concern and joy overwhelming his speech. “Larka… my love… I thought I would never… oh love what had become of you…”
Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars |
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Post by Amanda on Sept 10, 2010 13:18:42 GMT -5
Larka beat the ground with her thick plume in the only show of ecstasy that did not cause her pain. She nuzzled Cloud affectionately, as if she had feared she would never again see that smiling face.
turning as her beloved white behemoth came charging into the clearing she thrust her face into the nape of his neck, as if she would mold herself into him so as to never be separated again.
"There is so much to say, but there is no time...how have you both fared? where are my children that do not know me?
Larka's golden orbs showed plainly the irony and hatred that she felt for her situation. several generations of pups she had born, and each was marked with some sort of tragedy or abnormality of situation because of her.
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Post by Kaziph on Sept 10, 2010 13:28:32 GMT -5
Cloud glanced up at Larka's eyes, again filled with a familiar sorrow that never seemed to leave the alpha female. When Atka's massive frame came tearing into the clearing, she half bounced excitedly and spun around. Together again, then. Now, she missed Surulian and Lorkan. Wondering idly where they were now, Cloud let her muzzle open and tongue roll forth in the chill autumn air. Who shall come, do you think?
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Post by Saosin on Sept 10, 2010 19:20:58 GMT -5
[bgcolor=a4d7f2]
Had he ever heard her howl? Atarax strained to remember what the mere voice of his mother sounded like. He could grasp the softness of the tone but could not revel in the clarity of her tone. The months had spanned for too long since he had last seen her, heard her, felt the brush of her warm nose against his own. She had gone from his side and from his life truthfully, like a finch who has left the nest to find another, and perhaps in his young mind, that was exactly what she had done. But the young white wolf who had grown so very much in her and his father’s image, had taken these events in stride. Perhaps it was the excitement of growing up and all the adventures which came with it that had seen him through with little impending depression. So very much in contrast with his father who had taken Larka’s absence harshly. But when Atarax had heard that howl... almost mournful and pained, he had considered if that had been her, who else would sound so dominating and yet sad within their territory boundaries. And so he had followed the pathway it seemed to paint within the forest, meandering at a curious pace, no more and no less, and soon found the scent of both his father and Cloud lingering near as well. Perhaps his assumptions had been correct. His pace quickened slightly, ears perked forward with interest. He had been wandering as was his way as of late, searching out the boundaries of this great land so that he knew them in detail. Somewhere along the way his sister had trailed off on her own, but that too he had become accustomed to. She did not seek company as he did, and proffered the quietness of the lower meadows then his ravaging adventures. He met with the party slowly easing himself into the gathering, giving Cloud a playful nip at her flank before his eyes met with his mothers, and he knew at once that it was her. Curiosity turned into concern at once yet he did not move forward, he seemed stuck in his stance. “Mother…..?”
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Post by Amanda on Sept 10, 2010 19:38:20 GMT -5
Larka removed her elegant muzzle from the depths of Atka's thick white fur to rest her intense golden gaze upon the frame of lanky but growing son whom she hardly knew. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as if loud noises might send him back into the forest.
Atarax, my dear son. look at how you have grown...
Larka's voice trailed away as she became overwhelmed with emotion.
Never again will I leave these forests, I will give my very last breath to stay by my family's side...
Her intense golden gaze held an overwhelming complexity of emotions and depth, but the most prominent was an astounding ocean and love; and a great deal of pain from the seeping gash in her side. She did not move to clean the wound, but stood regally, crania and plume thrust high and proud.
Yes, she was older, but her vigorous life in the forest and her will to survive left her far from limping into old age. she met the challenge with teeth bared and head thrown high.
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Post by Saosin on Sept 10, 2010 19:56:23 GMT -5
[bgcolor=000000]  Arian was by definition of actions, and by way of her heart, a loner. She did not yearn to be in the loner lands per say, to be honest she hadn’t given the idea much thought. But she did not long to be in the company of the others for very long, shall we say she was not the social butterfly her brother tended to be. Then again, he was always off on some adventure, being one with the land, and some such. She was a willowy ghost of a girl, Arian was, and she did not seek out to be a rough and tough adventurer. She enjoyed the silence of the trees, and the listless blowing of the breeze. She often could be found traversing the far eastern cliffs of their territory, as well as the isle itself, where ruthless cliffs overhang high above the crashing of the waves. It was in those cold fathomless depths that she found a sense of solace within and without, the taste of the salty breeze traipsing upon her tongue. She had actually been wandering closer to the pack’s usual traipsing grounds in search of a rabbit or perhaps a ground squirrel when she had heard, what she knew specifically to be, her mother. The voice was stale on her memory, but she knew that flavor without hesitation. It had been a full year since last she had seen her, and the memory of the haunting nights that followed her disappearance was a bitter one. Unlike her emotional father, and her endearing brother, she had grieved in silence, and though she had shown nothing her pain had been great. For surely every daughter should know her mother above all else. But her whispers unto the wind had gone unanswered, and in time she had accepted the loss as inevitable. Now... as she moved towards the others, her footfalls silent and slow, she emerged amongst them, with neither joy nor concern. Though it was true she could not see from this standpoint the gash on her mother’s side, her greeting, unlike the other’s was less then welcoming. “So… you have returned.” |
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Post by Saosin on Sept 11, 2010 18:56:17 GMT -5
[bgcolor=#71b5e6]
Atka was lost in a form of serenity as he huddled close to his beloved Larka, her muzzle buried deep within the rough of his coat, their breathing similar, their longing finally quelled. And when at last their embrace was broken, he felt unwhole again… not torn apart anymore, but only a piece of a whole. Eyes searched her face, sparing no expense to engrave each detail into memory. Her eyes were pained but loving, and he sought to delve into those baby blue seas and become eternally lost. He righted himself as she had done, his eyes then trailing to Cloud with an appreciative gleam and heartfelt look. He treasured her presence here, and her dutiful resolve to stay throughout the pack’s hardships, and above all else, for caring for his mate as he knew she did. A rustling in the brush brought him instantly to his feet in almost a defensive posture before realizing that Atarax had found his way to them, his eyes full of wonder. He had not seen his son for a few weeks now, though knew his scent well enough as it flittered on the gale, always somewhere near home but far enough away not to be seen. He was quiet as he watched the mother – son display of greeting, and would admit to being unsure as to how the pups would greet the mother they scarcely knew. But when Arian arrived, her harsh tones and icy eyes struck a chord within him, and with an offensive posture and a step forward, Atka bore his voice down upon his daughter angrily. “Don’t you dare speak to your mother in such a way Arian…”
Place a name upon the night, one to set your heart alight
and to make the darkness bright
Paint the sky with stars |
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Post by Amanda on Sept 11, 2010 20:39:59 GMT -5
Larka felt a twinge of hostility towards her daughter whom she hardly knew-and who was too old for the mothering instincts to truly overwhelm her at the sight of the young female. Her demeanor was calm and serene as she gazed back at her children, her shoulders brushing lightly against Cloud and Atka both.
I am both your mother and your Alpha, your tone is not appreciated here. I do, however, understand your hostility. I apologize for being gone, but events have transpired that are beyond the grasp of your young mind. I love you more than you will ever know, and if you wish it, I plan on making up for lost time.
Her golden orbs flared both with love and a gentle sterness that would have been much harsher if the wolf standing before her had not been of her own flesh.
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Post by Saosin on Sept 14, 2010 12:32:00 GMT -5
[bgcolor=000000] “I don’t know why I even bothered to come!” Her young voice was full of malice and confusion but squeaked like that of an unsure child. Did she hate her mother for hardly knowing her? For not being around while she grew? In truth, no. Somewhere inside she was merely a wounded cub who had wished all her life for the nurturing touch of her mother. But time has a funny way of allowing us as individuals to deal with our pain. And this ferocity was the manifested Band-Aid to her wounds. Her sides heaved with her tizzy and her fur stood on end, bristled as she scowled at them all. She sent a sharp glance at her father, choosing not to rebuke at his harsh tone before pivoting like a small child having a temper tantrum and began to stride back into the woods where she had emerged from. Her light footing carried her a few lengths off before stopping, her head just barely turned to glance back over her shoulder. Her words were clearly forced as she sought to save some form of grace with the pack. “May I go now…?” |
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Post by Kaziph on Sept 18, 2010 10:18:36 GMT -5
Cloud stood back in silence as the family greeted each other, but she had her always present happy smile for anyone who looked her way. She was thrilled to see how much Arian and Atarax had grown, and in a way she felt closer to them than any other cubs she had ever had the honor of helping to raise. Like an aunt, almost; though she knew it wasn't true.
Arian's words to Larka surprised her, and the white fem's head drew back in surprise. Akin to a verbal snap of her teeth, the young she-wolf had done perhaps the worst she could to her mother. Cloud didn't know Larka well, had not known all of her history and troubles, but her sensitiveness had allowed her to pick up on the pain that Larka felt sometimes when she was around her cubs... it was almost as though something were missing. Time.
Arian, Cloud began softly, but the young wolf was already turning away and heading back into the forest. This simply wasn't right. Where was the rest of the clan ?
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Post by Amanda on Sept 18, 2010 22:27:49 GMT -5
Larka sighed so heavily the earth itself seemed to be breathing and sympathizing with her. She winced unconsciously when she moved swiftly forward to her daughter's side, wrapping her neck across the younger female's shoulders in an embrace so loving it was beyond words-and indeed, words seemed a hollow thing to try and fill the gap she knew they both were feeling. She had rubbed shoulders with her son as she had passed, for in no way was she trying to shun him, but somehow she felt her daughter was in more immediate need of her attention.
rising unbidden, low loving whimpers issued from deep within her chest, maternal whimpers to young pups who could scarcely walk. It was an unconscious attempt to reform the bond she knew had been shattered, was damaged with all of her kin except for Lorkan.
Lorkan emerged silently from between the trees, for he was never far from his mother. He too bore dried blood and dirt on his pelt. He moved up beside Cloud and nuzzled her warmly, but remained silent, his attention riveted on the scene in front of him. His heart ached every time he looked at his mother; he saw the sorrow and shame that always swam beneath the surface of her complex and intense golden gaze. He wanted nothing more than to ease her burden, but there was little he could do except stay near her.
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Post by Tay on Sept 18, 2010 23:14:58 GMT -5
Zena felt worn and old. She'd found Larka at some point and then...magically she'd lost her again. Her pads were bloodied and blistered. She trot into the Ravilin and followed the scent of the others. The trees were beautiful and golden. Her favorite time of year. The tree tops flamed and the wind brought the flame tumbling to the ground. She felt devoid of emotion for now, worried about Larka and Carrick. Her golden eyes were spoke of her weariness. With her tail hanging low she stumbled her way to the group. Larka was there and this brought a brief smile to her maw and eyes.
This faded as she noticed the lack of a brute, though she managed to hold back her sigh. She hadn't seen him in so long. She doubted he was still alive, and it hurt her to think so. She contemplated venturing off into the shadows to mourn but knew it wasn't the time. She plopped her rump to the ground and waved her banner once. Welcome home Larka. Her voice was soft, though none of her weariness came through it. She wanted to be happy to be reunited. She really did.
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Post by Saosin on Oct 18, 2010 11:26:14 GMT -5
[bgcolor=000000] The acute closeness of her mother was very foreign to her.. in fact the closeness of any was something she had shunned for a very long time. It was alien really, and it caused her to take a sharp inward breath as she all but froze into a rigid stance. She heard her mothers words, felt them coil around her heart as they attempted to break down the barrier there. But time is not kind, and it had not been upon the wight wolf's psyche. And though something said please..please love me and don't leave me again, something else told her not to trust so easily, or hurt will be yours once again. And so with heavy steps she broke their embrace, and without being able to look her mother in the eye she fled, disappearing into the woods in a furry of movements leaving three words in her wake. "I loved you." |
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