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 Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 8:35 pm
Seraphim was a rather easy-going wolf, someone who lacked much to fret over and didn't often lose herself in frustrations. It was easier that way, really. She had seen her family eat themselves up with worry until it engulfed them in flames and she wasn't eager to go out the same way. So, she wouldn't - it was that simple. She laid upon a pile of cloth, tail flicking side to side as she guarded the entrance of her small den, which had been dug carefully into a small hill. The cloth were stolen from abandoned, crumbling buildings by her mother, eventually passed down to wee Seraphim when her brothers ended up not making their first frigid month of life. Her paws kneaded at the material, feeling cold dirt give with each push. Today was nice, although, she hadn't really had a bad day in awhile. Wolves didn't visit this territory often, and when they did they tended to steer clear from her den.
She had been lucky so far.
Her head raised, nose twitching as she smelled the air. For a second, her head tossed, glancing back at her den briefly. She didn't own much, but within her home were a few knick knacks she had acquired throughout her short, young life. Things she'd surely miss if they were taken. Her head snapped back, body pushing itself slowly and without purpose off her cloth. Stretching her limbs, Seraphim felt her legs crack faintly before pulling herself up.
Her den was right near a river, which was a blessing for the quiet and non-adventurous wolf. She didn't need to go far for water, and where water was prey often came. Shaking herself off, she trotted off towards the right, slipping through bushes and bramble as she made her way towards the river for a quick drink.
Words: 305
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 2:50 am
 The other female dire had not noticed Seika for a second day in a row. The small wolf lurked in the shadows of a tree hollow by the river, the rushing water and smell of the bank masking her scent. It was a rather wondrous place to hide, one where no average-sized dire would fit. When the other female passed Seika's tree hollow to go have a drink of water, the small she-wolf slipped away unnoticed, heading to the den not a few strides away. She always invaded other's dens when possible, ransacking them for any valuables. She gazed at the sky, eyeing it for a few, lengthy moments. Her expression was concerned – grave, even – as she noticed the days getting shorter and shorter. Winter would soon hold this world in its frigid vice – sooner than anyone would like – and, every time it arrived, the wolves and other species, fauna and flora alike, were unprepared for its severity, even though many endured winter year after year. Seika, however, liked to consider herself a few steps ahead of the rest. Her den was far above the ground where snow could build up and seal her inside, and her den was filled with many fine, soft cloths and furs to keep her warm. As such, her winters were easier. Food may be scarce, but at least she always had a warm place to where she could retreat. In order for her home to continue being the warm sanctuary it was, she always needed to procure more items with which to line it and change out the old ones that naturally became worn and dirty. She hoped that she would happen to find a treasure or two in the near future. She would be losing time to traveling back to her den, and she would rather be finished with her preparations sooner rather than later.
It took Seika no time to reach the other female's den, which naturally meant that the other dire would also take no time to return even though she was slower than Seika. That meant Seika only had a short window in which to search for and steal anything worth taking. She studied the den, and it only took her a mere moment to deduce that nothing here was worth pilfering. The only item here was this rather old, shabby cloth that looked like it would unravel on its travel to Seika's den. Her tail lashed with irritation as she left the den. She sat down just outside the entrance with a cross and concerned look on her face.
Though she was a thief, she had a good heart, and she needed to inform the resident of this den that she was going to freeze to death if she really believed this was enough material to keep her warm for the entire winter. Perhaps it had been enough; Seika did not know how long this wolf had lived. Maybe she had family to keep her warm, too. That was how Seika survived the winters while her dad was still alive: the two of them huddled close together to exchange body heat and keep each other warm through the cold winters. She only had her father around for two winters, but she remembered the rare nights that her father was away. They were unforgiving and bleak. Seika shuddered at the thought of those hours without her father's warmth. How this wolf managed on her own – if she did – was beyond Seika. 'She must have fat like a bear,' she thought to herself, only after remembering the wolf was not particularly large.
As she continued to think on the topic while waiting for the other she-wolf, she realized that this wolf did not have anyone keeping her company, leastways not in this den. Seika had observed the den for a full day to see how many wolves may reside inside. After all, she certainly did not want to walk into an occupied den, even without intent to steal. There was no one other than this one female. If she had family that had helped her survive the winters she had endured, they were gone now. This wolf had no one, and winter was swiftly approaching. She was less prepared than Seika, and, though she seemed capable, perhaps she did not know that the winters are much harsher and bitter without the warmth of a pack, parent, mate, or litter. Her odds of survival were grim on her own, and she did not make the same preparations as Seika. That one cloth would not suffice to protect her from much of anything.
The more and more Seika thought about this other she-wolf's survival, the more agitated she became. She was already agitated with the wasted time that she spent scoping out this den only to find nothing of value, and perhaps she was projecting that frustration onto this other she-wolf's lack of preparation. She had not had a very successful theft for winter cloths in a while, and she felt vulnerable to winter's chill even though she could get by with what she had. Seika always needed more. However, she was more concerned than she was annoyed, and this mix was enough for her to wait for this female. If Seika did not make her aware of her lack of readiness, then she feared that no one would do so and this female may succumb to the ice. Such was the fate of many a wolf, and Seika did not want that fate for anyone.
► Word Count | 923 ◄
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Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 5:07 am
 While the unexpected visitor inspected her den, the small wolf continued her journey to hydration. It wasn't a long one - a perk of having a den so close to the river - however, it also wasn't an entirely pleasant one. as the grave of her parents flanked her side. She cast it one, cautious glance before shaking off that familiar nagging feeling in her bones. No, she already grieved, none of that. Knock that off. Expelling a low, frustrated huff, Seraphim took her time once she met the river, tail swaying lazily as she lapped up cool water. She hadn't been entirely quiet upon her arrival, something evident by the lack of prey nearby. She wasn't hungry yet, although, she noticed her desire to eat had diminished these past few months. Without her parents, her basic needs had become less of a focus. It was still there, and she was better than the first month alone, but other things occupied her mind. It was most likely a distraction from her loneliness - she was aware of that.
Shrugging absently to nothing in particular, Seraphim pulled herself from the river as a breeze rustled through. Her ears pinned back, mouth parting to allow her tongue to lick away the last remnants of water. Someone was here. While Seraphim was, for the most part, a friendly wolf (to the point it was dangerous, even), she felt her body tense under the realization. Her den - her den! Sure, she didn't have much to call her own, this was true, but it was hers - no, it had been theirs! Sentimentality mixed with panic lit, washing through her as she tentatively took a step closer. What if they were here to fight for her den? Her father had warned her this could happen should she ever find a den without them, and at that time she had simply scoffed. Back then, she hadn't quite grasped how easy it was to lose the ones you love before you're ready. Another glance at the graves was spared before Seraphim broke into a quick, anxious trot back home.
It wasn't a long one, which had been mentioned before, but it felt like it took centuries as she swallowed thickly. [i}Relax - it could be a wolf seeking shelter. It could be a new friend to become, even! But along those possibilities laid the not so pleasant ones; the ones she didn't want to dwell on, as if by doing so they'd suddenly become reality. By the time she broke through the bushes and saw another wolf she felt her heart hammer into her chest, mouth running dry as she took a few steps closer, revealing herself.
Slowly, she sat on her haunches, ears against her skull but tail held loosely, interest apparent. Who was this new she-wolf, and why did agitation course through their body language? Had Seraphim done something - no, that was ridiculous! She only just arrived! Seraphim's eyes trailed to the opening of her den, relief rushing through her as the edge of her blanket could be seen. Okay, that was safe, good.
"Hello?" She dared, head canting to the side just a tad. Maybe this wasn't as much of a deal as she assumed it would be.Words: 539
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Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 3:45 am
Seika's eyebrows raised as this other female spoke. She had watched her emerge from the bushes, her apprehension apparent. She seemed so unsure of herself, so much that she even seemed to be giving up her den by sitting away from it and closer to the bushes from which she appeared. In doing so, she allowed Seika to sit between her and her cave, seemingly resigning her home to Seika, a tiny wolf who was in no way imposing or fierce. The fact that this female was so timid was rather odd. In response to her head tilting to one side, Seika's head tilted to the other, lips parting slightly as she grinned. "You should be more assertive," she began, a light chuckle escaping her, "You should not let someone come between you and your den so easily. It almost feels like you're relinquishing your den to me." With that comment, she straightened herself up and gazed out at the flowing river. "Your den is in such a nice location, too, what with a water source so close to it and plenty of trees. I'm sure prey is pretty plentiful compared to other places..." she continued, almost getting lost in thought. "You have it made, my dear." She returned her gaze back to the other she-wolf, her eyes stern even though her expression was soft. "Don't give this up so easily."
As if to make a point, she rose to her paws and entered the cave. "Now then, I originally sat there and waited for you to return because I felt the burning need to scold you," she stated, her voice echoing out of the cave to the female dire still sitting outside. Seika stared at the cloth which lay at her paws, nose wrinkling with disdain as she remembered how much time she wasted to attempt to steal this tattered fabric. With a sigh, she turned around and prowled out till she could make eye contact with the other wolf once more. "Winter will be here in two short months, my dear." She unlocked her gaze with the other wolf and cast a glance up to the sky. "The days are quickly shortening." She looked back at the other dire, brows furrowing slightly when her eyes narrowed as she studied the female. "You're young, younger than me, and I'm not old by any standards. I'm sure you've faced a winter or two before, but I don't believe you've spent a winter alone, correct?"
She turned, sauntering around the den. It was large, much larger than necessary for one she-wolf to be comfortable. In fact, it was too big, too spacious. Other wolves must live here, or, at least, they must have lived here. There was little evidence of others aside from this one she-wolf. On top of the fact that Seika had scoped out the den for two days to see all the residents of the den and their respective schedules, she did not smell any other scents in the area, leastways not of other wolves. Not to mention, aside from Seika's fresh tracks, only the other female's paw prints were in front of the den. While other wolves may have lived here in the past, they did not now, and all that space for wolves in this den was also space for the frigid wind that was soon to come.
Again, Seika sighed, turning around to face the other she-wolf. She sat down, curling her tail neatly around her paws, gaze fixed on the tan and teal female. "Listen, I'm in the midst of preparing myself for the upcoming winter, because I'm alone, too," she spoke with certainty. She had already deduced the state in which this female lived: alone, unprepared, and unsure of herself. "I came upon your den and found it to be rather lacking. I suppose, if you're all alone like me, no one will tell you how unforgiving the winters can be. Maybe, in the past, someone kept you warm. By my inspection, it looks like that someone is gone now, no?" She paused for a moment, gauging this female's reaction to her words. "Forget the scarcity of prey and the hunger that follows – I'm sure you're already acquainted with the hunger we wolves experience during these long winters. We don't hibernate like those smart bears, after all," she chuckled. "It's the cold that truly kills. The ice will cling to fur and freeze your paws, but this I'm sure you know. What I'm not sure you know is that, without a way to keep warm, the ice will go deeper. It will settle into your bones, flow through your veins, and freeze your muscles. It will hurt. Eventually, you will not be able to move and the last feeling you'll know is the frigidity of winter." Again she paused, perhaps for effect, but she wanted her words to linger in the air as the other female absorbed them. "I hate to sound macabre, but the ice does not care if you live or die. Quite frankly, no one else does, either. With how harsh these gelid winters are, everyone is suffering. You're more likely to have another tortured soul – whether it be wolf, wolverine, or another predator, it doesn't matter – feed off your frozen flesh before they pity your corpse."
A sheepish grin formed on her face. "I really didn't mean to sound macabre, but I guess I can't help myself sometimes," she laughed. "My point is, you have two months before winter hits – less than that, even – and you really should evaluate your current level of preparedness. Here, I'll even do it for you." She gestured to the cloth on the floor of the den. "That is what I saw when I came in here, and that is what made me so concerned. That cloth is not nearly enough to keep you warm if you wish to stay alone and in this large, unfortunately well-ventilated cave for winter. You need more. You need thicker, larger, warmer cloths and furs to make this place as cozy and warm as you can make it before winter arrives. Whether you have to kill a deer or kill a bear, I strongly advise you to do so. If you can't do that, steal the furs from those who can, or whatever other cloth relics from the past they've happened to find. This," she indicated the one cloth the she-wolf had once again, "this is not enough to save you and I fear the worst fate will befall you in a few short months if you believe it is."
► Word Count | 1,102 ◄
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Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2017 3:50 am
Seraphim twitched an ear as the other wolf began to speak. Her tail gave a mild, interested flick, ears perked up as she watched the wolf. A smile stayed planted on her lips for quite some time, although she couldn't pinpoint when it started to feel fake. What had originated as interest morphed into an unknown feeling; something foreign. It disturbed her, even as she watched the other wolf with a facade of enthrallment. What was it? Was it, perhaps... irritation? The feeling was thick and heavy in her chest, lashing at the edges of her breast bone as she watched the wolf meander and gesture. It wasn't necessarily that Seraphim disliked this wolf, nor did she necessarily want them to leave, but the lecture had been so sudden – so aggressive. The wolf was speaking with a kind intent, or so Seraphim assumed, but perhaps the inability to prepare herself for the unexpected comments had left Seraphim with little patience at first.
She inhaled sharply towards the end of the other's speech, calming her nerves. This was unlike Sera, and she knew it. Perhaps it was the tension still lingering from her stolen glance towards the graves, or maybe her loneliness had become bitter. Whatever it was, Seraphim could recognize clearly that her mood was not this strangers fault. Perhaps the wolf had augmented it, but not deliberately. No, maybe now that she thought about it she could identify where her irritation laid; the wolf before her assumed she cared. That was harsh, but Seraphim had spent quite a time not caring if she ended up dead. It was only recently she shook herself from that morbid and suffocating depression, and now she was faced with yet another oversight. She had starved herself, kept her den dirty, and not kept her territory adequately marked during her depression. It had taken weeks to fix her unwilling mess, and now another flaw laid before her, and it stung. Seraphim leaned back on her haunches slightly, needing to further the distance between herself and this stranger before carefully considering her response.
Was she grateful? Possibly. She hadn't liked the wolves mention of having lost the ones who kept her warmth, and it had shown previously when Seraphim's jaw tightened a degree. Was she angry? No, not really. She had been excited, at first, to meet another wolf after such a long and bitter loneliness, but now she was apprehensive. Why was this wolf spending so much time lecturing her? What did they gain from it? Distrust was not common for Seraphim, but the sudden shock of irritation had knocked herself into an odd state. If the wolf wanted to attack her, they most likely would have already, this she was sure of. The wolf assumed she had been content with her den as it was, and they were wrong. She had not perceived winter a threat, this was a fault she had, but Seraphim had considered for a time how to improve the den. It just never occurred to her how to improve, or for what.
Warmth was the answer, an answer forcibly given to her. Seraphim wagged her tail once at the relief that washed over her. Okay, now that she had that answer she could do something about it, but that meant... that meant exploring past her den. It wasn't as if she never explored, but Seraphim hadn't done so in search for materials. She didn't know where to begin. Sera's ears twitched backwards slightly at the realization that not only had this wolf helped her, but now they were almost a symbol of change. Again, what did this wolf have to gain from this? Was it rude to ask? Probably.
"I see." She finally broke the silence left after the wolf finished, eyes trailing towards her coveted blanket. Her eyes returned to the other wolf, tail curling around one of her own back legs. After all the speculation and internal consideration, Seraphim had landed on one answer; this wolf wasn't dangerous. At least, not towards her. She felt a tension that had crept into her shoulders suddenly release, however her stiff stance remained. She was painfully aware of herself now, and abruptly she wanted nothing more than the other wolf to not notice anymore faults she had. How damaged was she? How long had she been this was? Could they see?
"Winter is coming." She repeated softly in thought. Cold killed, something she knew but never truly feared. Not until now. She didn't bother mentioning that the cloth wasn't meant for warmth, instead turning her gaze back to the den. "I haven't been alone long." It felt long, but she knew deep down their deaths had only happened recently. A few months, perhaps. Not enough time for her to adjust, or, perhaps that was just due to her own inabilities.
And here she had been, trying so hard not to worry. That had been the wrong route.
"I've never built a shelter myself, or prepared one for winter alone." She admitted, voice low as she stared at her den, considering. "I don't know where to acquire the things needed, either, other than walk until I find my way." That was probably the only option here, but it was one she clearly disliked as her face expressed for the first time in quite a bit during this encounter. Her ears pulled back, mouth tightening as her brow scrunched. Exploring and hunting for materials meant leaving her den behind - leaving them behind. What if someone took her home while she was gone? Had that been why she hadn't moved for so long?
"Why are you here?" She questioned, immediately flicking her ears back and forward. "Err - not... that wasn't the intention I meant those words to come out. Why are you helping me?" Better, and honest. This wolf could have left Seraphim to rot and die. She wouldn't have, no! But she also wasn't this other wolf. Seraphim knew she was more naive and trusting than most. Why would someone else offer their time and an extensive lesson for free?Words: 1,018Shi Berry Sorry for the long wait! I was trying to wrangle Seraphim's muse to not be rude, but it decided '******** it' and here we are. ; n ;
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Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 11:16 pm
The female's noticeable irritation did not faze Seika. The truth was the truth, and she would need to face it or suffer the consequences in the very near future. Seika was not about to coddle anyone. After all, the winter would not show any mercy to anyone, and Seika's irksome lecture was kindness compared to the wrath of winter. Although, this female still did not take action to move into her den, remaining in the place where she sat upon first arriving and meeting Seika. Seika lashed her tail, now mildly irritated herself. Either the female was blatantly disregarding her words, or Seika had said more words than the female could absorb. The latter situation did not ease Seika's irritation. This female would only be wasting time that she did not have if she spent it fully understanding Seika's words. She thought her message was urgent enough to warrant more immediate action and yet this female simply sat there stiffly, clenching her teeth like an adolescent riddled with angst. It was not up to Seika if the female wished to die in the impending ice.
She knew her harsh criticism of this she-wolf's response – or lack thereof – was due to the fact that she felt that this female was only further wasting Seika's time after Seika spent two days scoping out this den only to reap no rewards. She wished that she had left the matter of the female's unpreparedness alone, but she knew she did not have the heart to do so. It was not as black and cold as others believed a thief's heart could be.
Her gaze softened when the female dire finally spoke. So she did take Seika's words to heart. "Yes... that's the unfortunate reality of the world in which we live," she responded when the female reiterated the fact of winter's arrival. She nodded as the other she-wolf continued speaking. Seika knew the feeling of loneliness all too well, for it had plagued her for the first month after her father died. It seemed like the loneliness was bothering this female for longer. She sighed. She wished that this poor girl had more time to recover from the losses she faced, but she truly did not have time.
"You could make do with this shelter of yours, frankly," she noted, glancing around the den. "As I said earlier, it's a very nice den. It's larger than you would need at the moment, but, if you wished to start a family, it would be the perfect size. Not to mention, it's in a grand location. Unfortunately, it's also easily accessible to me and my ilk," she tittered. "You needn't make or find a new shelter for yourself; I wouldn't give this up.
"In fact, finding a shelter or making one yourself is the hardest part. Making it comfortable is much easier." At least, it was for her. Seika had been given all the training in the world for it to be an facile task. She knew what she needed, how to get these things, and where to look for them. This female had neither the knowledge nor the skills for it to be as simple for her as it was for Seika. She frowned, both at the realization of the female's situation and the female's suggestion for her course of action. "Walking until you find things is a wa-ste of time. You need to have goals in mind, and you need to be selfish." She needed to know more about this female's capabilities before she could give her true direction. "Can you hunt well? A lot of the warmer creatures are more difficult to hunt, especially on your own." She decided to refrain from mentioning theft again, so she did not seem like she was ushering the female down a path she did not want to travel. Maybe she was of higher moral character than Seika. She smiled inwardly with the thought.
The female's final questions left Seika silent for a few moments as she considered her response. She did not know with full certainty why she had invested so much time and effort into this female alredy. She did not have this female's best intentions at heart when she first arrived at this den – in fact, forget best intentions, Seika had intended to do this she-wolf harm. It was not wise to mention the fact that she arrived her with the intention of looting this den [she had learned that honesty was not always the best policy, and it certainly was not in this situation]. So she eyed the female, dragging out the silence before finally shrugging her shoulders. "I have a better nature than I would like," she smirked. "Why do you ask, anyway? Favors are few and far between in this cruel world. You could say, 'thank you' instead of doubting my generosity." She was only teasing her with her later comments that could have come off as criticism had her tone been serious rather than playful. This fmale had not offended or angered her in any way, but Seika could not help that mischievous streak in her.
"What's your name?" she finally asked. She had spent enough time lecturing and trying to help this poor girl that she should at least learn her name.
► Word Count | 883 ◄
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2017 6:49 pm
The irritation was noted with a twitch of Seraphim's tail, her eyes trailing back to her den. Her jaw tensed at the comment of starting a family, eyes narrowing sharply against the thought. Did she was a family? Well, of course, but that had become something unobtainable in her dreams. Why? Now that the clear and harsh realization that she lacked any time was evident she could clearly see where her depression had become illogical at times. She could have it all; a family, someone warm to snuggle into, a home to share. If she let winter consume her she'd not only miss out on what her parents had, but she'd never understand it, either. Their happiness had been infectious; she couldn't imagine a joy greater than that.
Her attention drifted back to the assessment of her den. No, finding a new home was not an option. It was the last place she felt a connection to her family. What she lacked experience in was building up her den. It hadn't been her duty before. She hadn't been alone before.
She didn't like that word.
The thought had stirred her to pull herself up and pad towards her den, passing Seika with a quickened step until she was situated at the entrance, settling back onto her haunches with a tension still in her limbs. The comment of hunting was a welcome one. It was something she couldn't see the obvious flaw in. Relief washed over her; at least she could get herself food.
"I can hunt," She confirmed, although she withheld the fact she hadn't done so in awhile. Her tongue clicked at the playful reprimand, head cocking to the side as an airy laugh left her. "Thank you. My name is Seraphim. Yours?" This was more pleasant ground to be on. Names were friendly enough; friendlier then the impending panic growing in her chest as she realized winter was right around the corner and ready to wreck her.Words: 329
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