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 Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:44 am
Orphen was tired, it seemed they had been walking forever, but now with the moon high in the sky and the shadows making everything seem more mysterious and beauiful than they ever did during the day she felt more at peace.
She moved with a sluggish pace beside her new "friend" with a small smile on her face and eyes half-lidded. She felt so much at ease with Yasuo now, it was almost as if she had known him forever. It was strange though, for a flirt like her, it was hard to tell him how she felt.
Was it because her love for him was deeper than her usual attractions?
Yasuo. She whispered. Suddenly it fetl as if her heart were in her mouth and that if she spoke again she would break it. She swallowed and moved to rub her face against his shoulder. Mmm so warm.
There's...there's something I've been wanting to tell you...
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:50 am
Yasuo was just as tired as Orphen, but he hid it behind a still expression on his face. He didn't want to show her that he was getting exhausted. Normally he could go for days on end without any sleep, but now that was impossible to do. Was it because his mind was finally able to let go of his past or was it because he finally had someone who cared about him more than his enstranged family?
He started to shake his head, but then stopped himself. He had to remain calm and collected in front of Orphen. Hearing his name being spoken, he turned his gaze towards the femme walking beside him. Smiling slightly as he felt her face rub against his shoulder, he gently licked the base of one of her ears.
He flicked an ear as he heard her say that there was something that she had been wanting to tell him. He was curious of what it was, yet at the same time he had been expecting this conversation for some time. "Yes, my dear?" he asked her, curiousity laced in his voice.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:54 am
She laughed, though the sound was gentle and pleasurable. She wasn't laughing at him, nor anything in particular, just her situation now. Orphen had never considered that one day she might find someone she considered as special but here she was...
She closed her eyes and smiled as he returned her gesture with a fond lick and turned her head up to look at him. It was clear she had something important to talk about but was struggling to find the words.
Yasuo... She was fond of saying his name.
I...well...it's something I'm trying to put into words but...nothing seems to describe it. She flicked an ear with irritation, annoyed that she was making no sense.
It's nice...it's very nice. She babbled on.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:00 am
Yasuo stopped in his tracks. It was clear that she had something very important to tell him and he wanted his full attention on her while she struggled to find the words for what she had to say to him. He let one ear flick to his back to hear if any other wolf was approaching them before sitting down on his haunches.
He glanced down at his paws for a few seconds to find them sore. He would have to dip them in cold water whenever they stopped for another rest or if they found a small river or lake sometime soon. slowly, he jerked his head slightly, indicating that she should sit down next to him.
"Take your time saying what you need to say. The words must be stuck in your throat," he told her, a small smile on his maw. He didn't want to rush her into telling him what was on her mind. He hated it when his father did that to him, so he vowed to never to that to his future mate and children.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:13 am
She grinned as Yasuo sat and pranced around him. It was as if she had gained a new burst of energy. With a loud yip she threw up her head and skittered around him, nipping playfully at him as she did so.
Maybe I should show you. So she was flirting again? Well it never hurt, did it? She raised her nose to the moon and gave a short howl, letting it end as she threw herself at the wolf she loved. She over judged it a little, however, and ended up sprawling over his back and ending up on his other side, lying with her belly to the sky.
She smiled sheepishly and barked again, reaching up with her forepaws to touch his snout delicately.
She would tell him...soon.
---
Meanwhile, close by, Lewana was searching for the Crone. She had left Azmaria a few hours prior and had been on her own for a good while, pondering how she was going to approach the subject with her elder. The old crone was never that good at listening to what she had to say at the best of times. Lewana guessed it was because she was justa child, and that was true. She was still an adolescent and had a lot yet to learn, but she was trying her best.
Ola! Ola! She reached the female's den and peered up at the old wolf skull guarding it's entrance. She bowed her head before approaching, snuffling down into the shallow den that usually housed the old female.
But the Crone was not there.
Lewana gave a low whine and moved back out into the night again. She was clearly visible in the darkness, moonlight dancing along her pure white fur.
Ola!
Hush child! The voice startled Lewana and to her right the old Crone appeared, her greying muzzle pulled back into a grimace. Tonight is the night. Cerridwen tells me so. She did not wait for Lewana to question it and headed off towards the outskirts of the old pack lands. There was a purpose to her walk and a steely, determined expression on her face.
Yes, her faith was strong and she knew the chosen ones would soon be here. She could feel it.
Ola, please, I must speak with you! Lewana insisted, running up alongside the elder. She had so much to tell her and she owed it to Azmaria. They were friends now and she had to help her!
But the elder wasn't interested. Instead she wheeled on the youngster and growled, her hackles up. In the moonlight her light-grey eyes looked menacing and without another word the white wolf slunk away.
Troublesome girl. The elder whispered as she turned back to the outskirts. She does not realise what lies in store for us. And she continued on, pausing only when she heard the yips and howls of a female.
The Chosen female?
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:27 am
Yasuo watched her carefully as she pranced around him, not minding the nips he recieved from her. He started to wag his tail slowly when he heard her say that she should show him what she wanted to tell him.
That peaked his interest slightly until she threw herself at him. In a flash, he was on his belly on the ground, the femme on his back. He smirked slightly. "So, that's how it is, eh? Getting a little anxious about mating? Or is it something else?"
He lifted his head up slightly as he felt a paw touch his muzzle. Smirking wider, he let one of his paws touch her chest lightly. "Now, now, let's not get too violent. I don't wanna hurt any inch of your beautiful body." He slowly started to stand up, his tail help up high.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:32 am
She would have blushed if she could but such a thing was impossible for a wolf. She did suddenly feel a flush of warmth and her ears dipped sheepishly. She slowly settled herself against him and went to work, washing every inch of his face. Such grooming was often practised to show affection and to relax.
She did not answer him at first, but finally, when she deemed that she had done a well enough job, she raised her head and rubbed her nose against his.
Then she giggled, almost nervously and her tail wagged.
No...no. It's just that...I think...I think. Go on! She urged herself mentally. Tell him! She opened her maw as she listened to the motivation of her mind and nuzzled him again.
I think I lo-
--
She was interrupted by the sound of a low bark.
--
Orphen's body tensed and she instantly pulled away from her 'soon-to-be' mate, swinging around to growl at the intruder. How dare they!? How dare they interrupt one of the most important moments of her life!?
She wanted to whimper and whine, to sulk with all her heart, but right now wasn't the time.
She could tell Yasuo later, but now she might have to defend herself and him against a stranger.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:40 am
Yasuo settled down, too, when he felt Orphen's body press up against his own. Sighing, he closed his eyes, allowing the femme to groom his face. He wanted to groom her first, but it seemed that the femme had other plans than what he wanted to do.
Hearing her speak, he opened one eye and looked at her curiously as she started to say something, but was interrupted by another wolf. He lifted his gaze up and looked around to see what wolf had interrupted the femme.
He felt Orphen pull away from him and he quickly stood up, his head and tail held up high. He didn't know who this new wolf was, but if the new wolf hurt Orphen, then that wolf would have to pay for what it did. His hackles raised up slightly and he began to growl loudly, taking a few steps in front of Orphen to protect her.
"Show yourself," he growled at the brush around them. "Or are you too cowardly to do that?" He lowered his head slightly, a fang showing slightly from under his lip.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 10:55 am
Feeling stronger with Yasuo beside her, Orphen looked to him as he stepped forwards. He was protecting her, protecting her! She felt almost giddy with joy at the realisation and stepped closer, pressing her shoulder against his flank. She would allow him to protect her but she would protect him too. She would guard his side and keep it safe from flailing jaws.
She shuddered at the sound of her companion's demanding voice and felt almost week at the knees. He could be so dominant when he tried! Oh what a wolf!
Feeling suddenly empowered, Orphen joined in the taunting.
Cowards always hide in the dark. She all but hissed.
At that moment the wolf revealed itself, stepping from the bushes out onto the cropped grass. The dappled moonlight flooded down to reveal her aged body. She had been black once, so black that the shadows had swallowed her. Now, she was speckled with grey. The grey shone silver now, under the touch of the moon.
The elder's eyes glinted with hope and for a moment she did not speak nor move. She stood frozen before the two pale wolves, perhaps in awe.
Her eyes traced over them, around their faces, down their ruffed necks to their powerful chest and shoulders. She canted her head to get a better view and then seemed to discover something she found pleasing. With a huff of approval the old wolf shifted.
She did not advance nor back away, instead she lowered her body and bowed her head low, so low that her nose almost touched the ground.
Then when she raised herself again she gave her introduction.
I am The Crone, or The Sage as I am sometimes known. Her voice was thick with age, yet it demanded an authority too, as if she were important, perhaps as important as an alpha. I am also known as Ola to many, though I have a secret name too, a name I would gladly tell you if you were to accept my offer. She realised she was probably confusing them but for now she thought it best not to explain too much.
The moon shows your true selves to me. You...you are the new Ira. Welcome. And she bowed again, though it was more subtle this time.
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Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 11:30 am
Yasuo gazed at the lone femme, his stance stiffening slightly, despite his future-mate's light touching. He didn't know who this femme was, but if she threatened any of them, he would be on her in an instant.
He watches at the old femme observed them carefully, the fur on his back slowly rising up. He was about to open his maw to say something to the old wolf when he spotted her bow down to them. He gazed at Orphen, a confused look on his face. It was then that the old wolf introduced herself. He turned his attention back to the other femme and he flicked an ear slightly.
'An offer? For what?' he thought to himself curiously. It was at that moment that he heard that they were the new Ira. He ignored the old wolf's second bow as he took a step towards her. "Listen, miss. I don't understand this offer you want us to full-fill, nor do I know of this Ira you talk of. Please, explain to us why you have came here and what this is all about." His voice was calm, yet on the inside he wasn't. He was confused at the whole thing. All he wanted to do was settle down with Orphen and hopefully produce some offspring with her.
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Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 11:37 am
She said nothing, preferring to let Yasuo talk in this instance. Yet as she saw this wolf bow to them and proclaim them to be something...something...
What was an Ira anyway? It sure did sound important and she seemed pleased to see them, as if they were some kind of superiors or something? Yet they were lones and surely this old wolf could not be...though...
Ugh so many questions! She wanted to ask so much but knew it was pointless. She wouldn't know where to start and she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer.
She smiled and her eyes glinted with something that resembled hope. These two. Their fur gleamed under the moonlight and their relationship...they seemed so close. They were alphas, sure enough!
I am sorry, this must be very confusing for you. There is a lot to explain and in time you will come to understand everything. But not now. All you must know is this. She paused, perhaps for dramatic emphasis. You are the Ira, that is our word for an alpha or an alpha pair. She stepped towards them, hoping to be rid of their anxiety by showing that she meant no harm.
Come, please, what can an old wolf do to you? But she seemed more powerful and knowledgable than she had let on. She was the mistress of death, after all.
There is a legend. A legend of our pack that speaks of a pair of wolves. Those two wolves will come under the moon's light and become the new Ira. They will revive this withered pack and bring it life. You are those wolves.
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 8:57 am
[sorry about the delay. had work. @;@]
Yasuo flicked his tail when the old wolf said that there was a lot of information that they will come to understand, but was going to tell them only one piece of it now. He wanted to now more than that, but he didn't want to force the old wolf to tell them. At least, not yet. He didn't want to become like his father and beat the old wolf to tell him the information he desired to obtain.
He tensed up slightly as the old wolf approached them, yet he didn't step away from Orphen. He still didn't know if she did mean no harm to them. 'So, Ira is the alpha or alphas of a pack,' he thought to himself. "Are you sure it really is us?" He gazed back at Orphen for a few seconds before hearing Ola ask a question.
He turned his gaze back to the old wolf as she spoke of a legend of a withered pack. He raised an eyebrow, a little spectacle of what Ola had said. Was it really them that will revive this withered pack back to its glory? He didn't know what to say. He merely sat down on his haunches and stared at the old wolf before finally speaking. "So, if we are these chosen ones, where are the rest of this pack, if there are any wolves left.
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:16 am
(( no worries <3 ))
Orphen exchanged glances with her companion before settling her eyes again on this female. What this elder was suggesting was...ridiculous! How could she tell that they were these 'Ira'? It just didn't make sense. She snorted then, just wishing that Ola would go away so that she could return to her affectionate advances on Yasuo.
But what if she was right?
Oh to be needed! It sounded like a wonderful thing indeed. She waited on the elder's answer and hoped desperately that she would give a good one.
Ola smiled at Yasuo's question and nodded. It seems I will have to explain a little more. She then sat down carefully on her haunches and nodded, as if inviting the others to do so.
Our pack are worshippers of the moon, or Cerridwen if you prefer. Cerridwen is our Goddess and she is - if you like - part of the moon. We worship both. It is the moon that shows me what you are, for the way it dances on your fur tells me you are the Ira. It also helps that Cerridwen speaks to me and she told me of your coming. She smiled then, I understand her because I am one of the Holy Trinity, we are born with a little of the Goddess in our souls.
Then slowly her ears dipped and she shook her head sadly. I am afraid there are few of us left. Four in total, including myself. There is my nephew, an unholy wolf called Kalani. Then there are the other two members of the Trinity, the Maiden Lewana and her Mother. Her tail beat once against the ground.
However, this is only just the beginning. With your coming there will be more on the way. You are just the beginning. Soon Cerridwen will draw the chosen closer, your future betas, the warriors and the priests and priestesses. She stood again, her silvery eyes vivid in the moonlight.
What say you? Are you interested? If you are I will teach you all you want to know and answer all of your questions.
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:58 pm
Yasuo didn't bother moving as he listened to the old wolf explain more about the withered pack and it's 'religion.' He canted his head to one side, getting slightly interested in what Ola was saying. Was what she was saying true or was it something just to get their interest. Well, whatever it was, it got Yasuo's full attention. He didn't really understand what the old wold was saying, but it seemed that the pack really was withering and dying.
He thumped his tail against his hindquarters as the old wolf finished her speech. Hearing her question, he hesitated slightly. Was he truely ready to become tangled up in something as intense as this? He gazed over at Orphen to see what her reaction was before he nodded his head slowly. He didn't want to cheat Fate or anything like that. It seemed that Fate dealt them this life, so what harm could come with following that path?
"I myself am interested in this pack you speak of and of its ways." He slowly took a few steps towards the old femme as he bobbed his head slightly. He gazed in the direction the old wolf came in as he pinned his ears back. "You came alone, right?" he asked her, a little unsure that she did come to them by herself.
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 12:16 am
Yes, I came alone, though the Maiden, Lewana knows I am coming to find you. She glanced between the male and female. I must warn you, it may take the others time to get used to outsiders but they are all too young to remember that when this pack flourished outsiders were indeed welcomed.
But I am glad you are interested, extremely glad indeed. Though the other female hadn't spoken, Ola assumed the two would stick together in this.
There are other things I must tell you too, things that may take a while, but first, shall I lead you back to the lands and show you your den? You can rest before the lessons begin. Her tail wagged with hope that these two would indeed bring life.
I must also tell you that our...heirarchy works different from other packs. For whilst you both reign and ultimately keep the peace and order, dealing with ounishments, recruitment and the such, you must remember that there is the holy side. I am an adviser or sorts, a confessioner. The Maiden and Holy Mother are too, highly holy wolves. The Maiden must never be touched by an unholy wolf. I mean no offense by this, you understand, but the main body of the pack are not to go so close to her. She must remain pure. As for the Holy Mother, she can be the grand protector of your pups, especially the little priests and priestesses in the making.
Orphen stirred uncomfortably at the mention of pups and turned again to glance at her mate. It seemed even though she had not told him of her love to join them as mates, this Ola was doing it for them. By accepting this role as alphas of the pack they were surely commiting themselves to each other.
I will go too. I have been searching for a purpose and if you think I am this...Ira or whatever, then I'm willing to accept. If Yasuo does. She added firmly, her tail waving. I think there is a lot for us to learn, however. You will teach us your ways, you say? Then please, don't leave anything out.
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