|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:34 pm
Loki stretched and danced around the area, happy to be out on her own again. She was motherly, and loved to be around her offspring, but it was still nice to be alone for short periods of time. That and the territory wasn’t going to scout itself. Since she had got healthier, scouting the borders of her territories had become one of the little matron’s favorite things to do, and she made sure everything was going well to her very best.
Two of the pups from her most recent litter were with her today. The two of them had grown at an incredible rate, and while there were no runts this time, there were some who took after their father. Loki could tell that these two would be very powerful when full grown. They weren’t near her at the moment, but she could hear them crashing through the bushes and playing not far off. They loved to walk the borders almost as much as she did, and the company they provided was special to her.
The sun sank lower while the three wolves were out, to Loki’s happiness. Dusk and early night were her favorite times, lately, and she loved to be out walking in these times. “Artemis, Halcyon?” she called to the female and male teens who had accompanied her tonight. Sometimes she feared they would stray too far, but she knew it was only her overly protective instincts that caused the worry. Those two stuck together like glue, and would defend each other until the end.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:34 pm
Artemis loved these times with her brother, Halcyon, and their mother. She knew Halcyon was happy too. She could sort of… feel his happiness in her own heart. Mother had told them that Halcyon looked just like Daddy, and that the both of them grew so fast that they would end up just as big and strong as their father. Arte liked the thought of that, too.
The two teens ran freely through their parents woodlands, far from Halcyon’s favorite area of the whole world – the ocean. Arte loved the ocean too, but her brother was in love with the water and sand, and could stay there for days at a time. As the siblings rough housed, wrestled, and raced through the woods, they could hear their mother calling them back. “Come on.” Arte laughed, turning back to return to Loki. She understood, somehow, how worried her mother could get about them.Halcyon, for the most part, sulked. He ran and played with his sister, but where he really wanted to be was on the beach. The woods were fine for Arte and his mother, but Halcyon loved the coast more than anything.
“Wait!” he stopped in his tracks, hoping Arte heard him before darting off to their mother. He smelled familiarity, and it wasn’t himself or Artemis. He was sure it was wolves, and as it seemed to close in on him, he was sure they weren’t really strangers. “Arte, wolves are coming… ” With that, the already-big male wheeled around and set up to defend himself and his beloved sister.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 11:36 pm
It was a good bit darker now, and the two had come a good ways. Hannah had discovered that the river from her puphood had in face filtered in from the lake in the clearing where she and Johnny had spent their time together, and it thrilled her. Johnny had kept up well with her quick pace, which had surprised her for some reason. She was small, and had no problem zipping along through the underbrush, and had expected the big male to be more clumsy.
Hannah could easily tell once they had passed onto her packlands. The familiar smell of family and home stayed with her at all times after crossing the marker borders. “Hooome~” she sang out, half to Johnny, and half to the woods themselves. It was nice here, and though any other place on this earth might be nice to visit, Hannah would always be happiest at home.Johnny had spent most of his life running; this was nothing for him. He was big, yes, but that only meant that he made his way through the woods differently. His size had never had an effect on his speed.
He could sense a very open change in Hannah when they passed into this new area, and figured that her family was around here somewhere. He wondered what their ranks were in the pack, or if there was a pack, or just a small family grouping.
His ears twitched at her announcement. Home… that word. He had never really felt too much like a certain place was ‘home’. It was strange to the big male, but he easily could see how Hannah felt about it, and it helped him slip into an easier mood.
As the two progressed into the territory, Johnny found a scent familiar to Hannah’s growing by ever footfall forward. “We must be very close…” he shrank back, not wanting to seem overly dominant out here in someone else’s pack lands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:02 am
After a few moments waiting for the pair to return to her side, Loki was growing antsy. Somehow, the alpha could feel something on the wind; strange and new. As quietly as possible, the she-wolf made her way by scent to her offspring, hoping to catch this thing unawares if possible. She’d be damned if anything would get after her babies and not feel her wrath.
As she drew closer, her perspective changed. Halcyon and Artemis came into view, and how the two stood so close and strong together struck a chord deep in her. They would always be ok. She shouldn’t worry so much; together, they were a wall that would not easily be broken down.
The unfamiliar scents found their way once again to the lone alpha’s nostrils, and she immediately loosened up. Prancing, the petite female made her way to stand with Halcyon and Artemis, to wait for the visitors. “Hannah~” she sang softly, knowing her pale daughter would soon show herself – and with a friend too. Loki smiled happily, groomed her youngest offspring, and waited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:03 am
The two teens hadn’t really spent a lot of time with their older sister, but they knew the scent of family anywhere. Arte wriggled happily, especially at her mother’s entrance. She wanted to apologize for not coming back to her right away, but remained silent for the while.
The teens were quickly getting bigger than their mother, and Halcyon especially had a strong protective instinct over his small mother and alpha. Despite the familiar scent, he nervously shoved himself in between Arte and Loki, standing out in front to guard sufficiently, should anything fishy start up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:04 am
Hannah spotted the trio from a ways back, and almost instantly recognized the two teens. The male looked so much like Daddy that it was uncanny, and the female must have been the one that Hannah herself had helped carry back to the den that day, with her mother, and Xieros.
Hearing her name, the pale femme wriggled forward, a huge grin across her maw. “Mama!” she couldn’t help herself, bounding up to the elder and nuzzling against her chest.
Suddenly, Hannah realized she had completely forgotten about Johnny. The female jumped up and ran back to the large male, licking his maw apologetically. “Mama, this is Johnny.” She smiled brightly as she continued her introductions.
Johnny hadn’t expected to see this many wolves at once. He had hoped to only meet Hannah’s parents, and ask for their help. He shrank back even more, as the Hannah bounced forward to greet her mother and siblings. There was nothing much else to do, and by the way she exerted herself and was being treated, Johnny could tell he was already meeting with the alpha, and he realized now, that this was a pack’s lands, and Hannah wasn’t just any random wolf.
After introductions, the big male stumbled forward as carefully as possible. He had never groveled without it being for his life, before. “I need two favors from your family, Alpha.” Not knowing wolves’ names wasn’t easy for Johnny, but this was exactly like being back in Adenru’s clutches – without the beatings and ridicule, for now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:26 am
Loki was impressed at her son’s initiative in protecting her and her daughter. He had always been a brave pup, but so had Artemis.
“Hello again, Darling.” She answered her pale daughter. Her whole family knew she wasn’t much for talking, but instead focused her all on hearing. Her sickness while she had been courting Hige had left her deaf and blind over the left side of her head.
She sat, panting slightly, as her daughter introduced everyone to the strange male. She couldn’t help but smile, sensing that this was more than just a passing encounter between her daughter and Johnny. She greeted the male warmly, after Hannah was finished speaking, and wagged her tail, rustling the leaves and underbrush softly.
It surprised the alpha when the new male groveled forward, and made a plea for help. Without knowing what they were, she was inclined to help. It was just her nature to be helpful, especially when the plea seemed so desperate. “My family is your family, newcomer. We will help to our fullest capabilities.” She offered with a smile.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:51 am
Arte could sense that this was important business. It didn’t feel right to be here, though she and Halcyon were nearly adults themselves, right now they had no business in this situation. If her mother asked, later, then she would give her services as well, but for now… the teen thought it best for her and her brother to dismiss themselves from the older wolves’ company.
She shot Halcyon a look, telling him what she thought and bringing him back behind everyone else. “I think we should go. We could go to the beach.” She tempted her brother with his favorite surrounding.
“We have no business here.” He voiced her thoughts exactly, agreeing with her right off the bat. There weren’t many topics that the two wolves didn’t agree on, and so it was very easy for the male to get along perfectly with his sister.
Halcyon’s eyes shone brightly and he became less reserved and serious at her mention of the beach. “Yes, yes… yeees.” He urged, nearly prancing where he stood. He loved this idea, and supported it whole-heartedly. “Mother?” he questioned, making his way back to the elder. “Artemis and I feel we should dismiss ourselves from this conversation. You can find us on the beach, should you need us, love.” He gave a short bow and darted, before she could object, looking back only to see that Arte was following.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:11 am
Hannah watched the events of her siblings, Johnny, and her mother unfold all at once. Sometimes, with so many wolves in one place, things could get complicated, and the little female laughed softly to herself. Before she knew it, her siblings had rushed off, speaking of the beach. She would have to take Johnny there later, when everything was settled.
As for Johnny asking for a favor this soon after meeting Loki, Hannah had believed that her mother would answer the way she did. It was no secret that this family would do anything for anyone, provided it was helpful to everyone involved. For now, she sat back and let Johnny and Loki talk. The pale femme already knew minute details of what Johnny needed from the family.
The big male was overwhelmed at the almost immediate acceptance of his plea. And he hadn’t even specified what he needed yet. “Thank you, I cannot express my gratitude enough.” He gave a short bow, as Halcyon had moments before, and sat down with Loki. “The first request is easily asked for, and hopefully not met poorly.” He began. “The second is a bit more difficult, and requires nearly my life story.” With this the male showed sadness, not really wanting to relive Adenru’s ‘legacy’, much less get these wolves involved. But it was all for Xieros.
He continued, hoping to get everything out on the table as quickly as possible, so that Loki could take it all in. “I have recently found myself alone, and lone wolves never fare well. I have also found myself in love with your daughter. And so I wish to ask, if I may be permitted to join your pack.” Pausing momentarily, the male hoped for a positive answer from the alpha, and hoped even more for a positive reaction towards his feelings for Hannah.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:41 am
With her attention largely on Johnny, Loki didn’t have much time to react to Halcyon and Artemis’ retreat from the group. It was probably for the best. The two would be bored with not much to say on any given matter, as far as this situation went.
After they were gone, she turned her attention back to Johnny. He made up for her lack of speaking, and seemed to know exactly what he wanted to say. It was all fine and well with Loki. She was best at listening.
She nodded as he asked his first favor. “We’re always taking in new wolves. You are welcome here, and as much family as my own children.” She smiled, and urged the large male to go on with his next request. She was always happy to see her pack grow, and this male seemed like a nice addition that would most likely help keep Hannah at home for Loki to spend time with and enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:51 am
Hannah nodded as well, nuzzling Johnny in reassurance. His asking to join this pack was a surprise to her, but it was a welcome one. The pale femme loved the idea of everyone she cared for being together like this.
She knew the male’s next question, though, and she also knew what her mother’s answer would be. She decided that it would be best to sit, as Johnny had promised this would take a while. Curling up next to him, she eased into a more comfortable position to listen.
Johnny beamed happily. The alpha had accepted him, so far, and this gave him the fortitude he needed to ask the biggest question of all – but first he would need to explain himself.
“I’m sure you can tell I’ve not had a happy life.” He began, indicating his beaten body. “My sister and I grew up under a tyrant who beat us, physically and mentally, until one day we began planning our escape. Things got shaky when we ran, and if I hadn’t hung back she wouldn’t have escaped… so I let her go. I’ve vowed ever since to find her, but I need help. No doubt this forest is large, I ran a long time to get even close to where you make your home, so I can only imagine where she’s found solace.”
He paused, hoping that she had found a life for herself, and no harm had befallen her. “I know it would be foolish to go looking for her alone, so Hannah brought me here to ask for your help in my search.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:12 am
The alpha female took a few moments to think over everything Johnny had said. For some reason, the small female thought of Xieros then, but shook the thought quickly, as she was not the current focus.
“Your sister is younger, yes?” she needed to know about this female, and it would be helpful if he remembered what she looked like… maybe one of the family had seen her in their outings. “Did she resemble you much? I will help, of course, and I will ask around for further help. We need to know more about her.”
She was never much for getting too close to strangers but... Loki stepped forward and took a deep breath, getting as much out of Johnny’s scent as possible. Deep down, the scent was familiar somehow, in many different ways. Stepping back again to sit, she awaited his response to her questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:13 am
It was hard not to fidget. She could throw him right back out of her territory based on his past… it was understandable if he had a troubled past, that she wouldn’t want that trouble catching up to him while he was here, and endangering her family… but then again she had called him family.
“Yes, she is my younger sister.” He answered quickly. The next battery of questions didn’t surprise him much. It made sense, really. “She… not really. She’s mostly black, with white stripes over her chest, tail and forelegs.” It was hard remembering, and he felt even more like a big part of him was missing. “Her face is white, and she has black eye patches” he added, as an afterthought.
Johnny jumped, fearful for the first time since fleeing Adenru. He didn’t expect the female to come so close, so fast, much less expect himself to fear such a small female. Still, he let her sniff him, and tried to stay as calm as he could, while waiting and hoping for any recognition of his description.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:19 am
As she listened to his description of the younger female, her mind wandered back to Xieros. It had been a while since she had seen the teen, and she missed her presence. Suddenly, the alpha’s ears went up, and she hopped to her feet. “What is your sister’s name?”
She had a suspicion now that she had Xieros pegged as this boy’s sister. Hopefully she was alright… now that she gave it more thought, the female had been missing for quite some time. It was common for the girl to spend time away from the territory, but she had always come back to check in, no matter how shy she had been…
The elder’s brow wrinkled with worry now, both for Xieros and for Johnny. If her guess was correct, then it would make things a lot easier than finding a faceless wolf that none of them had ever seen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:24 am
The alpha’s alarm caused both Hannah and Johnny to stand as well. Was something coming that the two had not heard? Hannah felt the same things as her mother now. A faint memory of Xieros floated through her brain, and she couldn’t help but hope that she was Johnny’s sister.
If that was the case, they could just find her on the pack lands, wherever she stayed. Hannah was not aware of the female’s wandering spirit, or that the wolf had been missing for quite some time.
The sudden question caught them off guard as well, but Johnny was comforted to see such ambition in helping him find his sister.
“Xieros is her name.” his voice shook, and he sensed that this wolf knew something, and even Hannah was acting odd now. He wasn’t sure what he should do now, and he could have gone insane waiting to see if the name rung as much of a bell as the description did. “Well?” he agonized, puffing out his whiskers and sitting back down with a loud ‘whumph’.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
