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 Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 7:00 pm
 "Know your place..."
『Rothar』
Rothar's ears swiveled listening for any sign of life over the deafening rush of debris filled water, He stood tall and alert though dirty, disheveled , bleeding and exhausted. His sharp emerald eyes searched desperately even as the waters continued to rise and lap at his paws, that sunk slightly into the muddy riverbank. Then a flash of gold caught his eye and his head snapped to watch Kiana struggle against the water to get to him. It took great control to not leap recklessly back into the deadly waters. She was doing fine at the moment and his action could just cause more trouble if he wasn't careful.
She was very near the shore when the sharp cry of pain rang out, piercing the rushing of the water for a moment. Worry filled his eyes and he was quick to wade through the thick mud to meet her as she pulled herself out of the churning waters and onto the muddy banks by him. He tried to hid his concern for her well being behind a focused, sharp gaze as he looked her over to assess the extent of the injuries. Her smile was slightly comforting to his frazzled mind at least she wasn't delirious with pain if she could try to blow it off, but he knew that the injury she had taken to her side was not a minor scrape.
"We need to get moving, not make small talk." He said commandingly, but a tinge of relief was hidden between the words. " The water is still rising and we must get to higher grounds. " He continued as he positioned himself beside her to help her up. As he carefully used his head to try and help her up and steady her he head a long howl. He stood firm to allow her to use him as an aid to lean on if she needed it and lifted his head. His ears swiveled honing in on the direction of the sound, it wasn't too far off. Flaring his nostrils he picked up the scent as words rang out after the howl. Healer? Did he hear that right? He looked down at Kiana, blood flowed from her injury turning the muddy water a rusty red color. He would take the chance, that injury would need immediate attention and he would rather that it was treated properly and not by his rudimentary knowledge.
"We're going that way. " he said indicating the direction as a howl echoed out again. Fortunately the sound was coming from the direction of higher ground already. And though he wasn't the most trusting of Varsythe, desperate times called for desperate measures. Fellow Vurfang would have to help each other through this. He lifted his head and howled a deep, powerful howl in response to let the other Varsythe know his own location. Then he lowered his head to place it under Kiana's against her chest he attempt help her up and give her additional support as he guided her out of the sticky mud, each paw placed carefully, he would not allow further harm to fall on her.
"Or I will show it to you."
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 7:41 pm
 He'd been wandering for quite some time, trying to find clues to what happened to his Pack. As the waters rose, the russet-colored wolf froze for just a second, mismatched eyes widening. NO, not again... he thought, before snapping out from his reverie as he felt a rising sense of urgency along with the water levels. Blinking once, the wolf ran along the rising waters, slipping and finding little to no purchase with his claws. This was bad...really bad. In all his life, even during the catastrophe that had separated his Pack, this hadn't really happened. What was going on?? Growling stubbornly to himself, the Scout kept running. He'd been lucky his time alone helped the slight edge of 'paranoia' that kept him aware of his surroundings. It wasn't TRUE paranoia, the russet wolf just preferred to be quiet and aware than loud and oblivious. He hadn't minded being solitary...as a Scout, the wolf had often been away from Pack...but even so, Pack was necessary. Was a family. And he'd been searching this whole time... Glancing around, keeping aware of his surroundings with a tense sort of wariness, a sound overhead caught perking ears. Looking up, the wolf paused, waiting to see if it was friend or foe... He blinked, and ran after the flying form. Finally! Yes, there was stress, yes there was a familiar sunk feeling of loss in the russet wolf's chest from the lack of his Pack... But he knew that form flying overhead. Slipping in the mud and splashing through the water, having to swim from accidental dunks out of surprise to keep the flying form in sight, he followed. He knew that form, and could rejoin his old Pack. Or... Was anyone else even left? The yelps and cries, the waters rising.... Rising...rising. Wolves trying to swim, find SOMETHING to keep them afloat. Trying to keep pups on a slight branch, before getting knocked underwater. Darkness, fighting for consciousness, floating timelessly and then reawakening. Sore, tired...on a strange shore. Alone. No answering howls, no cries for help... Lost. And a solitary wanderer.Growling against the memory, the helplessness...he wasn't the BEST Scout, but dammit, finding things was what he DID!...the russet wolf followed the flying form. Kallan... He refused to lose track of her again, refused to fail again, mismatched eyes flicking almost frantically around; he needed to know what was going on. And how he might be able to help. A short, but purposeful howl built and found itself bursting out of his throat. I'm here. I can help. Not speech, but still full of meaning. Full of sincerity. Branches and clods of dirt smacked into him as the waters roiled, the Scout turning to keep his face safe or take glancing blows as he ran...best as he could...to keep an eye on Kallan. He knew her. He'd help her. If she'd let him... Expression stubborn and focused, determined, the heterochromatic-eyed wolf's ears swiveled around, trying to keep track despite the deafening havoc of the rushing waters he'd found Kallan flying over.
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Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 8:05 pm
 To anyone else, the sharp eyes of Rothar on them would be intimidating, but she could detect the worry for her behind those eyes. She grunted softly, waiting as he looked her over. Not being able to help it, a small smile appeared on her muzzle at his commanding tone as he said they needed to start getting to higher ground. She could hear the relief hidden in those words, she had learned to read him like a book. If she weren't in pain right now, she would find his voice as sexy as ever. She leaned against him as he positioned himself to help her to her feet, giving a grateful noise to him. That's when she heard some howls as well, including from a healer. Before the words was even out of the male alpha's mouth, she knew exactly where they were going. Three...two..one...and yep, just as she thought, in the direction of the healer's howl. " Love you too, dear heart. Alright, to the healer, since I am sure there is no convincing you it is just a scratch,"she spoke as calmly as she could muster. Then she allowed him to help her up the muddy bank, each step causing her to huff in pain. She told herself they just had to make it to that healer they had heard calling out. Luckily, Rothar had thought to howl back, his powerful howl always sending a shiver up her spine. Alright, Kiana, she told herself, put one paw in front of the other. It was just a little pain and she was determined not to let it get to her...too much.
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 12:08 am
She was sure she looked absurd, rolling around on the ground in such a situation, but it was the quickest way to do what she wanted. Rolling onto a rock she yelped, sitting up and grabbing it in her mouth, setting it on the leaf to help hold it down, though it's place under the grass was doing that well enough. She began to shift though the grass she'd flattened to ensure no other rocks lay hidden beneath the blanket she'd created. Finding a few small pieces, several due to stepping on them, and placing them with the other rock she'd removed she rolled across the flattened grass a few more times before glancing up. Hopping a few times to get a better glimpse down the hill she could see two Varsythe, their red and blue hues strangely brilliant against the grass. Jumping again to get their attention she yelled.
"Here here! I am here! Bring the wounded and I will tend them!"
Heading back over to her tools, tail waving in the air beckoning them toward her, she rolled across the grass a few more times. She could tell by the smell that there was blood, and a lot of it. She hoped she had enough moss to stop the flow, though considering the current water level she feared what would happen if she needed more. Nightshade could try the more... untested items in her possession but considering she'd never used them on anyone but herself she couldn't be sure what would happen. She simply hoped it wouldn't come to that... or if it did that they actually worked. Otherwise she'd have other problems.
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 8:30 am
 Jester shakes his head to keep his thoughts at bay. He can't let this become his last moments. His green eyes searching in the dark recesses to see if there is any tunnels are any sign of an incline. Oh white Alpha please let there be an incline.. higher ground. He has a pack to help.. Even though he isn't the only omega. He feels he has done a good job so far keeping things light and make the others laugh with his energetic antics. Would any of the pack be searching for him? He is still fairly new.. Would they even care? As the water starts to rise slowly he can start to feel the slight incline upwards. He hopes it is a steady incline... and that it starts to move up quickly.. Though by the fact that it isn't rising as fast as he thought.. well maybe there is simply so much space that the water hasn't been able to fully move out yet. Even so he doesn't want to be in this space when it does get filled up. Grayish purple fur clings to his skin as he shakes his body. It is simply a reaction. Then he moves forward again. Lifting his head he lets out another howl. Just so if anyone is out there. That they would know he is still alive. And maybe... if they found somewhere else.. maybe there was a way out? The further he moves inside the steadier the ground starts to move upwards when all the sudden it drops and he falls into a pit of water. Panic goes through him as his legs kick at the water to stay up. Looking around he can see a path that leads up but it reaches nowhere. Then there is a tunnel that is almost full.. Just enough space for his head... but it would be a tight fit... It's almost full.. Oh goodness.. It's the only way... He can't go back up.. He just hopes that there is a way out.. He gathers the last of his courage and moves to swim towards the unknown. He can feel the top of the cave scarping against his back.. against the top of his head. The way is dark and he can't see. It's intimidating and he can feel his body shaking from fear and the coldness of the water. His nose bops something and he feels around and moves to go around a stalactite.Paws pushing water.. He doesn't know how long but soon he comes into another cavern.. Not as filled. Paws hit the bottom as the ground rises again. He is thankful for it as he walks out of the water. Shaking his body and coat. He moves forward. Ears twisting listening. He lets out another howl. Surely someone will hear him. His eyes adjust to the small amount of light. Up further there is a path that leads up.. And is that? There is light up there.. Small amount.. but it is a sign.. He moves to trot up the path. The incline steeper.. yet the ground has little ridges to help keep his feet steady.
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 4:52 pm
𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑨𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒌𝒚 An eye slowly opened as Aura heard the soft sound of rolling thunder. He snuggled closer to his pups, feeling them instinctively curl closer from the sound. He smiled a little, a yawn escaping his mouth as he closed his eyes once again, falling back to sleep. It wasn't until a few hours later that he realized something was wrong. He felt his fur slowly becoming cold and wet, a weird rushing sound causing him to awaken. Aura's eyes flew open, the cave floor filled with water. It was only a toe's height, but the cave NEVER filled with water that much. He had chose this one because of that. He slowly stood, making sure not to awaken the little ones in case it wasn't something major. He padded through the water towards the entrance. It was then that his ears fell flat against his head, and his eyes widened. Water. There was water EVERYWHERE. He almost couldn't see the meadow across from the creek, the trees shuttering in the wind. Aura looked down to see the river, it only taking him a moment to feel the rumbling from the ground. It was almost as if the world was going in slow motion, the young wolf turning to his right to see that the natural dam that kept the water from the ocean from coming in too fast had obviously broken. A flood of angry surging water was now coming straight down the river, and towards the cave. "Pups! Wake up! Now!" Aura scampered down into the cave, nuzzling the pups awake as best he could. A few woke with a start, others slowly waking. Aura could feel the water getting closer, and knew that he couldn't wait any longer. The wolf's heart broke as he realized he couldn't save all of them. Taking one sleepy pup in his teeth, he and the awoke pups scampered out of the cave just in time, running as fast as they could to the nearest hill. Six pups had made it out of the cave with Aura and towards the hill, but only four remained. Two of the pups had wiped out while running, the surging water sucking them into its clutches as they yelped and cried for help. Aura could only turn away, holding the four as close as he could as they watched their home and their family become torn apart. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖ʹ𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒚
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 5:56 pm
The female heard Riptide, raising herself to look around for the bigger male she let out a happy yip. Glad to see another of her pack. She blinked in silent amusement at the male as he fumbled around. Hearing him fret she nearly told him not to worry when the warmth of his lick gave her a slight jolt. She wasn't expecting the male to do that...well it was expected but still--she looked up to a winged female. Her ears lowered a bit as she nodded. "Thank you." she called out before nosing the bigger male. "Rip...your fretting. I'll be fine. There's not that much blood loss." at least that's what she hoped. She gave the male a small happy whine. "Thank you for fretting though."
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 6:21 pm
Duke panted as he reached the hills, easily finding a cave that had not yet been heavily assaulted by the rains, though it trickled down the sweeping, declining floor as it pelted the grass around him and fell through the entrance. He trained his ears down the hole, eager for a response from the wolf he'd been trying to track. His eyes glanced upwards, at the ceiling, trying to judge how save noise might be in the cavern; the stalagtites looked firm enough. "Hello!? Anyone down there?" He waited for a response. "Are you injured? Do you need help?" After another moment, he glanced up at Trill, who had little more than annoyed chirruping to offer, and slid along one of the walls to start making his way down the cave, occasionally tossing another 'Hello?' down the hole. "Trill? Are you sure that voice is down here?"
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SaevusVeritas Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 10:36 pm
【 ᴄᴜʀʀᴇɴᴛ ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ:: North Howlshire Meadow, near the hard bend in the river xxxxxxx ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴʏ:: Riptide | Rainclaw 】● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ☽x T O R R E N T I A Lx☾xx and enraged currents surged over the banks of the rivers, the water rising far too swiftly and with too much strength to be natural. Rain fell with an intent of scouring the land, angry and stinging even through his thick fur. He had heard the squeaks and chirps and squeals of fear from the smaller animals, had listened with a tilted head as a thunderous churning rumbled. The rivers and lakes were fat, swollen, churning up and eating everything in their way as they escaped, racing ever faster onwards and out, away from their prisons. It was as if they'd been alive, violent, wanting to cause as much chaos and destruction as they possibly could. The Descendant of the White Alpha watched from the plains of the Howlshire meadow as the water seethed angrily towards him, golden eyes emotionless, face betraying nothing.
He clearly remembered the dream of Foretelling that bespoke of this, but Kestrel hadn't expected it so damned soon. The sleeping-world reality had been a mirror image of this, but it was impossible; he had Foreseen this two nights ago. _The same night we told you to run, Alpha. We warned you, told you to leave these lush lands behind, to run far and fast and leave even Howlsong in your wake, but you did not heed us._ The Mark beneath Kestrel's eye twinged, a searing pain driving deep into the bone beneath, as if in reprimand. Pupil-less eyes followed a rust-colored Delta loping across the plain below, head tilted up as he followed the flying form of a female Alpha. You ask me to leave not only my Pack, but all Vurfang. If I acquiesced, what sort of craven Herald would I be? A harsh laugh, like the sound of shattering glass echoed in Kestrel's mind.
_A sane one._ The white male snarled and flicked his head, as if trying to cast the Voice from his own mind. And though it didn't leave, it fell silent, leaving Kestrel's mind his own once more. When he had felt the ground trembling beneath his large paws, he had let out a loud, long, and sharp howl that had carried for miles: one of warning, of danger to any and all who could hear it. The Heir had known something was coming, something that would throw their lands into chaos, ravaging the earth and tearing Packs apart. But how could I have known it would be so devastating? He couldn't convey the threat in his howl, for even Kestrel hadn't known what was rapidly approaching them. He had Foreseen it, yes, but the Dreams were to be taken with some degree of uncertainty. Only if more than three Shamans had the same Sight would it be taken seriously, but there hadn't even been time for Kestrel to seek out others.
Normally, the Dreams come months in advance, giving us enough warning to prepare. But never before have we faced something on this scale. It had only ever been the occasional flood, or fire, or scarcity of game. And yet... Kes had known something was different, had felt it in his breast, and the Voice in his mind had been smug, chuckling, amused ever since the Dream, taunting and teasing. So when the Alpha felt the slight quivering of the ground, heard the rippling and scented the moisture, he'd tried to give warning. There was no way it would have been in time. The Alpha remembered howling, then not ten heartbeats later, a sluice of water four feet high had slammed into him, knocking him from his feet. He was sent tumbling, dragging under and flung roughly by the currents, the water beating him into submission, slamming him into trees and rocks that dotted the gentle lands of the Northern-most point of the Meadow. A deep laceration on his shoulder sent the Alpha spinning into unconsciousness from the pain and loss of blood, the shard of a boulder like the razor-edge of a claw slicing clean through flesh and muscle.
Kestrel hung his head, a wave of guilt, of anger rolling through him. I hadn't even been with the Pack when it happened. He had been out seeking, searching for the source of his unquiet, as he almost always did. Kestrel rarely remained with Howlsong, ranging far and even past their territory, the Voice within him pushing him on. I was close to something, I felt a presence, recognized one of the First Pack there on the north cliffs overlooking the sea. Then the ocean swelled and I fled as fast as I could, but then... What? He had made a connection, knew there was something he had forgotten. Then the water swallowed him and dashed him against the very land he protected, knocking him out. I awoke on a felled tree, water lapping around my shoulders, smelling fear and blood and terror on the wind.
The Alpha padded forward through the now-hock high water, muscles straining as he made for higher ground. Kestrel checked the motionless forms of Vurfang he came across, limp and contorted, thrown in such agonizing, unnatural positions. The waters had taken many when they raged through, and the Heir could only send up a prayer and move on, hoping his Pack would be safe. It had taken him over a day, but at long last, the blue-white Alpha crested the rise that overlooked the Howlshire Meadow, golden eyes widening in shock at what he saw. Destroyed. Gutted. Ravaged. He didn't recognize the land sprawled out and drowning below. Speeding currents where there once were gentle valleys, debris-choked treetops just peeking up over the surface of the water. White, roiling and angry rapids churned where once there was a field of wildflowers of all colors, and branches flew by, like some sort of wooden missile aimed down-river.
Kestrel saw the straggling few Vurfang who had met up, could see the weariness and insecurity in their posture. But they moved with purpose, not terror, and the Alpha felt a surge of pride, his throat tightening. These are my wolves. My charges. They are my weakness and my strength, and they are my Greater Pack. Regardless of who their Alphas were, or who the Alphas led, they were one, a part of a greater whole. The white wolf tilted his head to the night sky, golden eyes meeting the gazes of the twinkling, apathetic stars as he howled long and low, its cadence rising and falling softly, gently, carried on the wind and on the currents of water for miles and miles. The song was laced with the Descendant's Call, sending out a gentle compulsion to all who heard its melody to seek him out when they could. The Heir's cry faded into a gentle, lamenting keen, mourning the loss of lives and of land. Overnight, their entire world had changed. And Kestrel knew that this was only the beginning.
The Alpha strode slowly down the slope, nostrils flared as he sifted through the scents assaulting him. He blocked out those he didn't want; blood, adrenaline, fear, grief, pain, water, scarred earth, sodden wood, wet rock...There. Kestrel turned towards the east and broke into a weary trot, exhausted from fighting the water, from having to backtrack and find different routes because of the flooding or strong currents. He'd traveled farther than he ever had in a single cycle of the moon's rising and falling, and Kestrel could feel the weariness dragging at him. His large form weaved and slunk, loped and crawled, paddled and braced against the new landscape, sides heaving with his panting breaths. Still, rain fell sporadically, and the white male pulled himself up over a swell of land with shaking forelegs, shoulders straining.
The Descendant stood, head hanging, fur soaking wet and blood-streaked, the Mark beneath his eye throbbing painfully. But he'd made it. He lifted his head, golden gaze resting on the two familiar forms in front of him. His mouth curved into a smile -- of joy, of relief, of a bittersweet reunion -- as he saw Riptide and Rainclaw, looking after a group of what Kestrel could only assume were orphaned Pups bundled together on a rock above them. His eyes glowed a slight golden hue at seeing them, and unnoticed and not announcing his presence, the Alpha limped forward, his claws clicking against the stone. Weary, soaking wet, blood marring the snow-white fur on his left shoulder and eyes tired, Kestrel still stood tall and proud, the blood of the White Alpha pounding through his veins.
"You're both safe." His voice didn't carry its usual musical cadence, but relief twined through his words. "I had feared..." His voice trailed off, and he jerked his head to the right, as if listening to something only he could hear. Tension strained on his features, the Alpha's golden eyes widening. Without warning, he turned sharply on his hind paws and lifted his head, howling out into the night and bolstering it with the Call. "VURFANG! Wolves of the South! Lift your noses to the skies and howl for those you have lost, those you have found! Any who need aid, howl high and wavering! Any who hears and is in condition to offer help, howl strong and long!" Kestrel flicked an elongated ear, staring out into the distance. "As soon as you can, tend to the wounded, mourn the dead, and make for the Lunaris Forest! It will be a long trek, and hard, for our gentle lands have drastically changed, and we must forge new paths! But we must come together, cast aside our differences, and our rivalries! This is not the end, but only the beginning, my Packhearts! If you come across others, join together, and Packs will be reunited when you arrive!"
The Alpha paused for a breath, baritone voice booming and echoing far and wide, cast into the minds of all Vurfang. "We must hold a summit when all who are able have arrived, for our lives, our world, our reality is about to be torn asunder! Make for Lunaris, Vurfang, and come together!" His Call faded into the night, and Kestrel turned to Riptide and Rainclaw, who were staring at him. Kestrel clenched his teeth and lowered his voice, his words barely audible over the rushing of the river near them. "The Alpha and Omega are going to Rise. But before they do, far worse will befall us than flooded lands." A tremor of fear made Kestrel's voice shake, and the Alpha was terrified. He remembered what he had witnessed, there on the Northern Cliffs...and if they weren't ready, they would be destroyed.
[ [ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ: ] ]
Wheeee. ♥
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 11:22 pm
His words trailed off as he stood at attention, gazing in the distance over the top of the hill. Even the pups turned towards the same direction, tho clearly a bit confused. Nothing was there, but the sound of the Call and the howl of his alpha finally came to him. Help was near, and this lightened his heart considerably. He remembered Rainclaw's insistence that he was fretting, Riptide shook himself and pretended to be innocent of such an act, standing a little taller, but not quite able to meet her gaze. "Fretting? Who ever said I was fretting, I never fret...seriously..." he half-muttered turning his attention back to the gash on her back leg, continuing to clean it for a long moment. He took a few deep breaths as he inspected it one last time, and decided for now there was nothing more to do. "Let's get you and the pups somewhere safe...can you walk? We need to go..though I don't know where."It was one of the pups that alerted Rip to Kes's presence. As relief flooded through him, he started to take a step towards his Alpha in greeting, but Kes's abrupt change and the Call he sent out rooted him to the spot. He was shocked in a way, and merely stared at the white wolf in disbelief. It wasn't until he said to them alone that more was to be coming did he feel a shiver move from his nose to his tail. More? He remembered the wolves he'd passed in his single-minded run for those still living that he'd barely registered at the time. How many more lives would this take? "Kes...how many..." he started to say, unable to voice the questions inside. How many lives were taken? How many signs were there, how many would survive this in the end? Licking his lips, he simply stared at his Alpha, letting the fear show in his eyes as theirs met. The look that passed between them told Riptide more than mere words could have. The fact was, even Kes didn't know. Shaking himself, he nuzzled reassurances to Rainclaw without thinking, urging her to follow before nuzzling reassurances to the puppies and beginning the process of herding the little ones up the hill towards his Alpha. He glanced back at times to Rainclaw, watching to see if she would follow and clearly worried about the wound, though he tried to hide it with cheerful words that he didn't even remember saying, it was all just automatic, the Guardian truly taking over at this point. He didn't know what had happened to the others, and hopefully with luck they were okay. The Call was out, and frankly, the best he knew they could do was to get the Lunaris, help the others along the way as they could. If they had survived, he knew they'd hear the Call and would follow.
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 12:05 am
'I want to die...'
The phrase lulled in her mind like a gentle tug of a pup's teeth on her ear. The thought of pups made her whole heart hurt more than the burning exhaustion of her body. As the waters came without warning, the Guardian had worked together with her current pack to evacuate what she could. It was so dark; everything was happening so fast that their reaction time was minimal. In a blink of an eye, her whole world was destroyed. In her pitiful state, she began to replay the events in her mind attempting to find a mistake she had made; a flaw that had stopped her from being able to save at least someone...
FLASHBACK
At first the waters only rose to her feet, but then to her belly, and finally engulfing her whole. The Gammas and Shaman had chosen to stay together in their den knowing full well they couldn't out swim their Fate. It was there that she wasted breath begging them to try; They wouldn't hear a word she was saying. It was then a hard swell crashed into her unsuspecting frame, feet tripping over as the waters carried her from the den entrance, rising quickly. Their wish was granted after all it seemed.
'White Alpha, what are you trying to tell me?' Her mind raced as she attempted to maneuver the current, using not her paws but her body to swim through the waters. It was a trick Grandmother Ailia taught her. 'My love, you mustn't use your strength to fight Water; She is a bigger beast than you and she will win. Always. Let her take you, move you to where she wants to go. If you lay limp like the fish and sea creatures, Water will think you one of your children, and release you from her clutches more easily.' Oh why couldn't Grandmother be here now?! Her guidance would surely have put the Guardian at ease.
As she had moved, snaking her way along the river, she noticed her pack splashing and struggling to stay afloat, fighting their way to the banks. Each Vurfang she passed, she would attempt to help only to be blocked by a log, or cut up by rocks causing her to give up control. Cuts and gashes sapped at her strength, her blood lost in the darkness of the waters as flora and fauna alike where taken and torn asunder. Not long, she passed the deep den of the Sentinels, high on the ridge where pack lands where. Her ears perked at the call of pups, and a yelp of a young Omega. It was here, she took a breath and willed her body toward the banks. This time, Water was finished playing with her Delta toy and allowed the she-wolf to pass. Sides heaved with exhaustion and pain, tongue lolling violently out of her mouth, the Guardian forced herself up on the ridge giving a bark of presence. Immediately the Omega poked her head from underground, then gave a giant whine of relief. "Kaalia! You're alive! Oh thank the White Alpha!" After quick pleasantries and assessment of everyone, Kaalia hatched a plan with the Sentinel to escape. Out of the twelve pups of the pack, only three survived; the rest had attempted to find their parents out of fear, or running after Sentinels who abandoned their post to help the others. The remaining pups were only alive thanks to the Omega who had been training with the Sentinels.
"The water is rising fast. We need to go." Only a few minutes before, Kaalia had to climb the ridge to get to the den. Now, in a matter that felt like seconds, water was rushing in, all to eager to ensnare the five Varsythe. The two adults worked fast, Kaalia carrying one pup, the Omega two; all three clutched to the adults' backs, whimpering with cold and fear. "Remember, ease into the water. Let it flow with you. Don't be afraid." Kaalia's voice was strong, confident, soothing and the Omega trusted her whole-hearted. She went first into the swell, and the Guardian followed, her voice a constant soothing to the four. All seemed to be going well as they traveled to higher ground. It seemed as though they would make it, getting closer and closer to sturdier patches of mountain.
And then the wave came. Monstrous, ferocious, roaring, commanding, and impending. 'White Alpha...Grandmother...I-'
END FLASHBACK
She remembered now. Water had manipulated the she-wolf's every move until its mate, The Darkness, had swallowed her whole. Wet. Cold. Possessive. The last thing she heard was the cry of the Omega and the pups. Maybe even her own. She couldn't remember. Now she lay on the beach after the fight of her life in the swells of the water. Her eyes were stinging and irritated, her body cut and gashed in random places, muscles burning until numb, fur matted and patchy. Her soul? Barely there.
'I want to die...' She thought again, closing her eyes for what she would hope would be the last time. 'I failed everyone... I failed you, White Alpha... I failed you, Grandmother... I-'
A howl. There was a howl. Louder than the waves, more imposing than her self-defeat. It boomed throughout the land, and reverberated something inside of her. Something that she thought died along with her family and original pack. A small, ember that dwelled within her now erupted into a bonfire. Warmth flooded through her whole being, and her eyes snapped open.
'Tend to the wounded... mourn the dead... This is not the end, but only the beginning.'
Strength slowly returned her to her being. No longer did she want to die. She remembered her vow that she made to her Grandmother, and to herself: End the struggle of the Varsythe. Bring the White Alpha's dream to life. Be the change. As she murmured her mantra, her body began to move on its own. Eventually Kaalia stood proud, tall, and strong. Placing a paw in front of her, she lifted her nose to the sky, took in a might breath, and howled her song to all who could hear with all she could muster, her spirit a beacon shining brightly from within her into her call.
"I am Protector of the Weak, Defender of the Just, Warrior for Peace, Enemy to the Outcast Omega, and Follower of the White Alpha! I am Delta! I am Guardian! I. Am. Kaalia!"
Her name seemed to bounce off the rocks, and trees, and hills, and mountains defying even Water and Darkness themselves. Lowering her head, she set forth with a burst of speed kicking up wet sand and forest debris. Mouth agape, tongue lolling, the Delta Guardian punched forward maneuvering the terrain with perception only she knew. She could feel the spirit of her Grandmother around her as she traveled. Muscle rippled underneath fur and skin, chest heaved vastly, legs reaching as far and fast only to curl tightly to her body, and repeat the process. If she kept this pace, she would reach Lunaris Forest by late dawn.
Her mission was simple: Go to Lunaris Forest. Find the Heir. Heal the land. Bring back peace. Okay, so maybe not THAT simple. Then again Kaalia was never one to shy away from a challenge. And in her hearts of hearts, she knew this one would take all that she could muster and give. She was ready. She had to be. As Guardian, she had no choice - and she wouldn't want it any other way. [[OOC: First Meta Post. Yaaay. Feel free to stop my wolfie for help or anything. And this is directed toward everyone (in a bit of a response to Veri too) so that's why no quotes for me, but I can always add next time/later.]]
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 4:29 pm
 Alighting on a toppled tree, Kallan pulled loose a wad of moss and started to double back, wings folded tight against her sides, when she saw the russet wolf. Something tugged at her memory, but what..? She shook her head. Concentrate on surviving this disaster. You can always figure it out later... provided you're still alive. She thought with a snort. Breaking into a lope, she cleared another fallen tree with a graceful bound, her slight form coming to her advantage as she slipped between a gap in its outstretched branches. Spitting the moss out at the base of the boulder the pups were on, she turned. "Be you friend or foe, follow me. I know the way to Lunaris, for my pack and I call it home. As flooded as it may be, there are still a few paths that remain passable to those not blessed with flight."The voice of the pale Alpha had a pull to it, one she felt and could not ignore. Who... who has the power to do such a thing..? Has the White Alpha returned..? Turning a bewildered gaze upon the one who Called, she closed her eyes and, tilting her head back, let out a mournful howl. Unbidden fragmented memories sprung forth, almost paralleling the disaster she was in the middle of now. When past meets present... Near the end of the howl, the note warped to one of hope. I refuse to let this drag me down. I must be strong for the pack... they are my new home, my new family. I yet live, and that is joy enough.Stepping forth, Kallan snapped her wings open and waited for another tree, washed free from its hold in the earth, to pass by. "Seek a way to cross the river. I shall wait for you on the other side to lead the way." With a bound, she used an outspread branch to spring forth from as she flew across the river. Raoul is not gonna be pleased about this... She thought, wincing as a slender branch grazed her flank, poking into her wing. I can still fly with it, but... She sighed, and turned to face those still on the other side. Better not risk it.
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 8:42 pm
"Know your place..."
『Rothar』
Rothar gave Kiana a stern look in response to her attempt to be lighthearted despite the situation. Her gentle, perseverance was both something he admired and something that made him worry. She was much more open and accepting than he was. In his mind logic ruled. He carefully calculated outcomes of any number of given situations at any given time and picks the one that makes the most advantageous result for him. And though at times he is rather impulsive and rash, quick to pick a fight when his triggers are poked at, he has rather high expectations of those around him. Close bonds clouded judgment and caused oversights or do do completely irrational things in their defense. As he looked down into Kiana's bright eyes the words of a Vileclaw he had once met on the borderlands came to his mind about being wary with whom he 'shacked up' with he belied were the words that had been used. He snorted and tried to clear that irritating alpha's words from his head as he used his body as a crutch. He was sure that if nothing else he could trust her, at least that is what his heart was telling him. He banished the thoughts from his mind. There were far more pressing things to worry about than if the demented Vileclaw had any form of a relevant point about anything.
Shortly after spotting the vibrantly colored varscythe they called out, beckoning them over. He took each step carefully and guided Kianna to the flattened patch of grass, gently helping her to lay down. He kept eyeing her still profusely bleeding injury in her side and a pang of guilt and pain clenched his heart. If only he had been able to do more for her. He lay beside her and eyed the purple healer. "Let me know if you need anything." He said in his deep, commanding tone, looking the healer straight in the eyes. He was serious he would play fetch the unfamiliar herbs, stray sticks or dive into the churning waters without a second thought if it was needed to help her. He blocked his logic from his mind that was screaming to be heard. Right now all other things took second to saving the only one he had allowed himself to open up to. He would not loose her.
Then he heard a long piecing, familiar howl in the distance. It held a compelling note that called out to him. He was too far off to make out clearly all the powerful words that followed but he did not need to hear them to feel the depth of them. He lifted his muzzle to the cloudy skies and loosed a long, deep, powerful howl in reply. A howl the mourned the loss and echoed as a beacon of strength and hope to those that may hear it echoing across the flooded lands.
"Or I will show it to you."
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Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 9:16 pm
Kiana saw the stern look in the eyes of the other, trying to give him a soft smile. She knew the look meant that he wasn't keen on her trying to 'soften' the blow of her pain. Though she couldn't help it, she knew he expected great things and she sure didn't want to disappoint him. She had great pride in how strong he was, it always helped give her strength too to continue on. Just like now, if it wasn't for him, she didn't know how she would have made it to the healer. She had been so lost in her thoughts, she hadn't even realized they had arrived. Her golden eyes focused on the deep purple female before them, inclining her head to her respectfully. Letting out a grunt, she allowed Rothar to ease her onto the area the healer had prepared. It did not escape her notice that the red and white male had been focusing on her wound as he laid down. " Do not worry, Rothar, she will patch me up and I will be as good as new. Thank you, Healer, for offering aid, it will be greatly needed in a time like this. If you wish, you can come with us as we head to Lunaris Forest..after you are done with me, of course. Also, only if you want to. I am sure together, we can help in this time greatly. And thank you, Alpha, for being willing to go get things she might need,"she told both of them gently. She had also heard the calling from Kestrel, but had been able to get the full message, unlike Rothar. So her vision had been right, this is only the beginning, it made her frown in thought.
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2016 5:00 pm
Jester hears someone and ears perk forward. The other's call is louder.. Close. He calls out." I'm here! I'm here!" He doesn't know how close the other is as he continues climbing. He hopes that wherever this leads will lead to the outside.. and considering another is in here with him... wait.. how did he get there? The other fang... " How did you get in here? Did you fall through the ground like I did? Hello?!" His ears pick up flapping... a bat? A bird? They must be seeking sanctuary too.. Yet is this place the answer? That is when he hears another howl.. a warning.. Get to Lunaris forest.. well they are close.. He was heading that way when he fell through the ground... Hopefully a path would take them there.. He couldn't leave this other wolf here either.. He jumps when he suddenly feels another. He lets out a scared yelp. " Who are you?! Are you a vurfang? Oh goodness... I don't wanna die!" Fright and a very imaginative mind plays tricks on him. He looks forward as he see's the shape of the other in the small light.." I didn't see you there before... umm... is the way out up there?"
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