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 Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2005 7:56 am
Suuru the Crow Suuru knew it wasn't safe- he did have an idea though. If one pup went at a time he could hold onto them by their scruff and fly above them. There was little hope of a crow actually lifting a pup but the weight would be off the log and the pup would have a greater chance of making it accross. There was no way to explain this to the awaiting pups so he'd have to simply take action and hope that they understood. Lifting off from the log he flew over to the first pup- the darkest one. His talons were careful in finding his scruff and lifting him up a bit. His tailons wouldn't break the pup's skin but they'd be felt on it- though the scruff was a thick bunch of skin quite used to teeth or what not.
Suuru beat his wings savagely and began for the log, hoping to guide the pup towards it. He gave what he hoped would be comforting caws and chirps down to the pup as he guided him, hoping the pup would understand his intentions. Nafeeza Keefe Keefe let out a sigh of relief as Naf hopped down from the log. Wonderful, now he could cross. He was just about to get onto the log when he was attacked by that crazy crow. As he felt the talons on his scruff Keefe let out a shrill yelp and whipped around to snap at the avian. After a few moments of struggle the crow didn't seem to be hurting him at all.... In fact he felt lighter. Perhaps this small brained beast of a bird had a plan to get them across this way.
"This bird's crazy Naf... Here I go!"
With a gulp and a small lift from Suuru; Keefe hopped onto the log. His eyes traveled down to the rushing water and he gulped; trying not to look down as he waddled his way across keeping close to the rotten log the whole time. He was quite thankful for the crow's help; it did seem to make this crossing a bit easier. The more he mused on the fact the faster he crossed and soon he was on the other end of the log. Keefe let out a yip to Naf.
"Alright it's pretty safe!... I think"
Her attention snapped back to the log. It was empty. Her eyes went wide and she hurried to the edge of the river, a whine in her thraot. The log appeared undamaged so it couldn't have cracked under his weight. Had he lost his footing and fallen? What if the bird... The sound of Keefe's voice reached her above the water and, miraculously, her own overactive imagination. She looked across to the opposite end of the log and saw Keefe, alive, staring back at her. Naf nearly collapsed from relief.
Crisis averted, Nafeeza stared at the log. Her little scare had worn away her carefree composure about this little adventure, the dangers made frighteningly clear to her. Moving slowly over to the end of the log, she lifted her front paws onto the edge of it and once again felt the uncertain texture. Naf looked up and around for the crow but didn't see him. Was she supposed to do this on her own?
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 8:13 am
Nafeeza Suuru the Crow Suuru released his grip on the first pup and took to the air once more accross the log towards the second. His wings were aching like nothing else but it was a small comfort- if any -that he was halfway done with getting the pups safely accross the trecherous waters. His master would be pleased with him. A bit of a smile came to his beak at the thought. He'd probibly hunt something down-like a rabbit or a large fish-to reward his efforts. It wasn't an easy task coming to the southern lands alone- but leading two pups was indeed a challange. He sent down a caw to the second pup as he made a short pass to turn himself back around towards the oppisate bank. Swooping down he caught the second pup by the scruff and began flapping madly towards the log again- forwards and upwards.
As she neared the center of the log, it groaned under the weight, sagging slightly. Naf gave a small whimper, claws digging deeper into the spungy wood, clumps of bark coming off with each nervous step. Keefe's weight had weakened the old tree considerably, and it continued to sag slightly beneath her paws. With an excited yelp, she jumped readily off the end of the log and would have fallen into Keefe had not the bird still tugged on her scruff.
Pushing to her feet, she looked back over the edge. "Wowza." She said simply, "Don't know if I could have made it without the wing feather." Naf had all sorts of nicknames for birds and not all were particularly complimentary. However, she was beginning to like this crow.Keefe Keefe was immensly relieved when he was back on solid ground once more. The pup let out a deep sigh of relief and turned back to the direction of the log and to where the crow was flying. His eyes went wide as he soon remembered that Naf still had to get across. He let out a low whine and watched helplessly as the crow grabbed onto Naf and flew across with her.
He shut his eyes tight as he heard the log groan; he didn't want to watch her fall. A few seemingly long seconds later there was a yelp and a thump near him. His head shot up to look square at Nafeeza; so she hadn't fallen after all! Keefe hopped up and wagged his tail madly. He looked up at the crow and barked a happy bark of thanks. His attention then turned back to his companion,
"Wow Naf, I sure am glad you made it!..... Thought you were gonna fall for a second..."
With a deep sigh, the purple pup grinned and then looked around. So where were they off to next? Another glance at the crow; perhaps it would guide them even further.
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:27 am
Suuru the Crow Suuru had released his grip and tumbled to the ground, managing to scramble himself up to his feet and shake himself off just a bit before glancing up to the pups. His beak hung agape as he gasped for air- dispite the season he was quite overheated from his efforts. The pups seemed happy enough for his help and hadn't snapped or anything at him. He took a few longer breaths and glanced to the side, still gasping for air. The southern lands were still quite a ways away from where they were- night would fall in a few hours. The best thing he could think to do was to continue on and look for a cave or...some kind of shelter where the two would be safe for a night. How to tell this to the pups was another matter. They'd just have to trust him like they had so far.
He waited a few minutes more before taking to the air again, cawing to inform them that he ws ready to go once more before winging back in the direction of the south- the wood was a bit thicker in that area so he was forced to fly lower if he was to remain in the vision of the pups. Nafeeza Keefe Nafeeza She looked back at Keefe, the relief breathy in her voice, "I was a little worried I wouldn't make it either!"
The crow was moving again and caught the pup's attention. Nafeeza looked after it with a puzzled expression, watching him as he flew in circles in the sky before making for the woods. "Where do you think he's off to now..?" She asked Keefe and she moved after the bird automatically.
The sun had fallen considerably in the sky, it's downward progression no longer able to be ignored. Naf knew the woods could be a dangerous place at night without the protection of her mother or their den. She glanced back at Keefe nervously, hoping the designated alpha of their minipack would have some idea as what to do. She fell back slightly to walk closely by his side. She raised her eyes again to the crow, flying low under the trees, as they made their back back into the woods.
"We need to find a place to sleep for the night."
He gestured toward the sky and the crow which was heading toward the thick forest,
"I think he has the idea. Let's go, we can't stay out here"
"Ye-yes, lets..find a den..p-please.." she murmured quietly as the sun made it's last dive and cast the woods in darkness.
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 9:37 pm
Keefe Keefe smiled lightly at Naf and nudged her; reasureance (sp? O.o) that she'd be ok with him. He broke off into a light jog, it'd be best to find a place to rest before the sun left the sky completely. He looked up to the crow but it was no help for the time being. He wasn't too sure on how well a bird could find things on the ground. The purple pup sniffed around a bit, he was wary of the shadows as well but he had to be brave for Nafee. With a light frown Keefe looked about the patch of woods they could cover easily in an attemp to find shelter.
"This might not be so easy..."
He huffed, he didn't like this. It wasn't going well nope not at all. Now where would a pup go to find a cave or something... Suuru the Crow Suuru paused, gliding upon the wind for a moment. A powerful howl disrupted the silence of the forest, a familiar howl soon accompanied by the caws of his winged brethren and the clapping of perhaps dozens of wings. They weren't far! Another howl- another familiar but somewhat alien howl sounded in response. He had to ponder for a moment before it struck a bit of memory in the bird's mind- the kind pup! They had found each other? What were the odds of such a meeting? Both howled a few more times before he heard his master's cry once again. Suuru turned his head and cawed back towards the pups, turning sharply and beating after the sound. They could keep up, he knew they could. They were strong pups for having made it this far with only a crow to lead and protect them. He let out a loud series of caws, the other crow seemed to take notice and answer with a few caws of their own.
Feanaro lifted his head, the ears perking upwards as the crows began cawing in the direction of Suuru, smirking a bit he nodded. His lead crow was returning? very good. Perhaps he had the pup with him and his errand to the freelands would be complete. Nafeeza Naf felt better with Keefe's nudging, knowing that he was not so wary of the night woods. The sound of their crow caught her attention and brought her paw upward to investigate the noise. What was he doing? More crowing came from the opposite direction, moving towards them. Nafeeza glanced at Keefe and then the birds again, her fear momentarily disappating. She bumbled with life again as hope peirced the darkness.
"Are we close, Keefe? Our crow is making an awesome racket. Maybe we're close."
The thought of not being alone anymore was a comforting one. Hopefully there was more than crows waiting for them.
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Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:53 pm
Keefe Nafeeza Keefe Keefe had been gone from his family for quite a long time; he had never expected going on a trip to finding this brown wolf to be so long. Be he and Nafeeza had both grown into their teens now. Keefe had gotten used to the fact of being almost alone; he just spent his days with Naf and occasionally the crow; it was a great change from pack life and he loved it.
One day Keefe had been looking up and caught a glimpse of Suuru. He hadn't seen the bird in a while but it seemed like he had found something. Maybe they were close to their destination... He hoped so. With another glance at the sky to remember the direction Suuru had gone in Keefe's gaze zipped to Naf,
"I think we're close.... Let's get going"
The purple and tan teen followed beside Keefe as they made haste in following the path left behind by the crow. Slowly Nafe could see a pair of dull and growing figures. As they grew closer, she could see they were two wolves, two males, one older than the other, and the crow they had been following. All her eager anticipation suddenly disipated with nerves and the usually personable female shrunk slightly behind Keefe.
Up ahead he spotted the two wolves as well. He recognized the brown one by scent; they had found him after long last. Keefe paused for a second as his mind searched for a name.... Feanaro that was it. He slowed significantly and stood infront of Naf; ready to protect her if Fea or his friend weren't as friendly as he remembered,
"Hello Feanaro... Remember me?"Feanaro Feanaro The masked wolf turned his head to the two approaching him with a smile. For a wolf he was quite large in both size and build. A burley creature licked up and down with both muscle and scars to show the life of hardship and survival he had endured. Still a young adult compared to the wolf's life span it was apparent that for the year he had lived it had been a rather nasty one. His eyes held a bit of arrogance to them but an understanding as well, a misty wisdom that many failed to see. Above all the golden eyes held a powerful flame of rebelion, he was a proud creature with strength to him and his beliefs. Smiling to the crow as the creature soared over both him and Gizmo, he offered a shoulder for the creature to perch itself.
"My, my, my... how you've grown, Keefe. You pups are starting to make me feel old." He chuckled, taking a few slow steps towards the pair, his eyes looking them both over, "I don't believe I've met your friend here. Would you honor me with an introduction.... for my part I am Feanaro and this is my...", he glanced over to Gizmo with a bit of a smile, "My brother Gizmo." He hoped the young one wouldn't be caught off by it, but Feanaro had never had anyone show such kindness towards him that he felt it only appropreate.
Turning back to the other two he continued, "I doubt the either of you have met Gizmo here but never again will your paths cross a more virtuous soul."
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Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 7:23 pm
Nafeeza Feanaro Nafeeza Keefe Keefe shrunk back a little at a closer inspection of the wolf. Sure they had met before but their meeting was brief. To tell the truth, Keefe never thought he'd see Fea again so this meeting was quite a surprise. He looked Fea over quickly; noting his pelt and scars. He didn't look all too old and if he was he seemed to have aged gracefully. His amber gaze then slid over to the light colored wolf that was more his age. He shook his head to confirm that he didn't know Gizmo and then peered over to Naf with a light smile,
"Oh, this is Nafeeza. We've been traveling together" He sighed and then spoke to Naf, "Naf, this is Feanaro, the wolf we've been looking for. Told ya we'd make it eventually"
He let out a small grin and turned back to Feanaro; giving Gizmo a nod as a greeting.
"Nice to meet you Gizmo, I'm Keefe"
"Hello Feanaro, hello Gizmo. I'm..." she trailed off for a moment, realizing in time that Keefe had already introduced her. "..happy to finally meet you!" She grinned broadly at her victory in managing to finish the sentance, her posture relaxing. "Do you always keep so many crows around you?" The question had Naf's familiar twang to it as she seemed to ease right back into her energetic, outspoken self.
Feanaro canted his head to the side slightly in a curtious bow to the new comer. "I'm pleased to meet you... and to see you both have done well." He smiled, rolling his powerful shoulders back with a sigh, "You both must be powerful wolves to have come this far with only a crow to guide you. I can't say I'm suprised, Keefe here was a strong pup when I first met him. Are you planning on joining us as well, Nafeeza?"
"I'll follow wherever Keefe goes." It seemed obvious to her that she would continue with him after they had gone this far. After all, they were a pack of four now! That was like.. twice as many!!
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Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 7:48 pm
Nafeeza Keefe Keefe Feanaro "It's a dangerous lot... Just a warning to you both. I told Keefe about it when he was a pup but it's only fair that I give the warning once again...", he reguarded her quite seriously, his golden eyes showing no hint of a lie in them, "I am a lone wolf, a wolf that is hated and feared wherever I have gone, hunted like a criminal and shunned like an exile. I've raised many pups and all have abandoned me but one... the others vow to return and take my life. Gizmo here..." He turned and nodded towards him, "Is from a pack... that would kill me on sight if they had the speed to do so. The sister pack to that gave me half the scars I now carry..."
He took a slow step forward, "Walking with me promises two things- one that you will be hated by my enemys... and two that you will be trained under my paws to slip through them and avoid them until I can create a pack large enough to keep safe from the threat that they pose."
His eyes then looked to Naf; head still facing forward. They had changed from pride to a soft, kind, and affectionate gaze. Did she really mean that? There had been times where he thought she'd just leave to find her parents or what not when they arrived at their destination but her words proved otherwise. He was suddenly extremely glad to have met her.
Keefe nodded solemnly as Feanaro once again spoke of the risks of joining him. He was older now but he still remembered what he had been told as a pup. His descision still remained: he'd go with Fea. He wasn't another one of those pups that he'd be raising. He was grown up enough already and capable enough to make his own descisions keep his promises. He didn't know why the others had turned on Fea but he felt it wasn't his right to go nosing about in the brown wolves' business. Keefe's posture straightened to make him look bigger, he gave Fea a noble nod and a smile,
"I have not changed my mind Feanaro, I will go with you. I'm not a pup anymore, I'll help protect you and the rest of your pack if need may be... I'll be strong... I'll learn to be strong"
"I can do it.." She said gently, partly to herself and Keefe, partly to Feanaro but barely loud enough for any of them. Instead, her nose slipping into the air in an act of defiance, silently renewing her pledge to follow Keefe.
She wondered to herself what had caused the other wolves to hate Feanaro so. Why would pups turn on their mentor? The scar on his brown pelt spoke of her naivete but she did not understand.
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Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:18 pm
Nafeeza Keefe Keefe's smile faded a bit as he saw Naf's hesitation once Feanaro had given his warning. Suddenly he felt bad, did she really want to keep going with him even though this was a matter of life and death? He sure hoped he hadn't dragged her into something she really wasn't ready for. He took a step closer to her and moved his head toward her shoulder; just barely touching her fur in a hesitant attempt at a nuzzle. He'd keep his promise to her to,
"Don't worry Naf, I'll always look out for you. You'll be safe with me"
"You better!" She joked, cracking the tense silence.
Her paws flexing in the dirt. Now that her nerves had settled, she was growing excited again. Maybe Faenaro was a lone wolf, maybe he was being hunted by other wolves, but they were still a pack now, right? She bubbled with energy to start whatever "training" it was the big wolf had mentioned. Looking over at Keefe again she wondered how much he knew about their future. Her tail swayed slightly, then paused and sway again.
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Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 10:45 am
Feanaro Gizmo Feanaro "So long as I live there will be no need to worry, I've fought many battles and have lived with both the scars to prove it and the experience to fight more in the future. Neither of you will be harmed by those others...", he smirked a bit and chuckled at the mention of a "pack"... lords if only. "I can't say we're a pack... not quite yet. In time perhaps, but for now I prefir the word "Family." Gizmo here is a member to...." He wanted to down that pack, he honestly did... any pack that would allow a pup to be slain as a trator and flaunt about themselves as if it were a brave act had no right to be honored in any way, but for the sake of his friend and brother he'd hold his tounge and opinion to himself, "Another.. pack, but he is my brother just the same."
Looking up to the crows he took a deep breath only to release the powerful howl that would send a chill of hate and fear up the backs of those who spited him so. The crows exploded from the branches into the air in a cloud of caws and black wings. The howl could be heard for miles- as any wolf's could- but it would probibly seem to carry longer with the haunting addition of crows to it. Smirking he turned back to the others. "Shall we be on our way then?" He turned and began moving at a brisk trot, the crows circled the area then began off like a black cape over and through the trees. He spoke as he continued on, "If we do form a pack...you all will learn to live with the crows and use them as your guides. They fly over paths that none know of, secret ways that no wolf has dared entered, they know when there's danger ahead so you can move like shadows... avoiding what you wish to avoid. The paths are harder but will build your strength."
The concept of a pack was exciting... wolves moving in shadow under black wings, wolves so powerful by tredding the paths that tested them rather than the friendly ones, wolves that could seem to vanish... dark wolves. It was quite the idea but only an idea still.
What would Haku think of him if they could see him now, fratenizing with the enemy? Would they truly be mad at him? Would he be exiled? His ears drooped a little as he thought of the family he had left behind, all of them he held closely to his heart, especially one beautiful female he had left to roam the freelands. Was she okay? He could only hope and keep his promise of returning to her.
He snapped back to attention however as the others agreed to come with the older male and a wave of relief washed through him. However as he listened to their words of growing stronger he couldn't help but feel he would prove nothing but a hindrance. He neither had the skill or mind to fight with anyone, but would he feel different if something dear to him was threatened? Would he really allow that feverish anger to take over him if a friend...a loved one was being hurt? He shook his head and then stepped closer to his brother.
The dark brown wolf had raised his head and then in the next moment that powerful and haunting note was filling the remnants of Gizmo's skull. He took a small side-step and managed to hang on a moment longer before he too was drawn into the note, raising his muzzle and adding his own voice to the sorrowful yet powerful sound.
Then with a swift movement he cast one last glance at the new companions and followed Feanaro into the trees, glancing up briefly at the cloud of crows above him. He had never seen so many, but birds had never been creatures to scare Gizmo especially since his friendship with Suuru. He gave a small yip and quickened his pace to trot alongside his brother, casting a small gaze up at the huge wolf. Things be looking up. He said cheerfully, ears alert, eyes shining and tail ever wagging.
"Thank you for coming with me, brother." His tone had softened quite a bit, he sounded almost distant, "If trouble comes to you because of this I will take full responsability for it. If need be I will escort you back to your lands when your visit is over and insure that you have a safe return. I'll not have them turning on another innocent....", he still thought often of the pup, of how he failed to save him dispite his efforts. How that monster alpha allowed such a thing to happen under him and how he could hide under the shame and cowardice of sloughtering a pup by labeling him a trator... a pup is a pup, a youth, an innocent. They don't know trechery or loyalty, they know only fun and games. He had gone to find friends without knowing that it was considered trechery to speak with wolves from another pack and return alive. It was Haku's own fault for not teaching him....but for Gizmo's sake Feanaro would keep it all to himself. It burned and bit at him... he could have saved it. Gizmo's true brother could be standing there to this day.
"And you're always welcome to come and see us, Gizmo. I'm showing you the shadow paths. If you howl like I just did a crow very well might come to you, my little shoulder wart especially." He chuckled, taking a glance to Suuru. The crow had every right to take liberty of riding his master's shoulder... he had dragged two pups accross a river one by one, led them to him from puphood into adolecence. He was a very tired bird indeed.
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Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 6:53 pm
Keefe Nafeeza Keefe Keefe threw a slight smirk at Nafeeza and nodded his head to confirm himself. He knew she had been joking but he was dead serious. Her sense of humor was one of those things he liked so much about her; her laughing, her joking, her sarcastic humor; all things that kept him going through the tough times of their journey and for that he was thankful. He listened closely to Feanaro, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. He disagreed with Fea with his remark at the pack. This was a pack though it was small, a while ago he and Naf had been a pack of their own but now they have joined Fea... So it was a pack of four instead of two. He didn't see the number of members to be a factor but in teh bonds that exist between them. He was a bit confused on Gizmo's position... Was he part of Fea's actual pack or just a visitor? Keefe shrugged and figured things would clear up with time.
He flinched a bit at the power howl, he had the urge to join in but he felt as if it wasn't his place to be howling for the crows. His head craned up and around, watching the crows take flight and soar above them. He wondered where they were going... To the pack lands possibly? He was a bit excited but yet nervous at the same time, it'd be pretty nifty to be able to control the crows and use them as guides. Hopefully when he became older and more able to protect himself and Naf from these rumored enemies his nervousness would dissapear but for now it was ever present. He watched as Feanaro and Gizmo began to run after the crows, looks like they were going on another adventure. He turned to Naf and smiled,
"Ready?"
Her paws dug hard and fast into the moist dirt at first in attempt to catch up to the two other wolves and stay ahead of Keefe. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth for the fastest parts, treating it as a game. Her pace slackened as the two other wolves came in site again. Her eyes rolled up towards the sky, watching the crows with interest. She noted their long wingspan and how, in such a large group, they cut off the sunlight streaming between the trees, leaving them in a moving tunnel of darkness. Novel, she thought to herself, if the sun hurts your eyes. The tactical value of the birds had not yet been absorbed.
Grinning, he looked over her shoulder at Keefe, keeping silent because she was afraid of Faenaro being so close, but laughing at him silently. She knew she'd never outrun him unless he let her.
"Course I can!"
He let out a discreete but cheery yip and pranced after her. His paws thudded on the soft ground as he trotted ahead after Naf. He took his time and didn't sprint. He was in no hurry at the time. He didn't need to catch up with her; he'd sneak up on her instead. The crows above casted shadows on the ground below and with his almost black pelt he could hide easily. He slipped from shadow to shadow; keeping low and quiet. He snickered to himself as he crept along. Fun fun fun. Suddenly he lept out of the shadows and skidded to a stop infront of Naf, tounge lolling out and a playfull grin on his maw. He had caught her after all.
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Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:57 pm
Gizmo Feanaro Gizmo Feanaro Keefe Nafeeza Nafeeza was looking up at the sky, keeping a save distance behind Feanaro, and completely did not see Keefe moving around her in the shadows. She nearly ran smack into him as he stopped in front of her. Glancing down, she gave a small yip and back petaled frantically to a stop before the purple wolf. She huffed, hiding a grin, and pouted at him. The grey dots above her right eyebrow shot up as she gave an accusing look, "Trying to kill me?"
She grinned immediately after asking the question, regaining proper footing, and raised her maw to give a sinister lick of his nose before laughing and trotting around him again after the others.
"I'm not quite sure... Possibly"
There was a bit of seriousness in his tone as it did with everything he ever said, but he was just playing around. He pressed his ears to his head and smile a rather sheepish smile; giving Naf a better nuzzle this time. He then looked back to Fea and Gizmo ahead. They weren't acting too childish were they? Hopefully Feanaro wouldn't look down on them for just being pups at heart. He rose his head high and trotted off after Naf and the other two wolves feeling quite elated.
He barked out his challange then turned and bolted, rushing from the others in the spirit of the game. He didn't play often- even as a pup play was something he hardly had the luxury to partake in but since he had met with Kahlaria he knew that life was much more than surviving through it.
With an extra bound he put on another burst of speed, yipping his excitement and his acceptance of the challenge. He hadn't played like this since he had met the little red pup he had met at the clearing.
It was good to play!
He barked once more, lowering his head as he increased his speed further, paws thudding against the ground as he went, tail pluming behind him. His heart beat faster inside his deep chest and even though he knew he was not likely to catch the older male it was still fun to chase!
He slowed himself down a bit but continued as the grass began to thin and golden, the ground being replaced with firm, cracked dirt and spiked bushes. Trees shrank and gnarled, twisting and dulling into a grey rather than the earthen brown and green. Long strands of moss hung dry from their glarled bare branches the further in they went. Large rocks and boulders could be seen along the spiraled and ridged paths alike. The mountain pass loomed well above them, its dark face always seemed like a challange to Fea, he only grinned back. For the sake of the others he'd take the low paths, they were the safest.
They'd chaise him in the spirit of the game and keep their minds on him which was best in this situation, he knew all the paths in this pass by heart. Staying close was the key.
He gave a small squeak of surprise as he felt his own pace slow down in hesitance at each obstacle and his friend slowly becoming smaller in the distance. No, he didn't want to be left behind! Panic seized him momentarily and he tried to increase his speed once more, leaping up and over a rock that had jutted up from the ground as if to guard the path from trespassers.
The young wolf was also made suddenly aware of the slow change in his surroundings. The place seemed to be less healthy, as if it was reeling from lack of food and rest. The grass was not the green colour it should have been. The trees looked like skeletons, mere ghosts of the ones he had seen in the forest and a sudden shiver of fear ran down his spine. Never before had Gizmo been away from the complete comfort of the forest, and even though his fur colour did him justice in this not-so-green land it still made him fearful.
He dared not glance at the mountain too long, keeping his eyes low but gazing just ahead. Feanaro was still in view and he was not yet tired, he could keep up with the others, he was sure of it!
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:37 pm
Nafeeza Keefe Keefe paused again as he saw Feanaro slow and turn to face him and Naf. Had their playing gotten him angry? He did look so serious after all... His ears pressed back a bit as he worried some more, perhaps they had attracted some unwanted attention of something. A wave of relief fell upon him when he saw Fea's face turn friendly. He gave Fea a grin and nodded,
"You're on"
He watched as Feanaro and Gizmo dashed off and he then smiled to Nafeeza; moving his head and gesturing for her to follow. Growing up on the run or so to speak had done Keefe some good; he was fast and agile on his feet. The dark wolf was able to catch up with the two that had already run ahead. The crumbling landscape was a surprise to him but his mind kept focus on catching Fea and he wasn't about to let a bunch of falling rocks beat him. He barely noted the changes occuring around him as he sped after Fea and Giz; tounge lolling out and a joyful grin on his face.
Nafeeza had been happy to hear the playful challenge from his, Feanaro's, direction. Honestly the wolf intimidated her a little just because of his size and his seriousness. Keefe was serious a lot, as she'd pointed out to him when they'd first met, but he was her age; he seemed happier now.
Eeza pulled her tonue inside her mouth, pawing over the rough terrain carefully, not wanting to fall behind. When she looked up again, she realized that Gizmo had fallen back from their little group. She paused, keeping an eye on Keefe's retreating figure, and waited for him. "I wont let them leave you!" She called to him with a reassuring smile.
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:33 pm
Keefe Nafeeza Keefe The journey had been long but not as long as Keefe had remembered it. He and Nafeeza had taken their time in trekking back to the packlands by the mountains in which their current pack resided. He wanted her to meet his family and to settle some conflicts of the past. When they were pups, the two wolves spent most of the time bumbling about, not knowing where they were going and it had taken them ages to reach Feanaro but this time it had only been a couple days; shows how much knowing the land pays off. As the purple wolf looked up to the sky he noticed that it had started growing dark, night was coming upon the two. Keefe turned solemnly to his companion,
"We should go about finding shelter for the night, who knows what's out here, I don't honestly remember"
He gave a light hearted smile as he trotted along at Eeza's side. He knew they were safe from the wolves, at least he hoped so. This was where Ronan was supposed to be was it not? He hoped, perhaps the hard feelings he left behind hadn't lingered.
Nipping Keefe gently to get his attention, she nodded towards area of foliage that seemed to repel the dying light. The female hadn't talked much during the last part of their journey. She was anxious about meeting Keefe's family. Apparently things were left unsaid when Keefe had left them as a pup; Were tensions still high? Would they accept her?
Unusually serious, her thoughs brough other unpleasant memories. Thinking of Keefe's family made her think of her own lack of such. The only thing she could recal in the way of siblings was a cold nose laying over her own and downy pink furr. But it was probably just a fantasy. Her mother and her had always been alone.
As they settled in to rest, Naf rested her head on her paws, looking over at Keefe.
"..Keefe..?... You haven't told me much about this brother of yours we are going to see.. what's he like?"
The dark wolf followed Naf and layed down quickly at her side, he was tired of walking, he had done enough as a pup. With a sigh his head turned to his friend, staring at her with a zoned out expression for a few moments before shaking his head and once more clearing his thoughts. Dark ears perked as she spoke and he shrugged lightly,
"I don't remember all too much, he always seemed to have it in for me, maybe he didn't like me at all. I remember when I was going to leave, I entrusted the information to him, telling him my plans and then telling him not to blab and guess what, he blabbed"
There was a hint of anger in Keefe's voice, not something that arose there often. He had been rather steamed over the event as a pup, he doubted Ronan still remembered it but it was one of the only memories he had of living with his old family and there was nothing he could do about that.
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:55 pm
Nafeeza Naf tried not to smile as she listened to Keefe. He still sounded like such a puppy sometimes when he was around her. He'd let his guard down and it'd be like old times. Moving over slightly to be closer to him, she lifted her muzzle and nuzzled him for reasons he was surely not completely aware of.
"Let's get some sleep.." Her voice was aready trailing off, her eyes drooping. Walking had tired her more than she thought. Moments later she was dozing off against the purple male, warm air blowing softly from her nose. Keefe Keefe's ears were pressed back against his head in sheer annoyance of what had happened between him and his brother in the past. He was the kind that liked to dwell on memories for whatever reason and that didn't always put him in the best of moods. He curled his feet into himself as he rolled into a little ball next to Naf, trying to conserve body heat and trying to remain hidden at the same time. His mood improved greatly as Naf nudged him, being with her made him feel much better no matter what was going on and mostly now; the two were out traveling together just as they had in their puphood days. Those times held nothing but fond memories laced with bits of worry but they were mostly good. He was glad that she was still with him even after all of these months; he couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Keefe's dark head lowered into the ground, resting it near his and Naf's paws gently. Amber eyes began to shut slowly as sleep overtook him, it had been a tiring day. They fluttered open for a second, taking a last look at Naf to be sure that she was still safe and they blinked closed again, sending him into a deep sleep. Ronan Nafeeza It must have been only a couple hours later when 'Eeza awoke. Her eyes flitted open as sleep faded from them. Expecting it to be morning, she was surprised to see the moonlight lighting their small nest. Carefully, she lifted her head and looked down at her companion. Keefe was still sound asleep, his leg twitching ever once and a while, his paw nudging her. Sighing, 'Eeza looked away into the forest. How far were they from Keefe's brother? Raising her nose, she could catch a small hint of...something. Something different but as yet undefinable. Naf looked down at Keefe again. It would be alright if she took a look around, right? It would probably help them out in the morning, having an idea of where they were. If Keefe were awake, he'd've been the first to suggest it, right? ...Of course!
Gently, the purple and tan wolf slid smoothly from the other wolfs side. Her paw steps padded soundlessly a few yards away from him before pausing. Looking back, she attempted to discern his likeness in the darkness. Satisfied that the lump of Keefe was well hidden, she dropped her nose to the ground and headed out on "the hunt".
The curious smell, now identified as slightly musty, had grown strong and then abrumptly faded as Nafeeza searched about. Puzzled, she would double back and start in a new direction. Her tail swayed slightly, ears back, enjoying this little "hunting" game. The fact that she didn't yet know what her pray was only made it all the more exciting for the pup-at-heart.
Suddenly the dark male found his ears perking up, as well as his eyes opened widely. Something was in their wood, and he didnt know what this something was.. but he didnt like it. Ronan was now ignoring the pain on his head and took his nose to the sky instead. He waited for a small breeze to come by, yes, their was definatly something in the wood. Also by the smell of it, it was close.
A low growl started to leek from deep inside of his chest, as well as he felt the fur on his back start to bristle. Their was a intruder wolf on the lands! Making his way to his feet the dark alpha wolf's eyes darted around, trying to find a general direction where to go first. His sences told him to go to his right, following his gut feeling ronan broke off from where he had slept.
After what seemed a few minutes, he finally caught sight of the light female splashed with what seemed a darker color (purple perhaps?). Making his way out of the forest the males ears went strait back in a defensive manner, as well as his lip upcurled revealing his teeth with his tail high. "Who are you and why are you tresspassing on my packs land!?" Their was a scent on this female that seemed... familiar to him. He didnt reconise it, but it sure rang a bell in his mind. The scent was also drifting on the wind, was the one with the familar scent around?
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:25 pm
Nafeeza Ronan Nafeeza Though she knew she was getting close to something, she never expected to see the form of another wolf pop out of the woods a ways in front of her. It.. it almost looked like Keefe.. in the darkness.. She breathed the air deeply, filtering the strong smell of the other male. Definately not her Keefe.
What.. was..he speaking? She couldn't hear him but she saw the movements his body was making. Tail swooshing upward in a haughty manner, ears falling back, lips curling up. What was this? A game? Was he her pray? She giggled quietly; he wasn't very good prey standing out in the open like that, now was he? Well, two could play at this game!
Tail swishing toward, she dropped closer to the ground, hackles rising as she pioned an offensive stalking stance against his defensive one. She struggled not to giggle as she pulled her lip over her teeth and growled playfully. Oh yeah, she was gonna get 'im alright!
Crouching low Ronan made a dash for the female, leaping back and forth so if she attempted to fight back he could easily dodge. He made a leap for her, his claws outstretched he landed down onto the female, knocking her over. He placed his left paw onto the top of her neck just below her head, and the right on her upper shoulder. His claws started to dig into her flesh as he glared down upon her. He started to move his right paw down his shoulder, making gash marks. "Leave my land, or else."
But then he was gone and darkness followed a sharp pain in her shoulder as she was hurtled into the ground. Weezing, she felt the flickering of an emotion she had not felt since she was a pup, since her mother died. The wolf's paw, his large green and black paw, was crushing her windpipe. She couldn't breath. More importantly, she couldn't call out to Keefe.
"..K-" was all she managed, the effort to breathe taking precedents. It occured to her, the heavy, deep breathing above her, that the male was not interested in games. She choked a cry as his claws ripped her young skin. Why was he hurting her?
"Don't wanna die," she said to the other. However, throat constricted as it was, only "...Die," came out strongly, looking him straight in the eye.
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