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 Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 3:01 pm
Thalion Koi (10:58:38 PM): Dark wings clapped from the bare, frozen branches above. A drift of snow would trickle down from the branches on occassion. The older wolf paused to scent the air, sending white steam flaring from his dark muzzle. Familar territory... it had been far too long. He licked his chops and nodded forward. His young sun and Beta gave a short nod and continued forward. The others were expecting his swift return.
Despite his age, the wolf refused to allow his body to succum to age just yet. Just a year past his prime, his body performed just as well as it ever had. A few scars licked his face and chest- all dealt by Kendrick's fangs during semi-friendly spars. He held his position still... too bad for the youth.
Suuru lifted off, followed shortly by Kendrick's crow- Horus. The two trailed just yards behind- and above- their masters as the wolves tore down towards the lowlands.
Times of Dying (11:08:03 PM): The snow seemed to have come out of nowhere. Thankfully, the she-wolf had previously found an abandoned den to take shelter in, so when she had woken up to the white landscape Selia was just happy to be dry and warm. Sooner or later, she had to venture out and find food, however.
She had ventured up to the front of the den to lie just in front of where the snow began and the den ended, the older wolf licked at the snow every now and again. Selia was happy with her pale coat, and earthen markings. For the most part, she could settle into the snow without being seen by anyone who was out to get her, looking like patches of dirt or mud kicked up by other creatures.
Ears swiveled this way and that while she relaxed, looking over the pure white surroundings for any sort of movement. No deer..no rabbits, not even a squirrel had passed in the last hour or so. With her eyes half-lidded, expression calm, Selia caved in and pushed herself to her feet, beginning to step out into the cold breeze and shallow snow. Time for a small hunt, then back to the den until the snow was gone.
Thalion Koi (11:12:33 PM): The weather was harsh, but it gave himself and his young successor to test themselves in the elements. The lowlands, no doubt, would have more favorable conditions and larger game. The trip back through the mountains had left the small pack hungry and irritable. The crows had grown restless as well. With less for the wolves to eat there was less for them to eat.
Feanaro came to a short stop, Kendick just behind him. The older wolf's ears rolled upwards as he bared his fangs. Someone was nearby. "Ken."
"Alpha?"
"Scout. I'll wait here."
The young wolf snorted. The scent was faint...
He offered a short nod and tore off through the snow, Horus in tow.
Times of Dying (11:18:34 PM): Even a little bit of help would be nice right now. Being a small, light wolf she couldn't take down large prey. She might be able to get a fawn or a sick adult deer, but most of the time she had to scavenge and get smaller game.
Which wasn't enough...even if she was tiny. Made Selia need to hunt more often, and waste more energy. And with snow, she'd have to conserve as much energy as possible to keep warm and keep herself well fed. Sighing heavily, the cloud of white brushing over her face momentarily while she scanned the lands with her one good eye. Selia had learned the hard way many times not to just look over the area that her good eye could see...being blind-sided meant much more to her than a wolf with two good eyes.
The crunching snow not too far off made her ears perk, then fold backwards, her head lowering. Selia didn't do this to go submissive, oh no, she did this to try and blend in...in case it was some food. Making her way towards the sound, the wolf kept her steps quiet, steady, and slow.
Thalion Koi (11:22:09 PM): "Horus." Kendrick barked. The crow cawed and clapped his wings harder. In a flash, the crow dove down, exceeding his master's speed to scout ahead. His bright plumage stood out quite well against the monochromatic scenery.
"Wolfwolfwolf!"
Kendrick picked his paws up, fangs bearing as he rushed forward. The crow gave another caw, signaling the young wolf. Ken came to a skidding stop a few yards from the she-wolf.
Times of Dying (11:29:57 PM): The second Selia heard that damn crow she panicked slightly. She'd come across many creatures bonded to eachother, using one animal's talents to their advantage while helping the other one out with their own. She couldn't understand them well, but Selia could pick out the familiar word--'Wolf'.
Was this damn flying chicken giving her away to some animal? Damnit! For a moment, Selia hunkered down to try and blend into the snow...but it wasn't deep enough. The next tactic--defend herself. Once she got a look at her 'attacker', she'd decide to fight or run. Formerly being an alpha, she pulled up that courage to stand tall, tail and head held high, and she once again scanned the surroundings--until she spotted the creature that was coming after her.
Another wolf. A considerably younger one, at that. No way would she be able to outrun him, so she'd have to stand her ground. A low snarl rumbled up from Selia's chest, while her ebony lips pulled back to bare her large fangs. Taking a few steps forward, towards the younger wolf, her fur bristled in an attempt to make her look bigger. "Back off," she growled, legs spreading apart just slightly so she could anchor herself in the snow.
Thalion Koi (11:37:23 PM): Kendrick chuckled. A small female. His posture relaxed, just slightly. He eyed her posture, then slowly shifted his eyes from one side to the other. No marks...no pawprints. No other wolves.
He narrowed his eyes as they shifted back to the female. Without further warning, he threw his head back to let loose a howl. Within a minute, a second howl answered.
Times of Dying (11:39:57 PM): The younger wolf didn't back off, nor did he answer her--instead, he howled.
What the hell? She snarled again, taking a few quick steps forward, a mock-charge. It was like he was calling for backup. "Is this your territory?" Was she tresspassing? God, she hoped not. She couldn't fend off more than one large, young wolf. She doubted she could fend this one off!
Not lowering her defenses at all, she snapped her jaws towards him, hoping that her previous fights and squabbles with wolves would pay off if she needed to defend herself.
Thalion Koi (11:47:36 PM): "It may be." The wolf answered, his voice deep and rhaspy. Similar to his father's. "A little odd to find a lone out this far..." He turned his head, ears slowly raising as a second wolf stalked forward.
"Ah... father. Seems we've stumbl-"
"Selia?" The older wolf froze in place. His dark, calculating look melting into one of confusion and reconition. The younger wolf stepped to the side, ears lowering once more as he stepped forward. Surru flapped down to land on his master's scarred shoulder. Ironically- the very shoulder Selia had marked in their youth.
His expression darkened as his eyes narrowed. "....where's your pack?"
Times of Dying (11:54:18 PM): "Then I'll leave," she snipped towards him, picking up a snarky tone that she'd never really had before, even as an adolescent. "I've been here before, forgive me for intruding--"
And she heard her name...instant confusion rushing over her features just as Feanaro's had. Aggression melted off of her features instantly, but it perked back up after a moment when the male's expression changed. Being questioned about her pack, she felt a pang of hurt, and her ears folded back against her skull.
"They're gone," she muttered, just loud enough for the other wolves to hear, "They left me a long time ago."
Thalion Koi (12:02:07 AM): The wolf snarled. They'd left her... after everything, they'd left her. A quiet part of him gloated. She'd chosen Devvyl. It had resulted in a hard life for the both of them. Of course, his own pack had fallen apart as well, leaving him with a handful of wolves. Even his mate and two of his pups had ventured away.
"I'm sorry." He managed, his dark voice softening. "And I am sorry for our...welcoming." He nodded towards the younger wolf, "This is my son, Kendrick. And my successor."
Times of Dying (12:08:24 AM): Selia frowned slightly at the snarl, but could see that glint of..something other than pity, or whatever the male was trying to cross in his tone. There was something else, and it didn't make her feel very good. She'd chosen Devvyl, Elphaba...and she'd chosen wrong. That she could admit.
"Dont be," she said quickly, ears still pinned back, "for either reasons. Dont be sorry," Selia would rather think of it as moving on, getting away from an unloving, chaotic pack. "Devvyl left me for someone else. It was needed," if anything, she wanted to think she'd turned her back on them after all that happened..she didn't dare step down from her spot as alpha to let some good-for-nothing b***h take her spot.
When had she gotten so bitter..? Her stomach churned. A small nod was given to Kendrick, a small smile crossing her lips, "Your son, hm?" She teased lightly, lifting her eyes to Feanaro once more, "Where is your own pack?"
Thalion Koi (12:11:48 AM): Feanaro straightened his posture. Snow clung to his thick fur, dusting his back and chest from the long trip through the mountains. He still bore the rope from his youth though its trailing tail had tapered off into a frayed knot.
"Those that remain loyal are waiting on the other side of the mountains. We're to establish a new home for us. Those that were disloyal...to include Kendrick's mother left one by one."
Kendrick nodded slowly. "They were weak. Even our t**t Byakko out-lasted them during our journey... some even became friendly with humans."
Times of Dying (12:23:28 AM): At least Feanaro still had somewhat of an established pack. Selia had been alone, every now and again running into another loner and joining in a hunt party for a day or two then branching off again. She'd learned to keep herself going, not wanting to give up...but it had almost come to the point where she just didn't care anymore.
"I'm...sorry to hear that," Selia said quietly, eyeing Kendrick when he spoke. This kid had quite a mouth on him. "So you're looking for territory to claim," obviously, "The most space that I've come across is at the base of the mountain...and my own old pack lands, as well as my brother's." Why was she just tossing that out? Somehow, she felt responsible for giving Feanaro something back. And finally, she succombed to her feelings of relief and happiness of seeing her old friend alive...and slowly began to approach him.
"I'm...I'm glad to see you doing well, Feanaro..I didn't think I'd see you again."
Thalion Koi (12:30:45 AM): "We are not looking for a gentle territory." He answered, "Our pack survives by living in regions that force our strength every day... Kendrick has climbed rocks since he was a pup. Even our omega can out-last many gammas in a full run." He smirked, "I've not forgotten the past... my weakness led to both of our ruin. It will not happen again."
He winced. "....I must admit I did not expect to see you either. I thought you'd live your days growing old by Devvyl's side. I hope the crows have already plucked the eyes from his skull."
At that, both Suuru and Horus cackled.
Times of Dying (12:38:44 AM): The she-wolf eyed Feanaro's son wearily as she continued to approach, as if expecting to get mauled over. When Feanaro continued to speak, she couldn't help but laugh dryly, "As far as I'm concerned...the crows can rip them out while he's alive," her voice picked up an edge, that which Feanaro had probably never heard before. Sure, she'd gotten angry at him, but never spoken badly about anyone...It was a characteristic that she herself didn't expect.
Once close enough, she lifted her head, the tips of her ears possibly being able to reach his jaw. She felt so petite, dwarfed by the male. But she always had, and it was...comforting, but horrifying in the same sense. Taking a stab in the dark, she dropped her head and lightly pressed her face into the thick earthen fur of the large wolf's chest.
"I'm so sorry."
Thalion Koi (12:41:33 AM): His eyes widened in suprise. For a moment, he exchanged a confused glance with Kendrick. The younger wolf only shrugged. The warm greeting certainly hadn't been expected. His brow creased, his posture slumped slightly. "...Selia...why now?" His tone remained guarded, but soft.
"Only now when you're broken? Alone?" He narrowed his eyes. As much as he wanted to think she regretted her choice- for other reasons -he was guarded by nature.
Times of Dying (12:49:54 AM): Selia had no intention of asking for the wolf's forgiveness. She knew she'd messed up, she'd chosen the wrong person, and even when Feanaro had been there, saved her, kept her warm and fed as a pup...she'd still turned her back on him and left him. Selia had always thought about it, brooding over if she had made the right decision or not...and it took a few slaps in the face to make her accept that she had.
"I knew, I always knew..I dont mean..to come crawling back while I'm like this," and she backed off, settling to a sit a few paces back with her head low and her tail curled around her rear. "I'm not asking for you to forgive me, or to accept me. I broke our promise a long time ago," she said slowly, unsteadily, not sure why she couldn't hold her stronger visage as she did. "I'm not asking for your sympathy, either. I just want you to know that you were right, you were always right, and I was stupid to believe Devvyl and Elphaba. I was easily wavered back then...and I know that now." God, she sounded like such a weakling, digging for sympathy, for them to throw her a bone and tell her it was okay. She didn't want that, though. She never wanted that.
Thalion Koi (12:56:30 AM): Feanaro's ears rolled back and chin tucked as he stewed over her words. It was a habbit he'd carried since his youth. Kendrick knew better than to disrupt him.
After a time, Feanaro's chest swelled and deflated, sending another long stream of steam from his maw. He took a few slow steps forward, eyes narrowed. "...what's behind us is behind us... you are welcome to join us. You look like you could use a few mouthfuls of meat."
"...we'll....talk later. In private. Right now we have a few wolves waiting for our return."
Times of Dying (1:01:06 AM): Somehow, the wolf felt as if it wasn't really behind them. She was still the small and defenseless creature she had been, when it came to Feanaro at least. Looking up to him when he approached, listening carefully before looking down at herself. She had lost quite a bit of the weight she really never had on her, and beneath that winter coat was probably a few easily visible ribs.
She must look horrible.
"I'll do my best to keep up," and not hold them back. Which, by the looks of things, they wouldn't allow anyway. Pushing herself to stand, she turned as they continued on to follow behind them, a good few feet so she didn't seem like she was being too cocky or intruding on their space. The last thing she needed was to be on the recieving end of two sets of angry fangs.
Thalion Koi (1:12:48 AM): Feanaro offered only a short nod before turning and breaking into a run. HIs pace had slowed slightly, perhaps a small mercy for the female that had joined with them. Kendrick pulled up beside him, offering a quiet, questioning look that he promptly shot down with a dark glare.
He was in no emotional state to make such heavy decisions- both for the pack and for himself. The female hard turned her back on him- but that had been years ago. She realized that she had made a mistake...and he couldn't bring himself to hate her. Not now...
But he couldn't say he loved her. It was a weak emotion. Even with his past mate.... she had been weak. Small. Pitiful. Firey in temper- but nothing more. Kendrick had been the only worthwhile pup out of the b***h. The others had been as weak as their mother- either physically or emotionally.
He glanced over his shoulder, ensuring that Selia was at his heels. With a short nod, he pressed forward.
Kendrick slowed his pace to match Selia's pace. "So... old friend of his?"
Times of Dying (1:24:10 AM): Selia wanted to believe she could be strong. That's what she could do--she could prove to Feanaro that she wasn't how she used to be. No more being thrown around, needing to be saved. She could take care of herself! With that thought, she lifted her head up to look over their surroundings, her one good eye scanning as she moved her head back and forth to catch whatever movement there was.
She caught Kendrick slowing to walk beside her--on her bad side, she couldn't see him, but a single ear swiveled to listen to him. "We go way back," she laughed softly, "He's as fiery back then as he is now," she teased, knowing that the male could hear her. "I apologize for not looking at you, I cant see," her vision was slowly fading anyway due to aging and stress, soon she'd be completely blind, she was sure. But that never seemed to stop her before.
"I can tell that you're your father's son, though. But, then again, if I had been in your position back there I would have ripped me apart." She knew she was small, and standing up to a strong young wolf like Kendrick--ha. Comical.
Thalion Koi (1:27:43 AM): Kendrick chuckled, "Well it's good to hear he's not changed. And here I was worrying that my old man had been the flower-sniffing type in his youth."
Ahead, Feanaro grunted and broke into a trot. "Feh... that means he doesn't want us talking about it." The young wolf picked up his pace once more, though he was careful to keep close enough to continue his conversation with the 'newcomer'.
"Don't worry about it." He replied in reguard to her sight, "It's not a big deal...and we don't just go around ripping into wolves. It's savage. A coward bites before barking."
Times of Dying (1:35:35 AM): Chuckling a bit at Feanaro's response to their conversation, she shook her head. "No...no flowers, that was a little too weird for even me," the pace picked up and Selia did the same, finding it a bit easier to keep up when she had something to focus on other than the cold and killing energy she didn't have.
She nodded at the younger wolf's last few comments, agreeing whole-heartedly. She admittedly had taken bites before giving warning, but that was usually when she was provoked first. "Feanaro, as long as we're not near a river I think we should be happy," her mood had picked up considerably, going back to the old Selia. Teasing the bigger wolf despite the fact that he could snap her in half. The river memory wasn't a good one--another circumstance of the male saving her.
The pale-colored wolf tilted her head towards Kendrick for a moment, "Tell me about these crows you two have. They're kind of creepy."
Thalion Koi (1:44:51 AM): "Damn the rivers." The wolf grumbled through heavy, white-steamed pants. "Every time we came within a yard of one I'd end up leaping in and hauling the both of us out..."
Kendrick couldn't help but laugh, "So that's what it was! Growing up it was always, "stay to the shallows", "Have Rune go with you", and other such nonsense." The young wolf smirked, "One little piece of the story comes to light. I think I like our new addition."
He glanced over, "..oh. I thought you'd know. The pack uses crows. Dad said in his youth, he'd have murders of the birds follow him. He was qutie well known. Other wolves would avoid him- and he used the birds to keep his space. HE said some even thought he had sould his soul to them or some nonsense. They pick off our scraps- and when they die, theyu'll pick at our bones."
Times of Dying (1:49:52 AM): She laughed a bit herself, having not truly laughed in quite some time. "Yeah, I admit, that was all my fault." She still sucked at swimming, too. "A few of those times weren't my fault..." She defended, a pout picking up in her tone.
Selia's ear swiveled when Kendrick cut in, only to grin at the youth, "Yep, all my fault. Sorry I ruined your childhood curiosity of water," she had been a pup! Come on, who could blame her? Plus, bad s**t always happened around there.
The grin wavered when the crows were explained, however. Her memory was a little fuzzy...so she must have forgotten. "I guess they're pretty useful, then," Selia didn't like birds all that much. They creeped her out and tried to chase her from small kills quite often. At Kendrick's final comment, her steps faltered a bit. What a morbid thought.
Thalion Koi (1:56:13 AM): "The crows are our eyes... and it's how we communicate with our pack in times of danger or battle. Our howls will give our location away- our crows combined with our seer...will not." He smirked, "They have served us well. When you left me for Devvyl, the crows became my friends. Became my allies. Surru is the oldest of the lot. Horus is his second."
"If I recall, they freaked more wolves out. But he's right, they're useful. Deer don't pay attention to them either. It's a hell of a lot easier to spot prey from the air than down on the ground. Startles them less too. We're fairly suceessful."
Times of Dying (2:00:33 AM): Feanaro's comment, whether he meant for it to hit her or not, made her shut up instantly. 'When you left me for Devvyl'. It sent a pang of guilt and hurt straight through her.
"I see.." She said, understanding. It did make sense...and they were obviously using their resources to their advantage. Very smart. Eyeing one of the crows, she still couldn't bring herself to..like them. They were scavengers and annoying little vermin in her mind...somewhat of a snack. But she wouldn't outwardly say such a thing.
Selia's breathing had picked up now, puffs of steam coming from her nose quickly. If Feanaro was anything like he had been as a pup, an adolescent...he'd keep this up for days. The she-wolf wasn't sure if she could do that.
Original file here
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Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:11 am
Part 2
Times of Dying (8:43:15 PM): There were so many--for a pack that had 'fallen apart' this didn't seem to be anything like that. Selia's ears and tail dropped instantly--she wasn't alpha here, she was technically a no one, without rank and needed to be respectful. Which she could do, she had before.
Slowing when the other two did, she kept a few steps behind Kendrick as well, now letting them reunite as they would--he wasn't sure if they were a tightly knit group or not, or if there would be any welcoming beyond the 'I have returned' and the wolves looking. In her own former pack they were very touchy-cuddly, licks and nuzzles..but that was the past.
"Hello," she managed, not really sure what else to say, "I'm...Selia," had they heard of her? Did Feanaro say something about her way back when? She couldn't be sure. Her head lifted slightly to get a look at all of the wolves, take in their scents as the bold breeze rolled by. Selia swore her heart was about to break through her ribs with how fast it was beating.
Thalion Koi (8:56:47 PM): There was a quiet look of knowing between a few of the members. Apparently, the she-wolf had been mentioned once or twice. Beyond a few dips of their heads or the sudden attention given, there was no other greeting to be had.
Rune stepped forward, his bright eyes slowly looking over the new-comer as he circled her. "Hm....", he smirked, then looked over to Feanaro. "So....you have located a territory for us...and a new female."
"Yes." He answered gruffly, "Her pack has fallen apart, which leaves our old range without challange. No doubt the others have slowly scattered as well..." He smirked, "What word from the crows?"
"None have followed us here. Not man or wolf, we have eluded them."
"Very good." He nodded, <"Yoshiniro, Kai, and Byakko- it's your night to hunt. We will need our strength for the journey."
Times of Dying (9:13:17 PM): The not-so-welcoming greeting made her nervous. But she had expected it. She had to make a place for herself in the pack, and she'd have to work hard for it, at that.
Looking up to Rune as he stepped up to her, she straightened up but kept her tail low. She brought her head up so she could see him easier, swallowing thickly when she felt as if he could see right through her--which he probably could. Those eyes...She gave a small smile nevertheless, as if to say 'you cant see everything'. She'd gotten a little cockier since she had grown into an alpha, whether that was a good or bad thing who knew.
Selia's head bowed once more and she looked around at the rest of the wolves, standing her ground while Feanaro gave orders. Slowly, she edged towards him, feeling the most comfortable around her old friend, the pack's alpha, and his overall large stature. Mostly because she knew he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her.
Thalion Koi (9:58:50 PM): "Selia...this is Rune. He is our seer. In charge of pack communication over long distances. He also orchestrates much of our larger hunts."
The runed wolf dipped his head with a quiet "It's a pleasure."
"Kai and Yoshinori are our gammas. They do much of the hunting. Byakko is the quickest in the pack, he's not much of a fighter so we use him to route the prey. You'll be meeting them on their return."
He nodded towards Ghadir who had gone right back to gazing outwards, "Ghadir is our tactician and elder...he knows much of the landscape and always seems to have an ear to the wind."
Times of Dying (10:09:21 PM): She smiled a bit wider at Rune's comment, nodding in understanding when Feanaro continued to speak. The male's pack seemed interesting, she was curious to meet everyone.
Slowly bringing herself to sit down beside the large male, a good few feet from him so she didn't crowd him. She didn't know what to say or do, still, so she just remained quiet and looked the wolves that were around over. Such interesting markings, and she could assume personality at this point...but she, of course, couldn't be sure of how they would act around her.
"When are we moving?" Selia asked softly, ascending her gaze to Feanaro. She'd like to talk to him before they went on another long run. She had just begun to catch her breath, and her legs were sore from the consistent wandering and running. She didn't even know where the new territory was, either. This would be interesting.
Thalion Koi (1:57:54 AM): "Tomorrow, early moon." He answered gruffly. "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can truely rest. Until then, we'll be picking off thin carcasses and hardening our pads on the icy stones."
He took a moment to look over the wolves that remained from the hunt. "Ghadir. Keep on the lookout, Rune, inform me when the hunters get back. Kendrick, you're in charge until I get back. Selia and I have to catch up."
"Understood, father.' Kendrick dipped his head in understanding. "Selia- good luck." He stepped by her, hesitating just long enough to whisper over, "He's not as gruff as he lets on. Good luck none the less."
Times of Dying (2:07:05 AM): Selia swallowed thickly and looked to Kendrick when he spoke to her. The kid had lightened up a lot. It comforted her to think that he seemed to be looking out for her--but at the same time, he could just feel sorry for her.
Straightening up, the smaller she-wolf looked up to Feanaro and came up beside him, waiting to follow him to where ever they were going to 'catch up'. In a way, she feared this talk. It could make or break her staying in this pack, and could also make or break whether she survived getting over these mountains again or not.
When they started to walk, and Selia thought they were out of earshot, she sighed and dropped her gaze to her paws as they pierced through the hardened snow. "You're pack looks strong," she complimented, expecting nothing less of course, "And your son is a wolf to behold. He's just as strong..and stubborn..as his father," she was teasing, but at the same time it was true. Really, she just wanted to keep the mood light.
Thalion Koi (2:19:45 AM): He turned and walked back the way they had come- at least the road was familar. And there'd be no unwanted suprises along their way. And if she decided to leave- she'd know the way back to where he'd found her. He didn't want things to come to that, but he'd learned to expect very little out of anyone. Be prepaired for anything.
"Hm." He nodded, "It's not a large pack, but it's functional. We're not the most effectionate, but we're loyal to one another. Just as a pack should be." He lifted his head slightly, nodding to the complement of his son. "Kendrick is a fine wolf. He'll suceed me when I can no longer keep him at bay. I expect to die by his fangs."
He glanced over, "Life has not been easy on you, has it?"
Times of Dying (2:29:48 AM): She couldn't help but grin at the way the male spoke of his pack. Selia couldn't quite tell if he was proud or if he was just being blatantly honest. "That's...I guess, the best way to go?" By his child's fangs..? Whatever floated his boat, she supposed. "You've always been too stubborn to just step down..." It seemed like a fitting way to go, if he wouldn't just let the kid step up.
But again. To one their own, she figured.
Her smile faltered when her long-time friend looked at her and said that, multi-colored eyes staring down at the snow still. "Life wasn't made to be easy. I knew that from the beginning," she decided to pick the spot to talk, a nice little overhang of boulders, where the ground wasn't covered in snow, nor was it damp. She was tired of being cold and wet. Padding up to the small space beneath the boulders, Selia shook off and plopped down to a sit, looking up to Feanaro expectantly, motioning with her paw for him to sit. "But no, I suppose it hasn't been very kind to me. Not that I didn't bring it upon myself."
Thalion Koi (2:35:41 AM): He rolled his ears back as he walked, "That's the way of the wolf...the true way. The alpha fights until the end of his days for his position. An honorable death is at the fangs of the one who will take his place. To live on...would mean to leave the pack. Scarred, weak, and elderly. You slowly fade to nothing until only the crows see you as a feast."
He glanced shortly to the scar in his shoulder. The first violation of the ancient way that he lived by....he'd challanged Devvyl. Both for rights to their small pack and to Selia. She had violated that law.
"Kendrick will earn his place." He looked forward once more.
He followed her into the small shelter but remained standing, stubborn as always. He'd sit when he needed to rest. They were away from their pack. He'd not be caught off guard.
"I cannot say that I disagree." He slowly relaxed his posture, a very small step towards 'relaxing'. "I spent many years looking back. I spent many more years trying to gain your attention by challanging the alphas surrounding Devvyl's pack. Haku, Hige, Garra even..."
Times of Dying (2:45:57 AM): Listening to the male intently, she descended her gaze from him to look back down to the ground. She semed to be doing that a lot, now. Maybe she had never been meant to be an alpha...she was losing her edge. and quickly. But she could agree with Feanaro: They had to fight for what they wanted, and if they failed...well, then they could roll over and die or keep trying.
Selia kept her stature stiff, straight, not like her relaxed sit which looked more like she was a pup than a grown wolf. Her tail curled along her rear, keeping warm and still. And still, Feanaro's words stung slightly. But she expected them.
"I...dont have any excuses for what I did," she admitted softly, her ears perking forward as a breeze rolled through the surrounding forest. "And I dont believe I should give you excuses. But, Feanaro, back then...while we were choosing our paths...you were so...insane, lost...Devvyl and Elphaba were my friends, as you were, but for all three of you to fight and argue..I didn't know what to do with myself," and Devvyl had promised so much to her. "Devvyl always told me things. He promised to keep me and my future family safe, to stay with me so we could make a family. But he was too wrapped up in his own power-hungry ways that I never realized that the insane one was him, not you." She was rambling--as she usually did.
"I was young and naive. I should have seen his intentions, as well as looked further into yours. I saw Devvyl leaving me behind and lied to myself so I could believe that I made the right decision...so I learned the hard way to not always trust what I see, and trust how I felt instead. I knew better. I just couldn't see the truth. Like now...your scars, I can see them, and remember what happened...but my feelings behind how you got them are so much more of an impact to me than anything else."
Thalion Koi (2:50:39 AM): "Insane!?" Feanaro roared, his fangs bearing as he snapped his gaze back to Selia. The hackles along his back and shoulders slowly rose off his back. "No... I went 'insane' when the only pack I had threw me out to fend for myself. The pack I had lived for...the 'friends' that I saw suvival beside when we all found ourselves alone and orphaned." He took a slow, tense step forward, "Perhaps I was insane for facing humans for you...for leaping into the river time and again for you. For bringing back kills and scarring my soft, pup flesh for you. IF that's insanity than I'm guilty of it..."
His voice tightened, "How dare you..."
He turned from her, his tail snapping sharply as he began to pace. It was an old habbit even she would remember. He was trying to get ahold of his temper. "I earned every one of my scars...the others called me a demon. A beast possed by the murders of birds that followed me...they knew nothing of the old ways. Nothing." He bristled, "Alphas unfit to call themselves 'wolf'."
Times of Dying (2:58:22 AM): Closing her eyes at the snap that she got from him, Selia didn't dare flinch. She deserved the tone, the snarls and the fangs pointed in her direction...and she deserved any sort of physical attack she might gain from this, but it had yet to come.. Feanaro could still control himself...she wasn't all that surprised.
"Like..I said. You're not the insane one. He is," she mumbled, her tone having dropped a few decimals, "I was wrong. I was always wrong. And we asked you to join us...when you said you wouldn't, it felt like you'd betrayed me, but I know now that you were just doing the right thing. You were, and still are, much more intelligent that any of us were." Selia wasn't aiming for flattery, she was stating the facts.. As she looked back on it all, she realized how stupid she really was. How gullible she really had been.
"It'd be stupid of me to ask for your forgiveness. I could never earn it, either, no matter how long I worked for it. You're no demon. Far from it. To me, you were my guardian..."
Thalion Koi (3:17:09 AM): "I didn't join because it was right or wrong." He slowly came to a stop, "I didn't join...because I could not stand to be one of Devvyl's subbornates when he himself did not know the law of our kind. I could not lay with my belly up while you stood beside such a wolf. He didn't deserve you- and I thought you knew better than that."
He took a few long, deep breaths. He had been a demon for a time. He'd let his grief consume him- and he had sought to make the others suffer along with him. Let them see how dangerous it was to allow a lone wolf to live.
He sighed. "I can't hold a grudge forever. We're getting old. In a few years, we'll be breaking our teeth on bones as we did on a pup. There's no point in holding onto such things until it's too late to make things right."
Times of Dying (3:23:03 AM): Selia had nothing to say to this. She sat there, eyes closed, head tipped down and just listening to what the other had to say. Which was true--she knew that very well. Selia could never picture Feanaro going belly up for anyone, actually.
Which made complete sense, now and then.
"So..you're saying we should let it go," it sounded too good to be true, but that still wasn't what she was looking for when it came to answers. "Whether we let it go, or we try to push through it...I want to know what you really think. Do you want me to stay, or go back to where I had been. And if I'm found by you and your pack again, I'd expect you to treat me just like any other loner intruding." Which would more than likely be death. That'd be an ironic death...Feanaro or his song ripping her throat out.
"I dont plan on going belly up either, Feanaro. I'm not a submissive pup that can be shoved around, dropped into rivers, unable to protect myself. And I can, and will, fight to not be below anyone in this pack." It was a fair warning, wasn't it? Did Feanaro expect her to roll over and be stepped on, or did he know better after the short amount of time they'd been reunited? She sighed, "I dont mean that as a threat, either. Just telling you how I feel."
Thalion Koi (3:28:44 AM): He slowly nodded. "Sitting on the past means you never walk to the future they say. If anyone deserves to be on the recieving end of my fangs- it's Devvyl....and mark my words-" His hackles raised just slightly, "If I catch that beast's scent, I'll stain my pelt to match his to show him his place in this world."
He glanced back, "As far as your place in the pack- that's your decision. You may remain if you wish, but you will earn your place. If you must fight the others to establish that, feel free. However-" He turned to face him, "I warn you. Kendrick and I will not hold back to maintain our positions. I love my son. He is the only creature to stand at my shoulder- besides, of course, the crows. But if he challanges me, I tear into him the same way I would anyone. Do you understand?" His eyes narrowed, "This is my pack. We live by the ancient way."
Times of Dying (3:34:01 AM): Nodding in understanding to the man's words, she listened carefully, lifting her eyes to focus on Feanaro now. Her target--she knew she had to earn her place. And she didn't intend on going on this trip being stepped on by the rest of the pack. That meant skipping over a few...
"I want to stay," she said honestly, pushing herself to stand and give another light shake, facing the larger wolf fully now. "And I intend on showing you that saving my life those times wasn't for nothing." She took in a slow breath, cocking her head and tensing up her shoulders slightly, "I want you to fight me." She admittedly wasn't the best fighter, and she doubted she could pin Feanaro down and win his place, but she wanted to prove that she wasn't a weakling, wasn't going to step down to anyone. "I'll fight you...then I'll fight Kendrick, if I have to. I'm going to show you that I'm worthy of standing with you...just like I did when we were pups."
Thalion Koi (3:37:16 AM): "Not now." He leaned back and gave her a slow look over, "You're weary and weak from the trip...and I doubt you've eaten for a few days. It wouldn't be a fair fight." He glanced back out towards the landscape. "Byakko, no doubt, will turn his belly to you. He's passive as they come. A pup at heart- but you won't find a faster set of paws anywhere. Ghadir is an old man...you'll get no challange from him. Yoshi may challange you, but he tends to accept his place. Kai and Kendrick will, of course, challange you. Rune, however, is a non-combatant. He can fight, but he is too valuable to risk. Even an invading alpha would spare him for that reason."
Times of Dying (3:47:10 AM): She growned at this, but her lips drew back either way, "You're just as weary as I am...I think we're on pretty equal grounds," and she..didn't like baring her fangs to wolves she didn't know, unless they threatened her first. Feanaro, of course, she didn't enjoy doing it to either. But to prove her place...
"I'll know if I can make a place for myself in this pack if I can last against you. You're just going to let me wander into your pack without a second thought? What if I have Devvyl on my heels, waiting to join me during the night and take over?" She was really just trying to rile him up. Selia wasn't a backstabber, never had been and never intended to be...but right now, she was a nobody, looking to create a place in the pack, something she'd never done because of an automatic place in her first home. A low growl rose up from her chest, and she bristled. "Show me what sort of wolf you've become, Feanaro."
Times of Dying (3:47:14 AM): frowned*
Thalion Koi (3:49:15 AM): He simply eyed her for a time. She wanted to fight....still? He'd grown used to the long runs on an empty stomach, she hadn't. He'd had his pack to provide for him, and he still had something in his belly from a few days past.
"Very well." He turned to face her, "Attack me."
Times of Dying (3:53:29 AM): Selia swallowed the lump in her throat, before shifting herself into defensive mode. She'd faced off Kendrick, though no attack had been made, she coudl bring that fight for her life back...the hunger sharpened her senses and the fear made her want to live, want to survive. The idea of Feanaro looking down on her, thinking that she was weak and unable just angered her. Selia's tail whipped against the cold air, and she slowly circled around the larger wolf, large fangs bared. No way was she going to make the first attack..she wanted to see if he'd make the first move.
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