|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 1:27 pm
The softest, most plaintive whine of a violin’s strings and a flute’s needle-like notes drifted through the icy almost frozen air ringing sharply across the near empty training grounds. There was a scattering of wolves and riders’ practicing but that wasn’t the main source of the music. The music was drifting across the grounds from a seemingly empty corner. Empty save for three humanoid figures and two wolves. With every dip of the violin’s notes, the flute rose to cover the gap and the same happened when the flute’s notes dipped briefly.
At any other time, this might have well been unheard of. After all, captains and other such ranking officials very rarely, if EVER got this close to the privates. Of course this wasn’t any other time, and as far as Alister was concerned, the young woman was an exception to that unwritten and unspoken rule. After all it wasn’t like he could just up and tell his cousin he didn’t…couldn’t have her around just because there was some random and unspoken rule. Nope it wouldn’t have sat well with Ana…at all.
Somewhere to his left was the curled form of a sleeping child. Or rather what could deceptively be described as sleeping child. Alister knew better.
Curled under that pile of blankets that had been spread across Twilight’s back, wisps of dirty blonde hair poked out while a pair of mismatched green and brown eyes could be seen in the darkness of the nest. Yep, the child was awake. Awake and very much aware of the music drifting around her. Of course Dante had no plans of cause chaos…at least not yet. Especially since her lovely brother wasn’t here. Letting out a puff of air that rose as a fine mist before her eyes. The music was all fine and dandy but she wanted attention! And her aunt and father didn’t seem to be intent on giving her that much. A pout and a huff sounded soon after as she burrowed further under the blankets and into the black wolf’s fur.
A fairly playful amount of wind rushed past, tugging at golden-blonde strands and nearly pulling the air from Anastasia’s lungs as she continued to play, gloved fingers dancing over the flute’s polished silver surface. She was all too aware of the green and brown eyes peering out from the nest of blankets. The child was awake and now it was all a question of how long it would take before she squirmed out and started ‘attacking’. Ana would have sighed had she the breath and time to do so. If she paused so would the song. And the song was no where near being finished.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 7:33 pm
Calla settled comfortably at her desk at last. Chaos seemed to have been following her around determinedly all morning, and of course the morning she couldn't find a moments peace was the morning she'd had the most paperwork to do. So after settling a dispute between a few young Privates, locating a Patron for a recent addition to the fort, and when she had been returning towards her office she had been grabbed by a senile retired rider and she had had to guide him back to his barracks. Where his wolf was at the time she would never know, but she could hardly tell him no. So now she could finally settled down and get some work done.
Only there was no work. Her work was gone. It was then that she noticed the green and brown eyes peeking around the corner from WoodWhisp and Twilight's den. Calla sighed, glaring at the eyes, but before she could move they were gone. And all she could do was chase after them.
It took her almost five full minutes to track him down, but without his sister to guide his mischief it was easy enough to track him down. And once she did she had soaked her pant legs through in the snow and was flushed and out of breath. No one in this fort could claim to run half as well as this runt. But once she had her hands on his collar she'd lifted him up and, with him in one hand and her papers in the other, headed towards the music she knew would lead her to Alister and Ana.
Lucifer grumbled and flailed to get out of his mothers grasp, but she'd gripped his collar and a bit of his hair so it hurt every time he jerked. It wasn't his fault he hadn't been able to find Dante when he'd woken up, why was he being punished? It failed to sink through his mind completely was the fact that he wasn't supposed to be in either of his parent's offices. Either way he found himself dropped to his feet when they'd reached the source of the music, and immediately he scrambled forward and dove behind Anastasia's legs with the worst look of innocence on his face. But Anastasia would believe it, she always believed it, and Dante would stand up for him. He glanced over towards the blankets with a look on his face that clearly said 'Where were you this morning?'
Calla dropped the boy in front of his father and Godmother and shot them each a glare.
"I thought it was Anastasia's turn to keep watch over the twins this morning?" Calla snapped, her tone coming out much angrier than she had meant for it to, "What's he doing stealing my work?" She waved the papers before the two, completely in disregard for their music. Most of the time she would have been pleased to sit down and listen, she certainly had respect for Alister's musical talent, though she would never admit that, and found the tones soothing. What she thought of the music was so completely opposite of what she thought of him that it was almost disturbing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RainbowMagicMarker Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:32 pm
The melody of a duet flowed around the apprentice, her ears gently picking and pulling out different notes. All around her, sounds mixed together on the training grounds. Long, thin fingers held onto a rifle as she locked her eyes on the target. With winter finally settling in, their foes had settled down for the year. That was, until spring came around the corner. By then, a lot of the riders had to have become lazy and at least a bit out of shape. However, this female was a bit different. She had lots of bursts of energy making her unable to sit still for more than five minutes without doing something. Guess she would be keeping in shape over the cold season.
Raising her riffle, she aimed carefully. Don’t miss, Emi, a voice said in her mind. She could practically see the smirk her bonded wolf had laid out on his face. Oh shut it, Flame, she growled. Refocusing her attention on the target, the young wolfrider took a gently breath and pulled the trigger. She watched as the bullet buried itself halfway between the center and the edge. Pretty good for an over active apprentice, huh? Emi asked the wolf. Ya, it was pretty good, the adolescent replied.
With a smile, Emi aimed her riffle again hoping to hit closer to the center. Just as she was about to pull the trigger, an all too familiar sight ran by her. A short young male who was dangling in the hands of one of the captains of the fort, Calla Bianchi. The boy happened to be Lucifer Shields-Bianchi, the son of Calla and Alister Shields. One would have hoped the two had known what might of happened when they got together. Just goes to show that even some of those at the top didn’t always think. Of course she would never say that out loud. Unless she wanted to die that is.
After letting a sigh dance off her lips, Emi returned to practicing using a riffle. The whole time she was there, FlameFrost had been making annoying remarks. She seriously wished she knew where Hailwing and Abigail were. It would get the wolf to shut up. The ring of a riffle being fired rang out just before the apprentice started to flip around. “Yes! In your face Flame!” she happily said out loud. Her shot had found itself very close to the center of the target.
The fire and ice wolf growled gently before head butting his partner. “Eek!” Falling over, Emi felt the snow lift and settle back down around her. How dare you, FlameFrost! Jumping up, the two started a chase until the female managed to get her arms around her partner’s neck. Holding on, she started to laugh, the milk and honey sound traveling out. Flame nuzzled Emi’s moist cheek as he let her stand up, supporting herself on him. You know, you suck sometimes, Emi told Flame with a laugh.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:22 pm
The familiar sound of a violin playing, accompanied by a slightly rarer flute aside it, roll across the chill air of the fort. Hardly pausing in his stride, Shun spares a glance at his wolf companion. "Should we take a visit to that area?" Surely while the music is being played, there wouldn't be a chance of those two...children being about causing trouble. Their captain never stopped to play when they were underfoot, harder to keep an eye on the troublemakers then.
There wasn't much secret around the fact that he enjoyed his fair share of music, though he certainly wasn't a player himself. A calm sense of indifference is really only Nightshade's response to his question, and he allows himself to stop walking and take up the offered position on the larger wolf's back. One set of tracks to leave was a better idea even if this was their own fort.
Nightshade takes off walking at a calm, quick step towards the sounds and scents of Captain Alister and Alpha Twilight. Ears p***k forward a small bit at catching the scent of WoodWhisp joining the small gathering and his pace slows. Both alphas are there now, Shun. Which meant both riders, and if chances are against their favor, at least one of the offspring would also be in that grouping. The resentment filtering over from Shun is enough to give the wolf an answer to that, and he snickers over their link. He didn't mind the little ones, not really. They didn't usually bother wolves as humans were the prey. Which was nice and amusing when the human wasn't his own. Shun's bad mood had quite a habit of leaking over to him.
Either way, he doesn't stop in his advance until he is within sight, and smell of both alpha wolves, his tail tucked respectively low on the off chance that either of them weren't in the best of moods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:38 pm
Dante’s eyes flickered within the dark recesses of her nest of blankets and she huffed seeing her brother’s look. She knew he’d gotten caught. She hadn’t expected him not to. He always did anyway. Opening her mouth she mouthed one word ”Dummy.” before retreating further under the blankets. She was not going to get dragged into his mess at least not yet anyway.
A rumbling sounded from under her and she gave a faint twitch. Twilight no doubt was picking up on her feelings but right now, the child didn’t care…much. Burying gloved fingers into the ebony fur beneath her she pressed her cheek into it and sighed. She was going to have to save her brother…again. She didn’t want to. Well it wasn’t that she didn’t want to save Luci. She didn’t want to move from her warm, warm nest. But she had to, or Luci was going to get in trouble alone. And that just wouldn’t do.
The pile of blankets began to wiggle before a head poked out and Dante looked around, feigning a delicate yawn as she slid from under the blankets and effectively off of Twilight’s back. Even with the black wolf laying down Dante could barely reach her shoulder, that didn’t deter the child from leaning lightly against the wolf as she made a fuss out of fixing her skirt and jacket. Content that she looked more or less presentable, she took a dainty step away from the wolf, followed by another and then another until she’d slipped past her father and behind her aunt to where her brother hid.
Hugging him she leaned close enough to whisper in his ear, a surprisingly malicious smile crossing her ‘angelic’ face before it disappeared and the sweet smile returned. ”Brother…Lucifer…dear…” she began still clinging to the boy. ”You didn’t steal Mommy’s papers did you?” Her voice was low enough so the adults didn’t hear but that didn’t mean Luci wasn’t going to hear. Oh no, he would hear or she would leave him to stew…alone.
Anastasia’s fingers froze on her polished flute and it was from anything but the cold. She’d been found out. Paling, she forced a sheepish grin as she looked up to meet the Lieutenant’s glaring gaze, while her young charge bolted behind her, followed by his much more dignified sister moments later. Briefly she found herself staring and wondering at the display from the little girl. Dante was what? Six years old? And yet the girl was behaving as if she was in her mid teens. Something that would not bode well for her poor poor cousin when the girl DID get to that age.
Of course her source of safety and hiding was soon dragged away with another whisper of wind and the realization that, she was cornered. Cornered and screwed beyond belief. Setting the gleaming silver flute into its velvet case lined case she quickly shut it lest the falling snow get in. Snow was the least of her problems. Lucifer and Calla were the biggest problems she had to deal with right now. Meaning she needed to find a way to worm out of this. Or she was going to get flayed alive. Not figuratively of course, well she hoped not figuratively.
”Well you see…yes it was…and is my turn to watch them but…he was asleep when I left so I didn’t exactly expect him to wake up so soon.” Her words were slow, carefully picked as she trailed half numbed fingers along the silver lettering along the cover of the flute case. ”As for stealing your work…I’m sure Luci didn’t mean anything by it…granted he knows better.” Condemning and saving at the same time. Oh what was she getting herself into this time?
For all it was worth, Alister was fully content with ignoring Calla’s presence. Even after she dropped their son nearby, he simply let the violin’s bow tremble across the strings, a high whining sound being produced before it dipped lower before finally tapering off. Both violin and bow were lowered and he finally, calmly lifted his gaze to regard Calla one eyebrow lifting in a silent question. A silent question that was soon vocalized. ”Why he’s stealing your work, I have absolutely no idea to be honest. And Ana has been watching the twins. She just left him asleep less than a half hour ago.” He was calm, which given the woman’s appearance and tone was something of a shock. But then, there was also amusement. Amusement at the haggard appearance and when Dante finally wiggled into view, he nearly choked.
For all Calla’s raging and haggard look, this…this child had proved to be far more amusing at the moment. Dante was all decked out for a quiet romp in the snow, an attire he’d been forced to wait and watch while she picked it out. Some poor poor fox or ermine had been sacrificed for the lining of the coat’s collar and sleeves as well as the lining of the knee high boots. For all it was worth Dante hadn’t done anything out of order since she’d burrowed under those blankets on Twilight’s back. Well nothing out of order til now.
A bemused look crossed his face before he returned his gaze to Calla. Oh she would probably rage about not being able to do any work but, he didn’t really care or mind at the moment. After all, he was more content with watching Ana worm her way out of this one. ”And just so you know, before you flay Ana alive. I invited her out here for a bit of fresh air.” Yep, he was going to watch Ana squirm but he wasn’t going to leave her to get flayed alone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:18 pm
Lucifer squirmed beneath his aunt's gaze still struggling vainly with the innocent look. He would always envy Dante's perfection of such a smile. Finally as he sat in the cold snow behind his aunt icy air hit him. He was still in his pajamas, which were hardly cold weather attire. He tried hard not to shiver, but that didn't seem to be working in his favor right now, it wasn't that he minded cold he just would rather be in the nice fur-lined jacket that was currently sitting at the foot of his bed. An excursion outside hadn't been in his immediate plans when he'd gone snooping through his mothers office.
Another wave of chill air hit him as he saw Dante taking her sweet time about straightening her skirt before finally coming over to him. At first he was comforted by her approach, and even more so by her warmth as she pulled him into a hug. That wouldn't last long though, not judging by the grin and the sickly sweet words. He knew he was in trouble, and he was sure he would hear about this later. He was used to being in trouble from the adults, but when he was in trouble with his darling sister that was when he was truly afraid. Dante was the only woman on earth who could possibly strike fear into his heart.
All he could do was squirm beneath her grip before he found voice enough to whisper, "I wasn't expecting her back so soon! And anyway, I was just looking for Spider anyway!" he hissed, crossing his arms and glaring over at Calla. Spider was the wolf plush Calla had given him on his first birthday, she'd given one to both the twins, and it had recently been taken away as an attempt at punishment for some failed prank or another, he couldn't be quite sure. Whenever Calla took something away from either of the children it always got put in her office that seemed like the most obvious place to look. But she'd returned sooner than he'd expected and he'd been forced to vacate quickly, the papers had been purely accidental.
Calla flipped through the papers as Ana stumbled over some form of excuse or another. It had been quite some time since Calla had actually listened to the excuses. All parties involved generally knew that Ana would let the kids get away with whatever they pleased, unfortunately she was also the only voluntary babysitter. It was simply easier to give them to Ana then to force them off on some poor private who would have no idea how to handle the kids. At least Ana knew how to reason with them on their level, whatever level that was.
"Yes well, as late as it is already I'm sure it wouldn't have done him too much damage to be woken up early." Calla said, her tone calming as she managed to get her breath back in the cold air, "If anything's going to prepare him for life as a Wolfrider, early mornings will certainly help." Everyone knew the kids would end up as Wolfriders one day, the only reason they weren't at the academy yet was simply because they were too young. Part of Calla couldn't wait to send them off to the Drill Sergeant there, then they would be his problem to attempt to control and they wouldn't have Ana to hide behind. Part of her felt guilty that she was so eager to send the kids away, but at the same time she couldn't help but look forward to seeing them Bonded and functioning members of the Fort.
Calla's eyes were distracted by the movement as her daughter crawled out from under the blankets and straightened her clothes out. The look on the child's face told her she was planning something, and as she leaned down to her brother she could see the small girl whisper something into her brother's ear. The only thing that prevented her from speaking up was Alister's terribly unhelpful attempts to defend his cousin.
"My work? Excuse me but over half of this need your signature? What the hell is it doing on my desk!?" She stormed over to the blonde, slapping him in the chest with the papers to emphasize each word. How he always managed to get his work into her office she may never know, not that it particularly mattered because most of it ended up back on his desk, but he could at least save her the walk!
|
|
|
|
|
|
RainbowMagicMarker Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 9:18 pm
As Emi was laughing happily, she caught the sight of some papers fluttering in the wind. Calming herself, she turned her head. A questioning look on her face, the female made her way through the now over to the object. Picking up the soaked papers, her eyes flickered over them, trying to figure out what the papers where on. Her face dropped as she read over them all. “Oh wow, either she’s going to chew his head off, or she’s going to go off on me. I really hope it’s the first one,” Emi said more to herself then to her wolf pal. FlameFrost on the other hand, tilted his head to the side wondering what the girl was talking about.
With a sigh, the apprentice straighten her back and turned to face the group of people not to far away. It was quite obvious that Calla was going off on the children's father and aunt about something. Probably something having to do with the kids and the stack of papers she had just slapped across Alister’s chest. Something wrong, Emi? her partner asked curiously. Usually Flame’s bonded would like to keep herself from being yelled at by the higher ups so for her to give off the feeling of dread meant that they were headed over and into the river of fury. Well that was a happy thought for them.
Fist curled around the dripping documents, Emi lifted her hand to show the blood red wolf the papers. You see these? The wolf nodded his head tentatively. Well they just so happen to be the papers that the captain need to look over and sign. Just so happens that they also are soaked and dripping wet. Yet we can’t very well walk away without Twilight or Woodwhisp noticing. All her points were on target and caused FlameFrost to flinch slightly at the thought of heading on over. Well, hopefully we’ll get out alive without a scar, he said, trying to sound positive. Nodding her head, Emi started to walk over to the arguing group.
As she lifted each foot, doom welling in her stomach, the young wolfrider’s eyes flickered about and caught the sight of two others. She knew right away that they were not apprentices. After all, there weren’t too many apprentices in the White Shadow fort. She gave them a respectful smile before continuing on her way to possible doom.
Stopping short of the riders and children, Emi turned to her growing wolf. Burring her fingers in his neck fur, she looked him straight in the eye. Please, don’t say anything stupid like when we first met Hailwing. Your parents might have both been betas but your mom isn’t here to help us. She’s over at New Eve. So tuck in your tail and don’t hold yourself too high. She hated telling the male wolf this but it was obvious that they had to show respect, so that was just what they would do. Flame nodded his head before tucking in his tail. Hailwing had been on his hind before and the alpha’s had to be tougher then her when it came to those things. Well, Twilight probably. Woodwhisp just came off as lazy.
“Excuse me, Lieutenant,” Emi said in a respectful voice as they came up to the higher ups. Though she had the voice she was supposed to use, it did not mean that she lost anything in return. There was still a strong fire in her eyes. If the lieutenant and, or, captain got on her, she wasn’t going to back down. Even if she had the feeling of impending doom growing in her stomach. After all, she was holding some important documents that they needed. Right in those long, thin, seemingly delicate fingers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 9:48 pm
Leaning back just a bit in his seat on Nightshade's back, Shun watches the scene playing out. Well, quite obviously this wouldn't be a situation he'd want to walk in on. Not if Lt. Calla was really as angry as she seemed even from this distance away. And as Nightshade settles down into a more relaxed position, laying in the snow, it's easy to tell the wolf shares that mindset. "Watching from a safe distance then?"
Nightshade flicks his ears lightly before crossing his forepaws. Of course. I would not want to be between those teeth and claws if they decide to take this farther. And Shun nods agreement to that. True, little, tiny spats might be commonplace around the fort, but seeing their lieutenant so angered was always a cause to be put on edge. More so when it was the wolf that was the one baring teeth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 10:46 pm
Ever sensible, and ever calculating Dante calmly wiggled out of her fur lined coat and dropped it around her brother’s shoulders. She didn’t need it as much as he did. After all, if Luci was sick then who was she going to cause mischief with? Stepping back the girl was soon staring at the slightly taller boy dully before the malicious little smile was back and she merely pinched her twin. ”If you wanted to find Spider you could’ve just asked me.” She hissed wickedly, eyes gleaming in the weak winter sunlight. Oh she’d found the hidden wolf plushes. She had made it her mission to retrieve her beloved white wolf plush as well as her brother’s ‘Spider’. She’d made it in and out of their mother’s office without getting caught. A little fact she wasn’t about to let her brother forget…once they got away from the adults of course.
Blinking at the newest arrival, the girl almost frowned before she caught herself, the practiced look and smile of pure innocence easily sliding into place. Both her aunt and father had called her a con woman of the highest order and while she wasn’t exactly sure what that meant now, she was determined to find out one way or the other. All without her parents finding out of course. No easy feat but she’d pull it off just fine. For now however, she would simply have to find a way to slip off and drag Luci with her. Sweater or no, she wanted her coat back.
Ana’s gaze shifted slightly and she nodded in understanding not at all sorry when the Lieutenant’s attention swung to her cousin. Ali was used to such…abuse, she wasn’t. And never would be if this was how things intended on playing out. Scooting a bit away from where she didn’t doubt there would be much violence…if her cousin bought into the ranting, the young woman merely let out a puff of breath and tugged her niece and nephew into her lap. If and she didn’t doubt that it would, turned sour, she didn’t want them caught in the crossfire. Granted she knew they’d never hurt the children on purpose but still, that was a risk she wasn’t willing to take.
Grumbling slightly to herself she sighed, letting her lined but slightly over sized coat fall over the three of them, she, Dante and Lucifer. ”Sharing body heat’s gonna keep us all warm.” She leaned close to whisper to the children, nodding briefly at the apprentice that had wandered close with the papers. Poor girl. There was a fire in her and her little wolf, but even so, the girl would have to watch herself, lest she get burned. After all, it was one thing to think ‘traitorous’ little thoughts but it was another to let them blaze through so clearly. Nay, she was a poor little fool. And heavens knew that it would only take one out of Alister and Calla to set the other one off.
Aaah so predictable. True the papers did sting but it was so much more amusing to watch her rant and scream about most of the paperwork being his and his alone. Was he aware of this? But of course he was. He’d been aware of that for ages now but he just enjoyed making Calla’s life harder. It made his more enjoyable, after all. Snatching the papers away with what could only be a very very wicked grin, he simply set them inside his violin case along with violin. He’d deal with them all later. But for now he was going to content and amuse himself with this situation. ”It wound up on your desk through a lovely thing called the chain of command.” The wicked grin was still there even as he first heard and then saw the apprentice and her bonded approach.
Now here was another potential problem. The girl’s voice was polite enough but, he could practically sense something else. A bit of stubbornness? Or potential sass? Mentally he shrugged it off. He was in a good mood for the moment and something like a cocky apprentice wasn’t going to ruin that good mood. Not yet anyway.
Yawning, there was a lazy stretch from the ebony wolf as she shifted and twisted under the pile of blankets that had been Dante’s hiding spot and her back warmer. The things were getting covered with the light snow but they were still warm and would thus be tolerated. At least until she could bully her bonded back inside. Like that was going to happen anytime soon. Another yawn and she shook herself lightly, mismatched eyes sweeping across the gathering before landing on the apprentice and the wolf pup.
Twilight’s silver tail tip merely twitched and she inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement of the younger wolf. She wouldn’t bother with snapping his head off right now. She was more interested in watching the happenings of the humans. At least that’s what had caught her attention for the moment.
”Greetings FlameFrost.” she called lazily, tongue lolling as another yawn escaped her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:06 am
Lucifer squirmed and tried to shove the jacket back at his sister, the last thing he needed was for her to go and get sick because he hadn't grabbed a jacket. "I was going to, but when I got up no one was there, seemed like a good opportunity at the time!" Lucifer protested, skittering back from his sister as she reached out to pinch him. He knew she'd already had something planned; Dante never just went into anything without knowing almost exactly how it was going to end. It was thanks to her that the two of them got away with so much, Lucifer had no qualms about following his sister's plans, they usually worked after all so who was he to protest.
Next thing he knew he was being swept up into his aunt's lap. Snuggling up under the coat he breathed a sigh of relief, at least it was much warmer under here. "You left me behind." Lucifer's gentle, child-like frown seemed perfectly at home on his face as he looked up at his aunt, where he failed in the realm of innocent faces he was extremely good at pouting, and he poked her in the side. He wouldn't do much worse than that was revenge, but he was going to get revenge in some way.
Calla threw up her hands in exasperation as the papers disappeared into the violin case. Well she couldn't hope to see those again for at least a month. It was amazing anything got done around here, as much as Alister shirked off his duty's. Especially his paper work, she had been simply moments away from just giving up and storming off when one of the Apprentices came over and addressed her. Calla turned towards the young girl and smiled, after all it was only Alister she was angry at at the moment, Lucifer's transgressions had simply given her a chance to confront him about all the work that he was conveniently not doing. She was about to just stop doing the paper work, and when people started complaining that they weren't getting their paychecks she'd just point them off in Alister's direction.
"Ah, Private Cross, greetings!" She said, her tone having cheered considerably after her rant at Alister. Emi Cross was a very efficient Wolfrider as far as Calla knew, where she had gotten that trait Calla may never know because it certainly didn't come from Abigail. Abigail was good at what she did, sure, but something had seemed off about giving the girl a Patron. Granted from what Calla knew of her friends she was sure HailWing did most of that Patroning in that relationship.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RainbowMagicMarker Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:30 am
Emi had noticed that the female of the two cousins had acknowledged that she was there. She returned the polite nod that she had received. She knew that Alister knew she was there, as he was the captain and didn’t miss much. From the side of her eye she could spot the two twins. Sure, they looked innocent but all their actions said otherwise to her. Besides, after her past, Emi had little mercy in her for the innocent look on the guilty. However, knowing who these children’s parents were, she kept her mouth shut. FlameFrost on the other hand, paid little attention to the duo. Instead he was keeping an eye on his partner. Greetings, Twilight, he said towards the Alpha. Never had he questioned the fact that she was the dominate Alpha as Woodwhisp was lazy, and she was an incredibly good Alpha as she was.
Upon hearing Calla’s voice, she turned all her attention towards the female. “Greetings Lieutenant,” she said in return. FlameFrost could feel how relieved his partner was to not have to deal with an angry Calla. Both of them would rather leave that to Alister since it seemed like a sport for him. Emi herself had heard a lot about the captain and lieutenant from her own Patron, Abigail Baker. Granted she knew a lot, but she had to keep a lot of that information to herself. But that was okay. After all, she really didn’t have much use for the secrets at the moment. Of course if she did, she’d probably use it.
Turning back to the situation at hand, the apprentice felt her eyes dart down to the papers in own hand. In the other she held her riffle, one of her favorite things. “Um, I wasn’t exactly sure if I should go to you about this or go directly to the Captain, but seeing as he probably wouldn’t pay too much attention I went to you, Lieutenant.” She really didn’t believe that the golden haired male would pay too much attention. She was an apprentice, he was the captain. She wasn’t even sure he knew her name.
Now she was talking to Calla and lucky for Emi, the papers were mostly for Alister and not Calla. There might have been a one or two that needed both of the parents to look over it, but that was about it for Calla. Of course, just out of the papers she picked up. “I kind of found these papers in the snow,” she said lifting up her hand to should the dripping papers, “And they seem to be pretty important. They’re for the Captain by the way.” If she was lucky, the young rider would be fine and Calla would go off on Alister. That or she we stay cheery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:41 pm
Is seems that tension is easing now, Shun. Nightshade keeps his ears pricked forward towards the alphas and young wolf as their riders talk. Still, it was safer at this distance away in case things decided to turn again. You really never could tell some days with their captain and lieutenant. For the moment though, it's calm enough for the wolf to feel enough at ease to rest his head down on his crossed paws and be a little more comfortable.
Shun rolls his eyes lightly at the lazy gesture before placing all of his focus down on the conversation playing out before them. Apparently those papers the apprentice had in her hand were of some importance. Likely for Captain Alister, as they usually were. He did not envy the man for that part of the job. He takes Nightshade's lead though and relaxes his posture a bit. Though he won't be leaving his spot on the wolf's back. He didn't exactly like sitting in the snow when he could help it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:55 am
Abigail sat up from her bed slowly, yawning and stretching her arms and back. Smacking her lips, she swung her dangling legs back and forth and looked around. She had settled down for a nap some time earlier, if she remembered correctly. Either that or she just woke up after a night's sleep. Winter days really did run together, what with the constant intake of alcohol. She didn't bother to keep track of time. Knowing the day never did any good unless they were getting shipments or mail from the city or the farms. Abigail didn't often get mail for whatever reason, but she did like to order some things from various craft shops that were a part of the farm and ranch district. She had gotten a few nifty little dream catchers that way, as well as some very nice leather pillows and a few beautiful woven blankets. Abigail had attempted to order a new sofa that way, but there was no word on that yet.
Abigail stood and walked over to her mirror, which was hanging crooked and had a few cracks due to some night that she had been drinking and fell into it or accidentally hit it or something to that effect and she had never bothered fixing it. She straightened her uniform and attempted to comb through her giant mass of curly blonde hair. She had broken a comb in it once. It hadn't been fun trying to find all of the teeth, but after a couple of years, Abigail had to think that she had gotten all of them out. With her grooming done, Abigail turned toward the den. "What time is it, Hail?" she asked, wondering if it was close to the time that the female wolf had planned for Emi's next lesson.
HailWing rolled her eyes, then looked at a bit of light coming from a small hole in the wall, her little make-shift clock. She smiled a bit. It's about that time when Emi and FlameFrost are usually wondering where we are, she answered coolly. It didn't bother HailWing to be late in this instance. In the little group of four, she was essentially in charge. She could show up whenever she darn well pleased. Not to mention, she was in the middle of gestation. For all they knew, she could be giving birth right now. HailWing shuddered. She was not looking forward to that at all. She was looking forward to them no longer crowding up her uterus, but the process of getting them out did not seem pleasant at all.
Abigail's jaw dropped. "Dadgummit! Ah'm always late. Ya'd think we'd schedule these things later!" Abigail hurried to stuff her feet into her boots and ran out the door. "An' why didn't ya try to wake me up or somethin'?" she asked, looking toward HailWing with a somewhat disappointed and genuinely curious expression. The wolf had access to her mind. Couldn't she just think really loud to her or something? It would definitely be nice to have an alarm clock that she couldn't break. Of course, there was that one time when her alarm clock -one long broken- had gone off and she spent several minutes in her dream trying to figure out the source of the sound. That had been one hell of a dream. One hell of a morning too since she had thought she was going crazy.
HailWing smirked as she exited the den. You know the way you sleep. If I had tried to wake you up, you would need new upholstery. She could see it now. First, she would have to break through the front door (because entering the easy way just wasn't fun), then make as much noise as possible, rip the sheets from Abigail's hands after a short, pointless game of tug-of-war, and finally tip the entire bed over to get her up and about. As fun a morning as that would be, it would upset those in the barracks around their own and would reflect poorly on herself more than her rider. She began on her way toward the meeting place, hearing a huffing Abigail follow behind.
When the two arrived at that spot in the training area, Emi and FlameFrost were nowhere to be seen, the only evidence of them a few bullet holes in one of the nearby targets and a trail of foot and paw prints leading off in some other direction. Abigail had heard some light music while on her way there, but it had ended. Had Abigail been paying much attention to it, she might have pinpointed exactly when it had ended. Regardless, her only duty now was to find out wherever Emi and FlameFrost went and what on Earth was more important than meeting with their dear Patrons. Abigail couldn't help but think that they had been late. They were probably off doing something to pass the time until they showed up.
Abigail followed the footprints a little ways away to a scene which Abigail nearly squealed at seeing. There they were! Her wonderfully stubborn cousin (stubborn in that he was still trying to deny that he loved her) and her adorable little niece and nephew. Technically, they were her second cousins or somesuch, but really when did she ever care about technicalities? It seemed only yesterday that Calla was pregnant adorably moody about some typical man thing that Alister did. Then, of course, Abigail hadn't known they were cousins and had done some rather shameless flirting when she had first met him. Shameless, of course, meaning that she had been quite the touchy-feely seductress. Learning that they were cousins hadn't changed her tactics much. She still gave him giant bear hugs whenever she got the chance.
Which reminds me! Before any other coherent thought entered her mind, or any recognition of any of the others present, Abigail marched right over to Alister, threw her arms open, and said "Where's mah hug?" When Alister didn't hug her (because he never did), she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed as hard as she could. "And ah was just beginnin' ta miss you! We oughtta get together more often," she continued, ignoring the fact that to this particular get-together, she was not invited. Without wasting time, she walked over to the children and waved. "Seems like last some ah saw you, you were this big," Abigail said to the two of them, kneeling down and holding her hand at a foot or so above the ground. "Boy you've gotten big.
After kneeling there for a little bit, she turned around and finally addressed Calla and Emi. "Hey Cal- Er, Lieutenant," Abigail said, saluting. She hadn't done that for Alister, but he was family. She had done that before he became Captain and she was going to continue until either of them died or she lost both her arms in battle. "Ah missed you guys. Seems like yer always so caught up in yer work, ya never have time ta come see me," she pouted, then smiled coyly. "Permission to hug freely?" Abigail opened her arms and grinned.
HailWing approached the area with her head and body down close to the ground. It was hell acting submissive, but she wasn't about to risk getting her head snapped off while she was in the middle of gestation. Maybe afterward when she was supposed to be raising her pups. Alphas, she said, nodding to each of them respectively. FlameFrost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:35 am
There was something of a smug look on her little face as she refused to take the coat from Lucifer. Well if he wanted to be that way then they would BOTH get sick. It was as simple as that. Or would have been as simple as that had it not been for the fact that Ana dragged them into her lap and under the even more heavily lined coat. Glancing at her brother she rolled her eyes at the pout. ”We left you because you were asleep.” Her voice was the sweetest of poisons as she regarded him for a moment longer before returning her gaze to the young woman that had come bearing more papers. Papers, papers, papers! She had no love for the things. After all, they usually kept everyone busy and when everyone was busy they wouldn’t pay her any attention and that just wasn’t fair.
Speaking of unfairness…The newest voice sent a jolt up her spine and she was almost afraid to look past the folds of the warm coat at the newest arrival. She didn’t want to believe her ears, she really didn’t. But there was no escaping the facts. That was Abigail’s voice. A voice that generally meant hugs that sucked the life from her poor poor lungs. She didn’t envy her father in being the first target at all. And as far as she was concerned if she could melt into the snow to escape she would gladly do so. Poking her brother she clamped her hand over his mouth and pointed to Abigail before setting one slender finger to her lips. The meaning was clear. Keep quiet or she’d hear them and they’d get squished…like they had been so many many times. Granted Dante knew the woman had spotted them still one couldn’t be too cautious.
Something close to a sigh slid from her lips and Ana shook her head at the twins before giving an apologetic smile and wink to Lucifer. ”As your sister said you were asleep. Besides I figured it would be better if we did let you sleep rather than drag you out in the cold air.” Ana was making sure she didn’t even breathe a word of the fact that Dante had gotten a ride on one of the wolves. Even if the girl had been riding double with her father. She would rather not be the one to get poked again or glared at for such a thing. Especially since it hadn’t been her idea in the first place.
Attention drifting from the twins she eyed the papers Emi had brought with a more or less bemused look. Why did she have a feeling those were things that her cousin should have finished ages ago? Clucking her tongue softly she shook her head again. Leave it to Alister to hide from paperwork. She didn’t blame him but still, such were the horrors of being quite frankly the highest ranking officer in the fort. Her thoughts on such a matter didn’t stay there for long however as yet another private joined the mix. This one all but smothering her cousin in a hug. Abigail. She’d seen the woman from a distance once or twice but she couldn’t claim to know her. All the same, the mere fact that the woman had gotten away with being so touchy-feely with Alister so many times had her wondering. True, she’d heard her call him ‘cousin’ but she’d never asked. Well that had just gotten bumped up on her list of priorities for the day.
Papers and more papers, he swore he was going to drown in them one day. But if such was the case he wasn’t exactly going to die alone either. After all, he was the captain of the fort yes but there was also a lieutenant. And if the need arose her signature was just as good as his. Meaning any angry mobs that came after him for not signing any papers could just as easily be redirected at her as well. Sometimes it wasn’t all that good to be on the top. People tended to use that as an excuse to draw a lovely blood red target on the back of your head. Alas such decisions had never been his. It had always depended on the wolves. And Twilight had just happened to be more dominant than her mate. Which wasn’t all that surprising, Twilight had always had a more haunting sense dominance that she’d curbed for years while they’d both steadily climbed the ladder of power. True a series of rather unfortunate deaths had put them on the top but they weren’t complaining. Now if only the paperwork had gotten buried along with the last captain he would’ve been perfectly happy.
It seems that little apprentice doesn’t think too highly of you beloved. The black wolf was amused as she found her gaze straying to Emi and away from the younger wolf. Humans might be able to hide their emotions from each other but when it came to wolves it was no use in trying such foolish things. They knew the minds of the humans around them. Even if they couldn’t hear the thoughts. Chuckling to herself, as she caught wind of Abigail and Hailwing approaching long before they arrived she contemplated warning her rider before deciding against it. Let the woman smother him. He deserved it.
His reply for Twilight died as the air was squeezed out of him by none other than Abigail. One of his least favorite people right now. His once again bruised ribs throbbed in agreement once he’d been released. A groan escaped him and he winced at the slight pain before settling to glaring at the woman. True he’d been getting buried under more papers (he wasn’t about to think of the mountain growing on his desk) but at least he hadn’t been getting new bruises to add to the ones that were already there from previous ‘attacks’. And people actually wondered why he hated his family. All except Ana of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RainbowMagicMarker Vice Captain
|
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 1:12 pm
All the boy had time to do was harrumph his aunt before his sister prodded him and pointed out the location of the awful racket that had reached his ears. Not that he needed his sister to warn him of this. Abigail was the most terrifying member of his family, even more terrifying than an angry Dante. Most of the time he was safe from an angry Dante because he was rarely the source of her rage, but he was never safe from Abigail and her determination to kill him. She called them hugs, but those were hugs of death and destruction not the squishy warm hugs like the ones Ana insisted on giving them. He tolerated Ana's hugs, but Abigails were something to run away from. So he didn't need his sister's warning to know that he was supposed to curl up down in the coat and do his best not to be spotted. But it seemed it was too late, Abigail knelt down before them. But it seemed they were safe this time because after some ridiculous comment about height she turned around and saluted their mother. It seemed they were safe, this time.
Calla smiled at Emi as she took the papers from the Apprentice, "As you should have Private. Alister here seems to be determined to be as useless as humanly possible. It's a wonder this fort is still functioning." Calla shot a piercing glare in Alister's direction as she spoke. Oh yes she was trying to ruin his reputation, and she dared him to challenge her. The only reason he was Captain was because WoodWhisp was fat and lazy and extremely un-dominant. Sure he was the size of an Alpha but that was just because he was fat, if it weren't for Twilight he wouldn't even be an Alpha and everyone knew it. But he did manage to win the loyalty of the pack, and he could be a leader when he wanted to, but often he didn't. He left most of that up to Twilight and continued to act as simply one of the guys.
Calla barely noticed Abigail coming over and attempting to crush Alister, she was busy reading through the now soggy papers, she barely glanced up as Abigail saluted her. "Abigail, what have I said about calling me that?" She said, though her tone was stern there was a joking twinkle in her eye, "I mean come now, we're practically family!" she threw up her hands in mock exasperation before going back to reading the papers. Ooooohhhh was she glad Emi had handed her these instead of going to Alister with them. They had already been signed and dated by herself. Dated indeed, for Thursday the eighteenth of last month.
"I put these on your desk last month!" She shouted, brandishing the papers in front of his face, but being quite sure they were just out of reach. "This is the report to the Council about our lack of manpower and our need for more civilian staff and a larger number of students being sent to the Academy. Without your signature I might add." She flashed the paper before him before sticking it back into the stack in her hand, "This is our population count for the month and our expected increase of new Apprentices. Also without your signature." Another flash before it was added to the pile, "And this is the list of personal orders that needs to be approved before being sent off! Again lacking in your signature!" She snapped at him, taking another glance over this paper as it was added to the top of the pile. She was about to continue her rant at him before something else caught her eye, "Wait is that couch…? Who the devil…" She scrutinized the now ruined paper trying to read the name beside the order.
WoodWhisp heard his name somewhere in Calla's thoughts and realized he was being summoned. With a groan he hauled himself up out of a very comfortable sleep and took a deep breath before leaving the warm den for the cold winter air. WoodWhisp hated winter, it meant Calla went out on more patrols and dragged him through more drills than she did during the summer. Though with becoming Alpha it also meant that Calla had more paperwork, which meant more sleep-time for him. That was not something he could argue with.
Trotting through the snow it didn't take him long to locate his Bonded and his Mate. It wasn't until he got closer though that he noticed FlameFrost was there. At first he tried to pull himself up into a more Alpha-Worthy posture but it only took him a few more steps for him to give up. It was too early to try and pretend to be a proper Alpha. Sure he liked the rank but he never intended to rule like the Alpha's before him. As far as he was concerned having the loyalty and trust of the pack made a better leader than towering over them with force. What good is a pack that's too afraid to question it's Alpha's orders? What good is a pack that's too afraid to be creative or innovative in battle?
Morning love, greetings FlameFrost. He nodded to them both as he settled himself beside Twilight and yawned widely. Dare I ask what has gotten Calla all riled up so early this morning?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
