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Neutral
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Please do not post here unless you've been accepted into the RP.Sign-upsDiscussion<<>>Format: Name | Rank | Mentions:You may include whatever else :)Time of day: It's a little after seven in the morning. Weather: It's a partly cloudy day, a bit chilly. There's already a few inches of snow on the ground and there's a chance of more. To begin: As the sun rises, it's quite apparent that tensions are high within the pack. Roughly a month after Alpha Waylen's disappearance, the wolves have began making their suspicions and beliefs on what actually happened. While everyone is seemingly comfortable under the new rule, another problem appears. The previous few nights, it sounded as though the Beasts of the Night were moving closer and closer. Alphas have sent the Scouts out to investigate, unsure of what they're going to find (could be nothing, a dead body, dead prey, etc etc :O cause some drama here). Hunters have been assigned to check the southern areas of the territories in hopes of scrounging up some food. The Shaman and his apprentice have been sensing something, unsure of whether to tell the new Alpha pair. Subordinates and everyone else mixes and mingles in the camp, not daring to try and leave as the new curfew and harshness of the Alphas can be a bit... intimidating.
<<>> Remember to type at least 300+ words per post/character to keep things moving :). Also be inclusive! |
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Darkseeker
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Eirini | Sub | @Zitka, Open, The air was crisp, birds singing, trees rustling, and morning a’coming. The she, Eirini, was asleep. Tucked away sleeping off the dreams she was having. Nose twitching whilst she slept, paws jittering, ears pricking. Then jerk she snapped awake fur on end and eyes wide. There was no time to ease out of sleep. Eirini looked as if she saw a ghost but it was just her self consciousness waking her up for the day. She had trained herself to awake early before anyone. Eirini sighed the sense of anxiety pulsing in her already. She blankly stared at the den walls, a dark gray surrounding her. Her mind was starting to fill with uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming stress. A new day meant another day of work and stress. Her eyes finally snapped to the breathing in the den. Her pack members tightly packed in the den, some in a pile for warmth. But her eyes drew to one wolf, Zitka, her mate. He was pressed beside her sleeping soundly. She gave him a lick over the head full of worry and untrusting feelings. No matter how much she loved someone she could never fully give herself to them, part of her was always hidden away. Her gaze moved from him and to the den entrance, a fresh layer of snow started to slip in at the bottom. She started noting every job she would have to do today, cleaning the snow in the dens was the first thing on her mind. She felt chained to these responsibilities. Eirini finally sat up, pushing her tired, overworked legs up. Her body was strained with all the stress she had put on it. She stretched her body giving a soft yawn before making her way to the den entrance. With a swift pass over the snow with her tail she dusted it out the way back outside. Finally only then did she take a paw step outside. She was met by the bitter, crisp air. It bit at ears and body, attacking her warmth. She raised a paw up from the cold war on her paw pads. The early winter was not welcoming to anyone. Eirini put her paw down then wandered off into the snowy camp. This winter was worse than any others, snow came early, freezing off all living nature. She disliked the freezing cold, it was harsh to live in, but then again she thinks this pack is hard to live in. Moving on she strutted off into the snow making her way to the area they all gathered in. She sniffed around and started her day's work, clearing the snow out for others to sit. Using her tail she swept the snow out the way. It was freezing to her tail but she continued to clean the snow away. Once she was finished she went around soundly cleaning the snow from the dens without waking anyone. She continued to clean up the den sites making sure nothing was out of place. It exhausted her but it was practically light work compared to everything else. Once she finished her morning duties she glanced around then headed back to the den. Her eyes laid back on her mate, “Still asleep…” She thought to herself before laying back down beside him. Though she knew the feeling she was feeling, paranoia. She was paranoid the alpha or someone would wake her up and race her back to work. For once she wanted to stay beside her mate. |
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Darkseeker
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Ranger | M | Scout | Mentions: Eirini (IND.) | Location: Somewhere in the woods The peace and quiet drenched the male as he sat in total silence. The only thing that could be heard was the gentle bristle of leaves as the breeze rustled them. That same breeze made its way through the male’s deep and soft fur all the way to his pink skin underneath. His head was slightly lifted up to the sky as he breathed in the crisp, cold, winter air, filling his lungs. The freezing air seemed to bring a sense of life and awaken him all the more. All the while, his fluffy paws pressed against a mixture of rock, moss, and frozen earth below, his small claws digging into the earth though it took some effort. The winter has taken it’s hold, that’s quite obvious by now. While the leaves, or most, were still clinging, many had fallen to the ground only to be covered by a mixture of snow and ice and even frost. There’s just something about the whole forest sleeping that gave way to some sort of comfort to him. At least it usually did. Winter was a tough time, like a beauty that was quick to kill. An allure to draw one in before extinguishing its light once and for all. The mere thought makes Ranger’s claws sink into the earth below and the fur along his back rises. The winter was beautiful. But the winter was deadly. It was something he couldn’t refute. He’d seen his fair share, and seen what it can do to wolves. Starvation was guaranteed as the prey hibernated and slept. Oh, they sleep while the wolves sit and wait for certain death. How greedy. How selfish. That thought made way to anger, anger Ranger had been stewing in for so long. It wasn’t fair. And when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. The alpha disappeared. Talk about selfishness. Talk about greed. How could that wolf think he could just up and leave? Ranger didn’t believe the stories that someone would just succumb to a sudden death. And even if the alpha did, it only made Ranger all the more furious. Couldn’t he fight? Isn’t that what an alpha is for? The fight until his dying breath? To suffer countless deaths for one pack member? Oh no, Ranger didn’t believe that Alpha just ‘disappeared’. He couldn’t. He knew everything; he knew how the alpha was struggling. How young he was to take such a position. Yet Ranger knew physically he wasn’t weak. Oh, Ranger knew what it was like to be weak. So why did those who were strong take their strength for granted? If he had even an ounce of that strength… The male shut his crystal blue eyes. No. He wouldn’t let that anger consume him. How could he think poorly of someone else when he allowed that monster of apathy devour him whole? Ranger snorted, his breath rising as a small cloud in the air, and his fur went flat. He had a reputation to uphold. And in this time of need, he had a pack to take care of. So his little pity party would have to wait. He needed to push through and suffer for his pack. Someone around here had to. So at that, he rose to his paws and drank in the air one final time before he turned and began to trot away. He had a job to complete; secure the territory. And that’s what he did. He walked along the border and weaved through trees and bushes, keeping an ear out for any prey… or enemies for that matter. Ranger wondered frequently if he should have been a hunter instead, though he always reassured himself he’d never be able to take large enough prey down to feed the pack. Being a scout is what he was good at. There had been very few times where he’d had to actually use what bit of little strength he had, and for that he was grateful. But something in this wind warned him of something greater. That soon, he’d have to find every bit of strength he possessed to survive. If the Alpha did truly disappear, and was taken or killed, whoever… or whatever had done such a thing wouldn’t just leave the pack alone. It almost felt like they were being taunted. Like a being more powerful than them was just playing. They were all pawns in some bigger game. And Ranger hated the idea that he was being used. He’d been helpless before. He refused to be helpless now. With a long sigh, Ranger paused, taking a final look at the forest in front of him before trotting all the way back to camp. His tail swung back and forth as he made way with a quick pace through the frozen forest land. He was usually the first one to go out on patrol anyway, but recently… he really needed time alone to think over everything. His trust had been destroyed with the disappearance. It just reassured the thought he couldn’t trust in anyone here, even in a pack he was ready to die for. As he neared camp, Ranger slowed his trot and entered the small clearing, wondering who all was up. That’s when the rattling coughs came from a few sheltered dens a few ways up, though when they subsided, his fur lay flat. He knew it was his mother. Yet another thing burdening his heart. Will things ever get better? He wondered to himself. Finally, the male drew a breath and continued onward, deeper into the camp as the sun began to shine brightly over the clearing. He crossed silently, as not to wake or disturb anyone else, and hunkered down, catching a glimpse of Erini already awake and working. He studied her for a quick moment, but looked away and breathed in the calm air for a moment. - - Vivien | F | Elder | Mentions: Alpine, everyone (ind.) | In camp
Rattling coughs erupted through the wolf’s chest, sounding hollow and crunchy. She gasped and wheezed as getting a breath suddenly became impossible. It felt like her sides were ripping to shreds and her ribs felt as though they were caving inwards. Her lungs tightened and her throat constricted as well. The cold air didn’t seem to help. In fact, it only made it worse. The dryness in the air caused her throat to feel like gravel. As the coughing ensued, so did the pain along her boney body and specifically in her head. It felt like an entire oak crashing down on her skull. Though instead of whimpering, the old thing rose to her paws and growled, forcing herself to breathe. She refused to back down. So, on wobbly legs, and swallowed down the coughs, which proved to be more painful, but the coughing eventually subsided. “Ha!” She grinned weakly and defiantly as if her sickness were a real being in front of,” Not going down today.” She chuckled some more, maybe because of how silly she looked to anyone else. Would people think she was losing her mind? Maybe. And maybe she was. Or maybe she’d just grown to appreciate life a little more. No, it wasn’t because of old age. As much as she cursed the sickness that riddled her up and down, it had given her a new look on life. Each day she could wake up was a day she beat that sickness. One day she wouldn’t wake up. And she knew this. And she was ok with that. But for now, these sorry wolves would have to deal with the loud, grumpy female. Though one thing did manage to get under her fur. Not the thought that any day could be her last. The thought she’d be leaving behind her pack when they needed all the help they could get… that’s what bothered her. Not that she was much help anyways. Maybe that’s what bothered her. If anything, she was getting in the way. Like the sickness, these wolves are just going to have to deal with it cuz I ain’t going anywhere. Vivien sighed and plopped down right outside the den with a slight huff, allowing the breeze to blow through her fur. She tried not to curse it; it made everything dry and cold, and the food was far less available. As she sat, she looked up at the murky sky, covered in clouds swirling above, and closed her tired eyes. Sleep came difficult nowadays, yet it always seemed to bite at the corners of her eyes. And if she were to get sleep, it wasn’t all right either. Nonetheless, she wouldn’t let it get the best of her. Mornings like these brought about a little bit of comfort. It would be better if it were warm. Everything would be. Her eyes soon drifted open and across the soft clearing as movement caught her gaze. The tip of her tail twitched ever so slightly as she spotted Ranger entering the camp, heading off. For a moment her heart ached for her pup… though he wasn’t a pup anymore, was he? Hmph. As the female rested, her ears flicked and she rose to her paws. If she had to be woken up this early, then so would the rest of the pack. So, she snorted and rocked onward, limping slightly across the camp to a few moss covered dens, her claws scraping the rock and frost. The old wolf bowed her head to peer inside the den, and looked around. “Alpine? You in there?” She grumbled,” The sun’s up. You’re losing daylight! While you sleep, prey parties, ya hear? And that goes for the rest of ya!" The old female barks as loudly as her tired, scratchy voice will allow, and chuckles to herself as she limps back to her nest.
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Lightbringer
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• SULLIVAN •
Rank: Juvenile | Mentions: Alouette As Sullivan's dream of tracking down the lost alpha, Waylen, was interrupted by the loud bird call, he stirred from his slumber with a jolt. Blinking away the remnants of his dream, he lay still for a moment, listening intently to the sounds of the night that surrounded him. The call of the bird echoed faintly in the distance, a stark reminder of the world beyond his solitary den. With a sigh, Sullivan rose from his makeshift bed of leaves and twigs, his senses on high alert. His keen eyes scanned the darkness, searching for any signs of movement or danger. Outside, the moon cast a pale glow over the landscape, illuminating the trees and underbrush with a silvery light. Sullivan's ears twitched as he detected the faint rustle of leaves and the distant call of the bird again. Despite the tranquility of the dawn, he knew that the camp would be bustling with life. With cautious steps, Sullivan emerged from his den, his muscles tense and ready for action. He moved silently through the undergrowth, his senses attuned to the slightest disturbance. Every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves sent a shiver down his spine, but he pressed on, determined to unravel the mystery of the lost alpha. He could feel in his gut that going for an early morning wander to clear his mind would be a good start to a busy day for him. As he ventured deeper into the forest, still staying close to the camp, Sullivan's thoughts drifted back to his interrupted dream. The image of Waylen, strong and proud, haunted his mind, fueling his determination to find him. For Sullivan knew that only by mastering the art of tracking and hunting could he ever hope to uncover the truth behind Waylen's disappearance. As he circled back towards the camp, his thoughts were still muddled as to how the pack’s previous Alpha had just disappeared into thin air. He could not get the facts straight, and for an intelligent young wolf such as he, it frustrated him. Just as Sully took a well aimed kick at a nearby tree with his hind foot, he smelt something odd. Not odd… he thought. Off…. decayed, rotten. These words swirled his mind as he paused near the camp entrance before trotting to a nearby hollow, all the while working his nose to follow the scent. What he came across was shocking, and he had to admit, terrifying. A rotten hare, although freshly killed in the night, was rotted out and green. He could tell it was freshly mauled to death because blood was covering the ground beneath the kill and it hadn’t yet dried. This was the work of something feral and potentially diseased. Maybe even a Beast of the Night. Sully shuddered immensely at this thought and hastened back to camp. He approached his mother, Alouette’s den without care and flung himself upon her in an attempt to get her to rise from her slumber. “Alouette! Mum! Wake up, please…” Sully spoke in a frantic whisper while prodding his mother. |
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Darkseeker
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Alpine | Hunter | @- Sullivan, Allouette, Vivian (ind)| Alpine groaned tiredly turning and lightly snoring. He could feel it in his bones, his sleep was coming to and end soon. Alpine cherished that sleep for the last few seconds before a loud cranky wake up call could be heard. "Alpine? You in there? The sun’s up. You’re losing daylight! While you sleep, prey parties, ya hear? And that goes for the rest of ya!" With that being said Alpine groaned and slowly flickered his eyes open. Every bit of his body slowly aching and waking. Every bit of his body crying for one last sliver of sleep. Still gathering his composure slowly Alpine awoke. Yawning and slowly slipping out from the pile he was buried in. The hunters were bundled up completely worn out from the good hunt they had, had yesterday. Alpine was quite proud of that hunt and if anyone wanted to ask about it he would talk for ages. He really took his hunting to heart. Hunting made him feel alive, made his tail wag, heart race, and focus harden. Hunting was who he was. With the morning already here Alpine groaned and yawned once more before easing his way off his side. Shifting into a sitting position he held his hind leg up giving a good scratch to his ear before finally, finally getting up. Part of him had just remember his lovely former mate wasn't there to sleep by him anymore and part of him had been noticing ever since they parted. It was rough in the mornings for all his composure to come back and clutter him with thoughts and feelings. Wasn't a very good work habit or life habit at all. He would do anything to break it but his focus lingers to everything. Gathering his thoughts once more he slipped out the den into the blanketed earth. The sharp cold attacked him like ants in his fur but quickly went away. Alpine wouldn't be fazed by a little cold. He's had a elk nearly take his life. The cold wasn't nearly as bad as that and other things. With his composure in paw he trekked through the white covering snow. Fur wet on ends already. He wanted to curl back up in his den but what type of loyal pack member would he be then. Alpine sniffed down his son, "Sullivan..." Alpine was quite proud of his son. He knew his son had good work ethic and loyalty with no bounds. Alpine could see his son ruling over them all one day. Sullivan had a distinct smartness about him too. Like he could do anything if he calculated it. Alpine was glad to have an amazing son he could teach and guide. His ears perked as Sullivan scent led to his mothers den. "Allouette..." Alpine whispered her name to himself. He would do anything for that female and that's why it broke him to see her part ways with him. Sighing he sat outside waiting for Sullivan much preferring to not bother her. He wrapped his tail over his mitts and waited, soft snow fell in the time being. |
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Neutral
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Súsán | Alpha Male | Mentions: Kéthil, Ranger [dir]; rest of pack [ind] There's a certain air of unease when it comes to the dreams that Súsán walks in, all forests littered by dense trees; if he wanted to move, he'd have to weave through them like a needle through threads of fabric. The woods only thicken the further he goes in, unable to do anything but keep going. Something draws him in, but where ? So close the trees are that their branches scrape against his pelt until they pierce his skin, and yet he marches on like a rat in a maze as he continues on this journey. It's only a matter of time before he reaches what seems to be a clearing in the woods, a dead tree standing center point. What draws him here ? Perhaps it's the heart of the woods. Something draws him in closer to the decaying tree, something abnormal. Something.. celestial ? Wake, the tree suggests, or is it a command, in an airy whisper, Súsán being sucked into the hollow trunk of the tree. Abruptly opening his eyes, Súsán takes a moment to catch his breath before pushing himself up in a seated position. Next to him was his mate, Kéthal, still asleep as it seems. His mind begins to wander for a moment. Such a strange dream he had, wasn't it ? Nothing to worry on. Dreams are nothing but fantasies that we wander in. They are nothing but figments. Súsán nudges his mate, in a low voice beckoning "it's time to get up," before standing up himself and approaching the mouth of their den. There was snow outside, and it appeared as though whatever got in the den was swept away. Likely one of the subordinates. How well behaved of them, isn't it ? Exiting the den, standing right outside of the mouth, Súsán scans the area around him. Most wolves were asleep, of course they'd be, though he caught sight of Ranger, one of his scouts, returning to his den. "Ranger," the alpha beckons in a raised volume to ensure he's heard, "come here." There's no doubt in his mind that Ranger must've went on an early patrol. He wants to know what he saw, and what he has to report. Matter of fact, might be time for everyone to get up. Licking his lips, Súsán's voice booms as he sends out a waking call. He's awoken, so now everyone else must rise too. There is work to be done, territory to patrol, prey to be caught, and more. The day is young, and much needs to be done before curfew comes. "I want everyone to come 'round," Súsán commands, trotting towards the center of the area, "I have much I need to discuss for the day." Coming to a halt, the dark wolf scans around, tail raised about halfway up and ears swiveling about to catch what his eyes cannot. |
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Neutral
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Affogato | Subordinate | Mentions: Open The dark-coated she awakes to the chilly atmosphere of the morning. They huff, keeping their eyes closed. 'If I don't open my eyes, it can't be morning yet.' She reasons. Blegh. Mornings are the worst, to Affogato. Getting out of her comfy, dream-filled slumber? For what? She's happy in those dreams, where the Above Ones cradle her and whisper beautiful things in her ears... Right, enough of that. The damp snow was starting to soak into her fur and it was getting cold. Affogato slowly rises and shakes the damp out of her fur, finally opening her dark eyes to survey the current state of the pack. A few wolves seemed to be up and at it already. Show offs. Majorly it seemed to be hunters and scouts doing things. No concern of hers... at least, not personally. It'd be nice to know what scouts were being sent out for. She's wise enough to know scouts don't get sent out on a whim. Maybe Súsán would tell her why? Probably not. It's all probably some confidential alpha only business! None of hers as she keeps being told. There really isn't much to do as a... subordinate. The word tastes foul on Affogato's tongue. There's such strict rules for a wolf lacking the purpose of a hunter or scout. There's no point to all the rules and curfews set on... wolves that may or may not have the same rank as her. Who cares if some lowly subordinate goes out past curfew and gets slaughtered by a Beast of the Night? That's what they call 'survival of the fittest' or, something like that. It's the natural way of culling the wolves who don't have the wise nor wit to save their own hide! Why should it affect her that some wolves are just too stupid for their own good? '...Getting angry won't change it', they reason. Well, not entirely true. Maybe if she got angry enough to tear Súsán's pelt off over it something would change, but probably not towards their favour. What are they to do, then? Súsán could get mad if she leaves camp, and as much as they're mad about their brother's rules, she wouldn't fancy facing his ire. Socialize. That's the solution to any boredom! The she-wolf scans the camp for any of her gossip buddies, or, y'know, anyone who looks bored enough to talk to them... |
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Neutral
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Juniper F | 3 | Mentions: Elori [dir] some other pack members [indir]
The pack's life will be in your hands one day. Juniper wasn't sure she wanted this occupation. How could an entire population of wolves rely on a singular being? Of course she believed in the Above Ones - it was all she had ever known. A power to be reckoned with, one that was out of the hands of anyone she knew. But some how, somewhere, she could hear them.
You were made for something. You have something the others do not. This is a gift. Do not waste it. Your life will mean something with time.
Juniper always wondered why not now.
Of course she was being trained. It was her Shaman - the pack's Shaman - Elori's job. But how long would this take? She could feel a rumbling in the distance. One that made her feel... uneasy. She knew that her mentor would feel this more as he was more in touch with the Above Ones than she was.
Juniper could always recall the first days she realized her gift. Or curse depending on how one would view it. She was viewed as a freak of nature, though respected due to the pack's traditions. Especially before this new alpha pair took over. There seemed to be a constant ringing in her ears since they took over after the disappearance of the previous Alpha. Although only months ago, the aura changed.
Everything changed.
Her life was flipped. Wavering beliefs. How did her mentor deal with this on the constant? Did he? Could he? Would the pair be the glue to the pack or be the reason it eventually divides?
Juniper was already up and about, peering through the dens of the other members, being sure not to disturb their slumber. She needed to shake these thoughts as fast as possible before it would eat her alive. A hum released from the bottom of her throat as if to question what she should do. Could she do anything? Was it simply nerves? Wondering about all of these things? What if she couldn't give an answer to the Alphas? She feared them deep down, but that was rooted mostly from the fact they were strangers. Are strangers, she thought. What was there to know? Of course she respected to - she had to.
Disrespect could be punishable by death.
Because she wasn't aware of their intentions, as she was sure like anyone else, Juniper made it her duty to simply continue her training and listen to Elori. He was wise. He had been around long enough. Sure enough, the older male could supply an answer of comfort.
But how long does comfort last when there isn't any?
Juniper could smell the danger in the air. The Beasts of the Night, seemingly closer and closer each evening. She could feel their energy more than anyone else... and it grew more and more powerful and threatening. Juniper took a moment to reflect on her thoughts not too far from the camp as they continued to consume her.
"But why?" She questioned softly, looking up to the darkening sky. Even the weather was menacing. The atmosphere was dark and cold and ruthless. Forces of nature - gods and Earth. Would they collide and fall down on the pack? What then? What was there to 'interpret' if there was nobody to tell it to?
Juniper shook her head. This was stupid. She was stupid. Everything would be fine. The alphas were taking caution because of the Beasts, everyone was doing as they were told. It would simply be a harsh winter. But in the back of her mind, she knew that wasn't what she truly believed.
Juniper made her way back to the Shaman's quarters, the smell of herbs and medicines flooding her nostrils, her nose twitching ever so slightly. "Elori," she said softly. She repeated his name again. "I must tell you something. Quick. It is important." Juniper's tone was one of fear and excitement. Hopefully she could make someone proud, and hopefully that someone was Elori. She admired him deeply as he was a great mentor even if he was some sort of grump.
Do not waste this gift. |
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Winter 
Day 
