Etana || 4 Years || Female || Everfree Subordinate || M: Sikúnguaĸ, Everfree (Ind)

The harmonious whistling of early birds announced the rising of the morning sun – their notes dancing and twirling in delight as they fluttered down from the tree tops. It was an alarm of sorts for the slumbering female, and one that she could never ignore. A blanket or warmth was all the current subordinate sensed as she came to, aside from the joyous songs above, a luxury that her coat provided amidst the colder months of the year. Blue eyes all but snap open from the advancing senses, being met with a bleak and somber world, only contrasted by the shimmering rays of light breaking through the “ceiling” of her den.

Her rising was swift yet calculated, her legs and paws moving in motions that only those with much practice and repetitive actions could ever achieve. Stretches were short but effective, loosening her muscles from any residual tightness that accumulated during the night prior with calculated motions and familiar positions. The slow rising of many others was not a sentiment that Etana took much time in. She viewed it as waste – precious seconds of the day washing into the ever advancing stream most called “time.” Everything had to be done quickly and accurately, much like the stretches she had become oh-so accustomed to.

The shake of her head marked the end of her morning routine, her mind and body adequately prepared for the day ahead. Striking her pompous yet strong posture, she struts her way out of the den – caring not if she lightly bumped another but ensuring that it was nothing more than a soft one. Stopping outside the entrance for a mere moment, she lifts her head upwards with closed eyes. Air filters into her nostrils at the deep breath she takes, only to be released as she lowers her head with a pleased sigh. A lovely, chilly morning.

A slightly smug grin lifts the sides of her maw, brandishing her pristine molars. Her paws move on their own memorized accord, trotting their way across the camp as she heads towards its center. Her heavy coat bounces as she moves along, rippling along with the muscle hidden underneath.

“Wake up you lily-livers! Up and at em,” her voice rings through the camp as she moves, cutting off the still-going song of the aforementioned birds who ended their performance with a hideous croak, “Get off your sorry asses before I come and make you! We got work to do!”
The late autumn female couldn’t help but feel some satisfaction at the order she had given, in any position to do so or not. The idea of others getting frustrated with her always seemed to tickle her. And, in her mind, it wasn’t like they could do much about it either. She’s sooner given a piece of her mind – or, rather, teeth – than let them question her. They had no right to, after all. Plus, they could present a wonderful representation to Sikúnguaĸ of just how capable she is at leading. Dealing with disobedient imbeciles was no small feat.

Speaking of the young Lord, it appeared that he was among the lot that had yet to get up for the day if her eyes did not deceive her. Well, she wouldn’t be giving him the chance to before she had her say in it all.

Inwardly chuckling, the current subordinate trots over to her companion’s den, moving effortlessly across the ground beneath her with percussion and drive. Her fluid motions led her swiftly to the entrance of the wintery male’s den, his slumbering form blissfully unaware of her presence.

A smirk rises to her face as she crosses the threshold of his den, padding over to his side to stare down at him in slightly malicious amusement. Taking her front right paw, she harshly jabs it into his side – specifically the area just behind where his front leg and ribs met.

“Wake up,” the bossy female holds back a chuckle as she gives him another jab, “The day’s a-wasting and you haven’t done anything to address your followers,” another jab, “Besides, it’s not proper for their leader to be sleeping in while the are actually prepared for the day ahead.”

Taking a moment to study the larger male, response given or no, she huffs before taking a small step back. If Sikúnguaĸ believed himself to be out of the woods in that moment, he would be sorely mistaken as not a moment later the full weight of the female landed on his back and shoulders. An affectionate but still likely mildly painful action.

“I said get up, you lazy mutt,” one didn’t have to see her face to know that her every growing smirk was present, no matter how monotone she may have sounded, “You have a job to do! And I know that you certainly wouldn’t like your father to get on your tail for this instead of I.”

Telörin | Female 5 | Subordinate(EverFree) | M: pack members (ind) Kahlia(dir) Bjorn(ind)

The tall female flowed through the tree line. Moving with the fog around her. Her lighter white and cream coat keeping her blended into the mornings precipitation. The stray rays of sun slowly leaking over the horizon sending the gold in her coat shining. The she wolf quiet as a mouse as she came back from the stream right outside the packs main den sites. Her dreams had been to clouded for her to get a good nights sleep. So a water break had been her plan of action. Her pack had been going through hell lately with the new heir decision. Growing up as a daughter of a founding member and watching the Lord and ladies children grow right along side her. She had never given much thought to the succession. For years she watched the Lord groom his eldest for the job. But a sudden change of plans had sent the former son leaving. Along with several other members. It saddened her to see the pack broken up like this.
•
Her mood lightened as her paw steps found familiar ground. Spotting her eldest niece laying in the glade eyes squeezed shut in concentration. Talörin tiptoed over to the younger she wolf. When she had come close enough her rear wiggled in preparation. She pounced into the air landing next to Kahlia with a "good morning little flower" her fluffy white tail wagging like crazy. Her brown eyes lighting up. "Are you ready for the ceremonies?"

•

While Talörin may be well into adulthood that didn't stop her from enjoying herself. Even if her body protested. Spending time with her family brought out her more wild and energetic side. Even getting grins out of her grumpy brother. Who's she could see across the glad talking to one of the younger members Rena. She raised a brow. 'Bjorn? Chatting? Who was he and where was her real brother'.
•

She sat down next to Kahlia. Her tall stature regal and outlined by the sun slowly climbing the sky above them. Even through the fog her nose picked up on all the scents running through the pack. Not to mention the excitement and tension.

Talon -5 yrs- Subordinate/Third in Command - Everfree - Mentions: Open


Wakefulness came not with a jolt nor a steadily withdrawal of dreams, but with a struggle of a slowly waking mind undertaking the effort to rouse itself.

As Talon gradually awakened, the lethargy weighing his limbs down and slowing his mind gradually relinquishing its hold, the scent of cold earth surrounding him both familiar and livening as he forced open heavy eyelids. For a long heartbeat, he remained in the tight ball he had curled into the previous night to rest, merely allowing his thoughts to recover from the haze of sleep. He allowed the brief indulgence of soaking in the pleasant heaviness to his muscles, the hallmark of a peaceful awakening in which the mind and body is allowed to slowly surface from rest.

Then a thought flickered into his mind and a pulse of energy seemed to course through his system, a sense of eager-tinged anticipation at the event that was to take place, it pushed the lazy remnants of sleep from his form and urged Talon to lift his head and to direct his gaze out of what he could see of the outside from the den entrance, ears pricking at the sound of a rather brazen voice calling those who had yet to rise from sleep into wakefulness. And within another heartbeat he was uncurling from his sleep position and was rising with a low grunt, already stretching as he stepped towards the source of pale light and prickling chilliness.

Talon's first observation was that the obvious fact that the air held a sharp cold in it, the cloudiness of the sky when he tilted pale eyes upwards, and that an obscuring fog lingered in the air. He swept a careful glance over the camp and taking note of the packmates who were awake and active, and let his gaze slip away and to other locations as well as he stepped away from the den entrance and took a spare moment to shake the lingering warmth and the bits of dirt and moss that had decided to cling to his fur away, then he was moving to the location where the morning meeting was to take place.

Upon arriving at the place, Talon leaned onto his haunches in and sit, and let his thoughts filter through his mind as he silently waited with his gaze tipped towards the overcast skies. The happenings of the pack had been eventful the past while, the placement of a new Lord, the youngest son of the founding leaders who had proved himself capable of handling the title and the responsibilities that came with it during the autumn and throughout most of the winter. A band of rogues, interlopers, had claimed a good amount of pack territory, bringing unknown factors and a tenseness in the air with their presence. And most importantly, a meeting was to be held regarding the introduction of new ranks within the pack and the subsequent assignment of wolves to those ranks, an event that set the camp abuzz with the feelings of excitement.

Rena || F || Subordinate || @: Björn(dir)

Rena's tail lightly thumped the ground, a bright buzz of excitement glowing off her. She was staring off into the dark clouds and fog when she heard the rough, gravely voice of her pack mate. Ears perking her gaze set on him watching with ease.

She had to admit he was right about the ceremonies and weather. It wouldn't be pretty for such an exciting ceremony to be performed in gloomy fog and clouds. "May mother nature have mercy on us today then." Rena agreed about the weather but she still didn't hate the weather.

Her expression now low looking as she was in deep thought now. But within seconds her bright look was back as she focused on Björn again. His question was like a switch and he had just flipped it. She stared at him for a second, she hadn’t actually known what she wanted to be. “I guess I would stay as a hunter. Though second in command does sound enticing and I think I’m a bit good at leading but I just don’t think I’m qualified. I like my role as it is now..” Rena answered in a calm, thoughtful tone. Her eyes followed back up to his. She was doubtful of things underneath her prideful and confident aroma. You could say she was good at hiding things but there was always the chance you could see the flicker of doubt and fragileness in her eyes if you were watching.

“Enough about me, what rank do you think you’ll get?” She examined Björn, taking note of his first glance. He seemed broad, someone with a want of power. She guessed he wanted a higher up rank, something with authority. Her eyes watched as he gazed over her pelt. “Did he just check me out?” She thought to herself, she hadn’t thought he looked at her in a weird or flirty way. But in a examining way, “Does he not trust me?” Rena pondered but quickly shook her thoughts away. Returning the glance she followed over his pelt. She did trust him though he was grumpy and had the aroma he’d snap. Maybe she was checking the older wolf out. Her eyes traced over the black streaks that lined the dark brown coating on him. Looking over every mark of white glazed over with the cream color that followed. She had to admit he was stern and sturdy looking. “Does he think that of me? Is he naming every fault I have?” She worried but pushed the thoughts away as she looked back up to his eyes awaiting his reply.

Everest | Female | Nomad | M: Akuma

The she wolf listened to his protest and grumbled with an amused look on her face. A swift kick that he delivered to her made her jump in confusion. She curled her lips and looked at him, snarled at him as a warning. Her teeth are baring and trying to look as menacing as possible. Her yellow eyes beaded at him in a threatening way that slowly faded into embarrassment. She looked down at her muddy frame as he remarked at her appearance. She licked her maw and she barked with sarcasm in her tone, “Well.. Mud is not really my best friend. And it attacked me when I was searching herbs and new moss for our bedding.. Akuma.. So thank me for that..” She listened to his demands of cleaning it off and her eyes cast him a glare at the snowdrift threat. Everest went towards powdery wet snow to clean herself from the mud and she growled, “You try to even get me near a snowdrift.. I will show what royally pissed off Everest looks like.” She started to roll and get the mud off her body. She looked at herself in the icy reflection of a frozen puddle.

She listened to his topics of hunting, not waking him again in this winter, and blah,blah,blah. Everest thought Should have let his ass in bed. She barked, “Alright grumpy. Noted. But go to bed if you are gonna give me all this attitude.” Everest let out annoyed huff and sauntered to grab the herbs and moss from the spot she left in. In her jaws with the herbs and moss she gave him a vile look in her eye. She went in the den and ripped up her bedding with a somewhat attitude as the moss flung behind her like a waterfall. She placed her bedding down to keep it and put the herbs in the dry corner of the cave. Everest came out of the den and growled, “While you be a lazy old ass, I’m going to track some actual meals. As we are high up on the damn mountaintop and all the deer that stayed behind to give birth to fawns are down there.. We also have more snow coming and I don’t want a snowdrift blocking our only entrance and exit of the cave, Akuma.” She lashed her tail and brush passed him shouldering her weight towards him in a harsh way. She saunters away quickly making sure her footing was correct on the way down. She called back to Akuma, “Don’t worry I know there are two wolf pack territories… I’m not some little juvenile, Akuma. This isn’t my first time in this kind of weather, either. I just know this winter’s last kiss goodbye and it’s gonna be a rough one. I would rather be safe than sorry..” She scoffed, shaking her head in anger.

She jumped down landing softly on the frozen grass below her. She closed her eyes trying to gather her other senses to overcome her. Birds.. Flowers.. Rain… dung… Wolves… blood.. Deer blood.. Bingo.. She took off to the smell as it was not close to the neighboring packs’ territory. Her mouth open and tongue hanging as she draws nearer expecting a prize for her worth. A feeling of the hunt, the chase, but this was worth everything to Everest. The search. The search that could be forever or short. Something worth searching for. The quiet and the feeling of nature taking over her to do what her instincts trusted herself to do. Her panting was quick and quiet to not cover her position as she was close, but not close enough to be spotted. But these deers take hearing like a death sentence which was probably the right thing to do as the prey. Her eyes drew nearer as a doe and her fawn were in a thicket. She lowered herself down to the ground examining the two with close intent. The doe was protecting her injured fawn that had already been injured by some other predator. Her eyes watched closely as her prize would be considerably too hard to take on her own. The mother would fight to save her youth to her dying breath and that’s a chance that Everest is willing to take. Though it made her lose her thoughts of her past.

In the deaths of winter when Everest was 2. A litter of hers was born ferocious 2 boys and a lovely little girl.. The boys were Raja and Kayce.. The female was named Tahlia. All colors of the wolf with grays,whites, and blacks. Everest pride and joy of her life. Rakki, her former mate, a cynical bastard, painted the perfect illusion of her his love for her and his children. That he took away within a second. Took her family and the title of her name. Stockholm syndrome painted him into her savior and mate until it was destroyed. The night he slaughtered his children before they were shown to the pack. She fought everything in her power until Rakki’s right hand men pinned her down until Rakki finished what he came to do.. Everest will never forget their dying breaths or the lights fading from their precious eyes. The last words from her sons, “Mother, why does he hate us..” And her daughter’s that bore into her soul “Mommy.. It hurts.. Please..” SHe could not help her precious loves and curled next to them as a way to comfort them out of this miserable world. Everest became destroyed with that moment as her light and compassion died that night. Everest’s promise to herself was to never be a mother again.

Everest's eyes blinked out the memory and regained her thinking. She knew Akuma would be on her tail because well that was him. A loyal wolf that would get out of his stubbornness to protect her at the end. Though she hated it as it made her just as loyal as him. But things at times were easier on her own as trust and loyalty were easier on own skills. But the betrayal is the one that no one expects until it's too late. Everest knew it may happen or not but she would rather stay cautious than not. Though the positives of Akuma’s sudden appearance into her life saved her from giving up. It saved her from loneliness and death of mother nature. It was easier to survive, but harder not to kill him with his sass that he likes to deliver when it’s uncalled for. Her days of alpha want to throw him in his place. But those days are in the past and not worth digging up. Though Everest hates to admit to herself that she needs someone or something to challenge her as she will become impulsive and reckless. Something that she may already be, but at least someone to keep her in check. No one has been able to do that, but that bone head. Her eyes closed knowing that the doe and fawn would not move from the thicket of thorns from protection of her and other predatory species. She will just sit here, let the breeze and sounds of nature cool her nerves and let her running mind go to an emptiness until it is time. Patience is key to a full stomach.

Sikúnguaĸ

The Lord | Male | Four Years Old | Everfree Pack | Mentions : Basically Everyone

The day was rather cold ; the cold northern winds bringing their chilly air - he could only pray for the warm southern winds to grace his home once more and bring the land into bloom even if it was a short time. His den was always a pretty sight in the warmer seasons ; and he lifted his head and imagined it, the scent of the wildflowers that scattered the den and the sounds of songbirds bringing their cheer and tales from their migration. When times were simpler and not so complicated, when he could actually play with his siblings and have fun and not worry about being stabbed in the back. The male didn't feel the motivation to get up - he was tired, mentally and physically - he had had sleepless nights worrying about his pack and mourning his missing siblings. He couldn't let others see him fall from grace - it would be just another thing for them to whisper about behind his back. He knew there were whispers and talks about him not being worthy ; and it irked his being because how dare they speak on matters that didn't concern them.

It wasn't his fault that his family was just a mess - and he could only imagine how most wanted his elder brother to be the Lord. After all - it was his birthright and Sikúnguaĸ couldn't agree more that Rǫgnvaldr deserved the position more than him. He could only wish that his older brother was there to offer him support and guidance in this ; because he certainly wasn't going to get it from Arnviðr - the bloody coward, and he was certain that Arnviðr hated him ; and well, frankly the feeling was mutual. And he couldn't help but feel frustrated his mother, whom he loved dearly - but by the goddess, was she blind to her mate's actions. And speaking of that snake, Sikúnguaĸ could only dream about biting his head off - but he feared that even in death he could find some way to poison him still. But still, his patience with his father was growing much thinner than usual ; after all this was his pack, his responsibility, and he wasn't going to let someone try and control the pack from the background.

He lay curled up in his nest, it was comfortable and warm. Full of the finest pelts he could hunt ; fox, deer, and he and even found an ermine to add to the collection ; and not to mention the soft down feathers of a goose he found - the nest was heaven to lay it. And it understood his troubles and knew how to console him - it was much more reasonable than the lot that was called "his pack". He snorted at the thought of them, most still loyal to his father ; and others wishing that his brother, Rǫgnvaldr was Lord. And even thought most didn't say it - he could tell they despised him and didn't respect him, and he wondered if some even wished him dead. It made his blood boil that the pack thought of him this way ; he wasn't some bastard child, nor was he evil or a tyrant, he had just as much claim to lead as any of his siblings did. Why couldn't they give him a chance? Didn't he deserve it? No, he did deserve it ; it was his right. His thoughts were growing stormier and angrier : and that's when he heard a familiar voice.

The sound of the female was loud and a bit smug from his point of view, and he could hear the bossiness ringing in her tone ; he mentally groaned at the sound - as he knew his peace would be interrupted in about 3, 2, 1, and enter. He quickly shut his eyes and acted as if he hadn't heard her boss around the pack - she's rather cheeky this morning, he thought amused. And he could hear her paw steps growing near his den and he tuned them out quickly and tried to drift off. But that's when he received a jab ; he didn't make a move because then she'd know he was faking it (as if she didn't know - she always knew) . And that's when he got received another jab and this time it hurt ; he kicked his back hind leg out at her in annoyance.

"Leave me be," he grumbled out, agitation clear and melancholy in his voice, " those ungrateful heathens can wait - it's not like they care or respect me anyway." He said as he opened his eyes, giving in to the female's antics ; but before he could continue his moping, he felt a weight on him and he nearly jumped in surprised and meeting her smug face he gave a brow raise at her and a scoff. He was going to make a snippy remark but then she mentioned his father ; and his mood instantly soured - ears pulled back, and his lips curled up in a snarl and his reddish-amber eyes blazing angrily at her. And so, quite rudely - he moved from under her and let her fall to the dirt ground, and he narrowed his eyes in genuine agitation at her.

His tail thumped against the ground angrily, as his flattened ears and distant expression conveyed his mood ; he shouldn't be angry with her, she was only trying to improve his mood and help him - and he should be grateful that she was still on his side. His father was becoming a pain to deal with and manage, and he felt his claws dig into the earth at the thought and he quickly squeezed his eyes shut and took a breath before looking at Etana. He wasn't one to apologize for rude actions or being rather brash ; she was one of the rare ones who would ever get a genuine apology out of him. And he gave a small sigh - but there was a stern expression along with it.

"Don't ever mention my father again," he said coldly, a cold anger seeping through his words - as he raked his claws against the earth. "My patience with him is growing rather thin." He said with annoyance, "he was fine at first ; but now he's becoming a thorn in my side."

And then he scoffed saying, "My followers? As if half of them aren't wishing me dead or my older brother was Lord ; hell, they might even wish my father was still leader. I don't even a have a guy friend my age that I could complain to about this who wouldn't go tell my dad because they're his loyal cronies. You're one of the few people I can trust." He said and then sighed tiredly, "but I guess I have to get ready to lead them anyway ; they should be greatful that I'm nothing like my father." He grumbled under his breath, more so for him to hear - and he shook off his pelt before making his way to the entrance of his den and pausing before looking at her.

"Etana, would you be a dear and wrangle any strays that aren't in camp or running a bit late ; and let me know who isn't in camp - only Seraphina and Kahlia have permission as they're preparing for their Healer Ceremonies." He said promptly, and then walked off - knowing that the female would get the task done.

He made his way through the back exit to the tunnel that lead to the top of the Great Rock, where he would conduct the meeting. He found himself sighing as he made his way to the top, and he positioned himself near the edge where all could see him and hear him clearly - and he looked down and noticed the field was empty, and he frowned at that sight. The field was full of grass and moss, making it comfortable for all ages to attend the meeting, and was a bit anxious for the turn of events this meeting would hold for the pack because he had some rather important news to share with the pack and some other things to do. And it would be best if the meeting started off without any delay. And so he threw his head back and let out a howl, a deep and melodic howl - signaling the beginning of the meeting. And for good measure he gave another howl.

°

Rena || F || Subordinate || @:Björn

Rena knew he was in a bad mood and really didn’t care but she was taken a bit back by his sharp words. Her eyes glared furiously in his eyes, she didn’t care for his bad mood but she was boiling now. She spoke out, “Okay don't get me wrong I don’t care for your bad attitude but you need to learn not to take it out on others. And if you continue to snap at other wolves today I will not hesitate to put you in your place.” Rena sternly scolded him with a motherly, maternal tone in her voice. As if she were yelling at a young pup who had done wrong.

Sighing she stared back at him before adding on, “Do you understand? Or do I have to repeat myself Mr.Grumpy?” She wouldn’t let him get by with being so rude. Her eyes fell onto his body shifting to the ground she had only realized then he was a complete mess! “You know what, sit up. You're going to appreciate this ceremony starting by cleaning up. We're headed down to the river now.” She said firmly not letting any reasoning be discussed. Without hesitation she bit at his ear not tearing but a bite firm enough to hurt somewhat and to stay held on. She started tugging at his ear, soon starting to drag him down to the river whether he wanted to or not.

Once she was at the river bank with him she pushed him into the freezing cold water forcing him to wash off. “You will respect the wolves around you during this ceremony. I will NOT let you ruin something special to the rest of us because you're in a bad mood.” Rena continued her lecture while forcing him to clean off. Soon as all the mud and dirt washed off his pelt she dragged him out the river by the scruff. Looking over his sopping wet pelt she sighed, “Shake the water off you.” Rena ordered before she started searching the forest floor, eyes falling on the leafy vine that was twined around a tree root. Tearing it from the root she looked back to Bjorn seeing he was now dried off. She then started wrapping the vine around his ankle up to his leg adding ceremonial decoration to his pelt. With time his legs were decorated with vines and his neck fur with feathers. She looked around again, a red flower catching her eye. An idea now in her head, she grabbed a rock in her jaws and smashed the flower up into a paste. Then mixed it with just enough mud to make it into a maroon solution. She applied it to a leaf and started painting symbols onto his nose bridge and around his forehead.

Now finished she stepped back and looked at her fine piece of work. “See that wasn’t so bad right?” Rena insisted as she examined the now clean and decorated wolf. “Now were going back to camp and you can be as grumpy as you want, but you will NOT take it out or show it to the others. Got it?” She firmly told him what he would and would not do. Rena then walked him back to camp like a pup. She sat back down in the spot they were in and stared back up at the gloomy sky.