Respite from the Wind (Aspen)

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Hello!

In Character: 

The pine forests of Arcana drifted from Rann's sight long ago. The comforting shade of the canopy, th well-worn trails winding through the wilderness, the sprawling prairie where he and the other wolves brought down their first doe together... he left it all behind. The familiar scents of Shade, Emilia, and Pryce vanished, and even those of Durza and Marina where the rival wolves wandered a wider range than just Arcana. Now, Rann journeyed into unknown territory with his white comrade, Winter.

The silver male's head hung low, bulky and slightly straining his thickly-furred neck. Nostrils traced and quivered over the grass that looked like it belonged on a pup. Short, thick, dead-looking in shades of brown and tan. Not the soft, lush grass of Arcana. Beneath his black and pink nails, the dark soil hardened into grains of sand and pressed against Rann's pads. The moment he ascended onto the field from the tranquil valley below, a pitiless gust of cold wind swirled his fur and bared the cotton-white fur below. Rann bristled to keep warm, hunched his shoulders, and moved swiftly toward the nearest groove in the field.

A respite from the biting wind rested half-hidden past the edge of the field. A little clearing let his fur settle back, silver and black markings covering his white undercoat once again. The sun highlighted the bridge of his nose, his pronounced jawline, his furry ears and bristling shoulders. It lavished him with warmth. Here, not yet nearing the Mordechai border and a few miles from the river, Rann waited for Winter.

The pair lingered just beyond a clear view of Aspen. The river, the forests, and the volcanic slopes could be viewed from these fields which once suffered the wrath of the floodwaters. With this wind, Rann could make a howl sail across miles of territory. Maybe someone lived closeby. Lifting his muzzle smoothly, Rann split his lips to air a low howl of the migrant.

Anybody home?

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 | W. I. N. T. E. R. | </size>
 
 

 
 
Moving towards a browned hill top, Winter sat down upon his haunches to peer out over the length of land that he could see. Sticking out like a sore thumb, the ivory colored male parted his jowls so that his tongue could hang out. Panting in a content way, the male's ears pricked and arched as several strong gusts of wind picked up. The strong chill swirled through his white fur, leaving an odd design of bristled shadows dancing over his pelt.
 
 
It was a refreshing feel though. The wolf didn't really mind the slight chill. It was better to be comfortably cool, rather then heated and hot. As Winter sat a top the hillside, the male watched as Rann made his way down the slope. Heading for a patch of sparse earth that was considered a field, the wolf cocked his head to one side as he observed his friend's posture and gait.
 
 
Winter wondered if Rann was well. The other wolf seemed to be rather quiet as they traveled away from the land they had believed would be their new home. Things changed though. All too quickly the small pack they had attempted to start seemed to fade out and disappear.
 
 
The lands of Arcana were beautiful - and Winter would not soon forget them. However, he was rather pleased to move on. Arcana meant death. The memories of the air and hidden scents bothered him some. The way the other wolves had just vanished unnerved him. However, Winter wasn't one to speak up on such things. He didn't want to look vulnerable or strange in the eyes of Rann.
 
 
Hearing his comrad's howl, Winter immediately pushed himself up to stand upon all four paws. The light sprain he'd suffered a few weeks back had healed nicely. As his hazel gaze swept down the length of the incline to finally land upon Rann, the male barked once to remind the other that he was close by.
 
 
Opting to show case a bit of fun and excitement, Winter did something that was quite out of character. Sprinting off after Rann, the young wolf broke into a fast paced run that led his ivory form to his friend in all but a matter of seconds.
 
 
As Winter neared the form of Rann, the white wolf show cased an excited and friendly greeting. Wagging his tail in delight, the male moved in close to examine the other wolf. Sniffling and snuffling at the fur just around Rann's ears, Winter drew back some as his tail continued to sway in pleasure of the other's company. Offering a few affectionate licks to Rann's maw, Winter reared back and rested a playful paw upon Rann's shoulder.
 
 
Normally, Winter wasn't quite as out going and friendly as he presently seemed to be. In fact this was the first time that Rann would have ever been subjected to such an attitude and game. Usually Winter was quiet and reserved. The new land though seemed to have lightened his mood.
 
 
Because of this excitement - the ivory wolf just wanted to ensure that Rann was in good spirits as well.
 
 
 
 
 
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.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Frolic and leap, bound and leap, frolic!

In Character: 

Alabaster-lined ears flicked backward in response to Winter's bark, a vocalization that punctuated the male’s approach. Then the vibration of rapid footfalls rose beneath Rann’s paws, so then both ears swiveled backward to hear Winter sprinting up behind him. Tossing a wide-eyed glance over his shoulder curiously, Rann caught the white wolf bounding toward him and hopped a little to face Winter. Then he saw the wagging tail and grinned, frozen with splayed ears, tail wagging in the air.

Rann allowed the snuffling to continue for a moment or two while he drew Winter’s comforting scent into his flared nostrils. Whiskered muzzle dipped a few inches above Winter’s own and black lips widened into a grin. At least they weren't completely alone. Rann let the quick licks go unmolested but soon tossed his head toward Winter. Jesting in good nature, he glomped his maw over the male's white snout before bouncing back on nimble legs.

Golden eyes now sparkled with delight as Winter reared up to brace his paw on Rann's shoulder. Although he still played, Rann recognized what could be construed by others as a subtle challenge. Standing on another's shoulder, putting yourself physically (and socially) above another. In a pack, the posture wouldn't be accepted - but they weren't in a pack anymore. They moved without ranks or care. So, when the white paw pressed against Rann's powerful shoulder, he slyly ducked under Winter’s leg and darted past him to graze shoulders and sides.

As he passed, Rann played grab-ass with a painless and rather soft clamp on the white male's hip. He grabbed, released, and pranced a few yards away before hopping back around to face Winter. Once ready, he dropped to a bow and brushed the brown grass with his chest fur. Black nails gouged the earth and forelegs splayed in a play bow.

Bring it!

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A black tail lifted and curled around a strong, broad back and back legs brought her backwards a few steps. When the rear end was close enough, a small amount of liquid rubbed onto the poor, unsuspecting tree. Vitauni had spent all day remarking her new territory, as she had acquired yet another wonderful piece of land. Now her territory was protected by two rivers, the largest and the second largest. Kiskana was the same way; Vitauni knew this from scouting around and by strengthening her border where it was near that damn pack. However, the new pack, which she knew by now to be called Mordechai, was, as far as she knew, was only protected by one river, the smallest, and they shared that border with Kiskana. While this pleased Vitauni, for she felt a budding friendship between her own pack and Macabre’s (although they had yet to have a official meeting they had had no unfriendly confrontations) which also meant that if Vitauni ever wanted to attack Kiskana (which, of course, she did want to do) Mordechai could, if they wished, helped. Or could at least hold down their side of the Kiskana border as they would not want other wolves travelling into their territory. Back to the main point though, while Vitauni was glad of that little point she was worried that she knew not the other border of Mordechai and if it had changed, like Vitauni’s own had, and she felt the need, as any alpha would, to inspect it.

So, with one last rub against another tree, Vitauni’s stepped into the nearby river, and started to paddle across. This… thing was half the size it used to be, and one fourth the strength. When it first came it swept even the greatest and strongest wolves off their feet (Jale = case and point) but now Vitauni found ease crossing its depths. Of course this was not true for all, as Vitauni was a very strong and large wolf with big paws for paddling and huge shoulder and thigh muscles to help push and pull her across. As she reached the opposite side she pulled herself up, black fur tight against her muscles with the weight of the water pulling it downwards. With one vigorous shake (that would be comical had it been on a less formidable wolf) she shook most of it off and moved forward. A wind was strong and cold, and one might think that because she was wet she was colder than anyone else, but the water had not been able to surpass her guard hairs, as it had grown thick, ready for winter and its harsh snow. Sand and other, various grit, however, did blow up and catch her to midnight fur, sticking there. She thought nothing of it, for now, she would just have a bath later as she did not plan on meeting anyone anyways. Her leather nose kept close to the ground, sniffing for clues, and her large ears listened for sounds while her large paw pads felt for vibrations. She had been taught at a young age how to do this, as had all warriors.

A disturbance up ahead caught her attention and she slinked to the ground, going into stealth mode and zeroing in on the rucas. Her paws quietly pulled her up a hill, and once her sharp yellow eyes could look over the top of it she spotted the two wolves, males, romping around. At first she thought they were fighting, and felt her blood boil as the idea of a fight pleased her greatly, and was greatly disappointed when she realized that they were just playing. Playing! Hash!! She could have sneered at such a act from adults. As pups, of course, you must play, it how you learn. As adults you must fight, you must kill, you must eat, you must reproduce. Playing is not on that list, and they should already know all the skills that can be gained from playing. So they were either stupid, or strange (in Vitauni’s mind, at least.)

She crept backwards again and thought about just bypassing them, as she already had a mission on her paws (to see the new border of Mordechai, if there was one). A random thought wept past her mind and made her stop moving away from the two. They acted like Kiskana, playing like fools… she could not smell them from this distance, but they might smell like Kiskana too. And they were right between two enemy packs, heading towards one or the other. Ears flattened to her head as she thought this scum (for if they where Kiskana they could be nothing more then that) trying to travel to her land. She should get rid of them, rip out their throats before they try to do so to her or one her pack mates.

Vitauni knew that this might not be Kiskana, but the idea that it was was too good to pass up and, gathering herself up, she stepped to the top of the hill. The wind had been steady and strong, but it had been blowing between the two. Just like say, I was on one side of the road and you on the other and the wind was going the way the road was, you still would not smell me, not until I got closer. And that’s just what Vitauni was doing now, getting closer. Her eyes where strict and narrowed, looking at the wolves in the near distance, and her tail was raised (although not as high as it might be if they had been in her own lands, just high enough for them to know that she won’t hesitate to assert herself if needed.)

She stopped around three wolf lengths away, just far enough that if they lunged at her she could maneuver away and strike back as they landed. ”Where are you from, strangers?” These wolves did not know of Vitauni, although she did not know that, and so they had never heard her strong voice, almost masculine. One of the many gifts her father had given her, and although it still was feminine, in its own way, it was strong and deep and demanding.

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Truly Winter wasn't one to engage in such silly playful acts. Today though, seemed to be different. On this day, he was in high spirits - and so he wanted nothing more then to just have fun.
 
 
As it was, it had been quite a while since Winter had last been able to be so carefree and relaxed. The last time he had laughed and played without worry was when he was in the company of his younger siblings. Winter had held a very protective mind frame over the three little ones. His sisters were damn precious to him, while his brother Griffin was just wonderful.
 
 
Losing them as he had was a pain that was buried deep within him. Winter came from a proud line and a proud family. He would not soon forget them. Unfortunately though, his upbringing taught him to let the dead rest. So Winter would have no choice but to keep their memories sacred, and his mentionings of them limited.
 
 
They were gone, but Rann was not. Winter could have fun with Rann. He could take pleasure in the fact that the other male was old enough to not only fend for himself - but be immune to slight sicknesses that could claim the life of a pup.
 
 
It was strange to have that line of thinking for a wolf that was actually one year older then Winter - but it was there just the same.
 
 
Smiling inwardly, the ivory male backed up a few feet as Rann got into the groove of the game. Inside, Winter was pleased that his friend seemed to be receptive to his odd show of affection. Winter was a loyal wolf, so he wasn't shy in the way of greeting licks and wagging tails. Grooming fellow friends and packmates never bothered him much either. But this closeness - this romping and playing was something special.
 
 
Rounding about some, the young wolf raised his hips before turning to direct a playful snap back Rann's way. He felt the light grab to his hip, so he wanted to ensure that it didn't happen again. Though his movements could be seen as some what challenging - Winter would never challenge Rann. The other male had literally saved his life.
 
 
The wolf was his friend end of story.
 
 
As another gust of wind picked up, Winter shivered in a delightful way. Shaking his entire form so that his hips wiggled - the white male pranced around playfully. Bowing down much like Rann had done a few moments before, Winter moved in close to the silver wolf. Dropping down onto his back in slow motion, the male stretched out his lengthy forearms to further encourage Rann in the lazy game they were playing. From there, Rann could lightly gnaw upon any paw that he desired, or Winter could just rest easy in his lap (front arms) which ever happened would happen.
 
 
Curled up on his back, Winter's hind legs splayed out and spread as his tail continued to wag. He was the perfect picture of an over grown pup.
 
 
”Where are you from, strangers?”
 
 
Hearing the voice of another, Winter's ears instantly perked. Without allowing himself much longer then a second to think over what he was doing, the male rolled over onto his side and then quickly stood. Blushing beneath his ivory fur, the wolf snorted in irritation of being caught in such a compromising situation.
 
 
Note to self, never play in public again.
 
 
Ever.
 
 
Circling around Rann, Winter took on his typical posture and stance. He bulked up a bit and allowed his fur to bristle. He didn't look threatening but he was definitely projecting a promise. Make the wrong move sweetheart and you'll be sorry.
 
 
Flashing his hazel gaze towards the ashen female, Winter observed her some as his eyes swept over her form. She was all female that much was obvious. But the attitude...
 
 
Tsk, tsk. That was something to be desired.
 
 
 "I'm Winter." The white wolf introduced as he dared to take two strides forward. Raising his tail in a way to show case his lack of fear and knowledge of the female, Winter pinned one ear back so that he was aware of what Rann was doing. (If anything.) Sampling the air, Winter wondered if they'd happened upon another wolf's territory. Were they on the vixen's land?
 
 
"We're loners." He decided to inform. With his keen gaze locked on the female, Winter stood tall. Slowly inclining his chin, he arched one curious brow. "Have we tresspassed?"
 
 
Being direct was the only way to go. Winter wasn't about to acknowledge the fact that she'd caught him playing. If she said anything, he'd lie.
 
 
Then deny - deny - deny.

 
 
 
 
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.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Rann

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OOC:

Rann the lazy… because his player is falling asleep on her desktop.


IC:

Glee was contagious.

Rann remained stretched down in his play bow as he observed Winter going wiggle-butts. When the white male dropped down in a similar position, Rann switched it up by springing to his feet and hopping around a little before pausing to watch Winter sneak closer to him. Then, white shoulders rolled as his comrade flopped onto his and waggled his paws in Rann's face. The silver wolf looking down at the white belly and throat beneath him, grinned and flopped back into his play bow. Only now he had Winter's head between his paws and could nab a foot.

He would've done so had a black figure on the horizon not caught his eye. Instead of taking the male's paw playfully in his jaws, Rann jumped up and assumed a more cautious position. Legs stiffened, tail waving slowly in uncertainty... but Rann didn't see any aggression. The female held her tail confidently and he reflected this tone with an equally elevated tail, though not flagging too high. Confident, unafraid. Sociable. Obviously, Winter noticed too. Rann glanced toward the other male as he rose to stand beside Rann, curious to see what Winter thought. Then, watching the white wolf face his black opposite with raised fur and wary eyes.

"I'm Winter."

Well, that was quick. Winter treated Emitria with respect but usually remained quiet. Here, however, Winter introduced himself first and even approached the female as well. Rann followed suit and lingered at Winter's shoulder, somewhat indifferent of any reaction except hostility. The female looked rather large with bright golden eyes. He hadn't seen a wolf like her since he was young.

”Where are you from, strangers?”

Strangers? Well, if they were strangers and she didn't consider herself one, that meant she belonged to a pack... one that considers others to be strangers. It made sense. Then Winter lifted his tail and responded quickly, surprising Rann. Why, had Winter become suddenly ambitious? That was a good thing, since Rann felt rather lethargic as of late. He wasn't in much of a mood to manage affairs and Winter embraced the chance. Silver ears flicked at his companions question: "Have we trespassed?". Rann glanced back to the female, ears perked curiously. He hadn't found any border markings, only some tracks and scents weaving through the territory.
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Ooc: its crappppy I had no idea what to doooo lol
Her golden yellow eyes locked onto the white wolf as he stepped behind the other wolf then in front of said wolf. Winter, strange name, yet fitting. Winter, like snow, Vitauni totally got it. Or maybe it meant that he was cold, likes to kill and take off toes. If so they might just get along. Vitauni said nothing, did not offer up a name as she felt there was no need of it quiet yet, and the other male seemed to think so also. Winter then stepped forward and Vitauni’s head turned a little, not cocking but turning a fraction of a inch to the right and black lips pulls slowly up, twitching slightly as the tips of her teeth showed bright, white with a yellow twinge. Vitauni did not like him stepping past her established boundary that she had made by staying a few lengths away from them, he had just popped her bubble and it did not please her.

Loners, huh? Her nose took in a few deep breaths, and her lips were still twitching with anger, as she smelled their scent. They smelt like loners, that’s for sure. Not that they smelt bad, no (by loners standards they smelt like fresh flowers) but they did not stink like Kiskana, smell like Mordechai, and to Vitauni would know if they were Tyjiik. Her worry about Kiskana melted away, well not worry, per say, more like… excitement. No, they were just loners, she did not have a good reason of attacking them yet, but one might come with time.

 ”Trespass? No, but you are between three packs that live in this valley, two of which would not hesitate to kill you if you possessed a threat.” Ok, so she did not know of Macabre would KILL them, but if they posed a threat Vitauni could see no reason for not hurting them. Kiskana, hell they would open up their arms and welcome them with a freshly killed deer, as they would any idiot. Vitauni then looked at the other wolf, wondering why he was not speaking his part. She did not know his name, but they did not know hers. Shaking that question off, Vitauni looked back towards Winter.

 ”Are you looking to join a pack?” Maybe they were just passing through, but they could be looking to join a pack. This did not mean that Vitauni HAD to have them in her pack, as she had a lot of members already, but perhaps she could save them from Kiskana. They looked like they valued strength, they did not look like pushovers. Looks could be wrong, though.

Yellow eyes looked again at the other wolf, and she held back a shrug before saying, ”I am Vitauni, Alpha of Tyjiik. My father is Jale, perhaps you have heard of us?” Vitauni knew that her father name was known throughout the land, yet she said this almost indifferently for she did not care if they knew her, or her father, or her pack at all. It just seemed as if it others did.

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If Princess wasn't pleasant, then Winter didn't know what was. The black female before him curled her lip causing him to snort. He really didn't appreciate meeting another wolf only to be greeted with gawks and glares. Was there any real meaning behind her angry look? The message was recieved loud and clear.
 
 
'I'm a big bad wolf.'
 
 
That whole 'persona' though just wasn't attractive to Winter. The black vixen before him had the bulk and bristle of a hyena. Her form was large really. A bit masculine. But Winter didn't seem to mind that so much. If she would just soften her features and not project such hostility then maybe he could grab ahold of an actual opinion.
 
 
After all - first impressions last. So far, the dear lady across from him just didn't seem to be sending him any good vibrations.
 
 
Licking his chops then, Winter sighed fitfully. Turning his hazel gaze towards Rann the male frowned some. His friend was being awfully quiet. This worried him. He'd been quiet through most of their journey. Perhaps the other wolf was depressed? That would explain a lot and make perfect sense. However, depression wasn't good for anybody.
 
 
Presently, Winter was still more or less suffering from his own bought. He was quiet about it. He much preferred to keep Rann in the dark about his thoughts and feelings. Love was a form of weakness. Once it got it's hold on you - it would make you her slave.
 
 
Winter had escaped and gained his freedom once. Not by choice mind you. Love just wasn't in the cards for him. Loyalty was something special but quite different. Rann had that from Winter. The ivory wolf would provide Rann with an endless supply of it.
 
 
Take your cake and eat it too.
 
 
Snapping from his thoughts, Winter's ears arched towards the female. Listening intently he nearly offered that of an eye roll. If they weren't tresspassing then what was the problem? Sure, the nameless vix had more or less caught Winter with his pants down when he was playing - but was that why she was being so snippy? Or was she like this every day?
 
 
Standing tall, Winter's mind thought back to Emilia. The young female had been so nervous and weary of others - this female was her extreme opposite. (No fun.) Why couldn't Winter happen upon a vixen that had a well balanced attitude?
 
 
Another sigh escaped the ivory male's lips. He didn't want to be rude. In fact he 'hated' being rude. Politeness and etiquette was key to establishing any sort of repore or respectful relationship with another.
 
 
"I'm sure I have not heard of you - your pack or your Father." He explained in a tone that expressed his lack of interest on the subject. Knowing full well he was looking into the eyes of an Alpha didn't exactly thrill him. (Given the temperment he'd just been introduced to.) Still though, the female was worthy of respect because Winter was polite like that. "We've left the lands of our pack." Winter turned then to eye ball Rann. He was unsure of what to say. How much would be too much? ... Dare he introduce Rann as his Alpha? That was after all how Winter viewed him. Though he'd strode forward and spoke first, his loyalty was to Rann. He wanted to keep him safe. Protect him.
 
 
A good Beta would want his leader safe at all costs, right?
 
 
Once upon a time, Winter had been desperate for the company of other wolves. Now though - he had no real opinion or desire to join up with an established pack. That would mean protection, as safety often came in numbers. However, the male didn't know if he was ready to serve another as he did when it came to Rann. Still though, three packs thriving near by was something to consider...
 
 
"Rann is my leader and friend." Taking on a more solomn and respectful tone, Winter nodded in the direction of the silver male. Allowing his fur to settle some, the white wolf padded over to stand along side his 'Alpha'. Relaxing his form, Winter's tail lowered respectively as his shoulder brushed against Rann's.
 
 
Turning his head quickly, the white wolf gave Rann the quickest of encouraging licks. It was Winter's way of giving his friend a solid push forward.
 
 
He was the one in charge.
 
 
Not Winter...
 
 

 
 
 
 
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.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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OOC:

Rann would make a good wallflower right now, but that’s not his real personality. He’s just a little tired.


IC:

The conversation unfolded before Rann's observant eyes and ears, and the silver male quickly absorbed what information he could. The black female apparently didn't like Chaim shortening the distance between them and made this clear with the slight baring of teeth. Any other time, Rann would warn or dismember anyone that threatened Winter, but this wasn't home and this female wasn't attacking. Just warning.

Then Winter snorted, sighed, and looked to Rann in what appeared to be exasperation. At the thought, Rann grinned somewhat inwardly and tilted his head. Did Winter dislike taking the initiative, or maybe public speaking? No matter. Apparently, the female didn't impress him. Rann would say the same but he didn't know her well enough to judge.

”Trespass? No, but you are between three packs that live in this valley, two of which would not hesitate to kill you if you possessed a threat.”

At this news, Rann perked his white-tufted ears and straightened up, eyes on Vitauni curiously. Three packs? Two of which would kill? Well, at least that left a mildly peaceful pack. They might be able to scout out the packs, get information about their leaders, their members. But three packs probably ment the hunting would be harder. Multiple packs in one territory meant many, many bellies to fill.

When the black wolf met his gaze with her own quizzical look, Rann returned it with an arched eyebrow. Something amiss? If the two wolves were fine chatting then he didn't see the need to interrupt. Then they mentioned packs and Rann shifted uneasily, wondering how she'd react if she knew they'd sort of "lost" a pack.

”I am Vitauni, Alpha of Tyjiik. My father is Jale, perhaps you have heard of us?”

Perhaps if they lived nearby. Rann listened to Winter's rather indifferent reply and met the male's eyes again as he adddressed Rann as his leader and friend. The silver wolf smiled and waved his tail, allowing his shoulder to brush against Winter as the other male sidled along beside him. Then Rann turned to the female, apparently put to the podium.

"Yes, I am Rann. We haven't heard of you because we aren't from anywhere within a hundred miles. Our..."

Rann paused and considered the hazardous background information. Arcana, death, nomads, long journey. No, he'd continue without that tidbit.

"Our packlands are far away. We're just looking for a home, pack or no. What are these three communities here?"
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Vitauni knew that these males did not fear her, not in the slightest, and surprised herself by how much she really did not care. One would think that she would pride herself on the fear that others held for her, even in her own pack, that she fed on those fears and sure to keep them alive well. Most wolves deny their fear of Vitauni, like Aspen, but she knew that they did, she could see their pupils dilate and their breath quicken, and, yes, of course she loved to see that. Vitauni thought that she was dependent upon this fear, as anything that rules with power does, and so when she was unmoved about the males she shocked herself, in a good way. That meant she was less depended on wolves, which is the way she liked it.

And so, with that thought, she also did that care that they did not know of her, or her father. She had brought it up for the sole reason that a lot of wolves who came from distant lands claimed to have heard of her fathers’ malicious ways and violent acts. And some of those even dared to venture that that was the reason they traveled so far from their homeland, to join a pack that likes a fight. Vitauni cared not why those wolves come, as long as they join her pack and are respectful and loyal. She had had enough with wolves that did not hold those values after the flood had shoved her with the ungrateful Kiskana and Likuta packs. These males, however, Rann and Winter was it? They did not show any of these qualities, but Vitauni had only known them for but a moment.

Winter had pushed the envelope a few times, thought Vitauni, as she listened to his words and watched him step back beside his leader. With that Vitauni’s lips went back down, for the space she had originally put between herself and them was back, and she felt as if she need not warn anymore, unless he overstepped it again. Friend, Leader Vitauni thought over these words for a moment while Rann gathered himself up to speak. Leader, well she had had Jale, and that was all she ever needed. Friend was different, she had never had a friend, and never desired it. She was acquainted with other wolves, was on a first name base with others, but never had a friend. The term was loose in her head, like a pen rolling around in a drawer she found that when she tried to grasp it just slipped away. Whats the use of friends when they are bound to stab you in the back in the end anyways? thought Vitauni, justifying to herself for why she had never had a friend.

Her ears stood on end, pinched forward as he ended his little speech. He was the alpha, leader, of his own pack and this was all he had left? A white male and himself? Even kicked off his own turf? He must have been one bad alpha, thought Vitauni, to lose it all like that. ”You had lands, you had a pack… and you left it? A alpha sticks with her, or his pack until the bitter end. A alpha should fight for their role and only give it up in the way of death or handing down the crown.” She said this, like the other thing, indifferently, as if she was stating the facts. Yet, if you listened carefully, you could hear the edge to her voice, a hard metal edge that showed … anger. She was angry that he would just leave his pack like that, a captain always goes down with the ship. Had they lost so much? Had there been a battle and he lost his land to another pack, and the packmember he had left was this Winter? He got the bad end of the stick, she thought, and not only on the land part.

”You best not join Kiskana, to the northeast, for then I would truly have to kill you some day or another. Mordechai is the newest pack, but just as strong and smart as mine, Tyjiik. I cannot tell you how many members the others have, although I know it is around the same as Tyjiik, but we have the most so far. You might top the scale for one of the other packs.” Although it sounded like it she was not saying that they were not welcome in her pack, of course not. With some training they could become fine wolf’s indeed.

”There was another pack… Lituka, but it dissolved and their members are either dead,” (sly smile) ”Or have joined another pack.”

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Winter seemed quite agreeable to the words that Rann spoke. Though the other wolf didn't offer much insight on their situation and history, the ivory male was still pleased. Arching his ears some as his hazel gaze moved from Rann to the female, Winter straightened his stance and relaxed his shoulders. Looking the black vixen over, Winter's ears swiveled a bit as he began to wonder about her presented behavior. Was she the sort of wolf that was always looking for a confrontation? Or had hardships in her life molded her to be such a way?
 
 
Honestly, Winter had no real thought or conclusion. For one, the male was very hush hush about his own way of thinking. After losing his family as he had, the wolf had taken on a more serious demeanor. Winter was playful though - sarcastic and even a bit flirtacious. As he stood before the ashen fae, Winter's old self slowly came crawling back. He was tempted to bound over to the nameless female - give her an eye to eye once over and then laugh. If she was the sort of female she appeared to be - then such a move would probably irritate her.
 
 
Winter wasn't really one to take satisifaction in annoying others. Mostly the wolf kept to himself. When it came to the ladies, the male had long since decided that females weren't worth the trouble of contemplating their ways. Sitting back and roaming about with other males was what made him happy. Comrads so to speak.
 
 
Rann was his comrad. His bestfriend really.
 
 
Turning his nape to look Rann over, the white wolf bore an expression of pride. He was greatful of Rann. If he lost the other, Winter wouldn't know what to do with himself.
 
 
”You had lands, you had a pack… and you left it? A alpha sticks with her, or his pack until the bitter end. A alpha should fight for their role and only give it up in the way of death or handing down the crown.”
 
 
Flashing his gaze back the female's way, Winter's hazel eyes widened some as the nameless vixen began to roll off at the mouth. Looking her over, Winter scoffed in profound irritation. She was making quite the assumption wasn't she? What did the black fae know? Nothing.
 
 
Allowing a growl to rumble deep within his chest, Winter pulled back his upper lip to reveal his own sharp teeth. Twitching his nose in a way of disgust, the white wolf's fur bristled and stood on end. How dare the female insult Rann as she did! The one before him had some nerve. That or she had no understanding of politeness. Who was she to insult a stranger? There was no just cause for her to be preaching. It wasn't Sunday, now was it?
 
 
"You do not talk to Rann like that." Winter advised as his stormy eyes narrowed in promise. "You know nothing of our story, or struggles." Allowing his voice to deepen in a tone that projected a knowing sort of air, Winter just flattened his ears in disgust. "For all of the training I'm sure you recieved to be named Alpha - it's obvious that your instructor failed to educate you in the proper way of greeting another." Winter nodded towards Rann in a way of pointing out how rude she had just been.
 
 
"Not knowing us doesn't excuse such talk." Circling around Rann to place distance between himself, Winter's gait projected irritation with the situation. Vitauni, that was her name wasn't it? She spoke with smug pride. It made Winter scorn. Her pride was instilled, not earned. "If your pack exudes the poor attitude you have -- then I know I could do without meeting any of them."
 
 
With that said, Winter raised his tail in defiance. In a way he was dismissing the black female. Winter was still some what undecided of how he wanted to view the shadow. However, the impression he was getting was that she was in need of a strong dose of reality.
 
 
Being the daughter of a legend - probably meant she'd had her toes kissed since she came from the womb.
 
 
Pacing a few feet behind Rann, Winter could feel his blood boiling. How dare she insult Rann! How dare she have such nerve to make such a bold remark. Assumptions had crushed her in his eyes. She was arrogant - and rude. Unyeilding.
 
 
Single no doubt.
 
 
"Have you a mate Vitauni ?" Winter questioned while pausing in his movements. "I should think not, as I assume no one would have you." Insulting her as he was - really wasn't polite at all. Presently though, the wolf was trying to weigh his options. He needed to figure out who might leap to her defense if he royally pissed her off. (Winter was good at irritating the ladies. Emilia had certainly despised him.) The male couldn't help it though. Vitauni had infuriated him. Standing as he was, Winter was both aggitated and irritated. His body langauge screamed this fact, as his fur still stood on end. Standing some distance behind Rann, Winter opted to place distance between himself and the rude fae. If she dared to insult Rann again, Winter would pitch a fit.
 
 
The risk of insulting an Alpha meant trouble with a vengeful pack. He wasn't in the position to risk such a move. Nor was Winter willing to put Rann in harm's way because he was so hot headed. The wolf was fierce when it came to those he cared for. With Rann being the only wolf to walk the earth that Winter remotely cared for -- meant that Rann was now the younger male's source of motivation and inspiration.
 
 
Insulting his idol - just wasn't smart.
 
 
 
 
 
 
<hr>
.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Ooc: Sorrry I had to type it up before I FORGOT all that I wanted to sayyy sorryiieeeeee
His words were no longer calm, but angry, and she felt twinge of ... happiness. Yes, happiness. She liked how she had angered him, and knew that she was risking a fight. She had gone without a fight for a long time now, and almost yearned for it even though she knew that she had neither time nor energy to spend on this. Then he spoke of her father, although he knew nothing of that, and she felt herself bristle. She was not going to ignore the anger that she felt, she was not going to deny it or try and hide it. No, she would feed on it.

 ”And don’t start thinking you know what has happened in my past. I greet wolves the way I do because experience tells me to.” They knew nothing of the war, of the killings, of the death and of the sudden attacks. She had been raised in tension and murder, and was always weary of a future threat which was why she had treated them as she had. Even if they were not from Kiskana, they could still try and hurt her. Key word, try.

She had only once been truly angry, and that was when Aspen was in her jaws, her shoulder firmly stuck on her teeth, and then she got away. Nothing could express that anger that she felt when Aspen slipped away, no words or thoughts or feelings. Winter was not even close to the anger she had felt that day, although she knew he was angry. ”A alpha… must never leave the pack though.” her eyes looked down, if just for a moment, and then looked back up, ”They depend on you for your strength and intelligence, and for what you represent. They would fall apart without you. Unless,” she stopped, her eyes narrowing a little, but she did not start her unfinished sentence. Unless, she thought, unless they were dead. That thought horrified her, almost more so then the thought of Jale dying. Vitauni lived to be a alpha, lived to rule and lived to serve. Yes, Vitauni lived to serve. She had to serve her members, had to protect them and lead them through the good and hard. The idea of them dying, of them leaving… would leave her with nothing, nothing at all.

His next words snapped her back, and she visibly rolled her eyes, ”You know that I am only two years of age, do I truly look older? I have no need for a mate until I can breed, which will be winter. Perhaps then I will ask one of the many males from my pack.” Of course she had thought about mates, and no male interested her. None at all. She needed someone strong, someone who could withstand her and, most importantly, someone who will help her lead Tyjiik.

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OOC:

Rawr.


IC:

When Winter retreated to Rann's shoulder, the latter noticed Vitauni’s lips fall back over her teeth. Ah, so she had specific proxemics in mind. Rann straddles this imaginary line and so sat down on his haunches, knowing that Vitauni kept such a distance that he would be on his feet should she charge them. Besides, she wouldn't mind Winter's approach if she intended to attack.

”You had lands, you had a pack… and you left it? A alpha sticks with her or his pack until the bitter end. A alpha should fight for their role and only give it up in the way of death or handing down the crown.”

What was this? So the black female, this alpha, thought it her place to tell him what an alpha should do? Lips twitched and reflected the haughty female's own bared teeth, the long canines smooth against his bottom jaw. His hackles bristled in offense at the unwanted lecture. Yes, he had a pack. Yes, he left it. No, he didn't want or need her opinion. He had his own, anyway.

"Yes I left it, because the members vanished into thin air! The only wolves left were two rivals and the lands weren't the best, so we decided to find a new home. I didn't ask or need your opinion... you have no place telling me what I should be doing with my life."

A soft gray ear flicked backward to catch Winter's low growl and knew that Vitauni would rile him almost as much as Durza's audacity. He too flashed his teeth and snapped a retort back to her. Rann pitied her packmembers, for surely she chastized them even more than loners. Probably laid out their lives like a dictator too, commanding their complete subservience.

”You best not join Kiskana, to the northeast, for then I would truly have to kill you some day or another. Mordechai is the newest pack, but just as strong and smart as mine, Tyjiik. I cannot tell you how many members the others have, although I know it is around the same as Tyjiik, but we have the most so far. You might top the scale for one of the other packs.”

Northeast. So this female nursed a vendetta against that pack while seeming to favor this Mordechai pack. So if each pack had roughly the same amount of members, and Vitauni grew angry with Rann and Winter, their best best would be Kiskana. Mordechai probably shared a friendly alliance with Tyjiik if it was as strong and smart, so they might kill the two males if they learned of this encounter. She already hated Kiskana, so they wouldn't be losing anything there.

”There was another pack… Likuta, but it dissolved and their members are either dead or have joined another pack.

Rann dismissed that information since the pack no longer existed, but Vitauni's cruel smirk disturbed him. The female harbored hatred and aggression, and obviously found it delightful that the Likuta members could be dead. She appeared dangerous, and Rann didn't trust her. Of course, the only living wolf he trusted at all was Winter.

He felt Winter brush past his haunches and lurk behind him, then listened to the insult. Well... it seemed a stab at Vitauni to provoke her, which Rann didn't really want. A brawl with the alpha of a nearby pack didn't seem very wise or cautious, but he simply glanced back at Winter with an arched brow. Not disapproval but questioning. Then, he turned back to the female and addressed her mention of packs.


"I'm not sure that we seek to join a pack before becoming acquainted with each one... but the company of others might be favorable with the coming of the cold and snow. So do you and Mordechai have an alliance, or is Tyjiik at war with this Kiskana pack?"
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[[ Short I know! Ick.. He's remorseful and sad. *sniff* He misses Griff!]]
 
 
 

 
 
Being two years old himself meant that Winter would say the occasional stupid thing. (The fact that he was a male also helped such things along.) Still though, Vitauni was the one appearing to be quite a fool. Hypocritical as well.
 
 
Winter scoffed at her poor attempt of dodging his projected bullet. He wasn't supposed to assume that he knew her? He was not supposed to judge her or breathe his thoughts on her behavior because he didn't know her? Well wasn't that calling the kettle black?
 
 
Flattening his ears at her words, Winter resisted the urge to snarl and bark at her words. Female thinking. That's what it was. Plain old - female thinking. Vitauni didn't understand the losses that he and Rann had suffered. She knew nothing of misery. Every wolf comes to learn the bitter feel of death - but very few would ever come to know the pain felt when an entire pack dies around them.
 
 
That was what happened to Winter. His pack had actually been rivals and enemies of Rann's. His friend's packmates had wounded his Father and left him for dead. Days later his Mother died - then one by one his siblings fell ill as well.
 
 
Griffin had nearly survived. He'd made it past their borders, only to die.
 
 
Thinking of his brother, Winter felt a twang of pain patter against his heart. He hated that feeling. He hated thinking about it. Death was death - nothing more. His family was gone. Winter wasn't looking for a replacement, he didn't want to be around friendly faes or caring comrads. Rann seemed to have an indifferent attitude to this and that which made him a bit of a walking safe haven. Winter valued the way his leader handled and viewed things.
 
 
The other male wasn't overly friendly - and he certainly was not cold and vindictive because he could be.
 
 
Hearing the silver wolf speak of the how and why for their departure from Arcana, Winter's ears flattened entirely. Lowering his head, his gaze fell to the ground. For a split second he opted to forget his anger as he was over come with grief of their situation.
 
 
Winter wanted to rest. He craved for normalcy. A pack would be nice -- but Rann was his leader.
 
 
Lowering himself to sit upon his haunches, the male didn't respond to the quick quips Vitauni offered. He wouldn't make a fool of himself anymore then he already had. Let the Alphas speak - Winter after all, was nothing more then an over anxious 'Beta'.
 
 
Better yet, in such lands - he was nothing more then a white wolf.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<hr>
.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Ooc: lol again i was not sure what to post but I think it turned out ok
Vitauni watched as the 'alpha', Rann sat down, and thought him rather trusting. Well not trusting, not really... it’s hard to say what Vitauni felt he was. It was as if he respected her set space, that he felt as if she might not attack him, which was true. She did not want to hurt him, not really, she just wanted her space and Winter had broken it, thus when her space was given back she had relaxed.

His members vanished in thin air? They left him, instead of him leaving them? Well that was even worse! Poor thing, could not even hold a pack together. They might think Vitauni a horrible alpha, a vindictive wolf that hurt her members and made many enemies, but at least her packmates stayed and kept loyal. She offered safety for wolves, and strength and structure. Wolves like those factors, even if had to come with a aggressive alpha. Hell, even a wolf who she had hated and picked upon as a pup had returned because of those factors, that and Nina had no were else to go.

What would Vitauni do if all left her? If she lost her pack, they 'vanished into thin air'? She would probably be too shamed to show her face anywhere or to try and join a new pack, she could never be ruled, her mind would never allow it. And she had too much pride to kill herself, suicide was a sad and shameful act that did not help you any in life and only left one last black mark on your stupid list. No... Vitauni had no idea what she would do... Maybe be a nomad, a loner, like the famous Fell. Of course she would never converse with humans, disgusting creatures.

At Rann's next words she almost understood, and she felt that she knew what he meant, in a way. If she had lost her pack she too would not join a pack, as explained above. To the second part of his statement, the question part, she said, "No, no alliance. Not yet." She left it at that. Sure, she could have lied about it, scared them, but she felt as if it would help nothing. If they attacked her they would have her pack to worry about, that’s enough. "No... No war with Kiskana. Not yet anyways." Give them a season to blame Tyjiik for something we did not do, she thought, holding back a roll of the eyes. Kiskana had done this thing several times, such as saying that Jale killed Vitauni, and then killed Haskyl. Both of which was, of course, false.

"Enough of the past and future. About the now." Vitauni sat down, showing in a quiet way that she felt a little more relaxed around these two. If they wanted to attack they would have already, and she felt she could dodge any surprises. "I... respect that you want stay out of a pack for now, but you should be careful in these lands. I am not telling you what you should do," her yellow eyes locked onto Rann's, "But the past is bloody in this place, and you might meet wolves who wont even investigate before fighting. All I am saying is to try and steer clear of common walking paths, and maybe try not to look so," she now locked eyes with Winter, " playful, you might get mistaken for Kiskana."

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OOC:

Your post is fine. =P


IC:

Rann was relieved when neither Winter nor Vitauni became even more aggressive. Instead, both eventually sat down and Rann exhaled smoothly, tail curling about his flanks and tapping casually against his toes. Ears perked toward Vitauni, listening to her words.

"No, no alliance. Not yet. No... No war with Kiskana. Not yet anyways."

No alliance - yet. No war - yet. That meant there was a good chance that Tyjiik would join forces with this Mordechai pack and attack Kiskana. Now he changed his mind about Kiskana. They would probably accept him and Winter if they chose to seek out a pack, but two packs planned on attacking them. Sooner or later, war would break out. Better to be with one of the two attacking packs than bear the violence with Kiskana.

Or remain loners and possibly steer clear of the entire tri-pack ordeal.

"Enough of the past and future. About the now. I... respect that you want stay out of a pack for now, but you should be careful in these lands. I am not telling you what you should do, but the past is bloody in this place, and you might meet wolves who wont even investigate before fighting. All I am saying is to try and steer clear of common walking paths, and maybe try not to look so playful, you might get mistaken for Kiskana."

Rann nodded his silver head attentively. Bloody history, eh? She obviously didn't know his history or that of Winter's. Hell, their families slaughtered one another and the disease finished off the rest. He knew about bloody. But hostile wolves lurking outside of their pack's territory didn't quite scare him. They would have no claim on the neutral land and Winter would probably be with him. That made two loners prepared to battle in defense of their lives.

"This sounds like a hostile place. I assure you that we know bloody... we come from a land where our families tore each other apart until Winter and I were the only survivors. That kind of experience hardened us to fear and danger, you could say. If some strange wolf attacks us in unclaimed territory, we will fight back. I for one am not afraid to fight, although I doubt this Kiskana pack you speak of sounds very aggressive."

Information about the packs and their histories rolled thick now, and Rann absorbed every piece of it. He needed to know how to live here without infringing on territories, making the wrong allies, and prompting an attack.
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Remaining rather respectful, Winter sat there in silence. His mind wondered some as his keen gaze slowly swept over their immediate surroundings. Closing his eyes a moment, the young wolf breathed in the local scents that danced on the wind. He tried to imagine a large pack taking down an elk. The thought amused and excited him.
 
 
He hadn't taken part in a hunt since before they left Arcana. Hell, that was actually before their delightful little run in with Durza. (Bastard.) The ivory wolf despised that male. One day he hoped to find him dead. That would bring him pleasure. Exile would be best for such a corrupt creature, however Winter sincerely doubted the old male would ever find himself in such a situation. He was a master manipulator.
 
 
Arching his ears forward some, Winter paid close attention to what Rann said. It caused him to feel a tight tension in his chest. This feeling was quite different from the heart ache he suffered when thinking of his lost siblings. Losing them had pained the wolf greatly. He still suffered with their loss. In fact because of experiencing so much death at once - Winter quite preferred to steer clear of others.
 
 
He hadn't wanted to get close to Shade and Emilia because he knew that they wouldn't last. (They hadn't either.) Winter wondered if Arcana was a secret abyss that swallowed up wolves. One moment they were there - the next they were gone. No scent trail was left. No tracks.
 
 
Honestly, the white wolf didn't want to think about how strange and mystifying the disappearance of his packmates were. It unnerved him. Hell, it even scared him. Rann had called out to them - Winter had too, and yet no one responded. Not a single howl had echoed back their way.
 
 
Feeling a flush of sudden guilt, Winter's hazel eyes moved to study the back of Rann's head. Swallowing down an uncomfortable breath, the male wondered if they had done something. What if the others had been infected?
 
 
...
 
 
What if both he and Rann were now carriers of the disease? Sure, they had survived it - but what of the others? What if they were now destined to be alone and together forever?
 
 
Winter suddenly wore a thoughtful expression. He wasn't too sure how he felt about being paired with Rann for the rest of his days. The other male was slowly but surely becoming the brother he was desperate to have. But a life long companion seemed very strange to consider. Winter wanted to eventually enjoy the body of another. Mounting Rann or being mounted in return just didn't feel right to even think about.
 
 
Mental picture! Mental picture! Mental picture!
 
 
Suddenly experiencing a strong shiver, the male looked and felt disgusted. Lifting one forearm, Winter allowed his paw to dangle a moment before once more resting it upon the ground.
 
 
"All I am saying is to try and steer clear of common walking paths, and maybe try not to look so playful, you might get mistaken for Kiskana."
 
 
Burn.
 
 
Winter snorted then. He understood and some what appreciated what she now had to say. However the mention of their moment of play was something to be desired.
 
 
When had Winter ever played?
 
 
Deny - deny - deny.
 
 
Sighing in an uncertain way, the white wolf slowly lifted his pristine form to pad over a bit closer to Rann. Sitting against the other's shoulder, Winter wagged his tail out of habit of being close to his leader.
 
 
Three packs were local -- two of which opposed the formation of one.
 
 
Odd.
 
 
Kiskana was it? Winter was curious now. That was rather admirable of a pack to remain when so many wolves disliked the very notion of it. Arching one brow, Winter threw a curious look towards Rann before nodding in Vitauni's direction.
 
 
"Why do so many oppose Kiskana? What's wrong with them that they have acquired so many bitter enemies?"
 
 
 
 
 
<hr>
.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Ooc: Did at school so I hope that I did not miss anything or mess anything up or make any mistakes or ruin your day because of my weird post. Dx lolness
Vitauni felt as the atmosphere calmed down, slowly but surely. All three wolves now saw on their behind, their tails no longer held high in aggression, and their words could almost be considered tranquil and relaxed if not for the seriousness of the subjects that they ventured upon. Vitauni started to relax like the two males, and felt the guard hairs, long, think and midnight black, slowly lay down on the ridge of her spine and her ears strained forward no more in aggression, but they sat still on her large head, attentive and listening. Of course, Vitauni could never not look aggressive looking, as she looked big and black and just held that bubble around her of alphaness, and she had never submitted to anyone in her life (submission and showing respect were different, of course, she had shown respect for the two wolves that she truly respects; Jale and Drea.)

Vitauni waited until Rann was done speaking to put in her word, ”It’s good you are already experienced in war and blood, perhaps it will assist you in living in this valley.” And this was true, for war was deep in the crevasses of this valley, running thick and crimson through its rivers and standing high along side the tallest of redwoods. To live here you had to be able to cope with war, all of those who could not either died or left. ”Kiskana is not aggressive in a physical way, they will only attack once they outnumber us two to one, but they like to play the blame game and charge everyone else for their problems, big and small.” she thought for a moment and before Winter could say something in retort to her last sentence she put in, ”Now right now, if Mordechai joins us, we will be two to one. Call us a hypocrite if you want, however even if I did not get Mordechai support we would still attack if provoked.” Now what could and would cause ‘provoking’ could be anything from a murder to a blade of grass set in the wrong way. You could never tell with Vitauni.

Winter then spoke up, and she was surprised to see that, for once, it was not there to attack and aggravate Vitauni, well it might have been but she took no offence from it and so held it that he was trying to uphold his end of this new found calmness. ”Kiskana has enemies because it makes enemies,” Wow that was so understandable! Vitauni did not think about if they would understand this or not, she just stated the fact. Kiskana could probably live peaceably if it did not do certain things, like playing the blaming game and stealing/corrupting pack members. Yes, even Vitauni had heard of this Simon ((Who, if she saw his face, she was hate from the start as he pulled her damned sister out of that freezing water were she was supposed to die.)) and how this Simon was somehow connected to Macabre, and that Kiskana had taken him from her. They had, thought Vitaunt, corrupted him. And they had stolen two of her family members, Gossamer and Kahl. Not that Kahl was much of a loss but the stupid pup made Riley and Drea and Gossamer happy, and if putting up with his shenanigans meant keeping them happy then he was all for it.

To finish off Vitauni placed her tail carefully around her feet and her fur shifted as a wind bitterly blew through her still drying pelt, ”We don’t have the time to list off what Kiskana has done, and Tyjiik is not the only pack it has angered. You would have to live here for some time before you felt it inside of you, the anger and hatred.” Ok, Vitauni, better shut up you are starting to sound just a weee bit crazy!

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OOC:

*cackles at Winter's mental pictures*


IC:

A flicker of white caught Rann's eye, and the male glanced over to see Winter sit beside him once again. The ivory fur ruffled against his shoulder and Rann smiled, thumping his tail against the ground. At least he had a companion. Glancing back to the ebon female, Rann felt a glow of contentment that not only had the two males found company but avoided getting into a skirmish. Hell, she gave them information about where they were, who lived here, what the packs were like... they needed all the information they could get.

”Kiskana is not aggressive in a physical way, they will only attack once they outnumber us two to one, but they like to play the blame game and charge everyone else for their problems, big and small. Now right now, if Mordechai joins us, we will be two to one. Call us a hypocrite if you want, however even if I did not get Mordechai support we would still attack if provoked.”

Rann's brow furrowed with displeasure. Kiskana liked to blame others and as it sounded, the pack made enemies out of two packs even before Rann and Winter arrived. That didn't sound like the best pack, but then again Rann didn't like putting all his eggs in one basket. Perhaps Vitauni lied to poison them against Kiskana and convince them of Tyjiik's innocence. Well, he'd find out the opinions of each leader... hopefully.

"Why do so many oppose Kiskana? What's wrong with them that they have acquired so many bitter enemies?"

The white wolf seemed to share Rann's healthy curiosity. Ears perked toward Vitauni, he listened to her answer. She didn't give concrete detail of exactly how Kiskana made enemies or why it bred "anger and hate" ... but the female did speak with passion. Obviously she hated Kiskana. Nodding some, Rann tilted his head with interest.

"You said they acted on their assumptions, yes? I guess that's why they make enemies, because they're willing to attack others based on things that go wrong. It sounds like they wouldn't be past attacking Winter and I if we happened to be nearby during an accident."

The silvery male sighed before flicking an ear toward the somber Winter. Then, glancing briefly toward the sky, he flopped his white tail against the male's own ruffled tail before curling it against his own flank. He smirked and looked to Vitauni to hear her thoughts on the subject of Kiskana and their policy regarding loners.
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Listening intently, Winter kept his ears arched forward as he peered over at Vitauni. Perking one brow a bit, the male nearly scoffed when she explained the reason behind Kiskana's dislike. The justification for it all, just wasn't given. It sounded as if there was a reason much deeper then that which she chose to share.
 
 
Turning slightly to look over Rann, the ivory male exhaled slowly as he spoke up on his opinions of the how and why Kiskana made themselves enemies. Even if the pack had angered and offended other packs and territories, Winter had to wonder how it came to be that assumptions alone caused such bad blood.
 
 
Winter wasn't stupid, so he wasn't going to take the explanation handed him. Winter was the type of wolf that preferred to make up his own mind about others. Vitauni for example - was one he had yet to settle upon in thought. Assumptions were dangerous to one and others, so Winter wan't to refrain from making any. He could be smart, bold and even sarcastic. Sometimes the young male even judged. But when it came down to it - assumptions were just uneducated guesses.
 
 
Not knowing any Kiskana wolves, Winter couldn't make any sort of logic based decision. Steering clear of them 'might' seem to be the wisest choice given. But what reason was there for the white wolf to trust Vitauni? The ashen female could have very easily come forth to spread malicious rumors to better poison their minds against other packs.
 
 
She was a young Alpha after all, wasn't she? Surely she wanted to keep her pack in ship-shape. Both Rann and Winter were two young wolves that walked with an air of power. Rann was an Alpha. He knew what he was doing. Even if Rann currently ruled no pack, Winter had sworn an allegiance and loyalty to him that caused the young wolf to stay so close.
 
 
Closing his eyes a moment to enjoy that of a faint breeze that swept over his form, Winter tasted the air. The valley that they were in, seemed to hold quite a bloody history. Just knowing such a fact caused the male to look around some. Posioned soil ...
 
 
Winter had hoped to avoid such locations. But he was - where he was. Curling his own tail about his form, Winter once more looked towards Rann. He silently wondered what his friend would suggest they do. Laying low and passing on through seemed to be a sound option. However, the season of winter was fast approaching. The two would be alright for a while - but realistically they needed help.
 
 
"Kiskana would welcome us openly then wouldn't you say?" Speaking boldy, there was no attitude or rudeness to be had. The male was simply being direct in his question. Flashing his hazel gaze towards the seated female, Winter patiently awaited her response and reaction.
 
 
Would she scowl at such a thought?
 
 
Winter had to wonder...
 
 
 
 
 
<hr>
.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Ooc: Tis short but I likes it lol
Vitauni listened to the former alpha as he spoke of Kiskana, and her mind flashed to the war between Tyjiik and Kiskana, how they had outnumbered Tyjiik by many and still they had injured and killed a lot more then Kiskana did. The only reason that Tyjiik had lost was, in Vitauni's mind, because the pregnant Drea had been knocked down, and the worry for Jale’s loved one made him stop and decided to end it, with a snarling threat at the end, of course. And Vitauni would finish that threat; she would fulfill her father’s promise. ”They would attack you if they outnumbered you three to one,” Vitauni said, stating what was, in her mind, a fact so when she said it no lie could be detected because she was not lying, at least she did not think she was.

Winter had been quiet for some time now, listening and watching as the former alpha, Rann, and a current alpha, Vitauni spoke to each other. Why am I talking to these strangers, thought Vitauni, as she sat there, the thought going by at light speed, why am I telling them these things? The black fae knew the answer to her own question, although she forced it to stay out of her mind. She spoke because she wanted to vent, she wanted them to hate Kiskana like she did, like her family did. That did not mean that Vitauni wanted the two to join her pack, no she had enough members to be happy, but keeping them out of Aspen meant two less wolves to fret about; two less wolves to fight; two less wolves to kill.

Winter now spoke again, and Vitauni’s black leather lips twitched in a small smile that could easily be classified as a smirk. ”They would accept you with open paws,” her eyes rested on Rann while she said this, and then flickered towards Winter, ”Especially you, you look so like their alpha.” Yellow eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the white male, a flush of anger rose and, just as quickly, fell as she pictured her dear aunty beside the male, And they like young wolves, anything to keep the pups busy.” Yes, she was poking yet again at the fact that she had seen Winter playing. Although the white male had covered up his thoughts about the subject rather well, Vitauni had not really seen any anger about it, she still did this because of the simple fact that if she was caught doing such things she would be furious. Not that Vitauni had ever played in her life. The closest she ever got to that was when she jumped Nina and pinned to her the ground, pressing down on the other female’s chest so hard that she could hardly move.

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Silver fur swirled at the breeze that spilled down the lip of the field and onto the trio of wolves. His winter coat was slowly replacing the patchwork of shorter fur and until then, the breeze held the slight sting of chill. Yes, winter would soon overtake this tentative autumn bridge. Then, their travels would grow encumbered with drifts of snow. Prey would take to hibernating and weaker animals died beneath winter's weight, leaving less prey. A wolf could better survive the coming snow season if he were with a pack. Solitary wolves had trouble with winter.

"Kiskana would welcome us openly then, wouldn't you say?"

Bright eyes turned toward Winter, perking his ears at the rhetorical statement. He didn't quite know what to think of this Kiskana pack. Vitauni made it seem untrustworthy, but her justifications conflicted with each other. The packmembers weren't aggressive and preferred playing and goofing off, yet they blamed and ambushed Tyjiik? Those statements seemed contradictory. Kiskana wolves couldn't exactly be pacifist warriors or peaceful murderers. Oxymoron.

The male turned his eyes back to the black female before them and watched her smirk. Well, was she devious or just cautious? Sarcastic or sincere? He couldn't tell and that bothered him. He didn't have much ground on which to base his judgement, at least not at this point. Whatever information he got from her about Kiskana or about Vitauni's own personality became jumbled in the other conflicting statements.

”They would accept you with open paws, especially you, you look so like their alpha. And they like young wolves, anything to keep the pups busy.”

Winter looked like their alpha? White? Well, maybe that would benefit Rann and Winter should they encounter Kiskana wolves. After all, if they looked like the leader of the pack then that was a positive associatation among the packmembers. Well, if their white alpha wasn't a dick. But these backstabbing wolves would open them with open arms? What did that mean? They took advantage of newcomers and tried to indoctrinate them? But didn't she just say that they'd attack Rann and Winter if they outnumbered the pair?

"I thought you just said they would attack us. You said they blame others and attack them for it, but yet they are pacifists and like to play. That doesn't make sense. Which is it?"

Steel gray brows furrowed after he asked, a crease forming a shadow between them. Circular logic didn't count, and neither did contradictions. Facts, please.
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OOC: I'm having Winter leave cause I know Tauni is eager to move on with the plot. Hope you don't mind Lorr! I'm just trying to help everything get under way. :)
 
 
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”Especially you, you look so like their alpha.”
 
 
So they would accept them. Open paws it was. Winter perked his ears while looking Vitauni over. This chick had a serious attitude problem. Hearing her smug remark, Winter relaxed while sporting a slight grin. "Well at least we know he's handsome." Inclining his chin then, the ivory wolf whisked his tail around to rest along side his left foot.
 
 
Allowing his smirk to remain visible, the male flashed his hazel gaze towards Rann. He quite agreed with the other wolf's direct question. Vitauni was being rather confusing. Her offering of insight didn't provide Winter with much of an opinion on the Kiskana pack. Vitauni however, was quickly painting an unflattering picture of herself. She seemed to be rather untrust worthy. She was contradicting her own statements.
 
 
Snorting then, Winter suddenly sighed as if bored. "I don't much have a mind to know any more about the Kiskana Pack." He explained more to Rann then Vituani. Standing tall, the wolf gave himself a good shake before stretching slowly. Enjoying the feel of his worked joints, Winter once more shook. That felt good. For some reason the intended movement also helped him to relax even further.
 
 
Moving to circle around Rann, Winter didn't approach Vitauni but he did keep his gaze on her. "I figure we'll learn best when we find out for ourselves, eh?" Arching one furry brow, Winter regarded the ashen female. "Wouldn't you say?" Slinking back some, Winter slowly began to move off. Rann was free to follow if he so desired, however he'd had enough of the conversation. It just wasn't making much sense. Besides, the fae was trying to get a reaction out of him.
 
 
Giving his hips of a bit of sensual sway, Winter paused some several feet away. Cocking one hind leg out, the ivory male peered back over one large shoulder. "I'll see you around love." Still looking a bit over confident - yet quite comfortable, Winter padded off. Back tracking in the direction they'd just come from, the young male opted to return to a space they'd relaxed for a while.
 
 
Winter much preferred to leave the female be. If they wanted to learn about Kiskana they'd have to do it on their own.
 
 
 
 
 
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.:My name is Winter NOT to be mistaken with <S>Cream Puff</s>:.
 
 



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Ooc: -feels like swaring- I had a post and closed the window after I posted but when I noticed it was too late. -tear- here is my repost. sorry its crap, I lost all the muse i had when I first posted it and it was fun.

Vitauni listened as Winter spoke, holding back a smirk rather successfully as he thought that the other white wolf must be handsome because she compared him to her. Aspen was rather, well pretty, to any wolf who had eyes. Yes, Vitauni was not afraid or ashamed to admit it, she was pretty. To the black female, however, this meant nothing. Strength, power, leadership, skill. These quailties meant something to her, these were her life. Maybe one day when she was interested in a male she might start caring about her looks and fret about her fur (not that she ever let her fur get dirty, no, Jale had taught her early on that a leader should look respectful for others, she just did not care if she was pretty). From what Vitauni had learned and seen from love contradicted this, for shouldn't love not be based on looks but from personality and values? Vitauni could love anyone, even a three legged old hound, if he matched her.

Rann spoke and Vitauni resisted closing her eyes as a flash of anger sped into her mind, her training did not allow her to do so, though. If she closed her eyes, even for a moment, these males could press that advantage and she would not allow them to have that chance. No, she would not give them the upper hand, so she kept her eyes open while taking a big breath in and breathing it slowly out, but kept silent as Winter spoke again, more to Rann then to Vitauni and she raised her muzzle as he did so, trying her hardest not to take offense.

Once he felt, Vitauni turned to Rann before he followed suit. "I do not expect you to understand, just like your probably dont expect me to understand your past, and I have other things to attend to. Do whatever you want, join Kiskana, hell I dont care. Just done deny it when I say that I forewarned you." She turned to leave but before she could take a step she turned back, and a smile, a true amused smile that the male had yet to see, appeared on her black leather lips, "And Aspen, the Kiskana alpha, is a female. You will easily reconise her, I hear she lost her tail."

Turning again she trotted off, her tail flicking in a formal goodbye, and Rann probably heard her mutter, "I sure hope someone ripped it off, probably annoyed by its belligerent wagging."

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