Name: Palla
Age: 8
Gender: Female
Connections: Fathom, Triton
Unknown connections: Nero Scythe, Avatar, Helcaraxë
Appearance: Palla is a little bit larger than most wolves. She is elevated by her slender and lean pistons. Her crania is nicely circular, housing a rather broad and blunt muzzle. However, this doesn’t hinder her in her biting, though it does perhaps help the fact that she is more partial to other means of attack rather than her fangs. At the tip of her muzzle are her coal black nares, smaller than most anticipate. She has nicely shaped auds; large and curvy triangles. Her orbs sit a bit low down on her visage, and are spaced so that they aren’t terribly close together. Her paws are surprisingly large, and help her in packing powerful blows. Her shoulders are large, a lot of fur and muscles bunched over them. Her back slopes down slightly, and her tassle is long and very bushy. Her fur is thick.
Palla is a lovely meddled mixture of crèmes, tans, browns, and a bit of black hues. She has long black talons that are at the ends of her crème pillars and paws, on all four. The top of her muzzle is mottled crème and tan, while the underside is creamy white. Browns and white mingle on her crania and a black saddle patch rides her back. A crème color rides her underside and the edges of either of her sides. Her tassle is black and gray. Bright and beautiful yellow-golden orbs are surrounded by thick black. Her black lips are fleshy, and noticeable.
A crisp voice rings out from her maw. Overall, brutes that see her usually think her to be gorgeous or plainly ugly. Rarely does one look at her and consider her average.
Personality: Palla is a conniving fae of great intelligence. She is always thinking, but rarely voices her plans to anyone. If she does, it will only be her brother. She is extremely loyal to Triton, and has been since the day they were born. She too is dark, but not as much so as Triton. She has always held power over others, but never over Triton. She has never wanted to be higher than Betan, and was always pleased with the rank. She doesn’t speak rashly, but thinks about her words before saying them, though she doesn’t take a long time to do so. If there is an enemy of hers, she doesn’t let them slide by. She will battle them mercilessly. Any enemy of Triton is an enemy of hers too. She is a good fighter, and surprises many with this. In most battles you could see her slashing with her talons and using these and her paws more than she does her fangs, but they aren’t ignored.
She has great stamina and has for many years. Her age doesn’t affect her, and she doesn’t consider herself to be elderly or old. She knows that if there is no freak accident or she isn’t killed in the time, she could still live for a good ten or so more years. She is skilled in maneuvering in the shadows without being noticed until she wants to be noticed and will use this skill to her advantage. Prepare for a tempest of fury and rage if you insult her or Triton exceedingly, she doesn’t hold back. Though her temper is better handled than Triton’s and she chooses easily emotions shown on her face.
History: Palla was third born and most conniving in an Alpha litter of six pups. First born was her strong and most trusted sibling, Triton. Second born was her jealous brother Alvar. Then was Starla, the envious sister. The fifth was another male, secretive Mauk. The last puppy was the runt and died soon after birth, no thanks to any of the other five siblings, and needed no name. Favorites within the littermates were soon chosen. Palla and Triton often palled around together, Starla and Alvar were buds and Mauk was usually off by himself watching them, pouncing in whenever he pleased. They grew, as pups do, and along with their sizes grew their personalities, alliances, and rivalries.
Palla always followed Triton around loyally, and Triton and Alvar sparred many times, but it had a tendency to turn into a full-fledged fight. Palla would root for Triton and Starla for Alvar and sometimes, her and her sister would begin to have it out. Mauk would either have nothing to do with it or break them up. Their parents didn’t worry about Starla and Palla fighting for leadership, the males had first go at it anyways. However, this didn’t stop Palla and Starla from becoming rivals. Palla and Triton both knew that when they were yearlings, a fight would probably break out between him and Alvar for the right to be Alphan Heir.
And then the time came.
It was the day of the pups’ birth; they were now officially yearlings. It was also time to decide who would become Alphan Heir and take over. The siblings were given the option of deciding first. Palla sat eagerly beside Triton, and grinned as he began prepare himself. But as he did, Alvar stepped forward and said why he should be Alpha. “I can do so much for the pack! I mean, not that my caring parents aren’t doing a wonderful job, but even though it is already great, I could make it better! Think of how wonderful it would be then. Just think. All of our enemies would be conquered and tremble in fear at the mention of our names, and-“ Triton stopped him by stepping forward with a snarl. Palla had her hackles raised as she growled lowly towards Alvar and Starla, though listening intently to Triton. “Nonsense and lies. All of it. This brute couldn’t do this for himself, much less an entire pack of wolves. What he doesn’t realize is that the Alpha looks after and protects the pack, not let them do all of the work. If Alvar becomes Alpha, then everyone will become his slave. Why do this to ourselves? It is suicide of the pack.”
Alvar snarled and went to lunge at Triton, and Palla tensed to leap in the fray, but Mauk stepped forward, between them. “I will be the Alpha. I will not promise things that I am not sure will happen, and I have no rivalries within the pack to affect any judgments that may have to be made.” He said. The first two weren’t happy and glared at the each other over Mauk’s back. Palla wasn’t upset to have Mauk rule, and relaxed. So long as it wasn’t Alvar. So, Mauk was chosen as the Alphan Heir, and six months later, he became Alpha because their father stepped down after their mother died of illness.
Mauk appointed Starla and Palla as coinciding Invaders, for they were both skilled in fighting and bringing down the enemy at paw. Alvar and Triton were placed as Guardian for their deep protection of the pack and capabilities. It went as smooth as it could between the siblings when one day after intense warfare, Alvar ran to Triton. Palla wasn’t here at this point, she was still fighting in the war. Mauk turned to her on the battle field after he sent a wolf yipping with its tail between its legs. “Go get Triton, Starla and Alvar, they aren’t here!” He ordered and Palla wiped out her enemy with a swift jerk and flew through the lands in search of the siblings. She never would have expected what she came to find.
Palla stayed within the shadows, wanting to growl but holding it in. She was silently devising a plan, and trying to catch Triton’s eye. Before her, Triton laid on the ground and bleeding desperately, Alvar standing over him. Starla stood a little ways back, profuse blood and a gaping wound on her neck. Alvar was bleeding like the other two, with a nasty injury on his face. Both her hated siblings had their backs to her. She wouldn’t let Alvar kill Triton. She sat in silence, knowing that Alvar would probably want his moment of glory before he tried to kill him. “Any last words my pathetic brother Triton? Oh and by the way, I can and am.” He said with a deriding and triumphant tone in his voice.
It pained her as she saw Triton breath deeply, and close his eyes. When he opened his orbs, it looked like he struggled to lift his head. But she was proud. He didn’t look like he was defeated. He looked to Alvar and then his gaze moved to Starla. Palla took the chance to alert him and moved within the shadows, crouching and curling her lip, letting her maw and maw alone be visible, and the withdrawing it back to the shadows. Hopefully he had seen her, and if he had, he would most likely then be able to quickly trace her outline. She wasn’t sure if he had until he spoke, for his expression had remained the same. She grinned through her snarl as he spoke. “Don’t make the mistake of saying you’ve won until you have.” Triton coughed after that, and Palla nearly winced for his pain. She couldn’t see Alvar’s face, but his voice dripped with disgust. “What is that supposed to mean?” He asked.
“Oh I’ll give him that answer.” She said with a low snarl. She flung herself out of the shadows, no noise to alert her target of her secret attack. She landed on Palla’s rump with talons and fangs digging into her flesh. Starla yipped and Palla was aware of the brothers’ gazes as they fought. A few growls and snarls came from both opponent in the fight, but it was an easy win. Starla had always been weak, but with that gash in her throat, it was an easier shot to her jugular. Palla grabbed the opportunity, and Starla’s life in her strong jaws and without hesitation shut her fangs on only one of those, Starla’s life. She stood there, her sister’s throat still firmly grasped in her jaws. Victory and battle danced in her orbs as she parted her maw and felt the body slide out of her fangs and off of her tongue, letting the corpse fall to the ground. “Now let’s finish this Alvar, once and for all.” She said darkly, lowering her head and growling at her brother.
She reveled in his look, the utter shock and horrified look on his face. She moved slowly towards him, and it was even better that he backed away in fear from her. However, he suddenly sprang forwards, no warning of his intentions or preparations to fight her. Her orbs widened, but she ducked at the right moment and Alvar went sailing over her. She turned around on nimble paws and noted Triton leap to his paws. She looked at him, questioning with her orbs if he wanted or needed her help in this. He shook his head no and so she backed away, watching as he pitched himself forward, snarling and grasped Alvar’s back, tossing his head to and fro. They fought, when suddenly; a form ripped out of the foliage and collided purposefully with Triton, sending him collapsing to the side. Her hackles raised and a low growl came from her throat, not sure who it was. Fellow pack mate or intruder from the war.
However, as she discovered that it was Mauk, and his stern features silenced her growls and calmed her hackles. Palla sat respectively towards her brother and Alpha. “Stop it you two. We don’t need the pack turning on itself at a time of war, much less my own two brothers.” He growled lowly at them. He cast a sad look to the corpse of Starla and then glared to Palla accusingly. She didn’t move. He turned away, flicking his tassle and returning to the battlegrounds, and Triton and Alvar glared at each other and Alvar moved stiffly towards Triton to continue the fight, like the fool he was. The Alpha whirled around and smacked Alvar across the face with a hefty paw, scratching his face and sending the brute flying to the side and landing what sounded painfully on the ground. The darker pelted brother snarled as he faced Triton and herself.
“Leave my lands.” He turned to Alvar. “All of you. Now.” He said coldly. Palla accepted this and bowed her head to her brother, murmuring a goodbye. Triton startled her by bristling and speaking fiercely. “Fine, but next time, Mauk won’t be here to save you Alvar.” He brother flicked his tassle for her to follow, in which she did loyally. Neither of them looked back, leaving a dead Starla, furious Mauk, and muddy, bloody and torn Alvar. Six months later, they were two years old, Palla was Betan of a powerful pack led by Triton and a fae perfect for him that he had found by the name of Torrent. No sign of Mauk’s pack or Alvar had been seen. Triton and Torrent had a litter of pups. Torrent was fair, not black, nor white, but a mingle of colors.
Their pups took after them except for one. Palla liked her niece and nephews, except for that one. There was the second born and only female, Nautical. Then there was the last born male and runt, League. The first born was a hefty brute pup they named Fathom. This was the one pup. He was not to their liking, with his entirely black pelt as dark as the midnight sky and then the end of his tassle had to be tipped with white. If any frustration needed to be vented out by Torrent or Triton or herself, they would call upon Fathom, rather than the Omega to vent. Her brother thought that his first born son was disgusting, and they all figured that soon enough Fathom would understand and let them do as they pleased.
When her niece and nephews were six months old, Palla had taken a mate and she became pregnant. All were ecstatic, and Palla was at the top of the list. As she lay in her den to prepare for birth, her mate stated that he wouldn’t stay at the den, he knew she wouldn’t want anyone to. He left and went to patrol the borders. Palla’s birth had complications, yet she allowed none to comfort or help her. All that approached were snarled and snapped at. An hour later, Palla left her den and sat outside remorsefully to wait for her mate, wondering where he was at. Torrent approached her with a questioning look. “Palla, why aren’t you tending to your pups?” Palla looked up at the Alphess with reddened orbs. “For all of them have perished. None survived even an hour in the world.” She sniffed.
Torrent looked shocked and then depressed as well. “Well now it makes my job of being the bearer of bad news worse, but this cannot be withheld from you.” Palla slowly looked up to her, fearing the worst. “Palla…he’s gone.” Palla let out a moan of despair. “There was a confrontation at the borders, and he was slain. I am so sorry.” She whined and went to comfort her. Palla turned away swiftly. “Don’t pity me, just let me be. I don’t want any members coming either. My pups and my mate who was also my fellow Beta have died in the same day within the same hour. Let me be alone.” She growled. Torrent left, and soon Triton came to Palla but with a venomous glance from her, he left.
About a week later, a Guardian and Chief Huntress had a litter of pups. None of them had suspected or known of their feelings…or that she was soon to have pups. One of the members was overheard talking about it and Torrent and Palla both looked to Triton. He was furious and leapt to his paws. They watched him dash away, wondering what would happen. Moments later, a summoning howl was heard. The entire pack made their way over there. When they got there, her brother called her and Torrent over. He whispered things to them quietly and then growled to the mates. “Both of you come out of there, now. Or I shall come in there.” He growled. The Guardian came out submissively at Triton’s paws, his fear evident. “Torrent.” He said with the flick of his tassle. Torrent sprang forward and grabbed the Guardian’s scruff and drug him to the center of the pack like a mere pup.
The Chief Huntress chose to remain inside with her puppies. Palla began to offer, but with a sudden snarl, Triton was inside and a commotion came forth. Snaps, whines, and growls came from the den, and she turned her head to the brute and fear was spread across his face. She looked back to the den just in time to see her hurry out and she leapt up with ready jaws and nabbed the fae. She drug the mother beside Torrent and the fae’s mate. Triton came from the den shortly after, lowering his head in the middle of the gathering before the two parents. Two pups were gently placed onto the ground. He went back to the den and proceeded to do this same procedure again and then once more. Six blind and defenseless pup sat at his paws now. The Chief Huntress trembled in her grasp and the father had so many emotions running through his face, eyes and even his posture.
“See here these pups? They are illegal for I did not give consent to this, and didn’t even know about their relationship!” He said to the pack. “This will not happen again, or history repeat itself.” He said and leaned down to the pups. The fae in her clutches yelped as he did, but she silenced her with a sharp shake and a tightened grip. She watched as her brother picked up one of the now squirming and quietly whimpered ball of flesh in his fangs ever so gently…for now. The mother was already crying as well as some of the pack members. Triton looked at the Chief Huntress and closed his mouth. She screamed as he did so and he let the remains fall to the ground. He picked up another puppy and moved it aside. “This one will live. Palla will rear him as her own.” He said. Palla’s heart soared with love for the tiny puppy and she was anxious to get to her son. He killed all of their children, save the one male and then another female for her to raise. Palla was ecstatic, but had been uneasy during his procedure. Often she had looked to Torrent, and could tell that she too was bothered by it. But both knew that it had to be done.
When the deed was done, Triton walked over and sat down before the two and looked at them each as he spoke. [color=black]“Now, what punishment should I give you?” “What punishment? You just made us watch as you kill our pups while we can do nothing!” The mother screamed. Palla shook her head slightly, the fae hanging in her grasp had it coming now. Her brother’s gaze fell onto the fae and a cold smile crept onto his maw. “Fae…fool. There is so much more to it than that. You shall be first. Palla needs to attend to her pups anyway.” He said with a nod to her. Palla let the fae fall to the ground and she rushed caringly to the pups and picked them up and brought them into her den to nurse them. She didn’t know exactly what happened after that, but later she would be told but at the time being, she could only listen. She knew that Triton attacked the Chief Huntress. She listened as silence engulfed the area. She heard shuffling around, and then more fighting. She assumed it was now the Guardian he was fighting.
The Betan knew when it was over because she heard a solid thawump and the fae sobbing. Palla momentarily thought to when she lost all of her pups and her mate and felt pity for the fae, but only for a few moments. She heard Triton’s voice speaking to his mate. “Torrent, will you escort her to the pack borders? From now on, she is banished from the pack.” He said and heard paws leaving the area. Palla knew she was bound to die, unless she found a pack that would take her in.
And that is how her brother prevented almost all litters from being born unless he knew about it and allowed it.
When the Alpha’s pups were yearlings, she was three, it was time for them to be set at true positions. Nautical was given Alphan Heir, League was Chief Hunter and Fathom was Subordinate because both Triton and Torrent agreed that Omega was no place for the leader’s son, no matter how detestable he was. A few weeks later, League got to organize his first pack hunt. A few lupes stayed at home, including Fathom, to watch to land or as punishment. Palla got to go, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of League or the prey or simply the pack’s incompetence, but the hunt was a complete and utter failure. She stayed out of Triton’s way on their return, not wanting his anger out on her. She knew he was seeking Fathom, and decided to stay with Torrent. They both themselves were ticked, and together they stormed past Triton.
Fathom came respectively up to them both, licking at his mother’s muzzle. Ticked, Torrent snarled and bit into his muzzle, causing him to whimper and cower away. They both turned away. However, a snarl of rage caused their attention to peak and turned around. They saw Triton upon Fathom, Fathom turning bewildered…and he attacked back! Now everyone was around to watch. League and Nautical stood near them, cheering on Triton. Her brother delivered a heavy blow to his son who was bleeding everywhere. This blow made him win. He pinned him down and then threw the large wolf away from him. Fathom staggered to his paws and turned, sending the most venomous look towards his father, mother, and aunt. The look was intensified by the blood and wound that ran down his face.
Palla gaped at the wound, it would scar him for life and be oh-so obvious. It began between his orbs and ran down, curved around his maw and then back around and down to the middle of his chest. Triton snarled and Fathom turned away and limped to collapse into an unconscious sleep for the rest of the night. Palla wondered what could possibly come after that…she was soon to find out with the rest of the pack. Triton turned to look at everyone, straightening his stance as he did so. Torrent came to his side and proudly escorted him to the den and as they disappeared into their dwelling, the pack began to buzz. Palla sat in watch over everyone, making sure that none went to aide Fathom.
A while later, her brother emerged from the den and went to the meeting place, and didn’t even have to call for the pack, most had followed. “We are leaving tonight, and as soon as possible. Yes, it is getting late, but we can make it. Everyone who is here gather those that aren’t and tell them the news. Save Fathom, for he is to be left for his impudence. Let him die.” Not thirty minutes later, the pack was running towards new lands, led by Triton and Torrent. Palla nosed her pups along, and spotted Nautical lagging behind and looking at the unconscious Fathom. Palla slowed and stopped beside her, looking back at the limp and bloody brute. Fren and Lir stopped as well, waiting for their mother. “Pathetic isn’t he?” She scoffed. “Yeah, pathetic.” Nautical murmured. They stood there a moment longer. “Come on then, let’s get a move on.” She said and nosed her son and daughter along. The Betan trotted away, nosing her children anytime they fell behind. The Alphan Heir turned away and followed after the pack, soon passing Palla and the pups to mingle in the run with the rest of the pack.
Their new lands weren’t reached until midday. Everyone was tired, they hadn’t stopped to rest during the night and a few lupes looked ready to drop out on the ground and sleep. Palla looked at her own swaggering and exhausted pups sadly and licked them both comfortingly. “Don’t worry, Uncle Triton should let everyone sleep soon.” Everyone sat there dumbfound, not really sure of what to do. [color=tan]“These lands are unclaimed. This will be our new homelands. However, we must set the borders. I’ll set up patrols to run around the borders when after Palla and I leave a small mark for where the borders will be. The pack will be allowed to rest after this is done and later League will set up another pack hunt since our last one didn’t work. However, more of the pack will be left behind this time, as we want to drive off any wolves that aren’t looking to join the pack since the lands are new.” Torrent said; Palla nominated unwillingly to leave her pups to do Betan duties.
Palla watched rather jealously as Triton went into a place that he seemed to have already chosen as a den and went to sleep as she and his mate went to set small boundaries for the borders for the patrols to follow. However, she knew he needed it. Not only was he Alpha and had led the entire pack all night and half the day, but he had been in a fight not long before that and he needed the rest. All went well. The patrols had no mishaps and the hunt later flowed perfectly. Nothing of too much interest that needs much detail happened in the next year really, so a few things worth mentioning will be said as we fast forward Pallla to the age of four. Hide nor hair of Fathom or Alvar was ever seen on the lands in this year. She remained the Betan with no mate, Torrent and Triton were happy together and domineering over their pack. Her adopted pups were a year and a half, healthy, strong and feared as their relatives. The male’s name is Lir and the female’s name is Fren. Lir and Fren both hold the rank of Guardian. League was upped to the rank of Guardian as well, and Nautical was not only Alphan Heir but Gamman.
It was summer, and a drought overlay the lands. Most of the wolves in the pack were thin; there hadn’t been a good meal in ages. The wolves had simply survived on their own, catching what small things they could and fighting over it. Their river was running low, nearly three times lower than it usually was and simply trickling along rather than gushing through. Some of the pack had already died off, especially weaker and lower ranking wolves and their numbers were smaller. What was worse? Torrent was pregnant with another litter of her and Triton’s pups. Palla brought Fren and Lir on a border patrol with her, and to see if they could find any morsel of food. She let Lir lead ahead, and Fren follow behind her. Nothing was wrong until…
Palla felt a sting of pain shoot through her left back leg as she was thrown to the side. With a yelp of pain, she whirled to face her unseen attacker with a deep snarl. Fren rushed forwards and Lir was bounding back. Palla remained staring in disbelief. “You.” She growled. She tossed her head with a growl to her children, telling them to stay back. “Yes me.” He said and advanced forward for another attack. However, Palla surged forward and sent him reeling backwards with a hefty rake of talons across his visage. He recoiled with a growl. “I see how it is then…but don’t worry Palla. I will be back real soon and this whole pack will know my name within the day.” He turned and fled into the distance, and Palla gave no chase.
She favored her leg a moment, whining slightly as she licked it. Triton must know. “Fren, my daughter. Run as fast as your pillars will carry you to the Alpha. Tell him one thing. ‘Alvar’. He’ll know what it means.” She said hastily. “Yes Mother.” She said and obediently took off, soil and dead grass tossed into the air behind her as her feet ripped up the ground. Not too long after that, Triton dashed up and pulled to a halt beside the still bristled fae. “Where is he?” He snarled and Fren trotted beside her brother. They both exchanged confused looks. “I was patrolling with Lir ahead and Fren behind me…he came from no where and attacked me.” She paused a moment to lick at a heavy wound on her left back leg. “But he only attacked once, and I gave him a hefty rake across the face. He said that he would be back, real soon and the whole pack would know his name within the day.” She said.
Triton snorted and looked to Lir and Fren. They didn’t know. League and Nautical didn’t know. The only members that knew about Alvar and that he was their sibling was Torrent. She knew their whole history with Mauk and Starla and everything. Triton didn’t like the threat that Palla reiterated to him. “How was his health? Did it seem as if he is in a pack around here or farther away or a loner or what?” He asked. Palla thought a moment, and the Lir spoke up for her. “Sir, this Alvar was in good health, looks fit and not like our pack. I smelled a few other wolves on him, unrecognizable, but if he is in a pack, it is a small one.” Lir said informatively.
Triton nodded with a disgruntled snort. If Alvar had enough wolves of good health, they would loose more pack members. Triton frowned as he thought, and Palla read his thoughts through his visage. “Don’t worry, he can take him on M’lord.” She said confidently. Then, League ran up as fast as he could. Triton pricked his auds and Palla didn’t like the looks of this already. “What’s going on, Son?” He asked quickly. “Nautical sent me. We are under attack Father!” He barked. Triton snarled and surged forward, his faithful family members pulsing behind him.
They entered a bloody scene. There were invading wolves fighting the thin pack, and the invaders weren’t emaciated. Some of the pack wolves lay dead, as well as a few attackers. Palla’s orbs darted around the mass chaos and she growled. “Alvar.” She said darkly. She looked to Triton. His orbs were darting around anxiously, and she knew he was searching for certain wolves. She looked as well. There was Nautical, beating someone. Palla watched as realization struck the Alpha as he spun around. “Palla, Lir, Fren, go help fight wherever you can. League, you too but where was your mother when you left?” Palla was gone before she could hear the answer that League gave, but she noted Triton snarling and leaping into the den.
Palla leapt into mass battle, and with a swift and hefty swipe of her paw, she sent a smaller opponent sprawling. A more sizeable opponent popped into her view, and they fought but she soon killed him. She injured and killed a few more and helped pack members that needed it. Suddenly, Alvar was seen leaving her brother’s den whining. Triton wasn’t far behind and the two fought. She stopped fighting and watched them go at it. Soon enough, all other battles stopped and Alvar and Triton were the only two. And Palla was front row. This was more intense was more intense than anything she had ever witnessed, and she was sure the same applied for all others present. They were on the rock above the den right now, in which only a bit before Triton had been thoughtfully chewing on rabbit bones. Those bones were now kicked aside by Triton’s body as Alvar slung him to the ground. Triton shimmied backwards and Alvar got a maw full of stone, his gums and nose now bleeding.
Triton put momentum in his hindlegs and then sprang forward, paws raking on Alvar’s back and neck as his fangs delved into the brute’s neck dangerously. Alvar winced but threw himself backwards, crushing Triton beneath him. The Alpha whined and withdrew. By now it was dark, the moon and stars cast an eerie glow about the battlefield, and illuminating the carcasses and shining on the backs of those watching and then glowing off the two fighter’s lashing bodies and bleeding wounds. Both had a least one broken bone, were bleeding in multiple places and had patches of fur and flesh missing. Alvar was even missing one of his auds. Both opponents stood across from each other, wishing the other was dead and catching the breath. They rushed forward, meeting at the same time in the air, their paws groping till they found the other’s shoulders and their jaws locked. Taunts from Alvar’s crew pounded at Triton’s head and those same wolves cheered for his opponent. His own pack was jeering at Alvar and encouraging Triton. Palla was trying to be quite noisy in her cheers and jeers.
With a surge, Triton thrust himself forward and got out of the grapple. Alvar whimpered as he fell backwards, for solid ground was far below. His front legs scraped at the air to try to get a hold on the rock and his orbs were large and filled with fear. Triton looked down as he fell. Five feet Alvar fell, and when he landed, it practically killed him. Perhaps he would have survived it better had this been early in the fight, but he was worn out now. The brute landed on his back, and the spine snapped and his skull fractured. In excruciating pain, Alvar rolled over with a groan and Triton began to leap down the rocks to get to his brother. Palla stared at Alvar pitilessly.
With a final attack, Triton opened his jaws and clasped them around Alvar’s throat. Alvar’s last noise was but an estranged gurgle and his brother held on still. Minutes passed, and finally Triton let the corpse fall to the ground. A heavy sigh emitted from his maw and he looked wearily upon the pack. He saw the wolves that had followed Alvar and his lips curled back and he growled and they began to step back. Triton advanced forward and his pack began to move with him. They turned tail and ran, ran away and split up. Exhausted from the nearly hour and a half fight, Triton collapsed. Palla pushed her way through the pack, “Get out of the Betan’s way and let me tend to my brother!” She snarled. Lir, Fren, Nautical and League stood around, making sure that no member got too close as Palla crouched beside him.
“Triton?” He opened his eyes and a light smile came to his maw. “I’m fine, but I did it! Finally, I did it.” His tassle beat on the ground, but even that ached too much so he stopped. Palla chuckled. “Yes.” Triton looked at her pups and then his two. Triton suddenly shot up, nearly cracking Palla in the face with his own crania as he remembered Torrent. He whispered her name as he limped into the den. She stayed where she was, but peered into the den to see what she could, but nothing much could be seen. All of a sudden, a powerful howl ripped out from inside of the den, echoing sorrow of a loss…Palla cursed Alvar’s body and kicked at him. He had taken Torrent away from Triton.
Nautical and League were the first to go inside. Lir and Fren came in, but he didn’t look at them. When Palla came in, she lay beside the silently crying Triton and gradually, the whole pack was asleep.
They had suffered in that battle. Both sides had lost wolves, and Triton’s pack lost a total of five wolves, not counting the unborn pups. This left Triton with only four other wolves in his pack besides his family and self: Lir, Fren, League, and Nautical. The famine continued, but no other pack members died…at least by the famine. A year later (Palla now aged to five), the famine was far over, and the lands were replenished, as well as the prey. For olds time’s sake and since there was no Chief Hunter, League once again lead a hunt. They took down a large buck, and ate well. After the hunt, he volunteered to go around and patrol the borders, to make sure there were no intruders. Triton agreed, and his son trotted away.
Back at the dens, the pack began to relax and settle down from the hunt and meal. League trotted back swaggeringly. Fren nudged Nautical and the sleeping fae opened her orbs and frowned. She told Palla to get her father, and then Triton came out of the den with a frown. Nautical told the Alpha that League was acting strange, walking like that. The confused pack watched him approach. “Father, Triton, Alpha. I challenge you for leadership of the pack. The loser is banished, or killed, and the winner is the new Alpha.” Obviously he was very sure that he could win. The pack stared disbelievingly. Palla was incredulous. He couldn’t really be serious. Triton chuckled slightly. “Of course son.” He said, shrugging it off as he began to turn away.
Talons raked across his side and Triton whirled around snarling. “I’m serious.” League growled. Triton leaped forward unhesitatingly. League wasn’t expecting the sudden lash out and the left side of his face was in Triton’s mouth. He whimpered as he tried to free himself, and succeeded, but got more than a light wound. He got long gashes down his face, bleeding into his eye…had it been there of course. His aud was gone as well, and most of the fur was missing. It hadn’t even been one minute and League was already losing terribly with major blood loss. However, neither brute was deterred. Both stepped back and then rushed forward, but League swerved to the right and delivered a nasty gash to Triton’s left shoulder. Triton swiveled around growling, and snapped at League’s tassle.
He bit it at about the middle, stripping the fur off as League continued moving forward. Triton didn’t pursue him, but waited. League continued moving forwards and then did a 180. He growled ferociously, and went on, the pain was excruciating but League continued, as Triton was hardly scathed. They went head on once again, this time locking jaws. Triton scratched on his chest and then leaned back the best he could. He then gave a sharp jerk, hurting his own neck a bit, but succeeded in what he wanted to do. League lost his footing and toppled to the ground on his right side, their teeth no longer connected, and his blinded side facing up. Triton growled as he looked down at League, the helpless League. Nautical was still in disbelief. Palla herself was shaking her head at what stupidity League had shown. “Don’t do it Father, I wasn’t thinking.” He pleaded. “You thought it over long enough. You should’ve known better than to challenge me and that pleading will do nothing for you.” He said.
League’s orbs widened as Triton’s head shot forward and fangs closed around his son’s throat. The jugular was found. Jaws tightened and Triton killed his son. He stepped back and licked the blood off of his jaws and looked at the shocked pack. No one had expected it. League had sealed his own fate in less than five minutes. Nautical turned away from the fight and mangled brother. The pack silently shuffled away to do else things. Palla walked to him and nudged his uninjured shoulder. “I didn’t want to do it Palla. I had to do it though.” She nodded. “I know brother, but its fine. You had to do it.” She said in an almost echo. This comforted Triton and he trotted back into his den.
Again we fast forward about a year and a half, Palla to now be six and a half. The pack has replenished significantly since the large battle two and a half years ago led by Alvar. Lir came trotting up to Triton. “Uncle, er, Lord Triton. We have escorted a brute we found sniffing around the borders. He claims to know you and be your brother.” Triton looked up. Palla listened with an interested aud, but didn’t look up. Lir inclined his head to the distance. Fren, and three other pack members were surrounding a brute. “He says his dubbance is Mauk.” He reported. Palla swung her head up and looked at her brother. Triton nodded to her son. “Bring him forth and then leave us be alone.” He said. Lir nodded but looked somewhat skeptical at Triton.
“Lir, yow know I can handle myself if a fight were to break out. You’ve seen me kill my own brother and own son.” Lir’s concerns seemed to evaporate and he brought forth Mauk. Palla looked to him and then to Triton. It was Mauk. Fren went in the den below and then came out with a sleepy looking Nautical following. Triton nodded to Palla who checked the earshot perimeter. Only when she returned did Triton speak and allow Mauk to speak. “What brings you to my lands brother? It is so far from our homelands.” He said. Mauk nodded. “It is. But I have left our pack. I felt that my time in reigning over it was through, and passed the torch to my own son.” He looked around and then to Palla. “Palla is it?” She smiled and nodded. “You had sons and daughters and a mate then?” Mauk nodded.
“My mate passed away a year ago and we had three litters of pups together. What of you and Palla? Pups or mate?” He asked. Triton shook his head. “I had a mate, Torrent. Alvar killed her almost three years ago. Our second litter was on its way. The only one of my children remaining is Nautical over there. I had two sons, one I banished for his impudence and impurities and then I killed the other about a year and a half ago.” He stopped, letting his Betan and sister speak for herself. “My mate died many moons ago. My pups with him were all stillborn, but I have two adopted ones from an illegitimate birth that Triton let me save.” She smiled lightly as she looked at both of them. “Lir and Fren.”
Mauk raised his brows. “Sounds like you two have a firm hold on your pack then. What about Alvar…he killed your mate, but what of him now?” “I slaughtered him mercilessly.” This comment was followed by an awkward silence. Mauk cleared his throat. “Ah yes, well. As for my business in search of you and Palla. I want to join your pack. I couldn’t stay at my old home, it wasn’t right. I have never left, and we are almost seven. I had to leave.” Triton nodded. “Subordinate…” Triton then was apparently in deep thought. He called the pack together and looked to Palla. “Remember what I said? It is time.” He said. Palla knew what was coming and rose to a proper position.
“My pack and family. I have recently accepted my brother, Mauk into the pack. His rank shall be Beta! Nautical shall be the new leader and Alphess! Her mate shall be the Alpha. Respect and obey them as you have done to me. I have ruled over this pack I founded for a solid four and a half years. I plan for this pack to flourish in those to come.” Nautical’s jaw dropped open and she joined Mauk, Palla, and Triton on the rock above the dens. She motioned for her mate to join them. [color=black]“My daughter, you are more than qualified for this position. I know you will fill it well. My brother Mauk is trustworthy, and will be superb as your Beta.” His orbs lingered on her belly. “And you will have loyal pups that shall rule after you.” Nautical was embarrassed and shoved her head into her mate’s shoulder. Palla smiled. “Palla and I shall be leaving, more likely than naught, we won’t return. If one of us does, presume the other dead unless that returned says otherwise. If we both return, our mission has been completed.” He said, and then the two powerful and still respected wolves leapt down.
Nautical summoned the pack’s attention. “And as the new ruler, I have an addition to that. If either returns, they are to be treated like Alpha and Betan! Otherwise and be punished!” Triton smiled and Palla looked gratefully to her niece. “I bid you all ado and farewell.” He said and then turned away. “Don’t forget us and keep us in your lores. Let the founders live on even after death, as Torrent has.” She followed after her brother, and together they left the pack in able paws.
For a year and a half, Palla traveled with Triton, her most trusted companion and brother, over many lands. They passed many packs, but in none of them resided what they were looking for in them. However, some held details that helped them along their way. They never joined any of these packs, but passed them up. Sometimes an ignorant lupe or Alpha would challenge or send another to take them out, but Palla and Triton always wiped out these fools. Now eight, Palla is here, in the lands of Soul of the Wild, and Triton is ever closer to his son; ever closer to his goal, and ever closer to the thing he wants destroyed. Fathom. And she is here to watch it.