Tamaril

[Aiyanna]

Note to all members wishing to join the Tamaril Pack:
If you would like your wolf to reside in the Tamaril pack, you must prove that you are an advanced RPer, considering that this thread is only for advanced players. Simply PM me your opening post for the thread, and I will let you know shortly whether you may join Tamaril. If you are accepted, just post that same opening in the thread. If I decide you are not advanced enough, you will have to join one of the less advanced packs. Easy as that.[/b]

Icy blue eyes tracked the rabbit, stealthily noting its every move. The small animal seemed oblivious to the fact that it was being stalked as it continued seeking out the small blades of grass that occasionally peeked through the snow. Settling even farther down on her haunches, the white wolf readied muscles already tight with anticipation and adrenaline and waited for just the right moment. Years of practice had taught her the value of patience, so she kept herself in check. The rabbit turned away for just a moment, but that was just the signal she had been waiting for. The large predator immediately released the hold on her sinewy muscles, bounding after her prey with unfathomable speed. In two strides, she had reached the rabbit and latched her jaws around it in a deadly chokehold. A few moments later, it was over, and Pythia settled down to eat.

After she had eaten her fill, Pythia raised herself up and stretched forward, releasing the built-up lactic acid in her body with a small grunt of pleasure. Looking down at her paws, she realized that her legs were tinted red from her kill, emphasizing the old scars running up to her knees, but the thought left her mind as quickly as it entered. No doubt her nose was red as well, accentuating the scars there, but it didn’t matter. There wasn’t anybody else around, but even if there were others, she wouldn’t have cared. She had been through enough to be past the point of caring about her appearance, much less what anybody else thought. With a slight shrug, she picked up a ground-eating dog trot up towards her cave.

Pythia had not always been so apathetic. On the contrary: as a pup, she had been very friendly and outgoing, brining joy into the hearts of all around her. All except one, the alpha female. Pythia and her three brothers were the result of a mating between the alpha male and a lower-ranked female, much to the dismay of the alpha female. She wanted one of her own pups to lead the pack, so one night six months after Pythia’s birth, she kidnapped her and her brothers and pushed them off a ledge. All of the male pups perished, but Pythia survived with deep cuts on her nose and legs. After six months of nursing her wounds and a seething hatred of the alpha female, she returned to challenge her would-be killer. A short battle ensued, and Pythia emerged victorious, killing the alpha female. However, that winter, a blizzard wiped out the rest of the pack, and Pythia was again alone.

Upon reaching her cave near the top of the mountain, Pythia walked inside and shook her entire body in an attempt to rid her dense pelt of any lingering snow. Turning around a few times to get comfortable, she settled down in the front of the cave and began licking her paws. She could still smell the rabbit even after tromping through the snow, and a rumble in her stomach reminded her that one small kill could not make up for two days without eating. Food had been scarce in the past couple of weeks, and in the recesses of her mind, Pythia wondered if that meant others had begun to arrive. On one level, she was annoyed; more wolves meant more competition and work to defend her territory. On another level, however, beneath her cold exterior, the she-wolf was lonely. She had been alone for longer than she cared to remember, and the lack of social interaction was beginning to harden her heart. With one final glance behind her, Pythia lay her head down on her now clean paws and stared out at the vast expanse of land beneath her.

[aleeria]

The large male snarled as he walked through the heavy snow. He had had nothing to eat for days now, and he could feel the weakness building up in his legs. The snow fell slowly, but on days of walking, his was nearly covered in it. "Why do I even try" he muttered. He knew very well he couldn't last any longer, the lack of food was bad enough, but lack of shelter would get him killed. Frozen to death or starved or something.

Arkane walked on, even though it felt like his knees would buckle any moment. He needed a rest. The large black wolf searched for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Still terribly tired, and no shelter around he walked forward, shaking off the snow on his back every so often not to get wet.

Arkane had been alone most of his life, and his life with his parents was not a great one either. There was always hunger, and him and his sisters barely got to play. Lia-Rose died of a sickness, as did the only pack member, then Rykaina was killed by that savage female. He growled to himself, shaking away his past traumas. "Now, to find a place to sleep" he murred.

He decided it would be best to dig up some snow under a tree, kind of what a bear does. Spotting numerous trees, he walked to one, and smirked. Arkane got digging, until the only snow left under the large pine tree was hard.

Arkane lay down on the oval like shape, closing his eyes and stretching his sore legs.

[aleeria]

ooc:I decided to post this, hopefully Archaic will reply. *nudges Archaic*. Sorry for shortness too, gots no muse.
ic:Finished.
The snow fell softly now, landing on the black male. Arkane's eyes opened only to be closed again. The light was almost blinding. Growling, Arkane got up, shaking off the blanket of snow from his pelt. He had eaten, and. The aching bones in his body didn't seem to ache anymore. Arkane started to trudge forward, inhaling the clear air.

Tossing back his head, he howled, it was quick; but he had no time. Trudging forward, he came up to the mountain, where he saw a figure. He didn't know if it was snow or a wolf. Actually, he didn't understand why he hadn't smelled it earlier. Arkane let out another howl and started up the mountain.

***

It was a long trek up, but he made it. He didn't get near to Pythia, but lowered his head and barked. He showed respect, as she was alphess by the smells around the place.

[Aiyanna]

OOC: Sorry about that, Aleeria. I've been super busy lately XP. Anyway, I'll reply as soon as your post is finished

[aleeria]

ooc: Well, I finished. Sorry for the shortness.

[Aiyanna]

Pythia’s head darted straight up into the air at the sound of another wolf. She could not smell the intruder, the wind was blowing too strongly in the wrong direction, but she knew from the noise the general direction of where he or she was. Raising herself up to full height, back arched slightly and dense white fur bristling, her eyes scanned the horizon for a glimpse of the other wolf. All at once, she focused in on a dark blur slowly approaching from lower down on the mountain. Another howl pierced the air as a black wolf continued to advance up towards her. A low growl reverberated throughout her entire body, causing her snow white pelt to undulate in little waves down towards the tip of her tail. Except for this slight motion, she did not move a muscle, continuing to focus her attention on the wolf she now knew was a male.

Though her body was still, Pythia’s mind was racing. This was her first encounter with another wolf in more time than she cared to admit, and she knew her social skills were out of practice. For so long she had been alone, fighting simply to stay alive in this harsh climate, and the lack of interaction with others, not to mention her horrid past, had left her cold and distant. It would take another strong personality to overcome her reservations about anyone else.

Pythia watched as the large black wolf stopped before reaching her, keeping his body low in deference to her dominance. At least he has the sense to do that, she thought to herself. It was a good thing, too. The powerful female would not tolerate any disobedience or sign of disrespect and probably would have chased the newcomer away at the slightest hint of it. Just what do you think you’re doing here? Pythia barked at the male.

OOC: Haha the poor thing has no social skills XD

[aleeria]

Arkane could see that this female was stronge, and somewhat hard headed. He just had the feeling she'd be hard to get to know. He still kept his stance, the only movement was his paws shifting slightly in the snow that blanketed the earth. Arkane kept his eyes away from heres, not wanting to seem like he wanted to overpower her. Arkane, like her, had been alone most of his life. He had spent most of his time hunting and thinking, dreaming actually; something he did often.

The white female seemed perfectly still, he searched for the slightest hint of movement, but nothing came. C.ocking his head only slightly, he listened to what she had to say. What am I doing here..Looking for a home" he recited it in his head lightly befor turning to her. "I was hoping I could join your pack" the words tumbled out, not alike the ones in his head. Arkane wondered what she'd say, but he had alot of pateince to spare, and waited calmly. The wind ruffled his coat lightly, and he remembered how tired and hungry he had been a day ago.

That had changed after a nap and a good meal, and he felt very relaxed. Something he rarely felt.

[Aiyanna]

Upon hearing the male wolf’s words, Pythia was silent for a moment. She was surprised that someone else desired to join her pack. You have to have more than one member to have a pack, though, she reminded herself ruefully. Shaking her head a bit, almost imperceptibly as if to remove those thoughts from her mind, she continued eyeing the intruder. His dense black pelt made a perfect contrast to the pure white, untouched snow, whereas hers blended in perfectly, save for her eyes. If she were to close them, one could be completely unaware of her presence until standing literally on top of her. Again she quickly rid herself of those ideas; in a world like hers, there was little time to admire the simple beauty of color.

Pythia paused for a moment before speaking again. It’s not that she was searching for the right words – far from it; this wolf was intruding on her territory, and though she subconsciously wanted at least a semblance of company, she still felt compelled to keep up her tough exterior. Oh, so that’s why you’re in my territory? Pythia replied with a hint of sarcasm. As long as you can accept the fact that it is mine, I will allow you to stay, she finished, still staring at the newcomer. You have not said your name, though. Pythia intentionally did not offer up her name yet. In her subtle little power play, she wanted him to be the first to give his name. She had already come out of her comfort zone by even interacting with this wolf, and she wanted to feel more in control of the situation again.

OOC: Ugh I know this is bad. I wasn’t feeling very inspired XP

[kesterall]

Trekking up the mountain had almost drained her of all strength and energy. Breathing in deeply, her chest ached and her muscles twitched. Her legs shook, and she looked pathetic. Sighing she lay down on the powdery snow, and waited to regain some strength, before standing again. She carried on to the top where thick forest met her eyes. Struggling through the branches laden with snow, she ploughed along and occasionally stopped to listen. Already the scent was getting stronger and she could smell other wolf.

As she reached the other side she saw through the bushes a male wolf and the femme, who definitely owned the pack, her scent carried from before the forest. Watching them talk she awaited for a pause before moving to another spot. They stopped talking and she made her move toward them. Bowing low she showed respect before awaiting a response from the femme. When none came she looked up at her surroundings. The only wolves up here where her, the femme and the male. Disappointing… no pack. She looked around at the cave, the woods and the bleak never changing surroundings, Always white and sloping.

I have come to ask permission to join your pack. She said solemnly. She lowered her head whilst the femme looked her over. If she could she would like to be beta. If not though I suppose I could settle with hunter… She looked into the femmes icy blue eyes, searching for any hint of acceptance, they were emotionless, and gave nothing away. She raised her head again awaiting the verdict, she kept on guard in case it was a no...

ooc; waits for reply ... i get bored ... ^_^

[Aiyanna]

Pythia spun her head around quickly at the sound of another approaching wolf. She immediately hid the fact that she had been startled, regarding the intruder with piercing blue eyes. This one, a female, also presented herself respectfully, again to her advantage. Any sign of disrespect would have sent Pythia chasing the lone female down the mountain and out of her territory. Eyeing the male, who had not yet responded, she turned her attention to the newcomer. She was a white wolf, like herself, and even more surprisingly, she had a scar running down her face just as Pythia had a similar pattern crisscrossing the bridge of her nose. Though the stoic female was loath to admit it, she felt the beginnings of a connection to this female stirring deep within the recesses of her very being. Pythia had been deprived of friendship, or even any sort of contact, and for the first time in longer than she cared to remember, she was at a loss for what to do. It would probably best to say something, she mentally chastised herself, taking another look at the male to make sure he had not moved from when she last turned her eyes in his direction.

Standing up a little bit straighter and puffing out her broad chest slightly, she again regarded the female. I suppose you may stay here, Pythia told her slowly and deliberately. Before you do, however, I will need to know your name.

Though Pythia was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the influx of new wolves, she felt a sense of satisfaction that could only come from social interaction. She tried to ignore that feeling, however. Any emotions such as complacency could lead to others vying for her territory, which was something she simply could not tolerate.

[kesterall]

She almost smiled with relief. But she hid it, this femme was strong and she could sense that. She could not show any signs of weakness. She looked up at the femme. She didn't like to reveal her name, especially with others around, whom she didn't know. She knew she had been backed into a corner, and hated her stupidity. She hadn't realized the femme would be so smart, and calculating. She knew she could hide her emotions well, so at least the femme wouldn't suspect anything. Gazing up into her eyes with wonder and awe, Avalanche realized she had met her match, she also realized how alike they where. She caught up with herself and cleared her throat. I am Avalanche, may I ask of your name? She new this was a good tactic, and stuck to it. She tried to stay as many steps ahead as she could.

Waiting for her reply she turned her attention to the male. He definitely was new like her, his scent came from the opposite direction. Away from where she came from. She kept eye contact with the femme. Avalanche's eyes where like the night sky. Dark, deep blue. As she stared evenly into the femmes eyes, she could feel hers boring holes in to her. The ferocity of the blue was scary in a way. They looked like they had seen things that should never be seen by a wolf. No matter what the sin. she shivered slightly the cold was beginning to cut through her coat. Being able to stand it no longer, her eyes broke away. She lay down on the powdery snow. She curled her white tail around her to keep warm.

ooc; sorry for the shortness my brain won't turn on :S

[Aiyanna]

Pythia’s icy blue eyes locked on with those of the new female. She could feel the power behind her orbs building in intensity, and finally the other femme backed down, lowering herself onto the frigid blanket of white covering the terra. With a slightly self-satisfied smirk, Pythia glanced back over at the male, who seemed to be frozen in place. No matter, she thought to herself. Now I can focus solely on the situation at hand.

The alpha female knew this one who called herself Avalanche was intelligent. The question about her own name was meant to draw her in and put her at more of a disadvantage, though not in a malicious way. Merely to get them on more level ground. However, Pythia preferred to stay one step ahead of anyone, regardless of intent.

Avalanche…how fitting, Pythia mused out loud, turning her head back towards the white female. But yes, you may ask my name, she finished with a barely noticeable smile. In this dominant female’s warped sense of social situations, any unwarranted admission of information would feel like a loss of face, something she would not tolerate. On some level, she knew this was not how things were supposed to be, but she could not change, at least not yet.

[kesterall]

Avalanche cringed, that was a devastating blow. She knew she could not ask again because it would come out wrong and sound cheeky. She nearly growled in frustration. Looking up into the femmes eyes she tried to find another way. But alas there was none. Avalanche submitted and changed the subject. Thank you for welcoming me into your pack. I am honored, and most grateful.she paused and took a breath. I am also honored to be in your presence ..? She knew she had found away around asking directly. She was pleased with herself, but wished she could be quicker. This femme could beat her anyday...

The ground beneath her feet was sinking under her weight. She shifted slightly. Sinking under the snow isn't exactly an option for a wolf. She looked over at the male who seemed to be lost in thought, or rather looking out into space. She chuckled inside her head. Something suddenly clicked inside her, the thing she was missing, the void... She had found the answer. All this time. All this wondering. She mused aimlessly. All this mystification was because I was lonely. She almost laughed at herself. She hadn't felt this happy in years. She felt like she could float on a cloud.

Then she remembered she had another thing to tell the femme, about what she had felt in the outskirts. A storm was coming, and it wasn't just any storm. It was gonna be huge, ripping trees from the ground, snow billowing in torrents of madness blinding your every step... Just like the one that... but the memory was to extreme and she broke the trail of thought before it ended. She just could not bear that again. Please, you have to listen, theres a huge storm coming, you can't sense it up here, but in the outskirts you can. It will be huge. We have to stock up on food and find shelter before its to late ! Avalanche ran out of breath. She took a deep breath, but before she could continue, a loud rumbling came from the distance...

[Aiyanna]

Pythia’s eyes lit up in silent amusement over Avalanche’s frustration. It’s not that she took pleasure in putting others down, but she had not matched wits with others in quite some time, and she enjoyed the challenge. It was in her blood to be cunning and dominant - after all, her ancestry included a plethora of alpha wolves, and her upbringing was not conducive to a submissive personality. She would never have been content in a subordinate position, which was perhaps the reason she had been alone for so long. Joining a pre-existing pack would have meant fighting her way up from the very bottom, something that she was simply not willing to do. It was a choice between being alone without rank contention or in a pack constantly vying for top spots. Not a difficult choice for her.

The alpha female twitched her muzzle slightly upon hearing Avalanche’s words and the rumble off in the distance. An approaching storm was never a good, and as evidenced by the fact that she had just eaten for the first time in two days, she had no food stocked up. For reasons unknown to her, hunting had been scarce recently, contributing to the depletion of her cache. If the approaching storm will be as destructive as you say, we had best get going quickly, Pythia responded with a slight nod of her head, dislodging some of the snow on her muzzle that had begun to fall in the past few moments. Hunting has been completely insufficient these past few weeks, so unless you have anything stored, we will have to hurry before we get caught out in the middle of the storm.

Right as Pythia finished her sentence, she noticed monstrous dark clouds menacing on the ends of her territory and moving at a rapid rate, no doubt bringing blinding, swirling, torrents of snow and ice. Her sinewy muscles instantly began to twitch with the surge of adrenaline released, and her mind snapped into survival mode, relying on generations of finely-tuned instincts. Come quickly, she said to Avalanche. I know where we might be able to catch a mountain goat before the storm hits. As she turned away from the other female, she craned her neck around again to face her once more. I am known as Pythia, she said with a slight smile before picking up a ground-eating lope up the mountain.

OOC: I don’t know if Aleeria is still active, so we can just ignore her character for now. If she responds, we can just add him in again.

[nefarurae]

Fane loped through the snow covered ground, a large overgrown rabbit dangling from his mouth. Dark eyes flashed, scanning the slope, seeing two dark blurs heading up the mountain. Shaking the snow from his legs quickly dropped the rabbit, moistening his cracked mouth. The snow whipped around him in torrents, lashing at his eyes. He picked up the rabbit again, his sturdy jaw holding the rabbit lightly, careful not to break the skin. The ridged muscles in his jaw line were tight from the effort of holding the rabbit suspended without breaking it. He lifted his large paws from underneath the pile of snow that had already covered them and pushed ahead, the snow pushing against his chest. The bottoms of his cracked pads stung against the icy onslaught of the snow. The steep upward curve of the mountain pushed against the pressure of his lungs, trying to push the air out of his lungs. He refused to give in to the temptation of stopping for a rest, for he knew that once he did, he would never rise again. He knew how that worked. Chest working over time to keep him from stopping, his legs lifted over the snow and plunged again. Trying to make good time and keep from getting totally buried in the storm, he continued to push up the mountain, and stopped. This was they’re cave. He could smell they’re scent; it was carved into the mountain. He dropped the rabbit again, claws grinding into the snow. He needed to find a place to rest, though he wasn’t about to enter the den un-welcomed. Both the females scents were strong, those of power in endurance. It wasn’t that he was weak, no, he was very powerful, his body lean and fit, the muscles noticeable beneath the black sea of his fur. No, he didn’t want to enter because he wanted a chance of joining this pack. His manners usually… deterred people from him. His numerous encounters with packs had not gone well. He liked to be dominant, but so far there was no territory in this area that had not already been claimed. He had managed to skirt around all the other packs, wanting a quieter one. He shifted his weight, realizing that he was sinking into the snow. It was getting deeper, almost above his chest now. The tempting smell of the rabbit wafted up to his nose, enticing him to eat it. He ignored the smell, ears trying to focus on the sound of the ones making their way up the mountain. He stretched his stiff legs and gave a wide yawn. His muscles bunched together, feet next to each other and he leapt, bounding up the mountain at a ground eating pace. This was his type of land, cold and cruel; unforgiving like him. It was dark, like his past. Shrouded in mystery and always hurtful, no matter how used to it you were. He past… not wanted by the alphas, and unwanted breeding between the sicklas. And look at him now; one of the most powerful wolves in the area. Fane’s eyes were shrouded, not moved by his past reverie. He looked up again, realizing he had paused as he was sucked back into his past. Well, it WAS one past he could never forget. The alphas had tried to drown him, but he had only been carried down the stream. He lifted his legs up over the snow and bounded up the mountain, stopping to sniff the air, sensing a snow hare bounding on top of the snow. He paused, foot frozen in midair, the snow drifting down to cover his pelt in a fine layer of frost. He waited still, his muscles convulsing, wanting to leap. Years of training kept him perfectly motionless as the rabbit approached. He waited, and then pounced. In one fluid motion he launched into the air, legs pumping him off the rock and onto the unsuspecting rabbit, snapping its fragile next in one bite. It was lucky the wind had been blowing the other way, or else he wouldn’t have been able to catch the rabbit. He picked it up in his mouth, gauging the distance between the other wolves and the cave. The two wolves were closer, so he leapt they’re way, finally reaching them and dropping the rabbit in front of the wolf with the long scars. He bowed his head for a minute, raising it though, not wanted to give too much submission.