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Post by Rim on Aug 8, 2013 21:20:13 GMT -3
Character: Rim Lucerius
Time: 79 moons ago; Rim is 17 moons
Outline of Thread: After Merlin finishes Healing Rim and leaves, words the small dog muttered nagged at the wolf until he felt he had to know what they meant. So, two moons after Merlin's visit to the pack, Rim says his farewells and travels to the Wise Wolves' territory. He meets with him and asks to be accepted into their fold, but they, unwilling to do so, tell the young pack wolf that they will think it over and give him their answer come morning. He is sent to pass the night in a cave where the Wise Pups slept. A dream is sent to the Wise Elders from the Gods, telling them that a wolf will save the pups from a monstrous attack and that this wolf will one day be a powerful Wise Yarrow. Meanwhile, Rim is woken from sleep by a bear venturing into the cave, making its way toward the pups sleeping in the back of the cavern. Rim leaps into action to save them, driving the bear back. The pups wake, screaming, which brings other wolves to Rim's aid, but it is Rim himself who sends the bear tumbling over the edge of the cave, down the mountain. The bear nearly pulls him over as well, but the rest of the Wise Wolves pull him back to safety. Having witnessed the attack and knowing the Gods had sent them a dream about Rim, the Wise Elders reverse their decision to turn him away and instead welcome him into their pack.
Active Characters: Rim, Merlin
Inactive Characters: The Gods, Other Wise Wolves
Rim could not get the words that little dog had spoken out of his head. What had he meant by them? Had he sensed something about Rim? If so, why had he not offered the wolf the chance to come to the Wise Wolves and at least attempt to show them what he was capable of? He had graduated, he was a Soldier now, and many a time the Bolverk had praised Rim for his fighting ability. Maybe he shouldn't have insulted the dog- calling him a puffball and demanding to see a real wolf. In hindsight, that might even be why the dog hadn't offered Rim a spot. Well, no matter. Rim would go and let them see for themselves what he was capable of.
Having made up his mind, Rim left the next day after telling Trident his plan. He traveled quickly, reaching the mountains a short time after sunhigh. Then, taking a moment to catch his breath and smooth down his fur, he padded in among the pack. One wolf moved to block his way and asked what he was here for. When Rim expressed his desire to speak to a Wise Elder, the wolf beckoned a younger pup and sent him away to bring a Council wolf to address Rim. As the pup raced off, Rim sat, glancing from side to side at the curious faces peering at him.
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Post by Batman on Aug 8, 2013 23:50:46 GMT -3
The council had actually been meeting at this moment in time. Each and every one of them had an odd feeling; something in the cosmos was sending uneasy feelings through their pelts. Nothing was certain yet, but they had spent most of the morning trying to pinpoint the disturbance. Than a young wise wolf, one of the newer graduates, popped in, looking extremely nervous as he informed the elder's of the arrival of Rim; they remembered him quite well, as Merlin had make quite an ordeal over being insulted by his first patient. Turning toe youngest of the Elder's, they sent Ilana to go and inform Merlin that Rim had arrived.
The remaining two, Retol and Jierl, went to go and meet this wolf. Their bones were shaky, and they wobbled as they made there way too him, but they made it alright. Upon reaching the wolf, their eyes were level and didn't leave him as they sat down.
"Rim," Jierl began, "It is a pleasure to see you have healed and managed the journey here. I had complete faith that Merlin would heal you well, and it seems he did not disappoint. I assume your journey went well?"
Unlike his companion, Retol was less content to simply pass on pleasantries. "What is your business here?" He cut in.
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Wise Elder
51 posts in 120 moons
Wise Wolves
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Post by Merlin on Aug 9, 2013 3:56:33 GMT -3
Merlin, as was often the case, was in his garden, tending to the herbs and fruit in his garden. Spring was coming to a peaceful end and the weather had been nice, if not rainy. It was certainly keeping the plants growing well enough since the plateau drained the excess water down onto the rocks on a ledge below, pooling in a puddle for any thirsty canine to lap at. Since his return from the pack he made it very clear he had no problem travelling to heal, but please next time make sure they were going to appreciate it.
The Elders seemed to like him, for whatever reason and almost seemed amused by his words and complaints, but life had gone on and he'd healed a stray the week before, another Wise Wolf helping him to set the broken bone and then had gone about wondering if there was a way to cat the limbs as humans sometimes did. He'd seen it in a book once, it helps keep the bone in place while it healed, but he and the elders couldn't find a material to cast it with. Sometimes there was clay down by the Falls. The little dog wondered how strong it would be when it hardened...
He was jolted from his musings and his work by the youngest of the Wise Elders, as well as the only she-wolf of the bunch. "Good day, Merlin."
He nodded his respect for the older wolf, "Did you need something?" he asked, trying to sound patient and all that other rubbish healers were supposed to portray themselves as.
"It appears," she said slowly, as though searching for the right words, "that your patient from a couple moons ago, Rim, has found his way here ad wishes to speak to the Elders, Retol and Jierl sent me to ask you to join us." She said it in a way that was half a request and half an order, but Ilana had that way about her and Merlin wasn't offended, though mostly curious about why the young wolf had made his way to the mountains in which the Wise Wolves lived. He followed the she-wolf back into the cave system that led through the mountain and tried not to grow annoyed at the idea of dealing with the insufferable young wolf again.
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Post by Rim on Aug 10, 2013 14:27:03 GMT -3
Rim sat nervously, surrounded by the pack of Wise Wolves and acutely aware that he was an intruder and they would be well within their rights to leap on him and give him a sound thrashing. Just because they were meant to be peaceful didn't mean they would be. Rim pulled in a breath and shifted, glancing around. A slight disturbance reached him and the wolf blocking his way melted to one side, revealing two of the Wise Elders standing behind him. Rim sat straighter and nodded to the two of them. One, the smaller Elder, smiled and greeted him.
Rim nodded back and started to reply when the bigger cut in. The black wolf replied, answering them both. "My journey was uneventful. Yes, Merlin did indeed Heal me. And I come to with the request to join your pack. I wish to train with your pack. I believe I can be of some use to you." The big wolf who had blocked him earlier snorted and Rim turned to gaze at him, wondering who he was. "At least give me a chance," he continued, still gazing at the big gray wolf who glared back. Tearing his eyes away, Rim blinked back at the two Wise Elders, waiting for their reply.
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Post by Batman on Aug 12, 2013 20:37:14 GMT -3
The request of the wolf was a surprise to both of the elders. As he had been offered the chance so long ago, both looked at each other in hesitance, unsure of how to approach this. They both knew that it was impossible; Rim had been offered the chance to join, and he had refused. Retol moved to make an immediate denial, but Jierl knew his companion well and cut in before Retol could say a word.
"Rim, we appreciate your interest in the Wise Wolves and your enthusiasm in our craft, and too learn it. It is truly admi-"
Whatever Jierl had been planning to say, was cut off by Retol, who knew the other would probably just go into a long rant.
"However admirable your interest is, we're afraid that you were given the option to join moons ago. Now that you are older that offer does not still stand by default, so you can just turn around and-" Jierl quickly cut in,
"Stay the night while we reconsider that offer." Retol glared at the other wolf, but didn't say otherwise.
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Wise Elder
51 posts in 120 moons
Wise Wolves
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Post by Merlin on Aug 12, 2013 23:32:09 GMT -3
As the wolf and dog approached the small group of wolves that hovered around the entrance of the caves, Merlin and Ilana were able to catch the end of the conversation. Merlin's brows quirked up in amusement while Ilana's furrowed together in confusion. She hung back, indicating that Merlin should move a head of her and so head did. He raised his head to look at the young wolf and wondered what the change of heart was? He had been so content to be a soldier and now here he was, wishing to take an oath to be neutral and heal all those needed healing. He had had so much distaste for him, and while a dog like Merlin wasn't common among the Wise Wolves, dogs in general were more so. The Wise Wolves accepted all canines who wished to learn the ways, espcially those with strong auras. They often would take strays, despite their age, but wolves, especially those who lived in the surrounding area, only had one chance to accept the offer, and it was offered when they were young.
It was a little unfair, in Merlin's opinion, but who was he to question the large wolves who had given him a home. While he stayed silent at Retol's decision to allow the pup refuge for the night, he scoffed at the idea that he might join them. He doubted the young canine would have the patience for this sort of life and offered no comment to his elders or the wolf who had been his patient a couple moons prior.
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Post by Rim on Aug 13, 2013 17:18:29 GMT -3
Rim glanced from one Wise Wolf to the other, eyes drawn together in confusion. They were both saying different things and he was confused. Was he accepted or not? The smaller one, Jierl, invited him to stay the night, and while he wasn't sure he was completely welcome, he nodded in agreement. "Okay," he replied. He knew he had been offered this spot before and he had turned it down, but he had been happy in the Pack and had seen no reason to leave. Merlin's talk of an aura and a gift had nagged at him so that he'd changed his mind.
He'd hoped they would receive him, but apparently once he turned them down once, it meant that there were no second chances. Or maybe he would get lucky, for Jierl had told him they would reconsider the offer. He dipped his head and turned, catching sight of a white form and knew Merlin had come to see him again. He eyed the little dog for a moment before nodding at him respectfully and padding on. The big gray wolf walked at his side, informing Rim he would show him where he would sleep for the night. The unspoken threat that he would be watching Rim was obvious. Rim said nothing as the wolf nodded him toward a cave; the black younger male slipped inside and circled a couple times before flopping down with a sigh. He only hoped they would accept him, for he badly wanted to be here...
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Post by Batman on Aug 25, 2013 14:43:16 GMT -3
Retol watch with disdain as Rim walked away. The tendency to rejects the wolves who were already offered the chance to join was controversial, and a good many were unhappy with the rule, thinking that anyone, if worthy, should be allowed to join. Retol, Ilana and Jierl were normally of the opinion that it was a one-chance opportunity, with Retol being more stead-fast and almost hateful of the ones who tried to reconsider, Ilana being more friendly and considerate, and Jierl being open minded and willing to consider both options. As older wolves, they could all see the wisdom in disallowed the old prospects from joining; when given the offer, a canine had little time to plan. Little time to decide they could use the offer as a chance to infiltrate the wise wolves... If they had time, then a wolf could be trained and told by their leader to spy on the wolves, used as a tool. Younger wolves without any loyalties were much more reliable.
Turning around Retol gave Jierl a look; the two were well versed in the art of silent communication, and Jierl ignored his companion, knowing he had a tendency to be rash in these situations; give him the night to think and he'd be much more reasonable. Huffing, Retol turned to see Ilana and Merlin standing not to far away, Jierl looked and saw them too and promptly padded toward them, Retol at his heals.
"Ilana, Merlin," Jierl greeted, "Merlin, we've called you here as, well as you can plainly see, your patient has come here asking for permission to join. If you wouldn't mind, tell us what you think of the lad."
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Wise Elder
51 posts in 120 moons
Wise Wolves
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Post by Merlin on Aug 25, 2013 15:08:30 GMT -3
Merlin watched the annoying young wolf leave, and stared at him with he gave a nod. Merlin couldn't quite tell if he was trying to respectful or greet him as an equal, but he didn't care. The little dog wanted an apology from the wolf he wanted to respectful.
He turned to the Wise Elders and considered their question. Rim was arrogant, young, impudent. And yet he had a strong aura and and a look in his eye that pleaded for knowledge. If Merlin wasn't so biased against the younger canine, he'd probably have told the Elders, what the Hel, why not? But he was biased, and he knew this, so he sat on the idea, mulling it over. Rim had potential, he reminded himself.
Carefully he picked his words, "He is young still, I was a couple moons older than he when I started my training, and he has an aura as bright as any other Wise Pup's... He could be useful is molded properly, but he is arrogant and might not handle having non-wolves as his superiors well."
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Post by Batman on Aug 26, 2013 23:39:12 GMT -3
The prejudice some felt for dogs was a touchy subject for Jierl, and it showed. As Merlin finished his assessment on Rim, Jierl, the normally open-minded and friendly elder, tensed up. His eyes flickered toward where the wolf had exited. While Jierl himself was actually not a full wolf; rather part husky, he had never found much discrimination toward himself in the pack as despite being half-dog, he was still large and strong enough to pass as a wolf; albeit one on the smaller side. However, there was a long ago tragedy that always stuck in his mind... A direct result of the attitude many had toward rogues or pets that joined. It was because of this experience that the wise wolves had cracked down on prejudice within their pack, though some, such as Merlin, still had trouble.
Such as from this new wolf.
Retol was just as quick to realize the implications of Merlin's words, and he looked toward his mate, and toward Rim. This tidbit of information and Jierl's reaction was the final nail in the coffin, and Retol growled.
"Arrogant indeed, denying our invitation, insulting one of our best healers then waltzing back in and asking to join? He'll stay the night; not a moment longer. Bright? Aura? Neither of those matter if you can't use them properly and respect the world around you; down to every living thing and every pebble." Retol's speech was unlike him, but he was carefully watching Jierl with every word, and Jierl seemed half amused, and half relieved by the words. Turning to Merlin, Jierl nodded.
"Yes, we cannot allow that sort in this pack... not after all these seasons of trying to make this pack a welcoming place. Thank you Merlin for your input. It was most insightful." Respectfully, Jierl dipped his head toward the gifted healer.
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Post by The Gods on Aug 27, 2013 0:23:32 GMT -3
That night as all the wolves settles into their dens, down into their mossy and softly bedded nests, the Wise Elders moved tot heir respective Hollows. Jierl and Retol shared a den, and Ilana didn't sleep too far away with one of her sisters. Much weighted on their minds as their eyes grew heavy and they drifted to sleep. An outsider was sleeping among the hollows high in the mountain with their Wise Pups and they were ill at ease by how the proud dog might take their rejection.
The interesting part about Wise Wolves was that their dreams were like roads and bridges, steps and ladders to a world that was beyond the one they saw when they were awake. The stars formed a beautiful sight that promised a peaceful existence after their passing. It wa common knowledge that those of a good soul went to Valhalla to meet final peace. If they so pleased they could choose to be born once more, but it was unknown if this was truly a common practice or not among the dead. Of course for those of the more wicked soul, they were banished to Helheim and locked away. Some managed to sneak past Helheim's gates and Hel's watchful gaze, but that was known to be rare.
But all the same, the Gods didn't come down and talk willy-nilly to wolves. They were Gods, after all. They had importantly, Godly things to be doing. So when the Gods did approach them, the Wise Wolves listened. And listened closely.
So it was that Jierl, Retol and Ilana found themselves in a starry field , a large male shepherd and a female doberman, both much larger than the wolves before them, appeared.
Both the God and Goddess stood tall and proud and met the eyes of the Wise Elders with steady and weighted gazes. They were Syn and Forseti, the Goddess of the Accused and the God of Justice, respectively. Syn moved forward and raised her snout higher in greeting, a true indication of her status.
"Heil og sæl," She greeted.
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I Just Want Someone To Love Me
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The Stormsoul Pack
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Post by Iris on Aug 27, 2013 1:24:53 GMT -3
In their den it was quiet, Jierl's normally loud snores absent as he lay awake, head on his front paws as he considered their situation. On his neck, Retol rested his own muzzle, pressed up against his mate as their tails were entangled. His normal noises of wiggling about in his sleep and making odd grunting noises were also absent; they were both wide awake, and they both knew it.
"You know, I'm not fragile as a butterfly." It was Jierl who finally broke the silence, amusement seeping into his tone. Retol snorted and affectionately nuzzled him.
"Of course not, I remember quite well the incident of you and that stag." The story made them both laugh a little, remembering how the normally level-headed Jierl had so bull-headedly gone after the animal many times his size, somehow managing to take it down. Their amusement quickly died down, as Jierl finally commented,
"You worry too much."
"Of course." Was Retol's reply, and that was really all they needed to say. Retol would protect Jierl to the end, and nothing was going to change that.
Contend with one another, and feeling secure, eventually the pair finally drifted off into the land of sleep, only to be interrupted as they discovered themselves to be in a more special kind of dream; in a starry field, with two impressive figure in front of them.
Instinctively they recognized the figures, Jierl knowing many of the gods due to his strong connection and belief, and Retol recognizing Forseti from long ago, and instinctively putting a name to Syn's face. Immediately the two bowed their heads in respect.
"Vertu sæl eða mæra þinn." Jierl responded respectfully in the foreign tongue that they adopted so fluidly and naturally when in these dreams. Retol like wise followed suit as he greeted more casually,
"Heil." Jierl rolled his eyes at his mate's tendency to reject all standard procedures such a greetings and went on to inquire,
"God of Justice, Forseti. Syn, Goddess of the Accused, what brings you here to our dreams tonight?"
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Post by The Gods on Aug 28, 2013 13:04:40 GMT -3
The Old Gods were not know to be the most helpful. They never lied, but they twisted their words into riddles and kept things from the Wise Wolves who they spoke to. Rarely did they ever give clear information and it was the Wise Wolves duty to know how to untangled their mysterious advice.
The large doberman spoke first, her voice ringing and light, the strange noise that seemed to accompany all the Gods' voices. "Wise Elders. We have come to offer advice and a warning."
Here she quieted and the German shepherd stepped up beside her, his voice just as ringing and other-worldly as his companion's. "In many moons to come, there will be a Great Divide and the Healers must be prepared. A Wise Yarrow of great standing will be needed to teach the young ones and learn them to keep the mountain you call home safe."
Syn picked up the gauntlet and continued on, their words following together as though it had bee rehearsed. "A dangerous time is upon us, though it may be many seasons from now. Tragedy after tragedy will strike, but the first will begin with the attack one the Wise Pups."
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I Just Want Someone To Love Me
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The Stormsoul Pack
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Post by Iris on Sept 1, 2013 22:40:08 GMT -3
Jierl, and even Retol, promptly sharpened their attention, carefully taking in the Gods' words. Their voices shook both wolves, the magnitude of this connection to the stars always shaking up all who share it; no wolf ever forgot a single encounter with the Gods. It would remain with them forever, they would awake the next morning and shake for a full day as their bodies tried to process the power and divinity that passed through them in their dreams.
As they listened, Both wolves became increasingly anxious. Neither liked the idea of the forest being so divided; right now their was much peace, the last bit of trouble having been moons ago when Jierl first joined the pack and weeded out the prejudice there. At the mention of a new Yarrow, Retol stiffened. The current Yarrow was strong, and well respected. He was also Retol's brother and... well, Retol didn't get along well with his family. They were old fashioned and hated the changed Retol and Jierl had put in place. However, Retol couldn't imagine a better teach than his brother for the little ones. How could they find an equally adept one?
For Jierl, the whole prophecy settled deep within him. It resonated with him in ways past ones had not; less of the Wise Yarrow, and more about the Great Divide. Than there was the mention of the Wise Pups, and he became quite alert. Beside him, Ilana stiffened. Her granddaughters were Wise Pups at the moments; and in this sacred place, he could feel her worry coming off her in waves.
"Will any of them be hurt?" Ilana questioned, "Please, Goddess Syn, can we protect the pups?" Jierl and Retol let speak; she had better knowledge of the Wise Pups than either of them.
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Post by The Gods on Sept 2, 2013 2:55:52 GMT -3
Each of the Wise Elders reacted in their own ways. The Gods, for their part, appeared unmoved, but this was incredibly normal. The Gods very rarely displayed many emotions except for some of the more emotional bunch or those prone to certain emotions.
But unfortunately, they had a message and the Gods, while understanding to the Wise Elders' distress and emotions, would not deviate from what they should and should not reveal. Syn bowed her head gently and once again Forseti took up where his companion had left off. Their starry eyes were like a blank and starry void, not revealing anything they might be thinking.
"Blood will be spilled but how much of it will depend on the faith you place in the next Wise Yarrow, both now and for years to come." The words seemed to have two meanings to them, as though the Gods were also suggesting something about the part they would play in the Divide.
As silently as they came, the Gods disappeared. While they had greeted the Wise Wolves, here they seemed to seep from their dreams, like water draining down a sinkhole. The stars pulled from the sky and crashed down around the three elders, startling them from their sleep. Perhaps it was the crashing and shattering sound of the stars from their dreams hid the commotion outside at first, but soon the yowls of terror, echoing through the caverns and heard by the Star Gazers up and down the mountainside could be heard.
The Gods were never wrong. Blood would be spilled.
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Post by Rim on Sept 4, 2013 22:00:31 GMT -3
After being shown his bed for the night, Rim settled in, blinking at the Wise Pups who gaped at him. He could see he was older than most, if not all, of them, and it made this a little awkward. The big gray wolf gave him a cold glance, a silent threat clear in his eyes, before turning and disappearing back down the trail. Rim craned his head to watch him go until he had padded from sight. Then he relaxed, flopping down along one side of the cave, feeling the coolness of the stone through his black fur. Resting his head on his paws, he watched the sun sink out of sight below the horizon. Scuffling behind him; the younger wolves settling down in a pile to sleep out the night.
Darkness slowly faded the shadows before everything was a solid coat of black. Rim, stretched out next to the wall, found sleep hard to come by. His eyes stayed wide open, watching the stars wink into view, one by one and in clusters. He noted there was no moon tonight. Just the stars lighted the sky with their dim radiance. The dark wolf groaned, closed his eyes, and tried to sleep. But rest continued to elude him. He was too anxious, too curious about what the Wise Elders would say to him come morning. Anticipation and worry about possible denial churned in his belly, making sleep impossible.
A noise. Pawsteps and a heavy grunting and snuffling. Rim froze, tensing, nose working as he began to sniff. The rank odor that entered his nose made him tense with fear. He knew that smell, only too well. A bear was standing in the entrance of the cave, filling the entrance and sniffing the air. Another heavy step and the sound of claws scraping against stone. Opening his eyes, he fixed his gaze on the huge creature. It was still standing in the entrance, but it wasn't looking at him. It was looking at the pups piled in the back of the cave. One heavy foot lifted and it started forward. With a smooth leap, Rim hurled himself to block the creature's path, fur bristled down his back and a snarl rumbling in his throat. Crouched low to the ground, Rim held his ground.
For a moment longer both predators stared each other down. Then the bear took another step forward. Rim leaped. Hurling himself at the bear, he sank his fangs into its nose, biting hard and letting go, leaping clear. The bear roared, the loud noise echoing back and forth off the walls of the cave. The noise awakened the pups as one, and as one they pressed themselves to the back of the cave, their voices rising in terror-filled shrieks. They mingled with the roar of the bear and Rim winced as the noise rang in his ears. Distracted, he didn't notice the bear swipe a heavy paw at him until it was too late; swept off his paws, he hit the wall of the cave with a shrill yelp of pain.
The way clear, the bear hurled itself forward, still hungering for a pup. The screams increased in volume and Rim struggled to his paws, ignoring the throbbing pain in his ribs. He sprang forward, sinking his fangs into the bear's left hind leg, biting with as much force as he could muster. A yowl of agony exploded from the bear and it spun around, but it could not reach him. Round and round the bear whirled; Rim could not plant his paws to stop it circling, feet slapping the ground as it swiped at him. A sharp edge of stone sliced across one pad and a new pain lanced up his leg.
The bear stopped spinning in its attempt to reach him, its body between him and the cave's mouth. It stared at him, pain obvious in its gaze. Rim released it, diving for the entrance. One heavy paw arched down at him, but missed, and then he heard it following. Howls were rising into the air, the wolves alerted by the screeching still going on. Rim could only hope that they could help...
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I Just Want Someone To Love Me
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The Stormsoul Pack
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Post by Iris on Sept 9, 2013 20:49:28 GMT -3
Ilana's eyes widened considerably as the god avoided answering her direction. She knew exactly what that meant. Glancing down toward the forest that they stood over within the stars, her ears lay back as she thought of her grandchildren. Almost as if it were a signal to start, screeches filled the elders' ears, and they all flinched.
Retol groaned as Jierl's paw slammed into his belly, the two waking up with a start. Retol blinked, trying to recover as his mind raced to get a hold of itself so he could walk. By the time he was fully awake, Jierl was gone.
Said Jierl had jumped up and dashed out of the den, always having been one to easily awaken. His paws ran faster than he had in awhile as he tried to race against the screams and save the pups he was so fond of; Ilana's grandpups were sweet, and hers' were not the only ones in that den. The elderly wolf was still young in speed, and he quickly made it up. The den was in is view, and he saw a large figure lumbering in the entrance of the wise pup den.
With a yowl, Jierl didn't even think. He through himself at the bear, his jaws snapping every which way, his mind vaguely realizing that Rim was there, surprised he was working to save the pups he had never met before.
Not far behind was Ilana, who raced with the speed of a mother. Unfortunately, she was the oldest of the three and collapsed before she made it even half way. Meanwhile Retol had finally figured out his way; and as he ran, he realized that the wolves around him, stirring at the noise, did not have the foreknowledge of where the screeches were coming from.
"The barren hollow!" He snapped at them as raced to assist his foolish mate, rushing off with no help... Whatever horrors that may be threatening the pups, would not be kind to him.
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Wise Elder
51 posts in 120 moons
Wise Wolves
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Post by Merlin on Sept 9, 2013 20:58:43 GMT -3
Merlin's head snapped up as the sound of scared yowls and angry snarls barks and howls echoed around the caverns of the Wise Wolves. A commotion was already stirring as Wise Wolves and Star Gazers alike were raing up the snowy path to the Barren Hollow where the Wise Pups slept with their mentor. He tried to stop one of the wolves to ask what was going on, but a loud roar made it apparent.
A bear. Merlin blanched. He was no good in a fight, but he could do one thing. He scurried around fetching supplies and placing them into little neat piles around one of the main healers' work rooms. Someone was sure to get wounded, and he'd be ready for them when they were brought down. The silence of the empty caverns echoed loudly and he hovered nervously by the entrance to the Wise Wolves caverns, waiting for something. Instead he heard growls and yowls from the wolves as they fended off the bear.
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Post by Rim on Sept 15, 2013 14:58:51 GMT -3
Rim had successfully managed to get the bear to focus on him and to leave the pups alone. He led it out of the cave, to the ledge that fell away in a sheer drop. The huge creature was after him, and fear nearly stopped Rim's heart as he realized there was nowhere to go. A glance over his shoulder; the bear was swiping at him. Rim hurled himself out of the way, but the tips of those long claws scored along his side. Now the bear was on the ledge, and Rim was between it and the cave. Wolves were crowding up the paths, howls ringing in the air. The bear rose up on its hind legs and roared.
A figure raced toward the bear. The creature saw him coming and a massive paw swung downward. Rim hurtled forward, streaking past the other wolf- one of the Wise Elders, he realized- and sprang, barreling himself into the bear's chest. He didn't weigh much, but the bear was standing on the ledge, and it went to take a step back to steady itself... only to find there was nothing solid under its foot. A roar that rose to a shriek and one flailing paw snagged into Rim's skin. He was dragged forward, paws scrabbling on the stone as he tried to halt himself. His front paws slid over the edge and he let out a shriek, for one horrible instant certain that he was going to fall with the bear.
Then teeth clamped onto his tail, and someone was holding on to him. The bear's claws were torn free and it was falling... without Rim. A muffled voice demanded help from the watching wolves and Rim let out a choked whimper as he felt himself inching forward once more. Whoever was keeping him from falling couldn't pull him back to safety alone and now they too were sliding toward the drop-off. Rim would have howled for help also, but he could hardly breathe, let alone talk.
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I Just Want Someone To Love Me
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The Stormsoul Pack
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Post by Iris on Sept 29, 2013 21:17:53 GMT -3
Now, Jierl was not as young as he used to be, He really didn't stand a chance against the bear. His form ran at the bear from behind, getting in a good bite before being swatted away with ease. Heaving, and having trouble breathing, Jierl wasn't thwarted. Instead, he collected all his strength and raced toward the bear. He had to defeat it, his tribe, his family, was at stake.
The bear's paw swung down and hit him square and Jierl was sent flying, unconscious before he hit the ground.
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Retol was running faster than her normally ever could at this age, the meeting with the gods and the danger his mate had gotten himself into giving him an uncommon level of energy for him. The snarl and growls and yowls he heard adding to such energy.
Sounds of paws slamming against the ground around him resounded in his ears, other wise wolves racing along with him. They caught up and reached the Barren Hollow in unison, despite Retol's head start, to be met with quite the site. Snarls of battle filled the hollow, and they arrive just in time to see the bear's massive paw send one wolf that was unrecognizable at this distance int he dark flying. Another wolf forced the bear from the fallen, and then near the edge of the clearing, the wolf they had sent up mere hours ago was going head to head with a bear; a surprise in itself. Bears generally did not climb up the mountain, the wolves presence kept them away, it must have been quite hungry to have attacked the young wise pups.
The more agile wolves around him took up a call and raced to help, but they were too late. The pair hit the edge and the bear tumbled away, out of view. All seemed well for a split-second before Rim began to fall as well, thankfully, one wolf lurched forward and clutched his tail, struggling to keep Rim up.
The fight was over, and Rim would be fine. Where was-?
Scanning the hollow quickly, Retol's eyes fell on a form, laying on the ground by the den entrance. he recognized it immediately and suddenly Retol's paws were running again, skidding to a stop beside Jierl's unconscious form. His face burrowed in his mate's fur and he pushed Jierl over to study his injuries. There was a considerable amount of blood on his belly, and somewhere in his head, Retol was going over remedies. But he couldn't follow these thoughts, his mind was racing through his memories.
"Jierl, Why did you do that? Your always doing silly things and getting hurt. It... it wasn't that big, the injuries can't be that bad. C'mon Jierl, wake up!" The end of his words came out almost as a desperate whine, and it made no sense to anyone who did not know them, anyone who knew Retol merely as a strong and hot-headed leader that never resorted to whining.
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Post by Rim on Oct 5, 2013 15:15:09 GMT -3
Teeth in his tail, in the skin on his flanks, in the skin on his back. Several sets of jaws clamping shut on his body, hauling him away from the edge. Rim's front paws came back into contact with stone and he shook himself free of the others, leaping backward from the edge, eyes wide and breathing hard. He sprawled back to the ground, having never been happier to have firm stone beneath his paws. That had been way too close.
He glanced around at the pack, panting too hard to speak still. Slightly apart from the rest, Rim recognized the two he'd seen hours earlier as the Wise Elders. One of them was down- and the other was looking worried. Was he dead? Rim had seen the bear swipe him away, but that was it. He'd been occupied after that. A young female padded past Rim to stand at the side of the Wise Elder, murmuring to him words Rim couldn't make out.
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Post by Nivian on Oct 7, 2013 1:09:54 GMT -3
Juniper was one of the wolves alerted by the shrieks ringing through the air. She was one of the ones who raced up to the aid of the Wise Pups. And she was the one closest to Rim when the bear's claws snagged in his pelt and started dragging him forward. She sprang, her jaws clamping shut over his tail and hauling backward with all her strength. The weight of the bear lessened, and she couldn't help a completely irrational sting of guilt for its certain death. But Rim's heavy weight was pulling her forward now, and there was nothing she could brace herself against.
She snarled for help, furious that the wolves were just sitting and staring. Her words pulled them from their trances and several wolves leaped forward, gently gripping the black wolf and scrambling backward to safety. Once he was on solid ground, he shook free and scampered toward the cave, sprawling to the ground with wide eyes and panting from obvious fear. Juniper ignored him. She could see Jierl lying on the ground with Retol standing over him and joined the old wolf. She gave Jierl a brief examination and then blinked at Retol.
She didn't want to say a word. She couldn't think of how to tell Retol the news. Instead, she swallowed and straightened up. "We need to get him back to the healing alcove. I need help over here!" she ordered. She didn't think Retol could carry him on his own. It wasn't easy for any wolf to admit they weakened as they aged, and Retol was one of the more proud ones. She glanced over at the Wise Yarrow, standing at Retol's side, and relaxed at the nod he gave her. There were more standing around, worry and concern obvious in their eyes, and as nervous as she was, she was grateful there were others around to help.
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Post by Bobby on Oct 7, 2013 2:31:16 GMT -3
Retol had been through this exact moment one too many times, and each times ran through his head, reminding him of their years. That first time with the deer, which had admittedly been his fault, and Jierl had only been hurt for a day or two. Then when it'd been him between the Wise Yarrow plus several Wise Wolves and Jierl, unconscious and hurt, and finally when the sickness had spread through the pack, and Jierl was among the affected... He was asleep for a week that time, and it was the hardest week he'd ever experienced.
What if this wasn't just a week? What if he never... What if...?
Then there was a she-wolf beside him... Juniper, as he recalled. What was she doing here, didn't she have a pup? Unable to think through it all properly, Retol just shook his head, his eyes wide as she spoke her damning would. "Who trained you?" He snapped at her, neglecting to mention it was likely him, Jierl or Ilana. "Go away, just go away! No... Go and tell Merlin we're on our way. And don't talk if it's anything as foolish as what you just said." That was the most he could manage, though normally he could go into a full-blown rant on one incompetence. Thank goodness that Pomeranian was trained now; he was the best of the pack and Retol wanted Jierl there. Now. Retol didn't even think of the Wise Pups or the other wolf, the Wise Watcher could deal with the pups and surely Ilana was not far.
Turning, Retol put his head beneath his mates' limp forward and tried to lift but... he couldn't. Retol couldn't bring his own mate to find care. In a foul moon and incredibly anxious and worried and terrified for everything; that this was the last night; that it was all over, he turned to the wise yarrow and hissed. "What are you waiting for! Get Merlin up the mountain... NOW! DAMN that little Rat, I don't care what he says. He's the best and I want him up here, carried or not! And make sure he had supplies!" Turning back Retol tried to focus, uncaring about the frightened looks he was getting. No one had seen him this angry and authoritative.
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Wise Elder
51 posts in 120 moons
Wise Wolves
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Post by Merlin on Oct 7, 2013 3:07:59 GMT -3
Merlin had been sorting through all his herbs, consciously keeping his mind off the horrible howls he could hear from further up the mountain. He would do what he did best. Stay behind and heal. He couldn't fight, not that he could even when he leg had worked properly, but, oh blast it all!
The sound of pounding pawsteps drew him from his concentration and he looked up at the panting Wise Yarrow. What was his name? Merlin really couldn't bother to ask, and as he peered at the wolf, he realized instantly he wasn't hurt. "What do you want?" He asked in annoyance, "I'm trying-"
"Jierl's been hurt," the wolf interrupted, "Badly. We need yo up by the Hollow, now." Merlin blinked in confusion and then sneered. He wouldn't be able to make it up the pass and to the higher parts of the mountain in any good amount of time. What sort of halfwit had deemed to command him so?
The Wise Yarrow must have seen the annoyance in the little dog's eyes because he reached around and pulled a large hollowed limb out, beginning to scoop herbs into it.
"Give that here!" The moment Merlin's teeth clasped onto it he yipped in surprise as the Wise Yarrow releaed it, allowing him to tumblr backwards. Another Wise Wolf entered the little clinic of sorts and began gathering more herbs together into large makeshift pouches.
"Now see here-" Merlin began to protest, but the Wise Yarrow clamped his teeth around the fluffy scruff of Merlin's neck and hoisted him into the air, Merlin squirming and kicking wildly. "Put me down this instance!"
The Wise Yarrow didn't listen however, and began running as fast as one could run while carry a small, full grown dog in their jaws. That is to say, about four times as fast as it would have taken Merlin to walk there.
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Post by Jenlee on Oct 7, 2013 3:21:12 GMT -3
It was was too long. Where WAS he? Why weren't they up yet? Herbs didn't take long, and it wasn't that far; Merlin wasn't that light. Jierl needed them now, not in five years. Come on. come on. come on. Retol wanted to pace, move around do something, but all he could do was sit and stare at Jierl, his head low as he whispered a continuous stream of words in his mates' ear. Once the Wise Watcher tried to ask if Retol wanted help moving Jierl's body, and though he hadn't meant it like that, Retol hadn't appreciated the usage of the word 'body'. They left him alone after that.
Than the sound of paws came running up, and a thoroughly disgruntled and unhappy Merlin was dangling from the mouth of the Wise Yarrow, who would probably be rather pleased with himself for having handled the pack arrogant git without so much as a consequence had the situation no been so serious. Jumping up, and glad to have something to do, Retol hurried forward but didn't move too far; and he kept Jierl in his peripheral vision. "There was a bear in the hollow, Rim was up here and took out the bear, but Jierl got hit and was thrown sever meters and..." He had to take a breath as Merlin was placed on the ground, his herbs beside him, "... and he won't... won't wake up. I- I just... can't... I don't remember...." His loss of the authoritative tone he had been using previously to order about the Wise Wolves gone and replaced with an uncertainty and hopeless tone. Once, Retol could have cared for this. But not right now, he couldn't think he... he'd couldn't.
"Won't you...?"
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