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Post by Unalaq on Dec 29, 2009 23:24:56 GMT -5
Laughter came from Unalaq’s tired body as Heron respectfully licked his chin and butted heads with him. He shook his own head, the playful bump a bit harder then what he was expecting. He chuckled at her apologetic glance and gently nosed the top of her muzzle. She was a promising fae without a doubt. Willing to work and run at a moments notice; yes, she showed a lot of promise. Sitting at attention now, he regarded Heron with pride and nodded to her. He heard Kerisis’s quiet sigh and turned to wag his tail, assuring the Omega that his time would come when a different scent caught his attention, as well as the sound of breaking foliage.
Long time no see, Heron. I’m surprised to see you . . . alive.
He whipped around to see a cream colored female easily making her way towards them. He locked eyes on her, approaching her stiff legged and hackles raised . . . but she didn’t appear threatening. The only thing that set him off really was the tone and words that she had directed towards his subordinate. He glanced sideways to Heron and then to Keris who seemed to have a moment of déjà vu consume him before regarding the female with equal curiosity. He looked at Heron oddly again; all of these wolves seemed to have a history here, one he was not familiar with. Why was this wolf surprised to see Heron alive? Slowly, he stood in front of his pack members, just as the female spoke again and Larka came charging back into the den site. The fae introduced herself as Sparrow, formality coming onto her like it was the most natural thing in the world. He calmed slightly; she didn’t want a fight it seemed. He flicked an ear towards Larka as she spoke, a growl in her voice. He raised his head high, locking his eyes with the female.
“I am the Alpha.” He stated. “My name is Unalaq. What is your business here?”
His tone asked for no nonsense. There was some tension between Sparrow and Heron that he did not like. His ears flicked back as Heron spoke. Her words were sharp but she was in control. He took a deep breath.
“I’d appreciate it if you did not speak with my pack. Your words are for me.”
His heart leaped as he heard a distinct howl, claiming his attention but he refocused. More loners? He looked up to Larka and motioned for her to attend to it.
"If you need me, I'll be along shortly." he shifted his eyes betwen Heron and Sparrow again. "Take Heron with you. I promised her a chance to scout, she should prove to be an asset, I think."
He smiled at Heron before turning his attention once more on Sparrow.
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Sparrow
Raven Wing
Loner
Whatever. You know you love me.
Posts: 10
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Post by Sparrow on Dec 30, 2009 20:35:04 GMT -5
Sparrow’s eyes flashed towards the white female that came barreling in and growled back in response, her hackles rose. What had she done to deserve such disdain? Regardless, she was on the opposing end, the loner that had wandered onto their territory. She laid her ears back and took a tentative step back, tucking her tail. She growled back at the Beta as she introduced herself, the growl only meant as a defense. Her light brown orbs flicked to Keris as he rose; his stance was non-threatening, but she knew his posture. He thought she was going to say or do more to Heron. The silent words hit her hard and Heron’s words stung. Sharply she met the Alpha’s gaze once more and then dropped it down to his chest in respect. She would say nothing to the beta that offended her. Instead, she held herself with pride.
When had Keris changed so much? Why did he look at her so blankly?
More of my family is gone . . .
“There were no others found.” She whispered tightly to Heron, anger and the slightest bit of sadness lacing her vain tone of voice. She knew she had spoken despite the Alpha’s orders and hoped that he wouldn’t chastise her to much.
Gaining composure once more, she raised her head.
“I come here on peaceful terms. I do not wish to anger your pack . . .” she flicked a contemptuous glance at the Betess and then looked back at Unalaq. “Alpha of Amber Moor, I only ask permission to pass through your land. I am on my way . . . home.”
She did not look at Heron again and did not move when another howl called the Alpha’s attention. She only swallowed quietly, part of her being driven insane by the fact that two pack members were here, two Outlanders, and neither one would be coming home with her. Something was wrong with Keris – never had he looked at her that way. And Heron . . . spirits knew what to think of Heron. It took all she had not look at the red fae again, not to gaze at the missing paw and wonder how the rough warrior had done it. She only barely sighed as Unalaq order his Beta to go to the howl . . . and to take Heron with her. She chanced one last look at the fae, hoping the glance would be unseen. Her gaze was impassive and uncertain.
Why was fate so cruel?
“Please,” she whispered tightly. “I only wish to go home.”
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Post by Larka on Dec 31, 2009 21:02:30 GMT -5
Larka's Ice blue eyes were also locked on Sparrow, stealing glances at the rest of the pack periodicaly. Unalaq was handling this well...very well. A proud feeling rose in Larka...why? She didn't know, it was just there.
She listened to Sparrow's words, not interjecting once...this was Unalaq's test. So far, the handsome Alpha was passing with flying colors, but things could change on a dime. She didn't like the look that passed between Heron and Sparrow, the words that were angled towards eachother. She was also troubled by the troubled look in Sparrows eyes when Keris rose and gave her a blank look. Was this one of their former packmates?
Larka's ears perked up when the howl came as well. She saw Unalaq's tail, a motion to send her off, but she hesitated to hear the rest of what she had to say. She nodded to Heron and snarled at Sparrow when she disobeyed Unalaq's orders and refocused on Heron.
"Let's go see what's up, Heron." she growled, trotting gracefully out of the densite.
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Post by Heron on Jan 5, 2010 13:31:42 GMT -5
Heron shifted sideways, away from Kersis. He had moved closer, defensive. He felt the threat that Sparrow presented Heron, the tension between the two more than obvious. Kersis had always been strange like that, defensive of the females in his pack. His actions had always annoyed Heron, who relied on her own actions and choices to protect herself. Males who felt the need to defend the lesser gender had often felt the sharper edge of Herons tongue.
The tension was broken by an unfamiliar call, coming from somewhere near by. Herons ears flicked back as she registered the sound... More loners? Were more old pack mates coming to haunt her home? Heron had expected to encounter old pack mates returning home to the Outlands. Her reactions to these encounters annoyed even herself...
"Take Heron with you. I promised her a chance to scout, she should prove to be an asset, I think."
Heron turned away, sending a parting glare in Sparrows direction. She would not miss the little fae... She would not miss any connection with the Outland pack. A part of Heron wished that Sparrow would take Kersis home with her, beyond the Moorland.
"Lets get tah investigatin' Miss Larka!"
With a final glance back Heron took off, following Larka. Herons heart raced as she picked up the pace. She had loved to run, even after she had lost her paw. The Outlands had many faster runners than Heron, but still she had exhilarated in the wind brushing against her face...
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Post by Kerisis on Jan 5, 2010 22:04:21 GMT -5
Keris kept his ground, even as Heron shifted away from him. He sighed and lowered his head, continuing to eye this stranger. He looked at Larka and the Alpha, ready to act at a moment’s notice . . . something inside him wanted to drive this stranger away at one single command. He remained tense, claws digging into the earth, eyes wide and alert. He slowed his breathing, the fighter in him coming to the surface. He only tensed more when a howl erupted over the land but years of training had kept him focused on the target; he could not allow his mind to wander.
He finally allowed himself to relax when Unalaq sent both his Beta and Heron to check out the call. If he was certain enough of holding up his own against this female without half the pack to back him, then Keris was pretty sure Unalaq was confident was handled well. Keris walked forward slightly, staying at the Alpha’s haunches. He listened to Sparrow speak of wanting to go home and something about her saddened him. He regarded her, blinking, and he sighed.
Why were things so confusing?
Then he thought back to the howling he heard and wondered what other wolves would be joining them. New pack members? Or just more wolves passing through? He liked the fact that there might be more members . . . he wished he could have gone too. But at least now he was giving his Alpha back up! Proudly, he held his head, staring emotionlessly at the fae. She didn’t seem to want to cause trouble . . . but there was not missing the tension her presence brought none the less.
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Post by Unalaq on Jan 6, 2010 11:53:48 GMT -5
Unalaq did not miss the parting glance that Sparrow took of Heron and was glad that Larka and Heron had left; at least that might ease some of the tension here. He was surprised however to hear that all this fae wanted was to pass through his land. He didn’t know where she was going . . . but apparently “home” was that direction. He felt Keris get closer and he raised his head, looking upon her sternly. She was built tough, despite her feminine frame. Finally he sighed.
“It would best you leave here as soon as possible, I think.” His tone was flat and straight to the point. They would play no games. “And it would be wise if you made it a very quick travel; if I find you on my borders uninvited again, there will be problems.”
He stood back and nodded his head towards the rest of the forestland, letting her pass. He took one last glance at her; creamy brown fur, brown eyes, a brown nose . . . She was very pretty. He would not forget her, nor would he forget her scent. He expected it to grow faint on his land – if it didn’t, he knew there would be problems. He nodded his head to her.
“You have the rest of the day to make yourself a memory. Go, you are free to travel.”
He stood back, waiting for her to leave before he turned to return to the dens. Now he wondered who Larka and Heron had discovered . . . and hoped that perhaps some good fortune came their way instead; he didn’t need more tension between Heron and more pack members.
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Sparrow
Raven Wing
Loner
Whatever. You know you love me.
Posts: 10
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Post by Sparrow on Jan 6, 2010 21:49:15 GMT -5
Oh, be at ease, Keris . . .
Sparrow sighed as Heron left and Keris moved forward to support his Alpha. She kept her stance tight and at order. She swallowed hard again and wondered if she could do this. She looked at the Alpha, wondering if he would allow her to pass or if she would have to suffer his company to the border. He obviously didn’t like the tension she brought with her . . . but then, how did Keris get in? Heron would remember him, even if he didn’t remember her. She looked at the ground, defeated.
She just wanted to get home now.
You have the rest of the day to make yourself a memory. Go, you are free to travel.
She nodded quietly and looked up again.
“Thank you, Alpha. It is time I’ve gotten home.” She looked back to Keris. “Keris, should you remember who you are . . . I’ll put a good word in for you with the Alpha – should you ever wish to come back home.”
I just wish I knew what was wrong with you . . .
She took a deep breath of the forest air and the drifting scents that came from off the Moorland. She pointed her nose towards the direction she intended to travel and smiled fondly. Sparrow had missed the Outlands, how they were so secluded and safe; so different then the meshed lands on the inland. The small land border awaited her paws, the salty air was there for the taking. She wondered if the old training courses were still intact; to her knowledge none of the Heus had tried to cross the land bridge; human artifacts were “cursed” to most wolves and since that was usually the first sight anyone saw coming into her pack land, well most stayed away, not to mention they had guardians blocking the only way across. She turned and looked at Unalaq once more, not able to look at Keris anymore.
“Memory I shall be then. Feel free to sick your whole pack on me should I return,” she snorted. “But trust me, I don’t go down without bringing someone down with me. . .”
With one fox-like wink, she turned and leapt away, legs pumping as she continued her westward journey, ready for the final leg . . .
Outland, here I come!
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Post by Unalaq on Jan 9, 2010 11:30:04 GMT -5
OOC: ((Shall we just start a new thread?))
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