The Breaking Dawn [ pack forming ]

[Erulassé]

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[atrb=background,http://i33.tinypic.com/2qbyvcn.png] SO, it was Spring once more? It didn't register on the landscape of the mountains, their surface had been left unchanged for years. It was the way of this cold and rugged world, survive or die. The beasts that dwelt upon it's surface had no time for petty grievances or bad attitudes. Their lives were lived with vigour and vitality, because they knew not if they would see the next day. And though it was a harsh life, it was a good one. There was no hatred in the frozen halls of mountain caves, or uneeded violence upon the crystal white slopes. It was a paradise, though few but the mountain dwellers saw it that way. CIRCLING high in the sky, lazily drifting from cloud cover to cloud cover, Erulassé admired the world below. She was as white as the bitter snow, beautiful like the majestic mountains. She was at peace here, in this quiet land, though lonely. The Fellowship had fallen apart and once more she was alone. Indeed, she felt guilty, what if she could have kept them together, kept the pack strong and well? It was too late now, but the aging she-wolf still had her regrets. DROPPING down, slowly and steadily, like a falling feather, the swan Myou descended to the snow-covered ground. Flawless wings were tucked to her sides as she caught her breath, steaming puffs decorating the cold air. Age clearly defined in her thinning frame and slow pace, the she-wolf still carried herself proudly, content with her world and her place in it. But a little company in the sparse expanse of this land would be nice. All the company she had was the swan that shared her mind, a creature who spoke very little. What it was that had silenced the swan was unknown, but sometimes Erulassé wished she didn't have to face the world alone. DRIFTING slowly across the snowy surface, the crystal white wolf began to hum a tune to herself. Her direction was unmapped, her pace unhurried. She didn't know where she was heading, but she didn't care. She was happy to simply wander and end up where her ancient paws would take her. Life was good in the mountains, away from the strife of the rest of the world. She had no need to worry or hurry. She was content to watch and observe.

[Raleigh (Rawls)]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/rawlsrawls-1.png] Raleigh walked as far as he could from the Jungle. His leader had fallen and he really didn’t care, but subconsciously, he felt that he should walk away, as far as he could walk, from that horrible place. For one thing, the muddy jungle would suck at his hooves. And for another thing, he really hated that female named Kurai. He felt that one day, he had to find a way to kill her. Yep, that would be a good thing. His mind wasn’t on anything really as the novelty of the journey wore off. He was just trudging along. The iced ground still hadn’t felt the thaw of the warm months and felt really good to his feet. They were getting a tad long in the hoof. Maybe this hard ice would wear them down to a more manageable length. Miserable. Raleigh didn’t know if he was miserable because his pack was gone or because he just simply had nothing to do. Boredom wears sanity down quicker than a murdering spree. The Myou hung his antlered head, almost dejectedly as he climbed the first piece of the mountain. His legs were getting sore, but he kept on going. Soon, he found it more comfortable to do a deer-like bounding gait. And in his leaping strides, he caught the scent of a predator. That was how wolves registered in his mind due to the fact that his sharp senses were attributed directly to his deer half. The wolf stopped, but then continued when he acknowledged his deer soul, named Destry. He balanced tediously on a small edge of mountain, overlooking the end of the world. One wrong step and he’d be dead. But to Raleigh, at this moment, falling to his doom would be a spicy change of pace and a welcome one. Still, he managed to live through the perilous event and his journey would soon come to a close. Raleigh didn’t understand what would be next, but the spontaneity of his trek brought a sense of giddiness to him. He had absolutely no idea what would come at the next turn of which he was coming up to. Perhaps it was a bear. Or maybe a griffin looking for a good game. Or maybe it was some lost harem whose head-honcho just kicked the bucket. Raleigh took dainty step by dainty step. And then, all at once, his destiny turned and revealed itself. A white wolf. With white wings. She looked awful pretty despite her age due to the way the light hit her, like a flash of cloud. Raleigh then bowed his head, trying a little charm for size. “You, too, are a wanderer. Funny how paths cross.” Raleigh remembered her from somewhere, but he had been a nervous kid for most of his life. When his mind was in flight mode, he couldn’t think straight, let alone form good memories of that time. ------------------------------------------ OOC: Forgive me for the long while it took to get this up T_T College was not kind.

[Erulassé]

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[atrb=background,http://i33.tinypic.com/2qbyvcn.png] THE she-wolf was completely lost in her contented dream-world, pushing her way through the thick snow of the mountainous land. She didn't hear or sense the approach of the deer-wolf until he spoke, his voice touching the air with a sense of hidden power and richness. Erulassé turned swiftly in surprise, weak eyes peering at the strange and yet, familiar creature before her. Her stance was neither aggressive, nor wary, it was a wonder she was still alive. She had no interest in violence and trusted each and every wolf she met. SILENT for a moment, the Myou dredged her memories for this face that seemed so familiar. And there it was. That frightened, yet frustrated creature, the one she'd mistaken for a deer. The fellow Myou with the soul of the deer. A smile grew on her features as she realized how much he'd grown, how much he'd strengthened. "Raleigh! How much you have changed!" Chuckling softly, the sound like the tinkle of a river, Erulassé wondered if he remembered her. After all, he was not the same creature, not to her quick mind. "Do you remember me? I am Erulassé, I almost ate you once." HER tone was jovial, but it was obvious she still felt guilty for her mistake. That was in the past however, it seemed the pair of them had been through many a change since. She had gained and lost a family, made friends that she never saw again. What had the fellow wanderer been through in that short time? She couldn't know and though she was curious, she didn't like to press the issue. To be honest, she was simply glad to see a familiar face in this cold, unbroken view of ice and snow. "WHAT brings you to the icy mountains of Shinkou? You are not a creature of the snow and cold, you are a creature of airy woods and open fields." Smiling gently, the she-wolf sat carefully, the creak in her bones evident to any outsider. It was true, she was an old creature now, and though her mind was as sharp as ever, her body was failing her. Her ribs were visible, she hadn't eaten for far too long. And alone, her chances of survival were slim. Perhaps it was instinctual then, her craving for company, her wish for a home, a pack. She was a wolf afterall. That much wasn't so obvious in the strange form of her companion, but Erulassé admired his strength and resolve. She didn't pity him or scorn him. To her, he was a unique creature with unhidden potential. LOST for the moment in her thoughts and feelings, Erulassé realized she was drifting off from the situation at hand. Wrenching herself back to reality, she smiled softly, stretching ivory wings out to ease the tension. The wound the deer-wolf had once inflicted had long healed, covered once more by thick white fur. The she-wolf eyed those dangerous hooves and again, wondered what had made Raleigh drift this far north. It was rare to see a true woodland deer wandering on the side of a freezing cold mountain. Perhaps he was part Reindeer? The old wolf stifled a chuckle at that thought. Raleigh? Part Reindeer? { That's ok, mine took long enough too. I remember what it was like at college, o.O }

[Raleigh (Rawls)]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/rawlsrawls-1.png] Raleigh gave a nervous smile, trying to shift back to the innocent and uncertain wolf he used to be in appearance. He let himself plan every minute detail in his head. How long can he keep this charade? He thought that perhaps if he was the same wolf as before, he’d definitely be more comfortable for Erulassé. “Well… I do remember you trying to hunt for me… but that happens all the time.” He used a meek and warm voice. And innocently peeked his deer like eyes to her as he lowered his head in “respect” for his elders. In reality, he was just making a sport of this. It had somewhat come back to him. But mostly it was she who was building his memories rather than him. And when she asked about the reason he came here, he lowered his eyes from hers to feign helplessness, worry, and anxiety about what he was thinking. “Well… my old pack in the jungle fell apart. Surely you’ve heard of it?” Raleigh lowered his ears. He was a masterful liar. The best liars speak truths while wearing a lying face and speak lies while wearing a truthful face. “I didn’t really like the pack. They were all rather forceful wolves… But I don’t like to be alone and I thought it best if I went as far from that place as possible.” He furrowed his brows and tilted his ears back, “I don’t want them to find me.” He was pawing into the snowy ground with his hoof, and with the sharp foot, he already made a gash into the ground with the few minutes. He didn’t mind the ice. The worst thing about it was the ice in his hooves, but he could always lick them off. Anyways, it was a harder ground than that of the Jungle. Any longer on that boggy marshy place and he’d have had some sort of chronic foot disease. But then again, it was all speculation. He looked to Erulassé, “You seem a nice wolf…” And he perked his ears, but his eyes held a nervous light. And underneath this façade was a laughing mind.

[Erulassé]

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[atrb=background,http://i33.tinypic.com/2qbyvcn.png] WITH failing eyes but a quick mind, Erulassé watched the deer Myou closely. She felt something was out of place with him, but she was no mind reader and could not know the truth. Pushing her doubts to the corners of her mind, the she-wolf smiled once again, listening to the persuasive voice of her companion. And she believed him. Why wouldn't she? She took in his honeyed voice and though she wasn't stupid, she was unwilling to see the lies. Thus, she only heard the truth, what she was meant to hear. Besides, he was masterful in his art of deceit and she was an easy target. TILTING her head slightly as he spoke of his pack, she tried to remember. So many packs had grown and fallen recently, including her old one. But vaguely, she remembered the pack, the mighty Yagi's of the jungle. Concerned as Raleigh appeared anxious and worried, Erulassé wanted to reassure the male, make him feel safe. But what could she say or do, when he was obviously the more capable of the pair? She lowered her golden eyes to his pawing hooves, thinking of words to break the silence and make the world seem friendlier. EARS picking up on the last words of the deer-wolf, the snow-white female chuckled softly. "You could say that, my dear, indeed you could. I have no animosity towards you, so do not worry. In this world of cold snow and frozen vistas, they will find themselves outmatched and in awe." Smiling once again, gently this time, the she-wolf began to preen her feathers, at ease and hoping her relative lack of tension would relax her friend and make him feel safer. For if she was not afraid, why should he be? She didn't know the inner workings of his mind, to her, he was a strong shell encasing a still frightened little deer. [ Sorry it took a while, had a loong work shift yesterday and couldn't be bothered to post when I came back. ]

[linnea]

Linnea wandered around the mountains, weaving her feet in and out of the crags and nooks int he rock. She had been looking for her mate, or what she thought to be her mate, Raleigh. She had longed for him, his comforting smile, his warmth and care. She was oblivious to his trickful deceit.

She climbed up a rock, teetering on the edge of a boulder the size of a small tree. A small chunk broke from the rock, and Li slipped, about to endanger her pups on the ground before csmooping her wings and landed softly on the ground. She heard a conversation going onuo the hill, and she recognized a familiar voice.

"Rawls!" Linnea shouted her new nickname for her mate, echoing the word into the mountain. She rushed into him, digging her muzzle to nuzzle his neck. "I missed you!" She glared over at the brilliant white wolf. "And who is she?"

[Raleigh (Rawls)]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/rawlsrawls-1.png] Raleigh nodded his head and then said, gratefully, “I thank you then… It isn’t common to find a friend.” He gave a sigh, and then added, as if without a thought, in a voice far too strong for innocence, “It seems easier to find a comrade when the world is harsh. Everything against us… The fastest way to make a friend is to make an enemy.” He had let the other Raleigh slip through. The thought-ridden Raleigh. The Raleigh who wasn’t just another simple wolf. He stumbled over his tongue when he realized what he had just said, what it could reveal, “Eh, I mean… with… um…” He had grown since the last time Erulassè had last seen him. He knew he was a changed wolf. Perhaps he wished he hadn’t changed. He knew what he was like now. He was… less pure. He wasn’t the innocent young wolf he had been. He was no longer the shy and almost prince-like wolf. He was an enemy to the wolves. And he had been through so much that he was sure that only he could understand. He had become a sly, astute male. He was painting his language with silver hues and wriggling into more powerful positions. He was growing into a monster; he knew it. After his off-hand miscalculation caused by his comfortable pride, he was at a loss of what to do, to redeem the cute innocent shell he was building. Maybe letting a swift ray of intelligence shine through was an acceptable action. Maybe it would lead Eru to believe that he was more than met the eye. That there was potential. Nobody saw his gifts. They only saw his potential. He hoped that Eru took his break of character in that light, but knew that there was no control over it. But then, a voice called out to him. It was a voice he thought that he would never hear again. “Rawls!” Li’s voice cut over the haunt of the wind and Raleigh turned his head curtly to face her. At first he wore an expression of shock—akin to the façade he was trying to wear with Erulassè. Then, he realized her wide shape, her heavy body, her milky scent. She was pregnant and her time was soon. He felt himself laugh inside and let the laughter shine in his face as a good natured smile. “Hello, Li…” Perhaps this was best. Perhaps there was nothing sweeter, more explanatory than a sweet elope that ended with him and a new mate. “This is… Erulassè. And, Eru, this is my mate… Linnea.” Raleigh was re-orientating himself to the presence of the soon-to-be mother. He was trying to make it so that he was a good father and then and there, he decided, that he wanted to be one. Just to see how it was.

[Apocalypse]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/wolfeh-6.png] A dark spiral of smoke and smog seemed to materialize within the realm of thought closest to the deer myou. Apocalypse had left him alone for long enough. He had not managed to find another general for his cause, so he decided to go visit the one he had established. The one his paw had a foothold in. The reason one of his four tails smoldered like kindling fire. He pushed into the mind of Rawls, making his presence known with a slight growl of a greeting, "Well, well, it has been a while hasn't it?" He skimmed over the thoughts at the forefront of the myou's mind, trying to catch up. His tall dark ears quivered as if he were listening to the conversation outside in the real world. "It seems you have been busy, Raleigh, Destry. He addressed both parts of the shared soul. A fiery smirk split his blackened maw. The harbinger sat down, straight and tall in the minds-eye of the myou, he had no reason to hide from the vassal. He had already determined that it was one of his. His general. His Pestilence to wield for conquest against the real realm until they all knew of the existence of Apocalypse. Red eyes burned through the thoughts, piecing together where they were, why he was present and who the two females around them were. He reached out and barely touched the mind of the swan myou, she was past her prime, graceful with age, content to have a close knit group around her. He then prodded the mind of the hybrid nuzzling his myou. He glared a little, feeling her thoughts of affection and lust. Things that he did not find in Raleigh's mind in reference to her. He came back to focus on Rawls, "It seems you have been testing your confidence and broadening your horizons. Well done." His tails twitched silently, "Being a father can give you a new sense of empowerment. To know your genes are out there, populating the realm with powerful traits." Even though Apocalypse was not very active in his parenting, knowing that some of his offspring were still alive and well gave him a sense of pride. "Tell me, what is your plan for this place, this group? What will come of this?" He wanted a conversation, sifting through thoughts seemed too one sided to him, especially since not all the thoughts were roaming the mind so freely. Apocalypse wanted to cement the bond they had, make it stronger. To give Rawls a stronger thirst for power so that in return, Apocalypse's own power would grow.

[Erulassé]

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[atrb=background,http://i33.tinypic.com/2qbyvcn.png] ARRANGING her misplaced feathers so they sat neatly upon her wings, Erulassé listened intently to the words of her new companion. She caught the change in his words, the new found power that momentarily broke through his disguise, but it pleased her. It was simply another point to show how much Raleigh had grown and flourished, become a creature far beyong his physical years. How could she know it was a picture of a very different creature, a less innocent wolf. She had met him as a young and curious Myou, now he was older and more wise to the world, but he was still the same Raleigh in the old she-wolf's honeyed mind. If it could be seen, it would be filled with the joys of spring, of mountain vistas and old friends. No, to her, the male was not pretending. Her faith blocked her ability to see what lay beneath. THE musing's of the she-wolf were interrupted, a shout cutting the silence that lay between the pair. She gazed in curious interest at the newcomer, noting the wings and small size. She could be mistaken for a Keiyou, but for the slight differences in the way she looked and smelt. A Myou then, though Eru could not know that she was a half-breed. Her bright yellow gaze also caught the intimacy between the newcomer and Raleigh, as well as the obvious rounded belly and pregnant vigour. A soft smile appeared on her mouth, and as Rawls finished introducing them, she nodded in greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Linnea my dear. You are a welcome sight to my ancient eyes, it has been too long since I have seen any indication of new life." PAUSING, the she-wolf considered a thought that had been growing in her mind, expanding since the day Rhume Nord had broken and disbanded. She was yearning to live in a stable and passive group, a pack dedicated to her own faith in change and the goodness of the heart. She was getting too old to be a single, dominant Alpha, but she was not about to allow age to dampen her enthusiasm. These two here, they could help her achieve her dream, could they not? Besides, safety came in numbers and they could at least achieve that. "My dear, you must be near the grand moment, surely it can only be a matter of days. I must propose an idea to the pair of you, that would only benefit your current state. I lost my pack many a month ago, as did you, Raleigh. I do not smell the scent of a pack upon your being, little one, so perhaps we did not come together by chance. We are three wolves with free minds and a need for company, there is no reason why we could not come together as one, provide for each other and for the future generation. What say you, my fellow Myou?" ( Erm, random post is random...? Annd, I didn't mention Apo turning up because Eru wouldn't have known. Just so you don't think I'm ignoring your post, lawlz. )

[Raleigh (Rawls)]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/rawlsrawls-1.png] Raleigh gave a gruff snort when he felt Apocalypse slip into his head. The all-too-familiar feeling somehow made him feel giddy. He knew that Apocalypse was a Harbinger and he knew what the thought-wolf felt like in his head. However, Raleigh didn’t acknowledge Apocalypse’s presence physically except for that snort which Raleigh hid as a sneeze. Mentally, he said, You’ll see Apocalypse. Every one of my plans is a mechanical step, no matter the whimsy. Truth be told, Raleigh was only doing this because he could. He simply wanted to see what he could do. He nodded his head, “Yes, a pack would be nice, Eru.” He let his pride shine throughout all his thoughts and made damn sure that Apocalypse saw them. The deer Myou nodded and said, “I too was yearning for a pack where… I wouldn’t be oppressed.” And he nuzzled Linnea, curious before laying his chin on her rotund stomach. He felt the pups kick against him and the life made him smile even though the love between Linnea and himself wasn’t exactly pure and strong. It might be one day. Feeling the life that the Harbinger said would bring him fatherly pride definitely was having him try to promise to learn to love the idiot hybrid like a wolf should love his mate. “Already the next generation is on the way, Eru. We need a pack to protect them anyways.” His voice wasn’t as soft as it was, but he spoke gently. He decided that it would be best if he seemed less shy when Linnea was around. He knew that that usually meant wolves loved each other. When a shy one becomes talkative because of the presence of his mate. Like a little pup that hides behind the mother’s leg until she assures him that, yes, all things are safe. It made more sense. In fact, he would raise more suspicion if he didn’t do that. He would be the odd one out, always shy. Besides, he knew that in order to play with the pack the way he wanted, he couldn’t be silent and he couldn’t be noisy. He needed to carve a little niche between innocent and able. That was all he needed to do. Perhaps you can say I’m setting up for my own personal apocalypse. And Raleigh beamed at that. He felt oh-so-clever. He knew that Eru would simply thing him happy. --------- OOC: Posted before Possy because I think it isn't fair to be waiting any longer He says he doesn't mind.

[Apocalypse]

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[atrb=background,http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/NuckyGirl/wolfeh-6.png] Apocalypse chuckled darkly in response, "That is what I like about you, always planning and plotting. Taking whatever you fancy. It is magnificent." It really reminded Apocalypse of himself, setting out maps and plots, waiting for the right circumstances. He allowed himself to lie down in the mind of the myou, holding himself with pride and crossing his forepaws as if watching a show. He wanted to see where Rawls was headed with this plotting. He drank the pride of the wolf, as if tasting an exquisite elixir. It was empowering to be in this mind. Not only potential, but talent. "I would like to know where you want this to go. Perhaps I could offer my assistance." His voice was a confident growl, strong and able. Of course his end goal was to use Raleigh and a handful of others to force his way into reality. He needed help to become tangible, so he was not above offering help to get more accreditation. To be reliable was a valuable asset to his arsenal. Give his vassals what they wanted so he in return to get what he wanted. He listened carefully to the interactions, taking special note of emotions that took precedence throughout the conversation. he chuckled again at the clever thought of the deer-wolf. "Well, the die have been cast, go forth and carve your future into even the hardest of hearts."

[Erulassé]

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[atrb=background,http://i33.tinypic.com/2qbyvcn.png] PLEASED with the acceptance of her idea, the old she-wolf smiled and dipped her head in a nod. "Then so shall it happen, we shall be a family." But what about ranks? Though she believed in freedom of speech, believed with absolute faith that the world was a place of equality and beauty, she knew there had to be ranks. A hierarchy gave others something to strive for, something to work for. It also kept squabbles to a minimum and allowed respect to be earned and given fairly. With age decorating her snow-white fur and creeping into her mustard yellow gaze, she knew that she would not hold a position of strength or protection. But she believed she was wise with her years, a dignified elder with a noble bearing. She would lead the pack in the ways of the mind, while strength and innocence would lead alongside her. PEERING thoughtfully at Raleigh, his happy smile and his obvious growth, she knew he was an intelligent creature, well versed in the ways of the mind. He was a listener and a talker, a brilliant poet, so to speak. He would be the pack Shaman, a creature of brilliance in his own right. Honeyed gaze shifting to the heavily pregnant she-wolf beside the Myou, Erulassé knew that for now, she would be a Den Mother. She had young to care for, the future to look after and raise. But what of the future? What would Linnea be when her pups were old enough to gain their own ranks? To be honest, the old wolf didn't know. The mother's talents weren't so obvious at this stage of her pregnancy, they would show themselves after the birth and Erulassé would be sure to take note of them. HAPPY with her decisions and the reactions of her companions, the winged wolf focused on the pair as they nuzzled each other. "Raleigh, dear, you will be our Shaman. I am sure you know more about life than you let on." She chuckled softly, a twinkle in her eyes before continuing. "And Linnea, you shall be a Den Mother for the moment, so that you can look after your offspring without interruption. And we must gather more to our cause, for freedom and faith. For what is a pack without it's members?" As a light covering of snow began to fall upon the already whitened land, Erulassé looked upon her companions and felt sunny and warm inside. Life was good, was it not? YET, things were stirring in the old wolf's mind, things that had been dormant for many years. A speck of white in the sunny fields of her imagination, a swan asleep in a beautiful blue lake. It was waking and raising it's head, blackened eyes taking in the golden world it was trapped in. And it looked through the old eyes of it's host and saw all the things that she did not. It wasn't blinded by faith and belief, it was a creature that knew the stone cold reality of things. And, with a voice that whispered like the wind, but grated like stone, it spoke. 'You're a moron.' As Erulassé's confused mind-voice echoed around the golden fields and sapphire lake, the swan ruffled it's feathers in disgruntled disgust. 'I'm Ezzawrath, remember me?' And the she-wolf gladly remembered her once forgotten second soul, a distant look in her amber-gold eyes. ( FAIL. )