On Edge -Red/Open-

[Keinvarii]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/keinmid.jpg] Keinvarii moved carefully along the marshy grass that bordered the edge of the lake shore, placing her paws only on solid ground to prevent injuring her old wound further. It seemed the stress of the move was reflected in the increased tension and pain in her fore paw. Head held low she sniffed among the reeds, scaring a couple ducks from their rest and raising her head to watch them take flight into the sky. It was midday and the sky was painted a dreamy pale blue, clouds dotting the sky randomly as the wind tossed them through the air. The lake waves lapped hungrily against the shore and through the calm tranquility of the wild terrain there was tell tale of approaching danger. A storm no doubt the Queen mused, but it will be rain once more. Moving away from the treacherous marsh she approached the edge of the forest where the sun was met with an impenetrable fortress of thick vegetation. On the edge a large trunk lay fallen many a seasons ago for its surface was blanketed with thick and lush moss and it was upon this cushioned resting spot that the stone lupus decided to rest. Shaking her thick and coarse fur out she lay down unceremoniously, sighing as the soft cover melded to her tired body. Enough was enough and it was time to seek rest for a while. Laying her head upon her paws she allowed her eyes to close and the rich smell of the woods and water to wash over her. With her coat of dull grey and green she blended very nicely into her surroundings, her brilliant blue eyes closed for the time being. Her breath came out steady and her shoulders relaxed as a soft slumber sifted through her body, enveloping her mind in a dreaming state. Through this fog visions of a pained and broken Phoenix came to her, small dead bodies of her adored pups laying on the rocks of the lake's shore as the waves took the shapes of greedy wolves, moving closer and closer to the broken family. Keinvarii sat up top the Heikwar Cliffs, looking down in pained agony as she tried to run and reach them in time. However every time she moved forward the earth seemed to shift and the cliff grew longer, carrying her away from saving the Accord members. Soon the waves brutally reached up and drove the wounded wolves under their surface, holding their bodies and life prisoner. The cliff it self shook as if the loss of Phoenix was also shattering the heart of the land and fissures broke across. Running the lupus tried to escape but the earth split beneath her, plunging her deep within its belly and to the dark and jagged death bellow. Stumbling awake Keinvarii gave a snarled yelp before falling of her log where she had been resting. Mild panic still grasped her heart as she jumped up to glance around madly before realizing where she was. Sighing, her shoulder drooped and her tail fell, she had failed to protect the pack members just as she had failed to save them within her dream. Walking toward the now normal waves she lapped gratefully at the fresh water, giving her self a quick shake. The sun had already begun to set and the water was left ablaze with fiery rays of light, the water speckled rocks sparkling in response. How could she begin to enjoy the peace and safety it offered when one of her own was in danger? She let out a deep and soulful howl, releasing her sadness into the atmosphere.

[Pan Fion (Red)]

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[scrolly:h(270),w(267),sy]This was truly a beautiful place. Red's gentle brown eyes rested on the majestic horizon that split the ancient lake from the noble mountains. His chest rose as he inhaled the rich scent of the mountains and blew. Lake Amarenthyst must be one of the stunning places he had seen during his travels, if not the most stunning. The valley, the jungle, the tundra and even the cove were... nothing compared to this great lake and its mountains. This place had been here for centuries, he was sure of it, and he could not even begun to wonder what had this lake had witnessed throughout its long life. Perhaps there was an epic battle taken place here, an important birthing or death, or even an important pack had been founded here. Almost grimly he thought about those possible history that would never be discovered. Yes, there were storytellers but he never trusted them. The words of the mouth more than often had transformed the facts into the fictions and he didn't like that. He turned his head, tearing his thoughtful gaze from the great body of water and started to move along the grassy shore. He was close to the lapping waters but he took a great care not to allow them to touch his paws. The lake was breathtaking itself but... it contained water and he preferred to avoid that wet liquid at all costs. He soon diverted from the lakeshore, moving towards the rising slope that led to the forest. He intended to leave the area through those trees but... not now. He was enjoying the view immensely to just leave. Perhaps... perhaps he could stay for a few days. But he had scented a pack around here and was unsure whether they were hostile or not. He laid his body down on the grassy slope and dropped his head gently on his broad paws, facing the shimmering blue water. But his rest was rudely interrupted by a sudden yelp... He was about to heave an annoyed sigh when a mournful howl came. Alarmed and curious he stood up and started to follow the sad song. Judging from the obvious grief in the howl, he suspected that this howler had lost something or someone precious. More likely it's a someone. It hadn't taken long when the song broke off but he had already spotted someone. A female was drinking from the lake with all of her body drooping miserably. He felt like leaving her to roll in her own pool of misery but the intrusive side of Red quickly overpowered his decision. So he moved foward, towards the lake edge yet again but kept himself well back from the drinking wolf. Who know how she would react seeing a stranger on lands of her pack. Assuming she was a part of the pack living here. Red cleared his throat once to make himself heard then: "Are you alright, madam?" He lowered his head to appear respectful and to show her than his intentions were peaceful.

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[Keinvarii]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/keinmid.jpg] At the sound of a voice the Queen immediately straightened her posture, her shoulders pulled pack and her head held high. Oh but it would be her luck that the one time she indulged in the frivolities of experiencing her own pain that a casual observer should be near. Flicking her tail with annoyance she set her deep blue gaze on the new comer, an outsider for she had yet to meet this wolf and the Queen was acutely aware of all wolves in her pack. However she had deemed this part of the land a safe area for loners so that even outsiders could indulge in the beauty of the territory. It was not her way to set limits on the fierce land, nature was not to be contained. Consistently putting on a strong front for the security and peace of mind of her pack Keinvarii had chosen to stroll through the outskirts of the pack territory so that none of her cherished would see this show of weakness. Walking towards the wolf it was plain to see that although she was of the High Estate her posture was not pompous nor over bearing, she did not seek to cower this stranger, and her footsteps fell with calm confidence. Giving the male a welcoming smile, although it did not reach her eyes, she said, "You needn't trouble yourself with such matters, enjoy the land without concerning yourself on my account." She looked out onto the lake, eyes falling on the island that rested in the middle. Her smile this time came from her eyes and even though her maw did not move it was the relaxed expression on her face that betrayed her love of the land. Turning back to the new comer she cocked a brow and noted wryly, "Pardon my manners, welcome to the lake stranger, my name is Keinvarii, Queen of the Centena Accord." She chuckled, it seemed her social skills were still not a hundred percent, but hell they had come a long way. Before she had commenced this journey or met Magispar she would have snarled at this male for even daring to approach her, but now she could wave off such apprehensions. "You are most welcome to rest in this area, we have left it open for travelers and you will know when you have reached its borders. Do I have the privilege of knowing your name good sir?" Goodness but she would have rather been caught dead then seen using such grammar, but such were her ways now. Her paw slipping on rock sent a bolt of pain through her paw but she clenched her teeth, ignoring the aggravating weakness. Sitting down she turned slightly to keep the paw out of direct sight, there was no reason an outsider should witness this display. She looked the male over, the peculiar markings set the fellow apart from most wolves, implying that he as well was a lupus. Keinvarii smiled, lupus seemed to gravitate to this land and her own pack was comprised of many such species. Cyra the earth lupus, Faye the lightning lupus and herself, stone lupus were all at ease in the profitable territory among forces that called to their elemental powers. K e i n v a r i i 's . S o n g

[Pan Fion (Red)]

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[scrolly:h(270),w(267),sy]He saw how her posture had transformed; from the hunched pose of a wolf in grief into a mighty posture of a confident wolf. A wolf in command. He tilted his head sideways slowly; how she held herself (after she gained her composure) told him that she must be a leader of the pack that live here. But he could also tell that she was feeling a little annoyed but with herself or with him he didn't know. But what he knew was that if he was caught being upset, showing everyone your weakness, like she did, he would feel a tad pissed off. But he still admired her ability to discard her own personal feelings just for the sake of being a better wolf, that she was not a weakling. It required a strong will to hide her weakness completely, it wasn't easy, he should know. Red watched her move towards him and saw the reason she was a leader. She expected respect but she didn't demand it; her movements only expressed her confidence and the ability to lead. He didn't reply with his own smile when the leader smiled at him in greetings. He just gave her a tiny nod of his head. Red was a tad relieved when she decided not to burden him with her loss; he didn't want to provide a shoulder for a crying female. It would also destroy the strong alpha image she possessed now. He blinked once in response, to acknowledge her choice but his passive face gave nothing of his own thoughts away. Enjoy the land. That was the exact reason he came here. With a faint smile he spoke: "I am." He saw her green face turned away from him to her lake. He also saw something filling her eyes, something akin to pride. He turned his attention away from her back to the lake and felt a small pang of jealousy. This all was hers and she would do whatever she wanted with it. His ears perked up, swivelled around toward her direction. Centena Accord? "A new pack?" He glanced at her with a brow raised thoughtfully. If so, she had the honours of being this new pack's first alpha. Then he wondered what would it feel like. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like when you begin a new pack. To think, by starting a pack, she had given lone wolves a more chance of having a home. Not that he wanted to join one. Apparently Red had learnt a lot by wandering instead of staying in a place and not once he would regret his decision. Even if a large hungry dragon tore him into pieces and devour him piece by piece. He snorted to himself at the gory image. At her second statement, he felt a fresh wave of relief surging inside him. So this lake won't be all hers. He did not like the idea of having one of the great wonders belonging to someone and required permission to look at it. "Good." All of his powerful relief was evident behind just one word and he did not bother to hide it. This was his thanks to her. And to her question, he nodded and spoke: "I'm Red." It wasn't necessary to add something more that he had nothing else he intend to say to her. A sudden movement caught his eye and he saw Keinvarii tensed. Red's handsome face was marred by a frown when he noticed her discomfort. After a long hesitation he asked her, "Are you alright?" He wrinkled his muzzle, silent for a moment before continuing (because it seemed polite to do so); "It seems... like something is bothering you." He did not expect the leader to reply and he wouldn't care if she didn't. Sometimes these things happen; sometimes there were something wolves like to keep to themselves. Red was a prime example; you don't see him blabbering all around about his past life. ooc; sorry for the crappiness this post might be; I'm tired and I'm supposed to be in bed right now xDD

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[Keinvarii]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/keinmid.jpg] The fellow was a strange one, he spoke little but his few words were momentous on their own and she was glad for once that someone was still. Stillness was hard to come by and in her first home she had know consistent stillness and firm solitude among the sea shore cliffs and hollowed caves. Her youth was spent in the quiet company of the ocean with the gulls crying their calls as she lived day to day practicing and perfecting her element. The Centena Accord seemed to embody the natural feeling of such a quiet life, few wolves populated the pack, but all were of solid hearts and impeccable intentions. And each and every one had a story; she could only wonder what this silent male’s was…But Keinvarii would not be the one to inquire of such personal matters. So Red was his name? It was short and to the point, and Stone certainly surmised that it was well chosen. True enough the red markings that snaked along the wolf were intriguing and starch against his white pelt. A unique combination for a slender wolf, she thought, but there is more to Red then his markings which left her wondering what type of lupus he might be. The gratitude she heard in his words and his polite manner of talking was appreciated, it was to be expected that even loners might enjoy a rest in the healing mists of Lake Amarenthyst. The lack of other wolves’ scents on Red led her to believe he was without a pack and a chosen loner. Frowning at his question she debated what to answer, her injury, which she had contracted from a deadly fall at an early age, was a sore point to her and she would drive it to great pains in anger. The stone lupus hater the weak point with a vengeance, but usually her even temper would keep her from lashing out when others pointed it out. She would lie dead before she allowed it to stop her from living the way she pleased and was required in order to befit the title of Queen. His question had not been the leering type, and although she doubted whether he was particularly interested in the matter it had seemed sincere in nature. A rough growl had crept into her voice, but her anger was not directed at Red, “Old injuries die hard, nature picks no favorites.” A barely audible snarl of reproach rumbled out from between her fangs, she was tired of her strength being questioned. Pausing she realized that the handsome tribal-like wolf was not the cause of this reproach and she gave a curt sigh. “Apologies, you are receiving a poor welcoming.” Of course Keinvarii was not known for the most welcome of greetings but matters usually turned out fine in the end, Evelyn was a prime example. The lupus had engaged the lumen in a battle, depleted her own strength to an alarming point and yet come out convincing the opposing wolf to join. To add to the list the lumen was not only still in the pack but also her close friend despite the age long feud between the species. Cocking a brow she asked politely, “Perhaps I may ask a question in kind? Have you heard any news from the south? We have a member that has disappeared from our ranks along with her young pups without notice.” This matter was a significant concern in the pack, any news would be welcome and she had chosen to inquire upon such matters with Red for she would go to great lengths for a wolf from her pack. The female lupus was fiercely protective of her pack and her loyalty was a solid as the cliffs that supervised the lake and constantly fought against the wind. K e i n v a r i i 's . S o n g

[Pan Fion (Red)]

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[scrolly:h(270),w(267),sy]He waited for the answer to his question. He looked at Keinvarii's bold eyes steadily, continuing waiting for his answer patiently. But at the same he expected no answer at all. Some wolves were bound to be secretive when it came to their weakness. The world was tough and it took all of the wolves' might to survive as long as they could. It would be tedious, tough and tiring at some times but at some other times life would show you that it all was worth fighting for. Red shifted his attention from the strong face of the leader back to the lake. This was why he decided to continue fighting, even after his mother's brutal slaughter; he hadn't seen everything yet and, to some wolves' standards, he knew nothing. He vowed to gain every knowledge that ever existed all for himself. With this knowledge alone he could be the most powerful wolf ever lived. He knew he did not need strength or stamina to get along even though they came very useful sometimes. His red rimmed ears twitched as he heard her angry answer. Curious, he turned his face towards her with his interest in what had ticked her off. Soon it became apparent that she wasn't annoyed with him but with something else. He snorted lightly, her words echoed his previous thoughts; life was a bitch. He did not move at all except to sit down as he did not see her as a current threat despite her sudden anger. He heard a brief sigh and her apology quickly followed. Red gave a curt nod in a response then there was a small, amused smile edging on his lips. She was right; the welcome could be better but he expected nothing less. He was a loner, a dirty, flea-infested loner to most of the pack wolves and he was worth almost nothing to them, he learned this the hard way. However, it was nice to be able to talk with a leader without her screaming at him to get off her lands. He turned his head towards Keinvarii with a frown upon his brows. This must be what was afflicting her; a missing mother of her pack. It was understandable, in a way he could understand, that she felt responsible as she was a leader. Leaders were supposed to guard, nurture and fight for their pack and she failed them, a mother with puppies. He did not like the thought of having them as a burden on his shoulders. Turning his thoughts on her question, Red searched through them, searching for any answer. But none came as the question was too broad; the south but specifically where? Some wolves got themselves kidnapped sometimes but which one she wanted? But he thought he had an idea even though he heard nothing about any new mother and puppies there. He had strolled through the jungle a few days ago and came across a yagi. He told him nothing significant but the Mafia was infamous for its dark crimes so it could be the best place to start. "I do not know. But have you thought about the Mafia? I went there recently and heard nothing but, as you might know, the Mafia is well known for its dark crimes." There was disappointment on his handsome face but not because he couldn't give the green lupus any information on the missing wolves, but because he knew nothing about them. He valued knowledge above everything. "I know nothing." He spoke warningly, with both of his brows raised. The white lupus had repeated this to ensure that Keinvarii understand that he clearly did not know. He wouldn't like her to dash through the rainforest, ripping the tropical trees up just to find that there were no prisoners. Information was capable of being an ally, only if it was accurate. Unless you want to make a fool out of yourself and endanger the pack. He was sure that this leader wouldn't want that.

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[Keinvarii]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/kback-9.jpg] "Speaking" Keinvarii gave a pensive nod, the loner knew no more than she herself but that was to be expected for if Phoe had been kept as prisoner there would be little chance Red would know about it unless he was from the same pack. She left the subject at that, discussions about her plans would not be divulged to complete strangers no matter the intentions of said individual. "Yes, the mafia indeed..." It wall pointed to that pack, none other would keep innocent pups and their mother captive without good cause and she was sure she would have received word should such a situation arise. "Thank you, there is not much that wouldn't be done here for one of our own." She respected his choice to be a loner, she had been as such for the longest times and although such being were not usually considered to be of the utmost worth Keinvarii knew otherwise. "If I may ask, what is it that you seek in your travels?" Usually choosing to be a loner had monumental repercussion and such a choice was seldom done in vain. For Keinvarii it had started off as a forced decision and evolved into a choice for the loneliness of solitary living had been a comfort. A wide grin spread across her face, who could have pictured the dirty loner repulsed by other wolf's contact to one day become alpha of such a noble pack? It left her bemused and often wondering if it was but all an extensive dream and she would one day wake up to find herself pack in her cliff home by the sea, eating fish and conversing with the gulls. She rather hoped not and often times had to talk herself out of this sense of false reality. What was would be and it was impervious that she remain present to deal with the changes being made. Hers was a hard working pack of noble individuals, all of whom had stuck by the Queen through thick and thin and it was self explanatory that she would place down her life to save one of theirs. That was the peculiar thing about life, change was inevitable and she could be replaced. To survive one had to adapt and no one knew this better than a loner whom had taken the risk of separating it self from the comfort of pack security and plunging themselves into lonely harsh environments. Keinvarii frowned, it seemed almost like the ideal solution to finding one's self and their true path, perhaps such a custom would become a practice among the pack. For how could a wolf that had known pack life all their lives truly understand the nature of the wild and the importance of survival? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - K e i n v a r i i 's . S o n g

[Pan Fion (Red)]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Gifts/Red1Mid.png] Red saw Keinvarii nod and it bothered him. She did not expect him to know; if a wolf was kidnapped, it would make sense to keep her a secret to avoid any possible rescue attempt. But the feeling of being useless ebbed a little as she agreed with his guess. The Mafia was the only pack out of them all that would take wolves for apparently no reason. Except to encourage fear in others. He shook his head; he did not like the idea of instilling fear in wolves just because you have a reputation to uphold. In fact there was no right reason to do so at all. But he knew from experience it happened sometimes. For some wolves, Red's presence alone was enough to sent them running for hills and (even though it gave him some satisfaction) he didn't like that. Thankfully it hadn't happened recently. He nodded once as a reply to her gratitude. Her words made him wonder; it must be nice to have some wolves that care about him. Red could not remember last when he had someone that would go the extra mile just for him. His father must be the last... So that must be a few years ago. Suddenly a sharp shard of loneliness jabbed deep into his heart and for a second the Pan Fion inside him whined, fretting that he would never have someone that cares about him. But the Red part, being more dominant, pushed that innocent part away, demanding that he needed no one. But he knew it would be nice to be cared. It would give him an extra reason to continue. The poison lupus twitched his red ears once at the Queen's question. He did not need to be hesitant; he knew the answer already and had always do. He replied straight away, full of confidence and sureness: "Knowledge." It was a priority. After all what the world would be like without knowledge? How would a wolf hunt without knowledge? What would an elder teach a young without knowledge? Red thought that this Queen would feel the same. After all, being a leader, she should not be ignorant. He watched her and started to think the reasons that any wolf would take up an alpha position. Too much work, responsibilities and the heavy burden of every single pack members' lives. But then there would be some invaluable experiences available. For an ordinary wolf, a step up to be an alpha must be a huge leap. They would have to become mature (if they weren't before), caring and thoughtful. But, of course, there were some exceptions: Scorch for an example. He ruled with an iron fist, and his reign demanded fear and obedience. He expected highly of his subjects and that was the reason that the Mafia wasn't for the faint hearted. Red tried to imagine himself as an alpha but failed. He knew he would never be one; it would limit your freedom, and demand your every attention. And there would be a lot of... silly wolves misbehaving and 'misunderstanding' your command. And not to mention puppies. He wrinkled his nose slightly at the thought of those wolves. Now he preferred to be on his own, or at least around bearable wolves. But why did Keinvarii take up this position? He guessed it must be because of many possible reasons; with the previous alpha gone and she was the only wolf available, she founded the pack, or she was an beta and the alpha died so the title was passed on. Whatever it might be, Red thought she must be brave to take that much responsibilities upon her shoulders.

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