Follow The Roads ( Joining )

[Charis Dermott]

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[atrb=background,http://fotos.fotoflexer.com/5a23dc1d2f397c363339da806928835b.jpg] As she meandered through the lush lands of Lumera Valley, sunshine filtering down in shimmering shafts through the canopy of trees. Charis moved carefully through the underbrush, spongy moss cushioning her footfalls and branding her a blue-eyed phantom. Breathing in green life, the wolf knew that if ever her wandering paws ceased in their search to find a more permanent residence, she would be content merely to take root here amongst the trees, the valley, the waters, the mountains of this land. Charis drank deep of the life of the forest, taking it into her, observed the glowing green motes that floated in the mist like sparks of old magic, verdigris spores flowing through her blood, claiming her, drifting across the brilliant sheen of her eyes and sparking fresh, young life within those endless fathoms. Raised within the sheltering catacombs of a secretive family, she had been cut off from the rest of the world by a thick wall of silence and paranoia. Charis had walked the first three and a half years of her life following the pawprints of her father, but now it was time for her to strike out on her own, follow the roads that stretched out before her, find her own way, to seek for her own what her family had always refused: a pack. The wandering Lupus's lithe figure rippled with motions of fluidity. The geography slid slowly by: emeralds and slates and deep rich umbers all thrumming with earthen life, foreign and familiar, teasing her senses. A green brush traced a changing portrait through her memory, the off-white wolf storing the lay of the territory in the deepest wells of her recollection savoring its beauty and reveling in its natural power. Writhing flora eventually gave way to weaker, sparser growth, a trail forged by cloven hoof and rough claw, and Charis allowed her dark nose lead her along the winding path. Time eventually led her to a river, the sound of the low, steady noise of flowing water a soothing balm to her wandering spirit. Padding to the edge, she stepped into the cool waters and dipped her muzzle to drink. In the back of her mind, Charis wondered where the wolves of this land were. She'd heard whispers of a pack laying claim to this territory in her travels, but she'd neither seen nor heard another creature larger than a rodent. Finally, lifting her head, she shoved her snout at the sky and sang out a call, announcing her presence and hoping for a reply.

[Yueh]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,63,true][atrb=style,-moz-border-radius: 15 35 20 25; background-image: url(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/Yueh-Table.gif);,true,] YUEH The afternoon was in its peak, the clouds rolling lazily by the the sun as it burned in it's highest point. The Valley was always spectacular in the warmer months, particularly in the spring. The fauna flourished, dotting the landscape in hundreds of different colors and smells. Oh any wolf would love it here where it was bountiful and nature's finest was quite clear. Any wolf but him, it seemed, or so the Chief pondered to himself, on this peaceful afternoon. Heavy footfalls trudged through the flowery field, barely noticing any of the color or life. Not that he could see it anyway; The huge Keiyou hybrid was completely blind. But he would often be seen touching, smelling and feeling the scenery around him, but not today. His figure was a bulky one, and it was obvious he had once been quite handsome with his long muzzle, fluffy ears, and thick neck. But his body was slowly starting to thin, aging his appearance further. Yueh wasn't healing himself as often as he used too; and it was ever so slowly beginning to show. What was the point? He had lived long enough already. He walked downtrodden, his long bushy tail hanging lifelessly behind him and his head held low. Far less Regal than he had ever been. In his white eyes was nothing, no emotion, no life, no will. His once brilliant, desirable white fur was unkempt and matted. He couldn't remember the last time he had had any quality time with his High Chief, and long time friend Reynard. Everything had just gotten so busy after the whole horrible Calagris incident. Skyler had grown up, both mentally and physically, and went off on her own. Taking with her the confidence, skills and the companionship that he had given her. His secret visits with the ever lovely Swalleena had slowed, the beautiful Whisp had vanished within the mists of Lake Amarenthyst. The Chief was lonely. He had no family, no mate, no prodigy, nothing that he could love and be loved in return. And this loneliness was starting to splinter his sanity. The white behemoth stopped moping around, thick ears swiveling frantically. He could have sworn he heard something. Ah yes, there was a new voice upon the wind. Yet another friendly creature calling upon the Children for a home. A tiny smile tugged at his large lips, perhaps a new source of company! Picking himself up slightly, the Chief ruffled out his pelt, placing his head high upon his neck where it ought to be. Even his gait had changed, so elegant did he trot toward the stranger, so unusual to see for someone of his size. Slapping a genuinely pleased smile on his face, Yueh gave out a bark of hello. "Welcome, m'dear! Welcome! To whom do I owe the pleasure of meeting?" He paused gently, large head slowly swiveling to find the female that his blind eyes could not see. word count ;; 476 tags ;; Reynard, Skyler, Swallena ooc notes ;; *Hides* musical inspiration ;; If you're gone - Matchbox Twenty.

[Charis Dermott]

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[atrb=background,http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/Whosie/charistablebackground-2.png] The forest held mysterious things, but she was not in the mood to think, nor did it seem was any other creature, for she seemed to be alone. Was there anyone here, she did not know. She didn't want to stay here any longer, and, with a soft sigh, was about to turn - Wait. What was that? Her muscles locked quickly, a defensive, instinctive reaction. She very slowly inhaled, tasting the air. There it was: unknown, male. Everything that made her go alert and aware. But Charis was a seasoned professional, and very good at hiding her emotions. Except for that quick first second of surprise, no one would be able to tell exactly how she felt. Her eyes were emotionless, her face smooth and blank. She relaxed her muscles and stood for a moment, looking around. Her ears picked up on every little sound, and somewhere to her left she could hear a rustling ... walking? She could feel a presence somewhere around her. It was coming closer. A subtle shift in the wind, the slight sigh of the soil, declared the presence of another that. She who was the mistress of mystery, the sorceress of civility, paused in her wanderings, taking her slow time to plant her paws firmly on the earth before she did a quick, elegant turn, her muscled body turning on a dime, quite like the stocky quarter horse, to face the other. She was rewarded with the sight of a male, coated in the purest white with bright silvery-grey eyes. His head was moving, it seemed he was trying to find her. Blind? The deduction was quite simple, surprised her slightly, but Charis' face was blank as she stared back. The words of the stranger met her ears: "Welcome, m'dear! Welcome!" Twas said in an welcoming way, light tones that were not threatening. In fact, much of this male wasn't threatening at all. Charis' powder blue eyes ran over his body. He was quite a sight, an albino. Charis doubt she had ever seen on in her life. "Well, I guess a thank you would be a proper thing to say." Her words were spoken in her soft, unreadable voice, polite and articulated. She relaxed her stature while watched this male, her ears pricked forward, able to catch any sound he would make. "Such a wondrous day it is, isn't it, sir?" The male in front of her certainly reminded Charis of a bear, even if he was old, she could tell. He reeked cleverness. Actually, the male was quite charming, and Charis found herself increasingly comfortable in his presence, though she did not show it. Her face remained as impassive as ever, her slate eyes without emotion as she waited for his reply.

[Reynard]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Gifts/ReynardSoarTableMid.png] The river was always a place to find a nice rest after walking the borders of the packlands. He missed flying, however he had to trudge on. The tall keiyou carried his lean body easily across the grasses. A deep furrowed scar across the right side of his face showed the reasoning behind his forever grounded state. he could no longer soar in the skies with his mate, or his pups. But he was alive to see his family grow bigger each day. For that the old man was grateful. His greying nose caught the scent of an old friend. Yueh. He stopped walking when the realization hit him, he had not seen Yueh in ages. It lifted his spirits to see the behemoth again. He picked up his pace, fanning out his great black wings for balance as he moved. It didn't take long for the half-blind male to see the fully blind one. He wasn't easy to miss that was for certain. However he was slightly alarmed by the state of him. Why did he look so unwell? Was he ill? His tall black ears folded back on his reddish head in concern. He heard the echo of Yueh's voice and realized he was not alone. A newcomer? The High Chief slowed his pace so as not to alarm the female. He flashed a pearly grin and announced his presence as he came to a halt near his friend and co-leader. "Well hello, I trust Yueh here has already welcomed you to our packlands?" He reared up to set his forepaws on Yueh's back as a mock hug of greeting, "It's good to see you old man." He felt it better not to ask about his physical state, not with a stranger right here. He dropped back to the ground and dipped his head slightly to the female, "Allow me to also welcome you, I am Reynard, High Chief of the Children." His tall, thin frame seemed miniscule next to Yueh's, yet he held himself in such a way that showed his confidence and charm. "What brings you to our river?" His oily voice had a way of slipping through the air, though there was no threat in his words, it was clear that this land was owned. He looked the female over with his good, blue eye. Another lupus, he noted, it seemed that many of them had come to his pack as of late. He was grateful for the numbers, but also wary of the potential power the breed had.

Image by Soar

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[Charis Dermott]

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[atrb=background,http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h329/Whosie/charistablebackground-2.png] Charis noticed the presence of another as she cleared her throat, but did not immediately face him. The white male stood before her, and she still stood in a slightly tense position, as if she could spring at any moment. Her movements were stiff, robotic, unnatural, and she had a small surprised look as she turned to look the stranger. The face of a chestnut and black Keiyou peered back at her, looking quite happy with a grin spread across his maw. "Well hello, I trust Yueh here has already welcomed you to our packlands?" The stranger said, giving the other male, whom was called Yueh, a mock-like hug. "Yes," she said, her voice polite. She waited expectantly, her eyes now trained on the blue-eyed male, unblinking, like a reptile. She was breathing, but just barely, too lightly to really detect, and so she had the impression of total stillness. This was different from her normal approach (she tended to try to make herself smaller) but she didn't see much point in that. "It's good to see you old man." He spoke to Yueh before setting his legs back on the ground and facing Charis. They clearly knew each other. "Allow me to also welcome you, I am Reynard, High Chief of the Children." She said nothing, but nodded at him. "What brings you to our river?" He asked. When she spoke it was with the same soft-spoken, polite manner as before. "I have heard that your pack, rested in these areas," she said first. "I was thinking of joining you all." Charis looked at him without blinking again. "My name is Charis." The words slipped from her lips, falling somewhat gracefully into the atmosphere. She knew it might have seemed rude if she hadn't introduced herself.

[Reynard]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Gifts/ReynardSoarTableMid.png] The tall red male raised a brow at the body language of the female, he worried for a second that she would faint from keeping herself so tense. He wondered if he should make things more comfortable for her. He set his narrow hips to the ground to relax the atmosphere a bit. [b["So, you have heard of my pack, eh? What are they saying out there? Been a while since I set paw outside of my borders."

[/b] He knew he had a few allied packs within a day or so of walking distance, but he had not really had the time to go on social calls with his family growing, as well as his pack. He turned his face slightly so he could get a better view of the female, without the blurry distortion that covered half his field of vision. The scars on his face had healed, but his eye had not. Nor would it ever.

"And, provided you do not make trouble, you are welcome to join my ranks. Tell me a little of your skills and perhaps we can find a place for you to fit in. We have all sorts here, depending on how skilled you are with your element you may consider becoming one of the Guardians." He needed more active guardians, it seemed too many of his own had become lax in their duties. He folded his great wings lightly to his side, seeing no need to intimidate her with Yueh's shadow looming over them. His white tipped whip of a tail flickered back and forth before settling in the grass.

The old wolf waited for his questions to be answered. He rarely turned away a willing candidate for his pack. Most seemed loyal enough, and none had given him reason to change his mind. Though he did keep a wary eye on the shadows, knowing that there were a pawful of individuals that haunted his borders, waiting for opportunities to harm the pack.

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[Charis Dermott]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true] ooc: -faceplam- god i'm so sorry i didn't reply. i didn't notice -.- oh, and if anything of what charis things of reynard seems like god-modding then just let me know and i shall change it. She must have looked odd being so stiff, hardy breathing and now it started to worry her that she might scare away the pair - well, at least Reynard. Pale eyes flicked across the chestnut alpha as he settled onto the ground. A feeling that he was trying to be nice began to crept through her body and without hesitation she she mimicked his movements, settling comfortably on the grown facing him with her tension slowly melting away, dripping like ice in the warm summer air. Charis doubt the male would attack her, let alone Yueh, the blind one. They both where entertained with an air of superiority as she thought and it seemed highly unlikely that they'd attack without a reason. "So, you have heard of my pack, eh? What are they saying out there? Been a while since I set paw outside of my borders." Charis took a deep breath like someone who had been underwater for some time. Her tension had nearly completely left her body, but a part of her was still on the move. Her mind took in every word, like always, but his speech seemed to be alot easier to analyze and answer to, so with a small smile she nodded as a answer to his first question, then she started politely, "Rumors say your pack is the biggest of them all, a family or some sort. I haven't yet heard bad, I shall let you know that. I assume you are very proud of it." It was the truth and the fact that it was so big and still had a family air about it was quite alluring. So different from her past, so new that the excitement seemed to bring butterflies to her stomach. She could start again. Bring new ways into her life, as it was hers and only hers. She continued to stare at him, blinking only a couple to times just so she didn't seem to strange. His face, scent, voice and the information she had of him so far where being registered in her mind every moment. Puzzle pieces floated into their places in her mind. He was around eight or night at age, the grey hairs told her that. Probably a father, but she could only assume that of his age and that fact that he was alpha. Every aplha needed a mate to help them and if there was a mate then puppies where highly common. But what did she know about family, her past experiences with it didn't not help much. Several healed scars her embedded into his skin. Battle scars, she thought. He seemed blind to his right eye, its color was less bright and it didn't seemed to move much. All in all, he seemed alright, like a wolf that had lived to much and just wished for peace. The type she'd dare not hurt for any reason and the type that could rule and lead a pack without hesitation with right choices. He continued his speech with a same polite, but authority full voice that did not bother her one bit, "And, provided you do not make trouble, you are welcome to join my ranks. Tell me a little of your skills and perhaps we can find a place for you to fit in. We have all sorts here, depending on how skilled you are with your element you may consider becoming one of the Guardians." Guardian? That seemed like a high rank and that thought just brought more butterflies, although she dared not to show them. Replying at first with expanding her small smile and another nod. Her tail tip now slowly thumped on the ground hoping he'd take it as a 'one moment' gesture, to let her think a moment. So strengths? She knew them alright, infact she knew nearly knew every thing about herself. Charis hoped he wouldn't underestimate her elemental power like most wolves did. She broke into an answer soon enough, "I have quite a few strengths, and now I don't mean to boast. I trust my instincts and intuition with my life and with that they give me the best choice and ideas most of the time. I have been told I'm courageous, hard-working, intelligent and am gifted with great leadership skills quite like yourself." Charis gave Reynard and Yueh both a respectful nod before continuing, "But, I must let you know that I'm private therefore I trust that you will not reveal anything I tell you to anyone else, unless it is completely necessary." Again she hoped she didn't sound to forceful, but precautions had to be taken and if she couldn't trust him with at least this then the pack was no use to her. "My power is wind. It is unfortunately underestimated most of the time, but I shall then warn you not too. I dare not use it for harm of anyone in the pack, unless I do not have another choice and that I will know, but even then it will be for protection and will not use physical harm. Furthermore I have nearly mastered my power, but you might be wondering how I know that. My father could do more then I can do at the moment, so I compare to that." She lowered her head as the end of her own speech. Now she would have to wait for the decision to be made. Speech

Table by Eldarwen · Image

[Reynard]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Gifts/ReynardSoarTableMid.png] The male settled in easily enough, allowing a moment to enjoy a fresh breeze that caressed his red-orange pelt. He was happy to notice that the female had relaxed enough to partake in the conversation without much force. He chuckled lightly, his chest filling with pride as she divulged the rumors beyond his borders. He was glad that his pack had a good reputation. He hoped that it would remain so, as much as he wanted to respond to her words, he allowed her a chance to speak. As she began to toot her own horn he could not help but smile at her confidence. She spoke in such a way that did not boast or brag. He did not need hot-heads in his pack. However she did not want to be taken lightly. She was serious about herself and her skills. At her request for privacy, he nodded respectfully to acknowledge that her trust was well placed. He had no need for gossip, all he really cared about was knowing his wolves for himself. To whom they opened up to, apart from him, was there own business as far as he was concerned. The mention of her power made him long for the skies once more. His partial blindness, as well as lack of gifts from the Great Spirit, made flight for the wolf impossible at his age. He briefly wondered how powerful she could be, if perhaps she could help him regain flight at some point in time. That was a thought for another conversation though. She admitted to not being a master. At her apparent age, he knew mastery was still a long ways off. However she seemed dedicated enough to her craft. Perhaps being a Guardian would suit her. He had not seen the power of wind before, so maybe she would be better suited as a Little One. He looked her over one more time as he contemplated his decision, he saw no blaring reason to not accept her into his ranks. "From what you have told me, I am willing to accept you into the pack. You are welcome to explore the territory and ask any questions you have." He paused as he came to the matter of her rank. He wanted to see how this worked out. He could not imagine wind being used as a weapon, perhaps as a defensive measure. He hoped he could watch her practice, at least enough to feel comfortable promoting her at a later date. "I am not familiar with how wielded wind works, I admit, but you seem eager to learn and master your element. So I am interested to see how it goes. Perhaps starting as a Little One, a Guardian in training, will help us both understand your skill better. I'd like to become better acquainted with all the elements that can be controlled." He was happy to have more wolves in his pack. He eased back slightly to get more comfortable as he waited for her response to his acceptance.

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[Charis Dermott]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true] Charis waited patiently through the process, the words that were spoken from the other carefully cataloged in her brain. She did not miss the light chuckle after she had told the rumors to Reynard, and she choose to cast a faint smile. After her strengths- well, bragging, he agreed with a nod on her privacy, which was good and her liking of this male grew. When he eventually did speak, "From what you have told me, I am willing to accept you into the pack. You are welcome to explore the territory and ask any questions you have.", she accepted his words without supplying any of her own just yet. "I am not familiar with how wielded wind works, I admit, but you seem eager to learn and master your element. So I am interested to see how it goes. Perhaps starting as a Little One, a Guardian in training, will help us both understand your skill better. I'd like to become better acquainted with all the elements that can be controlled." Now it was her turn, and a tiny knot in her belly released as she accepted the offer into his pack, first with a simple nod later adding on her words, "It would be a my pleasure to accept your offer. As for my element, perhaps I could show you a bit of it now if you like ... or when I'm training. Personally I'm not yet sure of it's full powers yet-" Cough. "I mean I know there is a possibility to float which is similar to flying. I father could do it, but I haven't gotten as far as levitating a few inches of the ground." The moment the word had left the lady's mouth, she was sure it was exactly what she wanted. Charis did not waste words. Any lyric that graced her lips had a purpose, a reason, and this certainly had both. The echoes of the singular phrase wafted into the air, settling thickly in the atmosphere around her. Silence. Pale eyes watched the other ease back, her reaction was nearly the same. Charis didn't think he deserved such cold mask. Like honey spreading over the features the off-white and blue body she left a lingering smile to show. Speech

Table by Eldarwen · Image

[Reynard]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][tr][tr][atrb=background,http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq254/Eldarwen5/Wonder%20Why/Gifts/ReynardSoarTableMid.png] He was happy to have gained another to his ranks. His young need protecting, as well as varied individuals to surround themselves with. In the back of his mind he knew he must be getting back to them soon. His eyes fell back on the lupus before him. When she offered a demonstration he politely shook his head, "Not at the moment, but thank you. I have other things to see to before the day is out." However his geniality, at the mention of levitating his brow furrowed slightly. Being a flyer, he understood how much effort it took to fly. His wings made up most of his body weight, his frame was light and frail just like the rest of his breed. For a lupus to have that much energy at such a young age was almost disquieting. The amount of wind power to lift something that weighed as much as she did would be extreme. Perhaps his wisdom ran deeper than even he knew, since he wanted to monitor her already. He opted to not share his concerns outright, instead he merely added, "Be careful, though." He stood and gave her a courteous bow, "I hope you enjoy yourself as you get settled in. Please feel free to ask anyone for assistance if you need it." He opened his wings to stretch them before folding them neatly back into place, "If you will excuse me, I must finish my patrol. It was nice to meet you Charis. I hope to see you soon." He began walking away slowly, allowing her a chance to say something is she so desired. In the back of his mind though, his thoughts began to venture toward his mate, wishing to inform her of the new arrivals as of late.

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[Charis Dermott]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true] Time seemed to have swallowed all her worry. Hours like minutes, how much time has passed since she deliberately trespassed on the packs territory and accepted to join their ranks for who knows how long? Not that she had anything better to do, but sometimes she felt like she didn't to get a move-on. He declined her offer of her elemental demonstration with a polite shake of a head and words that claimed that she had been right on why. "Not at the moment, but thank you. I have other things to see to before the day is out." The lady silently wondered what they where specifically, but it was only natural for her to do so. Information was gold that could save time ... or your life. But she replied with a mimicking nod of acceptance. "Be careful, though." Reynard injected at the very end, bringing her to manipulate her look into a light smile. The male stood up and her pale eyes followed as he gave a gentlemanly courteous bow. "I hope you enjoy yourself as you get settled in. Please feel free to ask anyone for assistance if you need it. If you will excuse me, I must finish my patrol. It was nice to meet you Charis. I hope to see you soon." Charis lifted her rump from the ground and smoothly stretched out her legs as he had done to his wings then spoke with lightness in her tone, "Thank you for everything. Likewise, it was a pleasure to meet you as well, Reynard." And with a last nod she watched him turn to walk away slowly, she had nothing more to say either, so she turned in a perfect 180 degrees and headed further down the rive bank. The feeling that embraced her being was different and mixed. Mixed as in happy, excited, tense and just plain different all together. Blue eyes casted a look down at her off-white paws that where now carrying her away, into her new home. Speech

Table by Eldarwen · Image