when the morning light sings

Mordecai de Fonte · 11-04-2011, 08:51 PM

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OOC: For Zalen. :] Set in the Dampwoods in the afternoon. Tell me if you want anything changed, kay? Sucky thread name is sucky.

Despite hearing tales of the barren North, things seemed so… cluttered.

Mordecai could not get enough of how different this “Nova Scotia” was from his old home. The first thing he realized was a defining factor that it was colder, a more sharper type of chill than that of the south, and at first he resented it. But, soon he coped by changing his pace from a trot to a run while walking from time to time, and he liked how crisp air whipped against his face instead of muggy humidity. Another difference was that it was filled with more canines than he had even known in his entire life. There were even packs, which made him happy at the prospect of settling down.

But, after first crossing the mountain and skirted around a territory, he saw a tall, upright being in the distance nearby a pack’s borders, clad in pelts that was not his, obviously human clothing. In any other circumstance, he would not care to see such a sight, but being in a foreign land, it made him nervous; he heard tales while venturing that there was a pack of humanized canines that may or may not enslave feral wolves, and Mordecai, with his lack of knowledge of things and prehensible, was not going to ask the figure if that rumor was true and managed to pass by without encountering the other. The de Fonte decided that he should just lay low for a while, at least until he knew the land better.

In the meantime, he did just that. He came across another claimed territory, with sticks protruding from the ground to mark the boundaries, and perched on them was things that suspiciously looked like skulls; he could not confirm this, since this time he stayed far from the territory as if he could imagine the eye sockets staring at the newcomer. So far, the land seemed to be giving hints that it wasn’t a place for someone who doesn’t want their head possibly be used as border decor.

A day and a half had passed since walking around the two packs, and Mordecai had just finished the rest of the hare he had caught that morning. With a full belly, the thoughts of the ominous packs slipped out of mind, and simply trotted among an old deer trail, relaxed enough to the point where he was not quite as alert as usual. He wasn’t quite sure where he was going, but for now he decided he just wanted to walk and just let his paws take them as they wished. He padded through the tall woods, and suddenly came upon a small clearing. It must’ve been a resting place for a herd at one point, judging by the faint hoof prints imprinted all over the ground. Curious, Mordecai bent over and began to investigate the area, sniffing along the ground for anything interesting.

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Zalen Damaichu · 11-04-2011, 10:00 PM

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Is cool

Zalen had been somewhat depressed as of late, and lonely. Ever having met with his mentor Soran a week ago, he had felt down. And now, with Sequoia’s plan to free the Salsola slaves looming before him, he had become even more wary. It was all he could do but to pull himself out of his warm bed this cool afternoon; he had slept much longer then he had intended today. He stood in lupus for in his den for a moment, looking up at his myriad of bottles and thinking deeply to himself, before instinct for thirst took over and he trotted briskly from his den.

As he walked, he though back on what Soran had told him, about Lucia’s past relationship and her involvement with Inferni. His view of her had changed now, she was no longer a desirable enigma to him, but instead a tiresome puzzle. He had gone to visit her where he knew she lingered about, but could find no sign of her; even her scent had grown cold, Zalen wondered if perhaps his presence had driven her off, perhaps the drive to avoid past mistakes was enough to make her flea. He sighed deeply.

It wasn’t long before Zalen arrived near the spot where the local deer herd usually milled about, the same spot him and Saxif had come to a week or so ago to hunt, but like then today they were absent. He hesitated here, though, noticing the scuffling prints of their hooves in the dry mud. Suddenly there was a sound and Zalen’s black head rose quickly to meet its source; there, a dark wolf. They were very near his territory, in fact, right on the outskirts of it, and it was a wolf he did not recognize. Hey! He barked out, not threateningly but loud enough to show the stranger that he was here and that it would be best not to ignore his presence.

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-04-2011, 10:47 PM

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OOC: Mordy can be a little dense at times…

The musk of deer and other forestry scents hid what was truly important, and it was a little too late before he noticed that there was a definite boundary of a territory. He was only beginning to lift up his head from the ground to start to sneak away like he did when he saw the upright figure the other day when a wolf—probably the owner of the grounds—appeared and called him out. Uh oh. Though his tone was not relatively hostile, the demand in it made him anxious, and for a moment he thought about fleeing. In the end he decided to hold his ground, and though he’d rather say it was because he was brave and laughed in the face of trouble, he did not run out of fear that there was a chance he could not outpace the black stranger.

Mordecai turned to face the male fully in the face, to show that he was disregarding him in any way possible. His ears began to twitch and forth every now and then, which was a physical sign to show how nervous he was, as if his lowered tail was not enough to show his obvious shame. “Hey,” he replied back meekly, his eyes first looking at his paws then at the male’s gaze. He was not sure if he should have said anything else, but he continued to speak anyway, “I didn’t scent the border, until now, sorry…” Well, that was a lame excuse, he thought with an uneasy frown.

The younger wolf began to get a good look at the unfamiliar canine, and was glad that he did not try to run for it. He seemed to be in good shape, and probably would have caught Mordecai if he wanted to give chase. He had a weird marking under his eye, and considered for a moment if he was born with it, and also saw that he was wearing feathers in his mane. He pursed his lips, envious that his appearance was so much more regal than his own dingy bandana for a moment. He then reminded himself of the more pressing situation, like nearly trespassing on his territory instead of contemplating his unique sense of apparel.
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-04-2011, 11:48 PM

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This is the first time Zalen has acted like a real wolf in a long time, he's had to conform to the way Luperci interact, but now he's just like "Screw that, I'm gonna nuzzle this guy!" XD

Zalen watched as the wolf tensed nervously when he spoke, and as he focused on Zalen his body posture showed the black wolf that he was of no thread. Zalen relaxed somewhat, and he walked up to the young male, assuming a dominant stance subconsciously, and sniffed him thoroughly; he seemed to be in decent shape, Zalen could smell that he had eaten recently, and he was not of a pack. Most likely just passing through.

Zalen relaxed even more and even wagged his tail a bit, trying to ease the boy’s mind, It’s alright, we’re just outside it, no harm done. Zalen was quick to forgive, for the more he learned about his land the more he believed that friends were something to be cultivated and earned, and one could not expect to make friends by being cruel to strangers.

Zalen rubbed his head gently against the young male’s jaw, a sign of companionship; he was surprising himself today, acting in a fashion that was so… so… natural. It felt good. He wondered if this behavior would scare the stranger off, for it seemed to be few and far between in the modern day interactions of the Luperci, something which bothered Zalen to his very soul.

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-05-2011, 12:18 AM

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OOC: I wonder what would've happen if Mordecai wasn't used to traditional greetings/actions... That would have been awkward. xD

Though he was nervous, he did not feel timid when the wolf started to check him out; he was obviously the one in charge in this situation, and the young male knew what his place was when he was put in it, and did not object. Mordecai breathed through his nose in relief as the other approved his apology. His ears stopped twitching as much, and his lowered tail swayed back and forth slowly. “That’s good. I’ve been trying to keep my hide out of trouble, but it seems I’m starting to slack off. It’s such a clear day, I guess I forgot to watch out for border markers.” This was true, and perhaps if he was not in a daze a moment ago he would have noticed the borders sooner than later. Still, he did not regret the meeting, since the wolf seemed to be kind enough.

The dark youngster was caught off-guard as the male brushed his muzzle, though it was not the fact that he was not used to the action. He was just surprised that the wolf seemed to forgive him so quickly, though he certainly was not complaining, and did not expect him to know how to, well, how a canine act, or how one should behave in his mind, anyway. The wolf returned the nuzzle, now seeming to forgot more about what happened just a moment ago. His posture became less tense, and his tail rose just a little higher in minor delight in meeting a friendly face in gods know when as he spoke more calmly, “Name’s Mordecai de Fonte, sir. May I ask what yours is?”
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-05-2011, 02:02 PM

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OOC text

It was good that the young wolf reacted the way he did, otherwise Zalen would have felt silly. But instead, he reacted as a wolf was supposed to, relaxing and returning Zalen’s nuzzle, and something deep inside him began to hurt. It was a pain that he had not felt for almost a year now, and it was a pain associated with the loss he had endured last winter. Then, when his adopted brothers had been killed, they seemingly were the last of the traditional wolves, the ones who would howl, bark, growl, frolic and nuzzle as if it were nothing. Here, those things seemed lost to the Luperci. Zalen missed his brothers dearly, and he began wondering if there anyway he could recapture that feeling he held so dear.

He was drawn out of his thoughts when the young male spoke, he introduced himself as Mordecai and Zalen wagged his tail more fervently, Well met Mordecai, I am Zalen. I’m sorry if I startled you there, but one must protect what little land he claims. He took several steps away from the Mordecai now, turning towards the direction of the lake which was still a quarter mile off, bit he turned back to his new found companion, There is a lake nearby, I’m going for a swim. Wish to join me?

He figured he offer, for a swim was an option that was starting to slip away the colder it became, but today the sun had managed to break through the autumn clouds and warmed the male’s ebon fur enough to spur him to bathe.

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-05-2011, 02:34 PM

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The de Fonte was now really glad he met this wolf, instead of another. He heard of the more developed Luperci, how the women were queans, never committing themselves to one male and how the men killed the ones they considered mutts for sport or revenge for injured egos. Mordecai, of course, would not fully believe such things unless seeing such for himself, though he did have his assumptions, especially after catching a glance that a borders that littered with skulls.

The man before him did not fit the rumors, and was starting to be grateful that he nearly ventured into his territory; few faces had he seen, and even fewer had he spoke to. To be holding a conversation after a few moons of barely talking to others, and the fact of being in a different land, seemed to encourage Mordecai to make him a good acquaintance.

“Hey, no worries, Zalen,” the younger male spoke, “I would’ve done the same if it was my territory.” His eyes seemed to light up as Zalen mentioned a lake, and better yet, a swim. His tail now was adjusted to its normal level as it wagged back and forth, and said enthusiastically, “That would be awesome!” He thought in the back of his mind that it’d be a great way to get to know the midnight wolf better, and perhaps to even learn a few things about the packs around the area and those in it. As he followed the older male, he asked, “So, how long have you’ve been living here? I haven’t been here long, just crossed over the mountains in the north the other day.”
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-05-2011, 05:00 PM

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Zalen’s tail continued to wag as Mordecai accepted his offer of a swim and the two of them began trotting off, Zalen in the leader. Mordecai then asked Zalen how long he had been living here and that he himself had just arrived. Zalen was silent for a moment, counting up the weeks, months, that he had been here, I arrived in July, and have been living in this forest ever since. I’ve had time to explore the majority of the lands around here.

The only areas he had not visited were the lands to the deep southwest and those far up north. He had no desire to visit the south, for he knew there wouldn’t be much to find there save violence. The pack Aniwaya and Crimson Dreams had been at war, and he had heard nothing more up to date then that. However, he had hear whispered on the wind the name of a new pack, Casa de Cavalier, a silly hume name for a canine group. Sufficed to say, the south was a place he wanted to avoid, but north… he had passed through the north when he had come down into Nova Scotia, and there it was still wild, where the Luperci curse had not touched yet. If Lucia really was gone, perhaps he should consider moving there.

Putting these thoughts aside for another time, he turned his eyes back to Mordecai, I am not anti-social, but I find that the packs in the area are lacking in the social structure I desire. An emphasis is put on the more hume aspects of our nature, something I don’t agree with… he trailed off, not meaning to get into a deep philosophical discussion with his new friend. Soon they arrived at the lake, their presence scaring off a singular doe and her fawn that had been drinking at the water’s edge. They bounded off and Zalen did not hesitate to run full force and dive into the chilly water.

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-05-2011, 05:51 PM

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Mordecai blinked, managing to hide his slight confusion. He was not good with months and their ever changing number of days in each of them, but if he remembered correctly, July was a good couple of moon cycles ago. The youngster wondered if Zalen spent all this time since July alone, though he started to doubt it, judging by his friendly nature, but still. He did not seem the type to reject the company of a pack and fellowship, but he did not ask, in case it was personal; if the other wanted to bring it up, he will listen, but not persist for the topic to arise. “It seems pretty big, as much as I saw of it at least. It’s also amazing, too,” he sighed, closing his eyes for a moment as he recalled the view over the landscape he captured while on the mountains.

The dark boy listened as the man spoke, and nodded in understanding. “I agree. I thought that maybe not many humanized canines would be so far up north, but it seems to me that I’m wrong.” Of course, he wasn’t complaining, just confused; he did not see why others wanted to copy the humans when the humans were now gone. Do they want to rid of themselves like the former upright beings? “I guess I’ll never understand why come choose that lifestyle. Things were okay when the humans existed, I assume, so why change?” He did not expect Zalen to answer, since he did not see a solution to his question either, and was just letting thoughts roll off his tongue.

The lake was upon them sooner than Mordecai thought it would, and a grin crossed his maw. He was right behind Zalen, plunging into the water paws-first. The water was a shocking cold, but it only made him more energized as he paddled to the surface, head bobbing above the water.
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-05-2011, 07:12 PM

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As the two of them plunged into the depths Zalen pondered on what Mordecai had said. Why did the Luperci of these lands act so much like the humes who had come before them? It didn’t make any sense, why emulate a species that had caused its own destruction? If anything, the logical choice would be to remain as their species had for thousands of years, even before the humes had risen up and taken dominion over the earth.

Zalen surfaced and managed to find footing on the lake’s gravelly bottom. It water was chillingly cold, and a part of him regretted diving in so recklessly. But it wasn’t long before his body began to adjust to the waters chill. He swam around a bit, shaking his head every once in a while to rid his ears of water, I have business here… he paused, setting his feet on the lake ground once more, but when I am free, I plan on leaving here. Going north again… I must remove myself from these hume things. I want to be a wolf again and nothing more. he trailed off again, what he had just said being a revelation that he had yet to fully understand. However… I don’t want to be alone there. Maybe, like my great grandmother before me, I will lead like-minded wolves with me, to start a new life there, one apart from humanity.

Yes, yes! What a fantastic, wonderful idea! Zalen smiled to himself; a life in the wild, being just a wolf, running free without care, just like his ancestors before him, just like he had in his youth. He lusted after a life like that.

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-05-2011, 08:22 PM

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Mordecai shivered as he swam, but he did not care. His thick fur that was used to be wet kept most of the coldness away, and after conforming to the water’s temperature, he felt like a seal taking a playful swim. The two swam in silence for a moment, and the dark wolf ducked his head underwater, bringing it back up immediately whilst shaking as if mimicking a duck; he was removing any dirt or other debris he would not be able to reach without the water’s help. Once he felt satisfied that his fur was clean enough, he glanced around and saw Zalen standing in the more shallow parts, and decided to paddle over to him.

The older male began to talk, and what he said grasped the boy’s interest. After he was finished speaking, Mordecai was standing by his side, water still dripping from his pelt, though he resisted to shake the droplets off since his friend was standing right beside him. “You know, if you do follow your great-grandmother’s path, I wouldn’t mind joining in,” he commented, watching Zalen to measure his reaction to his words. He seemed to be half-musing to himself, and the adolescent hoped that he did not interrupt his thinking. But, what he spoke of fascinated him, and perhaps what he said was not a half-bad idea.

“I’m sure there’s other like us out there, confused about the whole living-like-a-human thing and just want to be, you know, like real wolves. You seem to be a good leader, too,” he added, his words sincere. When Zalen approached him when he nearly stepped into his lands, there was a nature about him that reminded him of the de Fonte’s leader, some air that gave off a vibe that he was in command. “Maybe, if you go with this, the other canines would remember what it’s like to be a wolf again.” At least that is what Mordecai believed, with a little naivety mixed in.
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-05-2011, 09:00 PM

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Zalen looked at Mordecai with full attention as he spoke and became increasingly flattered at what his new friend had to say. He knew he held the ability to lead within him, but only now did it seem like a possibility that he could fulfill. He swelled with pride, and he raised his head tall, his chest pushed out. The idea of leading a group of his comrades into the wilderness, to be on their own, to hunt, play and procreate like they were meant to; it was too beautiful an idea to let slip away.

So excited Zalen became that he forgot about how close Mordecai was to him and he shook his fur, sending water around him like a halo. Oops! he gave him an apologetic grin, but then pranced lightly on his paws, Please, stay close by here. It is a good place to live, and we can discuss this more, but I would be honored to have you join me were I to leave to the north. He smiled charismatically.

Mordecai had opened up a new world to him without even knowing it, a world where he did no longer felt confined by the constant pressure of hume society, of Luperci society which had become like it, or the suffocating realities of the packs that surrounded him. He would be free again, and all those with him would join in that freedom, and they could live like they were born to live!

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Mordecai de Fonte · 11-05-2011, 09:27 PM

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OCC: If you want, we can wrap this up now, or you can post one more time. :] In any case, this was an awesome thread; we must have another soon, I say!

Though he felt a little put on the spot as Zalen stared at him with full attention, he continued to tell what he thought of what he said a moment ago. He was obviously pleased by what he told, his stance changing to one that definitely reminded him of a proud leader. He was caught off-guard as his friend suddenly sent an arsenal of icy drops at him, and though he jumped back in surprised, a grin plastered his face. He felt like a pup again, playing along with his cousins in a muddle puddle after being coped up in a den from a rainstorm. Yet, those Luperci probably did not have a memory as simple yet fulfilling as such, and it just made the image more precious.

He was prepared to retaliate with a good shake of his own, but then the ebon wolf started to speak again. “Of course, I will join you, Zalen. It’d be an honor for me, to be help to realize what others have been missing,” he said with great excitement, his tail spraying droplets behind him from wagging with vigor. “I’ll make a temporary shelter near the lake,” he decided, thinking that he’ll be close enough to the wolf’s territory and maybe even get a few more swimming days before it got too cold, “I can’t wait to go north now!” Yes, the idea seemed too good to be true. And just to think of being in a pack again gave Mordecai the urge to splash in the water like the pup he once was.

When his enthusiasm began to dim down, he grinned like a devil, and gave his pelt a sudden quake, spraying Zalen with tiny drips of water. “Opps,” he said jokingly, eyes gleaming like the bright sun.
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Zalen Damaichu · 11-05-2011, 09:36 PM

OOC: I'm just gonna close this up with a paragraph. Great thread, and so fast! I wish all my threads went this quickly Big Grin

I'll keep you posted as to when another thread would be appropriate. Perhaps you should try having threads with the rest of the ND people!

IC:

Zalen stayed with Mordecai for a little longer and two conversed about the folly of the outer packs and continued to reaffirm their desire for a simpler life. After they had dried, Zalen helped Moredcai find shelter near the lake and then told his new friend that he was more than welcome to come into his territory at any time to meet with him. After they said their goodbyes, Zalen headed back to his den for the night.

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