j. running up the stairs

Columbine Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 01:22 AM

[html] ooc Nat first, and then anyone else. Forgive the ... general awkwardness of the post. I'm a little rusty and it's past my bedtime!

WC 447

Though he had been in these lands for several days, skulking around unfamiliar trees and roads and coastlines, Columbine Lykoi had only just come to the boarders of the lands called Inferni. Time that felt like eons passed but still the male remembered the promise he made to his brother. He and his siblings, Jacinto and Illusion, would follow Helotes to find the so called promise land, but only after they tended to their ailing mother. In the time between his arrival in the aforementioned land and actually finding the pack where he was supposed to be, Columbine lurked like a shadow underneath the dying trees, familiarizing himself with the new smells, shapes, and sounds he would come to call home.

It was a relatively interesting place, though the male held no particular attachment to the new shadowy woods. His mind had long ago lost the part where he could particularly form any new sort of bond, but the male was not particularly concerned with that. Instead, he found himself consumed with the idea of power and dignity; where he was the king, and nobody could treat him as anything less. But still he found himself following his goddamned brother Helotes, even if Helotes were young than he, and it brought him to this moment: standing in front of a particularly decrepit looking skull, a faint look of distaste curled around his upper lips.

The male had been traveling in Secui form. Columbine found he was comfortable in Secui, and enjoyed the benefits it gave him over the slightly smaller Lupus version. In either respect he was considered large for his breeding (especially with the prominent Coyote genetics), though nowhere close to the tallest Luperci. Still, Columbine found himself rather impressive and intimidating: the male carried himself with an air of superiority and minimal disgust, and his body was very obviously covered in thick cords of muscle. Inhaling deeply, he turned his eyes away from the skulls and, flicking his tattered ears and assessing his safety, the male began the rather arduous process of shifting.

With several sharp cracks, snaps, and muffled stretching, Columbine Lykoi found himself on hands and knees. The male rose, brushing himself off, and sniffed the air. His senses were acute; Columbine could tell he was in the correct place. The idea that he might have to call a leader to discuss his future living situation was irksome to the male - he saw no reason why the whole affair should not go swimmingly. Regardless, this necessary evil led the shadowy male to throw back his head and send out a sharp, ringing coyote song, alerting those in the vicinity to his unfamiliar presence.

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Helotes Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 02:12 PM

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OOC / +308

Helotes was still reeling from the sudden appearance of Jacinto, his brother, and had taken to skirting the borders more often now, worry settling over his mind for his sister. She was still out there, out there with his bastard of a brother Columbine. Helotes wanted so badly to go after her, but he could not, especially now with Zana injured and his brother here. He tried to console himself with the knowledge that Ilusion could most definitely take care of herself, but he knew how vicious Columbine could be; even more so now from what Jacinto had told him.

The dark Lykoi sat on a berm, a pike to his left with a laughing, painted skull on it. He had his head in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other; light, frosted snow filtered from the sky and was being swept about him in the wind. He was beside himself with grief for his mother, anger for Zana, and worry for Ilusion. He regretted now ever leaving his family behind; he should have stayed, perhaps then his mother would still be alive and his siblings not scattered to the four corners of the wind.

It was just chance that caused Helotes to raise his umber eyes as Columbine’s shadowy figure, like a demon, exited the woods. Helotes stood, not as close to Columbine’s height as he had wished. His ears flattened instinctively, and he took a long drag of the cigarette and flicked it away before snarling venomously. Yes, this was his older brother, and Ilusion was not with him. Columbine, Helotes said throatily, both happy to see his brother but unabashedly pissed at him, Where’s Ilusion? If Columbine had touched a hair on Ilusion's head he would kill him, outright kill him. Attacking Jacinto was one thing, but no one ever harmed his sister.

Zana Avaya Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 03:25 PM

The tiny woman had seen Helotes departing the mansion. She hadn't wanted to follow him but something seemed wrong in her dear friends form. The tension shone through in every muscle along his frame and it scared her. Very little really scared the small woman but as much as she hated to admit it at times Helotes brooding ways did. He never once had directed them at her but often she caught sight of the storm that brewed behind those bronze orbs. She knew he would give her hell for it but she had to find out just what was on his chest this time.

She had hated to ask for help but she knew that shifting with her woulds would probably aggrivate them further, luckily Keana had been in her room and though she grumbled and fussed over the small woman she hadn't stopped her from venturing forth, even taking charge of Zanas troupe of annoying kittens while the girl followed Helotes to the border.

Her travels had been slow but steady. She knew the lands by heart now and probably could have found the borders with her eyes closed, though she wasn't about to try it now. She appeared in the distance beyond Helotes as his snarling voice cut through the air. She startled slightly as she slowly moved closer to join him. Zana had never asked Helotes about his family and was in for quite a surprise now as she called out unsure. "Helotes..." her lilac orbs filled with concern, though she kept her eyes on the larger stranger.

Columbine Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 03:31 PM

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It was both good fortune and bad that Columbine was quickly received at the borders. He'd been hoping it would take a sight longer for someone to appear - he had wanted to further examine the skulls that decorated these scented lands. To him, such a gaudy display of prowess was unimpressive and almost humorous. If a canine were truly powerful, truly dangerous - like him, if he were being honest - there would be no need for such an ostentatious display of morbidity. Unfortunately, of course, there was nothing Columbine could actually do about it. Although he was certain he could hold his own in any sort of fight (his toned body was a reflection of this belief), Columbine had no desire to irritate a potentially large clan of coyotes.

The sight of what he believed to be Helotes was rather annoying. Columbine held no love for his younger brother, and a humorless grin slipped across his lips. He stood, waiting for the male's inevitable greeting, with an air of pride and arrogance: the coyote held no fear of his younger brother. And still smaller, he noted to himself as he assessed the approaching male. This revelation gave him great satisfaction - Columbine held no particular desire to look up at Helotes, even if the male had insisted that they follow him.

Helotes, Columbine nodded, making no other form of greeting or indication he noticed the anger in his brother's voice. No open armed hug, no handshake - the eldest Lykoi brother did not wish to extend to Helotes any sort of impression that he was actually delighted to see him. But he heard the suspicion in his brother's voice when he asked after Ilusion, and a deep, dangerous growl spilled from his lips, and his burnt umber eyes narrowed in irritation. Ilusion is with Jacinto and our mother, or at least she was when I left. Quirking a brow, the male peered directly into Helotes eyes. Brother, you do not seem happy to see me without her. There was no question in his voice, but a cocky smile replaced his previously humorless smile.

He heard his brother's name, and Columbine's eyes snapped away from his brother and to a petite woman several distances behind him. Petite didn't do her justice, actually - the woman was downright tiny. He chuckled, deep and throatily, and returned his gaze to his brother. Who is this, Helotes? he asked, his wide grin mocking. Your bodyguard?

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Helotes Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 03:51 PM

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OOC / +261

His brother seemed just dark as ever, and when he sneered Helotes was immediately reminded of their father. It was funny the Colbumbine had ended up the most like Kerberos out of all of them, and yet he was the one that hated their sire the most. His eyes especially were like his father’s, blood red and always hinting of the violence beneath them. Haughtily Colbumbine answered that he had left Ilusion and Jacinto with their mother and Helotes heart sank; his brother obviously did not know of their mother’s fate, nor did he know that Jacinto and Ilusion were now separated, and that their younger brother now lived here.

Just then, a familiar voice alighted to his rear and Helotes spun quickly to see Zana standing there, still bandaged and week. Columbine made a snide remark about her and Helotes shot him a venomous look, the snarl deepening, before turning to Zana, Zana, you shouldn’t be here now… you’re still weak… But he knew of her pride and knew she would brush this off. Helotes could see the worry in her eyes, but oh how he wished she would have just kept her nose out of this one.

Turning back to Colbumbine, Helotes shot his ears forward and raised his tail, twitching it from side to side in agitation, Mother is dead. Jacinto arrived here just the other day. Ilusion went after you after you attacked. He glared. Columbine had caused one serious mess, but at the same time Helotes could not help but to feel it was his fault.

Zana Avaya Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 04:06 PM

Zana's lilac eyes widened in surprise as she took a step backwards. The larger male had called Helotes brother. While it shouldn't have surprised her that he had siblings she wasn't sure this creature was what she would have imagined. Her impression of the male soured when the first thing he managed to taunt her with was her size as she felt her heckles raise slightly. If Helotes hadn't turned to address her she probably would have stepped right between the two males and thrown her two cents in on the conversation at hand, and they wouldn't have been in defence for the ass at the borders.

Her orbs turned to Helotes as he spoke, though she ignored his words and just merely raised her head high as she flashed him a look that spoke more than any words she could have said. "What does he want..." she asked instead, not knowing until now that Helotes had recently lost his mother, but not liking this beast before her already. Loyalty was important to her, to the clan, and did Helotes just state that the beast had attacked someone. She was trying to piece together the whole of it but there was too little she didn't know, but enough for her dislike of the male to plainly show.

Columbine Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 04:50 PM

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He could not help but let a dark snicker fall from his lips when he watched Helotes reaction to the female - Zana's - arrival. From the bandages it was obvious she was injured, and Columbine could not help but be curious as to how she sustained them. However, it was not the time or place to be asking these questions, and the shadowy male shifted his dark red eyes to his brother once more, discounting the female. He could not spare any care for whether she stayed or left - this was an interaction between the two Lykois, in his mind, and nothing more.

The news that his mother was dead and Ilusion gone sank Columbine's dark heart like a stone. True emotion for the first time flickered across the male's face, and a disquieted frown pulled at his ebony lips. He felt no remorse for the attack on Jacinto, and did not spare any thoughts for it. Instead, he dwelled on the death of his mother. Columbine loved her the best he could - she had not deserved the kind of life Kerberos imposed upon her. None of them had, and while he had defended his mother and siblings the best he could, it had all been for naught. It wasn't fair, really, that Columbine should now be so marred by the fights between his father and he. Sighing deeply, he lifted his dark red eyes to his brother's, as they had been focused on the ground since hearing of his mother's death. I am sorry to hear that, he said quietly. I had hoped... But his voice trailed off and he refocused himself, now considering that Ilusion was missing and, in his opinion, it was entirely Jacinto's fault. Jacinto should have gone after her, Columbine snarled. He should have stopped her from running off, the loaf. His voice was acidic, dangerous - the dark male was clearly unamused by the entire affair.

He now glanced at Zana, his face still betraying the anger he felt at the whole mess of a situation. I have come here to join my brother Helotes, Columbine explained, voice clipped and short. I would like to join this pack after we resolve this particular problem he said, referring to Ilusion's current state of missing. He had not missed the venomous glare Helotes gave him earlier - now, Columbine shot him one of his own. Privately, he wondered whether or not he should have dragged Ilusion with him when he made the decision to leave his family. He had been blinded with rage and not thinking appropriately - if the mistake cost his sister her life, the male would never be able to forgive himself.

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Helotes Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 05:10 PM

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OOC / +318

Columbine’s reaction this news softened Helotes face and his ears drooped and tail sank. Their wonderful mother was dead; though she had not been perfect, she had raised them all to be strong. Columbine’s bent head made Helotes realize that neither of them had gotten a chance to say goodbye to her, unlike Jacinto and Ilusion, and a pained whine built like a knot in his throat. Zana asked why he was here but Helotes was trying to keep back from crying to respond to her.

Just like that however, Columbine’s ruthlessness returned, even though it was somewhat dulled from what it had been before. He cursed Jacinto and Helotes crossed his arms; it was true that Jacinto, if he were a stronger man, should have gone after his sister; but in his condition, slightly injured and weaker than usual, perhaps it was best he had come here, You know how Jacinto is, I don’t think there would have been much he could do to stop her.

Columbine then made it known that he wanted to join his brothers here, and Helotes stance finally cooled enough that he went over to his brother and took him in a stiff embrace; though they might not always see eye to eye on things, Helotes loved Columbine to no end, and at one time, these feelings were returned; now however, he was not so sure. I will call Ezekiel; he is a good leader, you will see. I will come take you to meet him, and Jacinto too, thought I think you two might want to discuss your last encounter.

He turned to Zana, a paw still on Columbine’s rock hard shoulder, Columbine, this is Zana Lykoi; she is our cousin, and my close friend. Zana, this is my older brother Columbine. Let there be peace between you, for my sake. His umber eyes burned into each of theirs in turn.

Zana Avaya Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 06:16 PM

Zana watched silently as the two brothers rigid stances seemed to grow brittle. Her voice was dry as she turned her lilac orbs back to Columbine as she stated. "It would be best to find a common ground then, I don't think Ezekiel would be very please with such hostility on the borders if its with a potential new clan mate..." she turned to glance at Helotes, wanting to move to her larger cousin in a show of comfort, but she didn't know how to make that first move or even speak such comforts I front of this new cousin that seemed to have crashed into her world. Nothing seemed the same now and she was confused. She sighed softly and sat down hard to watch the two males.

She was slightly surprised as the two went from such open hostility to embracing. She wasn't certain she liked what was going on but then again the only one of her siblings she'd really known closely she had stayed close to. Zana was quiet as she watch how the situation changed, as Helotes called off to their leader and seemed to beg the two to be hospitable for him. She glared at the darker male for a second before shaking her head and grumbling. "He had better understand just what loyalty really means..." she said darkly as she hoped that the males previous outburst that had made her suspicious in the first time was a fluke. If Ezekiel wanted this man to reside she'd be watching him closely.

Sage River Lykoi · 11-27-2011, 09:39 PM

RANKS · SITE · WIKI · NEWS

Remember:

Inferni’s ranks are based on character behavior and activity. Read over our Rank Information for hierarchy information -- approach the higher ranked canines in your tier, and try interact with them. To choose a tier, simply mention it in our Maintenance thread. If you do not choose a tier, the leaders will pick one based on your character’s in-game behavior.

As a new member, why not:

Read about Inferni's culture to learn about some of Inferni's unique aspects.
Create some AW (all welcome) threads in Inferni and meet your fellow clan members. Alternatively, join another member's AW thread (open threads are found here). You can also request threads in our thread request forum.

Add your character to our Member Directory. See our maintenance thread for more information.
Start earning points in our Game! The game is a great way to get fancy titles, icons, and other cool things for your character.

If you're confused about anything regarding Inferni or being a member of the clan, feel free to PM one of our pack leaders, and they can help answer your questions!

Ezekiel de le Poer · 11-27-2011, 10:15 PM

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The savage in man is never
quite eradicated

Replying just so we can have a good IC ending; feel free to start new threads, of course. :>

Word Count »

The call came to his ears, and Ezekiel was surprised; first one brother, and now some other family member by the sound of Helotes’ call. Ezekiel turned Viggo sharply and too off at a canter, thundering towards the source on his massive mount. It hardly took him long to find the trio, though this did not surprise him. It seemed Zana never went far without Helotes these days. In some ways this worried him; he did know if there was more before a family bond there, but…he was paranoid, after all.

Slowing, the Aquila approached. He looked down at the stranger, and for some reason he could not fathom, his spine prickled. It was brushed aside with a look to the dusty warrior-in-training. Amber eyes sharpened, curious—while they stood next to each other, there was obvious tension between them. Peculiar. “Your brother? Any more siblings I should expect?” He added, a plastic smile tightening across his face.

Columbine Lykoi · 11-28-2011, 12:43 AM

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It was rare that Columbine would feel something besides an unfortunate mix of hatred and anger, and yet here he was, faced with a second emotion. A deep, painful sadness had settled in the male's chest as he considered what must have happened to his mother. Despite his...dispute with Jacinto, Columbine was certain that his mother had loved him. He loved her with a love only comparable to what he felt for Ilusion; she was one half of whatever was left in his cold, bitter heart. An embarrassing itch grew in the back of his throat and the optime male scuffed the ground with his paw as he found himself thinking about the now deceased woman. He would never get to say goodbye; he would never get to see her again... But the male quickly caught hold of himself and lifted his head, just in time to have Helotes wrap his arms around him.

It took the male a moment to respond, well-muscled arms hanging stiffly at his side for several awkward seconds before he took his brother in his arms. The whole ordeal felt strange and borderline unpleasant, but Columbine would endure it; it was the proper thing to do. He was grateful it only lasted seconds and he was released; Columbine had never known what to do exactly with these outward displays of familial affection. When Jacinto was mentioned, the male obviously stiffened and his lips raised in a silent snarl. Yes, perhaps we'll have a little chat about our last encounter, the male growled, his voice implying something entirely different from a docile chat. Perhaps while we're chatting, we'll discuss how he lost Ilusion.

When they parted, Helotes' hand remained on his shoulder, and the male could not bring himself to extricate himself from his brother. Standing stiffly, Columbine acknowledged Helotes introduction of the midget-woman; the ashen male nodded, and gave her another appraising look before a tight smile. Yes, brother, let there be peace, he stated, his dark red eyes cold and devoid of whatever sadness had been there earlier. Other words, more acidic words, wanted spill from his lips; he restrained them. It would not do to antagonize this female. The male had come a long way and wanted a rest and harbor in these lands. At least, for the time being. Still, he did not speak directly to Zana. He saw no purpose.

As they waited for the leader to arrive, Columbine could not help but wonder about Helotes' standing in the pack. For that matter, he was curious as to what a marshmallow like Jacinto found himself doing in a land that decided that good border decor involved skulls. He did not have long to wait before a male arrived on horseback. Cocking a brow, the shadowy male examined the rider - he supposed this was Ezekiel, the leader Helotes mentioned. Columbine found himself decidedly unimpressed, though he maintained a habitual respectful stance. One sister, Columbine murmured, though he knew the question was not addressed to him. Wherever she is. His deep voice gained volume as he looked up at the horseback male. I am Columbine Lykoi, brother to Helotes and Jacinto. I come to join your lands and my family, if you will have me.

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Helotes Lykoi · 11-28-2011, 08:26 PM

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OOC / +200

The Aquila was there much more quickly than he had anticipated and Helotes stood firmly beside his brother. He knew that Columbine might look a scoundrel to Ezekiel, but he was willing to defend him if need be. However, though the bound of family was strong, Helotes had given his allegiance to Inferni and therefore would follow whatever decision the Aquila made. Ezekiel asked how many other siblings he should be expecting, and Helotes regretted not tell him beforehand that he was expecting them to arrive sooner or later. Columbine, who was barely managing to disguise his jadedness at the arrival of Ezekiel, mentioned their sister and Helotes flicked an ear. Where was she?

At least Columbine was respectful in the way he asked to join and Helotes looked up at Ezekiel apprehensively, Columbine is strong, he will be a great addition to Inferni’s ranks. Hopefully Columbine could contain his dominant nature; bending to authority was not one of his stronger points. Helotes eyes flitted over to the injured Zana, the look on her face told him everything he needed to know about what she thought of Columbine. Helotes hoped that this wasn't going to end up a huge mistake.

Zana Avaya Lykoi · 11-28-2011, 11:33 PM

Zana watched the male with narrow eyes until Ezekiel showed up, her eyes then turned to their leader as she raised up to full height, which wasn't that much. She had expected Ezekiel to outright ask for his loyalty but it seemed there were other things on the leaders mind, instead he threw a question to Helotes. She turned her lilac orbs to her larger cousin as he explained things as well as this new annoyance in her life. She decided to ignore Columbine until she was better able judge the beast.

The small woman sighed as she shifted her weight once more off of the shoulder and injured foreleg, realizing that Helotes was gazing at her once more she glared back for a moment before letting all her attention fall to their leader again. She wanted the leader to tell him no, to make him go about his way but she knew that wouldn't happen, she knew it had nothing to do with her now and she could only deal with what Ezekiel decided.

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