[J]ust another lonely day

Holly · 01-25-2012, 08:53 AM

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Word Count → 332 :: She is in New Dawn territory somewhere. Or just outside it if you prefer. No place specific.

The harsh winter wind howled around her and Holly shrank back further against the tree she was nestled under. The bark scrapped against her back as she pushed herself against it but she hardly felt it. Her body was numb from the cold and from the shock. She shivered and closed her eyes, only to open them back up quickly. She fought the sleep that had eluded her for almost two months. Every time she closed her eyes the nightmares came. Images of blood and the sound of laughter would jolt her into the waking world.

It was morning now and the sun was just peeking its head over the horizon. The faint morning light brought her only relief, taking away the shadows that tricked her eyes and the noises that sounded like they came from right next to her. Every thing felt a little bit safer in the light. She stood and stretched out the stiffness in her legs, spending a good time relieving the stress that had built up in her over the night. She sat back down among the roots of the tree, not sure what to do with her day. She had tried finding food but had no luck catching even the smallest of prey. She had survived thus far on what plants she could find beneath the layer of snow and carrion left behind by more experienced hunters. Her ribs were showing through her pelt but she did not feel hungry. All she felt was loneliness.

If she had been in her right mind she would have stayed as quiet as possible, her whimpering would only attract the wrong kind of attention. She couldn't help it, the fear and loneliness in her heart came out through her in a pitiful cry. She wanted her mother to come running through the snow to where she was beneath the tree and make her feel safe and warm again. She wanted it all to have just been a bad dream.

Deuce Rhiannon · 01-26-2012, 01:41 AM

((Welcome!))

She was walking the borders, a job normally reserved for higher ranked wolves. She did it because it made her feel useful, comfortable. She hadn't yet been able to use her skills as a medic, so she wasn't quite sure yet what her job was supposed to be. So she walked the borders, she watched the herbivores' movements, she kept the den tidy when she needed to. She slept when everyone else slept, and she was awake when everyone else was. So here she was, walking the border.

Not too long ago, she had surprised a snowshoe hare. She had caught it, and was carrying it in her maw. She would take it back to the den and offer it to the alphas, an act -in her eyes- to atone for her issues with Noah. She hadn't gone too far from where she had caught the hare, when a pitiful whimpering caught her attention. Her ears laid back as she made her way to where the soft noises came from. She stopped in surprise as a pup, maybe three months old, came into sight. She laid the hare down, her kind, mismatched eyes on the little wolf. After a moment, she spoke softly, her voice warm. "Hello there. I am Deuce. Are you lost? Where are your parents?" The coloring of the little female reminded her of Sora, the daughter she had left behind despite her better judgment.

She realized she could see the pup's ribs, and she laid down, nudging the hare toward the little female. "Are you hungry, my dear? You can have this if you want it. I won't say no if you do. In fact, I would be very pleased if you would eat it, since I am not very hungry at all." She watched the pup's reactions to her, and to her offer, and wondered what the little girl's story was. She hoped the child's parents were near by, that the child wasn't an orphan. Deuce was fond of collecting orphans and wanted pups. She had adopted several in her life time, and figured she'd end up adopting several more before Rhiannon called her home.

((WC:360))

Holly · 01-26-2012, 08:57 AM

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(Table by Raze <3) 'Otees is her way of saying Coyotes

A figure materialized in the distance, its features yet indistinguishable from the snow that blanketed the ground. Holly squinted her eyes to try and see what it was. She could make out the shape and saw that it was something of a wolf. She lowered herself further to the ground and pinned her ears straight back against her head. Her whimpers almost immediately ceased but she was frozen with the terror that gripped her heart. What if it was one of the coyotes, come back to finish the job? her breathing grew rapid as the figure approached but then caught in her throat when the pure white female came more clearly into view.

Could it really be that her wish had come true? Her mother had died before her very eyes or at least that's what she had assumed. And yet, here she was standing right before her. Holly jumped to her feet and perked up her ears as her tail swaying happily behind her. She let out a small yip and called out to the female. "Mama?" It took her only another second to realize that it was, in fact, not her mother but an unfamiliar wolf. Her mother's eyes had been like the rising sun, with oranges and yellows blending together. This wolf before her had eyes of two different colors.

Holly sighed and slowly lowered her rump to the ground. She started at the ground with her ears pinned as she answered the female's questions. She was still shaken by her confusion as well as nervous of the stranger. She answered the questions in a voice barely above a whisper. "Mama wouldn wake up.. I.. I not know what to do." She took in a shaky breath as she remembered the fighting, trying to keep herself calm so she could continue talking to the kind lady. "Runnin from the 'otees. They gonna get me." Her eyes widened as her breathing started in increase again and she grew in several shaky breaths, on the verge of breaking down completely.

She looked blankly at the rabbit as it was offered to her and the scooted back away from it despite her obvious hunger. "No..no..no." She repeated the words softly to herself and averted her gaze from the rabbit's bloody body.

Word Count → 382

Deuce Rhiannon · 01-26-2012, 01:41 PM

((Just so you know, Deuce says coyote with two syllables, not three.))

As she watched the puppy jump up, she was painfully reminded of Jazper, and how he'd been alone and frightened once. The pups yip tore her heart apart, reminding her of her longing for another litter. The puppy was lost and confused, and Deuce laid down so as not to seem as much of a threat to her. As the pup told her that her momma wouldn't wake up, Deuce's eyes filled with sadness for her.

"Poor thing," the former shaman murmured, her voice soft and full of sympathy. As the pup spoke again, Deuce found herself scooting forward to offer comfort to the pup in the form of a gentle nuzzle. The little female seemed to get more and more agitated and afraid, which in turn made Deuce softer and calmer.

"Shhh, little one. The coyotes won't come near here. Our pack keeps them out of the lands. They live many miles away from us, and we can protect you, sweetie. What's your name, little one?" The little female was starting to freak out about the rabbit, so Deuce moved it again, pushing it behind her and away from the orphaned puppy. "Did you and your mommy live in a pack here?"

She didn't think that was the case, the female didn't smell like any of the surrounding packs, or even any of the packs that were further south. Deuce crawled forward again, her ears back in sympathy for the puppy. "Do you need a place to stay, sweetie? A family to take care of you and protect you from the coyotes?"

((WC: 263))

Holly · 01-30-2012, 02:20 PM

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(Table by Raze <3)

Once the mangled rabbit was out of sight Holly began to relax. Her breathing slowed to an almost normal level and she looked up slightly from where her eyes had been glued to the ground. The whiteness of Deuce's coat reminded her so much of her mother's same colored pelt. A sharp pain of loneliness pierced her heart and she let out a soft whimper. She leaned forward so that she was just barely touching the older wolf, feeling safer now with the soft words of comfort and the warmth of another surrounding her.

Deuce kept talking and Holly sat near to her, barely taking in the words and instead feeling the softness and calmness of them. It calmed her in turn until her breathing slowed way down and she felt, for once, relaxed. She was going to be alright, she was going to be safe. Now she realized what Deuce was saying to her and she very slowly wagged her little tail. The coyotes wern't allowed here and there was a whole pack of wolves that would keep her safe from them. Her mother had told her about packs, where tons of wolves all lived together as a family and protected each other.

"M..my name Holly. Mama and Darnell and Rowan and me live in den. We live that way." She pointed with her nose to the north, indicating the direction she at least thought she had traveled since leaving the site of the attack. "Now is just me."

Holly looked up at Deuce's next words, her expression a mix of confusion and gratitude. Was she really being asked to stay with Deuce's family? She would be safer there, with all the older wolves to protect her. The coyotes would still come for her and they would hurt anyone that got in there way but a whole pack was a lot stronger than two wandering coyotes. She was beginning to regain hope. "I stay. Stay with pack be safe from 'otees." She leaned into the white wold even more, letting her body relax as she breathed a sigh of relief.

Word Count → 352

Zalen Damaichu · 01-30-2012, 02:44 PM

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Word Count 511:: Hey hey hey Big Grin

Zalen had watched the goings on of his pack members from the comfort of his hollow in the wall of the den. Everyone seemed pretty content staying inside on this blizzarding day. Zalen, though he remained silent, lying on his belly in Optime form, his head resting on his wrists, was in turmoil. He had met with X’yrin and Saluce of Ichika the previous day, and they had brought to him grave news concerning one of his pack-mates. Zalen’s apple eyes instinctively flitted over to Noah’s sleeping form, across the den from him. What would he do with that man?

But suddenly, Zalen saw the white form of Deuce slink out into the cold. Zalen thought nothing of it, she most likely was exiting to relieve herself in peace, so he paid it no mind. It was not until an hour or so later that he realized she had not returned and so with a stretch he stood onto four legs and trotted out of the den. Luckily, though they watched him go, no one felt the need to follow him.

The dark Alpha had been inhabiting his Optime form more and more, and though he knew the others felt it was strange, they did not complain, for they could tell he was being kind to them by remaining on all fours even when his body afforded him the luxury of standing on two. But in this winter, in this storm, he would allow himself to stand, which he did, to a full six foot seven.

Deuce’s trail was not hard to follow, even in the snow, and he tracked her as his leisure. It seemed she had gone out to hunt, rabbit from the smell of it. Deuce’s hunting prowess was excellent, as to be expected from a wolf of her age. Zalen however held some guilt when it came to Deuce, especially with how their last interaction had gone. Zalen should not have barged in as he had to the quarrel between her and her son, for even though it had looked as if she held a death grip on Noah’s throat, Zalen had complete trust in her and knew she wouldn’t kill him. The ebon male wondered if she knew what an asset she was to the pack… though he was sure she would know soon enough.

Suddenly, the soft sounds of talking came to his ears. It was Deuce, he recognized the soft lilt in her voice, it reminded him of Soran. Falling back to all fours he trotted over a snow embankment and saw Deuce lying in the snow, her fur camouflaging her perfectly, but nestled beside her was a small pup. Zalen tilted his head to the side, curious, and walked down to the two, bumping heads affectionately with Deuce before sticking his cold, wet nose into the skinny belly of the puppy. She smelled like the earth itself, no other strong canine smell clung to her, Hello there little one. He said softly. Then he looked to Deuce, a questioning look on his face.

Deuce Rhiannon · 01-31-2012, 11:31 PM

The pup, Holly, was close to her, and she lightly licked the pup's cheek, her mismatched gaze soft with sadness for what the little one had been through. As Holly said she wanted to stay, Deuce was going to lift her voice up to call for the leader, when the large black male appeared. She nuzzled into him as he bumped heads with her. Her gaze was calm, giving off subtle body language cues that she was at ease with her alpha and his decisions. She felt that perhaps he had been right to intervene in her quarrel with Noah. After all, he was the leader, and no leader wanted to see their pack torn by spats. Perhaps if she and Iskata hadn't feuded over Jefferson, the Valley pack would still be around.

As he gazed at her, a question in his eyes, she spoke, her head lowering protectively over the little female. It was instinct and habit that made her do this, not a fear he would reject the girl or harm her. "This is Holly. Coyotes hurt her family, and she is alone." The story was as the pup had told her. The pale woman lifted her head slightly, not challenging the younger leader, but showing she knew she could take the responsibility she was about to ask for.

"I would like to bring her into the pack as my ward, my adopted daughter if you will. I can provide for her well, and see that she is raised right." She met his eyes for a moment, elder woman to younger male, then dropped them to re-acknowledge his dominance over her and over the pack. She had faith he wouldn't turn the little female away, but she had no wish to risk it by seeming to vie for the dominant position with her posturing.

((WC:306))

Holly · 02-01-2012, 12:13 AM

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(Table by Raze <3) Zalen is a big, bad monster!!!

A feeling of love, of motherly protection, soothed her lonely heart. The acceptance and comfort the white wolf gave her practically erased her fears. Holly closed her eyes and pressed herself into Deuce, her exhaustion getting the better of her at last. Her legs gave way beneath her and she slowly slid to the ground. Her face came to rest on Deuce's leg and she sighed in content when the warm wetness of a tongue was felt against her cheek. She slipped into that place between waking and sleeping, where everything seems farther away and time doesn't act the way it should. She could have been resting for hours or she could have been resting for seconds but the sound of something coming across the snow snapped her out of her doze. Her head turned sharply to the source of noise, taking in the figure that had materialized from the snow.

It was almost funny how a peaceful moment could be so abruptly turned into a scene of panic. The large figure moving steadily toward them was unlike anything Holly had ever seen. It was at least canine, that much she could tell, but that didn't mean it was friendly. After all, the coyotes who had murdered her family were canines too. What if this strange creature was here to kill her and Deuce? Her whole body seized in terror and she shrunk into the snow. She tipped to the side so that her belly was facing out toward the big, black male. Her tail clung to her stomach and her ears were laid flat against her head. Her eyes had narrowed in fright, almost completely closing. The white wolf beside her was forgotten as her mind screamed out in fear. She couldn't move, couldn't run, forced by her own body to lay there as the beast came right up to her. As Zalen stuck his nose into the young wolf's body a small trickle of urine passed through her and stained the fresh, white snow. When he then turned his attention to Deuce she let out a barely audible whimper, not yet realizing that she was in no danger.

The threat had passed for the moment and her fear subsided enough for her to form at least one coherent thought. Move! No longer completely paralyzed she inched a little closer to the white wolf, putting some distance between herself and the black monster. She had not seen the friendly exchange between the two older wolves and couldn't think enough to smell the scent of the pack that rested on the black male. Her terror overruled all of her senses, making it impossible for her to understand what was going on. Even their words made no sense to her; she could hear the rise and fall of their voices but their meanings were lost somewhere between her ears and her brain. She pressed herself closer to the white wolf, taking shelter behind her body. Deuce was bigger and stronger than she was and Holly had some faith that the woman would protect her. It was selfish, putting her own safety above that of Deuce's, but what puppy doesn't think of her own needs first?

Word Count → 534

Zalen Damaichu · 02-01-2012, 01:40 PM

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Word Count 359:: OOC.

Deuce spoke softly about the pup, how her family had been killed by coyotes and Zalen nearly dropped to a shocked sit in the snow. His apple eyes darted to the small, ruddy thing who had pissed itself senseless at his arrival. He suddenly saw himself reflected in the small, weak puppy. Tears nearly sprang up in his eyes but he suppressed this, knowing full well that he must remain strong in the eyes of all his pack mates.

In the past several weeks Zalen’s opinion on coyotes had begun to soften, especially with his discussion with Myrika and his extremely brief interaction with Inferni coyotes at the festival. But now, all the fear, all the hate, came rushing back into his heart. He had been like Holly once, frightened, with a dead mother, being taken in by strangers. Well, he would afford her safety within New Dawn, for to be alone was the worst pain of all.

Deuce then spoke that she would take the pup in as his ward and he nodded; it was a wise choice, and had he stumbled upon the pup himself he most likely would have taken it to Deuce first and foremost. She was a gentle soul, but obviously one not lacking the tact of harsh discipline; she would make a fine adoptive mother. Yes, you are wise Deuce. Take her in and make sure the others know she is one of us now, and that you serve as her guide as Delta of the pack. He did not promote her with such a flourish as other packs might, but it was straight forward and sensible. It only made sense for the white wolfess to serve as healer and pup-sitter, especially with her skills.

Then looking at the curled up pup once more, shivering and completely frightened, he took several steps back. He knew from the smell of the thing that it was not a Luperci, and his appearance in this form most likely did not help her nerves, I’m sure you can bring her back to the den unaided. Zalen said, giving Deuce a small smile, before turning and bounding away.

New Dawn · 02-01-2012, 01:41 PM

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Congratulations! You no longer stray from the path and have returned to life as a true wolf. You do not have to face this world alone, and now may rely on the wisdom of your pack to guide you.

Take a moment to check out our Game and the Moons to see how you can start collecting rewards.
Remember to study your new realm by reviewing the Map and Territory Guide so you may know the land in which your family thrives. Do not be afraid to travel anywhere within the borders of New Dawn.
Please read about our Culture and take a moment to review our Policies so you are best equipped to live as a true wolf.

If you have any questions or concerns you may always seek your alphas' guidance by contacting Nat (Zalen Damaichu) or Nuki (Titania Moonsong). Feel free to start posting in your new home immediately, or if you would like to plan a thread you may poke your muzzle around in Thread Requests or Open Threads!

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