The Beginning

Jaden Ohanzee · 07-26-2012, 02:13 AM

[html]

Date: July 23, 2012

Setting: Northern tip of the Grand Lake on VN boarders

Time: Morning

Character Form: Lupus

Dress: Packed Satchel with bow and arrows strapped to the outside

[/html]

[html]

Pardon my shortness. PGP + 2

200+

Jaden sat himself firmly upon the boarder of Sangi’lak’s neighbors. What had been a scent on the wind during construction of their pack had become an undeniable line in the ground. He sniffed at it idly while waiting for his travel companion to find him. There were more than just one or two different scent markings: clear evidence that the pack was strong and thriving. And they were so close. When had they claimed this land? Not long before he had claimed his with X’yrin. What if they were stronger than his Sangi’lak already? And would be their mentality? A neighbor could mean an easy alliance and respectable friends. Or it could mean a group to fight. A pack to wrestle over resources and territory with.

This meeting would be the beginning, hopefully of a friendship that might grow but possibly of something else too. These types of relations were what their whole mission was to determine. They were the beginners, the creators of every local pack’s bonds with Sangi’lak. They were the face of their home. Friends or enemies, things needed to be established. That goal now stretched out ahead of the two males like a winding road.

Everything had a beginning including this trip of beginnings. Jaden looked back toward Sangi’lak where X’ies no doubt would appear. In some sense this was his mission. He was the linguist. So it was appropriate they have some sort of consensus before initiating contact. The nearest pack to us, he stated simply. How shall we proceed, X’ies?

Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.

X'ies Lambda · 07-27-2012, 04:25 PM

[html]

Current Objective: Diplomacy ---
Form: Lupus.----
Mood: Concentrated--

The first of his missions as a diplomat of the pack. And he had to admit this wasn't precisely what he had in mind when this whole thing went down. He didn't expect that it would be the black furred male that would be joining him on such a mission, rather he had thought that perhaps his childhood friend would be the one by his side. But no, fate had drawn it so that the two males would be paired together. And just how would this work? Interestingly enough though Jaden's tone and voice seemed at least mildly respectful of the Lambdas position as they approached the borders of the land. " We are neighbors...so it would be polite to at least try and follow the rules of etiquette". Said X'ies, taking note that the male was in the same form that he himself preferred. Perhaps he was trying to get a taste of what life was like from his point of view. None the less, he would continue as he looked around.

" Let out a call, see who arrives. Hopefully it will be someone that can give us permission to enter, if not...then we send whoever does arrive with a missive asking for permission to enter their lands....don't want to be staining anything just yet"

Indeed, but just what colour would they bee staining this relationship? Yellow for wealth? Blue for peace? Or would the great lake be stained red? Well they would soon find out,regardless X'ies wouldn't be the one that would send up the call, he might be the diplomat and it might have been his mission, however Jaden was the one who held the superior rank, and whilst X'ies would indeed be watching. His primary objective on this mission was to get a feel for this neighboring pack, what kind of relationship that could be developed. Their strengths. their weaknesses. But it wasn't just limited to that. The Lambda needed to view the landscape, the internal workings of the pack and its foundations. Just how easy would it be to attack this group? How easily could they cripple its foundations, where there weaknesses from the inside that could be exploited in tactical warfare?

Whilst the Grey wolf was not assuming the worst from this meeting. He would certainly be planned for whatever contingency, after all...neighbors could mean great allies...or terrible enemies .

WC:414

[/html]

Jaden Ohanzee · 07-27-2012, 11:37 PM

[html]

PGP + 3

300+

Listening to X’ies, Jaden quickly realized that they were looking at this situation from two different angles. They both wanted to meet this pack and figure out where they stood with relations, but that was the extent of what Jaden wanted. X’ies was looking for more in this meeting. He didn’t want to settle for a simple these are our allies or these are our enemies decision. He wanted to go into the pack. The only reason for that would be to see more of what makes them tick on the inside. It was a wonderful idea and much more valuable than a glance at these canines for face value.

Jaden didn’t answer but tilted his head back and howled a full, long breath of summons for anyone within range. This was one of the first times his silence wasn’t that of disapproval, anger, or anything negative toward the grey wolf. He simply agreed and felt there was nothing else really worth adding. The two had spent much more time together in the recent week than they had since X’ies’ acceptance into Sangi’lak. Prior to this time, the Obsidian Alpha had been fully convinced that X’ies lived to be a pain in the ass. He thought every word to come from his jaw had a double meaning or was laden with negative meaning in one way or another. More and more this view was being disproven.

Perhaps X’yrin had been right to be angry at him for his treatment of X’ies. The thought crossed his mind but he didn’t feel shame for his anger at her. He was still hurt by her actions and words even if a small bit of them may have been justified. It wasn’t extreme enough that it showed constantly anymore. Time had faded his pain as it always did into something manageable. He couldn’t let it distract him now anyway. This meeting would need his full attention and care. Jaden sat on his haunches and waited for a response to his call.

Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.

Saul Stormbringer · 07-30-2012, 02:43 PM

[html]

Jess should be along shortly, if you could wait for her to reply before either of you two do, that would be appreciated.
wc -- 517

Saul had returned from his trip to Casa the day before yesterday- after travelling most of the day down to the pack, he and Niernan had had to stop and rest overnight. Perhaps ironically, Saul had managed to find the wooden chalet that he'd built from scratch when Dahlia had been alive, over a year abandoned. It wasn't looking too great and Saul had been a bit disheartened to see his hard work crumbling. But it had been enough to shelter him and Niernan for the night, Maia and the foals shut up downstairs. Saul had slept in his old attic room and he'd woken in the morning to the disconcerting feeling of expecting Siku to be curled against him. He hadn't thought of the white female in a long time and he'd been a little horrified at his subconscious for throwing him out of sorts. The pair had left early in the morning, Saul all the more eager to reunite with his mate and see his son, neither of which had anything to do with that white she-witch.

Despite the travelling the day before yesterday, Saul hadn't been able to rest much and he'd been caught up in giving Temeraire the little filly. He knew his son liked horses and he'd always intended to give Maia's foal to one of his offspring. He hadn't known at the time of the foals conception that his son would come sooner than expected, and in such a strange way, but it had worked out well and Temeraire had been excited to own a horse. This morning had risen early and Saul had woken to an empty house. Yesterday, his son had shifted for the first time and it had prompted a rather embarrassing conversation about sex and the like. After that, Temeraire had decided it was time to move out and Saul had risen this morning a little forlorn.

The borders seemed like the best place to run off some frustration, so after a swift bathe in the lake Saul had made a move towards the outskirts of Vinátta. It had to have been just a few moments before a demanding howl came from the borders. The soft wrinkle of his nose was the only indication of any disconcertion before he picked up the pace and moved towards the borders. It took him only a short while to locate the caller and as he approached the borders, the male slowed down. Spotting the pair were on four legs, Saul concentrated on his body for a moment, stepping forward and crouching at the right time to land on four legs. Green eyes were curious as he moved forward, bulky body shifting easily. Good morning sirs. These are Vinátta's borders and I'm Saul Stormbringer, one of the leaders. How can I help you? The line was well practised and used by the male, who felt as if he repeated this phrase often enough that he could recite it in his sleep. Dark nose twitching, he caught a scent that set his teeth on edge- he was sure he could smell X'yrin.

Lilin Soulstorm · 07-31-2012, 09:14 PM

[html]

(342) --

The day had started off as usual - the sun rose over the village nestled in the valley, illuminating its dome-shaped dwellings and waking Jordheim's inhabitants from their slumber. She had spent the previous evening bathing in her beau's warm embrace, discussing the day's events before retiring to her house for the night. The majority of their conversations often revolved around their family and not themselves, their last rendezvous had been no different. They'd had plenty to discuss; his recent trip to Casa di Cavalieri and Temeraire's decision to claim a house of his own, which had been highly unexpected. Her shock vanished, however, when her beau relayed his son's reaction to their sexual prowesses.

With wide eyes and her right a clasped over her mouth, Lilin had taken a moment to assimilate the information before melting into a puddle of laughter and girlish giggles. They had parted with a kiss and Lilin's vague allusion that she would perhaps join him on his morning run; nothing had been set in stone and so she was pleased to find him already out and about by the time she sought him out. She had nearly made it there when a howl pierced through nature's fragile harmony. Irises of mediterranean blue caught his silhouette making a dart to the north, promptly engulfed by their land's lush vegetation. She too picked up the pace, avoiding trees she knew would soon thin out into a clearing leading to the lake's edge. By the time she emerged from the woods, her mate was already conversing with two males and sharing their four-legged form.

While Saul probably had done it out of courtesy, she saw no purpose in mirroring his actions. They were as different as night and day, with two very different cultural backgrounds and practically nothing in common personality wise. In spite of this, they made things work and found unity amid diversity. Not wishing to interrupt, the dichotomous female found her place next to her partner and remained silent; attempting to gauge what she'd missed thus far.

Jaden Ohanzee · 08-01-2012, 04:51 AM

[html]

PGP + 4

400+

It didn’t take long for a wolf to approach them from inside the borderline. Jaden watched and took stalk of this stranger. His body was fit and appeared well trained. The coloring sported on his coat suggested that he was a grey wolf breed but his size indicated that was likely not the case or that the male was a hybrid. His features also told that he was full blooded wolf. He was exactly what Jaden hoped to see in his neighbors thus far. Then he spoke and admitted to being a leader of “Vinátta”. What luck! Saul was exactly who they were seeking to speak with.

Jaden listened to his introduction with easy respect. As a leader, he recognized a memorized greeting when he saw one but felt no disdain for it. He would have probably approached Saul the same way had their positions been reversed. He stood and tipped his head in respect before speaking, It is a pleasure to meet you Saul Stormbringer. I am Jaden Ohanzee and this, and indication was given by way of a muzzle tip in his companions direction, Is X’ies Lambda. We are both nomads of Sangi’lak. I am the pack’s Issum, a leader like yourself. Jaden had spent a good amount of time thinking about what he would say when presented with another pack’s leadership but had thought he would have more time before actually having to use it. There was more to be said but introductions would be first and other things might have to be considered. The obsidian male glanced back at his fellow nomad as an indication that he was waiting for him to speak if he didn’t step up right away. Jaden knew what they wanted from this meeting and had a good idea of how to express it but also understood that he was here more as a figure of leadership. X’ies was the one with a silver—or poison, hopefully dependent on how it was used—tongue. The Issum would just pick up where needed, if at all.

A female found the group as the last word left his maw and took a stand next to the male Vinátta leader. He could guess by the way she inserted herself silently into the conversation that the woman was a leader as well but it was impossible to be sure. Jaden smiled at her welcomingly but was quick enough to return his gaze to Saul. No doubt she would introduce herself if he didn’t. This was looking promising.

Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.

Saul Stormbringer · 08-15-2012, 08:02 AM

[html]

apologies for the hold up
wc -- 246

Despite the bristling he felt at the faintest smell of the female how had ruined everything for Ichika, Saul calmed himself down. It wasn't fair of him to think she would have left the area at all- it was only natural to assume she would have found another pack. Pushing the thoughts aside, Saul fixed his attention on the dark male. He was powerful looking, there was no doubt about that. But there seemed to be a certain diplomatic calmness about him that Saul understood. While both males were large and could perhaps be considered intimidating, the dark males words somewhat put the Virding at a bit of ease. It didn't take away the fact that he was coming face to face with those that thought it a good idea to place their borders so close to Vinátta's own.

"A pleasure. So you're the pack across the lake?" He questioned, unable to really keep the disapproval from his tone. The approaching footsteps were as familiar to him as breathing and he was powerless to stop the indulgent smile from tugging his lips up. Lilin came to stop by his side, her wordless insertion into the current conversation a little bit of a relief. He felt his own fur brush against hers as he leant slightly against his mate before turning his attention back to the pair. "Was there anything specific you needed?" He questioned, a more polite way of asking what they were doing here.

Lilin Soulstorm · 08-17-2012, 06:39 PM

[html]

(255) --

She hadn't caught the first male's name, the one conversing with her mate. The silent one, however, had been introduced as X'ies. It was a trivial piece of information at best but at least she could associate his face with a name. The manner with which they introduced themselves took precedence over their identity. Lilin couldn't keep confusion at bay when both strangers labeled themselves Nomads. She recognized their scent as belonging to the neighboring pack; the one located west of the Grand Lake. Saul's inquiry only served to confirm her suspicions and his tone of voice mirrored her feelings. They were the ones who had settled too close for comfort. Her beau leaned in - a reassuring touch to which she responded with a flick of her tail.

Having remained silent until now, the Virding could no longer keep the stiffness from her body, from her tone of voice. ''Nomads move from one place to another, do they not? I presume you'll be leaving soon, then?'' she interjected suddenly, barely seconds after Saul had voiced a second inquiry of his own. Lilin, au contraire, cared little for what they needed. Their motives couldn't be much different from the other envoys seeking good relations; this whole charade was nothing but predictable politics. She had lived with a group of vagabonds during her childhood; they roamed endlessly, never settling in one area for too long. How long were these nomads planning on staying? A season at most? Would they move south before winter came around?

Jaden Ohanzee · 08-22-2012, 08:04 PM

[html]

we have gotten permission to skip X'ies until he decides to reply. PGP + 2

200+

Things looked a bit less promising with the tone Saul took. It was slightly negative and, no matter how slightly, negative was not a good way to start peace talks. What was it about their being across the lake that deserved negativity? Proximity would be dangerous only if they let it be. Understanding, communication, things like these would relieve any tension between the packs. These where the reason Jaden stood before Saul now. They need a starting point, for better or for worse, today would be that point.

In his negativities Saul was somewhat subtle. His mate however stated her disdain at meeting nomads blatantly. This brought about a slightly forced smile from the Issum. He had to be friendly even when met with negativity of any caliber. We traveled and took the name nomads as we searched for a home. Now that we have found one, the title has stayed with us. We have no plans to leave in the foreseeable future. He then looked from the Alphess to the Alpha. Saul seemed more level headed and it might be better to try and communicate to him first and let her make what she wished of his words. And, since we won’t be leaving, we have come to discuss relations with you and your pack. Vinátta and Sangi’lak being so close has offered a unique opportunity to strengthen and learn from each other. We are willing and open for trade, which might be a good starting point? He offered sincerely. X’ies was remaining quiet now. It seemed he was content with Jaden taking the reins for this first discussion.

Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.

Saul Stormbringer · 08-24-2012, 10:02 AM

[html]

wc -- 330

Lilin was, very clearly, on the same page as Saul himself. They hadn't exactly discussed their thoughts on the pack across the lake, but it was natural wolf instincts to be mistrustful and dislike the close proximity. There was no room to breath, to move when there were other borders just a mile or so away. Tension would have risen quickly between the two had the opposing pack been larger, but from the howls often heard from across their borders, they were small. The tension and hardness that washed through Lilin's body, pressed against his own for just a moment before they became two separate entities, equal in power. His own body responded to her own and he felt muscles tense subtly. He was perhaps lucky that his coat was shaggy- though the tensing of muscles was neither threat or precedence of anything, others could perhaps see it as that.

Green eyes widened just slightly, before settling down once more as Lilin's voice surrounded them. He forced his mouth to remain unsmiling, despite the pride welling in him. She was always the more blunt of the two and Saul felt that for once, he was grateful that she could speak her mind as such. Jaden's answer however caused disappointment to flood through them. He had been harbouring a short lived hope, after Lilin's insightful comment, that they would be leaving soon. It seemed not. Of course, the shift of attention to himself caused tension to bristle his fur and he gave a soft huff. His next words were forceful, the timbre of them causing a barely there growl to rumble in his chest.

"And if we have no interest in establishing any kind of relationship with you?" He questioned, posture changing from relatively friendly to defensive, shoulders rolling forward slightly as if to loosen the tensed muscles there. There was just something about this meeting that Saul didn't quite like and it seemed Lilin was on the same page.

Lilin Soulstorm · 08-31-2012, 11:04 AM

[html]

(320) --

She accepted the explanation with pursed lips when it was made clear that the western pack had no intentions of packing up and leaving. Although he'd enlightened both Virdings as to why they held the title of nomads, it soothed her none. She had lived among roamers- their nomadic lifestyle was ingrained in their blood and it was far from temporary. A group seeking a home, much like she and her friends had been, was nothing but hopeful loners in search of a better life. Exasperation swelled within her and she bit her tongue, aware that sparking an argument over something as trivial would do them no good.

The Soulstorm heir chanced a furtive glance downward, hoping to catch a glimpse of her mate's thoughts in response to their proposal. While Sangi'lak appeared to see proximity as beneficial, an advantage of sorts - Lilin saw it as the exact opposite. There was little opportunity in this; not now, at the very least. They knew very little about each other; safe for the fact that Sangi'lak had been disrespectful enough to claim lands far too close. Surely they weren't daft - they'd known of Vinatta's presence in the vicinity when they'd settled and taken the other side of the Grand Lake; one of their most prominent landmarks. They had done so without knowing who stood on the other side, putting their own members at risk for a swift death had it been another, less than lenient pack.

Saul had spoken his piece, his reticence clear in the timbre of his voice. It was then that Lilin chimed in, her suggestion aiming to assess just how willing they were to make things right and establish a connection with Vinatta. ''A good starting point would be for you to show good faith by moving further west, away from us.'' This conversation was pretty much pointless if Sangi'lak weren't willing to do so.

Jaden Ohanzee · 08-31-2012, 12:50 PM

[html]

PGP + 4

400

It appeared the leaders of Vinátta had already made their decision. They would choose to treat the proximity between their homes as a problem rather than an advantage. It was a disappointing decision for them to make. Jaden was a little more than disappointed though. Here he had come with not a single word of challenge and met their opposition with peaceful desires and doable suggestions only to be told they had no wish to work for peace? He had “extended the olive branch” so to say and they were tearing it down and demanding Sangi’lak change where it was based simply to appease some ignorant notion that two packs could not coexist this close together. It was upsetting to realize these two “leaders” would be so ignorant. Not acknowledging their bond would almost certainly condemn them to an unstable and negative relationship.

To Saul’s somewhat aggressive display the Issum withdrew his open posture into one that was visibly displeased. His tail rose only slightly and his hackles bristled but he listened to the alpha and alphess speak before answering, Ignoring what we have is shortsighted. But, not only is it shortsighted, it is based on an assumption that holds no precedence. While you and yours settled and developed more quickly than we did, both our packs arrived in this area at nearly the same time. We had no idea you had chosen to claim this land until after we had begun to claim ours. That being said, it is ridiculous that you would even suggest we uproot our home simply because it does not suit you when peace is very possible between us. His head shook disagreeably near the end and he took a step back. He had the sense that their negotiations were nearly finished. No, as I said before, we have no desire nor do we plan on moving to appease you. A good starting point is not a demand to separate us further from each other, but to handle things as they are and make the best of it for our packs and families. If you have no desire to do this, then perhaps our conversation has reached its end. He did not force a smile this time and his voice was disapproving and maybe even somewhat annoyed. Jaden would only bend over so far to work for peace and he had just hit his limit.

Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.

Saul Stormbringer · 09-03-2012, 06:07 AM

[html]

wc -- 315

At his own posture change, Jaden withdrew into something less friendly, Saul felt a spark of anger to see their 'visitors' tail raise slightly, hackles bristling. There would be no fight here today, simply for the fact that Vinátta would rip the pair apart at the beckon of a howl from either of the Virdings. But there could certainly be a confrontation. Once again, Lilin reflected his thoughts, her hard tone matching his feelings precisely. While she spoke with articulation, it was very clear what she was asking and Saul felt a rumbling growl of agreement from her. It didn't take Jaden long to answer and the anger at the males words eclipsed any other feeling for a few moments. Luckily, the Virding did not act on this, staying quiet as the male finished his little speech. There was a lot Saul wanted to say, and with a bare glance towards Lilin, he faced the dark male.

"And what 'assumptions' would these be? We do not judge you as a pack, we simply dislike the proximity with which you chose to settle. There is no assumption in saying you are too close, its simple fact. As for having no idea we were here, perhaps you should have checked the surrounding area, as we did, before you decided? Saul couldn't help the scorn from his voice. He himself had scouted the entirety of the Grand Lake to check that there had been no others around their immediate area. Jaden once again reiterated that they wouldn't move, scolding them like pups. Had he not come to Vinátta's borders looking to build a relationship? Scolding was not considered polite behaviour.

"I agree. I think it might be time for you to leave." He offered, knowing he wasn't just talking about the pair removing themselves from Vinátta's borders. Both their lives would be better if Sangi'lak moved further away.

Lilin Soulstorm · 09-03-2012, 11:18 AM

[html]

(301) --

Her mounting annoyance was made manifest with the slight flicker of a burning ferocity in her pools of Mediterranean blue. Their newfound intensity could have easily belonged to either of her parents; both just as capable of reckless abandon in the midst of anger. The Issum’s words made little sense, quite similarly to the response he’d provided to justify calling himself a nomad. She couldn’t quite pinpoint the so-called assumption she and Saul were being accused of. No matter how many times their discussion replayed in the back of her mind, she still couldn’t understand how he'd come up with such a thing. His nonsense was trivial in comparison to his choice of words. Adjectives such as “short-sighted” and “ridiculous” infiltrated his dialogue, lighting her afire. Saul intervened after throwing a pointed glance her way, mirroring her train of thoughts in nicer terms.

“Perhaps the reason we developed more quickly is because people aren’t fond of having an idiot for a leader, hm? I assume you’ll eventually journey out east to make a name for yourselves – you should make it an educational trip at the same time and take note of the large distances separating the other packs,” she spat, upper lip curling into a revolted sneer. This wolf undoubtedly had an answer to everything, as did fools. Proximity was an issue; territoriality was instinctive and no sane person wanted another pack in their backyard. It was a constant threat, regardless of their size. Vinatta wasn’t about to make peace with them based off closeness alone. “Take your flawed logic elsewhere. Watch you don’t trip over that ego of yours and break your neck, friend. “ A critical emphasis was applied to the last word, paired with a gesture directing them towards their home.

Login




Remember me Lost Password?