Tell me a Story
#1
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ooc: wc 572 5+ If you have trouble posting off of this, let me know and I'll change it a bit. :3



Time Goes Faster


I guess you could say it took her long enough to stumble upon a cabin that Tala had liked. After over a week of wondering the territory and spending her nights in the eagle tower, she had managed to remove herself from the middle and moved on over to the east. Sitting on the edge of the patch of forest on the eastern border and the firefly fields Tala had let herself accept that this would be her new home within her home. The cabin would need a bit of work, but i was quaint, enough for just herself to live in comfort. There were scattered items like a blanket here and a worn blade there, not much, but it wasn't nothing. Remnants of however had lived there in the past still dwelled. The mixture of greys coppers and whites of a female collected the random items and set them aside. If this was going to be her home now, she might as well spruce it up to her liking. Even if it was just pushing some furniture from one place to another. In her Optime form it would be easy as pie, the furniture wasn't exactly to heavy to move. However, for a wolf that would prefer to stay in Lupus form, it was a slight annoyance. Though it was going to need some work, Tala was glad to be out of that tower, the space had been small and all the drafts had been irritating her like a thousand mosquitoes.


Leaving the cabin was almost tough, it was almost mean how cold it was outside today, even her thick fur didn't stop the cold completely. Tala found her paws were the worst, they got cold rather fast and stayed cold even for a while once hidden inside her abode. It was one reason the wolfess hated hunting in the snow. Too damn cold.


This lead the girl to wonder why on earth she had the brilliant idea to go out into the wood to try and memorize the whereabouts of landmarks around this side of the territory. Having entered from the north, and explored some of the west and south already, this was all new to her. In her Lupus for she padded in silence around the wood and fields, her nose always keen to pick up any new scents, her ears high in curiosity as she turned each bend. She had no idea what she could befall to her in these areas. That was exactly why the somewhat anal female needed to do this. She wanted to know as much as she could. This was just one way of doing that. First hand experience. Tala let her body halt as she came across a small shack like building covered nearly completely in vines. Leaves would be crawling all over it in the spring and summer, but even bare, it was beautiful. The amber orbs of the female blinked as she just took in the building. It was truly a sight, even in the frozen state it stood in.

Tala heard the rustling of squirrels in the trees to her left, their high pitched chatter made her ears swivel in their direction. Sometimes she wished she would understand those little rodents, their voice always made them seem cheerful, even when they were scared or angry. The thought made Tala laugh to herself, what a strange and childish desire she had.



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#2
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Four white paws made their way through the sand as Xeris walked along the beach. She had been doing so for a large portion of the day. Being here, near the ocean, reminded her of the old days. There were so many fond memories associated with this place, from what seemed to be so long ago. But now, the ocean was much too cold for swimming and the beach's normally beautiful appearance was marred by the dying grasses and plants on its edges, struck down by the coming of winter. Xeris abruptly changed direction mid-stride; she'd had enough of being here for now. Everything here was as it used to be, and no one was around. There was no reason for her to stay. In the distance she could spot the forested area that separated the beach from the quarry. She hadn't spent much time there before, but figured that while she was out wandering, she might as well go check it out.


It was comforting to her, wandering around like this. Subconsciously, perhaps, she was checking to make sure that Phoenix Valley was the same as it had been before she left. Or perhaps she was just trying to find some kind of distraction. The thoughts of the recent events in her homeland seemed never to leave her head. There was never a time that she was more thankful for Phoenix Valley's peace and the feeling of being surrounded by friends and family.


Soon, the scarred white wolfess approached the wooded area. Cautiously she made her way through it, watching the squirrels as they quickly cleared her path in terror. But she was not interested in hunting right now. All she wanted to do was get away from everything. A shape materialized before her; she recognized it as the building that the pack called Red Vine Hollow. The plants that gave it its name, however, were now dead and withered from the cold.


And then she heard a sound. At first she attributed it to the squirrels or other small animals roaming around the woods, but it became clear eventually that there was another wolf in the area. Though somewhat faint, she could smell the Valley scent on this wolf. She assumed it was a newcomer who had arrived during her absence. When she came back, Jefferson had said something about regaining her trust--perhaps that was just his usual stiff demeanor, but nonetheless Xeris felt a need to get more involved with the pack, for her own sake. Slowly she approached the unfamiliar wolfess, and when she was within earshot she spoke quietly and dully. "Hello."



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#3
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ooc: 3+



Time Goes Faster


The presence of another wolf was not completely unknown, but at the exact same time, it was not recognized. The scent of the body was downwind, so recognizing the wolf if possible was out of the options she had. Padding along to move and see her was her only true option other than calling out, and both seemed unnecessary. Tala's ears swiveled as the fae let herself be known. Glancing over at the older female Tala let her muzzle pull into a soft smile. Dipping her head softly in respect she followed suit and spoke. "Hello. Tala had not yet met this female. It was almost funny, she had not come across the same wolf twice since she joined. Though she was told the pack wasn't exactly the largest, it still seemed so vast to her. As the distance between them became smaller Tala could smell both the thick scent of Phoenix Valley, it was down to the skin, she assumed that she had been here for a long time. Yet the smell of other lands also lingered, and Tala could only assume she had left for a short time. Tala let herself remain quiet for a short while, enjoying the silence of the wood, yet the song it's inhabitants sung.


Taking her eyes off of the older female for a moment Tala let her eyes land on Red Vine Hollow before glancing back at the white wolf. "My name is Tala. It's a pleasure to meet you." Though they had not been introduced yet, she felt it was appropriate to say to someone who apparently had much more time here than she did. The stub of a tail behind her wagged, or what she called wagging, for a moment behind her to show a level of friendliness. Tala was not one to be aggressive, and it's not like she had a motive. Even to those who showed such signs to her, she normally left before anything got to serious. It must be why Phoenix Valley suited her so well, the peaceful mentality.... it suited her.


The squirrels had disappeared, they probably feared that with two wolves around they would be potential menu items. That was not the case however, the rodents didn't know that. It was chilly, so not many birds were out, and they certainly didn't sing. Being inside their nest all cozy, she envied them at times. If only it was that simple. Tala glanced up at the horizon as she noticed white flakes falling gracefully down to the ground. Letting out a brief laugh Tala smiled. Snow... so winter decided to truly show it's face.



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#4
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The unfamiliar wolfess turned to Xeris and smiled. Xeris would have liked to smile back, but doing so was getting more difficult these days, so she simply gave a curt nod in response. The white female detected a sense of curiosity in this newcomer, the same curiosity that she herself was filled with upon first joining Phoenix Valley. Xeris decided that the other wolfess was most likely doing the same sort of exploration of the territory that she had done a year and a half ago.


"It's nice to meet you, Tala," Xeris replied politely, though not quite as enthusiastically as her younger packmate. The emotion had yet to return to her voice or her personality. It would take a while, like the scarring wounds on her body were taking time to heal. "I'm Xeris." She paused, remaining quiet for a moment, before changing the subject slightly. "How long have you been in Phoenix Valley?" Tala had likely joined the pack while Xeris was away, but she was interested in how well the dappled grey female knew the lands and the pack members.


Tala then looked upward and seemed amused by something. Xeris lifted her muzzle skyward and saw a few white flakes falling gently from the sky above. A shadow of something like a smile twitched on her face briefly, only to change to worry as she thought of her daughter out in the cold. She looked down at the leaf-covered ground below her, shaking her head a little to clear the thought from her mind. Surely, Xion was fine. She could find shelter, she was a smart girl. Trying to force this subject from her brain, she looked back up towards Tala, in hopes that their conversation would distract her.



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#5
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ooc: 3+



Time Goes Faster


Tala knew nothing of Xeris other than the fact that she now knew her name, and she smelt of both Phoenix Valley and a place she did not recognize. The smell was strong, but not strong enough to symbolize having left the pack entirely. Tala had a hunch there was a story behind all of this, but asking of something like that was far beyond what she had the right to ask in mere curiosity. Hell, she just met her, she wasn't going to start asking her life questions. That would just be rude. Tala's gaze was almost mesmerized by the small flakes, the amber orbs darted from side to side on occasion as she watched individual flakes dance to the ground. When it was like this, she loved the snow, until it built up on the ground. Then it could just go where the sun don't shine.


Tala smiled, watching the fellow pack member's face now instead of the lifeless frozen water. After all, she had seen snow before, she was not a new pup. Tala noticed the lack of emotion in both her face and voice, and the curiosity of it built in the pit of her stomach, but still, she would not overstep her boundaries. In the future, if she became further friends with Xeris, maybe then she would ask such questions. " Oh, I've only been here for a short time. A few weeks at most, I haven't tracked the days as well as I'd like too." She had been far to distracted with the new experience to track the date as of late. "You smell of Phoenix Valley as well as other places. You've been here for a while, correct?" She was merely asking about how long she was in the pack, not where she's been or anything like that. Just a simple question of time.


The dappled female shook her head quickly to rid it of the small amount of snow gathering on her fur. It chilled her nose as flakes melted into water. Somehow the thought of snow didn't feel so dangerous. Now that she had a home, the thought of not finding shelter and food, they weren't crossing her mind like they would have the prior year. Oh that thought was amazing... the worry wasn't as frightening to her. The factor of the winter killing her wasn't nearly as strong this year. That would calm any spirit. Tala cocked her head to the side slightly as she noticed the almost worried expression on Xeris' face. She wasn't sure what it was about, but it seemed quite personal. She could hide the expression on her face, but the eyes didn't lie. "Excuse me asking, but are you alright?" Her voice was soft, almost expecting to be scolded for asking.



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#6
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Any distraction from recent issues that Xeris had hoped for was not coming. She supposed that it was reasonable for Tala to be curious, as she herself had always been so curious of everything. Now, however, she would think twice before so being so gullible as to stick her nose where it didn't belong. That lesson had been taught to her harshly by the coyote called Kaena, and cemented firmly in her mind by the past month's events. Nonetheless, she was willing to answer Tala's question about how long she had been in the area. "Yes," she replied. "I came to Phoenix Valley in the spring of last year. However I had been elsewhere--" her voice cracked slightly on the word "elsewhere," and she hoped it wasn't noticeable. "--for almost a month. I have only recently returned. I would never wish to be anywhere other than Phoenix Valley for too long." And it was the truth.


The white female's expression of horror at her frightening inner thoughts had not gone unnoticed by her companion, it seemed. How to explain? Did she really want to get someone she just met involved in all of this? And did she even want to bring herself to talk about it? "Y-yes, I'm fine," Xeris replied. She knew, however, that she was obviously not perfectly fine and Tala could probably tell. "While I was away," she began, speaking softly and hesitantly, trying to decide how to word her thoughts, "I experienced some rather...difficult times. I was just thinking. These sorts of things can never fully be cleared from one's mind." She could only hope that Tala didn't pry further, as Xeris wasn't sure if she would be able to handle recounting the tale in full. She decided to change the subject. "So, are you enjoying your time in Phoenix Valley?"



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#7
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ooc: 3+



Time Goes Faster


The words that the white female spoke were only confirmation to what Tala had managed to pick up by scent alone. Just as anyone would tell that she was new here by the weak smell of Phoenix Valley on her coat, not even having time to seep to the skin yet, that she had not been here long. You could tell a lot about a canine by simply the scent they carried with them. It was convenient, but at times, you wished you never had it. Some things were better left unknown. Tala had been taught her own lesson of keeping her nose where it belonged by encounters with aggressive packs in the past, mostly when she was barely a year and still living with her mother. That had been long ago, but the lessons still stuck the same, time did not age them. Tala nodded ehr head in reply to what Xeris told her. She would not pry for more than what she was given. It was not necessary, and it was clear that she did not want to think of the things that had happened outside these borders. Tala let her head dip slightly in respect, trying to show the female in silence that she understood.


Tala remained quiet while Xeris spoke. The female did not believe the snow white fae for a moment as she said she was alright. It was obviously a lie, but calling her out never even crossed her mind. She was obviously hurt, from whatever had happened in the past. It was not something she would prod her nose into, but that did not mean Tala wasn't curious. It was the understanding that she shouldn't cross that line that kept her mind at bay. "I'm sorry." Her reply was short and sweet, but genuine. The pain was evident, and Tala hated seeing that in anyone's eyes. Emotional pain was worse than any wound you could be given. The change of subject was cheerier than the last topic, and to tell the truth, it was a good thing. The longer that conversation went on the harder it would be to hold back questions. "So far, this place is a haven to me. To be accepted, and not worry about the simplest things like being able to hunt or having shelter. It's something some people take for granted." There was a soft smile on her face, trying to lift the atmosphere a bit. Whatever was troubling Xeris, she wanted to get t off her mind. "If you wouldn't mind, how about we walk. Maybe that will help keep your mind clear of... those things." She only said it like that because she truly didn't know what said things were. She gave an almost awkward chuckle before glancing around. Tala still had much territory to map out in her head before all the snow settled.



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#8
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ooc: I apologize because this reply kinda sucks, it is almost 4 AM and I have no idea why I'm still awake lol

It seemed that Tala at least understood that Xeris was not in favor of continuing to talk about the subject they had been discussing. The white female felt slightly awkward. Tala had bowed her head as if in respect; Xeris had no idea why anyone would show that much respect to her, for she wasn't even in a high-ranking position.


Then, Tala suggested that they go for a walk. Xeris nodded in response. "Walking sounds lovely. I haven't been to this part of the territory in a long time." She began walking in what she knew was the direction of the way out of the wooded area. If they continued far enough, they would reach the quarry. The last time Xeris had been there was more than a year ago. As she walked, and thought about Phoenix Valley and what Tala had said, she spoke up. "You are absolutely right about this place being a haven," she said. "Where I was born...it got to the point where I was no longer accepted there. But here, I am at home. The friendships and bonds I have made here are unlike any other." For a moment she considered asking Tala what sorts of things had happened in her past to make her wish for such a haven, but decided that if the grey wolfess had stayed out of Xeris' business, she would return the favor. "So many things I've found here. Friendship, love, happiness." Thinking of these things was enough to at least temporarily boost her emotions. She found herself feeling something vaguely resembling happiness, walking along casually and watching the flurries fall.



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#9
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ooc: I just had a brain fart. Sorry, this sucks.



Time Goes Faster


Nothing the awkward look in Xeris' eyes Tala blinked, she didn't just show respect to those in higher ranks, but to those who had been here longer than she, as well as those who deserved it. Xeris fit that profile. Tala was pleased that the white female had agreed to walk. Getting to know the land both before and after the snow settled were important to her. Being able to talk to Xeris and get to know her a bit, that was just as important to her as her duties.


Tala followed just a few paces behind Xeris, letting her lead the way through the woods. The snow fall was far less concentrated under the trees as the branches caught most of the snow in their grasp. Tala had yet to reach this part of Phoenix Valley, though it was rather close still in location to her new cabin. It was so calm in these lands, it seemed that only the fauna and flora made their noises. The trees would occasionally moan under old age and wind, brush would rustle. They were all soothing noises to the ears of this young female. "I understand what you mean. I didn't get to the point where I wasn't accepted however, I got to the point where it was life or death." Her father had been a prime example. Her mother had made sure that same fate would not fall upon their daughter. He deserved that much. Tala looked ahead to the white female as she spoke of love, friendship and happiness. She envied her for that. To have those things, Tala felt as if she could only truly achieve them in her dreams. She had met many new faces, but Tala was unsure yet if she could actually call any of them a friend yet. More like acquaintances... and that thought that somewhat depressing. "I can only hope to find that one day too." She was happy, she had that one. But Love and Friendship. Friendship would have to be worked on. Love was something she'd imagine herself finding. That look of somewhat happiness on Xeris' face made Tala smile softly in her direction. If this had gotten her mind off of those memories and events, then she was content.



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#10
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ooc: I made it so that some time passes and they get to the quarry, hope that's okay.

They continued to walk, leaves crunching beneath their paws as they trekked through the woods. They were getting closer to its edge now, and there would be a short stretch of open land before they arrived at the quarry. Xeris listened with interest to what Tala had to say. A life or death situation...she could relate to that. When she had been banished, she had to fend for herself, which was much easier said than done. For now, she simply nodded her head in response to Tala's words, preferring to leave the details alone.


She wondered if she had been a little overly dramatic with her talk of love and friendship and happiness, but after a moment of consideration she knew that she really did have those things. A tiny smile flickered across her face as Tala spoke again. "One day. Sometimes these things come when you least expect them."


Xeris was silent for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet of the land around them as the snowflakes continued to fall and the two females continued to travel north. As the time passed, Xeris could make out the rocky ledges of Woodview Quarry in the distance. A lot had happened here. She knew that it was here that Geneva had fallen, and thus was nervous about going there, but continued on anyway. As they neared the cliff edge, Xeris stopped and looked out over the horizon. "This is the quarry. I don't come here often. It's dangerous," she said simply. Her eyes fell upon the forests of the Dampwoods in the distance. "Those trees over there are the Dampwoods." She turned to Tala. "If you ever go there, be careful. Most of it is unclaimed territory, but it leads into Inferni borders. I learned that the hard way." There had been so much bloodshed around her recently, and Xeris wanted to prevent more. She was unsure if relations between Phoenix Valley and Inferni had changed in her absence, but would still always be wary of the coyote clan.




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#11
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ooc: S'all good. 3+



Time Goes Faster


The small talk they spoke as they continued northward had Tala thinking. Though many were lucky enough to find things like friendship quite quickly, Tala wondered if she would too. Making friends had never been a priority. Now trying not to make enemies, that had been a bigger task, and closest to mind. Letting out a curious 'huh' under her breathe Tala let her head fall briefly to one side in a state of wonder. She decided it was bets to not think of it, those things would happen as they came along. Forcing them, it was unnatural.


As she continued to be lead up towards the Quarry Tala didn't speak much other than continuing the small talk, agreeing to what Xeris said now and then, or simply just listening. The rocks on the ground were starting to become more prominent, and with their appearance came the frost that covered their surface, and the slick feeling they gave under any pressure. Rocks like this were dangerous at the dry times of the year. In the winter, when frozen and slippy. They could cost you your life. Having Xeris explain that this place was dangerous seemed almost obvious to her. Going out there to play on those rocks didn't seem like something Tala was interested in doing, ever.... unless she had some reason to. "It doesn't seem like the safest place... I'd stay away from it unless I had reason to enter." Making silly errors like that, Tala wasn't one to make many, taking big risks wasn't exactly one of her traits.


Tala's gaze followed up to the line of trees, Inferni, well, they didn't even sound friendly...Mental note to stay away from those borders. Apparently, it was a bad idea. "Thank you for the warning. I entered from the west, so I didn't pass though those woods." That thought made her glad she had not. Stepping forward to peer closer to the rocks Tala felt her foot slip out from under her. Though it was a front paw, and the slip was faint. She chuckled softly and stepped back once more. That was just a sign of what could truly happen out here. [b]"Is there anywhere else I should avoid? I've been told of the Aniwayan's and the peace between Phoenix Valley and them. But are there other packs with either hostile or friendly relations with us?" Listen to her, saying us like she'd been here for ages. She liked being able to say it though. Us. Her in a pack. Finally.



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#12
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ooc: I am braindead from exam studying and so this sucks. sorry. XD

It was an odd feeling, teaching someone these things--or at least teaching someone other than her children. Xeris hadn't had the chance to interact with newcomers in a long time, and she now remembered how much she enjoyed doing so. She was glad to hear that Tala seemed intent on staying away from this place and would not be a daredevil and return just for kicks. After what had happened to Geneva, the steep cliffs of the quarry had taken on a disturbing and frightening atmosphere, at least in Xeris' mind.


Tala asked about the other packs and Phoenix Valley's relations with them. Xeris had never really gone to the other packs, aside from her accidental visit to Inferni and the one time she somehow ended up in Crimson Dreams. "Yes, we are allied with AniWaya, although I don't know very much about them." She paused. "I suppose I don't know much about any of the packs, really, except that Inferni is a bunch of coyotes who won't hesitate to rip someone apart. There was a lot of tension between us and them for a time." She looked down, thinking of those times, in which she was still naive to the fact that not every pack was friendly. "I believe we are also on good terms with Crimson Dreams. My mate's sister lives there, and we have had a couple of former Crimson Dreams members in the pack. Unfortunately, I don't really know much about any of the other packs, but as far as I know there is no one else that we are on bad terms with." Of course, this all could have changed in the time Xeris was gone, but she doubted it. If there was some kind of conflict going on, Jefferson would have said something about it when she met him at the borders. "Phoenix Valley has almost always been a place of peace. We prefer not to get too involved." And she liked it that way.



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#13
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ooc: 3+



Time Goes Faster


To tell the truth, Tala found the input Xeris gave her to be quite helpful. She was learning things with her that she just could not learn on her own. One could only learn so much by sight and sound alone. The words and knowledge of another body can make a world of difference. In this case, it was too. Tala peered down at the quarry once more and let let an uncertain gaze fall onto her eyes. The very feel of this place made her feel out of ease, as if the past horrors it had witnessed oozed from it's cliffs. This was certainly a place she would avoid, she was sure of that.


Tala moved ehr gaze from the quarry to Xeris as her question began to have an answer. What she was told she would occasionally nod to, or say a soft 'Oh, Okay.' Tala did not interrupt however, and waited until she was finished to speak. It seemed as if Xeris knew little more than she currently did. Though Tala knew just about nothing, Xeris didn't seem to be a walking text book on the subject. That was no problem, she enjoyed hearing what the white female had to say. "Crimson Dreams... I have yet to encounter anyone from that pack. Your mates sister? That's nice to hear. Hearing that you Phoenix Valley isn't on to many bad terms is also good to hear. I've already been told that this is a peaceful place. It was one of the reasons I chose to stay and not just pass through." Her original intention upon coming to the borders was to just pass, but Addison had changed her mind on that, rather quickly actually.


Tala stepped farther from the quarry as the snow continued to fall down, the flurries making the edge of the stable ground and the cliffs ahead of them harder to differentiate. "Shall we move on, Xeris?" Presumably to somewhere less dangerous, if she might add. There was a soft smile on her face as snow continued to collect on her tri colour fur. Shaking her body now and then to rid the small icy blanket from her head and back. Tala waited for an answer in silence, glancing around at the surrounding forests, wondering exactly who was out there, beyond the peaceful borders of the Valley. Part of her felt the strong desire to find out, the other told her to let it go.


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#14
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ooc: sorry for the wait.

It seemed that Tala had not done much wandering around the area and had yet to encounter any of the other packs. That was how Xeris started out too; she had joined Phoenix Valley because it was the first occupied place she could find. Even now, though, she usually chose to remain within the Valley's borders despite her pack's generally favorable relations with the other neighboring wolves. Perhaps one day she would venture back to Crimson Dreams to pay Flayra a visit.


Tala suggested that they move on. Xeris nodded, ready to get away from this slightly disturbing place. She turned toward the southwest, and began to walk, again in silence for now or at least until her companion said something. It was not long before the two reached the vast expanse of Firefly Fields, and Xeris remembered the times she had spent here with her friends. "This place is known as Firefly Fields," she told Tala. "There's not much to see here now, especially during this time of the year. But in the summer, if you come here at night, the fireflies gather. They look like a field of stars."


But now, the field was mostly dried and withering grass, attacked by winter's coming chill. Xeris paused for a moment to give Tala some time to look around, and then spoke again. "Southwest of here are the Mirror Lakes. They are beautiful all year round, would you like to go see them?" Perhaps they could drop by Xeris' cabin on the way; it was just at the tip of the southern lake.



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#15
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ooc: 3+ Don't worry about it :3



Time Goes Faster


Tala hated to admit that it was true on the fact she did not know just about anything of the packs around the area like everyone else seemed to. It was not as though she had done this on purpose though, she had just found P.V. first, and she had managed to stay here nice and cozy. Though after all she was still new here, she had plenty of time to figure out about the other packs. Tala intended to, at one point or another.


Though her suggestion was not answered in words Tala followed after the white wolf quickly and quietly, the vibe from the Quarry had been giving her the creeps, and moving on seemed best, her feet were starting to get cold from just standing in the snow. As she was lead to Firefly fields Tala nodded her head. "I traveled through here to find my cabin, but having a name to a location truly lets me map it out. My cabin is to the east of here." That last bit was her mostly talking to herself. In the summer, she could imagine that this place was going to be a brilliant sight. It after all, must have gotten the name from some fact. "I look forward to seeing it then, fireflies always amaze me. I think they're.....almost cute in a way." The fae laughed lightly to herself at the thought, it was another one of her trains of thought that made her compare herself to a pup. Though the field was nothing right now, dead grass slowly being drowned in thick snow, it was still vast and expansive. It would be great for hunting mice and small rodents in the summer, the grass was great cover for the critters.


As Mirror Lakes was brought up Tala blinked, that was a name she already knew. "I went hunting there with Geneva when I first became a member. It was truly stunning though. Sorry to be a pain, but could we maybe see the coast? I have yet to go that far south." She dipped her head apologetically as if being sorry for suggesting something else. She felt like she was being such a bother when she did.



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#16
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Xeris smiled slightly at Tala's words about the fireflies being cute. She had never particularly thought of them that way, but couldn't deny that the sight of countless numbers of the glowing insects at night was incredibly beautiful. She also noted that Tala mentioned finding a cabin. That was good, in the cold of winter the old buildings could at least provide some shelter and warmth. It was convenient how the cabins were still surviving after all their years of abandonment.


It seemed that her new packmate had already been by the lakes, so Xeris nodded and changed her course for the Quartz Shoreline. The beach had always been one of her favorite places in Phoenix Valley. In the summer she would spend a large amount of her time there, relaxing in the warm sand and watching the sparkling waves, or even playing in the water if she was feeling particularly energetic. But now the sand was cold as her paws contacted it, and she imagined that the water was even colder. The white wolfess turned to Tala. "Here we are."She hesitated, scanning her golden eyes over the area. "It's obviously more enjoyable in the warmer months." She looked off into the distance, where the faint outline of a large building was visible on the horizon. Nodding in that direction, she explained its identity to Tala. "That's Sanctuary Island. There's an old mansion there, which is where the pack keeps a stock of supplies in case of an emergency. It's a fascinating place." She recalled going there with Pendzez to check on the supplies, and she had been awed by the architecture and the strange objects she found inside.




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#17
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3+ sorry for the wait


The wolf's mind was starting to wander to warmer days. The gentle thought of summer days creeping back to her skull. Just imagining this place in the summer made her body feel cold. From her docked stub she called a tail to the tip of her nose her body was suddenly very aware of the blanket now covering the ground. The female mentally sighed, this was reality, and to see such things would take time. The world would bring the sun back, the fireflies and the flowers. Soon enough, but patient minds see the sun sooner.


Tala turner her head to the side softly as the white female changed her direction following her suggestion. She assumed that was a peaceful acceptance of her proposal, and not one of being bitter. After all, Xeris didn't seem the type to get upset over such small things. Tala just followed with almost slightly exaggerated and high steps to try and avoid dragging snow under her paws. Once they met the water Tala looked around as a smile crept onto her maw. The sound of the frigid waves crashing to the sand beneath it was so.... relaxing to the dappled female. It reminded her of when she was barely a pup. Her father had taken her to the beach before he died. It was barely a memory, but it was still just that, a memory. "I have seen an ocean before, but yes.... I bet it is." The shapely view of the building on the horizon made Tala blink softly, the building was large, though even from here it seemed extravagant. Though, it looked like getting there could be quite a hassle, if the sea was in a fit that day.The air smelt of salt, though the air was polluted with frozen water, the melting liquid on her heated nose was almost irritating at times.


Tala looked from the dancing ocean over to her pack mate, the look on her face was subtle, though genuine in thought. "Thank you, for showing me around. It's very kind of you." Spending time with another wolf, who was on friendly terms with her like this, it was something she needed. Socializing and friends. So far, she was liking the process of acquiring both.

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#18
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shall we have one more post by each of us and then finish up?

The white wolfess watched her younger companion as she looked out over the beach and the ocean. Tala mentioned seeing the ocean before, and Xeris briefly wondered where her new packmate had come from--not that living near the ocean was a rare occurrence, but Xeris was curious. She had always been. Even after what had happened, that little spark of curiosity had yet to fade from her personality, for better or for worse. She had decided that it would be better, though, to use it more wisely than she had in the past.


The edges of Xeris' mouth curled upward slightly at Tala's words of thanks. Xeris herself was rather thankful as well. This was what she needed; distraction and peace. Perhaps she would see Tala again, and get to know her well enough that they might be able to share their stories and finally satisfy each others' curiosity. "It was no problem at all," she replied. "If you need anything, my family's cabin is just south of the southern Mirror Lake. Come by if you'd like sometime." Perhaps Tala could visit and meet Pendzez and Carwyn--or even Delwyn or Xion, if the two of them decided to return.




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#19
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That works for me. Tala got to know the lands better and made herself a friend. xD


Tala watched the waves dance against the frozen beach with wondrous eyes, being here.... it made her wish that there was a cabin right here in the sand. She would most definitely try to claim it, if it was possible. Though, that thought was silly to her, it was inconvenient on so many levels. Though the sound and serenity of the beach soothed her like a pup to their mothers warmth. Tala could tell that deep down, Xeris shared the curiosity she did and she also shared the will to keep it bottled up until a further date. They shared that like family.


Tala let her head dip in a respectful thanks even though Xeris had already accepted the words. The gesture to Tala meant just as much as the words. If the two did not walk hand in hand they were almost worthless to her. "Thank you very much for the offer, and I'd love to come visit, meet your mate and your family.... it would be fun. Of course I would not wish to intrude." Tala let her head curl into a smile and she watched Xeris with friendly amber orbs. She was glad she had gotten to walk with her, and learn from the elder wolfess. The sun was beginning to fade on the scene, and Tala was starting to feel the need to return to her cabin and rest for the night. It was been a wonderful day, and she was content in ending it here. "It was wonderful to meet you Xeris, and I'll hopefulyl run into you again soon. My cabin is near the mouth of the woods in the East, feel free to stop by if you ever feel the need." She meant that offer. Having someone visit her for a change would be a strange sight for the wolfess. Strange, but wonderful.

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#20
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slow silver is slow and short post is short. once you've read this and whatnot you can go ahead and post in maintenance for it to be archived if you want <3

Xeris hadn't had this feeling in a long time; the feeling of making a new friend. She had been away from the pack for only a month, but it had still been a long enough time to cause a strange emptiness brought on by the lack of others surrounding her. This was a good experience for her, she supposed. She and Tala briefly exchanged talk about their homes and invitations to visit. "Ah, you wouldn't be intruding. We don't do much anyway. At least not nowadays while we're all getting used to things getting back to...something like normal." She gave a small smile that was solemn, almost bitter, but meaningful.


"I do a lot of wandering," she said. "Perhaps I will find my way over to your cabin sometime. We will definitely have to meet again." She offered her new friend one more smile--a real smile, for the first time that day--before scanning the ocean once more with her golden eyes as if searching for something there. And then she turned away with a respectful nod in Tala's direction, heading toward her home.




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