in limbo
#1
[html]

OOC: Visiting in afternoon. Sage is with Talitha (probably with Lennon), and Talitha is wearing the necklace Nayru made — she would have taken it after finding it at the borders. Eventually hoping to talk to Nayru, but other members of DdM are free to greet them.

mall-caps;text-variantConfusedmall-caps;">IT'S ONLY cript;">FOREVER, NOT LONG AT ALL

Finding the gifts had been easy enough, as her dawn rounds to check the border skulls had taken to upon the path that lead to a fading, and ultimately unpleasant, scent. She couldn't read, and the note was useless to her, but she had pocketed it — as well as the charming necklace — for later help in regards to deciphering it. It was Myron who told her what it entailed, and she did not take long to realize that it was something that her brother would need to see.

Her decision to visit the damned lands toward the south were not based in curiosity as she had claimed; though the note and gifts left behind were thought provoking and left her intrigued, she ultimately traveled past the borders of the pack in order to find out what sort of creature this new leadership would prove to be. She had learned early on that a pack was only so strong as the members present within it. Dahlia de Mai had proven in the past to be useless, an outside force that was not to be trusted by those of the coyote clan to the north, yet this new Aquila (for she knew no other word for a leader) seemed wanting of some closure between the two groups. Surely they knew the history.

With the company of her more easy-going cousin, and a gift for the leader, the two made their way through the remaining Wastes and into Arachnea's Revenge, seeking out the borders of what had once been an enemy. Talitha knew the destination well, a fact that gave her little trouble when it came to navigating the forest in search of the shores of Whisper Beach. The beach, where she had been kept in her childhood. She hated the beach. At the soft feel of the sand under her paws, she grimaced. "We're here," she murmured, red eyes gazing past the invisible border that led into her perceived Hell. For a moment, she didn't want to alert them to their desired audience; it was necessary, however. The half-barked howl that emanated from the darker Optio rang out past the waves on the shore, startling a perch of birds from their roost. Anxiety crept in, her fingers grasping the painted skull she had brought in return for the items left near the borders. Haku Soul had been a monster; what was this one?


<style>
.ns01 {margin:0px auto;width:450px;background-color:none;background-image:none;background-position:top middle;background-repeat:no-repeat;border:none;padding:0px;font-family:times new roman, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:.5px;text-align:justify;margin-top:15px;}
.ns01-ooc {font-style:italic;font-size:11px;margin:2px; padding:0px;text-align:left;}
.ns01 p {text-indent:25px;margin:0px;padding:5px 10px;}
.ns01 b {font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;}
.ns01 i {font-style:italic;letter-spacing:1px;}
</style>
[/html]
#2
The scarred colossus sat atop his great horse, but his armor was not donned today. Truthfully, he had already done border duty this morning, and was currently carrying around his axe and other tools fitting for clearing brush and dead limbs. Seemed there was a lot to clean up still and the blizzard’s effects still lingered so he remained dutiful to make Dahlian trails easy to travel and safe. It was his burden now, Saul had grown useless in his opinion, and his only use was bickering about the past and his new found –healing ways-. No the grey male was left pretty much to do the maintenance and up keep around here and he wouldn’t let Nayru’s Dahlia fall into disarray.

Already he was making plans to go and track down Conor. Not to bring him back but to confront him. The man had chastised him once for leaving Dahlia on a short reprieve and here he was leaving Dahlia for good. It made no sense to him, what was it that had driven him from his home. Saluce let out a subtle growl of frustration as he urged his horse forward toward the northern borders. Up near the shores of the beach he assumed he wouldn’t have much to worry with clearing, it was pretty clear up that way, so he strapped his large wood cutting axe to the side of his massive nineteen hand Shire horse, while traveling.

The howl rose up like a sickening plague upon the Dahlian back drop. There was no mistaking the cadence of a coyote and so near and to the north, this didn’t bode well in his opinion. With a sigh he urged the horse in the direction of the caller, hoping they had good intentions, or else it wouldn’t be the first time he had challenged someone at their borders. Finally the horse walked along bringing him into the opening where the caller stood. He almost wanted to scream Inferni and label them an enemy but he didn’t. Nayru wouldn’t have approved, so he simply walked his horse up to them, making sure the effect of his large frame sitting atop of a large horse was not lost on the little coyote before addressing her.

“Bonjour Miss,” he stated softly in his native cadence, without malice, for after all he was trying, “what brings you to Dahlia today?”
#3
[html]

Please tell me if this is not how you want it to go Kiki! :O WC: 412


Sage had of course followed Talitha to this place. Having learned of the note, and read it herself. The words and gifts were comforting; Sage's hopes soared with this news. Maybe this world could become a better place, after all. The sand colored girl had not been here for much of the war; she'd fled before becoming involved. But she did know that the war had torn them. Shaky peace had been what remained, until now. Perhaps now, something more could be had.


It was with this thought that Sage traveled alongside Talitha, her pace matching her pretty red-furred cousin's. The earth child had left her large stallion at home, for she did not want the de le Poer girl to have to walk alone. Sage had brought her own small token of peace, as well, and stored it in the leather bag strapped across her small chest.


They had arrived, and Sage's nerves began to toy with her. The scent brought back the vague memories of the war that she still retained, and she shook her head. That's all over, now, she thought, forcing herself to be strong. They were outside of the borders; surely they would not be attacked?


Talitha let out her call, and Sage accompanied her with her own, quieter howling yip. There would be little doubt who they wanted to see. The tan girl stood next to the darker Optio on that silent, strange beach and let out a heavy sigh. They had gone far, but the journey was not yet over.


It seemed like ages, but it was really rather prompt. Shortly, a man marched towards them atop a very large, intimidating horse. The Optio's golden eyes narrowed, unsure. He approached, but did not act hostile; his presence was surely heavy, though, and Sage wondered if Talitha felt the same.


The dark man did not introduce himself, but greeted them pleasantly enough. "Hello, sir," she replied softly, taking a few steps towards him. Golden eyes watched his large steed curiously, warily. The horse was large and quite unlike Lennon; nevertheless, she gave a nod to the pair and spoke a quick low-speech greeting to the dark stallion. "We've come from Inferni, with good will;" she explained gently, "our leadership has changed, as well. Nayru visited us, and now we have come to visit you." Both groups were under new leadership; now would be the time to heal the scars between them. "Is she around?"


<style>
.sagetrippyhippie .ooc {font-style:italic; }
.sagetrippyhippie p {padding:2px 30px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.sagetrippyhippie b {color:#64480b; letter-spacing:-.2px; }
.sagetrippyhippie {background-image:url(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5007/sagetrippy.gif); background-position:bottom center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:0px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:450px; text-align:justify; padding:10px 0px 90px 0px; }
</style>[/html]
#4
[html]

Fine by me. Also, short. Sorry for that; I'll write a better one next time.

mall-caps;text-variantConfusedmall-caps;">IT'S ONLY cript;">FOREVER, NOT LONG AT ALL

The approach of a Dahlian set the de le Poer Optio on edge, for it harkened to days during her adolescent years, when Haku Soul roamed the lands as a monster of the night. While Sage stepped forward, Talitha remained in the background. Crimson eyes watched warily. If the meeting became hostile, she was certain they could at least damage the man who rode atop the equine beast, and Ezekiel would come to find them if they were gone for far too long. As her cousin greeted both of the animals — for that is what she felt them to be — she rolled her skull present over in her palms.

With the final words of Sage, the darker princess finally spoke. "As she disrupted our life to let us know about the change here, I expect an audience with her." It was rude, but she felt no desire to deal with more of the wolves than necessary; this was, of course, why she had been eager to have her cousin follow, for Sage was far different than the Aquila's sister. Fingers tapped against the sun-bleached surface. "We have no desire to come inside." Perhaps Sage did, but Talitha felt no need to enter Hell again.


<style>
.ns01 {margin:0px auto;width:450px;background-color:none;background-image:none;background-position:top middle;background-repeat:no-repeat;border:none;padding:0px;font-family:times new roman, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:.5px;text-align:justify;margin-top:15px;}
.ns01-ooc {font-style:italic;font-size:11px;margin:2px; padding:0px;text-align:left;}
.ns01 p {text-indent:25px;margin:0px;padding:5px 10px;}
.ns01 b {font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;}
.ns01 i {font-style:italic;letter-spacing:1px;}
</style>
[/html]
#5
(as always Kiki's characters are so damned hard to rp with ><)



The behemoth merely sat atop the horse even as the more pleasant of the two women stepped forward. His blazing blue eyes studied them both in due time, choosing to wait and let the two of them speak before he’d respond with anything noteworthy to the two of them together. The two opposing forces they were, the one nearer to him voice dripped with honey and the other laden with venom. And yet it was Dahlia’s borders they had come to and he supposed the venom coyote woman would get more out of him if she respected this very simple rule.

So he did what he always did at times like these, when he couldn’t exactly call a coyote out on their lack of tact and just ignored her. His eyes turned to the lady who had spoken to his horse in a peculiar tone that he did not understand. Charlemagne simply snorted at the woman’s words in a stubborn fashion. Again showing just how irritable he was. Saluce gave him a gentle pat in hopes to calm him from the words she had spoken to him before addressing her.

“All the way from the fabled lands of Inferni have you?,” he spoke in a gentle tone, as he dismounted his horse. “Well as long as you hold no Ill will, then I will not hold any myself, as far as Nayru. I’m sure she has heard your call a long with me, Dahlia is a large Territory so it may take her longer to arrive than I”.

For a moment he looked down noticing several twigs and leaves stuck to his fur from his task earlier and went about picking them out idly, staying near his horse, and never out of arms reach of his axe.

Speaking once again he gave them a name at least to demonize in their pack “I am Saluce Tremblay and whom do I have the pleasure of greeting this fine evening?”. Tact was something he had at these times, even if he wasn’t going out of his way to let them know that his trust in their intentions went about as far a flea could jump off them.
#6
[html]

Crap, wahoo! WC: 260


Talitha's words bore even more hostility than Sage had felt, and she couldn't help but stand nervously, glancing between the muscular gray man and her petite older cousin. She only hoped that Talitha would be wise with her wording; they were not home, after all.


Still, he displayed no aggression, and Sage began to relax. He remarked about their travel, which truthfully wasn't all that far to the starry-eyed girl, and she gave a vague nod. She frequently traveled much farther. "Of course," she replied complacently; if Nayru was around she would have heard the call. Sage knew that. She took this to mean that he hadn't known of her whereabouts previously, and that was just fine. The child of the forest would only hope that this outreaching leading would come to them. She wanted so badly to be able to lay rest to the unnecessary rivalry between them.


Finally, the dark Dahlian introduced himself, the slightest accent noticeable as Sage's ears paid more attention to his words. Saluce Tremblay, he said. Sage smiled and glanced to her roan cousin, in hopes she might be more pleasant, this time. Gently, she held up a small hand before the man, her head bowing ever so slightly in introduction. "Sage River Lykoi. A pleasure, mister Tremblay," she said pleasantly, golden eyes rising to meet his briefly. "What news of Dahlia, how do you fare?" Her voice lifted; she was truthfully interested. If Nayru's note had been any indication, this place would be run differently, now. They could get along, perhaps, now.


<style>
.sagetrippyhippie .ooc {font-style:italic; }
.sagetrippyhippie p {padding:2px 30px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.sagetrippyhippie b {color:#64480b; letter-spacing:-.2px; }
.sagetrippyhippie {background-image:url(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5007/sagetrippy.gif); background-position:bottom center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:0px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:450px; text-align:justify; padding:10px 0px 90px 0px; }
</style>[/html]
#7
[html]


Fwa? <33 339.



The woman had been in the vineyards, checking which plants were producing grapes and which ones seemed completely dead. Those ones she marked and would later rip out, clearing the way to expand the live vines. Farore worked more often than she did, and often harder as well. For once Nayru was pleased with the efforts Farore put in. The girl had taken a personal interest in restoring the vineyards and the wine producing facilities. Perhaps it was the threat of the well running dry, but Nayru did not care what had inspired the motivation. When she rose to her feet and left to answer the call, Farore remained behind, working diligently.

The short standing girl arrived to find Saluce had already greeted the two visitors, and the giant seemed to be humoring them, which pleased the girl. The man had his temper, and he hadn’t always been the most trusting of creatures, yet he took her efforts seriously. Saluce trusted her it seemed, if nothing else. With crimson eyes she took in the two visitors, and quickly guessed their purpose. Inferni members on her borders were rare, it was no coincidence they arrived so shortly after her own visit. As further proof one of them donned the necklace crafted with Nayru's own hands, the stone nearly matching the ones in Nayru's own jewelry.

"Greetings. I apologize for any wait you endured, certainly Saluce has been welcoming? I hope I do not interrupt any interesting conversation between you three." Crimson eyes danced over the male and then quickly back to the two women. "I'm Nayru." Perhaps they could have guessed, but if not it was only polite to offer one's name. As with all her guests, and as were her own mannerism that even alphaship wouldn't shake, she dipped her head low to the two in a respectful greeting. Rising up she met them with the eyes of fresh blood, a soft smile on her face, and a slight tilt, as if to ask What's next on the agenda?"

<style type="text/css">
.nay b {font-weight:bold; color:#c28085; letter-spacing:1px; }
.nay .ooc { font-style:italic; color:#ffffff; padding-top:290px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:11px;}
.nay p {text-indent:25px; padding:5px 10px; margin:0px; color: #080202}
.nay {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8d1820; background-image:url(http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae20 ... l/nayr.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #000000; padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#0F475F; line-height:16px; letter-spacing:.5px; text-align:justify;}
</style>[/html]
#8
[html]
mall-caps;text-variantConfusedmall-caps;">IT'S ONLY cript;">FOREVER, NOT LONG AT ALL

She wasn't offended when the male paid attention to her more sociable cousin, for she had not come to interact with the wolves of the demon pack. It was with patience, and silence, that crimson eyes waited for the shape of their Aquila to arrive. Oh, if only Ezekiel had ventured with her, perhaps she would have been kinder to the stranger atop his horse. As it stood, he was merely another obstacle. Sage couldn't see this. Sage was younger, raised in a different world like her brother had been, but sometimes Talitha forgot that even the young had been touched by the horror of Haku Soul's life. Rap, rap, rap went her claws upon the smooth bone. Patience was not one of her characteristics.

And then she appeared. The black-and-white mottled thing with crimson gaze came forward from some other place, setting the older Optio on edge in her stance even further. This was their leader, this small woman who stepped forward. All of Talitha's attention moved from the air to the female. The mounted man was no longer necessary, simply a guard for the gates while he waited for his female Hades to approach, and as she did, the Optio tried to calm her thudding heart. Wolves. Filthy, horrid things.

"We didn't come here for interesting conversation with your...sentinels." Her gaze shifted to the man briefly as she wondered if 'sentinel' was truly the best word. It was certainly better than what she would have said at any other moment. Hot air was expelled from her dark nostrils, hesitating only a moment as the Alpha female gave her name. A toss of her head sent auburn curls in every direction. "Talitha de le Poer," she said, a name that had rose through Inferni faster others might have expected. Of course, that was where it ended. She was not like her cousin, who visited so many.

Her arms held out the painted skull mechanically, almost as if she felt guilt for handing it over. The poor skull. It didn't deserve to be sent away, it had done nothing wrong. "My cousin, Sage, brought something more suitable to those with weaker tastes if you'd prefer not to accept it." And there it was. An insult, claiming that with new leadership, Dahlia de Mai had lost its touch. Whether it had been intentional was unclear.


<style>
.ns01 {margin:0px auto;width:450px;background-color:none;background-image:none;background-position:top middle;background-repeat:no-repeat;border:none;padding:0px;font-family:times new roman, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:.5px;text-align:justify;margin-top:15px;}
.ns01-ooc {font-style:italic;font-size:11px;margin:2px; padding:0px;text-align:left;}
.ns01 p {text-indent:25px;margin:0px;padding:5px 10px;}
.ns01 b {font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;}
.ns01 i {font-style:italic;letter-spacing:1px;}
</style>
[/html]
#9
Saluce was always a goner for a beautiful lady, even if the one in front of him was from Inferni. Beauty didn’t adhere to the pack or clan you where apart of and Saluce was always a man who had a soft spot for a sweet voiced lady. But as it was, he wasn’t in any type of situation to work on those feelings as she introduced herself after his introduction. The behemoth flashed her a smile and shook her hand with a firm grip. If everyone was like her in their coyote pack, then relations would improve by a massive amount but be that as it may, the evidence of the contrary was standing behind her.

Saluce nodded politely to her question and responded quite quickly “I am doing about as well as I can be, Dahlia is still healing from the Blizzard, but otherwise we are good”. And that was all he could get out when he sensed his queen’s presence upon them. Nayru had grown into a woman, and the skills she had eagerly learned under his leadership had blossomed into a silent stalker that even he was unable to track anymore. She had surpassed him in every way except age and yet he still felt a small bit of protectiveness over her that he figured he’d never loose. To him she would always be that small girl at his shop, asking for training; and then in some ways she would always be the voice that could bring tears to his eyes as well.

Saluce bowed to her as she entered, turning sideways to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sage as Nayru made her entrance. Eyes watched the other woman with interest, as his arms crossed he heard the word from this Talitha woman. Her back handed comment did not him well. Sentinel? Oh well one could play that game, errand girl, came to head the front of a list of insults he was itching to unleash out on the bitch. Now he understood why the two packs didn’t get along, both Nayru and Him had been welcoming and the demon lady still didn’t understand a damn thing. The soul line was gone from Dahlia, along with most of it’s warriors. If for nothing Dahlia had to remain strong because any conflict now would leave their pack demolished. Only Nayru and Saluce remained as the skilled fighters of Dahlia, Saul was okay, and Gideon was nothing but a crippled man robbed of his peak physical shape before his time. No who better to meet these two women then the two here. Because Saluce would die defending this land from anyone seeking ill will toward it.

His mouth almost moved to say something but his eyes rested on Nayru, he had done enough wrong already and it was a good time to gauge his young leaders zeal. Saluce knew the two inferni members didn’t understand, but within that slight frame of Nayru’s lived a woman strong enough to burn the world, or bring it together in peace. Saluce just needed to know what side she would use, then act accordingly. There was after all a good reason he stayed close to the Sage woman, if things went wrong, she was well within arm’s reach.
#10
[html]

Haha, I wonder if you can tell that I had fun writing this. >> WC: 454


The dark wolf named Saluce gave positive, albeit vague news about Dahlia. Happy to hear this, Sage's lips curled into a gentle smile. She knew the pain that the snowstorm had caused. "Yes, it hit Inferni quite badly, as well. I messed my arm up pretty badly on the last day of it..." she offered, thinking back to that terrible day with a shiver. Sage did not want to relive that moment; especially not right now.


Thankfully, her thoughts were cut short by the sudden entrance of one whom she could only assume to be Nayru. Wide, golden eyes took in the beautiful lady with thirst; she had a captivating, dark set of eyes that the earth child wanted to explore. Did that red color really suit her?


The gentle woman introduced herself politely, even apologizing for interrupting; but Sage had been happy for the distraction from talk of that darker time. Talitha responded with a sadly bitter remark, and Sage glanced over to her for a moment, the faintest hint of disapproval in her gaze. They could not be making bad impressions now.


As golden eyes turned back, the bicolored lady bowed her head. Surprised and not knowing a better way to respond, Sage slowly mimicked her motion, offering a more subtle bow of her own chocolate head as she reached out with small hands to grasp one of Nayru's own. "So very nice to meet you, Nayru," she greeted softly, a genuine smile spilling over her face. Sage felt a good presence from this woman leader; though she hadn't met Dahlia's last leader, the young Lykoi girl had high hopes for this one. After Talitha had offered her gift and her name settled in the air, Sage let her own drift through her lips. "I'm Sage River Lykoi; we're here on peaceful terms..." she said, shooting another glance to the auburn-haired cousin she held so dear; despite their current semi-peace, Sage knew that they should not be underestimated.


The earth-toned Lykoi fumbled in her bag for a moment before producing the thin leather bracelet, dark brown and woven with four small red beads. She held it out to Nayru gently, almost unsure whether or not it was a worthy gift. But, Sage thought, if the woman had given jewelry, perhaps she would like to get it as well.


She felt something brush against her shoulder briefly and turned. The girl had nearly forgotten about the gray Tremblay man; he'd been rather silent for a moment. With a slightly nervous smile, she took a small step back towards her cousin. Though she looked past his species, Sage would always be intimidated when large, strange, strong-looking men stood so close.


<style>
.sagetrippyhippie .ooc {font-style:italic; }
.sagetrippyhippie p {padding:2px 30px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.sagetrippyhippie b {color:#64480b; letter-spacing:-.2px; }
.sagetrippyhippie {background-image:url(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5007/sagetrippy.gif); background-position:bottom center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:0px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:450px; text-align:justify; padding:10px 0px 90px 0px; }
</style>[/html]
#11
[html]


757 .

The two Inferni females who responded to her greeting were as different as dusk and dawn; The dual colored lady delighted in soaking them both in, contrasting the two with some amusement. The first, Talitha de le Poer, was cool and even cold, truly a child born of some sort of darkness or at least embittered by it. The other, Sage River Lykoi, was the polar opposite, warm and welcoming--nothing short of sunny and brilliant. The warmth of the woman reminded Nayru very much of Razekiel, and she was ever more convinced to stick to her childhood notions rather than popular adult opinion. All the adults in her first year had warned her to stay away from Inferni, but it seemed foolish to keep biding their advice. Evidence of that were the two Inferni ladies, bearing gifts to match her own.

The Dahlian lady studied them both: the way they looked her tiny frame over, the look Sage sent her companion and the warmth of her palm against Nayru's own, the easy way Talitha disregarded and disrespected Saluce much to the man's annoyance probably. Despite the difference in how the two visitors greeted her, Nayru treated them with the same calm and quite respect, a friendly but inquisitive manner. When darker of the two held out her gift Nayru's eyes had long accustomed themselves to the sight of the decorated skull. Her gentle face showed only interest and a slight awe as ivory hands went out to accept the token. With steady but delicate fingers she turned it over in her hands, the significance of what this could mean churning in her head. She had given them a weapon along with the other gifts, the small knife. What enemy gives their own enemy a weapon? And now they gave Dahlia a skull? Had the gift been under different circumstances it could have been considered a threat, as it was Nayru knew this to be a trophy and was delighted to have the thing in her hand, no matter how unhappy its obtainment might have been. Lifting her eyes to meet the similar shade in Talitha, she distantly wondered just how it had been acquired, who had been the original owner? Yet when she spoke the question was swallowed and merely lingered in her stare, a calm but curious gaze.

"Thank you, Talitha de le Poer. Dahlia certainly has a place for this." And she simply disregarded any intended insult hoping that her acceptance of the gift would smooth out whatever unhappiness Talitha felt about the transaction. The alpha moved her attention to the other woman, handing off the skull to Saluce so that she could accept the next gift with both hands. The bracelet was delicate and very much to Nayru's tastes, and instantly she knew too where this belonged. The bracelet that Bris had fashioned had always served as the anklet strap that kept her dagger close at hand. This bracelet would be a fixed to the handle of the dagger, for surely a dagger decorated with gifts from Inferni could not be turned against those of Inferni. "How beautiful, I thank you sincerely."


Cherry eyes wandered over those assembled, noting the closeness between Sage and Saluce a slight twitch of her ear the only indication she gave to Saluce to stand down. There was no reason to be on edge and the sensitive girl knew too well the warrior's mind, his intent. Nayru saw no reason for it now. If Conor had been reigning and she only the gamma, it might have been her who stood so close--just in case. Now, it was all different. This was not Haku's Dahlia, and this was not Conor's either.

"Thank you for your gifts and good intentions, and I hope that Inferni found useful the tokens that we left." Even with how uneasy Talitha seemed with the whole idea of making nice with Dahlia de Mai, she wore the necklace. That was something. "Dahlia de Mai has no ill will towards Inferni, we hope that any past conflicts our clans have had can be laid to rest. They long since been dead, so let us bury them and begin anew." Perhaps the gifts had said that enough, but with these women here it seemed prudent to be spoken out loud. Even if Talitha de le Poer or the rest of Inferni could not accept such terms, it was enough to put them out there. To remind those like Nayru and Sage that such possibilities still existed.

<style type="text/css">
.nay b {font-weight:bold; color:#c28085; letter-spacing:1px; }
.nay .ooc { font-style:italic; color:#ffffff; padding-top:290px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:11px;}
.nay p {text-indent:25px; padding:5px 10px; margin:0px; color: #080202}
.nay {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8d1820; background-image:url(http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae20 ... l/nayr.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #000000; padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#0F475F; line-height:16px; letter-spacing:.5px; text-align:justify;}
</style>[/html]
#12
[html]

WORD COUNT → 500+

mall-caps;text-variantConfusedmall-caps;">IT'S ONLY cript;">FOREVER, NOT LONG AT ALL

She, of course, did not appreciate the close proximity between her cheerful cousin and the brutish thug who had greeted them, but she said nothing and kept her attention on the leader instead. There was no reason to give undue interest in the way of lesser members; her opinion of Dahlia de Mai was steadfast and would only be changed by the right being. By the right leader. She was certain that Inferni itself would feel the same, regardless of what her cousin thought or hoped or wanted. History hit hard. The wounds still festered freshly in many of those who resided behind the decorated borders of the kingdom. Though Sage gave Talitha a reprimanding gaze, the elder Lykoi grandchild paid no heed. She knew better than any the horrors committed by the vile pack during the wars; though Nayru's hands were innocent of blood, Talitha could not gaze past the curtain and into the future. That was why Ezekiel had put her place in Inferni. She had no compassion.

Much to Talitha's surprise — and pleasure — Nayru accepted her gift with interest instead of disgust. Her thanks, and assurance that Dahlia de Mai, was given a nod of approval from the dark de le Poer. At least she wouldn't return with full hands; how embarrassing that would be. Sage's gift was received pleasantly as well, though it was far different from the more macabre Optio's tastes. Nayru thanked them once more, speaking for her pack in regards to a lack of ill will and a desire to put the past in the past. It did sound pleasant, or it would to some, yet Talitha accepted the desires with indifference. A gentle shake of her head tossed auburn curls out of her sight.

"History cannot be buried." The phrase was one she had come to realize as truth; her past would not disappear and neither would the past of those who lived amongst the Kingdom, and she could not stand idly to the side while the spotted child gave fuel for her cousin to continue the goodwill she had toward this strange place. "You are young. My cousin is young. Perhaps neither of you know, or remember, the sins Haku Soul committed so many years before. There are still people in our clan that will never accept these peaceful terms, many people in our family who would rather see the whole of Dahlia de Mai burned to ashes. I cannot speak for our home, and I will not promise you that your tokens of goodwill or even your differences from the Soul leaders will calm the hate they feel. It doesn't calm mine." Honesty. Honesty was what came forward, as she was unwilling to coat the topic in sugary words that she didn't mean. Her hands went to her hips. "But my brother is different than my father, and he is more accepting of outsiders, much like Sage is. With time, all scars heal. Once the older members have passed away, there will be a better chance for your pack to make amends for what was done to us."

Though Inferni had also been at fault, she felt certain that more of her family remained than those who had suffered the gruesome reign of Haku Soul in Dahlia, and that was why her words came out in the most self-centered of was. Somewhere, deep inside, she knew her father and her uncle would have to be in the ground before anything between the two rivals could be mended. She was not comfortable with the idea. She never would be, but she did not plan to deal with outsiders; after this venture, all relations with other packs would be up to Sage River Lykoi.


<style>
.ns01 {margin:0px auto;width:450px;background-color:none;background-image:none;background-position:top middle;background-repeat:no-repeat;border:none;padding:0px;font-family:times new roman, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:.5px;text-align:justify;margin-top:15px;}
.ns01-ooc {font-style:italic;font-size:11px;margin:2px; padding:0px;text-align:left;}
.ns01 p {text-indent:25px;margin:0px;padding:5px 10px;}
.ns01 b {font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;font-size:14}
.ns01 i {font-style:italic;letter-spacing:1px;}
</style>
[/html]
#13
Saluce sat back and watched, it was really the only thing he could do at the moment. While he may not be the alpha of this pack he was still present and it was also of note in his mind to realize that these two females were not the leader of Inferni. So the protocols that would govern his behavior in such a situation were not present. The behemoth could easily take care of one if not both the females if he took to the mood but so far, he feared one person more than anyone else. Nayru was a gentle soul but if he pulled a stunt like that, no matter if he left, she’d probably hunt him down for it. After all he did not fear the famed warriors of Inferni, to him they were nothing more than talk. It was probably a good thing he kept his mouth shut, already he wanted to spit venom at this Talitha woman, but restraint was something he did have, albeit not much, when he chose to use it.

He accepted the skull, took a few seconds to inspect it and then placed it in a satchel hanging from his horse for Nayru’s retrieval later. Saluce had noticed her simple command and as he put the skull up he retreated a few feet from Sage, but his form did not move away from the gathering. Instead he stood next to Nayru. Crossed his arms and simply listened. After all nothing he would say would help anything.

The speech about Dahlia’s past was a real bore fest to him. Talking of wolves that were long gone from the pack, the pack was filled with strangers to this bad blood bet yet had it held over their heads like a curse. It wasn’t right, and he wouldn’t stand to have them all condemned for a madman’s escapades, and he’d deal with Conor later… if he ever found him. Certainly Nayru wouldn’t like what he had planned but he wouldn’t tell her, it was between the two men.

“I think it’s worthy of mentioning at this juncture that your hanging a sin over wolves who have known nothing of the events that transpired in those days. Are they somehow guilty by living where they live? I wasn’t on these shores when your famed wars took place, and I hang no sin above your head for events that transpired then. So why it is this senseless hostility remains?” His tone was not scorning, nor was it hateful, but it was forceful. When he chose to speak at this meeting his words where chosen carefully. Arms crossed and he was almost cynical in tone. Saluce wouldn’t jeopardize the proceeding’s but he wanted that point drove home
#14
[html]

Oh my god, this took me way too long to write! Damn you, dialogue! WC: 548


The mottled lady gave her gift a warm reception, and Sage's broad smile bloomed again on her face. It was brief, though-- cut off by the demands of the political matters they'd come to discuss. Of course, she should put business first; yellow eyes focused on crimson ones as Sage straightened to gentle attention. Nayru's words fell on oversized ears, and Sage felt sudden relief. If this lady was not deceiving them (and why would she be?), then the future of their pack's relationships was nearly secured, was it not? Surely it couldn't be that easy. She opened her mouth to speak, her soft voice hardly a whisper before she was cut off by Talitha's sharp words.


"History cannot be buried," she stated firmly.


Widened chartreuse eyes sought Talitha quickly, gaze and brief expression sending a clear message. What is she doing?! she thought, utterly bewildered. As her cousin launched into a bravely passionate speech concerning the flaws in the pack's leadership, Sage took a step back. Eyes sought to find her cousin's, her gaze fixing as the darker girl continued. Sage was sure that she must have been angering these so far hospitable Dahlians; who wouldn't get angry with someone speaking about their home in that way? Talitha assured Nayru that her presence did not quell the longing for blood inside of Inferni, and Sage took a deep breath. Here we go, she thought. The tan girl had hoped this would have gone better. Maybe next time, she would go alone.


Saluce managed to get a word in, projecting something strangely harmonic for the warrior that he seemed to be. Sage agreed with this sense, of course, but deciding not to further anger Talitha, she refrained from acknowledging his words beyond a subtle nod. Now, she moved gently forward again, so that she may speak and be heard.


"I know more than I'd like of war." She spoke quietly, darkly, shooting a mildly annoyed glance towards Talitha, who seemed to have little faith in Sage's knowledge of this place, of violence. "I also know that new minds bring new ideas, and that we are all capable of change, whether we know it or not." she explained softly, yellow eyes finding her cousin's red ones again. She meant no ill will towards her cousin, but she knew that Talitha's mind was polluted with hatred that she needed to be rid of. "I know that there are still many who hold grudges, as is our nature," she continued, her face expressing gentle concern, "but we are here, now, for a different reason. Maybe we can't bury history, but we can certainly move past it." Eyes lingered on Nayru for a moment before they rounded on Talitha again, voice dreamy as always, but laced with a little something more. "After all, how can we have a future if we are stuck in the past?"


Her thoughts plunged into a deeper meaning than her words could fully express. Both Talitha and Sage carried burdens with them, but Sage knew that hers would be easily shaken. Her cousin, though, was not so easily pulled from those dark shadows. The sun-kissed girl hoped that one day her auburn cousin would be able to see same light that she saw, and share the clarity that came with it.


<style>
.sagetrippyhippie .ooc {font-style:italic; }
.sagetrippyhippie p {padding:2px 30px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.sagetrippyhippie b {color:#64480b; letter-spacing:-.2px; }
.sagetrippyhippie {background-image:url(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5007/sagetrippy.gif); background-position:bottom center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:0px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:450px; text-align:justify; padding:10px 0px 90px 0px; }
</style>[/html]
#15
[html]


Sorry for the wait guys. Short short. 355.

The glaring differences between the two Inferni woman was once again evident as they each took Nayru’s words and internalized them differently. Talitha was first to speak, and Nayru solemnly took in the lady’s reaction. While she seemed pleased at Nayru’s acceptance of the skull, she was not so pleased with the words and request that accompanied it. The offer of peace was met with resistance and though Nayru felt disappointment, nothing showed on her serene face as she nodded thoughtfully. The past couldn’t be buried? Or wouldn’t be buried? Nayru was certainly capable of burying events long dead and gone, so why then did others insist on clinging to bitter memories?

Saluce and Sage both seemed to object to such a strong statement, and in silence she took in their words. The man spoke and was sensible, and Sage even more so it seemed. Why indeed punish others for deeds done by characters long dead? And how was one to ever look into the future with a clear mind if that same mind was clouded with regrets and upsets from the past? Yet Nayru did not add her own voice to any of this at first, knowing simply that certain minds were hard to change and often it was not words that changed, but actions themselves. Finally she found the words she sought and very quietly she spoke, directing her words mostly to Talitha, knowing already that Sage wasn’t the one who needed convincing.

"I am young, this is true, but I am not Haku Soul. Nor am I Conor. Dahlia de Mai is not what it was, and though in name we are the same pack, we are not composed of the same people or ideas." She paused, surely the lady already realized this. “If Inferni is unable to accept our extension of friendship now, I will wait. Unlike the others I have no intention of abandoning Dahlia or trying to run it into ruin, as some of the former leaders have.” And it was as simple as that. Eventually they would find peace, and she would be here waiting when they did.

<style type="text/css">
.nay b {font-weight:bold; color:#c28085; letter-spacing:1px; }
.nay .ooc { font-style:italic; color:#ffffff; padding-top:290px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:11px;}
.nay p {text-indent:25px; padding:5px 10px; margin:0px; color: #080202}
.nay {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8d1820; background-image:url(http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae20 ... l/nayr.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #000000; padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#0F475F; line-height:16px; letter-spacing:.5px; text-align:justify;}
</style>[/html]
#16
[html]

Wow, mean Talitha. O_______O Anyways; she's started to walk away and probably won't respond to anyone after this point. Feel free to continue, obviously, if Sage wants to stay longer or something! <3 Lita's just a cow.

mall-caps;text-variantConfusedmall-caps;">IT'S ONLY cript;">FOREVER, NOT LONG AT ALL

It was the man with the horse who spoke first, and though Talitha had been perfectly content in ignoring him, she looked his way with her false smile and focused Massacre eyes upon him. The eyes of her mother, the eyes of her uncle. The eyes of a real member of Inferni. She was sure Hybrid and Gabriel would have laughed at everything that these wolves said, but she wasn't so rude. "This senseless hostility remains because we lived through it. Perhaps all of you are so ignorant as to forgive your enemies at the first sign of their apology, but we've learned. Haku Soul did not cause one war. He caused two, and though I was not here to live the second, it has hurt my family directly. I expect none of you," she paused, to look toward her cousin who had agreed with the man and woman before her with the cold gaze of a stranger, "to understand where we stand on this. You seem to think that a few words can make up for years of what has been burned into us. It can't." Was she being cruel, cynical? Possibly, but it didn't matter. She didn't validate the hopeful words of Sage; she would deal with her later. Instead, she picked out the small bits that she could refute here and there, turning them all over as Nayru gave her two cents.

"Sage came here for a reason different than I; I merely came to see the changes, not to offer hope of alliance or friendship. Our families may never respect you, or accept you, but we've long since been neutral as long as you stay away from us." Still, so cold, but at least her words held more honesty. Delicate fingers tapped at her jaw, giving her a pause to think once more. "It seems I'm the only one who really understands what he did, and perhaps that's for the best. However, you might not be Haku. You might not be Conor. The fact is that you are now Dahlia de Mai, and with it comes all of the weight of being their leader in a world with us in it. We all make choices, and those choices bring about responses and responsibility. Inferni has made its choice. Simply because you don't understand it doesn't mean it will change quickly." She turned away, her black-saddled back to both Nayru and the watchdog as a hand rose to rub at tired eyes.

"There are more opinions in the world than your positive ones, Sage. If you see the world in such happy terms, perhaps you don't belong in Inferni." Her words were spoken quietly, for her cousin only, before she glanced back to the young woman across the border. "Thank you for your audience, Nayru. I'm sure your patience in dealing with us will be rewarded in the future. We must take our leave now, before my brother starts to worry." She doubted that Ezekiel was truly worrying about her; she simply did not want to be there anymore. Without waiting for response from her cousin, she started back toward the north, rubbing padded palms together in the most anxious of ways. She'd been gone too long.


<style>
.ns01 {margin:0px auto;width:450px;background-color:none;background-image:none;background-position:top middle;background-repeat:no-repeat;border:none;padding:0px;font-family:times new roman, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:16px;letter-spacing:.5px;text-align:justify;margin-top:15px;}
.ns01-ooc {font-style:italic;font-size:11px;margin:2px; padding:0px;text-align:left;}
.ns01 p {text-indent:25px;margin:0px;padding:5px 10px;}
.ns01 b {font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:1px;}
.ns01 i {font-style:italic;letter-spacing:1px;}
</style>
[/html]
#17
Saluce met this demon woman’s gaze with one of malcontent and uncaring. For him her threats and her memories where nothing more than meaningless drivel to his ears. Why was it always women that drew his ire, that fired him up into a frenzy of blood thirst, the male wanted to wrap his hands around her tiny little neck and pop her head like a boil. If they were so scared and scarred from names like Haku and Dahlia he could possibly give her another reason to fear this pack. But what stopped him was Nayru. If it had been Conor he might have flipped and gave this woman a reason to fear him, but his venom was withheld. A lot of words escaped the woman’s mouth and he fancied she be more sufferable without that tongue of hers, he wished he could do it, right in front of Nayru, for surely she was thinking the same thing.

But as quickly as she spoke with a fury of words she turned from them to address her accomplice. Saluce’s own head swiveled quickly to Nayru, his eyes almost conveying the emotions running rampant through him. At first he didn’t notice his own actions, but he had just in a simple manner turned to her for help. This was maybe a tipping point, with Conor he had never been able to submit to him, with Nayru her strength was different and it may have made the difference.

His eyes just as quickly moved from her back to the Sage lady, almost wishing she’d take her friends advice, because surely he’d like to spend some more time with her. He offered her a genuine smile if she happened to notice, wondering if she would stay behind to talk or join her ill-tempered companion in retreating back to inferni, their errands done for the day.
#18
[html]

<33 You can reply if you want, guys. If you don't want to, though, feel free to archive this now! WC: 409


Nayru had been nothing but receptive and kind to them, but the second she got the chance, Talitha exploded. Sage couldn't stop her, and didn't even bother trying. The hippie Lykoi knew the instability of her cousin, and feared the worst if she tried to step in. Instead, she simply hung back, an annoyed, hurt, and disappointed expression clear on her face. Her head shook slowly as the hateful words spilled from her red-headed cousin's mouth.


Of course Sage knew that such serious matters from their past could not be forgiven or forgotten so easily. She wasn't trying to forget; she was only trying to make Inferni a better place. They didn't need all of this hostility; the only thing that it bred was more of the same. How could she convince her cousin of that? Didn't she understand that by spitting in the face of the fresh Dahlian leader the way that she was, she would only bring more hatred into the world? How could Inferni remain neutral when Talitha ran around spouting all of this prejudiced garbage?


Sage sighed heavily. Oh, Talitha would hear her thoughts on this yet. But not here; Sage knew better, unlike her cousin. The black-masked Optio turned her face now to Sage, who felt smaller, abused. Her eyes narrowed, scowling as Talitha lowered her voice, dangerous. The words she spoke stung, and the earth child's expression fell. "You don't mean that..." she breathed lowly, her voice soft. There was both sadness and anger there. Did she really believe that? Maybe she was right.


Yellow eyes fell to the floor as Talitha said her piece and then turned to leave, just like that. "Talitha!" she shouted, but knew that it wouldn't help. The tan girl stood there for a moment, awkwardly, before clearing her throat. "I'm so sorry," she said to them. Her bleary eyes attempted to focus on Nayru, but they were filled with the emotion that she wished she could just let pour out. "I'll come back," she said quickly, glancing behind her again to see how far Talitha had gotten, "but I'll be alone next time." Her choice was firm; Talitha didn't want to be here anyways, Sage knew that.


Sage almost didn't want to chase after her, but knew that she must. With a brief, courteous bow of her head to both Saluce and Nayru, she turned and flew away in pursuit of her spite-filled cousin.


<style>
.sagetrippyhippie .ooc {font-style:italic; }
.sagetrippyhippie p {padding:2px 30px; margin:0px; text-indent:35px;}
.sagetrippyhippie b {color:#64480b; letter-spacing:-.2px; }
.sagetrippyhippie {background-image:url(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5007/sagetrippy.gif); background-position:bottom center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:0px solid #000000; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size:12px; color:#000000; letter-spacing:.4px; word-spacing:.3px; line-height:16px; width:450px; text-align:justify; padding:10px 0px 90px 0px; }
</style>[/html]
#19
[html]

Weee <3. 303.

Nayru remained pleasant and calm, even as Talitha took her leave with words still angry at deeds committed long ago. Simply the tiny creature nodded and bowed her head, allowing the Inferni woman to feel her emotions. That was her natural right and Nayru knew that no amount of apologies or presents could convince one to feel anything they were not ready to. If the time came when Inferni was ready to forgive, and perhaps even apologize themselves, Nayru would be waiting, but she also knew better than to hold her breath. A neutrality seemed the only option, and more than ever it seemed they had at least achieved that. Inferni knew that the Soul line was gone, and that Dahlia de Mai was no longer a player in that silly game of war and peace. This was enough for now, and perhaps enough for however long the two clans were forced to coexist in the same lands.

Sage took her leave hurriedly, chasing after her sister, but her kind words left a glow in Nayru's heart. Nayru like Sage, increasingly she reminded the lady of Razekiel and it was further proof that even in acidic soils such as Inferni kindness and good intentions could blossom. As the other woman was out of sight, the black and while lady turned to her companion. Nayru knew Saluce was more weary of the coyotes than she, and had he been acting under Conor's rule the meeting might not have gone more smoothly. Yet ever since his return he had done nothing to displease her and everything to make her happy. Laying a gentle hand upon his arm she smiled up at him, a silent thank you to the brute, and turned back towards the packlands. "Come on, let's go find a place for that skull."

<style type="text/css">
.nay b {font-weight:bold; color:#c28085; letter-spacing:1px; }
.nay .ooc { font-style:italic; color:#ffffff; padding-top:290px; font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:11px;}
.nay p {text-indent:25px; padding:5px 10px; margin:0px; color: #080202}
.nay {margin:0 auto; width:450px; background-color:#8d1820; background-image:url(http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae20 ... l/nayr.png); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; border:1px solid #000000; padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px; font-family: georgia, sans-serif; font-size:10px; color:#0F475F; line-height:16px; letter-spacing:.5px; text-align:justify;}
</style>[/html]


Forum Jump: