Keep Marching On

Verloren · 07-21-2011, 08:25 PM

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WC:467 - OOC Looking for anybody who could start mentoring her for the Envoy Class or at least just in general.
*Dated for July 21st - Phoenix Forest - early dawn*
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

She’d seen this forest a few times yet had never ventured near. She’d heard there were caverns and a vineyard in its reaches. She’d also heard the forest and its caverns were dangerous. But, would that stop a pup named lost? Of course not! Which is why, still in the night’s icy grip, the Tundra finally weaved her way into the tangle of trees. It was pitch black and with little starlight able to break through the canopy she couldn’t see very far or very much. But, this is what she wanted. She’d been whelped into a family of experienced explorers and though she had not learned their ways wandering in the darkness just felt right to her. Although, she had yet to escape her random lapses of balance and placement and soon found herself tripping and running into everything. Even the smallest twig sent her on a monumental stumble.

Luckily, as the sun began to rise and she began to see the ground before her she didn’t cause as much a racket. A disappointed frown hardened her face and in the brightening light she tightly shut her eyes, hoping to regain the helplessness of her previous blindness. Again she began her ritual of crashing into everything, but this time she found herself a little better at placing her still overgrown paws. Although, a few minutes in she tripped over a log and landed square on her face. Tears welled up in her eyes at the pain and frustration and she bit her tongue in an effort to hold them back. But, as she laid there a tapered stream dampened her mud caked cheeks. In the back of her mind she hoped somebody would scoop her up and tell her to try again or that she’d eventually get it (get what she didn’t quite understand yet). Although, having not gotten the chance to feel that same encouraging touch from her mother sent a new wave of tears down her cheeks. Oh how she missed her mother so much.

But, defeat soon turned to determination and she pushed herself to her feet, closed her wet eyes, and tried again. This time, though, when she fell over a root she did not stand again. With a sniffle she just laid in the dirt, her legs spayed out and ears drooped in loss. She had an untapped talent for finding her way, she just didn’t know it yet and it frustrated her. Furthermore, she had yet to find somebody that could teach her and had been stuck learning many things on her own. She truly felt lost, and in more ways than one. She’d entered Phoenix Forest blind and was actually lost. But, wasn’t that the point of her little expedition: to get lost in order to find your way?

Jaden Ohanzee · 07-21-2011, 11:41 PM

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Words – 550+

Jaden awoke early this day, earlier than usual that is. Most days the Shishen was up and to the foot of the Halcyon Mountains a good ten miles from his den before the sun even showed. But, ever since his meeting with Gemma, the man had been conflicted with odd feelings of loneliness. Bad memories turned into horrid nightmares and haunted his dreams. It hadn’t reached the point that he was loosing too much sleep yet but it was unsettling and put a heavy burden on his mind during the hours he spent awake too.

When he woke from one of those nightmares that never failed to appear whenever he closed his eyes, Jaden decided he would not sleep again. Instead, he wandered off to hunt for more training ground. Only a week or so ago, he’d scouted a rather strenuous path through the Halcyon Mountains. The path was good for training but not with his dagger or bow all that much. That course worked his four legged forms more. Secui and lupus muscles differed in size and shape and had to be trained separately for the most efficient workout he found. A hike up and over the mountains did that well enough even if one didn’t follow a designated and more difficult path as Jaden did.

So he was out now, roaming Ichika in search of another training sight. A few places from his memory seemed like they might offer something. Firstly Phoenix Forest, then Dahlia Valley, and perhaps even one of the few cities around that Jaden couldn’t remember names for.

But, since Dahlia Valley was mostly farming land and the city was used by many members as home, Phoenix Forest seemed a good place to start. Jaden stepped through the woodland with his trained silence he almost always used and eyed each colossal tree for the perfect target or firing perch tiredly. His pace was moderate and he managed to get a good way in before the sun lit up Phoenix Forest with soft colors of early morning.

It wasn’t very long after the forest lit that the brute heard Verloren. Her blind and unsteady movements created plenty of noise. He stopped and listened as duff crunched and twigs snapped. Nothing Jaden had ever come across made quite so much noise when it moved. Even deer were more careful when walking. He cautiously followed the disturbance even after the sound came to a sudden silence. Verloren’s scent reached the Alaskan tundra wolf’s senses before the earthy colors of her coat did. If it hadn’t, he probably would have stumbled right over her as she camouflaged with the undergrowth quite well.

Seeing Verloren, Jaden was a little taken aback. He hadn’t ever had to deal with pups before now and it was blatantly obvious in her feature that the girl was very young. Seeing tears and distress only scared him more. He had never had the chance to become a parent and he assumed the skills it took to deal with an upset pup required practice. But, the black and crimson male didn’t keep his distance for long. Verloren’s messed fur and sprawled out body made him worry that she might be hurt. He walked quietly to her and put his head down to her level before taking her scent in. Then he used his best friendly voice and asked, “Are you hurt, little one?”

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 07-24-2011, 06:13 PM

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WC:345 - OOC --
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

A new rustling echoed through the sleepy forest and Verloren perked her ears toward the sound, however made no attempt to stand. Maybe she just didn’t care what mysterious creature was heading her way. In reality, it was the familiar pack scent that wafted on the cool air that kept her from becoming alarmed. Knowing this she didn’t bother to break her teary stare at the crippled leaf just inches from her nose. Even as he asked if she was hurt she didn’t respond. It wasn’t because she didn’t understand, for she’d quickly learned plenty of English in the few months she’d been at Nova to know what he said. She just wanted her moment of acting like a total baby.

After a few seconds her golden orbs quickly glanced up at the crimson dyed wolf, as if she were checking that he was actually there and her mind was not simply playing tricks on her. They returned back to the ground with a pondering expression and she finally gathered her legs and sat up. Still unwilling to fully look up at the male she quietly muttered, “No.” The word didn’t hold as much of her German accent though it was uttered on an uncharacteristically heavy note even for English.

Ignoring the odd sound her dry throat brought she finally allowed her eyes to drift to her pack mate’s face. She could see a weariness in his deep blue eyes and softly beat her tail against the broken leaves behind her. She may have been upset herself but puppy folly couldn’t stay away long. Though, she found herself unable to manage her usual sweet little smile and even felt the weakness in her tail’s efforts.

But, she tried not to let the defeat show and puffed up her chest with an air of confidence. Pulling her ears erect she calmly added in her usual accent, “I’m fine.” It was really all just a show and she really was in need of help. But, before she admitted it to him she'd play a card of poise.

Jaden Ohanzee · 07-28-2011, 12:37 AM

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Words – 300+

The pup Jaden had stumbled upon didn’t answer his question quickly. Her tears worried him more and more the longer she stayed silent. What to do if she was actually hurt was a complete mystery. Would a puppy even react to healing herbs (what little of them he knew) the same as he would? Not knowing how to handle a situation made Jaden nervous and a bit edgy.

But, the little female finally uttered her response after standing and avoiding his gaze. Jaden wondered if she really was okay and why she wouldn’t look up at him. He only wanted to help. The brute took a step back and gave her a questioning sideways glance. His gaze was met only moments later by her dark eyes as she analyzed his deep blue. The puppy-like reaction they got, even in its diminished form helped the Shishen stabilize his uneasy feelings. She was indeed alright.

Jaden too was born to a dominant family. Joining Ichika and numerous other things that had happened in the last six months had taken much of his former noble attitude. Verloren’s quick composition of herself and her puffed out chest gave him an eerily odd felling of familiarity. Suddenly thinking back and trying to pinpoint when he had seen this young girl before, he was left dumbfounded as to why her look gave him such feelings. It made him smile and he realized that she had a lot of pride to show.

Jaden’s smile was warm and he stepped toward his young companion again to sampled the air in a final check so he was sure she wasn’t bleeding profusely from anywhere he couldn’t see before speaking to her again. “I’m glad to hear it, you look pretty tuff,” he said encouragingly before sitting up and mimicking her posture and form in a friendly manner. “My name is Jaden Ohanzee. Who might you be?”

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 08-04-2011, 04:46 PM

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WC:345 - I'm sorry for the late reply, I was without a computer for a while and I also haven't been feeling too well. =/
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

A bitter soft smile curled tightly at one cheek as she watched the lupine take on the same pose. And even though he took it in a friendlier manner she couldn’t help but turn an ear to the side. She wasn’t put off, rather she felt the need to preform or in some way show a bout of strength, that she wasn’t frail and could take on the world. But, she stayed where she sat and listened as he introduced himself.

“I’m Verloren,” she replied, though she was not as interested in her name as she usually was. Her tone held this disinterest and after a pause she more contently corrected, “No,” she shook her head, “my name ist Lost.”

Now, a prouder–set smile curved her lips with the saying of her real name and she looked down at her necklace. The compass rose dangled at the very end of the leather strip, the red pointed needle pointing off towards the North. She had little knowledge of how to actually use it and always found the needle pointing near the same way each time she looked at it. Suddenly, an idea formed in her mind and with the thought she shifted her gaze to Jaden and asked, “Do du know wvhere wve are?”

Jaden Ohanzee · 08-11-2011, 11:46 PM

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Sorry for mine as well and that its so short…Words-200+

Verloren was entertaining to watch. Jaden smiled mildly when he listened to her tone and watched her posture change. The little female stunk of confidence, but it wasn’t quite rude arrogance. Verloren carried an innocent confidence and Jaden thought it was almost cute to observe. The Shishen would do his best to cater to it in hopes that doing so might make their interaction easier. He most certainly didn’t want to be responsible for upsetting a pup.

The older tundra wolf listened intently as Verloren introduced herself in her odd tongue. Jaden didn’t recognize her accent but he wasn’t distracted enough by it to ignore her change of name. “Lost?” He asked, “That’s an odd name. I think Verloren sounds a bit nicer than ‘Lost’, but if you would like I can call you by that…” Because of his inexperience with pups, Jaden did not assume Verloren might be playing a childish joke on him by tricking the stranger into calling her something odd as some more experienced parents might have. He took her introduction seriously and his question was honest. He guessed that Lost might be a translation for Verloren simply because of how foreign the name sounded.

Jaden was beginning to wander why Verloren was out her by herself and pieced together that she might be lost because of the vulnerable position he had found the little wolf in when she asked of their location. He figured they were near the center of the Phoenix Forest, maybe just North-East of it. “I have a pretty good idea. Are you…” Jaden eyed Verloren’s confidant posture once more before asking if little Miss Lost was actually lost and decided to reword his question, “…scouting Phoenix Forest?”

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 09-06-2011, 04:17 AM

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WC:218 - I'm terribly sorry for not replying sooner, I underestimated just how time consuming my new school work load would be. Things have calmed down so I should be back on a regular posting schedule, at least for now. >.>
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

“Lost ist my real name,” the little lupine began, twitching her in a spark of irritation. She was quickly finding it was quite difficult trying to communicate in this new language and did her best to be clear in what she meant. “It sounds different to du, aber Verloren und Lost are the same,” she added after the short pause of thought. Her golden orbs twinkled in hope of understanding as she looked up at the older wolf.

The next question he asked was done carefully and Verloren quickly picked up on the short pause in his words. This time her ear made a more visible twitch, though it was more in memory than emotion. Panzer used to tease her in the same manner, for even as a much younger pup she had gotten herself into similar situations. Though, she wasn’t assuming Jaden was doing the same, it was merely the way in which he had put his inquiry together that made her remember her dear friend.

Pulling up a corner of her mouth she formed a knowing half-smile and replied, “something like that.” Widening her smile in an eagerly curious fashion she then asked, “Du know these woods?” She already figured he had based on his previous answer but asked anyway to lead to her next question.

Jaden Ohanzee · 09-13-2011, 02:10 PM

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No worries ^^ Words-300+

“Alright then, lost,” Jaden said with a slight bow of his head and a smile. “Namaste.” The greeting he’d learned from Nayru was said with full respect for the younger wolf. When she explained what she meant by changing her name, he fully understood this time: her name meant lost and that is what she wanted to be called instead. Jaden’s last name meant Shadow. He smiled just a little with the thought of people calling him Jaden shadow instead of Jaden Ohanzee. Maybe he would mention it to the pup and ask her if she thought it appropriate to call him “Mr. Shadow” and was amused again.

Little Lost was proving to be much more intelligent than Jaden had assumed her to be by age. When she knowingly smiled in return to his courteous wording he was almost surprised. The older Tundra wolf had half expected it to go right over her head. “I don’t actually know the forest all that well myself. I’m exploring just like you.” With that, Jaden stood with a sigh from his comfortable position and took a few steps away from the pup before he stopped and looked over his shoulder in an indication to follow. He didn’t want to just sit and talk to the little one. Being larger and disliking talking down to others if it was possible to avoid, he wanted to walk shoulder to shoulder where they would look closer in size. Plus, if she had any nerves hidden under all that confidence, she’d be more at ease without his glare upon her. “But we can’t do any of that just sitting here. Since we are both exploring, we can explore together and do a more thorough job, right?” Then he turned and began to walk, listening for her young pads to follow his carefully trained steps.

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 09-17-2011, 12:45 AM

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WC:329 - ooc
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

A pleased smile pinched up the pup’s cheeks when Jaden understood what she meant, something rare when she tried to speak in this new language. Though, her ears twitched sideways to his last word, said in a greeting tone, yet it sounded completely unfamiliar to her. She tipped her head a tad, in question, and stared off with a wonder in her eyes as she repeated the word in her head. She wondered if it was one of the new pack words she had occasionally heard, but didn’t put too much thought into it.

Instead, she perked up as Jaden went on, an eager wag running along her tail like a wave when he mentioned he was exploring too. When he then gave his offer that they explore together she launched herself after him. Once caught up she calmed her eager stride to try and match his, though after a few moments she quickly gave up, too excited to contain herself. With a yip she bounded ahead, slamming on the brakes once a few feet away and swinging her haunches so that she faced the ebony wolf head-on.
“Wvant to see something?” she asked with a avid yip.

She had never acted this way in front of anybody since she was a tiny two month old, playing in the sight of one much larger and older. Although, she had never really had a chance since those afterward either wanted to kill her or didn’t care for the antics of a child. After that she didn’t even bother, a shame for one so young. But, as she stood before Jaden, her tail high and golden eyes full of delight, she began to feel as she once had. Yet, she was cautious, afraid of what might happen if she did completely let herself go and return to her once ~~normal~~ goober-self. Though, for now she felt comfortable enough to show her new friend something not many get the chance to see.

Jaden Ohanzee · 09-19-2011, 02:27 PM

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Words-200+

And along her puppy pads came, fast and more eager than he’d thought they might be. She slowed to a somewhat calm walk though Jaden could feel the energy almost vibrating out of little Lost. He opened his maw and was about to inquire about her life for conversation’s sake when she made an excited yip and bounded forward. A little surprised, Jaden stopped in mid-stride and watched as she stopped abruptly and spun to face him. The playful gleam in her eye and the question she asked assured the predominately ebony wolf that Verloren hadn’t seen a bobcat and that she was only being a puppy.

Jaden exhaled and grinned again, “What?” He asked and watched her, expecting something not so impressive but entertained nonetheless. Offering Verloren the chance to explore with him was a move to make their communication easier. The Shishen hadn’t put a whole lot of thought into what it might take to entertain the younger wolf and hadn’t acknowledged that he needed to show her home once they were finished. He would compromise though. Jaden might be a warrior but he wasn’t cruel and he would show any member of Ichika, especially a pup, the utmost compassion he could muster.

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 09-19-2011, 04:53 PM

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WC:329 - ooc
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

With a pondering smirk Verloren titled on her right legs and dramatically swung her left so that she stood with her side to the older wolf. A few seconds went by before she made any attempt at some sort of movement as she carefully thought over what she was about to do. Tipping her head slightly toward Jaden, but keeping her eyes averted, she slowly spoke. “It’s not any good, aber I remember stories my Mutter told me about how es ist done.”

Then, with a careful breath she straightened her head and took a quick look in the direction she was about to go and closed her eyes. Without her sight now, her ears tensed at any sound and her sensitive pads kneaded the ground thoroughly before lifting into a low, short step. And though she placed only one giant paw at a time her others quivered in balance beneath her weight. Slowly, she moved forward and lengthened her stride, becoming too confident as she had before.

The first couple of feet went by smoothly, granted she had few obstacles. But, as she moved into the brush—which were off her intended path—she encountered the same problems she had earlier. Her ears directed her away from most of the foliage but she moved her pads too quickly to avoid the hidden roots and twigs. The noise she now created and with her paws increasing getting snagged up she grew frustrated and again found herself flat on her face.

Opening her eyes she found she was two feet from her original path and what had tripped her was nothing more than her own left feet. With a huff she sat up and muttered, “(it’s not right.)” before standing and shaking off the bit of leaves and dirt she had gathered. But, she returned to Jaden with a half-smile and a lighthearted, “told you.”

Jaden Ohanzee · 09-21-2011, 06:45 PM

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Jaden could see the concentration in Verloren’s eyes as she took a few steps away and dramatically turned so he could watch her. What ever she was about to do looked like it had been practiced. Her young amber eyes peered strait ahead and she took a breath before closing her eyes. As the older wolf watched, she proceeded to walk forward without her sight. Jaden’s ears perked with a little worry as she did and he watched her paws. The first few steps Lost took were careful and a bit wobbly but began to lengthen and speed up as her confidence grew. With the extra speed came less attention to where her legs were taking her and before Jaden could bark a warning, she was flat on her muzzle.

The Shishen’s ears pressed back as he watched her pull herself up and wondered if she might go into tears. When none appeared and instead the pup shook herself and returned with a smile, he exhaled and smiled back. Her light hearted response ensured that she was tuff and maybe even slightly proud of what she’d accomplished.

Jaden looked ahead at the path before him and thought for a second. Then the wolf closed his eyes just as Verloren had and began to walk forward.

What Verloren had attempted was not an exercise Jaden had practiced in a very long time. The younger wolf would probably have been successful in walk along it if she didn’t have the eagerness of a pup and had been more careful, but what Jaden did was more than just walk along. With his eyes closed his steps stayed completely silent. He listened intently and kept a steady pace of careful steps. He caught ever sound and analyzed every texture under his paws. Walking with his eyes closed was just like staking silently after a deer. He stepped on only soft, firm ground that wouldn’t snap and avoided banging his shins on roots or stepped past oddly shaped rocks. For him, it was practically second nature.

Before long, Jaden was a good twenty feet from his original position and stopped before going any further. He opened his eyes and turned to face his companion once again. “It takes practice,” he called with a smile. “I could give you some pointers while we explore but you’ve got to practice under my supervision or someone else’s. The ground is unforgiving and it wont do you any good to mess your muzzle up or loose teeth so young.” Jaden didn’t know who else the little wolf knew and let his tone show shallow but kind authority so she knew he was serious. Then he waited for Verloren’s company before turning and continuing into Phoenix Forest.

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

Verloren · 10-04-2011, 02:10 PM

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WC:227 - ooc
"(German)",, English
Table by Kitty

Verloren nearly jumped backwards in surprise when Jaden had done the same as she, only better. She thought it was only her pack that had known such a move. “Wvhere did du learn that,” she blurted out and ran towards him. Her eyes were wide in astonishment, though her ears angled back in caution as a wild thought raced through her mind. Could he have been to her pack? The logical part of her mind doubted that but it was too underdeveloped yet to have any say and instead let the thought continue on its rampage.

Calming herself the pup took a moment to form an answer to his offer of expertise; her mind so jumbled that her English and German smashed together to form a language she had no idea how to speak. After a few minutes she finally yipped, “(Yes, I want to learn. But, you are the only one I know, the others come in passing. I don’t even have a home, much less a friend.)” She then shook her head and translated with an excited, “Ja.”

Though, her head tipped in a way that hinted to something she was leaving out. She really liked her new friend, the few minutes she had known him, but was wary about bringing up what was on her mind. Fearing she may be rejected or worse, pitied.

Jaden Ohanzee · 10-13-2011, 01:55 PM

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The key part now? Words - 300+

Jaden was glad to hear how excited Verloren was to accompany him. He gave her a friendly questioning look when she spoke a string of words he could find no meaning for. She shortly elaborated and Jaden nodded, turning to continue on and completely missing any hidden meaning in the pup’s short answer. I learned to do that when I was young. He said and left out any detail of his puppy hood. Just as you are learning now and I practiced. Over course, I wasn’t brave enough to practice all by myself. He said giving her a little admiration. It was a lie, however small. Jaden hadn’t been trained by any kind means and any time he got to himself had been spent training obsessively for his teachers.

For a long while after that, Jaden led the way while Verloren followed and they both absorbed what Phoenix Forest had to offer. She was curious and intelligent, more so than most wolves her age Jaden thought. With any question she might ask he would elaborate with all or at least a decent amount of his own knowledge. The energy radiating from Lost was enough to keep the Shishen occupied for the entire morning.

As the sun rose into it’s highest place in the sky, Jaden realized he would have to cut their time short. No training had been done and that was fine once or twice in a month… maybe… but now he would be ditching important pack duties if he didn’t get a move on and find his way out of Phoenix Forest. Gradually he led the way to the edge of the woodland, still keeping a fine eye on Verloren. When they reached the beginning of grassland and the end of tall green trees, Jaden looked down on Lost holding the gentle smile that seemed early plastered on his muzzle while around the pup. Alright, he sighed, Thank you for helping me investigate this forest. Now I must be off to do my duties for Ichika but, I assure you, they will not be nearly as much fun as we have had. Why don’t we get you home? Where do you live? Who are you parents, Lost? He asked kindly, stepping out into the flatter grassland and assuming that the younger wolf would follow.

Jaden does. "Jaden speaks." Jaden thinks.

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