Safe & Sound

Insomnia · 01-10-2012, 09:45 PM

The morning fog was still.
Thin swirls of pale mist clung to green-leafed branches beaded in dew, and the brightly dappled leaves glistened vividly—seemingly alive amid the ghostly colors. In fact, so still was the world at this hour, Insomnia might have been the only soul with flesh and a warm beating heart. It sounded more like thunder to Insomnia, and she wished she could will that vulnerable organ to be silent, just like the rest of the world. And yet it was there, always, a steady thrum of wild, wild wings reminding her she could never be still.

The cool sheets of whiteness threaded like pale serpents through the vivid greenness of the trees, the grasses, and the sprawling valley. She hadn’t realized how much she missed the sounds of nature until she walked these green summer-fields once more, feeling the swaying grass gently tickle her knees, and listening to the vibrant hum of thick-bodied bees in the air. It was bittersweet—all of it was. It was as if she could reach out and touch the memories the land had kept for her, stored away in the particulars of nature that it knew she would remember. They were pooled in her mind like the hazy morning mist, swirling white and cool, and tangling through her reminiscing thoughts.

She didn’t know what part of the pack lands she was in. But it hardly mattered, it was the thrill of adventure and mystery that Perdita sought, and she had been exploring the reaches of the land on and off throughout the past few weeks. Today was no different. This is her new forever home and, she intended to know it well. There was no use being a stranger in her own world, since she knew no one but the one who had met her on the outskirts of the scented markings. She would be alone, even within this "family" pack. Not even a young orphaned pup could know this feeling.

Insomnia contrasted sharply with the vibrant colors of white morning; the darkness of her fur like a starless midnight, shimmering metallic against pure white. Even her eyes, a bright teal-flower blue like the sky and the other a murky vibrant green, were pools of color in this colorless world. She watched the looped paths of the butterflies flash and flutter across the green-misted meadow, looking like bright orange stars amid a sea of grass. With a deep breath, Insomnia turned in a single, fluid motion, and before she knew it, she was doing the only thing she’d ever known in her life—she ran.

It was different this time, though. She wasn’t fleeing. Her legs flew over the earth in a passionate fervor, simply for the joy of freedom and the feel of the wind in her fur. Nature blurred her eyesight as she ran, leaving afterimages in her irises.

Sometimes, in hours like this, between the earth and the sky, Insomnia was helplessly glad to be alive.

It was only then, when she felt her heart would burst into a thousand pieces, did she stop running. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest as she drew to an unsteady halt, and coldness seized her; she could feel the frost stinging her paws and the sharp air burning her gasping lungs. A gaping hole in the earth yawned before her, whispers of death and darkness that never knew summer unfurling in frozen waves from its pale mouth. She felt drawn here, enthralled by the enticing scent of danger and wonder, shrouded in veils of mystery and winter that lasted forever.

Her claws clicked on the dirt patched tunnel floor, sound like a wind-chime fashioned from sun-bleached bones and leaf-less walls, and her breath curled and twisted in pale ribbons before her, freezing her delicate eyelashes. The cold and the darkness embraced her in a cool embrace of emptiness and silence, and again, it was only the thrumming wings of her heart keeping her company. She had always enjoyed the cold, the way it stung her lungs and prickled against her warm satin flesh. The world had always seemed more alive, more vibrant when it was cold. A kaleidoscope of colors she had only ever seen beneath the sea, flowered across her skin—murky blues and greens, and it was as if the aurora borealis itself was shamed by her starless fur.

WC: 738

Augustus · 01-11-2012, 07:28 PM

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OOC: || Word Count →830

The chill of morning brought life into the limbs of the sleeping wolf. He could feel it crisp and clean in his nostrils as he took in each long and rhythmic breath. He was mildly aware of his toes twitching and his eyes eventually fluttered open. He blinked slowly, once, then twice before raising his head. His body was sprawled out before him, legs stretched over the mossy cavern floor, side on the ground. He closed his eyes again and filled his lungs before opening them and heaving his body upwards. When all four paws met the ground he stretched them, forelimbs first, then hinds. His pelt rippled as he did so and a large yawn stretched his jaws. When his limbs felt loose and limber the male took careful steps towards the den mouth, careful not to disturb some of his still slumbering pack mates. Their various scents allowing him to decipher who was still asleep and who had journeyed out for the day. He smiled warmly at their differing aromas, for theirs were the scents of his family. He skirted around the wolfish bodies with the utmost caution until the den’s mouth yawned open before him. He lowered his head and body before wandering out into the open air.

The chill caused his breath to spread before him in a stream of delicate white tendrils. He was dismayed to see that the world around him was partially obscured by a clinging white mist. That boded ill for the young wolf who had taken it upon himself to keep a daily tab on the local herds. The scents would be dull, and harder to follow. With a sigh he exhaled all hope of continuing on with his plan. Instead, he took the time to explore the world around him, although there was hardly a stone of this land that remained uncovered. He gave the air one last sniff before fully abandoning hope and set his paws towards the rolling valley of Avalon. There he could see the mountain in its full glory, and possibly join his voice to its heights. He set his paws westward and started on its rocky trail.

He took a few swallows of water from the stream before passing through it on his way to the valley. Augustus felt lighter, no longer shouldering the heavy burden of his past. His soul soothed when he told his alphess along with various brothers and sisters his tale. It was evident in his every step as he moved about agilely, and stood tall. He wanted to tell the world that a New Dawn was rising in his soul and he felt like a new wolf. He let his tail trail behind him like a banner in a breeze as he traversed over the stones of the mountain slope. It was only then when the valley spread out below him that the black and white male gave pause to his steps. The grasses were brittle and brown, but there was no denying that even in the winter there was beauty here. He gazed upon the fog shrouded peaks of the Halycon mountains and rose his voice to the skies.

His cry was of middling length, but was filled with notes of joy. He was not calling to his pack specifically, but the earth itself along with any creature that chose to hear. When he was finished he swished his tail and continued down the slope. When he reached the valley floor he nearly stumbled into a hole in the ground. He stopped abruptly and lowered his muzzle into its depths to scent it. The fog could not reach into the earth and Augustus could clearly make out the smell of rabbit. He quickly lifted his head and glanced around, finally spotting the brown furred being as it hid among the grass. He brought his body low to the ground, suddenly resentful that the valley was free of snow for the moment. He’d lost his camouflage. He had to be more careful. He crawled on his belly until the rabbit was well within his grasp and threw himself towards it with all his might. It had little chance to run and was soon pinned to the ground by his lethal paws. His fangs tore into its throat and it ceased to struggle, warm blood dribbling onto his chin. His lips twisted into a grin, his prize hanging limply between them. He swelled with pride, having caught the small creature, not the easiest of tasks for the large male. Smaller prey often evaded him.

He nearly turned back towards the den when the smallest of sounds reached his ears. The moistness of the air only seemed to make his hearing keener and he trotted warily towards the sound. The slight black and blue grey figure came to his eyes and he raised himself to his full height. The scent of New Dawn was upon her and he proceeded with less caution. When he was near he placed the rabbit upon the stone. “I would be careful, sister.” He cautioned. The mountain could be treacherous, especially to those who were not well acquainted.

Image credit to freelancah at deviantart

Insomnia · 01-15-2012, 03:47 PM

I kinda of raged here. Sorrrryyy ><

Sometimes, things weren't as simple or easy as she liked them to be. She was grown up, had been doing her own thing since she was about 5 or 6 months old and she was one years and two months or something like that old now. But still, the word family didn't apply to her in any sense. A family was there for you. A family was strong and loving, kind and forgiving. A family, was everything she had ever wanted, but also everything she had never truely had. Sure, she'd had an illusion of family. She knew absolutely nothing about them anymore.

Again her gaze flitted to the wolf before her. She had known each wolves scent in her pack, except this one. She knew in her heart this wolf to be a some kind of pack mate. Family to her. And watching the older wolf, she felt her heart heat a bit. Felt that protective air encircle her again, wrapping around her charmnig form. The aura that seemed to draw other wolves to her, the one that was as colored as the rainbow with warmth and friendliness in it. And she felt pain stab at her heart as disgust twisted the older male's adorable face. Her breathing faltered for a second, and she forced the swift shot of pain from his visage. She had to remember, this was still a complete stranger to her. She couldn't be sure what this male's family had treated him. The disgust switched to a blank look, one that made her look like she was fighting for an answer that was just out of reach. Insomnia's smile saddened, her multi-colored pools deepening with faith.

Insomnia's jowls were firmly shut, her jaws clenched tightly together in her war of emotions. She was fighting for safe ground, somewhere that was neutral. A piece of wood perhaps, that she could cling to in this sudden ocean of feelings, the storm of confusion that raged through her. Sure, she liked to say she was happy. And she really was. But there was still greed, and wounded pride deep down in her, in the memories. Those stupid memories. They always came back to haunt her. But then, the little whelp's voice spoke out. “I would be careful, sister.” The wolf who probably didn't know how much she would give to selfishly switch places with him at that given point in time. "I hope I am careful brother. Her hackles stirred, and then smoothed. The young females voice ripped from her inner-turmoil, and shredded the last of her hate. As quickly as it had come to ravage and rage within her, it fled before something stronger. Something better.

A brotherly, family like emotion. Love? She didn't know but for now, just affection. Still there was a bitter-after taste of regret and jealousy, but she focused instead on the tang, the flavour of this affection. It was sweet, and had a very... she couldn't think of a way to describe it. So instead, she just simply didn't. Now, she reclined back on her slender haunches, her gaze locked on the other creature. "I am Insomnia, and who might you be?" Her gaze flicked away, and she decided it would be better to elaborate. Perhaps then the wolf would understand her emotions and maybe she wouldn't. She just needed to put trust into someone, letting all her rage and emotions out. She didn't want to hurt anyone in this process though, thus why she had held it in all this time. Her gaze shifted up, and walked towards the male and stopped about 3 feet away. "I'm sorry for being harsh... I just.. have a lot of things stirred up in me at the moment.." her voice trailed off. Could she trust this wolf though they were in the same pack, same family .

WC: 651

Augustus · 01-19-2012, 02:02 PM

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OOC: It's alright, just try and see things through your character. xP We all have bad days. Smile For her which eye is which? They're different colors just wanted to know. || Word Count →752

Augustus felt it odd that he'd never seen this female here before. The scent of New Dawn was, indeed, a whisper in her fur, but she seemed strangely detached. Where he felt loved, protected, and respected, she must have been feeling something else...Her expressions proved it. He furrowed his brows in response. Was she not sleeping in the den with them? Did she know where it was? Perhaps that was the problem. Augustus always felt better surrounded by his family, it kept the nightmares away. Although, ever since his meeting with Titania and his other brothers and sisters he felt much more at ease. His thoughts rarely strayed to that dark place they'd lingered in for so long. He felt like his cries for help had been heard and he'd been made anew; stitched together again somehow. One hole remained, but he felt its pain less and less. With the title of brother so easily spoken, it almost made things confusing to his young mind. He had more than one now.

He thought of them now. Of Shandom, Zalen, and Thoirni. Especially Shandom. The wolf was mysterious and had more than enough sordid experiences to last him a lifetime of pain. He was older than Augustus, but the two shared something the others did not. Both were of the north, they knew cold, they knew what it was to survive in that frozen wasteland. Augustus was eager to learn from his experiences. This was not to say that he did not revere his leader just as much. It was simply harder for the male to see him as a confidant. His father had been a tyrant leader, spreading a message of hate and deceit. And his fur had been black as well…as black as his heart. It would take time for Augustus to realize that Zalen could be more than just a leader, an Alpha, but a friend and companion. A brother in arms. He knew he loved him, would die for him, perhaps the rest would come in time?

Her look of disgust unsettled him and his eyes quickly fell to the ground. Was she staring at his scars? He hid them from her sight, suddenly conscious. None of his other brothers and sisters seemed bothered, but perhaps that was because they had their own. This female had nothing to mar her black pelt. It was uninterrupted from nose to tail, a gleaming midnight black. She said something that confused him further and he had to look up to read her face. The furrow in his brows deepened, but he felt it best to just let it be for now. He might have been the same as she before he came here. Lost and alone fighting a battle in his heart. Maybe now was the time for him to listen, as others had listened to him. His ears twitched as she introduced herself. He felt compelled to meet her bi-colored eyes, his fur bristling. “Augustus, sister. I am surprised I have not seen you before. But perhaps I have been roaming too often to take notice.” Her name mattered little to him, she was a sister above all, and names felt far too formal an address. It was another way of reaffirming that connection between them all. A reminder that they were more than just strangers. Their world revolved around each other here as outward relationships had been discouraged. He was eager for it to be this way. How better to love and protect one another when each was only a call away?

“I am glad you apologized.” he admitted, as truly bewildered by her behavior as he had been, “I was not expecting hostility.” He spoke firmly, a message that such conduct was not to be tolerated here, but it was a gentle reproach. “I forgive you.” He paused, his fur smoothing along his body as he relaxed. His yellow, green-flecked gaze shifted to the rabbit kill on the ground from before and he reached down to pick it up again in his jaws. The blood was still warm, still fresh, the flesh tender. He fell to his haunches, and soon to a lay, positioning it between his large white paws so he could tear at it more easily. He held it and did so, bits of fur sticking to his lips. He took a couple bites before nudging it forward towards her. “May I ask what it is that is troubling you?” He asked as gently as he could.

Image credit to freelancah at deviantart

Insomnia · 01-21-2012, 09:31 PM

Insomnia's left lobe twitched with the name as it was given to her, Augustus, a unique name, one that seemed far more honest and humble than her own. She always found her name to be one of vain parents, a name that demanded so much, far more than she could give. In her younger days she often lost slept over the petty ideals behind her name, as she aged, it became obvious that it had all been time wasted. For better or worse it was her name, her calling, it represented her. A simple nod was given with the name that danced from his kissers. “It's a pleasure, brother.”

The horrified look that the other gave off was a hard one to miss, his pupils narrowing to nothing before swiftly retaking his composure. She knew all too well how much most wolves hated her, and after her experiences surely they would expect the domineering dove to hate them just as much, but she didn’t. She didn’t understand the reason why those wolves had done what they did to her. Just as she didn’t always understand why certain wolves chose the paths they took in their lives. She believed however that to condemn all creatures for their actions was simply foolish.

“May I ask what it is that is troubling you?” She had known the question was coming, and she felt no shame in sharing her answer to the curious male. Slowly her dome shifted, her mismatched lanterns glancing back to where she had laid, a few feet away from her pack mate. A sigh passed from her kissers, her boa rising proudly with her snout veered toward the north and her gaze cast far from the place she was, her memories flooding with the world she had lived in not so long ago.

“it was getting dark, but I was too weak to move. Eyelids closed slowly, only to wake up to warm sticky blood on the earth. Eyes widened as I looked around for the body, but I only had to look up too see it. Her body was slashed and bitten into, based on the markings on her body I knew she was killed by another wolf. I clenched my eyes shut, as I tried to accept the fact that I had once again, lost someone I loved."

She had perhaps gone on too long with her story, but perhaps she needed to let it out. Perhaps it was more than this male cared to know but it was too late to make things short and sweet now. “I do apologise for the long story, it was rude of me, suppose I just really needed to get it off my chest.” Her dome fell some while an awkward grin formed over her muzzle. Lazily the femme manoeuvred herself passed the sable pelted titan, her keen eyes glancing behind the wolf before pressing onward. Glancing back to him she offered a kind grin.

IC: 505

Augustus · 01-26-2012, 12:01 PM

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OOC: || Word Count →518

He nodded as she acknowledged him. At least she was behaving normally now. He felt no ill will towards her, none at all, but was still made uneasy by the way she’d reacted to him. If his face was truly so grisly he’d leave her to her thoughts, but she continued to speak to him, and she’d apologized. He would not let the old wounds fester and breed anew so he dropped the thoughts as they came to him, and gave her his full attention. She’d ignored the rabbit and he reached his muzzle out to take it back and began eating. It was a small thing, and little more than a snack, hardly enough to share in the first place. As her head rose and ascended to look beyond he mirrored her, looking out into the distance quizzically. There was nothing unusual there that he could see and he looked back to her. She was speaking then, and her eyes were lost to him, lost to time in general, and he no longer pondered her actions.

His ears twitched as he relayed her tale, and he listened attentively. He dropped the rabbit from his jaws a bit reluctantly so his eating would not cause unwanted interruption. From the sound of her voice it was a grim story. His brows furrowed a moment, just who had died, and why? She quickly apologized and admitted that she’d just needed to tell someone about it. He did not press his questions then. “I am sorry for your loss, but you are not the only one.” He consoled. “Our way of life is hard. Ever since the humans died off things have become far more complicated.” He rose to all fours. “I lost someone very dear to me.” He confessed, his voice quiet, but strangely calm. Accepting his brothers death had taken him a very long time, but he had other brothers now, which made the task much simpler. The tale was no longer so hard to tell. “My brother was murdered when I was a pup. To this day I don’t know why or who could have done that to him.” He shrugged. “This pack helped me far more than I could have ever hoped. They gave me purpose, and so many new brothers to care for. I’m sure it can do the same for you.”

He nudged her briefly, poking his nose at her slender shoulder. He drew away quickly, careful not to give the wrong impression. “There’s nothing to apologize for.” He reassured. “We are family.” He was almost certain that the female had much to learn when it came to pack life, and he didn’t think he’d serve as a great teacher, but, through actions he hoped he could tutor her. “Insomnia, have you ever been in a pack like this before?” He questioned idly, truly curious. He didn’t wish to upset her, so he spoke mildly. He was anxious to know whether it was just her naivety that caused her to react to things in such a way, or perhaps her traumatic past haunted her still.

Image credit to freelancah at deviantart

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