ghosts of days gone by

Cypress · 02-19-2012, 10:59 PM

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For the thread prompt!

The sun was warm on his back as Cypress made his way back to the manor. There was still a limp in his gait. The muscle of his torn left shoulder was still tense and pulled taunt as it healed. Limiting the motion of the limb, but he refused to continuously carry it. Fearing that it would lose all of it’s strength if he did not use the injured leg at all.

The fur of his legs and belly clumped as the wet hairs clung to their neighbors. Speckled and splattered with mud. His hunt had been unsuccessful. None of his hunts since the incident had been successful and he knew the chance were slim, but gone were the days when he was happy to simply lay around in the sun without a care in the world. He had been idle too long already since his injuries and so the tree prince felt he had to at least try. To keep his skills sharp, if nothing else so that when his shoulder did finally fully heal he wouldn’t be completely useless.

Reaching Haven Manor, Cypress did the best he could to shake the water and mud from his limbs, but inevitably he left large muddy tracks as he made his way the fireplace in the living room. It was quiet that afternoon, as it often seemed to be anymore. In truth, Cypress had thought little about their dwindling numbers until the meeting that Savina had called. Laying down in front of the fire, he licked at his paws wondering why it was so many had left them. Had they all thought the same as the doggish male that had been expelled during the meeting? And what had happened to the rest of his family? That day their had only been Mars and his daughter. Though hadn’t really known either of them, least of all Mars, he had met his daughter once. At least he was pretty sure it had been her and her brother than had been with the dog that had taught him a little about pottery. Cyrstalle, wasn’t it?

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Oak · 02-23-2012, 11:56 AM

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Oak sat, listening to his mother’s words as she spoke. Her tone was soft, and filled with underlining praise. He had done well, hunting for the pack and patrolling the boarders. The red toned boy couldn’t help but smile as she dismissed him and asked for him to take the time to visit the village in the next day or so. It was to look for the exiled male and his family, though she had not spoken it aloud. They all knew what it meant for Savina to dismiss a member, and they had all seem that he deserved it. Oak padded out the doorway, using his nose to close it slightly, for Anu needed her privacy and rest. Though he thought his mother an elder of the pack, her mind was sharp and her reflexes as quick as ever. What he didn’t know was that underestimating her would get him in trouble one day.

He took the stair quietly, and the scent of wet wolf caught his nose instantly. Oak shook out his coat, almost hoping to expel the scent from his own. But it remained, and he followed it until he saw his brother layout out before the fireplace. It had been some time since the two had had time alone, Oak found himself wandering around with the other Dreamers and roaming beyond the pack lands often. Cypress, is it raining? He teased, looking at the dirtied coat of his kin, a smile on his face. He was only teasing, rather then being harsh and judgmental. They both knew that it was not the elements that had gotten the darker brother so gross.

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Cypress · 02-26-2012, 07:55 PM

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Dark ears perked and swiveled to follow the soft, near silent padding of paws on the wooden staircase of the manor. All the while the wolf never paused from his grooming, pulling a small clump of mud from between his toes with teeth. His legs and belly splattered with a muddy slurry that resulted from the melting of snow and ice.

He froze for an instant as the teasing tones of his brother’s voice reached his ears. The deep gravelly beginnings of a playful growl rumbled in his chest as Cypress gave his foreleg one last lick before his water gazed turned to the dark red frame of his kin. There was a smirk on his scarred face. ”Never known it to rain from the ground up.” He laughed. Rolling over, Cypress revealed the lighter hues of his tawny belly. The shaggy winter fur clinging together in damp, muddy clumps.

Rolling back to his belly, some of the playful, humored look left Cypress’ face. ”Just been out hunting.” His shoulder still hindered his movement and he had yet to reclaim his speed and grace. He wondered if the limb would ever work like it once had. ”Or trying to.” He tried not to let show just how useless his failed attempts were beginning to make him feel.

"What are you up to?" He asked trying to change the subject.

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Oak · 02-28-2012, 11:38 AM

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Oak had heard of the brother’s run in with the lion, but he had yet to see the scar that ran along his face because of it. It was a bit of a shock, for Cypress had looked a certain way since Oak’s eyes had opened to show their never changing blue hue. He did not show his surprise for the line, and simply lowered his rump to the ground and continued to jest with the tawny and mud hued male. Cypress moved to his side, midline exposed and Oak gave a wag of his tail as he spoke of his unsuccessful hunt. Oak had been lucky, bringing in doe and buck. The mild winter had kept them strong, but they were plentiful as well.

They run off at the sight of you, no doubt. Oak teased, smiling widely. Unlike his brute of a brother Oak was commonly clean and un-matted, face handsome with no scaring. But pride could come from history battle scars as well as primp looks. He shook his head, Just speaking with Mother, she worries for you… and she wants patrols around the village. the first half was another bit of a stretch on the truth; Anu had only mentioned Cypress in passing. But the second was honest to the true worth of her words.

Your in no shape for that though. Lion killers need their rest. Oak spoke as he let his front paws slide along the hard wood and felt his chest fall press against the cold floor.

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Cypress · 03-14-2012, 01:52 PM

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Cypress was starting to get used to the surprised looks from others as they caught sight of the scars over his eye. It was understandable, though he wondered how different he truly looked. The scarred lines across his face were something he still had yet
to see for himself. The bright lines of freshly healed skin were visible to him only on his shoulder and even then he could not see the full extent of the marrings. Part of them hidden from his vision as they curled around his shoulder
and edged into the flesh of his chest. The reflective surface of the lake had been lost to the ice sheet that currently covered its entirety. He would likely have to wait until the spring thaw to get a good look at his new scars, when his reflection would
show in the rippling waters. Oh how his cabin fever longed for a day when he could once again sit along the open waters of the lake.

"Hmph." A disgruntled huff came for the agouti male at his brother's teasing comment as he feigned hurt feelings at the words. Still, his blue eyes danced with laughter and as portals to the soul they were
the only evidence that Oak's words had done no harm. Such was the game they often played. "Perhaps a few more scars is what I need then. Then I can just scare them right to death." His maw split in a large, toothy grin to match Oak's own.

The laughter died away and a more serious look settled over Cypress' features. "Momma shouldn't be worrying about me." He said softly. "It's all healing as well as can be expected." Indeed, his injuries were healing quite
well, but it was taking longer than Cypress had hoped it would. Still, Cambria seemed confident that in time the soreness and stiffness of the limb would go away and leave him almost as good as new. He hoped she was right.

Patrols of the village? At first that made no sense at all to Cypress' and his brow knitted in confusion as he looked up at his brother, though not before he rolled his eyes at being called a lion killer. Why would mother want them to spend time patroling the village? It wasn't as if it sat right upon their border. But then he remembered. "Oh, that Mars fellow?" He asked, though he found it doubtful that the patchwork male and his daughter were still around. He was stupid if he was. "Wasn't there others with him before? Besides just the girl." Cypress distinctly remembered the tailless dog woman he had last summer, but it seemed she had simply vanished. Perhaps dogs simply didn't know loyalty to family or pack. He really didn't know what else to make of the situation.

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Oak · 03-20-2012, 01:03 PM

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Banter between them was something that the two brothers reserved for one another. Oak had always thought Alder too sensitive to manage such teasing, and wouldn’t have said such a thing to him. But Cypress was strong, not just in body but in emotion as well. When he spoke Oak felt the roll of a chuckle enter his shoulders. Cypress would still be himself regardless of what he looked like, he was lucky to be alive just as he was looked upon with pride for his actions in saving their mother. Those scars would remind them all of his honor… Though for the moment Oak felt far more lighthearted then that.

She will always worry for you. Her smallest pup What Oak did not tell him was how her pride her him had tripled after the incident.

Oak nodded his head to answer the first question and then shook it at the second. I don’t know. But I’ll soon find out if there is anyone there. Oak frowned at the thought of Mars. Though they were done a member he still thought that they were stronger without him and his family. The balance of the pack was restored. They all knew who the leaders were, and they did not need to question if they could trust a pack member or not. I’ll tear him up if he’s there. Oak said, though a yawn cut off his last syllables and expressed his real desire. A nap.

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Cypress · 04-19-2012, 12:35 PM

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why so wordy o.O idk but this seems to have hit the wrap up soon point?

Another huff followed Oak's words. This time his brother had hit a true nerve, but Cyp did his best to hide it behind a light laugh and a shake of his head knowing that Oak had not meant
it that way. After all, he could hardly deny that he was the smallest of his brothers. He had not been blessed with the large frame that came from the prior generations in their maternal bloodline. Instead he had been crafted from the genes of their sire.
All but the blue of his eyes. For the longest time he had thought that his smaller stature had left more for him to prove of himself and that he had been born less than equal to his brothers. Only now was he beginning to realize that to escape their shadows
all he had to do was be himself and follow his own path into the light rather than chasing the heels of others.

While Anu might worry for him, Cypress was sure that he garnered no special attention or thoughts from his mother that was not intended for all her sons. If he had learned one thing, it was that their mother
did not play favorites, but had simply known from the beginning that each of her sons would require her love in a different way. Just as the many different blooms in her garden.

A light frown had settled over Cypress face as he pondered upon Mars and his family. The scarred lines across one side of his face made the expression seem all the more grim as he nodded in acknowledgement of his brothers
words. He wondered if there was some fundamental difference in those with dog blood. After what he had witness from Mars just prior to his banishment he couldn't help but think that there must be. After all, Mars had made no effort to be a part of the pack,
to earn the trust and respect of his pack mates, and become a part of Crimson Dreams family structure. Instead he had tried to place all the blame on Savina and the rest of the pack by accusing them of not caring about him or his. Eventually
in train of thought would bring him back around to his time in Inferni and he would realize his error in judgment. It was not a flaw in blood, but of character, but it would take time for him to reach such a conclusion.

Stop that. Cypress spoke, though his own words were distorted by a yawn that split his maw wide and made his eyes water. See what you started? It was so easy to be becoming drowse in front of the fire. Even though
his fur was still damp, but the warmth of the fire had taken away it's chill and now that Oak had him yawning it felt as if a nap was only a few minutes away from closed eyes. If your going now, you might wanna get a move on. Wouldn't want
Mother to find you sleeping on the job, would we? Another playful jab of words, but there was sleepy look behind the laughter.

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Oak · 04-23-2012, 02:03 PM

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A dreary day was the best for a nap, Oak thought as he watched his brother yawn and then give his retort. But there was hunt that he needed to go on, and though it was not for his normal prey he still felt it important to track and catch. If there was anything to catch.

Oak did not, of course, want his mother to find out that he had indeed taken a nap rather then do as she asked. It was not a wrath that he worried about, but the russet male desired to please her. She asked little of them, when everything was looked upon in retrospect. To be honest and watch over the pack, that was truly all.

The tree named boy rose, stretching his limbs and nodded. Of course not, though I could say I was just trying to nurse you back to health. He gave the black and tanned male a laugh and then took a few steps around the laying wolf. He began to walk away, but paused and turned his head to see Cypress’ face. Heal fast brother. He added, a final true word of genuine concern and hope for his kin before he headed for the door.

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