OOC- backdated oct 3rd, First Frost Festival, all welcome, not just for pack members. 
The first frost had come and along with it the signs of the oncoming winter. The Matriarch of the pack had just finished setting the flames a licking on the bonfire and the fruits of the pack's labors were exposed beneith the twilight sky. They had worked together to bring down the beast and later Iskata herself had had luck with catching her own, though she was surprised that she'd become any good with the bow and arrows that Hel had begun to show her how to use. She'd considered it luck but perhaps that was what the pack was going to need to get through the coming seasons.
The dancing light from the fires scattered across her pelt as she tilted her head back and called for those family and friend to join the pack together to celebrate the final days of warmth as the world turned over towards the chillier cast. The brisk air and scent on the breeze teased of snow though the Matriarch ignored the warning, she'd seen it so many times before, early scattered flakes on the wind to make the world think that dark times were ahead. She would take the bad with the good, they had prepaired and the harvest was grand. The lifestock would grow plump in the lean times and the pack would dine on their herd if need be. The woman didn't see the need to come so quickly to dive into slaughter of the herd but no one could forecast the future.
She had wrapped a soft thick wool blanket around herself as she perched on one of the large logs that had been rolled out to the clearing, her eyes dancing along with the flames of the fire as she smiled to herself. Her fingers traced along the pulge of her belly as she sighed, knowing that within the next moon she would be bringing another litter into the world but she was content in this, there was nothing but love from the matriarch for her unborn brood. With the crackling fire before her she closed her eyes and waited for those near and far to come join Phoenix Valley for the night of festivals.
This was the first the Shaman had exited her house since Lucifer had left her that note. He'd been on her porch, and she hadn't known it. Hadn't known her beloved knew how to write. She knew, too late, that she had fallen for him again, and his exiting her life hurt. She understood that he wanted to find his father, it just didn't stp the hurt. She'd thought they could make a go at it again, but obviously she was wrong.
She approached the bonfire slowly, a half smile on her face. She'd noticed Iskata's pregnancy at the hunt, but hadn't really questioned her about it. She sat down next to the Matriarch, her eyes travelling over her belly. She smiled softly. "Congratulations, Iskata." It made the mother wistful, thinking of the times when Iskata and Phoenix had been mates, back before the old lands had burned. It had been so long ago, but here they were rising from the ashes of their past. She'd once been pained that Iskata had been carrying Phoenix's pups. Now she was pained that these weren't Phoenix's pups. But at least her friend had moved on. That was good.
Deuce wondered if she would ever really move on. Would she forever carry a torch for Lucifer? She couldn't say, really. She'd hated him, then loved him, then hated again. Now she was at a bitter-sweet moment where she loved him and missed him, and knew she'd done wrong. If only she could tell him that. Her gaze returned to the fire, a wistful look flickering deep in her eyes, reflecting the light of the fire. What she wanted would burn her too. She couldn't afford that.
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Hi! :B
wc390
An ear flicked upright at the familiar cry as its sound danced with the slight breeze, and the dozing hybrid's head lifted from the ground. He glanced from side to side, somewhat confused for a moment--what was that sound? Damn, he made a better loner than he did a packmate. The poor gimp could hardly tell a good howl from a bad one at that point, finding the whole process still a bit complicated and confusing, but assumed the voice to be one of gathering, and with a disgruntled sigh he climbed painfully to his three legs and was off, limping his way through the frosty winds. It was funny, how much colder it seemed when he lacked the meat on his bones, though the road to regaining his full health had been started weeks past. The improvement was clear, and Jefferson himself was already beginning to reap the benefits. The loyalty he found for the pack, wherever it had come from, was his unconscious way of somehow paying them back. As he shuddered in the wind, he hoped his instincts on the howl were correct, and he was not limping his way into some sort of disaster. Though, even if he was, he would never have run from it.
Unfortunately, the howl was a bit bittersweet. He viewed the fire's glow from a distance and picked up his speed, anxious to be comforted from the cold a while, and was a bit more delighted to see Iskata as well, being that she was one of very few that he'd actually befriended in his own pack. When he grew closer, his tail raised into the air optimistically, and his raspy, sarcastic voice crawled from his throat. "I didn't know ritual sacrifices were part of the pack's tradition," he joked, rolling his shoulders as he limper closer, but froze mid-step when his eye laid upon the white wolfess through the flames. He'd only "met" her once, but for some reason, would not mistake that face for anyone. His eye rolled and he immediately backed off, with a sigh and groan: "Oh, great. Nevermind." Jefferson, apparently, had to unconsciously defend his title of having no self-restraint when it came to others. This in mind, had he had time to actually look at Iskata, the topic of pregnancy probably would have come up.
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Iskata hadn't really been surprised that Deuce had come so suddenly to the call, the two of them had tried to be at every gathering and along for every hunt and meeting. The leaders of the pack were busy with their own business for the most part but together the work they did was part of what kept the pack running, perhaps not as smoothly as could be, but running none the less. She wrapped the blanket around her frame even tighter when Deuce spoke those few little words as a sheepish grin spread upon the muzzle of the Matriarch. She had wanted to keep the obvious a secret for as long as possible but it wasn't as easy in this form as it would have been in her lupine form.
She still felt a tinge of guilt at the thought that the children were not Phoenix's, yet there was a dark side to the woman that was glad. She knew that more than anything seeing the litter that wasn't of his blood would show him that he'd hurt her beyond repair.. and no matter who the father the litter would be loved within the packlands... even if Deuce would probably not believe whom Iskata had turned to as a lover. She rubbed her belly happily as she sighed. "We need little paws getting into trouble around here.." Her words were sad in thought of Hel's lost litter but here they had another to look forward to.. and one she had a feeling would be nothing but a handful.
She motioned for Deuce to join her perched by the fire when a sharp voice seemed to draw from the flames as amusement lit her eyes. She recognized Jefferson's teasing voice as he called out his sarcastic greeting. "Only the best of the gimpy ones are sacraficed at our festivals!"She'd already thrown out an equally silly reply before she'd realized that his happy go lucky look had fallen so quickly with the spying of the other council member. She coughed lightly before looking from one figure to the other. Deuce would have known by now that someone had accepted the halfbred sickly male into the pack, Iskata wasn't about to become cowardly by the choices she made.
Turning her sun shot eyes to Deuce she spoke up, "Deuce, this is Jefferson.. I think you've already met.." There was warning in her voice, already knowing how Deuce felt of halfbreeds and coyotes, yet Iskata herself had been thrown to the mercy of their kind and treated unkindly.. yet she didn't hold it against every soul she'd met since. She turned her eyes back to Jefferson as she smiled kindly. "Jefferson has shown his worth in weight.. of course, not his weight, we're still working on that." She teased before motioning the male to join her on the opposite side of where Deuce was residing. "I think we have a thing or two we have to work on here.." she said seriously, though her tone still light and kind.
She smiled at Isk's whimsial statement. Little paws, yes. She missed Taliesnin's little paws, and Noahs too. The boys were growing up. She rarely saw them. A voice sounded, and her ears flattened slightly. Iskata's tone and look didn't go unnoticed, and Deuce let the anger fade from her posture. She met Jefferson's one eyed gaze with her bi-colored gaze.
Her voice was somewhat cool when she spoke, but not hateful. "Greetings, jefferson. You look well." This was a pack meeting, and she wouldn't let her hatred towards halfbreeds stand in the way. Not when Iskata went behnd her back and accepted them. An ear flicked dismissively, and a warm smile spread across her face as her gaze slid behind him. Taliesin was bounding across the space, beaming at his mother.
Mother and son embraced, then she let him greet Iskata and Jefferson. Taliesin didn't fear much, or anything that the mother knew of. it was strange sometimes.
OOC: Hope Jazz counts as family ;p
IC:
The night was silent and safe to the soon to be year old male. With his birthday just around the corner and winter soon to hit he had taken it apon himself to go and visit his mother. Anu had informed his that she still resided in Phoenix Valley which lay east of Halifax. It was quite the journey for some but, for the luperci it was a mere weekend trip for he often traveled to Halifax. Ever since he had confessed to Pilot his insecurities of family he had felt better about his life. Of course he had also had a run in with Lucifer and been scolded for his disrespect. Jazper Rhainnon was no fool though and an apology goes far between father and son. As he approched what he presumed to be the packs boarders a howl rang threw the night, an open invitation for a festival of sorts. Quickly he started on.
The cool night breeze would soon become a problem as winter aproched and for now the wolf was covered by a brown cloak heavy of grizzly bear fur. A few weeks past he had come across the dead bear and skinned it sure he could make something of use with the cold winter ahead. Sure enough he had cut and prepared a fine hooded cloak out of it. For now he walked threw the territory, a cloaked figure. His leather knife belt clung to his hips decorated by a small carving knive and a small red handled sword protected also within leather. Around his neck hung his silver flask half empty with red wine from the trip. The smell of fire filled his nose as he approched the small group of wolves, half familiar to him. Large hands reached up as he lowered his hood revealing his large figure entierly along side his golden eyes which seemed to be like stars in the cool night sky. "Mom, Tal?" He whispered. It had been to long for the boy. He moved forward and embraced his mother with a bearhug and a goofy smile and reaching over to his little brother to pat him on the head, "'Fraid you probably don't remember me lad." It was a strange thing, Jazper's accent. As he grew older his vocie seemed to grow into the thicker Scottish accent his father had possesed. Maybe it was all of his dreams about his dad that had caused this new occurance. His voice grew thick with it when his emotions were at their exstreams. While in normal day to day life it was hardly noticable except for the odd word.
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OOC: The Child Of The Tundra is here.
Well, I'll have a go at this.
Note: I'm not doing Word Count in this.
IC: HERE HIS CRY
The night was cold and silent. The wind blew softly through the trees near by. The sow white wolf was looking forward to this bonfire that he heard was happening tonight. As far as he knew, it was a First Frost Festival, meaning that winter was nigh. Pendzez wished winter was here already as it was his most favorite season of the year. With the Festival in question, the fruits of the pack's harvesting labour was going to be there. He wasn't sure why, he never attended one of these things before. What he used to do was go out and bring back enough food that would last the whole winter. However, water wasn't necessary for storing for winter. All he did was go out and get a drink. Today, however, was different from he used to do. Well, he had to do what the pack does.
He saw a pile of stick lit up by fire, crackling and burning away. There, he saw a group of wolves gathered around. He saw Iskata, Deuce, Jefferson, and another wolf, who he hadn't met before. Well, he didn't knew the whole pack overnight. He would probably met them like one at a time. This wolf, however, look sort of identical to Deuce. The dark pelted wolf was probably related to Deuce, mabye mother and child. Either way, still would be nice to say hello, get to know him, be friends probably. By the look, Pendzez would say that the other wolf was about his age, mabye one or two months older, or younger.
Pendzez took a breath as he made sure his spear was still holding on his back. The spear was eight feet long. Through light, it's powerful. The handle itself is made with the toughest wood know on the planet. The tip of the handle where it meets the spear head has a some whit ropestring tied on tightly. The head itself is made with the most thoughest of all metals known. It was geyish at first, but recoloured into white. The same with the handle. That's how it earned the name 'Icicle Shard.' Pendzez had experiences with spears like this. It was his fathers. Actually, it was an ancient spear, handed down every Zazkex generation, and Pendzez was next in line to receive it. It was the last gift his father gave him before he died.
Once he had everything set, he started wonder into the group. He past the houses that were present until he was with the group. "Hey there. Sorry I'm late." Pendzez spoke normal and calm as he looked from Iskata to Deuce to Jeffers to Jazper. He turned his head to the food gathered by the pack, then back to the group.
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Iskata smiled as Deuce finally greeted Jefferson, she knew that it had hurt her friend that she'd accepted the male in spite of everything but she knew if she gave the two time then hopefully some sort of friendship, or atleast respect would blossom. The woman didn't wait to see how things would pan out at the moment, she just turned her eyes towards Jefferson for a second in time, pleading for him to let grudges settle in the past and to start afresh while they had the time to consider such luxuries.
Almost instantly it seemed that Deuce's happy go lucky son had burst into the clearing and Iskata smiled. The boy was growing fast and would soon be ready to take on a stronger role within the pack, she and Deuce had decided to let him play and season a bit before letting the duties of the pack weigh him down.. they were woman and sentimental like that. She nodded towards the youngster as she greeted him. "Goodevening Tal, having fun?" She hoped that he would and she hoped that their families and friends would come from the lands beyond to celebrate as well. This wasn't a time to be alone and she meant that for more than just her packmates, no one deserved to be alone.
It seemed that while she was greeting the youngster that two more youthful boys joined the crowd around the bonfire. She smiled at Deuce's adopted boy and the young packmember as they settled in. Iskata was glad to see that atleast others from afar didn't think they had to stay home all the time. Phoenix Valley was home to the pack, but they understood that family didn't stop at the edge of the pack territories. She had many family members spread across the lands, some in packs, some not. She did tend to miss them from time to time.. but she wondered if they missed her. "Welcome boys" she greeted warmly as she gestured towards the harvest that they had to share. Between the hunt and the lifestock and other gatherings she knew they would fair well this winter.. she just hoped they wouldn't need to fair too well. The nip in the air was coming early this year.
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Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I was thinking to post after Deuce, and then never saw her reply till now! >_< wc304
escape is never the safest path
Jefferson's scowl only lengthened at the sound of Deuce's voice; her eyes were affixed on him peacefully, but the gimpy male wasn't dumb. It seemed her self-restraint ran thin some, as it seemed she her character was as legible as a book. She was displeased with his presence. Evidently, she had never heard the news of his acceptance through Iskata just minutes after the white female had pranced off and left the dying creature on the borders in his emaciated misery--the sheer thought of it thinned his eye as it stared rather bitterly at her. He was not the unforgiving type, but he had his exceptions. She had been unfairly cruel, even if he had collapsed there on Phoenix Valley lands by mistake--had Iskata not allowed him to stay and regain his health, his days would have ceased many moons before. An ear twitched, and his mind wandered further.
The two newcomers came primarily unnoticed, even the white-furred male he'd lectured some time before. It had been days, weeks since Pendzez had met his sight--why was that? Perhaps Jefferson still did not understand the structure and ongoings of packs, but thought little of it. The black male, however, was ignored altogether. His mind remained affixed on the newly-relinquished memories of his entrance into Phoenix Valley, though he could let bygones be bygones... for now. If the white-furred female and he were to cross paths at a later time, well... he didn't know what would result. She hated his blood, and he hated her guts. That was about all there was to say about it--and if other members had not been there, he would have made that pretty clearly known... surely Iskata had realized that by now. His thoughts yielded to none. For now, though, the hybrid strayed his eye and kept his trap shut.
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It's okay. There doesn't seem to be much of a posting order anyways. LOL
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More came, and Deuce rejoiced. Her family was coming back together, though slowly. Jazper was here now, and Deuce greeted him warmly. Jazz's accent was new to her, though she supposed he might have picked it up from Lucifer, who occasionally exhibited his own father's accent. Taliesin pranced around his older brother excitedly, then wandered off to investigate Pendzez.
Though the pack wasn't all here, this small gathering was growing, and it made the Shaman warm inside. Family was everyhting to the femme, and the pack was a return to family ways, the way Syemv had once been for her. Life was good.
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By now, you should've somehow realized what you gotta do!
As a white male entered the vasinity he nodded his hello and returned to him mom. He flashed her a smile as he gave her another hug and watched his little brother. Jazper was overjoyed that Tal remembered him. Leaning in he whisperd, "I have a lot to tell you mom. I'll stop by later on to talk to you about it but, for now let's just have a good time." For now he took his mothers hand and pulled her towards the other fay that had greeted them. Exstending a large paw he introduced himself, "Jazper Rhiannon at your service mam. Sorry to intrude on your celebration."
He had not ment to walk in on a pack event but, never the less he was glade to be accepted with the others.
His golden ords where bright against the black fur and sky as he looked from his mom to the other alpha figure both seemed breakable to him but, tonight carried a secret on his shoulders. A secret his mother would not like and now it seemed stupid to tell her infront of all these wolves. He could picture her reaction when she found out he was falling in love with a coyote. He didn't even knwo her last name! Yet, Garnet had become so much to him ofer the past few weeks. Her giggles, snorts, smiles and jokes. He didn't care if she was once an Inferni member, she had run form them for her own reasons and now they saw eachtoher often. Neither had met eachother's family, neither cared as long as they were having fun and being themselves.
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Pendzez looked again as Jazper nodded in a reply hello. He accepted the welcomings of Iskata and Deuce. A young wolf said hello by coming up to Pendzez. The snow white wolf looked at him and smiled. "Hello there" He looked up again to the small group that was assembled together. He happed to know that Jeffers was looking at hi, quickly then looked away. Pendzez knew that Jefferson was still disappointed with what the white boy said. Pendzez was over that and Jeffers still wasn't? Well, what would he do.
Pendzez walked over to Jeffers, coming up beside him, saying, "Hey Jeffers." Pendzez looked down at the ground then back up to the hybrid. "Look, you're right. I should find something to live for. And I'm sorry about saying that I didn't." Pendzez drew out his hand, hoping that the hybrid would shake as prove that he accepted Pendzez's apology. "We can still be friends, right? As long that you don't be a bit grouchy now and then." Pendzez gave a little giggle of humor. Well, Jeffers was grouchy sometimes, sometimes acting like he doesn't give a damn. Mabye it was some of his habits. Can't argue with that.
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Iskata smiled at the family that seemed to surround Deuce. She was happy that the woman had so many children and relatives that were so close. She too knew her family was close, but they weren't /close/ where it counted in her heart. She shook her head softly for a moment before giving in and just pushing away those thoughts that might sour the evening. She chuckled as Jasper apologized for interupting but she just smiled and excused his apology. "Jazper, this was meant for family as well as our own pack. You're welcome to enjoy the night with those you love." She just wished that she could do the same thing, except she knew that she was. Each and every packmember was family to her in some way and she cared about them all, dispite their quirks and habits.
A smirk seemed to spread across her maw as she'd turned away as Jazper went to join his family and her eyes and ears turned towards the others gathered there, overhearing the words that the young member spoke to Jefferson, she raised a brow towards the scarred up male, wondering just what in the world that was all about but knowing that atleast whatever had been between the two was somewhat settled. It was always best when things were peaceful.. she could raise a toast to that time and time again.
Everyone seemed to settle in as she rose up from her spot to gaze about the gathering before speaking. "I'm glad to see you all here.." she said softly as her eyes moved over the forms of friends and family alike. "Deuce and I just wanted to celebrate the First Frost harvest festival with those who we value and love. Each and everyone of you is important to us. Tonight is a night to share the profit of the harvest and just a reminder of how strong we'll have to be with the coming winter." She smiled at her co-leader as she ened the short speech with the truth. "Together we stay strong, divided we struggle.." She nodded towards the gathering and extended her arms towards the feast that sat waiting for the wolves to enjoy. She enjoyed the closeness that they seemed to hold today, if only it was for a fleeting moment...
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wc294
escape is never the safest path
His thoughts wandered. It was inevitable, but the fire sparked a sort of unseen inspiration at thought. It was once of few moments that he had to relax, but for some reason, his muscles seemed perpetually poised and at the ready, as if there was a feeling of dread crawling within his bones. His green eye gazed idly into the fire for some time, racing mind again returning to musings about what Laruku had spoke of--his identity, his parents, his home--and how he wondered what it was that happened to this Maluki Soul. Had he changed since then? He didn't know. This Maluki was hardly more than a past-life he would never be able to remember; even his home had been ravaged by fire. No one could say what had happened to his father. His mother was creeping around somewhere, or so he'd heard. Chances were, unfortunately, that they were getting old. Death could have grabbed them at any instant. The hybrid wasn't sure whether to... Pendzez?
Jefferson looked one-eyed at the white male quietly as he went off on some misguided, run-on apology. Something about their past conversation, most of which had unconsciously slipped the hybrid's mind by that point, but decided to leave that unsaid. He might have stopped himself from giving Pendzez a relatively strange look had he noticed he was doing it, but instead the hybrid shook his head and shrugged. "No hard feelings, kid. I don't really care if you listen to what I said or not." The brute did crack a small, roguish smile. "No changing the grumpiness, though. Tough luck." He gave the yearling an approving and dismissing nod, before his ears flicked toward the matriarch and quietly focused away from his thoughts and into actual conversation.
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