Your land, My land, Our land

Marik · 01-05-2010, 02:33 PM

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©table code and image to jacoby; 1224 words; Prompt #1 & #6; Put this here to refer to the different types of snares;You don't have to mirror I'm just trying to make up for having to work and not being able to do posts for those hours away.

The proclamation of what they were on the eve of hadn’t any real effect on Marik except to send him researching. He wasn’t a fighter but that wasn’t to say that he wouldn’t help out. He would do his part even if he didn’t know these coyotes. He had discussed with his brother what would be best to use. Marik had wanted to use pits but the ground was frozen and couldn’t be dug out. Cotl had pretty much affirmed that snares were the only way to go. They could add in pits in the spring when the ground thawed out. It didn’t matter if they would still be at war at that time or not. It could always be a preventive measure for the next time something happened. After all it was no secret how wolves felt about them. No secret that they were outnumbered by those said wolves too. But they all couldn’t be bad. Like coyotes really weren’t that bad. It was all a bunch of misconceptions and no one taking the time to understand each other. But that wasn’t to say that Marik was about to become a vigilante for unity now. Personally he didn’t care one way or another. He wasn’t prejudiced and that was enough for him. He wasn’t about to try and sway other people’s thoughts. Everyone was entitled to their own opinions. At least that was how he saw things. Let people live their lives how they wanted to. But then that concept could come from his own having to be stifled while around his parents. It could be why he acted shamelessly now that he was out from under their rule. Really now, he had to explain away all of his tattoos and piercings as having been marks of a warrior. Perhaps in some culture it was true but it wasn’t what his Meister had told him as he had told his parents that the older coyote had. It was a lie but oh well. It was one that had to be told if he was going to continue to see his brother. He was pretty sure that Cotl knew he lied to their parents all of the time. If he hadn’t then he would have been shunned for his excursions. He would have been banned from ever seeing Cotl again. How was it possible that their own parents thought that their own child was a bad influence. That he was going to corrupt the rest of his litter? Marik didn’t believe it and it showed in his frequent visits to his slightly older brother. In how he had left Germany without a word to find him when he had gotten the note that his brother had taken off for Canada. So he was here for his admiration of his brother being able to be just who he was.

The hybrid yawned and paused in his steps. He had been working without a break for awhile. Being the small thing that he was he was able to get into the low places that might have otherwise been overlooked. Currently he was in the forest and checking over a snare that he had just set. He didn’t have previous knowledge with them. He had borrowed his brother’s manual though. Cotl was used to trap hunting and so Marik figured he didn’t need it right now. And if he did then oh well, Cotl should have came out with him instead of running off with someone else. Marik might not outwardly show it but he felt out of place here. His brother didn’t need him like he had in Germany. Cotl had replaced him. It was a constant thought to plague him and made him want to turn tail and head back to Germany. But he had promised his brother that he wouldn’t leave him. The small boy sighed and blew a few strands of hair from his face. He would have to get his hair trimmed down again. But that was a concern for later.

Bi-colored eyes stared at the simple snare that he had set. The coyote had found rope in the mansion to use as well as some vines in the forest. He didn’t want things to look out of place after all. Not that it would with the way that he had set it up. Or at least not from the side that he intended for it to be entered upon. He had chosen a place where undergrowth opened up into a clear path. But pushing through the underbrush one wouldn’t notice the trap since Marik had set it to blend in with the surroundings about it. He figured that it would work well enough. That one pushing through the growth would get entangled in it and held into place. Though it would have been better should his brother had been here to inspect it. Marik had never tried to trap large game before. He had never taken part in war. Had never even considered it before. Eh, he would just have to find Cotl and see if he thought that it would work. As well as the drag nooses that had become placed at areas that could serve as entrances and exits for the forests. For now he left a small pile of rocks at each point that he had laid a trap so that they could be found by a clan member and not be set off. It was a rudimentary form of marking and something better, more distinct yet less obvious, would have to be done. But again that might be something he would have to speak with his brother about. But for now the rocks would serve their purpose until something else could be figured out.

Marik grabbed the manual and left the forest. He half paid attention to where he was going as he studied the written words. He was walking the borders and studying the illustrations, trying to figuring out what would be best to be used where. He wanted to cover absolutely everything. He didn’t want to leave a single place unguarded. But that was who he was. He liked things to be fail proof. Not that it could actually happen like that all of the time. But at least the hybrid could make sure that the bases were covered at least. He frowned as he looked over the lethal traps. They could work but they would be too dangerous to set so early. Especially with not telling anyone where they were. It was something else that would have to be discussed. But if they were set up along the borders to the land it could help to limit how many actually got in. Limit how many got to the snares that he had set up. It was a thought and therefore couldn’t be completely discarded. Marik wasn’t one for violence outside of the bedroom but he also didn’t do things half heartedly. He always put forth his best effort in all that he did even if he didn’t agree with it exactly. How else had he become his parents’s golden boy? If there had been things to inherit then those rights would have gone to Marik over Cotl even with Cotl being the oldest. The younger son was just favored that was all it was.

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Gabriel de le Poer · 01-05-2010, 03:55 PM

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Word Count: 375

In Character

There had been no preemptive strike against them, no mass attack as there had been the previous year. This did not mean it would not come; Gabriel did not doubt that Haku would amass his followers soon. They’d come after Inferni again and try and strike at their weakest point—attack their women, and the only child the clan had under its wing. Mason was close to being an adult, but he was still a child in Gabriel’s eyes. It would destroy him if Mason and any of their females were found in the same state as the proclamation from last year. He would not let that happen, and made a point to stalk the borders almost obbessively. Though he had many other eyes, as made apparent by the tracks in the snow (Anselm’s mostly, but the hooves of Cotl’s horse as well), it was soothing for the amber-eyed Aquila to make his rounds and be doubly sure that no part of the borders was left unprotected, left unseen. Inferni would be safe, and prepared.

A familiar scent came rushing towards him, and Gabriel’s ears swiveled forward, looking for a source. Not five minutes later did he find it—though this was not Cotl, as he expected, the man looked remarkably similar to him (tattoos and all) and their scents were nearly identical. No doubt they were close, or related, and likely, his mother had been the one to accept the boy. It helped settle Gabriel’s mind a little, knowing that their numbers were growing. More so, growing with adult males that would give them the strength they needed in times like these. Approaching downwind, Gabriel let out a short bark to announce his presence, and quickened his approach in order to come to the hybrid’s side. Though in lupus form, as always, Gabriel’s body language spoke his authority well enough—he felt nothing peculiar about having to look up to the much taller Optime.

“I didn’t catch your name before,” he said, rather then an unnecessary greeting. He recalled seeing the stranger staying next to Cotl, and now found their eyes were the same peculiar colors. They had to be related; Gabriel figured that this would be made apparent when the boy explained himself.

Marik · 01-16-2010, 10:30 PM

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©table code and image to jacoby; 1103 words

He would probably still have Cotl’s scent clinging to him. After all they continued to cuddle in the same bed night after night. The boys would huddle together to keep each other warm during the winter. It was just their thing. And honestly there weren’t things going on beneath the surface as most would imagine. Their relationship was that regular old platonic brotherly kind. It was just that Marik could prove to be a bit more affectionate than most brothers could. But still there was nothing going on. Not that Cotl would ever allow for it even if Marik was open for it. But that was just Marik. He wasn’t prejudiced against anyone. He didn’t judge at all. To him everyone and everything was absolutely the same. Which was probably why war wasn’t really on the top of his list of things that he wanted to do. He didn’t have anything against anyone so he didn’t really want to fight. And let’s face it. He was short. Shorter than Cotl even. He really wasn’t that impressing of a force when even a female towered above him. Not that he had ever let his height hinder him before. It could even be said that there were some things that he was the perfect height for. Like being able to crawl around in the bushes. He could get into some of those smaller places that had to be investigated in lupus form for everyone else while he remained optime. So his height worked for him really. Though Cotl really wasn’t happy with being so short. But he and his brother differed on the view of many things. On nearly like everything actually. But still they managed to get along grandly. Sure, there were still the brotherly quarrels but that was just normal and they were always settled quickly enough after the air had been cleared.

The bark got his attention and had him looking up from his book. He glanced around briefly before he saw the coyote approaching him. He was faintly familiar from the meeting. The one that had called the meeting. And that was as far as his knowledge really went. He couldn’t recall a name but that didn’t particularly matter right now. The rank was enough for him. He nodded his head in a brief greeting before focusing on what had been said. “Marik.” Name was given in its simplest form. It hadn’t really been asked for though the words were enough of an indicator that it was wanted. And since it didn’t seem that the other was really into menial things Marik didn’t hesitate to introduce his ideas. The hybrid knelt down in order to place the book that he was looking on the ground for the other male to be able to see. “I was considering some of these to protect the border with. The construction would be simple enough. I’m more worried about concealing them so they won’t be spotted right off. And of course since they are lethal there is the worry for the clan tripping them. But if done right they could really aide in protecting the borders since it would be difficult to watch all sides at once. What do you think?” The German spoke freely, not even really taking into consideration that it was the actual leader he was speaking to. Or well he knew it was but it didn’t hinder his tongue in the slightest. He had ideas and he was going to express them while he was able to. And well, it was proving that he had been doing his research and willing to do what he could to help out even if he didn’t exactly understand why they were doing this. He might not believe in it but he wasn’t backing out.

“I was thinking that this might run long too. And I know that it is quite possibly too late to get started on such things now. Still, the future may also have to be worried about. So even if it can’t be put into effect right now I still think it is something worth considering.” Of course he realized that this could be something that only seemed like a worthwhile cause to him. And he was willing to accept that much. But it wouldn’t really hurt to put it out that for consideration, now would it? After all he wouldn’t know if it was any good or not if he didn’t end up saying something. But of course the finer details would have to be brought up with someone that had a finer working of the details that his idea would entail. That was if the leader even thought it was one worth implementing. And if so then the leader could also dictate the duties to the others in the clan seeing as he would probably know who was best suited to perform each particular job. “I noticed the gardens around the mansion. The land there seems really fertile. I was thinking we could put it to use. Not for decoration but for things we really need. We could start growing what it is that would be needed for healing purposes. But more than that I was thinking we could grow some crops. Start our own little farm. We could trap the local wildlife in the area and house them. With what is grown on the farm we could feed them. And then during winter we wouldn’t need to hunt because we would already have the animals that we have captured and raised and fattened up during the year.” He glanced up to the leader’s face to see what he thought of the vaguely laid out plan. “As I said it is most likely too late to start now but it is something to think about for the future. I know I’m new here still so I don’t know how scarce the wildlife gets as it gets colder. So really it is only something for you to think about. Whether or not you believe it will be worth the effort. Or if you even know anyone that would know more about undertaking the responsibilities.” Perhaps if he had come along during an earlier time then these could have already been implemented. Then they wouldn’t have to worry about the winter ahead. Not only was there war and having to defend themselves against any attack that might come but also they had to hunt and feed themselves. As well as tend to any that got injured. So many concerns during a time of the year that wasn’t the best for them.

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Gabriel de le Poer · 01-18-2010, 02:28 AM

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In Character

The idea of brotherly affection to Gabriel went only as far as a rough housing session. He had never been very touchy feely with any of his siblings, and had Cotl or his brother displayed such things around him (as they had at the meeting) it would seem very peculiar. Still, he was pleased to see the boy greet him with respect. Quite quickly the boy placed his book on the ground, and Gabriel shifted his body in order to be able to study what he was seeing. Marik, as his name was, spoke quickly and with the intent of explaining his idea—placing traps around the borders with the intent to kill. They certainly looked horrible—metal jaws and sharp points that would draw blood, and if triggered correctly, take lives without concern for who they were. While Gabriel certainly would be thrilled to find one of Haku’s soldiers, or Haku himself, caught in such a thing, he wondered what the repercussions would be if they accidentally killed one of their own, or worse, someone who made the mistake of crossing their borders without ill intent.

Still, there was no time for weakness in war, and his eyes narrowed sharply as he considered this. While Marik paused for a moment, his speech continued quickly, bringing up the Mansion. At this, Gabriel lifted his head, wondering just how new the boy really was. Anselm had been working for what seemed like weeks gathering his supplies, and now here came a stranger with the same idea for healing. The further suggestions for food supplies was something Gabriel had not considered, but as he thought over the idea, the militaristic gears in his mind rushed to work. Once the boy finished, the Aquila settled his weight and sunk onto his haunches, realizing they might need to talk the situation out further. “I don’t like the idea of raising food,” he said honestly, voice flat. “It leaves the possibility for sabotage wide open, and I think its best everyone hunt to keep their skills up.” Fat, lazy coyotes would do him no good. “We haven’t starved yet and I don’t think we will anytime soon. If the deer and rabbits get scarce, there’s goats up on the mountain. They’re tough little bastards, but there’s a lot of them, and the wolves don’t ever go up there.”

Gabriel himself rarely chased the goats, his shoulder unwilling to deal with the constant drops that came with trying to chase one of the horned beasts up and down the slopes. “My cousin, Anselm, he’s working on a greenhouse now actually. That’s his deal, so if you want to assist with it, he’s the person to talk to. He’s not hard to find; big guy, looks kind of like a wolf, and has some tattoos. I’m sure he’d welcome some more help with the project.” The more people who got involved meant the faster it would get done, something that Gabriel hoped would rush their production along. Though it would take time for healing herbs to grow, it would be better to have something started as opposed to nothing.

Of course, what Gabriel was interested in was the first topic of discussion. “Those traps though,” he said, motioning back to the book. “Do you know how they work? You could build them?”

Marik · 01-26-2010, 06:00 PM

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©table code and image to jacoby; 1100 words

That was the downfall of those sorts of traps. They had no mercy. Which was why he was getting consultation first. He wasn’t certain to what lengths the Leader would want to go. Would he want to risk it all or would he choose to remain on the more cautious side? Marik had no idea. He had the information to share and that was about it. He could only offer up the idea and see where things would go. And the boy tended to get numerous ideas. They just seemed to randomly pop into his head most of the time. Like if the ground hadn’t been frozen he would have rather gone with pits in which to capture prisoners. But that wasn’t a possibility. So to make up for that his mind had came up with death as an option. Not something that he was particularly interested in himself but he didn’t want it to seem as if he wasn’t trying to help out. Really he was but war just wasn’t his thing. He would do his part on the defense front but fighting really wasn’t his thing. He just didn’t see the point in it. Not when he had nothing against the wolves at all. So long as he wasn’t required to get involved in the actual fighting then he would do what he had to in order to help out the clan that had taken him in just before all hell had broken loose.

He had only been around since the first of the year. Not really long enough to know hardly anyone. But with what they were on the verge of he wasn’t really all that surprised. Everyone was busy getting ready. Trying to prepare for what new thing was ahead of them. Trying to watch over their own and keep them safe. Watching the borders for new possible members as well as those that were out to attack them. They just had to stay on their toes. Had to make sure that their own was protected. That they were on top of what was going on around them. So the time that could have been used to explore and get to know others was spent talking with Cotl and going over traps and other things with him. As well as that pause to make his brother a doll because they had been arguing as well as consulting. So in a sense Marik had been keeping himself too busy to do the normal things of a newcomer.

He nodded his head to say that he understood. It was just a suggestion after all. He had no idea what the are was like in the dead of winter. So the farm was out. It really was no big deal. It was just a thought he had when he had seen the land but clearly it was a no go. And it seemed that someone else had beat him to the whole herb idea. Well at least that already got the go ahead and was in the process of being done. It didn’t really upset him that his contributions turned out not to be contributions at all. He had tried at least. Had put forth some sort of effort. “I’ve met him once. When I first got here.” Not that he had made exactly the best impression at the time. Though it couldn’t be helped now. What was done was done. They had differences and that was that. And it wasn’t like Marik had done anything outrageously bad to keep them from being able to work together. At least should it come down to that. “I don’t really know much about it. If taught then I could help out. I tend to pick up on things fairly quickly and easily.” He just had the idea but didn’t know anything past that. He hadn’t ever worked with plant life before but there was always a first time for everything. He was willing to learn if there was someone around that would be willing to teach.

He glanced back down to the book as it was motioned to. “Ja, it seems fairly simple enough. The drawings are detailed and there are instructions on the way it should be constructed and what the basic use is. All pretty straightforward stuff. I haven’t attempted it before but I believe I can get it built. I’m fairly capable of constructing things from wood. Just name an out of the way place for a trial and error run and I’m certain I can construct a working model. But I’m more worried about where to place them so they aren’t accidentally tripped. And also being able to camouflage them so that the enemy doesn’t spot them right off and avoid them.” He didn’t think that it would be too hard to do. He might need some help moving the larger pieces but that might be about it. “I believe the only hindrance that I will have is moving some of the larger pieces by myself.” After all Marik wasn’t exactly the biggest coyote around. Probably the smallest aside for any pups. But the pups still had a chance to grown and would most likely end up taller than him. But honestly he was fine with his height though he didn’t have the complex to think he could handle all things larger than himself. He was levelheaded on that front at least.

“Which were you interested in? I can see what I can do about getting something up to show you.” After all it depended on what Gabe wanted done as to the amount of help that he might need to get it all up and working in a quick fashion. He figured that if he could construct a working model then the Aquila could decide if he actually wanted to employ them or not. Either way it would still be a learning experience for Marik. He would be trying out something new. Seeing what else he could add to his resume. After all he liked to try his hand at all things. And he was usually proficient enough to perform whatever it was that was needed even if he hadn’t taken the extra effort to master the skill. He just didn’t like to be stuck with only one thing to be good at. He liked to switch up when he got bored with one thing and move on to something else. This mindset sort of made him one of those jack of all trades and master of none. Oh well, that was just fine by him.

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Gabriel de le Poer · 01-29-2010, 04:24 PM

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Word Count: 309

In Character

Despite the aversion that most of Inferni’s members apparently had to battle, Gabriel would not only expect them to defend the clan, but he would demand it. In all cases, when they were capable to fight, they were capable to do what needed done. Unless one was incapable of physically doing anything (in Vieira’s case, for example) there was no excuse. Had anyone shown him the signs of weakness when it came to a willingness to fight, Gabriel would have removed them regardless of the war at hand. His instinct and militarist mind would not allow for any unnatural weakness.

Marik and Anselm had met, which would make them finding one another easier—especially since the former had less knowledge in the matter then the latter. As long as his hands were capable, that was all that mattered. Dismissing the idea since it did not belong to his department, Gabriel listened intently to the idea behind the traps, and how they would be formed. They could be done, and it was Gabriel’s choice now as to which traps were best suited for their purpose. Lowering his face to examine the drawings, the coy-wolf studied their designs and found some of them more useful for what they would be used for. “Try this,” he pointed with one large paw to a snare trap. “And this,” to a second, more vicious looking trap. “You talk to Anselm and set something up. He’s going to be the one in charge of this, and everything will go through him before it comes to me.” Certainly his golden cousin would have no qualm shooting down bad plans and opting to use the ones that were most useful when it came to defending their borders. No part of him had any second thought when it came to having Anselm at the lead on the project.

Marik · 02-05-2010, 04:55 PM

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Marik’s lack in height was certainly a handicap. Unlike his brother he didn’t have the horse to make him taller. Nor did he have the weapons either. All he had was himself. And really that wasn’t much at all when compared to what he was up against. Also, it was against his religion. His religion was all about making love, in quite the literal fashion. His religion spoke nothing of death or killing. Along with that he didn’t have a problem with anyone. He had just come along at the wrong time. He was only sticking around because of a promise to his brother. So war really wasn’t his thing. He wasn’t a fighter. He would do his part and help with the traps and such since his brother had volunteered him for that already. It was the least he could do. And if he was to be sent away then he guessed so be it. He would just have to break the news to Cotl and have to hear his brother’s protests. But what was he supposed to do if he was told to get out by the leader? Cotl would just have to deal with it and Marik would have to find somewhere else to go.

Yes, they had met but they hadn’t exactly parted on good terms. But then again they weren’t on bad terms either. Rather Anselm had fled quickly and Marik hadn’t seen the coyote again after that brief meeting. Well, aside from at the pack meeting as it were. But even then they remained on opposite sides and had no contact at all. But he had at least met the other before and knew what he looked like. Then again he could talk to Cotl and find out where the other stayed. But he wasn’t certain about actually approaching the other. Still it would seem that he would have to in order to talk about the placement of traps since the leader had just delegated all responsibility to Anselm. This wasn’t going to be a fun time at all. But then again talks of war and the preparations for such never were fun.

“I will try to get a working model constructed within a week. You want me to go to Anselm about it once it is done?” It seemed that is what the Aquila was saying but he wanted to make sure. After all he didn’t want to bypass the leader if he didn’t have any intention on it being that way. After all he had first approached Gabriel about this and he didn’t want to leave the other coyote out of the loop if that wasn’t what he had planned. He really didn’t want to try to upset the other. Didn’t want to upset what he had here. Though he still didn’t feel like he especially belonged he was reunited with his brother at least. He did not want to be forced to break the promise he had made to his brother.

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Gabriel de le Poer · 02-07-2010, 05:14 PM

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In Character

Of religion, Gabriel knew much. His own was a faith based both in love and wrath, but the God that Gabriel knew was an angry one. This older Lord spoke of blood and fire, and of the apocalyptic voice that would reign down all of the fury that was His to command. He would never turn away from any of the terrible things that he had done in the name of his Lord, and he would never wash the blood from his cross. His brother spoke of peace, and his sister echoed this call, but one of them had nearly been killed because of it. There was no place for weakness in this unforgiving land.

This was Gabriel’s truth. “Yes,” he answered, unsure of what a weeks time would bring him. Rikka had been wounded severely, and he had no room to believe another attack wouldn’t come. “Anselm will come to me with anything I need to know, but he’s the one who’s going to be taking charge. I know your brother knows him, so that might be a good way to introduce yourself further.” Of course, once Anselm explained the situation, Gabriel would realize this was a poor suggestion. “Need anything else?” the Aquila added, looking up at the peculiarly small halfbreed plainly.

Marik · 02-12-2010, 05:37 AM

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Marik’s religion had no god at its head. It was all about the relationships that each person developed with another. There were the positions in which to practice with another partner, same gender or opposite it mattered not. His religion wasn’t of the traditional sort that most thought of when it came to religion. All because there wasn’t the involvement in death in it. Instead it was all about building relationships with another and pleasing one’s partner. In other words, it was the perfect religion for Marik. So Gabriel wasn’t likely to understand Marik’s religion. Even Marik’s very own brother wasn’t into it. But it wasn’t like he expected Cotl to take an interest in it. His brother was too much of a prude to take an interest in it. And his leader believed in wrath and bloodshed so it didn’t seem as if Marik’s religion would leave an impression on him either. It appeared that Marik would be left alone in practicing his religion. Which would be difficult since the religion centered around at least a couple. Though sometimes favoring a larger group. The hybrid would just have to wait to find someone that shared his interest with him.

He was only estimating about a week. It would take him a bit of trial and error at first. He wanted to try a smaller scale model at first to see if he could manage the basics of construction and mechanics. He wanted to make sure the small version would work before he actually put together the larger one. At least if he messed up on the smaller one it would be easy enough to take it apart and rework it then if he started out with the large model right off. He wanted to be certain that he could get the structure right on it. He only had a book to go by. He hadn’t ever seen one in his life so he had to go by what was written. That meant that he would have to figure it all out himself instead of being able to see what someone else had done and then being able to mimic it. But he didn’t doubt that he would be able to do it. It just might take him a few tries was all. So a week was just a good guess in order to be able to work out all of the kinks and anything else that might come up that wasn’t planned on.

He shook his head in response to the question but then decided to answer in words as well. “No, that is all. I will get to work on it right away. So if you will excuse me…” He bent down to pick up the book. After all he would need it in order to be able to see what he needed and how to build it. With the book back in hand he bowed his head before he turned and started to head off. He moved at a decent enough pace, one that showed eagerness in getting to work on something useful as well as lingering enough in case the leader had anything more to say.

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