The forest stands tall and lush here; ancient trees reach weather-twisted arms to the sky, fighting monster-like storm clouds back with their interlacing fingers. Shadow seems to lurk everywhere you look, but it spills calmly, coolly, inspiring a sense of stealthy calm or protection rather than unease. That is, if you've forgotten what kind of creature might be stalking just out of sight...Abendrot is a land cradled by the dark woods on all sides; in the center, some of the larger trees stay behind to reveal a small plateau - a citadel where this pack can gather and defend itself from invaders. There are, of course, softer sides to the land. Clearings here and there allow the sun to throw down its rays in incongruously resplendent gold showers. Ignore the lingering scents of blood spattered here and there along the borders: those do not concern you. The river on one edge of the territory is playful enough when it hasn't been gorged by violent rain. You can choose to note the ragged claw marks raked down tree trunks and the forest floor as friendly "Home Sweet Home" signs, if you wish.
All who treasure loyalty, order, victory, and the occasional indulgence of raw visceral pleasure are welcome, once they've been approved by the ever-watchful eyes of Abendrot's Alpha. But keep one thing in mind: no matter what your motive, this is not a fool's Paradise. This is the land of soldiers, assassins, and spies. This is ABENDROT.
Make up your mind quickly and prepare to prove your worth. You wouldn't want to add to those blood spatters, would you...?
IP: 98.103.145.114
Posted on August 7, 2013 at 01:41:34 AM by Henadin
 |
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Ivev had crept into the den slowly, and Henadin relaxed as the lupine examined the pup and said nothing. In his mind, no news was good news. Not to mention he relished the rare silence. It was seemingly only Channing who understood his need for silence. As the pups were given their medical assessment, Henadin tenderly nuzzled against her cranium, his pink tongue escaping from his maw to curl around her aud. He felt an urge to nuzzle against the pups as well, but he didn’t want to get in the way of the doctor. After Ivev’s work was done, the wolf backed up, dipping her cranium. Beautiful, to say the least. And healthy, too. Congratulations again. The words were short, quiet, and concise, and Henadin released a sigh of relief. Not only were the pups, well, the remaining pups, in good standing, but Ivev had not mentioned the fourth pup to his mate. He never wanted the pup brought up again – it would do no good except to remind Channing and to cause her pain. If they were lucky, she would soon forget and focus all of her energy on the pups that were presently curled up against her swollen form. As Kershov’s scent swept into the cavern, as did his voice, Ivev made a quick escape. The mated pair had exited the den and Henadin’s muddy gaze fell upon Moth, glad to see her. He had thought that she had left, and he found himself happy that the Alphess would be present when Kershov named his demands. She looks tense and clearly is as apprehensive about what is about to happen as he is. Henadin remains close enough to Channing so that their hair intertwines, ready to give her support should her exhausted form give out. Though she had had plenty of rest, the pups continual feeding no doubt was draining her of all her energy. Channing’s other side is covered by Moth, and Henadin shares with the Alphess one of his rare smiles, perhaps the first that he has shown her. He had never been one to trust others, and had not even trusted Moth. But that had all changed now. She was important and trustworthy in his eyes now, and he owed her much. Channing and Henadin gave Kerhsov their thanks, and Moth soon after offered hers as well. I, too, thank you for agreeing to this. Saw Tooth is in your debt. That is when Kershov’s own voice had rang out. You are correct: it is the least you can do. Henadin’s self-controlled prevented his hackles from raising. Now was not the time for quick tempers or aggression. It was time for restraint and calmness, something he had once been quite good at. Something he was still good at, except when it came to his family. And so it was only with great effort did he keep a cool, stoic mask laid across his face. Although I value your appreciation in my ‘hospitality,’ Lady Channing, I would actually much prefer if you spoke of that appreciation outside of my borders. Some packs seem to think that Abendrot warriors are trained to mindlessly kill any wolf that doesn’t wear our scent on their pelt… Still, Henadin kept his thoughts to himself and remained impassive. Why would any pack think that of Abendrot? It wouldn’t happen to be because of their prisoners. Oh, no of course not… However, when Kershov gestured toward them, clearly referring to Henadin’s previous outburst on Saw Tooth soil, Henadin had to bite back a response. Of course he had responded as such – his family had been in peril. Even if she had not collapse on Abendrot’s borders, she had gone into labor prematurely. It was a dangerous situation anyway. Kershov personally addressed Henadin’s behavior next. I cannot blame you for being protective. However, when Moth had spoken, the Ice King’s gaze had glued themselves to Henadin in a tone that though was formal, was almost accusatory. This is what I’m talking about – you outsiders have it branded in your brains that I am nothing more than a slave trader. Is that what you see me as? Do you think my mercy can be bought and sold? You ask for my ‘price,’ as if I’m some sort of petty salesman. I don’t have a price. I have something better: a proposition. This was it, this was the moment when his worst nightmares would come to bear. Time seemed to stop and all when quiet, for it was judgment day. What would be the price of Channing and the pup’s safety? I propose, in the interest of continued goodwill between Abendrot and Saw Tooth, that you allow my pack to raise one of the children within our walls. Henadin felt as if he had been hit by a bullet, but he remained frozen, unable to move. His mind, however, was going a million miles per minute. He and Channing had to lose one of their children? We would wait until the child was old enough to eat meat, obviously, before adopting them into Abendrot. Channing and Henadin would both be able to arrange meetings with their kin whenever they please. We would raise the pup as one of our own – they’d be treated no differently than any one of my valued soldiers. So they would be brainwashed to follow their ways. Henadin felt a quick rage of anger, but then despair overcame him. They could not afford to NOT pay the price, or they would not likely escape. Not with the pups at least, and especially not with Channing’s swollen position. And, because I am a good King, I will allow the parents to choose which of your pups will have the honor of training in the Abendrot military… Henadin nuzzled against Channing, knowing exactly how much she would be hurting. But there were no words of fury or rage emitted. Instead there was quiet defeat emanating from his soul. The only things keeping him from collapsing was wanting to be the strength for Channing along with the fact that the pup would at least be alive and would be able to know its parents. “Will the pup be allowed to know we are the parents?” Muddy orbs turn to lay upon Channing, his muzzle swiveling to near her aud. “My love, we have no choice in this. For the sake of our other pups we must accept his proposal.” ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ |
Replies:
- How lonely is the night without the howl of the wolf? - By Channing. August 9, 2013 at 10:40:00 PM
&& if only i had wings - By Moth August 11, 2013 at 06:12:26 PM
FROZEN MASS GRAVE - By KERSHOV August 14, 2013 at 03:22:58 PM
Post a reply:
<--
-->