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: 107.214.136.138
Posted on March 17, 2016 at 01:09:43 AM by Macaria
She could not remember a time when she had been more happy, even the memories of her family were fading fast now. But this was what she knew now, and this was what was comfortable. This den was shrouded in her perfume intertwined with Grey Wind's cologne, and it wrapped her as once her parents - or rather, her father - had curled around her. The tight quarters kept her warm, and gave her a sense of security, one that was enhanced tenfold when finally he returned to her. Unable to hold back, she had gone to him, whimpering and whining happily, rubbing against him and talking about how well he was healing. She flinched away from him when he growled at her, plume flicking between haunches as his teeth snapped out at her, threatening to cut her as he once had, but no pain came this time other than the dull pain that came when the back of her head slammed against the den wall when she pulled back from the attack. But quickly she regained her posture and poise, continuing to speak about her fears that regarded the pack as a whole. 'What do you expect with this pack? You're not in Saw Tooth anymore. If you want to stay here you need to learn how to deal with it and adjust.' Saw Tooth. The name brought with it some nostalgia and memories, but all were tainted now, some painful, some angry, some bittersweet. All ideas of family were tinged with anger at her mother for being absent, jealousy toward her father and her aunt for spending more time with their respective mates than they did with her. The idea of pack life was faint, overshadowed by the sadness that came when Moth had died followed by the quiet and stillness that had been present for Cai's rule. And then there was the fact that none had come to find her. None had come to save her. What had Saw Tooth given her that Grey Wind had not provided her? Her mind, slowed by the poppy that she had nibbled on on the way back to their den, suddenly realized the phrasing that he had used. No longer was she to be forced to stay here... Now she had choices! How benevolent and kind of Grey! But wait... Was that to mean that he did not need her any more, that another would take her place in his den and by his side? That another would do what she was capable of doing? She was expendable to him... That was how she took it. She either needed to prove herself worthy or risk being kicked out, for once he no longer sheltered her, wouldn't she be at the mercy of the other pack members? Who would protect her if not him? 'You do have to get used to this pack and the type of wolves that are here. I had to get used to it... I didn't grow up here. I wasn't raised like some of them were and I know it's different. I can only do so much to protect you before they'll begin to question why I'm letting you stay here and why I'm protecting you. So at least try and learn how to pretend to not be afraid, okay?' Furiously she nodded her head, whining once more. "I promise, Grey, I'll do better, I won't be an embarrassment to you or to your station. I'll make myself worthy... If you want I can go search out other healers to learn from so that I'm more useful. I never completed my training after all and I want to make you proud and not be a burden to you." She fell silent as she crawled closer until she was against him and then thanked him for continuing to allow her to share his space, to which he rolled over, away from her. Macaria rose herself up slightly, and began to groom his back, tongue slipping from her maw to pull at his hairs until either he stopped her or they were all in place, and any debris removed. Afterward she laid down at his side once more, nares slipping up until they were tucked underneath the corner of his jaw. Warmth flowed through her and she smiled, no longer afraid - at least for the moment - of the terrors and dangers that lurked outside, not with Grey at her side. Heavy lids began to droop until either he spoke to her or she fell asleep. |
Replies:
- Never Forget Who You Are - By Grey Wind March 22, 2016 at 07:21:02 PM
Sweet as Honey - By Macaria March 24, 2016 at 07:40:29 PM
Never Forget Who You Are - By Grey Wind April 2, 2016 at 07:43:24 PM
Sweet as Honey - By Macaria April 7, 2016 at 06:15:34 PM