An Old Wolf Trods.

[Destiny]

I feel like there is no need for conversation..
Some questions are better left without a reason,
And I would rather reveal myself then my situation.
Now and then I consider my hesitation.

What a strange reflection is this. . Frontal paw, of the left side, was poised just above the crystal clear portrait as it hovered, barely rippling, on the surface of the smooth, mirror-like lake. The moon was close to full again by now, and in all its splendor, it shone like a beacon in the sky above, reflecting on the lake of twilight so that the water almost appeared to glow.

It was early in the morning, or perhaps late in the night depending on your definition of things, but the forest seemed no more or less 'busy' than it had been when the dusk had fallen. An owl hooted triumphantly somewhere overhead, perhaps over a successful kill. Distantly, the howling of idiot coyotes could be heard, though this was far out in the mountains, and no bother to him. The breeze was virtually non-existent, occasionally rustling a few stems of grass, and the night was close to cloudless.

Wet, cool - once again fully healthy, apparently - nose twitched, and muzzle was tilted upwards. Wolf couldn't help but be somewhat soothed by the velvety darkness, splattered so randomly with bright and dull bursts or pinpoints of light. It was a rather pleasant sight; not simply because recent moons had been spent with less. . Formidable views, but because of where he was. Nothing ever looked quite the same anywhere else, after all.

The more the light shines through me I pretend to close my eyes.
The more the dark consumes me I pretend I'm burning,
Burning bright.

For a very long time, the wolf simply sat, staring up into the heavens as if they held the key to eternal life. When the moon had drawn some 'feet' across the sky, gaze abruptly returned to the mirror that paw still - strangely - was poised above.

The motion was a rather 'spontaneous' one, to say the least. Left paw abruptly slashed into the water, dissecting the 'portrait' into two halves - with the exception of the eyes - as the water rippled and it disappeared. Growling quietly to his'self, the 'MIA' Yozoran 'alpha' whipped around entirely, slashing the air so that a quiet 'swish'ing sound was created by tail before it settled at half-mast. Those damn eyes had been boring into him; why did they always have to contain such a terrible look of disappointment and betrayal?

A fat, juicy, field mouse rustled some healthy looking spring grass, which had already grown rather tall. It did not rustle anything ever again. Almost enjoying the crunch and snap of bones, tongue swiped over muzzle, clearing it quickly of the warm, fresh blood that had oozed from his jaws. Ah, young meat; always a delicacy.

How long has it been now, since I have set foot beyond this border? Iver had, despite the fact that the clearing was empty, halted whilst still 'encased' in the tender hold of shadows. The clearing of gatherings was no less moon-lit, and no less inviting, tantalizingly tempting, then the lake had been. Yet he hesitated. Why, he did not know.

I wonder if the things I did were just to be different.
To spare myself of the constant shame of my existence.
And I would surely redeem myself in my desperation.
Here and now I'll express,
My situation.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

Metallic jewels shimmered brilliantly, the heavenly patterns distorted by the equally sporadic pattern of fir branches jutting out far above. Crown tipped skyward and banner raised in a silent salute, a lupine silhouette surfed through the underbrush in a fluid curve. His pelt was bright, ornate with autumnal shades and a reflective silver sheen. Yet, despite his loud color scheme, he seemed not mind the attention. His lack of camouflage on this dark a night posed not a worry or threat. His title remained unhindered: wolf, a master of the night. Master of the hunt.
Then, all at once, he jolted to a halt. A few decaying leaves scattered gaily at his feet, and his ears adjusted curiously.
I’m feeling a tad thirsty.
All at once, the route modified, the muscles tensed—and, in a blink, he was off. A jet-fueled child of the moon, the wind, and the water. A son of the earth.
And he was happy.
However, a new development rose from the horizon. Dodging the birch and nettles and fallen logs, his gait slowed. His tail bounced casually, in sync with his stride. A fellow brother stood before him, reeking of emotional distress. Possibly dangerous?
He sniffed. Nah.
Continuing on his path, Icarus assumed a relaxed position, and proceeding to drink from the shores not more than a few yards away. “Beautiful night, isn’t she?”[/font]

[Destiny]

This is how it goes down,
This is how it goes down.

Instinct, need, begged the moons old fellow to prowl around clearing's edge 'till within leaping distance of that great stone where he had so oft' once stood. Or lay, or what have you, but represented his pack, in the very least. Had daughter dearest taken over as alpha, in her rightful place, in his absence? Or had the sturdy Bain stepped up to the plate? He neither knew, nor cared. At the moment they all seemed distant, non-existent; a part of a past dream - nothing more, nothing less.

An ear twitched, tilting slightly off to the side, at some distant sound that was probably no more than a stupid young bunny hopping out of its den for the first time. Mm, a midnight snack would be pleasant. Looking rather cross for no apparent reason, a heavy whoosh of air was released from nose. Mind was trying to re-grasp the thoughts that had coaxed him into coming here, but they were far beyond grasp at the moment. Hellfire on it all.

Wait, what was that? Muscles stiffened, head raised - another wolf! Tail immediately rose from its half-mast state, but not all the way up; he'd managed to survive this long, and lives were beginning to run short - why waste them? With a slow blink, dark gaze drifted to the other lupus, but as no threat appeared to be made, Iver let himself relax, somewhat, once again. "Always is."

Gonna run, Gonna scream.
Gonna fall down on your knees.
When you realize that no one's gonna
Measure up to me.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

“Aha, right you are, my good sir. Too unfortunate that so few see her this way—when, really, cloud or shine, she’s as lovely a mistress as one could ever hope to witness.”[/font]
A pleasant sigh rolled from his tongue, like the purr of a contented cat. A sort of whim and aimlessness controlled his gaze, the twin emeralds of his eyes swerving from the water, to the male, to the sky, and to seemingly nowhere at all. An amused smile laced his features.
“What’s your name, stranger, if you don’t mind me asking? Been around this valley long? Cozy place, if not a bit overcrowded, if you ask me… well, not that you are asking me.”[/font]
Water dribbled from his chin, dark streaks running down his throat. Seems lonely, doesn’t he?

[Destiny]

So rip it from my soul
So everyone will know in the end
We were never friends.


A couple of quick blinks were given, as muzzle was slowly turned away from the clearing, so that half of his face, though still shrouded in shadow - with the exception of a bright eye - was clearly turned in the direction of the other wolf. Left ear was still alert in the direction of the clearing, whilst right had swung itself around with his head so that it was poised in the direction of the, er, stranger wolf. He reminds me of a French guy. . Slight tilt of the head there. Wait. . What's 'French'? Eh. .

Now, to tell the truth, or not to tell the truth. This wolf could pose a few problems to his 'lifestyle' should he happen to be a pack member, or, Hellfire forbid, a member of his own pack. Settling back on his haunches, he half turned, so that he was sort of facing off at nothing, but could see both the other wolf, and the clearing, with peripheral vision. "I've been around for as long as the current packs have been here. Came over the mountains with them, moons ago, y' see. Long journey."

Right paw came up to scratch, for a moment, at a sudden and irritating itch on the top of his muzzle. When satisfied, head was given a quick shake, and risen again so that he was staring off into nothing. Well, trees, and shrubs, and the occasional animal, and what not; but you know what is meant. "What's your name? I've always gone by Iver."

Have you ever felt lost inside,
So unloved within
That you almost died.
Have you ever stepped out of the light,
And it feels like there's a stranger inside.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

“Haha, Iver, is it? Possibly a pack wolf, I’ll assume—former or current, whatever. In any case, you may refer to me as “gypsy”, “hey you damn bastard, get out of my territory”—I respond to all.”[/font] He lowered his torso, his back arching in a low bow. “But my mum dubbed me Icarus, so I’m more partial to that name, if you don’t mind.”[/font]
With a flick of his ears, Icarus sprang to a stand, his lithe figure erect and almost regal. Then, with a slight grin, he strode nonchalantly to Iver’s side, settling beside the larger brute. He turned, rasping his tongue over his flank in a few repetitive motions.
“Don’t s’pose folks over the mountains have even heard of a gypsy, eh? But never mind that—what’re you doing out here, all by your lonesome? Enjoying the view?”[/font] His eyes motioned to stars.

[Sivoncé™]

( Dessie <3 =) )

Why is it he always found himself strangled with absolution?
His other life had assumed he was a sinner with the potential for nothing more. This life forced him to choose between light and dark, and now, he strode alone through the midnight forests. Alone in isolation; again, his damnation refused to let him forget his place in the world.

But why? Why did she have to go? Why did she have to leave me? The silver-black brujo hung his head in sorrow. I should have known she would eventually. I shouldn't be surprised. I should have seen this coming all along. Secret Fang left, and now Sanceul did too...
But how could the two of them ever be the same? Secret Fang knew what she was doing. When she tired of me, she left. Sanceul...Sanceul was different. She might've had her walls but we were...we were...

Voices penetrated his thoughts. He stood rigid in his hideout in the undergrowth. For a few moments, his heart raced with anxiety as his eyes scoured his surroundings. The voices continued in a simple, conversational manner. Damien's eyes locked on the forms of two wolves. Intently, he studied the pair. One of them was vaguely recognizable; Damien had briefly encountered Icarus before his fruitless search for Sanceul in the woods that had surrounded their temporary den.
Our last den together....
Icarus stood with another male who was alien to Damien. Somehow, Damien felt drawn to the strange pair. There was something they had in common --- perhaps a similar lonliness, or maybe just the fact that each of them, singularly, were alone in the world. He felt his paws moving forward before he had made a conscious choice to join them, but he felt a strange confidence as he drew nearer.
"Hello," he woofed softly. "Just passing through. I am Damien -- I recognized you, Icarus." Ruefully, he offered an apologetic half-smile. "I'm sorry I wasn't in the friendliest of spirits last time we met." He turned curiously towards the stranger. "And who might you be?"

[Destiny]

If it is possible for a wolf to raise one of its 'brows in a canine, yet both comical and disbelieving, manner, than that is what the old boy did. Head was turned fully then, ignoring, at least visually, the clearing for a few moments. It wasn't like it was going to go anywhere, after all. This, this 'Icarus' fellow was a, er, character, to say the least. "I'm not sure I'd have the patience or presence of mind to deal with that second one. ." A soft chuckle was given there, accompanied by the twitch of an ear at some irritating insect. They were getting more plentiful as the days lengthened.

Weight was shifted slightly, sliding his haunches over to keep a tad of 'decent' space between his'self and the other wolf. It was mostly force of habit at this point - the other was clearly not a problem, nor a threat, of any sort. And he seemed sane, so there was no harm in conversation, right? "I spend most of my time by myself. And, no. ." Slight furrow of brows there, as if trying to remember something that was swimming in the back of his thoughts, but unable to hook it. "I'm afraid I don't know what a 'gypsy' is. Though it does sound vaguely familiar, I think. ." But hey, what did he know? Everything sounded familiar after enough days and nights spent alone.

The somewhat 'lazy' at this point ear that had been previously perked towards Icarus tilted a tad to catch another sound, and nostrils briefly 'dilated' to inhale. Ah, yet another wolf, yet another male, and again, as eyes told him once they had settled upon Damien, an unfamiliar. A slow blink of those old eyes was given to the other male, and he did not answer immediately. However, after a moment of pause, throat was cleared. "Iver. I am Iver." Just Iver.

[.Rabid Lycan.]

His bronze banner wavered casually, an idle smile pursing his lips as he studied the sky. Between the laughable expression that knitted Iver’s face and the refreshing innocence of the conversation, Icarus heaved a contented sigh. Calm, and somewhat pleased with himself. Just at ease.
His ears welcomed the ringing of laughter, even if it was only slight. Glancing at his temporary companion, he began to speak—getting out a few phrases along the lines of “Well, I’ll have to explain them to ya sometime!”[/font]—but slipped into a sudden silence. Tilting his head, he noticed a semi-familiar figure emerge from the brush.
Well, if it isn’t the prickly “get off mah lawn” fellow!
Fortunately, he was greeted with an apology, which seemed sincere as far as he was concerned. Abandoning thoughts of gypsies and lonesome wanderers, he grinned and laughed. “Hey, no hard feelings, mate. So long as you keep your claws to yourself, I’ll forgive ya for that.”[/font] Then, glancing around at the wolves around him, he added, “What is this, anyway? A gathering for the socially inept? Smiles, anyone?”[/font]


(( like I said, Des-- happy-go-lucky xD ))

[Sivoncé™]

The black brute heaved a heavy sigh and took his place next to Iver and Icarus. Somewhere to rest and recooperate....emotionally. And then maybe, maybe I'll be able to venture out again... The prospects seemed bleak, even standing here in the midst of Icarus' cheer. Where will I even go from here on out? He gave himself a rough shake. Think about it later... For now, he would speak meaningless, simple words to complete strangers that would pretend to be friends, and perhaps never recognize each other again after it was over; it was a place for little thinking.
Yet smiling was not exactly the preferred topic.
He gave a friendly nod to Icarus and shrugged his shoulders. "Smiles have never been my strong suit...I'm afraid that won't be changing much, either. But this is a bit refreshing -- most wolves are tearing each others' faces off these days." He chuckled dryly, and added as an afterthought, "Myself included. Are you both from around this area?"

[Destiny]

As no more threat was presented from the darkly furred fellow, briefly 'bunched up' muscles slid back into an easy relax once more. Ah, how comfortable; it was always nice to be able to fully relax, and with two other decently sized males around, he didn't figure anything would be stupid enough to try an attack. Or anyone, for that matter. Head swung around so that muzzle was directed towards the nearby clearing once again, still as moonlit as before. The longing in his face was not easily mistaken - but it mingled with other things, and he made no motion to uproot from the almost-seated position.

"I'm not one to smile these days, Icarus. Smiles are for happy wolves who are content with their life - wolves who have achieved something worth while to them." Right hind paw was briefly raised as he slid fully down onto his ass to scratch a bug free from the gray-brown-black-'white' fur on his side. Damien, Damien. . Why did that name seem. . Familiar? Maybe it wasn't. Maybe his mind was just playing tricks on him. That happened occasionally, after all. Probably had something to do with the conversations he had with himself more and more these days.

Now, he could have made up a great barrage of lies and foolishness in response to the question directed to the both of them. However, this he did not bother to do. Simply because he didn't feel like lying tonight. This just wasn't a night to build more skeletons in his closet. They were already falling out of it, after all. "I'm, originally, from over the mountains, but I came with the packs when they traveled here. I'm the Yozoran Alpha, and all. Or, well, I was. I expect my daughter's taken over the throne by now." A non-committal sniff was given there, mostly too himself.

[Sivoncé™]

Damien was only half-listening -- thought of Sanceul still strangled his mind in unpleasant thoughts of longing. Determindly, he turned to face the wolf who spoke -- Iver -- and let the words roll over in his mind. If he was the Yozoran alpha, then what is he doing out here? If there was pack scent left on Iver anymore, it was too faint for Damien to take note of without deliberately searching for. He must have left a while ago, then...I wonder what happened? Damien was about to form a coherent question to his thoughts, but he closed his mouth as he felt Iver's eyes boring into him. He turned to face the old alpha and narrowed his eyes ever so slightly -- enough for Iver to know Damien had seen him watching, but not enough to suggest hostility. Why is he looking at me like that, like he's trying to find something? I've never met this wolf in my life!
"So, then, Iver...are you a roamer now? You don't smell like the Yozorans anymore."

The silver-blue she-wolf had overslept. Grumpily, she rose to a stand in the small underground den. She squeezed out through the narrow opening into the moonlight, stretching the last of sleep from her limbs. She yawned widely, letting the sounds and scents of the forest fill her senses. Hunger growled in her belly. Intent on a meal, she opened her mouth to taste the air for prey. She frowned suddenly as she detected the sounds of wolves speaking nearby. Who's out there? Smells like loner, not packwolf....only packwolves come to the clearing... She crept forwards and observed a trio of males, all relaxed and talking calmly with each other. She didn't recognize any of them, but her mind was ruffled with curiosity. I've never let guys intimidate me. Might as well say hi. Confidently, she strode from the bush, the indigo hue in her eyes glistening in the moon's silver glow.
"Hello there. How are you tonight, gentlemen?"

[Destiny]

Yozoran scent still clung to a few patches of fur, but it was a very faint aroma, and only continued to 'haunt' his figure closely because of the occasional night he spent lingering on portions of the old territory. No 'pack mate' had caught him lurking around yet, and it was probably luck that had spared him from ridicule so far. But things could change easily, and so he hadn't, in the past few moons, ventured too close. Only lurking around the lake every so often, as the call of the stone and the Eternal Tree was too much for him to bear as he got further from this place. And the invisible, thin, imaginary string that grew taut so easily when he ventured away from her, where-ever she was these days. Probably still lurking around Siverian territory, but as he had not gone near that place since their last.. encounter.. this wasn't a concrete thought.

A small cluster of ferns nearby quivered, and gaze briefly diverted itself, but the wolf wasn't in the mood to hunt small prey, nor was he hungry on any level. Therefore, gaze was returned to Damien. Yes, it was a curiously 'searching' stare, but not for any 'terrible' reasons. There was simply something eerily familiar about Damien. Or maybe he reminded Iver of someone. It could have been that either. Either way, head, very minuscule-ly, dipped forward as if in silent apology. "I suppose you could say that. I tend to stick to the nearby lands, though. I'll probably go back some day.. Just not some day soon, if things continue to go as they seem to feel like going." Another non-committal flick of the ear - life was just life, right?

Still lurking in the shadow of several trees, fur disguised to appear mostly dark shades of gray and black - though by the sunlight it truthfully carried many other hues - Iver really could have been anyone to a wolf who was not very familiar with him. So, immediately, he was not worried by the sudden presence of another wolf, as ears had told him when a female voice was registered. Mind had drifted into a slightly more 'distant' corner of thinking now, as he mulled over things to himself, mentally, and so Iver didn't immediately give a reply, but he did eventually speak. "No worse or better then I am any other night. Enjoying the clear sky."

[Sivoncé™]

Interesting...I wonder why he left his position. It seems so many wolves are willing to fight and kill for that much power. Maybe it was just too much...maybe it wore him down... The wolf was far elder than Damien, expecially if he'd experienced so much. Then again, time can differ from experience. "Is it strange, travelling alone, after living amongst so many for so long?" Damien remembered his original dreams of joining a pack, fightings as a warrior...becoming a hero. Oh, how those dreams had changed...after he had met Sanceul... His head shot up as a softer, more delicate voice entered the mix. A silver-blue colored femme approahced from the woodlands, curiosity in her strange colored eyes. He watched her warily as she came forward to join their circle; there was something odd about the way she studied him.

Is it him? Is it Lithium? My....father?
Her mouth opened, and then closed again as she stared stupidly at Damien, studying the silver roots of his pelt. For her entire life, Mother had told her stories of her father. He was her faded idol, a lost love. It hadn't taken Whisper long to stop believing in their search. He had died in that fire on the mountains; the flamed had devoured his life, along with the rest of the mountain pack. Lacrymosa was chasing shadows across the mountains and back. The only reason Whisper had tolerated coming here was because of Nightshade -- she was alive beyond a doubt. She felt it in her bones; she must be reuinited with her sister at long last. Nightshade was something real, something concrete; Lithium was a ghost of ashes flying along in the wind, teasing them onwards in a fruitless chase.
As she peered harder at Damien, her heart beat slowly fell into a slow, saddened thud. No, that is not Lithium. He is too young, and the appearence doesn't match quite right. We are not the only family with silver in our pelts. Slowly, she blinked away, forcing back the biting sorrow.
"What are your names?" She asked softly. "I am Whisper."

[.Rabid Lycan.]

“Wait, are you saying I achieved something? That’s a first!”[/font] An incredulous purr rolled from his throat, a good-natured flash of the eyes response enough to Damien’s inquiry. “Me? Not by a long shot… I come from the far north… west-ish. Looking for someone…”[/font] He glanced up towards Iver, laughing mildly as he did so. “But it looks like I found someone after all—Yozoran Alpha, eh? Big shot like you—how’d you get to milling around with us commonfolk? And—hey, who’s this?”[/font]
His muzzle twitched, aching for the scent that now tainted the breeze. Some automatic reflex initiated a silent, methodical search through his memories, amongst the vast storage of neat little cabinets and plastic binders that filed away each individual little sight. Each little sound. Each scent.
No. Not them.
In an immeasurably miniscule amount of time—in fact, it could hardly have been said to have occurred at all—Icarus relaxed his suspicions. Instead, it was but a female. Her form soon followed, seeming to take a brief interest in Damien before abandoning her exploits.
Whatever she was looking for.
Lowering his head slightly, he uttered, “Alright, now it’s a party. Evening, ma’am. If I may introduce us, this is Damien, that is Iver, and I am Icarus. Pleased to meet you.”[/font]