Pack Meeting Begins

OOC

<Atraya> Well I’d like to formally start the ‘meeting’
<Atraya> Atraya isn’t in the clearing IC 😛
<Atraya> But thank you to everyone for being here! 😀
<Atraya> It was nice to see some old faces, including WolfMoon!
<Ayaka> :}
* Ayaka settles in
<Atraya> 🙂
<Atraya> Updating the website 😛
* Faolan missed the old faces
<Atraya> Kinta posted something on our FB as well 🙂 which was nice
<Atraya> I haven’t seen her in a while, but glad she’s doing well
<Atraya>   I just want to thank you all for being here and continuing on this awesome legacy we have 🙂 There’s not a lot of places that can say they’ve been around as long as we have (and have those who’ve been here just as long stay around!) and I truly am humbled by everyone’s dedication and heart to be here!

Pack Meeting Begins

In Character – #WolfSpirits

* Kova the winds continued to offer what they would to her and to whom it would. The flowers in some areas where blooming while other places still waited for the lush grasses and warmer air to touch them before they sprouted. For now she remained in the clearing, her tail waving slowly behind her as she would wait eagerly to see who would show. She knew this day was a special one.
* Shakira would be seated still a short ways away from Kova, pawing at the soft, newly exposed earth as the group seemed to fall into a comfortable silence, just happy to have others near again. It was always somewhat unnerving when the wolves of the pack disappeared on their own personal quests, leaving few left to roam the territory, but it was always a relief when they returned.
* Ayaka had slaked her thirst, the taint of Fenrir bitter in her maw until she’d drunk her fill a second time. She may beside the small creek she’d been able to find, the stench of battle still in her nostrils despite the days… Perhaps weeks and years? Gone by. Time meant little to her for some reason, how long had it been? The memories she’d spent the last days sifting through, though they belonged to her, we’re
* Ayaka estranged and 2D. Her nose quivered as she sought any information about the others who HD fought… Perhaps died, in the battle she’d seen so little of. Her sides were gaunt but her eyes remained sharp despite her weakened state. Dust coated her white frame for she’d had little inclination to clean it, causing the once white pelt to be a greyish snooty hue.
* Kova seeing Shakira off in the distance, she would rise to all fours and slowly make her way towards her with a wave of her tail. There would be another chuff so as not to startle her.
* Fianna would remain in the clearing as well, the day seeming a special one despite her not being around for all the years that wolfspirits had. She would be near the northern banks of the stream within the clearing, curled a bit as she rested.
* Atraya little did Ayaka know that she was on her way to her. Slowly but surely, she was on her way. On her way to hope. to follow that small flicker against the darkness that dare to swallow her again. Her paws would splay a little before her, if only to reassure her footing. Was she even close?
<Faolan> A trio for a trio was not all the scales demanded. Although the last of its trio was defeated, the younglings had taken root and the earth once again suffered the burden of those who fought, bled, and died for the Morrigan. What was a day in Tír na nÓg to a mortal? Well ‎Oisín never knew the counting of days until at last the mortal realm once more kissed his feet and the youth of that timeless age was stolen from him. Beyond the circle of dead wolves loyal to Morrigan, the Tellers’ pack was mourning their own and putting to rest those whose stories and storytelling had come to the last margin of the last page…One of the twins, the large male that had first greeted Ayaka and Kovo, and a few of the younglings had been part of the toll to replace a trio
<Faolan> with a trio…If Ayaka looked further than the dust of marrow and splintered bone–all that now remained of the Morrigan– she would see Rook among a trio of a bear, a great elk, and an old stone-hued wolf.
* Shukie and Kwa`ani had spent the day hunting the small varmits of the area slacking their hunger at least some. She always hated the time of year where snow turned to slush and muck that made hunting horrendous at best. THey’d returned to the boulder cave, once again extricating the painted feather having understood this to be the token speak with the wisened one. Glancing to her
* Shukie companion, “Hopefully, the one will be here tonight and willing to talk” leaning over to nose the fae gently.
* Kajika would finally make it to the edge of the Clearing, his pelt still wet from crossing the first stream. He wasn’t sure if he had passed anyone on his way here, but he was immediately met with several scents that told him that several others were in or at the very least around the area. He lifted up his head to see if he could pick up one of the closest scents to him but he hardly
* Kajika would even need to do so. Coming in from the direction of the Sweet Valley, would he see Fianna tucked under a tree resting? Well, if he did see her frame, he would see the rise and fall of her russet colored fur and noted that she was sleeping and wouldn’t disturb her. He moved on however to see the shape of several others just within the Clearing, first looking like he might come across Kova and Shakira and his head gave a small jerk as he chuffed over to them with a wag of his tail and his next steps over the grass were spurred to a light run.
<Nyctea> The cavern would be left just as it was when Shukie and Kwa`ani came upon it. Would they venture inside after their little hunt?
* Ayaka would view the evidence of grief and death in the down turned visages of the storytellers pack as they mourned and laid to rest their own. She saw, and felt little but perhaps the burden on her chest and within her heart digging ever deeper. More loss, more darkness, and for what? A shifting of paths. Hope was a strange thing though, and despite all it remained a kindled ember, for who knew where this path led?
* Ayaka She had chosen it as best she could. Rising, she moved toward the strange grouping of Bear, Elk, Alpha, and alphas son. Her paws heavy but quiet as she tred toward them. Sound had escaped her and she’d not found reason to speak since the Morrigan fell, and so she’d approach quietly, watching.
* Atraya paw pads would continue to lightly pat the earth as the smells from all around her started to whisper in quietness to her otherwise dark world. It was loud in many ways. One paw, another paw, and continue on she would as she hoped she was going in the right direction. Whom or what would she smell? Her path took her directly East as she was instructed, and east she’d go until something presented itself.
* Kova when Kajika finally came into sight she would offer a gentle chuff to him and a wave of her tail. She would nose Shakira, inviting her to join in if she so desired to, but she aimed to close the distance between herself and the caretaker. When that distance was closed her silvery pelt brushed along his own likeness and she smiled “Kajika! Hello.” her tones light and airy in greeting. He might take note of Rune’s scent on her, the fae had come to visit!
* Shakira ‘s ears perked to the sound of Kovas chuff, rising to her paws as well just as another chuff came from seemingly the opposite direction, turning now to find the male she had met briefly on a few occasions. “Hello Kova, and hello Kajika, is it?” She asked to ensure pronunciation was correct.
* Shukie nodded to Kwa`ani to pick up the feather by the quill end taking care not to disturb the feather itself then she led the way within the darkened cave. In a mere whisper, “Since nothing came out, we go in, but cautiously” she didn’t voice it yet worried to her bones this was a trap. As her eyes adjusted more to the darkness of the cave, her paws slow but steady the pair would make
* Shukie their way within the enclosure. Once fully within the confines she offered up a greeting in humbled tones as the pair walked forth, “We seek the wise one.” Her posture showed confidence but nothing more could be discerned.
* Fianna would shift little should Kajika move by, glancing at her along the way for she had indeed fallen asleep. She’d slept little the past few days, and the stress was taking its toll. A little sleep and she’d be right as rain again no doubt, though her heart wouldn’t feel whole again until her family returned.
* Kwa`ani moved with a slow yet graceful ease, paws silent aside from disturbing small pebbles now and then. Her head was held, the feather extending from her maw, clamped between her front teeth, lips up in avoiding them drooling on the feather. It was in part her head was high to keep any mouth juice escaping onto the token as well as knowing she was a WolfSpirit.
<Nyctea> The further Shukie and Kwa`ani moved into the darkness of the boulders there would be a sense of the same feeling Fianna had felt when she ventured in. A calmness. A serene feeling. An odd sense of ….comfort? The wind wouldn’t even touch the air in here, but it smelt fresh. It smelt of smudges Shukie might recall from a memory not of her own, but that touched be a memory she shared long ago on another quest. The boulders were deceivingly deeper than the outside claimed to be. Glow worms would be tethered along the walls, providing illumination, but nearly as blinding as whatever caused the light to flicker just ahead. It was like walking into a harth with a warm flame.
* Kajika showed just as much eagerness in greeting Kova as she padded over to him and greeted her similarly when her nose went to brush along his. “It has been a while, and longer than I had intended with nothing to show for it,” he said but his tone wasn’t one of despair since he had returned. He was quick to pick up the scent of Rune on her pelt and his tail gave another happy wag as he also greeted Shakira with a small dip of his head. “Yes, you are correct. It is good to see you again as well.” He then turned to Kova as he looked about the Clearing to see who else might be around that he hadn’t yet pinpointed even as he spoke. “Say, do you know if anyone is still back at the Ruins? The snow surely should have melted by now granting safe passage to those who were waiting for the opportunity to return.” There was a little bit of concern edged in his voice, but he did a good job to conceal it for the most part. Seeing or at least scenting so many around the Clearing was enough to keep any worry he would have at bay.

<Faolan> Day had remained as still as the wind, which did little to carry sound beyond the fray of conversation. That said, the relative silence between would be pierced by a howl for every loss–six in total or a full quarter of the Teller’s pack. Phoenix and his pack would be engrossed in the process of grief. Ayaka’s chosen path took her closer to the crown of the knoll, the hill upon which passage into the yonder valley was thwarted. She would see them conversing, but sound was fleetingly similar to the crunching of undergrowth and a haggered breath that hounded steps that were not hers. Surely, she was not tired after all that rest? Nae, of course not but the one whose ears she listened through was. After a time that would be replaced by the low timbre of Faolan’s voice …is a day between. You know you cannot cross and find yourself in the world you left on the other side. Rook, took the answer upon shoulders that seemed to buckle at the weight. His head turned to the ground but lifted after a time, As do you…You can’t just go… A gentle nose would ruffle the crown of the black wolf’s head. It is not something I -just- do.

* Kova would offer yet another fleeting nuzzle to his nose and scruff. Even brushing her shoulder into his for good measure before she would restrain her otherwise taught emotions and look to the mountains now, Kajika’s question causing her a moment of pause to think before responding in kind “No sign of Shukie or Kwa`ani…. ” there was a worried tone within, but, soft it was and eager to see them bleed through. “I am sure they are on their way and the reason for the delay is…well with great reason.” her hues returned to Kajika.
* Atraya when nothing presented itself in the form of answers or even hope, she paused her careful strides. Perhaps that very darkness started to flicker against her sight like the passing of sun to night. The terrain would only have changed slightly and that was moving from the territory, through the hollow of stone and mud, to the other side where the winters melt had just begun. She moved on for at least a day but no more. She could manage no further. She’d found herself tripping on obstacles more frequently in a land not of her and by now, she had stopped herself. Proceed? Or not. She told Fianna and Kova she would return soon, and soon has already passed. She knew the way back home now which would no doubt cause her an easy spurr home, but did she. Her black nose pulled up to scent the air for anything of familiarity. The vision she saw might very well have been an illusion of an old mind. Perhaps hope urged her to quickly but she had to at least try. She would linger around long enough to see if something presented itself, otherwise, her path would lead her back home knowing full well the importance of the day.
* Ayaka would pause for each howl, giving each a moment of respect for each life was due at least that much, despite her never meeting most of them, that is, should she hear the howls as they came. Did she hear with her own ears as well as the ears of another? Aya would flick an ear at the sound of ragged breathing and crunching earth, sparing a single glance around her again as she neared the conversation taking place ahead, rising up the hill to intercept the last of Faolan and Rook’s words. She stopped a respectful distance, a few body lengths, away and her gaze came to rest on Faolan, her head dipping low before rising once again, a habit her frame took without thought, the scent of her alpha a distant memory now. Still, words eluded her, for what could she say after all? Greetings were not for an occasion such as this.
* skydancer_ eventually the path she is following leads her to the Clearings edge causing her to pause and scan the open field nose twitching as she takes in what scents the might be before moving out into the open
<Atraya> Skydancer would make note of several in the clearing. Kajika, Shakira and Kova where just at the edge facing south from the direction of the great sweet valley.
* Fianna slept to the north of the clearing, the stream a gentle and known lullaby
<Faolan> Hear with another’s ears, see with another’s eyes, feel with another’s heart…The sensations would be few between, but not far enough to allow her to lay claim upon a reality that had long since been in great foment. She would feel the despair of another, the pang of guilt and sorrow for a coming departure, and perhaps her own mixture of thoughts and emotions that lay just above the
<Faolan> cut»»
<Faolan> cont»» simmering anger and thirst of the underlying ichor..the stain of Fenrir. Not -just- and not while you have a lesson to learn. The older wolf could see his son’s mind already conspiring of the lessons to protract the coming day, but his thoughts were not his own private escape. Ayaka’s approach offered him a similar escape, one where he could speak his thoughts. The second is here at last and the third is very nearly beyond the veil’s edge. Although we are not in the timeless land, its foothills sit in the wake of its passage. We must go and make our peace where it can be made for it will not be long until one must return here and see to its the collective safekeeping of us all.
* Shukie continued forth, some of her trepidation easing, things of old and ancient teased her mind, grasping for the threads before they could unravel and bring them forth. Their path seemed to never end, the odd flickering lights. The lights of the bugs butts flickered, dimming and brightening as they passed, growing more numberous as they progressed. Faint at first, scents of sage,
* Shukie not fresh and green but burnt reached her nose, a strangely peaceful scent at that. The light in the distance beconed the pair forth, unable to turn away.
* Kwa`ani nearly dropped the feather a dozen times for the eerie glow along the walls until such time she realized it was similar to the caves of the ruins. The scent was one she knew not yet it brought an ease to her and didn’t understand why a ‘weed’ would do such. puff puff puff. The glowing walls were soon forgotten as the light in front of them seemed to pull her forward. Speaking wasn’t
* Kwa`ani gonna happen with the feather, instead..she brushed her hsoulder against the beta’s. That alone reassured her for she had every faith in the fae.
<Nyctea> Once the pair of fae’s began to move further into the boulders they would feel the walls go from slender and tight, to expanding and open until they were finally within the open gap of a small stronghold of sorts. Twisted and gnarled limbs of branches lay upon the ground, but the roots of tree’s above would be twisted and contorted to make intricate, yet creepy details to this other worldly place. It was not from another world, no, it was a home. Bones would be discarded in the form of small pellets. The sound of creaking wood against one another, like a staggering itch, would resound to the pair. Nothing broke that silence until a loud and deep voice culled from the ancients themselves called out. ~~~ Who dares disturb the darkness…~~~
* Shukie took care to step over or around the roots, easliy seen from the glow worms and light again. At the sound of the voice her steps stopped their whispered steps. She didn’t yet spot the speaker, tones sounding older than the earth. “It is I, Shukie, Beta of WolfSpirits, daughter of Nahala, desendent of Shuku and the shaman WolfDreamer.” she did not speak for Kwa`ani whom she motioned
* Shukie forth to present the feather, painted with a wolf’s head below a dreamcatcher and bloodied pawprint near the tip. When Kwa`ani presented the feather she spoke once more. The white raven brought this to us as a talk token and directed us to continue upon the path we were on and seek the wise one.” She dipped her head low as she dipped a paw to the great owl before them. She wondered
* Shukie the name of the great owl.
* skydancer_ as she makes her way across the Clearing she slowly starts veering north before deciding that she might as well check the stream bordering the north side of the Clearing. decision made her path straightens and her stride lengthens just a trifle as she heads north soon detecting fresh wolf scents on the wind though remains silent in case they are sleeping
* Kwa`ani took a step forward presenting the feather, gingerly setting it before the great owl with ghostly eyes. Sight.. maybe not yet she knew this bird didn’t need sight if it lacked it to seeing into their souls. “I am Kwa`ani, daughter of Atraya and Faolan, WolfSpirit packmember.” She too would dip gracefully before the owl in a deep sign of respect. For once, no antics were displayed
* Kwa`ani sensing the »»
<Kwa`ani> »» situation was not one to horse around as she normally would. After her introduction she stepped back beside Shukie.
* Ayaka could feel the great bitter stain of Fenrir deep within, and wouldn’t hve been surprised if it colored her pelt as well, that is if surprise didn’t feel as if it belonged to another. She nodded at Faolan, her gaze skimming Rook as well. They waited for the last of their trio, and from a time before, when Atraya had shared her own senses she knew whom they waited for. She settled slowly onto her haunches ND glanced
* Ayaka at the great bear, remembering from a distance their fight with a great bear. Then she viewed the great elk, a stag.. Hadn’t she fought one of those as well? Again, the memories were not her own, as they came from a book that held things she only could hope to belong to. “I am ready to make what peace can be made.” She finally tried to say through a throat that seemed to be shards of ash and tasted of smoke.
* Ayaka Before this… She would have felt sorrow to know know that Rook’s passage home may not be as simple as a trot along the path. But now, it simply was.
<Nyctea> Stepping out into the light would reveal a great horned owl who’s age was anyone’s guess. When Shukie announced herself before the feather was even presented he would scoff a little under his breath. Perhaps amusement? ~~ Words words words…… so fancy…. so long….. is a long name really important?~~ the sound of breaking branches would resound against the large owls being, daring to break under it’s massive weight. He leered down when Kwa`ani stepped forward however and when the feather was presented, he ruffled his wings in a few circles before tucking them closer in. ~~ I see. So he did find you after all…. good…. So… you are who you say you are? mmmm???~~ he leaned in with a laaaaazzzyyy eyeeeeee and stared right at Kwa`ani ~~ Are you all those long words too?? mmmm??~~
* Kwa`ani looked up at the ruffling of feathers before the owl settled his wings back to his sides. “Aye.” Oh how she wanted to make a quip about the eyeless eyes but managed to hold her tongue. A miricle for which she knew Shukie would be thankful for. Oh heck with it… “Tis how we were taught to introduce ourselves. Proper manners.” Her tones were steady, a smile upon her muzzle as she
* Kwa`ani relaxed »»
<Kwa`ani> »» visibly. “Do you have a name?” her head tilting slightly to the left, thinking it only proper for the bird to do so as well.
* Shukie didn’t respond to the censor of name. SHe was asked a question and she answered. When the great owl spoke to Kwa`ani and not herself she remained still, strangely calm and at ease. For a short time she thought Kwa`ani was going to leave it at the simple answer, to which she let out a tiny sigh that stopped as soon as it started when the fae continued, almost challenging the bird.
<Nyctea> He continued to lean in all the while his brow feathers, what little he had left, would dance left and right against the weightlessness of air. When Kwa`ani introduced herself, or lack thereof, he simply drew his wings back again then settled against the branch. The light that illuminated this place would be unnatural but familiar. Dangerously familiar. Flames in small shells flickered along  the walls, casting light and warmth throughout the small cavern. ~~ Your sister offered much the same, but manners and a name go hand in hand. One introduction, for my own. ~~ he’d sit and wait all night if he had to. No name was given just yet. His eye still on the feather. But wait, maybe he was an old coot. He chuckled against the light as it flickered along his frame, revealing his earthly tones. He straightened himself just so before offering ~~ My name is Nyctea… wise to the ancient lore of things. You where brought here for a reason. A story to share for the both of you. ~~ he would scoot along the branch, bouncing up and down as the weight of his body caused it to cry out in twirking splintering wood against the large owl until he settled into the middle, where it sighed in releif and settled. Bits of debris fell from those branches and gnarled roots. ~~ Come… I have a box for you to open. You have the key, don’t you? ~~
* Shakira sat quietly again, listening curiously to the conversation of the others who remained in the north, her own nerves packed down for now for the sake of the pack that had returned, not wanting to cause more worry between family. She’d simply listen quietly, noting the information given and only offer words when asked to.
<Faolan> The great bear and stag would have separated themselves from the wolves, appearing to have little else to offer if having offered anything at all. Although their silence made them seem like fixtures, it was clear theirs was a story to be told in time. Rook would turn to watch Ayaka as she answered, sure that she answered too quickly for one who knew the gravity of the choices behind her. He would pad closer to her, sorrow overcoming the resolve of his own choices at long last. There’s no going back for you and no coming back for me. You feel it now…you’ve become something I am not, and this place has forgotten the face of a mortal like me…Though you are older now the glow of your ember is forever brighter than mine shall ever be. He would search her hues for understanding to the flowery verbiage he chose to mask the blunt reality she now faced.
* Kwa`ani stared up at the owl when Nyctea mentoned her sister… ‘Fianna?!?’ she’d said at nearly the same time as Shukie. Oh how she missed her sister and brother. “to what tales will you tell us, ancient one.” Her eyes eager as her ears twitched back and forth, tail wagging just a bit when Nyctea settled upon the branch wondering how it managed to not break off.
* Shukie dipped her head to Nyctea. Aye, she had the key, it was within the pouch upon Kwa`ani’s back. When they found the pouch at the hole under the mystical lake tree, she’d tucked it within rather than carrying it in her maw as she had been doing. “Yes, the key is with us.” Turning to Kwa`ani she had the fae slip the pouch off to where she could withdraw the key. Once the task was
* Shukie done, “Fianna was here?” she’d not picked up the fae’s scent,. odd she thought. SHe was visibly relieved to know the box was at last to be found. SHe’d not wanted to fail in her and Kwa`ani’s task.
* Ayaka had answered only as quickly as one who knew what she had chosen, exchanging life for existence, self for selflessness, and mortality for… Well. Perhaps she didn’t truly yet understand what it meant to be no longer mortal. Her gaze rested on Rook, distant, but kit quite cold. Something about her gaze was still her own for she could still see the memories of who she had been, even if she could not take hold of them. That, if only that, would keep her different from the one she’d taken the place of.  As Rook himself had told the Morrigan during her battle against the shadow, she would be better. Turning to look west, Ayaka stood still as she waited for the last to come. What did she feel? Could she still feel? Did she mourn the loss of those she’d identified as once being family? Maybe in a layer of herself within she could no longer reach.
* Atraya The winds would offer the northern chill, but ahead was the warmer taste of an early spring in these lands. The ground beneath her would crunch still with the culling of snow. Spring had yet to touch this place, but the promise of what culled her forward would do just that. Paws continued to blindly tap ahead of her, following that sweet smell and the fading of snow, giving way to the new flora and fauna of a spring’s day. She’d press forward towards that ember, flickering in the distance of a dark world.
* Kajika seemed to be lost in thought for a moment as he thought about it a little more and possibly something else as he glanced up at the sky to see what of the stars and night sky that started to grow across the sky. “That maybe so and I will be on the lookout for their return.” His attention returned to Kova after he spoke and he was able to fully glance her over once more. “Are the two of you alright? The stores of my herb collection are a little bit lower than they should be, but in part I am giving most of the vegetation here a chance to grow and flourish again after my incessant picking with little need for them which would cause them to wither and be of use to no one.”
<Nyctea> The box that was before them was covered in a wealth of dust and age. Barely visible to be anything more than a trinket of age and time. However there would be a familiar scent upon the base of this box. Perhaps the only thing that would be familiar. The two would know this owner’s scent and the name to go with it. Calder. Giving them long enough to investigate the box and produce the key, he »»
<Nyctea> »» flapped his wings quickly yet quietly, and landed with great ease onto the box itself. He looked like a lumbering ol’ owl, but he was quite graceful. Beautiful even. When he landed upon the top of the box he leaned in and with his deep voice he whispered to the fae’s something ….. Interesting.
* Kova gave a slow nod of her head to Kajika as he would inquire to her wellbeing. She was a little sore from the hunt with Fianna and the Ox, she did wonder now where the fae was? before turning to Shakira “I am well. Healing from the hunt a few days ago. Speaking of, you two are welcome to my cache if you are hungry.” she swung her tail slowly behind her and pointed her nose to the alpha’s »»
<Kova> »» rock. Beneath it’s base, to the left of the large stone, would be clearly unearthed soil. Buried below would be a nice leg bone with a good chunk of meat on it. She ensured it was placed in the shade and shadows to avoid heat, she tried her best to keep it as cool as possible.
* Kwa`ani lowered her upper torso and shimmied the pouch off her back and neck to give Shukie the necessary access, her gaze upon the musty smelling box. Gods! They could return home at long last. They had traveled just about every mountain there was in search of it. At the whispering, she went still, soothed and comforted from the tones not necessarily comprehending all in that brief moment.
* Kwa`ani An »»
<Kwa`ani> »» ageless voice it was, unlike anything she’d ever heard or even dreamt. Her ears twitched back and forth becoming mesmerized.
* Shukie at last would set the key before Nyctea. As she leaned down to do so the boid had settled upon the old relic of a box, nothing significant able to be discerned beneath the accumulated dust and grime? of centuries perhaps or maybe a few years or decades. As Nyctea whispered to them, she froze in place as she listened, at last stepping back. Now was not the time for words, but to
* Shukie hear what words would be offered them of the box’s origins.
<Faolan> It is quite simple, son. We took the mantle that was offered. Ayaka saw the first pages of a story she will learn in time. Faolan remained behind a padfall or two, having paused in stride as if one recalling a fond yet faint memory. –Very nearly here, just a minute more ahead and a left when you feel the first gravel beneath you, he thought…– Perhaps guilt or perhaps the correct
<Faolan> cut»»
<Faolan> cont»» assumption led Rook to watch Ayaka’s features a moment longer, That Morrigan demanded strife and blood in exchange for malevolence. You…you can be much more. The beast you fought was a reflection of the worst of us. I fancy your story to be the reflection of the best of us should the collector tell the last of what he’ll see of this tale.
* Shakira turned her attention back as a general question was asked, waiting for Kovas answer before speaking her own. “I have no recent injuries, faded scars is all and bruising that should be well healed now.” She answered with a small smile, proud of her own growth when it came to speaking to the males of the pack, though she still kept boundaries.
<Nyctea> The sound of his talons would scrap across the boxes surface, but he did well to place his weight so as not to scratch the delicate wood. Scratch it… he did not. When the words where offered to the two fae’s he would take one more leap up and land just beside the box and key. He waited for a moment longer, allowing his words sink into both. They where heavy…. and for good reason. ~~ Are you ready to see an eye for an eye? ~~ he finally asked the pair.
* Atraya her ears would swivel with great care as she picked up on the slightest tinge of movement or sounds that lay around or ahead of her. Nothing but perhaps the call of the wilds, even a bird, to guide her way. Inner monologues or not, there was that familiar ping of darkness that tried to creep it’s way back into the forefront of her thoughts. To try and take her over again. No. Not yet. She had to make sure. The earth beneath her paw pads would continue to crunch with the impacted, old snow, until there was the sensation of something different beneath her paw pads. It wasn’t grass but it felt like the well semi-sorted gravel of a rivers bed. Her nose dipped down to scent the new ground beneath her and like reliving a memory, she would feel the need to turn left. Left she would go.
* Shukie blanched, inwardly hoping it didn’t show outward at the words used which sent her thought to Atraya in the millisecond. SHe didn’t mince words, “If my sight given that Atraya may once again see, yes. For the safety of my family, yes. For the return of our alpha male and son, yes.” As she spoke she looked directly into the fathomless white orbs. “What must be done, I shall do.”
* Kwa`ani looked to Nyctea. “What ya want us to be a doing?” short, sweet and to the point. She wasn’t much to agreeing before knowing the stakes but this time was ready.
<Nyctea> He swung his head around this way and that before giving a simple nod to their questions, to their response, and picked up the key in his beak. He was an owl after all and being able to articulate a key into a lock, and unlock a box, was something he was keenly equipped to do. With a few twists of his head left, right, left left, then right the box would clunk and sigh with relief as it was opened. A small accumulation of dust spattered out before subsiding at the base of their paws. ~~ Take the trinkets inside. There is one thing belonging to a she-wolf by the name of Kastria. What it’s purpose or meaning is, I do not know but I was told to ensure it find it’s owner. The rest of the trinkets you must take to the ancient forest, where Fianna had smelled the sage. There questions will be answered and peace can be had. Now go…. get home… there is much to do, and you are sourly missed.~~
* Ayaka was still in the adjustment stage of her first pages in the new story she’d begun, and she quietly marveled that Faolan, who perhaps had undergone something similar to what she had, could still speak and interact with Rook as if he were… Family. The word tasted odd in her mind, like a cutout that didn’t quite fit back in its place. So, she’d remain quiet now, listening first to..Faolan’s words to alert their
* Ayaka direction, then his words to Rook, and finally Rooks own words to her. She knew she should respond, yet the hope the words would likely have illicited in her old self, merely stirred the dust of hope in who she was now. Yes, she would be better because of who she had been, because of the family and pack ties that had enhanced who she was. But she didn’t know what would come of the storytellers final tales. “I
* Ayaka thank you Rook.” She finally said, softly.”For doing what needed done, for making hard choices, for your family, for the Wolfspirits. They will likely never truly know what you have been through yourself, and I hope that at least some glimpse of your own part in that reflection of the best a wolf can be the storyteller will share, will be revealed to them.”
* Shukie nodded, glad for the pouch for she would carefully put all within the pouch, Kwa`ani’s ever present new collar. “Yes, Ancient One.” She repeated the name several times to ensure she didn’t forget it. “I shall see to this as per your instructions.” SHe was most glad to obey the last of the list for she missed one and all and longed to see her old home again. It seemed an eternity
* Shukie since seh’d last been there. “I worry for all my family’s wellbeing.” She dipped her head in respect tho would give Nyctea time to say anything more before they would depart.
<Nyctea> He would give a few claps of his beak before taking flight and landing back on the gnarled branches and roots. The flames would flicker against the sudden gust of wind, but held their own flame. When he landed they groaned and cracked under his weight, but bare it they did. He would tuck his wings back in and say to them ~~I had to find it from a traveling whisper. Found it, I did. now into the paws it rightfully belongs…. ~~
* Shukie would nod once more and make her way from the cave within the boulders after adjusting the pouch back upon Kwa`ani’s back. “Come, Kwa`ani, we can go home at long last!” to Nyctea, “Thank you.” The first few steps she back out and away then turned to begin the trek home.
<Nyctea> There would be a subtle nod of his head and watched the pair as they departed. They where on the borders of their northern most part of the territory. The Roghas insight, they where not even a few miles out from home now.
* Kwa`ani patiently waited for the pouch being adjusted and then would depart as Shukie had. “Indeed, Thank yhou.” She too took her leave in short order ready to be home.