.:. Lacrimosa Lake

Number of posts : 471 Registration date : 2011-02-04

Mort nodded. That was everything he needed. He started to move, and made a quick way out. Following the way he had entered Lacrimosa scant days before, he quickly founded the looming forest turning over to harsh desert. He blinked his eyes, ntused to the sun shining directly upon him, and continued his way. Mortifactus was pretty sure they could run all the way to Midnight in one fell swoop, without the need to stop. And once he was there, he could first replenish his strenght, before the killing would start. Or "stealing"he didn't knew yet. And if he ran in some troubles... Well, he guessed he could fight him a way out. The true problem was getting close to the pups. Most parents are quite protective of their offspring, and wouldn't allow some random stranger with them. His forst priority was localizing them,and for that he went to Midnight Meadows. He wondered what kind f grudge Evon held against that pack... But he would ask her later, or make his own conclusions when he showed the (dead) pups.

So, a white ghost slipped trough the dunes, spelling death and dismay for the Midnight pack...

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:08 pm

She had been following Evanescence closely but when the alphess reached the top and spoke with Mort, she paused to take a look at her surroundings. Although she had seen her surroundings, there had been no opportunity for her to appreciate it. Corentine still had an eye for the nice points in life, and looking down at the crevasse was one of those points. She was still tuned in to what the two wolves spoke about, and when it looked they they were wrapping up, she turned her gaze away, and stepped back onto more solid ground.

As Evanescence walked away, she followed, and noticed they were headed for the pair who weren't yet tested. She remained standing, listening to the conversation but not pitching in.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Jun 28, 2011 12:52 pm

Evon’s voice tickled Vault’s ears as he lounged at his den. His orange orbs bulged open, stricken open from his doze. The white figure just seemed to be providing a check in, but he was already planning to get up anyway. Stretching a bit, he lugged his massive body towards her in a prowl, his eyes relit with a new fiery gaze. As he slowed once in close distance to his leader, he stood tall and slowly parted his cold, brown lips. He was definitely ready. “Now that ‘Baby Killer’ is on his little adventure, I’d like to see if I can be tested next.” If she already had an answer for him, which she probably did, she’d follow in stride with him as he now continued to walk, as he intended to be refreshed at the motionless, silver mirror semblance of the lake. He wasn’t trying to be rude to Evon, he just wanted a drink. His pads crunched down on the earth with more force than usual as he continued. Vault was beginning to feel an itch for taking his energy out on something.

It had taken a few minutes after his slumber for his memories to rejoin him once more. His bright pools glistened in the abyss of skylight like the pools of the cool liquid that now stood in front of him. It was difficult to tell whether it was daylight or midnight with the mist and cloud-cover, but the air was getting heavy; he could feel it. It seemed like it could downpour any second now, as if that were uncharacteristic for such a gloomy, horrid place like Lacrimosa. As he now tipped his head down at the water’s reflection, he remembered.

They all had a dislike for him, even if he was family. He was the black sheep, literally and figuratively. He was the one who always needed to start something. Things were way too tranquil for someone like him. Now, he didn’t want everyone dead necessarily, but just a little anarchy to make things more ‘interesting’. They tried so many dire and demoralizing methods to bring him down before he could get old enough to revolt back, but he just got stronger and stronger. As a pup he disliked their ways, and now he stood in the center of a communication breakdown, laughing his ass off like a f*cking hyena while the others stared at him with their uniform, deep blue orbs like he was an abomination.

His eyes sunk back to the present, where the pool still lay in front of his maw. He chuckled under his breath. He enjoyed that memory, even if it was a scar that could never be hidden or kept in the dark for long. He was used to it. Vault now began to lap up crisp water, enjoying the moment.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:33 pm

Solara allowed her crimson optics to flutter open, how long had she slept? As she stretched it seemed to answer her question. Too long. The last thing the femme could remember was killing that large beast with the others in Lacrimosa. She crawled out from her den, her optics dancing the terra looking for Nikolaos, he still had not returned. She huffed a sigh, it was curious the bond they had. They had both been brought up hating each other, but when it came down to it they knew who they truly hated. Their creator. He had played so many headgames with them, it had almost completely driven her to the brink. She had been lucky to escape being killed by either Mikalai or his precious daughter Amai. She had always been jealous of the relationship Amai had with their father. She sank back onto her flanks outside of her den, waiting to see if anyone would approach her.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Jun 28, 2011 6:12 pm

.:. Lacrimosa Lake - Page 6 5049282235_6c6c1d1bb3

Evanescence couldn't help but chuckle as Vault passed. It did not surprise her that she had heard the mission she had given Mort - even before, Vault had proved himself to be quite the spy. "In due time," she replied to him as he lapped the water. Blue eyes hovered over to Solara, who was also emerging out of her den, looking just as ready. She didn't have any particular order in mind for who was tested when, but there were some things she still had to think about. Evanescence looked over her shoulder at Corentine, who had been dutifully following. "Make conversation with Solara, while I speak with Vault. Make sure she doesn't overhear what we say," she instructed in a low tone, eyes reflecting the fading moon.

A white flash of lightning seared the sky, but no thunder or rain came just yet. She could feel the pressure sweeping the lands, the way the forest smelled just before a good storm... But the lake was calm, minus Vault's ripples. She strode up beside him and took a drink herself, the icy water chilling her insides, rejuvenating her awake once again. One could say that she was a bit of an insomniac, or a warrior in never need of resting. When finished, she raised her head and said, "Vault, would you consider yourself a man of stealth?" She knew this answer, of course. But it was to pique his curiosity, anyway. "If so, then yes, we can begin your test."

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:33 pm

Corentine gave a near invisible dip of her head to show she had heard the request. She remembered seeing Solara, but they had never properly introduced themselves. The fem had appeared just before they were going to hunt. Noticing Vault and Evanescence a moderate distance away drinking water, she approached Solara and said, "Since this could take a few moments, I think we can take a short walk within the immediate area and properly introduce ourselves to each other."

She started to walk a further distance from the pair, within their eyesight, but enough for her and Solara to be out of earshot for sure. Conversationally, she said, "I'm Corentine, Corry for short, seeing that Mort and Vault seem to like nicknames. Do you have any grudges against me for leaving the hunting party? I won't apologize for leaving, but I will explain my actions if you care about them, to give a more accurate... analysis of my character, if you will." If Vault would be given a test that required for him to be out of the lands, it would be a quick discussion. If it was something for within the lands, both of them would probably leave the water's edge and further into the trees. She didn't know much about the others, other than some of their seemingly regular ways, but Solara was the one she knew least about.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:05 pm

Solara watched through her crimson oculars as the femme everyone had called Corry make her way towards Solara. Her snowy auds took in Corrys lyrics and she grinned. she wasn't going to apologize she thought. Solara parted her charcoal kissers to speak as she began following after the fatale. "You can speak as you wish" That was all she could say. Once they were close to the waters edge she dipped her tiara and her bubble gum tongue lapped up the icy cold water. Once she finished she brought her tiara back up to its normal stance and she sank back onto her alabaster flanks and waited for Corry to speak.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:20 pm

Seeing this was all Solara was going to say for now, her eyes wandered, partly in thought. Now neither of them would hear anything Evanescence or Vault are saying. "I left because of Mort's decisions. This was a hunt in pack lands, not a mission in enemy territory. From what I was able to see, you and Vault were the better wolves, not charging without thinking like Mort had. Although unlike Vault, I wouldn't have helped Mort by going in for the kill- they were lucky. The ones with smarter actions stay alive, and the senseless ones die. I'd probably have helped if anyone but Mort received injury."

Smirking, she said, "I've killed on whims before, but I don't touch comrades or pack mates... unless they're being very irrational, stupid, or have fallen so far that they must be eliminated... and if I have permission... or if I kill in self-defense. If one acts foolishly in their own home, I don't stop the land from killing them." Her eyes flashed, "That's how I grew up, and that's how I'll always be. I'd assume you know my actions were nothing against you, but if we need to work together in the future, I'd rather things be absolutely clear of efficiency... and possibly become as good as anyone can call a 'friend' here. I like a good conversation every so often. The males I've grown up with don't have anything interesting to say, and there've never been many females." To give Solara a change of topic, if she wished it, she asked, "I caught two scents in your den earlier. Is the other a sibling?" She then took a short drink herself, just enough blood from the fight with the wolverine came off to make herself look presentable, even if some stains still remained.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:19 pm

Solara cuffed out a laugh as she listened to Corry tell her story. She must think I care or something she thought in her mind. As soon as she asked the question about Nikolaos her eyes narrowed in on her for a moment, then relaxed. There was no need for her to over-react. She remained seated on her rump as she spoke "Yes, his name is Nikolaos.." She looked away as Corry drank from the icy lake. It was odd being here for her, she wanted to be where she knew she belonged.

With her and Nikolaos' father.

She sighed slightly as she brought her gaze back to Corry, she could now see the little blood the fatale had on her maw. It must have come from her test. She smirked. "Nik and I came from a very interesting situation" She thought of that word for a moment, situation. She did not know what else to call it. The hatred she still held for that bit.ch that was her mother consumed everything in her. Nik on the other hand had forgiven her in his own way, by forgetting. She waited for Corry to ask more questions, there was no need for her to dive right into the story of how she and Nik came to be, and what they were to become when the time was right.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:44 pm

Vault glanced up as he acknowledged Evon coming to join him at the water bank. He only let his orbs look up, remaining level with the water, as she began to ask him about his stealth capabilities. With the last bit of lyrics leaving her mouth, he finally brought his head upward to look at her face-to-face. His maw still dripped with the lake’s refreshing liquids, and he even thought about smiling at the question. But Vault had never smiled. He often smirked; never smiled. “I like to be…curious, per say. A lot of people don’t appreciate open curiosity, especially if it’s from someone like me. So yes, you could say I like to be stealthy.” He paused a second, looking up towards the sky, as if expecting something to occur high in the atmosphere; as if there was something up there watching him. He looked back into Evon’s deep icy stare, cocking a brow. “I assume it applies to what I might get myself into with this test.” Vault was a bit happy. He considered lurking as a strong point in him, among other qualities. He waited for what his leader had to say.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Thu Jun 30, 2011 12:41 pm

Oh dear. This one didn't seem like an active information gatherer- either that or she was hiding it, nor very interesting in conversation. The chances of Solara being like the males Corentine grew up with were very high. Perhaps out of all the wolves here, excluding the alphess, she'd get along with Vault the best after all. She tilted her head. "Interesting? Everyone has something like that, but for one to say that, it must be more so than others." She gave the equivalent of a shrug, as if saying Solara could leave it at that and move topics.

She was curious to see if Solara would continue or change the subject. Hearing about any past or tale was boring, yet provided some good background for inferring, both for the person listening and sometimes the one sharing. She didn't care for deception and such, but some of her older positions of war had called for few knowing specific areas of other skills, and they had stuck with her, especially when she had gone through that paranoia stage and survived.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:03 pm

Evanescence nodded to Vault's response. She had had the feeling that he was of the stealth type. "Good, very good," she replied, noting that he was delighted to see that it had to do with potential role he was to play. The white queen sat back on her haunches, tassel lying across her toes in a regal manner; a form she took when it came to important conversations, her shoulders square and her auds erect. "Stealth is an asset that this rank requires in order for anything to get done, but it is not the primary skill... The primary skill, when said aloud, sounds mundane, but I can assure you that the performance of such a skill is position is not. It not only requires stealth, but strong mentality and even stronger will," she said, and paused, blue eyes seeming to glow in the dark of the night. Thunder rumbled, and yet still, the rain did not fall, as if there were some sort of ethereal protection spell hovering over the Lake. She stood up and circled around Vault once, not in a predatory or aggressive manner, but more of observing his features - his limber legs, his muscular haunches, his strong back - all signs that he was in fit physical condition. She came back to his front, speaking with him directly again. "Your body is strong, I have no doubt about that. I watched as you helped Mort take down the moose - an impressive feat of strength... But given that you are of a body of stealth and quite resolved in the head, you are not strictly a fighter, as Corentine is. No, you are a man of the shadows."

Here, she smiled. "Assassination from the dark is often an overlooked rank amongst many packs now, especially those in the lands of Fire and Ice, as I have observed. They prefer to attack their enemies by revealing themselves... I find that this causes the enemy too know to much. I'll can say that Lacrimosa, as a whole, has prized assassination above every other rank. We were built upon the idea of stealth. You should feel honored. But, your role is not solely to assassinate by means of tooth and claw... but by poison," she explained, her smirk never fading. "Poison is one of the ancient arts, often the 'dark arts' of medicine. Healers today know nothing of the venom that lies in rattlesnake fangs, or the deadly afflictions of wolfsbane. With an understanding of these arts, we have an advantage in war. I know that the medicinal studies may not be your forte or something you have learned before, but do not let this stop you. Your test is a task that will be done longer than the others."

"Vault, I would like for you to become our medicine specialist. You have the brains for it. Over the next few weeks, I would like to see you either gather or synthesize a number of poisons we would be able to administer to our enemies. However, you will also need a cure for every poison; it would be foolish not to have an antidote. The forest around us is filled with many common plants - both for poison and healing arts - but you will find a jungle not far from here with more exotic species. Remember, though, that plants are not the only things that hold toxins - smaller animals do as well. Do you have any questions?"

She went back to sitting, her tail lying across her toes again. Somewhere far-off, she could hear the rain fall; despite the strange spell that seemed to be cast over the lands, Evon knew that the rain would be upon them soon enough. However, she would be patient for Vault's reply. His task and role sounded easy, but in reality, they were difficult, and it would take a lot of thinking on his part to get the job done. A complete understanding of what he was up for was absolutely necessary.

OOC: PM if you'd like to discuss specific poisons. While there is a list of healing herbs on the information board, there isn't one on poison.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:01 pm

Vault gazed back at Evon, as she laid out the basis of his new role and rank. She saught him to become a medicine man; an angel of death; a healer and a killer. His maw was stapled shut, orbs glowing with determination. He wasn't overtaken by the test he would be given, but it was still a lot to digest all at once. He would need to scower miles of unfamiliar territory in search of items that could very well kill him if he was uncareful. When his leader finally finished her detailment and sat back on her haunches, Vault stayed silent for some time, just thinking. He remembered his father had been a healer. He tried and tried for Vault to fit his mold, but it was no use. Still, his father persisted to implant some medical information into his son, whether he ever did follow those footsteps or not. Vault had dealed with the basic remedies for everything from wounds to nausea to pregnancy. Of course, Vault had more of a peak interest for the "side effects" to the many potions. He took advantage of his medical knowledge for antics, but never went far enough from his childish games to administer poison. Looking back, he probably should have...He never figured his father and the teachings he gave him would ever prove useful. Coming back to reality in a quick rush, he shattered the short trance he was in. "Wow....I'm actually honored...No questions. I'll check in with pairs of potions: one poison, one antidote. If there's nothing further, I'll be on my way." He wanted to be completely clear with this journey.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Jul 12, 2011 3:28 pm

Honored? Evanescence smirked. She was glad to see that he had a positive take on the task, as others would have likely complained of the monotony of collecting the herbs just to see their effect, but both she and Vault knew that it would be worth it in the end. "I do believe that is it," she said, coming to a stand. "Feel free to use whatever subjects to test that you find in this forest, spare us wolves in the pack, of course. Also, if you are to be poisoning a water supply, keep it away from the Lake. I have no doubt that the Lake would cleanse itself, but one can never be too careful. I anticipate your results." She dipped her dial to him, dismissing him, as it seemed like he was honored to get the job done without further inquiry.

Seeing that Corentine and Solara were off for their midnight stroll, Evanescence took it to retire to her den beneath the pride rock that she called her throne; the den was a peculiar site, steep upon entry so that she had to elongate her body into the earth, and as wide as three wolves at the base, and having a decent height that she could sit down. The southern face of the small cave had hundreds of tiny, glowing rubies embedded into the rock, casting a sunset look throughout the place. While the den did not offer much sight to the outside world, she could hear very well what was happening, and thus, had never worried. The den was private and well-fortified for a royal occupant.

The white circled thrice, and then laid herself down to rest, head on her paws. Corentine would know where she was, if the need arose. She then closed her eyes, succumbing to this earthly attachment called sleep...

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Jul 20, 2011 5:01 pm

As he was dismissed, Vault bowed and trotted off into the surrounding brush around the lake. His mind wasn’t focused on anything in particular; he just intended to move deeper and deeper into the trees, attempting to make a path for himself as he went along. It was evident these lands ancient and filled with history, but in his eyes, the lands still felt eerie and uncharted. After around 15 minutes later, he received a sign to start slowing down, as patchy droplets of water began to smack against his dark brown pelt. He had finally met up with the storm that should be heading towards the direction of the lake. The moisture and drizzle of rain allowed for the flavor of the earth to come out, and for many familiar scents to miraculously appear. It wasn’t long before he felt himself being dragged ever so closer to a starchy smell that burned his nostrils intensely. It was difficult to move on, between the increasing rain as he moved deeper into the storm system, and the fumes of the mystery scent that made his snout cringe. Vault squinted against the thick beads of liquid that now pelted his body. Through blurry vision, he at last believed to have seen what he was looking for. A patch of low, yellow green plants assembled between two large trees that provided enough cover to allow Vault to stop and observe. It had to be the source of the smell, as he lowered his head to the level of one of the plants. Its many stems were thin with radial leaves that looked like small daggers, as the plant convulsed with each drop of rain that touched it. Carefully, Vault opened his maw and tilted his head to pick up the plant, fangs barely grazing its smooth texture. In one gradual motion, he brought his head away from the ground with the stems in his mouth, exposing a heavy, brown root system. He dropped the freed plant. “Knew it. Had to be cassava. It hurts just looking at the ugly little thing.” he said to himself. He now felt more confident about what he was getting himself into, seeing he had found his first poison fairly easy. The plant could be used to help in many ways, but injure in even more. He knew now he needed something that could support the immune system and help the cassava digest in order to counter it.

***

After a short time trekking around the nearby area, he found two common plants that could be combined to surely counter poisoning from cassava: dandelion and cat’s claw. Of anything else here that could kill me, I know cassava the best. There’s no need to test this, or its antidote…but this’ll probably the luckiest I’ll get the whole time I’m out here, he thought. With the plants assembled at hand, Vault quickly made his way back to the lake for his first drop off, eager to inform in detail what exactly these plants were capable of. The atmosphere felt much cooler, as now the falling liquid richoceted off of Vault's running body in large globs. The sky seemed to be a darker hue than he ever noticed before, though it didn't seem threatning to him; the lanscape almost felt surreal. Too quiet for actuallity, yet too deafening to only be the sound of a rainstorm. It wasn't long before Vault took realization that he was less than a quarter mile from the banks around the lake, daylight growing more and more as he pushed forward. Easing up through the final waves of trees, he arrived along the lake, which tremored and splashed as thousands of drops attacked its formerly solemn surface. The rain had pursued him well, though it seemed that the storm had only just arrived at the lake. Slightly disoriented with the openness of the beach, compared to the close quarters of the forest, Vault continued now towards the pride rock.

[OOC: tried to make it short as possible]

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:44 pm

(ooc: okay I am so sorry all.. I will post Solara up right now back to Corry and then post Nik in and go from there I guess. Please forgive me)

Solaras crimson pools watched Corry as she spoke, what the fatale said was true. Everyone had their own situation. She did not wish to speak more of what was her and her families history. She did not know the entire thing and the only one who did was her father. He was off taking care of his mothers packlands and that was where she would be heading soon if Nikolaos did not come back. She was beyond frustrated that he had not come back .... "I hope my brother returns soon from his mission for the queen" She offered the fatale a smile, one that looked sweet. She truly was one that could play any part she needed to for any reason. She huffed out a sigh and flicked her tail, she had nothing more to say to the other femme.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Aug 17, 2011 12:52 pm

((no prob))
Corentine faintly nodded her head. Apparently Solara's brother had told her about his mission before he'd left. There was no point now to talk about things neither of them would be interested in. She'd bring the attention back on the trials. "Anything can happen on a mission. Besides... a test is a test, however long it takes. Yours is next. Want to go see if she's ready for you yet?" She guessed she had kept Solara occupied long enough for a test for Vault and maybe a short rest from company in general. Her attention was turned to the scenery while she waited for some response, senses aware for any signs of trouble.

The other males had been gone for some time now, still busy in the other lands, she suspected. Not that she cared. They'd come back when they will... or not at all. Details like that didn't matter to her. Informational details mattered. Any surprise threats could be dealt with as long as she was aware of something wrong. Details about type threat type didn't necessarily matter to her, but details of others' experiences were what she soaked up. Other boring topics of the past were just that- boring, but occasionally useful, especially during orders to get rid of unwanted underlings. An assassin sounded too dull, too fast, although she had to admit, they did have uses in a pack during a rush job. There are few encounters of life-and-death struggles where adrenaline levels really soared, which was what she hated most about their life. To each his own, though.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:36 pm

The world was cold. A blanket of frosty snow capped the blue-black mountains, sharp and menacing against the blood red sky. The orange sun was setting on the western half of the world, drawing great shadows into the narrow passages between the mountains, a howling wind whipping against the black rock. A white wolf stood atop one of these mountains, gazing down into the seemingly bottomless pits below.

Her diamond auds twisted, hearing footsteps behind her. She turned to find another white wolf, one with a determined face and hollowed eyes. A smile slipped across her black leathers. "Ah," she said, turning her body around to face the other wolf. "I was wondering if you would be up to the challenge... Let us begin."

A crack of thunder disturbed her slumber. Slightly irritated, Evanescence stood up and stretched - she needed more rest. A few hours wasn't enough to account for several restless days. But, restless days was something she was used, after many years of hard training and endurance. In winter, especially, she almost never slept... Somewhat of an insomniac, one could say. She shook herself free of any sleepy grogginess and headed upwards out of the den, the ground wet beneath her paws, a most torrential downpour releasing itself over the Lake.

"Vault, over here," she called to the bru as he made his way for pride rock. She darted for a tight grove of trees, where they would be protected from the wet and the wind. Most storms did not brew for long over Lacrimosa, but one could never be too careful. She was inwardly surprised at how quickly he had returned, and what he had in store. Perhaps he would prove to be more reliable than she had intially thought.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Thu Aug 18, 2011 11:13 pm

Vault’s pace was at a heavy trot on the beach, as the plants hung loosely from the grip of his fangs. He made sure each plant didn’t sit too closely to one another, attempting not to alter their condition as much as possible in case Evon really wanted to thoroughly inspect these. He looked through the sheet of grey rain to see his leader emerge from her cave below the pride rock. Hearing her lyrics, he followed her direction to a thick cluster of trees that blocked out most of the downpour. Once near the cover of trees, his body’s movement slowed to a walk and an eventual halt. His pelt was soaking wet and matted, yet his orange orbs never showed a flicker of weakness; not the slightest sign that he had just run miles through a nearly black forest in a torrential storm. Face-to-face with Evon, he sat back on his haunches and gingerly eased the plants from his maw to the ground, unharmed by the elements. He directed his head to a thick, brown root. “This,” he started in an explanation voice, “is Manihot esculenta, also called Cassava. I know this because I’ve had firsthand experience with the plant…what makes it so deadly is that it contains hydrogen cyanide. Basically, it’s full of highly toxic chemicals, which are almost impossible to scent unless, well, they get this wet. There are two distinctive varieties of Cassava based on how much cyanide it contains: ‘Sweet’ Cassava has very little cyanide, while ‘Bitter’ Cassava has a lot. The ‘Bitter’ looks a little darker, but it’s hard to tell. Either way, they both taste like crap.” Vault still felt the tiniest tingle on the tips of his fangs from the lingering cyanide. It gave them a strange numbing feeling, but it didn’t matter that it was all over his teeth. As long as he didn’t ingest it, there was no issue. He continued. “The cyanide can render someone permanently uncoordinated. Like unable-to-ever-stand-up-again kind of uncoordinated. And it only takes a very small amount of the cyanide to kill instantly.” He now pushed forward the two weedy-looking flowers. “The only cure is a bit of a combination drug. Dandelion gets it out of the digestive system, and Cat’s Claw strengthens the immune system and organs to bring you back to full strength from the poison’s grip. It has to be applied pretty quickly, though.” Vault paused from talking. The continuing downpour took over the silence. It was hard to see, but his orbs were glowing. “Hope this has peaked your interest so far.”

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Aug 23, 2011 4:46 pm

Evanescence watched and listened as he explained each plant with careful, radiating blue eyes. Though it was dark, she could see and smell what each plant was - as the crown princess of Lacrimosa, she too, had been trained in the poison arts, and could recognize more plants than the untrained wolf. Her sister, Epica, had far more talent in this area, but she was neither jealous nor ambitious about it. If anything, she was satisfied to have come across Vault. "You indeed have peaked my interest, Vault," she replied, smiling in the dark. "I am also impressed by your quick timing. It seems that you know the layout of the lands here better than I thought. You may proceed with your gathering as you wish. Let me know if you are experimenting on any of the resources around here." She dipped her head and left him to be. He was not the kind that needed much looking after.

A warm, midnight summer mist began to rise up from the leafy forest floor, Evanescence trekking her way through the dark, wet forest to Corentine and Solara. "Good eve, ladies," Evanescence said as she approached. "Had a good chat, I hope? Corentine, you may be dismissed and do as you wish, or patrol the borders. Up to you. Solara, you best be prepared for your test. It is ready."

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:07 pm

Left alone in the darkness under the sheltering trees, Vault sat up off his hind. The first drop-off was successful. One down, many to go. He didn't mind this test, though; it was exactly the way he wanted it. Not taking anymore time to stand around at the beach, he began to jog into the perfect darkness of the forest. The jog progressed into a run. He didn't feel the need to slow down in order to find what he was looking for. If it was something that worth seeking, the poison would probably find Vault before Vault would find the poison.

Far deeper in the woods than Vault had ever trekked to, the rain had slowed to a drizzle. The storm had passed over this area and was still heading in the direction of Lacrimosa. Vault saw it as useful, because as he finally took a moment to slow down, he realized everything around him was drastically foreign. The sights and smells of this place did not resemble the dreary woodlands of Lacrimosa. If he wanted to get back to Lacrimosa safely (or as close to safe as he could manage), he would have to follow the storm. Vault now noticed another issue: with the slowing rain, other creatures were coming back out from their shelters. New noises buzzed through the moist air, but there was no need to worry; the only other things that were here with Vault right now were swarms of insects. Nothing threatning yet. The insects, however, began to take over the air far quicker than expected. It wasn't long before the little annoyances became massive walls of bugs, their humming sophocating the air. Vault walked slowly through them, dipping his head to avoid walking through the walls of insects. Suddenly, he stopped, because the humming around him had stopped. Just like that, the insects were gone, and the air was clear again. Looking around, he could still see the woodlands alive with organisms, yet where he stood everything was lifeless and dead. Vault noticed the evergreen tree trunk next to his flank. Above him were the branches of a broad-leafed evergreen, its shade hovering around his entire body. It looked like a normal tree; nothing special. Vault took a closer look at the branches of the tree that surronded him like a force field. Large walnut-like seeds hung from a few of the branches. Vault carefully brought his head close to one of them. Knowing the risk, he inhaled the tiniest particles of the tree's fruit. For a second, nothing happened. Everything remained the same. Then, out of nowhere, a strange wave of fatigue hit his body. His orbs dimmed and became heavy, and his legs felt weaker. Vision began to blur more and more with each blink. The world turned sideways. Vault jolted his maw away from the nut-like seed, focusing his breathing away from the area. After a coughing fit and what seemed like an eternity, all of his vital signs returned to normal, and all tiredness was driven away. Unflustered and now chuckling, he glanced up at the seed without moving his head closer to it. "I've got to test this."

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Wed Aug 24, 2011 10:43 pm

.:. Lacrimosa Lake - Page 6 CorentineFin2

"Evening," Corentine returned simply when Evanescence greeted them, "I'll patrol the lands, then." Nodding in a farewell to Solara, then dipping her head towards the alphess to depart, she stepped away. She didn't allow it to show except for a brief gleam in her eyes, but Corry was looking forward to this normally boring task. This would be the first chance she'd really get a good look at these lands, and it was more-or-less one thing that was familiar. As she wandered near the border to start patrolling, she wondered what was so special about this forest. Ever since she'd arrived, she'd felt it. If it was part of the lands itself, she'd have to learn to quickly differentiate between this and an outside danger, but at the same time, not ignore it altogether. Even Evanescence had commented when Corry had mentioned it.

There was nothing of interest during her patrol so far, but she was learning the layout of the lands. On instinct, she stopped in place the moment her ears picked up a sound. Honed instincts reacted, a whirlwind of basic thoughts acknowledging the facts in a split second of why she had stopped; the noise had come from two hundred feet ahead, and it sounded big and heavy, but a bit slow, and she'd be near it's path had she kept moving. Seconds later, what looked like a wild boar ran perpendicular to her some distance ahead. She didn't pause to linger on what she thought it was. If she hadn't stopped, the beast for sure would have noticed her and might have changed course- something she wouldn't mind happening, but nothing could be called a storm if no one was present to label it as such... plus it wouldn't be sensible to provoke anything for no good reason. There might have been entertainment value had she already known information. A small grin could be seen had one been there watching her. She whispered to the surrounding trees as she resumed her previous pace, "No need for warnings... I'll stay aware of your dangers, too." So much for patrolling not being interesting.

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:12 am

Crimson oculars switched from Corry to Evanescence when she heard the queen speak. Solara rose to all four pillars and relaxed her tail which quivered with anticipation. Even if she was not ready for this 'test' the snowy fatale would take it. She knew her father had raised her better than to be doubting herself. She shoved all of her hesitation and doubt out of her tiara and parted her charcoal kissers to speak "I am ready for whatever is to come my way" She looked to Corry as she spoke and dipped her own dial in goodbye. Nikolaos wasn't back yet, her mid was curious... She watched through bloody optics and waited for the queen to tell her what her task was to be...

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:24 am

His charcoal mitts touched the grounds of Lacrimosa finally. It seemed like he had been gone for years instead of days. A smile graced his features and he looked behind him. He hoped everyone hadn't gotten completely lost in the trek from The Black Pearl to Lacrimosa. His cerulean gaze turned back to look to where he was going. He was not going to worry about if anyone had gotten lost. His mindset was they should have kept up better with him. He hoped the Queen would be pleased with the work Chimera was doing. He slowed as he was getting closer and closer to where the pack resided. He was allowing those that were to follow him to catch up. He knew even though he did not care whether or not he lost anyone or not he knew the queen would be highly upset with him. His breathes came out in puffs of white air around him. It was definitely cold in these lands for it being Spring. It would hopefully warm up as the season got closer to Summer.

Nikolaos perked his auds and listened for the sounds of other approaching....

[ooc: Okay, hopefully everyone follows..]

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Aug 30, 2011 4:16 pm

Evanescence watched as Solara straightened, ready to accept her mission. The white queen eyed her over, musing before beginning, calculating all that Solara presented. This was only for a moment, though, as Evon looked up at the black sky, rippling with lightning. "Let's get out of the rain," she said, vexed by the downpour, and crossed into the grove that she and Vault had been prior. "Now, from what you can see, most of those who have been tested were sent out of the lands. In your case, though, you will remain within Lacrimosa, but a day's journey will still be needed to reach your destination. There is a large, low-laying swamp southwest of here, and home to one of Lacrimosa's oldest Elders, assuming she still lives. Her name is Vatica. Find her, and bring her to me." It was a mission Evanescence could have done herself, but that would have required time that she did not have. The storm was a sign that summer was more than half over, the waters finally warm enough to cause such tempests. Autumn would soon be upon them, and then winter, when all of their hard work would be truly put to the test.

"But know, Solara, that Vatica is not just another wolf to fetch. She and the Lacrimosa pack have had an ancient, historical bond, tied by the mysteries of this forest. She is to be treated with respect, and you are to apprehend her lest any difficulty come your way. If she is taking her time, then let her. Know that there are times when even the Elders are above the Alphas." She paused, the wind carrying the scent of a returning Nikolaos and the wolves Chimera had recruited. She briefly wondered what specimens Chimera had found, but did not let the subject distract her. "You may bring an accomplice, if you so wish. You may wait until Vault, Mort, or even your brother to fully complete their missions to accompany you, or one of the wolves that Nikolaos has brought back. As Corentine is my personal bodyguard, she is off limits. Have you any questions?"

There was time to talk. Nikolaos' scent grew stronger in small accounts, perhaps heeding the storm. Whatever the case, Evon was not concerned with, as long as he had not failed...

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:49 pm

Meanwhile, Vault lay low in the dark brush, watching and waiting. He balanced on the toes of his pads, ready to change direction in an instant, his body so close to the earth he could feel its moist dampness from the rain sizzle from the ground and penetrate his brown fur. He could not even sense his own breathing, as if he were not actually there in this strange forest. Everything remained eerily silent, as though the air were expectant of something to happen. Vault was on a stakeout, plain and simple. Minutes ago, he had rigged poison from the nut-like fruit he had stumbled upon onto a small, controlled feeding area. It was only a cluster of berry-like plants, close to the ground and easily obtainable for creatures like rodents. He had managed to scrape minute shavings from the poisonous nut onto the berries, invisible to the naked eye. He could only assume the thin scrapings could take effect if ingested, though he was happy to have figured a way to test its potency so quickly. Now, he could only sit and stay, anticipating what might happen to something that fatally eats it.

Of course, it took some time for any detectable life from anywhere was seen. Vault’s trained orbs tunneled in at the sight of the berry plants. The plants’ details became an unmoving portrait that never left his eyes, not even the few times he managed to blink. Its image was infesting into his mind. After what felt to be a very long time stuck in a prowl, the vegetation above rustled ever so slightly. A squirrel-like rodent scaled down slowly from overhead, focused on the plants below. Along had come a spiny dormouse. Vault had never seen something like this animal. He cocked a brow, confused about what he was looking at. Its muscles were built like a lemur, yet it had the grotesque fatness of a rat, as well as a light, feathery tail almost the size of the rest of its body. Vault had no clue why this thing would go to the forest floor for nourishment rather than take something from the high canopy-level trees, though he continued looking straight ahead. Tension built as the rodent investigated the plants. Its nostrils and head twitched, curious of what it was looking at. It almost seemed to know something was wrong. Vault’s mind still remained blank, as though he were not there. Finally, the creature took small nibbles at the berry plant, its body moving fidgety and quick. There seemed to be now effects on the animal. More time went by, and Vault looked on as the creature still continued to eat, unharmed by any sort of poisonous entity. Before he knew it, the rodent began to claw back up from where it came in the trees. It wouldn’t make it. The rodent hesitated, like something was stopping it from moving forward. Its eyes moved feverishly about, looking for an unclear answer. Vault felt a glimmer of hope rise in his chest, tickling his lungs in a way that made him want to unleash a twisted howl of accomplishment. Maybe the poison had actually set in. Suddenly, its body began to lose grip of the tree trunk it intended to scale, sliding gradually back down to the earth and collapsing on its side. The rodent’s movement had become sluggish, until it eventually lay still in defeat. Seeing as the creature was incapacitated, Vault stood on his pillars. He even let himself stretch before he slowly proceeded over to the fallen body. As it heard his steps grow, the rodent convulsed in a last stand to scamper away, but its body remained retrained to the ground. Finally hovering over the strange, little figure, Vault turned his head to the side, looking deep into its scared soul. The beady black eyes widened in pure fear, its breaths shallow and fast as its chest puffed up and down. It was only seconds before it stopped moving completely. Vault reached down at its certain corpse, but something was wrong. It just didn’t seem dead; like it was paralyzed in sickness. He bent down towards its fuzzy chest. Its heart was still pumping. Maybe he could try something real quick…just to see…

Arriving back to the spot, he had grabbed a grocery list of medicinal plants in the area that would not overlap each other in effect. The body remained there, sick with nausea and euphoria. He dropped the healing plants neatly next to each other side-by-side. “This is never going to work, this is never going to work, this is never going to work,” he kept mumbling as he ripped fragments off the various plants. He was going to cure this sick rodent. One by one, he forced each fragment of plant down its throat and waited about five minutes, and each one had no effect on the sickened creature. The animal couldn’t even make a noise in its sickness to signal some kind of result. Maybe it was too petrified. Vault had tried poppy seeds, milk vetch, huckleberries, and nothing was working. Finally, he was left with the small, purple cone flower sitting by itself. Nonchalantly, he shoved another plant down the rodent’s throat. He wasn’t expecting anything, and when the little creature finally did make out a small cough, Vault was taken back. The creature began to move itself on the ground more calmly and fluidly, its eyes focusing more. “Oh…I guess it did work…” Vault looked about in the dead forest, almost like he was making sure the coast was clear. It had become much darker than when he arrived, and he didn’t want to leave a potential meal, but the possibility of poison still in its system told otherwise.

[OOC: ooooppssss...]

Subject: Re: .:. Lacrimosa Lake Sun Sep 11, 2011 3:41 pm

[OOC: kind of a part 2]

Satisfied enough, Vault took a few poisonous nuts unpicked from its origin tree as samples to bring back. The purple cone flower use was still intact, as he planned to take it along with him as well. Ensuring nothing in the area was left behind or left out of place, he began to retrace his steps back from which he came. Though hungry, he didn’t bother to kill or move the rodent animal he had been experimenting on. His back now turned as he walked away, he figured the creature would probably get as far away from this place as possible once it came to its senses. By Vault’s guess, however, with how bad it took to sickness symptoms and the very gradual recovery it was making, the toxins could stay in its system for over a day. Not to mention the lingering side effects that could last much longer. The rewards from the travel here sat snug in his maw, as he gripped the dangerous nut-fruits and the purple cone flower. Orbs focused on the terrain ahead, he tried to draw out familiar landmarks from memory, but this land seemed to have not been treaded on in a while. Everything was vividly foreign. Nothing gave off any sign of direction, as the sun had vanished and the sky remained eclipsed by the trees above. It felt like the dead of night, but exact time could not be told. Vault’s orange pools moved and churned in his head more rapidly, searching for an answer of direction. Finally, in sight of less dense brush, he trekked towards the spot until he stood on more spacious ground. He stopped all movement; he let all the sounds around him continue without his pads hitting the earth corrupting it. He wasn’t concerned, and he disregarded the right to worry over a dumb situation like this. Yet he was still giving a desperate attempt to be homeward bound. He let the sounds of the environment wash over him; all that moved was his chest as it went up and down with oxygen. No signs ahead of him. He slowly pivoted, waiting for something to tell him the path to take. The long silence continued; there was nothing. Suddenly, something memorable hit his nairs. It was the distant smell of dampness, among the currently dry ecosystem around him. Not taking any chance, he took off towards the source of this outlying scent. Sure enough, the storm began to remerge, hopefully pointing the way to Lacrimosa. Drizzles of water became waves of pelting force, as the elements now began to whip against his body like before, and he was happy to find it again, muffled laughing to himself at his success.

As he galloped, the usual dark, dismal forest set in more and more. He was arriving, but something was in front of him, its figure moving and blending with the countless trees. Something was patrolling the outlying forest, probably part of the pack land perimeter. It had become too dark to tell who, and he didn’t desire to risk anything. Reluctant to pass by, his approach curved more and more towards the form, as his own body sank lower to the ground yet ultimately not attempting to hide. Vault didn’t think it was a threat, but as his mind had sidetracked, he figured he was looking for something interesting amidst old territory, now aware he was where he needed to be. He could see he was facing a wolf’s front, as lightning flashed at the moment he was nearly face-to-face.

» Lacrimosa!