.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo

Admin Number of posts : 1199 Registration date : 2009-01-11

Listening to the fae Cinder's intentions she watched her a bit critically. This fae, who was from Midnight Meadows,who was a pure, wanted to learn how to fight from her. A frown came over her muzzle. How was she supposed to teach this fem to fight when they were both potential enemies in a war. Not that she expected such so soon, from what she heard on her way back here the packs were in a bit of disarray. Momentarily she was distracted my Legend who requested that he give the femmora whom she just met a tour. She opened her maw to speak but it seemed that he changed his mind upon seeing Jaded. Closing her mouth she just turned her head away back to Cinder. "We shall speak more in private in a moment." Did Damean know that she was going to ask for this?

Jaded was walking towards her now with the hessian that had called. Nodding to Jaded in a dismissal she locked orbs on the brute. "Since you are here I assume that Jaded has deemed you somewhat fit to enter the lands. If I heard correctly your name is Zaiaku. My own is Akiko, learn it." Looking him over she nodded to herself. "Firstly we all serve as hunters in this pack and from what ever skill I see you possess I shall judge you at a later time." Then she turned and trotted into the forest awaiting Cinder.

Admin Number of posts : 1199 Registration date : 2009-01-11

Eris had haulted when Legend actually addressed her. He seemed...strangely flabbergasted and she paused to look at him. Aud twitched when he offered her a..tour? She was going to open her mouth and turn down his offer, eyes flashing to Akiko first. He had asked her permission first for somer reason. But then he seemed to change his mind, stalking over to another femmora and speaking quietly to her. Chuckling lightly she padded away from the small scene and again sat on the sidelines. So much chaos in this pack, it proved to be quite interesting...

.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo - Page 4 Jadedf11

Tawny ears flicked forward at the sound of Akiko's voice and was glad that she had hear her ask his name. She was unsure of the stableness in her voice right now. She nodded to Akiko and then since the ebony bru was with Akiko now, she trotted back to the trees without hesitation. Her nose found Legend's scent and she followed it toward him. He wasn't far, a few steps and she had him in her emerald pools. She stopped and hesitated a moment, unsure if the words Damean was relaying through Legend were ones that she wanted to hear. She walked forward, her body acting upon it's own...she needed to hear whatever he had to say. She wondered if it was about the relationship between Akira and Damean....or the whelps...that deep down Jaded felt should have been hers...or maybe why he left. She licked the end of her ebony nose and then stopped a wolf length from Legend.

Sadness seemed to echo in her eyes for but a moment before she closed off the emotion and her eyes became hard jems once more. Her voice wanted to tremble but Jaded forced a smooth soft tone. "Legend, what is it you have to say?" She waited the seconds seeming like eons and she flicked her ears back and then forward again. It was the only sign of her uncomfort. She gave Legend a soft half-smile then, she knew it wasn't the young hessians fault..she couldn't blame him at all. Getting up she moved closer and sat beside him, her pelt barely touching his but the touch brought her some comfort. Then Jaded's breath stilled as she waited for the words to come.

Cinder

Silver eyes looked at the white fem as she spoke, she knew it was a subject that should have been saved for a more private time but Cinder had been here long waiting now and she was sure that Link was going to really start to worry soon. She needed to push things a little. She saw the frown come across Akiko's maw and almost could tell what she was thinking. Why would I teach you to fight when you could use it against me someday? She hoped to explain to Akiko her theories on the subject more. She listened as Akiko addressed the new black wolf and then trotted off. Cinder wasted no time.

Picking up her tiny pillars she followed. Cinder then found herself alone with the ivory maid. "Akiko..." she started and wanted to begin explaining but then held her tongue to let the demoness speak first. "I am here." She met Akiko's blue eyes with her own pure silver ones and they were set with determination. She had to be trained by Akiko...it was the only way Cinder saw that she would be able to make something of herself, defend herself against larger foe, and feel like she was worth something to her pack.

Blade's eyes narrowed when he hear Petra's information. He agreed, "They probably won't take kindly, but if they'd been attacked, it's still too soon for them to get enough wolves for an attack. It's just that if they send a spy and they're caught, our packmates will attack first and forget questions altogether. You can imagine what will happen. It'll just be safer for everyone... mainly them, that we act soon and send a message along."

He realized how that bit could easily be misinterpreted by any wolf, but it was true that Petra didn't share all the views a dark wolf had. She, he figured, had developed some liking to them, especially since she'd been with them so long. Still, he felt like he had to justify himself, so he grumbled, "Don't get me wrong. It's not like I care that much for them..." It didn't sound that convincing- even to him. What was wrong with him this day?

Blade noticed they were now back in the main area where their fellow wolves were. "I don't know how Akiko would handle this matter, but we should ask Cinder first if she thinks her pack is expecting word from her. If so, then we can bring this to Akiko and send a messenger along- preferably you, Cinder, or both with an escort- probably a wolf who had been in the pack for quite some time to ensure safety." His tone hinted at him being the escort.

He took time to look around, and he spotted yet another new wolf and Legend. Akiko seemed to be caught up in something involving Cinder and had left to talk in private. Saying things were complicated now was quite the understatment.

Legend looked quite content to be able to stand here in the pack while waiting for Jaded to finish what she needed to do. He thought he had more time but it was only seconds before Jaded was next to him asking what he wanted. She was so angry, he could tell from how she reacted. She wasn't happy at the moment. "He's not...their not entirely gone" He spoke swiftly. No one else would hear him he was speaking pretty much into her ear. "He wanted to tell you he loved you, but he can't be here right now. He's in the ld fire and ice lands though, stepping here and there, searching for someone. He wouldn't tell me who though. He said that it would all show itself in due time" he sighed and then looked around to see if anyone else were even trying to listen.

"He loves you. He's not gone so he I wont put it in past tense. He's still alive so that's more then anyone else can say for themselves" he looked at her, as if mocking her a little. She seemed so dead right now. "Jaded, I know it's hard to see what point I'm making, but he's not gone. And he's not gone from here to find someone else either. Plus, he cannot raise young and be a king too." He sighed and now he looked like the dead one. "Finds out his own children are not his then breeds with the queen of Muerta" He growled a little then turned back to her, eyes burning. "He asked if you'd give yourself to him when the time came. If you'd walk these lands still but when it's time, would you leave for him?" he felt a little sick, asking this from his father to his mother. A messenger...

"He misses you too. But he wanted you to know that there is nothing keeping his love for you. Not the new whelps, which he's made to create power. And not his own little mission. He says look for him, and when he's on the break, he'll leave you a sign to come see him. He'll wait every time, and if you don't show, then he'll wait a single night before coming to make sure you're okay. He wont walk back into your life and come to you physically. He'll wait for you. He said it has to be this way, just for now. He's making things better with his hunt for whatever it is. And then he'll be back, and he'll let you choose where you want to stand."

Legend nodded, done with his speech. There were things in there he himself added, but it was added onto what his father had said, just more into detail since he had time to think on it, his father had rushed, telling him the basic of his speech, he knew Legend would make it more...real. "Exodus misses you too" he said softly, and he nudged his mother on the neck softly... "Now...what kind of answer do you want to give?" he waited now on her words...anything... Any of the hard rants, anything harsh, something!

Mother, and son. Zaiaku had waited in the shadows of Jaded, as the male approached. He held no expression at their little conversation, that seemed more or less confusing for the fem. Not the situation only, but the words used. Zaiaku was left to his thoughts, for the time they had spoken. Reflecting on his own welps, that he dare not consider his. Weaklings, or rather just useless. All the fems were broken, an wouldn't bare any strong good pups. He smirked a little, the sick smirk of a deviant. It disappeared as suddenly as it arrived, snapping back to reality. Listening to only the last of the conversation, and only a glance at the other male. Zaiaku blinked slowly, and nodded at her words. His pillars following after her. His gaze shifting about constantly, if only to get to know the land. It was a busy place, as far as he could see. Once near the alphess, Zaiaku awaited her attention. It was clear to him, that the fem beside him, wished to be gone. After the other male. For some business that Zai had no interest in.

At once, her attention averted to him. If only for a brief speech, to which he learned what he needed. His stay upon the land was untill he would be judged, for a hunt. Both of the fem's left him to be, standing and looking around. His gaze followed Jaded, till her form disappeared. Blue lanterns averted, towards every aspect of the land. He smirked a little. It was a new place, but how long would his stay be? While his mind told him long, there were many factors that could contradict that. Zaiaku shook off all thoughts, before trotting off a bit. More towards the forest, the darker place to be. Perhaps a walk would do best. He smirked a little, as his form pushed through the foliage. Searching nothing, and yet something. A place to rest and gaze about, to think of situations that were irrelavent.

Jaded's breathing slowed as she listened to Legend, trying to absorb everyword and commit it to her mind. She didn't wan't to forget a single detail. "Their not entirely gone.....He loved you....can't be here right now.." Her emerald eyes met Legend's and she wondered if he loved her so why did he leave the way he did? Why didn' the think she could be trusted with his secret? Keeping her mouth shut as Legend paused her mind whirled but she had to hear the rest of it out before jugement.

Again the words "He loves you." floated through the air and swallowed. Every time Legend said the words it seemed to chip the ice from her heart, but the anger and hurt was still there and it burned anew. Then in the next breath Legend looked defeated as he told of Damean's discovery and his tryst with the Queen of Muerta. Jaded was angry for that too, Legend and Exodus were raised Damean's own....why would he cast them aside after learning they didn't hold his genes? That made her motherly instinct rise in her and in turn become bitter about that too. These pups...no longer pups..had no connection to her at all, yet she loved them as so. Still she held her tongue letting Legend continue.

Wait for him......Jaded sighed heavily and her ears pinned, eyes turning to hard stones once more. Why must she always wait! She was begining to grow impatient. How she craved his love, his touch, his voice and she felt as if she had been waiting forever already. Look for him....Didn't Damean know that she looks for him everywhere, her eyes want for his form.....and what hunt could he possibly be on? Then Legend's voice turned to Exodus and she flicked her ears forward and smiled a soft smile and nuzzled Legend back. The contact with her "son" was welcomed and it thawed another part of her heart. Now for her reply....she wanted to scream and yell and have Legend bite his father on the rear end for doing this to her, but she could see that the whole thing was making Legend uncomfortable. So she sat and leaned into Legend's shoulder while she thought.

Pink tongue slipped between her lips and she sighed heavily. She straightened up and looked her son right in the eyes. "First of all, Legend, I want to say thank you for all your trouble. This whole ordeal must be very hard on you and Damean should have never put the burden of messanger on you, this was something I feel he should have done himself." She paused slightly "And I regret having you be the bearer of my message. I would rather do it myself and spare you but I don't know where Damean is." She leaned over and licked Legend's maw. "Also I hope you know that I will always love you and your sister like you were from my own loins and you can tell Exodus that and that I miss her too." She sat up again and her heart ached. She wanted to yell and rant and tell Damean he was the biggest ass she had ever met and in the same breath tell him that she loved him and would wait all eternity. She sighed once more. "You can tell Damean that I am hurt. He hurt me more than I have every been hurt in my life. " Jaded's throat threatened to close up on her but she took a deep breath and swallowed then continued." I can't believe he wouldn't come and tell me this personally. That it is not fair to you, Legend, and that there are things I would like to say but am going to spare you, Legend, the brunt of carrying. " She stood and started to pace as her anger grew and then sat back down beside Legend to continue in a soft manner so outsiders wouldn't hear. "I am angry. I am angry that you wouldn't share this with me before you left. I felt betrayed when I found you had whelps with another. How long do I have to wait Damean ? How long? Will you come to me when I am old and gray?" Tears threatened the corners of her eyes, she thought she was done crying...especially after the whole Akiko incident. Then she sighed heavily and looked at her son her eyes unmasked and vunerable.. She hoped he didn't think less of her when the next words poured forth. "Tell Damean I will wait." she said so softly that it sounded like a breath of wind. "Tell him that I love him....and will always. Tell him I don't understand why it has to be this way. Tell him that I have already given myself to him long ago and that I will leave for him only if it is to be with him. Tell him next time I will have his head on a platter." She added the last part to lighten the mood a bit and then she slumped her head in defeat. She loved Damean so much that she would go to the ends of the earth just to catch a glimpse. Jaded didn't know whether or not that made her insanely loyal or just plain stupid. "I'm sorry Legend, maybe I should be more strong and let him go and leave these lands......but I can't my heart has me tied and I would miss my children. " she said softly and offered him a small smile. " I am glad you came back. Will you stay a while or are you headed back to your fath...Damean?" She knew that Legend was furious with Damean about the whole whelps issue and hoped she hadn't aggrivated it. "Does Akiko know of any of this ....plan or otherwise? " Jaded asked her son. Legend's presence here made her feel better, it made her feel less scattered. She looked away for a moment, into the distance, and hoped for a glimpse of black running through the wood.

The dark hessian, the son of his mother but not his father, listened to the one he and his sister knew as mother. She spoke but Legend tried not to listen. He wouldn't have to listen to this, when she herself could tell Damean when she saw him. Yes, his father had wanted the message sent, but the reply he wanted from her. Legend had only ment that he needed an answer if she would go see Damean, if so, then he would have told her where, but she had more to say. He smiled as she spoke about himself and Exodus and he let his head rub against whatever part he was touching to show he loved her right back.

"Lone Lands. Arrive by night there, so travel swiftly now and you'll be able to tell him yourself." He smiled, knowing this was probably a swift unknown to her. Then his massive head shook softly. "No. I'm staying for good. My father may have the heart to leave, but this is my pack as much as it is yours. I don't want to leave my family." He nodded once and then stood up. "He's in the far north. Closest to Hamara when circled around the lands. You wont miss him. He stinks." He gave a little smirk to her and then stepped away. He had to leave her with a choice.

Pillars carried the hessian back towards the pack gathering. He came round' and ended right infront of Eris. "Hello." he said softly, and then he sat down in her line of sight. "So. Why here?" he asked softly, his yes intent of looking through her but read her as if she were an open book. She seemed soft, and gentle for some reason she did not belong here. Maybe because the only femmes he'd been around were Akiko, Jaded, and Bloodeye really. His sister had been around but she...she was softer then even this. Dark in the heart, can show it if need be, but she was a soft being with everything else. Maybe it was the fact she was a healer had something to do with it.

Jaded leaned into her son's caress. She was glad he had returned. Tawny ears flicked forward at his next words and her emerald jewels widened in suprise. She hadn't known Damean wanted to see her now. She felt slightly embarrassed for dumping her feelings on her son and she hoped he didn't feel burdened with them. She had never meant for it to be so. She watched as he stood and stepped away. What a wonderful young male he had become. She was proud. " I love you Legend." she called softly and then turned her nose north. She hoped Akiko wouldn't notice her absence until she got back and then she would make some lame excuse to why she was missing.

Sandy pillars moved quickly into the mile eating lope that all wolves were born with. The sand was cooling quickly as the sun was in it's final stages of setting and the border quickly came into view. She slowed and then stopped at the border, looking behind her with emerald eyes she waited...one...two...three..four heartbeats to see if anyone followed. She took a deep breath and scented the land around her hoping to pick up traces of Damean. Then with the setting of the sun she stepped over the border, a sandy shadow dissapearing into the nothingness of the lone lands.

OOC: I need a new pic for him....

.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo - Page 4 Crow10

Everyone was busy. Beside him his companion flapped and croaked once, making
more noise than he needed. From the shadows he watched, knowing that for
those who hadn't met him, his appearance may have come as a shock. Pink
tongue flipped out over his nose, causing his birthmarked kissers to twitch. He
thought of Sarah, grown now, making her own decision to go off on her own. She
was so much like him that it hurt his stomach to think about it. She was certainly
old enough to take care of herself now, but a fatherly instinct in the back of his
head pounded and throbbed, wanting to call her back and keep her by his side in
case she got into anymore trouble. He never really learned how to let things go.
It made him chuckle to himself. His bird cawed again, as if laughing with him, and
he snapped his head back to glare at it. It sat up and still, as though it were
about to be killed. He growled, focused ahead, and moved forward.

Tensions wired the air like traps. Damean's scent was here no doubt, but not
strong enough for him to be present. He recognized some, but not all. A love
story was taking place. Tragic. He knew the pains of loss, and did not dare scoff
at Jaded and Legend's situation. He wasn't sure he knew the younger hessian, so
he passed by wordlessly. Attacks here, acceptance there, so much drama to
handle. He had to get reacclimated to this place. He regretted having to leave,
for being around such an interesting pack of wolves was more than he deserved.
But Sarah had needed him. He needed to help her grow. He was sure she would
become pure, and it did not bother him in the least. She deserved a place free of
abuse and scorn, as these places could often be.

As he stalked, his namesake followed him, flapping for a few moments and settling
on his shoulders as he walked. Jaded and Legend split, and he decided to follow
the bru. He caught up quickly, coming by the young bru's side. His voice came
from his throat, passing between his strange mouth. "Not sure if you know me. I
was part of Damean's pack a while ago. Crow. I'm wondering if there is still a
chance for me here. It seems as though your home is undergoing quite a time of
stress."

The very faint but familiar voice entered the aud of the bru and he turned to eye him cooly. He didn't recognise him. The marks on his face were a mystery, the size and white pelt ment nothing to him. It was the strangest thing that caught Legend's eye and he gave a weak smile. "Crow..." he said softly looking at the bird. "I remember the bird, and your name from when I was a whelp. But you are a mystery. I just remember wanting to chase him, eat him...it...she?" the brutes eyes were trained on the black bird perched on the shoulder of the cold hard white wolf. "Welcome home, to the both of you" he nodded to them and let his voice pick back up. "My father is no longer here. He wanders around Fire and Ice on his own now. Akiko now runs the pack for the time being, she'll find someone else to lead eventually. She's more content at Beta status then anything stronger." He shurgged and stood up, eyeing the female he had just spoken to before turning back to Crow.

"Where is your follower. I think I remember a female. Nothing about her, just a shower more like." He turned away from the female and nodded for Crow to follow. He walked towards Akiko, not mentioning he was bringing the bru to her to ask for a second acceptence. "I think you'll be fine to stay. As if you should need to ask. My word counts" he felt a smart joke coming on. He held his tongue though and nodded towards the white femme. "I guess ask her." he smirked a little and then sat down. "Where did you dissapear to?" He was talkative...it's not a bad thing, but he felt more at ease being home...

Crow chuckled openly. A mystery, hmm? He seemed to be that to a lot of people.
He listened to Legend in reference to his pet of sorts. "I've never found out what
the bird's gender is. I have a feeling it's a he, though. I've got no way of telling
on a bird." He gave a side look to the young hessian, "And you're not the first to
want to eat it... him. He's been close to a meal more than once." He nudged his
friend under the beak with his nose. His disposition changed at the news that
Damean had left. He had liked him and his attitude. Maybe it was just his odd line
of thought, but Crow thought he had a sense of honor he hadn't seen in many
dark canids before him.

He followed closely, recognizing Akiko immediately. "Sarah has grown," He
addressed the subject of his former aide before that of the betess. "She's off on
her own now. I don't think she'll be joining us any time soon. She's far too naive
and innocent to be on our side. Don't take this the wrong way, but you remind me
of her a bit. Your attitudes are very similar." He noted Legends looks at Jaded,
but left it alone. He had no business getting involved in their problems. For now
anyway. Perhaps in time he could get to know the situation, perhaps provide
some empathetic diffusion of tension. "Where? Everywhere. I trained Sarah to
defend herself. She wasn't the kind of wolf to grow with others, so I took her
with me after her first year mark, right after the fire conveniently enough. I just
got back after quite a travel home. Thank you for your welcome, Legend." He
remembered this one's name. He didn't see the others around, but he was sure
they would be found somewhere. "Don't tell anyone, but I kind of needed that
little boost."

He smiled at him, stretching his already permanent grin, then looked
toward Akiko. She was waiting on something, but he figured he could keep her
busy in the meantime. He gave a sidelong glance to Legend, checked on his crow,
who for the time being had remained silent and still - for once - and then decided
against another self-introduction. If she was in charge, she could speak to him on
her own time. He couldn't be bothered with confrontation. Instead, returned
to Legend. "It can wait for a few moments. What about you? What have you
been up to besides growing while I've been gone?" Perhaps he could get a partial
story out of the young drake.

Legend listened to Crow speak of Sarah. He couldn't put a face to a name though so he let it store in the back of his mind. He would bring it back up later, he knew he would. The younger hessian listened to the elder one, sucking in every word. He was more glad to be speaking to a brute then need be. It was a longing, to get away from femmes and his father. He was always around the women, maybe it was his witty charm, he would just stick with that, he was a stud.

Legend let a grin form in the corners of his maw. "You're secrets safe with me. No one shall ever know a boost in your ego, just don't hold you're head to high" the joke rang out and Legend wondered of the effect. His father would not do anything, just eye him softly with no emotion. His sister would stare, then make a remark back, too late for the joke, but also just too smart and ruin the whole thing. Crow decided to wait and Legend listened to his questions now directed towards him.

"I've been... Who knows where I've been. I've been growing, learning, and regreting. But I don't regret...everything." He thought of his sister and himself getting into the fight. "After the pack went to Muerta, and we came home, things were different. Father was hard before Lilith was gone, you remember her? The little 'slt'. Damean isn't our father, as everyone should know now. Hah! But he sure does act like one" the yougn hessian kept talking, not afraid to let this bru know something. Though not everything was told. "I don't know where he's gone off to now. He's out doing his own thing."

The drake looked back to Crow, taking his eyes off where Akiko was. "Nothing much has changed...though so much has" he wondered if he would remember the lands before the fire. Legend only knew the after math...the burnt smell...everything was ruined but everything had grown back...

Looking at the small femmora she tilted her dial and examined her closely. Tassle flicked and she allowed the silence to stretch on. Her gaze never faultering from the other fems silver hues. Finally like it would never happen Akiko spoke. Her lyrics not quite as harsh before. "Pray tell me fem, why I should teach you how to fight? Are we not of oppostie allegience and while I do not fear you will turn it upon me, for that would be foolish, if one of my pack or my sister's were to be hurt by your paw then who is to answer for that? My sister is not a forgiving wolf." A rumble rolled through her chest. "So state your reasonings and they better be of a good consort." Cerulean hues were devoid of emotion. The only movement was her tassle swaying gently behind herself.

In her peripheral view she could see Legend with another wolf. One whom struck her as familiar but since she did not look at him head on she did not spy his companion bird that was with him. Another one looking for acceptance. Excellent time to leave Damean...she thought with sarcasm. Being an alpha was not really her thing. She was plenty dominant all right but beta suited her far better.

Eris turned her head just a fraction to look at Legend. He had caught her at a moment that was not exactly how she wanted herself to be presented. Her body went slightly rigid and despite her apparent softness when he first saw her she turned cold. Not many times did she actually look like she once lived in a pure pack..that happened to be in the lands of FnI. Opening her maw to answer his question Legend, perhaps, might have noticed that she suddenly exuded a more dominant sort of aura. That there was something far more to the gray femmora that sat before him. That is, only, if he wasn't distracted by the hessian Crow. A cruel smirk curled her lips as she turned her face away. It seemed that events had conspired against her tongue to keep it ever still. Though, that was not necessarily a bad thing, she thought.

Though, she had seemed to capture the eye of the ex prince. In time she assumed he would make his way back to converse with her. She was sure that what brought her here was not what he really wanted to know. He did not seem a hessian of idle chatter, despite his youthful age.

Cinder

Cinder's auds flicked forward to catch every lyric that left the beta now turned alpha's mouth. Now it was Cinder's turn to answer. "I ask, Akiko, because no one else has the ability to teach me. I know of no other wolven who are our size and who can teach me how to defend myself against a larger foe. You may wonder why I didn't learn these skills from puppyhood, it's a long story but to make it short I was the runt...picked upon, beaten, used, abused. I am from dark lines but have found a home in light lands. I was a wreck I couldn't hardly be around other wolven without cowering. I was scared and I wasn't brave. I have come a long way since then and I thought that I could become more of an asset then a hindrence to my pack if I possesed some ability to help protect myself and them. I am not asking for your secrets Akiko..I want to better myself and I thought you, of all wolven, would understand. I hope I never have to fight against you or your sister's pack, but if that day comes forth wouldn't you want to fight against a worthy opponant and not a weak wolf hardly worth your time?" Cinder hoped her words would help convince Akiko. She didn't know what else to say. Akiko had good points. Cinder swallowed and parted her maw once more "Akiko....I do not blame you if you turn me away, but please consider." Her weight shifted on her pillars slightly and wondered what the new alphess would say.

Watching her carefully she saw the sincerity in the fems eyes. She was surprised when she proclaimed that she was born in dark lands. It was not often that such a thing happened. It was far easier for a wolf to turn to dark than the other way around. She knew of only one who had done so completely successfully. Thoughts flicked to Nuri Bade and felt an odd emotion. He had not crossed her thoughts for years. Passing over it she focused once more on Cinder. Yes, she could relate to being the runt of a litter and being picked on and abused. Akira had made sure of that. Her lips curved up in a half sarcastic sneer. Though Cinder might not her eyes were not in the present. For a second she paced.

Contemplating teaching this fem in her mind there was a frown on her face. Finally she paused and her gaze pierced into Cinder. "I do not believe your comment about wanting to face stronger opponents. You do not have a blood lust, that much is obvious, even with your upbringing." At least the frown was gone. There was a look of deep concentration in her hues."I will teach you some things. I have no secrets, my fleet foot is something that can not be taught but I can teach you other things. I will not teach you how to kill, immobolize perhaps. If you wish to kill you can adapt a technique on your own."

Cinder

Silver eyes lit up with hope as Akiko's words came forward, she could hardly believe her own ears. Akiko would teach her some techniques. If she could have gotten away with it she would have embraced the fea but she stayed put and wagged her ashy plume. "Oh thank you, THANK YOU Akiko!" She said sincerly. "You have given me a great gift. I don't know how I will ever repay you." She stood looking on her eyes shining quicksilver with hope. She hoped she would be a quick learner, Cinder was anxious to be home. She needed to send word very soon. "Akiko, I have to send word home. May I have your permission to send word that I live? I did not tell my pack the reason I left, nor will they know if you do not wish it. I could either go and return or howl a message if that would be more convienient." She hoped that she could howl a message and get on with her training. She was full of anticipation now and was afraid if she left Akiko would change her mind.

Crow recalled lilith, and gave an honest laugh when Legend demeaned Lilith. "How
could I not recall her? For the short time I was aware of her existence, she
seemed to exude this sort of... haughty sexuality." He played to his new friend's
interests, not wanting to mention how he saw some of his mother in him. Perhaps
in a male this personality was to be more admired. The bird crowed, hopped down
from his back, and walked about his feet. It pecked at his ankles, and he looked
at it with an annoyed scoff. "Look, just because I haven't hunted in a while
doesn't mean you can't go scavenge somewhere else. I'm sure there isn't a
carcass or some nuts too far off you pest." The fowl cocked its eyes up at him,
croaked, and flew off. Another short set of laughter took him. He looked to the
prince and reassured him before anything could be said. "He'll be back. You know,
sometimes I think he really understands me..." His attention turned back to the
subject of the past. "So it seems. Things don't change often. I kind of miss it all
from before, despite its short impression on me. Fire is the friend of too many."

He wondered how much had really happened during his disappearance. He took
note of Eris, who seemed to want Legend's attention. A knowing grin came over
his features, and he motioned toward the femme subtly with a nod of his head.
"It seems like someone wants your attention, Prince Charming."

Legend listened to all of what Crow said, taking note of how he spoke of Legend's blood mother. He let the words hit him kinda hard and his eyes grew cold as he looked towards the ground. "Stupid wench" he said softly, only loud enough for the brute to hear. "I wish I had known these lands before they died" his words were soft, sullen, somewhat sad. But his head shot up when he noticed the bird leave. "Maybe he does, all the more better to have you in the pack as a spy? I think spy would word. You are a lighter pelt but walk amongst the deathly shadows like they were your own color" his maw parted and he laughed a little outloud with his remark. "And yet if you were a femme that could flatter you, but you're an ugly brute...nasty" he smiled and turned towards where Eris stood as Crow mentioned her trying to get his attention.

"Yes, well. Prince Charming doesn't waste his time on whelps. She's a little over dramatic, and she has yet to say a single word" He let a smile lift his maw as he looked back at Crow. "Oh the woes of being a man" this made him laugh again. He was going to make another smart joke when the words sunk into his skull and he instantly stood up. "Wait a second!" he said quickly and walked over towards Akiko and Cinder. "I was listening in and this doesn't make any sense to me. Why would you teach her how to fight. It's her own fault she couldn't stand up for herself as a whelp, if you're light or dark, being an asset to the pack would better be placed in any skill. Why would you want to be teaching her..."

.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo - Page 4 Eris210

Eris was not so far that she could not hear what Legend and the other bru, Crow conversed. She dismissed the chatter about past pack life though when Crow suggested that she was pining for Legends attention she snorted mentally. As if she would need the attention of an over arrogant whelp. She could not help herself chuckle when he dared to her call her such a moment later. Over dramatic eh? Strange, she thought she was being rather subtle. Perhaps he merely was trying to amuse himself and his new friend. When he commented on the "woes of man" she rose on her pillars unable to contain her laughter and walked away as swiftly as she could. Arrogant indeed he was, something he picked up from his father. She also thought it funny that he still considered himself a prince. He was a farce of true royal lineage.

Striding away from the wolves she crept into the forest by herself. Damn the fool who thought that she was actually interested in them. Eyes flicked up as she saw the bru Crow's pet bird flying past. Smiling her eyes flicked to another tree top. You are not the only one who befriends those on wings.

Akiko wondered if her pack would be missing her and did not need pressure from another pack at the moment. "Cinder, you shall go in person. I have many things I need to attend to. Do not expect to have my full atten-" But she was cut off as Legend burst in. Her hues flashed dangerously at the young hessian. He renounced his status in this land and he had no business interfering in with her."Peace Legend" she snapped sharply. Her temper was running on edge because normally she would not be so sharp with him. "It is not her fault to be born of a smaller size that most wolves Legend. Do not flash your tongue foolishly when you know this." She thought that he spoke rather avidly against Cinder and she knew not why. "If prejudice propels your protests then quiet it. Damean has allotted her to be here and so I must honor that." Frowning at him she looked at Cinder and then curtly she said. "Go" Then looked back to Legend. "I am will not be teaching her so much to fight but to defend herself. All wolves have a right to defend themselves." Tassle lashed angrily as her hues bored into him.

Busy was probably an understatement, atleast when it came to Jabbar. Pillars had brought him within the woodland, blue lanterns constantly looking about. To any, it would seem like he was paranoid. Of what? Truly, there was nothing that Zaiaku feared, atleast not with the woodland. Fear was for those pures, the ones who were truly paranoid. Afraid of a sudden attack from the darks, or was he just stereotyping them? A smirk traced his maw, picturing the pures on edge. Ready for anything, he truly wondered some times if they were like that. Did the dark truly scare them? Though all wolves worked better in the night. Nares flared, catching scents from all over.

A rustle above, the flutter of wings. Auds pricked, the sound of scratching, of a squirrel dashing up a tree. Those small creatures, the ones who were paranoid, if only from the bigger creatures. The smirk danced across his maw, unwilling to leave. From what he got, his stay was permanent. Atleast, untill he was judged. The lingering thought of disruption in the pack, stayed in his mind. It was clear, that there was an issue within the land. Perhaps he picked a good time to show, the appeal of issues was strong. He chuckled to himself, black frame pushing through the foliage. Nares flared once more, auds pricked at the sound. Another wolf. The dancing smirk vanished, as he kept on moving forward. It wasn't like the wolf was a threat, atleast not till an attack. Though there was doubt in that assumpion.

Cinder

The tiny ashen fea nodded at Akiko's words and before she could say she would return swiftly and not be a hindrance to her pack she heard an all too familiar voice. It was Legend. He seemed to still blame her for Lacuna's death. Her head swiveled around and she stepped a few paces backward, away from the young hessian. His words cut her and she was almost postive that Akiko would then renounce her offer but shockingly she stood up for her. She heard Akiko's command..."GO."...and she nodded swiftly and respectfully before turning her swift paws and moving out. Her eyes never were cast in Legend's direciton, she was afraid of what she would see there. She ran pass Petra and Blade. "I will be back." she called out softly and picked up her pace on the sand. She was almost afraid to look back but she was more afraid to leave. She had hoped that a howled message would suffice for she had wanted to return home accomplished but Akiko said she would train her and hopefully she was a wolvess of her word.

Her silver eyes soon met the border and she paused one moment and then struck out into the lone lands, heading for home. Home...the word lifted her heart. Home was where Link was. She hoped he hadn't worried too much but this was something she had to do. And as it was, it would be a quick hello and goodbye and back to the darkness that was Jabbar. Maybe it had been her twisted family pack or something else but staying in Jabbar made her realize that they are wolven just like she was...even if they believed in different things. They loved, they hated, lived and died. Cinder hoped she would never have to fight against the friends she had made....Petra...Blade...and the others. She sighed heavily. Her lonely footsteps padding toward home. Off in the far distance she heard two wolves howling, but they were too far to hear what they were saying properly..it sounded like some sort of goodbye.

She traveled all night and she felt glad that her homelands didn't lay too far away. Soon she came into sight of home and she sighed a happy sigh. She stopped and scented the marks on the border. Everything seemed in order...so far. And with that she crossed over.

Petra listened to Blade as he spoke, her large, dark ears pointed towards him. Her curved tail waved endlessly, just being in his presence, hearing his voice, despite the bewildering situations of their pack. She smiled with a small chuckle as Blade mentioned what would be in the best interest of the pures, like he cared, and then tried to justify himself. He did not sound very convincing, and she assumed he knew it by the look on his face. There it was, one of the many things she loved about him - he was different, not some arrogant, bloodthirsty beast like the many that had come and gone from these lands.

She was about to speak after he had suggested sending a message to Cinder's pack, clearly hinting to himself as an escort, when Cinder herself suddenly came running by. Petra became alerted to her sudden presence, pricking her ears. It seemed she was going off herself to relay a message, and hadn't the time to stop and explain. Petra quickly piped up though, hoping her friend would be alright on the trip alone. "Travel safely!" she called after the small femme, and watched her go as quickly as she'd come. It seemed that at last things were being sorted, and the pack was calming down a bit. Still, she wasn't a leader, so she didn't know what else needed to be thought out and decided. She just glanced to Blade, her leafy green eyes blinking admiringly at him, then padded over to the food that had been waiting for the pack.

"It seems Akiko and Cinder have figured that out themselves," she said. It was a little bit unfortunate, since it would have been a nice adventure for them all, but now it seemed there was a bit of time for them to spend doing whatever they wanted. As she stood by the ram's body, she flicked her tail to Blade, ushering him over; certainly he must be hungry? As she waited, she glanced over to see a familiar face, one that she had always found rather peculiar, and had somewhat feared in her younger days. She remembered him from when the pack had fled the lands, and wondered where he'd been all this time. But she would leave those questions for others to ask.

.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo - Page 4 Bloodeye-1

.where the yellow brick road took a different turn. [Main Bo - Page 4 Bloodeye-1

Bloodeye had returned to the corpse after confronting Akiko, keeping an ear out for any useful information being given. There was little, and most wolves went off on their own private duty. She caught glimpse of Eris as she interrupted Akiko, and smirked over at her. She remembered sharing a few short words with her when she'd first arrived, and hadn't minded the time spent with the femme. Despite this, she was not going to seek her out. Instead, her attention had fallen upon a newer recruite, a large black hessian, his blue eyes captivating. Zaiaku.. she caught his name. He looked a lot like the father of her own children, but she knew he was someone else.

She did not miss him, but she knew that he had been strong. What of this brute, though? For the moment, he'd been accepted into the pack, and Bloodeye assumed he would pass any test that was thrown at him. She raised her head as some other members of the pack returned to this meeting place, then took off past them. She was not needed here. She was going to seek out the brute of interest, for she was drawn to power. She followed the trail of scent he'd left behind, and the trampled undergrowth. She moved swiftly, with her tail and head even with her shoulders and back, until she spotted him. Tail and head rose again, and she approached him, glancing him over quickly before coming up alongside him.

He was moving quickly, as though he'd sensed someone coming, and wanted to avoid them. But she wasn't going to be ignored, despite his attempts at evasion. "Greetings, Zaiaku," she said as she matched his pace, marching at his shoulder, "I caught your name when you entered the clearing; mine is Bloodeye." Scarlet orbs examined him carefully, watching for any signs of interest or anxiety, or perhaps plain old dislike. She didn't want to be caught off guard by anything.

Blade suddenly saw a blur run by, and noted that Cinder had called to them while leaving. After Petra responded, he voiced, "Make sure you come back alright!" and nodded when Petra suggested that everything had worked out. It would have been nice to get out of the pack lands if only for a change in scenery- not like he didn't like the trees here. Nearly all the old timers in the pack have some so... not including the little flight from the fire.

He watched as Petra turned to head for the food and beckoned to him, so he followed. Turning his head, he muttered, "Crow..." There was a wolf you don't forget if there ever was one. His gaze returned to her, subtly scanning her body actions for tensess, wariness, or fear, though she had clearly grown since then. Travel did much good for a wolf.

"I hope not to jinx it," he started, "but perhaps this is one of the few times as of late that we can finally catch up? I'm a bit interested to know what you've learned from being away." He stopped in front of the carcass and looked at her. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but it also looked like she physically toughened a little as well as mentally. Yes, travel does do wonders unelss the wolf in question had traveled their whole life. Then learning doesn't seem to be as intruiging as learning to live in a pack.

» I walk a lonley road....
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