forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 3, 2014 0:02:46 GMT -5
The day had been bright and cool and dry, the perfect autumn day, but as the sun slowly sank toward the horizon and its light grew darker and richer, a warm wind began to blow from the south and filled the valley with the scent of rain and thunder.
Gren had been hunting all day, gorging himself on whatever food he could find in preparation for the coming winter months. He was exhausted. His paws and muscles ached and his tail hung toward the ground as he made his way back to the overhang he had scoped out for shelter from just the sort of weather that would soon be upon the valley. That's not to say that he wasn't happy. On the contrary, he felt very accomplished with all the food he had managed to scavenge and hunt during the day, although he had a feeling that his overly-full stomach would soon become a source of discomfort for him. The thought of eating the fresh mat of the plump rabbit that hung in his jaws made him feel queasy.
Another crack of thunder, much louder than the previous ones, made him pick up his pace.
His shelter was little more than a washed-out bank, courtesy of some huge flood many years in the past, but it had a lovely view of the lake. The ground beneath was sloped and rocky, but he had dug out a bed in no time that proved quite comfortable. The wolf set his rabbit on a rock under the overhang, to keep it from getting washed away, and settled into his bed to watch the dark clouds gather. Despite his physical tiredness, he didn't feel sleepy; only content with his day's work and excited for the coming spectacle of the storm. Rain was Gren's favorite type of weather, but he liked thunderstorms for different reasons. They made him feel excited and powerful and brave for not being afraid of them. Soon lightning would brighten the sky and thunder would deafen him, and he felt only eagerness for it to begin.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2014 18:32:45 GMT -5
Kendil
Small currents of wind swirled around me, seemingly in the opposite direction of the storm winds that were picking up. I could smell a storm in the air and normally I would be frightened by the concept of a storm in the past, but now it didn't seem to bother me. My control of wind, albeit very limitied, made me feel less afraid. I had always been a wolf full of fear but suddenly the world didn't seem so bad now. Maybe it had good things to offer me like a pack, a home, and wolves who cared about me. That sure would be something.
I had been padding around the area for quite awhile now, practicing with my new power of current and also thinking about my future. I didn't really know where I was because I had been in my own world for so long. I stopped to take a moment to look around and figure out where I had ended up, it looked like I was by Kai Lake. The sky was getting darker and I could hear the rumbling of thunder. I knew the sky would break open soon and water would come pouring down and I didn't really want to get soaked. The only thing to do now would be to find shelter. I looked around the area and saw an outcropping that could make a fine shelter. The wind was blowing towards the outcropping so I couldn't catch any scent coming from it but I didn't bother to try. Just as I began trotting towards the shelter, the heavens burst and rain began to flow. It was a downpour. I picked up the pace and sprinted towards the shelter, finally diving into it.
Finally out of the cool, wet rain I had a chance to catch my breath. When I did this, I smelled another wolf, a very strong scent actually. I whipped my head around and came face to face with a male wolf with something in his mouth. I yelped, startled that I hadn't realized he was there until practically bowling over him. A million thoughts raced through my mind at once. Was he dangerous? What was in his mouth? Did he come here to eat in privacy? Would he attack me because he thought I'd take his food? I stood dumbfounded for a moment before realizing I must look ridiculous. My white and gold fur was plastered to my skin from the rain and my maroon eyes were wide with shock. I opened my mouth a moment, then shut it, then opened it again. "Uh..." I said.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 4, 2014 20:10:30 GMT -5
Gren had arrived at his shelter just in time. It was only a few minutes after he reached it that the rain began. First it was a quiet patter of drops on the leaves and the lake surface; then, all at once, it became a downpour, punctuated by flashes of lightning and, almost immediately afterward, deafening cracks of thunder. Gren only laid there under his overhang, taking it all in.
After a few minutes something on the wind drew his attention away from the spectacle of the storm. He raised his nose, trying to get another whiff of the scent, while also looking out for movement in his surroundings—and suddenly, in stumbled another wolf. Every creature in the area had already gone to ground or was doing so right now, so it shouldn't have been a surprise that he would find himself sharing his shelter with another wolf. Gren should have expected it, but the thought hadn't crossed his tired mind.
Not wanting to startle the she-wolf, he stayed still so she hopefully wouldn't be startled when she noticed him. After a few seconds she seemed to get his scent, turned around abruptly and came face to face with Gren. He waited for her to say something, but when she seemed at a loss he decided it might be better if he spoke first.
"Hello," he greeter her with a small wag of his tail. "I'm Gren. You can stay here if you want, I would hate to have to be out in that rain myself." Any other time he would be much more enthusiastic about meeting someone new, but the day had left him so exhausted that he came off as much more calm than he was normally.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2014 21:20:46 GMT -5
Kendil
I blinked a few times before realizing that the wolf was talking to me. I relaxed and let out a breath that I did'nt realize I was holding. "Hello Gren. I'm so sorry for intruding on you like this, I was just in such a hurry to get out of the rain." I blushed at the thought of how ridiculous I must still look with my fur sticking up in all different places as it slowly dried. "My name is Kendil. Thank you for agreeing to let me stay here. I don't know when the rain is going to stop."
I looked outside, watching the rain pour down and flood into the lake. I briefly wondered if the lake would overflow because that would certainly prove to be a problem for us since our little shelter would get flooded. I decided not to worry too much about it, after all it was autumn so the rain would probably let up pretty soon. "So what are you doing out here?" I asked Gren. I was hoping I wasn't coming off as nosy, I was just trying to make small talk.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 4, 2014 21:44:08 GMT -5
Seeing the she-wolf relax made Gren smile. She had reason enough to be wary of him — he knew there were some wolves in the valley who called themselves "evil", who might take pleasure in hurting a sweet, innocent thing like her, but Gren was not one of them.
He nodded in response to her thanks for allowing her to shelter with him. "Of course, Kendil. It's not like I own the place, although maybe I should think about it. It's a lovely spot." He looked out over the lake. The sky had dimmed considerably since he had first taken shelter, due both to the disappearing sun and to the thick clouds blocking it out. Another flash of lightning lit the lake like the day, but in an instant the view was gone, along with Gren's night vision, and he had to wait a few moments before he began to be able to see anything at all.
The wolf turned his head to look at Kendil when she spoke. If his parents had taught him anything, it was to listen when another person spoke to him. He smiled at her easily at her question. "I've been hunting. Stocking up for winter." He made a gesture with is nose toward his distended belly. "I tried the plains since that's where everyone seems to like to hunt, but I'm not suited to hunting the prey there. They're either too big or I don't blend in well enough to hide from them, or both. The rabbits in the woods here are much easier for me. Oh — I caught that one earlier." He shrugged toward the carcass he had laid on the ground. "But found myself too full to eat it. If you're hungry at all, feel free."
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2014 5:54:43 GMT -5
Kendil
I nodded in agreement, the little alcove was quite cozy. Plus it had a nice view of the lake which I thought was beautiful, although you couldn't tell it right now since the storm was obscuring everything. I blinked my maroon eyes, trying to get them to adjust to the dark a little more quickly and finally I was able to see.
I listened as Gren told me about hunting and stocking up for the winter. I mentally kicked myself for not thinking of that myself. However, I was supposed to join a pack soon on Taboo's orders so perhaps they would have their own food stores and if not, I could always participate in a pack hunt and eat my fill that way. "I quite enjoy rabbit and I know what you mean - its difficult to hunt elk all alone." I thought of my own misfortune while attempting to hunt big game on my own but quickly put it out of mind.
I looked down at his full belly and felt a pang of hunger rumble in my own. I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten and I'd been expending more energy than usual while practicing with my power. It didn't seem right to accept food and be unable to give anything in return but I was awfully hungry and maybe I could return the favor some other time. "Actually I would really appreciate having a meal. Its been awhile since I've eaten." I bit into the rabbit meat, savoring the flavor and feeling satisfied when the meat dropped into my stomach. After swallowing the rest of the meat in a very unlady like fashion, I looked at Gren and blushed. "I apologize, I'm not usually this messy of an eater but I was hungrier than I thought. You are very kind to share your shelter and food with me. I am indebted to you and you can call upon me any time so I may return the favor." I nodded my head in a small bowing gesture to show I was sincere. "So you said you're storing up for winter...does that mean you're alone?" I knew it was probably rude to continue asking such prying questions but I felt at ease with Gren and also a bit curious about him.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
Posts: 349
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Post by forte on Jun 10, 2014 16:20:52 GMT -5
The sight of Kendil downing the rabbit he had caught brought Gren nothing but happiness. He had always found joy in helping others, although he was never one to seek out company. He was perfectly comfortable living a solitary life. The female's offer of returning the favor somehow caught him off guard. "Don't mention it," he said after a moment. "It's a pleasure to help out."
The storm raged on, the thunder occasionally drowning out Kendil's words, or Gren's. It was nearly pitch-dark now. He could barely make out Kendil's shape in the darkness.
Gren hesitated before answering Kendil's question. He knew the dangers of admitting that he was on his own to a stranger, but why would she want to hurt him? He had no food stored away as of yet that she might want to steal—only that which clung to his bones as fat and muscle. His interactions with other wolves were seldom and brief and tame, so she could not secretly want revenge for anything he had done. "I am alone," he finally said. "I've never had much trouble surviving winter alone before, but that's just because I'm prudent enough to make a warm den and store food. While the getting is good I eat all I can and save the rest. It might be easier to live in a pack, but I don't really need to."
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2014 15:15:35 GMT -5
Kendil
I was glad that Gren didn't expect anything in return for the rabbit and that he seemed happy to see it eaten. I thought it very selfless of him to share his food and be so good natured about it. For a moment I felt as if I had made a friend and it warmed my heart to come to that realization. I didn't have many friends because I was so timid and I was usually afraid to strike up conversations with strangers but I had happened upon Gren quite by accident. This was good, maybe now I could seek out a pack to join without being absolutely terrified of the other wolves. The thought was nice but also intimidating so I would have to be very careful and wary.
My eyes were constantly readjusting to the changing light as the lightning outside the den flashed and lit up the sky. This was the most severe storm I had experienced since coming to the mountain but I didn't care since I had found shelter. I shuddered at the thought of being out in the rain right now. Not to mention how cold it must be with the autumn winds billowing around and whipping the rain every which way.
I nodded as Gren told me he was alone. He didn't have to tell me twice that he didn't require help surviving in the winter, I was impressed he had found a shelter and food so quickly. I knew there were many loners on the mountain but I never seemed to find them or if I did, they often told me they had plans of joining up with a pack or had recently left a pack. "I see." I said after he had finished. "I'm alone too." I said a little sheepishly although I didn't know why, after all Gren had just admitted to being alone too. "I've never lived the pack life. I was born to a pair of loners to the north of the mountain." I thought about my parents and the sad demise they had met but quickly blocked the memory out not wanting to think about that. I didn't want to be remorseful now, I wanted to enjoy Gren's company. "Actually I'm supposed to join a pack. When I intruded upon you I had just come from the caves of the White Wolves, Taboo actually. I asked her for the power of current and she obliged. Now I have this." I lifted up my head so that Gren could see my throat where a faint squiggle mark could be seen in the white fur. "It glows whenever I use my power. Taboo only asked that I join a pack." I looked at Gren and wondered what he thought of all this. I didn't know exactly why I was telling him, it was no bother to him whether I joined a pack, but I was just making conversation and maybe he knew of some packs on the mountain that I could become a part of.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 13, 2014 12:31:26 GMT -5
Kendil's responses to his questions eased Gren's worries about her motives. While he couldn't be entirely sure she was telling the truth, her words seemed sincere to him, and he found himself trusting them. He was a bit surprised to learn about the circumstances of her birth; he figured an expecting pair of loners would seek out a pack to join so their pups would be better protected from the many dangers life liked to throw at them. In fact that very thing had happened a couple of times in Gren's birth pack. But who was he to judge?
Kendil's power marking may have been the first thing to have really shocked Gren since coming to the mountain. He had heard stories of wolves here being able to use magic, but he figured that was just for pack leaders, or perhaps other prominent figures. He wasn't sure that Kendil wasn't such a wolf, but he at least knew that if this "Taboo" person had asked her to join a pack then she couldn't very well be a pack leader. Gren had so many questions, he had to think for a few seconds to get his head straight. "Kendil," he began, "I too was born outside the valley. In fact I just recently arrived here, so I don't really know how any of this magic stuff you've been talking about works. I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions, like who is Taboo? One of the White Wolves you mentioned, I assume, but who are they? And why would she ask you to join a pack? And what is the "power of current"?" He had to force himself to shut up before he got carried away, but still he almost couldn't contain his excitement. His long journey to his great-grandfather's birthplace had come to an end, but he still knew practically nothing about this magical valley. Maybe now he could finally get his questions answered.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2014 15:27:17 GMT -5
Kendil
Kendil smiled and giggled at all of Gren's questions. She didn't mind the questions and actually welcomed them as she didn't really get to talk to anyone very often. "Hmm well lets see where do I start?" Kendil said with a good natured laugh. She had to think a moment about how to answer the questions and in what order because it seemed like quite a lot of information to give Gren all at once.
"The White Wolves are three powerful sisters who bestow the gift of power onto us mortal wolves...I'm not sure of their origin but from what I can gather they've been around for an eternity." Kendil paused for a moment and wondered if she sounded crazy. She wanted to come across as interesting to Gren, not insane. "I hope this doesn't sound silly. I know the prospect of magic is really hard to wrap your head around - at least it was for me - but when you've lived here long enough...you can feel it swirling through the air." Kendil took a breath of the cool air that had blown into the shelter. The storm seemed to be settling but the air was still cold. "Taboo is the sister that helps the "good" wolves. I don't know the other sisters but I'm not interested in them because I consider myself "good". I've been a loner all my life and I'm usually pretty timid. I asked for the power from Taboo to protect myself." Kendil hoped she wasn't blushing, it was hard for her to admit that she was timid but she felt safe with Gren. "Taboo wanted me to join a pack to be safe. She was worried about me. As for current, the power means I can control air currents. I can only control them to a limited extent and only for short amounts of time but with practice I'll get better. Have I answered all your questions?" Kendil asked with a smile.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 14, 2014 10:54:56 GMT -5
At first, as Gren asked his questions and Kendil started giggling, he was worried that the she-wolf was laughing at him. He supposed his questions might seem dumb to someone who had grown up here, but Kendil had not. At one point, she must have had as many questions as Gren did now. She seemed happy enough to answer all of them, at least. He listened intently to her answers.
Gren was quiet for several moments after Kendil finished. He couldn't help but wonder why such a powerful being as one of the White Wolves would care at all about what might happen to one mortal wolf, but he supposed that Taboo wouldn't have given Kendil the power if she thought she was going to end up dead. It was kind of comforting that the White Wolves concerned themselves with the well-being of mortals.
It was Gren's turn to laugh at Kendil's closing comment. "All those I've asked so far," he replied with a grin. "So if you're good, that means you want to join the... Relentless Blizzard pack? Is that right? Or is there another good pack I don't know about?"
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Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2014 22:40:34 GMT -5
Kendil
I smiled at Gren's good natured laugh and thought for a moment about how Taboo had told me to join the Eternal Snowfall pack. I briefly wondered if another good pack existed on the mountain. "Eternal Snowfall yes. I'm actually not aware of any other good packs in these parts...although there could be a few that simply haven't claimed territory." The thought of joining a pack still frightened me even with my new power and I especially didn't want to leave Gren now that I felt they'd become friends. I felt torn, not knowing what to do but I also didn't know if I could confide my feelings to Gren either. I sighed and looked out into the storm that was clearing up.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 17, 2014 3:55:43 GMT -5
Suddenly Gren realized he was getting a bit sleepy. The rain was letting up, turning into a soothing drone. The storm had moved far enough away that the thunder was no longer deafening. The freshly dug dirt beneath him was soft. He already felt at ease with Kendil.
Gren hadn't yet thought of joining a pack in the valley. He had had a more pleasant time living on his own since he had left his birth of pack than he had had living in it, but he knew his had not been an entirely normal upbringing. His packmates had not been entirely accepting of him, but perhaps he would consider being part of a pack if the others in it were wolves like Kendil. "I guess most wolves seek out a pack to get help from others, but for those of us who don't need help, it might be kind of nice to give it to someone else. I never really thought about it like that."
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2014 18:00:33 GMT -5
Kendil
My gold tipped ears caught the sounds of the rain as it began to let up and I felt oddly soothed. I inhaled deeply and could still smell the rain but I knew the worst of the storm had ended. I smiled at Gren and again felt happy that I'd made a friend. The swirl marking on my throat glowed a silvery hue as I began to manipulate some of the small currents of air that were swirling around in the shelter. If I concentrated hard enough, the currents swirled in circles around my paws and I tried to suppress a giggle as the air blew around in my fur and tickled a little bit. I took another deep breath and willed the tiny currents to blow over to Gren and swirl around in his chest fur before dissipating. I giggled and wondered if Gren thought it tickled.
I had really taken a liking to Gren and somewhat dreaded the thought of leaving when the storm was over. I tried not to think about this too deeply because the stress of having to join a pack was also weighing on me. I thought about what Gren had said and I felt there was definitely truth in it. "You know I never thought about it that way either." I paused for a moment to think about my newly gained power and how it might be able to help wolves in my future pack. "I would like to be able to help other wolves in any way I can." I said with a smile. I had never been much use to anyone and being helpful seemed like such a worthy venture. "You know." I started "You are a very clever wolf Gren. I think you would be such a great addition to any pack because of your skills. I mean, you hunted enough food to feed yourself for the season. I'm actually really impressed." I was surprised at the blush I felt spreading in my cheeks and hoped Gren didn't notice. "Um...Gren I would really like to call you a friend...do you consider me a friend?" I asked. I had never had a friend before and I really wanted to consider Gren one.
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forte
Young Adult
Is it camping season yet?
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Post by forte on Jun 19, 2014 2:51:22 GMT -5
Gren felt a breeze playing around his chest and paws, and he raised his nose to sniff the air. Perhaps a second wave of the storm was on its way? Far in the west he could see the black clouds making way for the red and gold sunset. In fact, their little nook was getting a bit lighter. Gren could see Kendil better than he ever had before. In fact, he could see a strange look on her face — a look of concentration? Comprehension dawned on the black wolf. "That's amazing," he murmured as he watched a tiny swirl of dead leaves glide across the ground and eventually fade.
"That's very good of you, Kendil," he said quietly to her selfless comment. "I'm sure you'll be able to help many other people with your power." And he couldn't help but wag his tail at her next kind comment he had worked hard to become as good a hunter and survivor as he was but he was too humble to respond. It was enough that Kendil was impressed by his skills. Her question surprised him. "Of course I consider you a friend." He paused, thinking. "Kendil, the only friend I've ever had was my brother, but I'm pretty sure he's dead, so I don't really have anyone in the world to depend on besides my own sorry hide. Can I call you my friend?"
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