A New Light [Open]

[Stormy May]

Mest padded through the irregular rocky terrain, investigating nooks and crannies and touring the larger openings. He wasn't exactly sure what size of den he'd like; he'd never stayed anywhere long enough to develop any preferance. Perhaps he'd like somewhere moderately sized, just enough room so he wouldn't feel alone but wouldn't feel boxed in.

He laughed to himself. How could he have so easily gone from shifting places every night to looking for a permanent den?

No matter what happened, once he was settled and had a grip on how the pack worked exactly and where he fit in, he'd set out on his search for his sister. Nothing was going to stand in his way.

Mest circled around inside one of the oddly shaped caverns. It seemed good enough for him. He plopped down in the center and let out a deep breath. He hadn't had a simple conversation for quite a while now, and it made him realize how much he truly missed it.

[Deleted]

The vast lands of Honovi could be characterized by their unusual banks constructed of rock and shrub. It wasn't quite forest like, nor was it a plain, rather a region composed of inclines and bluffs - perfect view for the reigning pack. Every group seemed to have some type of regiment; where they nested, hunted and marked intangible lines where the border buffered between opposing territories. It was easy to find the nesting aspect of the domain, nestled high above the timberline in a craggy hillside.
Strong appendages traipsed upward with little effort, compelled to seek a hole to transform into what would be her so called home. Almost as if to say they were vacant, certain bevels that laid within the hillside were not carved out in depth as the others were, and so she had options. At the base of a large shrub laid a hole with a overhung rock as if it were the dens pergola, perfect to house shade in the early afternoons. While investigating, the scent of another entered her nostrils. One nearby, seemingly male.
Emerald eyes surveyed the outcrop to discover a solitary male performing the same tireless duty of selecting a home. He appeared new as well. Hmm, if he was worthy enough for Treason, than perhaps he was worth knowing. Her reddish black bodice ambled forward, paws navigating deftly around rocks as the continued toward him. An elegant grin etched itself upon her dainty maw, and words unleashed promptly. "Hello. You must be my pack mate. I am Minoe."

[Stormy May]

Mest's head snapped up with the sudden voice of another wolf. He hadn't thought there was anybody near him. He considered sinking into the shadows, where his ashen coat would've concealed him, but he remembered where he was. This was Honovi pack territory. No more constant danger.

"Minoe, you say?" Mest clarified. "I am Mest, a new addition of Honovi. I hope I haven't taken the home another has already claimed?"

It was simple, yet awkward. Normal conversation was surprisingly difficult to uphold. With Treason, it'd been formal, and he'd had time beforehand to consider his words. Now was just... socialization. Not a stromg suit of his.

[Deleted]

Wry visage contorted briefly into a grin once more. His consideration for others would normally characterize those of the good faction; though she then remembered she had indeed entered pack life. Now... Courteous to your pack mates. Her unyielding mind grew loud with this command, noting she would have to stay civil if she were to thrive. Perhaps he felt the same. Elliptical eyes of emerald glanced upon the hole he was processing - surely vacant due to its underdeveloped structure. "If it doesn't obvious, take it, don't be so coy."[/i] She purred in a calming tone, shoulders dropping allowing her back to hollow as she relaxed.
"Ofcourse I don't know much better than you, I am new as well." This time her vocals rang more boldly, flexing her golden pipes as she intentionally wished for it to carry. The reason not quite clear to her.
He seemed reasonable, average above all, it would be wise to keep him as an asset. Quad appendages motioned her closer to him, past him, and into his hollow space. Forelimbs raked at its low corners, removing dirt and adding depth. And yes, Minoe. Min-Oh-eh. You can expand your den horizontally to give you more space for food, whatever. You just have to be careful digging it out past its limit or it will collapse on you." Her cranium gestured at him, a kindly grin returning and this time lingering.

[Stormy May]

Mest felt shocked and intrigued at the authority the shewolf placed herself in. He almost felt uneasy watching her scrape at the walls. Not that he had a problem with an authoritative shewolf, Treason being his prime example, but it was unsettling.

"I take it you've had a permanent home before, then, when you talk of expanding and such?" He asked Minoe, trying to uphold his thoughts. It was, at least, interesting to see how other wolves had customized their dens, so to speak. He hadn't really thought a need to. His prime focus of finding Mist must've distracted him from the controversial things like that.

He couldn't hold back thoughts of something being a bit off about Minoe; the way she carried herself and spoke. It was like she was daring to be looked down upon. Some quirk or life choice, maybe? He couldn't be sure.

[Deleted]

Each mindful stroke unveiled a stronger scent of earth; clad in natural taupe clays the dirt smell seemed to leech onto the palmar surfaces of her paws. It was a relaxing, fresh smell and along with Mest's inquiries it has triggered bygone memories of a time set distant. For at least a year she had been on her own, and often would reside in landscapes harboring similar characteristics such as this. The elevation helped keep away neighboring wolves as she could scout easily from its apex, and typically the incline was dressed with mineral rich streams that fed off into larger bodies below.
Her mind reveled in former days, yet she knew it was best to commit to life such as this. Forelimbs continued to paddle until she felt his eyes boring into her. Yes, she was atypical, and perhaps had a superiority complex, but most of what she did was done in the best interest of others. "Experience, yes. I cannot say I've had a home like this though. Prior to my arrival into Honovi I was nomadic. Along my journey I was fortunate enough to gain the insight of other wise creatures, who taught me tricks such as this." She could sense his uneasiness, it wasn't clear what about, though it prompted her to back away from his space and recline a few feet back. Emerald orbs remained soft as they peered into his own. "So what's your story ?"

Sorry that took so long ! I usually receive a notification when someone replies to a post, but this time I did not. I will be more diligent about checking it in the future

[Stormy May]

A soft wind rolled through Mest's thick, dark fur, making him shiver, seemingly in time with the recall of his past.

"My... story..." His story was something he'd spent his time trying to conceal and bury, only to dig up again and again to sulk in his own misery. Hazel eyes burned with a fire, a desire to find what was lost.

"I grew up with no pack deep in the forests, with my family. There was my parents, brother, sister, and me. A group of evil wolves had gone rogue out on a murder spree that night, one bloody enough to turn even Geist's head. Our parents had time to grab only my brother and me, and my sister was left behind. That night, as I sat hidden away, I watched my entire family slaughtered before me."

Mest sat still for a moment, mulling over his words. Perhaps Mist was down in the valley somewhere, sharing how that night had been for her. He looked back at Minoe.

"I've shared my story, now I suppose it's your turn."

(I am so so sorry. I originally typed a reply as soon as I got the notification, but I accidentally backed out of the browser and lost my response, and I ended up completely forgetting about it)

[Deleted]

Heavy paws hit the ground with the rythem of an impending drum. Ebony nails dug into the dusty ground, ripping deep trenches into the earth. Like the plow in a farmer's field, his claws carved long, straight furrows. As the paws lifted, seeds of magic embedded themselves and then shot skyward in lush, green shoots of spring grass. Every place Demetrios' paws kissed, life burst forth in a small patches of soft green grass.

His long honey colored legs ate the distance below him in effortless bounds and the muscles of his shoulders and hips bunched and released as smoothly as a well oiled spring. He was as lithe as a jungle cat and as regal as a lion. He carried his head naturally high-not in arrogance, but out of habit. Though it was only autumn, his pelt was already shaggy, and his markings were that of a long forgotten, long distant cousin-the African Wild Dog. Some trick of the mountain's shadow, which he had been born under, had blessed him with a beautiful golden pelt splashed with patches white circled in black. Bright, wise golden eyes starred out of a stark black mask, and ivory fangs glistened as he opened his mouth and tasted the air.

Just ahead...there were two of them. Demetrios slowed his pace to a trot and followed their scent into a rocky outcrop. He allowed the magic flowing through his paws to tapper off, having practiced his powers enough for the time being. Slowly, making no attempt to mask his approach, the proud male wolf came into sight of the two other wolves-one male and one female and both Honovi, his twitching nose told him. He gave them a moment to adjust to his presence before opening his maw to speak. "Greetings Honovi wolves. It is not my intention to intrude, by I have pressing business with the Honovi pack. I have called on your borders for a whole season, but have not been answered. Have you seen your Alphess recently? Do you know where she has gone? And if not, is there a Beta or Betan in charge of the pack?"

[Stormy May]

Mest stared at the male wolf as he pulled to a calculated halt in front of them. Nothing about him seemed threatening.

"I'm afraid I know about as much as you do. Treason is the only one of importance that I know, and I spoke with her not long ago to join Honovi. What pressing buisiness do you speak of?" Perhaps he had no place to pry into such affairs, but curiosity got the better of him. The itch to change the subject had been scratched, and he wanted to make it last.

Mest brushed past Minoe and retreated to the entrance of his newly claimed home and sat questioningly. What kind of buisiness could one have with an entire pack? Perhaps he's a messenger? He couldn't wrap his head around it; the idea of being in a pack was still too new.

[Deleted]

Demetrios considered the wolf before him for a long minute, carefully choosing the words that he would speak. He looked the male in the eye, seeing if the wolf would drop his eyes or meet his gaze in challenge. It wasn't a serious challenge, but rather a subtle one. Was this wolf dominant? Was he submissive? Where in the pack would this male best fit?

Demetrios had several changes planned....or rather, renovations. The ranks he intended to bring to the pack where the very same ranks the Honovi had been founded with. They made every member essential and valued and they would help the pack to grow.

At last, Demetrios spoke, his proud voice calm and soothing...his tones like liquid honey. "My name is Demetrios, son of Acka-who founded the brave Honovi pack." He paused for a moment longer, to let the implications of his statement sink in. He would not disguise his intentions. "I have watched on the Honovi border lands for a whole summer, and I have seen very little activity in the Honovi pack. My calls and the calls of many other loners went unanswered. I cannot find your Alphess, nor your Beta. Perhaps one day they will return, but in their absence someone must stand up and do something or risk the destruction of the pack."


Demetrios cast his golden gaze sideways and then took a couple steps towards a rocky ledge that stood raised above the surrounding area. He survayed the two wolves before him and said, "It would be best if I explained all this to the whole pack at once....all those who are still invested in the Honovi's future....and all those who would like to be..."

He thrust his coal black muzzle skyward and sang. "Come, all those who call themselves Honovi, I call you. Come all loners as well, wishing to join the brave Honovi pack. Tonight will be a night of many changes. Come."

[Deleted]

Torrent had just been wandering around, thinking. He hasn't thought this deeply in a long time. His sister was off looking for a new home, as no wolf answered the pair's call at the Honovi border. Torrent surprised himself when he found that his paws had led him to the very place that he had been thinking about. The rich, musky scent of Honovi wolves was faded and faint. He wondered what happened to them all. Surely that tyrant Fjord couldn't have wiped them out! Torrent stared down at the scrub were the border was. His teal eyes narrowed. Those slits quickly sprang open as a howl came to his ears, the song was emanating from a male not far away. His voice sounded noble, perhaps he was the alpha of Honovi! No...Torrent remembered hearing his sister Ava explaining to him the entire legacy of Honovi. He was certain now that the wolf in charge was a shewolf.

Torrent tentatively placed one russet paw over the border, ears pricked and tail horizontally erect behind him. He took another step, and another. Soon he was trotting, then he broke into a swift lope. His bounding stride brought him over scrub brush, ferns and wove him around the trees that thrived there. His paws pushed him off of the cold wet ground, he used his sense of smell to pinpoint the location of the singer. Then, as Torrent reached the crest of a stony ridge he saw them. He barked shortly, deeply, to announce his presence and padded nearly down the hill, heart racing. Was this the moment Ava had been longing for? If Avalanche did not arrive, he would search for her.

[Stormy May]

Mest met the gaze of the wolf with a mingling sense of curiosity and pride. Then he spoke words that broke Mest's composure-if only for just a moment- claiming that he was a descendant of Honovi founders.

He found his words, and they rang with an edge sharper than intended. "So I'd assume you're Honovi, yourself, then? If you say you can find neither alphess nor beta, then I wonder what role you fill for yourself? What role, may I ask, grants you the power to call forth changes?" Mest stood, his head held high and face blank with calculation. Who is Demetrios? What are his intentions? Friend or foe, friend or foe...

Mest couldn't decide his feelings towards Demetrios. Instinct couldn't catch a flying tail of an answer. Changes, changes, absence, watching, changes. Who to trust? Time had not yet dulled the skepticism of his time spent alone.

The call of another broke Mest's attention away from his questions and doubts.

[Deleted]

The proud wolf looked down at the Honovi male. His posture was somewhat relaxed, but his gaze was as sharp and cutting as glass. He would not hesitate to take his rightful place leading the Honovi by force. He rolled his shoulders, letting silence fall between him and the other wolf as Demetrios let his body answer the wolf's question. Looking into the Honovi male's eyes, he spoke in deep, gravely tones. "I am the rightful Honovi heir, groomed for this position by Acka herself. I carry the same power of Botany my mother carried. And before my mother died, she made her wishes known to me...that I return to her pack, lead and protect them from harm. But furthermore wolf, look around you. Use your nose. And ask yourself....what is the Honovi pack? Who are they?........Where are they? I do not intend to let my Mother's legacy fall into ruin. Those that survive are the ones who learn how to adapt brother. You may challenge me if you wish, but I will not step aside from the path I was born to walk." He looked at the wolf, ready.

Demetrios noticed another wolf arrive while he had been adressing the Honovi wolf. Unlike the 2 wolves gathered before him, this second male did not smell of pack. A loner then. Demetrios kept his main focus on Mest. Would the wolf challenge him? He let him tongue run over his ivory fangs, ready to fight for his right to lead the Honovi pack.

[Pride]

Treason's lungs burned, as if every breath sucked in fire.

It had been a simple task— a diplomatic mission to Frigid Plague. She had left a week ago, intent on strengthening their ties with the recent uprise of so many new packs in the valley. With the moon full and ripe in the night sky, she had more than enough light to guide her on her trek through the valley, and yet this sense of security had been a lie. It had been six minutes since she first caught the first overpowering stench of bear. Six until she recognized the danger. Six until she was attacked.

Treason had heard it before she had seen it, but her reaction had been too late. She had been so stunned by the sudden appearance that it delayed her reaction by only a few seconds, but it was enough. The first blow caught her side, tossing her up into the air and tearing her skin. A spray of blood misted the air, black in the moonlight above, and she hit the ground like a rag doll. It had not been her blood, surely. Someone else's. Had she really been struck? She didn't know. Couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

The bear loomed above her, a horrible shadow in the dark. Its massive head was low to the ground, inching closer, nose slicking through the rapidly forming puddle of blood beneath her. Vaguely, she wondered if her time in the valley was over. She would never see her pack again- the wolves she had once fought to protect. Instead, she would die in the dirt like a dog. All she knew was lost.

No.

She could not perish here. She would die one day, surrounded by the wolves that she had cared for her entire life, but not here. Not like this.

With a surge of adrenaline she stumbled to her feet, pain splintering through her side. She was bloodied, but not broken. The she wolf lifted her head, nauseous with the will to survive. It squirmed like fingers pushing between her ribs, driving her achingly onward, demanding that she stand and fight. The bear hesitated, surprised that she had moved after the blow it dealt her. Its surprise proved fleeting, however, and it reared back. She bared her teeth defiantly, her own blood splattering the leaves as she wove to the side. It came down with enough force to snap her spine. Air buffeted Treason's fur as she dodged to the side, narrowly missing the attack. She twisted it back, mad with instinct, and sank her teeth into the gristle of its throat. She could not let go, even as it reared once more and slung her, she kept herself anchored into he twisting muscle of its neck. If she dared to fall now, death would await her below.

She was whipped to and fro until her head throbbed, allowing her body to relax and move fluidly with the bear. She could have felt it all, then— deep gouges, broken vessels, dark bruises pressing up beneath her flesh. It burned. Living burned. But, what was pain in comparison to survival?

The bear's claws churned up dirt and leaves as it hit the ground again, desperate to throw her off. It failed, massive heart pushing blood into her mouth with each frenzied pulse. Blood dribbled out of her mouth and down her chin, choking her, but still she did not relent. She did not know exactly when it collapsed, only hazily aware of her surroundings. Even as the blood cooled and coagulated on her tongue, she could not bring herself to let go. The sun rose and burned, flesh began to swell in her mouth, now sweet with decay. She was conscious only part of the time, the scent clogging her throat. She released the bite only when the muscles in her jaw failed, dropping her head to the ground with a thud. Had she been on the ground this entire time?

Days passed and she lie there, bruised and raw. She lost the ability to tell whether it was her that was rotting or the bear. Perhaps they both had died in the fray. She no longer knew. She only slept.

Rain was her salvation. It was a brief shower, spilling over the mountains one afternoon to drench her pelt. A splash of water on her lips woke an urge to drink, and she awoke as if from a dream. Treason had never felt pain like this. Mindlessly, she pushed herself back to her paws, walking onward. She knew the direction of Honovi territory, so deeply ingrained in her mind that she would have likely been able to find it even if she had been a thousand years gone. The longer she walked, the more aware of her surroundings she became. It was like a great fog bank was clearing from her mind, allowing her to see and think once more. But, never once did she dare to look back at her side, terrified that if she saw how mutilated she was, she might fall once more. Instead, she continued, lulled by the familiar scents of the borders.

She heard the meeting called, but it was someone else's howl. Had they been so quick to replace her? Maybe she was a ghost, and her body had been found miles away, jaws still hopelessly locked onto the throat of a bear. If that were true, and she really was dead, then she would lead as a ghost. Death could not take her pack from her.

Treason found them in a clearing, eyes fixed on her hopeful usurper. Her eyes were molten gold, an inferno stoked in her chest. She was weak, but she would fight to the death if she had to. She had not survived only to be overthrown without the faintest whisper of protest.

"You will not take Honovi from me," she hissed, her voice flayed and guttural. "For I am Treason, rightful alpha of this pack, and I have faced far worse than you."

[Stormy May]

Mest's heart held nothing but disrespect for Demetrios by the time he had finished his speech. Though he was new, his faith stayed true to the alphess, his alphess, Treason. A million things to say came to Mest's mind, a million different reasons to fight, but he wasn't prideful enough to be stupid. If this wolf was so boasting of his botany, then it could be dangerous to engage.

Then Treason appeared to them.

She was bloodied, and looked like she could be felled with so much as a soft wind, but nonetheless, she was here.

That threat- no, not threat, promise- was what showed true leadership; true care as the alphess of a pack. Though she was ready to fall, she still stoof firm, ready to protect what was hers. Mest bowed his head to Treason with extra emphasis, making it as obvious to Demetrios where his faith was as possible. However this quarrel should pan out, Mest would fight alongside Treason.