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Post by Rykett on May 2, 2015 22:13:55 GMT -5
(@shiver, 6dewdrops, and forte) Blaise: Blaise rustled through the grasslands. They were making good progress despite Blaise's limp. The grass thinned as the group approached a winding creek. It must be Amoux Creek. As the stones and sand crunched under Blaise's paws, she set down Amora. Though there was no shelter in sight, Blaise decided that it would provide the necessities. They all were parched and there must be some prey wandering nearby. "We'll rest here for a bit," Blaise announced. Blaise waded into the water, enjoying the feeling of it rushing through her fur and dissolving the ash still hidden there. After taking a long drink, she splashed deeper into the creek. An ashy cloud formed around the black she-wolf, but, unlike the puddle water that Ruko had contaminated, these particles drifted away and dissolved with the rushing water. Blaise sighed in contentment as she felt clean for the first time since they'd left their home in the ruins. She looked back and motioned for Foxtrot and the pups to join her in the water. Ruko: Ruko's cloud of sadness dissolved like the ash still on his coat, but he knew it would form again. There was nothing he could do to get rid of these emotions. Well... Maybe there was. Ruko suddenly splashed Amora with a flick of his head. Her expression was priceless as the water drenched her before she even touched the creek's surface. Ruko grinned and let loose a couple giggles. He splashed happily around the shallows of the creek bed, all anger and sadness forgotten. Ruko had no intentions of remembering them. There was something that stopped his playtime, though. Pain flash through him with every step he took. His joyful splashes slowed to a stop. Ruko stood motionless in the water for a second, before wading out and plopping onto the warm, sandy shore. His happy mood was slowly seeping away as he wished that Daddy could be there. His smile dropped into a slight frown. Ruko didn't allow a more extreme expression to take hold.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2015 15:48:56 GMT -5
Amora was at last released from her mothers protective grip. On the journey her paws had grown numb and her head woozy. The female pup now shook each of her paws, gaining feeling in turn. She shook her pelt, tiny fragments of burnt plant matter flying off on the gentle, warm summer breeze.
As soon as Amora became relaxed and at peace, her eyes took in her surroundings.
The sky was that azure blue signified that the atmosphere was so hot that the air itself boiled. Yet that temperature was dulled by the sweet cooling breeze that held so many scents it overwhelmed a little pup. The mountains in the distance were no longer snow capped, and were rugged and bare of trees. Further down the mountain, nearer the base, greenery began to show itself on the face. First spiky silhouettes of coniferous trees, then the mingling of elms and maples. Soon those forests flowed into the valley, rolling waves of trees, tall and small. Then those large forests faltered at the staggering extremities if the plains. Amber waves of grasses and vibrant wildflowers dominated the grasslands, and running through the center was a glimmering silver snake: the Amoux Creek.
Amora took the beauty in with hungry eyes, only to splutter with a face-full of water. "Ruko!" Amora growled playfully and dashed into the water, contaminating the water. Oh no! What have I done?! She thought with an air of panic. Though that worry dispersed just as the ashy water did. It was a river. The Amoux creek.
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Post by 6dewdrops on May 8, 2015 17:29:33 GMT -5
Foxtrot
As the trees began to thin and the sound of running water made Foxtrot perk his ears. We must be near Amoux Creek. He rounded the last tree, following closely behind the limping Blaise. As he stepped past the trunk, a he was blinded by a dazzling light. The clouds had cleared to make way for the rising sun. Now the sun stood high in the sky and the Amoux Creek reflected the brilliant light out onto the forest. Foxtrot squinted and noticed Blaise setting Amor down. He came up beside her to place Ruko on the grassy bank. When he lifted his head, the three of them were already in the water. The pups were play fighting and Foxtrot realized he was smiling. He shook his head. Blaise didn't want him here, he couldn't get to attached.
When the female summoned him to the water, Foxtrot shook his head. I can't let them discover my fear of water. To make an excuse, Foxtrot laid down as if he was very tired. His head hit his paws and he almost immediately felt the price of their journey. Normally a trip like that would have nearly no effect on him, but he hadn't slept in a few days. The sun on his back warmed his pelt and the grass created a cushion effect that caressed his tired muscles. Just a few minutes won't hurt...
His eyes were millimeters away from closing, when Foxtrot noticed that Ruko had come back onto land. Foxtrot lifted his head and watched the pup flop onto the dirt. He narrowed his eyes. Ruko doesn't look so good. Is he hurt? Or maybe he's thinking about his "cowardly" father? Should I go talk to him? I think I'll watch and wait to see if he needs me. Patience is the best policy. Foxtrot lowered his head, but kept his eyes on Ruko, watching him.
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Post by Rykett on May 10, 2015 0:28:26 GMT -5
Blaise:
Deep purple eyes traveled over the grassy landscape before Blaise. They drifted up towards the mountains then flicked to her companions. Foxtrot hadn't entered the water yet. Amora was still splashing around in the shallows of the creek. Ruko's grey form was sprawled on the shore of the creek. Blaise closed her eyes, wondering at how much the news of his father had changed Ruko, from the joyful little pup to the solemn wolf she now saw. Blaise refocused on the grasslands around her. She was on alert for signs of food.
Suddenly Blaise noticed how the creek curved towards the mountains. It must come from the mountains. the thought came and cheered her up. They could travel along the creek with a constant source of water and hopefully food. Blaise stood and splashed out of the creek. She paused on the shore, listening. Before the group started walking again, they would need food. Blaise's ears picked up some rustling nearby. She trotted after the noise, sniffing until she detected a pheasant beside the creek. The black she-wolf crouched into a hunting position. She padded forward slowly until she suddenly pounce. There was a distressed squawking as the pheasant flapped into the air. Blaise's jaws closed around it and brought it to the ground. She shook it until it was limp. She turned back to rejoin her companions with the food. She placed it on the shore, waiting for the other wolves to come and get a bite to eat.
Ruko:
Ruko wondered why he couldn't get his mind off of his father. It was the past wasn't it? And Mommy always told them that the past didn't matter, it was the present and future that should make a difference. Ruko just couldn't convince himself that Daddy was really gone forever. Maybe there could still be a happy future with Daddy if Ruko could find him now. Ruko struggled to his feet, wincing at the pain in his leg. Who was he kidding? How could he, a tiny pup, ever find Daddy in such a big world? Besides Daddy was a coward, Ruko wasn't sure if he wanted a coward for a father.
His golden eyes surveyed the scene around him as his stomach growled. Could he use his acting skills to find something to eat? He noticed Mommy stalking off. She was probably finding some food. So Ruko could wait a little bit. Meanwhile Ruko limped over to Foxtrot. He wanted to ask a question and since Mommy was hunted, he guessed that Foxtrot could answer it. He plopped down in front of the male and quickly asked, "Do you... Why do we get scared?"
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2015 8:33:19 GMT -5
Amora sat down in the water. So now when she wanted to play with him Ruko just had to sit out. The plack pup moved over to her mother. Her swirled pelt matching hers. "momma, do you like Fox?" she inquired in innocently. "Because I do."
She gazed over at the other wolf. He was with Ruko. If Ruko trusted him, FoxTrot must be trustworthy.
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Post by 6dewdrops on May 10, 2015 11:47:34 GMT -5
Foxtrot
Foxtrot lifted his head when Ruko stood. He seemed to be injured, but apparently Foxtrot's worries on whether or not to approach the pup were futile. Ruko had come to him. Usually Foxtrot would sit up when he was talking, but he remain laying down so that they're conversation could be on an equal level. When Ruko sat next to him, Foxtrot could see the pain in the pup's eyes. No pup this young should have to go through so much.
Ruko's question surprised him. It was such a deep and philosophical question. Foxtrot pondered the concept of "fear." Minutes passed before he finally felt that he could give the pup an acceptable answer. He looked out at Amora and Blaise standing over their pheasant lunch, while he spoke to Ruko. ""Fear" is one of two things, but by definition, it is nonexistent. Fear can be your instincts warning you of danger. Whether that danger is physical or mental does not matter. If your mind or body believes you may sustain injury, it will warn you with fear. This also applies to the "fear of the unknown." Your body does not know if you will become injured so it warns you to steer clear." Foxtrot paused to shift his body a little, throwing his hind legs out to th side. "The second form of fear is your subconscious. This type of fear is a way for your mind to tell you your true desires. If you fear change, then you know that your subconscious is trying to explain that your thoughts suggest that you do not want to change your current lifestyle. If you fear becoming like someone, you're mind is telling you that it is too late. You have already taken on some of their traits. You cannot change who you are meant to become." Foxtrot hoped his little speech would influence Ruko's mindset, but he wanted to make sure that his words had gotten through to the pup. He looked into his face. "Do you understand?"
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Post by Rykett on May 11, 2015 14:09:14 GMT -5
Ruko:
Ruko's brow furrowed as his mind tried to process all the new information, nodding absently. So did fear just control them all no matter what they did to stop it? Panic pricked the edges of Ruko's thoughts as information began to sink in. There were so many things to be afraid of. How could Ruko be the fearless, brave wolf that he wanted to be? Then those final few sentences of Foxtrot's speech finally hit home. Daddy... I'm gonna be like Daddy... whether I like it or not! Ruko whimpered in despair, I'm gonna be a coward! I'm gonna be like Daddy! I don't wanna be like Daddy! I won't be like Daddy, but I have to be like Daddy! There's nothing I can do! I'm gonna be a coward! the constant train of panicked thoughts rushed through Ruko's brain. They kept echoing the same information over and over until Ruko finally howled out a "No!" He fled, obeying the instinct to flee and hide. He found himself under a bush. A final thought came. I was afraid and I couldn't stop it. I'm gonna be like Daddy... Ruko felt the tears begin to flood no matter how much he tried to hold them back.
Blaise:
Blaise sighed at Amora's question. She chewed off a bite to eat from the pheasant before answering, "Amora, you and I have barely known Foxtrot for a couple days. You cannot know whether to trust a wolf or not just from first impressions. Many wolves are deceitful and will take and destroy just for the fun of it. We will never know Foxtrot's real intentions unless we can read minds." The lecture was short and to the point. Blaise didn't want Amora making the same mistake that she had.
Blaise turned suddenly as Ruko let out a howl. Her eyes flicked between Foxtrot then to the fleeing gray pup. What had the male said to the pup? She ran after Ruko. She found him beneath a bush, shaking with sobs. "It's okay, Ruko," Blaise said gently, "Nothing happening, it's okay." She cuddled the pup against her, licking him trying to comfort Ruko. She looked up and met Foxtrot's eyes. Blaise gave him a look that said, 'What did you say to my pup?' It was an accusing stare.
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 16:39:26 GMT -5
Amora stared at her paws dejectedly. She nodded sharply as an answer to her mother. Mom was so sharp and careful. Fox was relaxed and sure. He knew things her mother did not. Amora looked up as her mother trotted away, her deep purple eyes sparked with envy. Ruko got all if moms attention. All mom did with her was drag her across the meadow and tell her what to do! Amora huffed angrily and looked up, spotting her mothers glare. "Don't glare at Fox!" the little pup puffed herself up to defend the other wolf. Amora smiled at the dappled male and nodded loyally. Then she turned back to her mother and smirked defiantly. She would prove that she did what she wanted, when she wanted to. "It's not his fault Ruko is a crybaby!"
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Post by 6dewdrops on May 11, 2015 18:03:56 GMT -5
Foxtrot
Foxtrot replayed the conversation in his mind. The pup had asked for a definition. Perhaps my definition hit too close to heart. He watched Ruko cry under a bush. There was nothing he could do for him now. Blaise rushed over to comfort her pup. I'm gonna get it now. Foxtrot's tail slowly creeped under his body and his head lowered. She was angry.
Out of the corner of his eyes Foxtrot saw Amora rush to her mother. Oh no. In a split second, he was standing beside Amora. He placed his paw on her head, knowing the weight would push her head into a bow. "You shouldn't talk to your mother that way. You should respect her."
He returned his gaze to Blaise. "I'm sorry." Foxtrot bowed his head and continued, "If you would like me to leave, I will."
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Post by Rykett on May 13, 2015 12:04:20 GMT -5
Blaise:
Blaise stood swiftly, stumbling slightly as her paw complained. She shot a glance at Amora before addressing Foxtrot, "I won't force you to leave. Injured as we are, we all need your help. As soon as my paw is healed then I would prefer it if we parted ways." Foxtrot seemed like a trustworthy wolf, but, of course, Blaise couldn't trust him. She couldn't trust anyone. Foxtrot was either a very good actor or just genuinely honest. Blaise wasn't one to take chance so she assumed the worst.
Her gaze flicked to Amora. Time to deal with her pup, "Listen, Amora, we've all been through a lot in the last few days. It doesn't do any good to call each other names or to shout. Okay?" Blaise turned back to the mountains then her eyes travel up the creek. Staying in one place didn't seem to do much good either. "Now that we've all drunk some, and washed off..." Blaise froze noticing that Foxtrot's fur was still filthy. "All except one... Go clean yourself up. Ruko and Amora, go eat some pheasant," She nodded at the meal she'd caught earlier. Blaise sat and waited for everyone to finish.
Ruko:
Ruko stayed silent as Mommy talked. He wiped away the tears. He needed to be brave even if he was destined to be a coward. He followed Mommy's instructions and trotted, well limped, towards the pheasant. "I'm not a crybaby!" he whispered fiercely to Amora as he passed her. He repeated the sentence to himself quietly. I might become a coward, but I'm not a crybaby! I won't ever be a crybaby. If I can force myself not to be a crybaby, maybe I can force myself not to be a coward. I don't have to act on fear if I don't want to. His fear after Foxtrot's answer came back to Ruko. His reaction to that fear stung him. Ruko never wanted it to happen again. He would never let it happen again.
As Ruko stood over the bird, he realized that this was his first real meat meal. Sure Mommy had let him have a bite of meat ever now and then but now he could eat on his own. Ruko puffed out his chest proudly before leaning down and grabbing some meat. He could taste it. It was soooo delicious. He tugged to pull it off the carcass. The meat stayed attached to the carcass. Ruko pulled harder. The whole bird moved slightly. Ruko shook his head but nothing loosed the piece of meat. Ruko decided to try a different piece. He let go of the meat but it was stuck between his teeth. "Umph... a wittle helpth pwease?" Ruko asked around the piece.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2015 16:41:07 GMT -5
Amora huffed angrily and whirled away staring daggers at the back of Ruko's head. One side of her told her it was just the events in the past few days that had made every wolfs tempers short. The other half told her that everyone was against her. The small pup stormed to the pheasant and couldn't help but smirk at Ruko's problem. She liked what little meat Blaise had given them, surely pheasant was just as good? One way to find out! Amora stepped up to the kill, placed one large multicolored paw on its body, and leaned forward to tug off a chunk of meat. Her paw held it in place as she ripped off some delicious pink meat. She chewed it up with her small, needle-like canines and swallowed, the meat slid perfectly down her throat to fill her belly. Amora licked her fangs, savoring the flavor. "That is how to eat, brother." Amora scoffed and leaned down to take another bite.
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Post by 6dewdrops on May 16, 2015 15:34:00 GMT -5
Foxtrot
In accordance with Blaise's request, he would be leaving as soon as she was well. He watched Blaise deal with her children. She was so gentle, yet firm. Blaise was a good mother. Foxtrot looked away. He felt ashamed. His words had made Ruko cry. He would make an awful father. Foxtrot hung his head. But I wish to have a family some day. He glanced back up. Ruko had gone to eat.
Blaise's words made Foxtrot cringe. He avoided her gaze. He shook his large head. His fear of running water was such a pain. "I think I'll pass." Hopefully she would respect his decision and let him be, but he doubted that.
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Post by Rykett on May 20, 2015 18:41:12 GMT -5
Blaise:
Blaise couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You are filthy and you need a bath. I won't travel with a wolf so covered in soot." She began pushing Foxtrot towards the water. Why was he resisting so much? What did he have against taking a bath? Was he one of those wolves who loved to be dirty? He hadn't seemed like one until now. His fur had looked rather clean when they had first met. Then again this did prove part of Blaise's point. She didn't know Foxtrot enough to trust him. If she didn't know how he hated bathing, what other character traits did she not know that he possessed?
She glanced over at the pups. Amora was chewing on a piece of meat. Ruko was trying to pull one off. Wait, were they even ready to eat meat? Blaise gave Foxtrot another push towards the water and said, "Take a bath!" Then she turned to her pups. She helped Ruko pull off his strip of meat.She chewed it up and spat the chewed meat in front off Ruko. It would be much easier for him to eat it now. Blaise turned to Amora and began the same process with her.
Ruko:
Ruko ate the meat. He licked his lips as he swallowed each piece. He smiled in excitement, then smirked slightly at Amora. Her meat piece was gone down her throat. No doubt, the unchewed meat would come back to haunt her.
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2015 22:33:51 GMT -5
Amora smirked at her brother. Mother had to chew up his food for him! Ha! She wanted to say donething hurtful and rude, something along the lines of 'mamas boy' or 'weaklibg'. But instead she just smirked. When Blause began chewing up meat for her, Amora refused it and began to eat the solid beat off of the diminishing pheasant carcass. After swallowing another bite she pushed the red mush to Ruko. He would like it. Slowly but surely Anora was forgetting the little fights she had. Her mood lightening once more. "Lets go! Lets go!" she bounced up and down, freckled cheeks accented her dark purple eyes.
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Post by 6dewdrops on May 28, 2015 14:19:28 GMT -5
Foxtrot
The water rushed quickly, making a roaring of sound. His eyes grew large at he took in the looming creek. Leaves were submerged and pebbles were shifted. The force was strong within the water. Foxtrot whimpered as he watched a stick snap in the current. Blaise's words echoed in his head as he recalled the last few minutes with his power. She won't let me travel with them? Another whimper surfaced. He had just preached about fear to Ruko and now he was facing one of his own.
Foxtrot glanced back at the pup who was struggling to eat the meat. For some reason, I feel like I need to set a good example. He turned his body in the direction of the pup and hardened his resolve. In a loud voice, Foxtrot spoke to the three wolves sitting by the pheasant. "Ruko! I was scared of running water until today. I am about to overcome that fear. Not by changing the way I feel, but by accepting my fear and overcoming it. Saying that it takes a lower priority than being clean. Watch as I take a leap over my fear!"
He spun and ran to the water at a full sprint. When he came within a close distance, he leapt. Clenching his eyes shut, he landed in the creek. Water surrounded him, but he was not submerged. Foxtrot opened his eyes and released the breath he was unconsciously holding. I did it! I really did it! He looked around at the water. It only reached to the bottom of his stomach and the current was nowhere near as strong as he was. His heart calmed and he smiled. The water ran under him and he felt his fear dissipate. This was not as scary as he thought it would be. It could still be dangerous for weak creatures, but he was strong enough to resist. A sense of respect overwhelmed him. What a wonderful force of nature.
In his bliss, Foxtrot dunked his head under the water and began washing his fur. The water ran smoothly over his back and shoulders, washing away the soot and ash. Black trailed his body and flowed down river. After a few minutes of relishing in the water, his fur felt clean, so he waded out of the creek. Once he stood on land, he shook his fur to fling off the water. Foxtrot stood and raised his head to look at Blaise. He chuckled. "Clean enough for you?"
Then he turned to look at the sun as it rounded the peak of the day. He cooled his emotions and resumed his stone features. "We should leave while we still have a few hours of daylight."
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