only pure intentions... (tagged + open)

[tovaana]

Epicenter’s tribal green-brown-patched coat was more pronounced with his newly shed summer coat. The markings were neat and folded with his body as he kept in stride with Nia up the mountain, allowing for her to pass in front when there was a narrow passage. His heart and mind was keen and excited for the near future – to claim a power of his very own, and it was so close, so palpable, that while his body was taut and weary, it did not show in his steps. He glanced over at Nia – small talk was fine, but he wanted to get to know her. Center was also wary of their other fellow traveler, he really did seem to be like a shadow. So much so, that in his mind he referred to him as The Shadow- ‘where’d that shadow get to- or there through the trees.’ He did not intent on a nickname of sorts, and knew him as Renegade, but his silent (sort of silent) nature and dark coat, his mind sorted him so.

“So Nia, tell me, what drives you into the unknown? Away from familiar surroundings to the valley – and here with us.” He said, using the plural pronoun, conscious that he was no longer one wolf, but three. It was natural for him to be in a group, usually the leader, but it made him conscious of the words he used, making sure all felt included.

He smiled, striding around a stone that split their path momentarily. Their goings seemed to be getting more rocky, the air thinner- they were getting closer. The pull of magic was also stronger, could she feel it? Could Renegade feel it? He couldn’t imagine how one couldn’t be drawn so strongly, and not have the desire to partake of the power. He could not deny it, and he wondered momentarily at Renegade’s… advice…about Sheba. Epicenter was used to putting up facades, but knew that an All-Knowing White Sister would see through it- but he had to be himself, and schmoozer he was. He would not act differently, except for more respect, because of course- the throne of the White Sisters was one that he could never have, and that was one of the only things he would bow to.

@lowin  & Fierfly

[Deleted]

Nia

With the warmer weather came the wolves' transformations, and Nia was no exception, having exchanged her thick winter coat for a layer of coarse, flat fur.  Like Epicenter—and Renegade, though his colors were much simpler—her markings were now sharper, more defined, almost as if the inverted black-and-gray pattern had been painted onto dark-gray canvas.  It was also clear, now, that while Nia was on the more petite side, she was not unfit; rather, as they traversed the face of the mountain, toned muscle rippled gently beneath her hide, a silent warning to all witnesses not to underestimate the softness with which she carried herself.

Renegade (presumably) was a more independent traveler, but Epicenter made it a point to keep pace with Nia.  The she-wolf did not mind, and after the males' fragile first encounter back at the river, she even understood why he might prefer her over the other at the moment.  At the same time, though, she was appreciative of the variety of her own company.  The former's calm demeanor and the latter's pep combined to create a balance that held Nia's patience, encouraging her to press on in defiance of taxed limbs and smarting paw-pads.  It sufficed to say that her toes would much rather be soaking in a stream at the moment, massaged by the water's current—but if anybody asked, she would not say so.

Ears perked at a break in the silence, and without breaking stride, Nia turned cobalt eyes onto the woodsy wolf as they each circumvented a stone.  "Change," she answered simply, resolutely, as they came back together.  "There just wasn't much for me back home—my old home.  It didn't suit me, and no one wants to waste their prime years standing in place.  Figured that would be best saved for when I'm old and gray."  She looked away in thought before smirking with a half-chuckle.  "As for you guys?  Traveling got lonely; it's nice seeing other faces again.  Plus...I'd be stupid to turn down a private escort."

As she spoke, she noticed a slight change in the thinning air.  Nia had never experienced anything of the magical sort, so of course the sensation was alien to her, but she could infer by their intended destination that the pull had something to do with the White Sisters.  Regardless, it made her more attentive to her surroundings, a hint of wary wonder on her face.  It also sparked another thought:  "So, they deal out powers....What exactly did you have in mind?"  An innocent question but probing nonetheless.  It was primarily directed at Epicenter, whom had mentioned his quest without specifying the ability he had in mind (if any), but Renegade's serious composure on their way from the river had not gone unnoticed; he was just as free to respond if the inquiry applied to him as well.

[Fierfly]

Renegade:

He'd been the highlands of the Valley many times in his life, but the Shadow had never yet been to the Mountain itself. Well, now he was there. The peak was alive in summer splendor, absolutely covered in scrubby brush, lichens, stones, the odd twitter or scold from a mountain bird or chipmunk, it was all alive and waiting, waiting for a visitor, waiting for something new.

He was alongside the path where Epicenter was courteously keeping pace with Nia...and he sensed some sweet-talking and manipulative charisma just waiting to ooze out of the earthen wolf. He rolled his pale blue eyes and they flashed in the sunshine - Epicenter never ceased to at least disappoint of not out-right annoy Renegade with his probing and actor's facades. Whenever possible he kept out of Epicenter's way; just to keep everything civil for everyone, not to be rude or anything, but his temper could get a little short sometimes and Epicenter's cover for everything never failed to put the Shadow on edge. So he was a shadow again, with his own pace and his own trail. His calloused pads carried him on a thicker, less distinct path, if this "trail" he was following was even a path at all! Branches of the scrubby mountain brush grabbed at his fine, short coat and soil and rocks constantly tried to work their way between his toes and into his nose, mouth and eyes as he crouched to almost slither between low-hanging branches.

He was not distant - nor was he hiding. They could always find him if they started looking, he'd let them find him, and he stayed in ear-shot of them, but he needed to be apart for a bit. He needed to think, to contemplate. He didn't want a power - much to Epicenter's shock he was sure - but he did need a favor. Ordinarily he wouldn't ask for help - the proud creature that he was - but this was beyond his abilities. He needed someone stronger, a leader, someone with abilities beyond his own, even a hint would have been welcome. But did he really need the help or was he just going soft? Should he even have been looking? Idiot's question; of course he should! Still, to get help or not to? And if he did, which White Wolf did he approach? Technically he probably ought to have asked Geist, but he was sure that she was not interested in helping him or anyone else. Sheba was who he should have reported to, but what would she or Taboo know about his concern? White Magic? ...Possibly, she had been born from the Power hadn't she? Wouldn't she have known everyone and everything? He would have to think for a while.

His ears pricked absently at Epicenter and Nia's conversation. He was probing again; Blazes on that wanderer! He was conceited! How long did he think he could keep the charisma up? There was a very strong urge for Renegade to try some stunt to get under the other male's skin, but he restrained himself. Peace is good for information - which he needed whether the shadow liked it or not. Nia answered very diplomatically and easily and then turned a question back to him, which caught Renegade's dominant attention. Yes: what was he after? What sort of wolf was this Epicenter anyway?

[tovaana]

Nia was looking for something new; different. He could see it- the perfect pack, quiet valley or forest with the same group of wolves with little to no room for growth. She had dreams too and briefly wondered what hers were, if there were any specific. It was the part of him that tailored him to the needs of others to gain their trust and loyalty for his gain. His trailing thoughts attuned back into her words as she spoke again, and he smiled at her, nodding his head humbly at her silent compliment.

“Well, I for one am grateful for the company as well.” He said before she turned the question on him, or more accurately, changed the subject. He took a moment to soak in the question, and turning his mind to the matter at hand. The Mountain. The White Sisters. Sheba. He made a shrugging motion as he moved on ahead, climbing. “I’d be lying if I said I have not thought about it.” He said. He glanced at her again, a smile continually on his maw and lolling tongue.

“Every season brings forth different types of abilities. I’ve heard of a variety. There are a couple of abilities that have caught my attention for the spring. Summer as well- since-“ He said, pausing to look up at the sun that warmed their backs, “it seems to have begun to reveal itself..” He paused, glancing her way, watching the trails she picked through, and also sensitive to Renegade’s awareness of their conversation. He glanced toward the bushes and rocks that he picked himself through, then back to Nia, who seemed to be more willing to be part of his life. It didn’t bother him anymore, then going back to her question, since he had not answered her directly. “However, to be honest, I’m not sure which I will choose, or more accurately, which Sheba will choose.” He mused, he had been considering it for a while, letting Sheba choose for him. “You seem to have been thinking about abilities- which abilities have you imagined yourself with?” He asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The first question had been open for both he and Renegade, yet Renegade had kept to his silent game. He turned his head momentarily in the direction of Renegade. “You seem to know much about the mountain, you ever thought of asking for an ability? Renegade?” Adding his name so there was no confusion of where this question was directed.

[Deleted]

Nia

Absentmindedly, the she-wolf awaited an answer that never came.  Oh, well.  She would not push Renegade.  He had nearly been fed up with Epicenter prior to their departure, so she did not blame him for treating the lengthy journey as an opportunity to separate himself for a time.  The fact that his scent remained strong assured her that he was still nearby, just...taking a path less traveled.  The question still nagged at her, though:  what did he intend to get out of the trip?  If there had been something on the dark male's mind during their last conversation, it never showed—at least, not until they left the river, but even that look had been fleeting.

Briefly, Nia skimmed her and Epicenter's surroundings.  Worried?  A little, perhaps, but she knew better than to open her mouth.  They were only traveling companions, more strangers than anything else.  It's not like he'd tell me, anyway.

Epicenter's voice captured her attention once again.  He, on the other hand, was quite taken with her company, though she did not find his interest unsettling, not as much as she had back in the Valley.  Their conversations had mellowed into cordial small-talk, a friendly game of question-and-answer that she made sure not to be one-sided.  Silently, she received his response and smiled back at him, pausing to let him take the front and make his way up an incline.

Still she listened as she continued after him, bouncing lightly off the flat rocks that protruded from the hill in order to avoid the unevenness of the dirt that held them in place.  He mentioned having thought about a couple abilities, but before she could ask their names, he turned the question onto her.  Retaliation.  Nia should have expected that.

Nia mirrored his earlier shrug as she made pace with him once more.  "You're right; I have been thinking"—she met the mischief on his face with an amused smirk before turning away with another shake of her head—"but it's less about what ability I'd like and more about whether I need one at all.  I mean, I've gotten this far without one.  I'm still so new to the idea, anyway...."

Her voice trailed off thoughtfully.  As of that moment, her intent was to witness this power for herself; but even though she was about to witness another wolf standing before one of these magical Sisters and receiving an ability, Nia would not be prepared to request anything for herself.  It would all be too much to take in.  Perhaps, if ever the need arose, she would seek one on her own.  Which one, though, she could not say.

Through her contemplation, Nia heard Epicenter utter the other male's name, and she perked her ears.  He had turned the question onto him but not aggressively so.  The she-wolf remained silent but alert, curious but set on staying out of it.  This would be between them.

[Fierfly]

Renegade:

Geist's blazes on him! What was this? A friendly small-talk picnic? Renegade didn't usually start fights but today his temper was short and his blood began to boil. Didn't that smooth-talker realize there was more at stake here than idle chatter? It took a couple of deep-breaths and some mental encouragement and reminders that peace was good for information for Renegade not to outright snap at Epicenter's question. Instead he calmed down and began fading back into the better-traveled path with his companions, albeit slightly ahead so he wouldn't have to look at Epicenter's smug face.

"Never," the word popped from his maw crisply, firmly and finally. He was not on his life going to get a power. Nothing against the magic of course, but he had always been independent and didn't want to become too reliant on anyone or anything - hence his hesitancy in looking for help for his errand. As he'd answered the question he clamped his maw back shut and began taking in their trail, his nose gently teasing at the thinning mountain air where scents were sharper and carried far and wide. If only he could find it...

[tovaana]

He thought about her musings- while she allowed herself to accept his teasing, she spoke honestly. Well, he was getting somewhere with her – if not with Renegade. He watched him blend back onto the more worn trail and heard his curt reply. It seemed like the male still had his reservations, and it caused momentary frustration. He would have to accept that not everyone was enamored by his ways, and Renegade was being quite stubborn. He still wasn’t sure if he could accept his silent treatment.

Taking a deep breath he closed his maw and swallowed against the dryness in his throat. Then he let his tongue loll once more, directing his thoughts back to Nia’s thoughts. He had grown up with the idea of magic and abilities- it was half nature and half ambition.

“I guess… it could be viewed as need and desire. Need – you live in a valley with many wolves with abilities, making them untouchable unless you have your own defense.” He paused then added, “There are many wolves who serve Geist- and while I do not condone with all they do, there are many that are very dangerous.”

“On the other paw, it’s also helpful in other aspects. Makes you useful in a pack, which I hope to find one someday soon.” He added.

He looked on ahead at Renegade who seemed to be trying to find something, but with his nose- rather than the pull of the magic mountain… He tilted his head and smiled. But his smile wasn’t only because of Renegade, but because he could hear the faint trickle of water.

“Find anything Renegade?” He called a little louder to catch the male’s attention. And looked back to Nia. “I think we’re near there…” He whispered, eyes looking ahead again at Renegade, his pace slowing.

[Deleted]

Nia

Renegade's curt reply gave Nia more reason to wonder about him.  She was no longer annoyed by his temper, just...concerned.  The animosity between him and Epicenter was not helping the matter, either, as it blurred the otherwise apparent line between the former's deeper irritation and his simple beef with the mouthy male.  Quietly, she observed him, taking in his swift stride and his careful attention to the scents of the trail and air, no longer acknowledging his company but instead whatever it was he was seeking out.  He was night and day, this one.

Do I dare talk to him? she pondered.  Nia recalled his reaction to their initial conversation, how merely inquiring about his social life had driven the mood south so quickly.  Was it really such a sensitive topic...?  He called himself a wanderer, and that had simply sparked her curiosity.  At any rate, he seemed to prefer vagueness over detail, but the she-wolf was not fond of secretive behavior, especially secretive aggression, when it came to someone she knew—not that they knew each other well, but they were traveling together, which gave her just as much reason to worry.

Yes.  Yes, I do.  She would have to time it, though.  Perhaps separating him from Epicenter would make things run a little more smoothly.

Decision made, she found her attention back on Epicenter and his response.  Those whom hung around her long enough might eventually call her stubborn.  Nia much preferred the idea of natural independence over that of leaning on a supernatural ability for support and protection.  The latter, she thought, would make her feel weak.  However, the woodsy wolf's words held some weight....Surely he knew the lands better than herself, and he had a point in mentioning their vicinity to the Mountain.  Most of the resident wolves either had already acquired a power or were (likely) planning to do so.

He also managed to touch a nerve that had coaxed her into questioning Renegade earlier.  She would like a pack in the future, perhaps a family.  Would others really deem her useless if she lacked a power?  Would raw strength and stamina mean that little?

"I suppose you have a point," she resigned, turning her head slightly to shoot him a small, thoughtful smile before turning her gaze once more to what lay ahead.  "Well, I can't deny that I'm not a brute"—she chuckled—"but I am a little bullheaded.  Not promising anything...but I should at least consider it."

It would probably take a fight before she could decide what was best.

She tilted her head at Renegade's silent form before glancing again at Epicenter.  "Hey, why don't you go on ahead?" she said, voice hushed.  She nodded toward the dark male so as to avoid voicing her intentions.  Renegade would catch on.

[Fierfly]

Renegade:

"Peace is good for information, peace is good for information." was the stern reminder he repeated mentally to himself as Epicenter started his probing again. His patience was beyond gone with the mouthy-curious-male. Far beyond gone. But...("Blazes!")...peace...(unfortunately)...was good for information. He ignored Epicenter's meaningless question and threw his whole mind into the search.

Many wolves had come up this way, many wolves. Their scents had been left on the stones, in the branches, even in the air. They'd all mingled together, been buried in the dust and washed away in the rain and mingled once again. Trying to find a single scent was beyond ridiculous, especially if he was looking for one from anytime in the past year. That settled it; there was no way he could find them himself. He would keep peace until Epicenter returned from getting his power, and maybe he would consult White Magic, he would get his information and leave. He'd already taken far too long.

Nia amiably continued chatting with Epicenter until he apparently found what he was looking for - Sheba's cave had have been nearby. The shadow craned his neck slightly to look upward, White Magic's cave was likely even higher. Let Epicenter go on to Sheba, he'd head up afterward - the last thing he needed was more questions from Epicenter about something that was not his affair. Nia was now looking at him curiously - but his attention was not focused on her...he was focused on the peak.

[tovaana]

Epicenter listened to her hesitant words and flashed a wolfy grin. "I'm not trying to convince you, lady." Another smile, then, "It's only an invitation, both to come and to consider asking for an ability." He glanced over at Renegade at her whisper. When they both weren't looking he rolled his eyes in a small motion, feeling exasperated with the wolf. Still with the silent treatment?! It was pup's play! When she looked back at him, he nodded with a small knowing motion, his duo eyes lingering at the searching male. And, Renegade seemed upset that Epicenter had other motives, while he kept his own motives from them? Obviously searching for something other than the caves. However Center didn't bother himself with it, turning his attention back on Nia.

"Join us if you wish, don't be shy." He added softly and with a wink he was striding toward the caves, not feeling the numbness in his paws from the journey, only excited about the future.

-exit epicenter-

[Deleted]

Nia

At least Epicenter was not pushing her, and for that she was grateful.  Nia could not oppose his statement completely; after all, she was a new face in a populous community, following in the footsteps of two residents themselves.  Part of the whole point was to get a feel for the land.  Then again, she would not be so quick to make such drastic changes in order to assimilate—perhaps not the smartest attitude, but hers nonetheless.  It was odd to her, how the wolves here supposedly treated supernatural power like a necessity....Not that she was judging them, but she worried she might lose herself to her newfound strength, if she were to fall into it.

Unless, that was, not all the abilities the Sisters offered were as grand as she was imagining them to be.  Something small, defensive maybe, she felt might sway her.

He left her with a gentle invitation, to which she responded with a nod and an appreciative smile of her own.  Perhaps I will, she thought.  She watched his excitement carry him away to his new fate.

Silence.  Slowly, Nia turned her attention back on Renegade.  He seemed to have grown oblivious to the others' presence, but the she-wolf already knew better than to believe it.  Not much had managed to evade his senses since their encounter at the river.  He was observant, even more so than herself...

...but that did not mean she was blind.

He seemed poise to run—not away, but toward...something.  Something else.  "It's not just him, is it?" she inquired carefully.  "There's something else on your mind."

If she did not speak up right then, she likely would not get the chance, but aggressive probing would get her nowhere.

[Fierfly]

Renegade:

As Epicenter slipped away, he was just about to turn and continue negotiating the trail when Nia spoke up. "It's not just him is it? There's something else on your mind." Smart she-wolf. Certainly Epicenter had also known that he had more than a tour for Nia as a motive for visiting the Mountain, but he hadn't pressed too hard for answers. Had he been annoyed with Renegade's lack of response? Oh, absolutely; and that was one of the few enjoyable bits of knowledge that Renegade would take with him when they all parted company for keeps, but he had started to figure out that probing was not very effective on the shadow.

"There is," he admitted. Somehow he trusted Nia a little bit more than Epicenter. She at least respected his privacy, his secrecy. He still didn't completely trust anyone, but Nia...he distrusted her less. "I might go to see White Magic - the Sisters' mother. She watches over the whole Valley," he vaguely remembered explaining White Magic to Nia at the Riverbanks, but just to refresh her memory he said it again. "There...there are some things that I want to ask her about. I may or may not join up with you again when Epicenter gets his power, there's somewhere I have to be that I've put off for too long."

Her dark eyes watched and glittered curiously, listening, intent. "Good luck Nia. The Valley is an interesting place and I hope you do well here. Tell Epicenter for me to be careful of playing with fire - or he might just get burned." He wasn't staying for questions. He'd already taken far, far too long for all of this. So he granted Nia one of his rare, brief smiles to wish here well, turned, and was off to the highest end of the trail.

-Exit Renegade-

[Deleted]

Nia

Part of her was relieved that Renegade lowered his guard.  Whatever he was hiding, he was willing to tell her, which alleviated any concern about the circumstances of his agitation.  However, Nia was still curious as to what had made the male's mood shift so dramatically.  She had only known him for a short time, but he seemed more like the peaceful type.  His short temper had come as a surprise to her.

His words spilled from his maw, and so she kept her own mouth shut and remained quiet, attentive.  None of it made sense to her, but then, she had barely scratched the surface of this mysterious male.  Why see White Magic?  Wolves sought her out for healing purposes...did they not?  Renegade seemed just fine; were thoughts of another perhaps looming over his conscious?

Following his brief explanation, he wished her well and disappeared—all before she could utter a sound.  Nia stood there, mouth open but silent as she watched him retreat up a path separate from Epicenter's, a faint image of his smile still at the front of her mind.  When she recovered, she sighed, letting a smirk of her own play at the edges of her lips.

"Whatever you need to do," she said to the still air, "I wish you luck.  I'll need it, too."  His remark about the woodsy wolf tugged at her, and she looked toward the path he had taken to see Sheba.  A twitch of her cerulean nose, and she started toward it, loping slowly up the incline.

~Exit Nia~