Admiring the Scenery ( Tovaana | Open )

[Deleted]

A she-wolf had made her way across land she never imagined to cross in her lifetime. Sharp, yellow eyes inspected the rock wall which she had been following. The walls seemed to hum her name, growing in volume when she would stand at the mouth of a dark, damp cave. Caves dotted the rock wall endlessly. Mettalise admired the flawless design of the mountainside, stepping into one of the caves with a lowered tail. The ceiling was so high she could barely see where the top of the cave ended. The cave itself was not very deep, but pools of water formed in patches on the rock-floor. Her pink paw pads tapped a shallow pool of water before her neck bent to allow her nose to sniff the water's surface. She exhaled with a loud snort, then raised her blue-colored head with ears swiveling curiously. Mettalise softly wagged her tail before exiting the cave, her eyes staring into the darkness above. Now outside, her eyes stared passed the foliage of the forest to the stars dotting the deep blue sky. She sighed and looked from the direction she came, to the direction she was heading and got back on track. Her eyes traced the gracefully-made mountainside . . .

Nose to the ground, Mettalise crouched as she approached the mouth of another den. The situation made her tense and ready for action, because she had yet to see prey and was expecting another predator. Mountain lions could be heard yesterday so she was making sure she knew about it instead of the other way around.

tovaana

[tovaana]

The moon cast a ghostly glow on the valley and the part of the mountain it faced. Tonight the part of the mountain it smiled on was part that had naturally formed caves. They welcomed guests, often when traveling up and down the mountain to visit the White Sisters. Tovaana was not one of those particular wanderers – she had come up simply for the view to get her bearings. She was planning to join a pack and had heard of one pack that alliance was considered good and light.

Evening had taken over the sky and the white wolfess had not descended the rocky side of the mountain. She had found a spot at one of the openings of the cave where a rock jutted out that allowed her to see more of the valley. On her rock, under the moon and stars, her white fur glowed like new snow on the ground. Her golden markings one her legs and her eyes sparkling under the soft light. The sun setting had been breathtaking on the new colors of Spring that were bursting from grounds, trees, and bushes. There was also a wind that reminded her of winter, it was cold and unruly. It was when she felt chilled enough that she thought about turning into the cave when she thought she heard something.

“Hello?” Her voice was clear and confident, but her chest tightened a little. Seasons before she had encountered a crazed wild cat that could not be reasoned with… She wasn’t sure how common they were, but she was not eager to come across another. That had been when she had met Joey – and hurt himself. They had traveled to the mountain… She wondered how he was. Sighing she tensed a little, shifting to be able to run or hide if needed. Also, ready to throw a defense charm if needed. Tov was able to create one with ease now, but only in front of her and it took a while before she could cast another.

[Deleted]

As the sun disappeared, cold and unruly winds whipped against the side of the mountain. Mettalise scanned the edge of the rock that jutted out from a cave ahead, spotting a ghostly white creature. Her fur bristled between her shoulders and along the back of her neck. Out of fear, she barred her fangs and a low growl rumbled in her throat. Her pale blue-tipped tail swept behind her to tuck under her bottom, between her legs. She heard the creature say hello questioningly. Mettalise felt relief wash over her bodice and features, her body standing at a more comfortable position with her ears pricked forward. Behind the cocoa and blue-hued wolf, her tail hung limp as she calculated the situation.

At first, Mettalise began to speak but it was as if her voice didn't exist. She closed her jaws, licking the inside of her mouth nervously before her tongue moistened her tongue. A nervous motion. Her yellow eyes admired the snow white pelt and beautiful golden-yellow markings the wolf carried. As the white wolf looked around the dark, Mettalise could see the same coloring circling her eye. Mettalise stepped into the light casted down from the moon, her turquoise "string of pearls" marking typically the first thing another creature notices.

"Heyya - all alone in there?" She peeked into the cave behind the white wolf, feeling more at ease to discover a pack wasn't snoozing inside. She exhaled, lowering her chest and relaxing her large yet rounded ears. Mettalise still wasn't certain where she was though she had a gut feeling this was THE White Wolf Mountain, especially now as she left her gaze on the other female. She licked her chops impatiently, growing curious about this particular white wolf.

[tovaana]

There was a soft rumble that sounded like a growl that got lost in the winds before Tov had spoken. It made her nervous – but her tension slowly melted away as it was only another wolf. She felt the threads of her ability and made her they were ready if she needed to cast her defense shell if the wolf turned to be unfriendly. The frame of the wolf seemed to be female, and she stood there silhouetted against the light in the sky, silent. Tovaana was about to speak again when the figure moved into the shadows where she could see her better – the color of her blues and the yellow eyes were the easiest to decipher in the moonlight.

There was a cautious tendency to the way this wolf moved, like she was nervous. If this stranger was nervous, they could be dangerous. Tovaana had been craning her neck to look back at the tawny blue wolf, but she pushed herself up and turned around. She sat, her tail curling and uncurling from her legs, swaying to show she meant no harm. "Heyya - all alone in there?"

“Yes.” Her voice was calm and clear. She was not afraid anymore, as it seemed the other wolf had relaxed a little as well.

“I was just about to head in. You may join me if you wish...” Tov did not want to startle the wolf, but she had been about to head in because of the chill. The cave was not very large, nor deep, but it would have fit three to four wolves comfortably. She slipped by the other wolf, pushing her way into the semi-darkness, but only at the entrance. “My name is Tovaana.” She offered, perhaps this wolf was friendly- not like the other wolves she had heard rumors about that delighted in suffering or even blood-shed. Still, she felt for her defense shield, as unafraid she was - it had a lot to do with her confidence in being able to defend herself.

[Deleted]

The air was brisk now that the sun disappeared behind the magnificent peak of White Wolf Mountain. Yellow eyes followed to white she-wolf who introduced herself as Tovaana. Mettalise parted her lips to show her teeth, however, the corners of her mouth pulled upward to gesture a smile. "Thanks, Tovaana." She could see the tension in Tovaana's shoulders and face, so she bent at her knees and elbows to appear less threatening as she entered the mountainside den. "My name is Mettalise." Her ears were fixed forward in case Tovaana had anything else she wanted to share. "You are the first creature to greet me pleasantly instead of with tooth and claw." Mettalise was partially expecting an ambush, but at the same time hoped the white she-wolf was not in the mood for hostility. Maybe later. But not now. Mettalise had been walking for too long to jump into a battle.

Currently, Mettalise looked starved due to the lack of nutrition. She did not remember the last time she had eaten. Once Mettalise found a dry spot against the wall away from the mouth of the cave, she liked her pink paw pads. Then a grumble came from her stomach which startled her and caused Mettalise to flatten her ears before nudging her stomach. Her gaze drifted over to Tovaana, who look well-fed despite her slender frame. She didn't look sickly or ill. Mettalise wondered if she would get to meet other wolves, or if Tovaana was just as alone as she was. "So, Tovaana, are you a traveller such as myself?" She pawed at the hard but smooth surface of the cave floor, ignoring the gut wrenching pain in her abdomen.

[tovaana]

“Hmm.” She eyed Mattalise curiously and then made a half attempted laugh that did not last long. “Yes, there does seem to be much darkness in the valley.” The pull of the mountain was strong where they were, but the feeling the bubbled in her stomach was something different. Her eyes had traveled to outside as she spoke, but then tearing away from her reverie, she looked at the wolf as she caught a sound of hunger. Golden eyes flashed a look of concern, sparkling dimly in the reflected moonlight.

“Yes…” She said slowly in response, taking in her colorful presence once more – her eyes had adjusted to the darkness a little more and could see her new companion a little better. Mettalise had the look of a lone wanderer, thinner. Tovaana had begun to put on that appearance, but her thick fur masked most of it. It had not been that long since she had been traveling with her mother. A pang of sadness swept her mind. “Yes, I had been traveling with my mother until a few seasons past. I have been thinking about joining a pack – but I’m afraid I got lost… The last thing I want to do it run into one of the darker packs.” She said, quite certain that this wolf was a light hearted being. Perhaps she was assuming too soon…?

“Have you been in this valley for long?” She asked, her eyes had drifted out of the cave opening again at the dark valley the swelled with a few hills, but contained mostly flat areas with trees, grass, or small bodies of water that glittered in the moonlight. It was nice to have someone to talk to, and she felt herself relax – this wolf did not seem to be a threat. Still though, she pawed with her ability inside herself, ready to throw her defense charm if needed.

[Deleted]

The cocoa and blue-marked wolf wagged her tail briefly after she stood, her body loosened as she felt a sense of relief. Her yellow eyes seemed to glow as the darkness settled across White Wolf Mountain. She looked upon the white she-wolf again, who stared out of the mouth of the cave. Mettalise listened to Tovaana's words hearing the gloom in her tone as she spoke of her past mother. "My condolences," she spoke softly, with her ears flattened as she lowered her head in a caring manner. "I, too, lost my family. Unfortunately, I have travelled this valley alone for many moons." Mettalise paced the cave, she stopped outside the mouth of the cave with a limp tail hung behind her. She looked back into the cave over her shoulder with a sigh. "I have wanted to travel to White Wolf Mountain to find Taboo." She sighed, a feeling of embarrassment washed over her. "But I am nervous about trekking the gnarly mountain alone due to bandits and have-nots. A pack sounds like a dream..." Mettalise drifted off into thought looking out the mouth of the cave.

(Back flash) She remembered being with her brother who was always challenging her left and right. Mettalise's mother seemed to give her help whenever she needed it, while her parents expected Ashton to never screw anything up. That puts a lot of pressure on an individual. Mettalise met up with Ashton before they had aged into adolescents.

"Ashton, why didn't you wait for me back there?"

"You know, life isn't fair Mettalise." Ashton glared at her and sighed. He was darker in color in every way like Mettalise, however, the pearl-like markings were nonexistent in his pelt.

Mettalise frowned, her yellow eyes meeting his purple gaze. "Why do you hate me so much?" She asked her brother.

"Look I don't hate you, I just-" he caught his breath before he could explain any further. "Mettalise, there is something about you that I will never understand. I don't know why a girl should be treated any differently than me." Ashton barked out, turning his back on his sister and sitting down with a huff. His shoulders rolled forward as he slouched in his seated position, head lower than his shoulders.

"What does that even mean?" She asked in confusion. Fact was, she never realized how gentle she was treated in comparison to Ashton when it concerned their parents. Their mother never had Ashton's back. She would stare at the ground before standing up for him, but the first time their father raised a paw on Mettalise, their mother was howling and hollering about it immediately.

Ashton growled, "I'm jealous of you, Mettalise. I just want to feel loved..." Her brother choked back tears, his voice trailed off.

Mettalise came to, the moonlight illuminating her face and she blinked her eyes repeatedly. Then, she retreated into the cave and sat closer to Tovaana. "I know how it is to feel alone. I could help you find a pack, and make sure their a good fit. If you need the support." She met her white gaze, looking closer to see the golden flecks shimmering in the moonlight. Mettalise offered a smile while she curled her tail securely around her rump, legs, and paws.

[tovaana]

Tovaana looked at the other with a start, not realizing how obvious it was that her mother was dead. She had said that she had travelled with her mother, and now that she didn’t, it was correct to assume she was not with her, in one way or another. Her ears flattened, offering a soft smile of gratitude. Then she leveled the playing grounds, letting her know they shared in tragedy. She told her about her wish to see Taboo, and Mattalise left that on the ends of her wishes about how a pack did sound nice, like a dream. It was a dream for Tovaana, having never been a part of one. She felt like it wouldn’t be hard to fit in.

Her golden freckled eyes looked over at the entrance where Mettalise’s gaze had gone. But it seemed that Tovaana would not be able to follow her gaze completely, it seemed unfocused, doused in thoughts that Tov couldn’t read.

It didn’t last long though, she came to, eyes blinking as if she was trying to get rid of something sour or confusing that had drifted into her thoughts. The femmora then came closer, offering her services. Tov smiled at this.

“That is very kind.” She said, feeling safer to assume she meant no harm on her. “You are going to Taboo? I was just there seasons past. I can’t seem to rid myself of the mountain, is that pull that brings you here?” Tov offered another smile, glancing only momentarily at the back of the cave, as if she could see into its soul and the source of magic, whatever it really was. Golden gaze searched for the wolfess once more. “Taboo is kind. How about I join you on the last bit of the climb?”

[Deleted]

Mettalise could never have imagined losing her family. What her brother told her then, pained her presently. She breathed deeply through the desire to cry and let her mind fade away into what dreams would evolve into nightmares. A soft voice caused her to open her eyes again, focusing on Tovaana's double-ring marking around her golden freckled eyes. The pleasant features reminded her where she was. Mettalise smiled, a nod offered after asked about wanting to see Taboo.

"Yes, I don't know if its my mother's spirit pushing me or if its deep inside my soul." She admitted, her ears flattened as she didn't mean to continue bringing up the sore topic of mothers. A tan brow raised in response to the white lass having described the Goddess Taboo. "Of course she's kind. I am nervous to meet her, because she will know if my heart is surely pure. And, I am not so sure..." She was filled with doubt and insecurity. Mettalise pulled in a deep breath as her eyes widened to the offer of accompany Mettalise through the last bit of the climb. Still seated, Mettalise shifted her paws in excitement, her tail patted the ground several times. "I would honestly love for you to come along with me the rest of the journey! Maybe we can both get-" Mettalise stood with a wild smile, her ears pricked forward as she suddenly realized this wolf had seen Taboo. And probably already had a power.

"Wait, you've met with Taboo? So, she was kind and liked you? Were you..." Mettalise was fan-girling. She stalked forward toward Tovaana, crouched down but continued to crawl to the golden legs of the other she-wolf. "-given a-" she coontinued, her body sat up while it quivered with eagerness. "power?" She questioned, her soft voice a whisper. She bit her bottom lip with a little bit of her tongue sticking out beyond her canines. She blinked her shinning yellow eyes impatiently.

[tovaana]

Even thought Tovaana had been to the mountain already, had already partaken of the potion Taboo had offered her, the pull called to her. The magic of the mountain was like stories of the sirens to sea-wolves. Though she doubted they existed, she imagined they had the same sort of draw that the mountain had. However, the mountain’s song was some pure and untarnished, raw material to be molded. She guessed that’s where the White Wolves came in. They concocted the potions somehow from the pure energy that the White Mountain produced.

At the mention of her mother, Tov watched her intently. They seemed to have many commonalities, that she felt they could have been sisters in a past life. Though, Tov had never wondered at her own intentions, her intentions were something she could be sure of. But, her own strength? Her own beauty? Her thoughts were interrupted by Mettalise, excited about a journey together to the top of the mountain. She smiled, her tongue lolling and a sparkle in her eye – literally. Her mouth closed and eyes widened a little as the female suddenly came to grasps of what her trip to Taboo had probably meant.

She couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle, all of a sudden at ease with the wolf, as if a switch had been flipped.

“Yes…” Her smile was kind. “And I can tell you, there’s no need to be nervous.”

Tovaana pawed mentally at the ability in her mind, playing with it. She should always be practicing, but because she could only create one at a time, and in intervals – she was afraid she’d use it and then not be able to have one when she needed it. She glanced out into the darkness, wondering… They were probably fine. And, if need be, she was not in peril, so she’d relax quick enough to have another ready at paw.

Her gaze swept back to Mettalise. “I went in the season of Fall… I’m not sure of all the powers, but I guess they rotate by season. I asked for something that would allow me to help and defend others. She blessed me with the Barrier power.” She remembered the first time she had found her reflection after coming down from the mountain the first time. Golden flecks had formed in what she supposed to be the defense power symbol. She bore it proudly.

She looked up above them, and from her practice quickly mind wielded a barrier above her body. It shimmered gold, like her eyes, like her golden-flecked fur, or even like condensed stars. It was circular and semi-solid looking. You could tell something was there, but you could also see through it. It felt like she was throwing something with a fifth paw that could not be seen, and after throwing it there was a slight weariness that came over her. The more she used it, the less wearisome it became.

“We will go, come first sunlight.” Tovaana said determined, giving Mettalise a wink, and always smiling. Smiling felt good, reminded her of the days when she traveled with her mother.

OOC// at this point we can let them fall asleep, and end the thread here and pick it back up at the White Mountain?

[Deleted]

The urge inside Mettalise made her restless as they spoke of White Wolves and the Magic existing there. It gave Mettalise chills, but Tovaana's smile gave her a warm feeling. So the uneasiness drifted as soon as it had come. She was happy to have found another wolf that wasn't ill or heartless. And as Tovaana spoke of the rotation cycle of seasons concerning powers, her expression revealed it to be new information. Mettalise lifted her ears and her eyes widened, but before she could have shared a thought, something happened around the pair. Mettalise was close enough to see some sort of light energy spill over them, but not in a manner that made contact. It felt exhilarating although not a sound could be heard. The energy seemed to create a barrier, such as Taboo's blessing of the Barrier powers. Her ears flickered hearing Tovaana declare the continuance of their journey. The thought made Mettalise smiled again, her eyes centered Tovaana's face in their frame. She felt lucky to have met another wolf with good intentions.

Thoughts of the journey the next morning made Mettalise feel tired instantaneously. She walked outside of the cave and was gone for a moments notice. She re-entered with her rump leading her, as she dragged in few pieces of moss she found alongside the mountainside. She noticed it growing on the outside walls due to the journey through this terrain. "By morning, it won't be as soft but it will be nice for getting to sleep." She enjoyed the simple luxuries in life, despite not having a home. Not a stable one just yet anyway. The thought had been unraveled in her mind from previous conversation with Tovaana and joining a pack.

Mettalise settled the pieces in a trio patterned, offering Tovaana enough space in case she decided to sleep there. The cocoa and blue-marked wolf nested down into her portion of the bedding. "I look forward to tomorrow, Tov. Can I call you that? I've never had a nickname, but if you think of one I'm sure it'll do." She offered a smile before her muzzle opened with a yawn. She licked the inside of her mouth while her legs and paws moved underneath her to get better nestled on the cool ground. Her eyes searched for patches of moss only half-opened.

ooc: Okay! Woo!! This has been so fun, so when I post the introduction, I can assume Tovaana is around to respond for Mettalise? Lol I wasn't sure if it was a board post solely for White Wolf & Character, or could be open to companions. Am I making sense?

[tovaana]

When the wolf bounded out of the cave, she could almost feel her heart droop, if it was possible. She wasn’t sure why, until her heart felt more at ease when she returned. It was then she realized she had felt sadness that Mettalise might have left, afraid? The reasons were unreasonable, silly, but she had felt sad, if just for a moment.

Her smile returned and tail started to sway again when she returned, looking at the moss she laid so neatly. Tovaana would never have thought of comfort like this, but she was glad because her muscles were sore. Her audits perked at her voice, especially taking note of ‘Tov’. A warmth spread over her. Tovaana had never had friends really, nor a sister, only her mother. The feeling was different than her love for her mother - it was better.

“Yes…” She said, her expression was muted, but still smiling, still happy. She curled herself in the spot that the wolfess had left for her, but her head was still raised, looking over at her. “Thank you, Talise.” The shortened name flowed quietly from her maw, imagining if they continued friendship that she would probably shorten it to Lise later on. She laid her white head down, one golden eye still looking over at the wolfess, sleep slowly coming over her…

-fade to sleep, zzzzzzzz-

OoC// Yesss. (: