faded memories (tagged)

[tovaana]

What had she said - Something about not being in her pack’s land often? Would she be out and about, exploring, as she had been when he had met her? Would she be angry or pleased that he had already made his way into the pack – but why would she be angry? Well, some wolfess’, you never could understand them completely. They were irrational and with feelings that they didn’t understand themselves. Usually Epicenter only liked to amuse himself with females - never letting them delve deep into his heart. Amora had not done that, Epicenter forbade it, only acting in such a way if it would get him something he wanted or needed. He assumed that she filled his thoughts, because this was her home, she had invited him in sorts…(or he had invited himself, and she had not complained.)

While he mused about his home, the occupants thereof, and his future there – he let his green and brown form wander the woods. There was suddenly an open expanse where the trees shrank and felt new with younger trees and saplings. His audits moved in front of him, listening for others. He had not met anyone else yet, other than Alphess Blaise. Blaise who had surprised him with the likeness of Amora.

Distracted, he continued forward, a few lower branches of young trees brushing his back until he found a trio of trees who had created an enclosed space between them, just large enough for a few wolves. Their branches were so intertwined it was hard to tell where one stopped and the next began. He hopped over one of the roots that protruded from the ground and quickly curled his body between the two of thee three trees. Epicenter leaned back against one of the trunks that had a divot perfectly indented for his body. As his duo eyes looked up he noticed that these three were not perfectly straight either, each one leaned to the left, almost like they were dancing together, planning to meet one day in the future, as they also leaned inward a little. There was the familiar tingle in his paw, alerting him of his new surroundings and ability to shift into them.. and why not?

As a familiar friend would welcome their companion into their home, Epicenter allowed the warmth to spread through his body. The tribal like markings on his body diminished and most of him became like the pale color of the bark that he leaned against. It made him feel like he was one with the ground. His thoughts got lost in the tangles of the tree as he lay there, still listening intently of any other pack members they may pass by. He needed to become familiar with as many as possible…

@shiver

OOC// tagged for now, open later (:

[Deleted]

Amora was wandering. After 'settling down,' she found herself wandering the territory much more often. Was it that she wasn't comfortable in a pack setting? Or was it that she wasn't satisfied with how the pack was doing. It was the latter. She knew that she could help lead the back, give it some backbone...but she was stuck at the bottom, a lowlife. She knew she shouldn't feel that was about being a subordinate, for they were useful wolves; every pack needed them. Bu she knew she didn't fit there. She was a round peg in a square hole, she just didn't groove with the rank itself. She knew she could do so much more if she was just given the opportunity. She walked through the budding saplings, summer on its way had granted foliage to the forest, sprinkling the grove with vibrant new life. She came upon a scent as she did so. Not a foreign scent, it was familiar, yet she couldn't quite place it. She hated when she couldn't dig information out of her own mind. Absolutely loathed not knowing. She pressed forward, following the familiar smell.

Along with the issue of rank and the betterment of the pack, someone else occupied her mind. A certain wolf who matched her for wit and turn of phrase. He was a wolf that she felt a burst of admiration for, accompanied by horde of other emotions that she didn't care to face at the moment. And that wolf was..."Epicenter?!" A wide grin split her face, all thoughts of Manaaki pushed to the side as the sight consumed her mind. Her old acquaintance was there, in the flesh, his fur...was weird...but that was his face. That was Epicenter from the river, the male she had arranged to meet here in her mothers pack so many seasons ago. "By the power, it's been so long!" Amora caught her tongue, remembering that she needed to be reserved and blunt, not excitable. Now composed, she approached, showing off her new prosthetic as she slipped between the dancing trees. "So...you finally showed up."

[tovaana]

The day seemed to wear on, and his thoughts grew more faded and less aware as the sun moved a tail’s length in the sky. Epicenter much preferred the spring, it suited his pelt well, and it brought out his colors. Now though, he could become any color. His mind started to wander at the possibilities and extent of his ability when a sound of a wolf came to his attention. Epicenter knew he should get up and find the wolf, making sure they didn’t pass him by. Blaise didn’t trust him… he was “too good to be true”. The memory of his acceptance made his thoughts grind uncomfortably. Never before had he done so well, that THAT was the reason why he was untrusted. He smiled at his folly and sighed.

His name burst out into the air and it startled him. Was it Blaise? He started to his feet, not surprised another wolf had found him, but that they recognized him. The sound of the voice was so familiar, and since he’d been thinking of her recently, he knew it was not Blaise that his duo eyes rested on. He had wondered many moments what this moment would be like. Would she be mad? Angry he had taken so long? He had thought not, he guessed that she would have forgotten maybe, or not cared, maybe had not taken him seriously? Slowly the color to his pelt returned, distracted by Amora. Amora.

“Amora” He breathed, as she announced how long it had been. He had to admit, she was prettier than he had remembered. Her dark fur, accented with bright colors. While his colors were more earthy, her colors seemed surreal, something not of this world. Something in his stomach flopped, like he was actually pleased that she was glad, also surprised, to see him. She was the Alphess’ daughter, which had been his first interest, and then how she had praised her pack, that had interested him in taking interest in the pack. His ambitions always had the first say in his conversations, but now that he was here and on his way, the next step was to keep close to Amora. Logically and in his plan, it made most sense. The dangerous part was any attachment he may actually form with the femme. In the past, Epicenter had always associated females with trouble, and distracting.

That she was.

Epicenter’s tail swayed, a mischievous smile broke across his features like a dawning sun as she accused him of “finally” showing up. That was the taunting Amora he had remembered. He gave a half shrug, silent, watching her as she weaved in and out of the trees. She was so graceful that it took him a moment to realize that she wasn’t missing a leg.

“Well, I had to get past your mother first…” He said pausing again, realizing that the prosthetic leg must have been made with a power. It was so creative and beautiful with greenery and flowers… that a hunger gnawed at his insides. Something that Epicenter was not completely unfamiliar with. It was desire to want a wolfess, but it had a different flavor than before. Maybe, because, she had some sort of potential that matched his own?

“I passed with flying colors.” His voice was slightly teasing, mostly because it was half true. He remembered with chagrin that he was to be assigned a pupsitter of sorts. Someone to follow him around and make sure his intentions were ‘true’. For a moment he wondered if Amora would know, but she had been surprised to see him, so Blaise would not have informed her.

“I wasn't sure I'd even find you here, with your adventurous whims... Tell me, lady Amora, how have these past seasons treated you? I see you have a fine leg, did you make it yourself?” He assumed she did, but perhaps it was possible someone made it for her? He doubted it, but only because he hoped it was her making.

[Deleted]

Amora chuckled slightly at Epicenter's wording. Getting past her mother could be difficult at times. It seemed like Amora had been given a free pass of sorts when it came to that. Some wolves seemed to easily fall on her bad side, luckily for her that free pass had kept her safe from her wrath and had gotten her the position of beta. Beta! oh, she couldn't wait to tell him! She would love to tease him about how slow he had been in getting here. She took in the sight of him, his fur changing color, signifying what power Sheba had given him. She was surprised at what he had chosen, but reminded herself that Sheba was indeed a force to be reckoned with. She herself was lucky enough to receive what she had asked for. If she had not been so blunt and hard, she might've attributed that fact to fate. The brown and green male haughtily puffed out his chest and proclaimed that he had passed her test with flying colors. She chuckled and gave him a sly glance. "I'm sure you did."

"I did indeed make it myself." Amora smiled proudly, lifting her chin; pleased that he had noticed her accomplishment. "Secluded Sunrise is treating me well," The black shewolf added in response. "you'll be pleased to know that i've been promoted recently..." She leaned in, a smirk on her lips, about to break the news. "Say hello to Secluded Sunrise's new Betess!" Amora stretched out her neck and tail, displaying herself for Epicenter. He was behind on his ambitious conquest, and she wouldnt hesitate to rub it in his nose. "You better hurry up before I beat you to the top."

[tovaana]

Inwardly he cowered at her glance that accompanied her, ‘I’m sure you did’. Her voice was sweet, softer than he had remembered… There was something different; not only in her mannerisms, but the way she carried herself. Proud. It was not a vain way, not how Epicenter imagined it, but a pride worthy to be paraded.

He was not surprised that she was the author of her leg, but still his eyes widened and nodded, his eyes sweeping over her leg once more. It was admirable, there must be some more sturdy material within, then decorated with floral and greenery on the outer part. Was it a trick of the light, or did it seem almost alive, as alive as she?

This was something he had not known about her. When he had met her, she had been with three legs - a mystery how she had lost it. She still was a mystery, and it was amazing how much he did not know about her, only because he felt he knew her in the way that he knew himself. They were similar and – ahhhhh. His heart quickened as he anticipated her next words. She was promoted! His feelings seem to collide like avalanches meeting in the middle. Pride. Warmth. Envy. Understanding. Sweet. Bitter. They swirled together until they were undistinguishable and became the hungry look in his eyes.

“Well, well.” His swaying tail whipped to one side as he moved out of the trees to view her better, his duo eyes never leaving her. She knew his ambitions without him voicing them, and he smiled. Yet, she really had no idea… Or he liked to believe that the part of him that was covered in shadows were less visible. Wasn’t that why Blaise had ordered him a pup-sitter? He needed a better word for that… His own personal guide… That would be watching and analyzing his every move. That could get awkward if he ever wanted to be with Amora alone.

“Well,” He said once more. “I’m glad Secluded Sunrise has given you a good reason to stay.” His tone was dipped in a teasing tone. “I dare say it has given me another reason, it would have been a lot duller if you had been out chasing your dreams elsewhere.” His voice still held a teasing edge, but was softer.

He licked his lips and then let his tongue loll. It was getting warmer, and the sun that trickled in through the canopy’s leaves gave Amora’s fur a more texture. The dark fur and vibrant markings drew the eye easy, and were even more striking on her frame. He wanted to tell her she was beautiful. He wanted to tell her that she would lead well. He wanted to tell her that he had never met a wolf like her, which was true, but maybe too assuming so early. However, Epicenter’s tongue was well trained, and he knew there was a time and place for everything. He tried to speak through his eyes though, with his head lower than hers in respect. His green eye for desire and his brown something softer.

“That’s a lot of power in four paws, your position and your ability, you will be a force to be reckoned with.” He was moving his own body to keep at pace with her, circling with her if she moved, and keeping still if she was still, anticipating her moves best he could while still admiring her. “Tell me about your power from Sheba.” It was not a command, or a question either. Always thirsting to know more, it was a simple and nonthreatening request. “If you would..” He said in a softer tone, remembering her saucy attitude from their first encounter.

And as controlled Epicenter was, he imagined another self in another world, the one without control and what he would do. He would be closer to her, maybe being more sincere, more reckless and less thorough in his plans. It was a parallel world where he could control the other wolves too, where they would react well to his reckless side. No.. Others were too unpredictable unless you measured everything out depending on each wolf. Perhaps if he had known Blaise better, he would have been more balanced and he wouldn’t be assigned… Sometimes he tired of his own thoughts, and this feeling shone through his calm demeanor, through his gaze.

[Deleted]

Amora reopened her eyes after closing them in a joyful smile to see his face. While her eyes seemed relaxed, without a care in the world, they were really honing on him. At her revelation, they lit ablaze, the duo tones dark and light at the same time. They flickered and burned with a primal hunger that sparked with the intensity of intelligence. Her grin fell into a cunning smirk...was Epicenter...? Nevermind. She flicked her velvety black ears backwards, banishing unneeded thoughts. He commented on how dull it would be without her, and how glad he was that something had given her a good reason to stay. A good reason...she didn't quite like his wording. but she supposed that when they had first met, she hadn't been exposed to the wonders of her mothers pack. Yes, it needed work, work that Epicenter and her could definitely accomplish. She hadn't known Epicenter, or met the twins Manaaki and Kanga. She hadn't grown close to her sisters-her...adopted sisters. There was definitely a lot going on in Secluded Sunrise that she hadn't known about. So many wolves that she didn't know she needed. And now Epicenter was here to join her! Everything would be great! Though...no one should too comfortable, there are always possibilities.

As he began his second speech, her tattoo glowed on her chest, and the ground crawled with more than just insects. The roots crawled forward, twisting into spirals and then blooming with white flowers it became an complex pattern of pristine white blooms. "-you will be a force to be reckoned with." Amora's smirk faded into a menacing snarl, though a shadow of her joking smile remained. Thorns burst from the blooms, making a rain of petals fall as the black needles edged towards Epicenter. "I am a force to be reckoned with." Her deep growl rose and then transformed into a bubbling laugh, and her face broke into a smile. "Just playin' with ya. But don't forget it." The thorns withered and fell back to the ground.

"Why talk about it...when I can show you."Amora closed her eyes and her power mark glowed once more. The canopy suddenly closed, the light becoming dim. The trees moaned as their wood bent and grew. The grasses murmured and shushed as they parted and danced. Slowly it became silent once more, and the branches above moved, opening a gap in the center of the glade, letting a glistening beam of golden sunlight slice through the darkness. Amora strode past Epicenter, flicking his nose with a vine before settling in the grasses beside the shaft of light.

"Tada."

[tovaana]

The glowing on her chest attracted his gaze for a moment. Ah, yes. While he had always imagined himself with some earthy ability from Sheba, it had not been so. He had been glad with what he was given, but he felt a twang of jealousy of how physical and practical her ability was. He watched with wide eyes and a slight smirk at her sudden aggression.

Movement on the ground distracted him from her expressions, watching the vines curl and creep toward him. There was something unnerving about the way it grew unnaturally quick and around him, toward him. It was as if Amora had an extended a part of herself, at least he liked to imagine so. He felt his ability tap him on the shoulder, so to speak, if it were asking permission to change with the new surroundings. He contemplated for only a second, denying it permission. She had seen him when she had found him, and he was aware of how simple in contrast his ability was at the moment to her entrancing show.

When the petals burst and needles pointing toward him, he flinched in surprise. He immediately smiled, almost in relief, but it happened as she laughed, so appeared to be a reaction to her bell like laugh. ‘Yes, yes you are.’ He agreed, inwardly, noting how she did not need to convince him, but he was indeed more certain of it than he was before. He would not want to be on a receiving end of her wrath. Epicenter was uncomfortably aware of how behind he really was, remembering her teasing him that he needed to catch up. He would, he would not let her tactics create panic. All in good time, and the right time. Balance.

His duo eyes looked up now, away from the withering vines and to the trees. He had always imagined they had voices, but not as they creaked and groaned under Amora’s invisible touch, for now on he would imagine their voice as hers. Their branches moved to remove the light from their vicinity. Epicenter’s gaze traveled down the trunks of the trees, watching the thinner ones sway more than the others – down to the grass that danced about their paws and all around.

Entranced he watched her move to the light.

“Here I thought the grass grew greener on the other side…” He said, remembering vaguely of the phrase he had heard from a parent long ago. “I guess it’s always greener on Amora’s side.” Greener. More beautiful. He was fighting away his green with envy feeling, that was for sure. His eyes were looking around at the trees again.

He felt his paws start to move toward her, feeling like he was hurting the grass that danced. “What is its extent?” He added the question on curiously, prying as he usually did, reaping information. Before he had felt more passive in learning and meeting the pack’s members, now he felt the urge to howl and call those close so he could meet them. Start the process quicker. It squashed the feeling, eyes trailing down to Amora. “It’s truly amazing.” Someday his ability would match her skill, for now he would just admire hers.

[Deleted]

(do you think it's time to open the thread up?)

Amora smirked at first, taking in his subtle awe with a proud gaze, her childlike freckles in contrast with her wise, experienced eyes. She liked to think she had seen a lot, been on the receiving end of so much evil; but in reality, she was still naive to the ways of the world. She had an excellent idea of what the valley was like, and what evils lurked in it's unexplored corners, but she had never felt the fangs of an evil wolf in her flank, or the terrible emptiness that followed a lovers betrayal. She had never felt the death of a loved one, despite 'losing' her brother, Ruko, to the darkness of Geist. Amora remembered her prodigy brawl with her brother, they were young, inexperienced, close-minded. She remembered using up all her energy creating mossy statues of her, a rickety platform of fibers and vines hoisting her small frame above the earth. She remembered falling, the winds her angry brother concocted downing her frail creation. She fell, like Icarus from the sun. She landed on her front leg-landed isn't the right word. She shattered her foreleg, mangling her flesh. She remembered lying in the grass, eyes closed, barely choking through the pain as she played dead. Now she remembered Ruko's distraught voice as he pleaded for forgiveness, for his sister not to be dead under his paw...Now Amora thought about his anger, would he have repented and gone home to mother if she had been dead?

Enough of the past. The past could not be changed. Besides, why think about that now? She was with Epicenter, shouldn't that make her happy? After all he was everything she wanted in a friend...and a-

He was intelligent, powerful, ambitious. He was just like her. That's what she wanted...right?

"The extent...well...I haven't grown exhausted by using it...so I suppose I don't know."She struggled to relax her muscles after thinking about her past. Perhaps she needed to resolve something...in order to let it go? No. "Thanks," Amora bit her tongue and flicked her tail back and forth, for the first time in a while, not knowing what to say next.