that's how the story goes [closed]

[tovaana]

OoC// Fierfly with Amora Sooo, technically this takes place like a year ago in winter... but we can just say it was last season... Hope it's alright if I play it like it's still winter? <3

edit: tagging Fierfly to come in with Amora - Meds will come in later with the boys, is that right? lol

Epicenter;

The doe's head fell to the floor with a thump and crunch as it hit the snow. Epicenter's jaw trembled slightly from holding it so long and his legs held a small tremor – threatening to collapse from under him. Epicenter was a very strong and fit wolf; he had compact muscles from his travels and was healthy from being part of such a strong pack. He licked his bloody lips from the kill, as it was still fresh from being killed that evening. The male had powered through the night, getting the kill to the border by dawn. It had taken all his physical energy reserve, and so he let himself collapse in the snow, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.

It had been a good night otherwise, he had met Koa – and plans were rolling forward. The only puzzle piece missing was his departure from Secluded Sunrise, and hopefully on a good note. He mused about this, and everything had had happened so quickly, for about an hour before his body was willing to respond, though rebelliously. The green and brown mottled wolf ate some of the snow, at the same time cleaning his muzzle, and then rolled and lay on his back in the snow – numbing his sore muscles.

Finally, if the kill hadn’t already attracted anyone, he sat up and howled. The howl was specifically for Blaise – and he planned on calling the pack – specifically the pups, after he and Blaise had spoken. Though, it would be her call on who ate. He glanced around at his surroundings, faded memories coming to him like a warm breath on the cold morning. His panting breath came out in puffs of mist that caught the light of the rising sun. He would miss it all, these young strong trees, he was glad to have been part of such a powerful pack. As prideful as he was, he knew he had learned much being part of it, he had to admit that much.

[Fierfly]

Amora:

The trees were slumbering peacefully, enjoying their yearly hibernation. As well were the wolves in her pack, it was still so early - not truly fully light out, and so bitterly cold that surely most would stay in until noon or so. The sky now was a pale, dainty yellow, not yet abloom with the life-flushed azure of day. No, day was still being born, night has only just going to take her leave - it was as yet a work in progress. And so was she.

Her pack. Well, it wasn't hers yet, and she supposed it would not really be hers for a long time yet. True she was betess and Epsilon was technically heir - he had the title, it was just more traditional thinking that led her to believe she might one day take the reins of this budding spectacle and lay claim as alphess. Wishful thinking as of yet, for her mother had a good, long life owed her yet, and she wasn't exactly looking to leave. She'd just gotten settled - things were finally starting to fall into place and perspective for her, why ruin it all with some hair-brained scheme now?

No, she'd take her time, she'd wait. She'd work at her brain child bit by bit, here a little and there a little as she found the time. Taking over Secluded Sunrise still was something she didn't mind aiming for and letting others know it, but she could afford to take her time about getting there.

Her ears perked as a howl pierced the new, cold air. A call for the pack. Well. Speak of the devil. She quickly changed direction and began wending her way there. Who could have been calling so early? And for - they were specifically seeking an audience with her mother? Well well, now she was definitely curious.

A familiar earthen mottled male stood beside a fallen doe in the snow. Small, gamey, probably only her first winter - but desperate to keep living, a respectable catch. "'Morning Epicenter, what's on your mind?"

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

“Amora.” The greeting was breathy with a little surprise, but not unpleased. Of course, why should he be surprised, she was the Betess after all? If the Alphess was not available right away, she’d be there next. It had been a while since he had seen Amora and he had half wondered if she had been avoiding him… or just busy. Not that he cared, right? He had also been on a journey; it was possible that they had just missed running into each other constantly.

“Good morning.” He bowed his head to complete a more respectful greeting, something more akin to his character. He glanced back at the fallen doe and then back at Amora, thinking back to the first time he had met her. She was the reason he had come to Secluded Sunrise in the first place. In his eagerness for power he had half hoped that he would either convince himself into the Alpha position or convince Amora that he was the right fit for him – thereby sliding into the Beta position. Which… ironically he now found himself a pack where he would be Beta. However pretty Amora was, it hadn’t been the thing that had attracted him to her and her pack. It was her wit and power.

He cleared his throat and motioned to the food, “a meal, however you’d like to distribute it among the ranks.” Epicenter blinked, for some reason feeling suddenly somewhat bashful about leaving. He had been so sure about it just moments ago, excited, but now that the first person he was going to tell was Amora, a new feeling started to battle with his excitement. Not replace it, or diminish his excitement, but battle with it.

“I had some news I wanted to share with Blaise, about an opportunity I’ve come across.” Now he smiled, regaining some of his confidence back. He forgot about how comfortable he could feel in Amora’s presence.

[Fierfly]

Amora:

Epicenter's eyes lit up, he smiled and bowed his head in a quick greeting. It was typical of Epicenter sure enough - so why did she get the feeling this encounter would not quite be like the others? His posture was slightly braced, the smile had been pushed up, not the same smooth, easy grin he so often sported - it was pleasant enough, maybe even genuine to some degree, but it hadn't started out that way. Her steps slowed slightly, this was not going to be a regular, amiable chat, she could already tell.

He cleared his throat, stepped back and nodded to the fallen doe and left it to her authority. It was a meal for the pack and she could distribute it however she saw it fit and necessary. Epicenter was not above hunting for the pack, but again, this didn't quite feel right. "I'm sure the little ones will appreciate it, and the adults, it'll be nice not to have to brave the cold today." the air was crisp and though the trees blocked the breezes when one was inside the territory, letting the wind that felt like a knife-blade cut to ones skin while out hunting was not so pleasant a prospect.

He wanted to talk with Blaise about an opportunity. Ah, so that's what was on his mind - she shouldn't have been surprised, Epicenter was all about new opportunities: of course he'd be looking around for a way to grow and progress in the pack. Maybe he meant the kill for incentive to promote him.

"Blaise is indisposed at the moment," Amora frowned slightly, her mother's sleep seemed troubled lately - not that she could blame her with all that was going on lately, the twins learning of their origins, Kai Lake... "What sort of opportunity?"

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

He nodded as she accepted the gift. Why was this so hard all of a sudden? Maybe he thought he’d say goodbye to Blaise and not have to worry about saying goodbye to Amora? His head tilted slightly in polite curiosity when she mentioned that Blaise was indisposed. His duo gaze cast back toward the main caves then back to Amora. What sort of opportunity? It was the kind of opportunity that would take him away from Secluded Sunrise. Epicenter didn’t get attached to others; it wasn’t his thing. Maybe it had to do with her being the start of his journey in the pack and here she was at the end of it.

“A pack.” He quickly replied after her question, a grin more easily sliding onto his features. “I’ve found an opportunity as Beta in a rising pack.” He watched her carefully and her reaction to the news.

“I was hoping to leave with the blessing from Secluded Sunrise. Perhaps a beginning of a friendship between packs. The pack will be settled in the Wildflower Clearing, not too far beyond the Adoette Tree.” His voice was professional; warm – trying to speak more like he was speaking to Blaise, and not his old friend. He glanced in the direction from whence he had come, thinking of his recent encounter with Koa. It had…happened pretty quickly. It was crazy that one day he was hunting on his way back from his small journey and the next he was Beta of a pack. A small pack, but did it really matter how small the pack was? A small part of Epicenter believed so, as his ambitions were high and expected much from his future.

Why did he fear that there would be disappointment on Amora’s maw, why did he care?

[Deleted]

((Um, if you guys don't mind me popping in here ^^ you know, since this thread is also open.))

Jake:

Paws were stomping on the ground, Jake had never been on this side of the forest before. Jake was by himself all because he was chasing a butterfly "Hello?" Jake looked around to see if anyone was around but so far, no one in sight, he sat down and howled just for the fun of it. Jake then got up and started running around barking "Bark bark!" a few moments later he stopped and panted while he was smiling, Jake looked so cute as he shook his fluffy pelt.

Jake then trotted around wandering about, he hummed not having a care in the world and finally stopped near a dead tree and Jake laid down, closed his eyes and took a rest. The cool air blew Jake's pelt as he smiled in his sleep.

[Fierfly]

((Hey Deva! While there are certainly no rules saying you can't jump into open threads (that's kinda why they exist), this is within a pack territory and Amora as betess will have to be all-business about this encounter. That being said, she will not take kindly to trespassing and may be a bit grouchy - despite no ill-intent on Jake's part. Usually an open thread in a claimed territory is meant for the pack members unless it's at the border - then loners would be more likely to stumble onto the conversation and it would make more sense. Anyway, nothing personal with Amora's sass here, but this is definitely not how she thought this day was going to go.))

Amora:

Epicenter's features eased and he straightened proudly. The new opportunity? Oh, of course - it was with a pack. Her brow furrowed slightly and she swiveled her ears to face him more - pushing them forward to be sure she was not misunderstanding.

"I've found an opportunity as Beta in a rising pack."

Oh...well...she ignored the sinking feeling in her gut. What had she expected? Epicenter was an intelligent go-getter. When he saw an opportunity as rich as this, he most definitely was not going to simply ignore it. Beta was a good rank - and would be a good fit for the earth-mottled beast. Besides, the borders were being stretched to the max with creatures as it was - they already had almost too many members, downsizing wouldn't hurt. And...well...to be honest...there was nothing to offer a wolf like Epicenter at Secluded Sunrise. He was ambitious and eager for action - they were a family-rearing pack and took things on slowly, cautiously, and one at a time. He needed for things to keep moving, to be challenged and to take on new puzzles - to-

His next words went completely over her head as she heard a childish bark. Her head smoothly turned to find the source of the sound - who one earth-? This early? She looked just in time to see a tawny and blue pup plop down beside a tree and fall asleep. Her dark violet eyes widened and she felt her jaw most un-professionally drop. Granted he looked like he could have been one of Tear and Ramone's brood (from one of their broods anyway), the scent of a loner was on him - despite the young age and...wait just a minute! Had he really just pranced in and fallen asleep in a claimed territory? What-

"Uh-huh, please excuse me just one moment," she mumbled, striding determinedly toward the young delinquent. Was he really asleep?? Yep, the floofy little bundle of fur was gently rising and falling with innocent puppy snores. He really had to be returned to his parents.

"Wake up," she commanded, "This is Secluded Sunrise's territory, state your business."

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

He watched her process the news, anticipating her response, when the distraction arrived. Perhaps he should have been relieved, but he had been looking forward to her response. Blinking, he watched Amora trot away and find the little bundle of what must be a pup. He watched her leave, his head falling a little in disappointment and watched as she confronted the sleeping bundle. Though she had asked to be excused, after a moment, he trotted after her curiously.

Epicenter stood a bit behind her right shoulder, looking over at what was clearly a pup. An ignorant little creature, it seemed too young to be traveling alone so soon. Especially since it seemed to find trouble, as crossing into a pack’s territory. He knew Secluded Sunrise had many members, including many pups – they didn’t need any more numbers, especially from the kind that didn’t know what a pack border meant.

“Sure is little.” He muttered. How could something so little distract them?

[Deleted]

Jake;

Jake groaned and kept his eyes closed, he obviously did not want to wake up "Just five more minuets, please." he yawned and continued sleeping. Few moments passed by he did wake up, but only because a leaf landed on his nosed and bothered him "Huh?" Jake's eyes slowly opened as he stretched and his tail swayed. He yawned one last time before he looked up and saw two wolves in front of him "Hm?" Jake tilted his head cutely, aww "What can Jakie (Jake-ie or Jake-y) do for you?" his high pitched voice almost cracked and he coughed a little "Ahem, excuse me." he smiled asking pardon for coughing.

Jake sat and wagged his tail very fast. He couldn't help but to move his head like he was singing a song or something, showing that he is very hyper. Jake looked at the violet eyed wolf and smiled "Hi! my name is Jake!" he said as he walked up to the female, he was close to her and he was still smiling and wagging his tail "Jakie likes tall wolf! But Jakie small wolf. " he looked down for a moment then Jake looked at the green wolf slightly.

[Fierfly]

Amora:

The intruder moaned for five more minutes - but reluctantly awoke with a dead leaf blocking his nares. She was all set to launch into a "You have trespassed, get your butt out of this territory" angry speech but he sat up, wagged his tail and introduced himself as Jakey - then he trotted up closer to her - "Jakey likes tall wolf! But Jakey is small wolf."

Against her will her heart softened a little. Not only was this intruder a child, he was practically still a baby - his words were strung together well enough, but the thoughts were simple and straightforward - short words, easy for young, inexperienced mouths to speak and new minds to process. Good grief - where were his parents? He was too little to be let to run wild like this without an adult, especially with the winter chill. "This is Secluded Sunrise territory," she repeated, though more gently this time. "You're not allowed to be here by yourself. Where's your mom?" a sheepish glance back at Epicenter. Drat all of this, the morning had been going so well. Leaving Secluded Sunrise? She couldn't exactly blame him, they did have an annoying habit of picking up stray children and of moving slowly, but it wouldn't be the same without him. She needed someone with wit and intellect to banter with and challenge - he hadn't been ranked, now was the perfect time for him to leave for a better opportunity, but what was she going to do?

Ugh - this wasn't what was supposed to happen. One friend moving on his merry way was not supposed to make the great betess turn all mushy and sentimental. Yes, he was a friend, a very good friend and she would miss him dearly - but that didn't necessarily mean the end of the relationship. He wanted to start good relations between the two packs, that was a start - and with his smooth talking she could easily envision him doubling as a diplomat for his pack, they could talk often, both professionally and personally. It was just another divided road for them, the paths would likely rejoin yet again further down as they had already. "What pack did you say you were looking into?"

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

His eyes widened a little as the bundle moved and started to talk with his young voice. So young. Epicenter glanced at Amora who at first was looking sternly down at the pup, she was all-business. He almost saw the change in her demeanor when the pup started to speak, completely unaware of the crime he had committed. It wasn’t often he had caught glimpses of Amora’s inner heart, even in all their bantering – it had been just that. Finding himself staring, he shifted his gaze casually, as if his eyes hadn’t been lingering too long in one spot. The pup had moved in front of him, so he looked down and tried to pay attention to the erratic words and actions of the young wolf.

He blinked down at the pup that glanced down at his paws them up at him, and he shot a smile down at the young wolf. Lifting a paw, Epicenter moved it as if to shield his next words from Amora. “You should probably answer that pretty wolf right there, she’s in charge around here.” His words were quiet, but not so quiet that Amora wouldn’t hear.

Epicenter cleared his throat with a little smile and looked over at the Betess as she asked him about the pack.

“Well… it technically doesn’t have a name yet.” He said a little sheepishly, “I accepted the position just the day before, but we are going to claim the Wildflower Clearing when Koa has found a few more wolves that she finds fit for our pack…but like I said, I’d hoped to leave my present pack in good standing.” He stopped speaking as he realized he could have continued to plead his case, as if he was trying to make him leaving ‘okay’. Of course it was okay, technically speaking as helpful as he was to Secluded Sunrise, there were many to help the large pack – they would not miss his strength.

“And…thank you for leading me here, as it was you who told me about your pack. I’ve learned a lot about how large packs function, I’ve enjoyed my time with Secluded Sunrise.” and with you. his mind mentally added, but he hardly thought she cared so much. He glanced down at the pup, realizing that perhaps she was too busy at the present moment for him to be expressing his thanks… Perhaps he should have waited for her to take care of the pup situation before dumping all that on her.

[Deleted]

Jake;


For a two month old pup Jake seemed very interested about the situation. The female told him he was not suppose to be here, and asked where was his mother. Jake then heard the adult male speak, telling Jake that he should answer the question. Jake noticed that the male had said "pretty wolf" Jake smiled brightly "Jakey thinks you like her! You like her? She likes you?" he tilted his head innocently then shook his head trying to stay focused on the question the female had asked first "Oh, Mommy is in a better place now." Although his tail would wag really fast, it didn't. "I have other mommy.. but she doesn't really like me saying mommy to her, why?" Jake's eyes nearly glittered as he gave the puppy eyes and asked the female this question.

He got confused when the two wolves said "Secluded Sunrise" "Se....Sefude...No.. Secloo.. Fun,ice... Secloo FunIce? " He could not pronounce it right, as much as he tried. "Whats that?"" Jake's tail swayed side to side.

[Fierfly]

Amora:

Her attention was quite evenly torn, and with it - her feelings. She was slightly put out by the pup for interrupting this monumental conversation, but he was lost and didn't know any better. Epicenter - she felt much the same toward him, both benevolent and frustrated. He was leaving! And yet...he was her friend, and friends supported one another, did they not? She did care for him, he was a good friend, and a mental equal - they could have done so much together, but if his road led him elsewhere...at least he brought the gift of a meal before leaving...how did Blaise deal with multitasking between the little twins and queries like this all the time?

"Jakey thinks you like her! You like her? She likes you?"

Oh good grief. She had very little patience with pups, she wouldn't even dignify that query with an answer. Instead she cleared her throat and eyed him to prompt him to answer her as Epicenter has suggested. His mother was in a better place now - what? Oh no- that sort of euphemism was employed by adults to explain death to the very young. Oh crap...

He went on - he had another "mommy". A foster parent! Yes! She could have cheered if she didn't have to be in alphess mode at that moment. His foster mother didn't like for him to call her "mommy" and he couldn't understand why. Without meeting the female, neither could Amora, but she did her best to explain: "Sometimes mommies just don't like some things." ...yep, it was vague, deal with it! Back to Epicenter!

He cleared his throat uncomfortably - either for distracting the pup or in embarrassment of the current situation she couldn't decide. The pack didn't have a name yet, and really wasn't fully organized even, but they were settling Wildflower Clearing. That soothed some of the hurt feelings - Wildflower Clearing was a small territory, and it was nearby! He wasn't leaving necessarily out of spite, he was leaving to soothe his traveler's itch and desire to be working and a part of something vital. She could respect that. And that was the second closest territory to Secluded Sunrise - the actual closest was the Outer Reaches - home to Midnight Silence, and they had no interest in pursuing a friendly standing with them. Still, at least it was not utter abandonment and he had thought to come and ask first - a lesser wolf might have outright deserted the pack.

Jakey spoke up again, "This is. This pack is Secluded Sunrise," yes, maybe she was a little impatient, "Jakey, where is your other mommy? Where's the mommy that's taking care of you?"

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

His forehead lifted the pup’s level of energy and assumption that because he thought she was pretty, that he liked her. He glanced over at Amora, and she was busy fixing the pup with her professional /’you better answer the question’/ stare, though it was softer probably because this was a naïve pup and not a real threat. However, the pup made it sound like the pup did have some sort of guardian, and that meant someone may come looking for him…and think that they had stolen him or whatever other bad situation that Secluded Sunrise didn’t need.

Epicenter glanced over at Amora. Well, she /was/ pretty, it had been his first impression of her. You’d have to be blind to not admire Amora, but that wasn’t what made her beautiful. He shifted, looking at the pup and then back over at Amora. She hadn’t said anything to him about what he said; she seemed to be focusing on their distraction. This pup.

His duo eyes focused back on the pup with narrowed eyes, trying to keep patient.

[Deleted]

Jake;

The female asked where his other mother was, Jake wagged his tail extremely fast "I don't know!" his voice was loud but not in a bad way. It sounded almost excited "Jakey remember mommy saying something about a big tree! with carvings on it! it was really big! and I think it start with letter A..." His tail fully stopped when he said that last sentence, Jake's head face the ground and tilted wondering what that tree was called.

Jake then shook his head then looked at both wolves "Jakey thinks you both nice! Jakey wants to be friends with nice wolf!" once again Jake's tail wagged "What your names?" his head tilted and his eyes went a little big in a cute sense.