* On my o w n - - Here.We.Go

[ayrazar]

A sharp pain jolted in his back left paw, causing him to misstep and stagger slightly. Wincing as he looked back at the sharp rock he had trodden on, a quick flash of worry coursed through his body. The sun was beginning to say its short-term goodbye to the world, and he was far from shelter. He had set out that morning, determined to find the pack lands of which he had been scenting for miles, and had not rested while the orb of sky-fire crossed over the world. Now stepping lightly on his throbbing left back pad, the trotted forwards, lean muscle mass rippling underneath his windswept, shining silvery pelt. He tilted his head back, thrusting his long thin snout into the air, filling his lungs with a deep inhale. His brain surged adrenaline through his body as he calculated his closeness to the pack he had been tracking. He was very close to their territory.

His footsteps settled into an easy rhythm as his thoughts slipped into the past. Since leaving his pack, he had travelled non-stop. He had not wanted to join any of his fathers allied packs, and certainly none of the enemy packs. After he had left the region he has been born in, he had encountered a huge expanse of land devoid of any wolves at all. For two months he had travelled, taking rabbits to sustain himself and keeping his senses alert for signs of other wolves. A week ago he had first picked up the scent of a two wolves, a powerful alpha and alphess who lead a pack of a near half dozen wolves. He smelled potential on the wind, and he had followed it. As he neared, he learned that each of the wolves of the pack was powerful in strength and spirit, and that his own abilities would be of much use to these warring varg.

With a start, Felkin returned to the present, a cold dread sweeping over him as he realized his predicament. Swinging his head side to side, nostrils flared and eyes wide, he saw he had entered a grassy knoll. His brain registered the change in oxygen, and he looked down into the distance to the world beneath him. How he had climbed up here without noticing said a lot to the power of his imagination. This would be far less unsettling had he not also realized he had crossed into pack boundaries over a half mile ago. Fear shook him as he through his muzzle into the sky, opening his jaws to omit a howl ~I have entered your territory. I mean you no harm. Will you meet me?~

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[Nalia]

Night was falling upon the packlands, and her dark pelt blending into the fading shadows. This was one of her favourite times of the day - or night rather. Streaks of red, gold, silver and blue coloured the sky, a brilliant light show that Mother Nature put on every evening. Twilight was always a beautiful time, and she never missed an opportunity to look at it. Gracefully she made her way through her territory, her ears pricked up for any sound, any sign of intruders. She didn't believe that anyone would willingly enter who wished them harm - that would be suicide. But there were always those crazies out there who believed they could take on the world. She snorted as she came to a halt, looking down on the world below. It was beautiful, her home, and she let herself smile gently. This was her home, her land. Nalia's ears flicked as she continued her patrol, her blue eyes scanning everything.

It was then when she heard it. The howl. She stood stock still, ears straining, eyes skittering about, trying to locate him. The howl was loud, obviously close by, and she easily pinpointed the location. As she took off, Nalia thought. Lately, there had been a boom in those who wanted to join. Would this be another hopeful? Nalia wouldn't turn anyone away, no, but she hoped that she could find someone who was a good addition to the pack. This wolf claimed he meant no harm, but Nalia was a suspicious sort of character. She had to see for herself. The wolf obviously knew where he was, since he requested to meet with them. For a moment, she considered going back for Amorin, but decided against it. It'd take too much time, and she was almost there.

Nalia soon came upon the wolf. She slowed herself to a halt, her pawsteps light. Blue eyes took in the wolf in front of her, no judgement, just curiosity. She noted the fear rolling off of him and sighed quietly. Nalia didn't think she was all that scary, but maybe she was taking this too seriously. The black wolf stepped forward, staying a couple feet in front of him. "I am Nalia, Alphess of this pack. You called?" she asked quietly, tail twitching slightly.

[ayrazar]

His ears swivelled around, taking in all the sounds of the night. The ground around him was saturated with the reflections of the sky-lights, wonders he had noted since he had been travelling north. His kept his muscles tense, prepared to spring away if he was met with hostility. His tail was up, his nostrils inhaling deep gulps of air to send scent messages to his brain. He jumped when a nearby rodent scurried through the brush, relaxing a small amount but staying on guard. Finally, he heard the sound we was both hoping for and dreading: the sound of approaching footfalls; someone has heard his call. He stayed stock still as he waited for his fate to meet him.

As a coal-black female came toward him, he took one last deep inhale to catch her scent. This was her, the alphess hed been tracking from the start. His lowered his head and tail, taking a subservient position to her, lowering his eyes to the ground as she came up to him. As she spoke, he took in the sound of her voice, committing it to memory. If she was to accept him, she along with her mate would be who he served. “I did, M’Lady.” He said, then raised his head and smiled at her, sensing her ease and taking it as a good sign. He still did not meet her gaze, choosing to look slightly to one side in a sign of respect for the leader. “It is an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance, Nalia.” He said, his voice full of energy and happiness. “I am Felkin. I have travelled here from the south, in search of a new home.” His eyes danced as he took her in once more, sweeping his eyes over her form as politely as he could manage.

She was the picture of good health. Her body was well muscled, and her coat shone from good health. Her pack would be one of fruition and promise. This is where he wanted to be. “If it would please you, Nalia.” He began, bowing his front legs to place his head lower to the ground then hers. “I would be honoured to become a part of your pack.” Despite the formal words his father had taught him to use since the beginning of his life, his tail gave away his true self, swishing back and forth with reckless abandon.

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[Nalia]

Nalia was glad that times had been relatively peaceful. In her five seasons she had seen too much violence for her to long for battle. Some wolves suffered from blood lust - she was not one of them. That, and she didn't want to see the people she cared about hurt. But this land was her home, and she'd do anything to defend it. She wasn't one to immediately jump to conclusions, but if the intruder was wishing them harm, she wouldn't hesitate to attack. She watched the sun sink below the horizon, she hoped the blood-stained sky wouldn't reflect this meeting.

Luckily, it seemed as if the wolf was true to his words. The submissive position, the avoidance of the eyes, the soft words, everything told her that she was correct to assume he was of no harm. She took in his scent, burning it into her brain. If he joined her pack, as she suspected he wanted to, Nalia would need to know him. If he decided to leave, she would have to make sure that he truly left. Nalia let herself relax, tail held low, ears pricked up, nodding gently at the smile. "Pleasure to meet you too, Felkin." At the news of his travel, she blinked, blue eyes reflecting her surprise. "You have traveled far just for a new home, neighbour." she said, impressed. Not many would travel that far for any reason, so why had he? Was he escaping a past, or just looking towards the future?

Felkin was formal, something that was rare amongst these times. With an amuse twitch of her ears, she remembered another wolf who came in "requesting" permission to join. Kis had more demanded it than anything else. Nalia wasn't big on formality, and she lowered her head a bit. "You can meet my eyes, Felkin, I don't normally stand for formality." she said quietly. For a long moment after his request, the black wolf remained silent. Then, cocking her head to one side, she asked, "What can you bring to the Martyr pack, Felkin? Why should I let you join?" The words weren't harsh, but curious. She wouldn't turn him away, she didn't think, but she wanted to know what he had to offer.

[ayrazar]

Felkins mind reeled as he went back over his journey. It had been a long one, he could admit that freely. His tail continued to wave side to side, happy to be in the presence of another wolf once again. He shifted his weight evenly over his feet, further relaxing his muscles until he was standing quite comfortably. “I suppose I have.” He answered his face inquisitive. “But I had been tracking your pack for a long time. And if it is as good as its scent would have me believe, it was worth the trip.” He smiled again at her, his eyes dancing with re-discovered vigour.

He studied her as she responded to his formal attitude. The wolves up here were certainly different then where he had grown up. If she had met the eyes of a southern alphess, he would have had her mate to answer to. “I appreciate that, m’lady Nalia.” He said, shaking his head softly. “But it is not how I was taught to be.” He looked into her face, but his eyes were focused so his gaze was still not looking into her eyes. His tail wagged stronger now, his heart warmed by her obvious caring personality. He cocked his head to mirror hers as she asked her next question, having been enjoying the quiet company of her presence. “I bring all that I am, alphess.” He said, his tone light. “Although I may be weak of strength, I bring my speed and my tracking abilities to hunt for the bellies of your pack’s pups.” He grinned now, a level of unusual pride in his eyes as he continued. “And I bring you the promise that if you should accept me into your pack, Nalia, you shall have a force of wolves more powerful than ever before.”

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[Nalia]

Nalia loved traveling, though she hadn't really gotten a chance. When she was younger, her life was totally ruled by her mother, who thought her daughter's place was here and only here. And now, she was tied to her pack. Even if she wanted to she couldn't leave. And, truthfully, she wasn't sure she wanted to leave. This was her home. Nalia couldn't help but chuckle at the other wolf's words, her ears twitching. "I believe it is. Although, I might be biased in my opinion." She believed that her pack was the best. The end. "Where do you hail from, Felkin?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. He didn't smell like any of the packs from around here, and that peaked her curiosity.

Nalia really wasn't sure what to do with this formality business. Sure, in formal settings - ceremonies, things like that - formality was observed. But in everyday setting? It seemed sort of... much. "I can't nor won't change how you act, friend Felkin. But here, we don't observe formality as much. But do as you wish, I wouldn't want to interfere." Nalia hoped he would relax in her presence a bit more - this not meeting the eye thing was awkward for her. When he mirrored her, she wagged her tail slightly, though listened closely to his words. Her blue eyes warmed at the answer. "Very good answer, Felkin. Not many wolves would be so honest." The pride made her feel warm inside - here was an addition that she was sure would help the pack. But still, she had to ask, "What do you mean by more powerful wolves if I accept you?" How could one wolf make such a difference?

[ayrazar]

Despite his decision to leave his home, Fellin was much happier being in a pack, around others of his kind. He was a social animal by nature, and the past month had been hard on him. As he felt the friendly aura coming off of Nalia, he relaxed further. Although he would always start respectful nd cautious, in practice he was a relaxed individual. “I have ventured here from a pack about a months distance south of here, across the barren packless land which separates this region with that of my homeland.” He looked over his shoulder, down onto the horizon of which he had trod. “I would be lying if I said it has been a very pleasant journey.” Looking at her again, he offered another of his dazzling smiles. “I much prefer company.”

He had sensed that his more formal attitude had made her uncomfortable, and ever the pleaser, he worked to unknot his muscled and be as relaxed as he could be so as to make her feel better. He nodded to her words, giving her an open and relaxed smile. “Dont worry. Im not always so rigid. Ive just learned its best to be respectful until you really get to know a wolf.” He swished his tail again, pleased with how the conversation was going. He chuckled openly at her comment on his honesty. “I see no point in lying to you about who I am, alphess.” He said, his voice pleasant. His ears cocked as she asked about the meaning of his last statement. “You have in your pack a collection of wolves with powerful skills and abilities, don’t you, m’lady?’ he asked, his voice catching with excitement. “You yourself are quite powerful. I can feel it in the electricity that surrounds you, alphess. What is it that you can do, Lady Nalia?”

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[Nalia]

From the south? Nalia had heard of the southern packs, though she had never interacted with any of their wolves. Her home was up here, in the Upper Realm, and it was rare to find someone who journeyed that far. "You really have traveled long, neighbour." she said, impressed. She looked across the barren lands, her paws itching to travel. But she was tied here. She chuckled again, ears twitching in amusement. "I didn't think it would be easy at all. And that's always a good thing - it makes life interesting." Nalia grinned at him. Company was fun, and it made life a bit more fun.

Nalia noticed that he seemed to be trying to relax around her, and that made her smile slightly. True to her words, she didn't want to change anyone - it wasn't in her nature to be so forceful. If he was formal for the rest of his life, she would deal. But the fact that he was making an effort to change showed the strength of his character. "It's not that I mind, I am just not accustom to it. Here, we are much more relaxed, except when we have ceremonies." She explained. The excitement coming from him was catching, and she cocked her head to one side. To say that she was astonished by his statement and question would be the gravest of understatements. She blinked in surprise, startled, then said, "Yes, I do possess an ability - empathy. I sense others emotions. How does that pertain to you, friend Felkin?"

[ayrazar]

While the alphess’ blue eyes scanned over the terra, Felkin took an opportunity to study her gaze. He saw in the lapis orbs a sense of longing. Could it be that this alphess who in his opinion could have it all, a family and a status and a guaranteed meal when the pack hunted, could it be she longed to be able to leave, to explore the world and shirk her responsibilities? This fascinated Felkin. Maybe it was the case that no one was happy. He shook hsi head lightly, clearing that thought. No, it wasn’t that no one was happy, more that every wolf held a sense of longing for the unknown. It was perhaps what had made his race so powerful and wise in the first place, the thirst for knowledge. She smiled in spite of himself, warmed by his realization. “Easy or not, I hope it can now just be a story from my past.”

He cocked his head to the other side as she mentioned ceremonies. So despite the laid back attitude of the alphess, and apparently the whole pack, they still kept some of the old ways? This comforted him. He kept a chuckle from escaping his lips as he thought of one of his pack elders gesturing north of the pack and speaking of the ‘godless north’. Apparently there was more to these northern packs then just the bloodshed and betrayal he had heard about. He noted her surprise by his question, and a grin spread over his face. Felkin loved to over dramatize his words sometimes. However, her response caused him to hesitate. How would he affect such a power? He looked into her face thoughtfully for a moment, then spoke. “Well m’Lady. That is a fascinating power. Do you perhaps have a range? My power affects the powers of others. But I feel it is best shown.”

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[Nalia]

It wasn't that she felt trapped, or anything like that. As she studied the fading lights, she admitted to herself that she was being selfish. She had everything a wolf could want, if one thought about it. A home. Security. Friends who cared. A pack who would defend. She was being selfish wanting more. Nalia shook her head slightly, shaking the thoughts away. She had a responsibility to herself, to her pack. She couldn't abandon something she loved. True, she would always long for the unknown. And maybe someday she'd get there. But right now.... "I believe it will. Though, I would like to know how the packs in the south are faring." she admitted. She liked to keep abreast of things, if she could.

Nalia had been raised to respect ceremonies and all that they brought. They were what made the Martyr pack, the pack. To be without them... that was a foreign concept she couldn't wrap her mind around. They weren't as strict as their brethren in the south, no. But they still adhered to the old values. Nalia looked in puzzlement at the young wolf in front of her, not sure where this was going. Range? "Of sorts, yes. It usually affects the wolves nearest to me... at most, maybe ten feet." she said slowly. "Why?"

WORDS! 204
STATUS! Done!
TAGS! Nalia and Felkin
NOTES! Blargh. Headache
INSPIRATION! The Killers
CREDITS! Template By Caution!
LYRICS! "If You Can't Live Without Me,
Why Aren't You Dead Yet?" by Mayday Parade

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[ayrazar]

A thoughtful expression gave over his silver and black face, his reddish eyes sliding out of focus as he remembered the events of the past. Pushing away from what had driven him to leave, he thought about the politics of the south, the rivalries and allies, the food scares and birthings. He smiled, thinking of the lands he used to roam, and wolves he used to know. “The southern packs go by much the way they always have.” He said, his eyes returning to focus on her. “Food comes and goes in the great cycle it always has, famine leading to feasting. The packs retain mostly the same allies and enemies. Small scandals are common, but there has been nothing earth shattering since before I first stepped into this world.” He looked around the two of them now, up to the colour-streaked sky, down to the dark earth. “The coldness and sense of urgency I feel in the air here has not yet reached them.”

He grinned. Ten feet was an easy amount. “I am going to walk away from you, lady Nalia. Just back behind me the way I came.” He tossed his muzzle behind and to the left of him to illustrate his point. His eyes danced with playfulness and his tail began to whap side to side with renewed vigour. “And I am going to think of something that will make me sad. I want you to tell me when you can no longer feel my emotions.” He nodded to her, then turned and began to walk away. He judged a distance of about ten feet, then turned his head and grinned at her. “Here we go.” He called over to her, then turned to face the direction he was walking. He was sitting by a riverbed. Malera was beside him, she was telling him about a sister she had lost as a pup. She had been killed by a bear, and Maleras voice was filled with sadness as she recounted the day her parents had found their daughters body. Sighing, Felkin walked forward, stepping as a slow but steady rate away from Nalia. Malera leaned in close, pressing her body against his chest. She looked up at him, her eyes betraying an emotion he could not place. He had never felt attraction, this kind of love before. He leaned away from her, confused Turning to look over his shoulder, Felkin saw he was twice the distance from Nalia then what he had estimated to be ten feet. He kept going a little further, knowing that at twenty five feet, his own powers would start to diminish, changing the mathematics even more. She pulled away from him, hurt in her eyes. His stomach had a pain in it to see her unhappy, knowing he had caused it. “Mal..” He began, his voice awkward in his ears. “Its alright Felkin. I get it.” Her own tones were of pure bitterness.

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[Nalia]

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[atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/vnl9oj.jpg] Nalia realized almost immediately that she had pried, and regretted it. She hadn't meant to make a busy-body of herself, she was just curious. She hadn't heard anything from the southern packs in a while, good or otherwise. Part of her reasoned that she had a right to know, because she was Alphess, and that any scrap of information could help her pack. But the larger, more humane part of her scolded her for asking questions of a wolf who obviously had come away from it. "I'm sorry for prying, neighbour Felkin. I seem to be a bit nosy." she said, slightly sheepish. Blue eyes thoughtful flickered to the many coloured sky. "Coldness will come early, I believe... I feel cold in the air." she said it slightly absently, thinking aloud. Nalia was slightly nervous about what was happening. Felkin seemed to have some big secrets, and the Alphess didn't really do well with surprises. Ever. Normality was nice for her. Unfortunately, when you ruled a pack full of wolves with strange abilities, normalcy was hard to come by. "All right, but what will..." Felkin had already started to walk away by this point, and she let her sentence trail off with a rather confused huff. She didn't like not knowing what to expect, though she was intrigued and excited at the same time. There was a certain thrill at not knowing what to expect, though she was wary. He was obviously enjoying himself, which made her tail wag slightly in return. His sadness hit her like a wave, and she nearly choked. Most of the time, she felt it as it was a tiny blip on the radar, there, annoying sometimes, but tolerable. Right now, it felt as if she was swimming in sadness. As Felkin kept walking, she struggled to keep her empathy in check. After a moment, twenty or so feet, she called out, "Stop. Please, stop." Nalia couldn't feel it anymore, but the aftermath hurt her head. The Alphess closed her eyes, reminding herself that yes, breathing is good.

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[ayrazar]

Felkin shuddered a bit, not enjoying the memories that were coursing through his brain. Maleras stricken face was etched into his vision now, and he cringed, as if trying to shy away from it. At twenty five feet, he stopped, shaking his head like there was water in his ears, doing his best to push the memories aside. It had been a long time since he had thought about that day, and the feel of her warmth against him was like a flesh memory, he could feel every point of her body. He looked up intot he sky, then down to the southern horizon. What had happened to her when his father had run her out of their lands? Had she also come North?

His ears flicked backwards as he heard Nalias voice. He had become caught up in his thoughts, and had temporarily forgotten about why he was there in the first place. He turned to look at her, a smile on his face, then his eyes widened as he saw the expression on her face. In three huge bounds, betraying the speed he was capable of, he was at her side. “M’lady Nalia.” He said urgently, resisting the urge to reach forward and touch her shoulder with his muzzle. He pressed closer to her, his body two inched from her side, but never touching. Closing his eyes, he pictured lying in his den as a pup, listening to stories. He pictures sitting on a grassy knoll in the summertime, the wind rippling through his fur. He opened his eyes, grinning openly at her. “It is alright, m’lady.” He said, dipping his muzzle so when she opened her eyes she would be met with his. “I had no intention to hurt you.”

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[Nalia]

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[atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/vnl9oj.jpg] These feelings of his had brought back memories that she really didn't want to remember. The hopelessness, the aching of missing someone, the confusion, the pain. "This is for your own good, Nalia..." her mother's quiet whisper as she put Nalia through hell and back. Every day was another test, and even the tests were tests. She never knew what to expect." Her mother's dying words as the alpha tore into her, right before the young wolf's eyes. "You are made for greatness, Nalia! You will be remembered!" Blood. So much blood. With effort, the Alphess pushed the thoughts away, not wanting to relieve them. Not ever. Instead she focused on warmer thoughts, on bright summer days, on the leaves during the fall. Anything to stop the memories from coming back and visiting her again. Felkin was by her side before she even realized it, and for a moment, she didn't move. She felt exhausted, as if she had been running for a long, long time. She heard him speak, and flicked her ear slightly to let him know that she heard him. After a long moment, she opened her eyes and gave him a weary smile. Warm thoughts emanated from him, easing the pain of the sad feelings. Nalia shook her head at his words. "I know, dear one. I know. It took me by surprise, that was all." Boy, was that an understatement. The black wolf touched her muzzle to his shoulder, a friendly way. "You can amplify powers." Not a question, a statement of sorts.

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[ayrazar]

Felkin was mentally kicking himself for his choice of demonstration. He hadn’t even thought about what it would be like for her, only that this would prove how valuable he was. Never out for himself over others, the fact that he had not considered Nalias feelings tortured him, and he promised himself never to make such a selfish decision again. “I suppose I was going for the element of surprise.” He told her, a lopsided smile playing about his lips. “But that was perhaps not the greatest way for me to do that.” As he felt her snout on his shoulder, he relaxed again, calmed by her apparent improvement in distressed. He pressed his own muzzle into the side of her neck, rubbing it lightly in a rather personal but still friendly gesture.

He pulled his head back and grinned into her face as she stated his abilities. “I can indeed, m’lady.” He said, the usual spark returning to his crimson-specked eyes. “Beyond the point of around twenty-five feet, my effect weakens.” He nodded slowly as he spoke, punching key words with dips of his muzzle. “However, should you be close by me, you will never feel your powers so strong.” There was a glint in his smile now, a kind of pride that was warm. It was obvious that the ability to make others better off was something Felkin cherished above most other things. “Wolves who are stronger from magic would never be bested in combat should I be by the ringside.” He said, his tail giving a single crick at the tip as he spoke of wolves infused with strength. “An elemental wolf could bring fire from the heavens above if they choose me as their right hand.” He stopped the flow of his words there, as he knew he was beginning to speak in the ethereal, poetic way that gave him a strange air. “And as you have discovered, a wolf who can feel for others could understand every pang of emotion that runs through anothers heart.” An apology flashed in his eyes once more, and he dipped his muzzle to her.

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