A Chance Encounter

Subject: A Chance Encounter Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:33 pm

((OOC: I'M NOT DEAD! XDDD This post is really long to get me warmed up and my charries moving again. Open for any wolf on Reno, so really they only have to reply to that last Cyan paragraph, the rest is just explaining where the heck my charries have been lol!

))

The wind whistled through every chasm and crack along the Yatito Mountain, and at times there was the deafening crash of ice as it slid off of ledges. All around there was pure white snow, falling at such an alarming rate that it threatened to blind the two travellers. A single trail of pawprints marked the path of the icy wolf and his anima. Tai Li had long abandoned her morphed bird form. The snow fell too heavily on her wings and the wind had crashed her too often against the cliff-side. This was the worst snow storm they had encountered in half a moon. Even Kaito's sure steps were wavering, despite the cold determination in his eyes.

Tai Li had not spoken to him since they parted ways with Ocean and Arella. She firmly believed that they should have remained with their only friends on this island. She could not understand why Kaito had left behind the warm ocean waters and the smooth current of the river in exchange for this blistering ice and endless snow. Kaito was a water ability wolf, so why did he so insist on coming to this place where the water was all frozen? Perhaps it matches his heart...

Tai Li sighed in frustration and gripped Kaito's neck fur tighter. She had morphed into a furry squirrel and was riding on Kaito's back because she was too exhausted to travel on her own. Her belly rumbled. There had been more food at the mountain's base than she could ever imagine would live on these bleak hills.

Kaito, she thought timidly. Let's go back.

But Kaito went on. Whether he had heard or not, she did not know. His mind seemed so blank these days. Suddenly, Kaito's head jolted to their left, his nose in the air. Food? As he approached the source he saw a small hole in the ground. He began to dig through the snow and it gave way to a much larger entrance, to a cave....

Wrath was playing near the hot spring as usual. Deep in the center of Yatito Mountain, roughly half-way between it's base and peak lay this haven of warmth, steam, and prey. This was the home of Yoruichi and Wrath, who had sealed off or hidden nearly all tunnels leading to it. Wrath swam in the shallow end of the hot spring and playfully splashed water at Yoruichi.

The winged wolfess only yawned and continued to rest on her ledge high above the playful pup. She had had a rather long day of sealing off upper tunnels so the draft couldn't get in, so Wrath would have to play with his anima instead.

"Sorrow!" he yipped. "Come in! The water is great!"

Sorrow, stuttering in the form of a baby skunk, "I don't like water! And besides I can't swim!"

"Turn into a fish then!" Wrath ordered.

Sorrow pretended not to hear him and cleaned her shoulder. Wrath, in turn, splashed water onto her, laughing as his anima became a bat and sailed into the air with screeches. Yoruichi shot a stern look at both the pup and his anima and both ducked down with apologetic gazes. A new smell entered the cavern.

"Hey who are you?" Wrath yipped excitedly, scenting the lone ice blue wolf before turning to see him. The pup heard his "mother" growl as she leapt to her paws.

What's up with her? Wrath thought, glancing at Sorrow. His bat-anima replied with a simple shrug.

"Who are you? How did you get in?" Yoruichi demanded to know, her wings fanned out and making her look much larger than her slender form really was.

The other wolf made no movement but looked curiously oblivious to her threats. It was the wolf's anima that spoke first.

My name is Tai Li. This is my wolf, Kaito. We just traveled here from the coast. We don't mean to intrude...but we found this cave buried in the snow and we need shelter for the night...

Yoruichi sighed. So this was her own doing? She had not hidden the cave well enough. The anima seemed innocent enough, but that wolf had such cold eyes...

"Why does your wolf refuse to speak?" Yoruichi asked, in a less harsh tone than before.

It is his way. Tai Li said surely.

Yoruichi inclined her head, held it there, then brought it down. "Very well then. Until the storm passes."

Suddenly, the other wolf spoke. "What happened to the Pack up here? There was one, wasn't there?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," Yoruichi replied vaguely.

(Time Skip)

The next day, the storm passed at around Sunhigh, by which time the three wolves had become well acquainted. They had hunted and talked together. Kaito told them about Ocean and Arella down the mountain, and Yoruichi explained that she and her adopted pup had silently co-existed with the Pack up here. The Silvermoon Pack. She said she had not sniffed or heard them in a while, so she assumed they moved to different lands.

Together, the three sat and presently watched the sun set from a rather thick ledge just outside of yet another tunnel entrance. Wrath began to howl, but being a pup it was confusingly melodious, its meaning undiscernable. Yoruichi joined in however, her howl full of curiostiy as to where the Pack she had watched for so long had gone to. Kaito began to howl greetings to Ocean and Arella, wondering if they could hear him at such a distance. The three unifed calls sounded a bit jumbled but it was the only sound in the mountains to listen to other than the winds.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:52 am

Arohtar leaned into the wind, pushing forward slowly. Narthoren clung to her head as an weasel, trying to see ahead. Arohtar stumbled, and Narthoren slid down over her good eye. She suddenly panicked, jumping and twisting, trying to regain sight. Narhthoren quickly scrabbled off, landing in the soft snow. "We have to get to shelter!" Arohtar called, her words almost entirely snatched away by the wind. Narthoren mentally agreed, and the pair made their way to the shelter of a small tunnel in the side of the mountain.

Once inside, both were automatically edgy. Arohtar thought she smelled wolves, but Narthoren managed to convince her it was just the pack scent markers. But, as she was very tired, she soon submitted to rest, Narthoren curled up beside her.

____ The next day

Arohtar woke up late the next morning, at almost sunhigh. She stretched, trying to rid the stiffness and soreness in her shoulder. Narthoren woke, and they began the trudge up the mountain, Narthoren walking beside her, as a larger cat. Hunger drove them forwards, yet they did not find any food; everything still seemed to be holed up from the storm. Arohtar disliked the way that her paws crunched on the snow, and how her large pawprints were painfully obvious compared to Narthoren's small ones. Especially the fact that they were limping a bit, still trying to shake off the pain. Suddenly a howl cut through the still air, but Arohtar didn't quite catch the words. She threw her head back, howling in a mix of her language and the common language. She called a greeting, wondering if these wolves would know where Aragorn was, or if they would be friendly.

Pup Posts : 2 Joined : 2010-02-11

"C'mon, you nimwit. We need to get out of this darn snow. Your coat's so thin you can hardly stand it and my legs are shakin' worse than a leaf in a wind storm." Rita called to Zip, the mental message shocking the scarred wolf out of his haunted reverie. Odd-colored eyes widened and he broke out into a run, head tucked down against the blizzard-like conditions. He'd been born naturally thin, but his ribs now showed through his wispy tan, brown and white coat. He was a natural hunter, being much faster than his prey, but the snow bogged him down and sent all the prey animals into hiding. He searched blindly for some sort of entrance, a tunnel, a way out of the storm.

His fur was clumped with chunks of snow as Rita leaned against him, gently leading him into a well-hidden tunnel. The ceilings were very low, and the two had to crouch down the best they could to crawl through it until the ceiling lifted into a small cavern.

"You go to sleep, Zip, child. I'll keep watch...as if anyone's gonna come through this tunnel, whether the weather gets better or not." The red deer fawn stood at the entrance to the small cavern, her ears swiveling around to sounds Zip's ears couldn't catch, nose sniffling to scents his nose couldn't smell.

"'G'Night, Rita. I'll see you in the morning." He sighed, his voice light and airy, especially for a fully grown male.

-THE NEXT DAY-

A gentle nudge from his Anima's cold, wet nose broke Zip from the restless sleep he'd endured for that night. The sounds of snaps, growls, and feelings of searing pain had the three-year old male thrashing around for the entirety of the evening into the morning hours.

"A'ight...Gosh, I'm awake." Zip rose and stretched, lanky legs holding up a slim-body. Rita smiled the best a deer could and walked deeper into the mountain.

"Hey!" Zip cried. "Why aren't we going back out?"

Rita didn't even look at him. "You wanna go back out there? It's probably still snowing like who-knows-what out there. The only option is to go deeper in."

Zip raced forward, halted, and nearly fell flat on his face. He stood up again an closed his eyes, letting Rita take the lead. She guided him through tunnels and caverns until the could smell and feel the cold breeze on their faces. Rita balked and started to back up as the sounds of howls and the scents of wolves.

"Oh no, Kiddo. I think we've got company." She sighed. Zip began to shake, but Rita kept pushing him forward.

"C'mon...they're probably friendly and alone, just like you and I." Zip nodded, still unsure. His scars itched and he was cowering against the fawn's spotted side as she sent out a greeting.

"Hullo? I hope my friend and I aren't intruding."

Zip raised his head and added on his own comment. "We mean no harm to you at all."

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:42 am

Yoruichi broke off mid-howl. Her snowy owl anima jolted it's head in the direction of the first response. Then in the direction of the second. Slowly, Kaito broke off in his howl, noticing that he was hearing echoes. Wrath kept howling, oblivious until Sorrow shoved his leg. Yoruichi waited patiently to see if there would be more. Perhaps the Pack had not vanished after all. She glanced at Kaito, but the ice blue wolf made no effort to make a decision. Not that he should. These are more my lands than his...

After a long pause, Yoruichi howled greetings to both wolves. They had sounded from different directions, so perhaps they were not travelling together?

Wrath yipped greetings too, running through the snow. Yoruichi had never allowed him to see other wolves before! She always told him, 'Best not to be in their way'. Wrath had once asked why they could not join a Pack, and Yoruichi responded with an odd sort of look, not sad or angry, but rather confused. As if she could not understand why he had asked...But I'll get to meet them! Are they all as weird as Kaito is?

Kaito exchanged an odd look with his anima. They were unsure of what to make of this. Had the Pack returned to chase them off? But neither howl seemed threatening, and in fact the second had said that they meant them no harm. Kaito waited patiently as Yoruichi and Wrath gave their greetings. He didn't feel the least bit inclined to join in.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 1:18 am

Arohtar saw the wolves before they saw her. She dodged behind a boulder as a pup ran towards her, yipping. Close behind were other wolves. She was outnumbered, but it seemed like she could take them; they didn't seem too close, maybe having just met a day or so ago. She took a deep breath, and stepped out, trying to disguise her limp. Arohtar spoke carefully, although she knew she would have a heavy accent in her voice. "You own this lands?"

Narthoren winced as she mispoke. 'Let me do the talking.' he spoke to her silently, glaring at the other wolves. She subtly shook her head. 'No. I don't want to fight until I know how strong they are.' She gazed silently at the other wolves, her eyes shifting from green to yellow, to gray, and back again.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 1:53 am

Wrath tilted his head his head. Why was she hiding? Was she a coward? He had never met a cowardly wolf before! He wiggled his bottom as she stepped back out. Thinking that the she-wolf was speaking to him, he replied with his chest puffed out, "That's right, I own these lands! My name is Wrath and since I'm Alpha, you have to do what I say!"

Sorrow, looking ridiculous in her baby skunk form out in the snow, timidly told Wrath. Don't b-be a liar, Wrath. She's way bigger than you. What if she attacks? The small anima shivered under the other anima's glare.

Yoruichi paused in her steps as the other wolf spoke. She was clearly frightened, and she had no desire to further discomfort her. Wrath whipped around as he heard his "mother" approaching, and she gave him a rather stern look for running off.

"I don't own these lands, only my tunnels and cave. The land once belonged to some other Pack, but it seems that they have vanished. My name is Yoruichi, and you've no reason to fear, we would not harm you," she spoke in a naturally calm and motherly voice. The wolfess before her seemed only a few seasons her younger, but she could not help it.

Yoruichi glanced at Kaito, expecting him to introduce himself also. He seemed to take the hint.

"My name is Kaito," he said rather boredly.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 3:00 am

Arohtar watched the first wolf step forwards and cockily proclaim that this was his land. Arohtar knew instantly that the pup was lying, and was gratified to hear another say that this land was open. She listened as they introduced themselves as Yoruichi and Kaito. Arohtar thankfully nodded at Yoruichi, hopefully conveying that she appreciated it. She allowed her lip to raise at Wrath, revealing long fangs. She turned her head back to Yoruichi, a bit annoyed that she acted like she was better, although Arohtar bet that she had more fighting experience. The fem standing in front of her seemed more pretty then strong, although Arohtar could detect some muscles beneath the thick and beautiful coat. For a moment, she almost felt jealous, but she quickly remembered that her eyes often captivated males, and that her coat helped her blend in. Not that she was interested, but looks do become useful on occasion. The last wolf was cold and cruel, she could instantly tell that he was a threat. She did not waste any more precious time to judge their characters.
"I do not fear you. I could beat anyone of you in a fight." Narthoren scratched his talons on the boulder he was perched on, eager for a fight.

Suddenly a howl cut across the air. A claim for territory. A familiar voice. "Could it be?" Arohtar murmured to Narhtoren in her own language, automatically. Narthoren nodded tersely. Arohtar turned back to to the group. 'We'll come in a second, I promise. Just let me finish up here.' She thought. Arohtar took a subtle fighting stance. If they were any sort of fighter, then they would know that she was to be taken seriously.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 5:48 am

Wrath flinched and ran behing Yoruichi. The violet and blue wolfess gave the Arohtar a dangerous look. How dare she frighten a mere pup?! She bared her teeth momentarily, then forced herself to stop. She supposed she had been a little condescending for a moment, but if the young, apparently shy, wolfess thought she would earn respect by scaring a pup, she was sadly mistaken. If this wolfess ever threatened Wrath again she was in for a sure battle!

Yoruichi raised her head at the other she-wolf's anima. She was unphased. Her white hawk anima inclined his head as well, as if turning his nose up at the other. If it was a challenge that they wanted...!

But the sudden howl broke the thoughts of both the wolf and anima's thoughts. A claim on the land? Well, that had not taken very long. No matter, Yoruichi had no desire to battle anyone over the mountain or it's base. She had her tunnels and caves, and so long as they respected that she would be fine. But...would it not make more sense to be on good terms with the wolves here? In time the Pack might grow hostile if she did not make her presence known immediately. Besides...she looked down at Wrath, who was still glaring at the wolfess who had so frightened him. Did he not deserve to know what it was like to be part of a Pack? Just because she did not care for Packlife did not mean he wouldn't.

So, she turned to the wolfess who had so rudely not introduced herself, "It appears, I've other matters to attend. I don't care to fight you, but I must warn you should you ever threaten this pup agains you'll face fury as you have yet to see it." The words must have sounded strange coming from the beautiful, mature she-wolf, but they were quite true.

She beckoned the pup and the curiously silent Kaito with her tail. She could tell that he wasn't interested in sticking around. Why had he bothered travelling all this way? They padded towards the howl.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 6:12 am

The wolfess glared and retorted to Arohtar's frustration. Narthoren spread his wings and prepared to take off to attack the other anima. Arohtar shot a glare at Narthoren. Arohtar then responded to the wolves, who were headed up the mountain. "I'll take you up on that sometime." She began to run, slowly at first, but faster then that winged wolf could ever run. Narthoren took off after her, swooping down over Yoruichi's head for a moment, talons spread, pulling up centimeters away from her ears. He climbed higher and higher, checking to make sure that Yoruichi was not following or too close behind him. 'That was not nice.' He grinned, but it faded as he realized the consequences his actions could take. However, he didn't care. He ruffled his feathers so that they would shimmer in the light. Arohtar flicked her ears in annoyance, and continued. She would get there a while before those other wolves would, and see if a long lost friend was waiting for her.

(After your post, we should probably wait for Snow and I to finish up our bit before your three chars enter the other topic)

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Thu Feb 18, 2010 6:30 am

OOC: But of course. Smile

I wouldn't want to interrupt. Again. XD

Kaito trotted well behind Yoruichi and the pup. Tai Li, in her otter form, looked up at the icy wolf. Kaito revealed nothing to her. He did not feel a need to explain his silence or lack of emotion. Things were so dull and lifeless up here. The most interesting thing yet was this she-wolf, but she revealed herself to be shy and with an overprotective anima at that. He sighed. He would have to return to the shore, after he met this new leader and all.

A flash of grey and white passed his eyes. A breeze from the speed of it, ruffled his fur. Was that the wolfess. Well, she was not so plain after all.

Subject: Re: A Chance Encounter Sat Feb 20, 2010 4:18 pm

(Mkay, you can go post there now if you want.)