Too Close for Comfort [Open]

[arCADE.]

Him. Him... Why was it so hard to get this hardly known male off of the creative female’s mind? Day after day, the mind of the huntress was thrown into a blurry fog of emotions. It was all so happy, so very pleasant and warm, but it was unknown and bewildering that Rint nearly questioned whether it was a likable feeling. It was almost as if some sort of strong power held her down, kept the body in a paralyzed state; she was unable to move or have a change of mind. Though, at the same time, it was so empowering and enabling that, if given the strength and will, that she could bulldoze through even the most difficult of objects. This crush, although very appeasing on her soul, was also causing such a wreck of mixed emotions. It felt weird to be vulnerable.

Slender paws kept at the ground beneath; a swirling of rock twisting into unimaginable shapes. This kept her mind at bay, as it had always helped relax when things were going awry. Bi-shaded eyes continued to watch as different shapes were invented beneath her front two black feet; ever-changing into whatever she wanted most. For some reason, they kept on finding themselves twisting into the image of a large, spiky brute...

Heart beat speeding up, the image below quickly stopped; the hardly detailed portrait of the man that had kept such a strong hold over her. Eyes wide, she jerked her skull up; not wanting to continue staring at something that confused every inch of her brain. Perhaps a hunt would help change the heavy mind? Yes, of course, that would work. Besides, the pack had been a bit barren lately from the lack of prey that traveled in the wintertime. Or had that just been an excuse? Rint did not like to own up when mistakes were made; especially ones that had absolutely nothing in the way of getting fixed. The meat was not on the table because somebodies loins were getting in the way over their head.

Shaking out the thought, her wings opened drastically and she bolted into the sky. There was no time to waste on meandering subjects of the mind.

Cold air ran over and under the moving body, small amounts of snow sprinkling lightly over the cream wolf. Under stress, the normally cat like and smooth movement turned into something that was heavy and loud. The wings made foosh noises as they flapped, churning the air much more than she would have liked. On an average day, her wings wouldn’t even be in much use; only opened when gliding closer to something or to help reach greater heights. Though she did not dub them useless, they were not the prime factor that kept her world in peace. No, in fact, she relied much more on her legs and breathing than her bird feature.

Then, Demonio weaved his way right back into her mind. Hell, it was almost as if she could smell him. Eyes closed in lust, a warm happy feeling consuming her body, she began to slow the flap of her wings... as it became apparent, that yes, she really could smell him. And two other females. Though this was an unknown feeling until this point, sudden jealousy and anger made her face shoot toward the ground. There, on the ground (as she knew he would be, of course) came the form of four separate wolves. Three of them had no acknowledgement in her memory banks, never seeing them around the pack lands before, and of course there stood her gorgeous Demonio. Loners? Anger and jealousy flooding away, she closed the wings and swooped in to give some back-up.

Near the ground, the great wings opened swiftly, causing a woosh of air to shoot up into them and pause the very quick decent. Her feet landed into the snow with a loud crunch, ending up just behind the three misfits. She was not concealing her presence, and made it well-know that there was business to be done. Head held up, tails held straight back, the cat like features only stared in the direction of the group. Moving swiftly, she rounded them all, coming up behind the male pack member. To his side did she move, a protective position laden all about her body. Though she had not heard what they were speaking of, she could assume that they were here to join. Demonio seemed to have things under control, but that did not mean her presence would not be needed.

Still standing, her eyes looked over the other two females. A large black one, perhaps a soldier in a previous place, stood with huge black wings; much bigger than Rint’s in fact. Then the other, a smaller and somewhat shy looking scrap; much too timid to be any real threat for anyone. Was her guard down, though? Never. Instead, the quiet she-wolf only stared at the trespassers, ready to jump the second her male had given the signal.

[/justify]

[MonsterEternal]

~Fatale Monstrum~

^{Fratres usque ad finem.}

Despite the fact that he was clearly posing no threat over them, Ale wasn't quite comfortable here. Her own bright green orbs didn't seem to know where to land, on the wolf before her with the spikes, on Stars, or to simply wander. Focus wasn't her biggest atribute for sure. But never the less, she had obtained some degree of control over herself and would use every bit she had.

After mostly conquering the need to skitter away from all this, she relaxed more. Her bodice was becoming noticeably thin with the hunger, she observed. Even so, the muscles that lie hidden beneath her thick pelt were more still, moving with ease that she was practiced at by now. She could do it. She had gotten this far.

The words spoken by this wolf of cerrac had been expected enough. they always wanted to know that. The name came first. But she didn't even like hers, though it rolled off the tongue, strange to those who might not speak her language. No matter, they didn't even know the meaning. And she had to tell this one anyways. But skills? Her skills were not the most obvious, but she knew well enough what they were. It was hard to go through life without figuring out you were good at something.

Just before she had the chance to open her maw with a reply, her raven audits pricked, catching the sound of wing-beats approaching. Ale figured the owner wasn't bothering to keep quiet. Even she would most likely do the same. This was a pack's land after all. And Ale was one of the weaker ones here. But, if it were to come to a fight, she guessed she might fare better than star. As for Orion, she supposed he had more to him than his strength. It wouldn't surprise anyone.

The green orbs flicked back and forth between the two cerrac wolves for a moment before taking the chance to quickly study the newcomer. It only required a few seconds for her, moments that held so much, information whirring in her mind to be used later. The Fae had a pelt so much lighter than Ale's for the most part, all light and creamy, and the red markings a rusty shade that stood out so well. The copper eyes looking back at her gave Ale a feeling of either bemusement, or annoyance. She had a feeling that this wolf might not turn out to be exactly her friend, but right now what conserned her was the poise of this wolf, ready to strike hard the second she was told. It was as close as Fatale got to mad for a while, looking at this wolf who most likely wasn't even quite her age. But she had to keep in mind that she was weaker, and no matter her self-taught wits, she doubted she would win a fight here.

Holding back the urge to lunge or run, she simply began to answer, paying the Femme little mind. Her lime hued orbs went to Demonio as her reply flowed smoothly out into the frosty air, her accented voice the very definition of controlled, " My name is Fatale Monstrum. I come a fighter from another pack, and I guess that's my biggest skill... But I'm also A good stalker. And..." Her voice had cut out after the bit about fighting. Sure, she was rather exceptional when in good enough condition, but it wasn't recomended that she actually get into very big fights. It was a curse she was stuck with not because of any one thing, but because her family... Well, they would eventually find out what she did. But neither of those were as fun as her power. She liked being able to simply seem to be gone. In a second no longer there. And what better way to show it than a small demonstration? She was standing mostly in shadow, and in a second the female looked to be fading away. This was much cleaner than having her fight. She could only hope she got in soon though. the way her muscles were weakening meant she had little fat to burn, and that could mean near death. Oh, joy. Now she would have to trust their judgment.






OOC:

Fratres usque ad finem. - The end is near.

[chronicler200]

As Stars listened to the others she began to realize that she didn’t possess wonderful traits. She didn’t even know if she had ability like Orion yet. Then again, she was still young and wondered if her powers had not fully formed yet. As she studied the new wolf she felt her legs shaking, as she tried to ignore it. Put the male’s words back into her head. ‘There’s no need to fear. They’re only pack members trying to see if we’re good enough…’ She thought to herself but her attention fell back to the new comer.

She had wings as well, but they seemed much more impressive than the ones that she had, they only hung at her side, only used once since the accident in her first attempt to make flight. But either way she felt as if she didn’t belong here. Yet even after saying twice that she wanted to join, she wasn’t sure now. If she did join this pack, she was not going to see her home for a long time. The thoughts of this happening surely saddened her. But she wondered if her mom had also been in the same place as she had been. She once found a wonderful home, and then had to suddenly give it up, to raise kids, then left them again. But what she did leave them was safety in the forest. Not once had they come across another wolf, nor another creature unless it was an attempt for hunting them.

As Orion looked back, he had noticed that Domineo’s words had not convinced his sister seeing that her body language was still frightened by every new wolf that came into their place. “There’s nothing to fear. I promise.” He assured her speaking softly so only she could hear. And even if the other wolves heard her, they would understand.

Then Orion decided to speak up once Fatale had finished, he was good at fighting as well, he also had found his ability a few years ago which was indeed the ability to create fire. “My abilities are as well on the knowledge to fight, a wonderful sense of smell, and along with my power of breathing fire. I think you could put those to use somehow.” He said and then looked back at Stars, seeing that it was her turn to speak but she seemed to remain silent for awhile as she tried to relax herself.

She thought about it, she recalled once hearing her mother’s voice, it was a wonderful experience. Every time she had heard it, it made her feel happy and safe. As she glanced over her body, she realized that she was starting to calm down as she began to think of how to explain it to Domineo. Her memories of her mother were around in her head as she was finally standing still and managed to bring out some courage. “I have to confess…I don’t know what my skills are yet. I’m younger than Orion and do not have the abilities of his kind nor of a power that I know about. My fighting in fact still could use some work.” She finally managed to say as she looked back at the two arrivals of the Cerrac pack, wondering what they would have to say about them joining.

[Tonic]

Demonio

What A Lovely Creature...

[/color][/right]


Today had turned out to be a very productive day. He had started his day out like he did every other day, making a quick hunt before setting off to patrol the Cerrac borders,ensuring that no one passed through without his or Bella's knowing. His consistent watching had finally paid off, seeing as though he had three loners stationed in front of him, wanting to join the Cerrac ranks. Pretty good day so far.

As he stood waiting for a response from either of the three wolves, his mind began to wander again, back to the thoughts that had been circling his mind since the moment he had left her side all those moons ago....Rint. That woman seemed to consume his every thought. Since meeting her, there hadn't been a single moment where he didn't think of her, of what she was doing, of how she was, if she was thinking of him as much as he thought about her.....

Demonio pulled away from his thoughts for a moment. Dear god, he sounded like a love-sick puppy. Could it be possible that he already had such strong feelings for this cream colored damsel whom he had just started to get to know? Part of him felt that this was completely crazy. That side of him, the side that didn't trust others so readily was telling him that he was setting himself up for a heartbreak or worse, another betrayal. The knight shook his head. He didn't want to believe that it would happen again. There was just something about her that made him trust her, that allowed him to put his guard down. With her, it was like the betrayal from his father had never happened. It was like he could completely start fresh.

A sound from behind him broke his musings. Either it was fate, or maybe she'd seen or she'd just known where to find him, but either way, Rint's beautiful figure came into the sight of his maroon gaze. His heart stopped for several moments, his breath coming in a short gasp. She looked absolutely breath-taking as she descened from the heavens. His immediate thought was that she was angel descending down from heaven. He completely forgot about the three loner in front of him, his attention completely absorbed by the cream damsel. He watched her with tender eyes as she moved towards the group, moving around them before coming to stop at his side, her body tensed in a protective posture.

Almost immediately he had the desire to be alone with her, like they had been that first day. It was a very strong and sudden want, but it couldn't be fulfilled; at least not at the moment. So instead, not caring if they saw or not, Demonio settled for a gentle lick of her muzzle as a warm greeting, his pink tongue running gently over Rint's dark maw. Not being able to help himself, and a bit of protectiveness coming over him, the sable & ivory brute scooted his body closer to the cream vixen, so close that his massive body was brushing up against hers, kind of saying she's mine without really going out and saying it.

For several moments it was as if no one else was around or mattered except for Rint. It wasn't until the black fatal's words floated out into the atmosphere that he remembered why he was here and what he was doing. Reluctantly pulling his gaze away from the gorgeous lady, Demonio refocused his attention back on the female whom called herself Fatale and stated that she was a fighter in her old pack. A fighter...Reminded him alot of himself. After Fatale put in her two scents, the spiked brute turned his attention to the siblings. As before, the male, obviously the older of the two, spoke up first, saying that he too was an excellent fire who could also breathe fire. What a coincidence, so could he. A few moments after the male spoke, his younger sister followed suit. Audits pricked forward, trying to catch the young female's words.

“I have to confess…I don’t know what my skills are yet. I’m younger than Orion and do not have the abilities of his kind nor of a power that I know about. My fighting in fact still could use some work.” Demonio took a moment to think over the information that he had been provided with, trying hard to keep his focus from wandering to Rint. Well Fatale, Orion, I believe your fighting skills may be put to good use, if Bella approves. As for you young Star, I believe we could find a little nitch that will suit you in Cerrac. From what I see, you three are honorable wolves and I accept your requests to join Cerrac. But, he paused for a moment. Only my queen Bella can make the final decision. His gaze momentarily danced to Rint before going back to the three.

[arCADE.]

Though sincerity had been the main objective here, when this handsome male leaned to give her a tender lick on the muzzle, there was no rejection. Instead, a passionate lap of the pink tongue came out; touching the bottom of the male’s jaw as he simultaneously touched the femme’s top. A strong want came; almost tugging the wolf’s ear and whispering kindly a suggestion for them to just step away from the group. Had the trio been packmembers, the plan would have been a much more ideal; however there was minimal trust for strangers and so the thought was discarded. There was no trust for somebody that she had not previously known. Pulling back from the brute’s face, she stared to them once more; eyes unblinking and acting as if the sign of affection had never even happened.

Mere moments pressed, the bi-colored eyes continuously darting from one stranger to the next. They paused for prolonged moments on what had been the biggest female, both stares seeming to lock on for more than just a few seconds. Was she sizing her up? The decisions that were running through the lone wolf’s mind must have not been pleasant ones, though Rint had been no mind reader. From just the unconcerned stare on Fatale’s face, she could tell that whatever it was that had been zooming through her head, it was not of kindness toward the smaller cream female. There was no blame for this sudden dislike, for even she had begun to feel it herself. If she was allowed in, chances were these two would not end up friends. As the other’s face turned away to speak to Demonio, she knew all too well that her presence would now be ignored. Her body disappeared, then, in a dark shadowy haze.

Bella could perform it better.

With the same abrupt (yet somehow always liquid and smooth) yank, her head turned then to the pair of siblings. Finally she looked over the male. He had been missing wings, and from the looks of it, he had actually been in a lot better shape than the females. When he spoke of the ability to breathe fire, instinctively her mind traveled to her father. He had that same skill, and she remembered it well. Not that he had ever purposely used it on his kids, but it was, from time to time, singeing the unprotected parts of her bodice. It was well needed training; how else would she be able to move so calmly when under pressure? His form then left her mind in a silhouette of a clouded being, until it entirely evaporated.

The smallest of the group, and most obviously the shyest, spoke last. Cream audits stood up and pressed forward, almost missing what the wolfess had spoke. The comfort level she had, and the confidence within herself, was sadly so low that it had been terribly noticeable. Were Bella here, it was doubtful that the queen would be appreciative of the current actions. And yet, despite how opposite this weakling was, Rint felt some sort of affection. Bi-colored eyes looked all over the other, scanning for something that most others would not be able to pick up on. She was skinny, lithe; although that may have just been from the fact that she had been a loner. Then, of course, she sported two limp wings. It was clear that they had hardly, if ever, been used. Locking her jewels onto the others’ eyes, she squinted; an almost glare-like show over her facade; though it was not that.

Rint allowed for the male to speak first, listening to him dub his own acceptance of the three. A few more moments in, and it was decided silently in the hunter’s mind. Once Demonio had finished, she took her turn, eyes still solidly locked on Star. I can teach you to hunt. She was never one for words, and the fact that she even spoke in front of three wolves that she did not know was even more unique; although it was not because she was shy. In fact, the reason for such a silent tongue had been from the way she was raised; younger wolves never had much right to speak. Considering herself a good hunter, she assumed teaching this little sapling would not be too difficult. Would she have the patience to deal with Rint, though?

[/justify]

[chronicler200]

“T-thank you.” Stars said with surprise in her voice as she looked back at Rint. Her voice was still shy but there was relief in it this time. The very fact that someone was willing to help her made it even more wonderful for her. But as she thought about it, she still had her wings; she had only flown with them once and yet never again. Though that time had been too dramatic for her to trust her wings, they were just there. She couldn’t help but notice that Rint had been watching her, for quite some time. She couldn’t figure out why, she was nothing special. Just a young wolf that had many fears, couldn’t fly, and could barely speak. In her head however, she couldn’t believe that she had been accepted in a pack. She had feared this moment from coming since they had come into these lands. So much had happened for the siblings that it was hard to believe for her. Either way, she was glad that everything worked out for herself, her brother, and Fatale.

Orion meanwhile had glanced back at Fatale as she used her power. It was impressive one that was for sure. He had never seen anything like it. But it was something different where she could just suddenly disappear into a vapor at will. Then he looked back at Stars, wondering what her power was. He knew he had the gift of Fire, but wasn’t sure what his sister’s was. If she had one at all, but either way he had the patience to wait and find out. After all, she was still a young wolf, and that might have taken some time.

But he looked back at the other male of the pack, glad to hear the good news he brought. He knew Stars was delighted once her fears were gone for this time. “Thank you for accepting myself and my sister, and Fatale. I’m sure we’ll be a great addition to the pack.” He said but wondered if it was official yet. They still had to meet the Alphas or Alpha, where ever they where, they would find them to receive a rank.

As he glanced back at his sister he had noticed that her body language had changed already, she seemed more relaxed, and the tail had been moving excitedly. Not to a complete wag but it was close enough to see that she was happy over the good news. Then he felt himself turning back to his sister, “I told you there would be some good news.” He said happily, showing her that there was nothing to fear. Though he turned back to the other pack members to see if they had anything else to give them as tasks, or ask him and the other two females more questions.

[MonsterEternal]

~Fatale Monstrum~

^{Damnosa hereditas.}

What to do? Her form soon became visible once again, seeing as she didn't really need to stay that way anyhow. Her lime orbs flicked to Orion as he spoke up about his ability. Well, that was interesting. Her brother had a fire oriented ability as well, but that brute was well beyond just mildly insane. This Orion seemed a much more likable wolf. Sitting down lightly, her head tilted as she moved her attention back to Demonio.

The words that came out of his maw surprised her somewhat. Of course she had been hoping to be accepted, but the reality that she had still startled her some. Still the littlest twist of a smile appeared before vanishing like it hadn't happened. No matter what happened, she was still weary of the others, the possibility of something going wrong ever present in her mind.

Out of the corner of her eyes she regarded the she-wolf who had spoken now, offering to teach Stars to hunt. The gesture itself was a kind and she had to admit that. But a feeling that they mutually didn't much care for each other seemed to be shared. Fatale ignored that. It wasn't that she had any specifically bad feelings towards the wolf, just that she didn't feel entirely like she liked her. Whatever. Ale was smart enough to not decide just yet how she felt. Mainly because a rushed decision was often a bad one.

Again her head turned to look at the two siblings. Stars voiced her thanks at the offer, and Orion thanked the acceptance into the pack. Ale herself forced a better looking smile, one that at least seemed real. It would do. She dipped her head in her own quiet gesture of thanks to the spiked knight for his decision. The sight of Stars as she sort of wagged her tail was amusing and unassumingly a good thing.

But where to go from here? She guessed the other two had the same general thoughts as they had no particular direction going on at the moment. After the affirmation from Demonio that they could join, what was to happen? Because Ale had not seen hide nor hair of the infamous leader Bella since she first had stood at the edge of this territory. But, that hadn't been too long ago anyways. Still, her blood rushed in her ears as she thought only somewhat hopefully of what would happen. Turning back, she eyed the two members again, more curious then outright weary of them.






OOC:
Damnosa hereditas: Inheritance of damnation, ruinous legacy

[rozeygirl]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true]

[atrb=background,http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9115/bellatm1.png] Bella’s heavy stepping paws carried her slowly, setting her at a calm pace as she traveled through the land. Her purple eyes were ever alert, surveying every nook and cranny that was around her. Her mind was racing today, short flashbacks from her past; unstopping and brutal. As usual, it started with the first thoughts of when she was but a puppy, playing silly games with her best friend ever and the rest of the children of the pack; as others would put it, ‘before she tainted her soul with the blood of others’. Her steps stopped, deep eyes now covered by her eyelids that now acted like a shroud over the purple. Taking a deep breath, she pulled every bit of strength and focus within her toward relaxing. All the thoughts within her head had now cleared away; but of course it still took a few minutes. She had known what she did and did not do, and the shadows that messed with her past were all irrational. Bella was not, and never had been, a terrible creature. The alpha’s head turned now in the direction of the valley, the purple eyes that haunted many now revealed themselves and were staring intensely. The sun’s reflection in her eye pools was hardly visible; only a tiny glint giving any sort of signal that the orbs were round. Through the heavy silence, she listened, although not really listening for anything particular. It was then she picked up a voice. ‘...My Queen Bella.’ Her head fluently looked to the direction of the noise, feet naturally carrying themselves to the noise. As she trotted, she thought over the fact that many had taken to the liking of calling her ‘queen. Knowing that her members were not doing it disrespectfully, she had yet to really reprimand anyone for it. However, it was beginning to grow annoying, and personally she did not like it in the least. It felt like brown nosing, or the wolf was trying to somehow better their position in her book. It certainly did the opposite. Coming over a small snow hill, she finally was able to lock onto the group. Quickly her mind assessed the situation, figuring out exactly what they were here for. It was obvious that the three she did not recognize were loners looking to join, and that Demonio and Rint had gotten on their case already. From the looks of it, the brute was a lot calmer than the little she-wolf. Although it was just an assumption, she had seen the two together before and it only rose a little suspicion of their ‘relationship.’ When she was close enough, she allowed for her voice to be heard “Well then, what do we have here?” The coal colored fea’s back legs collapsed, placing her in a sitting position. Her head was up high, alpha stance taking control. Her deep eyes darted between all of them, seeing who would pipe up first. ooc: Hey Chronic, you went out of post order. = P just a heads up that it’s against the rules here (unless someone is late)!

[Tonic]

Demonio

It's Time To Get Serious [/color][/right]


He was somewhat surprised when he felt Rint's ribbon run underneath his muzzle. His initial thought was that his display of affection towards the cream fatal would have gone perhaps unnoticed for the time being. That side of him that openly admitted that he had feelings for this woman wanted her to return the affection because then it would confirm his suspicions that she too had feelings for him. The other side of him, the one that was still somewhat in denial about the whole thing expected the gesture to be ignored if not rejected. But it seemed that fate had decided to cut him a break and bring a bit of good fortune into his new life.

After Rint pulled away, a tingling feeling lingered on his skin. It was a good feeling, one he wished to experience more often. Of course, the black and white male couldn't forget what he was here for originally; handling the business with these loners soon to be potential pack members. They already had his approval and Rint appeared to second his opinion, but what he thought wasn't of much importance. The fate of Fatale, Star and Orion lay within Bella's paws.

Demonio knew that nothing went on in Cerrac without his dark queen catching wind of it. She was just that good of a leader. So it was no surprise to the obsidian and ivory pelted spiked knight when an all too familiar dark figure made an appearance. Bella's familiar voice flowed out into the atmosphere, questioning the reason for this gathering. The first thought that crossed his mind was to put a bit of distance between himself and Rint. It wasn't that he was worried about what his leader would think, all though that was a small worry, but more that maybe to the dark alphaess his affection towards Rint was not appropriate because they were not mates. That was his rational side talking. That other side, the one he was beginning to discover said that there was no harm in showing affection to the cream damsel because he was planning on making her his soon. He would just have to think of how and when do it....

Pushing those thoughts aside, he refocused his attention back on responding to Bella's question. Maroon gaze flickered to the dark queen, meeting her penetrating violet one, dome dipping in respect. Well Bella, I was doing my morning rounds when I came across the scents of these three lupine here. He guestured to the trio behind him. I came to investigate and Rint accompanied me shortly after. I've gotten a feel for what they bring to the table and I believe they are worthy of joining. He dipped his head again, having finished explaining. His steady gaze remained on Bella, waiting to see what her take on things would be.