[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]While the Teekon Wilds were still caught in a perpetual winter, Ouroboros Spine was beginning to flourish once again. The immaculate layer of white that covered the skirts and edges of the peaks that gave the Spine its name remained untouched, yet something had occurred inside the Spine that reeked of life and renewal.
It was not life that grew inside the Alpha’s belly, but rather in the belly of the Spine as a whole. As of late the leading pair of the Spine had managed to come across various loners, the majority of them seeking to be accepted into the ranks. On one side there were the two males: Sinaaq and Quicksilver, who despite not having impressed her mate very much had earned the Queen’s interest from the start. Then there was the siblings: Wyvern and Lotan, a promising pair that Cara had yet to seek out in order to know them more in depth. Almost at the same time had arrived Ivev; an injured wolfess who had managed to do the impossible: earn Cara’s compassion, and now liking.But out of all of those new members there was one that Cara had yet to go after. A young pale female who had eyes of ice shards. Alusia.
With her nose hovering over the snow, Cara began trace the path the female had taken. While she was no fledged Gamekeeper, she did possess an innate talent when it came to tracking. Using her sensitive nose as a compass and her pale eyes scanning the horizon it would only a matter of time before the Queen came across her target.
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Alusia had started to move further into the heart of the territory and away from the boarder. Although she enjoyed be up on the mountainside, she wished to explore more of her new home. Perhaps she could find some decent hunting grounds, and a peaceful place to relax. It was then she came across a small stream, that glistened in the little sunlight that was able to pass through the trees hovering above her. She dipped her head down to enjoy the refreshing water, and admired her reflection while doing so.
She watched has almost microscopic fish passed by her, and couldn't help but ponder what fish tasted like. Maybe like slimy, wet moose meat she thought. Slowly she lowered her body into a laying position and rest her head gently on her paws. Her arctic fur helped her blend in exceptionally well in the white snow, making it difficult to see her. Alusia continued to watch the fish as she found herself strangely interested, and fascinated by them.
:)
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]As the form of Alusia's body merged with the immaculate layers of snow that covered the floor, Cara closed in on the place where the female had stopped to rest. With her navigation system guiding her to a seemingly empty place the Queen had to turn to her other senses. The pale color the new recruit shared with the snow was enough to fool the young Queen for a second, who had not given the land in front of her more that a quick skim.
Finally her eyes caught movement among the rest of the snow mounds, the slow heaving of a living creature's flank as it breathed. Instinctively the Queen allowed her tail to adopt the natural pose of dominance, one that like her ambition had begun to come naturally to Cara. "Found you" she purred with satisfaction as she began to advance towards the female like a prowling tiger. Her tail never wavering as she then summoned her subordinate's attention with a low chuff.
While she was now more grateful when it came to welcoming bodies into the Spine, her finicky nature remained unchanged.
Out of all the new faces that had entered the Spine, not one had been accepted out of pity. Not even Ivev, the injured wolfess had used her wounds as a ticket. Cara had no time for charity cases, they repugnated her. Every single wolf that remained in the Spine did so because of the potential they possesed. Whether it was strenght, intelligence or stealth they all had at least something that had initially interested Cara. Now however, she was determined to calculate entirely just how much potential did each of them hold.
With an expression of pure curiosity wavering within her eyes she slowed into a halt just in front of the girl, "I trust that you have begun to settle well?" she barked, her voice betraying the strong intrigue she held for her and what she had busied herself with since her acceptance, which to be honest had been fairly recent for her to explore but perhaps not yet to get settled.
Still, it was through this questionaire that Cara intended to know about the female that would (most hopefully) become one with the rest of the fully fledged Spine wolves.
While distrust was nothing but a typical reaction for the Queen, it had grown even stronger as of late, especially because of the maternity plan she had in mind.
Accepting new members was always a gamble for leaders who seeked loyal wolves. It was a gamble Cara had been willing to accept but perhaps not so eager to loose.
Hopefully Alusia would be the ace under her sleeve.
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As the fish gracefully pasted by, Alusia became lost in their elegant beauty. However no matter how beautiful the fish were she still wanted to eat one. Just as she was about to clench one in her powerful jaws, she heard a chuff from behind startling her. Quickly gaining control of herself, she rose from her laying position, and found before her Cara, queen of the spine. Immediately she lowered her head and tail in a bow to show respect for her queen. I trust that you have begun to settle well Cara asked.
"Indeed, these lands offer a majestic and intriguing beauty that remind me so much of my arctic homeland, I could admire it forever." It was true, the snow that falls from the heavens and engulfs the valley reminds her of the days when she was just a pup. "I must warn you though, I'm a very curious girl, and hope to explore the lands surrounding the spine" she added. Her curiosity often what gets her in trouble, may prove to be beneficial to the pack.
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]The female's submission was gratefully recieved by the young Queen, who tended to give more importance to such gestures than most of the other Alphas she had known. Still it remained to be something she was shameless proud about -- my reign, my rules -- that was just one of the many phrases she abided herself by, and therefore forced her subordinates to do so as well.
Her eyes remained on Alusia's own as she listened to her response, which was truthfully as pleasant as the female's initial gestures. The knowledge that she too descended of Arctic ancentry pleased Cara; even if it was an unimportant event really it just felt nice to share some familiarity with a member that was hoping to be involved into the Spine's way of life.
"I'm glad you are also charmed by it's beauty " she agreed with a brief nod while she allowed her eyes to run over the realms of her palace; the Spine.
It was at the female's next statement that Cara swung her head once more, this time with only a brighter sense of intrigue shining upon her pale yellow orbs. It was not the joking warning what roused such interest but instead the activity it was directed at. Being the Spine's sole Outrider was sometimes tiring for the female.
Perhaps with her advice and teachings Alusia could share the title that Cara had found so rewarding.
"Have you considered Outriding?" she questioned, her ears cupping towards with prying interest. "We could use another -- I am until now the only one that holds the honor " she proclaimed with a prideful lash of her tail before settling her eyes once more upon the female.
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She watched as Cara explained proudly how she was the only outrider in the pack, and the burden that came with it. Alusia could only imagine the amount of responsibility that was on Cara 's shoulders. She had not put to much thought into the outrider trade, but would be lying if she said it never crossed her mind.
"I have thought about it before, and since I am quite curious about these foreign lands, it will probably come easy to me." If Alusia is able to help the pack thrive and grow in numbers, then she's won't even think twice about it. Her tail gives a slight sway before she continues to speak, "I would be extremely cheerful to help the pack in anyway, and outrider sounds like the perfect trade."
Another trade instantly came into her mind, for it could prove to be beneficial toward her outrider trade. Warden or warrior. If she pursues one of these two trades, she will have proper experience on how to defend herself in the Teekon Wilds. "I would also like to try warden or warrior, because with practice experience with fighting will be helpful to me when I'm searching other lands." She was proud to have joined a pack and was ready to prove herself in anyway, even if it meant death.
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]While she still held a few more words of self-adulation at the tip of her tongue she abstained from adding more until the female's answer was given. And when it came it was with a greated pride that the young Queen of the Spine recieved her words. Finally things were looking up for the Ouroboros and its members, who after Ptarmigan's ursurping and Mordecai's latter departure had been left in a shaky limbo of uncertainty.
But now, despite the initial hardships, with Cara as their backbone the Spine was again rising to it's original glory.
With sharp eyes set on her and ears perked, she listened to the female answer, her coldly calculating mind processing each syllable and highlighting only the most important details. Judging by the sincerity laced in the way she spoke the Queen presumed she held the virtue so many of the former members of the Spine had lacked: loyalty.
A pleased smile crawled its way onto the Moretti's lips, curving the delicate features of face in a way that showed her foremost delight.
"Each time a new surprise," she mused between a chuff, though the words were directed to herself she really didn't bother lowering the tone of her voice. There was no need for censorship between Alpha and subordinate, at least not now.
"I too am a Warden" she commented briskly, her ears twitching with mild interest as her eyes sought Alusia's own. "Finally there'll be someone to tend the pack's borders and serve as another Spine ambassador" she barked with a nod that reeked of approval. While she had initially thought the job of an Outrider to be nothing but that of a messanger that ran errands for the pack she had slowly discovered it meant so much more -- and while, due to her natural hostility, she was not the best diplomat she had fallen in love with the trade nonetheless.
Now, however, with a much more friendlier wolf like Alusia potentially taking the role of ambassador Cara could have the much needed rest she needed; not only as an Alpha but as a soon to-be expectant mother. [/size]
The pale female observed her Queen's features, and was satisfied when a pleased smile crept up on her face. She glanced at the snow beside her paws, and pondered what secrets are hidden beyond the pack's boarders. The "two legged one" had left Alusia close to the Spine's boarders, and after a week of wondering alone, her fate brought her to Cara who accepted her into the pack. That being said, she had not discovered much of the Teekon Wilds, and the growing anticipation of learning its secrets only grew stronger.
Focusing back on Cara, she listened as the female explained she was also a warden. It seems Alusia shares the same interest as her young Queen, and could most certainly use guidance from her. "I would be pleased to serve at the boarders, as I already enjoy spending my time at them." If that wasn't the truth, then Alusia didn't know what was, the boarders were clam, peaceful, and a great place to get away from the pack. She was not antisocial wolfess, but was one that enjoyed the time she had alone.
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]Even if the female's unfortunate past with the creatures she called 'two-legs" was yet unknown by Cara, it would have perhaps been as well hard to digest for the yearling, who more often than not followed the ideology of 'seeing is believing'. Not leaning to any particular belief, Cara found her lack of spirituality as an emptyness that perhaps could explain her self-adoration or worship.
Why limit to being a Queen if she could be her own god?
Vanity was a sin of many, but a virtue of hers.
Just like her pride was.
With the her lips still curved to reveal her pristine set of fangs in a pleasant smile she looked at the pale female. Unknowingly at the time of welcoming Alusia into the Spine she might've not only found a loyal member that would prove to be fruitful to the pack as a whole, but perhaps too, a friend. It was a possibility, but not yet a reality, though as a individual of little strong relationships accompanied with an unsatiable craving of attention this was a relation she did not mind investing on. With the prospect of her pups coming in the seasons to come and her determination to make of herself a better leader than she had previously been these type of bonds with her subordinates, of trust and friendship, were vital.
"Do you want to go on a quick patrol?" she then asked, feeling that they could both use the opportunity to get more aqcuantained. "I think I have not yet told you but here at the Spine we don't take offenses such as trespassing lightly." she commented as she turned, her tail motioning for the Theta to come beside her. As they walked, a sudden realization suddenly struck the Queen.
Despite the long lapse of time that had transxurred since she had last caught sight of the pack's greatest enemy, Mara, she still thought that her exile wouldn't be respected for much longer, and Alusia being one of the newer members and an aspiring Warden would need to be informed of the pack's current situation. "And now specially we have to be at our highest alarm with intruders." she added, not yet knowing how to introduce the problematic without beginning to curse Mara's shithead out.
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Alusia watched as a smile formed on Cara's face, and was satisfied she pleased her Queen so far. It was then Cara offered to go on a patrol run, which even though she had just come from the boarders, Alusia didn't actually patrol them. However now that she was become a warden, it would be best to know the patrol route.
With a quick nod agreeing to follow, she trailed behind her Queen and learned that Spine wolves do not take kindly to loners, or any other wolf trespassing. The pale female would keep that in mind when on her patrols, so if she found a wolf, she would now know how to deal with it.
When Cara stated that they needed to be especially careful now, she couldn't figure out why. "Why do we need to be on high alert? Have there been attacks?" The young female couldn't stop herself from asking, after all if she was the one facing the dangers, she deserved to know.
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]Soon the two females fell into a synchronized motion, their bodies moving almost mechanically over one of Cara's more frequented patrol routes. As Cara led the way, with her tail swaying over her back and lurring Alusia to fall into her same pace, she felt one of her barriers crumble.With the upcoming Spring and the promising compromise their most recent recruits had shown, between them Alusia herself, the blossoming of the Spine would be innevitable and at the same time magnificent.
In heaven, hell, or wherever she was, Jinx would be filled with pride.
As expected, the pale female picked up on the stress she had placed upon the poisonous syllables referring to Mara. And as planned, Cara, very gladly , began to explain to the aspiring Warden and Outrider the painful history that lied between them both. Cara and Mara.
"It was a former member of the Spine, I was Gamma while she had just joined." she began, looking briefly over her shoulder to seek the female's eyes as she went on, "She was in the lower tier and could not stick to her respetive tier -- she blatantly challenged me and even after we got into a scuffle she continued to threaten me" she continued, her voice suddenly bitter with the small remaining of ire that lied on her heart. "When I ascended as Alpha a few weeks later, Kaname and me summoned her -- we attempted to straighten it out but again she tried to rise against me. And as I said," she barked, coming to the conclusion, "I don't tolerate insubordination" she finally ended, holding her eyes to Alusia's for a fleeting moment before turning again.
Hopefully hearing the story of the miserable flea-bag would serve as lesson enough for the girl -- even if as it was, Cara doubted she was as dumb to do anything similar. "Her name is Mara, she wears an ugly scar across one of her eyes and I --" she trailed, her voice coating itself with piercing icyness, "after she threatened my unborn pups, gave the command to kill her at sight." she barked, her eyes scanning over the girl's face for any trace of reaction.
[/size]
Alusia steadily trailing behind, gladly listening to the story Cara told. Alusia had grown up in a pack where she learned to respect those higher ranking than herself. So when she heard of Mara challenging her Queen a disgusted look crept on her face. "That's horrible, this Mara sounds like a bitch" she said chuckling to herself as she usually did not curse.
However everything seemed to stop when Cara mentioned her unborn pups. Alusia now stood frozen, peering ahead as she continued to listen how Mara threatened Cara's pups. The pale female's blood started to boil and a low growl escaping from her gritted teeth. "How the fuck does someone threaten anothers unborn pups" she yelled, but not at her Queen, and more to herself.
If Alusia was lucky enough to have pups one day and someone threatened her litter, she would end their life right there. "She best stay of the Spine's land, because if I catch her she'll be good as dead" she stated with a smirk before walking again, her mind now filled with many thoughts. "Anyways, congrats on your pups! I bet your going to be a great mom" the pale female said while smiling, and slightly nudging Cara's side. Alusia could already see herself playing with the youngsters, and going on mini adventures with them.
eep i just cam up with the cutest nickname for cara to give alusia :o
alusia mond.
al-mond
almond
*dies*
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]The blatant disgust with which the pale Theta responded with roused a smile of pure amusement to settle upon the Queen's own features. "She is one" she barked with an annoyed scoff. While the reason that hid beneath their initial argument had perhaps been insignificant it was the fact that even after being scolded for her insubordination, she continued to threaten Cara -- who aside from being a long standing member of the Spine, had also held a higher rank.
It had not been her crime itself what had condemmed her, but the way she responded to her punishment.
A punishment that according to the rules of nature was rightfully deserved for those who broke the rules that they had, freely, adhered to as they completed their joining. Perhaps along with her forgotten brain, the female had forgotten to read between the lines of the contract she had silently signed as she accepted a rank within the Spine. Or perhaps she was just merely an idiot.
The two seemed very likely.
What she had not seen as likely, however, was for the female's anger to escalate so quickly after pups were made part of Mara's threat equation. Even if Cara had held caution towards her menacing words, a part of her had blatantly diregarded the seriousness of it all simply because of Mara's incompetence to do such.
"She won't lay a paw on them; of that the pack will make sure" she interjected with pompous confidence before she could hear Alusia's threat to Mara, followed by a quick congratulations on the, yet unconcieved, pups that she would carry.
With the small whiskers that guarded her muzzle twitching with amusement she watched the Theta with thoughtful eyes. Not only during the initial part of their conversation had she managed to tip the scale to her favor (mostly because of the interest she expressed in the trades Cara loved so much herself) but now, as she spoke threats against the enemy with such conviction and showed a genuine interest in the yet unborn brood of Moretti pups, she began to win more than the Queen's liking.
"That's what I hope", she answered, honesty seeping its way into her words as she innevitably voiced the anxiety bringing life to the world produced in the Queen.
She was the type of wolf the Spine was waiting for.
And she was type of moral support Cara was craving for.
[/size]
Aww.. That's an adorable nickname for her!
Alusia trotted happily beside Cara, she was exited for pups, even if they were not her own. She was a lone pup, no littermates, no siblings, and no other pups in her former pack. The pale wolfess was always expected to grow up and become some leader at her former home, but at the moment that was not what she wanted. At such a young age, the female wanted to live her life, before being forced to rule. Alusia just doesn't understand how Cara, could possibly want that much responsibility.
Now that she was no longer in her arctic home, the young wolfess did not need to worry about such things. Here she was happy, with kind wolves surrounding her, she felt welcomed, she felt at home. A glance at Cara made the pale female's eye shine with respect. A queen, friend, family member, supporter, now soon a mother, Cara had manage to be them all.
"If you ever need anyone, I'll be here for you" Alusia said, but wasn't exactly sure why. Perhaps it was because of how much Cara had on her shoulders, and in her natural kind nature, Alusia just wanted to take some weight off, and put it on her own.
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]Though she could not claim that the load she held upon her shoulders was one she carried with ease, she could also not say that it was a burden. Even if the dark and in the light, in the bad and in the good, the pale yearling was in love (or rather addicted to) the regal status she wore while sitting in her throne. And as she had proven before, not even the brusque loss of her crown was enough to stop her ambition, if anything, it only served to fuel it.
On the other hand, being a 'mother' was something completely new.
It was a title she was slowly learning to digest. And while it was perhaps -- no it definitely was-- a life changing decision for the female as well as for the brown Beta, she was becoming every day more certain of her choice. In the midst of the thriving success with which they seemed to the ending the cold Winter season and the fruitful results of their most recent recruitments, the decision of seizing the pack's prosperity with the plans of motherhood had come easily.
Now, that she was at her peak, both of her youth and her recognition, she felt the need to go beyond.
There needed to be more of her own, more Spine wolves, but in particular --more to share her last name.
More Moretti's.
With another silent chuff and an amiable wave of her tail she continued to lead Alusia down the snowy path that contoured the outskirst of the Spine. "Alusia --what's your last name again?" she began, her voice coming out almost as a pleased purr, which was bluntly interrupted by the own question that stranded from her lips. She did want to know her better -- especially more so after she had offered her support so openly (not like a subordinate but as a friend).
"Thank you" she concluded, turning her head ever so gently to connect her nose to the female's shoulder in a quick, grateful motion.
[/size]
As the two wolfess continued through the territory, Alusia hoped it would last like this forever. She loved winter, even though so many wolves hate it. The winter in the Spine, reminded the young arctic wolfess of her life back in Alaska. However is was hard back at her former pack, no other pups were born that year, so Alusia had to grow up without any playmates. After being locked in a cage for three months, everything that was once happy turned to sadness. Nevertheless, the pale female always found something to fight for, and yet again she has found something. The Spine, her new home, and hopefully this time she won't be taken away.
When Cara asked for Alusia's last name, she thought back to her mother, and all the fun times they had before she was taken away by the creatures. "Mond. Alusia Mond" she said proudly, and for good reason. "It was my mother's name, not my fathers." The pale wolfess's mom, had to go through months of persuading, and begging to let her offspring hold her last name. Alusia's father never agreed until he saw they would only have one pup, and finally allowed the Mond name to continue.
I am really enjoying the fact Cara finally seems to have made a friend xD
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]The casualty with which the conversation seemed to flow between them was enough to make Cara strip herself slowly of the defensive barrier she wore over her chest. In a strange, yet comforting way, the pale female's company brought memories of another female --Vectra; the only wolfess that Cara had counted as a friend in the turbulent months that followed her debut as Alpha. She, like Alusia, had been one of the very few wolves to support her when the times looked grim, and uncertainty tainted the atmosphere.
And like Alusia, she had been sincere.
"Alusia Mond" she repeated, her chin tipping down as she filed the name on her brain. Then as she tasted the words roll off her tongue she noticed something peculiar about the combination of her names. In a strange display of self-amsusent the Queen allowed her tail to swish rythmically behind her as she laughed softly.
"Alusia; there's no real way to shorten it, unless I can call you Al" she barked mischeviously, twisting one of her slim ears back as she parted her lips into a smile, "And in the case I could, you'd be Al Mond -- Almond!" she quipped with the greatest,and probably most stupid smile she had ever given, plastered to her face.
"Can I call you that?" she asked, her eyes shinning with an expectant expression laced within the pale yellow of her orbs.
Was this.. what the beginning of a friendship felt like?, she found herself suddenly wondering as she again, offered the pale girl a kind wag of her tail.
[/size]
The way you just described Cara made me think of when the Grinch's heart grew three times bigger ;p
It seemed that Alusia had made a good impression on Cara, and the pale female was pleased by this. When her queen announced her new nickname, she smiled awkwardly, in return for Cara's
stupid smile.
Almond, that was not what Alusia was expecting, nevertheless she wasn't bothered by it.
"Sure" the arctic wolfess said exitedly, as she had just gained her very first nickname.
"From this day forth I will be forever known as Almond" Alusia said with a smile. She too felt that a friendship was beginning, and during the time spent with Cara, Alusia felt a little more comfortable around her.
@Alusia --wrap it up?
[size=medium]"in the land of gods and monsters,
I was an angel"[/size]
[size=small]While the pale yearling wouldn't have been bothered if her brilliant idea was shot down she was pleasantly surprised to see her new friend's lips twist into a smile that gleamed with approval. The silly quip, which had rolled of her tongue without much thought, had managed to do what Cara alone hadn't been able to.
Bond with another.
In the past, she had been so caught up on herself, on her own mind, on her own duties, that she had not even tried to reach out to another aside from Sitri or Kaname. In them, she had thought she had it all -- but as of now she knew that despite how fond she was of them both, they could not offer what the pale female did. Even as an openly jealous matriarch, female friends to gossip and gush her problems to was a must.
There were things that not even mateship entitled Kaname to knowing, things that were reserved -- from his ears at least.
So, Almond was perfect.
She had already earned points by the mere fact she was too interested in persuing a life of a Warden, and had practically won her over after her reaction to Mara's story. Everyone knew that your friend's enemies were by default your own. And by expressing her strong disgust towards the female (after having just heard Cara's side) it was more than clear that she was just the type of wolf Cara wanted around.
As far as the pale Queen was concerned, it was her side of the story the only one that was valid anyways.
A bright smile bubbled to the female's lips and instantly, Cara mirrored one on her own narrow snout, her tail still swinging rythmically behind her as she slowly cut the distance between them to give the female's cheek and affectionate nudge, that would remain to be more surprising to herself than to Alusia.
Not being big on physical displays of affection, it was with the most sincere emotions that she had reached out to touch the other female.
"Cara can't be really shortened --unless you want to call me Car" she joked lightly as she pulled away from the female with her eyelashed batting playfully.
Yet, with her interior still dazed by her inexplicable drive to express her fondness with something othe than words, she gave no hint of feeling in the least ashamed.
She didn't have to be.
It was then that, in the middle of the birth of their friendship, Cara silently wished that the female would stay long in the Spine.
At least to witness her children's birth.
[/size]