+- Wolf RPG (https://wolf-rpg.com)
+-- Forum: In Character: Roleplaying (https://wolf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Archives (https://wolf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Thread: Bearclaw Valley cigarettebud (/showthread.php?tid=64311)
cigarettebud - Cole - January 01, 2025
The healing wounds stretched and pulled with each movement, but he paid them little mind. Pain was a familiar companion, and he had no patience for coddling himself.
The air was sharp and cold, carrying the scent of snow and the faint trace of wolves that had passed before him. He followed the trail with purpose, his amber eyes scanning the trees for any sign of the Regina.
@Ameline.
Her name carried weight in his mind, a figure of authority and composure. She was who he needed to see, hoping to hear his request from the girl on the outskirts. Forsythia.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 02, 2025
She toyed with the prospect of adding more bones to the entrance of the valley, but ruefully found herself growing sour about the idea, knowing that they were absolutely patrolling and marking enough to field off intruders. Perhaps it was time to lay down the law with all of Bearclaw- so that such a blunder might never happen again. They couldn’t be roaming out into the wilderness and letting strangers think they could waltz in just because they knew someone.
She was searching for Cole, only to find herself being tracked. She stiffened and bared her teeth as she heard someone approaching, to bare more in a grin once she caught sight of him.
She relaxed her shoulders and turned toward him, looking momentarily into his gaze with fondness before she sought out the bite marks left on his face. She sighed and clicked her tongue.
Thutch a fuckaround.She commented, referencing the trespasser.
Jeethe, can’t even convinthe a trethpather that they’re doin’ thomethin thtupid without them tryin’ to plead their cathe.
She moved to touch noses with him, still somewhat unwilling to come too close with him, knowing the changes brewing within herself.
You done good, though,She remarked.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 02, 2025
Cole scoffed, a dry chuckle rumbling from his chest.
It ain't easy work, but it's good,he replied, his tone as steady as the mountain he'd grown up on. His gaze shifted momentarily to the treetops, recalling the encounter that had left its mark—both on his face and his mood.
Fools like that... makes you wonder how they make it this far without learnin' the rules.
He leaned back slightly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he met Ameline's gaze. Her words, despite their bite, carried an undercurrent of appreciation that softened his irritation.
You always got a way of puttin' things straight,he added, his voice low but laced with a wry warmth.
Guess it takes more than a bit of blood to make 'em see sense.
After a beat of silence, his expression turned thoughtful, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone.
What d'you know 'bout Kvarsheim?He tilted his head slightly, watching her closely.
A lil' girl from their corner was askin' about us.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 11, 2025
Privilege,She supplied, licking the sour aftertaste of the word from her lips, though her whiskers remained straight, an indication of her disdain.
Wolveth who got no tough love when they were a kid.She speculated. Those who came from have not families, after all, had to fight for everything, and lacked the same sense of entitlement that others seemed to have.
Then again, she looked kinda beat up. I theen wolveth with that thing on their neck before…Maybe it doeth thomethin’ to you, havin’ it on.She wasn’t sure- but she knew she didn’t like it or trust it.
He seemed comfortable with her process of doling out punishment. Inflicting pain had always been an effective remedy for trouble at the borders.
Took time to learn. A year an’ a half ago I probably woulda jutht wanted huh dead for comin’ tho clothe.She admitted.
Gueth I’ve thoftened a bit,Though the glint of her teeth as she chuckled said otherwise.
She’d simply changed her methods; pain was more effective than a quick death. Pain taught a lesson, and lessons couldn’t be learned by the dead.
I wanted to thank you, for goin’ along with it all. For your trutht, an’ for bein’ tho efficient. You did good.It was important that he knew he’d been watched, noticed, and that his actions were weighing heavily in his favour.
And now, the scout had news of Kvarsheim.
Yeah, I know of ‘em. Thmall pack, led by a younger guy named Thven. They lookin’ for a pack hunt or thomethin’? I’m sure we can arrange that.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 11, 2025
Cole inclined his head slightly, his amber eyes steady on Ameline as her words sank in.
Thank you,he said simply, his voice firm but carrying an undertone of sincerity. Her acknowledgment meant something, though he wasn’t one to dwell on praise.
They’re looking for anything, really,he added, his gaze thoughtful.
The girl seemed shocked we’re spoiled with food here. Guess they don’t have much to go around.
He paused, his expression neutral but laced with a hint of concern.
We’ll see what they need, and if it’s worth our time.With that, his tail gave a faint flick, a sign that he was ready to act when needed.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 11, 2025
Was Kvarsheim struggling? True their leader was young, but Ameline she had not been wrong when she’d judged him to be sound. Still, to hear that the pack was hungry piqued her interest; she and Ancelin had gone to Kvarsheim once, and had poked around to test the loyalties of the pack, try and pull away those who might settle with them in the valley- all had remained in their riverside home.
It seemed now might be the time to go and investigate again.
More curious still was the way Cole spoke of the meeting. Something about his deft decree ruffled her feathers; it was the job of the Rex and the Regina to make such calls. Her pupils narrowed for a moment, and she paused.
Better to use a skill than to smother it.
You’ve been a leaduh before, haven’t you, Cole?She asked.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 11, 2025
Cole shifted uncomfortably under Ameline’s gaze, his amber eyes flicking briefly to the ground before meeting hers again. Her question wasn’t sharp, but it carried weight, and he felt the heat of embarrassment creep into his chest.
I overstepped,he said quietly, dipping his head in apology.
Didn’t mean to. Just… spoke without thinkin’.
He straightened slightly, though the weight of her question still lingered.
Yeah. Once. Long ago.His voice was steadier now, but there was a hint of something deeper—regret, maybe, or a reluctance to dwell on the past.
Cole cleared his throat and glanced to the side, as if the memory itself was something to shake off.
Different times,he added, keeping his tone neutral.
Learned my place since then.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 11, 2025
He was a big man. His best friend- as far as she could tell- was also a strong man. Two titans who guarded the pack, sniffing out recruits, and leading them to their home poised as gentlemen. They would be the first point of contact between numerous new recruits, and along with their strength and friendliness, they could easily be seen as an influential member of the pack.
A more insecure wolf might have looked harder at the pair and considered them as a potential threat; Ameline looked only as closely as she felt necessary. He apologized, having caught her meaning swiftly. Her eyes gentled and she nodded once; apology accepted.
The fact that he spoke with regret reassured her that he had not come to the valley with the intention of staging a coup- but she hoped it wouldn’t hinder some of his ambitions.
You’ve probably changed thinthe then, though,She said.
Maybe who you were then, wathn’t ready to be a leaduh. But who you are now…I think you’re gravitatin’ toward that role kinda naturally.She suggested.
I got two thingth for you to think about,She said, her tone brightening.
One- ith that maybe you’d be good in the Rogue pothition, thinthe you’ve made it clear you can thcout pretty damn well. But that’th more of a temporary change,She said, and paused.
I want you to think about if you might be ready thometime to take on more rethoonthibility, a highuh rank. We’d like to have one “Hed” for each duty….Hedguard, Hedrogue, Hedhunter, et-thetera.
We altho got two leadership pothitionth; hand of the Rex and hand of the Regina. We might be lookin’ to fill them roleth about when the kidth thtart bein’ born.
Conthiduh where you think you fit now, not how you might’ve been yearth ago, ‘Cauthe that ain’t you anymore. Not completely anyway. Think on that, hmm? ‘Cauthe you’ve been givin’ Anthuhlin an’ I every reathon to think you’re gonna do well in thith pack; we jutht need you to believe it too.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 11, 2025
He nodded slowly, absorbing Ameline’s words with a thoughtful expression. Her confidence in him felt strange, almost unfamiliar, but he didn’t shy away from it. Instead, he let it settle over him, quiet and steady like the snow around them.
If rogue is where I fit now, I’ll take it,he said simply, his voice even but resolute.
Scoutin’ feels natural enough. Congratulations, by the way.Children.
He paused, his amber eyes flicking toward the horizon before returning to meet hers.
The hand roles, though…He trailed off for a moment, considering.
What would they do? What’s expected of them?
His gaze lingered on her, his curiosity genuine. The idea of taking on more responsibility wasn’t one he had entertained for a long time, but something about the way she spoke made him think—maybe, just maybe—it wasn’t entirely out of reach.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 13, 2025
Done.She said, with a brief nod. It would bode well for the pack, to have diversity in the roles taken by the wolves who now filled the ranks. Rogue would have been a top choice had she not been a leader- guard as well. Now, with Cole being groomed for a leadership position, she saw even more similarities they shared.
The hand roleth would be ekthpected to act ath a leaduh, an’ would be able to admit new memberth to the pack without havin’ to call Anthuhlin an’ mythelf to check ‘em out. The Rex and Regina thtill have authority over them on motht matterth but we are hoping to find individualth whothe valueth which are alike enough with ourth that we all act with the thame intentionth.
She explained.
Rex and Regina rule together, remember, neither above the other. Tho when the time cometh for me to have kidth, I will thtill be Regina but my Hand might thtep in to help me a bit, athume my border patrol dutieth, my plathe in hunt-th, though thtill ath Hand, tho Anthuhlin would thtill have the authority in thothe thituationth.
The handth would be involved in leader dithcuthionth, have thome input should we need to negotiate with othuh packth, an’ may be thent on our behalf to communicate with ‘em.
In short, Handth’re an ekth-tention of our leadership team. We work together to grow and maintain the legathy of Bearclaw Valley, and overthee it’th prothperity. Make thenthe?She asked, assuming he might have more questions about the role. If not, it would give him plenty to think about.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 13, 2025
He listened intently, taking in the weight of her words and the responsibilities tied to the role she described. The scope of it, the trust it entailed—it was more than he had expected, but it was not unwelcome.
When she finished, he dipped his head again, a quiet acknowledgment of the honor she was offering.
I understan'.he said, his voice low but certain.
I’d be honored to be given such a position.
He paused, his gaze flicking briefly to the horizon before returning to hers.
I’ll do what’s needed to prove I can handle it,he added, a faint edge of resolve in his tone.
For the pack, and for the legacy you’re buildin' here.
With that, he fell silent, his expression thoughtful, already considering what steps he’d need to take to rise to the expectations set before him.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 13, 2025
Whatever regret he’d had when he’d mentioned his previous experiences as a leader seemed to lift like mist under early sunlight. She could see that he considered the opportunity carefully, and felt confident that he would act differently, this time.
Whatever it was that had caused him regret could potentially become a thing of the past, if he could succeed at it in the months to come. She had promised him a place where he could be reborn and start anew- and she intended to follow through.
Good. Well,She said, lifting herself out of more serious aspects of leader mode.
I’ll let Anthuhlin know I talked with you; we’ll rank you ath Rogue- It’th the thame tier ath Hunter or Guard- an’ if that theemth to thuit ya, well thee you move up to Hedrogue before longShe murmured approvingly. She chuckled when a thought struck her.
One of your firtht tath-kth might actually be helpin’ me to find the tokenth I’ll need for rank promotionth,She said.
Each rank get-th a token…Like when you got your quillth. Well, you can keep thothe becauthe you earned ‘em, by the way. I’m good on quillth- but there’th other thingth I’ll need, if you got a sharp eye an’ don’t mind doin’ a bit of thcavenging.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 13, 2025
Cole gave a small nod, a flicker of a grin tugging at his lips as Ameline spoke.
I’m quite the scavenger,he replied, his tone steady but laced with a touch of humor.
He straightened slightly, the idea of the task settling comfortably in his mind.
If there’s somethin' you need, I’ll find it. Tokens, trinkets—whatever it takes.
His amber eyes met hers briefly, a quiet determination beneath his words.
And I’ll make sure you’ve got what you need for the pack. No need t'worry abou' that.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - January 27, 2025
Figured I could count on you,She said wryly. Cole seemed to be an over-achiever in many respects; she had yet to see him turn down a request or an opportunity. She wondered quietly to herself, with all the women he had recruited for the pack, would he ever be able to turn any of them down, should they bat their eyes at him?
It wasn't her problem, anyway. Cole was an adult- he could find out for himself if he could manage his own commitments.
Ath for tokenth...We need a variety of thingth...Featherth- from blue jayth, crowth, owlth, eagleth...For thkullth, we'll need fokth, porcupine, eagle, owl, crow, an' bluejay,She smiled faintly.
No rush on thothe, though. Jutht keep an eye out....I might athk Towhee Jr if her bird can help uth out with that a bit,After all, Ghost was a carnivorous creature himself.
Couple shellth from the coatht, fokth fur...Maybe the whole tail- but I'll get that one, I know jutht the one to get,She said, knowing herself that it would only be proper that Cole didn't have to go searching for his own Rogue token.
I'm good on porcupine quillth for a bit, I think,She said.
Anythin' you can find'll be good. It ain't a top priority, cauthe it'th all jutht thymbolic. Mindin' the borderth cometh firtht.She said. He'd been a guard, after all- he knew what the task was like.
Might have thome more diplomatic thtuff comin' up too, regarding thome of our neighbourth; low priority, but we should touch bathe with 'em thoon.Before children came along, of course.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - January 27, 2025
Cole inclined his head, his steady gaze meeting Ameline's as she spoke. He took in her words without hesitation, the list of tasks already filing themselves neatly into his mind. When she finished, he gave a slight, firm nod, his voice a low rumble of reassurance.
I’ll do my best to bring back what we need,he said, his tone as solid as the earth beneath them.
And you know I’m just a howl away. Always.
His eyes flickered toward the horizon for a moment, thoughtful, before returning to her.
Feathers, skulls, shells—I'll keep my eyes open. Borders come first, but I’ll bring in what I can along the way.
He shifted his weight, standing a little straighter, the subtle tension in his frame a sign of his readiness to tackle the tasks ahead.
Diplomatic work’s no trouble, either. Just point me in the right direction when the time comes.
Though his words were brief, there was an unspoken commitment in the way he carried himself—a promise that he would do more than his part, that he was steadfast in the role he’d taken on.
You can count on me,he added, quieter this time, but no less resolute.
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - February 02, 2025
It wasn't often that the Regina questioned herself, but she was given reason to pause and wonder what she had done to deserve so loyal a packmate as Cole. Nothing had ever come to her without a fight; nothing had ever been handed down or given without being earned and even when she had tried to prove herself, she'd failed. Now, she was a queen- just as she had predicted, when she'd been nothing but a starving orphan- and Cole had wandered into their midst. She hadn't fought for him, or performed any acts that had set her aside from all the others he could have followed. She'd asked- and he'd answered.
Perhaps that was all it took- but she wouldn't take his help for granted. She couldn't; she wouldn't likely get this lucky ever again.
She reached out, touching her muzzle to the corner of his cheek, and grazed the bridge of his nose with a swipe of her tongue. She stirred the air with waves of her tail, suggesting the affinity she felt. For so long, she had only had Ancelin and the girls. After being cast out from Redtail Rise, she'd wondered if she would ever consider packmates to be family again. Those questions were beginning to fade away, like ice melting under an afternoon of clear skies.
I know I can,She said softly, pulling back.
An' know that I'm grateful.She said, with a deep nod of her head.
RE: cigarettebud - Cole - February 02, 2025
It was safe to assume that he was shocked by the sudden affection that the Regina displayed. He didn't shake her away. Instead he stood still, letting her words roll off of him in ripples.
Cole met her gaze with a firm nod, his expression unwavering. He wasn’t one for flowery words or unnecessary sentiment, but he meant what he said, always.
I’ll make sure you get back to your den safe,he stated plainly, his voice steady, carrying the weight of his promise.
There was nothing more to say. He moved to her side, ready to walk with her, eyes sweeping the landscape with practiced vigilance. Whatever dangers lurked in the valley, they wouldn’t reach her. Not while he was here.
fade:)?
RE: cigarettebud - Ameline - February 13, 2025
His suggestion- as well-intended as it was- provoked a swift reaction from the Regina, whose head snapped back as she cackled.
Walk her to her den? What a joke.
Until she realized that it wasn’t- and that he was serious.
Her brow raised; Ancelin was her knight, and while he was courteous, protective and brave, he was also a jovial soul who knew that his mate had pride, and did not require the sort of chivalry that might depict her as the weaker sex.
Cole, she felt, certainly did not mean to imply such a thing- he cared deeply for her well-being, and thus her features softened for a moment, to show her appreciation. A moment later, she chuckled softly and rose to her feet, momentarily drawing close as if to welcome him as her escort, only to jab her shoulder against his a moment later.
I’ll be fine. I’m the Regina,Came here merry dismissal, followed by another light chuckle as the queen of the valley made her way back home.