Avicus heat was over and Ratio felt infinitely better. Until next year, he supposed, when it would begin again. He was lucky in that Avicus was the only woman within their ranks. Although, for the Rise itself, that was perhaps not so lucky. Next year, regardless, he should find something to distract himself with. His mind flickered briefly to Ashlar and he let it settle on him for a moment. It was not the distraction he would have imagined.
He still felt the warmth of chocolate fur against his own. He was fond. He wasn't a complete fool. He still could not fathom how little the man thought of himself. Ratio felt the urge to seek him out daily, if only to tell him what he thought of him - just a little at a time.
He didn't.
And here as he walked along the center of his territory, he was considering leaving.
He wanted to swell their ranks. Prophet had found him wandering and Ratio did not know where he would be if he had not encountered his Berserkr. Was it allowed that he go and seek recruits? Perhaps he was better served at the borders. It was certainly more in line with his nature. If he was needed beyond to find others, however, he would go. If there were to be pups, they could use the protection.
His mind flickered again to Ashlar and this time he pushed the image away.
He still felt the warmth of chocolate fur against his own. He was fond. He wasn't a complete fool. He still could not fathom how little the man thought of himself. Ratio felt the urge to seek him out daily, if only to tell him what he thought of him - just a little at a time.
He didn't.
And here as he walked along the center of his territory, he was considering leaving.
He wanted to swell their ranks. Prophet had found him wandering and Ratio did not know where he would be if he had not encountered his Berserkr. Was it allowed that he go and seek recruits? Perhaps he was better served at the borders. It was certainly more in line with his nature. If he was needed beyond to find others, however, he would go. If there were to be pups, they could use the protection.
His mind flickered again to Ashlar and this time he pushed the image away.
April 20, 2022, 12:38 PM
typhon found himself restless. if his body were still for too long his mind would wander, and it touched upon things he could not bear to linger on for too long.
he held himself to a rigorous standard. every morning since his arrival he had awoke before daybreak to mark the borders, sometimes returning again in the afternoon. once finished he would tend to the caches. on his way there he found the shadow standing still in the center of his line of sight.
he held himself to a rigorous standard. every morning since his arrival he had awoke before daybreak to mark the borders, sometimes returning again in the afternoon. once finished he would tend to the caches. on his way there he found the shadow standing still in the center of his line of sight.
hail,he called.
April 21, 2022, 07:11 PM
Ratio's gaze had been cast downward as he'd thought to himself and it rose to meet the dark eyes of the wolf approaching him. The newcomer hailed a greeting and Ratio's tail swayed once in return. His nostrils took in the scent of the man. He'd heard the call that marked him as one of them and he'd smelled him upon the border. Ratio was pleased to finally lay eyes on him, it took his thoughts away for a little while.
"Hail, indeed." he remarked as the newcomer reached him. Ratio looked him over, pleased by his stature and the scars that marked him as experienced. This was the kind of wolf he would be looking for. "I am Ratio, Bitan under Prophet." he told him, his tone informative. "Are you a hunter or fighter?" It was a question that had been posed to him many times since he'd joined the Rise.
"Hail, indeed." he remarked as the newcomer reached him. Ratio looked him over, pleased by his stature and the scars that marked him as experienced. This was the kind of wolf he would be looking for. "I am Ratio, Bitan under Prophet." he told him, his tone informative. "Are you a hunter or fighter?" It was a question that had been posed to him many times since he'd joined the Rise.
April 23, 2022, 02:54 PM
their words meant nothing to him but he noted them all the same; avicus, the wealda. prophet, the berserkr. ratio, the bitan. and
he licked his lips and turned his gaze away in what was the best display of deference he could manage.
typhon, blod.
he licked his lips and turned his gaze away in what was the best display of deference he could manage.
both,he informed.
i fought in the war of my homeland, but through my hunting i earned my place here.
April 24, 2022, 11:03 AM
Typhon. Ratio would remember him. They were fewer than Ratio - and Avicus, he knew - would prefer. It made the faces and names effortless to commit to memory but he would rather be overwhelmed by their numbers than socially gracious.
He noted the submission and appreciated it. Ratio did not lord himself over others but he did demand respect. He and Augur were both easier going than their direct superiors. It was befitting of them and their place. This man would learn the differences between them all soon enough.
"Both?" he said, "Interesting." Where would he be placed? Prophet had been the one to announce him to the pack and so, it was likely, Prophet had scouted him. "Have you met Tulimaq? He is your Ulfhedinn. Similiar, in rank, to Prophet." Ratio still did not know how he felt about the man. He had had very little interaction with Tulimaq and he was not sorry for that with what little he had seen of him.
He noted the submission and appreciated it. Ratio did not lord himself over others but he did demand respect. He and Augur were both easier going than their direct superiors. It was befitting of them and their place. This man would learn the differences between them all soon enough.
"Both?" he said, "Interesting." Where would he be placed? Prophet had been the one to announce him to the pack and so, it was likely, Prophet had scouted him. "Have you met Tulimaq? He is your Ulfhedinn. Similiar, in rank, to Prophet." Ratio still did not know how he felt about the man. He had had very little interaction with Tulimaq and he was not sorry for that with what little he had seen of him.
April 24, 2022, 01:16 PM
interesting.
was it? where he was from, every man was trained to fight. but a soldier and someone who could defend himself were two different classes, and he supposed they were not often one in the same. he rumbled quietly.
another name, another title.
was it? where he was from, every man was trained to fight. but a soldier and someone who could defend himself were two different classes, and he supposed they were not often one in the same. he rumbled quietly.
what are you?
another name, another title.
no,he informed. he had not met the majority of the wolves that called the rise home.
could you explain how it works?he was easily able to hold onto the names and titles, but was unaware of their true function, and was wary of dedicating himself to a cause he didn't understand.
April 24, 2022, 08:51 PM
"A fighter." he answered easily and gave a nod when the man said he had not met Tulimaq.
Then he requested that Ratio explain. Ratio had learned from doing within the Rise. He understood the ranks only as they applied to him and, at this point, it was well enough to break it down for the newer male. He shifted his weight to a more relaxed posture and rumbled a low hum as he decide how best to explain.
"We are led by our Wealda. She is simply the leader of all - Avicus. I assume you have met her, at least?" he asked, tipping his head. It was almost a rhetorical question as he left little time to answer it as he continued. "Under her are Prophet and Tulimaq who are equal to one another. Prophet is Berserkr, leader of the fight and I am under him as...well, I suppose a soldier." he liked his place in the pack, liked being Bitan, but in the end, he supposed that was all he really was. "Any fighter falls under him as their direct leader. Then Tulimaq is leader of the hunt, Ulfhedinn, and commands his own group of hunters. They are Bitan, for Prophet, and Clawan for Tulimaq."
He paused to let the information settle. It was a bit confusing but it was similar to the home Ratio had grown up in. Instead of being separated by 'hunter' and 'fighter', they were civilian and soldier. The concept was still the same.
"Then there is you, Blod. You are unassigned and unproven. When you have gained trust and respect and when you have earned it, your skills will land you under Prophet or Tulimaq. Avicus will always be the highest power but they will command you directly."
Again, a long pause, before "Do you understand?" it was spoken open and lightly in invitation. If the man did not understand, Ratio would explain further. His tone lacked condescension or impatience.
Then he requested that Ratio explain. Ratio had learned from doing within the Rise. He understood the ranks only as they applied to him and, at this point, it was well enough to break it down for the newer male. He shifted his weight to a more relaxed posture and rumbled a low hum as he decide how best to explain.
"We are led by our Wealda. She is simply the leader of all - Avicus. I assume you have met her, at least?" he asked, tipping his head. It was almost a rhetorical question as he left little time to answer it as he continued. "Under her are Prophet and Tulimaq who are equal to one another. Prophet is Berserkr, leader of the fight and I am under him as...well, I suppose a soldier." he liked his place in the pack, liked being Bitan, but in the end, he supposed that was all he really was. "Any fighter falls under him as their direct leader. Then Tulimaq is leader of the hunt, Ulfhedinn, and commands his own group of hunters. They are Bitan, for Prophet, and Clawan for Tulimaq."
He paused to let the information settle. It was a bit confusing but it was similar to the home Ratio had grown up in. Instead of being separated by 'hunter' and 'fighter', they were civilian and soldier. The concept was still the same.
"Then there is you, Blod. You are unassigned and unproven. When you have gained trust and respect and when you have earned it, your skills will land you under Prophet or Tulimaq. Avicus will always be the highest power but they will command you directly."
Again, a long pause, before "Do you understand?" it was spoken open and lightly in invitation. If the man did not understand, Ratio would explain further. His tone lacked condescension or impatience.
sorry
they will command you directly.
typhon felt his tolerance snap. he bit back the acid fury that revealed itself in the tightening of his jaw as he frosted towards the dark wraith before him. a storm brewed in his chest that overcast his whole demeanor.
yes.the word struck like lightning through the plain of silence that had gathered between them.
i apologize, i must leave now.hackles bristling, he turned sharply to imply he held no patience for interjection. he sought prophet.
April 25, 2022, 04:50 PM
ooc; No worries at all! But I'm not sure how this will play out! :o
The change was sudden to Ratio and the black male felt his hackles rise in response to the shift in posture and mood. His eyes darkened but he managed to keep his muzzle from wrinkling. He did not understand. The change in behavior he saw before him made no sense and gave the Bitan the distinct impression of instability.
The male excused himself and turned away. Ratio did not follow, not yet, but barked out an order like a whip crack, a cold snap in the air between them. "Stop."
If there was something wrong - if this wolf were unhinged or volatile, Ratio would not allow him to walk away and wander the territory on his own.
The change was sudden to Ratio and the black male felt his hackles rise in response to the shift in posture and mood. His eyes darkened but he managed to keep his muzzle from wrinkling. He did not understand. The change in behavior he saw before him made no sense and gave the Bitan the distinct impression of instability.
The male excused himself and turned away. Ratio did not follow, not yet, but barked out an order like a whip crack, a cold snap in the air between them. "Stop."
If there was something wrong - if this wolf were unhinged or volatile, Ratio would not allow him to walk away and wander the territory on his own.
np! typhon surprised me in the last post. i loooove this development but i am gonna wait to see how this plays out before progressing the thread with @Prophet, as this might throw a wrench in things. if i need to edit that i can; i posted it too soon lol.
against his desire, he slowed to a halt. the remorse he had felt for his abrupt departure was incinerated inside the turning coal furnace in his chest.
typhon would not allow himself to be commanded. no longer would he take part in these soldier-games. he had done his time. he had inherited it through generations and watched it diminish the lives of those he loved. he would become dogma's stranger.
be that as it may, another part of him understood why the order had come his way. had he been in ratio's position, he might have done the same. but typhon did not appreciate the tone in which it had been delivered. he despised how his trauma was embodied, and seethed even more to see it wielded against him. it was an insult. the thought was written clear upon his face as he glowered over the jagged slope of his shoulder.
i have no quarrel with you, nor with anyone else. allow me to go about my business.he delivered flatly, unwilling to answer for some imagined transgression.
April 25, 2022, 09:15 PM
ooc; I love when that happens!! :DD I'm sorry to throw a wrench in your progress, hopefully, it wont turn into a fight!
Ratio was incapable of relaxing. He could only see how the man had switched so suddenly and how he was large and powerful. He was unpredictable to Ratio who, unfortunately, could not see inside his mind or know his history. If only he could, Ratio would have shown patience - he would have allowed the man his space. Their circumstances were not so kind.
Avicus could be pregnant, his mind supplied unhelpfully. Additionally, the image of a smaller man with chocolate fur shifted behind his eyes. The rest...they were strong, like him. They could handle this man but it was not in Ratio's nature to put that burden upon them.
"Why." he growled, taking a pace forward if only to remain close enough to catch the man should he run. Prophet had allowed him in. It was Prophet's call on the border - his Berserkr. Did that mean he had Prophet's trust? Should Ratio allow that to be enough?
"What will you do?" diplomacy - Prophet was the one who had let him in. He had to remember that.
Ratio was incapable of relaxing. He could only see how the man had switched so suddenly and how he was large and powerful. He was unpredictable to Ratio who, unfortunately, could not see inside his mind or know his history. If only he could, Ratio would have shown patience - he would have allowed the man his space. Their circumstances were not so kind.
Avicus could be pregnant, his mind supplied unhelpfully. Additionally, the image of a smaller man with chocolate fur shifted behind his eyes. The rest...they were strong, like him. They could handle this man but it was not in Ratio's nature to put that burden upon them.
"Why." he growled, taking a pace forward if only to remain close enough to catch the man should he run. Prophet had allowed him in. It was Prophet's call on the border - his Berserkr. Did that mean he had Prophet's trust? Should Ratio allow that to be enough?
"What will you do?" diplomacy - Prophet was the one who had let him in. He had to remember that.
April 25, 2022, 10:27 PM
don't feel bad! i think this is my favorite typhon thread so far. i love ratio, and i adore how you as a writer have characterized them both.
trained reaction. he whirled to face the other man as he drew forward, greed and instinct unwilling to concede the space he had carved for himself.
because i wish to be left alone,he lashed,
and because you have no warrant to inquire upon it. allow me my shame! and when i am done with it, i will seek our berserkr and i shall inquire upon my place.
it was as vulnerable as he could allow. blind to the beast he appeared to be and unaware of the circumstances that drove the bitan's protective drive, typhon could not reason why his gauche but apologetic departure had yielded this response.
dismiss me.came his somber suggestion.
April 26, 2022, 10:11 AM
ooc; I'm glad! :D And thank you! He's my favorite of my current two and I enjoy allowing my character to misunderstand something that I, as an omnipotent writer, understand completely. I think it's fun that way!
Also - perhaps Ratio could join your thread with Prophet? Depending on his response to this reply.
Shame? The wolf was further making little sense to Ratio. Hackles that had risen when the man had grown suddenly aggravated still had not lain flat and if they could stiffen further, they would have. He wanted to seek Prophet? His Berserkr was more than capable of handling himself but Ratio could not look upon what he saw as neurotic behavior and allow him to wander the territory in search of him.
Yet, did he have the authority to stop him? Was it his place? Surely not to dismiss the man as he was almost want to do. Ratio had no patience and little trust for any animal that behaved, in his mind, so erratically. It was dangerous, from Ratio's perspective, and he would not allow danger to wander his territory with impunity. Still, there was only so much authority he wielded.
After a moment, he said - "No." bluntly, before adding "I will follow you. To Prophet, then, if that is where you wish to go." The man had intended to brood. Ratio had not missed that he was more than angry - he was upset, as well. It confused him more so than blunt anger would have but it also cautioned him, made him a little more curious than outright enraged. Still concerned that he was overstepping but unwilling to let it be, he offered a small measure of kindness - "I will keep distance."
Also - perhaps Ratio could join your thread with Prophet? Depending on his response to this reply.
Shame? The wolf was further making little sense to Ratio. Hackles that had risen when the man had grown suddenly aggravated still had not lain flat and if they could stiffen further, they would have. He wanted to seek Prophet? His Berserkr was more than capable of handling himself but Ratio could not look upon what he saw as neurotic behavior and allow him to wander the territory in search of him.
Yet, did he have the authority to stop him? Was it his place? Surely not to dismiss the man as he was almost want to do. Ratio had no patience and little trust for any animal that behaved, in his mind, so erratically. It was dangerous, from Ratio's perspective, and he would not allow danger to wander his territory with impunity. Still, there was only so much authority he wielded.
After a moment, he said - "No." bluntly, before adding "I will follow you. To Prophet, then, if that is where you wish to go." The man had intended to brood. Ratio had not missed that he was more than angry - he was upset, as well. It confused him more so than blunt anger would have but it also cautioned him, made him a little more curious than outright enraged. Still concerned that he was overstepping but unwilling to let it be, he offered a small measure of kindness - "I will keep distance."
April 26, 2022, 10:43 AM
i would have been open to that, but honestly think i might have to reach out and see about deleting that one because typhon just made it impossible, lol! depending on ratio's response, i can wrap with my next.
the wild fur along his back raised in protest.
no,he commanded, losing his grip on reason,
i will not bare my soul to you. i have done nothing to deserve your intervention. if you will not permit me my privacy, i will withdraw my tenure from redtail rise.he was so incensed that even if the bitan were to dismiss him, he was not certain he could share space with the man again. even if he managed to repair the damage of whatever slight that ratio projected upon him, would it be enough to mend his future?
he thought of his hunt-brothers and felt something break in his chest. acid in his throat, he turned to leave. convinced that the man would leave no room for discussion, he said,
escort me to the borders, if you wish.
ooc; Well, then. xD
Also, your messenger is set to private! @Typhon
There it was. Ratio had no authority to eject this man from his home but here he suggested doing so himself.
How had it gotten here? They had been discussing pack dynamics - ranks and leadership. They were simple things. The Rise didn't ask anything that his old home had not and further, he assumed, no more than most packs. Did he think there would be no authority over him? That he would not have to be led? The more Ratio thought about it, the more his anger grew.
Foolish, unstable brute. The Rise had no use for such a creature, whatever punishment Ratio might endure.
His muzzle wrinkled and his head lowered but he did not advance or lunge. "Go, then." he growled. He would follow him, certainly, and if he felt the man too slow or he grew too unstable, Ratio would see him out with teeth.
Also, your messenger is set to private! @Typhon
There it was. Ratio had no authority to eject this man from his home but here he suggested doing so himself.
How had it gotten here? They had been discussing pack dynamics - ranks and leadership. They were simple things. The Rise didn't ask anything that his old home had not and further, he assumed, no more than most packs. Did he think there would be no authority over him? That he would not have to be led? The more Ratio thought about it, the more his anger grew.
Foolish, unstable brute. The Rise had no use for such a creature, whatever punishment Ratio might endure.
His muzzle wrinkled and his head lowered but he did not advance or lunge. "Go, then." he growled. He would follow him, certainly, and if he felt the man too slow or he grew too unstable, Ratio would see him out with teeth.
April 26, 2022, 11:17 AM
meanwhile, typhon's entire problem with the rise was that it asked exactly what his homeland had required, and he had paid the price too many times to allow himself to submit to a commander again.
he was an honorable man. when he pledged himself to a pack, he would hunt for their citizens and defend them from natural threats — bears, cougars, trespassers. but he would not take part their warmaking, and he had not the chance to ask what politics were in play before his resistance was deemed unacceptable.
this alone signaled to typhon that this was not a reasonable pack, nor one worth defending; however prophet came to be here, they had struck gold.
now that he had shed his title he became impassive. he kept a steady pace and as he crossed the border he tipped his head back to release a howl for prophet, calling him brother and announcing his exodus.
he was an honorable man. when he pledged himself to a pack, he would hunt for their citizens and defend them from natural threats — bears, cougars, trespassers. but he would not take part their warmaking, and he had not the chance to ask what politics were in play before his resistance was deemed unacceptable.
this alone signaled to typhon that this was not a reasonable pack, nor one worth defending; however prophet came to be here, they had struck gold.
now that he had shed his title he became impassive. he kept a steady pace and as he crossed the border he tipped his head back to release a howl for prophet, calling him brother and announcing his exodus.
April 26, 2022, 04:54 PM
@Avicus
Ratio escorted him, behind but not at the man's heels. He would have to answer for this, he knew. His conflicting feelings over the man's behavior and his right to act in the way he did would be things he brooded upon later. For now, he was all business - all solider.
He stopped at the end of his territory and watched the retreating form of the grey man. He looked out for a long time, not flinching when the call came. After a short while, he tilted his head and added his own. If they wanted answers, Ratio would be the one who had them. And he would need to answer for this. Until he was called upon, however, he would be of use.
Not turning inward, instead, he took up a patrol and would likely do so restlessly for the next few days.
Ratio escorted him, behind but not at the man's heels. He would have to answer for this, he knew. His conflicting feelings over the man's behavior and his right to act in the way he did would be things he brooded upon later. For now, he was all business - all solider.
He stopped at the end of his territory and watched the retreating form of the grey man. He looked out for a long time, not flinching when the call came. After a short while, he tilted his head and added his own. If they wanted answers, Ratio would be the one who had them. And he would need to answer for this. Until he was called upon, however, he would be of use.
Not turning inward, instead, he took up a patrol and would likely do so restlessly for the next few days.
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