|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 8:38 pm
Oh, but when was the last time she had been small enough to fit in her old hiding places, Marissa wondered.
Her parents had long since had their second litter, and Marissa's brothers and sisters had long since then grown as well. She couldn't believe how much time had passed, looking back, and upon realizing this was quite depressed. You'd think she'd started permanent molting cycle by the way that she moped about the secondary territory these days.
((Pictures of which are coming soon, I swear. D: heart ))
Her cousin, Naomi, didn't seem to have that fear.
Naomi didn't seem to have any fears. Marissa admired that about her.
So as the two females walked side by side through their packlands, simply thinking back to puphood, Marissa couldn't help but wish she had gotten out more.
"It's been forever since I left the packlands." She whined to Naomi, who she knew wouldn't mind the lamenting. "I wish Uncle Hige or daddy would come with us."
"You could always go it on your own, Marissa, you're older than most of the other 'pups' here." Naomi calmly recanted, having lost a considerable amount of energy as she grew through the months, mellowing out completely.
"But that's just no fun, I mean, what if I end up out there for a while? Isn't adventure more fun if you have someone with you? I don't know... it's not like I'm looking to end up lost in the freelands for months or anything, it's just, it's so predictable here, nothing ever happens. Not since we found this new land."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 11:26 pm
Where had time gone?
The sun had risen to it's peak as the early afternoon was casting its bright rays through the boughs above and breaking through the shadows that seemed to loom about. The winter snow was receeding at last as the ground below was becoming warmer and drawing closer to when spring would return once again. To the white and gold swirled male, winter was a lazy and depressing time of the year as, like his brother Darius, he thrived in the summer and lived as if everyday was a new adventure. But the times were changing.
Nonchalantly, Leith padded through the light patches of slush as his weary blue and green eyes focused on nothing but the ground. Darius was upset about Hallie and all of the tension his brother was consumed by was directed in anger against him. With all the contention and the anger, Leith had lost faith in the same principles as his brother so valiantly upheld and had decided, for now, to move on and let Darius cool off from his 'woman trauma'.
Where were the good 'ol days where he and his brother were inseperable? Where were their random excursions and attempts to 'woo' the females they came across? These days the packlands were sparse with any life and it felt as if he and his family were the only sole remaining members of the packlands. There was only six of them but, soon, there were to be new additions to the family as well. But what wolves could bear to be lone within such a desolate land? No excitement? No thrill? No wolfesses?
It was a rough life.
Frowning slightly as a soft sigh escaped from under his breath, Leith shook his head. "It's no use, there aren't any other wolves around here and-"
his ears suddenly perked upwards as he knitted his brows. What was this? Voices? Female voices? Drawing his attention upwards, the young adult peered before him to see two wolfess's several lengths away. Was he dreaming? This was too good to be true! With a grin tucked away within the corner of his maw and his tail wagging behind him in an ubeat manner, Leith began to make his way over towards the two females.
"Afternoon ladies," he greeted with a warm, friendly manner. "I haven't seen you around here before. Are you just passin' through or perhaps I can be of any assistance?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:16 am
Both females slowed to a stop as a male bearing the same scent of sea-salt haulted before them. Marissa recognized the patterns from a description that her uncle once gave of some of their pack mates. Daima? ... No, that wasn't it. Taima, yes, Taima and Damu. My, and she had to admit he was certainly living up to the description her uncle gave.
Marissa gazed back with blue eyes, exchanging mirthful glances with her cousin before turning back to the new arrival.
"Passing through, you could say."
She teased him with a smile, not quite impish, but not innocent either. Flirtatious. Marissa had at some point picked up the art of being flirtatious.
"We live here with my parents, on the other side of the big river." Where Hige and Loki were at least known to have birthed their first, and only, litter. Naomi was sure that this would ring a bell if nothing else did. "You're one of Damu and Taima's sons, are you not?"
Naomi cut in with a patient expression, she wouldn't stick around for long, she'd just make one thing clear before she left her trusting cousin to the whims of this male.
"I believe that I'm correct at least, from father's descriptions..."
"Ohh! Yes! Yes! Uncle Hige spoke very highly of your parents! I can't believe that we're finally meeting like this!"
Marissa was obviously quite excited, alive with electric blue energy and a soft sort of innocence, as well as a strong, vibrant sense of scincerity. She was oblivious to the fact that she had played right into Naomi's intentions, letting Leith know that they were tied to the alphas bloodline. If he should have ill intentions, the consequences for using the alpha's niece would be dire. All of this was implied without either female having to say so much as a single negative thing. And this was Naomi's intention, she didn't want to accuse or blurt out suspicion, but felt the need to look after her older cousin's well being, where as she was too trusting to do so herself, at least among packmates. There were those that would surely take advantage if given the chance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:55 am
His two toned eyes of blue and green settled upon the two females with a warm, kind hearted gaze. His heart seemed to race slightly as it seemed the one female had a flirtacious kick to her- although it wasn't as extreme as others he had encountered within the past.
As the other wolfess spoke, Leith nodded his head. "The other side? Oh, I gotcha. That's the other part of the territory, right?"
His ears suddenly perked upwards, maw slacked slightly, as he tilted his head slightly. His parents were known? Well, certainly this couldn't be a bad thing, right? The white and gold swirled male chuckled softly with a grin, "Yes. I am the son of Taima and Damu," he replied with a humble voice with a soft ring of glee. "My name is Leith."
Everything seemed to be going to fast to keep up with. Hige? Wasn't he and Loki the Alpha's of the pack? So these were his nieces.
"You're Uncle is Hige? I can certainly say it's an honor to meet anyone of his bloodline. My father and mother speak frequently of him and how welcoming he and his mate, Loki, were when they first came to the packlands. Seems like he was the only one who gave them a place to call home." From what his father had spoken, Damu had put his trust within the Alpha's and, although he had done little, he and Taima had been accepted into a pack that was compassionate and dearly cared for their members. Leith had heard the stories of his mother and fathers struggle to find somewhere to belong, to find a place to rest and call home, and it was because of Hige's and Loki's kidness that his parents had been able to settle down and have a family which, soon, was expecting once again.
"They really saved my parents lives. I owe your Uncle and his mate thanks," he added with a sincere smile.
The young adult couldn't help but let his curiosity run for a bit.
"So, your Uncle has told you about our family? Really, we're not all that, you know? My mom and dad do what they can to help the pack and I think they're helping enough with expecting another litter of pups soon too," he chuckled, a twinkle of excitement abiding within his eyes.
"It's your Uncle that gave them hope and a new life. Hige's the one who should be praised."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:11 am
She liked his eyes, they reminded her of the forest and the sea, two of the most vibrant sights she'd ever beheld, and among her favorites, besides the blossoming flowers. "Well... I agree, Uncle Hige and Aunt Loki are very giving, but still, every little bit helps, and sometimes you help in more ways than you think." Marissa reassured with a smile just as kind. "Yes, uncle Hige and Aunt Loki are very happy to have dedicated members, not even all of our blood relatives have stayed as long as your family has..."
And only here did Marissa seem to somber at all from her optimistic warmth, the thought of her sister and some of her younger siblings now dispersed making her again long for the old days.
"Congratulations to your family for the wonderful news, though, that's great! Uncle Hige will be so happy!" She giggled a little bit, though not in a ditzy way. It just seemed like the paler female was ninety-nine percent positive energy, all the time.
"Well, he's her uncle, he's my father, and my cousin is right, there's no need to be so modest. Your father has helped protect these lands for months, it's very much appreciated and well deserved... My name is Naomi, and this..."
"Marissa," Marissa smiled softly, nodding her head forward in a bow of greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Leith."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:39 am
"Well this is the only home they've ever known as well as I have and you can't find any packland that's better than this," he commented, his tail swaying in a pleased manner. His ears perked upwars as a broad grin stretched across his maw, spanning almost from ear to ear.
"Thanks! I'm sure they'll be equally thrilled to know the news has spread."
Listening intently as Naomi spoke, the white and gold swirled male nodded his head. "Ah, okay. You'll have to forgive me, it's hard to break a habit of being formal- learning from my Dad, a lady deserves every ounce of respect." Aside from hunting and learning the art of defense, Leith had learned the trade of chivalry and the art of being a gentlemen from his father. It was a concept that, once engrained within ones mind and actions, it was hard to break. He didn't want to seem awkward in being so polite but, in all honesty, that was exactly how he was raised.
Besides, every wolfess deserved to be treated with due respect and honor once in a while, right?
"The pleasure is all mine Naomi, Marissa." With his limbs getting somewhat tired, Leith settled upon his haunches and thumped his tail behind him. Continuing to smile, the young adult shifted his forepaw.
"Are you ladies just out exploring too?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:47 am
"Oh it will, quite quickly from here I'm sure," Marissa nodded with a grin.
"Actually..." Naomi began with a slow smile, looking to her blue eyed cousin. Now that she had gotten a bit of a feel for Leith, she trusted leaving Marissa alone with him. Naomi gave a glance back to Leith then. "Marissa was just keeping me a bit of company, I'm on my way to scout the borders and make some rounds on Father's behalf. I believe that I'll continue with that if you wouldn't mind looking after Marissa for a bit, for me...?"
A curt, confused whine escaped Marissa's throat, her head and ears lifting abruptly in alert bafflement, only for her eyes to meet with Leith once again as her ears lowered to her skull with a sheepish quiver.
"I'm sure that Leith must have better things to do than babysitting a grown wolf." Marissa chuckled equally akward, though it sounded a bit forced. She felt so bashful just then, where as she was usually so outgoing! She'd very much like spending some alone time with Leith to get to know him better, maybe finally make friends outside of her family blood, but the suddeness of it all took her by surprise.
"Come on now, Marissa, why don't you take him to see the other territory?" Naomi suggested with a well meant smile, slowly stepping past Leith but glancing back from the corner of her eye to make sure Marissa would truely be alright. "I can handle this on my own. You two continue the conversation without me, I insist."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:15 pm
The white and gold swirled male tilted his head slightly with a puzzled grin but it seemed that Naomi seemed to add a twist. Was this sudden departure...intentional? Flickering his ears as his tail swayed behind him in a nonchalant manner, Leith smiled warmly and nodded his head.
"Of course," he replied with a serene, soothing ring within his voice. Even after talking only a little with Marissa, she was definatley a wolfess who he wanted to get to know better. She was breathtakingly beautiful and it certainly was a treat to be able to get to know her on a one on one basis. But as Marissa seemed somewhat hesitant, Leith chuckled softly and padded closer to her.
"Babysitting? No, no, no. It would be a pleasure and I'm sure we'd get to know one another a bit better."
His ears perked forwards as he shifted his weight from each forepaw. The other territory? He hadn't seen that before! Leith could only imagine what it would be like and, from the sound of it, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for an adventure as well. "If you don't mind, Marissa, I'd really love for you to show me around the other territory. It'll be an adventure."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:47 am
"Perfect then, Leith, you have my thanks."
Naomi gave one final parting smile, then turned and was on her way. It was just Marissa and Leith now, as the sounds of the belted female grew further distant.
"Oh, but, Nao... mi..." The attempt to plea for help was in vain, and the female suddenly felt self concious in the presence of Leith all on their own. Marissa couldn't help nor stop the soft, high pitched, nervous whining keen from slipping out of her throat through clenched teeth, but she did will her ears to raise again slowly. "Alright.... well.... this way Leith,"
The calico female wuffed quietly, turning to head back in the direction that she and Naomi had come from, only pausing to glance and make sure that Leith was following beside her. Marissa really wished she could be less shy when it came to boys, like Naomi, but just the thought or topic of elligible males drove the female into bashful bouts and gave her jittery, nervous butterflies. She had confidence in herself, and around family she was outgoing and energetic, confident, caring, perky, sweet natured, and optimistic and positive. When it came down to being complimented though, she certainly needed a bit of work when it came to accepting them. Often times she became shy, and it seemed like all that confidence simply melted away to reveal the humbled beauty beneath the vivacious young female.
Now was no different, she found herself in this situation so unexpectedly, and suddenly the bright, eager girl that Leith had just met reverted not surprisingly into the modest tour guide he saw before him now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:33 am
Leith smiled, his two toned eyes watching as Naomi departed and left the two of them alone. He was rather excited and anxious to get to know Marissa but- was she scared of him? The whines that seemed to slip out from her clenching jaws didn't fall short from his hearing. The white and gold swirled male tilted his head at a small angle and let warm, friendly smile inhibit his maw.
"Right behind you," he chimed, a sweet ring abiding within his voice as he began to pad a few steps behind her. But the distance between them quickly changed as the young adult kicked his pace up a notch and, soon, found himself to be walking right beside her.
He couldn't help but bashfully smile, a slight blush rushing upon his white cheeks as he glanced towards her. The calico female was gorgeous and there was something about her that seemed almost disguised or hidden away. Females were always a bit hard to truly understand and Leith had made his shares of mistakes but he was compelled and certain that he wanted to really get to know her. She seemed eager and one that kept a postive outlook in life and that was something that seemed to attract his attention.
Simply gazing at her and finding it difficult to tear his eyes away from her, Leith perked his ears forwards and kept a grin tucked away at the corner of his mouth. "You're very beautiful, Marissa," he commented with a humble tone.
It may of not been the best choice or a good step to take but he couldn't help it; he had to say something about her!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:03 am
They headed in the direction of the river where she and her brother had made the initial discovery of the new territory in relative silence. It was a mixed blessing, because while it saved her from having to say anything and risking blurting something embarassing, the silence was also giving her time to think on all of the embarassing things she -could- say or do later.
She felt his eyes staring her down, embarassed, but finding that she didn't mind enough that she would have told him to stop. What was he thinking? Did he find the dark circles around her eyes too much like a Racoons? Did he think her bold black stripes too clashing with the softer tans and whites of her coat? It didn't take her long to find out.
The female faultered in her step, but was quick to play it off and try to act as though she hadn't, ears flattening with a sudden rush of modest mortification.
"You're much too kind..." She murmered just above a whisper, clearly flustered as her sapphire eyes scanned the path ahead intently, only once or twice darting in his direction. She just wasn't used to such attention, how could Naomi have left her on her own?? She was sure that if her cousin would've stayed she wouldn't feel so very self concious right now. She just hoped Leith wouldn't think she was trying to be stuck up, aloof, or that she didn't want him around.
The scenery began to change a little, the trees to their left becoming denser, while on the right, signs of the landslide that had taken place became apparent. There were no dens that close to the beach, thankfully, no one had been injured, for the landslide had been a great one indeed.
When the river would finally come within view, one would see how the great stream now flowed along under several fallen trees and then hit the rock path, where it began to wane and finally trickle out on the other end in bare rivlets. As a result the water had begun to cut a new path to go around the rock and dirt. Thanks to the neighboring pack's shaman, they had managed to avoid a disasterous flood, as he helped the river find it's new course, and... a new path was now presented.
They'd cross at the shallow, where one of the trees had fallen parallel along the river shore. There was a bit of forest, and a makeshift canyon to cross through, and then the land would open in the gorgeous valley that she had come to know as the second half of home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:29 am
"Such beauty can only be complimented with sweet words," he replied, his green and blue eye holding a captivating gleam abounding within them. It was much too true; Marissa was too beautiful and how did he ever manage to find alone time with her? Wherever Naomi was or he ever did cross paths with her again, Leith needed to thank her.
He knitted his brows as a curious expression settled upon his maw. Was she embarassed? Why? She had nothing to be afraid of or to be concious about.
"Do you even realize how beautiful you are? You shouldn't act so modest about it." Smirking as his fun, energetic personality was begining to come out, the white and gold male laughed. "Strut with it, roll with it, rock with it! Don't think any less of yourself because you're worth more than you know."
As his paws submerged into the shallows of the river, Leith swayed his tail in an upbeat manner as they traversed through the waters and began heading towards the small forested area. His heart was beating fast and he could feel emotions bubbling up inside of him. Though he wasn't sure how to explain it, Leith felt so comfortable and so relaxed around the wolfess- feeling as if he could do anything and become unbreakable! He had never felt like this before and he didn't want to lose this feeling any time soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:38 am
The familiar sensation of the initial chill sinking in past her fur didn't bother Marissa. She had crossed this path many a time, and once more certainly didn't hurt. The waters didn't even rise to their knees anyway, and soon they were on the other side of the shore.
Marissa couldn't stay embarassed, though when his second compliment reached her ears it did seem like it, but his playful encouragement earned a strange expression as one brow toted higher and one corner of her maw tugged upwards as well in a questioning look. It was as if her expression was declaring him crazy.
Immediately following came a short laugh, her tension beginning to expell much to her relief.
"Well, here we are... this is the border where the new lands begin, it's just past this pathway now." She spoke, shifting the topic smoothly as the pair began the trek through the dirt path. She gave her paws a few delicate shakes to loose the water, instinctively, Leith's scent still dancing heavily in her nose.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:49 am
He couldn't help but laugh as even he thought, for the moment, he was being a bit crazy. But truth be told, he was being himself and that was important to him. The whtie and gold male was a gentleman- chivalrous, yet had a twist of a funloving and magnetic nature. It was impossible for him not to find laughter and fun in everyday occrances.
"Really, Marissa, you are so beautiful. And I hope you can see just how beautiful you really are."
Walking upon the dirt path, Leith smiled as his eyes glanced about in every direction while he was trying to let his senses intake every sensation and get a feel for the new surroundings.
As his maw dropped in awe, Leith seemed to stumble around in a circle. "Wow, how did you ever find this place?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:09 pm
Fearful of developing an ego, Marissa chose to let the subject slide, simply pulling to a stop to watch Leith's excitement with a soft smile. Her striped tail fanned the air in a lazy sway then, her brown-toed paws carrying her forward again to ease to his side with a grin cast his way.
"It's breathtaking, isn't it? When we were adolescents my brother and I found it while we were exploring the cave that used to be here on this side of the river one day. There used to be a hole at the back of it, just big enough for the two of us... If it hadn't been for the storm and the earth-slide, we wouldn't have been able to claim this land for ours."
Clear, crisp blue skies, and peppered rock formations bordering the far eastern and Northern halves of the land. The grass was partially covered by snow still, but shone crisp where signs of early spring poked through. There was an abundance of water, a few tame and shallow rivers, a lake further into the territory, and visible from where they stood a rushing waterfall that presumably mothered the aforementioned lake where the pack could spend their days swimming, unlike with the sea.
Marissa's eyes began to scan the land fondly, falling into awed silence as well. It really was amazing, she'd never expected to see firsthand the wonders that her father and uncle spoke of when they told their tales of the land in the mountains.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
