Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN]

Subject: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Fri Mar 01 2013, 21:59

There were seven of them, all in all. After everything was said and done, after the struggles and fights and turmoil that Aurora had gone through, all that was left of her, in spirit, and in flesh and blood, were these seven now fully-grown wolves.

They were her legacy, and also, perhaps, her greatest failing. For in the end, despite her best efforts and prayers, it was them who had killed the she-wolf with the pelt as white as freshly fallen snow, as she struggled to push them from her womb. In death, she gave them life.

As Aurora lay panting on the ground, drained, the rich crimson red of her blood slowly seeping into her white fur, she had felt a pang of grief of sorrow so strong, that it actually stole her breath away. She had never found love, in her short life. Recruited and brought into Africa, she had lead a solitary life, never really venturing further than the borders.

And the only time she did - her pups had been the result.

So, it was no wonder that Aurora, even at the cusp of death, half within the Grim Reaper's chilly shadow, had prayed and begged with all her might for protection for her pups. For protection, for guidance, and for them to find love.

Just as she had finished forming that thought, the crystals around her golden collar gleamed bright, flaring with a pure, white light that made everything fade in brightness, and with it, went her sight. The bright, blue eyes of the young she-wolf, who had still so much more to give, was lost forever to a clouded, milky white.

Her energy utterly spent, Aurora had relaxed upon the dry grass, her breaths coming in laboured pants, the last remnants of energy escaping from her desperate grasps. As she took her last, shuddering breaths, the whimpers and cries of her pups sounded in her ears, and the she-wolf passed on from this world, with a thousand regrets still held within her heart.

As Aurora's body grew cold, and the fiery sun started to set, the mewling, whining bunch of puppies slowly ceased to make a sound, as they fell into an exhausted slumber. When morning came, four of Aurora's precious pups would have beautiful, elegantly-crafted symbols sketched upon their faces. The other three... One of them grew terrifying spikes from his back, the second grew an enormously long, segmented tail that could move at her command, and the last. The right side of his face had been utterly ruined, with an empty eye socket in one, and a hauntingly beautiful blue-grey eye in the left.

Perhaps, there could be no good without evil to balance it out. The four which had gotten Aurora's protection wish, Helena, Puck, Theseus and Hermia - they grew into beautiful, kind-hearted, free-spirited wolves that would have made their mother so proud.

The other three, however - Oberon, Titiana, and Lysander - they grew to be mean-spirited and cunning, darker and more cruel than their siblings.

Despite that, however, the seven siblings remained close, with a bond unseen by any other. Now, fully-grown, they were here, in their mother's land, to keep their promise to themselves. To see those who their mother had lived with, to understand more about her life - and perhaps, to find acceptance and something more.

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sat Mar 02 2013, 21:31

Princess. Heir. That was what she had been called, but it was also a very accurate description of her behavior. With a pep in her stride did she tread, so elegantly, with her skull held high at all times...especially when speaking to slaves. Of course, she was hasty to lower it only to show her pearly white ivories or to ward off a roaming male from intruding upon their land - their pack.

Diligent watch did she keep over the borders and of the central heart of the terrain, especially when the overseers were not present - like now. An able bodied force did she have to put down any riots and soothe any tensions that may arise in the land. Long had the true alpha male been absent, but none others dared challenged for the throne. With three other males living in the pack, two siblings present, and three of the beta's, certainly, there was no force that they could not handle.

Sharp teeth and razor-like claws were their protection, and the way of darkness what what they clung to around here. All of them lived and breathed the same air, and she knew for certain that she would never leave her home.

There had not been many travelers of late - maybe due to the dry season that had taken hold over the land. In this heat, the antelope were harder to catch, the oasis more dry...

So, when the storm hued, thin female heard the pitter-pattering of padded feet against the dust, her skull snapped up. With a snarl, she rose to her feet from the shaded position. While mother was out hunting, she was to keep the pack under hold, and she planned to do so against the intruders. One scent she recognized. Aurora. It had been interesting how she had been gone for so long...but had finally returned to her masters. Good follower she thought, nodding to herself.

To the others though...she knew not of them and let a throaty growl emerge from her throat as she approached. Her hackles were raised and she let a slow, anxious howl escape her lips followed by a couple yips.

Quickly, her kin assembled by her side, all massive in size as they stalked toward the group. Even the ones that had chosen the road of kindness were with them, as they still shared blood. And wasn't blood always thicker than water? First to follow was a wicked ebony and blood red wolf brute, who looked the very definition of dire wolf and acted it too. He was nearly the same in muscle and in personality as Sauda, as he was her full brother. It was unfortunate that he was born second than as first, for he was not the heir to the throne. Still, he felt himself a capable leader and lurched into a fast walk next to his sister. Blood lust filled his bright red orbs.

Next to approach was Ishana, the other full sister of the group...and the one who was not sure of who she was. Sarcasm ran in the family, but she was not truly evil, though she dared not admit it to her sister. She got along very well with Lyra, a daughter of Laila, who like her, was not particularly evil, just liked her alone time. That did not mean either of them would hesitate to kill if they were attacked.

Next was Raven, a very evil, manipulative ebony brute who took pleasure in killing, much like his deranged father. He was not related to the others, for his mother was Strike Goldstar, and his father was Radu. Although he had initial plans of world domination, he had settled for life with the dire wolves. Protection. Shelter. Spying.

Lastly, Toxique came forth, not truly wanting to be here. But oh well, the 'master' had called. He served no one but himself and generally liked to converse with those that were ranked as 'lessers' of the pack. A true poison wolf he was, but his attitude somewhat differed from one. Just as he was about to spring into action, he heard a command.

"What took you so long, Toxique?" Sauda growled, approaching the group.

"Who are you? And why do you come here?" she asked, keeping the questions simple and to the point. "Ah, Aurora, so nice that you...dropped in..." she said, a dangerous tone to her dark vocals.

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sat Mar 02 2013, 22:15

The three darker wolves in their little pack remained alert, on guard, even as the seven of them thread softly through the savanna. Despite their best efforts, their pawsteps still made rustling sounds that could be heard above the swaying and whispering of the yellow-green grass. Each step, to Oberon, felt like a hammer sounding in his ears.

It had never been his intention to visit this land of his deceased mother. They had been newborns was the white wolf had passed on, and none of them remembered her. At all. So, the dusky-white wolf had no idea why he had let himself be coerced by his other siblings into revisitng the past. If none of them had come to look for the children of Aurora, well then, she must not have been important to those whom she had resided with.

But no, despite all of his own and Titiana's protests, Theseus had insisted om making good on their childish promise to one another. And once little Hermia had spoken up to concur with the black wolf, they had all fallen over their paws to please her. They could never have resisted those pleading, amber eyes. The littlest of them had the other six wrapped around her fluffy paws.

And she knew it, the little devil.

Oberon shook his head fondly, exasperatedly, as he strode forward, leading the rest of their rag-tag little group further inside the plains. His spikes stood up stiffly from his back, and his red eyes flashing with annoyance as Puck jumped on Hermia, wrestling her playfully to the ground.

Honestly.

"Enough," he snapped, stiffening when he heard the sound of a long, drawn-out howl. They had been scented at last.

"C'mon," Oberon growled gruffly, leading the seven of them further inward, as he, along with the other five settled automatically into their usual formation around Hermia, who was beginning to look a little apprehensive, for all her strong and convincing arguments.

They stopped before another group of young wolves - who seemed to be about their age too. Despite that, there was power and finesse in their movement, that theirs lacked. They had had proper training, it seemed. Oberon shifted defensively in front of Hermia, as the rest came forward, spreading out in a line.

"Greetings," Oberon growled briefly, glaring at her curt opening. "I'm Oberon. And these are Titiana, Lysander, Theseus, Helena and Puck."

Hermia shifted restlessly, a low whine slipping through her throat, as she glared at what she deemed to be her over-protective brother.

"And I'm Hermia," she said cheerfully, only the low quaver in her voice reflecting her tension ad nerves.

"We are the children of Aurora," Oberon continued, glaring darkly at Hermia. "We have come to.. investigate our mother's past. And come to meet those whom she lived with."

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sat Mar 02 2013, 22:45

What a interest it was indeed, to smell...to see so many of their kind imploring their terrain. For what reason though - their valued resources...leadership? As that thought came to mind the vixen's hackles raised even more-so. Every fiber of her was tense, simply due to the sheer number in which they had arrived and of their intent. Some smelled weaker than others...and some...seemed quite to her liking.

Soon enough, the other young ones gathered around, watching with curious eyes - some of them, the spectacle that was gathered in the near center of the terrain. Tall grasses hid other important pack members, the guards and security of the land. No one knew how many connections the dire wolves had, just that they were a secret society with many members.

"Sister," huffed Ishana, coming to her side immediately as they approached. "There must be mercy for them...they cannot all be slaves.." she whispered incoherently into her sibling's ear, gorgeous chocolate hued pelt sparkling in the sunlight as her yellow pools scanned over them all in an instant. They seemed more afraid of the massive wolves with large teeth than the leaders were of them somehow taking over the land that they had come to adore.

In the back, Toxique hoarded away his carcass from any intruders that may take his last meal for at least another three days. Being the omega was not an amusing position for him. Being run by females he thought in an aggravated fashion. Absolutely pathetic on my part he added mentally before returning to the pack with his green skull held high. If it was a fight they wanted, they would surely get it. But...something seemed different about these intruders than most did. They did not seek power. But they sought something else from them, from the land. Surely, Sauda would try to enslave them.

Raven came up next to Sauda, a dark smirk upon his features. For months, he had been trying to win the princess over as a mate - unsuccessfully. Both of them came from prominent different bloodlines, but hers were of royalty. And if she decided to be his mate, he would also be royalty. What he didn't know was that she was completely onto him. She knew his scheme and tolerated him only because he was an excellent fighter.

"Return to the back, Raven," she snarled, her tolerance low in this situation.

Sauda nodded easily as he introduced himself, skull erect and proud - they were far below her. If she didn't like the looks of them already, she would have ordered her small army to attack and they would have been obliterated in a matter of moments. All of them had large muscles and had been specifically trained to fight. They were all excellent at it, even though some had chosen a more soft personality as they grew into mature wolves. Fine by her. As long as they were loyal and served her to the end. These too, would serve her until death just as many of their own had.

"I am Sauda, heir to this great land," she said, keeping her distance as she looked to the others. "This is Milleán, second in command. These are Raven, Toxique, Lyra, Ishana, and Nalini," she said flicking her tail easily.

Even more keen was she as they spoke who their mother was and their reason for coming here. "You shall not leave," said Sauda finally, smirking from ear to ear. "Your mother was a slave...dear, dear Oberon. And so are you, by blood," she said, looking him deep in the eyes with satisfaction.

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sat Mar 02 2013, 23:23

He knew, without even having to scent the air, that they had been surrounded - and were being watched. After all, it was what he himself would have done, if he were in this she-wolf's position, obviously, as the current stand-in leader of this land. Not bad. Even if it gave him an itchy feeling under his pelt - like an itch he could not scratch. The rest of his little pack had obviously comprehended the danger that they were in, and remained silent, letting him be their spokesperson.

Even mischievous Puck was devoid of his usual quips and pranks. He could feel the rest of them shuffling slightly closer, fur fluffed out in apprehension and defiance, as they faced this newest threat as how they had always done - together. Titiana's long, flowing tail was curled protectively around the small group, as she boldly nudged her way forward to stand beside her brother.

The white she-wolf's eyes were glowing a blinding blue, as she bared her teeth in a minute snarl, flashing a withering look at Theseus. Well, it was just like him to be all good about honouring promises, was it not? And when it came down to the real nitty-gritty, it was always Lysander, Oberon and herself who got things done.

They watched in silence, as a pretty brown she-wolf stepped up to the grey wolf's side, whispering urgently in her ear, And then as other black brute stepped forward, only to be reprimanded harshly. Oberon couldn't quite keep a smirk off his face at the sight. Well, this she-wolf had sass. He rather liked it.

A low gasp from Hermia caught his attention. The pretty brown-and-cream she-wolf's eyes had widened outrageously, a slightly dazed look on her face, as she followed his form all the way back to the back of the pack.

Oh, hell, Oberon grumbled to himself, watching the two of them. Of all times for his little sister to get a crush.

Theseus shifted nervously, golden eyes flashing from face to face, thinking frantically. How could they get out of this?

Oberon nodded at her in acknolwedgement at her introduction to the rest, only to flatten his ears, eyes glowing crimson in a demonic rage. He let loose a fearsome snarl, stepping forward, even as Hermia stepped back with a panicked gasp, before he felt her breath on his flank once more, her body taught with determination.

"Well, that's surprising," Titiana drawled lazily, swiping a pink tongue around her already immaculate jaw fur. "Seeing as how you let your slaves just roam free. Dosen't hint at a very good track record, does it?"

She was cut off by Oberon's snarl.

"Don't even bother trying to keep us here, Sauda," he growled menacingly. "You might have the advantage in numbers, but are you really going to waste all your resources just trying to keep up here as slaves, when there is a war to be fought? Why slaves," he continued, in his low rumble of a voice.

"When you might have us as allies."

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sun Mar 03 2013, 09:56

Lurking shadows gathered in the back of the gathering, spies and allies watching the group; they were ready to act, ready to kill if commanded. By their numbers, one would say they had been expecting the visitors all day. From every angle, there was someone watching with back up close behind if they needed it. Just behind them in the bushes laid the fire wolf fae, crouched like an expert in the tall, tan grasses.

In a personal sense, the two were at even ground; the male and the female, the alpha and the alpha. Storm hued and ferocious was the feminine heir - intent on her prey, intent on the only prey she saw among them. Oberon. After all, a challenge was much better than a step-down from their weaker side - it had been a long time since she had a true challenge step into her terrain. Let alone one who shared similar characteristics to her; now, that really was something different and unusual. Millean knew it, too, and he gave her a look with mocking in his pools and in turn, received a sharp nip with a snarl.

Dumbass she thought snaking her skull back around to face the pack. Her brother thought he was so smart, didn't he?

Almost instinctively, she rolled her bright blue eyes at the snotty female brat that questioned her ability to lead in her mother's absence. Surely, she would return soon, and then, there really would be hell to pay. Even Sauda somewhat feared her mother, in a respectful sense of course, for the true alpha's ability was unmatched by any. Her skill was superb, and she could have wiped all fourteen of them out single handed if she so desired.

"Your mother was...very well trained. Slaves are allowed to leave to give birth to ensure the survival of the pack. Lions will sometimes pick off slaves' children. I suppose you are glad then that she did leave? Or perhaps would would have enjoyed digestion. I heard its quite a pleasurable experience," remarked the youthful princess, a smirk upon her features as she completely obliterated the ivory female with her words. Over time, perhaps, she would be a good fighter for the land, an excellent trained assassin. That is if the young princess could stand her long enough to put up with her. The first lesson...it would be respect, and they would all learn it.

"We are willing," snarled Raven, attempting to come to the front of the pack once again with Sauda. "Shut up!" snarled Sauda back to him, forcing him to return to the back of the pack. Geez, he was even more annoying than Toxique!

"Well, if allies is what you would like to refer to your slavery as...then so be it. All slaves are well trained. I'm sure my mother would be glad to teach you several key lessons, the first being respect," she said, smiling dearly to Oberon in a sadistic, evil way.

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Mon Mar 04 2013, 08:11

Behind and beside him, he could feel his siblings tensing up and stiffening, their still puppy-soft fur fluffing out defensively, even as they huddled together like times of old. Oberon, for a moment, felt a brief flash of pride for them. They never gave up, no matter how much the odds were stacked against them.

They had heart. And, even though he was a Dark wolf, Oberon appreciated that. It was what would give them an edge against enemies. As well as their ties - both emotional and blood - towards each other. Together, they were stronger.

The dusky-white wolf's crimson eyes glowed with a fire that he had not felt in a long time. Had he only himself to think of, Oberon would have enjoyed this far, far more. The stubborn and regal fae standing in front of him was a worthy opponent. Despite the danger they were in, there was something about her that made his blood sing and thrill as it coursed through his veins, hot and eager.

Titiana nudged him roughly with her wet nose, making the brute whip his head around to glare at her.

Focus! she mouthed, blazing cerulean eyes angry, as she gave him a last, cutting glance.

Behind him, he could hear Helena sigh exasperatedly. He fought the urge to roll his eyes at her. Well, if she wanted to take over the discussions, he was more than willing to let her!

Titiana glanced carelessly at Sauda, shrugging elegantly, her long tail ruffling gently in the wind. She pulled back a tendril, making the end curl around herself and brush against her cheek thoughtfully.

"Not really," she answered a little absently. "It would have been interesting experience, getting digested. Maybe I could tell you first-hand, then."

She had completely forgotten about the 'argument' she was supposed to be having with the other fae. Her attention was complete focused on Puck, who she could see had grown rather bored with the proceedings.

"Excuse me," she murmured, almost second nature now, as she leapt at Puck, wrestling the other brute to the ground with relative ease.

"Stop that now!" she hissed, rolling her eyes. Puck, true to his nature, had started making mud balls with the dirt and his saliva, ready to send them at anyone with a second's thought.

"Honestly. One would think you're less than a month old, the way you act," she scolded, sounding strangely maternal for a moment, before drawing back and giving a last warning glare to him.

Puck, of course, did not look abashed.

Oberon sighed, giving the fae a commiserating look as she sent the black brute his younger sister had a crush on to the back of the pack once more. Honestly. Did no one know how to behave, these days?

Her sadistic, supposedly evil smile did not phase him one whit. He had seen worse, after all. Oberon cocked his head, mulling over her words.

"Well," he drawled. "And here I'd always thought that only slaves were bound. Of course you could," Oberon said, inclining his head. "But I'm quite sure that I speak for the rest of my siblings, when I say that you never do get the full potential out of your slaves. Only willing allies will go the extra mile in tasks you set."

He swiped his tongue over his jaws, before continuing.

"You hardly seem like the type to waste resources. After all, every wolf that willingly joins your cause will make your pack much stronger, compared to a mere slave."

His crimson gaze met hers evenly.

"What say you?"

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Thu Mar 07 2013, 11:16

All of them were one in battle. One body, mind, and soul as they zoned in on the intruders. All that awaited them was a simple command to attack, for they would do anything their alpha dared to say. Their lives all hung in the balance of their muscular leader; if she chose their death, so be it. They were bound to her as blood, and they were indeed willing subjects. None were considered upon equal ground to them, and there were none worthy but those direct children of her mother.

Millean could not help himself but to smirk at his obviously intrigued sister - it was just too much! She was clearly infatuated with this lot of wolves, more specifically their lead brute. Poor, poor Raven. He chuckled to himself, knowing that some dramatic happenings were sure to spill out upon the ground in either blood or peace.

Again, the alpha caught her brother gawking at her curiosity with the group and send a meaningful snarl his way. That would teach him to keep his nose out of her business; after all, she did not bother him and his interest in the scrawny, long tailed with a lot of nerve. Almost too much nerve for her liking. It was a shame they could not have been just like their dearest mother - submissive to the core. Great at taking orders had been the ivory vixen, but she was the servant of her mother. Why could she not seem to keep any servants other than those she grew up controlling?

"I fear I'd be too tough for your tastes...with all the muscle and such.." she murmured, flicking her tail as she spoke sarcastically. "But, you, I believe would be a good meal...at least to my lion allies," she laughed, indicating that if anyone was to die, it would be the brazen female first.

Listening intently, Sauda considered her options as she stood before them. She made the calls while mother was gone. "What do you have to offer me?" she asked, receiving an approving nod from her siblings.

Noticing that Laila had left, she wasn't sure why... "Laila!" she called angrily. Even though she was the beta, she was still below Sauda. A distressed howl returned. Nodding, she sent Ishana to check up on things. "Ten puppies, two extras," she reported upon returning. "Two extra?" replied Sauda, surprised. "Yes, she picked up two abandoned fox mixes on the outskirts," she said, shrugging. "Excellent. They will train well. I assume the father was a dire wolf," she replied, hating the fact that Laila's first litter was by that poison wolf, Soul Render. Disgusting. Only a dire wolf had the pure speed to prevail.

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Tue Mar 12 2013, 02:03

Oberon exchanged a wary glance with Titiana, the other unofficial leader of their little Pack. Sparring was all very well and good, but it ceased to be amusing, once his siblings' lives were involved. As of now, he could do nothing else but fight to the best of his ability - with words - and hope that they could come to a satisfactory consensus.

Oh, the dusky-white male still admired her, was even, he admitted, slightly infatuated with her. But his siblings came first, as they had always done. Even Puck. He glared at the other wolf, red eyes menacing, as he watched his brother back down obediently.

His sharp eyes caught Sauda's, lips curling up into an amused smirk, as he saw his sister's annoyed twitch of her tail. Really, he would have thought that Titiana would be used to this kind of dismissive treatment. After all, she hardly cared what anybody thought.

Unless, of course... she had her eye on someone.

Hermia twitched a little at his flank, betraying her unease about this whole situation. She did not deal well with threats - nor fights. She was more of a peace-maker, among her battle-ready brothers and sisters. However, in this particular case, she knew that no talks of peace would work.

Oberon's breath caught in his chest, as he exchanged a glance with his long-tailed sister. They had never told anyone their story before - nor of their... strange abilities. Titiana met his crimson gaze evenly, before slowly nodding. After all, what choice did they have?''

Thankful that Sauda's attention had been diverted for a moment, Oberon swept his small pack around him, murmuring in a voice too soft for anyone to hear. And no one would be able to hear, of course, even if they wished to.

"We have... certain... abilities," Oberon murmured at last, his tone considering, body stiff. "Titiana's ability, animating objects, entrancing... The four of them," he nodded, pointing with his nose, to the four with the markings from their mother. "They are practically immune to surprise attacks. They will know when someone's lying to them, or when something's not right. And we can act according."

It was something that had saved their lives over and over, while they were still pups.

"Apart from our loyalty, of course, we bring to you our ferocity in battle, as well as representatives, in talks of peace. Spies, and any other positions we might be suited for."

Subject: Re: Of Chances and of Fate [OPEN] Sun Mar 24 2013, 11:30

Stormy gray were the clouds of her soul, musky and rich with mystery she pondered what some might think as simple as the earth and sky. What irked her though, was not the fact that they could be endlessly served by the descendants of her slaves - but the question of: did Africa need anymore attention? That was the question that came into mind, and that...that was what set her apart from other alphas. Most would generously accept aid, but she was still skeptical. What if they wanted to infiltrate her terrain? Well, then they would oh so simply die. Not until she had her fun with them though.

It seemed this pack of Africa was becoming increasingly massive, but with no betrayal as of yet, she didn't see how it was a problem. Loyalty earned training, and Sauda knew all too well that these jokers needed it more than anything. Perhaps, that was their ulterior motive for traveling here after all....

A nearly silent snarl emerged from her lips, ivories bared as they turned from her to huddle and whisper. It was simply a warning that no secrets were kept from the alpha; soon, they would learn the rules and regulations though..Soon enough. There were so many of them to assess, and who knew how swift the ones were that were not speaking. Due to her smaller size of all the dire wolves, she had often used innocence to kill many an enemy. Oh, please help me! My evil mother is torturing me as a slave every day...come with me. And that was how slaves were made.

It took quite a bit of logical thinking to extract some slaves, but these, these were born to serve! To serve them, that is. Why else would they have set out to seek the pack that nurtured their personalities and caused some of them to be as they were? Environment had a large deal in this situation, obviously.

"Well it seems, then that you are not completely useless..." she muttered, flicking her tail with interest.

Suddenly, a thundering of massive paws swept over the land and with a snarl, the massive, dominant true alpha female stood before them. "What is going on here?" she snarled, quickly sending the others behind her as she stepped forward. "I leave the land for five minutes, Sauda, and you cannot manage any better? Or...are these our new guests? Permanent guests, I suspect?" she asked, quite amused. "Come here," she said to her daughter.

Sauda came forth, skull held high and proud as she came to her mother's side. Without the alpha male around, they had handled things jointly..

» Twisted Fate, Book One in the Nuban Trilogy
» What Am I To You? ((open))
» F L O A T I N G Away.....[OPEN]
» On My Own [OPEN]
» There was one, then two, then three. (open wolf)