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Post by tesumi on Mar 11, 2008 3:54:11 GMT 10
Tes lifted her massive head and rolled an eye back at Shad as he kneaded his hands in her fur. If she was human she would have snorted and laugh, yes she did think he was stupid. Who else would invite a Voskon in their own home? But...that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Tes inhaled deeply, taking in the scents around her...Shad was right about another Voskon, but this one was not a wolf. She stiffened a bit and pressed her broad shoulder against Shad's knee protectively, it was feline...she was almost positive it was Leopard. Her sense of smell was much stronger in this form, and not even Shad's blood could mask everything now. Tes relaxed a little and rested her chin on Shad's knee, a leopard she could handle...if it had been anything else she would have been worried. Tes let out a low thrumming purr and he stroked her silky fur, as strange as she thought it was she didn't stop him. She sort of owed him one, after all hadn't she been playing with his hair all morning? Tes stretched her arms out in front of her and sighed at Traf's actions. From what she gathered he wasn't putting on any show, he was just naturally...gentle? Which means, he trusts her...greattt, that means if anything happens I'm the one that has to fight...Wait a sec, why should I protect them...I could just run away...she thought for a moment, but banished the thought disgusted with herself. Absolutely not! If Edward ever heard you say that...Traf trusts me for whatever reason, I may not trust anyone...but that doesn't mean I shouldn't help them... Tes looked over the newcomer and frowned...I thought that voice was familiar...Its that Voskon from the tavern! The one talking to the information gatherer...That can't be good! she thought letting out a low growl. She lifted herself off the ground and tugged at her cloak with her teeth, she need to change back and speak to Traf immediately. Whether he trusted this wolf was none of her business but he deserved to know what he might be getting into. Tes looked at the cloak for a long moment then groaned, she had been calling everyone else idiots but she should have been calling herself one! She didn't even think her plan of phasing all the way through, she couldn't change back now as she had no way of getting into this cloak, and she couldn't run into the forest to phase back because that would leave everyone unprotected. Er...If I dropped this in Traf's lap, would he understand what I meant and wrap it around me? Uh...well thats the best plan so far... she thought, batting the cloak with her over sized paw. Tes gave herself a shake making her golden fur sparkle in the sunlight, she stepped back to Shad and licked his hand with her rough feline tongue. She stared up at him, obviously frowning inside and gave him a 'be a boy and stay inside the cave' look before strolling out of the cave to Traf's side. Ignoring the other red haired female Tes walked right up to Traf and head butted his side, dropping the cloak at his feet. It took her a moment to realize he wasn't acting right, low growls kept ripping from his chest. Tes spun around and examined the woods, her eyes where wide as she peered into its depths. She inhaled deeply again, but the smells where the same, Shad, two wolves, the other feline...could it be Traf just noticed the other feline? No...that wasn't it....there was something else, she inhaled again. Tes eyes dilated and for a moment she trembled...very faintly in woods lay the scent of...Jaguar. Inside Tes was sputtering, trying to pull thoughts from every corner of her mind and calm the wild accusations flying out of her brain. Is one of them? How did they find me? No..no...Jaguar wouldn't care enough about revenge to kill the last remaining members of their enemies...would they? CRAP! Calm DOWN! her breaths where coming quicker almost to the point of hyper ventilating. There where few things in this world that Tes feared, one of which was the Jaguar. Her father was constantly toeing the line with them, taunting them, coaxing them into battles. It was lucky for her that they normally resisted acting upon his jeerings, for they where ten times stronger than them. As strong and c ocky as Tes was, she wasn't as stupid enough to think she could take on a Jaguar. No..not just a Jaguar, but a leopard and maybe a wolf too...Shad's basically helpless in this case, I don't care what he says...I have Traf, but two against three are not good odds! Tes turned her wide eyes back to Traf and tugged and his arm with her teeth, she wished more than anything she could speak in thsi form...she needed to warn him, she needed help! Her eyes darted over to Shad then back to Traf, still trembling in fear hoping he understood. No matter how fearful she was, her job was to protect the ones in the cave...but that meant leaving Traf out here alone, could he handle that?
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Post by Kassdc on Mar 11, 2008 8:18:53 GMT 10
Kijah watched Traf jump infront of her, he was protecting her, but from a friend to him or foe. She heard his low growl and was unsure of what to do. This was something wierd for her, something about him made her want to stand with him no matter what. She noticed the cat walk over to Traf she didn't seem the least concerned about Kijah, she was carrying her cloak however, this amazed Kijah.
She had been told by the elders that the feline voskons had developed amazing abilities when it came to shifting, some had said they could shift from cat, to human and still have their tunic. Then the cat went on alert too, but she was still unconcerned with Kijah, it was something in the trees. She stood up behind Traf and inhaled deeply trying to scent what had them on alert. Jaguar, there was a leopard there too, but they were watching twords the Jaguar.
Kijah walked up behind Traf and slowly put her hand on his shoulder, she felt his muscles quivering, she admired his need and desire to protect such an unuaual pack, and herself. "Traf," she whispered. "I submitted the blood oath, my services are yours if needed."
She looked at the lion, "My vow goes to his whole pack and it seems you are in it. There was something in the cave you were protecting when I arrived, I don't know how much use I would be out here against the other big cats, you would be of much more use out here than I. If you need something protected, I will give my life for it. I give my word on the Blood Oath, by failing Traf has rights to my life, he could take it if he feels I didn't do just by my word, such is the Wolf Law."
Kijah returned her gaze to Traf she knew he knew this law, all wolves did. She just hoped he understood how serious she was with what she said.
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Post by fateandfaith on Mar 11, 2008 12:18:38 GMT 10
Traf was nearly riding the killing edge, his mind one track and focused on the forest. Too much excitement in too little time, having to react to so many perceived threats to his pack. He didn’t noticed Tes until she bumped into him, and he was so tense, so focused, that it threw him off balance and he nearly bumped into Kijah. He snapped at Tes before he realized it was her, bearing his teeth just as he would have as a wolf.
Slowly drawing in a deep breath in an attempt to calm down, he took a knee in front of Tes. She was just as on edge as he was, though where he was angry, she was afraid. He pressed his hand into the soft fur on the side of her neck, trying to comfort her. “Breath gently, kitten,” he whispered, “Fear won’t do you good. You’ll look like prey, and I’m sure that’s the last thing you want right now.”
He dropped his hand to the cloak, bunched it between his fingers, and rose to his feet. Even if he, as a shifter, felt comfortable around nudity, he understood that not all did. Grabbing the cloth in both hands, he shook it out to untangle it and let it settle on Tes’ furred back.
When he felt Kijah’s hand on his shoulder, he had to remind himself again of what was going on. Such an effect she had on him. But he needed his senses to be under his control then, so he turned toward her slightly, just enough so that it moved her hand off of him. He didn’t mean any disrespect, but he needed a clear head, and the wolf was already giving him enough trouble.
He rolled his gaze up to Kijah’s face, nodding slightly as he met her green gaze. As she spoke, her heart rate and breathing didn’t increase, she did nothing to indicate she was being dishonest in any way. “Kitten,” he said, glancing at Tes, “I doubt you trust her, and I don’t blame you. But I do--I trust her. I’ve never been able to smell a lie quite as well as my father, but I am right more often than I’m wrong.”
“Besides,” he said, a slight growl returning to his voice, “we may need her.”
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Post by tesumi on Mar 11, 2008 13:47:46 GMT 10
Tes closed her eyes and leaned into Trafs handed as he rested it on her neck. Yes, calm he's right...She...she could be...friendly...right?? she thought, trying to calm her unsteady breathing. Try as she might she couldn't bring herself to believe that. She mentally thanked Traf for draping the cloak over her, she wouldn't at all minded phasing back right away if she was only with Voskon but she figured that situation would probably make Kavi and Shad very uncomfortable. Wait...are you sure you should phase? If theres danger near by....no you can't handle this on your own, she's stronger than you are...the least we can do is try not to appear threatening. Protecting the pack members comes before rivalrys... Without another thought Tess changed back into her human form, sweeping the cloak around her. She stood close to Traf side and looked the new wolf up and down, she opened her mouth to speak but paused for a moment...to think. Tes looked back into the trees before turning her golden gaze once again to Kijah. "I...I do not trust you...but I believe you. For you to except that oath...well, to put it simply its not something I can ignore. Let just hope the oath holds true for packs that are made of more than wolves..." She said finally, wondering if perhaps she had said to much. Last night she had debated on whether it would be safe to reveal to Traf her wolfy ways, and tell him of the time she spent among her wolfen pack. She was very much tempted too, he had a way about him, almost stronger than Shad's blood that made her want to trust him. She almost felt like she could too. Tes stepped back wards, her eyes still glued to the spot where she was sure the Jaguar would emerge. "Well...now that, thats settled...it would be a wise move to fall back into the cave, would it not?" she murmured, again speaking so low only Traf and Kijah hear. Not waiting for an answer she tugged her cloak closer around her and made her way gracefully to the mouth of the cave. She didn't speak a word to Shad but instead put her hand back onto his chest to push him farther back. For a moment she felt a rush of pity for him, he was being extremely tolerant. If they had been in each others places Tes wouldn't have hesitated to kick him right out the door.
(heh, sorry for taking so long, the dog demanded that I walk it...)
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Post by fateandfaith on Mar 11, 2008 14:25:30 GMT 10
Traf watched Tes go, momentarily frozen in place with puzzlement. She spoke as if she truly understand the oaths that had passed between them. While he knew little of other Voskons, he had never expected a Puma to know wolf-law. The kitten was full of surprises. Any other time, and he would have smiled. As it was, he simply turned to address Kijah.
He gestured for her to head for the cave, lingering slightly as if he meant to follow her. "After you," he said softly. If anyone's back was going to be exposed as they walked, it would be his. And considering I'm bringing a stranger into Shad's cave uninvited when he's clearly not crazy about strangers, maybe having Kijah between us will give me more warning if he decides to tackle me again, Traf thought, the barest hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth despite the situation.
Just like that, he switched it off, going stone sober again. Half his attention was on Kijah, ready to move just a second after she did. The other half was on the forest, on the smell of the strange cats, on the scent of death floating on the breeze.
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Post by Kassdc on Mar 11, 2008 15:11:04 GMT 10
Kijah stared at the lioness, unbelieving, she knew about the law. She couldn't really blame her for not trusting her however, being in the same situation she's not sure she would do any different. She watched the lioness walk away captivated in her grace for a moment before she realized Traf hadn't moved.
she nodded at him when he told her to go before him, she understood perfectly. She looked at him hoping to hide the slight fear she felt, she had no clue what she was getting into, there were two big cats out there that neither him not the lioness were thrilled about, inface the lioness was rather nervous about them, which scared her. For something to frighten a lioness enough to cause her to be that visably shaken it has to be a great enemy.
She followed the lioness keeping a comfortable distance between them, she had no desire to make her feel pressed. Getting closer to the cave there was a strange ease that feel upon her if from the closeness of Traf behind her or the Falsko in close proximity now she wasn't sure. She hadn't been around one since she was a young pup. She startled at the entrance noticing the human in there. How had she not smelled them before.
She turned and looked at Traf wondering what was next.
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Post by emmaline on Mar 12, 2008 11:59:20 GMT 10
(Sorry, guys. I waited around a couple days, no one posted, I thought this place was about abandoned. Well, I come back, and lo and behold, two pages to read! We're going to assume the reason Kavlin and Reg slept so long is because of an adverse reaction (due to his Falsko blood) to Tes' healing, which put him into a deeper sleep than most would experience. Because Reg is so connected to him, that exhaustion crept over the link to him.) Reg woke, blinking blearily and lifting his nose to sniff the air. There was something strange, but his mind was warm and vague, and he couldn't figure it out. He jumped down from Kavi's chest, almost losing his balance as he landed. What was going on? He dashed forward a couple steps, trying to straighten his sight out, and amazingly the further he got from Kavi, the more clearly he could think. The link, he realized. He shook his head, sniffled, then stiffened. There were so many scents in the air, mingling together, confusing each others. Wolves and cats. Too many cats. Strangers. Danger. --Kavi! Wake up!-- he demanded, butting hard against the side of his companion's head, urgent with fear. --Wake up now!-- "Wha?" Kavi came awake slowly, rubbing at his eyes and staring dazedly around. --Danger, Kavi,-- Reg said, backing away as he felt the drowsiness coming over the link again. --Stay here, but be alert. As much as you can.-- He sent a tendril of comfort Kavi's way, feeling his confusion and nervousness at his condition, and took several hopping leaps towards the front of the cave. He stopped just a few feet behind Shad, regarding the man a moment before deciding. --Shad. It's Reg, behind you. Tes healed Kavi last night, and he's reacting strangely. He's woozy and confused. Should I be worried? There are so many strangers here...--
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Post by bittercowgal on Mar 12, 2008 15:16:07 GMT 10
An amused gleam shows bright in Fajera's eyes as she watches the spectacle in the clearing. Her intrigue builds strong when the male wolf gets his hackles up as her odor drifts to him. If she were able to laugh in this form she surely would be especially when she sees the tawny lioness scent the air and begin trembling while staring directly at her hiding spot. I scare you do I? Lets try this then.. Feeling more than a little bit mischievous, Fajera leaps down from her perch and walks further east for a few paces before heading west again. She looses a continuous series of deep rumbling roars as she lumbers slowly. As she nears the break in the trees where she'd watched the wolf with the rabbit she stops for a moment, going completely silent. Turning her head towards the clearing she peers between the branches of the Raspberry bush hiding her. If she were able to fashion her face into a wicked grin she'd be doing so at this moment. Creeping towards the clearing, she crouches low to the ground as if to pounce while flattening her listeners to her skull. Lifting her lips in a soundless snarl. A very threatening picture to be sure. Shifting out of the shadows so that she's visible to those now near the cave she stops for a moment, allowing a soft growl to pierce the silence around her. Even though her display of threat is mostly in jest, she's fully aware the group in the clearing likely won't find it as such. This should be fun The wolves are certainly of no danger and the lioness is already weak with fear. Sure they outnumber her but she is stronger than the three combined and besides evasion would be simple given her speed. Regardless, her threat issued, mostly false though it may be, she retreats back into the shadows, breaking into a quick trot back to the east and only slightly deeper into the forest for several yards before climbing quickly to the highest branch she can find. Her vision only slightly impeded by the thick leaves surrounding her, the clearing is still slightly visible. Here she sits and waits for the chaos to erupt...
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Post by Kassdc on Mar 12, 2008 15:45:12 GMT 10
Kijah was standing in front of Traf in the mouth of the cave when she heard it. The jaguar had come closer and was now growling at them, throwing threats at them. Kijah stiffened and alow growl started to rumble deep in her chest, they were being toyed with, she was playing games like they did as pups with the mice they would catch when first learning to stalk and hunt. She had been toyed with for too long by Mitra and her cronies, no more.
The jaguar's taunting make something inside her snap like a dry brittle twig. Kijah's eyes flashed grey as she turned around and moved Traf aside catching him unawares with her stregnth. She neared the mouth of the cave and shifted and walked out teeth bared growling in response following the movement of the sound of the big cat. She couldn't fight back before without dealing with Kito and Asha's wrath, and was sick of watching those she cared for being threatened, she would watch it no more. She already cared for Traf, felt a strong link with him and thus in turn for his mixed pack, she was not going to stand down.
Her mind was starting to flash back to watching her mother being taunted by Asha while Kijah was a pup, Asha always despised Neasjah for being able to have a pup that she constantly toyed with her. Any time Kijah was with her mum Asha would follow off beyond striking distance growling and threatening her, always in wolf form, the utmost threat. Neasjah being lower ranking could do nothing. When Kijah was 1 Mitra was born and Asha passed every bit of her bitterness to her daughter. She constantly taunted Kijah and even Neasjah.
She paced the clearing following the scent of the big cat and went to the raspberry bush where the scent was very strong and fresh. She had just been there the growl issued louder and deeper at that point as she followed the scent around the edge of the clearing. The scent was strong but not close, like the cat had moved off a ways, but she wasn't convinced and continued her pace back and forth growling and bristling. I will NOT let you hurt them. I will die if I have to but you WILL NOT touch them.
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Post by fateandfaith on Mar 12, 2008 16:51:04 GMT 10
This time when the cat made its presence known, Traf didn't tense. The wolf had its ears pinned back, teeth bared, but it was silent, not fighting the man for control. He felt safe in the dim light of the cave. Though he had no idea what kind of cat was out there, he figured by the noises and the scent it had to be big. But not likely big enough to dare attacking them inside the cave. They were guarded from the sides and behind by rock, and a charge would be met almost simultaneously by two wolves and a lion and likely an arrow from Shad as well. Even if they couldn't kill, and he felt confident they could do enough damage to make hunting difficult, which could end up fatal. Sure, the hairs on the back of his neck were standing up, and he wasn't letting his guard down, but he was less tense than he'd been when they were out in the open listening to the pig's dying squeals.
Then, the moderate sense of safety was shattered, and Kijah did the unthinkable. He had so little warning, that when he reached out to grab her just after she'd brushed him aside, his fingertips caught only the barest edge of her tunic, but it wasn't enough to hold on to her. He watched in disbelief as she shifted and charged out of the cave. There was a moment where he watched her move out into the sun, marveling as the light hit her red coat. She looked as if she was bathed in fire, the hints of black like a teasing taste of home, as his entire pack wore black fur.
All at once, the shock left him, and he realized just what had happened. As his heart threw itself into a frantic pace, it slammed against his chest as if it would explode. He didn't think, he acted. He was past thinking. Thinking was too human at that moment, and though he still looked like a man, inside he was all wolf. A cry tore from his lips, neither human nor wolf as he leaped forward. His legs pushed him into the air until he was momentarily flying, parallel to the ground. When he came down, it was on four huge paws. He didn't pause, throwing himself forward into a flat-out run. His strides were long, desperate, a growl issuing forth from his throat that was near-roar in its volume.
He was enraged, frantic, his stride eating ground to where Kijah was pacing. He almost didn't stop in time, almost didn't want to, coming close to bowling her over in anger. While most of his rage was directed at the offending cat, there was a little for Kijah too. As he stepped in front of her, that anger came out. He barked at her, snapping his jaws shut just inches away from her as he did it, so the sound was sharp, annoyed. Almost immediately, he shifted his attention to the bushes, now standing between them and Kijah. His fur bristled, front legs slightly bent as he prepared for an attack. He growled deeply, his entire body vibrating with the sound. Even as the man in him wondered just what the hell Kijah had been thinking in between curses, it was quiet. The wolf, the instinct was in charge now. No matter how stupid he'd thought she'd acted, he would die before let anything harm her.
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Post by bittercowgal on Mar 12, 2008 17:11:00 GMT 10
Sitting as a human upon her chosen limb, Fajera nearly falls from her perch laughing. Doesn't take much to stir these folks up, huh? Watching the reactions of the wolves is nearly too much. Sobering slightly when the male wolf seems geared to come charging into the forest, she makes the decision to shift. Allowing the Jaguar to return to the surface, she snarls into the atmosphere and issues forth a deep roar in their direction before jumping to a higher branch. Once there she settles in to watch once more.
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Post by Kassdc on Mar 12, 2008 17:26:32 GMT 10
Kijah jumped back somewhat startled by the presence of Traf. She growled an acknoledgement back at Traf. She knew better than to let the wolf take over like that. They had been taught as pups by the elders to always stay in conrtol of the wolf, or else the wolf shall take full control and the human side shall cease to remain. She felt a pang of guilt knowing that Traf was displeased by her actions, but she couldn't help it. Somehow she doubted he would accept that as an explanation without hearing full stories, and she wasn't ready to speak of her mum thats what got her out here challenging a jaguar in the first place.
She glanced back at the cave wondering what kinds of colorful curses the lioness was throwing her way. She walked up next to Traf and leaned into his shoulder trying to get his attention. She had screwed up enough for the both of them she didn't want him rushing out into the forest on her account. She tensed as the jaguar roared, she had definatly moved further back into the woods like she thought. She nudged Traf again wanting to know what he wanted to do now.
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Post by fateandfaith on Mar 12, 2008 17:52:23 GMT 10
The sound of laughter floating out of the trees froze him in place for a second. It was then that Traf caught on. The cat was toying with them. A strange feeling shot through him, one mixed with anger and relief at the same time. The roar did nothing to set him on edge, though he was far from amused.
He threw a glance over his shoulder at the cave. With the sun so bright in the sky, the contrast made it difficult to see those in the darkness of the cave, but he imagined they weren't happy. He could understand that. The situation was far from ideal. He wanted to be back in that cave, wanted Kijah back in that cave. But it wasn't in him to retreat. He wondered just what would happen if he let the cat know he'd caught on. The kitty might just think we're a pair of idiots. Either way, I think we're better off. If I don't lose it, Kijah might. I've got to do something.
Suddenly, he turned and nipped at Kijah as she pressed against him, his teeth just grazing her fur. He backed off for a moment, watching for her reaction. Just as suddenly, he bent his front legs completely, pressing his chest to the ground in a bow. His tongue rolled out of his mouth as he gave her a wolfy grin. With his rear still up in the air he wagged his tail a few times. Giving no warning, he jumped forward, nipping at her playfully once again. Then he turned and ran, as if playing tag.
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Post by Kassdc on Mar 12, 2008 18:05:38 GMT 10
Kijah leaned back and looked at Traf and had to stop herself from falling down in disbelief. He was playing!! She thought for a minute before she caught the look in his eyes as he turned and took off. He had a plan, something was up it was in his eyes. She looked back twords the trees and gave in to the game. She yiped and jumped up in the air and took off after him chasing him. She didn't really want to go back to the cave although she knew thats where they would end up, she knew the yelling that would come from him, the look in his eyes earlier gave promise of that.
She tried to stretch the game, give a good show so she ran near the fire and turned intending to bow down and git him to chase her but she lost her footing and went sliding past it like a clumsy pup. She righted herself and looked at Traf and barked, wondering just how long he would keep ths going.
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Post by bittercowgal on Mar 12, 2008 18:16:47 GMT 10
Stretching and giving a yawn ending with a soft groan, Fajera loses interest in her game. Her pawns aren't nearly as amusing now, their antics bordering on boring. With dual leaps she is on the ground, standing still at the base of her tree. Turning she stretches her paws part way up the trunk and briefly sharpens her curved nails. The act serves to mark the tree as hers as well as helping to hone the edges of her nails to a razor's point. Making a snap decision, Fajera heads Northeast, following a deer trail around the perimeter of the clearing. Pushing through the trees to the west she breaches the clearing and moves along the atop of the cave. With everyone distracted, her movements very likely go un-noticed. Just to be sure, Fajera stays to the shadows. Once she stands directly over the caves opening she lays down, front feet slightly dangling over the cave's doorway, not enough to be seen by the caves occupants yet there nonetheless. With a soft huff, she lays her head upon her front limbs and dozes, alert but relaxed.
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