Roleplaying

Riley growled in a low, angry fashion. He was seething over yesterday's encounter with Tala. Why had she defended a tiger? It made Riley's blood boil, along with the sun warming his fur. In the distance, he could hear a fight amongst the members of one of Volkov's camps. Idiots, don't they realize if we are to win this, they need to be strong?

Nevertheless, Riley knew in the end, Volkov's cause would win. If Volkov was unable to carry it out, Riley vowed he would take his leader's place to rip apart the world. It was time for change. Evolution was part of nature, and it would be time for the next generation to take over soon. In truth, Riley was sickening of Volkov's rule, he was becoming shallow and weak. But Riley had use for him... for now.

"Riley! Riley! Wake up! RileyRileyRileyRiley!" Haunt's annoyingly cheerful voice intruded in on Riley's plans.

Riley lurched forward, nearly taking off Haunt's ear. The white wolf yelps as Riley pinned him to the ground with a snarl, asserting his dominance. "What did I tell you about disturbing me?" His voice was angry.

Riley was sick of the two idiots that traveled with him, Haunt and Jo-Jo. The two males were obnoxious and stupid. Still, they were good in a fight. "S...s.. sorry Riley, it's just th... that a tiger went after Tala last night. He was spotted heading back to the territory empty handed..."

Riley growled, jumping free of Haunt and stalking forward a few feet. "Well, this may be useful. Who is currently on patrol?"

Jo-jo raised his head, his tail wagging with pride for knowing the answer. "Last I heard, it was a lion. Orth... something."

Riley smiled, a dark, evil smile. "Lets pay this lion a visit, and then this tiger, shall we?"

Zere laughed a little tweeting call. "Oh tiger, tiger on the ground, please oh please do not frown! The sun is up, the day is warm, and there are no locust swarms. You can't catch me, you know it true, for it is I who out speeds you. Why so weary? No luck today? Try to smile and come and play. Find someone who cares for you, there someone out there I know its true. But what do I say, I can't shut-up! But I must talk while the sun is up!"

Zere ran through this cheerful rhyming process in the most cheery way, tweeting and flitting from branch to branch above the black tiger. "What your name, ohstriped one? Tell me tell me, lay beneath the sun. Oh! Oh! I wonder how many words rhyme with One and sun? There, done, won, pun, fun, son, gum, nun, none, gun, stun, button, someone, rerun..." he droned on and on with different words.

Kojo had been benefiting from the calm of his dreamless respite, when regretfully a irksome noise from above stirred him awake. The only image he had seen in his sleep had been just before waking—the face of his parents; yet another allusion that they were watching him, furthering his paranoia. He stretched, feeling bearably rested, but irritated.  “Infernal creature” he grumbled as he listened to the thing spout ostensibly nonsensical rhymes. "Have you nothing better to do then to hassle me?”  He demanded aggrieved “know that the only reason you live is because you are up there and I am down here” he growled disapprovingly “I have no patience for games” he declared vexingly “go bother some other creature” he affirmed indifferently as he turned his back on the bird, shaking his head aggravatedly as he listened to the multitude of random words the thing had busied itself with spouting ridiculously.

For some reason he thought of that tigress again as he walked away, seeing her face clear as day for an instant. He shook his head apprehensively ‘get out of my head’ he demanded, upset that his mind kept straying back to the events of the night. ‘I was a fool to go there alone’ he berated himself ‘it won`t happen again’ he growled. He then heard the words “you`re weak” run through his mind, he didn`t let it get to him that time. ‘Mercy is for the weak’ he countered ‘I am not weak, I am strong—and I will prove it’ he growled headed back for camp purposefully  â€˜I will make you proud’ he conceded to the omnipresent memory of his promise which always bore down on him. ‘I promise…’ he recalled out of the blue, being again compelled by some unseen force within.  He sighed cavernously, feeling a bit routed as he continued on his way. He couldn`t let one moment of weakness change him—he wouldn`t, he parent`s way had to be right. It just had to be. Who would he be if not for the lessons that had been ingrained into him from birth, about just what it meant to be Amur; malicious as it was.

Coal, Clarence, and Keisha walked for four miles straight, non-stop. It was only when Keisha showed signs of tiring is when the group stopped. "How many more miles do we have to walk?" asked Coal. "We have about five more to go," said Clarence. "Why the elk droppings is your territory so far away?" asked Coal. "That's the thing," said Clarence. "Its far from Volkov's clutches, and big enough to swallow his army and save the Catori territory," said Clarence. Coal shrugged. He sat on his haunches and looked at Keisha. Her stomach was odd. "Did have too much to eat?" he asked. "No, why?" asked Keisha. "You seem like you had quite the feast," said Coal. "Oh, no I'm just in gestation," said Keisha. Coal's face was blank. "I'm sorry. Did you just say you're 'PREGNANT'?" he asked. "Yes," said Keisha. Coal turned to a smiling Clarence. "You dog," said Coal. "Congratulations," he said. "Thank you," said the alpha pair. They then walked on, stopping by a stream on the way. That's when they covered three more miles.

Tala exited her den, stretching before the morning sun. Her muscles were somewhat sore from the previous day's battle, and her dreams left her nearly exhausted. She wandered around camp, trying to focus on other things. She noticed the pups were up early, and were playing out war scenes with great enthusiasm. Tala let out a sigh. She was all too accustomed to war, and so were the pups; they were growing up in some of the hardest of times, but they were strong because of it. Tala's eyes sparkled as she half watched them, and half drifted off to another place within the confines of her mind. A small cry and a yelp brought her attention back to the pups. One of the smaller ones was sitting on top of another of the bigger ones, grinning in victory as the pup beneath him wiggled in an attempt to get away.Tala couldnt help but laugh.

Tala thought about her dream as she continued to roam through her home. She looked all around. The other wolves greeted her with nods and smiles, and she returned their kind gestures and greetings with warmth. She loved them all deeply, and that was why she worried about them so often. She knew she shouldn't, and that they were strong. But she couldn't help it, she had seen too many terrible things. Tala shook her head, shaking the thoughts away. It was a new day, and she had to stay positive, she was after all, an optimist, so it wouldn't be too hard. She was always on her toes, but wasn't afraid to wear a smile.

Becoming a leader would be a great responsibility for her, but she was ready. She was confident that in time, her pack would see victory. Catori wolves were strong, and never gave up. They always worked together as a team, as a family, and it is because of this that they have seen great success, and were seemingly one of the only packs who were able to face off against Volkov without losing any members. However, that infuriated Volkov, and Tala and her kind expected the worst once Volkov returns. But they would stand strong, and they would no doubt prevail in the end.

Thinking on these things, Tala closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, as if taking in all the negative thoughts or fears and concerns for the future, and released them as she exhaled. Opening her eyes, she felt a great sense of determination and strength lift her spirits. Her tense muscles relaxed, and her whole body loosened up, as she moved with easy, relaxed strides towards the place she last saw the big cat. She remembered Sola, and how she defended it. She tried not to be too concerned about itt. Sola was a good tiger, and had proven it, but Tala non the less couldn't help but wonder just how solid her loyalties were. There was something in her eyes that Tala noticed, a sort of animosity in her glance as she stared back at her.

Feeling sure enough of herself, Tala ventured on. Soon, she came to where the cats were last seen the night before. The gaurds were still there, and Sola, but there was no sign of the black cat. Tala paused and looked at her gaurds, who confirmed her thoughts. The large cat had somehow slipped away unnoticed. Tala shook her head, and let out a sigh in frustration, but her frustration didn't last long. The cat had not harmed anyone, and that was the important thing. Turning her attention to Sola, however, she noticed that she was distraught over something, and appeared to be mulling something over.

Tala approached her, deciding that the two of them were still friends, as their was no official breaking of ties, and could talk without hostilities lingering between them. She tilted her head to meet Sola's gaze. "Hey," She started softly, smiling "Goodmorning!" Then, noticing the small wounds on Sola's body, she followed Sola's gaze towards the forest where one could see a trail of tiger tracks disapearing into. Tala frowned. "Hey, is everything alright?" She asked, her voice low and kind, yet curious. She hoped her suspisiond were wrong, but it almost looked like Sola was thinking of following those tracks. She was glad she had caught her before she made any hasty decisions..

 

 

Sola shivered nto from any sort of cold, for the day was warm on her fur, but from her feelings and reasoning. Inside, it was like ice had coated everything, she felt numb, confused by this new seed that had sown itself into her heart.

Sola heard Tala's greeting, as well as the question, but her answer was delayed. Almost as if the words couldn't find their way to the surface. Could she tell Tala he conflictions? Would the wolf understand? Sola did not know the answers.

"Good morning Tala..." Sola hesitated, considering lying to the wolf. In the end, she decided that it was best to tell the truth. "In all reality, nothing is fine Tala. I... well at least my heart, has fallen for the black tiger from last night. Inside, I'm fighting a war. My head says stay away, but my heart screams in agony at the thought. Every fiber of my soul itches to follow the direction he went, but my head is fighting it."

Sola paused, looking at her feet. "In truth, my heart is talking louder than my mind. Once reasonable things now make no sense, and that which revolted me has changed. To be honest Tala... I don't know how things are." Sola looked to the direction of the woods where she was sure the black tiger was headed. "The world is changing, and Volkov is supposed to be evil, right? But... how do I know what is right and what is wrong?" The words bit into her. Her betrayal to her parents pushed her towards Volkov, but now this new tiger pulled even harder. Up until now, she had climbed back up the cliff to where she once stood, before Simon. But now, she was falling again. Would she be able to crawl from the shadows once more?

Clarence, Coal, and Keisha arrived at the border line of Pack Plains territory and the unmarked wild. "Coal, welcome to Pack Plains," said Clarence, stepping over the border line. Keisha and Coal followed. As the three wolves walked on, Coal saw how large Pack Plains really was. Coal stood on a hill and looked about. The land stretched for miles. "How'd you even get a territory this big?" asked Coal. "It takes strength, stamina, speed, and knowledge to do so," said Clarence. "And the largest pack," said Keisha. "Largest?" asked Coal. "Yes. You see there are two wolf packs in Pack Plains. The Howlers, us, and the Hunters," said Clarence. "Lucky for us, Clarence is brothers with their alpha male," said Keisha. "So you can have reinforcements," said Coal. "Yep. Twenty three plus twenty seven equals?" asked Clarence. "Fifty," said Coal. Keisha smiled. "Enough to defeat Volkov and with the Catori Pack, his entire army," said Clarence. They then walked on. "So its your territory but you just let your brother stay?"

"Something like that," said Clarence. "Ah," said Coal. "The alpha male wouldn't happen to be Curtis by any chance.....would it?" asked Coal. "Ding, ding, ding," said a voice. The three wolves turned to see a large brown wolf emerge from the bushes. "Coal, you dare show your face here, traitor?" asked the wolf. "Easy Curtis. This is our cousin and you know it," said Clarence. "He's been gone for five years and he all of a sudden returns?" asked Curtis. "Where were you Coal? You just ran out of the den and left your family for dead?" asked Curtis. "You know nothing about my decisions," growled. Coal. "Hey. Calm it down or I will," growled Clarence. "You were with that wretched wolf, Volkov," said Curtis. "You were planning with our evil uncle this whole time!" yelled Curtis. "Curtis, no!" yelled Clarence and Keisha. The brown alpha male lunged for Coal, but got a wake up call. Coal dodged his cousin's attack. He then grabbed Curtis by the neck and pinned him down. "I am not your enemy!" he snarled.

Riley trotted across an open field, his fur gently lifted and swayed by a spring breeze. He walked as if he owned the place, carrying himself with pride and dominance. There was and edge to his movements, one that told of danger a ferocity. Every now and again, his eyes wold flicker, revealing the dangerous beast that lay with, begging for escape. Begging to be allowed to have some fun.

As one of the higher ranking elite members of Volkov's army, he feared no one. He had fought, tortured, and killed for the sake of Volkov. A growl coiled in his mind, and venom dripping, hissing emotion coiled in his brain. Volkov underestimates me. He was always to focused on Tala to ever notice the bloody paw prints I left. I will show him, and Tala what they have created. Soon... soon, Tala will no longer need to worry of Volkov. He was destined to fall. But I will rise from his ashes and show them what true power is. All in due time, all in due time...

Riley was not hasty with his plan, but the revenge was sure to come. No one knew of this traitors innermost thoughts. They only knew the ruthless wolf who would do anything for Volkov. They also knew, Riley and his gang liked to stir up trouble, they lived for it. Jo-jo and Haunt knew of some of Riley's plans, but not the full extent of it. They knew that if, or in Rileys mind when, Volkov was gone that Riley would take over, fight his way to dominance if her had to. Riley knew that Volkov was a fool, in his mind he was sure, and HE would lead his master's beliefs to greatness.

Riley stopped, sniffing the air. The damp clinging tendrals of morning were burning with the sun. Riley snickered. "Boys, I feel a little tense. Care to help me lossen up?"

Jo-jo and Haunt snickered, knowing the inside meaning to that. Riley let out a hair-raising howl and lunged forward, running across the land. Jo-jo and Haunt joined in with excited yips. They dared not howl though, Riley had determined that he -the unchosen leader- would be the one to howl. The loud barks and yips from Haunt and Jo-jo echoed everywhere as they raced to the trees. Riley was silent, his eyes narrowed as he raced towards the area where a lion's scent grew stronger with every step.

Kojo paced indecisively just outside the boundary of Volkov`s camp. He could hear the telltale sounds of blusterous disorder just beyond in the swamp; no doubt those kitschy fools had erupted into a state of chaos as they seemed to require constant firm leadership just to remain in line. They were loose cannons, the whole lot of them, it was a wonder that they hadn`t degenerated to total anarchy yet. Kojo shook his head scornfully, it was obvious that Volkov hadn`t returned, he would never permit his forces to behave in such a disorderly manner, he commanded discipline and focus from his followers. He was almost tempted to get a squad organized for another attempt at storming the Catori clan, but the thought of confronting the others following such a failure shelved him for the moment. He knew there would be time for that later. He was disposed to avoid their squabbling when he could, having little desire to get caught up in the impetuous fights the bulk of the populace there seemed so eager to pick all the time. He hastily decided just to stay out on patrol rather then check in, he felt he needed to take a breather, there was much to consider, he simply wasn`t in the proper mindset to deal with the belligerent antics of those loutish meatheads. Not to mention the smell.

He finally turned to return to the forest, glancing over his shoulder to make sure he hadn`t been spotted. He knew what he was doing was tantamount to folly as if he didn`t report back in a timely manner they might consider him to have gone a-wol, and there could be consequences if they had to send out anyone to find him, but he was willing to risk it, as a higher ranking individual he had more pull freedom then most when it came to acting on his own.  Besides, something was bothering him, at first he had attempted to ignore it, but it stuck in the back of his mind obstinately—disturbing him to the core. Every since then… questions were bombarding his mind unremittingly, questions of an existential nature; he was beginning to experience a sensation of worthlessness washing over him—so many questions; pervasive thoughts that had recurrently dogged him from time to time but not ever as profoundly as they had every since he collapsed in the night. ‘What is it all for...Why am I here...Who am I…why am I doing this?’ a shiver crept up his spine as those thoughts sunk in. ‘try harder’ he felt those words surge through every fiber of his being ‘I`ve got to try harder’ he countered, knowing if he allowed such doubts to linger they would overcome him in time, and plunge him into the pit of despair, an emptiness he had been staving off stanchly since his adolescent.

He became angry again, he felt as if the walls were closing in around his mind, and he knew very well the cause of all the unwanted mental turbulence. It was the Catori clan, he tensed up just thinking about them, they had shown mercy to him, where no others ever had. It was a blow to his ego, he knew he should have died, yet he owed his life to mercy, a concept that his parents had died steadfastly opposing —how ironic. He felt like a mockery, like he was weaker just for having walked away. Yet some part of was no longer entirely convinced that such a thing was truly weakness; they had stood in unison with what seemed to be a sincere camaraderie to one another, with no regard to the physical strength of the individual. He could feel the spite slipping in over their togetherness, they seemed loyal to Tala in a way he couldn`t comprehend. ‘What if I`m wrong?’ that consideration struck him like a ton of bricks, threatening to rip apart his very sense of self, and with it any sense of purpose; defiant of such a formative admonition, he roared furiously, ripping viscously into every tree he came across, ‘get out of my head’ he snarled at odds with himself, riled, and refusing to confront his uncertainties any longer.

He knew if he was to be able to keep living the way he was accustomed, he`d need to cast away all the doubts plaguing his sensibilities—to renounce any inkling of repentance, but he couldn`t seem to do that.  After his rage induced tantrum was over, he came to rest under a grand old oak tree, allowing the world to fall away again for a time into his innermost deliberations, a place where he could undergo the task of repressing his emotions; as he always had done in times of utter uncertianty.

The sun bathed the land in soft light, presenting a tranquility that imparted a stark contrast to the chaotic din of the night. Though it was early, the grasslands were already alive with sounds and songs. Subsequently, growing impatient from the utter lack of activity; a figure emerged from the shadows of the forest`s edge, Zelos.  He stretched, legs as far out ahead of him as he could place them without losing his balance, and yawned bored; stepping out into the inviting days light which shimmered off his coat. He took in a deep breath and stood for a few seconds admiring the view.  He glanced around, the squirrel was up an about, but the wolf and the otter were nowhere to be seen. They had slipped away in the night it seemed. He didn`t concern himself with them, surely they were around, they`d return if they wanted too.

He then fixed his gaze in the direction of the wolf’s camp, the wolves were up and about, he could perceive their contours against the distant line of line of the horizon. He decided that it was best to move back to higher ground where it was easier to keep an eye on his surroundings. “I am going back up the hill” he informed the squirrel with only a sidelong glance of acknowledgement, knowing that because she could climb, she`d probably be better off staying near the forest “I may be back, I may not” he stated dismissively. He was anxious to stretch his legs, so he didn`t bother waiting for a reply, he immediately burst into a playful gallop, kicking up his heels excitedly as he charged up the hill, hoofs scarring the earth deeply with each stride.  He found himself silently wishing that he had someone to romp around with, but he was having fun all the same. He slowed to a trot near the summit of the hill, a bit reluctant to run down his stamina. He then reared up and whinnied triumphantly, impressed at himself for making up so quickly, and with energy to spare. Zelos always relished a good challenge, even if it was only against himself. He then trotted readily over to the stream, which cut its way through the hills level crown, and satisfied the thirst he`d worked up in the night; taking giant, greedy gulps.

Curtis growled and swiped at Coal. Coal moved out of his striking zone. Curtis leaped to his feet. He then looked at Coal. "Why are you wasting your energy on a friendly?" asked Clarence. "You need to be worrying about the seige on Volkov," said Coal. Curtis snorted and turned his back on them. "Why did you bring him?" asked Curtis. "Because he's family and family doesn't leave family behind," said Clarence. Curtis turned to his brother. "Come on, Curtis," said Clarence. "What would mother say about this behavior?" asked Clarence. Curtis's eyes widened. Coal looked at Clarence. "Where is aunt Snowy?" he asked. "She is ill," said Curtis. Coal looked a Curtis. "Our mother is ill, thanks to that traitor of a wolf," he said. "She was so sad that we had lost half our family, that she became ill," said Clarence. "Where is she?" asked Coal. "She's an elder in my pack," said Clarence. "This way," said Keisha. The three large male wolves followed the alpha female towards a hidden clearing. In the clearing was a pack of twenty-five wolves. Some were asleep. Others were eating. Some were even playing. Coal's eyes stopped on an elderly white female wolf. It was his aunt Snowy. Clarence and Keisha led the two towards the pack. "Attention!" shouted Clarence. The wolves stopped and looked over at them. Snowy did as well. "My cousin, Coal the Fighter wolf, has survived," said Clarence. The wolves were surprised to see Coal. "The traitor lives?" asked a wolf. "Volkov is here!" yelled another. "No!" yelled Keisha. "Volkov is smaller than this wolf," she said. Coal looked at the wolves. "Good morning," said Coal. "I am here to join in the seige on my uncle, Volkov," said Coal. "He sounds nothing like Volkov," said one wolf. "That's because I'm not Volkov," said Coal. "You are right," said a voice. Coal turned to see Snowy get up. "You are my little sister's pup," said Snowy. "Aunt Snowy," said Coal, his eyes wide with joy. He ran over to the elder she-wolf and embraced her. Snowy smiled and hugged him back. Tears ran down her cheek for her long lost nephew. Clarence and Curtis walked over to Snowy. "If only your grandfather could see you three together again," said Snowy. "Grandpa Willie?" asked Coal. "Yes, he died when Clarence became alpha male of the Howlers pack," said Curtis. "He was only nine years of age," said Clarence. Coal sighed.

Tala's eyes grew wide at her friends revelation. Surely, Tala already had an inkling about Sola's feelings towards the Cat, judging by how she defended him. But in her heart, she hoped she was wrong. Now that the truth was out in the open, Tala found herself searching for things to say.

She sat down next to Sola, who was gazing out towards the woods. "Sola," she started. "I..understand. I know sometimes our hearts can take on a mind of their own, and the people they choose to attatch to can surprise us, and cause us to question ourselves. It's hard to explain or make sense out of it,"  she hesitated, as Coal's image pressed upon her mind. She felt her heart skip a beat, and she struggled within herself to fight back the feelings these thoughts had stirred up inside her. Tala shook her head. "Listen, I understand. Really, I do. It's so hard to trust anyone these days, and the heart is easily fooled."

Tala drew in a sigh, then, turning to meet Sola's gaze, her own countenance grew grave, concerned. "But you have to realize something Sola, you can't allow your heart to play games with your head. I understand that these feelings are confusing, but you can't let them cause you to overlook your identity. You are good, regardless of your past. You must believe that." Tala stopped for a moment to let the words sink in. She really meant it, and hoped that she could somehow make Sola see. She was genuinely concerned for her, and spoke her next words carefully and with grave seriousness. "Sola, how can you say you don't know right from wrong? Look around you. You've seen the things Volkov has done; look what he's done to your family, and countless others!"  she nearly shouted those words "What Volkov has done, along with the help of his kind is more than wrong, it's evil."

Tala stopped to look around, smiling slightly as she gazed upon her family there. Then, turning back to Sola, her face lightened up, her eyes smiling "Now, look at this place. All of us here care about each other. We take care of each other, and we strive to do the right thing and Volkov wants to punish us for it. That's the difference Sola." The morning sun touched down on where the two were sitting, and it's radiance grew and encompassed the entire camp. Tala kept her eyes on Sola, a breeze combing through her fur. "I'm glad you can be so honest with me. I am your friend, Sola, and I want to help you in any way I can. But you have to decide what side you're on."

Tala spoke kindly. Her words carried an air of authority, as she spoke with great wisdom and from her heart. "You can do whatever you want. I know I can't stop you. But you have to remember that there is a great difference between good and evil. Because if you don't realize this, you'll lose yourself."

As she spoke these last words, Tala saw Coal's face in her head again, as clear as day. She couldn't explain why she had such trouble shaking it. Everything about Coal sent her shields up. He was family to the traitor, and he had ruthlessly taken the life of another without thinking twice. Could he be trusted? Tala felt conflicted, and hearing her own words secretly confused her all the more. Could she take her own advice?

Orpheus snapped out of his trance, his heart pounding harder than before. The sun was only so low in the sky, but the weather was unusually sultry for a day in Spring, and combined with a vertex of raging emotions swirling within him, it was proving to be more than Orpheus could take. He felt overwhelmed, and heartsick. When reality came over him once more, he felt his heart sink, but more than that, he felt enraged. He couldn't believe he had gotten himself into such a predicament. How could he allow Volkov to tear apart everything he ever knew; he stle away his future, and his very heart. He cursed himself for giving in so easily. Orpheus felt his blood begin to boil, and he was compelled to get up again on his feet. Pacing back and forth rythmically, his paws slamming the ground with each step as his frustration seemed to control his movements, his eyes darted back and forth as he thought of a way to break free of his helpless situation.

His heart broke inside of him. How could I have been so foolish. He thought to himself, becoming emotional. Grinding his teeth, he struggled to fight back the tears that filled his eyes. Looking out towards the horizon, a butterfly soon drifted into his view. A much welcomed visitor, Orpheus felt his face soften, his lips curling in a manner that almost made it look like he was smiling faintly. His heart swelled with affection at the sight of pure beauty. Beautiful things were very rarely seen in his line of work, and as he watched the butterfly flutter by, he wished to grab it and old onto it forever. "Kate,"� he spoke to the butterfly "I should have fought for you. Can--can you ever forgive me?" He choked, trying to push the tears away but failing as a single teardrop slid its way down his dirty face.

A sound, somewhere from off in the distance echoed through the area suddenly. A howl, a menacing sound. Orpheus turned his head around, his muscles rippling as he to whipped arounf to face the direction the yips and barks were coming from. His body tensed up, and his eyes narrowed. The butterfly flew off into the horizon. Orpheus's thoughts were interrupted, as his mind was now focused on the sound. It was a distinct battle cry, one he had heard before, and much to his regret, he recognized it. The trio of troublemakers belonged to one of the camps neighboring his own. They were moving closer, as the barking grew louder. Orpheus stood his ground, scowling, his eyes on fire as he watched for them.

Sola felt as if  a thousand tigers were ripping apart her heart, tearing to shreds what she was. She knew the words Tala spoke were true, but anger also seared through her. Why couldn't she ever have what she wanted? Why was it she always wanted the wrong things? "So that's just it isn't it?" Her tone was angry. "Everything is so black and white for you, good and evil. Well its not."

Sola's voice began to grow with each word, her voice climbing until she was yelling. "Well news for you, its not! But you wouldn't understand, your Miss Goody-Goody, Miss perfect. There rest of us arn't! Yes, I can see Tala, I can see the differences here and there. But you know what else I see? I don't belong here. I have no one anymore, I have no one I can lean on! You arn't me! You don't understand!"

Sola's eyes were closed, fighting back the stinging tears. "If the heart can so easily be fooled, then why is it the ones who are always in the wrong never listen to their heart? Can you tell me that?"

Sola backed up, her head shaking back and forth. Her head pounded, and her blood rushed in her ears. "There is no difference between good and evil. We say Volkov is wrong for killing our families, what about the families we killed in retaliation? I am not good, and nothing is as it seems. I don't want your help! You arn't me!"

Sola turned on heal and pluged into the forest, a beast of raw emotion and power. She knew Tala was right, she knew what she SHOULD do, but what about what she wanted? Was this her punishment? To love one who she couldn't have, to never have a family? Was she cursed never to find where she belonged? Where she could be herself?

Sola's heart collapsed on itself as she ran for what seemed like forever. She ran from Tala. She ran from Volkov. She ran from the decisions. She ran... from herself. Tipping, Sola crashed into she ground where she lay there, fighting back the loss welling inside her. No one understood her. She was a stranger amongst friends. She would never belong, never find anyone who could care for her unconditionally. She was no one. She was nothing.

The setting takes place in a land that feels the extremities of each season, in Spring, the flowers bloom abundantly and radiantly. In Summer, the heat is brutal and tries even the strongest souls. The Autumn time paints the leaves with gold and amber, and the Winter is the harshet of all. Animals of every species coexist in this land. Large mountain ranges line the horizon, and the trees divide the woods from the plains. It is a beautiful land, but one which has suffered great damage over the course of the latest Winter, only time will tell if this land will survive.

Spring is here, and with the new season, a hope reborn. A hope for restoration, after the winter war left the land scarred and the woods divided. A rogue wolf known Volkov with a brutish personality and a desire to reak havoc has planted seeds of deception throughout the land over the last year, which resulted in the ruination of relationships and destruction of tight knit communities and a resulting season of chaos. But now, Volkov has been brought to his knees and has retreated for a time. Now for a new season. A season to rebuild and restore relationships, or perhaps for new ones to blossom. Volkov is not dead, and this season of peace may indeed last for a single Season. With the scent of trouble lurking somewhere in the shadows, will the community be restored, bonds be reestablished, and will they be strong enough to withstand what the new year might bring, or to stnd up to Volkov and his army if he should return? 

 

The creatures of the land have been divided and wared against each other the entire winter before, but with the new Spring they have a chance to pull together, while not all will take the opportunity.Traitors will rise and join Volkov's army, while meantime the community will reunite. As bonds are formed in the raciance of Spring,  The fires of Summer, and the returning Winter will put them to the test. It's a test of the heart.

 

This RP is to be the first of 4 RP's, that is, if it does well. The characters developed and the bonds that they forge in this RP will be carried into the next Chapters, so this RP in particular is important for character development.

Also, whoever wishes to play as Volkov the Wolf must be the first to message me about it.

Rules are simple:

-No bad language

-Violence is obviously going to take place, but let's keep it G RATED! Nothing too graphic ( i.e. mutilation or getting too into detail over violent affairs. G rated. )

-No controlling other people's characters

-Romance is allowed (G)

-No powers/odd coloring/etc. Keep it as realistic as possible beyond the fact that the animals can obviously talk..

Message me if you have any questions or concerns. And remember, this is just for fun, so let's get along and just go with it :)

Also, since there is so much room for different species, if you have an idea of a species that you think I should include for playable characters, let me know. As of right now, I am using the generic ones.