[Kire]

Kire

Tortuga had been through a lot, it was easy enough to slip off and never be seen again. But the guilt followed him, the wondering plagued him and give him nightmares. Every night he would dream of the brother he left behind, he would see his brutal end. It always involved fire... and too much blood.

He would wake up in the morning and push North, further and further away from them, as if distance could help him out run the nightmares. He'd thought of leaving for so long but responsibility for his brother and sister brought him back when he'd finally had a chance to run. He saved Tripp and Arma from a peril he'd brought down on them. But he didn't do enough for them, he never kept them safe as he should have.

Tortuga was an infection that spread to every thing it touched. The only thing he could accomplish by leaving would be to spread the taint to the innocent and unsuspecting. They didn't deserve it, but now that he was free he couldn't force himself to go back. It didn't matter now... Arma was dead, Tripp would never leave... But Kire had staggering guilt for never asking him, hence the nightmares.

Solitude was driving him mad, it was time to rejoin society. His feet had brought him here, he didn't know anything about this place, just that it was very far away from where he came. He fancied himself a good pretender, he could fake being normal. 

The moon cast an eerie light on the grassy planes and he felt a chill go down his spine and to the tip of the tail that was no longer there. He gave himself a few moments to mull over his decision and then he howled. Turning back and spending one more night alone with his nightmares was more then he was capable of.

[Quinn]

Forget Tortuga, SHE had been through a lot!!!

Everything went to absolute hell in a hand basket with the ugliest bow one could find! Not only had the damn place gone up in flames but it all but sank into the Earth! She had tried to stay but too much went on and too little remain to keep her from getting swept up in the waves and whisked away to far away shores. 

Figuratively speaking of course.

She was on her own again, like nothing had changed in her life since she left Tortuga's borders as a pup. Of course she'd restored important relationships with family, mostly, and built up other ones that were just as important but the world had other ideas for so much karma building in one place like it was. She felt lighter, like a feather on the wind, while she was alone and exploring. She'd run into some unsavory types but she'd learned how to deal with them long before she'd even matured into the beautiful mixed beauty that she was. Fate would not have her remain such, however, and the familiar scent of salt water and spices caught her nose only like one of them could. 

She smiled, and set off, a lot of ground needing to be covered and cover it she would! 

Which brought her to the here and now. She was so very close and of course, the landscape was familiar as well. They just couldn't stay away from coast and large bodies of water, not that she minded. She was finally closing in and it mattered little so long as she got what she was aiming for. 

Speaking of, the howl grabbed her attention and her course changed ever so slightly until she came within sight of her prize.

AND THERE HE WAS!

She felt her heart flutter and her chest puffed out with probably her 22nd wind of this long journey, it was finally about to pay off! She trotted the distance between them, not able to get there fast enough but not wanting to come off as too terribly desperate. "Kire, is that you!?" Of course it was, she knew but her Spanish accent and the desperate hope of a lost and scared damsel slapped on top would be enough to convince anyone she was actually surprised to run into him by complete and utter coincidence at the border of this new land.

She would stop short, only a few feet separating them both, her blue green hues focusing on his handsome and rugged face. She hoped she looked good, not that she had to worry, she always kept her coat immaculate. It was something she'd learned in her younger years, stay pretty even while working hard, catch the right eyes in a dangerous world. Her curled tail high and wagging, she gave him the most dazzling smile she had, not that it was fake, he really did bring that smile to her face.

One's muse could do wonders.

[Whiskey]

Golden eyes peered out in the darkness, body low to earth, as small feet picked their way from the mouth of the den and past the dark backs of guards. Sneaking slowly, freezing a few times to plan the next soundless steps to take. Until the tall grasses and trees were near, she made a mad dash for them and managed to dart away from them all. Ah! Yes! The night was young! Slipping away from the den, past whomever (WHOMST) was out that night keeping an eye on the family. How the pale ghost smugly giggled through the trees, her laughter bouncing eerily around her.

Pleased with herself, the rule breaker moved toward where the adults kept herding her away in the day. Basically skipping in the moonlight that bounced off her pale small figure, head up with a massive toothy grin plastered to it. She thought of playing on the small rocks that had tumbled from the wall, or running out into the big fields of tall grasses. Or maybe even scaring some snoozing wolves in their homes with shadows and noises.

Instead she had gleefully wandered a little bit past the border by accident when the howl came, head whipping back around as she began to move in that direction. Back inward of her home. Two figures had their backs to her, and she saw this opportunity as pure perfection. The word Tortuga had never need uttered to the young pale girl, nor her siblings. Not from their guarded Mother at least, or often quiet Father. So when two faces that a few members of Gemini would recognize showed up, where the young pale Whiskey was actually not technically granted to be playing, there was no recognition.

Softly moving closer, conniving spark behind her excited eyes, Whiskey crept closer and closer until she stood a safe but close enough distance away from the two adults. A breath in to fill her lungs as much as she could and... "WHATCHA DOIN'?" She'd screech, hopefully they'd leap out of their skin, to turn to face a child with large golden eyes, and her Mother's sweet smile.

[Iaera]

|✬| gemini |✬|
the nymph; whisper & ranger

The moonlight had been her friend for many of her beginning months as per the religion of her mother. 'Praesidium' she recalled, it rolled off her tongue as if it had been the first word she had ever spoken. Mother was Imperi and Imperium worshiped the moon above all others, the reverence and gravity at which the word was spoken would never be lost on Iaera even if the faith was. What had the moon God ever done for her or her mother outside of the Holy land? What sort of God only had power in the land that worshiped it? A scholar might say all Gods but Iaera was not that cynical about religion. The cool felt comforting though and wrapped up in her black cloak she felt as if she was simply a part of the night instead of a being lost in it. It reflected in her eyes and she searched the stars for the star of her mother wherever it may be but it never stood out.

It was understandable, but Iaera had hoped that maybe her mother could shine brighter once as she looked so Iaera would know where to look. Was she supposed to take it on faith? Was she only allowed to see if she believed all the rest of the mumbo jumbo wholeheartedly? What a farce! The tiny girl with Imperi noble blood snorted an insult to the moon God-- sacrilege!-- and turned her face into the night breeze. It was then she was aware of another, the scent of a child carried extremely fresh in the lowlands and as quickly as irritated had faded it returned.

Thankfully, Ranger's weren't just a fancy title for a glorified border guard, Iaera had tracking skills too and had used them previously in tandem with other Rangers during the attack on the slaver troupe. Pawstep by pawstep she gained on the child until in the distance she could see the ghostly figure of the pale girl in the grasses. A lump rose in her throat, recalling something about ghosts and apparitions but the fact this child had a scent that was normal and not forced and idealistic made her feel better. Likely just unlucky coloration to be lit by the moon on this calm night. Technically the child was over the border but it wasn't by far and the silent Ranger stalked through the grass, keeping her hood low on her head to remain shielded from being illuminated by the moon's touch. Traveling on the inside of Gemini until the call sounded out and broke her focus for a moment.

Unfortunately the child heard it too and took off in a curious manner. A low growl escaped Iaera and she began to move forward at a real pace now, hoping to be available to intervene if these callers were a threat to the ghostly girl. A pair, she had missed the reunion but could see the look of adoration in the woman's eyes. Another snort tried to take place but the common sense monster that lived in her brain said to not give away her location just yet. Shame, she would have really liked to snort and gag at the lovey dovey eyes. Jealousy perhaps. The pale figure of Whiskey broke her abhorrence and Iaera cringed to see her sneak up on the pair. The equally silent small mix breed would move towards the faces of the pair, edging up through the tall grass. The girl screamed at them and Iaera flinched instinctively at being startled before rising out of the grass suddenly.

The Ranger would let them turn to face the girl, using it to her advantage if they did to do the same thing Whiskey had just done. As long as they didn't hurt her; it would be a good test of their nature the Ranger thought offhandedly before dismissing the thought as cruel. Iaera assumed they were here for acceptance but wouldn't act on that assumption until it was verified. No her focus right now was Whiskey and making sure the child ended up back in Gemini's territory.

"I could ask you the same child...." the Ranger started tersely, now making her presence known to the others. "but I won't." 'I don't really care', children are mischievous and this one was no different. How Iaera would have longed for a childhood like this one has... Pearly teeth clicked together in nostalgia before she shucked her hood to face the pair, motioning for Whiskey to come back across the border. "You aren't supposed to be this far into the lowlands... But if you'd like to stay, I don't mind as long as you stay back out of the way, on the Gemini side." The last words expressed very clearly. Turning to Kire and Quinn with a steely expression, a clear warning. In the past she might have apologized but there was no sorry or guilt in her now. "You are at Gemini now. What is your purpose here?" A small voice in Iaera's head fought to say 'whatcha doin' like the child but the Ranger crushed it.

[Kire]

Been waiting for too long
Started my own plot

There are only so many ways to describe "scared shitless" but most of them don't accurately describe how Kire felt when a voice popped up behind him. "The f--" He flipped around and back away a few steps, heart racing. "QUINN?" WHY? "What are you DOING? You almost gave me a heart attack!" 

How long had she been there? Was she following him? He tried to contain his glare but honestly he wasn't that happy to see her, even though a moment ago he'd been the Lonliest Boy In The World. "Were you following me?"

He only had seconds to calm down before--

"WHATCHA DOIN'?"


"BAHHH!" He took a few long strides backwards after he whipped around to face the little devil that gave him a brand new heart attack. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

After the initial panic his eyes narrowed in on the culprit. "Listen, BOTH of you--" But he couldn't finish that though. The pup smiling back at him looked just like.. Just like.. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, it wasn't possible. He was just being paranoid. Besides. The old lady was past her child bearing years by now... Right? Yeah.

He scowled down at the kid. "What you doing out here huh?" He scolded. "Don't you know its not safe to sneak up on strangers?" He sat down and tried to calm his heart rate, it was still going wild.

And then there were four, Kire hadn't noticed Iaera as early as he should have if he hadn't had two distractions scaring the life out of him. He was annoyed. With them, with himself, with anything that moved or breath at this moment.

The hooded wolf called the child to safety and Kire snorted, glad some one had sense. His eyes lingered on Whiskey a few extra seconds. She was uncannily familiar but... It really.. Could not be.

He returned to his original purpose for being here, he would have originally looked more pathetic upon meeting Iaera but thanks to Quinn and Whiskey, his blood was rushing, he was alert, and he was annoyed; perhaps a little bit of pricked pride could be detected.

"My name is Kire, I'm looking to join a pack.  I've been alone too long, I left my old pack because I did not believe what they believed." Fucking pirates, the lot of them.

"I hope you can find me worthy."

Quinn could speak for herself, Kire didn't even know why she was here and at the moment he was a little angry at her, so he didn't care.

It's starting with this song
Damned if I'm damn wrong

ooc  Ya'll on his shit list for making him feel inelegant on his first impression.

forest graphic © m-adking / coding © vixxie's codes

[Quinn]

When Kire greeted her, if one could even call THAT a greeting, it was not the one she expected in the least! Her ears tilted back ever so slightly at the tone and his expression, she'd have been offended and a bit angry with someone she knew if she weren't so hurt by it all. She felt a pang in her chest for this familiar hurt, a hurt she thought she'd sworn never to allow herself feel again. But here she was and there it was settling nice and cozy in the hole inside her chest. She would have answered him, answered any question but a loud surprise cut her off.

Kire freaked out worse than when she'd called out, Quinn didn't even flinch however. 

"Oh!" A child! "Hello dear!" She laughed happily and came closer, putting herself between the young one and Kire after his initial reaction and now that look he was giving the little one. Quinn knew that look and after getting closer she did see some similarities between Kire and the girl. She leaned in and gave a saucy wink, speaking in a low and humorous tone, "I think you got him good, my heart's even fluttering in my chest a bit." Quinn loved children, she'd grown used to their energetic nature and spontaneous ways. She loved them for it.

When Kire got all serious towards the child, and because she was still sore towards him, Quinn narrowed her blue hazel eyes and flattened her ears, scowling right back at him. "Oh don't be such a party pooper," He accent was heavy when she used her annoyed voice with others, it was a lovely and exotic Spanish inflection gifted from mother to daughter. She stuck her tongue out at him but turned and winked at the kid to whisper, "He has a point though sweety." She scrunched up her nose and giggled like they were sharing a secret about him. 

Then the last one made herself known, Quinn knew they were out there, she could smell them after the child showed up but she didn't know exactly where they were. She moved a little bit, now in a spot that would allow her to defend the kid from both Kire, though it was likely unnecessary, and the new comer. At least until the new wolf mentioned the name of this place. Once she did, Quinn relaxed visibly and smiled , backing up. "Go on little one, do as your packmate says, it'll help her out and you can watch her in action si?" Quinn nodded to Whiskey to reassure her if she needed it and once she was on her way back over the border, then Quinn would move a little bit away from Kire to face Iaera directly, her once packmate forgotten for the moment. 

She listened and waited for Kire to get his bit in, he was here first after all. When he finished, Quinn smiled for the Ranger, "I'm Quinn. I've come to Gemini seeking a home." Her curled tail moved in close to her side, tucking in while she spoke. "My home was destroyed by forces of nature and I have been looking for someone, anyone familiar but haven't been able to find them." Until now. "I've never done well alone and I love children," She smiled towards Whiskey before returning her blue/green eyes to Ieara. "I'm happy to see one after losing everyone i knew." Children were like hope to Quinn.


To end her introduction she added just a little more, "I am a hard worker and fit in well with a pack." She knew she'd be worthy, she never doubted her own worth, she just hoped the Ranger agreed with her in this moment.

[Tolf]

babump

[Tolf]

eyes_emoji

[Whiskey]

Profile | Speaking

"BAHHH! What you doing out here huh? Don't you know its not safe to sneak up on strangers?"

The plump little thing hadn't even noticed the Ranger following her along, so keenly focused on the task, on the sneaking, on the inhale and scream. Then, the pure joy as the male leapt out of skin. Whiskey giggled, golden eyes brightened by her success. "I could ask you the same child... but I won't. You aren't supposed to be this far into the lowlands... But if you'd like to stay, I don't mind as long as you stay back out of the way, on the Gemini side."

Small gasp as she shot a glance to the Ranger, still beaming and with a shrug she proudly strut toward her. Plopping her butt to the ground. Clearly incredibly pleased with herself, watching the pair of strangers smugly. Which in all honesty probably was just cute on her pale little young face. "I think you got him good, my heart's even fluttering in my chest a bit." The lady rewarded the stunt, and Whiskey grinned with a tail wag.

"I did. I got him." Matter-of-factly stated, glancing up to Iaera proudly. It was funny, least this Ranger could do was crack a smile. It was obvious, and it was amusing! Whiskey hushed down though, watching the exchange of long boring conversation. Wanting to move along, yet she'd be caught... And there really wasn't anyway she would be getting away from three adults now.

She dramatically sighed, god, the attitude in her and her entire litter would be the downfall of Gemini.

[wraywolf]

paps

[Iaera]

|✬| gemini |✬|
the nymph; whisper & ranger

The child had done the group a good scare it seemed and in some sense it probably was funny but the Ranger didn’t crack a smile. She’d seen what had happened to poor Traveller when people thought he was trying to harm Tauro’s child and poor Tauro himself, she’d heard the stories. Killed by outsiders, dangerous attackers on the border… The Queen had not had a wall remade and reinforced for no good reason, she had lost a son, the King, a brother. The border was not the place for a child, especially at this time; whatever humor Iaera might have felt was sucked away by concern. So her face was untypical, almost scowling at the scene with a serene eye but contorted features.

The male seemed irritated, and perhaps not just at Gemini’s ocean-toned prankster. Iaera let it slide, at least for now and was thankful that her cloak would hide the bristling fur she felt rising beneath. How was it that she was more comfortable with taking the acceptance with a pair of lions than with two, well, wolf-sized wolves? She cleared her throat softly and motioned again when Quinn told Whiskey to go back to the proper side of the border and wait as instructed. The child did, still beaming from her hilarious adventure, Iaera simply glanced over at her—at least the scowl was gone. ”We did not build a wall because we feel safe having our children on the borders. There are plenty of grouchy elders in Gemini you can assault next time, yeah?” Iaera did not know that Whiskey’s family was currently based outside of the Wall, but she wasn’t sure it mattered.

Safety is safety and there was no need for a child to be on the borders this late at night.

Kire spoke and broke her attention from her scolding of Whiskey. He wanted a home because he found his last one unsuitable? A brow perked in his direction, an honest thing to say but now Iaera must be doubly sure that he was suited for Gemini. The woman spoke too, Iaera didn’t miss the insinuation that she and Kire knew each other. It would be weird if they didn’t yeah? Violet eyes blinked and she looked down at Whiskey, perhaps the child would be happier if she let her think she was helping. She nodded softly to the pair that she understood their intention and their words but then leaned down to Whiskey, ”They want to join Gemini, if you were a Ranger like me, what would you ask them to make sure they’re not bad guys?”

Iaera would pause for a moment and let Whiskey have her time to think and reply before moving on. ”I understand that not all homes are good homes, though you have to imagine that when you open it up for question, I have to ask. What about your previous pack did you disagree with, Kire?” Looking to Quinn now, ”We are always in need of caregivers… Tell me about your home you lost Quinn… I get a hint of suggestion that you two are familiar with each other?”