Contemplations - Open

[Relairah]

It was night... the moon angled on the horizon and the stars lighting up the night sky. The ancient Spirit Lake glistened, reflecting the star light. A few orbs of light were floating above the surface of the lake, also reflected in its still surface. They seemed motionless, but were entrancing. And the great tree overlooking the lake rustled gently in the soft night wind.

Zefirino lay near the base of the tree, crystal blue eyes gazing across the lake and merely watching the floating orbs of light. His red-outlined black fur gently tossed back and forth over his build, muscular and strong. He found himself deep in thought, and was reflecting over the last few years. Before the war, he had been contemplating leaving this land and his family for another life. He had desired more purpose and fulfillment. It seemed fate had had other plans. Instead, he was now bound to this land forever. Though it was not a feeling that was negative in his chest. Rather, he loved the feeling. The sense of duty, responsibility, purpose and care for this land and for this pack. Truly, he had been destined to become a leader.

He pushed these thoughts aside, turning his gaze skyward. So much had happened and changed in only a few years. And yet so many things were the same. Such as the sky. He smiled softly to himself. What had life to offer next, he wondered?

[Vivid]

Daichi padded along quietly in thought as he explored his still new home lands, mostly staying in a small part of it, until he was more comfortable being where he was. It had taken him nearly a week to get used to everything, to learn some names and to understand how this pack worked. It was different than what he remembered from his old pack, but that was so long ago, he wasn't even sure he was even remembering it right. The stars above shone so brightly, and the moon was reflecting upon the water he had come across, lowering his head to lap at the cool drink. Once done, Daichi flicked his tongue over his maw and shook off a little, his ears perking as he took in a long breath, the breeze blowing the scent of another wolf to him. It smelled of Pack, but then again, Daichi wasn't too sure what Pack smelled like yet. He knew what the land smelled like, he knew what some of the others smelled like, and they all seemed to have the same... Fragrance about them.

Intrigued and figuring he wasn't too far away, the male decided to search out the wolf, if anything, to make sure that they did belong to the Pack. It was new to him, but he knew it was his duty to fight off loners, but he really felt this wasn't one. As he ran around the water edge he kept his head up and his nose wet, trailing after the smell that the breeze brought every now and then. Eventually, after only a few minutes, Dai reached the tree that the wolf was under, recognizing him immediately as his Alpha, even though he hadn't really met him.

"Hello, Zefirino" He spoke as he came up, head lowered and eyes searching over the pelt of his leader, not making eye contact out of respect. He wasn't sure if that was how things worked here yet, but by all means, he wasn't going to get himself killed over it. "Lovely evening, isn't it?" He asked as he walked over, staying a respectable distance away. By no means was Daichi one to socialize, especially with someone of such high ranking, but it would have been awkward to just walk away, after coming into plain sight. He'd make this quick and painless, and hopefully continue his adventuring soon, after a small chat.

[Relairah]

Zefirino shifted from his skyward gaze. In truth, he was still somewhat getting accustomed to the fact that while he might not recognize every wolf here, they might at least have heard of him if not more. Still, he rose slightly to sit on his haunches and smiled at the other. "Indeed it is." The large wolven paused, noting the other wolf's features and scents. "Clearly you know who I am. Care to introduce yourself?" he asked.

Zefirino was typically a rather outgoing wolf and was often glad of company. He hardly minded time alone.. but then, someone else around was probably a good thing. He waited calmly for the other's response.

[Vivid]

As the other wolf sat, Daichi noticed just how large he was. They were about the same height, but Daichi was no where near as muscled as his Alpha. This wolf carried with him the strength of a leader, maybe one of the strongest fighters of the war as far as he was concerned. Was that why he was appointed Emperor?  He wondered quietly to himself, still yet to learn much about how the rankings worked, first trying to fit in and find something he could do. Daichi enjoyed the others voice as he heard him speak for the first time, it reminded him of his father oddly. There was a proudness to it, a self-assurance that made him more comfortable, or was it the power behind it, perhaps. He wasn't sure, but dipped his head, answering the older male.

"Daichi, or Dai if you prefer. I'm new to the pack, I've only seen you around a few times, but haven't gotten to meet you yet." He answered calmly, though his tail gave away his nervousness with a slight twitch. "I know your name from the others, I apologize if you rather go by something else, Emperor perhaps?" Daichi allowed himself to sit instead of standing awkwardly, figuring to at least be polite and stay around to talk for at least a little while. He took in a breath and let it settle in his nose, enjoying the crisp scent of the water, mixed with the freshness of the grass, and mostly the large tree they sat under. Dai raised his head to look up at the tall, looming tree, staring in awe as the light orbs and reflection on the moon on the water lit it up.

[Relairah]

"Well then, a pleasure to meet you, Daichi. Welcome, since you are new." Zefirino turned his gaze slightly from the wolf, though remained aware. As Daichi explained how he knew his name, it made perfect sense. Zef chuckled slightly at the question if he preferred something else. "No, Zefirino is fine," he replied, glancing once more toward the other wolven.

The night was inviting, and pleasant. Zef couldn't help feeling a sense of peace within his being. The lands hadn't felt like this in so long... it was a great welcome for such serenity. He was glad that in all of the war, the demons had not succeeded in tainting the Spirit Lake or corrupting it. Or even destroying it for that matter. The lands would not be the same without it.

He removed himself from his thoughts, noticing Daichi's focus on the great tree. It was beautiful, truly.

"What brings you to our land, Daichi?" Zefirino asked after a moment. He was truly curious. What was this wolf's story?

[Vivid]

"Thank you, it's rather nice here, mind you, I am still getting used to it all. Lots of wolves to get to know, lots of behaviors I've never had to get used to before." Daichi rambled a bit as he thought about it, his attention snapping back as the older wolf laughed, slightly puzzled by the response before he was told that 'Zefirino' worked fine. His head dipped in a nod and he pulled his tail around his paws, slightly damp and cold from walking around the edge of the water that glimmered in he moonlight behind him, still drawing his gaze to the tree, rather than the Emperor. Daichi flicked his ears back the slightest bit as his intentions were questioned, for a moment remaining silent, deciding just what to say. Why am I here? He pondered that for several more heartbeats before finally answering, his voice holding an uncertainty to it.

"I've grew up on these lands for a few months when I was a pup. Several things came to play, and I had to leave. That or probably get caught out and killed by the warring wolves. My pack didn't have a whole lot to do with it, but I remember my mother and father being drafted to join. My sisters and I were still very young, and I don't remember much of what happen, but I had to leave, and lived mostly as a loner." Daichi shifted a bit and lowered his eyes from the lights on the tree to the wolf, his shoulders shrugging some. "I got tired of it, I guess. These lands called me back." He figured that was enough to settle the others curiosity, not wanting to dive too far into his history, having quite a few sore spots in his past still. "Anything else you'd like to know?" He figured he'd ask, not wanting to be rude.

[Relairah]

It made sense what Daichi was saying. The lands themselves had changed since before the war... though perhaps not as much as everyone thought it had. When the Earth wolves had set to restore the land, they worked to rebuild as much as they could like it had been before. But perhaps some differences were also a good thing. Zefirino nodded in understanding. He himself was still getting used to some of it. Aside from suddenly being a leader of a pack.. and not just any pack... a very old and very large one.

The dark wolven listened to Dai quietly, looking away from him so as not to make him uncomfortable. His story was sad in a way.. and also somewhat familiar. It reminded him of how his dear brother Gjelu had disappeared for a time. Though that situation had been even more complicated. Zefirino wondered if indeed the lands had their own power beyond merely the spirits birthed here. Perhaps it really did call those that belonged here. But there was no way for him to really know.

When Dai was done, Zefirino glanced his way. He shook his head softly. "Your story sounds a lonely one," Zef said softly. "But I am glad if you found your way back home." After all, in a way... this place was and had been for a long time home to many. "I hope that you are able to find your family... or at least wolves you knew before the war. There is something fantastic about reunion," said the Alpha, a smile on his lips. Who knew... perhaps this place would prove more familiar to this wolf than he thought.

"Tell me, Dai, have you explored these lands much?" Zef wasn't sure how recently Dai had returned... and therefore, if he had seen what this place offered or not.

[Vivid]

His eyes left the tree to meet his Alphas look, watching the wolves mane fluff as he shook his head. The way he answered made Dai believe that he could relate, but he was uncertain, not wanting to press matters. His ears flicked back a little at the word home. Was that what this truly was? Is that why he came back? Was the calling really to come home, or to try something new? Deep down, he knew the answer was really because these lands were home, and he had missed it horribly while he was away, even though his memories of it were few and far between. There was simply something about it that made him desire to be here. His thoughts were quickly broken as the other spoke, listening intently as he adjusted his position slightly, curling his tail tighter around him.


"It would be nice to meet them again. But it's been so long, I'm not sure there would be anything left between us." He answered honestly, trying to think about what he'd say to his sisters, or his parents if he ever got to see them again, knowing very few other wolves from his time on these lands, and as a loner. Nothing in particular came to mind, and he let the thoughts pass, unsure how to answer Zefirino's next question.


"I haven't been back long, maybe a week or so. I mostly stayed around the den, until the last few days. I've been slowly making my way out, exploring what I can." He answered with a bit of embarrassment, ruffling his fur some. "It's a little hard being around a pack when I've been a loner for so long," He tried to clarify. "It's hard to wander on a pack land still and not worry about being killed on sight. It's getting easier, though."

[Relairah]

Zefirino was silent a moment at Daichi's response, contemplating his words. The feeling was so familiar to him, he was almost surprised. Yet the black and red wolven smiled softly toward the other. "Truly, I can relate. There was such a rift with my brother some time ago. But that is the beautiful thing about family, Daichi. That is something I cannot merely tell you, I suppose. Perhaps you will discover my meaning on your own... I truly hope that you will find more joy with that than disappointment."

As Dai answered that he had not been back long and that he'd been slowly expanding his explorations and his struggles, Zefirino only nodded. It was understandable. Though Zef could not relate to this aspect of Dai's answer, he supposed it made sense. "It will take time..." he murmured softly.

The strong wolven turned his gaze skyward once more, resuming silence for a moment. At last, his voice rumbled forth from his throat once more. "This land is old, and it has been my experience that even when terrible things come, it seems to rise above and offer hope to those who seek it. Perhaps I might be able to assist you," he offered.

[Vivid]

Dai listened to the older wolf while his own thoughts roamed, coming to terms with what he was being told, though he wasn't too sure this wolf knew exactly what he was going through. There was no "rift" between him and his family, unless that rift was the one of life and death. Surely his parents and siblings we no longer alive. His sisters, maybe. But his parents? Daichi didn't find it very likely. He'd lost everything because of the war, in a way he had even lost his own life. Could this other wolf truly understand that? Could anyone? Bitterness swelled in his chest and he swallowed, not wanting to get worked up as he felt the heat begin to settle over his markings, hoping they weren't yet glowing, praying he wouldn't lose control of his temper and hurt his alpha. He respected this other wolf, sure, but there was just something he said...


The male adjusted himself to face the water more, his amber eyes searching out the floating orbs to try and cool his temper, to distract himself from the others words for the time being, as they both sat in a comfortable silence. As he watched the orbs of light, Dai had to wonder, what were they exactly? There were so many! Were they the spirits of the deceased that once roamed this land, or were they the spirits of magic that sometimes fused with wolves? His mother had told him a tale once, about a wolf she had met, who wasn't infused with magic, but had a... What was the word? A sprite, that wandered with him, that let the wolf use its magic. The two were inseparable, always together, but never fused. Was that still possible? He wondered. Was it even a true story? Daichi let out a breath and fluffed his pelt a bit, his ears laying back as the canine gave a yawn.


His attention snapped back to Zefirino as he heard the other speak, his head turning and his eyes meeting his for a brief moment, to show he was listening. "Assist me?" The male questioned, a little caught off guard by the question. What was there to assist with? Surely Daichi didn't need a guide to these lands, never mind his own Alpha. Was there something else? Was he maybe speaking of his... His family? "I'm afraid I don't follow. Assist me with what, may I ask?"

[Relairah]

Zefirino stared at the other wolf a moment after hearing his response. He had seemed a bit lost in thought... "Your family," he said. "You said earlier that it has been a long time... the pack is spread but still large and I feel there may be a chance since you have returned that some of your family may be here." Of course, Zefirino was only guessing... there was no way for him to know for absolute certainty. But he believed in hope at the least. "What do you think?" he asked. For Zef, he wouldn't even know what scents to try and pick up on. If any of Daichi's family were here... perhaps he would've already noticed the scent. But perhaps not.

Either way, Zefirino intended to help. If it was possible. He waited the other wolf's response.

OoC: Argh sorreh if his responses were weird DX Based on what Daichi said, and also my knowledge of his history, I assumed his family was once part of the SO pack and the war he's talking about is the demon war and that he doesn't know if they're really dead and they might be alive. o.o; which Zef was thinking as well based on the conversation XD

[Vivid]

Dai sat, contemplating the others response for some time before he looked over and words finally came to his mouth, his tone hardened although not unfriendly, more of an uncertain voice. "My parents weren't of the Shinkou pack, or the others that once held these lands. We had out own small pack, the Hachisu, just on the outskirts of these main pack lands. My parents were drafted into the war. For all I know, they're dead. My sisters and I were split up, they could also be dead. I didn't come back searching for my family. I came back for a fresh start, I guess." He finished with a small amount of bitterness in his voice, feeling regret for what he had said. It was true, his family wasn't why he came here. Was it bad of him to think them all dead? The wolf shifted his position a little and turned his eyes back to the floating orbs, finding comfort in their mysteriousness. "I wouldn't be against finding them, mind you. But by no means am I holding my breath." He looked back to the other, one of his ears set to the side in an apologetic gesture.


"I appreciate your offer of help, but it's unneeded. I'm here to start new, to try and get over my past, and face the present." Daichi finished and fell quiet, half waiting for the other to answer, and half wishing the conversation would stop. He was getting anxious, and emotional, fidgeting in his seat every now and then, the tip of his tail unable to stay still and his ears swiveling to every sound.Those emotions weren't good for him, he knew, so he took a breath, trying to cool down a little.




OOC: No problem at all! His replies are normal; he knows nothing about Daichi, where he came from etc. If anything, this is helping me build him a little better!

[Relairah]

The Alpha wolf was silent for a few moments as Daichi explained more. Now it made more sense what he meant. He supposed he would not keep pressing the issue. Though as always, Zefirino remained an optimistic figure. Perhaps this wolf really did want to merely move on from the past and face a brighter future. He could understand that. In fact, most of the wolves of the pack probably wanted the same... given the war especially. He could respect this wolf's sense of reality.

"Very well," the dark wolven said finally. He tried to offer a wolfish smile the other wolf's way. He could sense an uneasiness... it bothered him. But that was because Zefirino was a friendly sort.

It was at the moment that Zefirino was about to say something else that a new figure was approaching them. The creamy white accents along her rich red pelt shone brightly against the darkness of the night. She was a pretty thing with a bushy tail and slender features and she was approaching the lake rapidly. It seemed she wasn't paying very much attention to where she was going... either that or she didn't notice them. The wind was not in her favor either. But on the path she was headed, she nearly collided with Daichi, suddenly realizing she was about to hit something and diving to the side. The mere motion caused her to stumble and fall into the lake, disrupting the serene lights and causing them to scatter. She looks up, green eyes blinking as if in a daze. Slowly, she walked out of the lake, shaking out her fur and glancing slowly between the two males. "Er... sorry..." she said, dipping her head as soon as she recognized Zefirino's presence and also unsure of who Daichi was.

OoC: Cool then XD

[Vivid]

Daichi looked back and returned the smile faintly. The topic had not quite upset him, but gotten under his skin in a way. It wasn't like he came here to get the Alpha to help him with his problems. He wanted to be able to forget his past and problems, to move on. But how was he supposed to do that, when surely every wolf he came across would ask his history? His thoughts were interrupted as a padding of paws approached very quickly, so quickly Dai almost had no time to react before the wolfess was almost upon him. The male jumped to his feet and stumbled off to the side like the klutz he sometimes was, his red markings glowing as he bore his fangs, but made no sound, more out of surprise than hostility. His legs were spread and his body low, one ear forward, the other back with his tail poised mid height. His hackles were puffed as well as the rest of his fur, perhaps only relaxed as much as he was because his Alpha made no movement toward the wolf who had almost run right through him.

He watched as the lights over head scattered and he flattened his ears as a small splash of water hit the top of his maw, shaking his head to get rid of it quickly before watching the soaked female drag herself out of the water and shake, getting Daichi sprayed a little more, not standing far enough away from the wolfess, clearly. His nose crinkled but he made no objection, his body loosening up and his stance becoming more at ease, his tail still mid height, twitching and unsure. His markings slowly faded and eventually stopped glowing, glad he hadn't completely lost his composure.

"Are you... okay?" He asked with unease, half expecting her to try and run into him again.

[Relairah]

Zefirino was as surprised as Daichi as the wolfess suddenly exploded upon them, or at least... the water did. He lifted a paw and stared at her a moment as she shook out her fur sending a spray of droplets all over him. Well... he definitely didn't think he needed a bath at the moment. He glanced at Dai as he spoke first. It was Káshila. He recognized her as one of the wolves that had tended to the sick during the war and had later helped the team of Earth wolves to restore the lands. He wondered what could have caused her to burst through in such a rush. She was normally a relatively calm wolfess.

Káshila shook her head at Daichi's question. "It's Shanto." She knew Zefirino would know who that was. Her father. But more importantly... a very old enemy. "He's here for Vellina. And he's already breached the borders." Vellina was her sister who had once joined forces with their father... Shanto. A wolf consumed by revenge until his heart was black with hatred.

Zef sighed, the slight amusement he had at her entrance vanishing. He took a slight step back and lifted his head, a particular howl being thrust from his lips. It was a special call that he had developed with the Vorlfur as a summons. As soon as the call ended, he lowered his head, his eyes looking toward Daichi. "Care to join as we deal with a threat?" It seemed for the moment casualties were going to be put aside.