Contemplations - Open

[Vivid]

He was confused as the female shook her head and spouted a name. Was that hers? Or was that someone else? He continued listening as she went on, finally deducting that it wasn't her name, and that whoever it was, was bad news, judging by her "breached the boarder" comment. Was there another war starting so soon after the last? Was it a rival pack? His ears lowered briefly then perked back up as he turned his head to his Alpha, the haunting call making him feel horribly anxious and suddenly very concerned, knowing it was practically a battle call. As he expected, Zefirino turned to him and asked if he would join, Daichi running several things through his head.

Would he have to fight?
Would he be able to control himself if he did?
Would his magic need to be used? And would he hurt anyone?
Could he decline, and still be accepted into the pack?

"Yes, I'll come." The words were out of his mouth before he even knew what he was saying, as if the howl had kicked down the door on his rational thoughts, and brought out the protector in him. This was his family now, he needed to help! Or at least, that's what his instinct told him. Daichi wasn't too sure of that himself, more worried about hurting someone than being able to protect them. Maybe it wouldn't end in conflict though, maybe it would be as easy as talking the wolf, Shanto, down? He doubted that, and felt the metaphoric fire ignite in his belly, spreading heat to the rest of his body as emotions struggled against the locked doors inside. Would he be able to defend his Alpha and his new female if it came to it? Or would he risk their lives because he was too scared he might hurt them himself?

It's now or never, I guess.

[Relairah]

As Daichi responded that he would, in fact, come along Zef smiled and nodded briefly. His gaze turned toward Káshila. "Lead the way," he said. He knew that those he had summoned would join them. They needed to go, now, before the problem became worse. As soon as the red female wolf turned, he took off after her, his dark fur rippling about him and his powerful muscles pushing his body onward.

Káshila began to head off, just as her Alpha had instructed. Her paws tread over the land with ease and familiarity. It was clear her direction was certain and without so much as hesitation. She glanced toward Daichi as she ran, her gaze going over his figure briefly. She didn't recognize him, and was curious. Perhaps now was not the time to try and socialize with him... but she was a friendly wolfess under normal circumstances and his newness was enough to catch her attention. "Sorry I couldn't be more polite," she offered, realizing that if they had met without her almost knocking him over, she would have been far more cordial.

Soon, they slowed. They had reached the western edge of the packlands where the trees throughout the grassy meadows condensed and centered into a smaller wood of sorts. Zefirino stepped forward, placing himself between his packmates as the familiar form of Shanto came into view...

[Vivid]

"Lead the way" was their queue to go, Dai turning his head to the female before she began to run, his body suddenly filled with energy, following after his Alpha in quick pursuit. While he ran, his fire settled, feeling the relief of exerting some pent up energy. With each smooth lunge, the anxiety slowly faded, giving him a much clearer head. The wolfess turned to him as he began to think about this situation, and he met her eyes very briefly, able to see her curiosity and return his with a very slight tilting of his head. He blinked as she spoke to him, picking up his pace very slightly to get into better talking range, if only for a second.

"It's fine, really, don't worry. I'm sure we'll have time after to talk. My name is Daichi, I'm still kind of new here." He didn't expect much of a reply, but he gave her his name in the very least. There would be time after for her to ask him more, but for now, they had to focus on the situation. However, he did kind of want her name, in the least. As for this "Shanto" wolf, Daichi was still quite in the dark. As he ran, he tried to piece things together, getting a better idea of the situation as the tree began to clear, the three slowing to a stop a good distance from who he assumed to be Shanto. His hackles raised but he fell quiet behind his Alpha, his golden-orange eyes not leaving the intruder.

[Relairah]

OoC: Omg sorry for such a long response time <<; Life has been crazy to say the least xD anyway....!

iC:

"Káshila," was all she managed to say in return to Daichi before they arrived. She didn't even need to look to know. She recognized his scent as well as she would her own or her beloved sister's. Why must she be related to this.... monster? She just couldn't understand how he had fallen so far and why he couldn't just let the past go. Perhaps he had just reached a point of no return. Either way, she went on the defensive, her senses alert.

Káshila had every reason for her feelings. Standing before them boldly was a large wolf, his fur a sickening black. The only notions of color were a pale green at the tips of his ears and tail and a swirl of green in the fur of his chest. Glimmering in the darkness of the forest was a golden tattoo emblazoned on his right shoulder. It was a dagger with a snake curled around it. Its very presence emanated something sinister. His body was large with muscles and he was covered in scars from countless past battles. Green eyes were focused on the group and a smirk rested on his wolfish lips. "Well, if isn't Icewulf's spawn come to chastise me." His tongue licked at his lips. "Káshila, you still ally yourself with my enemies? How dare you bare your fangs at me," he snarled.



"This spawn leads this territory and you have crossed our bounds. Leave. Now. This is your only warning." Zefirino preferred not to have bloodshed... but he would not hesitate if Shanto was here as a threat. In his gut, he knew that Shanto was not here for anything less than blood. But he still had to try. He entirely ignored Shanto's words to his daughter.

Shanto lowered his head, eyes flashing. "I don't have time to play, whelp. Get out of my way." Shanto had considered feigning a changed heart. Convincing the new Alpha to let him in. He had had no idea that Icewulf's son was that very wolf. So instead, he would force his way in. He had killed Icewulf's family before. And he'd do it again. This fool didn't deserve to run a pack. A growl rumbled in his throat and his muscles coiled.

Zefirino didn't wait for Shanto to attack first. He lunged, barreling into the intruder.

[Vivid]

While they stood talking, Dai took in all there was about the sinister looking wolf. His fur was so dark, and he had strange markings in a few different colours, the gold one catching his attention the most, as it actually took on a shape compared to the green that was matted into his fur it looked like. Sizing him up, Daichi doubted that he had the strength to take on this wolf alone. This canine had far more muscle and weight behind him, making Daichi second guess his situation. Maybe he would have to use his magic...

His eyes trailed along the other still, taking in the large wings that sat at his sides, another disadvantage to starting a fight. Those have to go first, he thought, knowing that breaking a wing would at least help swing the fight in their favor. If he couldn't fly, or use them as cover or to beat someone, then it would surely be helpful.

As things picked up, Daichi readied himself, his muscles tense, his tongue swiping over bared fangs. This was it. The conversation ended and Zefirino dove in to attack, not giving any order with him, leaving Daichi wide eyed and frozen in place. He didn't know how packs worked yet! Was he supposed to go dive after his alpha? Was he supposed to hold back? Was this some instance where if he stepped in to help, he'd be punished later? He turned his head to Káshila and whimpered, a plea for her to tell him if it was safe for him to join.

ooc: Don't worry! We're all bound for slow replies. My apologies as well!

[Relairah]

OoC: Yay I'm finally back also Monkey is supposed to be joining in the fun soon. I can't remember if I mentioned it to you already, but hope that's okay XD

iC:

Káshila glanced at Daichi when he whimpered. She could sense his uncertainty. In fact, she felt a little uncertain herself. There were not many that could take on Shanto alone. But their alpha was seasoned in his own right. At first, she assessed the situation... they seemed equally matched. But she felt since they were here, it was important that they help. All the better if Shanto was ended here and now. It would be his fault for invading pack territory alone. He should expect to be attacked from more than just one. She was also glad now that she had sought out help rather than confronting him on her own. She opened her mouth to say something, when she heard Zefirino's voice.

"Dai, Káshila, circle him. Let's show this intruder his place!" Zefirino had managed to knock Shanto over, his form on its side, though only for a moment as he pushed off the ground and lunged toward their alpha.

Káshila didn't need to be told twice. She lowered her stance and bounded to the opposite side of Shanto, and as he lunged toward Zefirino, she lunged after him, snapping at his flank and tearing at a piece of flesh.

Shanto growled as both of his foes landed blows, though he also had already landed some of his own on Zefirino's body. Perhaps it was surprising that he had not yet resorted to his magic. In fact, he hadn't yet on purpose. He wanted to show just how powerful he was. That he could defeat them - hell, all three of them - with just his physical abilities. And in case he couldn't, he had an ominous back up plan. But he would get to that later. A smirk filled his lips as he lowered further as Zefirino leaped, and he attempted to tear at his belly. Instead his claws met only air and he whirled, meeting his daughter in a head-on attack. He couldn't help feeling infuriated that she allied herself against him, and though she didn't know it... she was soon about to be part of his scheme. But not yet...

[Mokobo]

Even at night this forest held an abundance of wonder and surprises for a youth of the southern deserts. Trees that soared to the very heavens winked starlight through their boughs to the lands below.  It was to that ethereal glow that a wide pair of orange eyes stared in amazement. His homelands had held an abundance of breath-taking nights where the entire universe seemed laid bare. However the nights in these foreign lands seemed so fleeting, so mythical, that the youth could not help but be captivated with wonder. Out of habit, his entire trek from his homelands had been conducted during the night when there was less heat and less enemies to be bothered with. Just how long he had been traveling the youth could not say, but the tingle in the back of his mind which had brought him thus far had grown into a veritable tug. For better or for worse, Oren felt his journey was nearing its apex.
Ironically, the creature who had so much curiosity for his surroundings was a most singular sight himself. While his frame with its gangling legs and over-sized paws were typical of a yearling wolf, and his rust-red pelt a common color among certain breeds, this was where the similarities ended. His snout and the tip of his tail were flecked with brilliant silvery splotches of fur. Nestled between two ears of the same plumage sprouted two short, curved horns of the same hue. Black scales flowed from the base of his neck, flowing down his underside to the tip of his tail. More of the curious growths covered the back of each of his legs. All these traits, along with a rather short, segmented tail marked this creature as a young Druin, an especially rare sight in these times.
With an almost wistful sigh Oren lowered his head before continuing on through the massive tree trunks. Every so often he had to pause to adjust straps which held a sheathed sword to his back. With a jerk of the hips he would swing the instrument back to its place between his shoulders, only to have it slide back to his side after a mere few paces. Such an elaborate weapon with its ruby pommel seemed out of place in this youth's possession, but to him it was the most valuable treasure in the world. Set into the warped desert wood of the sheath was a golden dagger with a gleaming serpent curled about its blade. In the faint starlight the rubies which were the eyes of the faux reptile seemed to sparkle in a delighted way.
For a few moments Oren strode in silence, a peaceful reverie broken almost immediately by the harsh call of a raven. Yet the bird's voice was not the only sound in the forest this night. As the druin listened more intently, he heard distant voices raising with anger. Despite his ignorance of these lands and its denizens, he felt compelled to investigate, almost as if the same instinct which had dragged him north wished for him to find the source of such a rising cacophony. So it was with a hurried, and somewhat awkward pace, Oren darted off into the shadows to find where the other creatures were conversing.
In a matter of moments he found the little confrontation taking place in the center of a clearing. Yet Oren did not make himself known at first, remembering how the native tribe of his homelands had constantly chased him from their lands. He knew nothing of the way of packs or the politics of struggles for leadership. Such were lessons his father had never taught, or had at least not had time to teach before he was gone. Soon the two darkly pelted males who had been exchanging words began to fight. This was a subject he knew, and one he had been diligently instructed in. Oren could tell these two males were powerful, and with the same wide-eyed gaze he watched their deadly dance. He could tell the one with hints of green in  his fur fought alone, and from the looks of him he could hold his own. Yet his opponent was obviously younger, and with that came energy and stamina. The young druin began to settle in for the show, hoping it would be half as good as watching prairie dog pups fight above their holes.
However the duel seemed to turn into a brawl, causing Oren to raise his lips in disgust. With a shout, the apparent leader called out for his friends, giving them and order to attack. Oren's father had taught him the most honorable fights were fought one on one, and such a violation to what he had been raised to view as right seemed abhorrent. Still, he did not rush to join the fray. This was not his fight, nor was he sure he wanted these creatures to even know he was there. So far his life had been one of seclusion and exile, with one exception that had torn his entire world asunder. With these thoughts in mind, the youth prepared to turn and take his leave, that is, until his eye caught a glint of gold.
There, in the exact same place his father had born it, was the mark. The same mark set into the sheath of his father's sword. Could this be a coincidence? He had traveled hundred, possibly thousands of miles for reasons he couldn't even explain to himself. Sometimes he had even decided to head a direction other than North, but as soon as his mind wandered so too did his paws, setting him right back on track. After all that time he had hardly expected to find someone who bore the same strange mark his father did. Before he could even stop to think on the strangeness of this coincidence, Oren was dashing from the foliage to the sidelines of battle, a mere yard or so away from the others. With a metallic song he would draw his father's blade, holding it in both paws as he leaned back on his tail for support. "STOP!" The voice he used was surprisingly powerful, but cracked between bass and tenor notes. This, along with the way the tip of his sword dipped occasionally were good indicators of his youth and inexperience. As soon as the others turned their attention to him, the young druin would seem to grow meek. With a nervous clearing of his throat, he would look at the others with that bright, uncertain gaze. "Th-this hardly seems a fair fight..."

[Vivid]

His ears twitched nervously when she looked to him, realizing she was as uncertain as himself. Some great warriors they were. His eyes snapped back to the Alpha as he called for their assistance, feeling suddenly pumped with energy. Like the female, Daichi dived right in, his fangs bared and his markings glowing brightly, fueled not by emotion, but by the primal urge to protect what was his. He would come to realize later that maybe, jut maybe, fighting for others wasn't so dangerous.

Like he had thought of earlier, Dai stayed out of the way and worked on disabling the enemy. His teeth tore into the base of the large wolfs wing, viciously shaking his head to get some real damage out before he could be shaken off. While the others fought head of, he decided to act as a sort of support, filling in where necessary and preventing the beast in front of him from getting any advantage. Whether it was disabling the brute, or butting in to save someone else a bite, he was ready to help. His fur stood partially on end and he kept an eye out on his companions, about to dive in to prevent a blow to Zefirino before seeing Káshila do that exact thing. Seeing that she was alright, the male kept up his assault on the wing, suddenly distracted by a ting of metal, and a sudden "stop" shouted by a confidant voice.

Not releasing the wing, Daichi growled at the newcomer, silently admiring the odd features of this new creature while tangled up in battle. Then it struck him. Was that wolf from the pack..? With feathers and fur up his nose, Daichi couldn't catch the scent, frustrated by how things were turning out already. Letting his jaws part from the wing, hoping he had done enough damage, the male huffed, barking at the newcomer.

"A fair fight? He's trespassing!"

[Relairah]

Káshila hesitated at the sound of the voice and glanced to its location, her eyes taking in the form of the Druin. She had been a part of this pack for a long time now... and she knew he also was a trespasser. But he didn't seem like he meant any harm. Except...

Before she could think further, she screamed as she felt Shanto's fangs sinking into the flesh of her shoulder. And then he was gone as Zefirino barreled into him and sent his body flying across the clearing. She whimpered, struggling to rise. Her eyes settled on Daichi as he said the same words she was thinking to whoever this newcomer was. "I don't... know who you are... but you don't know the whole story. His very... existence... threatens many lives." She needed a healer. She was bleeding badly... and not just from this wound. "Shanto... you bastard... what did you do to me?" she mumbled, gasping. She knew it had not been any mere bite.

Zefirino hardly faltered at the sound of the newcomer. He knew better. It seemed Káshila didn't, however, and she soon found out the reason why one never looks away in a fight. Especially against one such as Shanto. Fury glimmered in the Alpha's eyes as he heard his packmate. As soon as he sent Shanto flying, he knew the other would soon rise and lunge toward him. But in the second before that would happen, he spared the newcomer a glance. At first, it was nothing that might too dramatically capture his attention. But then. There. He saw it. Between this Druin's shoulder blades rested a particular sword.

Zef couldn't risk gazing any longer. Turning his eyes back toward Shanto, his muscles were still tensed, ready for the next attack. He wanted to ask the newcomer about the sword. But now was not the time. "Both Káshila and Daichi are right, Druin. And you also are in no place to interfere as you are on pack territory. Decide your position now... we neither have time to explain this to you, nor to converse about unnecessary things. If you stand with this traitor, then you'll share his fate. And if not, you should be on your way, and quickly."

Something in the pit of Zefirino's gut and instincts said things wouldn't be over so quickly with this newcomer. Who was he, he wondered?

As soon as Zefirino barreled into Shanto and sent him flying, he tumbled across the ground and stopped, grunting as he got back to his paws. He smirked, licking his lips slowly. Normally, Shanto would use the distraction for another attack. But he also had taken a moment to look the one who had stopped them over. He found himself interested in this one. Slowly, a new scheme began forming in his mind. He also didn't fail to note the unmistakable sword. There was only one other wolf he had ever met that had carried around such a thing. And he couldn't help wondering why this fool had it. He had heard rumors of Deathblood's passing. But Shanto had always been more focused on ridding the world of Icewulf than to concern himself with anyone else. "Well, well. Someone who understands the warrior's way." Shanto chuckled, a dark sound. "He does have a point. Although I in no way object. By all means, bring everything you have. It will only sweeten your defeat."

[Mokobo]

"He's trespassing!" Why was it that creatures within a pack always seemed to draw invisible lines upon the land. Did the rain choose to turn its course because it would be trespassing? Would the bird change course simply to avoid encroaching a pack territory? In his youth there had been a pack territory not far from his home. They too had their invisible border which they protected. Once Oren had crossed that line while chasing after a dragonfly. The desert wolves found him on their lands and had chased him off while cruelly throwing stones and other objects. From that day the young druin had avoided the pack's border and pondered over the validity of claiming land for one's self.
Suddenly the female wolf was crying out in pain. Oren would jump with a slight start at the sound, having never heard one of its like. The sword point dipped even more toward the ground as the druin's paws trembled against the leather wrapped hilt which they gripped. "His very... existence... threatens many lives." Oren heard no more of what Kashila said, as this one statement set a seed of anger within his timid mind. That's what they said about me. While the pack in the desert had begrudgingly allowed his father to join their numbers, from birth Oren had not been welcome. Demon spawn was what they called him, and they said his very existence was a blight upon their arid lands. With being born as his only crime, Oren had seen the pack for the cruel monsters that they were. Yet foolishly trying to befriend one was what had set him on this journey in the first place.
By the time Zeferino voiced his ultimatum, Oren was feeling quite unsure of his situation with a slight tinge of anger as the details began to emerge. He knew nothing of this Shanto, but he knew all too well the sting of exile and seclusion from the ranks of a pack. "Decide your position now..." What was his position for that matter? For months the young druin had wandered the lands, following an almost mystical gut feeling. That tug had brought him to this conflict, and now he found himself on the verge of angering yet another pack. Yet what had he done? Exist? Interrupt their assault on another exile such as himself?
The seed of anger began to blossom into a fiery flower withing Oren's chest. These pack wolves were all the same. They jealously chased away any creature who came near their precious borders. What right did these creatures have to act in such a way?! Would they be like the desert wolves and pretend to be his friend just to burn down everything he had ever known? From what he had seen so far there weren't many differences between the two groups. Perhaps it was the simple act of living in a pack which made these factions so cruel toward outsiders. "Well, well. Someone who understands the warrior's way." Bright  orange eyes would snap up to gaze upon Shanto with curiosity. That sounded exactly like something his father would have said, and it settled the issue for the timid youth.
With surprising agility, Oren would dash forth to put himself between Shanto and the others. Quickly the druin would once more assume his stance, holding his father's sword out horizontally to block his fellow exile's path. From such a position Shanto would be able to take note of the golden Mark set into the warped wood of the sheath strapped to Oren's back. The tip of the blade continued to dip occasionally, but his paws now held a solid grip to the leather wrapped handle. Small slivers of smoke began to wisp forth from between his claws as Oren continued to boil within. He was still unsure of his situation and self, but passion had taken control of his youthful mind. "I have business with this creature! S-s-so, let us take our l-leave." If anything, Oren's faltering cadence would be a hint to the tumultuous tide of emotion within.

[Vivid]

With Káshila's yelp, Daichi felt his fire burn, snarling and managing to get out of the way by a hairs-breathe, the brute being knocked away by Zefirino. His eyes darted between the two trespassers and the female, taking large, fast steps to reach her side. He moved to nuzzle her ear to provide some comfort as he glanced over the wound, ready to rip apart anyone else who dared try and take advantage of her weakness as he stood protectively over her.

As far as he could tell, his Alpha was untouched and ready for more, his own body unscathed and letting off quite the amount of heat, the fire in his blood burning fiercely; and in the back of his mind, he worried. If things progressed, surely he wouldn't be able to control this inferno, surely he'd be set off by something, and hurt the ones he was trying to protect. Daichi opened his mouth in a yawn like motion, a habit he picked up doing when he was over stressed.

"Káshila, can you move?" He spoke against her ear while he watched his Alpha carefully, his eyes locked on the enemies. If Zefirino needed help, he would butt in, but only if the situation was dire. Káshila was harmed badly, and he wasn't about to lose someone he had just met. Could he call for help? Would anyone hear? Would anyone even listen if they did, and was it his place? He gave another yawn, frustrated that he didn't know the inner workings of a pack just yet.

"If you can stand, I can get you out of here..." He mumbled his words a little, wondering if he should use the energy to shapeshift, or fight. He figured his Alpha could hold his own, but if the new wolf stepped in.. "But that's your choice. I'll fight for you if you stay, but I can't grantee your safety, you also need medical help." He snarled quietly as the Druin took position between the fight, gazing once more at Káshila's injury. Hopefully the two wolves would leave and they could get her help without Dai having to leave Zef for any amount of time, but that seemed unlikely with how badly Shanto wanted a fight.

I told myself this would be a good idea, joining a pack after a war... But war still rages, and I'll always need to fight now, to protect my friends, family, and loved ones... This isn't what I wanted!

[Relairah]

Káshila groaned, pushing herself as best she could. As the next events unfolded, her gaze drifted between the others. She recognized the glint in Shanto's eye. The one of some sort of scheme. Clarity faded in and out and through it she heard Daichi's voice. He was asking her if she could move... and then saying he would fight for her. She was a little surprised. Could he tell how weakened she really was right now? If so... it would be the first time anyone had given her that much attention. She had always done her best not to draw worry or concern. Her lip curled on one side into a crooked smile. "Yea... I'm alright," she managed, though grunted slightly. "But... you're right. I do need... a healer." She fell silent, biting her lip. Part of her wished to stay. But she knew that it was unwise... she would no better be able to try and convince Shanto of giving up his blood-thirst than she had any time in the past. "I'll try," she said finally, struggling again to rise though whimpered slightly. She was severely hurt. She hated to admit it... but she actually couldn't stand entirely on her own. Never in her life had these words escaped her... but she didn't have much choice. "C-can you help me?" she asked softly.

Zefirino watched as the newcomer seemed to debate some inner conflict, and rapidly came to his decision. Somehow he wasn't entirely surprised... though at the same time he wished it hadn't turned out this way. He slowly straightened, though remained on guard. "Very well... you have chosen your fate," he said, his voice rumbling.

Shanto watched as the newcomer positioned himself in between them. He was asking Icewulf's whelp to let them leave in peace? He wasn't going to offer to help fight these pathetic wolves off by his side? Still, Shanto's mind was fully at work. He gazed at Zefirino, slowly drawing his own stance together.

It seemed Shanto was waiting on further words. Zefirino knew he would not be the first to suggest he walked away. "Go. Now. This is your only chance. And do not return." He gave the last instructions even though he knew they would not be followed. But next time, Shanto would have much more to face anyway. Zef's entire stance as he watched them was dominant. Part of him wanted to wait until Shanto turned his back and then sink his fangs into the flesh of his neck. But he knew his moment was not now. As soon as they would be entirely off pack territory... he needed to pay a visit to those of the Vorlfur.

Shanto's eyes fell on the newcomer as soon as Zefirino's instructions were given. He chuckled to himself softly at the white one's spawn's demands. He turned, moving in the direction of the borders. "What is your name?" he asked.

[Vivid]

"What did he do to you..?" He mumbled his words as he watched the female struggle to stand out of the corner of his eyes, knowing that a normal bite couldn't injure anyone so badly. His attention was between the two groups, keeping an eye on the trespassers in case they decided to make a move against his pack mates, and making sure Káshila wasn't going to fall over as she got to her feet, looking like she was ready to collapse already. In a perfect world, Shanto would hold magic similar to his colouring, something like poison or plant, where poison would be more likely, given Káshila's condition. Thinking on it a little more, Daichi realized that the two knew each other some way. Did that mean Káshila knew Shanto's element? Surely that would help when they got her to a healer, but if she wasn't conscious, did Zefirino know?

"Káshila, do you know what he might have done to you, for when we get you help?" He questioned after she asked for his assistance, debating for several quick heart beats how to go about the situation, finally deciding. The canine sunk to the ground and made his way under Káshila, telling her briefly to hold on before he started to shift. Easier than having her climb on later, Daichi closed his eyes and concentrated, growing in size and shape, soon having her on his back, her face probably buried in his thick red mane as he grew from a wolf to a large African lion. His colouring and markings were the same albeit larger to match his massive size, his eyes wide and bright as they softly glowed. He turned his head back to make sure she was okay laid out over his back, giving a rumbling purr briefly before he spoke.

"I'll try not to move in any way to knock you off, if you start to slip let me know." After, he watched what was going on, listening to his Alpha giving the others permission to leave. As much as Daichi wanted to stay and fight for what they had done - both trespassing and hurting his pack mate - he knew it was not his decision, nor was he able to, wanting to get his new companion back before her condition worsened. He watched with burning hatred as Shanto turned around, and knew he shared the same desire as his alpha, his body throwing off more heat than before as his anger fueled his flames. Just hurry up and leave! He thought to himself, wanting to get back to the rest of the pack.

[Mokobo]

Oren's orange gaze would settle upon Zefirino as the latter issued their decree. Barely did the young druin register these commands of banishment as old memories tugged impatiently at his attention. In many ways, this pack leader had a close resemblance to Oren's father. While it was true that Deathblood had been a druin, the patriarch of his small family was able to assume the appearance of a wolf. The similarities were there, just enough for Oren to wonder if his father would approve of all this. Was he making the right choice? Had he let his past experiences with the tribe of his native lands cloud his judgement? Never let the past control the present Oren.
 "Go. Now. This is your only chance. And do not return." These words seemed to snap the young druin from his reverie. He could not shake the feeling of regret and apprehension that swelled within his chest. However, Oren had been exile the entirety of his young life. Always he had been scorned and chased off by those who laid claim on lands. Up until now each of these instances had been born of things out of his control. This time he had been foolish enough to get himself involved, and now the outcome he had grown accustomed to came from his own actions. It all felt terribly wrong.
Yet it is easy, especially for the youth, to fall into old habits in times of stress. With a soft sigh Oren would look away from Zefirino, turning his frame to follow the creature called Shanto. The young druin did nothing to hide the inner turmoil boiling away in his heart, his smoky-tipped tail and snout were drooped toward the ground as he plodded along. "What is your name?" Those brilliant orange eyes would dart up to gaze at Shanto, still glossy from the deep thoughts that possessed him. "My name? I'm called-"

"SHANTO!" The voice echoed out across the dark night sky full of fury, hatred and force that rivaled that of thunder. At first the sky only held the glittering stars, but in the blink of an eye one of those celestial bodies would seem to fall from its heavenly home. As a bright streak the object plummeted to the ground, landing so hard that a violent wind kicked up grass and flowers into the air.

Broad, golden wings were splayed out across the ground, their golden feather practically gleaming in the soft star light. Attached to them was a wolf of similar coloring with sharp, hawk-like eyes. Gracefully he would rise to all fours, the very image of some ancient spirit come down to earth. Yet just as the wolf began to fold those glorious wings to his side, a loud snap would issue from his back. The image of wonder and majesty was instantly lost as the aged creature gave a soft cry of pain. "Curse these bones!" For a moment there was quite a comical sight as the wolf stretched several ways before his body gave a loud pop and a satisfied sigh. In a soft voice Hawke would mutter to himself. "I may be getting to old for that."
After this rather embarrassing scene the aged veteran would seem to remember the purpose to his rather dramatic entrance. Those sharp yellow eyes of his quickly surveyed the scene before him. After a moment his gaze settled upon Daichi and his efforts to assist Káshila with her injuries. Unbelievably a sigh of relief would escape the gilded wolf, accompanied with a soft mutter of the word, "Excellent." Quickly Hawke would stride over to the now transformed creature and his charge, leaning his head in close so that his voice would not carry to the retreating figures. "You must take her from here now, as fast as you can. On your way you will meet a friend of mine, he will be the one fuming about long dead demons." Here the sharpness of his gaze melted into a beseeching plea. "You must not let him come here. Tell him you need his help, that should do the trick."
With these hushed words Hawke would once more rise to face the retreating figured of Shanto and Oren. Quickly he would look over to his alpha. Even though he had seen Zefirino grow from a pup, had even tutored the leader in some subjects, the veteran knew the danger of undermining an alpha's decree. With a slight nod of acknowledgement, the Cordus of the Vorlfur would call out to his leader in a voice he knew would carry to the exiles. "With your permission, sir, I would like to speak with that pile of slime."

[Relairah]

OoC: LOL! Omg I almost died laughing XDDDDD "that pile of slime"... I can literally hear Hawke saying such a thing. WOW *still grinning from ear to ear*

Káshila smiled at Daichi, still trying to make it seem as though it really weren't that bad, and nodded. "Yes," she said, "it's shadow poison. A rare specific type that is entirely controlled by the one who injected it." She paused, cringing as he lifted her over himself. At Daichi's transformation, she was impressed and curious... She silently promised herself she would learn more when she was recovered. If that was even possible. "He can kill me or torture me or even control me with it," she whispered into Daichi's mane. Káshila knew even now with Shanto supposedly walking away he was silently manipulating the poison he had sent into her bloodstream. She was such an idiot for giving him an opening. And she was angry at herself for not using her own magic against him when she'd had the chance.

She nodded at his instructions, trying to remain as still as she could also. At the sudden shout that filled the air, Káshila recognized the voice but didn't move too much to look. She heard as he landed and approached, whispering words to Daichi. And then as he moved away and toward Zefirino. Hawke. She smiled to herself. Good. She could rest a little easier knowing others were aware of Shanto's presence.

Zefirino didn't look away as a familiar voice carried downward and soon the older wolf landed. Instead, his muscles tensed. Well at least he wouldn't have to search the Cordus out for himself now. He just hoped that Daichi and Káshila got out of there quickly. If he thought anything of Hawke's antics on first arriving, he said nothing. He felt it would be entirely pointless as no matter, Hawke would ever remain light-hearted regardless of any situation. Instead, he merely nodded at Hawke's request and said, "Please do."

Shanto stopped at the voice, a smirk curling at the edge of his lip and his ears flicked backward, listening as the other made his appearance. He stood his ground at the gust of wind that followed and then slowly turned with a quirked brow and a face barely shy of laughing as his green gaze fell on the other's form. 'The nerve of him after such an embarrassing entrance.' "With those old bones, I doubt you could lay a single claw into my fur," Shanto said, quirking his brows. "But yes, please, what is it that one of the almighty ones has graced me with his presence to say?" The sarcasm was almost something dripping from his lips. "Forgive me, stranger," Shanto said to the young Druin who had chosen to join him. "It seems cordiality has been rudely interrupted. You see... these wolves have no interest in anyone else's well-being or relationships. Only their own." These words were uttered softy for Oren's ears alone, though of course, he didn't much care if the others heard him. It was true after all, in Shanto's mind, and soon he hoped this loathsome spawn before him would suffer the same fate as his loved ones had so many ages ago.