The Feud in the Forest (Private Rp with Wingfeather)

[tenebria]

(This is a private roleplay between Tenebria and Wingfeather, if that is not you, please do not post)

Deep in the farthest reaches of the Felltree wood, abides a war. A war as old as the wood itself. How it started, or by whom it commenced is a mystery... but that is to be found out. The wolves and elves who both claim the forest as their home are unable to live in harmony, as years of violence and treachery have shown. Currently, an uneasy stalemate has arisen, but both sides know it will not last much longer. And when it shatters, it will be the war to end all wars.

[tenebria]

The sun was just beginning to glimmer over the tree tops of Felltree woods, slowly stretching it's fingers of light across the landscape. Soon the trees were bathed in a golden hue, and still the light stretched onwards, glinting and glimmering over water, rock, wood and earth.
Even to the heart of Felltree it stretched, and into the west corner of the land.
Deep in this now golden forest, a shape shifted in a dark cave, and two amber eyes shot open as sunlight crept tentatively inside.

Nolryn gave a sigh, yawning and lifting his head from his paws as he rose to his full height, shaking the dust from his long black coat. His eyes faded to a mottled blue as he looked to his side, where only dust lay. With another deep sigh he stepped forward, the sun shimmering over his golden marked coat as the morning breezes slipped by, shifting his fur and brushing by his long dark tail. Stepping out from the large mouth of the cave, the male wolf blinked in the sunshine, then turned to greet the two wolves bowing on either side. "May the sun rise forever, High Alpha" The two twin steel gray wolves chorused before standing tall once more, icy blue eyes waiting for his command. "May the sun bring warmth to all who live in Felltree woods" Nolryn, High Alpha of the Felltree pack responded in his deep tone. "I must go to see Laeknir" he added as the two wolves fell silently into step beside him, their strong paw steps breaking the silent woods as they traversed down the rocky path. "Have any scouts come in?" he questioned as they walked. "Yes Alpha, but none with any new or alarming news to report" Tythoss responded from his left side. "Good, good" Nolryn responded, his step quickening as they approached the healers den, where his mate, High Luna Nadira took her respite. At least, since the disappearance of their only pup.

[wingfeather]

Nadira laid still on her green bed of soft forest moss. Another sleepless night with memories of her kidnapped pup taunting and tormenting her. How long ago was it? A day? A week? A year? It felt so long ago yet the pain was still fresh, as if it were that very hour her baby was taken.
Her once lush and snowy white coat now hung limply around her gaunt frame. Her dull amber eyes lit up momentarily when her mate Nolryn entered the dim cave

[tenebria]

Nolryn ducked his head slightly as he entered the barely lit cave, a shifting of claws outside telling him his guards were taking up their faithful stand once more. His eyes drew themselves naturally to the familiar moss bed on the earthen floor, where his listless mate now lay. "My Luna, how are you this morning?" He asked, his deep voice gentling as he moved closer to nuzzle her. Another set of claws further back in the cave made him aware of Laeknir's presence, but he knew the healer would take care not to interrupt his Alpha and Luna.

[wingfeather]

Nadira licked his muzzle half heartedly. ''Ah, Nolryn, the dreams, they came again'', her soft voice faltered suddenly. ''I saw him again, this time more clearly than before.'' She laid her head down heavily, eyes half closed. She spoke again suddenly, ''please Nolryn, please, bring my baby back to me. After she spoke her body relaxed slightly and she slipped into a half doze.

[tenebria]

Nolryn's brow furrowed worriedly at his mate's weak manner, and the knowledge of the dreams that plagued her mind. With a sigh he gently nuzzled her again, his eyes deepening indigo with care "Nadira, you know I would give anything to do as you ask" he said, his gentle voice almost breaking as his heart was torn. The wolf before him was but a shadow of the confident, carefree, loving mate he knew and loved, and as she slipped back into the herb induced sleep, he pressed his head against hers, eyes tightly shut. "I promise, my sweet Luna, that no matter how long it takes, I will bring him back to you. They cannot keep him from me forever". He said, his voice trembling with anger at the creatures that had stolen not only his pup, but his mate from him. For a moment more he stayed as he was, until he heard the stoic voice of the healer. "My Alpha, if I may, rest is vitally important to Luna Nadira" the earth toned wolf spoke as he emerged from the darkness. Nolryn gave an understanding nod "Keep her well" he said in a husky tone. The healer inclined his head slightly "I will try my best, High Alpha" he said, tone still as stoic as always. With another nod, and a single pained glance at his mate, Nolryn turned and quickly padded out, unable to bear the depression and hopelessness of the dark den. As he stepped quickly out of the den, his two guards trotted after him, exchanging silent looks and remaining slightly behind him, giving him time to think. Somehow, there had to be a way to find out where the elves were holding his son.

[wingfeather]

Suddenly a lithe tawny wolf appeared around the corner. Head down he approached his alpha and bowed low, one paw stretched out before him and the other nearly touching his heaving chest, his nose nearly touching the ground. ''My alpha'' he said pantingly as he rose, ''your scouts spotted a company of elves headed in a northernly direction. We counted ten but there could be more. In their midst they had a human boy bound with ropes.

[tenebria]

Nolryn was shocked out of his troubling thoughts as Tythoss and Jokull suddenly leaped in front of him, teeth bared. "Tythoss, Jokull, What is the meaning..." he trailed off as a lean wolf raced around the bend in the trail before prostrating himself before him. With a motion from the Alpha, his guards melted back to his side, although they kept a wary eye on the surrounding brush. As the scout spoke, Nolryn gave a quick intake of breath at the news. He had heard, and witnessed, elves committing horrendous acts, but never before, to his knowledge, had they spread their violence and trickery into the humans domain. Realizing the scout was waiting for an answer, he gave a short nod. "You have done well to bring me this report, but before you rest, I have one more task for you." he said, pausing to conjure his thoughts before continuing "Find five of my fastest messengers and send each to a Clan. Instruct them to bring this message to all Clan Alphas" he paused once more to make sure the wolf was listening before dictating his message. "A troubling act has been witnessed of the elves. All Clan Alphas are hereby called by their High Alpha to come to the Council rock Tonight at the Moon's Rise, to discuss a matter of War." With a slight flick of his tail he indicated her was finished, and watched as the scout disappeared down the trail. "I have much to ponder and prepare" he murmured to his guards as he continued down the path, his two faithful shadows in tow.

[wingfeather]

The tawny wolf ran swiftly to do his alpha's bidding, and soon five wolves, including himself, were running in opposite directions bearing the message and summons of the high alpha to the surrounding clans. 
He was received courteously by the Visdomr clan alpha, and after delivering his massage, was permitted to rest himself until he regained his strength. In the meantime the under alpha and a few of his wolves made ready for their journey.

[tenebria]

The fifth messenger, an equally as lithe black wolf, received the message, committed it to memory, and sped off to the Araedi clan. Upon arrival he was ushered to the Clan Alpha, where he delivered his message swiftly. As was custom, he was offered a place to stay for the morning, but instead he politely declined, still fresh from resting well the night before, and bidding his farewells, he made his way back to his own clan.

Once the scout had left his presence, Vanorr gave a troubled growl. "Sumar" he said pensively to his Beta sitting beside him. "yes Alpha?" the orange coated wolf responded swiftly. "This will not be a simple council, and I fear it will have a resounding effect upon many in our clan. The hours that I am absent, I trust you to keep them calm" he said, looking hard at his Beta. Sumar dipped his head "Of course" he responded, pausing before adding "Shall I get the hunters together and instruct them to find a choice beast of prey for our High Alpha?" he questioned. Vanorr looked pensive, then nodded. "That would be best, but nothing too large. We don't want to give the impression that we are wasteful of life" he said, then got to his paws. "Also gather to me our scouts and guards, I will need at least two to accompany me." he said, before swiftly adding "That includes any Mentors and their apprentices. It will be a good learning experience for the young ones". As his Alpha finished speaking, Sumar got to his paws. "It shall be done" he said shortly, dipping his head low to Vanorr before trotting out of the den. Vanorr stared at the entrance thoughtfully for a few moments, then rose as well, padding into the morning air and watching as his Clan began to awake.

[wingfeather]

Troubling thoughts were plaguing Foedi as he silently padded his way through the wood, toward the Council Rock, with a few of his other wolves. The elves kidnapped a human now? His mind began swirling with possible motives and reason for their actions, but he could not come up with any satisfactory conclusions. He finally resided himself to just wait and see what the high alpha was going to say.

[tenebria]

Sumar trotted down the path from Alpha Vanorr's den, heading for the hunter's cave, where he could hear voices emanating. As he stepped in, five pairs of eyes quickly looked to him, and five heads dipped in respect. "Beta, we were just discussing the hunting plan for the day" the lead Hunter, Zeera said as she stepped forward to greet him. "Ah good, I caught you just in time then" he responded to the large green tinted tawny wolf. "Your Alpha has orders for you to find a prime target to bring to the High Alpha" he announced. A few murmurs broke out from the remaining four wolves as their tails moved in excitement. "We are honored" Zeera said, dipping her head once more before adding "What is the occasion?" Sumar frowned. "An Alpha council meeting" he responded, and she looked at him thoughtfully, then nodded, knowing better than to ask questions. "You'll have it by High Sun" she promised. Sumar nodded, then turned and trotted out of the den, heading to his next destination.

In a den almost halfway across from the Clan Araedi Alpha's den, a silver furred wolf twitched in her sleep, her red marked coat rippling slightly. Suddenly her green eyes shot open and she leapt to the side, just as a large dark colored wolf leapt on the spot she had previously occupied. "You shouldn't have stepped on that pebble outside" Alistra said, with a grin as she padded around her Mentor who had regained her balance. The purple tinted wolf looked down at her young apprentice calmly. "If I had been an elf, I wouldn't have needed to get so close" She reprimanded, although truthfully she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride for her student. Alistra sighed "Well, if you had been an elf, I would've known by your scent" she argued. Vaskra simply snorted, turning and padding out of the den. The young silver furred she-wolf followed, an annoyed expression in her bright eyes. "If you had known I was awake, you wouldn't have leapt" she added, feeling she still had a point to prove. The older, battle worn wolf didn't turn back. "I did know you were awake. You let your muscles move, and it rippled your coat" she said in a calm tone. Alistra scowled in annoyance as she emerged into the bright sunlight, shaking her coat and stretching, but dropping the subject and remaining silent.

"Your training will continue today, I'm going to make arrangements for us to travel with the hunt today" Vaskra spoke as she looked down impassively upon her young apprentice. "The hunt? Again? But they're so slow!" Alistra said with another scowl. Her mentor sighed. "Alistra" she said in a warning tone, and the younger wolf quickly nodded "Yes, Kennari" she said in a low voice, using the respectful term for teacher. Vaskra nodded abruptly, and was about to start up her old lecture of slow and steady wins the race, when paw steps caught her ears. Turning, she immediately dipped her head as the Beta came over to them. "Vaskra, Alistra" he said with the faintest inclination of his head. "Alpha Vanorr is calling all warriors, mentors and their apprentices to meet him below his den." he said shortly. Vaskra dipped her head again "We will be there" she responded, waiting for him to pass before quickly picking up a trot, heading for the center of the dens. "A meeting? What do you suppose it's about?" Alistra asked curiously. Vaskra glanced down and raised an eye slightly "Well how am I supposed to know?" she asked in a slightly annoyed tone. The younger wolf quickly looked down in embarrasment, and remained silent until they arrived. In the large clearing, many other wolves were gathering. Besides the main warriors, there were also the older mentors and a few apprentices, who were looking just as curious as Alistra felt. Eagerly, hopefully she scanned the crowd, but the familiar pelts of her father and mother were not visible. She sighed again, sitting down and curling her red furred tail over her paws as she waited, knowing that there was no point in attempting to ask Vaskra about the goings on. She probably wouldn't deign to answer at that point.

[wingfeather]

Eniliar woke to find the hollowed out nook, normally occupied by his godfather, empty. ''Strange'', the young wolf thought to himself, he was used to Graynan getting up early, but he was also used to getting up with him, not be left sleeping. Being of the Visdomr clan he was taught to think for himself and to solve problems, but he still had a pups imagination, and because of this some interesting explanations came to mind: What if he was out fighting elves, maybe our clan is under attack, (he briefly wondered wether the wolves were offense or defense), What if the entire elf army is marching against the high alpha! But all was quickly dispelled when Greynan himself entered the den with a cheerful ''good morning.'' 
Enilair sadly put away his adventurous guesses and resined himself to asking simply, ''where have you been?''
''alpha Froedi summoned a meeting to declare his departure to the Council Rock,'' he answered. Before any any equally colorful thoughts as the latter could begin to take shape in the young wolfs mind, Graynan quickly explained the true reasons to him. When Enilair heard this he was rather taken aback for well versed was he in the lore and laws of the wood. A human boy, why would they do such a terrible thing, he asked himself.

[tenebria]

Sumar quickly looked over the congregated wolves, counting heads. "seven... eight" he gave a satisfied nod and trotted over to the Alpha, who waited off to the side. "All warriors are gathered, save for Einvaldr and Faraya, although they were due to return from their scouting trips yesterday" he said quickly. Vanorr sighed "I do hope they return safely, and today. It would ease my mind to have them at the Council with me tonight" he said, shaking his head at the situation, then stalking out of the shadows, heading for the rock that was raised at the front of the clearing. His Beta followed him, standing beside the rock at attention. Jumping on to the rock, Vanorr stood tall at the top. "Warriors" he called, his voice echoing over the wolves heads. Immediately all quieted and looked to him. "This meeting was called, due to some rather unusual and unheard of circumstances. Last night, a group of the High Alpha's personal scouts witnessed the kidnapping of a human child, a boy. It was commited by a large party of Elves." he said, pausing as murmurs ran through the gathered wolves.

Alistra, who had quickly stood at the Alpha's presence, gave a gasp of shock. Out of all she could have guessed, she would have never thought of a human. Even Vaskra started slightly in surprise, her body tensing at the thought of the elves breaking the Ancient Law. The Law that forbade either of their kind from interfering with the human world.

"Yes, I know. It is quite disturbing news" Vanorr said, seeing the reaction. "The High Alpha has called all Clan Alphas to Council Rock tonight. As I will be gone, I put Sumar, your Beta, in command. You will obey him and follow his orders, especially should any attacks occur, without question." Having finished his speech, he padded off the rock. Sumar followed him closely. "Who will you take as your guard?" he questioned. Vanorr paused, looking back at his Beta. "Einvaldr and Faraya, should they return. And I have a feeling they will. They always come back when I need them most" he said, pausing to look at the surrounding forest before continuing over to the healers den, beginning to make his daily rounds.

[wingfeather]

Enilair loved history, especially what he was learning just now. Greynan was telling him of the many and great alphas of the past, he was also telling, in great depth, of the numerous battles and skirmishes fought over the past hundreds of years, but today Enilair could not seem to keep his mind trained on his schooling. His thought always returned to the captured boy and why the elves would want him. Just as Graynan was getting to the climax of the battle of fjorn hill Enilair asked suddenly ''Why are we at war with the elves?'' Graynan stopped speaking and considered his young pupil thoughtfully before answering, ''that history has been lost to us, no one knows the reasoning behind all this malice and bloodshed our purpose now is just to survive it and possibly even crush it,'' he said this last part though as if he were devoid of any hope in its occurrence.
For the rest of the day these strange thoughts did not leave Enilair: a war lost of cause and a kidnapped boy with a hidden cause.