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Post by tenebria on Jan 5, 2024 12:36:22 GMT -8
Vaskra awoke just an hour after sunrise, and immediately went in search of Beta Sumar, with the intention of finding out if their Alpha, and her apprentice's parents, had returned. Finding him in the hunter's den, organizing a hunt, she waited patiently outside until he emerged, then bowed slightly. Sumar inclined his head in response to the respect shown by the battle worn female, then nodded at her look. "Alpha Vanorr, Einvaldr, and Faraya returned late last night, far after the Moon's Zenith" he said before she had the chance to speak. She smiled slightly at his competence, "Precisely what I came to ask, Thank you" she responded, then mulled over the information. "Hmm if they were that late then I suppose I should let Alistra sleep in with her parents" she said, mostly talking to herself, then paused with a slight smile spreading over her face. "I must be on my way" she said abruptly, bowing again before turning and trotting off thoughtfully towards Alistra's den.
The young apprentice, at that moment, was deeply asleep, a happy smile on her face as she was blissfully oblivious of her mentor's approach. A moment later, a large shadow covered the entrance, and then a small rock rolled down into the den, bumping into her nose with perfect aim. Snorting slightly she snuffled then opened her eyes sleepily, glancing around for the disturbance. Her mother and father still lay sleeping beside her, and she couldn't hear any noise. When she finally turned her eyes to the entrance, reluctantly for she knew all too well what she would see, her mentor's shadow told her that just because her parents got to sleep in, did not mean she was awarded the same courtesy. Vaskra's voice echoed into the dark abode softly "Come, we have much training to complete, if you wish to speak with your parents when they awaken." Alistra frowned, whispering back "But they're on either side of me, I can't move" she paused after this with a hopeful looking, but she should have known the excuse wouldn't get her anywhere. "Well then, look upon this a test of silence and agility" her mentor's voice replied immediately. Alistra sighed, then glanced at her parents, carefully drawing her paws under her and beginning to crouch forward slowly. A few moments more and she had successfully emerged from between them, taking care not to let her tail brush their fur. Springing to her full height she swiftly leapt over to the entrance and stepped out, shaking herself and glancing over at her waiting mentor. "Well at least they didn't wake up" was all the dark violet wolf had to offer as her student padded towards her. "Now then, let's move further away to begin your training. Today we work on silence, and patience" she said, not knowing just how much this lesson would come in handy in the next few days.
Several hours later, Alpha Vanorr awoke as well, stretching his legs and yawning before rising to his paws, padding to the entrance of his den. He could see his clan busy with their many differing tasks and smiled as he saw all seemed well. Glancing over once again, he saw the familiar pelt of his Beta and trotted down the path, approaching him swiftly. At that moment, Sumar was just making his way towards the healer's den, but turned as he heard paw steps, then bowed low. "My Alpha, it is good that you have returned safely." he said, and Vanorr gave a slight nod "yes, the journey was quite swift, thankfully" he responded agreeably, then added "The Council meeting was also swift, and many things were said which you have need to hear. Let us return to my den where we may talk in private" he added, and Sumar bowed slightly again "Of course, I am curious to hear all" he answered, swiftly following his Alpha.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 5, 2024 13:10:31 GMT -8
Alpha Froedi had just completed retailing yesterday's events to his Beta, Danathor. The grey-brown wolf was silent for some time before speaking, ''the Alpha has finally declared war, we have both been awaiting this for some time but now it is real and official,'' he seemed to be speaking to himself more than his alpha, but the ever practical minded beta was not lost in thought for long, and after shaking his head promptly asked, ''what are your commands, my alpha.'' Froedi answered, ''summon all my elders and be sure that Esoom and Lanaria are among those called, along with their son.'' Danathor bowed and exited the den, finding some messengers to do his alphas bidding.
Enilair was shocked, his mind began running so fast than he felt slightly dizzy. Alpha Foedi wants me to go on a mission? What could it be? Does it have to do with elves? Surely not he was too young. Maybe he would get to go with his parents. Or what if it was a solo mission. He was so excited that his body began quivering with all his pent up energy. ''Woh, slow down Enilair,'' his mother chided gently. ''What is it,'' Enilair asked his voice rising to a higher pitch, ''what's the mission?'' Before either parents were able to reply a messenger appeared in the den entrance, after bowing quickly he relaid his message, ''My alpha Froedi summons Esoom, Lanaria, Greynan, and Enilair, to a meeting, before his den. And with that the messenger bowed and disappeared. Esoom and Lanaria looked at each other, then smiled at their son, ''I guess you are about to find out,'' Esoom said to his son.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 5, 2024 14:14:31 GMT -8
Sumar blinked in surprise, shaking his head at all that he had just been told. "I knew it was going to be an important Council, but I had no idea it would have such consequences!" he said. "I cannot believe we are officially at War. I only hope this time it is the Final War" he said with a sad look to his Alpha. Vanorr sighed and nodded "As do I, as do I. But our High Alpha is wise in doing this, he knew it was too long coming, and that we finally must end it." he paused for a moment, thinking of the war to come before shaking himself. "Now, there is much to prepare. First, we must announce the happenings to the Clan, and then we must speak specifically to a few chosen wolves" he said. The Beta quickly got to his paws "I will send messengers to those you desire to be called" he said, waiting to hear the names. "Call all mentors, warriors, and scouts, including Einvaldr and Faraya, and their daughter Alistra. No other apprentices at this time though" Vanorr said solemnly, quickly adding the last part. He knew all too well what excited youngsters would do once war was proclaimed. Sumar dipped his head to his Alpha, then trotted out, heading for the messengers and scouts den.
Faraya awoke before her mate, stretching and looking around the den, then smiling slightly at the tell tale empty space between them. Nudging Einvaldr, she waited for the sleepy male to awaken. "Einvaldr, come, we must go speak with Alistra before the Alpha calls us" she said as he snorted and refused to wake up. Finally he opened one sleepy eye then groaned, slowly pushing himself to a sitting position and yawning. Faraya chuckled at his tired expression "We already slept in quite adequately, you'll feel more alive once you're moving" she said, pushing against him slightly. With another groan he got to his paws, shaking himself then nuzzling her. "It will be nice to sleep for an entire day sometime" he said with a grin. The red furred wolf laughed at that "Maybe after the war" she said, trotting towards the den entrance. Quickly he moved after her, and the two emerged into the sunlight, shaking themselves once more then looking around for their daughter, or her mentor. A flash of dark violet in the forests edge caught Einvaldr's attention, and they padded in that direction, ears pricked curiously as they heard voices.
"Alistra, you know you can do it more fluidly! You have to kick off with your back legs AFTER your front legs, not before!" Vaskra scolded her apprentice, who was shaking bark out of her fur as she stood a few feet away from a tree. "Now try it again" the older she wolf spoke, and at her command, Alistra leapt forward, legs flashing underneath her as she sprinted for the tree, leaping as high as she could and running up it a few steps before kicking off with her back legs, twisting midair and landing on all four paws. For a moment the young wolf held her breath, then grinned widely. "I did it!" she said proudly, glancing over at her mentor in almost a challenging manner for her to find any faults in the exercise. Vaskra, in fact, was doing just that, and finally found one. "You forgot the spin on the ground at the end, to make sure no enemies moved behind you" she said shortly. "Well now, that was impressive!" a proud voice spoke from behind the mentor. Vaskra turned and quickly dipped her head to the two wolves that padded up to her. "Mother, Father!" Alistra's happy bark rang out as she raced over to them and nuzzled them, they returning the affection. "I remember when I learned that move, it ended up coming quite in handy a number of times" Faraya spoke again, looking over to Vaskra who allowed a slight smile at the rememberance, as the two had often been paired together for missions. Einvaldr, who had never in his life attempted such agile stunts beamed with pride at his daughter, then remembered why they'd come to find her. "Vaskra, Pardon to break up the training, but we have news for Alistra, well, and for you too actually" he said with a slight pause as he remembered that the mentor had been chosen as well. "Oh, what is it?" the young silver furred wolf asked eagerly, looking from one parent to the next. "Alpha Vanorr has selected you both to go on a mission" Faraya said, her eyes sparkling with excitement for her daughter. Alistra's eyes widened. A mission. For her. An apprentice. Her tail began wagging furiously behind her. "What's the mission? Is it dangerous? Is it near the elves?" she shot off the questions rapidly. Vaskra's ears pricked at these words and moved over as well. "A mission for us both?" she also questioned in a calmer tone, looking slightly quizzical. She could understand why she alone would be chosen for a dangerous mission, or her apprentice for a test mission... but both of them? Einvaldr opened his mouth to answer, just as a panting scout raced up to them, looking slightly frazzled from having to hunt them down. With a quick bow he spoke "Alpha Vanorr requests Vaskra, Einvaldr, Faraya and Alistra to attend a meeting at his den" he said hurriedly, pausing to bow again before shooting off towards another den. Faraya and Einvaldr glanced at one another, then to their daughter who once again looked shocked and excited. "Well then, I suppose you'll just have to wait for him to tell you, both of you" the muscular silver wolf spoke as Alistra got to her paws, eyes shining with eagerness.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 5, 2024 15:12:45 GMT -8
Enilair could hardly contain his excitement, and was frustrated by his parents' and Greynan's seemingly slow pace, and kept racing ahead of them, wining with impatience. Finally the four wolves reached alpha's den and took their places among the ten or so other wolves, Alpha Froedi taking his place in their midst. Enilair sat tall between his esteemed parents, and trained his eyes immovably on the alpha before him. He felt proud to be sitting among the alpha's chosen wolves, and felt that his chest would simply burst from the rate his heart was beating, but he knew that he had to control it and prove he was worthy enough to have been chosen. Once all the wolves had arrived, and had taken curios glances at the young wolf, alpha Froedi began, ''my friends, I bring grave news from the council, our High Alpha Nolryn has declared war against the elves,'' Froedi paused as he chose his next words, ''he has partnered us with the Aeradi clan to rescue the boy that the elves have so cruelly stolen from his home, Alpha Vanorr and I were speaking together after the council and have decided to turn this opportunity into a test.'' He turned and looked directly at the young apprentice sitting between his parents, ''You Enilair, son of Esoom are going to accompany Grthmé and to of Alpha Vanorr's chosen wolves, and rescue the captive boy.'' Enilair was stunned, this was not only a test but a real mission, very much like the ones his parents went on. He knew more was said but only heard bits and pieces like guards being doubled, and a warrior count, but suddenly all the wolves were gone and he was following behind his parents into the alpha's den.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 5, 2024 18:42:47 GMT -8
Alistra hurried alongside her parents, trying her hardest to keep from asking the millions of questions that were popping around her head. It was a good thing she'd done training that morning, or she would've most likely taken off for the Alpha's den on her own in excitement. Vaskra took up the rear, although she was questioning many things as well. Once they reached the Alpha's den, they saw quite a number of wolves had gathered as well, warriors, mentors and scouts, totaling about fifteen wolves, including themselves. As they approached and took a seat near the entrance to the den, Alistra saw many of the older wolves give her frowning glances, obviously wondering what her place was at such an important meeting. Choosing to ignore their glances, her excitement much to high to be dampened, she trained her eyes on the entrance of the den, forcing herself to be still otherwise.
Beta Sumar glanced over the crowd, making eye contact with Einvaldr and Vaskra before ducking into the den. A moment later, Alpha Vanorr padded out, with his Beta at his side, taking a seat in front of his den. "My Clan, thank you for gathering so swiftly. As you all know, I, and two among you, attended a Council last night with the High Alpha. It had most astonishing results, which I shall now share with you all." he paused, looking over the tense faces. "First and foremost, Alpha Nolryn has proclaimed war against the elves, to end this generation long feud" he said. As he paused once more, murmurs and gasps spread through the wolves gathered, although some younger wolves, including Alistra, leaned forward with fiery excited eyes. He took a moment to glance at these youngsters with a grave look with dimmed their excitement. "Also, two of our clan has been chosen to go on a rescue mission. The objective is the boy who, i'm sure you all remember from yesterday, has been cruelly taken by our enemies. In this endeavor, we are partnering with Clan Visdomr, who shall also send out two of their clan to assist in this. Once the Council had concluded, Alpha Froedi and I discussed plans, and we came to the conclusion to reconstruct this mission to also include a test. As such, theses two wolves have been chosen for the mission" he turned his gaze to the mentor and apprentice who sat near on his right. "Vaskra and Alistra, you two shall go and save this unfortunate human boy" he said solemnly. Alistra almost leaped up in shock and delight. A mission. An actual real mission! Her two parents were looking down at her with pride in their gazes as she tried to stay still, a grin spreading across her face. No apprentice ever got a mission at such a young age, and she was sure it would be the absolute most exciting thing to ever happen in her life. Behind her, her mentor was having mixed emotions. On one paw she was honored to be chosen, but on the other, worry struck her for the apprentice before her who was wiggling in a futile attempt to keep her joy and excitement hidden. She was so young and reckless... could she hold up under such a technical mission? Only time would tell.
Alpha Vanorr continued his speech for several moments, addressing different clan members. Alistra tried to listen, but once she realized that none of it pertained to her, she lost herself in imaginings of the mission, how she would singled pawedly rescue the boy and return him safely to her Alpha, after having defeated all the elves in the camp as well of course. Meanwhile, Vanorr continued to deliver orders. To the warriors he advised to begin training doubly hard, and to consult with the scouts to devise an efficient guard and patrol system. To the mentors he instructed to keep up with their apprentices learning, especially to do with battles, for they might all be called to fight before the war would end, and to also begin training themselves, if they were still fit. A few moments later, after many bows, the other wolves scattered to their various tasks, and only Alistra, her parents, and Vaskra were left. Her mentor nudged her and the young silver furred wolf jumped slightly out of her day dreaming, blinking as she glanced around and realized they were being addressed by the Clan Alpha. "Come, we have details to plan" Alpha Vanorr said, motioning for them to follow him and his beta into his den.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 6, 2024 7:22:20 GMT -8
Enilair sat between his parents and tried to give his whole attention to what alpha Froedi was saying, he wanted to remember every thing. ''We are going to meet with your partners from the Aeradi clan either later today or early tomorrow to discuss the precise strategy for our endeavor, but I will try and explain as much as I can now so that your thirst for knowledge and your hunger for answers might be at least partway satisfied,'' Froedi added the last part with a slight smile in Enilair's direction. ''The goal of this mission is, of course, to rescue the captured human pup from the hands of the elves. I have decided to send you with Grthmé,'' Froedi looked directly at the one eyed wolf sitting in a shadowy corner near the entrance. Enilair, startled, followed Froedi's gaze. Grthmé? he hardly knew the old grey wolf. Actually he did not know him at all, and up till recently did not even know that he was part of the Visdomr clan. He hardly ever saw the wolf, as a fact, he did not even know that he had followed them into the cave. Enilair did not know wether he was afraid, in awe, nervous, or excited to work with the mysterious Grthmé. He decided it was probably a strange mixture of them all. At the sound of Alpha Froedi's voice Enilair's attention snapped back to the the real world. ''From Aeradi, Alpha Vanorr has selected a young apprentice and her mentor Vaskra. Now the general plan is the Stykr and Kvikr clans are going to select their fastest and strongest warriors and are going to lead off the main body of elves, after they are gone any guards remaining will be taken care of,'' he said with a significant glance at Grthmé, ''then those not dealing with guards will free the boy of his bonds and help him escape to an appointed place which will be chosen when the Aeradi alpha is ready to discuss everything further.'' After he had finished speaking, he looked as if he were about to bring the meeting to a close, but stopped himself and added, ''now, I need all to leave so that I can speak to this young apprentice.'' Esoom and Lanaria rose slowly and exited the cave, and Grthmé it seemed had already left. After all had gone Froedi turned his wise eyes back to the young eager wolf before him.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 6, 2024 8:44:17 GMT -8
Alpha Vanorr sat down, with his Beta taking a position slightly behind him as the four wolves entered his den, seating themselves in front of him. Alistra settled beside her mother and Vaskra, trying not to blurt out the questions that were racing through her mind, and attempting to focus on her Alpha who glanced at her with a slight smile. "Your mother and father already know most of this, but I know that you two most likely are very eager to know the details of this mission" he said, glancing to Vaskra who gave a slight nod. "Well, first of all, the plan is relatively simple, at least until we know certain details, such as where the boy is being held, and how many elves are with him. Later today, or tomorrow, we shall meet with Clan Visdomr to work out some more important details. At that time, you will most likely meet the two chosen, a young apprentice, like yourself, and an old warrior, by the name of Grthmé" he said, glancing at Vaskra as he saw her move her head slightly at the name. She simply blinked and lowered her head once more, although more memories were surfacing. After a slight pause, Alpha Vanorr continued "You all know the main objective is the boy. Clans Stryrkr and Kvikr are banding together their best to charge the elves and cause chaos and distraction, while you four will sneak in from behind. We will need any guards to be taken care of swiftly and efficiently, and the boy's bonds to be released. Then you shall spirit him to a safe hidden place, which is to be chosen when we discuss further details." he said, pausing to make sure he had gotten all details so far. "Clan Visdomr is sending some of their trained Dreki to send messages swiftly between clans, so we shall all be coordinated in our mission. I suspect it shall be at least a day, if not a week, until the scouts discover where the elves hold the boy. Until then, you must both train hard, and prepare your minds for this task" he said, looking to Vaskra who nodded once more, then down to Alistra who's eyes were shining excitedly. Not only would she get her first mission, but it included elves, and danger, and battling! The fact that two others had also been chosen for the mission beside herself and her mentor hardly registered, and all she could imagine was she racing into the camp and taking down the guards, rescuing the boy while she was at it and earning herself honor.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 6, 2024 9:27:43 GMT -8
Enilair was rather nervous, to say the least. Here was the alpha of their clan wanting to speak to him, only him. Enilair did not have much time to contemplate what about, as the alpha had began speaking. ''Enilair, you know as well as anyone that this will be a dangerous mission. Elves are never, never, to be trifled with, and you may see some things which will call for you to be brave. My advice for you is that you obey Grthmé, he may be a frightening and slightly disagreeable old wolf but he is a courageous and instinctive warrior. I also suggest that you are attentive the other members of your group as you four will need to work together, remember that Enilair. You must work together. That is all the advice I can give you,'' he finished. With a sobered mind, Enilair bowed and exited the den. Suddenly the whole mission did not sound as glorious as it did at first, but instead a sense of purpose filed his mind, maturing him, and changing the world around him. As he exited the den thoughts of the next few days crowded his mind causing him to fail to notice a scared grey wolf watching him from the shadows of a tree.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 6, 2024 11:00:44 GMT -8
The gathered wolves got to their paws as Alpha Vanorr dipped his head to them, but just as they were about to turn and depart, he stood as well, taking a step towards Alistra. "If I may" he said courteously, "I would like to speak with Alistra for a moment" Her parents quickly bowed and nodded, glancing at her "Of course My Alpha" Einvaldr replied. Alistra's heart beat quickly at the idea o the Alpha requesting to speak with her personally. As Vaskra and her parents exited the den, she prepared to sit once again. "Come, let us go for a walk in the woods, I would like to stretch my legs" Alpha Vanorr said suddenly, padding past her. With a surprised look she quickly followed him, staying silent and walking slightly behind him as she waited for him to speak first. Only once they had entered the forest and were following the well worn path that surrounded the main territory, did he slow so she would know to come beside him, and began speaking in a solemn tone. "I see that you are much excited by this mission, young Alistra" he said first of all, glancing over to see if she would dare to deny that statement. Instead she gave a slight nod, staying silent. "But I feel I must make you aware of the truth of this mission, hence you jump into a battle that is not yours." he said with a slight frown. "This will not all be adventure and thrills. We are now at war, and as such, if the elves see you they will not hesitate to loose their arrows" he said. At his words her ears flattened slightly, and a slight twitch of fear struck her heart. "This does not call for fear on your part, but much caution. Think before you leap, look before you run. Our objective is the human boy, and you must keep your mind focused on that. You must keep your head in the heat of the moment, although there will be chaos surrounding you. Do not run to the battle. That is why your mentor is accompanying you. If any dangerous action is necessary, let her take the lead, let her show you the way. She has had more than her share of encounters with elves." he said, pausing once more as he looked over at the young wolf. "And most importantly, you must not try and take the mission on your shoulders entirely. There is good reason that two more were chosen, and you must work with them. Heed your elder's warnings and commands, and respect the other clan's choices. Doing this will bring success in your mission, and will deliver you all home safely" he said, pausing in his movements to look at her seriously. Alistra stopped as well, the fire in her eyes dimmed as she realized the truth he presented to her. She was not partaking one of her parents tales of adventure. This was a true mission. There would be real elves, and real danger. There would most likely be battling, and maybe even death around her. Suddenly she was intensely glad that she would not be the only one on the mission, there would be older wolves to direct her, and the other young wolf to work with. With an unusually solemn look she caught her Alpha's gaze. "I understand, my Alpha. I will do my utmost to succeed in this mission, and I will remember all you have told me" she said in a respectfully quiet tone. He gave a slow dip of his head "You may return to your parents and your mentor now. Much training will be necessary before you are both ready to embark" he said, and she quickly bowed to him deeply, then turned and trotted towards her den, her mind much calmer than it had been previously.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 6, 2024 12:07:39 GMT -8
Suddenly Grthmé broke cover, ''pup!,'' he called in his gravely tones, ''come, I must speak with you.'' Enilair slowly made his way over to the old wolf, he was afraid, that was apparent, but he knew that if he was to work with this wolf he could not have fear. Grthmé studied the young wolf keenly, though he only had one I there was not much that he missed. Grthmé noticed the athletic build he inherited from his mother and the fertile, active brain which came from his father. Enilair shifted uncomfortably under Grthmé's relentless gaze, he was relieved when the statue-like wolf finally spoke, ''how fast are you, pup?'' ''Not very,'' answered Enilair honestly. he was wondering where this conversation was going to lead. ''Think you are faster than I,'' barked the rough voiced wolf. Enilair did not know how to answer, if he said yes he had a feeling that he would be woefully mistaken, but if he said no, where would that lead him? He looked up at the wolf and said nothing. Grthmé laughed a deep grating laugh that sounded like a stone rubbed against stone, ''good answer,'' he said, ''but let's put you to the test. I am going to run through a dense section of the woods, at least as straight as I can get through a forest, your goal is to catch me.'' ''Catch you? In what way?'' Enilair asked. But the old wolf had already disappeared into the wood.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 6, 2024 12:56:26 GMT -8
Alistra soon found her parents and Vaskra waiting near the den, talking in serious tones. When she approached they turned to her, her mentor looking calm and unemotional as always, but her parents looked rather curious. "What did Alpha Vanorr wish to speak to you of?" Einvaldr asked, nuzzling her. She smiled up at him "He just wanted to give me some advice about the upcoming mission" she said, glancing at Vaskra, who somehow looked as if she understood. Faraya turned to the mentor. "I understand you two must resume training, as it is even more imperative now. Einvaldr and I have some talking to do with a few of the warriors." Einvaldr nodded as AListra looked up to him in dismay "I'm sorry my little vixen, but we must discuss some matters. Besides, you have to train hard for the upcoming mission. We will see you again before too long" he reassured her as Faraya, with a nuzzle to her daughter, began trotting off towards the warriors den. The large silver wolf quickly followed her, leaving the apprentice with her mentor. She sighed. "They're always busy" she said in a momentary lapse of her previous maturity. Vaskra snorted uncompassionately. "You'll see them soon, and we have much more important things to do" she answered, heading into the forest. With a slightly embarrassed expression, Alistra trotted after her. "So, what training will help me for this mission?" she questioned curiously, brow furrowed in thought. The large violet wolf glanced down "Speed, precision, and stealth" she answered shortly, continuing to their habitual training grounds.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 6, 2024 20:11:14 GMT -8
Enilair was confused but wasted no time as he plunged into the forest after Grthmé. Catch this wolf? How? What are the rules? He thought to himself as he ran blindly after the grey wolf before him. It was not long until Enilair began to tire, he noticed though that when he slowed so did the wolf in front of him and when he put on a little more speed so did Grthmé. Enilair realized suddenly that there were no rules, all Grthmé had told him to do was catch him. But how should he do that. Suddenly Enilair realized it. Grthmé was just playing one big mind game with him. He noticed the wolf was following an old faint forest path that if one was not looking, could easily miss it. But Enilair knew of this path and knew that in a few more cards the path would take a sharp turn. Triumphantly he plunged into the wood to his left, after finding the path that led from the turn and waited expectantly for the wolf to come down the path.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 6, 2024 20:42:49 GMT -8
Vaskra stopped at their training grounds, turning as her apprentice entered as well and sat down in front of her. "We'll start with the basics. I'm going to go into the forest, and after five seconds, I want you to come and find me. Oh and try to use your eyes, not your nose" she added, before suddenly leaping into the forest, and quite literally disappearing. Alistra blinked slightly at the abrupt departure of her mentor, then quickly counted down the seconds before racing after her. Crashing into the forest, she expected to find, or hear, Vaskra ahead of her, but the forest was absolutely silent. She stopped and looked around, her brow furrowing. She almost scented the air before stopping herself, remembering Vaskra's rule, and began to peer into the dark corners of the woods. Not a single paw step was hearable, and yet Alistra could almost feel her mentor's eyes on her. Stepping quietly, she made sure to search every shadow, every rock, and every fallen log. But after quite a few minutes, it seemed her mentor had well and truly disappeared. But there was no way she was admitting defeat. One more time she scanned the woods, her gaze suddenly focusing on an innocent looking bush, directly in a stream of sunlight. But if it was in the sunlight.. then why was it so dark right behind it. A triumphant expression rose on her face and she stepped boldly towards the bush. "I suppose it's my turn now?" she questioned innocently. "Yes, it is" Vaskra's voice spoke quietly, right at her shoulder. With an ungainly yelp the young silver wolf whirled around to face her calm mentor. "But.. how.. you were right there!" Alistra sputtered, motioning to the bush. "Was I?" Vaskra said in an uninterested tone. Alistra looked slightly bewildered and abashed, and glanced over at the bush, and after a few moments of intense staring, realized that what she had assumed to be her mentor's dark coat, was, in fact, a moss covered rock. She pinned her ears in apology, glancing up at her mentor. "Oh you weren't meant to find me, if you had, it would have defeated the purpose of the exercise" Vaskra said nonchalantly. "Now go on, you have five seconds" she said abruptly. Alistra nodded and quickly leapt into the forest, strongly resolving not to let herself be found. She spent a few moments dodging around, before diving into a the dark underbrush, laying next to a fallen rusty barked tree, and a silvery rock, hoping they would be enough to camouflage her. After all, she was supposed to be the best apprentice camouflager! Although she had yet to be undiscovered by Vaskra, but she still remained hopeful that it could happen, that it would happen.
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Post by wingfeather on Jan 7, 2024 18:17:06 GMT -8
Enilair sat on the path waiting expectantly for the old wolf to come running down the trail. He could not help but feel some slight pride at the fact that he had beaten the old wolf at his own game. But immediately that feeling disappeared when he heard a calm grating voice behind him, ''you finally figured it out did you? Took you long enough.'' Enilair spun around quickly at the sound of the rough voice, and looked up at him apologetically, ''it was my first time,'' he said lamely, lowering his head. ''That does not matter,'' said Grthmé uncompromisingly, ''this will be your first time going up against elves, and that will not stop them from capturing or even killing you.'' He studied Enilair a while longer before saying, ''come back here tomorrow morning,'' and with that he walked into the woods.
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Post by tenebria on Jan 7, 2024 18:37:41 GMT -8
Vaskra sighed slightly at the loud crashing her frantic apprentice created as she dodged about the underbrush. If only she could stop thinking so quickly and slow down! After five seconds were up, she turned and scanned the woods once, then began to walk silently in the direction the crackling underbrush had sounded from.
Alistra held her breath, tense, eyes unblinking as she lay still in the underbrush. Her breath quickened in anticipation as she held herself rigid. "Alistra, if you expect to have any chance of staying hidden for more than a few moments, you must remember your training" her mentor's voice spoke calmly, still quite a few feet away. For a moment, the young wolf felt dismayed, feeling that Vaskra had surely found her. But the dark violet wolf was simply advising her, as she heard swiftly. "I'm giving you a few more moments to get yourself in a calm state of mind. Relax your body, let your limbs go limp, laying over the ground and melding with the surface. Let your muscles relax as well, or your skin will ripple. And if you're planning on blinking, then you'd better close your eyes completely" she added.
Alistra swiftly shut her eyes, attempting to regulate her breathing and relax her muscles. Her mentors voice came once more, calm and commanding, a few feet closer. "picture the scene around you, whatever it is you are hiding beside, imagine it's texture being your fur's texture. Imagine it's stillness as your stillness. BE that thing" The young apprentice felt her muscles relaxing, quickly concentrating on the bark of the fallen tree beside her, and the mottled pattern of the rock on her other side. Surprisingly, it felt good to concentrate on it, to imagine herself as taking on all her surrounding's qualities.
She was just beginning to feel completely relaxed, and almost forgot that Vaskra was looking for her, until the mentor suddenly stepped on a dead twig, the sound of it's crack echoing like thunder in the young silver wolf's mind. And with a snap, her eyes opened, muscles tensing. In a flash, Vaskra leaped over the underbrush and stood before her crouching student. "Alistra, you have to be ready for the unknown. The elves will use all their tricks to try and find you and the human boy when you go into hiding, and you must be able to stay strong and silent the entire time. They will most likely shoot their arrows into the forest at random, and one may even land in front of you, or graze your fur. You must be prepared to remain silent." she said, her voice deadly serious. Alistra gulped at the seriousness of it, nodding as she rose to her paws, her expression solemn as she realized the consequence her actions could have during the mission. "Now, let's try again" Vaskra said, turning and heading back to the glade. Alistra, surprisingly silent and looking suddenly extremely concentrated, followed her mentor, already devising her next camouflage.
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