The Feud in the Forest (Private Rp with Wingfeather)

[wingfeather]

After the Grthmé had disappeared into the undergrowth, Enilair stood and walked back to his den. His parents were lying in the sun near its entrance. ''Well, there you are, Enilair,'' said his mother, ''Alpha Froedi really held you for a while.'' ''No, I was not with the alpha the entire time, I- Grthmé called me after the meeting,'' Enilair said. His parents looked at each other quickly, ''what did he tell you?'' his father asked. ''He did not exactly tell me anything,'' Enilair said, wondering at his parents' expressions, he then preceded to explain the details of his visit with Grthmé. They nodded and listened to him without interruption, after he had finished Esoom spoke abruptly, ''Greynan is inside waiting to give you your lesson.'' Enilair nodded, disappointed, he had wanted to spend the day with his parents. Lanaria noticed this and said cheerfully, ''we will speak more after your lesson.'' As soon as their son had entered the den Esoom spoke, ''Lanaria, I don't like Enilair being paired with this wolf, I know that the alpha chose him, but-. Lanaria placed her paw on top of her mates, '' I know, but what if this may help Grthmé, give him a new purpose in life.'' ''But his oath, what if he teaches our son his ways, I cannot bear the thought of our Enilair becoming like him.'' ''Esoom, my mate, our son is a wise and can think for himself, and his circumstances and history are not what Grthmé has gone through and he has us and Greynan to guide him.'' ''You're right,'' he said, ''but I still do not like it.'' He did not get much farther as a scout had run up for the second time that day.

[tenebria]

An hour and a half later, Alistra sat, exhausted in mind and nerves, as Vaskra finished her overview of the days training. "The last five times you were able to keep your focus much longer, but you'll have to be ten times as calm during the mission" she reminded her apprentice firmly. The young wolf nodded "I understand" she said quietly. Vaskra gave a short nod, getting to her paws "Now then, I think your parents will be eager to spend some time with you, we can continue tomorrow" she said. Alistra quickly stood as well, smiling slightly in eagerness to see her mother and father, then following her mentor through the forest. In a few moments they reached the clearing, and the young wolf sped up, loping across the main territory, heading for her den. Just before she reached her parents, who were sitting at entrance, talking with each other intently, a pale yellow wolf streaked out of the forest, sliding to a stop in front of her parents and dropping into a quick bow. As young as she was, the red furred wolf noticed the attributes of the High Alpha's scout, and it was with a mixture of curiosity and dismay that she reached the three wolves, her mentor calmly following. Faraya and Einvaldr had just been discussing the Clan warrior's plans, and looked up in surprise as the light scout raced up to them. "Faraya, Einvaldr?" the scout question, slightly breathlessly. "You are correct" Einvaldr said, moving forwards. The wolf dipped his head slightly again "High Alpha Nolryn respectfully requests you both to lend your talents to his personal aide, in guarding and scouting wherever he may send you. He further requests that you make a decision before moon rise. I will stay until the answer is told me. High Alpha Nolryn also states that you may certainly conference with your Clan Alpha and your family before you make this decision. He eagerly awaits your reply" having delivered his message, he bowed, then turned and trotted towards the Clan Alpha's den to make his presence known, to therefore get sustenance and rest before he journeyed back.

Alistra trotted up just as he spoke the last few words, her eyes showing clearly her disappointment. "Did the High Alpha summon you?" she asked, ears flattening slightly. She was proud her parents were so talented so as to attract the noble wolf's attention, but she hadn't even had a full day with her parents, barely even a morning. Vaskra padded up behind her, silent yet supporting as she knew the young wolf would take it hard.

[wingfeather]

At the messengers approach, both wolves stood and waited while the young wolf bowed before he spoke, ''The high Alpha Nolryn summons you to a scouting mission, he requests that you answer his bidding as soon as possible.'' Esoom and Lanaria looked at each other sadly, they were hopping to spend more time with their son. Esoom sighed then turning back to the messenger he answered, ''we will depart with you at the next sunrise. The scout bowed and left. Lanaria spoke, ''we have to spend as much time as possible with him, let us see if we cannot cut his lesson a little short today.'' Esoom agreed and followed his mate into the den.

[tenebria]

Faraya sighed, glancing to Einvaldr then back to Alistra "I'm afraid so, and you know we're pledged to him. We must go, but we have at least until moon rise." she said comfortingly as Alistra drooped with sadness. Vaskra gave a quick nod from behind her "She has finished her training for the day." she affirmed. Einvaldr smiled at his disappointed daughter "Perhaps we can go for a quick patrol in the forest together" he suggested, and Alistra perked up slightly. "That would be very nice" she agreed. Her mentor spoke from behind her "The hunters have taken the north trail, so I suggest you avoid that direction, unless you wish to be caught up in more dicussions" she said, a slight amused tone in her voice as she referred to the commonly chatty bunch. "Speaking of, I must be off, I have quite a lot to discuss before this mission" she said, dipping her head slightly before trotting off towards the warriors den. "Come then, we only have a few hours" Alistra said eagerly, leaping lightly to her paws. Her parents got to their feet as well, and the three moved into the woods, Alistra beginning to explain the training she'd completed during their long absence.

[wingfeather]

As Esoom and Lanaria walked in, Greynan was telling Enilair of the ancient property boundaries of the different clans. "Greynan we have just received a message requesting that my mate and I attend the High Alpha, we are to leave at dawn. Might we spend some time with our son before we must depart?'' Esoom asked. Greynan dipped his head, ''of course.'' Enilair followed his parents out of the den, deeply disappointed that his parents must leave so soon, but glad he was able to pause his lesson to spend some time with them. Silently the three walked through the darkening wood, nothing could be heard but the wind rustling through the dry leaves, and the cry of distant wolves hunting. They came upon a very dark place near the river before them the moon was already rising following after the setting sun. They sat before the river, both parents seemed lost in thought. Finally Esoom spoke,''Enilair always remember who you are.'' Enilair looked up at his father a confused expression on his face, this was very abrupt, generally these statements were made after a very long drawn out lectures. Lanaria elaborated more, ''my son, you are going to be pared with a very influential wolf, who has had a difficult past,'' she said gently, ''he has said things and done things that we never want you to follow after. What your father is trying to say is we and Greynan have taught you much, not just of wars and history, but we have taught you what is right. Always remember what we taught you, and that we love you,'' she nuzzled him,'' you are never truly alone.'' There is the long drawn out lecture Enilair thought to himself nuzzling his mother back. Out loud he said,''I will try to remember.''

[tenebria]

"... and then just now, we were practicing on getting my camouflage to be stronger, even when there are noisy or startling distractions" Alistra finished with a smile, glancing at both parents who were walking on either side of her through the peaceful forest. "Well, I see Vaskra has certainly been keeping you busy!" Einvaldr said proudly. Faraya nuzzled her daughter, pride filling her heart as well. "I remember the days when I learned those moves and drills, and I've certainly used them all in real life situations" she added with a daring fire in her eyes. "Did you really? Even the double tree jump?" her daughter asked, ears pricked in curiosity and excitement and imagining the scene. Faraya laughed and nodded "Oh especially that one! It's very useful when you want to get around a threat quickly while not letting them know where you're actually going" she said, a reckless look flashing over her face as she remembered the most recent use of that particular maneuver. Einvaldr coughed lightly from the side and his red furred made glanced over to him then sighed and nodded. The point of this walk was not to fill her daughter's mind with artful moves and thrilling escapades. Both slowed their pace, and Alistra, feeling a sudden tension in the air looked to her mother. "What's wrong?" she asked swiftly. Her silver furred father smiled gently to her "Nothing is wrong my little vixen. Before you arrived, we were in fact discussing your upcoming mission, and the wolves you will be running alongside for it. Faraya gave a nod of agreement "Yes. I know our Alpha already spoke to you, but we wish to add to the wisdom he gave you. You must listen to your elders in this endeavor, especially Vaskra. You know her well, and she knows you well. If you heed her warnings without question, the mission will be doubtless successful." she paused, letting Einvaldr take over. "But we do not know much of the other two from the Visdomr Clan. Regardless, you must listen to them as well, let them have their say, as they were chosen for good reason. The apprentice that goes with you has had a good mentor, and you will be wise to listen to what he has learned. Do not scorn him for his naivety in the more athletic region, but rather learn from what he has studied, of patience and wisdom and forethought." he said gently. Faraya once again spoke "We have heard some of the older wolf, Grthmé. He is a strong wolf, and has seen more battles than both of us combined. He is highly knowledgeable in both fighting and wisdom. Above all, remain respectful to him. His past, as far as we have heard, has made him a hardened warrior, and you would do well not to cross his path. Stay behind and learn. You are still young, and your time to take the front will come in the future" she said, the last statement bringing a spark back to her daughter's eye and her own. Alistra looked to them both, slightly solemnly as she realized she would not be able to ask them for any more advice on the subject after that moment. "I love you both" she said, burying her muzzle in her fathers fur and looking over at her mother, who quickly nuzzled her. "Thank you, for everything" she added, her throat suddenly closing slightly at the thought of them leaving again. Einvaldr hugged his daughter. "We both love you so much" he said, his mate adding "And we know you will do great things, in time". The family stayed pressed close for a few moments, before the young apprentice's parents withdrew slightly. "We must return now, the moon is already rising, and we must prepare for our journey." her father said gently, and the three moved back down the path, three silent shadows running together, the strong that quaked for his daughter's safety, the proud, fire-driven mother, and the apprentice, eager to prove herself and yet remember and obey the wisdom her parents had bestowed upon her.

[wingfeather]

Silently the three wolves made their way back to the den, all with deep thoughts of the future. When they reached it, Greynan was at the entrance soaking one the pure moonlight. At their approach he looked up at them and asked, ''how was your stroll.'' ''It was good, thank you Greynan,'' Esoom answered. Greynan waited outside until the three wolves entered the den, then followed them inside. All the while as the wolves settled themselves down, Greynan in his nook at the rear of the den and Enilair between his parents, Enilair was thinking. Finally he spoke his thoughts, ''Mother, what did you mean when you said that Grthmé has said and done things in the past that you do not want me to follow after?'' Lanaria jerked her head up from between her paws and looked over her son's head at Esoom, who appeared to be sleeping already. She sighed, ''well I suppose it cannot be kept from you for long,'' she paused a moment gathering her words, ''when Grthmé was a young wolf he met a little female from the Heille clan, she was a sweet young creature and pretty too, well they became mates and Grthmé brought her back here to live with him. Not to long after, they had a pup, an adorable little female. Grthmé was a happy mate and a proud father, but the next year an elven raid attacked our clan, killing many. Grthmé was away on a mission for the High Alpha, and word eventually reached him, but he was too late. Grthmé took an oath after that, swearing that he would destroy all elven kind until it would destroy him, and to this day he still keeps his oath, that is the reason why you do not see him often.'' Enilair laid down, he felt sorry for Grthmé, and angry at the elves, how can someone just kill a healer wolf and her pup. That night Enilair too made an oath, he swore that he would protect those he loved until it destroyed him.

[tenebria]

When they reached their den, the light furred scout was waiting at the entrance, standing and bowing as they approached. Einvaldr sighed, the scout was obviously ready for their response. "We will leave at first light" he said in a deep tone. The scout paused, then bowed and nodded "I will return at that time" he said, turning and loping back to the scouts den where he would stay the night. Alistra sighed slightly at the reminder that her parents would be gone, until her mother nuzzled her. "I know you'll be strong and we'll see you soon" she said, her father adding "Let's enjoy the night together" with a gentle smile. Alistra smiled at this, nuzzling her parents and nodded, love filling her heart. The three entered the den, curling up together in the darkness. "I love you both" the young silver furred wolf spoke, nuzzling them again. Einvaldr licked her nose fondly. "We love you very much Alistra, and always will." he said, Faraya nodding as she hugged her daughter from her other side before they truly settled down. Alistra could hear her parents slip into their deep sleep swiftly, but sudden adrenaline began racing through her veins, and her mentor's, her Alpha's and her parents' words began tumbling through her mind. The advice and warnings echoed through her thoughts, until they began to meld, and her eyes began to droop. Finally, late in the night, she fell into a fitful doze, dreams of elves and battles and a young human boy in the midst of it all.

[wingfeather]

Enilar was awake for most of the night. First hits thoughts rested on Grthmé and what he had just learned of him, next they drifted to all the lectures and advice he had been given that day, then his mind proceeded to have thoughts of the mission itself and who it was they were rescuing, lastly his thoughts revolved dimly around the other young wolf that was chosen as well, ''I wonder what she is like,'' that being his final thought before sleep claimed him and dreams took control of his mind. 

[tenebria]

As the hours slipped by, the east sky grew brighter, the sun's rays beginning to peek over the horizon, the stars that had brightly lit up the night sky beginning to fade.

Alpha Vanorr was the first to awake in his clan, save for the silent wolves standing in the shadows surrounding the clan, keeping their faithful watch. Yawning, the large wolf stretched then rose to his paws, shaking out his dark brown fur as he padded to the entrance, glancing over the silent clan. As he watched, a lithe light yellow wolf stepped out of the scouts den, glancing around. Recognizing the scout from the High Alpha, Vanorr swiftly trotted down the path, past his Beta's den. The orange furred wolf's eyes snapped open as a shadow slipped past his den, quickly getting to his paws and moving to the entrance, then relaxing as he saw his Alpha making his way towards the scout.

"I see you are prepared to depart?" the Clan Alpha spoke as the scout bowed low to him "Yes, Alpha Vanorr, once the two I have been sent to return with have awakened and readied themselves." he said swiftly. Vanorr gave a slight nod "I doubt you will have need to wait long." he said, his gazing turning to the den where the two warriors had already begun to stir.

[wingfeather]

When Enilair woke the next day he found that his parents had left already. He wined slightly, and Greynan walked toward him and sat down near him. ''They did not even say goodbye,'' he told the grey wolf. Greynan looked down at his. young apprentice, ''yes they did, your parents left me a message just before their departure, 'please tell Enilair when he wakes, that we love him, and will try to be back as soon as possible, be strong our wolf'.'' Enilair stood determination settling on his face, I will, he told himself, turning to Greynan he said, ''Greynan, may I be released from my schooling for today or at least for the morning?'' Greynan looked at the young wolf and blinked, he thought he knew what was in the young wolf's mind and would not hinder him, plus if there was one thing he disliked, it was a restless student. He nodded his head once, and watched as Enilair eagerly ran from the den and streaked toward the forest.

[tenebria]

Faraya awoke first, her eyes fluttering open slowly. Yawning, she stretched lightly, lifting her head to glance over where her mate was twitching slightly, dozing lightly in between consciousness and dreams. Beside her, their red furred daughter still slept soundly. Hoping to keep it so, the red furred she-wolf carefully brought her paws under her and raised herself up, lightly stepping over her daughter and nudging the large silver wolf that snuffled beside her. "Einvaldr" she whispered "Sunrise is come" she said gently as he stirred slightly. At her words, the muscular wolf opened his eyes, stretching slightly and lifting his head as he yawned, looking up at her and giving a slight nod, beginning to rise carefully to his paws as well. But if the two had hoped to exit their abode without their daughter awaking, they had not counted on the intense training Vaskra had drilled into her. Alistra stirred as she felt her father's fur brush against hers, her eyes snapping open and she leapt to her paws as her parents looked over with slightly guilty glances. Her ears flattened a bit. "Wait, is it already sunrise? Were you going to leave without waking me?" she asked sorrowfully. Einvaldr quickly hugged her "I'm sorry my little vixen, we didn't want to wake you from your slumber and prolong our parting" he explained gently. Alistra sighed, nuzzling him. "I wish you both didn't have to go" she said suddenly in a small voice. Faraya padded over and licked her daughter's nose fondly "We'll be back before you know it, you will be so busy with your own mission you won't even know we were gone." she reassured her. "But we really must go, the scout is no doubt already waiting, and we must not keep our High Alpha waiting either" the red furred warrior added swiftly. Alistra sighed and nodded, nuzzling both her parents again "Stay safe please" she said quietly. Einvaldr smiled and nodded. "Of course we will my daughter. Stay strong in our absence, listen well and keep yourself from unnecessary danger" he said lovingly. Faraya smiled "Train hard for Vaskra, and for us. Everything she will teach you from here on will be of utmost importance. We will return before the season turns" she promised, and then they were gone into the spreading sunlight, leaving the young she wolf staring after them, alone in the dark den.

[wingfeather]

Swiftly Enilair made his way to the forest and found approximately the place where Grthmé told him to meet the day before. ''Well it's about time you arrived,'' said a grating voice behind him. Surprised, Enilair jumped and spun around, ''you should have expected that,'' Grthmé said sounding annoyed. ''Yes Grthmé,'' Enilair answers standing. Grthmé trained his single eye down on the wolf before him, ''well ,pup, maybe there is hope for you yet. Now I am going to run through the forest and you are to follow me as best you can.'' Enilair nodded, and quietly Grthmé jumped into the wood. This time Enilair did not allow himself to stay and comprehend things while Grthmé ran off. Immediately he plunged into the wood after him, but he was not prepared for what happened next. This was one of the the most densest parts of the wood, hardly ever traveled and nothing but a choking tangle of trees and brush. Ducking and weaving jumping and crawling he had a difficult time of following the grey wolf, branches snapped into his face, snap sticks cut is body, and bruises began forming whenever he would get to close to trees. 

[tenebria]

Alistra stood in the den for quite a few minutes, a feeling of loneliness washing over her, the parting words of her parents echoing in her ears. And then suddenly fear struck. What if... what if her parents didn't come back? what if they were sent off to the war, and they never returned? She shivered slightly at the thought, not having taken time to ever consider it before. Suddenly a shadow loomed in the entrance and she jumped slightly, her thoughts getting the better of her. "Alistra, we're wasting daylight" her mentors strong voice echoed into the den. Immediately the cold feelings disappeared, and she couldn't help but smile slightly eagerly. Her parents WOULD come back, and when they did, she would make them proud with her training. Swiftly she bounded to the entrance, emerging into the growing light and shaking her coat out. "I'm ready, Vaskra" she said, a fiery determination alight in her eyes. The dark purple wolf gave a satisfied nod. "Come then, let us continue where we left off yesterday" she said, turning and padding towards the forest. Her apprentice swiftly moved after her as the sun rose above the tree tops, lighting their path into the waking forest.

[wingfeather]

Enilair was exhausted by the time the two had finished the loop. He laid down heavily, panting. Never in his life did he have to exert himself so much, he was cut and bruised in multiple places and felt as if his legs would never carry him again. ''Well pup,'' said Grthmé walking up, ''ready for round two?'' At first Enilair thought he was just teasing or baiting Enilair to say something, but it wasn't long before Enilair realized that the old wolf was dead serious. ''Again,'' Enilair panted, but- we just finished.'' ''Aye, which means it's time to begin again,'' said Grthmé uncompromisingly, ''come up on your feet.'' Wearily Enilair got to his feet. Grthmé, though he would never admit it, was surprised that the younger wolf obeyed, granted there had been some protesting but that was nothing he could not fix, actually expected he expected Enilair to begin wining and complaining, out loud all he said was, ''maybe there's hope for you yet.'' Enilair cocked his head to his side but remained silent. ''Now, on this second run I want you to use that apparently trained head of yours to try and find the route for you to follow, learn your strengths and weaknesses, and remember that some of your strengths can be your weakness, and the other way around as well.'' And as always without warning Grthmé disappeared into the forest.