Author Topic: Ties That Bind  (Read 16535 times)

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Offline Idrial

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Ties That Bind
« on: January 02, 2014, 01:08:20 PM »
(Reserved for Billiam and Rainshadowck)

Sadness had plagued much of Keynigh and his now small clan of Dark Wolves. They had lost many of thier pack mates in the hunt of eliminating angels. The first to go was his beloved wife Tala whom had been dead for many years now. She had survived the attack from the Angel of Light, badly wounded it was her time to join the Forest Spirit and she was taken. Keynigh mourned for her loss for many weeks, she was more than just his wife. Tala was his friend, his lover and ultimately his life.

Then more began to die at the hands of the Angels, Scorpid had died along with his granddaughter Writmo. They had died within mere years of each other, Scorpid died first being ripped apart by a Dark Angel. Keynigh believed Writmo had truly died of a broken heart and had given up on life, she died and was returned to the Forest Spirit. Now Writmo and Scropid would be together in eternal bliss forever. Their heart ache however did not end with Keynigh, his beloved daughter Extasis and her mate Wrage were still devastated by the loss. Keynigh wondered if the pack would ever be the same again.

It was at that moment Keynigh decided that they would travel back to the city where they once flourished. Buying a portion of land in the city he lead what little pack he had left to start a new life and to hopefully recruit new members for the Dark Wolves Clan. It would be a lengthy process and if the clan was to survive it was vital that they started to look for suitable candidates.

Tonight however Keynigh and Wrage would remain close to home. Wrage ran through the woodlands like the good scout he was, most times. Keynigh however stayed close to the heart of the forest, seeking guidance from the Forest Spirit. Most nights had been calm and peaceful, a few times some human stragglers ventured into the woodlands but were dealt with promptly. No one had died just yet but that day would come soon. Bowing his head once again he spoke to the Forest Spirit in low and concealed tones.

Wrage however scouted the territory in which the Forest Spirit was strong and alive. Over the years he to had been burdened with the lose of family. He would never forgive the Angels for what they had done, the death of his daughter was a huge blow to Wrage. Even though he was still capable of having children he had not brought up the subject with his wife. His pace slowed into almost a stand still, he missed his daughter and the others. This new lease on life should be what they needed to put a spark back into the clan, but his emotional wounds were still fresh.

The forest remained undisturbed for now and Wrage wallowed in his own thoughts. The future of the Dark Wolves was bleak at best. However they would triumph over the loss of thier pack mates and they would make the clan strong once again but this would take time. Emotions were still running high and the loss of life was still fresh in their veins.             

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2019, 09:58:29 AM »
He'll never find me here, Flick the vampire-wolf snickered in thought. He was thinking about his friend Digital. He hadn't seen him for a few days, and relocating the rats had been a high priority once the men came. Their fun hiding spot from the world served humans and vampires again. The beast was back in nature. Still, he was glad he'd made two, new friends. The first had been the Malkavian in question, the fortune teller who liked the snakey cords of computers. The other had been a nice witch who made sea foam friends for him to frolic with. She'd been so nice. He couldn't remember her name though. He was bad at remembering names.

His white fur stood out among the overgrown woodlands, but he'd covered himself in foliage. Digital had spooky eyes that always seemed to find him, but that's what made their game fun! The beast had come here because all his normal hiding spots in the Medowcrest woods were known to the vampire. At least now, he'd really have to seek. Pinky was here too. He was tucked under one of Flick's big paws and sleeping while they waited for their savior. Flick liked Digital a lot, but he was starting to think that Digital only liked him as a friend and that made him sad. Still, having a friend was better than nothing, and Flick was determined to not let his feelings cloud his life.

He didn't know these woods were owned by someone. He always thought the idea of owning land as ridiculous. How could one take possession of what existed to support everyone? He assumed the greedy, corporate, environment destroying bastards had left this patch because it was protected by the fae who lived here. He liked how pure the nature was, not man made and full of big human trails. The overgrowth felt authentic in a way Flick missed from the days of wide open forests. Now, there was so little undeveloped land.

Flick got a sniff of something. Sniff, Sniff Sniff. His black, wet nose danced as it searched the night air, picking up some wolves not far from here! Wolves! Flick hadn't sensed real wolves in so long! They made the best playmates and as a vampire they normally treated him like an alpha. Oh this would be fun!

Wake up Pinky, Flick said through the bond. The rat's intelligence was higher due to the vampire blood in it's veins, but it was still only a rat. It perked up, unsure of what it's master said, but sending back the rat equivalent of, AWAKE. Flick let Pinky get on his back, and then began running off towards the smell of wolves. There was something else about the smell too, but at this range he couldn't tell what it was. Oh well. He'd find out when he got there! It was so exciting not to know!
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline Idrial

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2019, 11:28:44 AM »
Keynigh felt a disturbance within the forest, someone had stepped within their lands. Reaching out to Wrage he informed him to watch only, do not engage. Keynigh could feel this was no human, but a vampire with a strange aura and one he had not felt in years. It aroused his curiosity greatly as he exited from the heart of the forest, his gait slow and calming. There was no need to be alarmed, human mostly wandered in their grounds and it was not uncommon if a vampire wandered in too. Disappearing among the tall grass giving Wrage time to scout out the situation before contacting him again.

Wrage had picked up the vampires scent picking a trail that would give him the higher ground, paws barely touching the dirt floor as he whizzed between the trees. It would not take long for Wrage to find the vampire with his gift for speed, coming to a halt at an eighth of a mile away and with it came a surprise. This one smelled of a vampire but he was looking at a wolf, a bright white wolf. Wrage did not approach the strange wolf, he waited for Keynigh to contact him again. Staying at the ready in case he had to make a run for it, easy enough for shifters known to out run Angels.

What do you see? Keynigh inquired in a pleasant tone.

A white wolf but I smell vampire. Replying still confused at what his eyes were seeing.

Keynigh asked what part of the forest Wrage was located and was given a quick reply. Keynigh did not have Wrage's speed taking him some time to reach Wrage, but should the vampire attack he would be in for a nasty surprise. Keynigh had killed angels twenty times his age with his gift of strength from Akasha, but he did not want violence. Rebuilding the pack was his main goal now and he did not feel any ill will from the vampire, only the disturbance of his presence entering the forest.

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2019, 05:46:12 PM »
Flick sensed the approaching wolf. Gangrel could always sense the beast inside a creature, man or vampire. The white wolf turned his body towards where Wrage hid. He couldn't quite see him, and so he turned on what he called his high beams. Red eyes would now be seen by the other beast, and Flick saw an outline now. He realized he was being watched. He slowly turned around, sending calm energy to a worried Pinky. DANGER, it cried over and over again. Flick didn't sense danger though. He sniffed the air, getting the wolf's sent more directly now. He wasn't just some normal wolf, he was a shifter! Wow! He'd met a few urban shifters while in the city, and plenty of fae, but never another wolf shifter. He was alive though. Flick heard the thump, thump of a heart hard at work.

"Hello," he barked out in greeting. He assumed the shifter actually spoke wolf. He would be offended if he didn't. Still, telepathy was always an option. He did what some Gangrel call the Howl of Greeting, and it sounded bright and playful. "My names Flick, and he's Pinky," he said, referencing  the rat on his back. He spun around and jumped up and down excited. "You smell funny. Hey, want to play chasey? That and hide and seek are my favorites!"

Was this cheating on Digital to play with others? The other was a wolf though. Wolves had to be an exception to the rules. Wait, they didn't have rules. Flick bobbed his head up and down at the realization.
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline Idrial

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2019, 06:46:57 PM »
Wrage now sat on his haunches with a solid thunk as the white wolf introduced himself, reminding Wrage of a young pup. He did not reply for it was not his place and Keynigh would arrive soon. For now he would remain as he was only the beta of the pack, Keynigh would be interested in this one, a wolf and a rat was a peculiar pair. Wrage cocked his head to the side, his ears stretching forward to show his interest. His wife would enjoy the young sounding wolf, it had been a long time since they played. Not since his daughter had been a pup, that was so long ago and she was dead now. His thoughts interrupted as Keynigh appeared beside him and he too was surprised.

Does he speak wolf? Remaining standing on his four paws unlike Wrage

Yes. His name is Flick and the rat is Pinkey. He wants to play. Wrage looked at Keynigh amused with a wolfish grin

Keynigh slowly walked past Wrage speaking in wolf, "I am Keynigh I lead the clan that inhabits this forest. This is my packmate Wrage." Wrage gave Flick a wolfish grin but he stayed afar and let Keynigh take his rightful lead.

"May I ask what brings you here? Do you not have others to play with?" Keynigh's wolfish tone was sad rather than scolding Flick.

Keynigh knew what it was like to go from a large family to almost none at all, perhaps that is what happened to this one? Keynigh had thought about letting werewolves join but he hadn't thought of vampires or vampire shifters. This Flick however he could tell this was not a vampire shifter, no this was something more primal and sacred. Why was the tip of the word on his tongue? Started with a "G" that Keynigh knew without a doubt, but it had been so long since he encountered a Gangrel.

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2019, 03:56:13 AM »
When Wrage didn’t reply and sat still, Flick did the sam, matching his body and posture, and he even tried to match his facial expression. Flick assumed this was the game, a staring contest! He was going to win this for sure! Then the pack leader came up and introduced himself and Flick realized that he was the Alpha. He bowed his snout out of respect. They smelled so funny, and Flick couldn’t figure out why. He once again provided a Howl of Greeting and gave his name. Once that was established he moved to answer the other questions posed to him.

“I’m a lone wolf,” Flick replied. “I moved here a long time ago and have been wandering ever since. I came to the city once the wilds were destroyed. At least here there are still trees and fae spirits.”

He did a little dance with his front paws. Pinky kept squealing. “And I have one or two people to play with, but they’re missing right now. I came here to play hide and seek. How come you’re here? Do you want to play?”

Flick didn’t think the question was very challenging. After all, they’d asked him.
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline Idrial

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2019, 05:46:18 AM »
Keynigh appreciated the bow of Flick's snout, for someone acting like a young pup he knew respect went a long way. A lone wolf? The word 'wandering' jogged his memory, a Gangrel was in his presence. This was a strange turn of events indeed, taking note of his interpretation of Akasha as fae spirits. Keynigh exposed his teeth in a grin, it pleased him to hear that Akasha was strong once again. It seemed an age of peace was on its way again, perhaps this time he made the right choice.

"This is our home we live here but only a few of us. There is one more, my daughter who is not present at the moment." She needed time to heal that was understood.

"May I ask your friends that went missing are they like you? A Gangrel?" his growls low and inviting while speaking to Flick.

Keynigh knew the lad wanted to play, but his mention of friends piqued his curiosity. He has never considered having a Gangrel join the clan, for one, they were wanderers. The Dark Wolves were pack mentality driven, bound to each other for better or worse. The lad seemed harmless and could stay as a guest, but to be an official member? That was something Keynigh would have to speak with Akasha about, strange times in this city.

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2019, 03:03:14 PM »
Flick hadn't heard the name of his clan in many years. Gangrel. Flick had been taught the myths of Cain from his dear sire, Amelia. The Gangrel were all the descendants of Lilith, the earth goddess. She was rumored the first wife of Adam, and the lover of his son Cain. It was she who gave him the dark powers of the blood, and she was the beast that lived in each member of the wanderer clan. He lost some of that playful face. He looked more introspective, lost in thought. Pinky had gone silent too, apparently confused by his master's puzzlement. After a few seconds he seemed to return to the forest, his mouth opening to review white fangs. His eyes were once again bright and happy.

"You have a nice home," he complimented, looking around the forest area he occupied. "And no. There's nobody like me in these parts. Gangrel aren't as common as we used to be. My friend is a member of the moon clan. He sees visions and stuff. It's neat but also very confusing."

Flick looked at Wrage. He turned his head to the side, and Pinky matched. "Why do you smell so funny," he asked the beta.
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline The Cedar Witch

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2019, 03:13:14 AM »
Extasis was nearly out of breath, maw soaked in deer gore as she raced through the trees toward what little remained of their pack.  Lately, she had taken to hunting alone, stalking animals in the quiet wood and honing her tracking skills.  It took her mind off the tragedy that had plagued the Dark Wolves Clan.  Her heart ached for her daughter, but it was time to move on.  She took a quick pause at the edge of a brook and sank her face into the water for a cool drink, and to wash away most of the blood.  There was a newcomer in the wood--a dead one.  The black wolf took off again, paws digging into the dirt and dead leaves as she tore down the familiar travel paths and straight to where the four were gathered.

On the way, she picked up some of the conversation passed between her father and her beloved.  This newcomer meant no harm, and that was a great relief.  She emerged silently from the trees and padded over to her father, head lowered, and brushed against his flank before taking her place beside Wrage.  Panting, she bumped her head affectionately against him and sat on her haunches.

What a strange creature!  She had never encountered one that smelled like a vampire but looked like a wolf!  The rat looked tasty, but she knew it was not for eating.

Ex nodded in acknowledgment toward the newcomer, still eyeing the tasty looking friend.  But she would behave.  Hopefully, this one would join their pack! 
Anna/Odessa/Sonya || Astrid || Chtahzus'aak/Zeus || Extasis || Fler || Jeremiah || Laurent/Va'tamal || Malakai || Rachel || Vai
Old things have strange hungers. - Catherynne M. Valente

Offline Idrial

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2019, 05:10:11 AM »
Keynigh tipped his head in appreciation at Flick for his compliment, they had worked hard to protect what little they had left. Saddened to hear that the Gangrel too had fallen in numbers, it would have been nice to have met more. If all the Gangrel were similar to Flick Keynigh would not be opposed to letting more join, he would have to consult with Akasha and his packmates. Keynigh's ears stood straight up, and not at Flick's question. His daughter had returned and she smelled of the aftermath of a recent hunt, he tenderly accepted the touch on his flank.

"That is my daughter Extasis and Wrage is her husband, this is all of us that remain," the war had been hard on the pack.

Keynigh let Wrage speak looking at him to give the clear, Flick had not challenged Keynigh's authority and it was a valid question.  They did not smell like regular shifters due to their affinity to Akasha, it showed he had quite the perception skills. Wrage laughed in a low growl with his tongue hanging out at the question, giving his wife a friendly hip check at the same time.

"We are of an old line of shifters, we can trace our lineage back to the beginning when Angels were born," not wanting to tell Flick about all their history just yet.

"And I smell funny? That rat you have with you. I have never seen anything more ironic," rats were usually eaten and not kept as pets.

Wrage was teasing Flick and he was known to be the comical one of the group when times were dark. He hadn't gotten to tease anyone in a long time and if felt good to Wrage. Teasing his wife and Keynigh had gotten redundant and his heart hadn't been fully into it after the death of their packmates.

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2019, 07:47:47 AM »
Flick was excited for the newcomer, and once finding out she was the alpha’s daughter gave the same deep bow he’d given her father. He wondered what could’ve led to the loss of apparently so many wolves. It had to be the fault of man. They caused most of the earth’s destruction. Flick thoughts darkened at the sorrow.

“Nice to sniff you,” Flick said to Ex, before turning to Keynigh. “As long as there is one there is hope for more to come.”

He stared at Ex’x belly, indicating she might one day have children. He didn’t know of the misfortune she’d faced. Pinky squealed the rat equivalent of SAD. Flick sent the rat warm feelings before turning to Wrage.

“Oh my line too! The Gangrel’s founder was a daughter of Lilith, the earth goddess. Then she traded the sun for fangs.”

He felt the need to defend Pinky’s honor. “Pinky smells lovely for the record,” he retorted, a playful attempt at being serious. Pinky eyed Wrage and skittered farther down Flick’s back.
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline The Cedar Witch

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2019, 08:02:32 AM »
Ex liked the bowing and acknowledgment and noticed the staring at her abdomen.  She wanted more children--but with such a small pack she feared they would not be able to protect them.  She wasn't ready to take that risk.  Not until she tasted the blood of the angels who picked off their numbers.  She looked to Wrage sadly and whined.

Lillith.  She had heard that name before, but not much else.  In some human stories--creation myths.  What was a vampire doing in a human creation myth?  Extasis didn't ask and took to eyeing the rat again.

"Pinky does smell lovely,"  the wolf bared her teeth humorously as if to joke about wanting to taste the rat--but she wouldn't. 
Anna/Odessa/Sonya || Astrid || Chtahzus'aak/Zeus || Extasis || Fler || Jeremiah || Laurent/Va'tamal || Malakai || Rachel || Vai
Old things have strange hungers. - Catherynne M. Valente

Offline Idrial

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #12 on: April 11, 2019, 05:31:13 PM »
Keynigh did not address that they had lost a daughter and were still in mourning, he would learn in time. Flick meant well at the comment and he was sure his daughter would like more children in the future. Keynigh didn't press the issue, that was a decision between Wrage and Extasis, him and his late wife had talked about giving Extasis a brother or sister. That never came to fruition and it was a sad thought in his mind, he did not dwell on the thought for long.

"I have heard bits and pieces of your history sadly I do not know all of it," apologetically tipping his head at Flick.

"But you came to play did you not?" Keynigh was satisfied that their guest meant no harm.

"I am sure Wrage or my daughter will play with you," looking back at the two with a wolfish grin.

Wrage smiled at the notion of having some play time with the vampire, he looked fast and strong. Giving a playful yip towards Flick before leaving his place by his wife, joining Keynigh now that the formalities had gotten out of the way.

"What do you want to play?" His tail furiously wagging back and forth as his black and pink tongue hung out of his mouth.

Offline Black Philip

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2019, 04:54:50 PM »
Flick didn't seem to find it surprising Keynigh didn't know the history of Clan Gangrel. Most of his own clan couldn't recite the litany and history of their people. He didn't blame them most of the time as vampire history was really just one long, disappointing war. Flick felt good he avoided most of it, but knew his people's numbers were so few because so many had died fighting. Still, they were unique and proud and more connected to the earth then the rest of their species and so Flick was happy to be a child of Enoya. Pinky heard Ex's comment and hid behind Flick's paws. "Pinky's not for eating," Flick informed, looking rather defensive of the little guy. He didn't quite sense that Ex was making a jest, but nor did he think her hostile. Then someone finally mentioned the most important thing to talk about; what game were they going to play!

"Well, I'm partial to hide and seek and chasey, but... I wouldn't mind a good wrestle with a big strong guy like you Wrage!" He nipped at Wrage's throat, playfully but also with the spirit of a challenge.

Flick was a vampire in his four-hundreds, and so was ready to lay a smack down. On the other hand, he didn't know what gifts the Dark Wolf held. He jumped back quickly and prepared for a jostle or two. He eyed Ex suspiciously. She could leap in!
Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.


Jake Benny Kyle Lisa-Joe James/Jimmy Tess Tyler Apep Ari Lacy Mithras

Offline The Cedar Witch

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Re: Ties That Bind
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2019, 08:16:33 AM »
"I was only playing--I won't eat him."  She gave a toothy smile.  Ex would be more than respectful of their new guests. 

At the prospect of playing, she perked up--black tail wagging as she took a more playful stance.  Hide and seek would be easy with their senses.  It wouldn't make for much fun.  But chasing was another matter.  Her and Wrage were very fast.  Extasis gave her mate an intensely mischevious look. 

"Let's play then!"  She went to give Flick a nudge with her snout in a "tag--you're it" sort of way.  With an enthusiastic woof, she took off into the forest, expecting to be chased.  When she wanted to, she could race through the trees without seeming to touch the forest floor.  Her first gift from Akasha was of fire and she made good use of that.

Extasis would race through the forests with her daughter--Writmo was a fast one, even as a pup.  She would've grown to be so quick and agile. 

Anna/Odessa/Sonya || Astrid || Chtahzus'aak/Zeus || Extasis || Fler || Jeremiah || Laurent/Va'tamal || Malakai || Rachel || Vai
Old things have strange hungers. - Catherynne M. Valente