I Like The Sand (open)

[Tessa]

[/b] he licked his chops, looking about for any of his pack members. Secretly, he wanted someone to be with. Anyone. But he wasn't going to ask anyone. He'd look like a total loser. Wouldn't he?
[/ul][/blockquote][/size]

[[D]uvessa]

I can smile at the old days...

The feeling of the cold wet sand was usually a soothing one, Harlequin had become numb to such things. Large paws left their mark upon the soft surface of the wet beach. The foaming white waters rushed to shore eagerly washing away her prints, as they had done many times before. The bright sun beat down upon her bright figure, the dark red of her body was quick to absorb it's harsh rays and this quickly warmed her body. Her vibrant coat was not made for a warm area, nor was it made to blend. She was bred in the snowy lands of northern Russia, taken from her mother and home and left to rot like some filthy rabbit unfit for the smallest wolf's meal. She survived though, she made it through the harshest summers. Her soft pink tongue dangled from the left side of her mouth, sliding over razor sharp teeth and dripping with saliva.

It was a normal day, as usual Quin wandered about aimlessly, without a purpose it seemed. There was little on her mind when she was alone, nothing to trigger any thought, she simply wandered until she stumbled upon something or someone that made her feel. Like any other day Harlequin walked, her head was hung as if she were constantly ashamed the rest of her body seemed to drag itself along. There was no breeze for her long reddish tassel to sway in, but it hung lifelessly behind her. The scent of sea salt tickled her shiny copper nose until finally a familiar sound caused her bi-coloured auds to twitch. The rest of her body froze in response as her nose tilted upward slightly to investigate.

"There's some good water..."

The expression upon her face remained the same. Not a word passed her charred lips as she stared, her eyes were as blue as the sun-kissed sky yet as vacant as the sea. Only now did the sounds of crashing waves fill her ears and the quarreling gulls become audible to her. It almost surprised her how many senses could come alive if she simply paid attention to them. A soft sigh was the only sound or movement to come from the young femme, otherwise she remained perfectly still. A million thoughts rushed into her mind. She could not block them out, it made little difference, though, her empty gaze could not get anymore distant. Instead her muscles tensed beneath her thick layer of skin as she began to move toward the owner of the voice. It must have been uncomfortable for him, her emotionless gaze seemed to stare past him, as if he were not even there.

Finally when she was a comfortable distance away she placed her rump upon the earth. Honestly, Harle didn't want to be alone either. She liked solitude, but she didn't want to be alone for ever. Too much of a good thing could be a bad thing, no?

I was beautiful then.

[No muse, but I replied anyway. [= ]

[Tessa]

[/b]

He eyeballed her, hiding his unease at his subordinate. She scared the living crap out of him but she wouldn't know that. He was also having a helluva time finding her an appropriate pupil. He thought Simon might be a good match. It would toughen him out. He was still young and very small. But had Chase not seen a dog such as Simon take down a whole husky before? Those things can be ruthless.

But then again he didn't want to mentally scar the pup and, being as...well, as young as he still was he had dismissed his idea and decided to place him with someone less intense. He wagged his tail as he padded towards the she-dog,

"Were you in the hunt a few suns ago Harlequin? I was thinking about making a territory patrol and hunt for the next few days. It could be good to get out and, you know, stretch your legs."

He had a patrol already thought up and he would announce their departure at the death of the sun this evening. He would lead it. It would also perhaps give him a good idea of who would be able to replace Horace as the packs Second Alpha. He cocked his head to the right and gazed at the red husky (whose color he could not see due to canine color blindness).

"The deer are fat this season."[/blockquote][/size][/ul]

[[D]uvessa]

There was a time I knew what happiness was...

The young femme didn't flinch as the brute before her moved, his body turned to face her, yet Harle remained motionless aside from a quick blink so that he would know she was listening. It was subtle, but Harle had faith the alpha would notice. As he spoke she felt a sudden boredom creeping up, she wanted company, not a conversation. It was the price she paid though, and she fought away her thoughts trying to remain focused on her leader as he spoke.

"Oh, Ensign Harlequin. Welcome. Would you like some water? The river is fresh and cool today."

Auds swiveled to face him, her mind soaked up each and every word. Harle was bitterly, but endlessly loyal. As he moved closer her heart nearly skipped a beat and there was a pain in her chest, an emptiness. She was not stupid, she knew that many feared or disliked her, it was rare that anyone went out of their way to speak to her. Of course Harle rarely gave them the chance. Now she was unsure what to do, how to react, she shifted her weight uncomfortably as his figure pierced the barrier of her comfort zone. A polite nod was given when he finally halted, he was still not very close, but quin was still adjusting to her new life. It was an odd change for her, once beautiful and happy. Before she'd spend her days helping others, now she spent her days trying not to hurt those she lived to protect.

"Were you in the hunt a few suns ago Harlequin? I was thinking about making a territory patrol and hunt for the next few days. It could be good to get out and, you know, stretch your legs."

Dark rims narrowed around her brightly coloured eyes as he spoke. Her gaze rested upon his nose as she zoned out. She was trying to remember the event that he spoke of, not that she needed to remember to know that she was there. Harlequin was always around somewhere when her master called. "I am always there." Her voice was soft and deceivingly kind. Part of her loved the smell of their fear, it made her feel safe at times, but it was true, Harle was lonely and she soon began to regret the dull tone she had spoken the words in. A soft sigh passed her charred lips again as they parted to respond to the next part of his statement. "It is your land, lord. We follow you." Now her voice seemed more friendly, now, however there was a tinge of bitterness in her voice. It was true however, she followed him to the death even. Fate had cast her down, guided her here with a harsh, unforgiving hand to live under his rule. There were times she tried to lift her shackled paws and battle fate, to pave a new path across the lands of her own destiny. Part of her wanted to tear apart everything the pale canine had worked for, but she feared her end at the paws of someone like her, someone so hurt that death almost seems worth it. It was a light in his eyes she could not bare to see fade and finally she offered a little more encouragement. "I-i think it's a fine idea." The words were almost forced from her jaws this time, as if she hated the fact that she would not dare try to break his spirits. There would be time for that later anyway.


"The deer are fat this season."

The words surprised her, her eyes were still narrowed. Each movement and word of hers was a contradiction, respectful yet disapproving. This time, however she gave a scoff, clearly displaying her irritation. She did not dislike him personally, it was simple jealousy. What did he have that she did not? Why had fate been so cruel to her, yet so kind to him?

Let the memory, come again.

[Tessa]

[/b]
[/ul][/blockquote][/size]

[katieo]

((I hope it's not too late to join))
The sun shone harshly on the sandy beach. The summer days were always hot, and the sun beating down made it even hotter. The air simmered with heat, forming waves as wild as the ocean nearby. A dark canine padded down the beach, her outline harsh against the white sand. The female appeared to float across the sand, not making a sound as she smoothly glided along the land. Her eyes flashed an eery pale blue as she glared out at the world behind a long black snout. The akita's true eye color was yellow, but in the light they flashed like harsh, bright lights. They mirrored her soul, cold and unpredictable.

Kitsune padded just beyond the foam, teasing the ocean by walking just beyond it's reach. Her black and white fur was thick even after shedding most of it for the summer heat, and the thought of entering the water made Kitsune cringe. No, she would rather stay dry while avoiding the scorching sand that threatened inland. The female wasn't looking for anything in particular, maybe just a chance to mull things over along the churning waters. Their gentle crashes were soothing and made the ensign less distracted by annoying stress and unnecessary emotions so she could think more clearly. She was always plotting, whether for revenge or ways to gain more power, and now certainly wasn't an exception.

Just as Kitsune began to picture herself standing at the head of Pure Blood Pack, fine warriors lying submissively at her feet and the past alpha long since dead, she was torn from her concentration. Her large, pointed ears swiveled forward, but she made no other motions of alarm. This was her pack's territory, so Kitsune found no need to take any unneeded actions. Still, her prickling hackles relaxed a little when she recognized the voice of her alpha. Speak of the devil... Kitsune thought bitterly, approaching the two dogs with her head raised high. She plastered a half sincere smile on her face and trotted to them, not losing her confidence. Even if the ensign had just joined the ranks of the Pure Blood Pack, she acted as if she were the second in command already. Kitsune wasn't even that popular in the pack, and wasn't even that close of a contender for the Beta slot.

She was drawn out of her trance when she was only a couple feet away from the pair. She didn't fear anyone, especially from her own pack, and she stood where she pleased. Kitsune caught the last of the conversation, realizing that she had managed to sneak up on them.

"...Luna knows we could use such warriors as yourself." Was all Kitsune could catch from Chase, her alpha. He was glorious, a tall german shepherd with a pure white coat matched only by dogs bred for their beautiful coats. But Kitsune had recovered from the awe he often inspired long ago and her expression remained the same, her face cracked in a smug smile. The dark female then spoke in a misleading voice, dripping with false sincerity.

"Greetings Alpha Chase." Kitsune sang, allowing her crest to drop a little as a sign of respect, although she would never stood any lower and show true submission. She glanced at Harlequin as recognition, she had never cared for the ensign. Quin was constantly pining in self remorse, Kitsune could see it in her sapphire eyes, and never payed attention to what anyone said. The distant look in her eyes made Kitsune want to flash her large, white teeth at her and really give her something to pay attention to. But Kitsune remained respectful and barked, "Have I missed anything interesting?"

[Tessa]

((Nope! Not too late at all ))

[/b] he answered routinely, his cold blue orbs watching her unblinkingly, though not meeting her gaze directly so as not to start a challenge. Even Alpha's knew how to be polite. "You have not missed anything dire. Has hunting been good to you this season? I have noticed a good spike in hunting parties."

He sensed a change in Kitsune's mood, as only canines could, and he could tell Kitsune did not like Harlequins mood. It was odd and distant... not very good for pack life. It would benefit her to be forced to socialize, but he needed females to mate and have litters, and he didn't want to stress them out too much or risk having still born's, so he resorted to his more softer side.

"Have you been out in the territory? I have been meaning to check the borders. I have been hearing rumors that the Hu'li and the United bastards are forming some sort of...of an alliance." he growled, even though it was just something he'd heard from a an unfortunate loner that he found and tortured before he killed it. He was beginning to wonder if he should start sending out spies... [/blockquote][/size][/ul]

[katieo]

((I'll wait for [D]uvessa))

[Tessa]

((Duvessa wont be on for a while I think))

[katieo]

((oh, then I'll just respond. Boy, this is a short post))
Kitsune listened to her alpha's words intently, her fur prickling at the thought of the Hu'li. The spiritual wolves made her fur crawl for some reason. Kitsune believed that the thought of spirits was absurd, praying for help that would never come. Yes, nature did have a right to be respected, but praying to the little deer spirits after every kill was taking faith too far. The idea of dead ancestors coming to take revenge made Kitsune a little uneasy, the closest to fearful she had been in a long time, and she would rather not fight a spirit wolf. She shook the thought out of her mind and returned to reality.

The dark femme spat when Chase finished speaking, her ears pinning back angrily. Immediately her mind raced with schemes, a masterful machine after years of practice. The times of exile Kitsune had been forced to bear had given her brain plenty of time to develop into the evil plotting machine it was now.

"An alliance?" Kitsune snarled, her white teeth flashing savagely, "Dammit! Their numbers combined greatly exceed ours. If they get any ideas..."

The akita shook her head, clearing the frustration from her head. It was an unnecessary emotion, one that clogged the mind. Kitsune forced herself to return to her calm demeanor, smile gone, and barked calmly, "Have you considered sending in a pair of eyes and ears to see if this is true? And if it is... what are your plans?"

[Tessa]

[/b] he began carefully, "But the only way we would be able to penetrate would be through the United, and even they would be skeptical of having a non-tainted blood in their midst." he paused and took a few steps towards one of the nearby trees, sniffing its base distractedly. They would need to be out of the pack for a long time, and would need to be one of the most loyal of my pack for this to actually succeed. And we need all of our members. Our numbers are the lowest they have ever been before... he closed his eyes shut-tight and snorted a large sigh, Such a dilemma... I need a second. I need a council. He turned to Kitsune again and gazed at her levelly. "That decision will be announced soon- at the next pack gathering. We will discuss what it is we believe is happening and what we plan to do to find out and if we need to act." he replied, half to himself and half to her.

"I'll tell you this now: we will not be conquered!" he added viciously, his hackles raised. "By my life and the life of my pups, if they act, they will regret it," he turned to her, still snarling, "You remember those words, Ensign Kitsune." [/blockquote][/size]

[/ul]

[katieo]

((Oh geez, sorry about being gone. My parents decided to take me on an unplanned weekend vacation which was fun, but I couldn't access a computer! Ugg, plus I lost my muse. ))
Kitsune listened to her alpha intently, pointed ears pricking to catch his voice of the breeze that had stirred up. She nodded slowly as he explained their dilemma, her fur prickling at the thought of living with those mutts. She had never respected those half-bloods, they were neither wolf nor dog, and now they had crossed the line. Kitsune kneaded her paws into the soft sand, picturing an enemy dying at her paws. Yes, the first filthy mutt unfortunate to attack them would not live to see another dawn. Kitsune would protect her pack no matter what the cost.

She focused back on Chase when he concluded and snarled in agreement. "Of course I'll remember! I'd rather die in battle protecting my pack's future than see them over power us!"

Kitsune realized, a little surprised, that she was completely sincere. She had never felt such a burning passion inside her before other than her hatred for her last pack which had exiled her what felt like a long time ago. Kitsune knew at that moment that she really would die protecting her pack. She managed a rare smile, one that was sincere, and looked out onto the sea.

The deep waters churned with turmoil, crashing and ebbing in a constant flow. They mirrored the dark female's mind, thoughts like waves crashing together in a confused jumble. Suddenly Kitsune felt very weary, like a great weight was pressing down on her. She sighed out loud and cast a glance at Chase. This might be one of her last chances to suck up to him for a chance to be Second Alpha. But Kitsune was too tired and she was starting to genuinely like her alpha, she didn't want to give the troubled dog any more to struggle over.

"I feel that this life is slowly tiring me out." Kitsune muttered quietly, not really directing her words towards anyone. "But it's worth it. I've never felt this way before. I used to be angry all the time and now... now I feel like I have purpose."

[Tessa]

[/b] the leader growled in soft agreement.
Chase didn't want to admit it but...he felt the same way. He had a purpose. And that was taking care of his pack, no matter how much his ideas differed from theirs. He didn't want to hurt any dog. They had packs to worry about, pups to feed, mates to love, lives to live. But so did his pack, and his pack came first and if the wolves and their dog pets were going to come after his pack then he'd have to react. He'd have to kill. He would have to fight. The thought was disgusting but he had to have thought it, and he knew it was necessary. He did a lot of things that were necessary. The brute listened to Kitsune as she spoke and felt a warmth grow in the back of his mind, and his eyes softened. At least he'd done something right by opening his pack to her. She seemed genuinely happy now, instead of her usual pessimistic self. And everything she seemed to do during that speech was... genuine. Nothing was hidden in those words, in that dog-like smile. The sun continued to rise in the horizon and he sighed softly.

"But," he continued after a while, "If there is purpose then there is hope. I am pleased you have your purpose, Ensign. Not many canines ever find theirs." He tilted his heads slightly to the side and let a soft breeze stroke his back and ears. He breathed in deep, and seemed to shake the weight of the conversation of him. "Come," he said, half jovially, "I must call to the pack." he turned to Harlequin, but he thought she looked like she was lost in her own thoughts. Best not disturb her... he thought as he made his way down to the calling place. He turned to Kitsune as he walked, slowly. "Have you any suggestions for who might make a good spy, Ensign?"
[/blockquote]
[/ul][/size]

[katieo]

Kitsune watched as Chase spoke of purposes. She blinked in surprise, realizing that the alpha was more than a fierce rule enforcer, he was the guardian of his pack. The title alpha had acquired a whole new meaning, not just a figure of power but a dog of protection. She had never seen a creature care so much for something like this, and a fire sparked within her. Her hate was buried to deep to be easily dissolved from this simple life, and so Chase's compassion for others as well was lost on Kitsune. All the dark femme felt was anger that the others packs threatened her new life, and the life of her pack members. Kitsune had never wanted to be a powerful figure more than now. She was inspired, fired up, to be a protector as well.

She followed Chase wordlessly, pleased that the alpha had asked for her input. Kitsune ran her tongue over her long, pearly fangs thoughtfully as she considered carefully. She barely even noticed that Harlequin was still sitting alone. Kitsune finally stated strongly, not fearing to be wrong, "If we want someone unsuspicious, than little Simon would be a smart choice. He is small, someone our enemies wouldn't suspect... but he's still a pup."

Kitsune thought of the tiny dog and smirked. The poor pup was always cowering, feeling so small all the time. She had spoken with him not too long ago, finding him alone in the woods taking a nap. He wanted to prove himself to the pack, but had no idea how. If Simon succeeded, his confidence would sky rocket. Kitsune trotted up so that her stride matched Chase's careful not to look as if she were trying to lead, and added, "It will be dangerous but he is very capable of doing it. I have a feeling he can do great things, he's just too nervous. He's very loyal, being your pupil, and as I said before the wolves and half-bloods will probably overlook him."

[Tessa]

[/b] he said quietly, though his his minds voice was screaming. Simon! He was... he was just a pup! His pupil. Was Simon ready? Chase wasn't sure. If he sent Simon, and he wasn't ready and got himself killed- he'd never be able to live that down. Ever. But, if Chase denied Simon his chance to prove himself as a pack member and Simon suffered for it and resented his pack, that would be just as disastrous. But Simon didn't know he was in the running for this spy business either, so perhaps Chase could avoid this whole thing before it even started. If it did ever start.Chase did not look to Kitsune, but continued to mull over the prospect as he went along. "Simon is young. We should be looking for someone who had completed their training, and who is a seasoned fighter. " he trailed off slightly, his ears twitching as the sounds of dogs off in the distance reached them. "Simon is loyal and he will do great things. I just do not want to send him out there if he is not ready. If he will be killed. " He shook his head, torn between wanting to give him the opportunity and for the need to keep him from unnecessary harm. "Perhaps there is some one else?" He asked, almost too hopefully. Not Simon, he begged silently, not him. [/blockquote]
[/size]

[/ul]