Home--Sweet Home

[Silver]

For the most part, the meeting of the entire pack went without incident. Of course, there were several of the wolves that were to Anevay's disliking, but she couldn't be very open about that. It seemed that Gavin had taken a liking to them and she wouldn't want to upset him. Despite her great dislike for the others, she would not intentially do anything to hurt Gavin. Having grown up with him had left her feeling close to him and despite the unkind treatment as a pup (but then again, pups will be that way--especially in her case) she had lost that unkind treatment and the sharp nipping--though if he pushed her buttons enough, she wouldn't hesitate to show him just how painful her teeth could be. She cared about him. Plain and simple. And the majority of the dislike she felt towards the others grew from the fact that she felt the need to keep an eye on Gavin and make sure that the others did not harm him, not phyiscally, but emotionally. That and she knew that with the stress---well, she feared for Gavin in the later years. She knew what awaited him and it concerned her--who would be there to look after him? One of these obnoxious, irritating females? No. What good would they be to him? What could they offer him? Would they disappear when that terrible day finally arrived? Or would they stick close to him?

It was these thoughts that had driven her away from the pack meeting. She had uttered her soft goodbye to Gavin, allowing him to know that she was taking a walk and would be at the den site when they arrived and had departed. She had slipped away like a ghost into the underbrush and set her sight on finding the densite. She would find herself a den and settle in for the evening. She was tired--after all her traveling had been long and her paws where beginning to ach. She needed a place to help ease the tension and the den site sounded like the perfect spot to begin.

She was surprised that it did not take her as long as she expected from the pack meeting to reach was obviously appeared to be the den site. Exhaling a sigh of relief, she drifted in, nose to the ground and inhaling deeply the scent that was obviously Gavin's. The mere smell of him brought a smile to her face and brought the memories of the past rushing back. He had been an adorable pup and such a soft hearted one too! She regretted picking on him the way she did, but they were pups and while he had to put up with her, she protected him from the other, unkinder pups. And no matter what he chose to do, she'd always look out for him, even if it had to be from afar. After all, she had promised him that she'd protect him. But then again, that was the past and he hardly needed protecting anyhow.

She paused, scanning each of the trees critically, taking in the pros and cons of each root system. Some seemed far to seperate from the others and that could be dangerous, while others where far to close and she didn't enjoy that either. She strolled along the dens, checking each and everyone more closely until finally settling on one located just beside the stone den. She half figured that one was Gavin's and so didn't give stepping inside it a second thought. But instead, set her sights happily on the one located closest to his. Easing her way into the hallowed spot, she inspected it, digging it out a little more so that the ground was fresher and softer to lay in. When she was finally happy with it, she circled around twice and then settled herself down comfortable and waited.

[|ko|]

_{It was Taint's favourite time of day; early evening, the sun was still in the sky, but there was a sort of hazy, glowing light. Fireflies danced in the summery glow, and the place looked beautiful. As the young wolf padded back to camp - his home, now - he reflected on the wolves he'd met today.
First was Gavin; they'd known each other for such a short time, and already Taint idolized him. He admired the leader's strength, and very much saw him as a role model. A slight grin emerged on Taint's maw; he wouldn't mind having the female attention that Gavin seemed to attract either. The alpha had, in Taint's view, been extremely kind in letting them all stay; and so the adolescent wolf made a mental note to try as best as he could to not let him down.
Next, was Anevay; and Taint had mixed views on the lady. She was held high in Gavin's views, that was obvious; and so the black male wouldn't disrespect her (even if Gavin hadn’t liked her, he wouldn’t do that). It was obvious, though, that she held most of them in disdain. Taint was unsure as to whether she liked or disliked him – he hoped for the former, as she really was quite beautiful. Being realistic, the male thought as he laughed, she was out of his league. But what harm do fantasies do? After the somewhat princess-like Anevay, came Jessi. Here was a female he did have an opinion on; instant dislike. Had she not laughed at him as he had first spoken his name? A ripple of a snarl teased the smooth black muzzle as he remembered her. A cream-coloured female he was sure to avoid in the future; he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to hold in his anger at her first reaction to him.
Flyleaf, hadn’t she come next? She was alright, Taint supposed; quite a pretty thing, near his own age, and seemingly as hyper as him. She hadn’t spoken enough for him to have a proper opinion, but he was quite sure he’d get along with her just fine. She seemed friendly, and fun.
Last of all came Xander; and the snarl almost ripped from his lips at the thought. Blundering oaf, who’d pushed past the bushes and had slipped right on top of him. Rude beast, huffed Taint. He’d said sorry, sure; but he hadn’t really meant it. And anyway, what kind of a way to introduce yourself was that? Oh no, Taint would stay well away from him.
However much he disliked some of his new companions, Taint would get over it; for they were a family now. He wondered what the others opinions on him were; probably all the same, he huffed. They all thought of him as a young idiot, perhaps. Well, thought the small male, he’d changed that opinion.
As the wolf entered the camp, a faint scent caught his nose; Anevay. Padding closer to the strange, hollowed-out trees that seemed to serve as dens here, Taint coughed shyly, before calling out.
’Hey. It’s Taint.’ A slight dip of his head finished the sentence.}

[Silver]

While the female had known that another was approaching before the silence was actually broken, she was surprised by the fact that the words were directed towards her. She had gotten the impression that the wolves within the pack had a great dislike for her--especially the female--what was her name? Jessi? Yes her. The mere expression on her ugly mug had left Anevay feeling ill. It was disgusting--and her laughter had forced her blood to boil. What was there to laugh about? Did she think she truely had a reason? Had the young male say something funny? Had his name been that entertaining? No. It hadn't. And her smug little smirks towards the others. How utterly smug of her. So far, she was beginning to feel that perhaps Gavin had poor choices when it came to pack members. Did he not see that already, despite the talk of family, that one was already being rude to others? She had not laughed at them. She had not mocked them. Yet this female had interrupted the introduction that the young male was attempting to make.

Then there was Fly---while Anevay had no great like for the younger female, she did not exactly hate her either. She found her behavior to be annoying and childish despite the fact that she seemed to be at least the age of an adult. And that she seemed very wrapped up in whatever Gavin had to say. Puppy love, apparently. Well, honestly, she did not see that going any further then that. There would be only one side to that affection and while she had no doubt that Gavin would care for each member as family members, she could hardly see him settling with someone like her. Someone so.... out there. Then there was that brute. That...borish beast that had stumbled in to the meeting area and intterupted everything. How very disresectful. Not the sign of a good gentleman, thats for sure.

Needless to say, she had not expected to be spoken too--which meant little to her really. She could live quit comfortably without the interaction from others. The majority of them had no real respect for themselves. They had their sights set on one thing and that was rank. Females where looking for whatever high level male that would be interested in their lifted tails and males where looking for some hot female that would give in to their advances. It was, in her opinion, sickening. To be so set on one thing was foolish. These females had no intent on simply settling for a simple rank as member of the pack. She could see it in them. They wanted more. They wanted to be there--to be the one that could snap and boss the others around--well, she would just like to see that happen. She was not the one to be pushed and ordered about. She did what she pleased and that was that. She had no qualms in leaving the pack and there for expulsion from a pack was not a threat that could be used against her. She knew that she looked good and knew her skills. She was quit confident she would not have a hard time finding a male to do her bidding if she was forced to do so. But--if any of the current females ever rose to such a rank--she'd simply ignore them. That was easy enough. Why would she let some young thing order her about? They hardly had the experience and knowledge she possessed. Knowledge and experience came from life--and the amount of years you had spent on the earth and so far she had enough of that to blow both of them away.

But she felt that at least one of the females, the eligible ones at least, would be far less fit to be in such a position. She was far to smug and outwardly rude to the other members. Such behavior would get her disliked instantly. You needed to beable to make members believe that you cared--that you thought of their wellbeing. She had shown that she was incapable of control at the meeting. The laughter and smirks where proof enough. In fact, Jessi was the exact wolf that had been the bane of Gavin's existance in their pack--if she recalled. The kind that snickered at others because they could--because they where thoughtless and cruel. The words from the male drew a soft, weary sigh from Anevay, but she rose, stepping gracefully from her den which she had purposely chosen for its closeness to Gavin's den. The others were located further away and so she knew that it would probably irk the other females. Good. Let them be irked. She would personally need to figure out something to do to Jessi for her treatment of Taint--the young male reminded her of a young Gavin and she felt the familiar need to defend him from the cruel treatment of others.

"No need to be uneasy. I am a wolf, just like you. A beautiful wolf, but a wolf all the same." She offered him a rare, genuine smile that lasted mere moments before vanishing into a soft frown, her brow wrinkling together as she studied him closely. For another moment, she allowed the silence to strech, reclining and curling her delicate tail about her hindquarters. Finally, her expression relaxed and she spoke again, her voice as usualy, musical. "You know. You should not let the others make you feel uncomfortable. Carry yourself with pride. Ignore the words of the others. If I didn't ignore the harsh words I recieve, I wouldn't be here today. But let me tell you something--and you mustn't repeat it. She paused, narrowing her eyes at the young male before her as though enforcing her point. "I saw that female's smirk and I heard the laughter directed at you. Gavin was not so noble when he was a pup. He was a fat little fur ball and the one that was often the butt of many cruel jokes and tauntings. He was like you, but look at him now. He is not the little fat pup anymore. He is a leader and a wolf would be unwise to taunt him now. And believe me--her actions have not gone unnoticed by Gavin, I can assure you."

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[|ko|]

_{Breathing out a sigh, Taint smiled a shy, hesitant smile. Sure, she was beautiful; but she also seemed, strangely enough, to be friendly. He'd been expecting snarls, and narrowed eyes. Instead, she just seemed kind of - tired. So was he; his eyelids were threatening to flutter with exhaustion.
After Anevay's wnext words, Taint's mouth fell slightly open; she got harsh words? It didn't seem logical, but howandever, everyone had a different past. She must have been talking about Jessi; a few streaks of hurt entered Taint's eyes for a few brief seconds, but he tried to make them go away. Besides, what was the female to him? Nothing. She ranked the same as him, she (aparantly) had a brother, named Xander. But that might be dangerous for Taint; what if this Xander (who he also didn't like) stuck up for his sister?
Oh, it was all so complex, the intricate web of a wolf pack. Taint was glad he'd had at least a year of freedom before entering; but more glad when he could finally say that he had a home, and a family.
If the female's words had done anything last time, Anevay's next words shocked him deeply. She was actually sticking up for him? This thought came before a ripple that shivered the length of his muzzle; why had that annoying Jessi been let into the pack? It just wasn't fair. But...Gavin? Had the towering Alpha really been what Taint was today? Granted, he wasn't fat; but it was hard to imagine collossal Gavin as a pipsqeak. A childish grin emerged on the wolf's muzzle.
'Gavin was really like that?...Of course, I'll never repeat it.' A small frown creased Taint's forhead. 'I know, but...it's just hard, is all.' Taint looked up, hoping she understood what he meant. Back in his old pack, he hadn't been the runt; but the runt had been treated better than him. He was the lowest in the pack; well hell no, it wasn't going to happen here, aswell! The next time Jessi made a move like that, Taint'd show her he wasn't worthless. The anger left his clouded eyes, and the black male smiled happily (still somewhat shyly) up at Anevay.
'Thank you. I...I really appreciate it.'} [/color]

[Silver]

For a moment, the beautifully colored female fell silent, her rich golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly in thought. Yes, Gavin had been like him. Kind, good natured and always the butt of other people's jokes and unkind remarks. It had bothered her that he had been treated such when they had been young and that was why she had decided that it would be her job to protect him. Of course, he had grown up quit a bit and it appeared that he needed no protection what so ever. But, as much as that might be true, so was the fact that Anevay, she had grown into a rather nicely formed female, was still as hot tempered and protective as ever. And it was almost certain that the pack would most likely come to see that temper and that protectiveness.

She returned her gaze, though it had softened, to the young male, Taint. Flicking her tail slightly to the side she offered another, half smile. "Ineed he was." She confirmed. His next comment once again stirred up memories from the past and although the torment she had been subjected to was not as extreme as it had been for Gavin, she understood the harshness that wolves could be capable of. She had been a cute pup, but small and because of such size, she had been incapable of really competeing for any sort of dominance among her siblings. But they had learned fast that while she couldn't be much of a threat domiance wise, that her teeth where just as sharp as theirs and that when angered, they could be quit painful.

And now--now she was in her opinion as well as many others, most male, the idea of perfection. Her coat was well kept and wonderfully colored. She was not overly large or undersized. She was not heavy, but leanly built --but her teeth were still sharp and her temper just as hot as before. "I won't allow such treatment towards you again, you can be sure of it." Again, she lapsed into a silence, though this time, it was to listen to the surroundings, figure out if they where being approached or stalked. Neither would be welcomed of course. She was not up for any more company--especially female.

She had been drifting away into her own thoughts, when Taint's words brought her once again back to the present. Turning her somewhat startled gaze towards him, she allowed her jaws to part as if to speak, but then changed her mind for just a moment. Giving a slight nod, she finally broke her silence. "No need to thank me. But if you ever need it, I'll be here to listen. Wolves can be very unkind which is why I perfer to be by myself. Males are usually full of boast and nonesence and females... well they can be the cruelest. Self centered, unkind and sneaky. A good example would be the one that laughed at you today. She wanted to join a pack, yet already she was disrespecting a pack member. It doesn't say much about her character nor her worth. And its often those who will forget about the others and worry about themselves only in a tight situation. You're better then that and so treat her with the most kindness you can muster. Because in the end, it'll be you that can sleep well at night. And it'll be you with those willing to give their lives to make sure you stay safe."

[« p o s e r »]

D8 i accidentaly deleted this. sorry.

[|ko|]

_{The lady's words had a great effect on Taint; and as she spoke about Jessi, who had laughed in his face, he smiled. So he wasn't the only one who'd noticed.
But still - Anevay seemed to understand where he was coming from, how he felt. And she was right all that she's said. Relaxing a little more, the shaggy wolf looked around him for the first time. Gavin sure had picked a pretty cool place for the den site; hollowed out trees? He wasn't sure how the others would react, but Taint thought them a great idea. And he soon spotted the one he'd claim as his own - a short distance from Anevay's, and near the border of the trees, it was small, but looked quite warm inside. His tail wagged a little behind him, which dragged another smile from him. The small wolf was glad to be in a pack, even if it had some snobby, uptight wolves.
Taint's gaze returned to Anevay once more as his ears swivelled round with the crashing of the brush behind them. It was Flyleaf; Taint barely kept from rolling his eyes. Did she feel the need to follow him everywhere?! Sure, it was Gavin she was after, but still! Everywhere he went, it seemed she was on his tail. Sighing, the small wolf remembered Anevay's words, and so offered a pained grimace in greeting. That is, until the newcomer spoke about Weston.
How dare she speak of his old friend in that manner! The beginnings of a snarl rippled on the black muzzle, and his fur bristled like a cat's.
'There's nothing wrong with Weston,' were the first words from his mouth. 'He's one of my oldest friends, so think before you insult next time. Furthermore, I think the hollow trees are great.' The last words were spat in her direction, as Taint could barely keep himself from verbally assaulting her. Jeez, why was she so annoying? Whatever about her stalker tendancies, she also felt the need to insult new members of the pack. Taint huffily turned his attention back to Anevay.}

[{chay}.«]

DONE. short and pointless, but done.

"I presume everything here is going well?" The words held a sharpened edge to them as they rumbled from the behemoth wolf's chest, thick tail aloft over his broad back and his air one that was slightly menacing. His fellow packmembers had not yet had the displeasure of irking their Alpha, and for that they should be glad- for when the state of things was so poor that a levelheaded lupine such as himself become angry, things were bound to get particularly nasty without any sort of gradual incline. His gaze was fastened momentarily on Taint before it shifted to Fly, and then to Anevay, whom he held back a frown for. There was really no telling whether she was in a particularly positive mood or not, and for this reason, among others, it was only natural that her motives be questioned for some ulterior source. He sidled closer to the trio, the edge to his voice remaining, though his outward demanor lax- he settled himself on the outside of the small gathering, in such a way that his cerulean eyes could easily discern the probable cause of what seemed to be emotional distress if it continued. "It seems you all are finding dens without much difficulty." It was with a hardly amused look that he noticed that Anevay's den was within the nearest proximity of his own; he did not mind in the least bit, however. Though they had been in each other's presence for a small while, Gavin still felt there was a near eternity to reminisce on and while it occasionally seemed to be bothersome to the golden fae she did not seem to outwardly find distaste in their time spent alone.

There were times, of course, in the what should have been the safety of his immense den, that he still felt as if he was a portly whelp that had misbehaved under her watch; apparently, he was far too lenient towards the females of Haden Valley, though he would staunchly refuse to act otherwise- if there was clear attacks, they would be dealt with swiftly and with the same strict justice that males received. Contrary to his childhood friend's belief, the male was not quick to fall to charm- his lack of endeavors so far and his limited experience with those of the female nature should have been proof enough. Out of this continuous fallback into what could be considered manipulation, the brindled leader had neither taken an Alphess nor attempted any sort of flirtatious venture with any she-wolf, within or outside of the packlands; even now he glanced towards Anevay with a small smile. With a lowered voice, he tipped his head slightly towards her. "I do hope you're behaving." It was almost a tease- almost. Yet there was real bulk behind it. In truth, the majority of the reason why he had not taken action against Jessi's intentional disrespect toward her peers was that he knew that the females were often harsh towards each other, and while he would not tolerate constant misgivings, he did not mind the initial verbal scuffles that ended in a decided hierarchy and was almost to the point of demanding that they do so.

He would not, of course. That would be both foolish and ridiculous.

"Taint, he rumbled, clearing his throat. "Perhaps the next time you happen to cross young Weston, you could direct him to me? I haven't the slightest inkling as to where he's gotten off to, but I do expect him to return before nightfall- all of you to return before nightfall- every evening. I don't expect any of you to do otherwise, but all the while..."

[Silver]

oOc: Posts will come slowly. I don't have the time to post up a storm right now and I am only reply to this because Chay made me. O:


Anevay had settled comfortably at the entrance of her den, her normally cold and narrowed eyes had taken on a rather unusual gleam, not one of ill-intent or even dislike, but a mild like for the younger male before her. His case touched home for her and with having suffered a few taunts herself, it had not been the words that had cut her the deepest. While Gavin had been faced with physical abuse by the other young males, she had recieved far harsher treatment from the younger females. Males could solve their issues with a good fight. Females could be far more cruel and unforgiving. And while her appriciation for Gavin's friendship and his acceptance of her went for the most part unnoticed, there was no way of thanking him enough. The idea of them moving on past the level of friendship, she knew, was less then likely, especially with so many other females ready to throw themselves in front of him and lift their tails. Unfortunately, she was just not that desperate and would not sink to such levels as to scuffle with another female over the affections of a male that seemed unlikely of returning those feelings. While she would defend her right to respect within the pack to the death--she would not attempt to win Gavin over by taking on the others. If her feelings where not enough, then so be it. Let him spread himself among all the females. That should settle the fire burning in all of them. And with that action, the respect she had for any of the wolves, at least female wise would vanish. As well as for dear Gavin. While she could not severe the bond that had grown in her heart for him, she would not see him in the same light. And, any advances made in her direction after that would be met with a simple display of her teeth and the cold shoulder. She could easily leave the pack. She could return to her home back... She could accept Tron....

The golden female visibly shuddred, the fur between her shoulders bristling at the very sickening thought. Tron. He was not the most impressive creatures, at least within her eyes and she had no desire to produce any young with him, as much as he wished it to be so. The movement in the brush drew her back from her thoughts and she fixed her empty stare on the approaching she-wolf. She voiced no welcomed, but allowed the younger female to ramble on, her expression twisting into one of mild annoyance, but not overall hate. Vay? For a fleeting moment, she considered the idea of chiding the female for refering to her by anything but her full name, but she allowed it to slide, one brow lifting in mock interest at the mention of the dens and the young male Weston. True, that male was strange, but then again, there where alot of interesting characters about. She allowed her gaze to flash back towards Taint, his annoyance all to obvious to her. It was natural for him to be offended by the less then kindly talk of his friend, but she kept her tongue in check, slipping into a much less sensitive topic. "The discovery of these trees is one to be thankful for. Else you would find herself sleeping through the rain and thunder storms. Myself, I detest getting cold and muddy. I enjoy a good sleep." The words where enough to make clear her opinion on the dens and it was also clear by the position she had lounged herself in in front of her hole meant that there would be no challenge for her den and that she had purposely chosen the one closest to the Alpha's den to show the others that she was already claiming her spot in the pack's hierarchy.

It was then that the massive Alpha stepped into view. At his comment, she offered a thin smile, her voice flutterying from her jaws in a good natured tone. "All is indeed well. I was just getting to know young Taint. Flyleaf just joined us. We where beginning to discuss the pros and cons of the dens you have chosen." She allowed her gaze to lock briefly with his before returning it to study both Flyleaf and Taint, offering the younger male a rare reassuring smile. While she knew his annoyance was well founded, she would see to it that he kept his behavior in check, so to speak. She would hate to see him fall from favor in the pack. While she could easily handle the obvious dislike from the others (to her, it was as though it where a nasty stench wafting from the others, much like they had been sprayed with a skunk) she was unsure of how the younger male would handle such treatment. Gavin's last statment had been taken as more then a tease, but almost as an insult--and for a fleeting moment there had been spark of anger in her dazzling eyes, but instead, she met his comment with a relaxed smile, her thick tail thumping once against the ground in good humor. "Of course, my Alpha. You expected anything less of me?" There was no hint of sarcasim or disrespect there, but to those who knew Anevay well, it was clear by the breif glint in her eyes that she had hot taken well to the comment and while she would not react openly on her feelings in front of pack members, she would without a doubt, stew on her irriation--and it was for certan that in private, Gavin would more then likely hear about it.

Instead, she turned her gaze away from the giant male, her mood apparently bright. "I would like to meet this friend of your's Taint. I have seen him though. I do believe he was stumbling about the boarders, muttering to himself about a squirrel." She paused, her expression thoughtful. "I had a mind to ask him what it was all about, but he seemed to be in deep concentration and I didn't wish to bother him." Again she paused, her sharp eyes flicking once towards Gavin before she spoke again, this time as though it were merely an afterthought. "He may be unusual, but there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I find it attractive in males that can be different." While the comment itself seemed harmless, it had been truely directed at Gavin, in an attempt to stir up any feelings of jealousy, if such feelings existed. In fact, in all honesty, the comment was also a reply to Fly's earlier statement and an attempt to sooth the irritated feelings Taint might have been feeling and that while she understood Weston was not in the least bit normal, it was not something that should be used to judge him unfit for the pack.

[« p o s e r »]

FLY L E A F [/color] ;;

ooc;; gavin! gavin! they're all picking on me! D8

lyleaf was slightly taken aback at Taint’s comment. She hadn’t meant that Weston was abnormal, just that he was a little unusual. She knew that Taint found her annoying, but it was not as if she could help it. Fly just honestly like being around people; why couldn’t others see that? “I’m sorry, Taint! I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that I never used to twitch and I’m sure you never twitched and I’m sure Anevay never twitched and I just think that people that twitch are scarier than people that don’t twitch and I just wanted to make sure he was all there so when I talk to him next I won’t have to be afraid of his twitching!”

[/b]The young female almost felt ashamed of her constant rambling: why, oh why couldn’t she be as calm and easy as Anevay and Taint were?

Gavin’s voicing sent a cold shiver down Flyleaf’s back. She hoped he would understand her explanation, if he had heard it; Fly didn’t know what she would do with herself if he became angry with her. She’d have to leave the pack. He was, in truth, the only one that could stand her.

“These...are dens?” The young wolf tried not to sound rude, or ramble at the alpha’s statement. “But, what if they collapse?” Fly had not meant her uncertainty to come out loud, but it had; she quickly flicked her ears back, trying to show how stupid she thought she was. Public was not a happy place to be.

The she-wolf prepared herself for Anevay’s comment. She could picture the snarky reaction to the comment Fly had made; had she sensed the almost-rude ending to the sentence Flyleaf had said? She let out a quick sigh when she realized Anevay had, even if it had been unintentional, backed Fly up just a little bit. However, her gay mood had quickly shifted to that of a scowl-worthy appearance; why couldn’t Anevay take sides? The other female was like a whip: soothing its handler while causing pain to the victim; giving the bystander relief that it was not them that was being assaulted. False encouragement, that’s what she was.



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