She moved quickly and quietly, the moon her only guidance through the darkness of the terrain. Behind her a horse trotted, seemed to float really, as though she were not of this world.
My name is Saydin. I am the alphess of the Sedge Creek Pack. This is my home, where you may stay. You sister, Spy, sent me to release you from the hold of the humans. If you remain here, and remain loyal, the wolves here will not harm you. turn on us, and we will turn on you.
Shena was laying out under a tree by herself silently. Her orange orbs glared out in full veiw when she turned to look at the sound of Saydin's voice and horse hooves. Ears perked upon her head, as her white body with a black saddle mark on her shoulder changed positions to watch them. She was curious to know what was going on. However she didn't speak up from where she lay because she really didn't want to talk. Shena never knew what mood Saydin was in anyways. Besides last time she saw the fea she had been a in a devilish mood that had switched to sweet in a heartbeat. It just wasn't right or normal for that matter. So Shena simply layed there watching in clear veiw.
She covered ground with a grace that was elegant but strangely sinister. Flashing past the trees, the tri-coloured wolfess tracked the scent of one that was very dear to her. No, not Diseased, though she did want to see her mate soon, she was in search of Saydin. As the alphess' scent got stronger, Karitania's gait slowed, and she emerged from the woods at a trot.
Karitania's brown, tan and black coat had gotten longer since her last appearance here. She had been away for a few weeks, taking a solitary break to clear her mind and finally put the deaths of her sister and previous pack to the back of her mind. Her thick ruff, a trait of her Mexican Grey Wolf blood, was puffed out as she approached Saydin and the horse. Though she looked big beside the slight Saydin, Karitania dipped her head to her close friend to she her respect for her authority. She fixed her brilliant amber eyes onto the horse, their sharp stare enough to show she was not to be trifled with, "I am Karitania. Who are you?" Though she didn't say anything to Saydin, she took the chance to flash a smile at her best friend. She would talk to her later. She had sensed Kahvi's scent had faded and was confused as to what had happened. Nevertheless, there would be time to talk to Saydin, and Diseased, later, right now, they had business to attend to.
Fierce's eyes traveled first from one wolf, then to another and yet another. For the first time since the fangs had been implanted, she spoke. Fierce. Her voice was a low hiss, deadly and sinister and it made even Saydin's hackles rise a bit. This horse wasn't like most horses, and she put the little wolf on edge. Fangs for teeth, spikes in her mane and tail... The mare could do a lot of damage to a wolf, even a quick and smart one such as Saydin. So she would keep the mare happy. For now. But if Fierce stepped out of line, Saydin would be the first to attack the large mare.
Kari, Fierce will be staying with us for awhile. She is the sister of Spy, the other horse that wanders about these lands. Her voice dropped to a low murmur. Keep an eye on her. I don't like her, but I know the strength she possesses. then she raised her voice once more. And Shena. She is a prisoner of the pack, stolen from the Silver Glades rivals. If she gets out of line... You know what to do. Her voice was filled with malice, and a gleam was in her eyes. Oh dear. Violent mood. Nobody was to kill Shena, but severely harm her? Saydin might just 'accidently' look the other way if something were to happen to the wolfess...
Shena not wanting to listen to this stood up. With her head and tail barely lowered she stalked off to be alone. She might not be the best in her case, but hey she didn't chicken out in the hunt and let them do all the work did she? Even if she didn't like them at least she was pulling her weight around.
Entering the scene not far after Fierce was Morganna and her brothers. The four children of Aydan. They were weary for Spy had left them by themselves just than. It made them nervous, but they were willing to meet the wolfess. "Are you Saydin,"Titian spoke to the small wolfess near the horse and larger wolf. Something about her drew power, and he guessed she was Saydin, the devil herself pretty much. At least that's the impression Spy gave off.
Fierce, eh? Karitania did not flinch at the horses voice, though inwardly she was nervous standing beside this unnatural phenominan. Clearly mankind had been involved with this horse, and that was enough to put her on edge. Saydin's request for her to watch the horse didn't receive a reaction, for Karitania didn't want to make her orders obvious, but she would be sure to keep an eye on Fierce, and also on Shena. Unfortunately for Shena, Karitania had a temper and power to back up her size. A big body, combined with a big temper was something Shena would come to respect, and fear.
When the four new arrivals appeared, Karitania quickly took up a place beside Saydin, like a giant guardian statue, her vivid amber eyes fixed on the four narrowed dangerously, but she said nothing. This was Saydin's business.
Kahvi roamed the territory, keeping his eyes on Fierce. He didn't like her either. She seemed...unstable. Still, he knew he had to tolerate her.
Nightshade followed Shena wherever she went. "Don't stray, mutt." The black coywolf snarled.
Two new arrivals appeared at the edge of the territory, followed by five younger canines. The older ones were Lux and Foyle, children of Insanity and White Fox. The younger ones were children of the two males and White Fox. Lux and Foyle were both...mentally imbalanced, leading them to breed with their own mother to 'keep the bloodlines pure.' White Fox objected, naturally, but her sons were stronger than her.
Lux and Foyle approached Saydin and Kahvi. "You must be Saydin. We were told that you..." Lux began, pausing and looking at Kahvi, "...and our nephew-slash-uncle have an army here." Windsong really got around. He was Lux and Foyle's grandfather, while he was Kahvi's father. "We want to join."
Bulletproof, a daughter of Foyle, was the most outgoing of the children. She stepped in front of her father and uncle, waiting for the alphas to speak.
Her eyes drifted first from the horses, to the wolves. I am Saydin... She said softly, her eyes lifting again to Titan. She could tell that Kahvi was near, and her mood began to grow fouler and fouler, her fur beginning to bristle slightly at the tips. Karitania. I'll keep an eye on Fierce. You go watch Nightshade. The wolfess hated Nightshade. Not only did she hate the coywolf, she wanted to slaughter her. Feed her to the dogs. Oooh, she liked that idea. Her eyes drifted up to Fierce. Fierce, darling... I don't suppose with those fangs of yours you eat meat, do you? When the mare just gave her a haughty glare she took that as a no. She sighed and looked back to the wolves. You may join. Low subordinates is what you start out as, and as you prove yourself you will move higher up in the ranks.
The arrivals of the new wolves prompted Karitania to puff out her ruff, and raise her body language to show she was a superior in the ranks. Her entrancing amber eyes flashed dangerously as she looked them over, but she had no time to add her own words, for Saydin had given her orders. "Of course, Saydin." Bowing her head to her alphess and best friend, Karitania turned and dipped her slender muzzle to the ground, seeking the scent of Nightshade. She soon picked up Kahvi's daughters trail, following Shena. Her eyes narrowed, and the large Beta quickly began to track Nightshade, pure power churning with every flex of her muscles. She had also picked up on her alphess' growing anger with Kahvi's presence, and was greatly intrigued as to what had happened in her absence.
Shena for her own part simply ignored Nightshade. It was best, or she would get harmed if she replied. Shena treated others like she was treated, and it would be really bad if she treated Nightshade the same. Still walking she soon came to a stop at the creek. There she lowered her head to drink. Looking up at the moon she wondered how her siblings were doing. She sighed softly she missed all of them, including August with his stubborn ways. She was even starting to warm up to Rein, and that was something to say for Shena. She wondered if any of the wolves or equines had followed her here. Maybe, she could start a conversation if it wasn't Nightshade.
Yes, her assigned task had been to follow Nightshade. However, as Nightshade seemed to be following Shena, it only seemed right that Karitania did the same. The large wolfess came up behind Shena, her brilliant amber eyes fixed on her, as she came up to stand beside her, her posture something more an alphess would use.
"You. Shena, is it? What have you done to deserve such an attitude from Saydin?"
Shena looked up as another figure appeared. This was the fea that Saydin had spoken to earlier. Karitania wasn't it she thought to herself. When the fea spoke to her she listened quietly with slight interest. Since she wasn't going off on her, Shena decided to answer her. Slightly hoping Nightshade wasn't around really as well. Shena didn't want to listen to the creepy fea speak. Like Saydin she didn't like her, but she wouldn't go as far to wish her dead. No, that was too cruel to wish upon anyone for Shena. At least right now it would be. It just depends on how far Shena was pushed truthfully. She slightly wondered why Karitania was taking interest in her. Maybe because she was a prisoner, or something along that line? Would she be as mean to her as Nightshade? Only time will tell she thought to herself. So speaking in her normal voice Shena answered the fea that stood like Saydin would.
"Yes I'm Shena. I got lost in a blizzard, and tresspassed on her land without knowing it. She and her pack took me as a prisoner."
Karitania could sense Shena's unease, and it down to Nightshade. Saydin's dislike of the female would most surely be picked up by Karitania, and so it would seem Nightshade was earning more and more enemies by the second. Unfortunately, cruelty had also been picked up on by Karitania from Saydin. Before she had come here, Karitania had lead her own pack, been an alphess that had been allied to many of the larger packs in the valley, and had lost many of her friends in the large conflicts that scarred the land, including her own sister. Then, she had been persuaded by Diseased, her mate, to come and join his sister Saydin here as the Beta pair. Karitania had been apprehensive to drop her alpha status, and this alpha-mentality was still very much present, hence her current posture, but she was learning to submit to Saydin, and in truth, she had no problem with Saydin. In fact, it was quite the opposite, it was a loyalty that was unbound.
"Prisoner? I see." Karitania mulled this information over, fixing those scarily entrancing amber eyes on Shena, and locking gazes. "Well then," she began, but there was a growl laced into the back of those words that had not been present before, and it was the signal that there was some of that vicious bite she had learned from Saydin about to be directed at Shena, "you should show me a bit more respect then, prisoner. I am your Beta, your superior, so lower yourself when you talk to me!" Driving forward, Karitania aimed a sharp muzzle snap at Shena, trying to rake her fangs across the others muzzle to cause pain to show her dominance. It was just to leave a superficial wound, and a small set of scars to show that Karitania was not to be messed with. While she would not go as far as Saydin would in punishment, she would at least try and get this prisoner acting in a fashion that Saydin would approve of, so that, in the long run, Shena would actually benefit by acting favourably to her superiors, and removing the risk of such punishments again.
Her movements were slow and easy, but Rein's entire body was tense. She had come to make a peace offering with Saydin, and set up negotiations to get Shena back. She hadn't told her pack members what she was doing, for she knew how dangerous this could be. She stood at the edge of Saydin's border and let loose a bone chilling howl. Saydin had a lot to explain, and taking Shena was just the least of it. Saydin! She barked. Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. Including Shena. Her and Saydin were of about the same size, the only difference being the coat color. Both had their own monsters prowling in their eyes. Saydin had insanity, Rein had Aaka.
It didn't take long for Saydin to appear. The alphess seemed to materialize out of mist, the shadows enveloping her as if she were one of them. Well well well. If it isn't pretty little Reincarnation, of the Silver Glades pack. She spat the last word as if it left a foul taste in her mouth. Rein stood strong though. I have come to make negotiations with you.
Shena was still laying down in submission. Which is why she gave Kari a confused look. She couldn't submit anymore than this. So why was she being punished for something she didn't do? As she was thinking this a familiar howl came through. Dodging away from Kari's attack she ran to where the howl came from. Comming through the bushes she saw Sayding speaking to Rein. Without stopping she ran to Rein's side with a look of pure hatred given to Saydin just as Saydin answered. A sharp retort was wanted to be given to Sayding from Shena, but she held her tounge. After all she was in the presence of her TRUE alpha right now. However half of one of her fang's were showing. You could see it easily in the moonlight.
Her eyes were hard on Saydin's, filled with hate, filled with anger. You have no right to take a prisoner when no wrong has been done. But I have come to make a peace offering with you. We will ally ourselves to you, if you give Shena back to us. she was lying. She was allied with Toklat Canyon, but she was going to get Shena back, one way or another. However, Saydin was one step ahead of her.
Plauge heard the commotion and trotted forth, his eyes taking in the scene. And at Shena being attacked. With a roar, the scarred black wolf leapt into the fray. To some, it would look as though he were helping to attack Shena. But Saydin could see him, aiming for Framed and biting at her.
Now Razorblade got in on it. How dare Plauge do this? Shena was his. With his own battle cry, he to leapt in, only he was aiming for both Framed and Plauge. A huge giant mess really.
Enough! Roared Rein, but above all the noise nobody heard her. Except Saydin, who stood there and grinned. The night seemed to cling to her black body, and the world cloaked her and shadows, while mist seemed to swirl around Rein. Each wolfess was a regal being, with power and hatred boiling deep inside. Enough, Saydin. She hissed. Saydin merely laughed. Never. Rein let loose a howl, calling to the Toklat canyon herd. Today, today was the day that Saydin would die. With a snarl, Rein leapt, aiming for Saydins throat. However, the two females collided in midair and the clashing of teeth and fangs could be heard, snarling and growling. They tore apart and began circling one another, each lookign for a weak spot.
He moved quickly to the scene of the fight, ignoring Shena and the others, he went straight for Saydin. He grabbed hold of his alphess, a big hunk of scruff and pulled backwards yanking her away from Rein. Through all the snarling and the fighting there was a very loud snap, followed by a scream of pain. Enough. Hissed Diseased. Saydin stood, panting, blood dripping from a few flesh wounds but she was not nearly as bad off as Rein. Dark laughter rumbled deep in Saydin's chest as she surveyed the damage done. When Diseased had pulled her away from Rein, Saydin had had the white wolf's leg in her mouth. Now the leg dangled uselessly, a clean, solid break. Rein held the front leg up, her eyes cold and emotionless but her cry of pain still echoed throughout the territory. Razorblade and Framed, as well as Plauge all pulled away from one another as they surveyed the three now. Saydin. Back down. It isn't fair to fight them now, not when they are so vulnerable with foals and pups. Now wasn't that just an image for her? Slaughtering innocent foals, innocent pups. Bloodlust flickered into her eyes for a moment and she lunged, but her brother was much larger then she and his hold on her to great. Saydin. Enough. Soon, control came over her once more, but her eyes were still so bright and alive. Get out, Rein. Shena stays here. If she so much as thinks to leave, we will slaughter you, your family, your pups, everyone. Do you understand? Rein gave a grim nod, looking over at Shena. As she limped past, she murmured Fear not, Shena. We will get you free soon. Then she made her way home carefully, picking her way with ease.
Diseased * Saydin