Crimson & Pups

The African wild dog led her 18 pups to the ruins. She stopped, looking at the towering buildings in awe.

Xan, a hefty male pup, crawled under his mother's legs. "Is this our new home?" He asked, wagging his tail.

Crimson looked down at her son. "I hope so, Xan, I hope it is." She was a bit worried, as her mate was Jack, a dedicated member of the resistance against the Shadow Haunters. But Crimson would rather side with the Haunters over the African Pack or its allies.

Lifting her head high, the canine howled for anybody around.

delphi.

Delphi had not been here very long, but already she found it to be magnificent. Her narrow toes sinking into the jungle soil, natural against her soul. She could feel everyone around her, every being that floated passed and around her. She could even feel the spirits, the lost and the found. Her skin quivered with the gentle brisk of the mid-day breeze, coming strong from the northern shores, miles from where she stood. Silk lips slipped curiously over the soft flower petals, taking a few bright red buds for her own tasting. The sun was settling, the forest was crawling — she walked deeper into the umbrage of brilliant floral and twisted vines. She felt warm, at home even, the welcoming of the jungle beckoned her; she belonged here.

At least for now she did.

As if breaking her very peace of mind, the rustling to her left startled her. She hardly noticed the massive stones carved with decorative swirls and tribal scribing. Those glass blue eyes locked onto the painted dog, her heart pace raising about four thousand notches. Puppies littered her feet, her attention obviously focused on them, she could feel the female dog’s vibes; she was in no hunting mood. Delphi simmered, but only just a little. Leaning her ears tensely forward, listening to the mother’s sweet whisper voice, a maternal tone for sure. Delphi’s face softened, an almost smile creased her velvet black lips, muscles smoothing over, letting her ora relax a little. “Good afternoon, momma dog.” A quaint smile stretched her lips now, honest, almost affectionate, as if her and the dog were old comrades. Delphi could not help it, the nature of her was simply in-tune, ‘hippy’ like almost.

{ keep bleeding love }

NOWHERE is where i live.
NO ONE supresses my solitude.
NO BOY is who i love.

Crimson

Crimson turned around and looked up at the mare. She hadn't seen many horses around here. The closest thing she had seen to an equine in a long time was Lily the Gemsbok.

"Hello." The mother dog replied, a bit surprised to see Delphi. "Are you...with the Shadow Haunters?"

delphi.

The instinctive fear of the mother dog soon subsided, the twitching of her bones and the caution in her muscles smoothed over to reveal a silky bay coat, mahogany reflecting off the stripes of light that pierced the thick treetops. “Oh — no. I’m not even certain what they are — they sound a bit scary in my opinion, I’m certainly no shadow hunter thing..” She let a light giggle sweep through her throat, “I am Delphi…by the way..” A slight detection of nervousness slipped between her sweet song voice, tail flicking to swipe across her broad auburn hip.

Delphi was amused by the number of puppies, the innocence of children certainly masked the environment, the pressing of happiness and blissful ignorance swirled in her mind. Her black nose bent downward, fairly close to one of the puppies, letting a loud but kind warm breath huff towards the young dog. A delighted grin crossed those soft lips, her light eyes settling back onto the mother while she slowly lifted her head back into place.

Risen .+. Hazard .+. Ghoul .+. Havik

With the sound of the howl, the alpha of the Shadow Haunters reigned down for her thrown and into her land. Coming up to the other side of the moat. Her grizzled gray fur stood on end when she saw the female who looked suspiciously like one of her enemies, and then a harsh glance was given to the horse. Bone chilling yellow eyes held strong a veil of darkness as she gave quizzical looks to the both of them. "My name is Risen, Daughter of Vicious and Fallen... Alpha of the Shadow Haunters. What is the reason you call me?" even though the wolfess weighed a mere 60 pounds, her lean body stood as tall and proud as any city building.

Her eyes flicked back up to the horse before three brutes moved in behind her, all well over 100 pounds each. Ghoul, weighing in at a massive 195 pounds, was all white with a tricolored face. He stood big in bulk, almost striding as a lion as he walked. Showing his relationship with his "brother" lions.

Hazard moved in the same way as his Coalition brother. Both were used to fighting beside the big cats. His coat was pure black, his eyes a deep gray. Weighing in at 160 pounds, he stood strong as he looked over the female and her pups.

Havik was the last one, with a coat that was as black as night and dark chocolate eyes. He was as massive as Ghoul at the same weight of 195 pounds.

Havik took Risen's right flank, while Hazard stood behind her. Gould took the left flank. Out of the bunch of them, Ghoul had the softest expression, almost as if he had none. Or as if they were kept away for only a special one to get to. But there was a sight of empathy for the mother and her children.

Crimson

Crimson was about to speak to Delphi when she saw Risen striding forward. The great wolfess she had heard so many stories about. Crimson, indeed, was long ago accepted as an ally to the Shadow Haunters, but she never really met Risen before.

"I am Crimson, warrior dog of Africa, the sole survivor of an attack by poachers." She said, bowing humbly. "I was told that I could be an ally to the Shadow Haunters - by a wolfess named Sacrifice, if I remember correctly. But now I am wondering if I and my pups may be accepted as full-time members."

Ivory, a light-colored leucistic pup, approached Delphi. "Woah! I've never seen such a big antelope before! What are you called?" She exclaimed, her eyes shining playfully.

delphi.

Delphi’s skin jumped as the first wolf approached, that instinctive fear of their primal nature returned, Delphi clasped her lips tightly, silent time. She watched the first approach, a noble face, a regal posture; alpha. Two others came at her flanks, another shifted behind her, like body-guards surrounding the president — like flies on shit. Delphi’s soft blue eyes ran over the white wolf’s stern expression, and then the next face, and then the next face. Delphi could feel them; they meant business inside their borders, but they were not hunting — Delphi still didn’t relax, but she offered a tilt of her head and a warm smile to ‘Risen’…but after that she settled in silence to watch the interactions.

That is until the pup came wobbling towards the mare’s black muzzle, Delphi lowered her bay face with a girlish giggle. Her nostrils once again blowing a strong breath towards the small pup, the child’s soft puppy breath put ease to her bones, the smell of child — it was like smelling innocence. “Oh no no darling…I am a horse….and who might you be?” Her silk muzzle bumped softly against the pup, sure to be gentle with the fragile young dog.

Abyss

The grizzled mother steadily rocked out of the Temple, where she saw a congregation of painted wolves, and then a horse. As Risen addressed the newcomers, Abyss steadily approached and bowed to her leader. Abyss knew she'd probably get bitterness from Risen when she told her what she had did, but Abyss had already gone threw brambles in her life. "Greetings, I am Abyss," Abyss spoke to the African Wild Dog, smiling softly. She glanced at Risen tentively, speaking lowly, "I must speak to you, Lady Risen, after you have addressed these newcomers. I can take the mother to the basement if you wish." Abyss's grizzled fur was buffetted by the wind, her golden eyes still had a weak fiery glow. She was very elderly, yet the wolf was very reluctant to admit her death was closer then anything.

Risen

Risen lowered her head for a moment before looking to the pups. Sacrifice had accepted her as an ally? She would need to speak with the wolfess about not informing her of it. As long as you are well aware that we have punishment for double crossers. What job were you wanting to hold in the Shadow Haunters? Your pups will go with the mothers until they are old enough for training. It is then you will be able to see them again, and then again after training when you will either fight next to them, or just live amongst them. If you want, you can stay with the Mothers until your pups are old enough to train and then be switched to another position. However, you are not to see your pups during their training... It is considered interference. Jobs available for canines are: Warrior; Mother; Strategist; Converter; and Healer." She set her gaze upon the horse. "And what might you be here for, Equine?"

Risen

Risen turned to Abyss before nodding, "I shall be done in a moment." and as if on cue, a bird flew overhead. Oraiyus charmed out "A stallion awaits you Lady Risen." The alpha looked up. "I shall be there shortly." She called up, making a list of things to do.

Ghouls looks eyed the horse and she looked at him. Lifting a lip, but showing now teeth, his eyes gave the message: "Something wrong?". Hazard looked to Abyss, his eyes strong, a chaliced warrior, but her offered her somewhat of a smile in greeting before turning his attention back to those across the moat.

delphi.

Delphi watched, those curious young ears open to the stern voice of the wolven leader. Delphi’s icy eyes smoothed over the other wolves for a moment, her mind floating with the breezes, waving with the leaves — and then abruptly her skin began to feel clammy and cold. Risen had addressed her. Her nostrils quivered and her bones trembled for a moment, silence washed between dog and horse before Delphi finally sang a small answer. “I just kind of wandered in -” Her tone almost meek at first, slowly sliding into a confident whisper-note. “I apologize if I have intruded, miss Risen.” Her lips creased with a warm grin, accepting of the dog’s brash demanding voice and her dominant nature. The bay mare appeared friendly, almost weak, but she was not. She was just intelligent — saving that energy for something better, something bigger.

She was a strategist, my girl.

Crimson

Crimson nodded. "I understand that I cannot see my pups until they are older." She replied coolly, sitting down submissively to think for a moment. "I would gladly be a Strategist, as that job seems best suited for me."

Lycaon, a big male pup, approached Risen, eyes wide. "My mom says that she heard that there are...um...River Dragons in your pack. Is this true? How big are they? What do they look like? Can they breath fire?" He said excitedly.

Crimson chuckled. "Lycaon, how about one question at a time?" She said with a smile. She then looked at Risen. "Forgive me. He's very talkative."

Risen

The grizzled female eyed the mare before nodding. "No, but you might want to watch your step. We are always on guard here for our own, and our children's own, protection." Her piercing yellow eyes held the mare for a moment longer, reading the uneasy twitches of her body. Risen, however, did not show the glee she felt when someone trembled at her voice. Being so small, a emotionally powerful figure was the only way to keep everyone in line.

It was then that the innocent voice of Crimson floated to her ears and the alpha turned to the new member. A Strategist? She was only glad those on the outside hadn't heard about the elections after her passing. Only Strategists could be voted for lead... but that was only after her passing. "We would like you to be a part of our team Crimson. You will be working with the most elite. Me, my son, the wise lions and more to come up with battle tactics during war. You will also be leading a group of your own. Being a strategist, you are a commander. The warriors will look up to you for finalized decisions in the heat of battle. I hope you are ready for this task dear Crimson."

A pup lingered just in front of her. Just on the other side of the moat as he questioned about the "River Dragons" that the Haunter's had been known for having. Risen smiled to Lycaon and as his mother began to hush and forgive his action. Three croc heads emerged from the water. Verdic, a rather large female, Orgus, a hefty brute, and little Abritt. Abritt was the one who moved up to he pup and gave a blow of air and mist from her nostrils. "We don't blow fire, but was are just as deadly as any fire breathing dragon out there." She smiled, A few snakes slithered around the area before 2 larger anaconda/reticulated python mixes emerged with their pup sized heads dangling just feet from the shore. "We consider ourselves dragons. We just all look different, however, we are all deadly to our foes."

Risen looked at the reptiles that gave the pup a show. "But you needn't worry; you, your mother, and your siblings are all Haunters... You are to be protected by these River Dragons." Her eyes gave a slight flash to Delphi one more time. "Are you looking for a home as well mare?" The mare had yet to tell anyone her name. Risen would welcome her, only if she could work up the courage to request a place to live.

"Dragons, let our new members through." and at her voice, the predators, who could even take her down, moved out of the way for the new wolf and her twelve pups.

Crimson

Crimson bowed humbly, ready for her new life. Everything would be different now. "Thank you, Risen. I will do my best to aid in the cleansing of the Valley." She looked down at the reptiles and smiled. These creatures would be guarding the pack. She trusted that they'd do a good job.

When the guards moved out of the way, Crimson and her 18 pups swam across and looked back at Delphi. She waited patiently for the mare to answer.

abyss

Abyss nodded at Crimson, smiling softly. Abyss spoke softly, "Such lovely pups," Abyss commented softly, looking at the exquiset pattern on their coats. Abyss herself hadn't really seen a African Wild Dog in a while, but she adored their silken coats with patterns like the paintings on some of the Ruins walls. Abyss looked up at Delphi, waiting for the mare to speak before Abyss could talk her matters to Risen. But more and more members had come to join recently, Abyss herself knew that. Besides, two females with pups laid in the basement of the ruins. They had Windsong's children, and they themselves hadn't seen Risen completely. But Abyss had taken the matter of ensuring they were not enemies.

Wildfire

Wildfire approached Risen slowly and dipped her head, the daughter of Windsong and Riot was barring news for the Haunter Queen. "I wish not to interrupt, and I do wish to tell you that, once again, we have new arrivals. Two leopard seals are with Sword and the others at the moat..." Wildfire said quickly, knowing Risen had yet to see another horse. "But Sword says that she shall keep them at bay until you are ready to see them."

delphi.

Delphi watched silently. Her eyes a warm ocean blue, Risen’s pasted against hers with such animosity pouring out her — Delphi ignored it, offering her an untarnished smile at the least. She tilted her smooth bay head in agreement; she was not here for harm, so she would not be bothered by weary Haunters. Her eyes shifted from body to body, she had hardly anything to do with this business — but she remained still. She stood straight, loose and relaxed beside the painted dog and her many pups. Her expression curious, eyes soft and bright, warm as they lay over each individual.

The ground was quiet, the air was stiff around the group, Delphi could feel the tenseness spilling from each of their souls. Their oras dark and unsure right now, but it seemed to be an initiation for the painted dog, her rank being distributed right here and now. Delphi watched them — a family of their own, a unit of many. It was something to be appreciated and she was well aware of it.

"Why, yes, yes i think I am looking for a home.." Sweet Delphi, so blind.

Risen

Risen smirked before continuing. "If you wish to reside with us, you may. But what position would you like to be... You may be a guard, or simply join our Warrior Horses, or if Fighting is not your thing, you can choose from healer, who never fight, or a converter who are back up." Truthfully, the only Haunters who were to never see the face of battle were the Mothers and the Healers. Which Mother's Normally didn't consist of horses because the equines couldn't fit downstairs.

Risen looked to Abyss as well as Wildfire. The three brutes behind her shifted at the horse but soon Ghoul moved away and moved up to the mother and her 18 pups. "My name is Ghoul, Son of Vicious and Incalia. Warrior of the Shadow Haunters. Follow me to the Mother's Den." He looked to Abyss before moving off to the basement of the Temple.

delphi.

Delphi again shivered with the admittance of Risen’s stern voice into her dark little ears. She listened, her calm bright eyes tilted with curiosity towards the wolf, tail flicking idly at her hips. “Healer, my wolf friend, I desire healer — I know I can succeed in such a thing, I am certain.” Delphi was prepared to study, to learn and to discover. She was sure there were many old medicine souls around to teach her the ways of healing, she was anxious to become a part of something, but a twinge of fear tickled her stomach. She was unsure of these ‘Haunters’ intentions, but she would accept them as friends none the less; it was the way she was, and will always be.

Risen .+. Owl

Risen nodded to the mare and then spoke into the water. "Let her pass." The River Dragons moved to the side to let the mare cross the moat. Risen's deep gaze continued, and then an alarmed Egyptian Plover came skurring over. "M'lady Risen, There be a wil' ma'e jus' beyon' da moa'..." Risen looked up to the bird. "You know I don't like it when you don't speak clearly." Ino shook herself and cleared her throat. Trying her hardest to keep down her accent. "Ther' is a fie-sty ma-re pesterin' tha 'orses... Ho-Horses o'er there." The small berry eater pointed with her beak.

Risen looked in the direction, "Is she trying to break in through the borders?" The bird shook her head to the question. "she seem' ta be wal-kin away... Pris'n'r was confron'n her... as was Mikia." Risen's eyes narrowed... A small burning sensation washing through her body as the bird continued. "Sh' wa' mak'n a mock'ry o' us sh' wa'." "I will speak with Prisoner after I am done here." Risen turned to Abyss. "What is the news you must tell me?" With the dismissal, the bird flew off to intercept this heated mare...

After moments, a brown coy-wolf appeared and moved up to the group. His soft and kind expression turned to the mare and smiled. "I assume you are the new healer?" He bowed to her. His tail wagging genuinely. "My name is Owl, Son of Razor and Tahti, Healer of the Shadow Haunters. May I ask what your name is?" He smiled, he was larger than the alpha, his coat both brown and white. He was one of the least threatening in the Haunter pack, and being so, he was a Healer. He wasn't, however, old... or wise... Just practiced with her herbs that the lead healer, Quilikham, had taught him.

Abyss

"I have two females that were breed to by Windsong. I tried searching for you, but you were momentarily busy," Abyss started slowly and boldly. "Their births could not wait, so I took them to the basement...They both had pups."

delphi.

Delphi was smaller than most horses; actually she was more of a ‘defined’ pony type. Her frame petite, along with her vertical stand point. The dark bay mare let gentle eyes fall on Risen, she spoke a peaceful command, her creatures aiding her call. They spread like elegant streams of guardianship; the dragons, and other water-folk. Delphi displayed a youthful smile, bright and curly like a spring-child. “Marvelous…” Her whisper barely audible, more like a mumble inside of a gasp. Suddenly her attention averted to Risen’s left, a brown canine slid up beside the alpha. Delphi anxiously repositioned her stand and bent her stocky neck forward.

“Oh!” Her head swung backward with a sort of girlish squeal, tail swashing back and forth. “I am Delphi — teach me everything you know Owl, everything.” Her voice still held the young tone of innocence, her eyes insuring her angelic appearance. She was eager to pass the moat, her eyes flicking towards it sporadically.

Risen .+. Owl

Risen looked to the horse, noting that she did not pass. Her ears flicked a bit but she had other matters to attend to. Moving further away from the group of animals. Her tail up, fluffy under tail feathering out in the air like a royal accessory. She had to confront Abyss.

Owl, a hefty brute, stared at the horse and smiled as she hesitated to move across the water. Although thick with muscle, his appearance was weak and kind looking. His brown was the color of an owl with a "mock mask" around his eyes and face. So he was named after the wise bird, and so he took this job as a healer. As well as because he could technically NOT be a Mother.

With a giggle to act near the cool liquid, Owl commented gently. "It wont hurt you, and you must get used to it. You will be crossing it a lot" He turned his head as Risen and Abyss spoke in the distance, and then back to the new Healer. At the comment of her learning everything he knew, he laughed "There is more than just I who is a Healer, I'm not even the head Healer, but I do not know where Quilikham is..." His eyes traveled down.

"There are various Herbs to learn, and I particularly do not know the remedies for poisons or toxins against our enemies.. I only know concoctions for healing" He smiled, Owl refused to learn how to poison his enemy. Being against death to any, he never would participate in killing one, just saving. Another reason why he was a healer, for the pure fact of not seeing the battle field. As he would probably help any he saw injured.

Hearing the name of Windsong, the Shadow Haunter Ally, made Risen at ease with the new mothers. She nodded to Abyss as she relayed the message. Pleased that there were more puppies down in the basement. "Do the other Mother's know of their presence?" She questioned, yellow eyes soft and yet still demanding... quizzical. Then her ears picked up. "They aren't going to do a dump and run are they? Are they intending to join the Shadow Haunters? Or are they looking for protection during their more vulnerable time and then leave us to become an enemy? Or are they ready to speak about joining?"

She wouldn't stand to house another who was just going to use them. She wouldn't run her pack that way...

Abyss thought, knowing she had seen Ynear earlier. "I believe Mother Ynear caught sight of them when I left, I left my daughter with them," Abyss answered first off. Then she listened, nodding slightly. "Kia and Kenya, the females, did give quit interest. I could feel something, pride and feriocity, as though they know they'll pups will grow up here. They are fierce mothers, and they gave quit a interest in the Haunters when I explained it to them." Abyss gave a thoughtful moment, knowing that many had turned on them in the past. Abyss added softly, "They no nothing of the Shadow Lurkers, and I will see to them staying among our ranks." Abyss's tone was dark, and she knew that her fangs and body power could easily take on a female. Not to mention Dark Era, who was fiercely loyal and hated traitors.

Risen nodded to the information, smiling as the tone of Abyss turned to that of a dark one. "I will accept them then. For right now, other's have requested my attention. I will see to them as soon as I can, but until then, they are welcome... See to it that the other Mothers are informed of their presence so that the Basement does not go unprotected." With a final nod, she dismissed the female. Turning now, in the direction that seemed to be where most of the commotion was going on... With Jeta.. For the sight of a Stallion failed her... Pan had disappeared.