No Stone Unturned [Karolek and/or Sofika]

[Blackfeathr]

The black trees sighed and creaked in the presence of a chill wind, their dark branches breaking the clouded sky like black lightning on a grey silken sheet.
A rumble of thunder resonated somewhere in the distance.
But Mordecai took no notice.
The large male wolf leapt like a cat over a fallen, dead and rotting tree, landing loudly upon the sodden, foliage strewn black earth.
His icen eyes, the only thing in this area that seemed bright enough to be alive for acres, flicked about the area in a futile scan for other wolves.
He made a slow circle about the small clearing, looking for a shadow, listening for a sly laugh, searching for the glow of blue or green.
The wolf, Night, and her companion, Archer, had needed his help. It seemed like weeks since he had seen them in their peril, at the inadvertent paws of Umbra.
Grim thoughts of their state since he left them threatened to seize his conscience, but he gave a mighty shake of his head to while them away.
They will be fine, he thought, Night is an able-bodied fighter and Archer has the skills of a killer. They were fine before you came, and theyre probably fine now.

Easier thought than believed.

Umbra was unstable, so anything could happen. Thats what he had to relay to the alphas.

"S... Sofika?" He started to say, but the name trailed off quietly. He took a great breath, his chest expanding as he barked "SOFIKA!"

"KAROLEK?"

"SOFIKA! KAROLEK!"

This will do no good. Calling their names out like a lost puppy wont accomplish anything.
Just then, not too far away, he heard a howl. A howl of distress. But it was not directed at him, or the alphas, or anybody. It was directed to a family member. He instantly paired the deep howl with the voice of that large black and brown wolf, NightBlood.
He drew in that cold air and howled powerfully into the heavens, calling for Karolek, for Sofika, for help. Umbra needed help. He could not just stand by and watch. He wanted to protect his new friends, if they viewed him as a friend or not.

[Bandersnatch]

[Do you mind if I butt in with Crow for a bit? If you don't want me to 's fine.
Adeimus and Sammi seem to be MIA for the moment...]

[Blackfeathr]

((Sure, thatd be fine ))

[Bandersnatch]

Crow’s morning had been flittered away as she turned uncomfortably about in her den. It was not that it was not comfortable in there, quite the contrary. The spot had been chosen well – a sheltered spot in the middle of the territory. The hollow was under perhaps the largest tree in the land, once perched over a large rabbit warren. The warren had become disused many years ago, and had fallen away to reveal a perfect nesting spot within the roots of the ancient tree. It was where she had spent many of her recent days.
Her inability to stay still for a mere moment was more the result of the tug that seemed to draw all her thoughts crashing back to her sentry duties. It was a feeling that had progressively gotten stronger, to match with the strengthening of her body, the past few weeks. Undeniably, if she had not been on orders not to return to her tasks until she had returned to complete health she would’ve been patrolling the borders right at that moment.

That time would come soon though. She mulled it over gently, peeking her muzzle out of her den hole. It was a rainy, miserable day. A usual Arnlan day. The dusty brown-grey fem crept out, feet gingerly padding into the mud. The massive branches above her blocked most of the storm, but every so often she felt a chill as a large raindrop dripped from the leaf where it had been collected down onto her.
She looked a hundred times better than she had upon her return. Her new, lush winter coat was growing in, replacing the scraggily one and her form was filling quickly back to the shape it once held. Though some white hairs on the top of her muzzle would always betray the stress she had gone through, the age and exhausted appearance had all but vanished.
For a moment she simply stood, stretching herself out, allowing the breeze to whip about her fur, enjoying the feelings as icy fingers ran through her coat. She couldn’t help but think it was something about these lands that prompted this healing. Maybe it was her love for them and her own joy at her return. She smiled to herself – maybe she was just being silly.

After a moment Crow eased herself back, pricking her ears, suddenly alert to her surroundings. Did Arnlan just shudder? Her lips quickly curled into a frown. There was something ominous that hung in the air. She was convinced – it seemed something was going to happen. She paced forward slowly, uncertainly.

She had not gotten too far before a blood-curdling howl split the air, clear as the huge bolts of lightning. She did not recognize the voice but, calling a certain individual or not, it sounded deathly serious. Her paws quickened their beat toward the sound.

“SOFIKA! KAROLEK!”[/color]

Crow pulled her ears back. More howling. She had been concentrating so much on the cry for help that she hadn’t picked up on the trail of the other wolf, so nearby, yelling so desperately to the Alphas. So little was he unexpected that as she burst from the sparse undergrowth, she had to skid about to avoid crashing into him.
She managed to come to a halt quite gracefully despite this, rear curving out behind her to ease her momentum, only inches from him. She panted gently, a quizzical look in her eye. She had only a little time to register that though she recognized his markings from elsewhere, she did not recognize this wolf.
Still… he wanted the Alphas? Maybe she could be of more use here…

[Blackfeathr]

The last echo of his howl rang somewhere in the distance, until it was just resonating in his memory, and even that ebbed away over time, leaving an opressive silence. No shadow came out to greet him. No reply howl. Nothing but the sighing trees in the blowing wind carrying a fine drizzle.

From behind him came a crashing of leaves and twigs and that right about scared the daylights out of him. He turned around in an instant and found a dust-colored, half-concealed female face mere inches from his.
His ice-blue eyes widened, seeing their reflection in her equally wide powder blue eyes.
He yelped in suprise, backing up just as she did.
"Sorry, there m'lass." He mumbled in that thick Irish accent, silently gathering his composure.
Still silence reigned over Arnlan. No hush of bushes parting to reveal shadowy alphas, no smooth male or female voices... and yet. No cries for help. He could hear urgent yelling faintly in the distance. He hoped they were still all right.
He tore his gaze from the swaying trees and focused them once again on this new winded visitor. Quite the dainty female, she was, with curious wing-like markings upon her back, and a face half concealed--he realized now that he was a far enough distance from her--in long fur-hair.
"Have... have ye seen Karolek or Sofika aboot?"
A shot in the dark, but perhaps this femme would know.

[Bandersnatch]

Crow shuffled back a little more, certain that the stranger would like a little his personal space back. A prang of guilt had raised somewhere in her chest for startling him so much that he would yelp.
She paused for a moment, looking into his eyes. Pale blue, so alike her own. Not that she had really seen her own – reflections were so often distorted, faded. It was quite a startling effect she realized, and this other’s black mask only served to enhance it. With a small, slightly embarrassed cough she gathered her senses back up.

"Sorry, there m'lass."[/color]

Crow smiled hastily. It was an interesting voice, much more musical than the usual monotonous voices found in Arnlan. A little more socially inclined too. The fem flipped back her ears, feeling as though she should echo the apology. It was her fault, really – she had been the one charging around without paying proper attention. She settled with a polite dipping of the head. The distant sounds of shouting and pained howls were reminders that there was no time to be wasted on such comparatively trivial things as an attempted explanation of her condition.

"Have... have ye seen Karolek or Sofika aboot?" [/color]

Crow glanced quickly about in case either of the mentioned parties chose this moment to announce themselves. But there was no shifting of shadow besides the angry storm clouds overhead, no whisper of passing fur. It seemed they would not be showing themselves.
The sepia wolf inclined her head thoughtfully, passing back to the question. She had not seen them recently, no, but Sofika’s words from their last meeting echoed in her mind.

“You know where to find me…”[/color]

Crow nodded gently, answering the mottled male’s question, though it was a half-truth. She had to retain the silent chuckle that threatened to emerge as the words passed through her head again. Others, perhaps, would have thought this simply Karolek’s sense of humor rubbing off on his sister - most in Arnlan knew that is was impossible to find either of the Alphas unless they wanted to be found. Few knew of a particular spot of which the twins favored. Knowledge of its location was a useful by product of her being raised by the pair.
If there was any place where they could be found, it was there. Perhaps the sharing of it’s location would bring some scolding, but this matter, if it involved somehow the yells in the distance as she had assumed, was important.

Her mind made up, Crow bounded away a couple of places. She flipped her head back to glance at the other over her shoulder, then made a jabbing motion with it back to her chosen path. Her intent was clear, she thought. She wanted him to follow her.

[Blackfeathr]

((Sorry... had a rough weekend D:))

Mordecai watched with a bemused expression as the female flashed an apologetic smile at him. He gave a weak smile of his own. He soon became bewildered again as the femme looked about their surroundings, and he could almost hear her thoughts racing.
Then, she nodded, and started to lead him out of the small clearing. Relief and excitement washed over him, but he couldnt help but wonder at this wolfs silence. Perhaps she thought--or knew--that spies could be around? If so, Mordecai cursed himself quietly for shouting the alphas names so loudly and blindly. They were probably being followed now.
Mordecai glanced shiftily over his shoulder as he followed this confident yet strange she-wolf.
Nothing in the trees. He gave a grimace and trotted along until he was a few paces behind her.
He didnt know whether to talk or to be silent. Openly discussing the alphas wherabouts was a definite No. She obviously knew something he didnt.
He decided to walk the fence.
"I'm no' sure I've ever seen you before. My names Mordecai, by the by." He said in a low voice, smiling though she couldnt see him. Habit.
"From whereabouts do you come?"
He continued his brisk trot, matching that hers but still staying a few paces back. She seemed a seasoned Arnlanian. She seemed to know the way.

((Sorry if Mordys questions are a bit difficult, I cant imagine how hard it is to RP a mute character ))

[Bandersnatch]

[ No prob. Sorry I was being such an impatient pain – been keeping busy, and thought more days had passed than really had >_> Hope things are better for you now. ]

The ebony trees of Arnlan were not much more than black blurs (and the occasional obstacle to be darted around). It wasn’t a huge speed they were traveling at, but purpose filled each stride, pushing the wolves on. The summer rains had all but vanished and the evidence of fresh snowfall was building up underfoot – cold, but rather more comfortable than the thick mud that accompanied the seasonal drizzles.

The wolfess’ feet seemed to be of their own mind, taking turn and twist and crossroad in stride. Her actual mind, meanwhile, drifted about on tangents. What WAS it that his coat reminded him of?
Everything had fallen quiet, save for the gentle crush of snow under paws. The distant howls were momentarily silenced, and birdlife seemed non existent. It was hardly surprising – there was already little in the way of food for any Arnlan bird that was not a scavenger.
Birds, birds… Wait, that was it! What were those little mottled birds? Sparrows! Crow gave a triumphant grin, given away from behind only by a new spring in her step.

"I'm no' sure I've ever seen you before. My names Mordecai, by the by."[/color]

She perked an ear back towards him, quite content to just listen to his voice. It was pleasant to hear one that was friendly and held expression.
It wasn’t surprising that he hadn’t. Much to her own frustration, she had been keeping herself quietly cut off since her return. He smelt enough like Arnlan – if he hadn’t, she wouldn’t have been given him a personal tour, after all – for her to hazard a guess that he’d arrived sometime during her absence.
Mordecai, huh? It’d be difficult not to think of him as ‘Sparrow’ after she had made the connection. Regardless, it was not as though she could address him by either. It was nice not to have to probe packmates for their names, as she had had to do on past occasions. Social norm dictated that this was the point to reply with her name. The twinge of guilt in the pit of her stomach rose again – she hoped he didn’t think her rude in not replying. A demonstration that she meant now ill intent, she glanced over her shoulder (tuft of hair-fur bumped clumsily about) and gave him a small, but sweet smile. They would find one of the alphas, she was certain, and they’d tell him what she was called. Her gaze returned forward.

"From whereabouts do you come?"[/color]

Crow gave a sniff, trying to catch her own scent. The comment could only make her assume the salty scent of the sea breezes must’ve still been clinging to her coat.
Where was she from? The question made it clear that he hadn’t caught on quite yet.
Here… just, here. Every moment she’d spent away her heart had yearned to return. Luckily the question had been posed as they neared their destination. Her trot slowed and as she neared being still, she turned on the spot to face Mordecai. Her answer was a stomp of a paw. She lifted it, waving her mitt slowly from left to right, indicating their surroundings. Here – this is where she hailed from. She studied his face for a moment, trying to catch a hint of understanding.

Crow turned back. Behind her the land rose steeply, though it was a short and easy enough climb. It was difficult to see the top, though obvious that the huge black trees did not grow there. The sepia fem scuttled up, unintentionally letting minute pieces of rock fall behind her. She felt tense, a result of her uncertian hoping that this is where the Alphas would be found.
She reached the top, pulling herself over…

[ s’ok, makes for good RPing fodder ]

[Blackfeathr]

((I soon shall post, dont you worry your pretty little head When I get my three hour break between my classes tomorrow I'll be sure to get on and post.))

[Bandersnatch]

[No prob - I'm exhausted atm anyway, lol. Have a happy (US-date) Birthday ]

[Blackfeathr]

Mordecai watched as a plethora of emotions passed over this wolfess, from a nimble stride, to a pondering canter, and ending in a triumphant high-stepped trot. Mordecai cocked an eyebrow after his statement, watching her ear flick back towards him.
It was then that she looked over her shoulder and smiled sweetly at him.

Was this some kind of game?

She had been quiet this whole accidental meeting. When she returned her gaze forward he faltered his trot, but when he fell too far behind he ran to catch up, like a puppy.
He blinked bemusedly. He had never felt this much of a mixture of bewilderment and fascination.
Strange, strange land...

But he broke even with her when he quickened his pace, because she slowed down. He nearly ran into again when she abruptly turned on her heel to face him. He backed up, watching her intently, mouth slightly agape, ice blue eyes searching.
She stomped her paw and then lifted it, waving it to and fro. He glanced around. Nothing different... just blackened trees, moss, and a strange new scent... like a far away ocean. And then it clicked in his mind.

Here.

He understood now. This wasnt some kind of game. She was mute. She came from here. But surely, there was much more to be told about this wolfess.

He gave her a wry grin, his icy eyes crinkled in understanding.
"I undurstahnd now." He said, rolling his eyes to the sky in obvious disdain of himself and slapping a paw to the mop of brown fur-hair on his forehead.

"My apologies, miss. I hope I di'nt botheh ye with all those questions. I can be a bi' thick at times. But perhaps Karolek or Sofika would know more than I can inquire, aye?" He smiled apologetically.

[Bandersnatch]

Crow took her own step back at her companion’s sudden stop.

"I undurstahnd now. My apologies, miss. I hope I di'nt botheh ye with all those questions. I can be a bi' thick at times.”[/color]
She gave Mordecai an amused look as he slapped his forehead, her jaw gently agape in what could only be a silent giggle. As he broke into his self-inflicted insult and apologetic smile she shook her head gently, her own tuft of dark fur dancing agitatedly around her face. It didn’t bother her, and it needn’t worry him either – there could have been a multitude of things keeping her quiet after all and it was hardly a mark against his intelligence that he had not guessed the correct answer straight away. Such a disability wasn’t exactly common, and as such was not often the first bit of reasoning to mind.
She did not think poorly of him. Really, she was glad for the company - something given away by the absent-minded wriggling of her tail.

But perhaps Karolek or Sofika would know more than I can inquire, aye?"[/color]

Crow gave a gentle nod in reply. Speaking of which… She turned sharply again, and allowed her feet to quickly reach their target.
There, at the top or the raise was…

No breathing thing. Spindly ebony trees – weak miniatures of the brethren below - rock, snow. Sofika and Karolek, it seemed obvious, were not there. Had she been able, she would have cursed her own pride for thinking she could find them, even gifted with inside knowledge. Instead of an eruption of growls, her teeth clenched together. It seemed the whole point of this little trip was to look daft in front of this other, to not contribute any sort of help at all.

Hopelessly, she paced over to a particularly flat, overhanging rock. Exhaling sharply in a sigh, she plonked down her end.
Her tail curled against her legs as she looked out across what was revealed of the lands below. Where were the Alphas? For all she knew they both were watching all that was unfolding, maybe assisting with what was happening. It was much too far from here to see what was causing the howls of pain and anger. Were they assessing each individual from the shadows with plans in mind to reward or punish resulting actions? She turned to check if Mordecai was still following, a questioning look glimmering in her eyes. Would he think any less of her? What would he want to do now?

[Karolek]

((Apologies for the unholy amount of time that this took. ): ))

Noise.

Arnlan was not supposed to be a loud place...so what was all this noise? Although it was evident that there was a problem somewhere and probably a good reason for all the noise, Karolek couldn't help but be mildly annoyed. His pack wasn't supposed to be making noise.

His frown deepened in silent contemplation; hopefully the problem wasn't too serious...the last thing he needed was some big, horrible catastrophe to sort out. That was his sister's job. With a sigh, the dark wolf turned on his paws and headed toward the noise at a quick, ground-covering trot. It wouldn't appear particularly professional to come flying out of the forest in a foamy lather...but, then again, Karolek had never held much by appearances. Perhaps he only refrained from running due to his own personal comforts; or perhaps it was because of the lingering annoyance at the yells.

It was only a short time before he found himself within earshot of his two packmates. Well, he'd heard them before, but now he could hear them talking. How intriguing. For a moment, he remained hidden in the shadows, simply listening; it was a good thing to be able to have knowledge about something beforehand, and if he stayed back and listened for a moment, then he'd be sure to figure out something, rather than just trotting up to them and asking them how the weather was.

"I undurstahnd now. My apologies, miss. I hope I di'nt botheh ye with all those questions. I can be a bi' thick at times. But perhaps Karolek or Sofika would know more than I can inquire, aye?"

Understood what? The Alpha's expression remained unchanged; still a slight frown that didn't convey any real, clear emotion -- a mask to the frustration that boiled within him.

Fed up with waiting, the dark wolf stepped out from the bushes, walking slowly and fluidly, in an almost snakelike motion. "What." It was spoken rather flatly; not a question, but not a demand. He could only assume that one of these wolves would tell him 'what' eventually...they'd been quite eager to see him, after all.

[Blackfeathr]

When he lifted his eyes up to her after his self-chastising he seen her face in a silent laugh. He smiled weakly as she shook her head.

He was suprised... yet again... at the sudden movement forward he leapt forward eagerly from his stationary position and trotted in pace with the wolfess.
He followed her gaze up the hill, but seeing nothing. He in turn saw her teetch clench together in dissapointment. Or anger? Frustration?
His lips drew back in dissapointment... not at the wolfess, but at the fact that no one was there to help him.

Though he couldnt say that. Fate, Destiny, whatever... sent this wolfess to meet him for a reason... and she had been a great help to him, whether she knew it or not. If she had not came crashing through the bushes, well, he'd probably still be down in the woods, wandering around pointlessly. So he did get somewhere.
Out of the corner of his eye he seen the wolfess glance at him. When she turned toward the horizon he eased from his sitting position and lumbered over to the flat rock on which the wolfess sat, looking quite depressed.
He looked where she was looking... at the swaying black trees of Arnlan below them... here and there seeing a woodland creature flitting by... and a few drizzly droplets here and there.

"Its all righ' there, lass," Mordecai said in a low grumble, "Yeh did good."
He paused for a moment, and decided to reiterate his thoughts to her.
"You were a blessing today, and I would probably be lost within another packland if you ha'n't come along."

Silence took over on his side until a deadpan "What" emerged from behind him.
He whipped his head around to see Karolek emerging from the shadows of the trees.

Mordecai stood, and lowered his head in a formal bow toward the Alpha.

"Karolek," he nodded curtly, "Greetings, my name is Mordecai. I'm sorry to be bothering you."
He blinked slowly at the ground.
"Recent events have forced me to ask for anothers assistance. The only wolf I knew of tha' would be able to help me with such an issue would have been Sofika, or you."
How strange it is, so surreal at this moment, to be simply talking with this wolf he had never met before but had felt like he knew him from ages ago. Perhaps it was because of his striking resemblance to his sister.

"I had me' your Sentry and another subordinate not too far from here. Hawevah, shortly after, a strange ash-colored wolf with one golden eye and one blind eye came ou' and seemed to have a spli'-personahlity issue. This wolf caused a skirmish betwin him and the subor'inate. After this spar was ovahr I was told by the Sentry to find ye or ye sistahr and ask for help. As far as I kno', the subor'inate suffered many injuries from this ash-colored wolf who broke the rules of sparring. I dont kno' wot became of 'em. I believe that this wolf is dangerous and may need help or surveillance. I've heard some yelling and howling, so I am no' sure if they are in trouble or no'."
His icey blue eyes flicked around the horizon uncertainly, as if the yelling were to start up again. But once more, silence.

[Bandersnatch]

Crow stared out into the distance, listening as the large male shuffled up beside her.

"You were a blessing today, and I would probably be lost within another packland if you ha'n't come along."[/color]

She studied his face for a moment, ears held flat against her skull. Slowly, she gave him an appreciative, flattered smile. Such sincere, kindly things were not often spoken by Arnlanians. She was soothed by his words, even if she still felt as though her efforts had proved for naught.

“What.”[/color]

Crow jumped as the new, rather bitter voice broke the calmed air most unexpectedly. It was a voice she had not heard in a whole year at the very least, likely more. It was Arnlan’s king.
Karolek! The sepia wolf practically leapt up, her tail energetically brushing at her ankles. She trotted quickly to him with her head hung low, licking her nose in submissive greeting. Her relationship with the green-marked male was not as strong as that which the mute one had with his sister, but that did not mean she did not respect him. The joker today seemed not amused, getting to the point without tailing it with his usual kidding about. Had the pair of lower wolves interrupted something important?

“Karolek… Recent events have forced me to ask for anothers assistance.”[/color]

She managed to still herself. Her gaze wandered between the two males, waiting curiously for what would be said.

“…I was told by the Sentry to find ye or ye sistahr and ask for help.”

Crow’s ears perked at the word, her head twisting to the side. Sentry? It was obvious enough that he was not referring to her. Indeed, Pollux had said there was another with the same role now. She still had not met the other. What was the female’s name? Something-blood. Darkblood?

She watched and listened intently to the news. Potentially dangerous packmate? She fixed her gaze on Karolek, wondering what his reaction would be.