Silence is a killer

[greyback]

What the hell is going on here? Where is everyone? thought Greyback as he strutted around the packlands on border watch. He hated doing it but there was nothing else for this warrior to do. It was his duty to protect the pack... and maybe he could pick a fight or two with anyone wandering too close to Sallins land.

But seriously.

Where was the wolves of Sallin? It was too quiet these days. He could remember when he had to shout at everyone hanging about to be quiet when he was trying to get some sleep.

Boy had he been a grouchy little wolf. Now though, it really bothered him that the only noise he could hear was that of those damn songbirds tweetering away. Suppose there was no pleasing some. Especially an old battle scarred youth who still believed he still had his spark from his prime. Greyback growled in frustration.

Was there anyone else, apart from him still alive in this pack?

[ Active people's only please... Don't want this thread to die. Let's get some activity going here. ]

[Carter]

Carter had noticed the decline of activity in Sallin himself, though he dared not bring the matter up to his Alpha parents, after all, they probably already knew, and that probably bit into his mother's pride making it potentially dangerous to say so.

But it was still something Carter had noticed, too quiet...too still, it was nothing like the home he knew. The young prince sighed and scratched at his nappy mane with an annoyed expression.

It was just no fun when nothing kept you on your toes. Where were the fights? The violence? Or even...just the sound of wolves at work? He'd even feel better to hear a little sound or just to see another wolf. Where was his sister? For that matter, where was everyone else?

It made him wonder, what would become of Sallin...or more importantly, himself if the pack fell? No more of that. Carter cringed thinking about getting torn down for his royal breeding, not good.

Before he could dwell any longer on the concept of his own demise, the sound of a growl tickled the prince's ears, making him leap into attention, delving into his Warrior instincts for whatever beast dared to growl. Honestly, it was more of a game to the young male, who crept towards the sound (obviously not aggressive) with his tail tall and slightly wagging.

He saw Greyback and smiled, his head popping out of the foliage. "Boo." Carter didn't fancy that it would scare him, but he sure wanted to to get something out of him.

[greyback]

It just so happened that the moment Carter popped his head out of the bushes that Greyback had turned that way. His eyes widened and he jerked back a little, falling into a defensive stance emitting a threatening growl. Then he realised it was his prince and fellow warrior. He had been trained not to be too surprised but still... in the territories silence he couldn't help his display of quick moving.

" Carter... " he spat, licking his chops. His chest heaved and he turned his head away growling. Puny little punk... he thought bitterely, saliva drooling from his frown. " What you doing sneaking about like that? " Attitude like this would't be accepted in any other pack. But this wasn't any other pack. It was Sallin.

Huh, Nightshade's little brat... pft... he growled. To him, Carter was nothing but a younger inexperienced warrior. He would never admit him as his 'prince'. What, a scrawny, rough looking kid like this? No way. He wasn't up for letting this runt walk all over him. Not after everything he had experienced in his days. Just because he was Nightshade's son didn't mean a thing to Greyback. He listend to Nightshade- and Nightshade only. " Punk " he spat again.

[Carter]

"I might be a punk, but at least I don't drool all over myself." Carter snarked, a grin across his muzzle. But he didn't seem malicious or temperamental today. "Relax, I was just playing...though you have to admit, if I was part of Synl...you'd gave gotten your ass handed to you old man."

Of course, he said that while getting out of maw's way from Greyback. "What the hell were you growling at anyways? You get lonely?" he was a bit sing song when he said it, laughing at the end.

[greyback]

Greyback grunted, shaking his head a little, his drool being flung into the air in thick strands. He'd never admit to being outsmarted by a Synl dog... filthy no good mongrels... and what of this little punk here? I should stop thinking and saying punk... it's getting to repetitive and it's starting to annoy me.

So for a moment he was grumbling in his own thoughts then he gave a cold eye to the young warrior. " Well don't play. Does it look like we have the time to be playing right now? " It annoyed him to think that he was the only one working hard around here. He never expected Carter to take much responsibilty anyway. He probably thought he had the luxuries of bring Nightshade's song. Puh.

" Why you little... No I didn't get lonely. I got irritated by the sound of no one working! " he snapped, clenching his jaws. It was good to see the young boy being so cautious. " So what are you standing around for boy! Get some work done! " and while Carter was not particularly tempermental today- Greyback was. All his anger had been building up. How unfortunate for the young prince to be the one he dumped it all on.

[Carter]

Carter rolled his eyes and then cocked a brow at Greyback. "I didn't see you doing anything." And Carter had been patrolling, before he had heard his fellow warrior grumbling about this, that and the other thing. "And I think I performed a valuable service right there, I got you remembering you're a warrior, and not a rotten tree stump."

"And just so you know...I was patrolling. What were -you- doing anyways Greyback? Other than holding down the territory with your big- gray butt." He laughed again, whipping his head around to flip his mane. Sure sometimes he sounded a bit lackadaisical, but honestly he took his position in the pack seriously, he might have been a pain in the ass but, he did his best to prove his Pack's honor was protected. "You're the first wolf I've seen other than the Alphas in ages...actually."

There was a tone of seriousness in his voice, a bit of concern. "Have you seen anyone lately, other than me?" Perhaps Greyback and he didn't hear anyone working anymore, because there was no one there to work.

[greyback]

" What? Before you came I too was patrolling the border... Heh, I was looking for and seriously hoping for some trouble to come my way. Some excitement... know what I mean? " He was partially listening to Carter now. He got that way where he tuned in and tuned out, involuntary of course. Was just him getting old and there was always that lingering feeling he missed something. Like the comment about his big butt. He thought he had heard it... but then again, imagination.

" I know I am a warrior, I hold that title with pride. If anyone needs to remember my status its the other punks in the pack. " Damn I said punk again... god that's so annoying he muttered to himself again. " But no... " Neither he had. He hadn't even seen the alphas in a looong time. So much so that he nearly believed he was the last one alive here. " I haven't seen anyone. Except you, but that's only now. "

He too, took a more serious outlook and disregarded their previous conversation. He wasn't going to hold a grudge with what could be last remaining Sallin wolf. " Where is everyone, Carter? " If anyone should have a clue, it probably should be the future alpha(and that he didn't like to admit either... though he could make a better replacement over that dumbass Kaine...).

[Carter]

"Righhhht...right...Punks." Carter snickered, that big old oaf sure liked that word didn't he? Or maybe it was the only word with two syllables he could remember. That only made him smile more. "I know you're a Warrior, we both are, and would be lying if I didn't say you were a very...loyal one." The prince would pat his back, atleast he was still in Sallin, and if need be, it wouldn't hurt to have him on good terms with him, especially when Carter became Alpha himself.

"I'm sorry I made fun of you Greyback." He smiled, it looked sincere enough. "And to be honest...I don't know where everyone is. Some have died, others have ran...and also died. The rest...I can only assume is doing their best Arnlan impersonation." He winked, trying to make the older male feel a bit better. "But I think its like you said, they're just being lazy. And keeping a low profile because of it."

He sighed, more than a little frustration at that, his sister was probably spying as usual, as if that was a rank that did -anything- "I saw an older male a few days ago, he's been hunting, and keeping the borders...but that's about it."

[greyback]

He almost- almost felt guilty for being mean to the young wolf. It must be very difficult being the son of Nightshade. It must be difficult being the heir to the throne of the most powerful pack in all of Kloteck and beyond... Yes, Greyback still believed in Sallin's power. He would turn a blind eye to the critical condition it was in now and believe. Keep believing... because if he didn't... then who would believe?

" Thank you... " he took the appraisal kindly. It wasn't often that you were recognised for your efforts. It felt... nice. Greyback hated nice in all its other terms. And was that? an apology? Greyback lowered his head a little and nodded gratefully. He would admit his own fault too, apologise... nah he was too proud for that sort of mushy thing. Lifting his powerful neck again he glanced around. " Huh... not many shadows here for them to hide in. "

To be perfectly honest, there wasn't. The land was so bare; trees hung dry on the dry ground in a dried up pack. That was his perception of things at least. " That's good... all the weak have died yet... it brings fear to my heart knowing that we lived on a weak body with only yourself and I strong enough to pull through it all... I wonder. Where are your parents? Have they too died, Carter? Are you now the new leader of Sallin? "

Greyback hadn't caught scent of anyone else. Maybe his nostrils were drying up as well. He was very old after all. He wasn't as fit as he used to. His scences- they too must be failing on him. He despised the thought. Sighing a little he looked wearily about him. " Maybe that wolf died as well. Though if it was on the border his life fell short I'd have come across it... "

[Carter]

"The Alphess and Alpha of Sallin are still alive and well..." Carter almost wanted to add a 'thankgod' to the end of that, as much as he loved his lands and was proud of the regal power of Sallin, he did not want to inherit it like -this- a shell of its usual glory. "...They are tough and strong wolves, they'll be around for a long time Greyback. Here's hoping soon they will lead us to victory."

There was nothing sardonic in his voice when he said it, truly he too did not doubt the royal family or the power of Sallin. He just wished it was more apparent. "I am sure we are just upon winter in our lands...the weak shall die, and soon stronger wolves will come up in their place." Though a selfish part of his hoped: Not too strong. He'd hate to have to prove himself again, "But I do not believe that everyone is dead either, my sister, is on mission, and a few others I've heard Nightshade talk about in passing. But you know...Sallin is so expansive and great...even with four score of wolves wandering these lands we may never cross paths with them."

He made sure not to say Mother, or Father in his statements, as he tried so hard to sound professional and regal on his own terms. Carter used his back paw to scratch his mane once again and smiled. "Rest assured, that something is being done."

[greyback]

Of course he felt great relief wash over him to know his alphas were well. I did not believe that Carter was ready to take responsibility over the pack just yet. He would have to broaden his knowledge... build up the same hatred that lurks deep within Nightshade. Only then, thought Greyback, would he rise as a true Sallin king. " Strong she is... yes... " Greyback knew Nightshade was strong but Kaine was nothing but a coward in his eyes. He wasn't strong... oh no he wasn't.

" Winter is coming, I agree with that. Already the land is withering under the cold. The game is becoming less... the weak are dying out. " The old warrior shared Carters hope that not too strong of wolves would join Sallin. He didn't want to have to put up with a bunch of cocky young warriors. He knew he wasn't the wolf he used to be and knew he'd most likely be retired from his rank to make room for the fresh meat. " Fellen is on a mission? Unescorted? " This news would alarm him but he didn't care much for his sister. Scrawny little missy. There was that scent about her... that she was up to no good.

" I sure hope something is being done... There is nothing obvious... And it should be obvious... I guess what is left is for me to up my pace a bit more... get some more work done... " Greyback said this with a hint of pain. He had overworked himself recently, trying to impress the alphas(wherever they were), trying to keep a grasp of the old Sallin, save her from doom. In all his power he worked really hard and it was beginning to take it's toll on his body. " What are you going to do? " he wondered, looking anxiously now at the young prince.

[Carter]

" What are you going to do? "

Carter took a big breath and shook his head, like he had been given a daunting task. "Learn." The prince knew soon he'd be back at his mother's side being taught quite soundly about how to raise and control a pack like a good dictator should. Which Carter was ready and eager to do, but it was still so much work. "I shall be taught on the politicking of pack life, why keeping up on my Warrior duties. He wasn't hardly the slacker some thought he was, it was just, when Carter had a moment to breathe, he took it.

"So I'll be here to help you pick up the slack Greyback, its not like you're the only Warrior around here." he smirked, lifting his dark brows with some amusement. Carter hmmed, catching Greyback's skepticism about Fellen being on patrol on her own..."Yea, you thought that was weird too? You know why she's allowed to right? Kaine lets Fellen do -whatever- she wants. But I suppose its better to have one spy out than two, as two would be easier to catch..."

[greyback]

Huh, maybe the boy would grow up to be a good leader to Sallin. There was something different however. He had a different spark to him from what Nightshade had when she was his age... He didn't appear to have as much rage or disgust for the weak as his mother before him. Greyback figured it was all down to the environment and who they were brought up with.

The greying wolf appreciated the younger ones help, but that he did not admit either. Instead he gave a nod as a sign of thanks. He'd never given such an honest thanks in his life and he wouldn't be starting now. " That's good. Perhaps we can rally some strays in from the border and bring them into the pack. I'm sure your mother would be pleased. " He had picked up on the fact that Carter never said mother and so deliberatly used the word to see the other warriors reaction.

" To be honest Carter I do not trust your sister. " No one else would dare speak of the family in such a manner as Greyback did. He was allowed though. He deserved to after all his hard work... yet he dared never to say any of this before Nightshade. But was he a fool to share such opinions with her favourite spawn? " She's too happy. It's more than spying that she's doing when away I tells ya that for sure... " he mumbled. " Kaine's a proper fool to give her such lee way. "

[Carter]

"Agreed."

He didn't hate his sister, far from the fact, but he didn't approve of her meandering about and for the most part, he resented that his father liked her better than him...his own heir! Carter sighed, though he loved her, he could not say that he trusted her, but then again, he never trusted any of her rank, sneaky sorts, their trips off of Sallin willingly made their loyalty questionable.

"On all accounts." Carter smiled, as much as Greyback and others feared that he would run and tattle to his mother on a moments notice, it was just not true. He fancied dealing with issues himself, after all, it wasn't like he was a pup anymore. Something that neither of his parents recognized yet.

Flicking his hair back again, the prince seemed deep in thought, his green eyes squinting "Yes, I think it would be a good diversion to go out hunting for stragglers, if not for pack mates, they'd make fine frontline fodder. " A wicked toothy smirk crossed his muzzle. "And if we're lucky perhaps we'll find some deserters along the borders.

[greyback]

Greyback wasn't too fond of assassins either. Cowards, they were. Hiding in the shadows and pouncing when one was unaware. They weren't true fighters and he hated that they didn't give the other a fighting chance. Perhaps it was just the way he was trained when younger, give them a fair fight and don't do cheap shots. There was always that overwhelming pride defeating your match fair and square.

" Ack that they will. Shame we don't have any of those weaklings left for fodder. Would be a shame to waste good fighters in the forefront. " Greyback liked war. He liked killing for the honour of his pack and to uphold his name. He was named after his father before him, and the father before him, and so on. There was a long tradition of Greybacks, all of which were very similar in markings and build. " We could split up and try to double up the protection. Either way there is always going to gaps in the border. "

He didn't really want to part from Carter. It was good to talk to him and get to know him better. He'd always despised him from afar, believing he was nothing but a stuck up little brat fending off of the fact he was Nightshade's son. It seems his judgement was all wrong. " Doesn't matter. We should stick together I say. Not like there is anything in here worth protecting anyways. No one would dare breech our borders anyway. They know the rumours that we'd tear them a new one if the trespassd. " Greyback grinned, showing his pinkish fangs from where blood had stained them over the years.

" What do ya say to that? "