Rising Light [Naira]

[Deleted]

Jericho felt as light as a feather, as if he were walking on air as he headed towards the lake for a swim. It had always seemed an impossible dream that he could ever have a pack and a family. But Thanatos had offered him everything he had ever wanted and more, putting his mind to ease about the wolves that lived here. He could not wait to get to know more of them and find his place in the pack. He knew his hunting skills would be a helpful addition, but he hoped he could provide more than just prey for his pack.


He came upon the lake more quickly than he had thought possible. Had he really already covered so much ground? He turned around staring out at the hills as if he would know from looking at the vast landscape where he had started. He made a mental note to familiarize himself with these lands soon. If this was to be his home and he was to be a hunter, he would need to know where he was and where he could hunt well.

Turning back to the lake, he trotted up to the edge of the water and stepped in. It was cool and refreshing, and Jericho hadn’t given much of a second thought to his appearance in his last few months as a loner. There was always something more important to be doing or watching out for. But now it was incredibly important to him that he make a good impression on Eden, and that needed to start here. His fur was matted and full of dirt, but he was certain it wasn’t anything a quick swim couldn’t help fix.

As he waded into the lake, he enjoyed the feel of its cool, refreshing waters lapping against him, and he could almost feel the grime of the past several months seep out of his fur. Now fully submersed in the water, he swam and splashed like a puppy before getting a sudden sense he was being watched. He looked around, but couldn’t see anything anywhere. However, the feeling would not leave him.

Quietly and calmly, Jericho swam back to the shore and walked out of the water, shaking his fur off vigorously before putting his nose in the air to catch a scent. Either the wind was traveling the wrong direction, or there wasn’t anything there. But then there was a sound. A footstep, maybe? "Hello?"Jericho called out. It was probably nothing. Or it could simply be another wolf from the pack. The tip of his tail began wagging ever so slightly in a friendly manner at the thought of meeting someone else. "Is anyone there?"

Words: 461
Muse: Decent
Tags: Naira

[Naira]

She had wandered further south than she ever had before. Most of her time had been spent on the rolling green hills, where she first joined her new family. She liked her pack's lands. It was lush and colorful, warm as long as the sun was shining down on her soft white pelt. She loved the feeling of the grass tickling her sides and belly when she stretches out on the ground for a nap. It wasn't often that the weather wasn't in her favor. But today, the sky overhead was overcast. All morning, Naira had kept her eyes skyward, hoping for a glimpse of the yellow orb through the dense blanket. So far, she had no luck. The sun stayed stubbornly hidden from view and she shivered as she traveled further into unknown territory. The land sloped downwards in this part of Eden's land. Far below, a lake lay nestled in the valley, the focal point of the hill surrounding it. Although the sun wasn't out and the lake lay in the shadow of the land around it, the surface still held a certain sparkle to its surface. Pausing for only a moment, the young femme made for its shore, curiosity spurring her onwards.

As she reached the edge of the lake, she saw its true size. From the shore she stood on to its opposite stretched a decent-sized expanse of fresh water, calm and flat from the lack of wind. Stepping carefully over the smooth peddles that made up most of the lake’s Eastern bank, Naira approached the water and bent her head gracefully over its surface in order to see her reflection. Bright green eyes dazzled her as she met her own gaze. Against the backdrop of cloud, her white pelt shone like freshly fallen snow. Her muzzle was slim, but the scruff of her neck billowed out as her fur thickened—a typical characteristic for an arctic wolf. She had never truly spent time looking at herself, and she waggled an eyebrow experimentally as she continued to peer into the mirror-like surface of the lake.

Suddenly the sky behind her broke, casting the valley around her in a soft light. Sunlight transformed the hills into the familiar green landscape she knew and loved. An Involuntary smile split her muzzle as she watched the land come alive around her. It’s like Elohim was turning on the lights, just for me, she thought as she squinted against the new brightness. The light was warm against her face, but she couldn’t help but notice how the lake stayed just as dull and grey as it had before the clouds had parted for the sun. It was set just deep enough in the valley to escape the sun’s light. It’s surface stayed as still and silent as when she had first padded up to its shore.

A splash drew her attention to the opposite shore, and two white audits swiveled atop her head as they honed in on the sudden disturbance. It was another wolf, slim and darker in color. The newcomer was already slipping into the water, paddling like a pro out into deeper water. Naira’s auds perked up at each slash and churn of lake water as she pondered going over there and introducing herself. After her last couple of encounters with strangers, the she-wolf was feeling rather confident. I wonder if it’s a male. Naira had been kept away from males her whole life, for her mother had always feared being controlled or attacked by wolves of the opposite sex. The three—Naira, her mother, and her dear sister—had lived together, cut off from any other wolves. Since meeting her first male, a silently brooding type named Elijah, Naira had almost deemed her mother right. But it could never hurt to give this wolf a chance.

Just as she decided to circle the lake and join the newcomer, he padded out of the chilly water of the lake, shaking of his fur and turning his muzzle to the sky. Naira was padding along the shore when he called out, looking around but missing her as she came up on his left. His tail was relaxed, wagging even as he looking around. ”Hello,” she called out gently, her voice drifting over the last curve of lake to the newcomer. She was close enough now to make out a faint scent, and the details in his face, for it was a male standing before her after all. ”My name is Naira, Hunter of Eden.”

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Count | 771
Tagged | @jericho
Muse |  Good
Notes | Here is Naira!

[Deleted]

”Hello.”

The sudden proximity of the voice on his left startled Jericho, and his muscles twitched in surprise as he whipped his head around. How had he not noticed someone approaching him until they were so close?

”My name is Naira, Hunter of Eden.”

Jericho was not sure which thought popped into his head first, whether Naira was a pretty name, or whether the wolf herself was pretty, but he recovered quickly from his slight shock and dipped his head in greeting. There was no threat here. This was another pack member, and he was eager to get to know her, as he was every wolf in the pack. There was something different about these wolves than the wolves he had grown up with. They seemed to actually care for each other and respect each other, and Jericho wanted to be a part of that.

”Hello, Naira. That is a beautiful name.” He smiled as he said this, watching for her reaction. It had been so long since he had really interacted with other wolves, not including the fact that he had just met Thanatos. His social skills were rusty, but he was attempting to dust them off. ”I’m Jericho. I have just met Thanatos and joined Eden. It’s good to meet another member.”

Painfully aware that his words sounded stiff and formal, Jericho tried to relax and sat down in front of the femme to assume a non-threatening position. It now became clear to him that even she was slightly tense and on edge, as if she were not entirely comfortable speaking to a stranger. He hoped that it was simply that he was a stranger, and not that she was wary of all wolves. He was ready for a different kind of pack life than the one he was accustomed to, where every wolf was constantly watching the others, trying to find the balance between keeping a healthy suspicion of one another without starting a fight. Fights were not uncommon and broke out frequently because of the lack of trust between the members. Jericho could not help but see the fragments of his past in interactions with wolves now. Was it always to be this way? He hoped he could grow past it at some point.

While he was on the subject of past, Jericho wondered if asking her about hers would help. He was aware that sometimes the past was a tricky subject and wolves didn’t want to speak of it, but it could not hurt to ask. At the very least, it was better than saying nothing.

”How long have you been part of Eden? I was under the impression it was a fairly new pack.” This seemed like an appropriate, non-threatening way to ask. She could volunteer more information or not, however she saw fit, but it left the possibility open without seeming like he was prying.

Words: 484
Muse: Good
Tags: Naira

[Naira]

She had startled him with her approach, and he turned sharply to meet her gaze. Vivid yellow eyes flashed over her as she introduced herself, and she let her green orbs hold his stare for a moment before dropping her gaze to his muzzle. Since joining Eden, she had honed her social skills. Meeting Elijah, the large white male, had opened her eyes to how males behaved. Letting this stranger take the dominant side of their meeting was safest.

He’s rather handsome… she thought as her eyes flickered shyly over his frame. He was built slim, but his legs and haunches still rippled with muscle as he moved. His thick pelt was streaked with color; browns and greys transformed smoothly into each other, framing his face and flowing along his back and sides. Naira felt slightly captivated by his coloration. It was rich saturation of color against a light muzzle. Compared to her own solid coloration, he was practically a rainbow.

”Hello, Naira. That is a beautiful name.” Although she didn’t realize her muscles were tense, she felt the stress melt from her limbs at his words. His smile was dazzling, and she couldn’t help but return the gesture with a small grin of her own. Thank you, she said shyly, fighting the heat that was rising to her cheeks.

”I’m Jericho. I have just met Thanatos and joined Eden. It’s good to meet another member.”

Jericho, what an interesting name. As the brute sat back, relaxing against the bank of the lake, Naira closed the last few yards between them and follow suit, sitting back on her rump and wrapping her tail delicately over her ivory paws. Her heart fluttered in her chest, betraying her nerves, but she swallowed and ignored it. There was nothing to fear from meeting a fellow member of Eden.

”How long have you been part of Eden? I was under the impression it was a fairly new pack.”

”I was called by Thanatos to the first gathering of the new pack. I had no ideas of Elohim before that day, when he first came to me in a dream.” The white femme dipped her head as she fought the embarrassment that always came from discussing her personal experience with Elohim. She disliked talking so boldly of the Great One when she was unsure of Jericho’s beliefs. If he hadn’t been touched by Elohim in his dreams, he may feel as though Naira had some sort of special attention. The thought almost made her laugh. Since she joined Eden, she had no spiritual answers or visits from her God. It was as good as being completely alone.

Suddenly, she lifted her head high, eyes blazing. She had to stop being shy about her beliefs. Her faith was in its infancy, but she still believed Elohim would give her the answers she needed in the wake of her loss… Her dear sister and caring mother, both ripped from her in the form of a bear attack. If Elohim didn’t have the answers she craved, she didn’t know what she would do.

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Count | 524
Tagged | @jericho
Muse |  Good
Notes | n/a

[Deleted]

Jericho was struck by her gorgeous, bright eyes. They were such a vivid shade of green, and he could not help but smile as he noticed them traveling across all of his form. He was, for a moment, undecided if he should let it go and pretend he did not notice or make her feel uncomfortable about it for fun. He decided it would probably help create a dynamic of friendly banter between them if he subtly teased her about it.

Rather than say anything to make her feel too embarrassed, he just made sure to catch her gaze and hold it, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth in a knowing way, letting her know he had noticed. But while he was teasing her about it, he was doing the same thing, taking in her soft features and beautifully thick coat. They were the same height, which Jericho found convenient as he did not have to bend his neck to able to talk with her.

Her shy “Thank you” and visible relaxation made Jericho happy. He was hoping for a friend in the pack, as he had yet to meet anyone other than Thanatos. And while he liked the wolf, Thanatos was the alpha. No, the Haimovi. Jericho was determined to learn the vocabulary of his new pack. But whatever the term for Thanatos, his position was far above that of Jericho, and if there was one thing Jericho absolutely did not want to do, it was cause an upset of the way things ran in Eden.

But for some reason, Jericho could still feel a little tension emanating from Naira. She sounded almost unsure as she began answering his question about how she came to Eden. That was quickly forgotten, though, as he listened to everything she said with great interest. “You were a founding member?” he said almost shocked, although that was not how he intended it. That was great! That meant she must know everyone in the pack. Perhaps he could meet others through her.

But her sudden change in disposition was confusing to Jericho. She had been shy, unsure, possibly embarrassed, but now her eyes flashed with confidence. Jericho was not sure what to make of it, so he continued the conversation where she had left off speaking of Elohim. “Elohim came to you in a dream? What was it like?” he gently prodded, hoping he could help open her up a little.

Words: 410
Muse: meh
Tags: Naira
Notes: Jericho has graphics now!!! <33

[Naira]

She was done being timid and nervous. There was no reason for her to not stand proudly before this male. After all, she was not fearful, only mildly curious. Much like their Haimovi, this male was friendly and relaxed and she immediately felt herself take a liking to him. Comfortable, the tip of her tail gave a slow wag as her bright eyes roamed over his body. Just as she looked up, he caught her eyes, a teasing smile pulling at the edge of his maw. Raising a brow, she silently challenged him back, giving in to his subtle banter. She didn’t really have any response to his acknowledgement. It seemed like something her sister would have an answer to— some sort of witty comment or teasing joke. Naira had always been the quieter sibling, slower with comebacks. She was always thinking rather than speaking, so she let the moment pass without comment, though their actions had spoken louder than words.

As told him of the founding of Eden, she saw his eyes widen in surprise? Shock? She cocked her head to one side, her mind whirring as she answered, ”Yes. Though I was just in the right place at the right time. I don’t think I would have ever found Eden if Thanatos had not called out the exact moment I had risen from a nap. “ Her eyes blinked slowly as she thought of the moment she woke, and she had first heard her Haimovi’s voice calling out to those who wished to join him. Before, she would have simply cast it aside as a coincidence, but now… now she knew it had been fate. ”I was lucky to find a home here.”

“Elohim came to you in a dream? What was it like?” As Naira thought on the multicolored brute’s question, her ears flicked forward towards him and she looked up to the sky, thinking. What had it been like to be visited by a Great Spirit, with no previous warning or prompting? ”It was like being visited by hope,” she said finally, her gaze settling on the other wolf once more. Seeing Elohim’s hulking stage form—so brilliantly white and pure—was the only thing that was fueling her faith. It was the hope that her family had not been taken from her for no reason at all. It was the hope that she was meant to find her purpose in Eden.

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Count | 410
Tagged | @jericho
Muse |  Low
Notes | I’m not sure why my muse for this post was so low. I’m sorry for the terrible quality!

[Deleted]

The change in Naira’s disposition continued. It had not been just a flash of confidence he had seen in her eyes that would quickly be snuffed out again by her shyness. She had completely altered the dynamic of interactions between the two. Jericho definitely did not mind. In fact, he could not help but smile. Not the kind of inauthentic, forced smile that was “required” in most interactions to keep the mood light and to keep others from feeling obligated to figure out what is wrong and cheer one up. It was a smile that sprang out of a hope. He was growing to like this female, and was hopeful they could become friends. He would have put effort into getting to know her either way, but now it would be easier and seem less forced.

Yes. Though I was just in the right place at the right time. I don’t think I would have ever found Eden if Thanatos had not called out the exact moment I had risen from a nap.

Jericho smiled at the thought of such a simple interaction. He found simplicity elegant and appealing, not boring like he assumed most did. Just the normality of interactions in the lives of other wolves moved him emotionally with longing for what they had. He had been searching for it for far too long.

“I went looking for Thanatos, myself,” he admitted sheepishly. “When I came across a pack scent, I intentionally went deeper into the territory to seek out the wolves that live here. Call it curiosity, I suppose.” Curiosity, longing for a different life… all the same, right? “I, too, consider myself lucky to have a home here. What did you do before you found Eden? Or before Eden found you,” he chuckled.

It was like being visited by hope.

Jericho felt a cold shiver race down his spine. Hope. That word was not unfamiliar to him. It was something that had enabled him to continue, even when fulfillment of that hope seemed unattainable. Certainly he had never expected to be confronted with such a strong faith as he had found here in Eden with Thanatos. He was eager to be part of it himself. Perhaps he could one day come face to face with Elohim. For now, the hope that he one day would was enough. How could he not have faith in the face of such incredible faith from the other members of the pack? It gave his faith the confidence it needed to strengthen.

“I can imagine that was wonderful,” he responded soberly, his eyes distant, lost in thought.

Words: 437
Muse: Pretty Good!
Tags: Naira
Notes: I’m excited to be posting again. :3

[Naira]

What did you do before you found Eden? Or before Eden found you.

Jericho laughed, but it was almost as if Naira was suddenly miles away. She heard the laugh as if she was underwater, muffled and warped. Her smile was gone, her cheerful demeanor torn away from her. Before Eden… Before Eden there was nothing but sorrow for the Arctic wolf. She had grown up with her mother and sister. They had been inseparable. They had been the closest team Naira had ever known. And they had been torn from her by a crazed beast, a bear that had towered over the small family like a giant. Almost panicked, Naira tried to force the onslaught of thoughts from coming, but they were like a battering ram: powerful and unforgivingly invasive. It wasn’t Jericho’s fault. Naira was simply too sensitive about what happened, even now. Even weeks later she could see the cold, dark eyes of the beast and smell the rank breath that had bellowed from its jaws.

Her sister Alena had been her closest companion. They had grown up without meeting any other pups. Loosing Alena had felt like half of her was being torn away. Since then, it had merely felt as if Naira was building herself back up. Joining Eden was teaching her a lot about her beliefs and about meeting new wolves… but at the core, it was mostly teaching her how to be herself. Without her sister, she still wasn’t sure who she was.

She pressed her vivid green eyes shut as if she was in pain and muttered a quick ”I’m sorry” to the male before her. It was embarrassing how easily these terrified thoughts could consume her.

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Count | 304
Tagged | @jericho
Muse |  Okay
Notes | Sorry that I kind of ignored the last thing he said, haha.

[Deleted]

Jericho was concerned by her lack of response. Should he not have asked her about her past? Perhaps it was too soon for that. Either way, she clearly did not look like she wanted to talk about it.

I’m sorry

“No, no. It is I who should apologize,” he quickly reassured her, disappointed his question had upset and embarrassed her. “I am so sorry if I have upset you. I know the past can be difficult to speak of.” He paused before deciding to offer his own life story, hoping it would put her at ease.

“I grew up in a violent pack where everyone fended for himself and we might as well not have been a pack. I was forced to leave when I attempted to break up a fight between two wolves.” He shuddered a bit as he remembered the incident. “It is difficult growing up without any feeling of safety or security, even in your own family and home.”

Taking a deep break, he continued, “Things were not much better when I set off on my own. I was lonely, and probably depressed. But then I found Thanatos.” He smiled at her, having summarized his past fairly quickly, bringing them full-circle. The rest she knew already.

Remembering his conversation with Thanatos, he paused and said, “You’re the other hunter in Eden, no?” He could not believe he had not recognized her name before. Suddenly excited, he responded, “Thanatos immediately pegged me as a hunter and asked that I join as a hunter. Akando, right?” He was not sure if he had gotten the title correct. The names of the ranks and such were still confusing to him as a new member of Eden.

He also hoped that the change in topic would serve to put her at ease and that the negative emotions would dissipate and she would feel better.

Words: 313
Muse: Good
Tags: Naira
Notes: Looky looky!! A Naira reply! :3 I’m happy to be getting this going again.