expedition salty sea air -- ! [OPEN]

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[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] Morning was always nature's symphony. There was the cacophony of the early risers -- birds, insects, small mammals -- swelling to create a beautiful melody. Wind whistled through cavernes and trees, carrying with it the harmony of passing sounds as it bounced off surfaces and lifted leaves. Cherie added her own sweet song to the mix, tilting her head back and letting out a joyful howl. And, when mixed with the percussion of the ocean, waves crashing like cymbals, it was a feeling that tickled the young female right down to her toes and filled her heart with warmth. The Apennine female loved the sounds of nature. Better yet, morning was her favorite time of day. It always left her filled with energy and feeling like she was ready to take on anything. Today was especially special. It was her first official day as a member of the Airila pack. Wanting to start it off right, she had risen before sunrise and, having snuck out of the dens, explored the territory in search of the perfect place to watch the morning star rise. Her journey had carried her through the caverns and along the base of the mountain until she'd found another tunnel. This one, it seemed, led straight through to the other side. Following it had been rather exhilarating. The path twisted and turned, guiding her past interesting formations until eventually opening up into one of the larger chambers of the Issimor Caverns. From here she could smell the salty sea air rushing in with the breeze. It called to her, lured her out towards the rising daylight. And, her howl dancing off the walls of the caverns, finally she emerged. Delicate paws met the soft sands of a beach and rust colored eyes stung with the sudden brightness. But, there it was it! Her beautiful sunrise! Cherie pressed forward, emerging from the cave completely, tail swinging happily behind her. Everything about the scene before her was... perfect. The sun was rising on a new dawn, a new day, a new home. Closing her eyes, the pretty femme took a moment to enjoy this powerful moment in all its entirity. The music of nature danced around her ears and lifted her up. The pleasant smell of sea winds and ocean spray filled her with life, encouraging her heart to beat. The caress of wind against her fur was like two strong arms, wrapping around her and welcoming her into the light. It was, "Magical," she mused. And as she pranced forward again, letting the surf play beneath her paws, she could not help thinking about how nice it felt to finally be home.

[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] tagged: open | words: 441 notes: Cherie is a morning wolfie

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[atrb=background,http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/6300/alumid.png] It had been a short night for the Arctic femme, as her mind had awoken her a few hours before sunrise. It had seemed like a grand time for a walk and the femme would surely use the opportunity to gather more medicinal herbs as well. One could never have too many remedies so the female thought. A gentle trot had swept over her gait as she meandered across the terrain, permitting her mind to wander. On occasion the white one would stop, bundle some miscellaneous foliage that she found useful, and then continue on her mild jog across the lands. Green eyes danced across the terrain before her, enjoying the ease at with she was beginning to navigate her new home. Her features were pleased as the creature looked forward to the vibrant day that was laying ahead of her. The sun began to rise, ever more brightening the terrain; yet, her orbs easily adapted to the increase in light. Rounding a few turns, the Arctic one stumbled upon the beautiful beach. The scenery stopped the female dead in her tracks. This particular patch of land would always hold quite the warm spot within her soul, for it was the location at which she had summoned sir Toiro. On these very beaches the female had found her soul and new home. The development of a flawless new life had begun, and it began with this very beach. Admiringly, her gaze abducted the view of the water crashing upon the sandy shores and the glimmer the sun cast upon the water. If possible these lands grew more beautiful every day. The white hue of Aludra's pelt nearly glowed orange with the sun lit hues, but the femme noticed not. For several moments her maw hung agape as the entire scene was ingrained in her mind, never did she want to forget this moment. Casually the female shifted from her stance, turning in a small happy circle. It almost seemed to be a small puppy-like prance, and it was within that moment that Aludra had noticed Cherie. Her nares were so full of the scent wafting from the plants she had previously been carrying, that at first the female did not even notice her new pack mate. 'How long has she been standing there?' a sheepish grin crossed Aludra's features, once again slightly flushed. It seemed that the female had quite a bad habit of stumbling into strange social situations; yet, at least this time the wolf was one she had met before. In fact, it had been merely yesterday that the Arctic and Apennine creature had became friends. Or at least Cherie had claimed that they were friends, the thought still tickled the white female a bit. "Hello Cherie," the female called out to her newer pack mate, and then dipped her head in a pleased greeting. Snatching the bundle of plants within her maw, Aludra trotted herself over towards the femme of red hues. A brisk wag was set in place and the female's gait was smooth. Everything seemed easier today, likely due to the fact that the two had encountered each other most recently. Secretly, Aludra was more of a morning creature and felt rather social due to the pleasant thoughts that had been soaring through her mind. These new lands had brought so many blessings into her life, why not celebrate them? And that was what the female allowed herself to do today, rejoice in being alive. Her face turned towards the ocean breeze for a moment, inhaling to smell for any other wolves upon these lands. Thus far the only scents were those of herself and Cherie. "I absolutely adore the beach," she grinned rather childishly. Aludra was pleased that Cherie was the creature she had run into, maybe they could get to know each other better. There was a chance that they would be able to become true friends, ones that shared in secrets and their past. The thought excited the Arctic being, although she was not in an excessive rush to force the friendship. A genuine bond would be formed naturally, gradually over time; yet why not start forming it today? It was true the female was becoming a bit more at ease with conversing, especially since Cherie had made speaking more comfortable. Hopefully, the other femme felt the same way.

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[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] The cool water lapped at her paws, teasing her fur and tickling her pads as the sand danced in the gentle current. The spray on her face was invigorating. Yes, this was for all intents and purposes a perfect morning. And the sudden sound of her name only made it better. Why not enjoy the sunrise with the company of another? It was much to beautiful to keep to one's self. Besides, Cherie quite enjoyed Aludra's presence. Sure their first meeting had bit a touch awkward, but the female was her friend. Sunrises were meant to be shared with friends. "Good morning, Aludra," she chimed back, tearing her eyes away from the painted sky to offer the other female a smile. Her tail swung in happiness, keeping time with the steady roll of the waves as it dared to express her joy. Prancing out of the water, she gave her coat a hearty shake. She was a bit damp but the feeling was no more unpleasant than the way sand was now sticking to her soggy paws. Meeting her friend half way, she dipped her own head in greeting. Then she turned slightly to be able to talk comfortably and still watch what remained of the rising sun. "I've never been here before," she admitted softly. Normally her cheerful tone was one that carried, boisterous and full of merriment. There was something about the hour, however, that prompted her to be more soft spoken. It was almost as if she didn't want to intrude on the beauty of the moment by making unnecessary ruckus. "I found it while looking for a place to watch the sunrise. The view here is amazing. I didn't know something could be this pretty." Cheerful eyes sparked as she smiled at the other femme, wondering what it was about that beach that Aludra loved so much.

[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] tagged: aludra | words: 309 notes: kinda crappy. x.x I got rushed to finish it.

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He was excited to have awakened before the sun was fully risen, his deep rhythmic breathing interrupted by consciousness. There were new wolves in the pack that he had yet to meet, and he was eager to become familiar with the beasts he shared a home with. Maybe there wouldn't be friendship right away, but he felt that he should know his packmates. It was his duty to be acquainted with them.

Rising from his curled up position Huxleyi stretched into a long bow, his maw opening to let his tongue curl into a yawn. As he straightened he shook himself vigorously. Dust flew from his fur, the black and grey becoming stark against the tawny undercoat. Giving himself a quick groom, fussing slightly over his hap-hazard nape and chest, he set out from the dens.

It appeared the others had already gone so he would have to find them. The pale light of the sun was creeping over the horizon, and the novel scents of his packmates could be sensed in that same direction. Perhaps they were at the ocean? That would indeed be a good place to watch sun rise, if that were the intentions of the females. At least, they smelled females. Trotting onward, legs stretching into an easy gate, he wound through the trees, observing the lofty trunks. Their branches seemed to reach endlessly towards the sky, ever upwards, trying to become the tallest and mightiest. A common goal among many species.

A faint howl seemed to echo from the caverns, and it was certain now that this was where his quarry was. Altering his course slightly, he continued on under the foliage. The gently warming sun cast dappled patterns across his back, tail flicking and reflecting the beams faintly. He could smell the ocean in the distance, the salty sting reminding him of the day he had first arrived. Toiro had greeted him so graciously, and bestowed upon him the rank which he now carried. He was a Beta, and hoped to act out his duties with humility and certain humble attitude. He would never want to turn into a tyrant, pushing others around based on his title. He doubted he would fall into a routine like that, but he still kept the idea in his mind in order to deny it as a lifestyle.

Breaking cover his feet sunk into the soft sand, the sun heating it to a pleasant temperature. A little ways off he could see two others, one snowy-white, the other russet. He gave a low howl to them, so as not to come upon them unaware, then closed the final gap between them.

"Good morning." He greeted and dipped his nose to them, but kept his posture otherwise neutral, though his tail seemed to waver upwards slightly. Perhaps this was pride, or a general feeling of excitement for having such responsibility. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Huxleyi. I'm, uh, the Beta." He cursed his hesitance, but figured he should inform them directly so that there would be no misconceptions.

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[atrb=background,http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/6300/alumid.png] The sunrise only got more beautiful because of this beach, it was perfection at its finest. None would ever be able to convince her that these lands were anything but flawless. Yet, the female knew everyone had their own opinion, and she was quite biased. The brute had greeted her upon this terrain and welcomed her openly to stay in his home. He had told her that she could care for the other wolves, be his Shaman. It was almost romantic in poor Aludra's eyes, for the femme never once believed that another pack would be so welcoming to her. Thankful was something that she always would be: to this pack, the lands, and Sir Toiro. In truth, Aludra would not have been able to survive the upcoming winter alone. Her hunting had grown worse recently, shocking that was possible, because of her overwhelming studies of the planet. 'Yet I have been saved,' her tail glided slowly behind her whilst a pleased smile etched its way into her features. Aludra turned her head towards Cherie, the look of utter joy not fading from her features. "This is the most beautiful spot of land I have ever seen," gently a giggle could be heard in the air as it emitted her muzzle, "This is where my whole life began once more." Aludra felt the warmth from the sun growing within her frame, pleasant and cozy. If only she had the time to lay in the sun and do absolutely nothing, but eventually today the creature was going to need to do her job. It was her responsibility to do her part for this pack, and the femme took that to the utmost extreme. She extended her front paws forward and arched her back in a lengthy stretch, attempting to prevent herself from wanting to have a lazy day. Her job was going to be much more difficult in the winter, and there would most certainly be a few more moments to relax then. Another sound caught her ears, the sound of another creature approaching. Aludra was nervous, there was no doubt about that, as the scent that filled her nostrils was not that of Toiro. The Arctic femme did not know of any brute other than her Alpha that lived upon these lands - but wait! Her mind snapped back to the conversation she had previously had with Toiro. There were indeed two others! The Beta and the injured brute she had visited. Her head lowered between her shoulder blades at the thought of the wounded brute. It had made her heart swell with agony seeing how far dead the poor creature was, his wounds could not be healed by anything she had to offer. She felt as if she had failed her pack, but Toiro had assured her otherwise. They both had a hunch that the inevitable was going to happen. The white femme had formed a conclusion that this brute, if he belonged to the pack, would have to be the Beta. And it did not take much longer for his words to reassure this fact. Her tail went limp between her legs, and the femme lowered her crania. 'What if the Beta is not quite as calm as the Alpha?' A whimper nearly escaped her lips, but the female quickly stifled it. After all, she had Cherie here with her. There was no reason to panic, Aludra permitted herself to get a bit more confident. "Greetings, Sir Huxleyi," a brisk nod was given. "Lord Toiro informed me that you were the Beta, although until now we had not yet met." The white femme cast a glance towards her friend, thanks was shown within it. Without Cherie being here, Aludra certainly would not have been able to bring herself to speak as much as she already had. Under most circumstances the femme had a near anxiety attack at the thought of speaking to another creature. 'Perhaps you are getting used to pack life,' the female permitted a loose wag of the tail at the pleasant thought. Everything would be turning out just fine. And for once the Arctic creature was certain of it. Their pack was growing rapidly, and all the wolves seemed quite friendly. Toiro additionally seemed quite pleased with the job that she was doing as well. Aludra swung her gaze between the two wolves, half in reality and half lost in her own satisfied state of mind.

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[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] Cherie joined in with her own joyous laugh, eyes closing and head tilting back to feel the breeze on her face. Mmm, that felt good. "I'd have to agree." She opened her eyes, once again staring out at the waves. "The beaches of Caurus look nothing like this. The river cuts it. It's interesting to watch in its own right, but I've never seen something quite like this. It's so..." Cherie paused, considering her words before turning back to Aludra with a grin. "Magical." The white femme had said this beach brought her back to life (in a sense). That right there was a kind of magic. And for the Apennine one? Where land met water had always been an enchanting place. It was hope and danger all at once, life and death, the meeting of two worlds under an endless expanse of sky. Something so spectacular tickled her to her very core, filling her body with warmth and making her tail wag with glee. Another howl wanted to part her maw, happy in song, her mirth much too full to want to be contained. But it seemed she was not the only one with a song to share. The howl of the Beta stole her attention. And, unlike her friend, Cherie's approach was entirely different. Though she did not know much about the other wolves in the, she was a smart girl. The male smelled enough like the pack to let her know that he was friend and not foe. Higher ranked or not, friends were meant to be greeted as friends. There would be no need for fear or anxiety. Unlike her introduction to Toiro, she was no longer a loner. She belonged here. This was her family. Eagerly her tail wagged in greeting, head dipping slightly in respect before lifting to get a good look at this Huxleyi. "Bonjour, sir," she chimed, a genuine smile upon her muzzle. It seemed she was much more relaxed than Aludra and reassuringly she stepped closer to the other female. A gentle nudge was her way of telling the other that it was alright. After all, family did not unjustly hurt family. Sure the male may have held an impressive rank. The femmes had done nothing wrong though, and as long as they gave him no reason to act on his title, everything would be right as rain. "I'm Cherie, a huntress. And this is Aludra. It's nice to finally meet you."

[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] tagged: aludra&huxleyi&open | words: 408 notes: she's also so happy and friendly! <3

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Huxleyi was proud of his rank, but seeing the alabaster female lower her posture so noticeably made him feel... gross. He didn't want others to grovel, or act timid or overly subordinate. He wanted equality, at most to be a role model. He smiled at the white femme, though the expression became slightly pained as she called him "Sir". His lips turned down a little as the second, russet, she-wolf also called him "Sir." He shook his head at them, and gave what might be a spiteful laugh.

"Please, don't call me Sir." He stated, resting his amber gaze on the two. "There really is no need. I'd like for their to be no formality, at the most only while standing on ceremony." His own posture dropped, tail relaxing and ears drooping slightly to the sides. "I'm very pleased to meet you both." He greeted as they gave their names. Aludra and Cherie. Nice names indeed.

So these were the females in the pack, both seemed well put together and framed in the sunrise they were indeed quite pretty. It had been some time since he'd allowed himself to make such an observation. He was actually surprised at himself that he had noticed it.

Moving on...

He reclined quite suddenly, breaking from his thoughts, and refocused himself. "Are either of you native to the continent?" He asked, now trying to make conversation, "I came from across the sea." He added, perhaps to prompt them in story telling, or just to show his willingness to share. Well, at least basic information about himself, perhaps not specifics or factual accounts of events.

How would others respond? Would they think him responsible for the death in his past? Had his own decisions and weaknesses caused the loss of anyone he'd ever cared for? Or had the unfortunate things in his life been caused by forces beyond his control? Even he wasn't sure, and these questions plagued him.

Now, why couldn't he focus? He had real wolves before him to learn about and chat with, and all he could think about were ghosts. Always dwelling. Brooding? Was he brooding? When had he become so morose?

He sharpened his peering eyes onto the females, determined to socialize and not turn inwards during this encounter that he had set out to find.

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[atrb=background,http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/6300/alumid.png] Aludra was pleased to have the company of Cherie, especially when the other female stepped closer to her. It was quite reassuring and much needed. The Arctic female was skittish about meeting new creatures, that much was true; yet, with a friend standing beside her, she was granted a new wave of confidence. The feeling was quite foreign to Aludra, but she was not going to push it away. 'I am starting a new life, so why not attempt to change this aspect of my life as well. It can not be so difficult to converse with a new wolf, right?' Her thoughts were filled with doubt but the swelling within her chest still remained. 'This will not be so bad.' Green eyes danced across the Beta, for she had never seen him before. It was exciting, and exhausting, to keep meeting all of these new wolves. The Shaman was a bit startled when the Beta shot down their formalities with him. True, Aludra's shying away may have been too much for him; yet their greeting of sir? She was unsure how to react to such a reaction for it was simply in her nature to address males as such. Her expression became rather puzzled, what else was she supposed to call him? Auds pulled back for a moment, the female was setting herself deep within thought, as it was quite difficult for this situation to be fathomable. 'I thought that all wolves of authority titles wished to be addressed as such,' a whine nearly escaped her maw, yet quickly it was stifled. She decided that remaining silent would perhaps be the best way to handle the situation for now. So the femme observed their conversation quite lightly, well if you could call the questions much of a conversation. A nervous whimper escaped her vocals at the mention of crossing the sea, the experience that caused her to arrive on Anikira was quite unpleasant. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, si-" the female cut herself off, attempting to cover up for her near slip of sir. It was a quite belated response to Hux speaking of it being an honor to meet them, but Aludra's mind had been shaken. It was rather embarrassing, she was quite used to that by now though. 'I need to work on this whole social anxiety issue,' the femme scoffed at herself mentally, wishing for once that she would not make a conversation so awkward. With a soft sigh, the female opted to respond to the brute's request. "I arrived by the sea, quite the unpleasant experience," a soft giggle escaped her maw and her green orbs darted to the ground. Her tactics were changing, instead of letting the awkwardness consume her, she would continue to participate in the conversation; and pray that all of her insecurities would go away. A smile came over her but the female kept her gaze cast low, nervous. OoC| Sorry I know this post sucks.

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[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] Don't call him sir? Cherie tilted her head in confusion. She had always been taught that there were definitive gender roles between males and females. Females were hunters, nurses, and mothers, allowed to be addressed informally by name. Males were warriors and higher ranks, always addressed with formality. Though sir was not the most polite title she knew, it had been the bare minimum that was acceptable in her old pack. Anything less was punishable. "Are you sure?" Her brow was furrowed and she was staring at Huxleyi in contemplation. A large part of her wanted to do as he said and not only address him by name, but perhaps fashion a few nicknames for him that would be much easier to pronounce. He was still a male, though, and the threat of punishment for acting out of turn was one that still hung heavily over her head. Cherie had never been one to stick to etiquette (mostly because her enthusiasm made her forget her manners); in her old pack she had received many a beating for speaking out of turn. But that was then and this was now and it was mere moments before she settled down comfortably, tail still swaying back and forth. Aludra seemed a little less timid as well and, with the male seemingly so kind, it was hard to not let the feelings of safety and security wash over her. Cherie was genuinely beginning to like her pack mates, even if she had not known them very long. They were good sorts of wolves, kind enough and they had been nothing but friendly to her thus far. That was reason enough to like them. ...Even if it seemed that she was the odd one out. So both the beta and the shaman had arrived here from the sea. The idea was not unheard of. Anikira was by no means a secrete within the canine world and its sanctuary like nature made it a desirable place to live. The Apennine femme had only heard stories of such wolves traveling great lengths to get here though. She had never met any herself, at least until now. "I was born in Caurus, the territory just north of here. My home pack was there too. I don't really know what the southern lands are like though. Up until recently Tiayr also held a pack. We weren't allowed to wander in others' pack lands." By "we" she meant the females, and it was moments later that she dropped her gaze, embarrassed that she might be rambling.

[atrb=background,http://imageshack.us/a/img231/6431/cherietablem.png] tagged: aludra&huxleyi&open | words: 429 notes: sorry this is so late in coming. x.x

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The waves tumbled along the shore, little peaks of white forming and receding in an endless expanse of navy blue. The cold, churning ocean reminded him of the night he had arrived. It had been hell, his eyes and nose stinging, ears buzzing from the noise of the stormy surf. He'd been drenched, and frozen. Looking at the sea now it seemed more welcoming, the shallows something he may want to play in at some point.

Ossicles twitching he resumed his place in conversation with his female packmates, they seemed displaced by him asking them to drop 'Sir' from their addresses of him. Had he said something wrong? Were things in this land identicle to the tyrannical pack he had left? Were males automatically higher ranked than females? He hoped this was not the norm, Huxleyi valued equality among the sexes, at least when it was reasonable.

Cherie asked for confirmation of his decision to exclude sir from his name and he nodded at her, his gaze softening as it focused on her. Then Aludra spoke of her arrival - also from the sea. He gave her an understand nudge at her shoulder, he knew how terrifying that experience was. "Although I don't like to admit it, the swim across the ocean was scary. And, less of a swim and more of a battle to simply stay above the waves." He gave a little smile and looked back along the beach, and to the trees and caves. "But arriving here has proven to be a wonderful outcome to that experience. It truly is beautiful in this land, and all the wolves I've met have been very nice." He smiled at them both, then looked to Cherie as she mentioned she was native to the continent. This intruiged him greatly - he was very curious about what the rest of the continent was like.

"What was your old pack like?" He asked, ignorant to any negative association Cherie may have with her past there. Huxleyi was mostly interested in the environment and general structure of pack life, not so much as the wolves individually.