Yelling Timber (open)

[Ryker]

Ryker found himself coming to Kamari quite frequently. Most of the rest of the pack liked to stay in Acerbus which was precisely why he enjoyed spending his time here. This was the land where he had been born. He and his siblings used to play here. For the longest time, Ryker had been avoiding coming to Kamari all together for fear that those memories of his biological family would come flooding back to him. He thought that coming here would be painful, and it had been at first. But now, after his mourning was over, being here allowed him to remember some good times that he had here and allowed him to remember his siblings in a positive light. Ryker doubted that he would ever forgive his mother for how she had treated him when she had been alive but after she had abandoned him by taking her own life, he knew he could never forgive her. He still felt a burning anger towards her in his heart. He could hear her now with her talk of "Taqqiq this and Taqqiq that, Taqqiq is so good and so pure, Taqqiq is so sweet." It made him sick to think about. He had never been good enough for her. It was disgusting to think that his own mother, or any mother for that matter, could play favorites with her own flesh and blood. He growled to himself. In some ways, he was glad that she killed herself. It gave him some sense of relief. He no longer had to deal with her condescending ways and her non-accepting nature.

Being here also gave him time and space to think. He didn't have the little pups bugging him, especially Zirena. She was so... cuddly and talkative. Half the time he wished he could just tell her to shut up and go away but he knew that she would start to cry or throw a hissy fit and then he'd get scolded. Out of all of his half-siblings, his favorites were probably Zephyros and Valeria. Wait...favorites? He was just angry at his mother for playing favorites with his siblings and here he was playing favorites himself? He shook his head to try to get the thought out of it.

Thinking back to when Zirena, Sypher and Zephyros were born, a warm feeling came to his heart. He and Shayde and his father had all been together. Shayde had been his real mother even though she hadn't been his biological mother. She had been what he had needed for his whole life. Kallik had been mushy and weak, which was probably why she preferred his weaker twin. But Shayde, she was strong and stubborn.

In thinking of Shayde, he remembered something that his father had said. He said something about staying in pairs when traveling. Of course he hadn't heard it directly from the alpha's mouth but Zirena had told him about it in the dens a little while ago. Ryker had assumed that he meant it only to be for the younger wolves of the pack. The 160 pound trained warrior was sure that he could handle himself should an enemy cross the boarder. He also knew that anyone not familiar should be killed on sight. That was something he was taking seriously. Although his reasons for being out here were personal, he could say that he was patrolling the area over here.

These rolling plains were not a great place for anyone to hide in so he was sure that anyone who came this way would be easily spotted. His green eyes surveyed the plains as he walked in thought.

[Deleted]

Sypher knew he would be in a bit of trouble if he was found wandering alone. His dad had been specific about traveling conditions for all wolves in the pack, but he wasn't about to ask someone to chaperone him to go find his brother. Sypher had realized that despite his impressive lineage and the skills his siblings and parents possessed he was basically a fish out of water. He had always felt so safe and had never really learnt any skills other than to talk his way around people. If he was going to avenge Shayde he would need to learn some fighting skills - anyone who could kill his mom had to be serious business. He winced at the thought of the incident. He didn't like to think of another wolf hurting his late mother; his heart clenched. Swallowing down his emotions he let his legs carry him warily towards Kamari. He didn't often visit this part of the pack lands, prefering to stick around Acerbus which he was highly familiar with, but he had followed his brothers scent this far. Damn. He hoped he wouldn't get all the way to Kamari only to track him back to Acerbus... that would be irritating. But he needed to find him, and was proud of the progress he had made so far.

He had yet to show any promise at being good at any of the basic wolf skills. He knew his sister would teach him hunting and to scout better as this was her forte, but he needed combat skills. He wanted to be the one to run down the murderous bastard that had killed Shayde. He would need training and TONS of practice, but the young wolf was prepared for the road ahead.

The land was flat and it wasn't long before he caught sight of Ryker. Giving a a few quick barks he leapt into a sprint, bounding towards his sibling. Golden paws struck the ground lightly as he passed over the grasslands towards the large form of Ryker. He hoped his brother would not be angry for finding him alone. Smiling lightly he stopped before him and buffeted his shoulder with his mug. "Hey! I've been looking for you." He explained, panting a bit from his sudden burst of speed. He sat down to catch his breath, tail wagging behind him despite the still wavering thoughts of his mothers death. Once his chest had calmed he gave a swallow, ears twitching nervously, he spoke though broached conversation casually. "How are you?" He asked, referring to recent events. He knew that Rykler and he were more alike in their responses tragedy, Zirena calm and accepting, ready to move forwards. Sypher was attempting to not dwell too heavily on the sadder points of days past, and instead had been trying to think of happy moments with his mom. He let his gaze rest on his brother, wondering sincerely whether he was alright. It was important that they were all going to be alright.

Words: 504
Muse: Good!
Tags:Ryker
Notes: I hope it is okay if I dump Sypher here, he needs fightin' lessons! =D

[Ryker]

Although Ryker's mourning period was basically over, he couldn't say that he didn't want to see the face of his true mother's murderer turn lifeless. Shayde had not been a large wolf and although she had a spitfire personality, she wouldn't have been a threat to anyone physically. Her murderer was a coward. He would have liked to have seen the murderer come after someone larger and more powerful. The black and gold brute smirked to himself and he trotted across the lands. He cared not that his father told everyone to stick together. Ryker didn't need the protection. He was a trained warrior and he could handle himself.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a black and gold figure coming towards him. Because of Vorilye's many children it could have been one of several black and gold members of the pack. He doubted it was Valeria. She didn't seem the type to run towards anyone. He turned his head to face the wolf approaching and he saw that it was Sypher. Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. He wondered what the young wolf wanted. It wasn't like the two of them were horribly close so Ryker was confused. Perhaps something was chasing him? The older wolf doubted that. Someone else would have picked up the scent of the chaser before the younger male got this far. He heard a few short barks from his half-brother and stopped walking. He decided that he would wait for his brother to arrive to hear whatever it was that he wanted. Ryker didn't care that his brother was alone. Ryker wasn't in any position to punish the young wolf. It wasn't his problem. It was Vorilye's problem. His aging father seemed to be slowing down and perhaps not able to keep up with the pack. He was how old now? Like 6 or 7 years old? He hoped that his father had enough sense to realize that he would need to make some kind of a change soon. He either needed a new, younger beta to help him out or he'd need to step down and appoint a new alpha. Ryker could see himself in the position but his father didn't seem like the type to step away from power sooner than he absolutely needed to.

When his younger brother reached him, Ryker waited for him to catch his breath. The older wolf wasn't the most talkative in the pack and wasn't the greatest with communication. His mother had been basically mute so that had definitely hindered his speaking ability. He also remembered shortly after his brother's death that he had a stuttering problem but thankfully that hadn't returned. His brother said that he had been looking for him. He raised an eyebrow and thought that his brother was practicing his tracking ability. He lowered his eyebrow and nodded softly. He was impressed that the young wolf had been able to follow him. He knew that the younger pups hardly ever left Acerbus and were pretty unfamiliar with this part of the territory. But, unlike them, this had been the place he had been born and lived his first months of life.

His younger brother sat down and wagged his tail. Ryker remained standing. He was still unsure about what this little meeting was about. Had his younger brother just come to chat? That was unlikely. Unless he was trying to build some kind of relationship with the older wolf. Ryker was not good at forming friendships. He had always been independent. His biological mother had unknowingly taught him to rely on himself and himself alone by favoring his other siblings. It was a little funny that she liked them better than him but they were all dead and he was still here. Perhaps Kallik should have put more faith in her son.

Sypher asked him how he was doing and he knew he was referring to Shayde's death. Ryker had been mourning since her disappearance. He knew something horrible had happened to her as soon as he knew she was missing. She wouldn't have left the pack unless her life had been ripped from her. Ryker nodded. He was okay. Shayde would have laughed at him should he stay in that sad and depressed state anymore. He knew now that she was gone and he had to move on. It had taken him a while to get to this point but he knew he needed to be strong for the pack and for himself. Shayde would have seen his reaction as weak. Ryker was not weak. He was strong and he would get through this difficult time. "Are you?" Ryker asked, knowing it was polite to return the question. He also knew that Sypher had found Shayde's body with that other wolf whose name Ryker was forgetting. He knew the face but not the name. Whatever. His name didn't matter.

Perhaps Sypher did just want to talk.

@sypher

[Deleted]

He felt suddenly small as he approached his older half brother, wondering how on earth he was supposed to become as good a warrior as Ryker when he could hide his entire body in the brutes shadow. He suddenly felt foolish for trying to find the male as they had never been close and were worlds apart in generation and probably ideals as well. Swallowing hard as Ryker asked him of his state, Sypher gave a little smile. "I'm alright too." This was the truth. Sypher had indeed made peace with his sadness over Shayde's death. It was tragic to be sure, and he still sometimes felt upset feelings, but he was done crying. Now was the time for action, and he needed to be ready for anything if he and his sister were going to find her murderer and bring him to justice.

He rose again, trying to feel less insignificant, and cleared his throat a bit. He needed to not make small talk and get right to the point, but Sypher was a bit embarrassed about having to ask for help. It was only through thinking about his ultimate goal of vengeance that he was able to make his mouth form words. "Listen, I had a favor to ask. I'm, uh, not very good anything, but I want to be." He realized immediately that he sounded like an idiot, and that he wasn't doing a very good job of sounding like the adult he was supposed to be. He winced a bit, his brow furrowing. He would have to be blatant. "I want to learn to fight. I'm useless if I run into any sort of trouble. You're strong and a great warrior, and I look up to that. Can you teach me?" He looked up at Ryker now, wondering what the male's reaction would be. Sypher would be completely unfazed if he simply laughed at him, and told him to grow a pair and learn for himself. He was sure that that was how others learnt, just by doing, but Sypher was honestly afraid of screwing up and getting killed. At least with Ryker he wouldn't die - though he had the sneaking suspicion that a brutal maiming wasn't out of the question.

Words: 375
Tags: Ryker

[Ryker]

As Ryker looked down at his smaller half-brother, he realized how large he had truly become. In just a few short years Ryker had gone from a helpless pup to a wolf weighing over 160 pounds. Ryker had gotten huge, perhaps even larger than his aging alpha. He hadn't a doubt that Sarin's training had helped him grow physically. Her training had been rigorous and if Ryker hadn't been so stubborn he may have quit.

He noticed Sypher's large gulp before continuing to speak to him. At this point, he knew that Sypher was uncomfortable with something. Perhaps it was himself or maybe it was something on the younger wolf's mind. Ryker hoped that the young male wasn't looking for a therapy session or something. Ryker wasn't really the comforting type. Normally, when he tried to make another wolf feel better he ended up making it worse. Luckily for him, the younger black and gold brute smiled and told the warrior that he was alright as well. It was good that the male was able to overcome seeing such a scaring image at such a young age. Ryker himself had seen some pretty nasty scenes. He has witness his sisters being murdered by a cougar when he was just seven months old. He had seen his brother murdered at his side by the late alphess of Haishin. He had not seen his mother's suicide but the news of it was just as scaring. The older sibling had no doubt that those things had effected him. He often wondered what his life would be like if those horrible things hadn't happened.

Sypher spoke again. His words sounded awkward, like he didn't know exactly what to say. Ryker could relate. He himself was not a great communicator. For God's sakes his mother could barely speak at all. He was lucky that his father had found him and he learned to speak in complete sentences. The young male had admitted his lack of knowledge and skill, something Ryker himself wasn't very good at. Ryker hated admitting his faults, especially out loud and to others. The pup knew how to ask for things though. With Ryker, flattery got you places. Not everywhere, but it did get Sypher in the door at least. Ryker nodded and said, "Come with me." Ryker turned and started running on the hills. He needed to build his brother's stamina before he learned anything else. It was true that Ryker could have just maimed the younger wolf but that wouldn't have taught him anything other than Ryker's dominance over him.

His black paws hit the ground with tremendous thuds under his massive weight. His muscles rippled under his silky soft coat. He hoped that Sypher could keep up with him.

[Deleted]

Sypher was given only a nod in response to his request, and then his older half-brother beckoned him to follow, taking off over the hills. Being young still and at least above average in his fitness, Sypher was able to quickly catch up to his brother, golden forepaws striking the ground confidently. So he wanted him to run? Fine, he could run easily! This wasn't a hard skill right? Sypher certainly didn't think so at first. His young body kept stride with Ryker, running along only a pace behind him. He wondered if this was how his bigger sibling had learnt to fight? Who had taught him though? Perhaps Vorilye, or one of the other warriors of the pack. Maybe Ryker was just born good, and had known how to fight since day one. Some wolves were just naturals. This disheartened him a bit - while he was foolish around in his youth, chasing bugs, others had been honing their skills since birth. How was he supposed to compete with that? He felt a moment of doubt about himself, but then he remember his goal: to avenge his mother. He wouldn't give up!

But the running didn't seem like it would stop, and the longer they went on, the more fatigued Sypher became. He was as fit as he had ever needed to be, but now that he was being put to the test of his limits he was starting to falter. He wanted to rest, his muscles starting to burn, his lungs heaving as he ran. Pink tongue lolling out of his mouth he was panting hard, his breaths becoming labored and shallow. He was falling behind too! The distance between Ryker and Sypher had grown, and the younger male was having a harder and harder time keeping up, but he didn't stop, even as the tingling burn began to ignite fully in his legs, shoulders and hips.

Words: 318
Muse: Pretty Good.
Notes: I wasn't sure what to do with Sypher so I just made him not very good at running long distances.