Fading Light [Lichen]

[Deleted]

Winter had consumed the northern realms of Anikira. The verdant hills had shriveled up into barren brown lumps littering the unclaimed territory. Freezing temperatures at night claimed any early buds from their vines, leaving little plant life for the herds to consume. Most of the larger prey were on the move, making tracking difficult. One good bison would be more than enough to feed the snowy brute and his traveling companion, who he had asked to stay behind so that he could scout for food without depleting both of their energy supplies. The landscape there was confusing, and for someone such as Summit with no discernable navigation skills, every mound and hillside seemed to lead further into hopelessness. He could smell the herds as if they were near, but it seemed the prey animals had found a place to hide away for the season, far from the hunters’ watchful gaze.

It would be his first winter spent away from his natal pack. All of his relatives and friends were long dead now, nothing more than dust left in the wind, forgotten by everyone but Summit himself. The coming months, the freezing snow and frigid nights, were daunting, but at least he would not be facing it on his own. Life was different now that he had a real friend. Still, Summit felt responsible for finding a descent place to spend the cold seasons. Katari did not like the freezing weather, and Summit was committed to making sure she did not have to suffer needlessly. The snow bothered him less – his pelt was made for the cold, after all. But he knew it would not be easy, especially if all of the prey seemed to vanish into the night.

As the sun began to sink toward the western horizon, where dark clouds congregated around tall cliffs, Summit could feel the cold bite in the air as if ruffled his ivory fur. Come nightfall, the temperatures in the north would drop drastically. If a storm blew in, it would turn into snow before it touched the ground. As the brute stood alone atop one of the taller earthen mounds, he peered around. Twin pools of hazel squinted against the early evening sunlight. Then, something caught his attention. The male’s heart fluttered in his chest expectantly when he thought he detected movement, not far in the distance. His anticipation was short lived, though – whatever it was, it was not worth hunting. It was too small, and it was clearly not a moose. The figure was white, pure, standing out in stark contrast to the drab hills that surrounded Summit.

words: 435
tag: Lichen
ooc: much shorter than my usual posts,
but I wanted to get this one started up!

[Deleted]

FOR months she had traveled, not exactly sure where she was going but simply hoping for a better future. Even as a young pup she had had a rough life, and unfortunately she had to deal with numerous tragedies. Her home pack, the Avalick, lost their fearless leader to a mysterious disease. Lichen in return lost her beloved mate. Legacy was the son of Kapu and heir to the throne, but with his father's death he had disappeared. His disappearance brought pain and devastation into Lichen's life and although she didn't want to go on she knew she had to. Her foster mother Aaka became the alpha and Lichen stood as her beta; together they helped raise the numbers of the Avalicks. As the weeks crawled by Lichen became more depressed and it was then that she knew she could no longer live in a land that was plagued by loss. Although Aaka wanted her to stay she knew this was something that Lichen needed to do. So Lichen had set out, determined to have a new lease on life. Numerous times she had happened upon the wrong territory, but she knew when to stand up and fight and when to tuck tail and run. A lot of the times she was outnumbered and although Lichen had never been completely alone before she knew how to fend for herself. Aaka had been sure to teach her right, and Lichen was both an expert warrior and hunter. And so she had walked, for miles upon miles until her paws bled from the ice beneath them. The ivory hued lupine did not know how to quit, and she wouldn't until she found somewhere perfect to settle down. It was while she had been passing through a warmer area that she heard rumors of a land strictly maintained by wolves. There were numerous territories suited for multiple breeds of wolves and although it was a rumor Lichen couldn't help but humor it. So she had set off in that direction and although it took her quite awhile to get there she had finally made it.

THE climate was much colder the further north she went, but it was something she was accustomed to. Her arctic wolf lineage allowed her body to be well adjusted to the cold; her thick pelt keeping the bitter wind from penetrating to her skin. Her auds were flicked forward, moving atop her skull like satellites as she plowed through the snow. She climbed higher and higher up the mountainside, her nares flared as she inhaled the crisp air. The sun had set hours ago, but she knew that the herd of caribou had come this way. She had been tracking them for a bit now, and knew that they weren't far from here. It was while she was weaving through the trees that the wind brought a masculine scent toward her. She halted immediately, her whole body tense as her emerald green optics scanned the scenery. Everything seemed fine, up until she spotted him. Instantly her hackles raised and her lip curled revealing pearly white canines. A growl rumbled through her larynx but it was muffled as she refused to let it slip through her teeth. Whipcord flicked as it rose above her haunches, her dominant stance easily seen from miles away by another wolf. She strode forward as she finally made her presence known, but she halted before moving any closer to him. This was the first wolf she had seen in months, and if he tested her boundaries she would make him regret it. Who are you? She spoke while regarding him carefully. Although he was far bigger then her in size she could be quite swift on her feet and could pack on hell of a punch. She would not hesitate to defend herself if things got ugly.






NOTES: it's gonna be rough at first, been awhile since I've roleplayed wolves lol
TAGGED: @summit
MUSE: decent
WORD COUNT: 686
STATUS: complete

[Deleted]

His eyes strained against the sunlight as he stared at the ghostly white figure. Maybe it was a mirage... But then, he was not wandering through a desert. Pale ears pricked forward as he listened, nostrils testing the air for a hint of the other’s identity. He had not expected to see another of his species out in the open that day, but the scent carried on the cold wind could only be that of another wolf. The stranger appeared to be an arctic like himself, marching toward him with her tension on full display. A pair of jade eyes narrowed in his direction. His mouth went dry as she approached – not because he was worried about the possibility of a brawl, but because she looked so familiar. This one was a stranger, hackles raised and dominance flashing like a sign, but the snowy femme looked like his own kin, like a sister who had been lost along with the rest of his tribe. She had green eyes reminiscent of his mother, a trait his family had once possessed, as well. The family had been gone nearly a year, but he could still see their bright eyes. He tried his best not to imagine how they had looked in the end – the agony, wasting away as the sickness ravaged their frail bodies. Pushing those thoughts away, he cleared the fantasies from his mind. They were long gone. This was the present, and the female he spotted had noticed him, too.

The stranger’s physique was smaller than Summit’s in both height and weight. Her eyes were cold and her power emphasized, but those green orbs reminded him of a cherished sibling and happier times. A smile began to spread across his long muzzle, but vanished when the stranger spoke, her words crisp, unflinching. Her exposed fangs sent her message even before she uttered a word, but she made herself clear, seemingly unafraid of the larger wolf. Slowly, the larger wolf sat back on his haunches, white tail wrapping around his massive paws. ”I’m not looking for any trouble, friend. I don’t belong to any pack, and these lands don’t, either.” The brute offered no false pretenses, speaking plainly. He flashed her a tense smile to prove that he was as harmless as he seemed. His posture was relaxed, despite the female’s defensive stance. There would be no fighting today unless the white she-wolf was looking for violence. Of course, he could not blame her for her wariness. The only lupine scent she carried along with her was her own, suggesting that the fae was moving through the lands alone – and traveling solo brought dangers to females that Summit could only imagine. The male’s great snowy head dipped in a polite nod. ”I’m Summit. Rough hunting out here today, isn’t it?” He could only assume that she was on the same futile mission as himself, hunting thin air.

He was not sure what he was expecting – she did not look like the type of wolf who wanted some friendly banter along her journey. Everyone had their own reason to wander, and the female’s purpose was none of his business, so Summit kept his mouth clamped shut before he said anything further that might upset the fae. Sometimes, all a wolf needed was a friendly face and a bit of advice about the landscapes and water sources nearby. Then again, sometimes they were only looking for trouble. The tip of his tail tapped lazily against the dust beneath him, but he made no other movements. She was free to make her next move. Freedom was the life of a loner.

words: 607

tag: Lichen

[Deleted]

YOU could feel the tension in the air as the femme watched the brute with a wary gaze. She had come across many different canines over the months, most which weren't too cordial. Her dominant stature showed that she wasn't about to belly over, but she wasn't try to fight him either. This was purely a defensive mechanism showing that she didn't want him invading her personal space. I'm not looking for any trouble, friend. I don't belong to any pack, and these lands don't, either. His stature was relaxed and he flashed her a tense smile, in which she slowly began to relax in return. Her tail dropped to a neutral level and her hackles flattened considerably. Her emerald eyes softened a bit and she finally allowed herself to set her haunches on the ground as she sat. She still appeared a bit stiff, but she wasn't showing a fiercely dominant posture anymore. I'm Summit. Rough hunting out here today, isn't it? Lichen didn't mind the fact that he was trying to be friendly, in fact she didn't mind his presence at all. It had been so long since she had had any contact with another wolf, and although things were a bit awkward she was a bit comforted by him. I've been tracking the herd for a good while now.. Their close by.. She spoke, her bell like tones softer and not as harsh as they originally were. She wrapped her tail around her hind paws and continued to watch him carefully. So far he seemed decent but anyone could change in the blink of an eye. Aaka had taught her to always be on her guard no matter how well she knew the wolf. Legacy's departure in her life had also taught her to guard herself; one minute someone you love is close and the next their gone from your life completely.

SHE realized a good bit of silence had stretched between them and she swallowed the lump that rose in her throat. She didn't want to think about Legacy, or her foster mother Aaka. It brought back painful memories, memories she preferred to keep buried. I'm Lichen. Are you alone? She knew that he had spoken of not having a pack, but that didn't mean he didn't have friends. She scanned the tree line again, satisfied that they were alone for now. Lichen wasn't sure she would be able to handle an encounter with multiple wolves at once, it had been so long since she had seen any in general. She was just happy that Summit was an Arctic wolf like herself, it gave her hope that there was more like her left in the world. Her tail wagged lightly at the thought but she stopped herself and returned her gaze to Summit, her eyes unwavering from his frame. Where am I? She questioned this quietly, aware that he might not even know the answer. She knew that they were close to the herd and she wasn't ready to call it a night yet, especially when her next meal was only a few miles away. It might just be a blessing in disguise coming across Summit; because two wolves hunting would most definitely be better then one.


NOTES: I'm excited for this thread
TAGGED: @summit
MUSE: decent
WORD COUNT: 582.
STATUS: complete

[Deleted]

The female seemed to relax a little more, sensing that Summit was not one of the wolves who represented danger to the lone she-wolf. Those brutes were out there – the violent and the reckless, the savage and demented. Summit’s gentle nature existed in spite of his father, who had wanted his only son to become a warrior like himself. As the tension in the air began to settle, the hills seemed almost peaceful. The wolf’s hazel orbs shifted briefly from the Arctic femme to a distant pair of large birds flying toward the north, with no rough terrain or territorial beasts to thwart their journey. He had always been a little envious of the winged creatures for their limitless freedom. No one could claim the sky as their own.

The fae offered her name, and Summit’s smile brightened in spite of himself, the corners of his lips curving upward. In his natal lands, he had seen many different types of lichen growing on the sides of trees and on giant boulders, from fluorescent green in hue to sandy orange. His mother was the pack’s healer, and Summit had often followed in her paw prints while she ventured out to find herbs and roots to use for her craft. He couldn’t think of any medicinal uses for lichen off the cuff – in fact, he vaguely recalled something about it being toxic to wolves. Regardless, he could appreciate the moniker. In his clan, all of the little ones were given names that honored some aspect of the natural world, be it weather, flora, or geologic features. ”That’s a good name. It’s nice to meet you, Lichen.” The snowy fae inquired about whether he was alone, and he shook his head. ”No, I’m not alone. She’s – Well, she’s nearby, but you don’t have to worry about Katari. We have been traveling through the mountains in the south, and it has been an exhausting journey.” Katari, his closest companion, was probably still fast asleep where he had last seen her, safely tucked away from watchful eyes while she rested. Still... Once he began to think about it, he could not help but worry for his partner’s safety. The life of a loner meant unattainable security. No wolf without a pack was ever truly safe.

”Where am I?” Summit’s bulky shoulders slumped in a half-hearted shrug. ”To be honest, your guess is as good as mine. I couldn’t tell you the name of these hills or this place, but it seems like it goes on and on, no end in sight. I do know that there are territories claimed by packs toward the south and west. If you’re looking to avoid them, best to steer clear of those parts.” But then, maybe Lichen was looking for something else entirely, aside from a little meat to fill her empty belly. Summit been wandering around the area for a few weeks now, but he was far from being an expert. The old names bestowed upon the lands by wolves long dead were not important. What mattered to those without a home was simple: where could they go freely, and what places were forbidden to them. If Summit had his way, the entire island would be wide open for travelers to pass through unimpeded, but that was not the reality of life on Anikira. For every kind wolf, there were more out there with sinister intentions.

words: 568

tag: Lichen

ooc: yay me too! friends! 

...even if Lichen runs off to

join Kairos after this.. :X

[Deleted]

It felt good to be in the presence of another wolf, if only for a few moments. Summit's appearance brought back memories of her native pack and it briefly made her home sick. There were parts of her that yearned to be apart of a pack again, but then there were other parts that were dead set on her staying alone. The pure white femme was accustomed to living on her own and didn't want to be dependent on anyone else. What would happened if they died or disappeared? She would be left with nothing and as helpless as a newborn pup. She liked her independence but she also liked the company of another. Lichen still had yet to go into season so she didn't have to worry about that being a problem, but she was just lucky that Summit was a genuine guy. She hadn't noticed her tail wagging in the snow until he spoke, and it was then that she stopped herself again. That's a good name. It's nice to meet you, Lichen. She nodded her head briefly before offering him a small smile. This was encouraging, perhaps not every wolf had ill intentions here? No, I'm not alone. She's - Well, she's nearby, but you don't have to worry about Katari. We have been traveling through the mountains in the south, and it has been an exhausting journey. At that she could relate, she had been traveling for well over a year now and it seemed like the terrain never ended. Where one piece of land ended another began and it seemed as if Lichen was doomed to a life of a traveler, she had pretty much accepted that fate until she had run into Summit. I know all too well how tiring traveling can be. She shrugged her shoulders then before glancing behind Summit; wondering just where Katari was hiding.

To be honest, your guess is as good as mine. I couldn’t tell you the name of these hills or this place, but it seems like it goes on and on, no end in sight. I do know that there are territories claimed by packs toward the south and west. If you’re looking to avoid them, best to steer clear of those parts. She listened to him carefully, wondering if pack life was what she wanted now. I've been alone for so long now.. It might be a nice change to settle down.. She pondered aloud before turning her emerald eyes on his face. Her stomach rumbled loudly which reminded her that she still had yet to eat anything; and it also reminded her of her main objective upon coming here. Food. Well I best keep moving if I want to catch that herd.. Your more then welcome to join me Summit.. She extended the offer, not wanting to be rude but also enjoying his company. Plus it would be an added bonus to have another wolf along for the hunt, not to mention she could help him tear chunks off to take back to Katari. Although she had been a loner she was a pack wolf at heart, and knowing he had a "friend" somewhere meant that she wouldn't allow her to go hungry if he was helping her hunt. Lichen had always had a caring soul, even if it was covered up by her cool exterior.



Notes: Yes friends she's going to be so sad when he dies ;(
Tagged: @summit
Muse: good
Word count: 585.
Status: complete.

[Deleted]

Summit was by no means an expert about the multiple packs existed upon Anikira’s shores. He knew of the Airila pack, said to be a kindly group, that inhabited the mountains. He had encountered the alpha of Descai months ago, with nearly disastrous results, and Summit now knew to avoid Ryker’s territories like the plague that had decimated his family. He was still blissfully unaware of the existence of Kairos and the trouble brewing on the island in the west. Lichen’s snowy tail was wagging behind her – something that Summit noticed with a smile, but the movement ceased as the words parted his maw.

”I’ve been alone for so long now... It may be a nice change to settle down.” Summit’s withers raised in a feeble shrug in response. There were days where he wished for the same stability she seemed to desire, something that a pack would undoubtedly offer, but he had never experienced such freedom before his pack’s demise. He was not ready to abandon his independence just yet. ”Sometimes, I think the same. It would be a lot easier to live and hunt within a structured pack, not to mention much safer. Still, there is something to be said about the life of a loner. There are no alphas to order us around out here in the free lands, no expectations or demands. It is definitely not easy, though.” He offered a lopsided grin after the unsolicited information, realizing he was probably talking too much.

Summit stole a longer glance at his newfound hunting partner. She was so much like the familial ghosts from his past that it almost took his breath away once more. She was smaller than Summit himself, a few inches shorter and noticeably less bulky than the Arctic brute. Regardless of size, however, he never doubted her strength. She had made it this far on her own, a testament of her survivor’s instincts and hunting talents. Lichen was the spitting image of a beloved sister, Journey, who was likely nothing more than a skeleton left to bleach in the sunshine. The bittersweet memories threatened to overwhelm him once more. Summit turned away, sights set on the northern horizon as he suppressed a weary sigh.

The sound of the fae’s empty, protesting belly pulled Summit out of his memories again, and a frown spread across his pale muzzle. It was only another reminder of how difficult the life of a loner could be, especially a female that dared to strike out solo. Certainly, it was none of his business how Lichen had come to be a lone wanderer. Sometimes, wolves chose to leave their natal packs. Others were given no options, cast out like last week’s rotting meat. No matter the case for the white Arctic femme, Summit nodded in agreement as she spoke. He could no bring himself to return to his friend with nothing after spending the hours straying the hillsides for food. Hazel orbs turned away from his new acquaintance, but there was nothing but rolling hills and the gloom of winter surrounding them. The sun, still hidden away behind ominous dark clouds, would set soon, plunging the lands into total darkness, but there was still another hour or two remaining before night descended. ”Thanks Lichen. I think I will tag along for a while, though I’m afraid if I go too far, I’ll never find my way back again.” He laughed in spite of himself, a glint of amusement in his eyes. If anyone could lose themselves completely on the island, it was definitely Summit. ”I believe the latest herd to migrate through here were going towards the north,” he offered, head tilting barely to the left.

words: 625
tag: Lichen
ooc: sorry for the wait!

[Deleted]

The bite of the air was normal for Lichen, in fact she preferred the freezing climate in comparison to the desert heat that she had passed through on her way here. Sometimes, I think the same. It would be a lot easier to live and hunt within a structured pack, not to mention much safer. Still, there is something to be said about the life of a loner. There are no alphas to order us around out here in the free lands, no expectations or demands. It is definitely not easy, though. She nodded her head before allowing her gaze to lock with Summit's. The closest she had ever come to being an alpha was when she had become beta in her home pack. Lichen had enjoyed the position, it was everything she had ever wanted and more - not to mention she only had to be submissive to one wolf which was her mother. Lichen isn't a very submissive wolf in general, which could perhaps cause her trouble in the future if she did ever plan to pursue a pack, which it seemed like that might be where things are headed. Lichen did enjoy having a structure to go by and part of her missed having a family. Mostly there was a small part of her that yearned to settle down. It could just be her ovaries controlling her brain right now. Her season was crawling closer and closer and even though she should be more cautious she didn't sense any danger coming from Summit. Summit vaguely reminded her of her previous mate Legacy with the exception of him being white where Legacy was black. Their personalities were rather similar though and it reminded her of the good ol days. Thanks Lichen. I think I will tag along for a while, though I’m afraid if I go too far, I’ll never find my way back again. She nodded her head and fixed him with a broad smile. Sounds good Summit. I'll be sure to help you find your way back. She promised him before rising off the ground. She glanced around her at first, trying to get some sort of since of direction since everything seemed to be covered in snow. She squinted her eyes before lifting her head up, her nostrils flared wide as she inhaled the crisp winter air.

I believe the latest herd to migrate through here were going towards the north. He offered while slightly tilting his head to the left. She took one last breath before nodding in response. I agree. It seems like their not too far off. Her stomach grumbled again (as if she needed another reminder that she was hungry) and she immediately strode forward. Her paws dug into the snow and she started to carve a path for Summit to follow. Lichen continued to scan the tree line, as if she might be able to see a hint of his "friend" somewhere. There was a part of her that whispered not to let her guard down, and she wouldn't. But that wouldn't stop her from being decent to him so long as he returned the favor. If he were going to try something she had expected him to do it by now but so far so good. It seemed to get more bitter the further they went but the herd's scent was growing stronger. This was the only thing that pushed her onward as she wove through the trees, her body low to the ground in order for her to blend in with the snow. This process would be a much shorter one with Summit's help and she was actually eager to hunt with another wolf again. She wouldn't be nearly as winded as she normally is and chances were she would be able to bring down a bigger elk with his help. This day was starting to turn itself around and she didn't mind it one bit.




Notes: so sorry for the wait honey!
Tagged: @summit
Muse: good
Word count: 681
Status: complete.

[Deleted]

Watching curiously, Summit waited for the fae to say something more about pack life. Her expression was odd, he was certain she was feeling something more that she had not expressed. It was none of his business, though. They had only just met that day, though the comfortable rapport between the two made it feel as if they had known each other longer than a matter of minutes. She offered no hints about where she intended to go next, but the lure of Kairos would capture one more soon. If Summit had known where Lichen would soon find herself, he would have said more. He would have done everything in his power to dissuade her from pursuing a life with the hostile pack that so many feared.

Lichen’s path would soon deviate, her future forever altered by an alliance with the devil, but Summit did not want to think about the likely fact that they would never see each other again. Anikira was too vast, and the politics of pack life made everything more problematic for those who did not have the power to control their own circumstances. He wanted to enjoy the fleeting minutes with his newfound friend, but in typical Summit fashion, he had to speak his feelings aloud. ”You know, Lichen…” For a moment, his pace slowed as his mind raced. ”I hope that we find each other again out here in the free lands. If you do decide to join a pack, then I hope it’s the best one that Anikira has to offer. Maybe I can come to visit, hey?” Summit’s definitely of best pack was exceedingly different from the opinions of many. He could envision a pack more like a family, where the females were treated with dignity, as they had been treated in his natal pack – a far cry from the values of other male wolves.

”Either way, I’m glad that I found you today.” His smile threatened to falter if he was not careful. If Lichen found a new home and a new family, it would be all but impossible to visit. It was too easy to lose yourself in the world, and easier still to lose someone else. Perhaps it would be wiser to keep some emotional distance, to keep to himself and keep himself safe from the sorrows of the outside world, but that was not Summit. He could never do anything half-heartedly, and his good nature never seemed to fade, no matter what troubles came his way.

Indeed, trouble was coming.

words: 446

tag: Lichen

ooc: Summit muse has been difficult lately.

This could be a good ending for the thread,

unless Lichen wants to say anything more. <3