Werewolves (RP 9): The Song of the Mountain - Part 1
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:01 pmTeg
Saber breathed in the chilly mountain air as he continued to make his way further up the mountain. It had been awhile since he had initially began his ascent, and now he could see the sky graying as the evening approached. He cursed at how late it had become and he still hadn’t managed to find anything of this “pack” the old lady had spoken of earlier.
Saber slowed down his pace to a stop as he began focusing on the now dimming forest around him. He breathed in slowly as he took a moment to eye his surroundings. He saw the shape and positions of the trees, the plants and brush covering the forest ground; Something felt off here, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. He kept his hands in his jacket pockets, trying to keep himself warm as he stood quietly, contemplating.
Suddenly a wolf's cry could be heard in the far off distance, catching Saber's attention; The first sign that the old lady was right after all. Seeing as it didn't sound to be a particularly threatening voice, after a brief moment, Saber continued forward moving deeper into the mountain's terrain- And toward the source of the howl.
Teg
Saber breathed in the chilly mountain air as he continued to make his way further up the mountain. It had been awhile since he had initially began his ascent, and now he could see the sky graying as the evening approached. He cursed at how late it had become and he still hadn’t managed to find anything of this “pack” the old lady had spoken of earlier.
Saber slowed down his pace to a stop as he began focusing on the now dimming forest around him. He breathed in slowly as he took a moment to eye his surroundings. He saw the shape and positions of the trees, the plants and brush covering the forest ground; Something felt off here, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. He kept his hands in his jacket pockets, trying to keep himself warm as he stood quietly, contemplating.
Suddenly a wolf's cry could be heard in the far off distance, catching Saber's attention; The first sign that the old lady was right after all. Seeing as it didn't sound to be a particularly threatening voice, after a brief moment, Saber continued forward moving deeper into the mountain's terrain- And toward the source of the howl.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:01 pmKaqurei
Was that... movement out of the corner of his eye? If Saber turned, he would have seen nothing. But perhaps he would have gotten the distinct impression he was being watched.
Kaqurei
Was that... movement out of the corner of his eye? If Saber turned, he would have seen nothing. But perhaps he would have gotten the distinct impression he was being watched.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:01 pmTeg
Saber paused at the subtle movement. After a brief moment, he did turn and found nothing but the sinking feeling something was watching him. He could feel his heart was now pounding at the adrenaline that feeling alone caused. He took in a few deep breaths to steady himself as he surveyed the forest around him, his senses now on high alert.
Teg
Saber paused at the subtle movement. After a brief moment, he did turn and found nothing but the sinking feeling something was watching him. He could feel his heart was now pounding at the adrenaline that feeling alone caused. He took in a few deep breaths to steady himself as he surveyed the forest around him, his senses now on high alert.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmIndy
Theo flinched like he'd been slapped. His head turned away and his feet seemed as though they were ready to take a step back. He deserved that -- of course he did. Toby was within his rights to say it. He listened to the mysterious buzzing for a few moments and was just about to leave Toby to it when his face reappeared.
Instantly, his whole demeanor flipped. He leaned forward, his expression lightened, and he was studying the strange devices in his hand with renewed interest. Toby didn't hate him!
"Uhh....," his brain fumbled a moment as he considered all their pack, holding out his finger for a manual count, "Kratos... Sabrina... You, me, Bianca... Logan... J-Jackie, Chime, Ulric, T-Timothy, Does Levi count? Um 10 or 11 I think unless I missed anyone".
---
Jackie snorted, watching Logan shoot off into the wilderness. Her bright eyes narrowed, predator-like. Logan had picked the wrong task to best her at... while perhaps in strength she could be beaten, in neither endurance nor speed would she be outlasted. Foolish, foolish Logan.
After a sporting 5 seconds lead, Jackie shot off into the foliage like a velociraptor.
Indy
Theo flinched like he'd been slapped. His head turned away and his feet seemed as though they were ready to take a step back. He deserved that -- of course he did. Toby was within his rights to say it. He listened to the mysterious buzzing for a few moments and was just about to leave Toby to it when his face reappeared.
Instantly, his whole demeanor flipped. He leaned forward, his expression lightened, and he was studying the strange devices in his hand with renewed interest. Toby didn't hate him!
"Uhh....," his brain fumbled a moment as he considered all their pack, holding out his finger for a manual count, "Kratos... Sabrina... You, me, Bianca... Logan... J-Jackie, Chime, Ulric, T-Timothy, Does Levi count? Um 10 or 11 I think unless I missed anyone".
---
Jackie snorted, watching Logan shoot off into the wilderness. Her bright eyes narrowed, predator-like. Logan had picked the wrong task to best her at... while perhaps in strength she could be beaten, in neither endurance nor speed would she be outlasted. Foolish, foolish Logan.
After a sporting 5 seconds lead, Jackie shot off into the foliage like a velociraptor.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmCat
Toby nodded with a furrowed brow, looking up slightly as Theo counted aloud, mentally checking Theo's count along side his own. When Theo finished, Toby nodded. That's what I thought too, but this is number nine, so I guess I have two more to go... He paused for a moment as though uncertain, then shoved the device into his pocket. I'll make four more, just to be safe. he said with a sound nod.
Toby returned briefly to his spot behind the tree once again and bent down, grabbing something off the ground, then he returned to Theo's side carrying a small leather suitcase I'll work on the others during our walk, just because I want to be ready for tonight. As he spoke, he lifted the suitcase up for Theo to see and landed a firm pat on it's front. This probably meant all sorts of tools and the electric do-dahs that Toby had been using to make the ear-pieces were inside.
You know, Theo, I've theoretically covered every disaster I can possibly conceive of, right down to the return of the hunters or that sadistic pack that poisoned Logan. I'm trying to work out a solution for every eventuality, but I'm sorry to say I only have 20% of them covered. If I survive tonight, I should have enough time to work out 20% more before the next full moon. With luck, I can have all potential hazards covered by the end of the year-- So that if, by some miracle, nobody dies this year they certainly won't next year. Toby said, his smile suddenly becoming a look of worry. I hope I'm wrong but I'm worried I have a sixth sense for trouble. Tonight feels like we're going to have another incident. I hope I'm not on the receiving end of it this time-- Though goodness knows, I'd take a beating for anyone in the pack, especially you-- Actually, no. I mean yes, especially you, you're my friend; but not for anyone. Maybe almost anyone. I wouldn't take a beating for Jackie, at least, not if it was a mild one. In fact, I'd say she deserved that much! A more serious beating, well, maybe... I don't know. I'm sorry, I know I sound wretched for speaking that way about a girl, but she almost intentionally killed me with her own two hands and I'm not quite sure I've forgiven her for it. Anyway, if something does happen tonight and I get hurt again, or killed, please don't let her attend the funeral. She'd probably do something horrible like kick the coffin over or something. I don't know how a murderous mind works, but maybe she'd be mad at me for dying before she could kill me and make a big scene-- Assuming there's enough of me left for a funeral tonight. Oh. Oh dear, what if that evil pack is cannibalistic?! I don't want to be eaten Theo! Of all the ways to go, that is the one I most certainly do NOT want... Forgive me for asking if this is personal, but how did you become a werewolf? Were you born that way or were you bitten? I was born a werewolf, so I don't understand about being bitten or not being able to control one's wolf. It seems like everyone who was bitten is completely insane! Is it really such a sanity-destroying event? Then again, I shouldn't judge. Sabrina was born a werewolf and she's even worse-- That horrible pack that attacked us last time are even worse! I don't know if they were born or bitten... I just don't understand the struggle.
Cat
Toby nodded with a furrowed brow, looking up slightly as Theo counted aloud, mentally checking Theo's count along side his own. When Theo finished, Toby nodded. That's what I thought too, but this is number nine, so I guess I have two more to go... He paused for a moment as though uncertain, then shoved the device into his pocket. I'll make four more, just to be safe. he said with a sound nod.
Toby returned briefly to his spot behind the tree once again and bent down, grabbing something off the ground, then he returned to Theo's side carrying a small leather suitcase I'll work on the others during our walk, just because I want to be ready for tonight. As he spoke, he lifted the suitcase up for Theo to see and landed a firm pat on it's front. This probably meant all sorts of tools and the electric do-dahs that Toby had been using to make the ear-pieces were inside.
You know, Theo, I've theoretically covered every disaster I can possibly conceive of, right down to the return of the hunters or that sadistic pack that poisoned Logan. I'm trying to work out a solution for every eventuality, but I'm sorry to say I only have 20% of them covered. If I survive tonight, I should have enough time to work out 20% more before the next full moon. With luck, I can have all potential hazards covered by the end of the year-- So that if, by some miracle, nobody dies this year they certainly won't next year. Toby said, his smile suddenly becoming a look of worry. I hope I'm wrong but I'm worried I have a sixth sense for trouble. Tonight feels like we're going to have another incident. I hope I'm not on the receiving end of it this time-- Though goodness knows, I'd take a beating for anyone in the pack, especially you-- Actually, no. I mean yes, especially you, you're my friend; but not for anyone. Maybe almost anyone. I wouldn't take a beating for Jackie, at least, not if it was a mild one. In fact, I'd say she deserved that much! A more serious beating, well, maybe... I don't know. I'm sorry, I know I sound wretched for speaking that way about a girl, but she almost intentionally killed me with her own two hands and I'm not quite sure I've forgiven her for it. Anyway, if something does happen tonight and I get hurt again, or killed, please don't let her attend the funeral. She'd probably do something horrible like kick the coffin over or something. I don't know how a murderous mind works, but maybe she'd be mad at me for dying before she could kill me and make a big scene-- Assuming there's enough of me left for a funeral tonight. Oh. Oh dear, what if that evil pack is cannibalistic?! I don't want to be eaten Theo! Of all the ways to go, that is the one I most certainly do NOT want... Forgive me for asking if this is personal, but how did you become a werewolf? Were you born that way or were you bitten? I was born a werewolf, so I don't understand about being bitten or not being able to control one's wolf. It seems like everyone who was bitten is completely insane! Is it really such a sanity-destroying event? Then again, I shouldn't judge. Sabrina was born a werewolf and she's even worse-- That horrible pack that attacked us last time are even worse! I don't know if they were born or bitten... I just don't understand the struggle.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmMae
The eyes of the Alpha became dark. The furrow of his brow deepened.
There was nothing in Bianca's voice that entailed trouble. Though the woman of the wood was familiar with werewolves by nature of proximity, she did not know their language.
Above the trees a cloud must have passed over the sun, for the landscape became darker, and in that same moment the Alpha was no longer a man.
"Until next time." The immeasurably deep voice of the beast replied. In the next moment he had gone from the cabin back into the woods from which he came.
*****
"Ulric?" Timothy's voice echoed down the long throat of the mountain. No answer came.
The cavern where Timothy sat was shaped like a mouth; it was not as tall as it was wide, but in every direction the walls circled down to the floor except in the very back. The light trickling in from the cave entrance was enough to illuminate the whole room for Timothy's eyes, but down the shaft Ulric fell it was too dark even for him.
Timothy swallowed hard and listened for a rustle or breath in the abyss. He heard nothing but the wind coursing in from outside. Was Ulric dead at the bottom? Was he alive and broken? Without a ladder or a rope there was no way to tell... This wasn't what Timothy intended. He didn't want Ulric to follow him. He didn't know Ulric couldn't see in the dark. What would be the consequences?
"Where are you?"
Timothy startled at the sound. His eyes shot toward the cavern exit and his heart raced like a jackrabbit. Bianca's voice sounded distant, but there was terror in Timothy's heart lest he be discovered. When faced with the prospect, he could either seal the exit of the cave until the moon had passed, or -
In a flash of black and grey Timothy fled the cave!
Mae
The eyes of the Alpha became dark. The furrow of his brow deepened.
There was nothing in Bianca's voice that entailed trouble. Though the woman of the wood was familiar with werewolves by nature of proximity, she did not know their language.
Above the trees a cloud must have passed over the sun, for the landscape became darker, and in that same moment the Alpha was no longer a man.
"Until next time." The immeasurably deep voice of the beast replied. In the next moment he had gone from the cabin back into the woods from which he came.
*****
"Ulric?" Timothy's voice echoed down the long throat of the mountain. No answer came.
The cavern where Timothy sat was shaped like a mouth; it was not as tall as it was wide, but in every direction the walls circled down to the floor except in the very back. The light trickling in from the cave entrance was enough to illuminate the whole room for Timothy's eyes, but down the shaft Ulric fell it was too dark even for him.
Timothy swallowed hard and listened for a rustle or breath in the abyss. He heard nothing but the wind coursing in from outside. Was Ulric dead at the bottom? Was he alive and broken? Without a ladder or a rope there was no way to tell... This wasn't what Timothy intended. He didn't want Ulric to follow him. He didn't know Ulric couldn't see in the dark. What would be the consequences?
"Where are you?"
Timothy startled at the sound. His eyes shot toward the cavern exit and his heart raced like a jackrabbit. Bianca's voice sounded distant, but there was terror in Timothy's heart lest he be discovered. When faced with the prospect, he could either seal the exit of the cave until the moon had passed, or -
In a flash of black and grey Timothy fled the cave!
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmMae
*****
Ulric waited a long time to hear an answer from Timothy."Timothy?" He called once, twice, thrice more but never too loud. Ulric had some fear about raising his voice too high. He worried that the echoes would vibrate a stone loose and bring the cavern collapsing on top of him, or that something sleeping in the abyss might be disturbed. He hardly dared to reach his fingers out in front of him. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he pulled his hands and knees toward himself.
"Timothy?! ..." Ulric shouted as loudly as he dared, but the silence that followed was worse than the first. If Timothy was still here his jape possessed convincing potency. However, it seemed more likely that Timothy simply left Ulric behind.
The feeling of loneliness that earlier accompanied Ulric now returned in devastating intensity. The melancholy loneliness of being surrounded by a pack of strangers could not compare to the loneliness of sitting by himself at the bottom of an obscure hole in the wilderness.
"It's not that bad." Ulric muttered to comfort himself. "I just have to get out of here."
Slowly and steadily, Ulric reached his hands out for the wall at his back and followed it upward until he was standing. Then he reached up as far as he could, ever feeling for the lip of the wall. The wall just seemed to go up and up forever. He strained and groaned, at last feeling the impact of his fall, nonetheless he strained harder to reach the lip. Soon he was standing on his toes reaching as far as he could and in terrible pain. Then, the loose stones under his feet collapsed! Ulric was sent tumbling further down than he expected to fall.
Now, in addition to aching much more than before, Ulric knew he was also in far deeper trouble.
Mae
*****
Ulric waited a long time to hear an answer from Timothy.
"Timothy?" He called once, twice, thrice more but never too loud. Ulric had some fear about raising his voice too high. He worried that the echoes would vibrate a stone loose and bring the cavern collapsing on top of him, or that something sleeping in the abyss might be disturbed. He hardly dared to reach his fingers out in front of him. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he pulled his hands and knees toward himself.
"Timothy?! ..." Ulric shouted as loudly as he dared, but the silence that followed was worse than the first. If Timothy was still here his jape possessed convincing potency. However, it seemed more likely that Timothy simply left Ulric behind.
The feeling of loneliness that earlier accompanied Ulric now returned in devastating intensity. The melancholy loneliness of being surrounded by a pack of strangers could not compare to the loneliness of sitting by himself at the bottom of an obscure hole in the wilderness.
"It's not that bad." Ulric muttered to comfort himself. "I just have to get out of here."
Slowly and steadily, Ulric reached his hands out for the wall at his back and followed it upward until he was standing. Then he reached up as far as he could, ever feeling for the lip of the wall. The wall just seemed to go up and up forever. He strained and groaned, at last feeling the impact of his fall, nonetheless he strained harder to reach the lip. Soon he was standing on his toes reaching as far as he could and in terrible pain. Then, the loose stones under his feet collapsed! Ulric was sent tumbling further down than he expected to fall.
Now, in addition to aching much more than before, Ulric knew he was also in far deeper trouble.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmMae
Timothy covered ground rapidly in his flight from the cave. He navigated agilely over the terrain, albeit his haste through the thickets was clumsy. He shot up a narrow ledge of rocks and followed the ledge wall to the top of a cliff. Then he froze, for he heard something coming through the woods below him. His heart was still beating wildly, but he stood as still as a statue over the cliff.
Crackle... thwack... crack..
Timothy listened.
Snap... thrash... crash...
Timoth did not dare to move until he knew what was coming. Then it presently appeared - bursting through the thickets below the cliff, Logan came out with a stick in her hand as if amid a wild chase!
Mae
Timothy covered ground rapidly in his flight from the cave. He navigated agilely over the terrain, albeit his haste through the thickets was clumsy. He shot up a narrow ledge of rocks and followed the ledge wall to the top of a cliff. Then he froze, for he heard something coming through the woods below him. His heart was still beating wildly, but he stood as still as a statue over the cliff.
Crackle... thwack... crack..
Timothy listened.
Snap... thrash... crash...
Timoth did not dare to move until he knew what was coming. Then it presently appeared - bursting through the thickets below the cliff, Logan came out with a stick in her hand as if amid a wild chase!
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmAddie
For the initial duration of the chase, Jackie would find her speed did little to aid her against the assault of the branches and brush that would meet her like a constant wall. Logan had the advantage here. She scarcely seemed fazed as she crashed through layer upon layer of thicket, only occasionally adjusting her trajectory to avoid a larger obstacle. What might be to one person a hindrance was a mere annoyance to the woman, and knowing Jackie would chase her, she chose the harder of paths to follow.
The thickets gave way however, and so Logan's advantage was lost with them. Without looking back, she quickly sought out her next edge. Stretches of open terrain put Jackie ahead, and Logan would have to be tactical should she continue to challenge the red haired woman in such a fashion. As it was, a sizeable ledge stood before her, and without giving much caution to her surroundings, she threw the spear up onto it and began to scale the rocky face. Height, upper body strength, and the fact she was barefoot would aid her in this endeavor, and no sooner did she pulled herself over the rim and reclaim her weapon did she realize she was not alone.
Addie
For the initial duration of the chase, Jackie would find her speed did little to aid her against the assault of the branches and brush that would meet her like a constant wall. Logan had the advantage here. She scarcely seemed fazed as she crashed through layer upon layer of thicket, only occasionally adjusting her trajectory to avoid a larger obstacle. What might be to one person a hindrance was a mere annoyance to the woman, and knowing Jackie would chase her, she chose the harder of paths to follow.
The thickets gave way however, and so Logan's advantage was lost with them. Without looking back, she quickly sought out her next edge. Stretches of open terrain put Jackie ahead, and Logan would have to be tactical should she continue to challenge the red haired woman in such a fashion. As it was, a sizeable ledge stood before her, and without giving much caution to her surroundings, she threw the spear up onto it and began to scale the rocky face. Height, upper body strength, and the fact she was barefoot would aid her in this endeavor, and no sooner did she pulled herself over the rim and reclaim her weapon did she realize she was not alone.
Quote from Adriana on August 25, 2018, 4:02 pmMae
As still as statuary, Timothy held Logan's eyes just long enough for her to know he had been there. In the next half-second he was gone - racing recklessly over the stones on the ledge... heading east.
Something... something in that half-second interaction seemed to savor of a time when she met him alone... when a confession was made.
Mae
As still as statuary, Timothy held Logan's eyes just long enough for her to know he had been there. In the next half-second he was gone - racing recklessly over the stones on the ledge... heading east.
Something... something in that half-second interaction seemed to savor of a time when she met him alone... when a confession was made.
