☪ A Lonely Figure ☪

[raven]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width,446,true][bg=0d1c36] The moon was out that cold, windy night. The sky was dark and forbidding, not a star in sight but the moon was full and casting a silver ray upon the land. A raven cawed in the distance, along with a splash as waves crashed into the cliff. Thick clouds came forth, blocking out the beauty of the moon, and bringing darkness to the world. A cold, biting wind sprung up and danced across the land. It brought a moaning melody that made many creature's pelt bristle as they listened to this ghostly tune. The cold, slippery terrain brought doom to the foolish creature who dared to walk to this cliff, and the fall they took would be the last they ever faced. Yet though death could be faced here, the terrain was worn from many paws, those of canines. No feline would be seen on this land, and if they did, their corpse would be the last thing spotted as well as some bones. It was a silent night, the only sounds belonging to that lone raven and the moaning symphony of the wind. The clouds rolled across the moon, the night so dark and brooding. The forest edge cast a cloak of shadows that brushed against the cliff. A twig snapped in the distance, and everything grew silent, even the mind. Minutes passed but nothing else appeared and the world seemed to sag with relief. The raven cawed once more, and the wind's symphony picked up a notch. The tree's branches waved back and forth, leaves falling onto the terrain. The clouds gaped for a moment, and the moonlight fell upon a figure that had stepped from the shadows. A wolf had been able to walk so silently only stepping upon a branch once, and even then she had not been found. The creature's of the night froze and the raven took flight. Without missing a beat, the wolf strode forth as the clouds left and the moonlight came down. The wolf was a magnificent specimen. Her head was held up high, ears pricked as she listened to the sounds of the night. Orbs stared a head with a brooding darkness, the color of the purest silver, the pupil barely seen within their depths. A twisted scowl was placed upon her jaws, black lips pulled back to show white fangs dripping spittle. Her tongue slipped out to taste the wind before her jaws closed with a click. Her head connected to a powerful chest and torso. Wide chest, with a lean torso and powerful rump indicated a runner, and endurance. Four long feet sprouted from her torso, large paws slamming into the terrain without a sound, claws digging into the terrain. Her tail curled up slightly, for she was a dominant beast. Fur was the darkest color of midnight black that clung to her frame, scar's bared with pride instead of shame. She was not perfect, but who was? The wolf slowed to a cautious walk as she came closer to the cliff edge. Her ears flicked back to clamp against her head. Orbs narrowed slightly as she concentrated to not fall to her death. Legs moved gracefully, paws placed with care. The wet terrain was hard to walk upon, but with each step, the she - wolf's confidence grew. She moved a tad quicker, slipping only once but righting herself before she plummeted down. A sigh of relief escaped those black lips, and the barest hint of a smile formed. Taking a deep breath, she moved once more until her paws stopped at the edge. Her rump hit the terrain as she sat, tail curling around her front paws. Head came up, and orbs closed as she let the wind blow into her face and fur. The moonlight fell upon her black form but she didn't notice. The beauty of the night was wasted upon her orbs, for she really didn't care. The she - wolf saw scenery but wasn't impressed. Now, she just let herself relax and take a break from the journey she had taken. Another sigh escaped the female's lips before her head came down. Orbs opened and she stared into the distance. The ocean was a magnificent stretch of black water that rippled with each wave. Orbs gleamed with satisfaction, for she had made it to the edge without becoming one of the dead souls that must walk this realm of the living. Her mind whirled with so many thoughts, yet she was glad to finally end her journey at the moment. What kind of journey was she taking? It was quiet simple but brave. A year ago she had left her two brother's after she murdered a female that they had saw as their adopted mother. Running from her two brother's, she had tried to get a hold of herself, but instead plummeted into the depths of chaos and murder. For half a year she brought destruction to everyone around, but now she was looking for the two brother's she had lost. She had not found any sign of the two brute's, but never would she give up. No, she needed her family and her family she would find. Shaking the thoughts free from her mind, the female spoke softly under her breath I wonder if the alpha will mind my passing. If he will care that a murderess is in his lands she smiled faintly at that, though her orbs held a great sadness. Her ears flicked backward at the thought of the many lives she had taken due to the strong hold of insanity. Form shivered in sadness, muscles clenching with regret. Jaws were clenched tight as she murmured Regret...I never thought I would feel that emotion. My cruel mask must be slipping she chuckled under her breath as she stood up. Her head lowered as she slowly backed up, making sure to use the same path she had to come here. Muscles clenched with fear as she slowly made her way backward until her paws touch solid land and she was no longer upon the cliff. Her muscles unclenched and she sighed inwardly. Turning, the female was about to head back into the forest when her ears detected a sound. She stopped quickly, muscles tensing. Her head came up, ears pricking as she listened for another sound. Black lips were pulled back to show fangs that were ready to cut into sinew and flesh. Fur was bristling, each black strand standing up. The bones in her legs were locked, and claws gripping the terrain. Who is there? she called, words filled with defiance and strength. She was a defense creature and didn't like to be bothered. Though she had a haunch it was the alpha, she still stood regally and ready to fight if necessary. She was Mourning Raven, a soldier but also a lost soul. Words; 1159 Mood; Sorrow Status; Open Notes; This is my joining post - first post. I know it's long and I might have babbled but here it is. I hope it is good and you enjoy it

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

Brooke padded silently along her territory. Tonight, she was calm and collected, but not content. For days, her heart had been exploding into flames as she questioned her purpose in living. She believed with all of her heart that the canines deserved to be on the top of the food chain. She wouldn't let the felines reduce them to trash like human beings did to her all those months ago.

The moon.... it was full tonight... glorious in its brightness, but still foreboding in some way. Perhaps it was the lack of stars dotting the skies; it unnerved Brooke, but she suppressed a shiver. Tempest members were always attentive, always watching their fellow packmates just in case -no one could be too careful in times of war after all- and Brooke was constantly trying to prove her worth these days. She wanted to become the General oh so badly so maybe she could even one day lead the Tempest Pack. Her passion and love for her kind was great, and she knew she was a good candidate for the job... but....

The stress of performing well was getting to her, and somewhere, deep down, she knew this was what was making her more irritable than usual. The effect of stress is astounding, she had noted dully one day. Brooke, while not necessarily a genius, was a very good observer of both herself and others. Maybe it was from experience, or perhaps just natural talent, but this young female could read others almost flawlessly. The way they moved could tell her so much about them: their mood, their strength, confidence, the way they might fight....

Then again, I had to learn these things if I wanted to survive the cruelty that human put me through, Brooke thought. A sudden wave of discomfort stronger than before washed over the fae, and without even thinking, started towards her favorite spot of solitude... Tooth Cliff. On nights like this, the only thing that could match her own twisted emotion was the churning of the sea below her.

Brooke had never been bested in a fight since her days as a rink dog, and she strongly believed she could conquer most anything, though she wasn't proud of it. Sometimes, staring down at the ocean gave her a sense of reality; no matter how strong she was, or smart, or observant, the waves could still crush her if she tried to best them. They were controlled, after all, but the essence of the night... even during the day: the moon.

She looked back up at the sphere, relishing its pale light on her face. The way it graced her, made her eyes appear differently, cast her fur in silver... it was somehow all too amazing to Brooke. She had always been more fond of the night than the day... maybe because she had pitch black fur and hated the heat, or maybe it was some foreign longing that she had from being related to the wolf.

I wonder if the Warden is as fascinated with the night as I am, she thought to herself.

Brooke dismissed the thought quickly though, because suddenly a voice shot out from close by, "Who is there?" The fae stopped in her tracks, her own black fur bristling. Careless! She was being careless! How could she allow herself to be distracted for even a few short moments? Now there was an intruder here, and she had let them notice her before she noticed them!

No, if I act like I've been watching then they won't know, she thought. With that in mind, Brooke forced her pelt to lay flat and took a breath. "It's bold for a canine not part of this pack to wander around by themselves," her voice was calm, though the sharp tang of venom seeped out from between her teeth. Don't trust anyone.

Taking a few extra steps towards the intruder in question, Brooke finally saw her. A wolfess, and a beautiful one at that... and she knew... just by the way this one was standing, she was strong. Strong enough to be a threat if she decided to attack. Brooke, however, would not let her mind make her worry. Instead, she acted her part, going up to the larger dog with her tail raised and saying, "You don't smell of the Lexis Tribe, so you must be a loner. You are aware that this is Tempest Pack territory, right? You do realize that I have every right to kill you where you stand?"

Oh yes, she loved this part of the job. Interrogation. Mind games. Brooke fed off tension and fighting.... But a voice in the back of her mind told her something was not quite right. That her will to fight right now was not the best idea. Was she being watched? "I'm in a fairly good mood today," she lied. "Who are you and what is your business with the Tempest Pack?"