evanescent souls

[lacrymosa]

Walking along the path that many have walked before her seemed weird to the young wolf. The faded paws of those whom have roamed before her and those who have yet to pass through these plains, seemed like a weird dream. Not in a bad way, but in a way that seemed fit, oddly enough. She stood their in a proud stance just like those before her, thinking and dreaming of what they have been through and what awaits those whom still have to pass here. Her heart felt both freedom and pride while she walked through here.

She matched up her paw with a faded paw print, it was too big but she didn't seem to mind that. Something in her told her to keep going, keep moving on. She For once did not ignore this weird feeling to move. So she walked straight, maybe to find a place she could call home? Or maybe to those who wish the harm her. what ever the matter is she was not going to stop until she found what her body wanted to show her.

her golden eyes scanned the distant horizon to see if others like her where near. her legs seemed to have a mind of their own as they moved her body towards the horizon. Her ears pivoted to the top of her head, getting a better listen to those around her. she held herself high and showed she wasn't afraid of anything on her travels. She looked forward to seeing others like her.

[S h a r d]

&shard;;
All the little pieces falling
Shatter
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together[/i]

The plains were dry under Shard's feet, and he wrinkled his nose as dust and humid air clogged his senses. The hot sun pounded on his gleaming, dark fur, the single sapphire gem protruding from his forehead glinting in the light. It was because of that gemstone that Shard held his head high with such pride, and why he raised his tail to a dominant height. That shard of sapphire imprinted in his head was the mark of an alpha, and today was the first time Shard had ever made the journey to these plains in search of recruits.

He had been trotting for a long while now, and the base of his paws were beginning to feel the burn of both exertion and the hot floor beneath them. Shard picked up the pace, pink tongue lolling from his mouth as he drew in sharp, quick pants in an effort to cool himself down. He hadn't allowed himself a great deal of time to rest, but his determination drove away his weariness. His ears were slicked back in concentration, forest-green eyes narrowed against the glare of the sun above. His eyes were beautiful, fascinating- green, with a rich, amber ring circling the outside. His eyes were mesmerising, and he tended to use this to his advantage.

In the distance, the sun caught something and reflected from it, glittering in small, white flashes from some surface. Shard ground to a halt, his heels kicking up little wisps of dust from the ground. He lifted his head, inhaled and his well-known, lovably lop-sided grin flashed into life. Water. He could smell water, and his throat immediately seared for it.

Shard broke into a run, pouring every last reserve of energy into these few seconds, leaning forward into his stride, streamlining himself as best he could. His muscles rippled under his fur as they worked, throwing his long legs into powerful motion. He was sleek and strong as he ran, majestic almost. He tore to the water's edge, whimpering in delight and thrust his muzzle into the crisp, cool liquid. His throat ached as he lapped greedily, before he stepped back and shook himself vigorously. He was cool, refreshed and after a brief moment of rest, he'd be raring to start running once more.

The oasis was beautiful, he took care to notice. There was some small amounts of green vegetation, but after the endless dryness of the barren plains, he felt as if he stood within a rainforest. Shard was just breathing in the glorious scents when he froze and stiffened, surprise ruffling the fur along the back of his neck.

Shard had been searching for the presence of wolves, but he hadn't expected to find one quite so soon. He twisted his head sharply, searching, and rammed his ears forward like radars, picking up every sound they could. It only took a moment before she came into view, and Shard couldn't help but smile with pleasure when she did. It had been a day or two since he'd seen another wolf. In fact, the last he'd seen had been Ebona, and Shard couldn't help but feel that she was something more than just a wolf. A Goddess, she'd said. The idea had filled Shard with wonder since that brief encounter.

Shard forced himself to focus and walked out, more slowly so he wouldn't intimidate her, towards the strange wolf he'd caught a glimpse of. She was holding her head high to show that she was unafraid, and Shard automatically held his head higher, to show his dominance. It just felt like the right thing to do, to make himself taller than her. He supposed his instincts were teaching him how to play the role of alpha, now. He came to a stop a few paces from her, and resisted the urge to give her a polite little bow of the head. That was her job, now. Not his. This was going to take some getting used to.

"Well, hello there, ma'am," he growled in a low, cheering voice. "And what's a pretty, young she-wolf doing way out here?"

Alpha or no, Shard was never one to miss an opportunity to turn on his charm.

Too small to matter
But big enough
To cut me into so many little pieces

[/size][/color]

[lacrymosa]

The sweet smell of water flooded her nose as she started to walk a bit faster, the wind kicked up and her ears moved forward. Another wolf? she thought to herself, but ignored the sent as nothing more then a figment of her imagination. The smell of water was heaven to her, as well as the site of green.

Miyako's golden eyes seemed to have told her the truth of another wolf. She had thought a while back when she had caught the sent in the wind, that it was nothing more the a distant ghost. She tilted her head, when she seen the wolf before her. The male whom stood before her, was strong. She could tell where his thick muscles. That is not what caught her eye in this wolf, the way he held himself was the thing that grabbed her attention.

She bowed her head in respect, she knew his stance, she had seen it before as a pup a few times. He was standing as an alpha, and she knew what she had to do. while her neck was still bowed down she peeked up with a smile. Good day sir. she stood straight before him, still showing respect in her melted golden eyes. Roaming the vast plains in search of a home, or some one to travel with. What about you? she smiled again remembering his complement. A strong wolf like yourself should have his pack near by She looked around, smelling to see if his pack was near.

she glance up and noticed the gem on his forehead. How could she have missed that? She was always attracted to random shiny objects, it's sapphire color seemed to shine brighter then the sun, when the rays of the solar star hit it. She seemed to be in a trance for a moment or two. When she finally got her sense back, she bowed her head in apology, her ears tight against her head.

[S h a r d]

&shard;;
All the little pieces falling
Shatter
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together

Shard relaxed slightly, warming up to the female rapidly. She was showing him immediate and practised respect- he highly doubted she was out to challenge his new found authority. He lowered his tail slightly, hoping that the gesture would show that he in turn meant the female no harm.

He smiled at her words, feeling a little spark of elation as he remembered why he had made this painstaking journey in the first place. "On that contrary, miss, I have no pack. That is, in fact, why I am here. I'm in search of useful wolves. Recruiting, for want of a better word." He shook his fur a little, looking harder at the female. Hoping she wouldn't mind, he gave her a quick once-over, checking out her general physique and clocking up estimated strengths and weaknesses. He tried to look at her with an alpha's eye, though he found it difficult to ignore her feminine attractiveness.

He laughed slightly as he attention was caught by his gemstone, given to him by the goddess Ebona in order to display that he was a figure of dominance. He nudged her gently with his muzzle when she slicked her ears back in apology, wagging his tail loosely to show that she didn't need to be sorry.

"Where are my manners?" he growled with a casual, crooked grin. "My name is Shard, alpha of the *Fragmented Pack. May I ask your name?"

It was the first time, the very first, that he had spoken his title out loud. He paused, eyes filling with a maddening chaos of wonder, fear, awe, doubt, excitement and coyness before he cleared his throat with a growl and locked down on his emotions once more. It was something he'd waited for his whole life. Speaking of it just seemed to make it real, somehow.

Shard fluffed out his dark tail a little, smiling at the she-wolf and pacing around her in a slow circle. She had said that she was looking for company, and for a home. To Shard, that screamed an opportunity. But before he did a thing, he felt it right to explore her assets.

She was young, which was a good start in Shard's opinion. She was still brimming with youthful vigour. She was similar in appearance to himself, though he was larger, and his fur was longer and splashed with a wider crowd of colours. The distinctive jagged, white line by his eye which inspired his name was unique, anyway. She was fearless and yet offered him the right amount of submission. Shard finished the circle with a satisfied gleam to his green and amber eyes.

He had a good feeling about this meeting. And for cautious, sceptical Shard, that was an accomplishment.

[ ooc:// *I know that the pack information for the Fragmented pack isn't up there, but it will be shortly. xD ]

Too small to matter
But big enough
To cut me into so many little pieces

[/size][/color]

[lacrymosa]

The young female's ears moves forward in a friendly gesture. As she watched him move around her. Her body seemed to relaxed when she realized he was not out for a fight. Which was good news to her, as much as she hated to admit it but she knew she wouldn't have a shot to win against the male.

The young wolf held still as he moved around her, trying to show she wasn't willing to fight as well. Her left ear twitched as the wind moved a little bit between them. She shook a little bit, to lose the loosen dust that was on her fur from her travels.

Miyako she growled lowly with a smile, the she cocked her head to the side still with a smile have you seen any wolves that you think would fit your pack? She had been hoping to find a pack that might want to take her in, Hopefully he was interested. She was fast despite her youth, also she was a mildly good fighter.

It was his choice if we would want her so she wasn't going to press her luck much. She watched his movements carefully, taken note that in his eyes he showed no hostility.


(Ooc: lol oks)

[S h a r d]

&shard;;
All the little pieces falling
Shatter
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together

"Miyako. That's pretty," he mused with a nod of his head. He wagged his tail a little as she seemed to relax to his presence, glad that she recognised that he would not dream of harming her unless she proved to be of some threat to him first. And almost of worries of that had vanished from his mind already.

He studied her closely as she asked him her question, looking over her once more. He wasn't sure if she was subtly trying to ask if she seemed worthy in his eyes, or if she was merely curious. Either way, Shard thought carefully, a slow smile spreading on his face.

"Well, Miyako, you are the first wolf I have come across out here," he said deliberately, his gaze searching hers. "And I believe you would have no trouble fitting my pack." After all, she was well mannered, she seemed good conversation. She was friendly, and she certainly seemed physically able. He didn't doubt that she would prove to be an asset to him.

He grinned and gave his ears a playful flick. "And you? Have you come across any packs you wouldn't mind joining?" He had no idea what kind of answer he was expecting. He had no Pack as yet, and so he couldn't exactly offer her anything impressive, but he couldn't help that a part of him was deeply hoping he had managed to impress her somehow. This had been his very first chance to get the name of the Fragmented Pack some form of recognition and reputation.

What if he'd blown it? He resisted the urge to growl at himself. He was being nothing but himself, which he had always felt was the best way to approach any situation. But he was alpha, now- was he supposed to adopt some kind of persona, a different attitude to how he would be normally? He was maintaining his authority by keeping his head high and all, but was he supposed to be sharper and fiercer with this she-wolf?

He looked at her and locked down on the doubts immediately. He couldn't bring himself to throw any harshness at her if he wanted to. If that was what an alpha was supposed to do, then he would dare to be different. Perhaps, he pondered, he was trying to hard. The muscles which had tensed in his shoulders relaxed. This had been his first chance, and if he had blown it then fine, he could try again next time.

Damn, he had so much learn.

Too small to matter
But big enough
To cut me into so many little pieces

[/size][/color]

[lacrymosa]

She cocked her head to the side, while her hears flicked back quick as she saw his mood shift. He seemed to be fighting with in himself. One of her many traits was that she was very observant. she watched as his shoulder muscles relaxed a bit before she answered.

she grinned at his complements Thank youShe had hoped she may have been good enough to join his pack. She would be willing and able to do what he asked of her.You are the first i have seen in a while. I've tried to keep an open mind, and when i was starting to lose some hope, i found you. Her ears moved forward and she smiled, trying to lighten his mood some what. She didn't know what his mood shift meant, she had hoped it wasn't something she had said to cause it.

Her tailed wagged as she attempted to lighten his brooding. Even though she was trying to make him feel better, she was having a mini panic attack as to what caused it. She thought back to everything she had said trying to find what had caused his turmoil.

Deep down there was that small part of here that knew that she may not be picked to join his pack, she didn't know how much walking she could take before she found another wolf that would like her to join their. She quickly shook off those thoughts trying to banish them from her minds. How silly of her to start thinking such foolish things. Her body cooled and started to relax. If decides he didn't want her, then she had a while to think about it.

Bite yourself later you moron. You have a good chance, you blow it, that will be it for you. Unless you think you can walk any farther. She thought to herself. She had kept her grin up, hoping her thoughts didn't effect her in anyway, she prayed it didn't. His words where the only key to her prayers, weather she had failed or not.

[S h a r d]

&shard;;
All the little pieces falling
Shatter
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together

Shard watched Miyako carefully, a little confused. It took him a moment to realise that she was trying to lighten his spirits, having noticed that he was struggling to keep the wave of nerves and doubts at bay. He was silent for a second, incredulous that she would make such an effort to please him and then he laughed. He couldn't help it, but it was a sound of pleasant surprise and gratitude.

She was a star, and Shard had warmed up to her completely. If she would concern enough to paint a smile on a stranger's face, then Shard couldn't possibly fault her in any way. He wagged his own tail back at her, telling her that she had succeeded in cheering him up. Totally. And her words also sent a little thrill of excitement through him.

Whatever he was doing, it seemed to be working. She hadn't said it aloud, but it sure sounded as if she was interested in joining him. He studied her for two long seconds, and his face lit up in a smile which made his eyes sparkle. He drew himself up to a fuller height, forcing himself to tower over her though the action had no tint of menace in it at all.

"Miyako," he began in a low, serious tone of voice. "Would you be the first wolf to join the ranks of the Fragmented Pack?"

He didn't see the point in beating around the bush. There, it was said. The offer was on the table, and she could either give him a yes or a no. He dearly hoped she would say yes, but he had braced himself for a negative reply aswell. And if she didn't want to follow him to the forest, then he would understand fully. It was a big, life-changing decision to make. He only hoped he'd done his job to help her make it.

The sun was boring painfully into his dark fur, scalding his skin. If anything, he needed to get out of here. And rumours told that lone wolves were trapped in this damn place until an alpha offered them a chance of freedom. It was cruel, and Shard hoped to be able to relieve many a wolf of this terrible heat if he could do so.

He smiled at Miyako warmly. "Please don't feel under any pressure, miss," he soothed. "The choice is entirely yours."

Too small to matter
But big enough
To cut me into so many little pieces

[/size][/color]

[lacrymosa]

She barked a laugh along with the black male that stood before him. She was pleased that her effort had in fact worked, and she could tell not just by his body language but also by the sparkle in his eyes. She had doubts about weather she was able to change his mood and was quite happy with herself.

The sun beat down on the two black wolves, her ebony coat shined dimly in the sun's rays. A small wave of wind kicked up between them, she had to admit it felt good in the hash heat.

Her ears perked up at his sudden question. She was thrilled that he had asked her to, she would finally have a home, she wouldn't have to be stuck here in the endless abyss. Al though she still had pride in this place she couldn't help but also hate it in ways as well.

Her black tail wagged and she smiled, I would love to join the Fragmented Pack. I promise you, you will not be disappointment with me. her grin became a bit more announced as she felt the thrills of saying that. I'm in a pack now. she mused to herself.

The young female bowed her head in respect again, He was now her alpha.You will not regret your choice she lifted her head and smiled once more. She was now going to be there when he called, when he needed aid, whatever the case may be, she will do what he wished. He is the alpha, he was the pack's leader, also he was her leader.

[S h a r d]

&shard;;
All the little pieces falling
Shatter
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together

She said yes. She actually said yes!

Shard whined happily, tapping his great paw in the hot earth with excitement. His first recruit, the first step to building a great and powerful pack. The same thoughts that Miyako was experiencing passed through Shard's head- he was her leader now, responsible for her safety and for her place in his pack. Of course, she would rank bottom at first, but he was going to choose whether or not she could climb higher in pack importance.

"I have no doubt," he assured her when she praised him on his choice. She evidently wouldn't cause trouble amongst the pack members, anyway, which was a definite plus. He turned to the oasis, glancing down at the water before looking back to Miyako. He didn't see the sense in hanging around this place any longer. She belonged to the Fragmented Pack now, and so it was time to take her to her new home.

He nudged her gently with his muzzle. "Drink, Miyako, and refresh yourself," he ordered gently. "We have one last journey ahead of us. I will take you to my forest, show you around. Rest and then hunt, I think." Of course, between the two of them they wouldn't catch more than a hare or something like that, but food was food. No doubt they would be too hungry to care when they finally arrived there.

Following his own suggestion, Shard trotted to the water's edge and took a long drink, filling himself as much as he possibly could so that the need to drink would be prolonged. He glanced around, but saw no adequate prey to serve as a snack. There was a large sort of lizard thing lumbering over a small dune, but Shard doubted that he'd be able to puncture the creature's thick skin. Nor did he like the look of that strong tail.

A wind gusted, throwing hot air and dust into Shard's face. He spat grit out of his mouth with a wrinkle of his nose. He would certainly not miss this place. Lifting his nose into the air, he inhaled and scented the air, getting his bearings. Turning in a full circle, he suddenly stopped and stared into the horizon. "That way," he murmured to himself. He wasn't sure how he knew- there was some sort of magnetic pull tugging at his guts, telling him that his home was as the crow flies in that direction. The gem in his head also seemed to feel cooler when he turned that way.

He looked over his shoulder and smiled at Miyako. "Keep up with me, miss," he said with a playful twitch of his tail. "We're homeward bound."

[ ooc//; 'Kay, I'll make a new thread at the Black Oak in the Fragmented territory now for them to arrive at. ]

Too small to matter
But big enough
To cut me into so many little pieces

[/size][/color]

[lacrymosa]

She did as she was told and drank. The raging, throbbing pain in her throat was finally getting refreshed from the liquid heaven. Oh how this sent had tormented her while they were talking. She drank her fill then looked over to shard, just in time to see the dust fly in to his face.

she bent her head down and put her black paw over it, trying to contain her laughter. She knew it was rude, but she couldn't help it. She whimpered an apology to her alpha. That was something she would have to start to get use to saying. She smiled and wagged her tail as she followed him.
Oh i am very good at keeping up with others she grinned teasing back.