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Post by Valentina on Aug 15, 2005 12:32:32 GMT -5
A few pebbles rolled down the entrance before her, as Valentina plunged head-first into the Hollow. She was a bit overwhelmed by all the smells, but this was definitely where Tyrant had said to go.
The hollow opened up into a larger cavern, and Valentina stopped to think about why she had listened to the Ridge back, and why she was even still here, but couldn't quite place it. Instead she took to looking around the den.
"So this is it..." she muttered. It wasn't quite what she had expected. It was very...open, and hot, and there seemed to be a total lack of privacy. This also hinted at how close the pack must be, and she tried to picture herself in here with a bunch of other dogs. In distinct relation to this, her next thought was sleeping outside by the pond, but scratched that as soon as snow came to mind. She could do it, she was half-wolf, not that that mean anything to her, so she could pull it off even in the harshest blizzards, but that was being foolish.
She sighed, almost defeatedly but more a tone of wistfulness, and sat back on her haunches, wrapping her thick tail around her, and allowing her blue eyes to reflect her thoughts. She would wait here for Tyrant, or whoever happened to show, before she officially moved in to this place.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 15, 2005 12:48:58 GMT -5
The Hollow had been almost deserted when Valentina had come in, with only the elderly Schnauzer Bayarn left dozing in his den, his left hind-leg twitching every now and then as he dreamt of days when his limbs weren't stiff and his muscles were pleasently strong and knotted.
As the wolf-dog hybrid settled herself down in the centre of the dipped clearing, however, there was a rustling as something stirred in the thorny bushes above. Moments later, a long dark muzzle appeared, carving a temporary pas sthrough the scrub so that a large, shaggy, fawn coloured body could slip through.
The sterela Mountain dog perched atop the lip of the slope for a moment, large eyes sweeping over her home. When they fell upon Valentina, her eyes narrowed and a gruff bark was released. Then, she tilted her body downwards and plumetted down the hill, skidding to a hault beside the husky with peircing blue eyes.
Her nares flared a she took in the scent of a newcomer, and a snort of distaste was released. She had obviously been accepted by Tyrant, the Top Dog's scent clung to her fur, but there was something about this female she didn't like. She didn't seem settled in the Hollow, in fact, she didn't seem be showing much admiration for the gangs carefully chosen home at all. Reverie's peircing stare locked onto the back of the femme's head and stayed there, hostile and demanding.
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Post by Valentina on Aug 15, 2005 12:56:58 GMT -5
Valentina noticed Reverie as soon as she barked, but she had smelled her distantly even while she was outside the den, but couldn't determine if the slightly stronger smell was new or old. She turned as Reverie came loudly to her side, sniffing her and glaring. She could feel her eyes on the back of her head, and didn't even stand up but turned her head to look at the new dog.
Valentina gave her the up-down, her icey eyes a bit confused. She looked into the other femme's glare, and said a bit contemptuosly, "Excuse me, can I help you?" Her deep red ears remained pointed at the new fae, but otherwise her body posture had not changed.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 15, 2005 13:04:02 GMT -5
Reverie's glare hardened as the femme turned and gave her and seemed to size her up, loking her up and down. When Valentina spoke, a growl bubbled in the Esterela Mountain dog's throat and she drew herself up to her full size, plume lifted hgh in dominance. Fool! She's just arrived and she's acting like she owns the place. She needs to learn some respect. She thought, glaring at the dogs perked ears, and teh examining her posture with contempt.
"Yes, newcomer, you can. You can show some respect when entering a home that has only just become your own, yet has belonged to others for moons." She growled. Her voice had a hard, dangerous tint to it as she glared into the female's icy blue eyes. To some, Valentina's occuli may have been intimidating, but they simplply infuriated Reverie even further.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 15, 2005 13:14:23 GMT -5
As if prompted by the complesion of Reverie's venomous speech, the thorn bushes guarding the Hollow rustled for a second time and another dog appeared, this time a large, broad shouldered male with a white blaze across his chest. Tyrant eyed Reverie, then Valentina, noticing teh venemous look in his close friends eyes. Oh no, he inwardly groaned. Valentina's for it.
He hurriedly picked his way down the slope and stepped in between the two female's and turning to smile at the husky-wolf. "Valentina. I trust you found the Hollow safely. I'm afraid I can't test your abilities at the moment, I'm exhausted. Please, feel free to roam the territory" His words were punctuated by a loud yawn and he turned away, now facing Reverie.
"Goodnight, Reverie. Make sure there isn't any trouble, my friend." His voice was not stern, more as if he was asking her a question, and Reverie gave a grunt of assent and turned away from Valentina, settling on her haunches. Comforted by this act, Tyrant bounded over to his nest, where he curled into a tight ball and was soon asleep, the day had been long and he was tired.
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Post by Valentina on Aug 15, 2005 13:16:09 GMT -5
Valentina watched with a look of mild interest as Reverie straightened herself, making herself taller, so Valentina's eyes had to look up a bit. She rolled her eyes. Respectful, huh? The look on her face was obvious. Her expression as she stood up was rather mocking. It was that of a weary dog tired of being forced to humor a pup or some such thing.
She gave the low, sweeping bow she had given to Tyrant. A humorous bow, and Valentina again did not break the eye contact, but rather smiled at Reverie, also in a mildly annoying way, that most would find funny. But this dog was not most, and Valentina knew that. She also knew what this might invoke, and didn't care. She had been accepted, and to her, that was that.
Her tail swept the ground behind her, and she gave the fae a polite look. "Explain to me how I have been disrespectful, if you please, when I had not so much as opened my mouth before you came?" Valentina inquired, her tone that of obviously forced politeness, with no attempt to hide it.
Just then Tyrant...the only one she recognised, had come in, and she thought she understood the look on his face.
She smiled at him and said "Allright, Sir Tyrant, it was good to see you again," she cast a nod and a smile at Reverie and padded out of the den, feeling watched by Reverie, whether she actually was or not.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 15, 2005 13:25:08 GMT -5
Reverie, with Tyrant blocking her view as the femme stood and her back turned as Valentina bowed, saw none of either act. Thanks the heavens. However, she did hear the words, and they cause her to whip around and narrow her eyes. She did not speak for a moment, she was still marvelling at the femme's impudence. Every other dog, even if they didn't like her, had at least acknowledged her higher ranking and dominance. But this one....
"You know exactly what, my dear." She hissed in a threatening voice. "Your tone of voice when you spoke to me, and the look you gave me are two things. The third was something you didn't do. Quite simple, really. You could have had the curtesy to at least act as if you respected others authority instead of waltsing in and sitting with your head held high. Unless you are completely ignorant, you will know that dogs do not learn most from words, but from actions." Her voice was low, as she didn't wish to wake the Top Dog, nor teh elder. Tyrnt had a hard day, and she knew it. She had no wish to trouble her friend further.
Turning away pointedly, Reverie parked her rump on the floor and sut her mouth with a snap.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 15, 2005 13:27:48 GMT -5
ooc: Bum! T\his is an addition to meh last post.
bic: Althouh Reverie said no more, her keen auds picked up the sound of Valentina and she rose steadily to her feet as they faded. I wonder where that d**ned femme is going. She thought, turning. There's something about her that's just not quite right. I should investigate. Her gaze flicked to Tyrant and she nodded decisively, then followed Valentina from the den, tracking her scent and staying in the shadows, like a predator stalking prey.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 20, 2005 9:13:08 GMT -5
Roughly two hours after drifting off to sleep, Tyrant was woken by the sound of pawsteps crunching through the dry undergrowth above him. He raised his head and blinked blearily, then got to his feet just as Reverie emerged from the thorn bushes.
Tyrant squinted at his friend. Even from this distance he could tell there was something... odd. She walked with her tail hanging limply behind her, and her face was screwed up in someting like pain. Also, her breath came in long gasps, as if she had just run a mile, quickly.
Tyrant dashed up to his friend and looked her over with keen brown eyes, a frown cresaing his brow. Concern radiated from him and his gaze was filled with confused worry as he lifted it to her face. "Reverie? What happened? Why is your tail like that? Are you alirhgt?" He aked gently, licking her on the cheek.
Reverie shook her head slowly as Tyrant's face seemed to swim before her. Suddenly, her lungs seemed to constrict despite the clean air around her and a cough racked her bulky frame. She shook her head again, swaying on the spot. The questions were all too much. Her throat felt parched, her lungs were burning, and agony enveloped her tail. "Valentina.... fire....." She managed to say, her voice weak. Then, exhaling loudly as she fell, she slumped limply to the ground.
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Post by Valentina on Aug 20, 2005 16:21:39 GMT -5
She scarlet wolf-dog had fallen behind a few feet as her friend had entered the Hollow, and when she reached the entrance, poking her head through and peering into the cavern with dazed blue eyes, she saw Reverie collapse. She gave a little growl under her breath, and dragged herself down in to the Hollow, trying not to limp but still moving stiffly. Her tail swept the ground behind her instead of being curled proudly over her back, and her ears no longer twitched.
She saw Tyrant and relief swept over her. She stood on the other side of the fallen fae and looked down at her, mouth open a little. She was breathing, and that was all that mattered. She decided firmly to herself that she would leave Reverie's well-being to Tyrant. She looked up at him, closing her slightly parted lips. Her eyes showed her pain, and her breathing was drawn. She lowered her head and looked up at him. "Sir Tyrant," she said, ears drooping with the weight of the world. "I am so sorry..." she didn't really know what she was apologizing for, but as she was still standing and Reverie was unconscious, it was the first thing that came to mind.
She turned and walked over to the wall of the large den, refusing to collapse yet, but sitting down gently and gingerly applying her weight against the wall as she leaned on it. She seemed to ache everywhere.
She looked back over to Tyrant, and said slowly, "she followed me..." trailing off as if that covered it all. She fell into silence, breathing hard and ice blue eyes staring at nothing, full of hurt.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 21, 2005 5:32:50 GMT -5
Tyrant frowned in a concerned fashion as Valentina approached, seemingly also injured, and apologised. He cocked his head to display his confusion, but the aubern and white femme had already retreated to her nest. He followed her with his gaze, then glanced back at Reverie as she spoke.
"Where, Valentina. What happened? Reverie mentioned fire... what fire." He asked, gaze stil trained on the unconsious Reverie. Her breathing was getting more and more shallow by the minute, and her sides heaved with every breath. Her face was contorted with pain. Tyrant whined, the sound filled with worry, then suddenly brightened as a single word floated into his head. Amos.
The new Shaman! How could he have forgotten? He'll be able to help Reverie and Valentina! They'll both be fine! He smiled and nudged Reverie's shoulder with his maw. "Hang on, my friend.Everything'll be alright." He whispered. Then, thrusting his maw t'wards the heavens, he releasd a doggish howl, one that resounded around the deserted woodland, calling for the gang Shaman.
ooc: Cue Honda!
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Post by Valentina on Aug 21, 2005 12:04:17 GMT -5
The pain in her upper-arm finally became too much to bare, and Valentina allowed herself to lay slowly down as Tyrant spoke. A pencil line of blood traced her way down the wall, and when she turned it away from the wall, no longer wanting the heavy pressure on it, she found that almost her entire arm was soaked in crimson. She brought her blue gaze back to Tyrant, and there appeared to be three of him. She blinked and shook her head, bringing the number back down to one. She wondered how she was even still conscious.
She caught the Rhodesian Ridgeback's brown gaze, and spoke, not liking how weak her voice sounded. She attempted to speak up and sound normal, but the pain rang through all of her words. "We...she followed me. I-I left here, and then...I knew I wasn't alone, but...an' I went in a movie theater, jus' lookin' around, and there were these...these..." It just dawned on Valentina how the fire had been started, and instantly hate flared up in her eyes. She gave a vivacious snarl, louder than she thought physically possible of herself.
She stood up and two of her legs buckled, but she managed to remain standing. "They had smoke sticks. Reverie and I scared them out of the building...stupid humans, they never learn." she gave a single, quietly harsh and humorless laugh. "They threw the smoke sticks. We never noticed...until it was too late." She walked over and stood on the other side of Reverie, facing Tyrant, but her icy eyes were looking elsewhere.
"The building was over-taken in flames in a heart-beat. There was nothin' we could do...we couldn't get out. But then Reverie found a door and we smashed through it, but by then, we'd....we'd been in the smoke for so long..." she turned and glared at the entrance to the Hollow, as though the boys would burst through at any second, and she would ready to take them on. She debated hunting them down, right then and there. She had the will, but at last her common-sense won out in the end, and her internal battle was decided.
She sat down defeatedly, head hung low, pretty features in utter despair. She nuzzled her unconscious friend sadly, and then looked up at Tyrant pleadingly. "Sir Tyrant...what are we gonna do?"
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Aug 25, 2005 7:40:39 GMT -5
ooc: Argh! Just realised that I'm in 2 places at once! Here /and/ at the trials! -smacks self- Bad Tyrant!! Oh well.... suppose nothing I can do now. I won't do it again, pwomise! Oh, and will post later..... in a rush. -scowls-
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Post by Valentina on Sept 15, 2005 21:22:30 GMT -5
Valentina had taken to pacing about the Hollow, walking slowly in wide circles around Tyrant and the collapsed Reverie, her icy optics roaming blankly over the ground in front of her. She limped severely but continued to pace, and the blood from her shoulder had now bled so far down her creamy arm that with every step, a crimson foot print became more visible. when she doubled up on this single footprint, she paused, head hung low, and blinked at it. The wolf-dog looked over at her fallen friend and let out a weak cry, trailing off to a low whine and dying as a sharp breath from her lips. The silence was also getting to her. How could Tyrant say everything would be alright? Reverie was dying, and there was nothing they could do about it, she thought helplessly, perhaps a few irrational worries leaking into her normlly level-headed mind. She threw herself down somewhere behind Tyrant, lying limply on her side and staring at the wall. A breath that wanted to be a whimper escaped her, but she shut her eyes tight and closed her mouth, feeling completely miserable and desperate. She was restless and injured and there was no way she could sleep, not knowing what she might wake up to. She sat up a little and began the tedious process of cleaning her fur, starting with her arm, now the same color as her normally red fur. Her pink tongue glided forcedly over her entire body, tasting the smoke and blood and the ash, reliving the pain with every taste. And what had caused Reverie to pass out? She hoped she'd get a chance to ask her. Quite a while later, finishing up by licking her paws and rubbing them over her velvet ears and down her muzzle in a cat-like fashion, she finished cleaning her pelt. Her shoulder had stopped bleeding profusely, but the fur still looked an abormal rusted hue. This made her feel a considerable amount better. She got up, stumbling once, but catching herself two inches before her face hit the ground. She paced in circles again, her teeth cleched and trying to focus, trying not to limp, trying not to remember. Suddenly she wheeled around, some form of determination burning in her intense blue eyes, and looked from Reverie to Tyrant's deep brwon eyes. "I have to clear my head, Tyrant. I'll be back." was all she said before turning on her heel and padding back out into the night, her ears pinned back and her fox-like tail once again flowing side to side agitatedly behind her.
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Post by .::Tyrant::. on Sept 16, 2005 12:51:20 GMT -5
ooc: Bleh. This is prob' gonna be a really awful post..... I'm uninspired.
bic: As Valentina paced restlessly, so Tyrant sat completely still, staring down at his best friend, watching her ragged breathing. An icy calm had enveloped Tyrant's body, and his mind was in trumoil, completely one-track.
Get better, Rev. Get better, Reverie. You can do it. His mind screamed, while his body remained completely still, dark gaze never leaving Reverie's face.
The Top Dog didn't even register Valentina's words, ignoring tehm completely. He barely noticed her trot off, gaze still pinned to the smoke-poisened Esterela Mountain Dog's face.
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