Welcome to RUN

[mrsusan]

The sound of my howl rose above the skies, everything, everything within eyes reach was mine. I was calling, calling for my pack, to sort out ranks. I smiled to myself, oh yes; everything was going oh so perfectly, nothing could go wrong now, nothing. I walked over to a grey stone which protruded from the ground. For my weight and bulk I moved surprisingly swiftly, my legs were pure muscle, my whole body was pure power.

I gave a short bark and called Lua, my slave. I had taken her when she was just a pup, two years ago. I taught her what was right, she never stood up to, and she did what was asked of her every time. “Good girl” I said mockingly, lip curled as she trotted towards me. She was constantly submissive, and acted exactly as a female should. I had done well with her, I knew. To those who cared about looks she was a good looking creature, I supposed. I smiled as she sat down next to me.

Your every word is my command, words that had been thrashed into me. I watched as he called the pack to the spot at which we stood. I didn’t like the pack much, I was expected to just keep quiet around them, unless directly asked a question, but that rarely happened. A short bark attracted my attention and I padded towards him, expressionless, no reply to his remark. I was used to it.

I sat near him, too close, the gap between up was always the same, enough for everyone to know I was and far enough for him to have his space. To close and I was nipped, great.

[OCC- anyone who want to be in the pack reply here pretending you're in the pack. Ranks come first serve (if you would like a particalar rank say so), this call applies to females too.]

[Shiray]

Deciding against my interesting in something else, for the better I followed my Alpha's call. I was thinking of answering him, but I did not. I picked up into a calculated stride that would neither tire nor make me out of breath when I presented myself before Him. As soon as I came into the clearing, I turned my pace into a slow jog. Seeing Lua -such a pretty name I might add, I walked over her way just the slightest bit, only trying to signal a type of truce between us. I looked over at Sullivan and nodded in greeting, making sure my demeanor didn't offend him.

[Fenris]

(BETA)

Large ears perked immediately at the familiar sound of his leader's howl; Fenris raised his head and gazed attentively in the direction of the call. Without further ado, he shook his thick mane of dark fur and began a quick and steady pace through the trees. As he was stealthy and subtle by nature, his paws were placed only where there were no leaves or dry twigs, dodging around any material that might make a sound when stepped on. It did not take him long to reach his destination, for he was careful never to stray too far from Sullivan's side, so that he would be there quickly if the tyrant so needed him.

He stopped right before entering the clearing, silver eyes darting and looking around before he showed himself. Assuring himself that all was safe and alright, he stepped out into the light and immediately lowered his head, pulling his lips back in a submissive and friendly wolf-smile. He looked up at his Alpha, taking caution in not looking him in the eye, instead concentrating on the massive wolf's maw. Fenris decided not to say anything; If Sullivan needed him, he would address him personally. Instead he sat upon his haunches next to the rock, where he would still have a good view of the leader and Lua, his slave. The dark wolf had always personally thought that Lua was a good-looking female, but he made sure not to express this thought to any other than himself.

Fenris straightened his back and shoulders, making his presence prominent and notable. Taking a deep breath, he waiting patiently.

[mrsusan]

//Sullivan//

I watched as the pack began to arrive, at first, one of my females. Nashida, that was her name right? She nodded at me as she sat near Lua; they did like to stay together didn’t they. I caught her eyes for a second, but that was all the attention I gave her, no my attention was drawn to the next wolf in sight.

I gave this particular wolf a little more attention, for Fenris was certainly my most trusted wolf in the pack, my beta. “Fenris” I said loudly, my full gaze slightly averted from his eyes for I wasn’t challenging him. “glad you could join” I gave him a slightly warped smile, though it wasn’t meant in an unfriendly way. I was a dark, simple, but i knew i needed people i could trust. I knew Lua woudl lay down her life for me any day but she was a she-wolf and a slave. Friends and aquantances are important.

//Lua//

I watched as the first wolf arrived. Nashida she was called, I had a knack for remembering names that often came in use when Sullivan forgot himself. I gave her a small smile as she came and sat down near, fortunately Sullivan couldn’t see, otherwise I may have not done it.

Fenris arrived next, I gave a small sign of submission, he was a male and the beta, Sullivan wouldn’t be happy otherwise. My ears went down and settled into a sitting position, watching my master from the corner of my eye.

[Shiray]

((Hmm... is it possible to be Beta or Delta. I'm only asking because in this pack, females aren't really supposed to be 'that' special.))

A small silent thud was picked up by my ears as another wolf came into view. I believe it was the Beta, Fenris perhaps? For some reason, some small part of me wanted to challenge him, but I dare not. I knew better, yet sometimes it was hard to contain myself. I've learned that too. Looking quickly to Lua again, I sat down and adjusted my position and turned my gaze somewhere else. I always made sure though that I could see Sullivan in the corner of my eyesight. I never once lost all caution around him.

My eyes fell upon the brute Fenris again, looking all so proud. A scoffed in my head, must he always carrying himself this highly? Surely he has confidence in himself to just relax a little bit. Maybe it was just a male thing. I wouldn't know. Once I realized I let my gaze rest on him to long, I realized my mistake and cast my eyes downward, hoping, praying, that he wouldn't take it as a challenge. Even then part of me wanted to be one, but my other side won over and I managed to convince myself not to hope for a fight. It just wouldn't play out good at all.

[Fenris]

Noting how long Nashida's gaze had lingered on him, Fenris flashed her an image on his ivory-white canines and bristled slightly along his nape. That was as far as he took it, however; he decided it wouldn't be worth it to pay her much more attention than he already had. His lip came down to sheath his fangs, and his glare lingered on her for a second longer before he averted his gaze back to Sullivan. "Thank you, my Alpha," he said, his ears respectfully back, his hackles lowered. "I know what will happen to those who don't come." With that he grinned, and a twinkle of amusement flashed through his eyes. It was always a sight when Sullivan punished somebody. A sight that Fenris usually took entertainment in watching.

He glanced over at Nashida again, making sure that she was staying in her place. This was brief, however. Instead of focusing on her he looked over at Lua again. She had her usual worn, defeated look. She was always submissive and obedient, and there was hardly ever any trouble coming from her. For those reasons, he never really showed her any aggression. He found in unnecessary to make enemies with anyone unless you had to.

[mrsusan]

//Sullivan//
I laughed mildly at his comment, yes; I was looking forward to seeing those who wouldn’t come, very much indeed. I smiled at the thought. I rested down, moving my hunches into I more comfortable position, I didn’t need to be standing up to show my dominance, they all knew it anyway. The sun beamed weakly over head and the air was mild, a comfortable temperature, not too hot, not too cold. Winter would be here soon though, so the elk heard might drag a few more wolves into the pack, I knew fully well there wasn’t much vegetation outside of the pack lands. For now though I was in the present, waiting for my pack to arrive.

I noticed Nashida give a lingering stare towards Fenris, though I needn’t intervene, Fenris had sorted out this out by himself. I looked over to Lua, there as always, and smiled to myself, I done myself proud there.

//Lua//
I watched the scene before me with slight interest, making sure that when he did turn my way I averted my gaze. Despite my place in the pack I was rarely challenged or growled at. Sullivan said that was good and praised me for it. If I did ever cause trouble I’d be punished, that’s what he said.


[occ- sorry but the rankings for females are the lowest, howver, she may be dominant of the females in the pack, that is still lower than the lowest male though.]

[Shiray]

((Yeah, I thought so. Alright, sounds good then.))

Hearing Fenris's growl made me look back to him. I kept my gaze lowered, but my lips slightly parted just the slightest bit. To concealed for him to notice, I made sure of that. Snorting, I laid down and put my head on my paws. However, I guess it's a good thing that he had done it and not Sullivan. In my opinion, Fenris thought to highly of himself and was entirely only being laoyal to just save that pelt of his. Oh yes, haven't you guessed yet? I am both evil and good. My mind constantly battles between right and wrong, what should be done and what should not be done. Yet, can't you tell that what I don't do know always builds up. Take for example the small wanting of fighting Fenris. Why, you may ask? Really, it's complicated, even I do not know myself. So far in this pack, he would be the only one I would challenge. Sullivan, for some reason I held respect for that brute. He was Alpha, that's part of it, but because he could keep the pack together and in an orderly condition thus far at least. Lua, was pretty much my only real friend I guess. It wasn't much, but it was something. I trusted her.

All this pondering and thinking took some time on my mind. A let out a sigh and closed my eyes, using my ears to listen out for anything else that my come along. Especially when it came to listening out for Fenris's and Sullivan's movements. A bird chirped in a tree and my ears flickered, but my eyes remained closed. Finally the bird shut up and my mind wandered a little bit more. Hm, I wonder what would happen if I moved a little into the woods. Well, I would any way. I had something to take care of. I got up and looked to Lua, glancing at her and signaling with my eyes and a small twitch of my tail as to what I needed to do; just to make sure if the Alpha wanted to know where I went, Lua could tell him, if he hadn't already figured it out. Then I took off at a small jog and eventually picked up my pace just a little. I was in the more wooded part of the forest, away from where the 'meeting' was being held. I had already down my business and I didn't really wan to go back. I found a large rock and climbed upon it. It was still warm from the sun, and I felt the warmth seeping into my body on my now-laying-down form. Now the question was, would any body follow? I just wanted to rest on the warm rock for a little bit, it felt so good. What was the harm in that?

[Fenris]

Though he had no proof of it, Fenris could practically feel the tension and distaste between him and Nashida. It didn't take much to tell that she didn't like - perhaps even hated - him; not that it bothered the black wolf much. A ridiculously fat squirrel crawled out of a hole in a nearby tree and heading towards the end of the branch, it bowing with its weight as it did so. The pathetic creature slipped and almost fell, catching itself with its fat little paws just in time. However, it obviously did not have the upper body strength to pull itself back up, and it was too plump to kick its hind legs up and catch itself. These conditions led to the poor thing falling down and landing harshly on its back, leaving it stunned and unmoving. After a few moments it came back to terms with reality and struggled to its paws again before scampering quickly back up the tree. Fenris chuckled lightly to himself, and looked over to where Nashida had been sitting before.

She wasn't there. His bright silver eyes darted this way and that, but the she-wolf was not to be found. A low growl rumbled in his throat; she had left the meeting without the express consent of Sullivan or himself. He would be able to find her easily if need be, using her tracks and scent. His gaze turned towards Sullivan, and he stood, flexing his muscles and narrowing his eyes malignantly. His gaze turned towards Sullivan, "Permission to go and fetch Nashida, my Lord?" he asked, not bothering to conceal the contempt in his voice. He only called Sullivan 'My Lord' when he was really wanting something, or he wanted to propose some sort of idea. "It seems the female has decided that it suddenly isn't necessary to ask permission to leave,"

[mrsusan]

//Sullivan//
I watched the horizon, black clouds were gathering at a point not to far in the distance. If the winds decided to blow this way it looked like it was going to rain pretty soon. My eyes drifted away from this and settled on Nashida, who appeared to be gone. I muffled a growl, where had she gone? Did she think she was allowed to just wonder of? No? How dare she! I growled again, my eyes fixed on the spot in which she was supposed to sitting.

"Permission to go and fetch Nashida, my Lord?"

My head snapped over to the owner of these words, he too, had noticed her disappearance. “Of course Fenris” I said, noticing the hatred in his voice. I gave him a smile full of malevolence, for he knew I meant punishment. If it was a male who had wondered of I would have simply called him back, a wench however? I had been called sexist by I number of wolves; I’ve never denied it for I am. That’s the way the world works, every female should behave like my Lua, but sadly they don’t do they? Take Nashida for an example.

//Lua//
Doing my job, keeping watchful. I felt for Nashida, truly I did but what could I do about it? I couldn’t move without being told so, so I could hardly rush to her aid. I sighed and watched as she left, unable to do anything at all.

[Shiray]

After no longer than a minute, I forced myself off the nice warm rock. The others probably still thought that I was doing my business. I smirked and took up a fast run. There was no way I was going to waste anymore time getting back to the meeting. My legs carried me far with the fastest pace I could conjure up. My stamina lasted well and I was yet getting to tired to run. 'Quickly.' I kept telling myself. I continued to run back, not wanting to keep them waiting any longer.

I emerged from the clearing, but I was at a fast lope that turned into a playfully stalking walk. I carefully examined the area while I pretended to only pay attention to Lua as I walked over to her. Never once did I let my eyes trail off of Sullivan, or even greater, Fenris. I could sense, smell, and almost taste the tension in the air. I knew, just knew that Fenris probably hated me, but I hated him in return. What goes around comes around I guess.

After I relaxed my body and I sat near Lua, I sulked down. I put my ears back in a pleading manner and made sure I looked sorry for leaving. They would never know though that in my thoughts I was mentally drooling at the mouth in anger and lust to bite and tear Fenris apart. I hated that bas.... He carried himself to d.mn high for my likes. Then again, wasn't I supposed to me 'lower' than all the males in this pack? Stupid rules. I thought to myself.

My gaze and poster sagged to the ground more. I was practically lying on the cool ground now. My ears remained back and my maw shut, not wanting to show any welcome invites for a fight. Oh did that devil side of my mind take over. I was in trouble now and I knew it. Yet, hopefully I could sulk lower. Actually, maybe I could try to get on Fenris's better terms. Stop! What was I saying? I hated that brute! Hmm, I guess it was when you can't have something, you always want it more. Darn it! Did that even make sense? How stupid am I at this point in time. Emotionally I am almost a wreck at times. What a stupid, poor, little o'l me.

[Fenris]

Nashida had entered the clearing just as Fenris was turned towards the forest. He unsheathed his fangs and growled deeply and loudly, bristling along his nape. His right leg twitched violently in his anger; he had an unusual tendency to twitch when agitated. His eyes narrowed and snapped to look her directly in the eye. His whole body was tense and taut with the intense strain of holding himself back. "Well, it seems the bitch decided to show up, eh?" he said quietly, his comment directed towards Sullivan. He made sure to say it just loud enough for Nashida to hear.

The very fact that she showed up before he had a chance to reprimand and punish her infuriated him. And the way her ears were laid and her posture was submissive and obedient angered him even more; he could see it in her eyes that she was acting, trying to hide the rebellion going on inside her ming. 'What a little actor - she might be able to fool everyone else, but not me.' he thought darkly. 'Heh, then again, aren't I good at doing just that?' Fenris couldn't help but chuff approvingly. He couldn't deny that he had a tendency to do the exact same thing she was doing.

Black fur still bristling along his thick mane-like ruff, Fenris dug his claws deep into the earth to help keep himself stable. He couldn't afford to lose it right now - when he snapped, it wasn't often very pretty. He turned his powerful muzzle towards Sullivan, silently asking permission to reprimand her.

[Aniu]

The knarled branches of the great oak that hung over Aniu as she wandered beneath it were heavily weighted with jubilant colors, waiting for the first flakes of the winter snow to envelope their pigments and drive back the humidity and heat. The last rainstorm had split open the sky, and had rained down in icey drops upon the ground. But Aniu could feel another storm brewing above her head, it rumbled and toiled in the heavens, protesting at the clouds' restraint upon it. Aniu could sense it, feel it. It wanted to crash, crash into a thousand pieces, and to cry its heart's tears.

Obviously, Aniu didn't want to be around when that happened, but in order to remain on the good side of the males of the pack, she had to make herself present. Her amorous mitts sunk silently into the sodden ground, just in the manner that her father had taught her. The wind that toyed with the brilliantly colored branches and leaves was a sign, it would not be long before that rainstorm arrived. But it was a tolerable element.

Ears instinctively drew back as she emerged into the clearing where everyone had gathered so far. Immediatly her posture was lowered, tail tucking some between her hind legs, as she moved to Nashida's side. The two females were the only ones she had a close bond with, but being the slaves of males, one tended to befriend those who were in the same predicament as you were.

Aniu briefly glanced towards Fenris, immediatly taking note of his bristling anger, his eyes fixated upon Nashida before diverting to Sullivan. Aniu made sure not to stare, since it was rather disrespectful to do so. She put her muzzle near Nashida's ear. "Please be careful Nashida." Aniu didn't want to see her friend punished by the disgruntled males of the pack.

[mrsusan]

//Sullivan//
I remained calm, sure I could get angry at times, everyone does but for now, I was calm. Calm however didn’t mean emotionless, for one I was fairly happy, glad in fact of the current events taking place. A smile played on my lip, smug one may say, a smirk for I was happy at the moment. I couldn’t hide the fact I enjoyed dealing out punishment, whether it was me or another giving it out, I was always happiest then. The wench however had seemed to come to her senses, and walked back into the circle. Coming back, that lessened her punishment greatly but still, she left without permission.

I glanced back at Fenris, no; he wasn’t bothering to hide his anger in the slightest. “So she did” I sneered, giving him a short nod in answer to his silent question. She’d think twice about not asking for permission again. Just as I spoke another wolf walked into our mists, another female, this one labelled Aniu I believe. Like all the others she entered quietly, posture submissive and sat down next to Nashida. She spoke quietly in her ear, too quietly for me to hear. I gave a disgruntled growl, but then figured it was to do with Nashida’s trouble making, the concern in Aniu’s eyes was only too evident. Good I thought silently to myself teach them all a lesson and at that I looked back at fenris and smiled, eyes alive.

//Lua//
Oh Nashida! What have you done? I heard my master give his orders and shuddered. If she was just good! All these warnings Sullivan placed upon me, specifically telling me not to do as she had; he told me what he’d do to me. I whimpered silently, concerned for my friend, sometimes I wished I could be male, have the power to stop it all, save her. But I wasn’t was I? I was a slave, what power do I have there?

Whist busy worrying for her she walked back into the circle, I gave a small sigh of relief, If she was going to be punished now it wouldn’t be half as terrible as what she would have received before. I tried to catch her eye, my own were brimmed with sympathy and warning, I didn’t want my friend to get hurt.

I looked over at Fenris, his fur bristling, the rage he felt was expressed throughout his body, I wanted to jump in there and stop him, capture the words from his mouth and bury them, but they always dug themselves back out. Life had trapped my in this helpless body and there was nothing I could do about it.

A rustle of bushes and Aniu arrived; I gave her a small smile and hoped she too wouldn’t break any rules.

[Fenris]

At the sight of Aniu, Fenris's hackles lowered slightly, though his obvious anger was still relevant. Ainu was not quite and beaten and submissive as Lua, but not near as rebellious as Nashida. He looked in her direction and flicked his tail in recognition as she sat beside Nashida, whispering something in her ear. Undoubtedly, it must have been something about her running off and earning the disfavor of the pack males.

He looked up a Sullivan; unsurprisingly, his familiar smug smirk was plastered upon his face. Like himself, Sullivan liked dealing out punishment, and took entertainment in watching it being delivered.

'So she did,'

As Sullivan nodded, Fenris calmed down considerably. His intense rages rarely lasted longer than a few seconds, anyway. Fenris had always been very prone to mood-swings and other peculiarities, so he doubted anyone would be alarmed by his sudden calmness. Straightening his form, he flashed the entire pack his infamous and crooked wolf-smile; he had never perfected his smile, and it always looked like he wasn't used to doing it much. Well, that was true, at least. Lua and Ainu's obvious concern only fed his desire to reprimand Nashida; punishing her in front of the other females of the pack would only be helpful when it came to the others' obedience.

But what to do?

Usually, a sharp nip accompanied by a sound tongue lashing would do the trick, but he felt it wouldn't work at the moment. His head held high and stance in a neutral position - neither aggressive nor defensive - he looked directly into Nashida's eyes, no longer allowing his desire to punish show through. His smile persevered, accompanied by a single twitch of his left ear and a quiet chuff.

"Oh what to do, what to do..." he said ever-so-quietly, more to himself than to Sullivan or any of the others. That was another habit of his; always talking to himself. A few gentle steps forward brought him roughly a meter from the offending female, and he turned his body so that his left side was facing her, his head swiveled about to look at her directly. He cast two more glances before continuing - one at Lua, one at Ainu. His gaze lingered upon Ainu for a second longer before his silver orbs turned back to Nashida.

"Tell me," he said, his smile twisting into a smirk. "What are you expecting, exactly?" Upper lip twitched again, and he flexed his claws.