away to the stars [open]

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» It was a clear night, one of the few this season. Off shore storms had darkened the skies and sounded their presence with rolling cries of thunder but almost no rain had fallen on the shore. Instead, the ocean had gotten rough - rougher than it normally was. Even now, with the stars shining above, the water below slammed into the rocky shore with surprising ferocity. A strong wind, typical of the area, blew off the angry ocean carrying the briny, musky scent of sea lions. Zara's stomach rumbled. She was nestled into a narrow crevice between two of the larger boulders in the area. Before her lay a hundred foot drop-off to even more boulders that were being pummeled by rocks. Somewhere below, hidden by the darkness, were the sea lions, the main prey of her pack. With the weather making hunting difficult, the females were getting less and less to eat. Zara had already been small, her build a product of long-term malnutrition. She had been born in this pack, her mother one of the first females they stole, and female pups were never well fed. Her ribs were visible, even through her surprisingly downy cream and brown coat. Now her hip bones also jutted out slightly from her body. With her pale coat, bright lavender eyes, and nearly skeletal frame, Zara looked more like an ocean wight than a physical wolf. » A particularly strong blast of wind turned the pleasant night area a little chilly, causing her to puff up her coat and shiver. The she-wolf cowered down farther into the lee of her crevice. It was foolish, really, to be out tonight, but she had risked it to see the stars. Zara loved them to watch them, hanging there so delicately and coldly. No matter what atrocities were committed on earth the stars never saw. Their eyes were to pure, to bright, to bother looking down on the likes of her. However, when Zara stared up at them she could almost imagine herself as implacable as they - a soul that had weathered the pounding of the ocean around her without breaking. She had seen wolves break. They responded to the beatings at first with defiance, but they became quieter, quieter, until they stepped off the edge of the cliff and into the ocean. Zara's mother had been one such of those. Zara didn't blamer her, but as she peered down at the black shadow of the ocean below her she also did not envy her. Here there was still life. She still got to taste the blood of prey in her mouth. One day she might even bear a living male and gain some favor. when the beatings had killed her last litter before they were born she had eaten the bodies in shame, terrified that a worse beating would follow. » Despite the horror Zara still lived. Just as the stars shone, Zara lived. She sighed and settled more comfortably into her niche in the rocks, purple eyes turned up toward the sky. It was perhaps not totally proper for her to be out alone, but she was close enough to the pack to hear their muffled noises. Besides, sometimes the beatings made her feel more present, less like she was drifting off to join the stars. Zara tilted back her her creamy head and allowed her thoughts and eyes to roam the unchanging, indifferent sky. notes » still figuring her out i guess? @vixen

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She had smelt the storm on the air all day, the tension in the sky making her heart shudder in anticipation. Oh, how she loved storms! It was so alive, so invigorating, to be out in one. As it was, she was cheated of the entire show; the shower of rain accompanying the thunder was just the barest trickle to make her pelt damp. Well, not quite - it had been quite the downpour for a few minutes. But she'd dried off quickly afterwards, so it didn't feel the same as a full-blown tempest. At least the air had cleared, though. It was crisp and sharp in her nose, and she felt young and care-free again. That was a pleasant change, she mused, slipping from her den. Recently she'd had lots of things weighing on her mind. One rather large, living problem occupied most of her thoughts, but she refused to dwell on them now. The cool night air invited her to forget her worries for a bit, and that meant leaving camp. Strictly speaking she wasn't to go anywhere without supervision. She might get damaged or something. She snorted at the thought, pausing in her tracks when a vaguely familiar scent caught her attention. It was one of the females that Kerberos had...acquired in some form. She'd never actually been introduced - as far as she was concerned, that was a ploy by their master to keep them on a tight chain - and Namiko decided that now would be as good a opportunity as any. She padded easily along the path, her ivory pelt glinting in the cold light of the stars. She peered up at them as she walked, smiling faintly at their twinkling lights. They were fascinating entities, the stars. Some days, like today, they seemed so close...like silver fireflies waiting to be touched. Other days they were tiny pinpricks in a dark sky, aloof and untouchable.  The wind picked up, pushing her long pelt to and fro with unruly fingers. She giggled softly, turning her face into the cold breath of salty air. It made her homesick for the shore, but she was too close to the sharp cliffs for the round trip to be performed this night. If she was a little more confident of her place within Ker's society, she might have risked it. As it was, she caught sight of her pack-mate, slotted between two boulders like a misplaced tuft of wool. Her blue-grey eyes narrowed, taking in the sharp angles of the wolf's body. "You're starved!" she cried out in horror, forgetting all niceties. She hurried forwards, before coming to an abrupt halt. She didn't want to scare the other girl into falling over the cliff's edge. The crash of the waves on the rocks below was a clear indication of the death that awaited at the bottom of the fall. "Don't freak out. I'm one of the new pets." She spoke the word with loathing, hating how it stripped her of freedom. "I'm not here to hurt you or sell you out or whatever it is that you might be thinking." "Speech"

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» In the distance Zara could hear the voices of some of the male member's of the pack. She tensed for just a moment, wondering if she should try to flee. If they came any closer, or the tone changed, she might be able to make it back to her assigned den and pretend she hadn't been anywhere at all. The voices moved on, fading and becoming more muffled as they retreated into the cave-like dens that the pack used. It was really all there was. Any dirt that had once rested on this ground had long since been washed away by the winds and water, resulting in this hard rock beneath her. Having grown up with it, Zara knew nothing else. Some of the new girls had whispered to her of warm dens filled with soft moss. She pitied these wolves their soft upbringing. It would make surviving more difficult in the long run. » For Zara, that was all there was left. It had been months since she had even tried to befriend one of the other females. With only three coveted spots of relative ease in the whole pack, most relationships just lead to betrayal. Zara didn't blame them. If she could sleep in a warmer den and eat more food, with the only price letting Kerebos mate with her, she would. How would it be different from all the other males that seemed to use the females indiscriminately. Mostly, she though, she would do it for the food. With the threat of the males' voices passed, Zara allowed herself to relax once more. Distracted as she was, the she-wolf nearly jumped out of her skin at the loud voice of another wolf. Reflexively she cringed closer to the boulders, expecting a blow that never came. A moment later she realized the voice had been female. What was wrong with her? Did she want every guard on the coast coming down on their heads? Quickly Zara scurried over to her, unable to hide the slight limp that still lingered from his last mistake. If only she had been better. "Shut up," she hissed, glancing around anxiously. "Do you want everyone to hear?" » The other wolf was white, her coat still beautiful and her frame well-fed. "Don't freak out. I'm one of the new pets." Despite the fear of discovery that still quivered in Zara's breast she let out a nearly noiseless huff of laughter. Of course this pretty wolf was new. She still walked erect and looked others in the eye. Bravely, for Zara, she brought her own lavender eyes up to meet the white wolf's blue-grey ones. "Obviously you're new or you wouldn't be making so much noise. You have to learn how to blend in. Don't call attention to yourself." It was pointless to give the new wolf advice. Soon she would be just as broken as the rest of them. None the less, Zara found herself liking the pretty wolf. The concern she had shown for her weight was the first concern any living creature had shown her for longer than Zara cared to remember. "I'm Zara," the she-wolf practically whispered. "I'll try to help you. As long as you do everything right it's not that bad. As for the other, we'll see."  It was the getting stuff right part that Zara wasn't so great at. That was the only reason they beat her. She knew if she was just better it would be ok. Why was she even doing this? Of course the wolf would betray her. Once she got really hungry Zara would just be another stepping stone to a bigger meal. notes » twee, friends!

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Namiko hadn't expected the girl to react so harshly at her voice. Want everyone to hear what? Suddenly understanding dawned on her, and she cringed slightly. That had been silly of her. "Oops. Sorry" she whispered, casting a furtive look about. The area was clear, though - no sign of anyone out to reprimand them. Which was good as far as the white wolf was concerned. It meant she had time to get to know the girl a little - life was always more bearable with a friendly face or two in the crowd.  At the explanation that followed the first tones of greeting, she scrunched her features into a disdainful scowl. "I detest the need for secrecy" she informed the lavender eyes swimming below hers. She kept her voice soft though, more to stop the other lass from freaking out. It irked her that she was the one who had to change her ways and adapt simply because the male needed an ego-boost. "But I suppose you're right. I'll do my best to silent as a ghost in future." That was something she was at least partially skilled at. Her year alone had taught her much in the ways of getting from one place to another unheard and unseen. She'd still be traceable by scent, of course, but then everything was.  She inclined her head politely as the other introduced herself, a faint smile curving across her features in response. "I'm Namiko. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Her smile broadened at the brave words spoken by the small tan wolf, before trailing off with the foreboding words of advice. "What other?" she queried, lowering her head to peer at the other wolf. "What horror is next in store for us poor marionettes?" She was faintly quivering with her need to know, desperate for the knowledge that would help her understand how the games of power were played here.  As she waited for an answer, she mused privately that if anyone was going to stand up for the other, then she would for Zara. Just looking at the thin frame made her feel queasy, and she resolved to find something for the smaller wolf to eat. Some fish would do her a world of good - get a bit of fat under the pelt before winter settled in. She simply couldn't allow a fellow pack-mate - no, even a complete stranger with no pack ties whatsoever deserved as much - to starve. That simply wasn't on the cards.  "Speech"

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King of the Coast, Kerberos

Freedom was a fickle thing. Not something that the male was going to give up so easily; there was an easy confidence about him that could not be denied. He eased his way through things, life in itself was never much of an issue. It had never caused him much grief, simply because he had been feared since the day he had been pushed out of the womb. Honestly, it was a shock that the male held any sort of decency; he had been feared by his own mother. Accused every day she had lived with him that he had eaten his siblings before they ever had a choice of life.

His paws pushed a little rougher into the ground as he continued on his way forward, head dropped as he attempted to process what rolled through his mind. Pack, his safety; it bothered him that there was allegiance to them. Other living beings seemed to be an enigma to him. It was difficult for him to understand, and his mouth tightened at the reminder. While he might not have been the most superb leader in the world, but he existed.

Ears swished on his head as the female voices reached his ears, and the male stopped his tracks over the stones. Oh, he recognized the voices and savored them for a few moments. His heart skipped a beat though when he realized Namiko had once again disobeyed. Her nature was strong, but he fought the sigh that would have crippled him. Instead he merely changed course, easily melting his way forward until he reached the pair.

He stood back though, head cocked to the side with amusement. He was from behind Namiko, but he was confident that Zara would have seen him. For her, he offered a fierce, masculine grin that could not be denied. He adored every female in their own way, Zara was not an exception. His head tipped to the side, and his laughter broke at Namiko’s anxious question.

"When you really mess up, you get one of your bones broke my sweet wave,” His words purred as he announced his presence, stepping up from behind her easier. The frown crossed his lips at the sight of the other female though, surprised that she looked slightly neglected. Why was no one taking her down to the shore? What happened if she started to whine about being unclean? It was a gentle mercy to dunk them into the ocean once in a while, let them play in the shallows. They were like pups, after all, on occasion.

"I see you’ve met one of the other girls well enough without a formal introduction, little wave.” His voice addressed as he reached out to his new female, brushing his cheek against hers gingerly. But then he drifted past, tail lifting as his ears leaned forward and his jaw dropped, tongue lolling out for a second as he reached out and offered a gentle nip to the shoulder. "Zara has had a life that has not been easy on her… last time I recall, it was a nasty harmless mistake. But on the land where the smallest mistake is life and death, it’s always smart to listen to those who know.”

Reaching out, he licked Zara’s cheek gently, eyes shining in sympathy. "You'll learn some day, dear one, I have ever the glowing faith in you. Just as my father had faith in his angel.” Vibrating words grumbled in his chest as they escaped, offering another almost childish grin as he turned back to the other female, giving a pointed look of displeasure. She had still left him, Namiko had fled without permission. That would have to be approached carefully.

ooc:| @teme, @caribou - minor powerplays with interactions with the girls. Lemme know if you want it changed!

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» Zara began to quiver, either from the chill in the air or trepidation, she wasn't sure. What she had been doing before, sneaking out to look at the stars, that had been bad. But what she was doing now was even worse. The males didn't like it when the she-wolves formed alliances. Even weak, a group of females could take down a male. Besides that she was making connections against her better judgement. She hadn't felt like this in ages, but there was something about the silver wolf that drew Zara to her like a moth to a flame. She had obviously so recently been happy. Energy glowed from her. Everything she did was vibrant, even the way she lowered her voice. Zara had never seen such acquiescence combined with such defiance. Kerebos would not like it. She shouldn't even be seen in the same area as this wolf, let alone talk to her. She drew a little closer to her, posture relaxing slightly. "I'm sorry. It's just easier for them to be angry at you if they've forgotten you're there." The technique had worked so far for Zara, at least. Well, she was alive. » The white wolf smiled, perhaps the first Zara had seen in a year. Namiko. Soundlessly her lips formed the word - the name of her first friend. It was stupid to even think of her as a friend. Why couldn't Zara stop? "Oh, Namiko," the she-wolf sighed. "I meant only that the day will come when you will betray me - for food, or warmth, or to escape a beating." Zara turned her face away slightly, guilt creeping over her. She had done so in the past, unsuccessfully in the long run. Every one who was still alive in this pack had done things they didn't want to. For a moment all she could see was the little dead pups her adolescent body had born. It had sickened her how good it felt to be full after she had destroyed the evidence. When Zara looked back to Namiko her purple eyes were positively gleaming with sorrow. "The worst horror is when they make you betray even yourself." » Behind Namiko a new shape slowly appeared, his dark coat blending so well with the night that Namiko didn't even notice him. Zara stared, aghast. Had he heard her? Fear caused her heart to thump violently against her heart as she hunkered closer to the ground, offering submission to her alpha. Everything he was saying was right. All of this pain, all of this discomfort - it was all her fault. All she had to do was be better, try harder. Then they wouldn't have to hit her. Zara knew in her heart that Ker didn't really want to beat her. If only she would stop forcing him by breaking the rules. Her great alpha did not even seem angry with her this night though, and he reached out to gently lick her on the cheek. Pleasure filled her heart and she lifted her odd, lavender eyes to look at him. "My only hope is that one day I can improve myself enough to please you." Daringly she allowed herself to quickly and lightly nuzzle him back, careful to kept it as subservient a motion as possible. Perhaps he would be pleased by her returning display of affection. She really did want to please him. Quickly she sent a glance in Namiko's direction, begging her silently to just keep the leader of their pack happy. It was easy to make a mistake, but this time Zara would try harder than she ever had before. notes » aw, she's sad.

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There was pain and sorrow in the girl's voice as she calmly informed the white wolf of the fateful other. Betray another? That was simply unheard of, and Namiko's heart pounded in rebellion. No, Kerberos would have to rip her to pieces before she betrayed an undeserving soul. "I'll never betray you, Zara. Not whilst you are in the right" she informed her quietly, her soft tunes enforced with steely determination. She leant forwards to lick the girl's brow in a gesture of comfort and unspoken promise. The very thought of punishing someone for some petty infraction of the rules made her sick. The world was built in balance, and their was an unspoken duty to uphold your honour and loyalty. For now, she was forced to be loyal to Ker, simply because he held her life in his paws. But that didn't mean that she had to lose all her scruples and honour! No, the only creature she was ever like to betray was the alpha himself. Perhaps she was run for safety, perhaps death would steal her away...but that was a justified betrayal. She didn't mind being the traitor in that case.  The desolation in Zara's voice and posture made her heart ache, and she yearned to curl herself around the fragile body and nurse it back to life. There was no spark in those pretty purple eyes. Just a pained acceptance that this was how things worked. Before she could act on her impulse, the other wolf sunk silently to the ground, her gaze frozen on a distant point of Namiko's shoulder. Great, he'd found her....again! She supposed it was the mark of a good alpha that he could find his subjects so easily, but still. She wished she could have had a little more time with Zara. Time to get her to relax and open up at little. Oh, and time to find her something to eat! She winced at the rumbling tunes the male emitted, her shoulders slumping a little when his presence was announced for certain. There had been no harm in pretending he wasn't actually there. Broken bones sounded terribly painful, not to mention a huge nuisance. If you wanted any chance of it knitting back nicely, then endless days of lying in the den was necessary - not something she would particularly enjoy. "I took it upon myself to meet my fellow pack-mate" she agreed mildly, watching the starlit sky, rather than the male. "It was terribly dull to have no conversation for so long." She held herself stiffly as he brushed his cheek against hers, stormy eyes glittering with restrained discomfort. He unsettled her, she was more than willing to admit that. Otherwise she'd be more than happy to touch him, or any other well-bred wolf, for a bit of comfort and companionship. They were social creatures by design - it was madness not to indulge in the activities that formed such a close-knit group. Ker's story of Zara's hardships made the bile rise in her throat, she forced herself to breathe deeply. The way the tan wolf gazed adoring upwards, despite the very obvious cause for all her distress, made Namiko's stomach churn horridly. How twisted it was to make her believe it was all her fault! She clenched her teeth together before she could launch into a tirade on the injustice of it all. Instead she held Ker's eye firmly when he turned to look at her, her features pulled into a light scowl. "You're not doing a good show of having faith in her" she pointed out reasonably, ignoring Zara's look. "How can you expect her to better herself when she doesn't have enough fat on her bones to keep her warm, let alone to keep her thinking straight?" "Speech"

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King of the Coast, Kerberos

The female assumed she knew it all. It was a shock to the system as he remained posed eloquently with Zara, and his head cocked to the side as he heard her out. Oh, it was another generous habit he possessed. Not all of his wolves would even lean so far as to let a female speak out of turn. If only Namiko realized that he might have ruled, but he was certainly not the biggest monster in the pack. Not when it came to the torture of females, deemed less than their worth.

When he spoke, his words were careful. "Little Wave,” Words were brisk, and he watched Namiko with that serious blue grey eye. "I have kept you because you have fascinated me. Please,” His voice softened, slight on the air. While he had not been offered the time to educate the female on the workings of the pack, it carried in his voice. The concern, the real concern for the welfare of his new toy. "Do not make me give you to the Gatekeeper.” Ominous words likely carried no meaning to one female, but to the other, he knew the boogeyman of the females in this pack would be a frightened word.

When he was finished, he returned once more in sympathy. His body brushed against Zara's, and the male frowned as he took in account what the female had threatened. Was her weight such a problem? He supposed it was; and the tilt of his head slunk to the other side than normal for him, it caused him to appear owlish. "You're not unwell from it, are you Zara?” Fierce words tumbled out of his mouth, and he managed to look soft for a moment. It was gone the next, replaced by the near stoic facade he always offered. "Have I been neglecting the needs of my ladies so?”

His head shook in disbelief, "I've kept everyone away from you since your last accident with your young. I've not forced that back on your body-- it shattered my heart to know you suffered such a loss.” It was not a lie, the male had not coupled with her himself that time around; but any young was welcomed into the pack. The females could be formed to know the rules, the males would be treasured as they were meant to be. As he dropped to the ground, a sudden loud thump, his eyes peered up this time around into the small female's features, knowing it would shock her that he dropped himself. "It was a loss I still carry with me, my dear. Although I know it burns you more... it was not my intent to keep you suffering after such horrific ways of death bringing sorrow where it should have birthed life.”

Oh, grand speeches. His ears rolled back against his head, and his eye glanced over to Namiko pointedly. "Zara has been doing fine since her last misstep - the longest we have ever gone with her since she reached her matured age, Little Wave. She is remarkable with new females.” His praise was all easy, it was soundless off his tongue. But he managed to appear abashed by his words. Favoritism when he had not claimed Zara as untouchable by any but him? He had offered her reprieve, not to be sharing his night den away from the keep.

"Perhaps it would do well for you to listen to her wise words.”



ooc:| @teme, @caribou

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» Zara knew that despite outward appearences, tonight was her lucky night. If Kerberos had come across just her without Namiko, she doubted the meeting would have gone on like this. Then again, it also wouldn't have been so confusing. He seemed fascinated by the silver wolf, speaking to her as gently as he might have spoken to his favorite females. Even so, not even she was exempt from the threat of the Gatekeeper. AS Kerberos' gentle tones slipped the word out casually Zara culdn't help but let out a squeak of fear. If it was possible she made herself seem even smaller, glancing around involuntarily as if the wolf was going to appear out of the shadows and take her away. Kerberos kept the females in line like he did so they wouldn't be killed by wolves like the Gatekeeper. That's why it was for her own good to stay in her den, away from the rest of the pack. It had been the Gatekeeper who mounted her months ago, and his anger had still not been totally spent. Zara looked up at her new friend, lavender eyes large with fear and apprehension. The Gatekeeper would rejoice to have such a pretty new pet to break. He liked the head strong ones. For a moment all she could see was her wolf being beaten to a scrap of life by the boogeyman wolf. A low, plaintive whine crept out of her throat, begging her friend to just do as Kerberos said. As long as Namiko obeyed nothing to horrible would happen. » In a sharp contrast to her thoughts of the Gatekeeper Kerberos turned to her (her!) with gentleness in his eyes. As he inquired after her condition, Zara shook her head violently from side to side. "No my lord!" She glanced at him, hoping he would not thin her outburst was unbecoming. "I did not eat for shame and sorrow, not through any failing of your own." He continued, forcing her to confront once again those little wet bundles of fur in her mind. Her heart cringed away, trying to banish those thoughts from her mind. Intuitively she knew it was not really her fault - she had been to young to bear pups, the Gatekeeper to eager. Still, it was a female's duty to provide more wolves to the pack. Her only duty in fact. And in that she had failed, just as she had failed at nearly every task set before her. A sob tore out of her throat as her lord admitted that he shared her sorrow. Even more surprisingly he actually dropped to the ground beside her, something she had never seen him do. AS he continued to comfort her for her loss Zara felt the sorrow in her heart transforming into determination. By failing her lord she had brought sorrow not only to herself but also to him. More than anything she wanted to undo her mistakes and cause him to look upon her with the same love she felt for him, just once. If that was impossible, perhaps he would look that way at her son. "I- I am sorry to have caused you such sorrow as well, my lord. I hope some day to soothe it." » It was almost a relief when he turned his concerned gaze away from her and toward Namiko. Zara knew she was being used as the object of a lesson or he would never have treated her like this. She didn't care. Whatever the reason it felt glorious to hear such praise fall from his mouth about her. Faint praise as it was. But it just kept getting better and better. Zara chanced a smile at her master, true joy beaming from her tan face as he called her remarkable. Had he really noticed her that much? Even if he was just saying it for his new toy, Zara didn't care. She would cherish the words just as much. Was he suggesting that Zara teach Namiko how to live in the pack? "Master, my own failings are so great. You honor me tonight. I beg of you to give me another chance to prove my worth to this pack. If I can do so by teaching Namiko how to behave than I shall try harder than I ever have before." She would not fail this time. He had been kind to her lately, he had given her respite. Kerberos had forbidden any of the other males from touching her after her last litter, but in doing so he had taken away the only purpose she had. If only she could produce something the pack truly needed she would not be so worthless. All Zara wanted was for Kerberos to know she was fully committed to the continuation of the pack. Even if she had female pups she would raise them to be the perfect objects. Silent and meek. Exactly like herself. notes » its a little creepy how much she likes him.

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Whilst she hadn't the faintest clue who this Gatekeeper was, Zara's reaction was forceful enough to leave her in no doubt that she never wanted to make his acquaintance. She had the sense to relax her posture and lower her gaze, accepting the threat for what it was. He had promised that he wouldn't hurt her...but she supposed it had been too much to hope that his promise had no bearing on the actions of his subjects. It made her want to huff and stamp her paws, but she curbed the desire. She had to tread carefully, now as much as in the future. She wasn't like Zara, groomed to be silent and submissive. She required mental stimulus, and discussions on more than what the weather was doing. Though she cherished good company, she equally needed her moments alone. They were all things that Kerberos could, and would, take from her if he saw fit. So whilst she would face him with enough spark to keep her independent, she wasn't going to push him too far. Her lip curled slightly at the show the male was making, her heart clenching painfully at the adoration Zara showed. Didn't she realise that he was just playing her along? Couldn't she hear beneath that gilded tongue and see the male's indifference? She wanted to grab the girl and give her a good shake...and yet what was the use? She had been raised in the pack; she didn't know what individuality or freedom of thought was. Her heart cracked at Zara's story, told from two such very similar points of view. Whilst she had no idea how the pups had been conceived, to lose them was simply tragic. She dismissed Ker's words of sympathy with a flick of her tail. Oh, he certainly knew how to play the charming gentleman!  She felt her stomach sink at the praise for the tan wolf, followed by the girl's hopeful reply. Oh no, no , no! Namiko was more than certain that she'd get the quiet wolf into trouble, and that was the last thing she wanted. She stiffened, but kept her tongue silent. Instead she kept her gaze fixed intently on the male, trying to read what his game was. How much of her had he sussed already? How much of their conversation had he overheard? Because torn between her own safety and that of her friend, she'd definitely be more...amenable to the pack's laws. Any misstep she made would reflect badly on her 'teacher', and the silver-edged wolf wasn't sure how much more abuse Zara could take. In the shape she was currently in, with winter nigh upon them, she wagered not very long.  "Perhaps I would" she replied to his words, suddenly aware that she was the only one standing. It felt odd, being able to look down at the male, and she abruptly set her rump to the ground. She wasn't willing to lie down and cower; not without good reason to, in any case. She paused, looking up at the stars in an effort to quell the storm in her heart. Protectiveness for Zara warred with her desire to stay true to herself. "Yet I cannot fathom how one can celebrate life, enjoy all it has to offer, when individuality is stifled." Her words were reflective, her gaze shifting to settle upon the two wolves before her. "For you, I suppose it makes little difference. One body is as warm as the other on a cold night" she continued, fixing her gaze on the male. "But does that satisfy you? To know that whichever girl you choose to have, will silently accept whatever is on offer?" Her features twisted into a grimace of pity; pity for the male for not seeing how colourful life could be by interacting with his pack on a personal, individual level, and pity for Zara who had been corrupted for too long to know what it meant to stand up for yourself. She shook her head sadly, grieving for the souls that may once have been pure and untainted. "Look at Zara. Look at the love and adoration she bestows on you" she continued firmly, trying to make the male understand...and also trying to get her head around the madness of loving the creature who caused you pain. "Why should I learn to follow you as blindly and adoringly, when the reward is so shallow?" "Speech"

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King of the Coast, Kerberos

If only Namiko would have realized that everything she said resulted on information. He listened with crisp amusement in his eye, and he managed to find her quite... distressful. What did she hope to accomplish? What was the purpose of his new toy being so defiant? While he grasped the understanding that was supposed to come his way, his laughter rumbled in his chest. As he shifted restlessly, he pulled his attention away from the grumbling she-wolf who assumed she knew it all.

His eye lit up at the offer of the female at his feet, and he bent down, his nose coming against her shoulder. "I'm sorry,” His words were spoken softly, this time around he seemed to feel his disappointment well in his chest. The guilt actually managed to crack through a moment, just a moment, "I should never have risen the topic of your loss, Zara. It was more a jibe at Namiko and her arrogance-- you do notice it, don't you?” His eyes swished back to look at the female who pretended she had a leg to stand on.

He moved forward, rising to his feet swiftly and his laughter burst into the air. Merriment shined evidently, and his paws stepped forward. "Since you've bonded so, Namiko, let this be a lesson to you.” His voice softened into a growl, and he pulled his body around her left side, his constant attention was intimidating, to be certain. His mouth came up along side her once again, his eye shined ruthlessly when it finally caught hers. "For every meal you are offered; you will choose who eats. Zara or You. For every time you give something to Zara, you will be beaten, for I will present it to you. Every time Zara gets denied, she will waste away.”

His words were firm on the air, even as the tension rode his body. His fur had started to rise, and the chuckle rode the air. The announcement was creed, and his tail swished behind him as the pleasure glanced across his gaze. The snarl curled his lips, and he chuckled harshly. "And since you think yourself of such value to me, then I will take every punishment - except the one I just spoke of, out on Zara or another female. I have many hidden away, just as bad if not worse than her. And I will not stop, not stop until the same frustration that you have given me.” Pleased with himself, his eyes sparkled, and without a second thought, he turned, crashing into the female as he whipped his body around, teeth grazing by her body and ripping a small piece of fur out as he stalked toward Zara.


"I don't want to hurt you, Zara.” Struggle in his voice was clear, even as he trembled with every step. "But can't you see? She won't learn with her own body being bruised... She's taken a liking to you...” Sympathetic whine rolled out of his mouth, even as his jaws parted, ready to take the female by the throat as needed. "I think she'd understand that it's now her fault, everything. I've given her enough chances... She can't have things both ways.”



ooc:| @teme, @caribou

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» Individuality. Was it individuality that had driven her mother to fling herself off a cliff? Namiko seemed to think it was what made her different from Zara, what made her stand there full of defiance when there was no hope that she was could survive the way she always had. To her, being a possession turned you into a formless creature - dolls of wolves with the same minds, the same dreams. Zara knew that was a lie. The other females did not creep out to stare up at the stars. They did not secret away every gull feather that they found when they were allowed to bathe. Zara was a slave, but she was still a wolf. Although she liked Namiko she could not help but feel a little bit of anger and pain at her uninformed statement. They had known each other for only a few minutes and already Namiko had decided she was better than Zara for one reason only - she had been born free. Perhaps it was true. Maybe she was just a shell. From the look of pity in Namiko's eyes, it had been sorrow for the life her daughter was committed to that had driven her mother off that cliff. If Namiko felt that way about Zara, how could she really view her as a friend? She was just a thing, after all. It was anger at Namiko's pity that drove Zara to agree with her master. "Yes, master. I can." » Humiliation and guilt made her whisper it, but it made no difference in the end. Kerberos suddenly lunged forward with a laugh that descended quickly into a growl, prowling around Namiko with ferocity clear in every line of his body. Zara, abandoned on the stone ground, listened to the pronouncement about her fate. At last it seemed like she had become the shell. Surely she would starve. Namiko would always choose to feed herself, especially with the threat of a beating when she fed Zara. In a few weeks, Zara would be dead. She stayed frozen, huddled next to the cold boulder, thinking of nothing. Why had Kerberos done this to her? He must surely know it meant her death. Perhaps he had some hopes for Namiko's education. Perhaps he though that Zara could succeed, could teach Namiko a lesson in humility that he could not. It would require sacrifice, but when had he not demanded sacrifice from those he loved? » AS if sensing her doubts, Kerberos turned back to the tan and brown she-wolf, his eyes suddenly soft again. Yes. She could see that he did n't do this to hurt Zara, but to hurt Namiko. It would be better for her, in the end, if she learned her lessons harshly and early. Besides, it would give Zara pride to bring another member into the pack. She had not succeeded with her litter, and perhaps she never would, but Kerberos had given her another way to serve her pack. Slowly, Zara looked up at her master, lavender eyes meeting his for what be the first time. She nodded, slow and deliberate to show she really understood. "Namiko is not a bad wolf, I know this master. I have faith that as she learns the ways of the pack she learn to please you. If I can assist her in this, than it is my duty." notes »

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She hadn't learnt her first lesson very well, a voice nagged at the back of her mind. She kept her gaze stubbornly on the male, forcing herself to hold her ground even as instinct begged her to run or flatten herself to the ground. She watched him come closer, his growl making her heart quiver. Don't you dare fail me now she chided, digging her claws into the ground to keep her firmly rooted in reality. Her pride and defiance had gotten her into this mess, so it was only fair that her courage got to step in and save face. Maybe, some time down the line, she'd whittle the essence of herself down to a tiny seed and bury it deep in her heart.  But for now, she was too alive and too deeply invested in the scene playing before them. She twisted her head to keep him in her sights as he moved to her side, her ears pinned back with her displeasure. She didn't snarl at him for invading her personal space, though. She was clever enough to keep herself from making too many mistakes in one moment. Whatever she had been expecting or not expecting, the punishment he decreed knocked the breath from her lungs. Her legs trembled, suddenly jelly-like as the enormity of the situation impacted on her. She opened her mouth to complain, but no sound would come out. Glaring, she swallowed and tried again. "That is barbaric!"  she hissed at him, fully forgetting her plan to remain civil with him. "You'd rather lose a decent follower to starvation than suffer my independence!" She laughed, a short, harsh sound that had never before left her lips. The bitterness in it made her tongue curl, but she couldn't deal with that.  "Tell me, oh great one" she mocked, losing all sense in her fury. "Is my life really worth the sacrifice on one who adores you?" She pushed her face closer to his, stormy gems glaring into his single eye. "If yes, then your entire pack and system of belief is nothing more than a farce." Her fury had her swaying on the spot, the heavy rush of emotion more than she was used to handling. She was wholly unprepared when his body crashed into hers, his momentum hurling her to the ground with a heavy thump. She hit her head on a rock, a yelp of pain forcing its way out of her winded lungs. The ground seemed to turn beneath her, or maybe it was the stars above. Whichever, it made her feel sick and she closed her eyes. "You won't get away with this" she muttered through closed eyes. "Someday you'll lie just as I do now, and you'll realise that all you've ever strived for amounts to nothing."   "Speech"

[Deleted]

King of the Coast, Kerberos

Threats to the male would never work, no matter how bold the spirit was. It was a quick lesson that he would hunt down everything that ever had been valued. Anything that mattered to the heart, he would take and he would twist it. Until even death seemed a pain, and he knew as he approached the female that she would handle anything he dished out. He watched Zara, and quietly realized there was no pleasure in hurting the willing. No, it bothered him that they would accept it so... hopelessly.

Shaking off the feeling, he listened to the mumble from the female who hit the ground. The satisfaction of hearing her thump was enough, and he kept that single eye on Zara. As he swallowed, the male crept closer until he enclosed on her. His muzzle reached out, and almost gingerly as his mouth parted. Taking Zara's throat in his jaws, he applied a hint of pressure. In the midst of doing so, his voice breathed, "Scream, Zara.” The command was soft.

Perhaps it would be taken the wrong way, but his snarled unleashed a flurry as he flipped her over, pinning her firmly to the ground as he barged himself forward until she toppled. Somehow, he managed to stay somewhat gentle, but he sounded like he was foaming at the mouth. The sounds rolled out of his chest as he kept his grip on her, settling the warning. Would Namiko realize that now was her chance to beg? To understand that she needed to be brought to heel? Or would she be deemed as Zara had assumed - and realized that her own life stood more ground than Zara's.

Even as he pressed down on her, he kept his jaws oh so faintly around her neck and shook her fiercely, the mimicry of the behaviour he had already performed on Namiko. It was, he hoped, enough to remind her that it hurt. That he could take away life, and more importantly, that he thrived on the chaos. Even when he managed to nip lightly, he knew how to worry at the neck before him like a pup with a bone. He knew how to draw out pained gasps due to nerve reactions, not necessarily prevalent pain.

He could have been a beautiful torturer, but he managed to avoid it as he snarled. His paws pushed into the ground and he drug her lightly, knowing it likely hurt. But it hardly mattered, it was an absolute necessity. He gentled himself with Zara out of reasons he had yet to decide, but he could have enjoyed bashing her head in. He could have slammed it against the ground mercilessly until blood poured out her ears. He knew she had seen it done before.