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Post by Midian Loup Garou on Jan 13, 2009 9:12:03 GMT -5
Synge's call interupted some outdoor family time with Arya. Stryker and I took turns shifting and letting her ride on our backs, chasing our tails, playing fetch, and anything else Arya could devise. Our world had become Arya. Everything centered around her. Since each of us heard Synge, we quit horseplaying, gathered our things and headed back for the cabin. I swung Arya up onto my shoudlers. "Looks like Arwen's brought home another stray." I chuckled. I hadn't intended the statement to be rude by any means, simply a good natured jibe. Halfway home and Arya was itching to run. I couldn't wait until she shifted and could really run. As I set her down, and she took off, I grabbed Stryker's hand, grinned at her and we followed.
Arya's voice floated back to us, though we weren't far behind. "Can't catch me daddy!!!!" She squeeled. I chuckled again, and kissed Styrker. "Looks like that's my que." I grinned, then bolted after Arya. "I'm coming, little lady, and I'm gonna catch ya!" She squeeled all the more, vowing I'd never ever catch her. I snuck around a rock pile, knowing Arya would stick to the trail, and took a shortcut. As she looked back at her mother still on her heels, I stepped out and she damn near ran smack into me. I scooped her up instead and spun her around. "HA! Told ya I'd get ya!" I hugged her fiercely, kissing her face repeatedly until she slid from my arms and tried to drag both Stryker and I into the house.
Arya barrelled into the house, hugging Arwen and Synge both, then bouncing on her toes as she babbled to the shifter. "Arya, hun, go wash up for dinner. Smells like Arwen's making steak." She grinned, waved at Aalaria, and skipped off to the bathroom. I ran a hand over my hair, extending my other to Aalaria. "Nice to meet you!" I looked at Synge's Pepsi, and grabbed one each for Stryker and I. I popped mine open and took a healthy drink. I supressed a massive burp before it rumbled through the house, and muttered, "Excuse me." I chuckled again as Synge told Aalaria who we all were. "That little hellfire was Arya. Give her a chance, and she'll talk your ear off." I pulled out a chair and sat, patting my leg and wagging my eyebrows at Stryker, enticing her to take her place on my lap. I took another sip of my Pepsi. "Arwen, how long until dinner? Synge and I got time to get a little gaming in?" I winked at my brother. Arwen told us to go ahead, so I slipped out of the chair, placing Stryker in my spot instead. I kissed her cheek. "I'll leave you girls to the kitchen then!" Then I socked Synge on the arm before I ran out to turn on Arwen's XBox. We'd left Halo 3 in, and I had every intention of kicking Synge's ass in a little competition before dinner.
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Post by Arwen Loup Garou on Jan 13, 2009 9:33:43 GMT -5
I grinned at Aalaria as she came back clothed. She looked comfortable, and everything seemed to fit her pretty well. "No problem." I winked at her as I put the finishing touches on the salad, then stuck the bowl in thr fridge to keep cool while everything else cooked. I watched Aalaria's curiousity in the kitchen. Her nose seemed to be working overtime, cataloging new scents. I decided to give her a hand with naming some of the ingredients. Steak and potatoes, she knew by now. So as I cleaned up all the salad stuff, I told her what each bit was. "Lettuce, pretty standard for any salad. Not exceptionally tasty, hence the dressing. Oh, and for the dressing, the pungent part was vinegar." I went about with the rest of the veggies. Carrots, tomato, the chives that I'd added to the potatoes, and her dill. I loved the smell of herbs, and had fun introducing Aalaria to each by name and smell.
Synge popped in and introduced himself, while Aalaria was contemplating her Pepsi. "It'll tickle your nose the first few times." I laughed at the expression on her face. This was going to be so cool, I thought as Synge talked with her a bit more. I'd get to show her about the more human stuff, like some of the food we ate when we weren't hunting, and she could show me about living as a big cat. It was all so exciting! Speaking of excitement, I could tell she was eager to meet the others. Arya burst in first, running right to my arms for a hug, then leaping onto Synge for another. Then she rooted herself in front of Aalaria. "Hi! I'm Arya. I'm four. Are you a werewolf too?" She held up four fingers, then sniffed near Aalaria. "Nope, you're not a werewolf are you. You're a kitty or something. What kinda kitty, huh?" She barely took a breath, and would have kept going if Midian hadn't shooed her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. I laughed, moving next to Aalaria and sliding my arm around her shoulders.
"Arya's the newest little Loup Garou, and she'll not only talk your ear off, but keep you busy chasing her and playing tag all day long. She's a doll." I added, after Midian gave Aalaria a belated introduction to his daughter. I was head over heels in love with my niece, but no more or less so than the rest of us. She just had that effect on people. I laughed at Midian and waved him toward the living room. "Go for it. You guys have at least 30 minutes before food." Midian slipped away, punching Synge on the arm on his way through. I took a chair next to Stryker and pushed one out for Aalaria. "The good part is eating, the fun part is cooking. This is the hardest part, the waiting." I giggled, sipping on my Pepsi again. Once we all sat, I told Stryker about meeting Aalaria, most of it through my mind, which was easier and faster than retelling the story verbally. Only a second or two passed. "Sorry Aalaria. You know how I spoke to you in your mind as a wolf? Well, we can do the same thing with other Loup Garou's, and show them as well. I simply shared my memories with Stryker about meeting you." I smiled again as an idea began to brew in my mind. "Aalaria, we have plans in a few days to join the Luna for a celebration. It's a long story, mostly Stryker's to tell, but I'd like to invite you along. You won't be the only shifter there who's not Loup Garou. Kami, a kitsune, or fox, is coming too!" I sat up straighter, eager for Aalaria to agree to join us. The Luna would have a party like never before!!!
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Post by Aalaria Windwalker on Jan 14, 2009 16:14:38 GMT -5
(Since everyone's in first person here, I'll switch to that too! : D)
I laughed slightly as the little lightning bolt sped into the kitchen and began asking questions. I tried to reply with an explanation that I was a weretiger lycan, but she was already off. I grinned. She reminded me of my sister when she was out with me.
I shook Stryker's hand and smiled. "Hi!" I said, "it's nice to meet you, too." Already, I knew so many Loup Garou... Arwen, Midian, Synge, Stryker, Arya... I felt very warm inside when Arwen put her arm around my shoulder. Cats and dogs love the sense of touch as it makes them feel secure, and I was no exception. Plus, it was great to know I had a friend now, unlike the people of the village, with its monstrous "cars"...
I took a seat by Arwen and listened to her explanation of this "meeting". I smiled, only too eager to join. Loup Garou and a kitsune? How much better could it get!
"I'd be honoured to join you!" I smiled truthfully. This was a completely new world to me, and it was one I liked a lot!
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Post by Stryker Loup Garou on Jan 17, 2009 1:46:08 GMT -5
The day was going great, spending time with my mate and daughter, we ran and chased each other, laughing and talking. Midian and Arya both played and chased while I was in fits of giggles. Just seeing them together made my heart soar. "Her and Synge love other shifters, it will be rather interesting." I grin, knowing he meant no harm or disrespect with his words. As Arya took off and Midian followed, I wasn't worried, but waited until they finished. This was better than television, one of the best forms of entertainment. Then, Midian caught Arya and we were heading towards the house, since Synge had called to us moments before, and once we entered inside the house, I could smell the other shifter. Feline. I knew that scent well. Grinning, we all headed into the kitchen, the smell of steak was in the air.
I stood near him, as he handed me a Pepsi, and opening the can, I took a small mouthful. I repressed the urge to giggle as Midian burped. "Shes really talkative." I nod, not being mean at all. Being like that meant she wasn't scarred from Tempest's Hollow, and thats what had worried the most. So far she was unscathed, but only time would tell if anything was wrong because of it. Although I hoped Arya would let us know so we could help. All of us.
"You and your video games." I smile affectionaitlly, kissing him briefly as he kissed my cheek, setting me into his chair. He then walked and punched Synge in the arm, who simply grinned and stood up. Boys! Crazy guys. Once he waved to us, he left, his form disappearing into the kitchen. Since I was now sitting in his seat, I glance at the other shifter as Midian and Synge took off into the living room. "Thats awesome to hear! You will enjoy it." I smile warmly at Aalaria, hearing her speak as Arya left to clean up before dinner. It wasn't long until she was bouncing back into the kitchen, the last bits of Arwen's information surged through our mind link. I never thought about the possibility of another shifter near where the cabin was, yet that didn't worry me. If only we had found her sooner, we could have had a new friend sooner! I trusted shifters more than I trusted humans, lets get that clear. Arya returned, her smile still upon her face. I loved my daughter so much!
Hearing the blazing music of Halo 3, then silence as they obviously were getting the game sorted, then music, before the sounds of gunfire, grenades going off and Midian and Synge whooping. Rolling my eyes, I laugh softly, turning my attention back onto the group of girls. "Aalaria, if you don't mind me asking, how long have you lived near here?" I ask, curious to get to know the other shifter a bit better. It wasn't everyday you meet someone who was able to turn into an animal.
((ooc// hehe cool ^.^, oh, and sorry it took so long, had to work my Stryker muse for it. I won't be posting as Synge again for a little bit, until later))
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Post by Arwen Loup Garou on Jan 17, 2009 5:24:08 GMT -5
((Same here...Midian will be off with Synge playing video games, so I'll only be posting as Arwen for now. )) I grinned largely at Aalaria. "Great! It'll be so much fun! There'll be tons of food and drink, bonfires, singing and dancing, and even a few initiations." I turned my grin on Stryker before looking back at Aalaria. I paused to let her answer Stryker's question, sipping my Pepsi and keeping my nose tuned to the steaks and potatoes cooking in the oven. I didn't need a timer as long as I was paying attention. Grandmother had taught me to know by smell and sight when the food was ready. Then again, at the Luna, we used campfires to cook most of our food, and it's not like they come with timers. When Aalaria had finished telling us about how long she'd lived near the cabin, I popped out of my chair to peek in the over. "Getting close!" I said as I sat back down. "Well, if Stryker doesn't mind, I'll explain about the initiations and a bit of background as to why we're leaving so soon to head back to the Luna." Once Stryker nodded her assent, knowing I wouldn't divulge our secrets to someone I didn't trust, I smiled and began. "When we were younger, the four of us," I waved to the living room to include Midian and Synge along with Stryker and myself, "we were running one morning. Simply being pups, chasing each other, investigating and naming new smells. Stryker, who went by Lyra then, was kidnapped." I felt my face melt into a sullen look as I reflected on our past. "Hunters had camoflauged their scent, probably using magick of some kind, and stolen her away when they spotted her by herself. They sold my sister on the black market to a sadistic human who tortured her daily." I crunched my Pepsi can without meaning to. "Crap. Sorry." I managed a half smile before I slurped the rest of my drink, then tossed the can into the recycle bin. "Anyway, I wanted to leave and search for her, but the elders denied me, saying I was too young, and searched for her themselves. We found no trace. For years they searched, and our parent's grief grew so strong that our mother took her own life. Our father, too distraught for words, used an ancient ritual wherein he commited his soul to the munin, also ending his life. After committing their bodies to ash and earth, I left the Luna in search of Lyra. I bought this cabin, and each day I searched for her. Finally, I heard her call out to me one night. She'd broken free from her captivity and killed the bastard who'd held her." I reached across the table and took my sister's hand, squeezing it just a bit. "I ran to her, and brought her home. Midian and Synge were already here, having come to visit me and help my search, like they usually do. It was that same night that Stryker felt Arya. We're all tied together, the Loup Garou, a mystical bond that's ten times stronger when its in relation to your direct family. We wasted no time going after Arya and bringing her home where she belongs." I brightened, the worst of the story over for now. "So, because Lyra was taken from us so young, and Arya was born outside of the clan, we're returning to the Luna for thier initiations. Our Alpha, Cole, expects us in a few days time." I smiled again, happy to be heading back to see our family, our clan. Even more exciting was that Kami and Aalaria were both going to come along as well. "In case we leave, here." I pulled a pad of paper and pen over to me, and sketched a map. It detailed Aalaria's home, the cabin, and the quickest, safest route to the Luna. I passed the page to her, still smiling. "One more thing. Excuse me for just a minute. I'll be right back." I darted past the boys and up the stairs to my room. Pulling a small leather pouch from my vanity, I dug through the necklaces Grandmother had sent me with. 13 amulets, exactly like the ones all Loup Garou wore, each stone different. I was to give them to those I befriended, shapeshifter or otherwise. It was a symbol of friendship and loyalty, as well as protection from the Loup Garou Clan. If Aalaria were ever in need, she could call out, and any Loup Garou near would come to her aid. I selected a beautiful piece of tiger's eyes, it's colors so brilliant they shifted from green to aqua, to gold and yellow. Not to mention it was fitting, seeing as Aalaria was a tiger herself. Tucking the other amulets safely away, I ran back to the kitchen. "Aalaria, I would like you to accept this. A token of our friendship." I held up the tiger's eye amulet by it's silver chain, enchanted to stay put during a change. "If you ever need help, simply call. Any Loup Garou close enough to hear you will come to your aid. The amulet will offer protection, some magick, and even promote healing if you're injured. It will attune itself to you, becoming almost a part of you. Each amulet's magick differs slightly, because of it's wearer. I chose Tiger's Eye for you, I hope that's okay. It seemed fitting. Please, take this as a gift from us." I handed her the amulet, and as I did, felt my amethyst pulse three times against my chest as I smiled.
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Post by Aalaria Windwalker on Jan 17, 2009 7:24:32 GMT -5
I looked at Stryker, a smile passing over my face. "I've lived in the forest my whole life," she admitted, "my mother gave birth to me there and soon passed away, leaving me to look after my ill sister. I brought her the best berries and I never hunted meat. But she got better, and for some time she would come with me into the forest. But, one night we were out late, and..." the words clung to my throat, not wanting to come out. "We met a lycan. He became a lion, and to no provocation killed my sister. I ate meat from then on. I went to the village my mother was brought up in, but the villagers knew what I was, and so drove me away. So, I had to live alone in the forest." I smiled again at the Loup Garou. "But, I'm not alone any more, thanks to you!"
I then listened to the past of the Loup Garou, sadness and sorrow pricking my eyes and throat. I remained silent until Arwen had finished, then finally sighed grimly. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that," I said truthfully, "you and your family deserve none of that."
As Arwen came to me with the amulet, a beautiful colour and simply stunning, I felt my heart leap upwards, flying freely as I grinned happily. They trusted me! And I trusted them. I only wish I had something to give them, but alas, everything I once had was gone. "Thankyou so much!" I said, "I accept this, but are you sure that you want to give me this? I mean, you really trust me?"
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Post by Stryker Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 0:19:01 GMT -5
I am silent, watching and listening. When Arwen spoke, I nod, knowing that if she didn't trust Aalaria, she wouldn't have said anything. It's not like Arwen spoke about us to everyone she met, so I really had no problem. Besides, I didn't want to be the one to say it again, it was still painfully raw. Yet my eyes glanced upwards to stare at Aalaria who had answered my question, and a wave of hurt passed through my body. She had a sister who was killed, and I let out a breathe I hadn't known I was holding. "Aalaria, I am so sorry. I couldn't imagine losing a sister-" I break off, looking towards Arwen. When I was taken, I had lost her. True she was alive and not dead, but still, I hadn't seen her for years until the other night. Then she spoke about our parents and my heart seemed to tighten rather painfully. Mother was dead, father was dead. Gone, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust. I missed them terribly, wishing I could show them that I was alive, and the woman I had grown into. I wanted to show them Arya, their granddaughter, and wanted to show I still loved them and wanted to apologize for running off the normal track. Glancing back downwards, I listen as Arwen speaks the tale, crunching her can before saying sorry. A bitter laugh escapes me before I realize what I had done. "It's fine Arwen. It's okay." I wasn't trying to be rude, but the memories etched within my mind caused me to lose focus. If I had to speak it, I would have been in a worse state than what I was now.
"Midian and I became mates that same night." My lips split into a smile as I look towards the living room, where Midian was. Arya had gone into her room when Arwen began speaking, I could feel she was safe so it didn't worry me. Then Arwen excused herself and ran towards her room. Looking back at Aalaria, I smile apologectically for my strange behavoir. "It's okay Aalaria. But thank you." I dip my head, a sign that I was respecting the other shifter. In true, I liked her, there was no threats about her, she seemed genuinelly nice. A friend. Thats what she was, and I knew the others felt the same. Aalaria the weretiger was now our friend. That was nice to know since, I barely had any friends anyway, and I guessed she was the same. Judging by her story. "Wait, you got driven away?" I ask, realizing what she had just said. "Thats so not fair, just because you can turn into an animal, doesn't mean you should be driven away." Fresh hatred for humans surged in my brain, another reason why I didn't trust them.
My other words died in my throat as Arwen came back into the room, my nose sniffing the food and belly rumbling so I missed part of what she had said. I waited with bated breathe, hoping Aalaria would take it, and when she said she accepted, I grinned, standing up and moving over to Aalaria. I reached up to my own amethyst as it hummed, tingling under my fingertips, as I looked deep into Aalaria's eyes. "A Loup Garou never gives something away unless they truly are sure about it. Arwen is sure in what she is doing, and the rest of us?" I indicated myself, and the living room with Midian and Synge, "agree with her. As for your question, yes, we do. Right Arwen?" I look to my sister, knowing we pretty much felt the same. I may have been away from the pack for many years, but I wasn't ignorant in the Loup Garou ways. Well, some, not all. Since there were some that I missed out on, being young when I was taken.
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Post by Arwen Loup Garou on Jan 18, 2009 6:09:38 GMT -5
I laughed, "Of course I want to give it to you! You're our friend, Aalaria. And yes, I trust you. I wouldn't have brought you to my cabin if I didn't!" I kept laughing, enjoying the moment. I met Stryker's gaze, still grinning, and turned back to Aalaria. "Yup! I hugged Aalaria. "Our clan believes in sticking together, looking out for each other, even if your not a Loup Garou. You're a shifter, like us." My smile faded a bit as sadness washed over me. "I know what it's like to lose a sister. To lose your parents." I looked at Styker while I spoke, but kept an arm over Aalaria's shoulders. "I wouldn't wish on anyone else." Aalaria and I, and even Stryker, shared a kinship, based not only on being female and lycan, but from the losses we shared. A common thread that tied us all together.
I smiled again, the sadness only momentary, and sniffed. "Hey, food's almost done!" I gave Aalaria's shoulder a squeeze, then tossed in the garlic bread so it could warm. "Still wanna help?" I asked Aalaria. I had her pull out the salad from the fridge, while Stryker got plates, bowls, and silverware out. I stepped around the corner to holler up the stairs. "Arya, foods done! Come help me serve, sweetie!" I giggled as I heard her cry out a "yay!" and come barrelling down the stairs. I pulled out the steak and potatoes, Arya setting up the plates and bowls on the table so we would fill each one up. Arya held the bowls, asking Aalaria to fill them with salad. I placed a steak on each plate, then heaped potatoes next to the meat until the dish was empty.
Piling the dishes in the sink for later, I pulled out the crispy garlic bread, sliced it into even hunks, and placed a section on each plate. Adding the salad bowl and tongs to the sink, we were done. Now it was time to eat. Arya took bowls of salad out to the boys while I took them their plates. Neither looked up for more than a glance, said thanks and dug in, Halo 3 on pause. Arya wanted to watch them play, so I allowed her to take her food out there with them after making sure it was ok with Stryker. That left the 3 of us with the kitchen to ourselves again. A place was set for each of us, food steaming on our plates. "Mmmm, smells delicious!" I sat down, tugging a napkin free and placing it on my lap. I started with the salad, which was perfect. Just enough dressing. "Good job on the dressing." I pointed with my fork at the salad, speaking over a bite as I looked at Aalaria. It had been her first time cooking in a kitchen, so I felt she deserved compliments. Everything had come out as expected, perfectly cooked & seasoned, the flavors mingling together to create a savory blend. I hoped Aalaria enjoyed it as much as I did. I already knew that my family would like it, they lived on my cooking!
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Post by Aalaria Windwalker on Jan 24, 2009 18:06:33 GMT -5
I laughed myself. Of course, Arwen wouldn't have let me into her louse if she didn't trust me! I let the happiness wash through my body, a relaxing soak, before listening to Arwen. She spoke words of comfort and it made me feel welcome. We were alike, Arwen, Stryker and I, all sharing a common past. It was destiny that had pulled us together, and I was convinced destiny would keep us together. "We are the same," I said, "and we must stay together. Destiny wishes us to." I smiled as my arm lay around Arwen's shoulder.
I helped with the cooking as much as I could. I helped with the salad, which was more familiar to me, and anything else Arwen wished for me to do. I felt a little more comftable in the kitchen now and knew the names of at least half the equipment and three-quarters of the food I could smell in there. That made me feel comftable. There was a primitive part of my brain that almost feared what I didn't know, but I often tried to ignore it.
Tea time! I helped to bring in the food and lay it out, before sitting down with the girls. My eyes wandered over to Stryker and Arwen, watching how they used their cutlery. I found that fascinating; they had something that substitued hands so your hands wouldn't get constantly dirty! I picked up my fork and knife and looked at them carefully, looking at how they gleamed in the light. I laughed slightly. I must have looked quite funny, looking at my cutlery like that! I began to copy how Arwen and Stryker used their knife and fork, and soon I got the hang of it.
"Thanks!" I said as Arwen gave me the compliment, "but I'm the one who should be thanking you. You did most of the work. This is delicious! Thankyou, all of you, for your hospitality, your trust and this meal!"
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