The God's Guidance

[stryker]

Stryker heaved a sigh of relief as the rocky cliffs of Wavern ledge began to make their way into his vision. The large wolf slowed his previous fast pace down to a simple trot as he began to traverse the rocky terrain, slowly making his way to the edge of the cliff. It was an extremely precarious place to be, especially given the unpredictability of the Goddess who apparently spent most of her time there, but Stryker was soul searching at the moment.

But why do such a thing at a place like Wavern ledge? Well, Stryker didn't know too much about his clear water ability, but he believed that the more pure the water, the better the vision. And what better water was there then the water that stood where Arria spent most of her time? As the large wolf slowly made his way to the edge of the black rocks, he cautiously stepped out onto a very dangerous looking ledge that stood high over the ocean's tumbling waters. Without much further ado, he sat back on his haunches and peered down into the ocean depths. He had saved a lot of energy for this occasion- he was trying to find his brother.

Seeing that his brother had been exiled over a year ago, Stryker had absolutely no idea if he was still alive or not. Not that he cared! No, he would never let anyone think that he cared. They would grieve for him again or something. Compassion and sympathy were the two most annoying forms of attention that could be given to him. He knew that the others meant well, but... they always reminded him of his family, probably unbeknownst to themselves. Was it really his fault that he masked his sorrow with pride? In any case, searching for that answer wasn't the point of this little field trip. Clearing his mind for a moment, Stryker looked down and strived to see an image in the water. Before long, the area around him came into view and he scanned it lightly. It didn't seem like there was anyone around at the moment, so he tried to broaden the horizon as he seemed to gaze deeper into the depths of the water. If he had enough energy and didn't get disturbed, then maybe he would be able to spot his long lost brother. Maybe.

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[Arria]

Arria had been asleep, or what passed for sleep for a god. Regardless she'd been resting, hidden from the view of mortals, trying to regain the strength she'd lost with her recent battle with Dargan and Seina. The Caelestis wouldn't have even woken had the wolf not used his ability. The stirrings of magic that was not her own in her element, even such a small one, were sufficient to wake her when he was so close.

So, when she cracked one eye open, looking around for the originator of the disturbance from her resting place on the shore, she wasn't in the best of moods. It didn't improve when she realized what wolf it was. Stryker... The gods didn't usually involve themselves directly into the everyday life of the pack. However, Ary had no such qualms about learning about the individuals of the pack. They risked their lives for her due to her and her mate's battle against the others, she felt a duty to know about them.

So, she knew about Stryker's dirty little secret. Arria wouldn't say anything of course, it wasn't a god's duty to tattle-tale on mortals. No matter their crime, or almost anyway. That wouldn't stop her from finding it despicable though. It definitely hadn't stopped her from being happy when his brother had been banished. Stryker was a weak wolf, who had followed his brother's example, even when he knew he was going something deplorable.

And even worse, he'd woken her up.

There was no way she was going back to sleep now, so, she might as well figure out what was going on.

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Leesha walked slowly across Wavern Ledge, enjoying the sound of the waves and the cool sea breeze, but still focused on her quarry, who was currently staring into the waves. Or at least that was what she thought he was doing, it was hard to see from here. She flicked her ear in annoyance, and picked up her pace.

Leesha was a plain wolf. Her coat was a rather charming sky blue, and it had nicely matched darker blue markings that snaked around her legs. But, she was still a plain wolf, average height, average weight, and without a mutation or power to her name. Uninteresting, and quickly forgotten, that summed her up nicely. Except for her eyes. They were strange, it wasn't just the way that they seemed to see everything, or gave you the feeling that you were looking at someone many years your senior even though she looked to be a young adult. No, it was their color, uncountable shades of blue, all swirled around an iris that somehow didn't look completely black. But, she'd gotten into the habit of not letting people look her right in the eyes. Always keeping them a little closed, and always focusing somewhere other than directly in the eyes of the wolf she was speaking to. As long as she did that, she never attracted attention. Which was how she wanted it.

"Hi! What, are you, looking at?" she called to the wolf. She wasn't very far away now, less than ten feet, and it was easy to see he was focusing on the waves at this distance. She glanced over to them, perhaps a fish? Maybe he wanted to try and catch one.

(I hope it is obvious who she is >>)

[stryker]

Stryker's eyes strained to see into the crashing waves of the surface. It was so hard to even see an image that wasn't being tossed about by the current and his eyes were experiencing a slight burning pain. So much for Arria's sacred waters, this water was turning out to be terrible for his sight. But still, now that he was here, he would have to press on. He began to expand the range of his sight, soon peering all the way back to the camp. Everything seemed fine, the people were all right. It looked like the hunters had even brought down some sort of large-

Woah! Stryker stumbled backwards immediately as a voice rang through his ears. So much for peace and quiet- the waves were distracting, but that voice totally threw him off. Me? Well, I, uh.. Stryker stammered, clearing his throat. It was hard to not be shocked shortly after being snapped back into reality, and it always made Stryker a bit lightheaded. I was uhm, actually looking at our borders through that water. Was. Then you talked to me, and, uh, who are you again? he asked, the lightheadedness just beginning to wear off. He had only just realized that he had never really seen this wolf before, though that wouldn't be too uncommon considering he was always out patrolling and didn't spend much time at the camp. Still, even for this person, he had to go through the common introduction thing. Just in case.

However, taking a second glance at her, Stryker soon realized that this wolf wasn't in his mental database at all. And he would know, he'd been searching for a mate for quite some time. So why didn't he know this girl? Still, at the same time, he wouldn't be surprised if he had simply forgotten about her. There was nothing really extravagant about her, in fact, he could almost describe her as being plain. Someone who faded into the background when the more majestic wolves like that Aurora girl stepped forward. He wanted to just think that she was part of the Adair pack, but he had to be careful. Other clans didn't seem above using spying as a tactic.

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[Arria]

"Really? That is so interesting, what did you... see in there, Stryker?" Leesha asked, her eyes bright as she walked closer to him. She glanced at the water herself, as if some images would reveal themselves, but it stayed silent in that respect. She turned her gaze back to him, but did not into his eyes instead she focused on his shoulder, her light blue lashes hiding those unnerving eyes quite well. "From what I know, only those... with the strongest gifts, can see in moving water. Arria must really," her mouth quirked into an odd smile,"smile upon you, yes?" She acted as if she did not hear his question about introducing herself, being completely absorbed in what he might say next.



(Forgive me if you think it is too short, however I couldn't see how I could make it very long. Also, I'm unsure if you know, but Arria has a speech impediment >> Oh, and while Leesha doesn't know his name, Arria does. c:)

[stryker]

Stryker quirked an eyebrow when the strange wolf had asked what he had seen. Well, definitely not her, for whatever reason. Something nagged at him to mention that, but he knew that some way or another he would accidentally phrase it in a sardonic way and he didn't really want this newcomer to trot off so quickly. He was curious. It was almost as if she had just materialized.

But what should he tell her? The truth. Yeah, that usually worked. I didn't see much, to be honest. Just a bit of wildlife, but nothing too far. The borders seem secure now. he said in a monotone voice, his eyes locked onto the waves beneath him. I definitely didn't see you.. he muttered as an afterthought, though it wasn't exactly loud enough for most to hear. Shortly after his response, Stryker began to mull over the other wolf's previous words. She hadn't chosen to give her name, he noticed that. Name.. she said Stryker. Wait, how did she know his name? Just as the wolf opened his mouth to inquire about this, it seemed the stranger began to talk again.

Only those with the strongest gifts? Well, now that he thought about it, strong was a word that easily defined him. And handsome, and smart, and brave... and full of himself, as one of the other MIlede had put it. Stryker mentally scowled at that memory. In any case, what the other wolf said last caught him by surprise. Arria? Smiling upon him? Yeah right. He had done bad things, he still did bad things, and he was aware of it. A small wave of guilt rushed over the young male. Arria has absolutely no reason to smile upon me. he stated blankly, his eyes immediately stealing away from their relaxed gaze towards the water. He took a few steps away from the other wolf and then sat back on his haunches, squinting his eyes as he stared towards the sun. If she does, then it must be by some foul joke. I don't deserve her praise as much as other wolves in the pack. he said with a sigh. That was kind of odd. It was the most honest he'd ever been, even with himself. Normally he would have gone off on some rant about how he was the most worthy in the pack. But something about the water and the other wolf's strange way of speaking coaxed him into telling the truth.

But there was still a lot he didn't know about her which made him unsteady. She was quite mysterious and had still neglected to give her name while she had spoken his. And he didn't remember introducing himself quite yet. With his eyes still fixed in the skies, the young male spoke again. By the way, do I know you? You spoke my name as if you were a friend. But I haven't introduced myself or seen you before. He paused for a second before turning to the other wolf, trying to look into her eyes. Who exactly are you?

[Arria]

Stryker seemed almost at a loss for a little while, confused by her words. Or maybe it was her knowledge of him. But, when he spoke so truthfully about himself, she was rather touched. Except for, "The gods do not, joke," there was a hint of a snarl in that last word, "with the lives, of mortals. We, are not playthings, to amuse them." she looked at him, almost meeting his eyes. But no, not yet. She'd meant for this to play out longer, but this was too good an opening. So when she spoke next, her voice was filled with knowledge that a normal wolf shouldn't have. "Lives, no matter how big, or small, are not toys. They are not, will never be, something to be... taken lightly. Every wolf, should know this."

There was no way he wouldn't wonder now. She'd pressed in too deeply to his secret. Just by those words, he'd know that she knew. So when he asked her who she was, instead of answering, she met his eyes squarely. "Oh, but everyone knows, my name, surely." she said with false levity. "Or, must I say it, outright?"

[stryker]

Stryker was honestly taken by surprise by this initially reserved wolf suddenly shouting in defense of the Gods. Of course, some devout wolves ranting on and on about the various Gods and Goddesses was nothing new to Stryker. He had heard it over a dozen times, the most painful time being when his brother was banished. The Gods do not joke. For some reason, the male didn't think that he could believe that. Hell, if he was in their position, he would be joking with lives left and right. Wait- was that what she was getting at...?

It sure seemed like it. At first her entire speech appeared to just be a rehearsed appraisal of the Gods and standard wolf morality, but then it began to delve deeper. Stryker felt his heart thumping in his chest. Did she know? He had a dirty little secret, a secret his brother had been banished for. If she knew, she could get him banished as well, and he didn't exactly think he could make it in the wild. However, though these panicked thoughts were racing through his head, he kept a calm and settled demeanor.

But how could she have known? Stryker was very careful about his secret. Hell, she'd have to be a God to know what he did. Wait a minute...

Just as Stryker had looked back at the strange wolf, she had raised her eyes to meet his. And he had never seen more incriminating eyes in his entire life. He suddenly felt small. No, claustrophobic. What was going on? Those eyes were so crazy. I.. I.. the poor guy muttered helplessly, clearly at a loss for words. But it had hit him now. He was talking to the Guardian Goddess of Adair. All of sudden, however, a rush of anger fell over him. So what if I play around with my food! It's my food, I caught it and I can do what I want with it! he snarled, clearly unaware of the danger he was in. No matter how big his ego was, it definitely wasn't big enough to take on a Goddess. His temper was betraying him.

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[Arria]

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[bg=494941] If Ary had been mortal, she would have jerked back in surprise. he was being sharp, with her. Only Seina had ever acted so flippant and well, aggravating. And Stryker was definitely no. Seina. A whirlwind of thoughts shot through her, as she glared at the wolf, how dare he act so to her. He was in the wrong here, doing something terrible and almost unforgivable. She could have squashed him like a bug, but no, her anger was already fading. Not disappearing, not by a long shot. But it was cooling, becoming manageable, and letting her think clearly. She would never harm a wolf of Adair. No matter what. Arria was better than that. All these things happened over the course of about ten seconds. And all the while she stay absolutely still, in a way no mortal creature could. Her mind worked quickly, and her emotions were under wraps, so when she finally spoke it was in a completely calm and bland voice. "Really? Is that so. Well then, please indulge me then, Stryker. In a little... exercise." she smiled a cold, dangerous smile, but still spoke in that almost painfully bland voice. "I shall be you. And you... shall be a fawn, I just caught." her smile widened, showing razor sharp teeth as she started to walk around him, eyes fixed on him all the while. A predatory gleam in her eye. "You are a baby, separated from her mother. You are stock still, terrified beyond struggling, held between the oddly, soft paws of a wolf. You know, you are about to die. And close your eyes, waiting for what, is awaiting you. Sad, alone, and without your mother." the circles she was walking about him slowly became smaller drawing her closer to the other wolf. "I, on the other hand, am extremely happy. I, have just caught myself, a wonderful meal. But, since I, Stryker Profeta am a weak, foolish, stupid little creature." she accentuated those three adjectives by snapping her teeth together over them. "I, instead of just, reaching out and, sinking my teeth into, your soft little neck, unsheathe my claws. And dig them deep, deep into your sides, and start to drag them, through your flesh." Ary stopped, in front of him now, much closer, and looked him straight in the eyes, her own very cold, emotionless as her voice. "But," she said softly, still emotionless, "While Stryker Profeta, does this, the mother doe arrives. She sees what I, Stryker, am doing to, her child, her baby. And She drives, her dainty little hoof, deep, deep, into Stryker Profeta's skull, while I am torturing, her infant, defenseless, baby." she told him, her voice hardening. "Now, would you, like me to play, the part of, the mother doe? With you, as yourself ofcourse.

...
>>
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I LOVE YOU STRY? D8

[stryker]

Well, the temperamental Stryker had gotten himself into quite a few pinches in the past, but this one was by far the worst. As he snapped at the Goddess who had probably only been trying to help him, he inadvertently launched himself into a flurry of trouble. But to him, such a thing didn't matter. Quick and impulsive, the male cared little for the consequences of his actions, a trait passed down in his family that had gotten his dear brother exiled.

His icy light blue eyes gazed forward at the Goddess in a focused glare as he awaited a response. But she seemed still. It was an odd thing for someone to show such an absence of emotion when they had just been yelled at. In fact, it was unnatural. Omnipotent. Well that would explain it... but in any case, bubbles of doubt started to expand in his stomach at the lack of a proper and immediate response. His anger was fueled off of returned rage, not incriminating silence. Though it was only a mere ten seconds, each second that passed whilst he anxiously awaited a response felt like an hour.

But when she did respond, there was absolutely nothing to be happy about. Instead of receiving a raging counter, he was faced with a strange scenario. His face twisted into a scowl as the Goddess announced their characters. He knew what she was trying to do. Sitting back on his haunches, the male glared down the Goddess as she continued to speak, though his eyes were focused on her muzzle instead of her own eyes. He tried desperately not to be forced to imagine the scene that the Goddess was describing, but he felt transfixed, and all of a sudden the images rolled out before him. Bits of guilt spread like an infection through his veins at the story, a story he was strangely familiar with. The hair on the back of his neck stood up as the deity finished her walk around him and stood before him, and for some reason his eyes went up to meet hers.

There was no warmth in them. Nor was there any sort of welcoming feeling in any of her words. She was starting to get to him and it was aggravating. But at the same time, a childish feeling of defeat dried out his throat as he tried to speak. No. he said defiantly in a half whisper. Are you threatening me, oh wonderful Goddess? he asked in a mocking tone as he turned to the right and began to pace back and forth in front of her, his eyes focusing on her own. A strange excitement filled him- the excitement of debate, argument, of outsmarting a God! If you're trying to tell me that what I do is morally incorrect, then you are failing. Instead of preaching to me, you decide to place guilt on me and then threaten me! Are you enjoying yourself..? he asked, halting his pacing for a moment as a crazed look took over his eyes. My Goddess... he whispered with feigned innocence as his icy blue eyes looked up to meet hers. Are you having fun with your toy!? he shouted vindictively, almost barking the last word for sardonic evidence. It was clear as day that his statement was comparing his own terrible habits to what she had just been doing. She had just explained to him how mortals were not toys. If he was correct, his remark might cut deep.

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[Arria]

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[bg=494941] He still hadn't eased off with his flippant attitude. If anything it was worse. And his last words cut her somewhat, he was right in that. A little. But there was no way he would ever know that from her body language, she didn't twitch a muscle, didn't change her expression, but when she spoke again, her tone was no longer emotionless. This time, it held a coldness, an aloofness she'd only ever heard the elder gods use, Arria loved mortals dearly, which was why she was even speaking to him. But, perhaps that affection was making it hard for the mortal to realize that he was talking to a god. No matter, "No, little mortal. Those are not threats. Because, a threat would mean, that I plan to hurt you. And I don't, child. I could, that is true, but I have never harmed, a mortal wolf. And I never will. Only my anger made me, even scare you. Maybe you think, I am weak. But I am not, true my love of mortals, makes me never want, to harm them. But, there is another reason, mortal. " her voice changed again, as she remembered Dargan's voice when he'd learned of her and Trigo. She emulated that, but where his had been as red hot as lava, her's was colder than ice. "I am the youngest, of the gods, and yet have lived eons. Longer than your kind, even walked my mate's earth. Only my love, of you lets me even notice, the passing of days. And then, only when I am here, on the earth and walking, as one of you. But think, little one. What is a decade, your life span, to me, a being who has lived for thousands, millions, of them. Nothing. your life, I could let myself loose, instead of trying to follow, the packs affairs, and in an eye blink for me, you would be dead and gone." she paused a moment, and finally, very finally, her expression softened, not with sadness, but with earnestness, "You are not a toy. You idiot. If I wanted, I could distance myself, let the years pass, only to meddle in your affairs, every few generations. But I don't, I learn of you, of your ways. And I love you, wish only the best for you. But, you Stryker, you do not wish the best, for yourself. If you did, then you would not torture your prey, and by so doing, risk your position, in the pack. And I cannot let you, continue this way. I won't let you. Wolves of Adair, are my children, I will not let one become, self destructive. Even if, I need to make him hate me, to change." she sighed at the last part, the true reason for her actions before becoming realized, she'd wanted him to think she was an avenging goddess, to rectify his ways for fear of her. That hadn't worked. Now, she could only ask him to do it for love of her, or at least for love of himself.