Silver Falcon Pack Stories
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Posted 2021-12-30 17:07:00 (edited)
Boey and the Blight Part One |
 Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2021-12-30 17:07:34
Boey and the Blight Part Two |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2021-12-30 17:07:48
Knight and Bard |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2021-12-30 17:08:00
Tomo's Travels |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2021-12-30 17:08:11 (edited)
The Soul's Song It was a brisk fall day. Charri had just returned from exploring in the prairie, a young Boey at her side to learn. Upon returning to the pack's main den, her son Aishi approached her. Behind him, a pup Boey's age trailed; Charri recognized her as Nift, Aishi's new apprentice. "Savel had her pups today. She asked me to come check on them shortly after, as she usually does." Aishi said. Charri nodded. Savel had no partner or family in the pack to be with her for the birth, so it was common for wolves like her to request such a thing. "They were all healthy, of course. However, she sent me to fetch you - I'm not sure why, but she would like you to see her pups." "That's an odd request, but I shall accept." She glanced down at Boey. "Why don't you and Nift go talk about what you've learned today?" Aishi nodded at his apprentice. "Go along," he nudged her. The two pups scampered off a ways as Charri and Aishi made their way to the den where Savel waited. "How has teaching Boey been going? Has he been keeping up?" Aishi asked. Charri raised an eyebrow at him. "He's been doing great. Why do you ask?" "I just wasn't sure if he'd be able to, because, well, you know..." "Oh hush. He gets along just as well as any other pup." Charri looked away, letting Aishi know that was the end of that conversation. They arrived at the den, and Aishi gestured for Charri to enter. He did not follow. Savel greeted Charri with a soft, tired smile. "I'm sure you're wondering why I wanted you to come." Charri nodded. "Well... I really can't explain it. Just take a look at the littlest pup, and I think you might understand." Charri turned her gaze to the three nursing pups, easily identifying the runt. As she did, she got the strangest feeling. It reminded her of when she first met Boey, and knew that he would be the next leader. It was different, however, and she could not place it. She looked back to Savel. "I cannot explain it either. But I do understand. Keep an eye on that one," she said with a grin, knowing Savel would. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several months passed before Savel's pups made their first appearance to the rest of the pack. As she did with Boey, Charri resolved to teach the runt, whom Savel named Alsax, though she still remained unsure of why this pup was different. She also asked several others to specifically teach him: Aishi; Mori, another son of hers who was a Stalker; and Navari, a scout. Despite being a runt, Alsax more than kept up with the other pups in the pack. He had a clear love for learning, as well as a defined penchant for music. In addition to howling, he experimented with making sounds out of anything he could get his paws on, from rocks and sticks to hollowed-out bones. Charri was thoroughly impressed by the pup's talent, but she felt that it was almost too talented for an ordinary pup. One day, as Charri finished a lesson with Boey, she found Alsax playing a very sorrowful melody using a bison's horn. Unwilling to disturb the performance, she waited until he stopped playing to approach. She found herself lost in the song, simple but packed with a powerful memory. A memory that a pup wouldn't have. "Alsax," Charri called once he had set the horn down. "Come with me." Alsax was quick to follow. "Where are we going?" Charri paused. "To someone who knows more than I do." As they headed north, Charri made sure that Alsax walked at her side, always in her vision. Though most predatory birds knew better than to try and snatch a pup while an adult wolf was close by, Charri knew that an errant one would attempt such a thing, and she needed to be on guard and ready to snag it out of the sky if necessary. At the same time, she felt the pup's curious, uncertain eyes on her. Charri had noticed when Savel brought her pups out that this one had one white eye and one black eye, like his mother, and also like Charri. A wolf's eyes were indicators - a white and a black eye often signified great wisdom and intelligence. This had been the case for herself, and now she could see Alsax was likely the same way. Charri had an idea - perhaps Alsax could be Boey's second-in-command? A Leader chose their own second-in-command, but that didn't mean she couldn't suggest it. The thought lingered in her mind as a tall hill came into view. Charri indicated to Alsax. "We will be climbing that hill. The winds there are very strong, but if you're determined to make it to the top, you'll be able to get there." The pup nodded. The climb up the hill was as Charri remembered - she had come here once before. Fierce, strong winds pushed the two as they ascended, Charri encouraging Alsax all the way. Finally, as they neared the top of the peak, the winds abruptly ceased. "We've made it," she said to the confused pup. "Follow me." Ahead of them was a thin, upright stone, on top of which perched the pack's guardian and namesake, the Silver Falcon. Larger than any normal falcon, sporting distinctive silvery feathers, its gaze was both welcoming and analytic. Charri and Alsax approached. "It has been quite some time, Guiding Star." It addressed Charri. "And it seems you have guided a little one to me." Charri nodded. "Indeed I have. I was hoping that you would know... the nature of this pup, Alsax. I've known there was something different about this pup from the moment I saw him. And yet, I cannot place that feeling." Alsax looked up at her, curious. This was news to him. The Silver Falcon nodded. "Yes, he is different, and I understand why. Charri, you understand what you are, and you understand what I am, correct?" She nodded. "I am a wolf and you are a Spirit." "Yes." The Silver Falcon then gestured to Alsax with his wing. "See, Alsax here is somewhere in between you and I. I am one of the Major Spirits, and Alsax here is a Minor Spirit." Charri nodded, though she did not quite understand. "What is the difference?" "Major Spirits were created with the world's beginning, the essences of the core things that make up the world. Using myeslf as an example, I am the essence of the wind, who has taken form as a falcon. Minor Spirits are born from one or two Major Spirits, and come to be when some aspect of the Major Spirit or Spirits combined becomes strong enough to manifest on its own. The bear Herbert, whom you may be familiar with, is a Minor Spirit. He came into this world when the aspect of herbalism, part of the Spirit of Plants, grew strong and defined enough to stand on its own." "And for Alsax?" "From what I can glean, Alsax here was born from the Spirit of Spirit, and his aspect, as you may have realized, is that of song - a unique expression of one's spirit. He was born to two normal wolf parents, but he is no normal wolf. However, that is all I can tell you for sure. I do not know why the aspect of song would manifest in a wolf, let alone the runt of a litter. Perhaps time will tell." The Silver Falcon mused. "I do not suspect that Alsax will remember or understand much of this conversation, given his youth. And he will spend the next several years as any other wolf would. But young Alsax, there will come a time when you will need understanding, and I urge you to remember to visit me when that time arrives." Charri looked at Alsax. "Remember that," she said with a deliberate nod. She turned to the Silver Falcon. "I would not be surprised if this is the last time I speak to you. I am quite old now, and I suspect that I've not a year left. So I would like to take the time now to thank you for watching over the pack." "Of course. I have enjoyed seeing your journey, Charri, and appreciate meeting with such a wise soul." It paused. "I can tell that this weighs heavy on your mind, so I shall tell you one more thing. Your successor, Boey, will be a fine leader. It will not be made official until you pass, but rest assured, he has my blessing." Charri felt a great relief. "Thank you, that brings me much peace." Sensing that the meeting with the Silver Falcon had reached an end, she turned to Alsax. "Its best that we begin heading home. It would not be good to travel in the dark." As they turned to leave, the Silver Falcon added one more thing. "Do not fret about the winds; I shall calm them for you." And it was so. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2022-01-10 19:08:00 (edited)
Family Reunion Boey had always been a hard worker. He had just a brief puphood of peace and leisure before it was ripped from him, needing to be an adult far before he physically could claim to be one. The blasted Blight had taken enough from them then. Now, though it had been vanquished, it had returned to strike at Boey like a dying viper. No one, of course, knew that there would be long-term effects from the disease, but some had clearly manifested in Boey. He felt as though he always ached - everything hurt. And yet despite his pain, he carried on, determined to be the leader, the beacon of hope that the pack needed and relied on. However long he had left to lead. Despite receiving the blessing of the Silver Falcon, which graced a wolf with a full life (and had only been bestowed to leaders), Boey had a gut feeling, an intuition, that he had not much longer to live. In fact, he suspected that the only reason he had lived as long as he did was because of that blessing. He was nearing his sixth birthday. His beloved, Phais, had confirmed that she was expecting. This would be their last litter of pups. With everything reaching finality for Boey, he had one thing left he wanted to see realized. See, Boey was not a native member of the pack. The story recorded by Charri, the previous lead, was that on a particularly chilly fall day, a wolf approached the pack seeking aid. With him he brought a very young pup - his own. But the pup was an odd case - the result of a love between the wolf and a sheepdog, that would have been shot had it remained with the mother. That pup was Boey. Besides a few faint early memories, Boey did not know his mother. He knew his father was dead - word of his passing had reached the pack about a year ago. But his mother... he felt that she was alive. And he wished to meet her, to show her how he had turned out, and perhaps even show her his dear Phais and their pups. Though he strongly desired this, he was hesitant. After all, Phais was expecting - he did not want to risk leaving the pack and missing the birth. But Phais, sensing his troubles, reassured him. "Go, find your mother. I'll be in good care even if you do not make it back in time." |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2022-03-12 12:59:51 (edited)
The Massacre of the Nest They struck in the dead of night. The scouts were away. The guards were silenced. Two packs of wolves had infiltrated the Silver Falcon Pack's grounds. Keppor of the Rough Stone Pack led his strongest pack members, and Havnic of the Jagged Ridge Pack similarly led hers. The two were working together. The leaders feared Perali, the current leader of the Silver Falcon Pack. He was terrifyingly strong, and was rumored to have never lost a battle. Keppor especially feared "the Silver Champion", as he was often called. None of his pack would stand a chance against Perali, himself included. And the Rough Stone Pack was pretty close to the Silver Falcon Pack's territory. Should Perali seek more territory, Keppor feared that his would be the first to go. Havnic also knew she would not stand a chance against Perali himself, nor would any of her beloved pack. This was why she proposed to Keppor to attack not Perali, but the weakest of the Silver Falcon Pack - its pups and pupsitters. By cutting down on the pack's size, they and other neighboring packs would not have to worry about defending their territory. Keppor agreed, and plans were made. They were quick to locate the guards on duty that night, and carefully took them out. Eckle and Canoli had no chance to cry out before they were downed. As the invading packs entered the Silver Falcon Pack's main base, a third guard, Jaska, who the packs had not accounted for, heard a slight commotion and went to investigate. He spotted the attackers heading into the Nest, the dens where the pups and pupsitters resided. In horror, Jaska sounded an alarm howl. The Silver Falcon Pack quickly roused itself. Perali leaped ahead and led the three teams of hunters behind him. Jaska's howl let them know where to go. That howl, unfortunately, cost Jaska his life, as shortly after sounding it, one of the attackers rushed out to silence him. The attackers, having heard the alarm, hastened their assault. The pupsitters knew they coud not fight and win, so they did their best to hide and escape, ushering the pups with them. Some made it out. But others, particularly the weakest of the bunch, were backed into the den as they faced a horde of snarling, powerful wolves. Perali and the hunters made it to the Nest, but they arrived to a bloodbath in progress. They wasted no time in charging and attacking the invaders, who turned and saw them rushing at them. In particular, they saw Perali, silver moonlight glistening on his silver fur, barreling towards them in a holy fury. They were consumed with fear, but knew they could not run - not while their leaders remained. So they bravely, and stupidly, stood their ground. The Silver Falcon Pack grounds turned into a war zone. The hunting parties, with their expert coordination, were deft at quickly surrounding a wolf and dogpiling on them with a flurry of teeth. Perali was even quicker, taking but a second to latch onto a wolf and crush them. Perali spotted, among the attackers, one who seemed to command them. He dropped the wolf he had in his jaws and charged the leader, recognizing him as the leader of the Rough Stone Pack. Keppor saw him coming a moment too late. Perali flung himself on Keppor and latched onto his neck, crushing his windpipe first, then cutting open his artery, before flinging the stunned leader onto the hard rocky ground. Seeing their leader so quickly disposed of, the Rough Stone Pack wolves turned tail and rain, except for one foolish wolf who tried to avenge her leader. She met the same fate. The Jagged Ridge Pack wolves, seeing their partners in crime abandon them, turned to their Havnic, who quickly made the decision to follow suit. The Silver Falcon Pack's hunting parties chased them out. The attackers were gone, but their carnage remained. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Romboen the herbalist darted from wolf to wolf, trying to assess each one's health and who needed help first. He also confirmed the dead. The other Silver Falcon Pack wolves, with their limited knowledge of herbalism, did exactly as Romboen told them, applying medicines and covering wounds. When those still living were adequately taken care of, Romboen led Perali to each fallen wolf and pup. "Runa... Kalosa... Catana... Dinva... Heckar... Rien... Tiramisi... Elicor... Osra..." Romboen paused. Perali saw why. At his feet was a tiny, mangled pup - he recognized it as the runt of Annabeth's newest litter. "Bern" Romboen said with a trembling voice. Another pup, similarly torn. She was missing her right front paw, though the stump was not a wound from today. "Vada, Dinva's pup." Romboen glanced at Perali. "Born without a paw." Perali heard a sniffle as they approached the next dead pup. "Ocken." Rombeon said after a bit. "Marim's pup... my nephew. Poor boy only had one eye." They passed by a few more pups who had fallen. Perali noticed a commonality - all but one of them were runts or impaired. Perali knew that had made them weaker, unable to escape. The pups that survived were strong, healthy ones, such as the five training to be the next hunting party. And Alsax's son, Tesax, who was gearing up to be a scout. But the others... Perali began to weep. They never would have made it. He heard the sound of running paws, and looked up to see Leedes and Riski, out of breath. "We found Eckle and Canoli at the border... they must have been killed first." Ballad came running from the opposite direction. "And Jaska. I just found him. After he howled for help... those bastards must have gotten him." Perali felt overwhelmed with grief. These were his pack. He was supposed to protect them. And yet so many had died. He turned to his remaining. "We shall bury our guards where they fell. They died bravely... I have no doubt they will be welcomed in the stars very soon. And as for our fallen pupsitters and pups... We shall designate an area by the Nest for them. They too will be welcomed in the stars." His voice trembled. Without saying any more, he began to howl for the fallen. A chorus of wolves joined. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The dead were buried and honored. The scouts returned to mourn their fallen packmates. And at some point, Perali's grief turned to rage. Unbridled rage. He left the pack in the care of Aurade. Aurade watched him leave, knowing his intentions. He was heading to the Jagged Ridge Pack. With fury as his fuel, it did not take him long to reach the pack. He did not disguise himself, Havnic saw him from far away. She knew, in her heart, that this was it for her. She would not try to fight. She would not try to reason. She had been blinded by fear for her pack, but she now recognized her actions as unspeakable. So much innocent blood was on her paws. She could not get the image of that poor stump-legged pup, crying for help, out of her mind. She knew she was in the wrong. She did not desire to fight for herself. Havnic could smell Perali's intentions from a mile away. She and Keppor had drawn first blood. Now, as that unwritten law dictated, their blood was proper retribution. Keppor had already paid his. She left her trusted friend Camor in charge, counseling her to never do what she did. So as Perali approached the pack, she went to meet him. She stopped at the entrance of the pack's base, and exposed her neck. Perali quickly sliced her artery, leaving her to die on the ground. Before he left, he spoke just two words to the gathered, fearful pack. "Do better." |
Food? #20022 |
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Posted 2022-05-03 17:22:10
Little Reflection in the Water He was wise. He was smart. And he was the one who brought pups to mother nature. Lagia was the Silver Falcon Pack's first Bringer, a dedicated role for the wolf who carried weak pups away from the pack and found a place for them to return to the earth and make their way to the stars. As a scout, he knew the land, knew every nook and cranny, knew what spot would make a fitting resting place. As a stud, he had fathered many pups, and as such was not likely to become attached to the pups he carried away. When Perali approached him to ask if he would take on the role, he willingly accepted. It was a neccessary role. The pack could not show weakness as it had in the past, because that led to attacks and the cruel slaughter of pups. To spare the weak ones the fangs of savagery, they were to be brought out to the wild to let mother nature take them. There, the pups would die. Rarely, one would survive and return to the pack, where they would be warmly accepted. If they survived, then they were no longer weak. They would have found a beautiful inner strength that made up for their flaws. (story idea - after bringing away several pups, Lagia has to bring out one of his own. Its not hard at first until Lagia keeps looking and recognizing himself in the pup. Despite his inner struggle, Lagia finds a spot for the pup and leaves him to die, praying in his heart for either a swift end or for the pup to somehow survive.) |
Food? #20022 |