Xena

Xena here is a Traveling Wolf! Here is a guide/expiation/Rules to travelers. And here is the forum to request/trade travelers. Original owner: TatteredFury #36824

Xena was free spirited as a pup, always running off with the scouts and hunting parties. As she grew into an adolescent she joined the border patrols with the kings assent, fighting off invaders, and becoming the youngest allowed to do so. As an adult, she decided to become a soldier; for hire, for a just cause—to kick bad guys tails mostly. Now she's full grown and beyond ready—now begins the tail of her adventures..(TatteredFury #36824)

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While on her first journey from her pack Xena got friendly with a male one night and it wasn't long before she had her own pups. She traveled and came upon a pack in the mountains, they were free spirited and very kind. She was given food and shelter and her pups got to play with the packs pups. She helped to pup sit the other packs pups while she weaned her own pups. She had quite a bit fun in this pack and was happy to have met this pack first. She was glad she was able to rest while she weaned her pups but after this she would most definitely become what she set out to be, a soldier for hire. (Blackwidow #43418 Added Gambel Oak Sapling)

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When Xena entered the rain forest, she didn't expect it to be so dark. The crowded canopy and cloudy days made it eerie to travel here, yet she pushed on. The darkness seemed to grow and grow. She was hopelessly lost in the wood after a while, trying to go back wasn't a good idea either, nothing looked familiar to her at all. Her stomach reminded her that she hadn't caught even a rat to eat in the past few days she'd been struggling through this place. Xena kept walking anyway, hoping with the little strength she had that she could find a way out, another wolf, a meal... Anything at all... The moon rose but did not show its face to this forest. Xena saw nothing and finally, she could take another step. Collapsing on the mossy ground, the last thing she saw was a tiny white mouse, its eyes locked on her as she faded into unconsciousness.

When Xena awoke, she found herself surrounded by wolves under a bright sky. A pale-colored wolf sat near her and spoke softly when she noticed Xena had opened her eyes. These were the Tellurian. They welcomed her into their camp after Yon had found her on the way back from a scouting mission. He'd nearly tripped over her, believe it or not. They gave Xena a good meal and several days to rest. Yon guided her out of the crowded wood, back towards the swamp. How do these wolves know where they're going in all that mess, she wondered. Yon gave her a flower crown to remember them by! She thanked him and set out on her way.
[Added by Rannoch #38823 || Added Arnica Flower Decor]

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It was a warm day as Xena trotted back from the swamp. She hated the murky ground and the heavy air, and she was glad to be back in the Prairies. Her chin was lifted to the sky, breathing in the fresh air, when she quite literally ran into a wolf. It appeared she hadn't noticed Xena as well. The stranger introduced herself as Órfhlaith, and despite her strange name, she seemed to be very normal. As she led Xena back to their camp, Órfhlaith began to explain that they were moving soon. Xena asked where, and she responded plainly, "The swamps." Xena couldn't help but snort. After all, she had hated the place so much, she intentionally cut her visit there short last time. Nevertheless, she offered to guide the pack to the Swamps if they ever needed it. The witchy wolves thanked her but refused. The day came where it was time for Xena to move on again. As a gift, Órfhlaith gave Xena a pile of crumpled and dead leaves, wrapped up in a bag. Confused, Xena asked what purpose the leaves served. Órfhlaith smiled and told her that if she ever needed help, to take out one of the leaves and crush it, and they would come. With that, the pack bid Xena farewell, and she went off once again, picking up a small companion on the way. [Morrigan of the Quagmire #9747 | Scattered Foliage (Dry), Regal Fritillary]

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Xena didn't stop for a long time after that. She saw shadows dancing in the woods, their backs lit by firelight, and this frightened her enough to keep her paws moving, even when she caught the scent of other packs. For days, she wandered, until she was greeted by a more-than-friendly wolf who had a sweet scent, and gave her no choice but to return to her pack with her, where she was fed and bathed and given everything she could want, including companionship with other travelers, of which there were many staying there too. She almost felt a twinge of sorrow when the wind called her to leave. [confetti 17818 added forest dwelling bg]

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Xena found herself in the Deciduous Forest, winter in full throws and at night, it was bitterly cold. She shook some snow off her pelt, though that did not help really help. She looked to the sky, the moon high she couldn't help but to let out a small, short howl--perhaps friendly wolves would be near by and she can find some warmth among them. Her how was cut short by another, expect it had been practically next her and she hadn't even noticed--no scent or sound. A wolf with white glowing eyes and a sparkling mist that seemed to come off of their bodies.

"I hear you." The wolf says, Xena's tail raised cautiously but the other wolf didn't seem to really mind. "You are safe here. I am Tethys and here is Constellations."

And so, Xena was introduced to this strange pack of wolves who seemingly appeared out of no where and even though morning never came--it wasn't cold here. It was quite peaceful, she simply relaxed and showed pups a thing or two about fighting. Before she departed a pup she had never seen before showed themselves, the conjoined twins. They approached with a necklace and gave it to her.

"Be weary of where the wind blows." Was all they said before Xena found herself in the same spot, but suddenly it was about midday with no evidence of this pack anywhere. She had no choice but to continue on. [Rho #2121 Added Owl Talon Necklace]

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Something strange was going on. She had fallen asleep, curled beside a large oak tree, and when she awoke, she was in the Prairies again. How had she gotten here? Utterly confused, she stood and spotted a familiar wolf in the distance. It was her old friend, Órfhlaith! She bounded over but stopped short when she saw the heartbroken expression on her friend's face. Xena then noticed the rest of the pack. It seemed a lot smaller than it had been, and many of the wolves looked distraught. She asked Órfhlaith what was wrong, and she responded in a heartbroken voice, "It's been years, and we have yet to make it to the swamps. We've lost a lot of our pack members to hunger and unhappiness, and our numbers are dwindling." Xena felt bad for taking up their supplies, but they insisted on feeding her. They gave her something else as well; two pups, their father being one of the Chasers. She loved her pups dearly, and wanted nothing more than for them to come with her, but she knew it was far too dangerous for them. So, instead, she allowed Órfhlaith custody of them. In the middle of the night, when her pups were fast asleep, she quietly bid farewell to the pack once more, giving Órfhlaith a quick neck hug. Who knew when they would see one another again? Órfhlaith gave Xena a few sticks wrapped in a bundle, and Xena chuckled, remembering the last gift the she-wolf gave her. "What are these for?" she asked, amused. Órfhlaith smiled and nudged Xena with her nose. "If you become hungry, hit a rock with one of the sticks. It'll give you a small bit of food. But use them wisely; they can only be used once." With a final goodbye, Xena left the Prarie once more, but not without a twinge of longing for her pups. [ morrigan of æther #9747 | Scattered Sticks ]

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She made her way toward the Riparian Woodlands, eager to get somewhere safe with all the weird things happening in the world lately. Thankfully meeting up with the lead of the Rockford pack while stopping at one of the many streams for a drink. She stayed for quite a while in this large pack, happily fed and not for lack of company; sharing stories with the other Travelers was a big favorite. Soon news came from the pack members going out for their duties, that the odd goings in the land finally ceased, everyone breathing a huge sigh of relief...still saddened by the still missing wolves and pups, but one must take their silver linings where they can. With Spring now in full force, Xena felt it a good time to head out now that the way was much safer than it was. Saying heartfelt goodbyes to all, and leaving with a full belly and a warm heart. ♥
[Faeyne #7280 added Scattered Rocks]

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After leaving the Riparian Woodland she felt herself being dragged towards the mountains, she wasn't sure why but it was almost like something was calling for her to go there. She knew of a pack that lived there, it actually being the first pack she had met up with after starting her journey. She was greeted by a new scout, one that looked vaguely familiar but she couldn't quite place it. "XENA!!" She heard her name shouted before being tackled, she let out an oof as she was caught off guard and looked up to see who it was. She couldn't believe it, the pup she met the first time in the pack had fully grown. She gave a chuckle and her tail wagged giving a warming nuzzle to Anouk. The scout rolled their eyes, "Anouk would you let Xena up" although seeming irritated with Anouks behavior she couldn't help but giggle softly. Anouk reluctantly agreed and got off Xena and Xena looked to Spar. "Good to see you again T2." Spar gave a warming smile before approaching and hugging her old friend. "Actually I changed my name to Spar, but it's good to see you again too. Come there is lots to talk about back at camp."

On the way to the camp Spar and Anouk explained how Celine and her mate had died and they crowned a new leader named Bluejay who had a mate named Uri. Once at the camp Xena greeted Bluejay and explained who she was. After Bluejay heard that she was a warrior for hire he got an idea. "Well then I would like to hire you to help with the bears in the area that have gotten a hold of a couple pups. Of course a team will be sent with you for backup." Xena accepted and with the help of the team was able to kill off, and run off the rest of the bears bothering the pack.

During her stay she was told of how they moved to the Glaciers for a while and how hard it was, and then moving back to the mountains was easier to hunt, in turn Xena told of her stories of the packs she had visited since leaving them and her journeys. During her stay she was also well fed, and enjoyed the company of the old friends and getting to know the new pack members. She took a fancy to Bluejay who happened to be the breeding male along with the leader, was surprised Uri was okay with it and soon found herself pregnant again. She stayed until giving birth to her pups and the pack gave her some old bones for them to play with. They gave her a pack of meat and herbs for her journey to the next pack which she accepted and gave Anouk and Spar a hug, gathering her pups she set off again.
[Blackwidow #43418 Added Scattered Bones]

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It was a long journey from the mountains to the grasslands, especially with four newborn pups who could barely walk. They had to make long pauses to rest every few hours and it was really a relief for Xena to smell the scent of a nearby pack as soon as she crossed the border between mountains and grasslands.
She met Virgil, the young scout of The Court of Howls, who led her and the pups to his pack. There she talked with Dante, the newly-appointed leader of the pack, who welcomed her and agreed to let her stay for a bit, so that the pups could grow up and she could rest after her long journey.
The pack was very friendly with her: Dante wanted to learn from her about battling and strategy and the young pups of the Court were hungry for stories of Xena's adventures. One of them, Ark, followed her everywhere and asked her a lot of questions about traveling, since he wanted to do the same and see the world.
As a token of friendship, the Court gifted Xena a bison bone, that represented her ability in battle.

The females of the pack helped her wean her pups and look after them during her stay. Before she left, Xena decided that is was best for her litter to stay there, since her journey was not meant for such young puppies.
[PiffleLovesBaseball #740 added Bone Decor]

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[Lionel#34199 added Skeletal Remains]
The traveling wolf eventually made her way back to the mountains. She was hoping to see the one of the packs she had previously stayed with, but instead a white wolf with red stained fur found her first. They stared at each other for a while before the younger wolf decided to speak.

"I'm not going to hurt you, do you need somewhere to say?" There was something off about this wolf but Xena couldn't pinpoint the source of her discomfort. She hesitated before explaining her aspirations of fulfilling her job as a traveling warrior. The alpha lead her to the pack she formed and allowed her to stay on the den they build for wolves like her.

"So you're some kind of killer for hire huh? I might have some work for you." Sagnant, the alpha of that pack, told her about the cougar problem they apparently had. They had been losing pups to a certain predator that didn't respect their territory lines and wanted to scare them away. Xena gladly agreed to the job under the impression she would be helping the pack against a threat, so the warrior left in the morning to take care of their feline problem.

She was prepared to get hurt during the job, as she could deduce the feline was bigger than the average wolf from the paw imprints she followed. What she didn't expect to find was a grieving mother dealing with the loss of her cubs. Torn between completing the job and showing mercy to the poor creature, the warrior ended up putting the feline out of her misery. She didn't feel good about finishing the job, but at least Sagnant's pack provided her with anything she required, including tending to the wounds resulting for the fight.

[Jakio#41705 added Spicebush Swallowtail and Scar: Nose]

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꧁•⊹٭. Hosting by makochrome#51763 .٭⊹•꧂
☆— added Gentle Cnitharian Accents [Elbows] and Glowing Butterflies (24Jan)

When her wounds were well and healed, Xena continued on her journey. She left behind the mountain pack she helped protect and let her paws carry her south into the prairie lands once more. The wide open fields were no stranger to her and memories of long ago helped guide her through the golden flatlands.
Days ticked by, moving east through the prairies, before Xena met a pack claiming to have settled in the open fields temporarily. A wolf who looked much younger than Xena stepped forward as the pack's leader, but despite her looks behind those eyes an air of ageless wisdom held, ancient and knowing. The wolf introduced herself as Gaia and welcomed Xena to stay with the pack as long as she needed.
In her stay she noticed her fur had greyed and, though her skills as a warrior were as sharp as ever, her bones had begun to ache and age. She was older now, battle hardened and wise. Yet a mounting worry grew within her chest.
"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫?" The warm and motherly tone of Gaia questioned as she sat next to the older wolf.
" I left my home so long ago. Back then I was young and free, eager to see the world. Now, I am older and much wiser than before, yet I fear my home is lost to me." Xena shook her head, eyes trained to the starry night sky above.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤." Gaia replied, looking at the older wolf with a knowing look.
It was not until later that night, while Xena dreamt did she understand Gaia's words. Beautiful glowing butterflies fluttered and walked her through the foggy lands of her dreams, each step growing with a warm familiarity and the sent of home. When Xena awoke in the morning, both the feeling and the butterflies were still there.

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