Welcome to Canis Major

a wolf and animal rpg (role-playing game)

Canis is a writing community for play-by-post (forum-based), freeform roleplay set in a fictional dream world in the intrusion fantasy genre. Most characters on Canis are wolves; many play elements are focused around wolves and canids, but the world makes room for a large variety of other animal characters such as dogs, horses, cats, bears, deer, and many, many more.

Our community is focused on flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. That boils down to a few important features:

  • There is no set activity requirement to write
  • The setting and plot are member-created and staff-supported
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Learn more in our Rulebook!

P
I got dust in my eyes


Evening Snow
#1
P
Paladin
Vanderfell Woods
11-27-2021, 04:07 AM (This post was last modified: 11-27-2021, 07:19 PM by Hieronymous. Edited 1 time in total.)

^^
After his little impromptu meeting with Orlaith, he didn't waste much time to go and find Ira in regards to the topic he had in mind. There was little to be concerned about and frankly he was quite relaxed about it all, but there was still something that he had to be certain of... and that this Stormborn man wouldn't be troublesome later on down the road if he was demanding an audience with only half of the leaders of Vanderfell and refusing to meet with anyone else.

He still wondered why that is. The man may have only been "passing through" but only leaving a half-baked message with Orlaith seemed quite off for someone who must have travelled far to see no one else other than one individual. He tried not to frown at the thought or let a dark cloud hang over him and yet it was hard to keep those frown lines away for very long the more he thought about it climbing the mountains toward he and his wife's den.

Even with his mild limp in the back leg he wasn't slowed down much these days. The leg moved strangely and stiffly, but it clearly didn't bother him as he kept using it. Though certainly later in life it would become more of a nuisance, right now if he was aware of it Hieronymous would could his blessings for not feeling pain and letting such injuries go completely forgotten.

“Ira?” He thought about approaching her with "my love" "dear" or any other cute pet names, but they never seemed to fit her... not that she didn't deserve such callings but they all seemed to come off almost insulting for someone like her. So the High King simply kept to her name, the way he spoke it with adoring tones spelt enough how he felt without gushing. “Do you have a moment?”
^^
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— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#2
11-27-2021, 04:22 AM
The mother had been right where she usually was these days, even with their kids growing more mobile. Tracking her down was easier than ever as she stayed in the den with those who did not seek adventure in the tunnels beyond to the main entrance of mosswell’s cavern. The few bundles at her side were two of their more quiet children, but such was nature. Some would grow fast and seek to be unleashed, the others would cling to comfort and what they knew for as long as they could. Unfortunately, their days of comfort were quickly coming to an end. Another month or so was all they needed before they would be ready to fully integrate with the pack and partake in small activities where they might pull their weight.

Her husband’s voice came from the cavern walls, his tone carried easily against rough stone as it bounced into range. I have more than a moment and always one to spare for you. He was her husband after all. If she couldn’t give him that much then what kind of wife would she be? Luckily it would not be hard to spare her time for him in these days as she was still spending it more often than not in the den while their children rested from days of play and adventure.

Tucking the two at her side closer, a kiss placed to their heads as she checked that they slumbered softly, she would eventually turn to find Hiero’s arrival. What troubles you? Already she had assumed his news be bad. His tone was not overly concerning, but any conversation that began with do you have a moment usually brought a storm overhead. It wouldn’t surprise her though. They had lived in bliss and quiet for some time now and peace only lasted so long. They were just lucky the children had been able to grow to this stage without interference. If they were lucky again, whatever new Hiero brought would continue to not disturb their brood.

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#3
Paladin
11-27-2021, 06:15 AM
^^
With her answer he couldn't help but let his tail sway. "Always one to spare for you", of course it was something so simple for her, second nature with their new titles as husband and wife and yet it had him over the moon and floating on cloud nine to hear it from her, to him. It was almost enough to derail him completely from his train of thought and just completely melt into her embrace.

Clearing his throat, this was not the time to swoon over his beautiful wife. Maybe he could sneak in some time after before returning to his duties.

“I wouldn't say trouble per se...” He hummed almost questioning his own tone here. His gaze wandered briefly past her and toward the space where their kids would be, he yearned to be by their side and be comforted by them. “Orlaith brought me news that someone came to Ullarcraig and asked for you, and you alone. A man who left her with the message that 'he and the Stormborns have settled to the coast.'” He was careful to not sound accusatory, for he wasn't. Hieronymous was far from suspicious of Ira near other men, he wasn't even close to being the jealous type - not unless there was reason to be upset at least, and this was not it.

“She says he claimed to be just visiting, and when told you were too busy to meet with him, he refused to see me in your stead. Does this ring a bell?”
^^
the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#4
Paladin
11-27-2021, 06:42 AM
The roan woman listened carefully with a slight tilt of her head. On first words, everything about the situation seemed strange. She had few she would dare call friends in this land and those she did knew the pack well enough that none should question their visit. Both parties though were women and in this case, it had been a male who visited. Only Dirge from Empyrean crossed her mind at the news, but he seemed closer to Hieronymous so why would he request her specifically?

Alas, it was soon made known that it was none of the suspects that came to mind. A group known as the Stormborns….her brows would visibly furrow as she racked her brain for the name. Luckily, Ira took no hit to the trouble that would storm her husband’s mind, rather he called it jealousy, suspicion, or anything else. She had always been loyal to a fault and should anyone doubt her she would likely take offense. Nevertheless, something felt familiar about the name she was given but at first there as no recognition. Only once the coast was mentioned did a little bell seem to go off in her mind. Ah…Ragnar. His family awoke in the Run. They share roots similar to mine own. It would appear he and his family have finally settled. Though where was hard to say.

She had not seen any coast since they claimed the mountains. The furthest she had wandered was to the southern mountains of Empyrean or out east to the open plains beyond her own claim. If she thought long enough though she may recall that the strange looking man from reddened woods mentioned the coast near by his claim. What was his name again? Crux. Yes, that sounded right. He had said his claim laid just north west of Empyrean. Perhaps Ragnar had found solace along the cliffs near him, or whatever land existed by the water.

He must have traveled far to pass such a simple message. I can’t say I even know which direction the coast lies. Aside from wagered guesses of course. How strange to refuse you though. Mayhaps it was for our shared connection and meeting he only sought me and not one he saw a stranger. Though admittedly it rubbed wrong to ignore her husband so if he had been announced as such. Ragnar had seemed like a family man with all his children, but maybe she had made the wrong impression of him.

Curiosity, admittedly, gripped her just enough to ponder the thought of tracking him down, but his claim seemed far too distanced to make the journey with the age of their young. It would be unfair to leave them just to answer her own questions. Perhaps if they were to find unbusied paws she could send another to search in her stead. After all, had she or her husband not been worth the time to wait after making such a journey to see them? Something did not sit quite right with her.

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#5
Paladin
11-27-2021, 07:37 PM (This post was last modified: 11-28-2021, 05:46 AM by Hieronymous. Edited 1 time in total.)
^^
Ragnar. At least Ira had a name for the High King to chew on. Orlaith didn't have much to go on but it seemed that his queen was confident enough with her assumption of who this man was to give more details on the matter. Both he and his wife had the same thoughts as she continued.

The coast was far enough to make his travel long for such a simple, non-important message (at least to Hieronymous it wasn't very important). There were a few he had spoken to while travelling who had told him where the coast was in general direction, but he himself never even seen it either. “Maybe.” He hummed along, still letting the gears turn internally at all of this. There was so little to go on and his imagination right now was the High King's worse enemy.

“Orlaith seemed more upset that he walked through Ullarcraig, I on the other hand have to admit —” He pause, making sure to pick his words carefully. “Am not fond of someone calling upon you and only you when you're occupied.” Hieronymous didn't care if he was seen as lesser than Ira when it came to the throne. That was not what mattered here. Vanderfell was her creation, and he was just a follower who followed his heart blindly.

Did Ragnar really think he could just call on Ira whenever he felt like it and that she would just drop all she was doing to meet with him? The painted man frowned at the thought.
^^
the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#6
Paladin
11-27-2021, 08:42 PM
Ira was silent once more as her husband continued. A short ‘Mm’ given as she pondered over her own thoughts. She could care less that he came to Ullarcraig, it was merely their hunting grounds not their claim. So long as he did not seek to take food from her children’s maw then he could pass like any other. Well, any but Elysium of course. How easy it would be for them to lie about hunting if she smelled them often in the run. THey were close enough to actually their prey to their caches and in turn harm her own, but thankfully, Valeska had at least kept good on that promise.

Hiero’s concern on the other hand, was more worthwhile. Again it seemed strange that he would not stick around, even if she had been busy. Where he settled mattered little to her in the end, unless of course Ragnar had other plans with the news. Perhaps he had sought an alliance though that still brought the question of why he could not bring such news to her husband. He was a king here all the same and would have equal say in such a decision if they did consider such an offer.

I know not why he was concerned only with myself, or why he would not leave more of a message. if he hoped she would seek him out then he was a foolish man. She had more to do than run around with so little instructions for a man and his family’s newly established home, especially when they lived assumingely far. Though if I had to wager a guess, I would assume he wished to discuss pack relations… Something she was not entirely sure she cared to discuss at the moment.

She still had yet to secure the two she did desire and both Empyrean and Shiroshika had more to offer at the moment than Ragnar might aside from their shared upbringing. Even Empyrean was a stretch too far for her liking at times, but the potential there was worth the travel in double. What are your thoughts should a conversation similar arise? Ira kept her gaze trained on the painted man, her own thoughts already brewing, but at the end of the day, it would be a decision they would need to agree on.

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#7
Paladin
11-27-2021, 09:10 PM (This post was last modified: 11-28-2021, 05:46 AM by Hieronymous. Edited 1 time in total.)
^^
“That's what I thought too.” And it rubbed him the wrong way to think that Ragnar would rather waste his own time and energy travelling here to leave empty-handed if that was his intention for such a journey. He could have at least spoken to Hieronymous and see if they could be escorted to talk to Ira and Hieronymous on pack matters... instead, this is what it all came down to, and it took a lot to irk the High King but this was something that rubbed him the wrong way at every angle possible.

He was not so useless that he couldn't assist Ira in her duties as High Queen, she had picked him after all as her mate and Hieronymous liked to think he was doing a damn good job at keeping things orderly while she was mostly occupied with their children.

“Personally —” Again, he took his time to speak. Carefully putting his thoughts together so he spoke less on the whim of his emotions but as logically as he could muster up. “I would like to speak with Ragnar myself. If you're okay with it, of course, he will not see you until he sees me first and only then will I be open to discussing pack-related things with him. At least this way he can be more comfortable speaking with me as well.”

This was also a way to weed out why Ragnar would come calling for Ira only. If he refused to meet with Hieronymous again, well, the High King would have a reason to deny any thoughts of alliances or pack related business with a man who only wanted business with half of Vanderfell's crown.
^^
the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#8
Paladin
11-27-2021, 09:43 PM
Ira listened with interest as Hiero seemed to pause on his words. Perhaps this troubled him more than she originally thought, even if he said himself troubled was not the right word. What came next was surprising from the painted knight. Hiero had always been one so open and friendly, but this was one of the few times that mask slipped, replaced with something else. He was stern in his suggestion, seemingly commanding though not at her of course. Mayhaps he had beef with the Stormborns for their disrespect, though admittedly, she could not say she would feel any different had the roles been reversed. If he was offended then Ira would not stand in his way on the search for an explanation on his own terms.

Very well. Are you to leave for the coast then or is this a future wish to be pursued at a later date. Either option did not bother her. The children were getting older and she would be able to begin more dubious life training soon. Not to mention they were already trying to explore more than they could chew. With a pack at their heels there would be plenty of eyes to watch over the growing brood. Should Ragnar return before then I will simply excuse myself until you have finished your intended discussion. It only seemed fair after all that Hiero meet with him first. They never met the first time and both should know of each other before they pledge any kind of security to one another.

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#9
11-28-2021, 12:02 AM
^^
He didn't expect Ira to argue with him on this. There were many things that he loved about her and one of the top reasons was that she was smart. She never argued for the sake of it and would only speak up if she didn't see the logic in what was being presented to her. It seemed that he was being completely sound of mind with his request seeing as she had no objections on the matter, and he nodded in appreciation to it all.

“Only if he or the Stormborns come to visit again, or should our paths cross.” He wasn't interested enough to make the travel to find a pack that could be anywhere on a "coast" seeing that a coastline was often much longer than just a few days travel to find a pack. It would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack really. “Thank you.” He too hoped that this would mend any bubbling bad blood that was mostly well... on the High King's end.

If it meant anything at all he did hope that Ragnar would come back for another visit sometime soon so that this may not linger longer than necessary. Hieronymous after all wasn't the type of man who liked to hold a grudge, and would try not to let it eat away at him either until proven there was something nefarious at play. For now, he was mildly bitter and nothing more.
^^
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#10
Paladin
11-28-2021, 12:17 AM
Ah interesting, so he wished to stay home completely, though she could hardly blame him. She was not particularly eager to go seek out the home of people who were essentially still strangers to them. Had they awoken anywhere else Ira would have likely held a shorter conversation with the traveling family so the only saving grace Ragnar or his family had was that they were forced into finding a shared past.

Very well. Is there anything else to bring light to? Hopefully not, they could do without an ounce of drama while the children grew. They should be allowed to be children while they still could afford such luxuries and and child like innocence. There was Liutheri to account for too as he settled in to a new life amongst children he did not know without his own family to make the experience any better.

For a moment only did Ira hope that Orlaith had not run Ragnar off. The possibility was not completely off the table as she did have a rather nasty habit of meeting with aggression opposed to reason on most occasions. If she was guarding the run as heavily as Hiero suggested it might explain why none had come to join in recent months as well…maybe she would need to be spoken with too. Actually, do we know it is to Ragnar’s fault or might it be our own that his message was…cut short? She still did not know if that was even true, but now she worried that the brutish paladin may have scared off a potential ally.

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#11
11-28-2021, 02:01 AM
^^
As she asked if there was anything else to be brought onto the table he pursed his lips as eyes rolled away while he thought of it. Frankly, nothing did come to mind and he was about to say just that as he looked back to find Ira's golden eyes. Ready to stop taking her away from their kids for a less enjoyable topic of some pack business.

Instead, he was cut off before beginning as she herself had something to add. A thought and he was certain he could see where she was going with this. “Hmm... I honestly don't know.” He didn't need to ponder this one for too long as his answer was earnest. “Orlaith is brash and hard-headed but I can't be certain she wouldn't have made his arrival... unpleasant for the lack of better words. Then again... she was clearly upset by him being in the Run.”

So to put it in lamens terms, he wasn't sure. Hieronymous wanted to give Orlaith the benefit of the doubt but there were things just stacked against her. Small things... but they were there anyway. “If she approached him the same way she approached the bear at our borders when I was already greeting him, well, I can't say anyone would want to stick around for long and chit chat I suppose.”
^^
the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#12
Paladin
11-28-2021, 03:31 AM
There seemed to be no doubt in her husband’s mine when she first posed the question, though her own suspicion may have leaked into his own as he soon begun to think on her words. It was clear on his face as he did a few mental gymnastics trying to piece together another possibility and while she hadn’t been present for the new bear situation, she had heard about the encounter.

Mayhaps she had been on to something after all… Hmm, yes. That’s troubling to say the least. She may need to be spoken to in regards of toning down her approaches. If she wishes to be a brute she can do so when it does not affect the pack. If she was the main face on their borders right now then she was the first face others would see. The first impression they would have of Vanderfell, and she would rather they not be seen as unreasonable or brash.

If she did not take that message well then perhaps she would need a reassignment in tasks. That was less than ideal for likely all involved, but she simply could not take the risk of angering or upsetting neighbors before she even knew of them. Their children were growing here and not every alpha was so forgiving or understanding. Some did not need a reason to wage war. One wrong interaction would only justify their actions further. Shall I speak with her or would you like to?

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#13
Paladin
11-28-2021, 05:53 AM
^^
“I agree.” He understood that everyone had their own ways to get what they wanted, and Orlaith was more of a brutish type - though she must mean well, it was simply not the way that Vanderfell was meant to be as he understood it, and judging by Ira's own words on the matter, he was right. She was simply coming on too strong, and even if she may not be wrong, it was too dangerous to be pissing off the wrong individuals.

“I think it coming from you would be more impactful.” It wasn't a secret she didn't see him on the same level as Ira. The way she addressed him, even looked at him was different than how she viewed the High Queen. “I don't think she sees me as worthy of being High King and she has the right to think so, I just think she would get more upset if I talked to her.” And that would remedy nothing if she just closed herself off to his words and grew defensive as opposed to growing into a more trustworthy Vanderfell citizen.

He hated to hide behind Ira and let her do any of the work if he could do it himself - this was just not one of those times. “I may also be bias seeing as I've been keeping my eye on her after Quicksilver told me she has been... making him uncomfortable.” And the cat was out of the bag. Quicksilver's thoughts on how Orlaith treated him wasn't a secret, however, he brought it up now as the topic seemed appropriate.
^^
the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#14
Paladin
11-28-2021, 06:23 AM
Only a brow would raise as he agreed with her, though it wasn’t Hieronymous’ agreement that surprised her it was the way he worded it. More impactful? Orlaith’s disdain for Hiero had been well hidden behind a mask in most cases around her. Whatever slips she might have had were easily labeled as her typical behavior approaching any topic. As far as she knew Hiero had been well accepted as king, but maybe she had misjudged.

Sure enough, her husband would confirm what she had just conjured as a possibility. He believed she held personal bias against him and his abilities as high king. My dear husband, you should realize this only makes you a higher candidate. Would it be good to send him to handle the warden given her apparently obvious disdain? Well no, she would likely hate that, but that was also why she wished to see him tackle the task. As she had told him before, once someone had made an opinion of you it was hard if not impossible to change that, but he was not just a pack mate she could not get along with. He was her equal and High King of Vanderfell. 

Orlaith would need to learn to respect him, otherwise she would never settle within the pack. Problems amongst pack mates was inevitable, but if you do not agree with the leadership then why remain? Loyalty to one but not her mate? That was disrespectful in her own eyes. If Orlaith stayed for her or only saw her suitable to lead, then she should trust in who she picked as a husband and equal beside her. After all, Hiero was equal to her, no matter how anyone else saw him.

Oh and how to top it. Whatever had happened between Quicksilver and Orlaith was clearly withheld from her until now and upon hearing such news her other brow would raise to question her husband. And what does uncomfortable mean in this instance? Had Orlaith been more trouble than the weight of her aid? It was frustrating to only hear so now when the pack had other concerns coming with winter at their heels. Her children were her priority and frankly she held low tolerance for whatever unrest may be stirring within her ranks.

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#15
01-16-2022, 10:04 PM
He'd nod along to Ira's logic on the matter when it came to speaking with Orlaith. “You're right. As always.” He smiled, not having a hit of sarcasm. It was why he was so head over heels for the roan woman after all - well, one of the many.

Of course, she wasn't wrong, and if his wife believed this to be the best course of action, then he would take it. Whatever would come from it, both she and he would just have to accept the outcome and simply hope it would all turn out good in the end for each party involved. The last thing he wanted was to lose a long-time member over a disagreement, but if it meant to bring inner peace to their members, then so be it.

Either Ira had faith in him, or she too would accept whatever would come of it. He in turn had nothing else to add to this conversation until he could return with the results of his and Orlaith's own little one on one.

“I suppose in this instance... he meant unsafe. I would like to think I calmed his anxiety with our own conversation, but the matter still stands as why it started to begin with.”

the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
#16
01-17-2022, 12:12 AM
There entailed another problem...the safety of their members was of utmost importance of course. Disagreements and brawls were natural, it was in nature to fight, though terror was something she would not accept as part of one's daily life. They must come to work out their differences or at the very least give respect where respect was due. Both Orlaith and Quicksilver were honored members. They shared the same rank, and in that sense, they were equals even if it be for different skills. Perhaps it will be my task then to seek out Quicksilver.

The man had always seemed to confide in her despite how icy she could appear at times. Even when she shut him down he listened on and spoke freely minding respect. He may very well be willing to share more than he had with Hiero because of this. I will see to it that he no longer harbors those feelings and if they can not be squandered then I shall leave him with the means to defend himself. She had never seen him in a fight but based on past interactions along the borders the man seemed rather quick to flee if he could. Some manner of self-defense would do not just him but the pack good as well.

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#17
01-17-2022, 12:33 AM
So she would go see Quicksilver, while he, would go talk to Orlaith. It seemed like a good plan, to which he would nod once again. Gave Ira a quick butt of his head in affection before the two would turn away and go on their own routes to what had to be done.

In all honesty, he never wanted the rank of High King. He knew it would be a lot of work, and that was an understatement since their union. Hieronymous regretted nothing but he would also had been happy where he was previously to this. At least Ira made it all worth it.

For that reason alone he wouldn't complain or slow down.

the staff team luvs u
— Hiero has a dull sense of smell, it will affect how I play him and how he acts in threads
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