but i'm not the subversive kind

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@Célnes

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[size=medium] Everything about this region held an exquisiteness that was only praised by the High Elk himself. The towering redwoods whose branches extended to the heavens and disappeared far above the canopy provided shelter for the most tumultuous of storms. The combination of alluring fragrances of maple, oak, and pine enticed the senses and drew one further into the throes of the forest. The plentifulness of a grand river providing hydration to fauna and feral creatures alike. Most significantly, an immense commonality of Elk claimed this sacred woodland as their home. Indeed, this was the promised land of the High Elk on Earth, and what more worthy lineage than that of the D[size=medium]é[/size]orwine to be enriched by its presence and paradise. Blind faith was real. She, they (the D[size=medium]é[/size]orwine), was worthy and deserving of such pleasures found here. [/size]

[size=medium] Her paw falls were muted upon the moist soil of the terrain, cushioning her skulking stalk during the early morning hours. A thin veil of fog drifted through the soldiers of trees, floating at a languid-like pace. The brilliant pelt of her cinnamon and russet hues stood out in stark contrast, although she was not concerned with remaining concealed by any means. Thistle was often found at odd hours of the morning, scourging for skeletal artifacts. Creatures of the night devoured their victims and left a pile to be discovered by dawn, to which Thistle would be the bone collector of sorts, taking it back to her dugout to use in future ceremonies for "The Service" rituals. Thistle wanted to make certain whoever was the first to depart from their clan, she would construct their sendoff in a manner to appease the High Elk and make their astral journey safe to him. There was much work to be done yet, as Thistle was still young and learning of the traditions.[/size]

[size=medium] No spare bones discovered as of yet, although Thistle was enjoying the solitude of her morning stroll. There was still much to uncover within this haven. Even if she didn't find what she was seeking for her own selfish means, it was beneficial to map out what one could. Everything seemed to be on a grand scale here. Something about this region just felt right. There was no inclination of doubt with any [size=medium]D[/size][size=medium][size=medium]é[/size][/size][size=medium]orwin[/size][size=medium]e and no less the High Elk himself.[/size][/size]

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There was quite a few in the forest that were starting to enter so. However, Vengeance often chased them out and she was satisfied on the manner. However, little did she know some were most likely worthy to join the elken forest. It was a place for the elk, covered by the riches of the vegetation, the mushrooms that grew along the trees and grass, the thick trees to shelter from predators such as that man. The herd that was deep within, and there could they see, the King of the forest. Though, Célnes left them undisturbed, not even ushering a prayer yet. She knew the situation needed to be settled before attempting contact.

Though she always roamed the forest. Occasionally did the Queen mark notable land marks. In particular she took a liking to the newest addition; the King's Crossing. In the olden land did she create a very similar one, finding that high ground was always the best place to call for meetings. Boulders and rocks stacked upon each other to create a pride rock, and there, would she look down upon all with a pleasant smile, as a crown laid onto her temples.

But it seemed she would not stay on her throne. A smell came to be, and removing herself from the rock pile, Célnes went to discover who. Though familiarity was a pleasantry, as she smiled at the other, "Cousin."

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[size=medium] Appearing from the haze of the morning fog came a slender, elegant presence. The rich chocolate hue of her pelt was a stark contrast to the mistiness of dawn that lurked in the forest. Thistle's own dark yellow gaze was instantly drawn to her fellow kin coming in view. Her cinnamon and russet ears promptly perked, her head lifting upon her neck in attention. A gentle sway of a wag came from her tail as she halted her stroll. [/size][size=medium]Thistle always admired how her fellow kindred held herself in such regality and nobleness. The majority of their Dé[/size][size=medium]orwine clan was blessed with striking genes and even more sharp astuteness.[/size]

[size=medium] A warm grin passed over her cinnamon maw in return to [size=medium]Célnes. They may have been cousins but their lineage went beyond being thicker than blood. [size=medium]Célnes was looked at as a fellow sibling to Thistle in her own eyes, if anything. Her cousin had always been strong-willed and one of her cousins she looked up to in admiration of her grace and honor. "[size=medium]Célnes, [/size]good to see you in these early hours." The dawn was where the nocturnal were resting their heads and the diurnal were readying for the day. Thistle tended to paw along the fine line of this twilight hour. "Getting a head start with scouting for the day?" Thistle inquired. Seemed like every day there was something new to discover about the forest.[/size][/size][/size]

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"Of course, this forest calls for our family." Arriving alone within the forest was a rather.. Struggle, to adapt. Being used to surrounded by various family, and even moreso her brother, it was the first time she truly was alone. Perhaps it was the reason she accepted that alliance so quickly, and hopefully would give fruit to a better future for what she had in mind.

"The High Elk lives on in this forest," Célnes said, "it is the place of renewal." Though, Thistle was not within the Kingslend that was created by herself and her brother. She wasn't sure if she heard of it, and wondered what the other was doing during that time.

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Going to assume Thistle met Cenric in the past when they were pups. Lmk if you need me to change. :]

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[size=medium] Thistle agreed with [size=medium]Célnes' [/size]intuition there was a peculiar allure about this forest that drew their dynasty in. There was something comforting and homely amongst the towering trees that silently guarded this sanctuary. Some of their kin may have been separated for a moment in time, but in the fashion of a highly regarded messiah, the High Elk would lead its disciples that were the [size=medium]Déorwine[/size] to the promised land to be together again. "Mm. The signs are all here. The forest feels as if it lives and breathes." Thistle's dark yellow gaze did a sweep of the thick foliage surrounding the two females. There was something quite entrancing here.[/size]

[size=medium] Her gaze turned back to her brunette-hued cousin. It had been many moons since last encountering [size=medium]Cél[/size][size=medium]nes, quite possibly the last time when they were about reaching adolescence. As common for cousins to drift away throughout life, it was like the saying went: you could go months without talking to and when you reconnect, nothing has changed. "Surprised you discovered me before Cenric did." Thistle said with a smirk, remembering [size=medium][size=medium]Cél[/size][/size][size=medium][size=medium]nes'[/size][/size] brother from their pup days. "Is he around surveying the rest of the forest?" It further eluded Thistle had no inclination what [size=medium]Célnes' side of the family had been recently up to upon coming here. [/size][/size][/size]

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Pleasantly so, Thistle agreed to how the forest thrived and lived. It was breathing organism, to the squirrels that brought the nuts and scavenged the seeds across, to the elk that grazed through the overgrowth of vegetation. The hawks, unforgetting about the mischievous rodents, swooping down onto a delicious meal. All within a forest. She found it pleasant, especially due to how close it was not only to the river, but to the mountain itself. Resources were not thin by any means, as the river trickled in streams of bliss. He truly had blessed this place.

Though her smile remained, her eyes focused downward with a bit of silence, "I'm afraid he has passed some time ago. Alongst with a few other relatives, such as Calhoun and Rohesia." She dare not mention how they all died, for she did not know how the others would react if they knew her brother Cenric had passed by being killed by the white elk. Her own rage amplified with the factor, but others could see it as something he done wrong. She would never let his death be dishonored- and would personally bring a vengeance to whoever did.

Though, Célnes also did not mention how her true other cousins have died either. For both, by her own paws, had been injured. She still wondered if Rohesia truly did die, for she ran away within the carpet of red.. Maybe her dearest cousin will come with blood for herself.

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