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
  • The game is continuously improved to increase fun and decrease stress

Learn more in our Rulebook!

AW
Forgive me Father, For I have Sinned


Evening Overcast
#51
Visionary
11-17-2022, 08:20 PM
Gathered here are all the great minds of the wolves, and Dimitri is determined to listen. He keeps his ears perked, taking in the questions. He notes the fiery voice of Kuhn, the great tiger, and wonders if perhaps the tiger is correct. Ira, the stern-faced woman who lives close to them, seems intimidating, but her questions are accurate. Pointed, even, to dig out the truth of the conflict. The woman besides the man asking for judgement, Freya, is soft, but her bias is clear. And Valeska, his dear mother, seems only concerned of the honest judgment.

Ragnar gives his speech with gusto, and Dimitri has to admit that there's a brutality to what he's asking. Death. A limb. A loss of a pack. Is there justice in an eye for an eye? He will pray on this. He will ruminate over it. Then comes Vendrussel, the one they claim is duplicitous. But the way she speaks, with such passion, makes Dimitri almost want to believe her. Almost want to see her given a light sentence. Perhaps it is not true.

She claims that the gods can judge her in that moment. Dimitri doesn't fault that.

And in a flash of light, they do.

Burning fur, burning flesh fills his nostrils. He stares, not quite shielded in time, watching as the electricity sparks through Vendrussel. For a moment, he thinks, she's not dead. She's moving. It's likely leftover electric impulses, but Dimitri doesn't know that. The twitching should stop soon. He can smell smoke. Is her corpse burning? He doesn't know. And then he stares up to the sky, to the stormclouds overhead.

"It's arrogant," he says, just loud enough for those nearest him to hear him (as certainly, there would be chaos in this moment, wouldn't there?), "to ask the gods to place their judgement and not expect it. I hope she meant what she said." He sounds dreamlike, shaking only slightly. The shock of the moment is masking the immediate trauma of seeing her die.

"Because the gods answered. They can answer at any time. They see all and they will judge all."
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#52
11-17-2022, 08:47 PM (This post was last modified: 11-17-2022, 08:48 PM by Olympia-Elune.)
^^

Vendrussel's control of the girl was weak at best but often it was enough to keep her at bay. THough but a child herself, she was different to that of a canine and she was as unpredictable as the sea. Her patience had been growing thin with every word that left their mouths, wolf, tiger or bear -- it mattered not to Olympia. All she cared about was the so called accused and really, it was all well and good these high and mighty wolves throwing their questions at her but could they say with certainty themselves that they would be as pure and perfect as they thought Vendrussel should have been at repeat disrespectful behaviours?

Had Olympia existed in that time, she would have desired the girls fur for her bed.

She was restless, tail tip coiling in and out as she shifted her paws upon the ground, eager to get into actions. Eager to stomp forward and whisk Vendrussel away from all of these self righteous bastards -- but she had been given some form of extra instruction to behave. Behave! They wanted her dead, her Dragon dead and she was told to behave? It was infuriating and she was still feeling slighted at the extra demand. No one had the right to take away what was hers (in some form of way, Vendrussel was the mother that she had never had) and to do it with so much as little as a second thought?

Olympia's nostrils flared as she heard Vendrussel's words, her eyes widening as she lurched forward with every intention to go ahead and guard her; wanting to see who would want to harm a child. Since they thought so highly of children, to not harm them even if they were acting as if they were adults -- surely they would offer her the same respect that they though the handicapped bitch deserved? See how they thought of themselves then.

She had been about to.

She stopped in her tracks as the storm came in one swift moment and took what little Olympia had in this world and snuffed it out. A cry came from her lips, one of sorrow, rage and absolute hatred as Vendrussel went limp. Struck down by lightning right there, right before them, before her -- "No!" Olympia charged forward, slender frame quick as the lightning that struck her Dragon and her nostrils flared as she came to stand above and over Vendrussel. "No," she repeated, "get up," the yearling demanded as her tail spliced through the air. She stood above her like an iron wrought cage, head bowed as she sought to force Vendrussel's head against the ground. 

Olympia hadn't heard his first words but she saw the way his lips moved and her head snapped up to clear to the ugly, sickly looking boy. "Something to say?" She snarled, "fuck your gods." Olympia felt the way the tears welled in her eyes as her throat opened and closed tightly, painfully, unknown emotions clawing at her flesh. "Get up!" Olympia returned her attention back to the lifeless Vendrussel and her lips pulled back over her teeth as she lifted a paw and slapped it against the earth, furious. Northfall had what they wanted. Her eyes, terror and fury filled lifted to spy the duo and she spat her fury as she squared her shoulders, daring anyone to come and try to inflict further damage upon her blue-furred heart.

She hadn't felt them before in this way.

Tears.

They cascaded from her pale gaze, turning her cheeks sodden in trails. They coiled at her chin and dripped to Vendrussel's body, darkening the blue fur. Her chest rose and fell with her angry breaths, her pained breaths, her claws extended as they dug into the ground beneath her. The yearling's vision swam for but a moment before she regained it, looking every bit as a feral child as she was.

Her heart was dead beneath her.

Dead. Dead.

Dead.
^^

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#53
11-17-2022, 10:34 PM (This post was last modified: 11-17-2022, 10:35 PM by Absinthe. Edited 1 time in total.)
The trial had gone on and on, like it would never conclude. Absinthe hardly listened to any words, lest they be ones from Vendrussel's lips alone. The truest, most noble dragon of them all stood trial for a crime, and those that came questioned her. But whether he thought she deserved any of it, his thoughts of her would not change. They never had before, and they wouldn't now.

This whole thing seemed pointless; but what of the conclusion? The possibilities rang through his mind, jabbing at him like thorns. What would this absurd council decide? Or if it came to it, what would Vendrussel decide... if she was even given such a luxury?

But when she finally stepped forward to speak, his ears perched high. It was not her desire to see her body confined to torture, nor punishment befall her kin — but only for her life to be taken as cost for her actions. And then the storm came, striking her body down in a single blow. Absinthe's eyes widened, his body stiffening. Every limb tightened and his teeth clenched. She had done this herself... but yet she had. Her choice was made and the gods listened to her will.

Only when one of their own rushed forward did the dark dragon snap from his statue-like posture. Moving close to Olympia, while still keeping a distance, he spoke, “She has made her choice. Do not make matters worse where they may have finally ended.” Then his eyes found those surrounding. “You all have now have your justice, should you call it that. The dragons of the ford have no piece in whatever hatred remains.” A cold pair of silver eyes trailed to those behind him before turning back. If Olympia would allow it, the man would brush his shoulder gently against her own in comfort before he continued. “I cannot speak for each of my packmates, but I personally think enough suffering has been delivered to us all. We do not need more violence, nor interrogations. Unless the representatives of this court believe more should be said, we will return to the isles and take our fallen leader to be properly buried. Whether you think it is deserved, is not your jurisdiction. She is a dragon and will be commemorated as tradition demands.”

He watched them now, prepared for any of them to argue with his words. Would someone else of the ford step up in agreement? His words were a risk against both sides. There was tension within them all, but it needed to end. Enough had been said; enough had been done. Now they all needed to part ways peacefully, or this would never conclude.

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'' The rain is my escape. When it falls, so does the wall concealing my identity from the world. It the only time I can truly be me and dance in the rain, nothing but free. ''
#54
Paladin
11-17-2022, 11:28 PM
It was disgusting.

This whole trial, this entire thing. She did not know much about war and had only heard stories of it in the west... But it still confused her. Ten wolves could be dead, and no one bats an eye. One wolf dead, and everyone was in an uproar. Northfall wanted blood. She recalls Valeska saying that no outcome probably would satisfy them. She could not fault them for it and was just thankful it stopped at Vendrussel and not her entire pack. They were innocent, just following their leader. Whatever the actions and causes and blames, Tallulah felt no justice had been done in the end. A hollow victory. 

Dimitri was one of the first to speak, cawing about gods. She turned to look at the boy near her in controlled shock, aware his mothers had more tact than this regarding death. She was going to tell him to be quiet, be calm, have some respect... A feline turned on him immediately, but at least in her grief didn't have the sense to follow Vendrussel. She did not attack Dimitri, or lunge at him. But Tallulah curled her tail protectively over the boy's shoulders, her body stiff and willing to protect him all the same. In the end, it was not her place. She was not his mother, and she could only shield him.

More talked, but Tallulah reeled from the sky opening to strike a singular wolf dead. She had gasped openly, building tears that refused to drip. It seemed a shame, a waste of a life. But what would Vendrussel's life be like if she survived? What if the heavens did not strike her? She would be chained to Northfall's whims. If anything, Northfall got the short end of the stick. The death seemed immediate and painless. She hoped it satisfied their own caws for blood. Vendrussel... They were not friends. Nothing more than a passing acquaintance. She didn't know the young woman's crimes before it was laid bare.

She had felt sick at that, no doubt. If it had been anyone she cared about, she would want retribution too. She would, but Northfall seemed too... thought out. Too flashy. Too planned. It was a show for them to control and spin. She regrets the loss of the yearling's life, but Northfall left a bad taste in her mouth. The spinning poetics and dark charisma of their leader especially. Tallulah was quite thankful Elysium was far, far away from them. She was not usually suspicious of others. Now that the 'trial' had ended, Tallulah stayed by Valeska's son in case anyone else took offense and jumped at him.

She waited for others to speak. She waited for this to conclude. She wanted it to be over. Her stomach twisted in deep anxiety.

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[Image: 53568461_UCgDR8zToPO5WLQ.png]
FALLING TOO FAST TO PREPARE FOR THIS
TRIPPING IN THIS WORLD COULD BE DANGEROUS
#55
Paladin
11-18-2022, 12:06 AM (This post was last modified: 11-19-2022, 06:24 PM by Valeska. Edited 1 time in total.)
The road to hell, as they say, is paved with good intentions.

Every creature gathered together in the name of justice held, at least within most of their hearts, well-meaning intent.

What they all did share in common without a shadow of a doubt was a burning desire for their own definition of what justice meant, whether it be wreathed in glittering nobility or soaked in a pool of blood and tears.

The great polar bear @Thraximundar was content to echo her own inquiries, puzzling over the same looming questions that plagued Valeska. He was very articulate for his species - not that she had met any others, but she'd always harbored a certain mental image of bears over the years - and held a genuine concern for all present.

@Kuhn also raised several pertinent queries, ones not pertaining directly to Vendrussel's crime at all - but rather, what the full backing of her pack represented in this trial. Would they launch a full-scale attack should the verdict truly call for their disbandment, or worse, her death? Why had she brought the entirety of her defense to this meeting meant for peace in the North?

What would she be willing to accept?

It was @Ira who spoke next, seeking answers regarding borders and terrain, as well as capability and culpability both. She was a war-woman, her mind focusing toward the issue of ambiguously established boundaries between their lands, and strategies regarding neighboring packs with the accused sowing seeds of dissent among Northfall's presumed allies.

@Freya glared upon the proceedings from her perch with a suspicious glint in her eye that Valeska recognized all too well. She was sizing them up. It came as no surprise - any woman of Northfall, particularly one of Ragnar's favorites would likely hold a heavy bias toward her own, and she regarded each individual as a potential threat. Her gaze raked across Valeska for a moment, and she felt herself tense - but just as quickly as it came, it went, and she soon finished her visual assessment of the collective.

"... for the murder of a child, though you say you were not an adult yourself, of course -- but I wonder, would you be as Ragnar stands had it been your child?"

Her voice rang out sharply overhead, slicing through the air like a knife.

Valeska bowed her head, just slightly. It was a worthy statement to make. Would they all have cried for diplomacy so readily had it been their own? The High Priestess looked to her son remorsefully, trying to imagine her first reaction upon his death - but the thought was too bitter. She could not stomach it.

Perhaps that was her own answer, too.

At last, Vendrussel spoke once more. She remained stoic and steady, holding herself with an unwavering resolve that resembled the calm before the storm - but they did not know how true that was.

She spoke clearly, succinctly, outlining a brief narrative of her experiences and how Dragonford had been foiled at seemingly every turn in their pursuit to make things right with their neighbors.

Yet the fact remained - a child had died. None had perished in their petty squabbles before that defining moment, and it was an unspoken truth that the first claws to strike down another would appear soaked in blood to the eyes of an outsider.

Northfall and Dragonford both made bold claims within their narratives, opposing each other with equal ability and clarity of memory as to who trespassed where, which pack laid claim to which border - yet only one could be telling the truth as it stood in the light of the gods.

"Where I am from, we are raised that if you attempt to take a life, you are ready to forfeit your own. In truth, I do not know. It is said parenthood changes your perspective."

The High Priestess remained motionless and unblinking in the face of the sea wolf's barrage of statements, a touch of pain tinging her voice as she pressed on.

Vendrussel cast a wary glance toward her Northfall accusers, taking a breath before icily warning those in attendance of the potential dangers that lay ahead should they continue their dealings with the Viking pack.

"Wolves that attack strangers who know nothing of association..."

"... When their fangs will turn upon you, who do not agree with their ideals?"

Valeska dared not shift her own gaze toward Ragnar and his kin. She didn't want to think he would be capable of turning against his own assumed allies, should the Council decide against one of his preferred outcomes - but Vendrussel spoke so vehemently, it was difficult not to hear the desperation in her words.

Surely Northfall would never...

A shadow fell across the proceedings. Vendrussel lifted her head with a sense of finality, uttering at last her closing statement, voicing to all her wish that the matter be over and done with, her body a willing sacrifice; unsettlingly, with every word announced dark clouds began to roll in from overhead, casting a dark pall over the gathering as thunder rumbled within their depths.

She closed her lips, jaw setting in a firm line.

A single step forward -


CRACK-BOOM

A blinding light seared across her vision as Valeska jumped, every hair standing on end. She flung herself in the direction of her son Dimitri, hoping to shield his eyes, but she was only moments too late -

- he had seen the wrath of the gods.

Static crackled through the air, raw electricity sending the Council into a panic. Sides heaved as everyone gasped for breath, frozen in shock over the terrible event as Vendrussel's body lay in a crumpled heap at the center of it all, smoke rising from her fur as every pair of eyes stared on in horror.

Dimitri opened his mouth and spoke first, a quiet, almost inaudible sound above the hushed silence, and although they were true - they were the wrong words.

@Olympia-Elune, Dragonford's own tiger, a young adolescent, took the loss as well if the wolf had been her own mother. She rushed forth in a grief-stricken rage, standing over Vendrussel's body in a stupor as she begged her to rise, but no life returned to her limp form.

She turned to Dimitri and hissed. "Something to say? Fuck your gods."

Valeska felt her lips curl back as she showed her fangs to the tigress, stepping in front of Dimitri protectively to break her venomous line of sight from the boy. She said nothing in return, knowing not to stoke the ire of a child in the throes of her worst nightmare, but uttered a rattling growl from the back of her throat in response, warning Olympia not to proceed any further.

She did not have time to think on how she felt.

To her, Vendrussel had been kind - reasonable - calm. She could little imagine her murdering an innocent in cold blood, and by all accounts, Ynness had not been innocent.

The gods were cruel.

The gods were just.

But... did the gods ever make mistakes?

Valeska looked to @Olive, who guarded Dalmatia fiercely, her eyes wide and full of sorrow. She looked to @Tallulah and @Urszula near her, both stunned into silence, and she turned her attention once more to Dimitri, whose frozen expression betrayed only a fraction of the trauma he had just experienced.

@Absinthe, a wolf dark as coal, broke the silence over Olympia's tumultuous weeping; he spoke gruffly, stating his intention to retrieve Vendrussel and set the horrors that had brought them together to rest in finality.

Valeska bowed her head.

“You have my blessing.”

She swallowed, hoping no one else would contest their claim.

“I am... sorry.”

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#56
Visionary
11-18-2022, 01:33 AM (This post was last modified: 11-18-2022, 01:33 AM by Thraximundar.)
 Vendrussel spoke passionately, spoke of the ills that Northfall had wrought as well. However, the fact still remained that she had taken a life and though he had no verdict on the punishment, he did think there should be something to make up for the lost life. The one that Vendrussel suggested was not one that he likely would have gone with. An eye for an eye made the whole world blind, after all.

 Even he, wouldn't have tempted the gods as she had done, though. It seemed like the highest of folly to tempt them. He frowned, accenting the scar across his face, as the woman raged.

 And then the gods reacted. Right on cue.

 She was struck down.

 The suddenness of it had him on his feet, stepping backwards with a growl. Where the woman had once stood, now she lay dead. Her pack reacted, a young tiger in particular that she must have been close to. He felt his heart ache and he knew what had just happened.

 The gods had given their verdict. She had tempted them and they weighed in. Guilty. Was what they spoke and they all had to respect it. The court here was adjourned.

 Chaos began to happen, as was warranted. He felt his own heart hammering in his chest as he glanced up in the sky... but he knew that the gods had taken their due. He stepped forward, placing himself partially before the mothers and their children for he knew that fangs could fly in these intense situations. "Yes, I echo Valeska's sentiments. I offer my sincerest condolences and wish you safe travels back to your Isles... if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask." He knew that he'd had to act as one of the judges but he was not heartless. There were wrongs on both sides and he would not punish the pack further after the gods had taken their price.

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[Image: deve50g-63ea11b5-eb48-4527-800d-5e485a56...OPfa-MLat4]
#57
11-18-2022, 01:38 AM
 He had been there. Watching. Waiting. Aloof. Uncaring. What did it matter if blood had been spilled? The wolf that their leader had killed was dead, gone, never coming back. It cared not for this politicking, this court, these wolves, these other creatures. However, he did care for The Light. So, he was here, watching from behind the others with eyes wide and staring. It did not stand out, it did not say a word, only listened.

 However, the tides shifted. Vendrussel offered her life.

 The gods took it.

 It was amazed... but it felt nothing about it. Except, that perhaps, one should not so openly tempt the gods.

 The only thing that it did care about was The Light. She was distraught. He would go to her, aiming to come up towards one side of her. Not touching but offering his touch if she wanted it. Those that antagonized her? He stared at, memorizing their forms. If she wanted, he would track them down but for now. He was Hers. Whatever she wated and needed.

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[Image: ghostgif.gif]
Ghost will frequently switch between he/it pronouns. Feel free to use whichever your character is comfortable with.
#58
11-18-2022, 01:45 AM
^^So..

This had been about the death of a handicapped yearling that was, despite being over a year old and able to take care of herself, seen as a child.

The logic of such did not make sense to Archon, who saw himself as an adult — a very needy adult, but an adult nonetheless — and wondered why it was that his mother — and others, who brought their children — had decided to bring their children — actual children that were under a year of age [mash] along, knowing it had been about a death to a child.

It was a risk, he supposed, as no one knew what was to happen. The accused brought forth her entire pack, it had made him feel uneasy — as if staring at a very obvious ambush that awaited for them.

He could not help the hackles as they lifted, Archon growing tense and moving closer — within reach — to his sister. The goal had been to, of course, grab her and flee should an ambush arise.

It had thankfully not come to that; the thought and guilt of abandoning his Ma and Uncle Kuhn to save his sister would have crippled him. Even if he knew, deep down, that it would have been what his Ma wanted.

The skies crackled from above, and before he knew it, and there was a blinding light; he felt his mother on him before he could react, and for a moment, Archon tensed with a protective growl towards his own mother, having not realized what had transpired.

It was his mother on them, shielding them with her own body, and not an attack from an ambush. Archon curled his body around his sister and his mother, not really wanting to let either of them go for a moment. He nuzzled them softly while silently checking them for injury.

The cries of the female young tiger caught his attention; knowing he would have been in the same position, if his Ma had thrown her life aside for his, and his sister’s. The dark wolf that spoke demanded attention and authority, and though Archon did not know her — the wolves of Dragonford Isle had, and the wolves of this council had come together for a more peaceful outcome than war, meaning she had been a friend to many.

If she had not been loved, then there would not have been a council. It had seemed that the council hadn’t mattered either way.

He softly cleared his throat, took a deep inhale, as he closed his eyes and lifted his mouth to the skies & sang a song of mourning, in silent hopes that the others might join him.

For the loss of Yness of Northfall.

For the loss of Vendrussel of Dragonford Isle.

For their losses in union.
^^

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#59
Visionary
11-18-2022, 07:51 AM (This post was last modified: 11-18-2022, 07:51 AM by Kuhn.)


Listening intently, the cat's heart began to sink as the rest asked their questions.  From his personnel time with the two of them, he feared that he already knew the answers.  To him the details on wolf 'law' who stepped on who's home first was irrelevant.  The issue was that someone had to die over it, and if they didn't figure this out, this cycle would repeat itself over and over. Yet, there where no villains in this story.  

When it came time for the woman of the sea to respond, it became clear that her position had not changed, though something about her speech seemed different now.  It was powerful and foreboding, yet she seemed completely at peace.  When it came to his question he had asked her here, and on the beach that day, she did not answer with words.  But he knew what she would say: her rule was worth only her own life 

'Only her own'

Then, it was like she wove her very words into a spell as the sky opened up to receive its sacrifice, and with her last warnings, she gave her life.  It was taken by a sudden flash sent down from the heavens.  The queen's words where honest to the end,

and she died queen of Dragonford.   

The loud bang, and bright flash didn't stir the cat from his resting spot, but he could only stare in amazement and disbelief.  The poetry and selflessness of that action, made the cat think that he truly witnessed a legend. This was surely consecrated ground.  With that her great action she had answered his question. 

Everything began to blur around him as he took in the surreal moment, as some panicked and some shouted orders and verdicts.  The gods had not judged her, she had given herself freely.   Amidst the chaos, he wondered if that was a truth that he was only meant to know.   Still his slate gaze lingered on the woman who was not set free into the realm of the mighty unknown.  Still laying on the floor, his tail fell flat, staring out at the body that was now caged by the young tigress.   

Even if he wanted to speak he could not, his very being was gripped by the power of that otherworldly moment.  Though tensions where high, he was confident that woman's sacrifice would not lead to bloodshed now, he remained laying, the world didn't need another shouting voice right now.
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#60
Paladin
11-18-2022, 09:32 PM
He remained silent throughout their arrival, the introduction of those who'd come to pass judgement on a matter that didn't involve them, and as they proceeded to interrogate the Northern leaders. Villentretenmerth hung back at the Alphess' order, ever-watchful. He glanced around frequently, expressionless whenever he accidentally met the gaze of another, then frowned as he at last turned focus on Vendrussel when stepped forth to give voice to her side of the tale.

It felt as though the trial dragged on for hours, and it was painful to listen to a father demand justice for a daughter who'd been robbed of her life by the jaws of an enemy. The gilded brute lifted his chin, his dense tail flexing; he knew of Vendrussel's crime, believed that she accepted and carried regret at the heart of her. Her own admission had been what swayed him to remain on her island, after all, for he saw room for growth in her.

The gathering neared a time for verdict, but it would not cone from the maws of wolves. A great rumble from gathering storm clouds above them caused Villentretenmerth to raise his ears, and his gaze swept the sky briefly. Electricity coursed the air and suddenly, a great light came streaking toward the ground - and it was over before many could respond.

He veered aside in surprise at the sudden crack of lightning, moving automatically to shield @Vedette who was nearest to him. Villentretenmerth collected himself only when the cries of others around him distracted him from the ringing in his ears. Turquoise eyes fluttered open and he swung toward Vendrussel, the sight of her on the ground enough to make his breath hitch.

She was gone. Lost to them, having offered her life. Villentretenmerth inhaled and the scent of scorched flesh roused an unsettling in his gut. He swallowed the threat of bile that burned in his throat, and gritted his fangs as he watched helplessly as she lay motionless before him.


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#61
11-19-2022, 09:10 AM
Many others joined them, though it was the particularly large group who arrived that caused Dalmatia to press herself so firmly to Archon's flank that she might've disappeared among his furs. She peeked out with wide eyes at those closest to her, far too many and too near for comfort, and she felt as though her chest was beginning to tighten. There was a lead weight in her belly and she worried that she might even wet herself, or begin to hyperventilate, or even cry. In front of all these strangers! The spotted girl trembled, petrified, and emitted a soft little whimper as she pressed her face to her big brother's side.

An ear twitched to the sound of her mother's voice, and she dared to look once more. Olive was her greatest comfort, and she blinked toward her almost pleadingly - come back, stay with me. She wanted her to be close, but her attention was clearly elsewhere.

The trial commenced, and none of it made sense to Dalmatia. She was cornered and overwhelmed, too afraid to focus. She inhaled deep through her nose and exhaled shakily through her teeth as she'd tried before to steady her nerves, and time ticked by during which the accused and complainer were questioned by the council. The speckled youngster had managed to regain some self-control, thankfully, but her efforts were all for nothing as a fierce light whipped from the sky and struck the she-wolf who'd been speaking out in her own defence.

It came so suddenly that Dalmatia yelped her shock, and began to cry as her mother came hurtling toward her. The swiftness in which Olive returned was enough to shock the pup into knowing danger had come, and she wept loudly in her fear that they would be harmed. She moved, wanting nothing more than to be held, and reached for the Priestess - “Mama!”


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#62
11-21-2022, 09:48 PM
Many questions had been thrown Ragnar's way, many of which left Ragnar to wonder who truly was the one on trial here? Vendrussel, for the murder of a pup or Ragnar, so see if the want her death was justified? Perhaps both. In the end, regardless of how hateful and spiteful Ynness was, regardless if she had tresspassed or not, regardless even still if she was capable or not of holding her own despite her disability, Ynness need not murdered that day. An injustice which would be served, whether the court sought it fitting or not.

Finally, a break, and Ragnar finds himself able to sit back and watch and listen this time as the conversation is once more turned to Vendrussel's direction. Valeska and Thrax had but one, the same- why did it come down to death? There was many choices the young leader could have made that day and yet she sought to choose one that was the most drastic of them all. A mistake which she had admit she made time and time again, yet still no answer on what exactly had she been thinking when she made such a choice. Ragnar's thoughts led it to proving herself as a worthy adversary, someone not to be messed with and to take seriously. Vendrussel wasn't leaving the islands despite her new neighbors dislike and she would prove her place by spilling the blood of those who went against her claim!

Something which all of Stormborn would agree with. A key similarity in charactistic and upbringing that meant when it came down to it, if Vendrussel's upbringing matched Stormvorn's own, why then had she avoided this war? Why then had they not revealed themselves to Northfall a year ago and end this? Instead, Northfall came a knocking many a times and no one answered. As spoken before, she sought to weasel her way into the comfort of those friendly to Northfall. A understanding one might never know. It just didn't make sense.

And @Ira seemed to notice this too. When her questions came, they were a flood of them which were different from the rest. She asked of Dragonford hypocrisy, by continously wandering the Moors now when it had meant death for a Northfall wolf to do so on the Brim. She asked why if Vendrussel's problems were to Northfall, that she did not come to march upon Northfall's doorstep or reveal themselves when Northfall trolled their lands. (Come out, come out, wherever you are!) They were all questions that would surely put the Dragonford leader to the test. Questions which Ragnar would have not thought to hear from Ira. After a few interactions that might have suggested Ragnar was trying to cozy up with the High Queen, Ira was not biased despite her dislike. She detached herself from those ill feelings in order to get to the bottom of this mess. Ragnar was impressed. Not that it would have mattered to Ira.

Vendrussel's words, they went through one ear and out the other. Her look to him met with a dull one of his own, for she had taken up more of his time then he ever had dreamed of. Her words still so contradictory, going in circles. She was admitting and aware of her wrongs but still considered herself right. Saying she was the only one to blame yet in the next sentence states why it was Northfall's fault. That she was remorseful, but she would not have done it any other way. So call them killers, bloodthirty, backstabbers to their allies when she was the only one who had killed. Words that twisted and mocked. She said a great lot but never seemed to directly answer any question. They meant nothing to him. He smiles. He chuckles.

She claims to be willing to sacrifice her own life. An easy way out, according to many and yet one which was the swiftest, the kindest method to take. To the gods, she calls and so they answer, their wrath against her known! The skies open and dark clouds do swirl. Ragnar's hairs stand on end, the static brushing through his fur. His body vibrating with the power of the land around them. The Gods of Old roar their wordless voices, for they are the sky, the land, and planets above. Thor's mighty hammer booms and strikes down upon Vendrussel! A burned and dead woman is left in its place, falling to the ground in a great heap of nothingness.

It speaks volumes across religions and history throughout time. To the Old Gods, to that of Norse, to @Ghidorah cast from the heavens in storm, to the first of Ragnar's blood born of it. It was obvious, even to the Gods above: Vendrussel was meant to die. Blood for blood.

Ragnar takes a heavy breath, for he realizes it had been held in these quick yet powerful moments. His limb, which had been lifted to his face to shield his eyes from the great flash, finally settled in a quiver to the earth. The sting of it still prickled the pads of his feet. The smell of burned flesh filled the air. The Dragonford wolves began to stir, to come to the aid of their felled leader. But nothing could outmatch the fury of the gods. The first to speak was not one of the court nor one of the judges. In fact, it was a child- a son, a son who Ragnar's blood flowed through. Ragnar looks to the unknown redhead, a silent stare and nod. The enraged child curses, full of fury and might despite her youth. Most knew not to fuck with a tiger just as much not to fuck with a bear. Ragnar had no intention, either. After all, the gods themselves had given him what he wanted.

It was known to by those of Dragonford, as well. A black coated male spoken. It was done. The howl of @Archon sang out in mourning of those lost. Ragnar was silent all the while and again, he waited, he watched. The hesitancy in Valeska, shied eyes from his gaze. The torn trust. The shock, the horror and the acceptance of the Ford. The cries of children gathered, and tension in those around.

Ragnar's head tips back and to the side, to the large black bird ever still perched at his shoulder. “@Krakarak, go. Tell Northfall the sea wench is dead.” A whisper to the Watcher and his head then lowers and turns to the woman that had not left his side. “The gods have spoken.” He speaks to Freya, though she is all well aware, having been one countless lives herself. There was no longer a need for being here and Ragnar hopes there never will be again. Eyes sweep the crowd, awaiting any final comment or questioning they might have for him before he would turn to leave. From his perspective, the word of the Gods outmatched anything they would have to say.

the curse of Northfall, will continue
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*Ragnar frequently has black feathers woven into his scruff, curiosity of his good friend, Krakarak.
#63
11-21-2022, 10:21 PM
^^

It happened in both slow motion and fast, voices chattering, directing their questions and their thoughts until the sky crackled with unleashed power. Freya's gaze had lifted to the skies above as the sound of static seemed to engulf the air and within a matter of moments, the decision had been taken from them. Thor had taken his hammer to hand, wielding it to the skies and called to the lightning, harnessing it and unleashing it to his chosen victim.

Lightning struck her down, the Dragon Queen falling to the ground with an audible thump! and what she could only think was a sizzle of skin and fur. Freya's multicoloured gaze remained upon the now corpse as the conveys around would react in their own manner, shock, fear, cries and uncertainty seemed to be the main ones but Freya merely thought; good. One less problem in her way, one less problem to cause Ragnar to lose his way. It was a young tiger that drew forth first, encasing Vendrussel with what she could only call grief. It was a saddened sight, she thought, but not one that she would lose sleep over.

Ragnar turns to her, his voice rumbling from his throat and she dips her head to him as she cast her multicoloured gaze to his golden features, "a testimony to our plight," she murmurs to him as she leans to bump her nose to his muzzle. To the rest she turns not moments after, the desire of the Ford to take their fallen leader and give her a burial was not one that she would decline. "Take her body, she is yours to do with as you please," the goddess would state as she turned back to Ragnar. It was hard to ignore what had happened before them though she wished she had one of her other bodies to hand so that she might go and offer Thor a good gift for his decision on this day. 

The freckled goddess would cast one last glance to the crowd of creatures and she bowed away, the Northfall duo at each others sides as they would take their leave from Court. ^^

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Soulbound
"A deep, lasting emotional or spiritual connection between characters, typically of a psychic or magical nature."


To find out more about Freya's soulbound adoptables, please look here! Interested? Drop me a message. 
#64
Visionary
11-22-2022, 06:23 PM
The Priestess presented an opportunity for those gathered to question the accused, yet Quicksilver failed to give voice to his deepest concerns. He simply cast his pallid gaze toward the sea wolfess, she with the vivid eyes reminiscent of those that'd once haunted his dreams. His gaze upon her was empty, hollow - something akin to sadness in the glisten of his blue-grey irises. It was hard to take in the charge against her. How was it that this she-wolf, the girl with whom he'd watched the dancing lights in a Northern sky from the very territory she'd been brought to trial, could have so callously slain another?

As the others asked for more information, the druid chose to withdraw. He felt the tension that hung all around him, the heaviness in the air, and knew that he did not want to be responsible for whatever decision would be made on Vendrussel's life. Reiko was right: Shiroshika had no business in the discussion of another's fate. The war that brewed between Northfall and Dragondford was not their own, and they had enough uncertainties of their own to entertain.

It would seem that the only power to choose what would happen to the dragoness, however, was a higher one.

Quicksilver sucked in a breath as electricity crackled through the atmosphere to strike Vendrussel, and defensively swung toward Ira. He automatically moved to shield her with his own body, but the attack from the sky was over almost as soon as it begun. The silverwhite blinked at the fallen form of the accused, at the charring of earth beneath where her paws once held her upright, and stared with disbelief. He felt afraid, naturally, because he didn't understand what'd just happened. He wanted to believe it was an unfortunate event, something of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, yet it all felt too convenient.

Gaze lifted, he looked first to Vanderfell's Queen to assure himself that she was unharmed. Satisfied, Quicksilver glanced around at those gathered, sterling ears especially alert to the sound of a child who cried. She was being consoled by her family, he noticed, then exhaled he breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

It was over. Dragondford's wolves began to mourn, and he did not even acknowledge Ragnar for fear of seeing an expression of gloating on his face. Instead he carried on holding his tongue, more than ready to remove himself from the council and prepare for departure.


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#65
Paladin
11-26-2022, 02:20 AM
Ira sat in wait as Vendrussel picked her way through the council's questions. In truth, she felt she had already made her decision, and it was only furthered as the sea woman danced around the hard questions to push blame elsewhere. It was interesting for one to so openly admit their crimes, yet viewed themselves as anything but unjust. Then again, most who committed crimes viewed their actions as so. To some, she had no doubt, viewed her as a villain for protecting her own in the means she deemed necessary, however some crimes fell into more morally gray ones than others. The death of a child is something she would never call for, as would many here gathered agree. Perhaps in other lands, Vendrussel's acts would be viewed differently, but that mattered little when faced with her current crowd.

She spoke in defiance to Ragnar's methods with bold claims that he held little control over his own, yet she used the boars to her defense. Had she not also suffered from boar attacks? What of the other packs here she wished to sway? She had even gone as far as to mention the death of one from the ford due to their encounters, so if Northfall was so mismanaged, what did that say for her own or the others who gathered here today? She could preach all she wished about viewing her fight as equal, but there was no glory in besting a child who bore a clear disadvantage, no matter how powerful Ynness's spirit may have been. If that fight had been equal in Vendrussel's eyes, then she was weak in the face of a true battle. Perhaps that was why it had taken so long to bring this strife to a conclusion. They both had admitted it, after all, Vendrussel skirted Northfall and spoke to others in hopes of finding peace.

As for a call, well, Ira could not speak for the woman's claim. If it had been her, she would have dealt with Ragnar's misguided members long before a child bore its fangs, but that did not answer rather or not Northfall would hear her summons. Elysium sat quite close to her claim, something she had agreed to under rules of her own, and while they kept to their borders there had been a few occasions where she heard their noise. Fortunately not enough to grow tiresome, but it argued the validity of Vendrussel's claim. She supposed she would never know until she saw their claims' separation herself. Unfortunately, aside from a few key points and self admittance, this jury had been nothing but open squabbles to ears who had no place in the tension between two packs. Most may even be biased as allies of Northfall, though she knew little of the character of unaffiliated representatives. A third party to have witnessed the messy history between these two would usually be required to sway her, but given the self admitted actions, there was little point. Everyone could point all the fingers they wished, but this trial was not here to deem any side right, it was to bring punishment for a crime in hopes of preventing more.

Maybe Vendrussel finally realized this as the facade she held began to crumble, replaced by bristling fur and raised shouts. She had not exactly painted herself in a pleasant light, at least not in her own eyes, and now she could only wonder what she hoped to gain. To place distrust in Northfall's allies? She was not wrong. Ragnar may very well take matters into his own hands should the court rule in a decision he did not favor, but frankly, she would do the same. However, Vendrussel was wrong about one thing. It was not greed that drove the man, it was honor. Any with Norse heritage would recognize this, and Vendrussel had almost suggested the same as her reason for slaying Ynness. Aye, the bold and brash often meet their gates much sooner, but there are still limits. An unruly adult is a danger and foolish, but a child still has much to learn. Their nature is cold, and these lessons do not always come with careful words, but that does not mean the child should die before they surpass their self bolstered limits.

If it was greed to restore a family's honor, to make amends for the blood of a fallen one spilled too soon, then she pitied Northfall for their choice in allies. Should any of them choose to believe the sea wolf's claim, and it was Ira who stood in Ragnar's spot, then those who once found friends in her stead would no longer be held in a shining light as allies. She may never agree in full with the pale man and to say she favored him in any way was laughable, but at this very moment she felt as though she may be closer to him than any others standing present. At this point, she was merely interested in what the others would have to say in regard to Vendrussel's claims.

The longer she went on the more aggressive Vendrussel seemed to be. Ira could only question if perhaps it was she who was as unhinged and troublesome as she made Northfall out to be. After all, what would stop her from running an attack right now? She was the only one who had brought an army to what was otherwise meant to be a peaceful gathering. The rest brought a travel companion or children. Even should they all band together in the name of Northfall, Dragonford held a strong advantage to those gathered, and that was if no one fled in the erupting chaos. The thought made her muscles tense as she watched the woman carefully for any subtle signals. She had come to gain knowledge of the happenings around her, not to bury her nose in matters she did not belong to nor did she have a reason to care. Perhaps Northfall had crossed bounds of their own, but they were not the crimes they had come to weigh today. There was also no telling what specifics may be true about the attack on the beach. Even she had run out her share of loners that wandered too close, and if they were potentially associated or soon to be with an enemy, then they could be just as much a threat as the target they sought originally.

In the end, it seemed there was no need for this council. No later than the fading of the final ring of Vendrussel's words would the winds shift. The minor scale of turbulent winds had gone for the most part unnoticed as Vendrussel spoke, but it was in the following silence that justice rang loud. The tremendous roar above shook the trees as it deafened the crowd gathered below. There was no time to think on the call or its foreboding warning, as it was quickly followed by blinding light. The earth beneath her paws rippled with shocks even she could feel from her distance as guard hairs pricked from the static. She hadn't seen the results right away as the winds calmed, her senses still painfully ringing as Ira kept her ears pinned to her skull. Like most, the roan queen smelt the crumpled body before she realized what she had been staring at.

Quicksilver had curled before her at some point in the noise. He was given a brief glance and nod of her head, ensuring her thanks and her safety. A sharp gaze quickly shifted around the gathered for the children that had been so foolishly brought. There was a reason the young did not belong in such sensitive matters, though fortunately it seemed only one had been harmed in the primal roar. There was no doubt about it, once the rush had settled. This had been the work of the Gods. Rarely did they ever take an interest in the plight of mortals, this she knew and counted on time and time again. They could pray in their names and offer tribute with the hope their prayers would be answered, but never had she seen an answer so vocal. Whatever happened between these packs must have been enough to either anger or offend the Gods. Given the verdict, there was no doubt it was Vendrussel who toyed their patience. Perhaps it was her adjacent rambling that drew their ire. Maybe it had even less to do with Northfall and instead leaned into other matters in which she spoke in their name that eventually drew their hand to silence. Whatever the reasoning may be, it was likely Ira would never know.

There was no doubt in the High Queen's mind that Ragnar was no innocent man. He likely held his own sins and had played a part of his own in the war that washed his shores, but she no longer had room to question his hand when the Gods had cast their rule. Vendrussel was a guilty woman, and she had been met with her punishment. Should blame be placed Ragnar's way, then his time would come, but for now this trial was over. Mutters arose in the wake of everyone's realization, and no sooner did they break would a face from the ford come barreling forward. She knew not when bears and cats became allies to wolf kind, but it was concerning nonetheless as the youth bristled and snarled at those surrounding. This was why she did not trust their kind to mesh with her own. Nature was nature and even if communication brought understanding between lives, it did not take away their differences when turmoil came knocking. Once more, Ira found herself guarded as she watched the girl that towered like a cage over the fallen sea wolf. She held no interest in invoking the girl's ire as one tiger was enough to keep on her radar. Fortunately, she had no reason to move as the tension began to rise.

Another stepped forward in attempt to calm the girl as he quickly addressed the council. As he said, there was no reason for further examination, and one by one, representatives would offer their voice or abstinence there of allowing the Ford's departure. Somewhere in the mix she caught the voice of a boy singing and wondered how he thought now was an appropriate time when a skirmish could still very well take place, but she'd put little thought into the matter. She would only look to Ragnar. This was what he had wanted, after all. If he wished for more, perhaps there would be a note of truth to his greed, but he seemed satisfied, as he should be. To ask more of the Gods after they had been so generous would be concerning, but it seemed all were done here.

Echoing the words of those around her, she rose her voice, There is naught more to speak of. I believe it is safe to say this trial has come to a close. Northfall has means to be satisfied with the verdict. Her gaze shifted to @Olive should she have any remaining words to add as it was her who opened the case to begin with. One can only hope this result brings the peace all parties seek. If not it really did not concern her. These matters were never her own, but she had played her part and given her input. Providing they could all collectively agree this was the end, at least for tonight's trial, she would take her leave amongst the rest.

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#66
Adventurer
11-29-2022, 02:20 AM
 Chaos. Destruction. Death!

 The bird perched upon Ragnar's shoulder, had remained silent for the testimonies --a miracle in and of itself-- and had only glared at those from Dragonford and their audacity. He knew who was the real criminal here, who was right and who was wrong. He hadn't even listened to the blue woman's lies. What was the point?

 Perhaps he should have been listening more as the woman was struck down.

 The raven let out a terrified caw, ducking behind Ragnar's head. As if he were hiding from the gods' wrath from on high. He was speechless, for once in his life. Staring at the charred carcass as the rage and the wails and the confusion reigned around them. He cocked his head, listening to Ragnar while not taking his beady eyes off of the scene before him. "С'вв жд шд шгеп угьш гьззехеа! Шге ждая' усвв гья феех адхе!" He spoke to Ragnar, assuming that the man would remeber the Corvid Tongue as he couldn't make himself speak the Common Tongue now that he'd been scared witless.

 He took off from the man's shoulder, heading back to Northfall to share the news. All too happy to be away from this crazy place.

-exit-

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"Speaking in Common Tongue"
"Язеьнсхж сх Иьэех ШдхжкебФсиа Шдхжке!"
#67
11-30-2022, 07:48 PM
Let's consider this the last round! It's not necessary to post, if the thread has come to its conclusion for you. I'll archive in a week :)


All the happenings that came next were a blur, as commotion suddenly roared forward. Olive cloaked her spotted child even after the clouds parted once more, leaving the dead woman in its wake. Dragonford was upon them, upset by the sudden loss of their leader. Those in the audience were left aghast, left with questions, left with questions; questions that only could be answered by the gods.

Then, it all became quieter. There was a tangible level of unrest and disgust in the air. Sorrowful words, songs, were now proffered from all those who had lost nothing in this event — those of Dragonford mourned. Though many looked towards her, Olive, gently unfurling herself, looked towards Ragnar to know what to make of this. When he seemed to be satisfied, Olive turned her visage briefly towards the clear, blue skies. She felt the warmth of the Gods on her face. Then, she pulled herself to standing, shook her pale coat, and if anyone was still listening, she offered them these words:

"Now we may consider the court adjourned."

and she made to collect her own, to move out and back towards home.

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