Rogue
Male
He/Him
5 years
Tundra Wolf
Aromantic
4
10 Posts
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Post by Arden on Nov 22, 2022 13:01:27 GMT -8
Caves were a sanctuary to Arden, that imposing blue eye forming at the mouth of the system a portal to a slew of irritable circumstances that, despite his ambition, he didn't have any problem avoiding inside this rocky womb. When he entered through a dark passageway at the base of a tall ridge about a year ago, the walls grew sideways and the floor expanded into a great, still pool of fresh water. As he trekked along the uneven edge of the pond he looked up and found himself in a sort of mouth-like crevice, the ceiling tall and protective, and additional cavities leading to unknown treasures tempting him in all directions. He had made the caves his home for his new life, venturing out only when necessary. Sometimes, food was scarce, and he had been inclined to escort a stray traveler to a well-known dead-end. The flavor was rough and unpleasant, and although he was used to it, he decided to resist such savagery from then on.
He had since learned how to navigate the life within the caves, learned their secrets, their paths, how to hunt prey in darkness and how to sprint from predators on wet ground. He had never considered abandoning what had oddly become his home, but he did venture out on occasion, wondering if the world had changed enough to offer him something better. Alas, he laid at the bright eye of the cave and stretched his well-adjusted vision across the landscape beyond. Nothing really to see, but it was the only place he could let his imagination manifest onto the rolling hills and warm breeze outside.
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Female
19 moons
Mixed Species
5
6 Posts
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Post by Holly on Nov 29, 2022 10:09:23 GMT -8
Holly was tired. The tan wolf had split up from her sisters many days ago now, and at last she’d begun to figure out how to survive as a rogue. She was hunting small critters on her own, bedding down under the stars, and generally standing on her own four paws. Still, this wasn’t the life she wanted. Holly missed pack life. She wanted to start a pack of her own, but for now that was a faraway dream.
She’d wandered into the mountains and found a rather interesting looking cave. She’d already eaten today, surely there was time to look around. Tentatively, the she-wolf padded into the cavern.
((My first post here, sorry if it’s a bit short))
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Rogue
Male
He/Him
5 years
Tundra Wolf
Aromantic
4
10 Posts
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Post by Arden on Nov 29, 2022 14:14:45 GMT -8
The breeze that vacuumed into the cavern's entrance brought about a scent he was nervous he'd find eventually. Arden came from a home where malice could hide underneath the most sound demeanors. Anybody could have been a spy coming from the southern border to demand Arden's servitude to his theocratic responsibilities. The wolf padding into the cavern wasn't familiar, though. Her scent didn't carry ash and decay. Neither did her coloration resemble that of his packmates, who typically sported darker hues as an adaptation to their inconveniently placed volcanic estate. She walked into the cave blindly. He forgot his eyes had adapted to see better than most wolves would upon first entry, though her coat was certainly easy to capture in this light. It made sense that his charcoal hues would have evaded her sunbathed vision coming into this black expanse. "I'd turn around if I were you," he growled, the whites of his eyes and fangs the only thing he could offer to help the rogue adjust her vision to his obsidian frame. As he came into sight, he locked eyes with her, taking a step forward, the hunger in him bubbling out of sheer habit. He swallowed it down. "Most who come here never find their way out," Arden hummed, his memories trailing to a low moment he preferred not to surface. The thought of indulging in another wolf's flesh, that he'd once made his own traveling companion his meal, sent a rush of aggression through his veins. He growled at the rogue once more. "Trust me, it's for your own good."Holly OOC: Welcome Holly!
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Female
3 Years
Mexican Wolf
Pansexual
2
8 Posts
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Post by Harley on Nov 29, 2022 14:28:37 GMT -8
The mountains weren't ever somewhere Harley thought she would be. Being as small as she was, it was a lot of little leaps and jumps to navigate around the crags. At least mice and shrews were darting between the cracks as well. It had been a while since she had seen anyone else, and she supposed that continuing her adventure into what seemed like hell on earth wouldn't be too fruitful in that regard. Harley wasn't one to seek out company typically, but coming into autumn, it would be wiser to have more claws and jaws for hunting than relying on hiding mice. Scenting the air, Harley caught a male and a female close by, wafting from the entrance of a nearby cave. Deftly, Harley's fluffy frame darted up the last few rocks to see the tan female crawling in closer. The tiny Mexican she-wolf wasn't one to bully, but she was one to not see anyone ripped apart by a bear in front of her. "I'd turn around if I were you," the growl rumbled from the cave, a clear warning from some sad old man tucked within its walls. Harley had to stifle a laugh at the stranger's nest words, "Most who come here never find their way out. Trust me, it's for your own good." This male was clearly not one for friendship at first sight, but hey, a semi-blank canvas is still workable. "If yer not a bear then yer not gonna stop me from goin' where I want to in the rogue lands. Why don'cha eat some poppy seeds and chill yerself out so maybe we can get somewhere, ey?" Harley's twang was prominent, her tone confident, and her presence assured. Harley wasn't about to let some cave-dwelling big guy tell her what she could or couldn't do, and she looked to the other she-wolf to back her up here. Holly Arden OOC: Hi Holly!! If you have any questions we're most active on the discord but feel free to PM or use the chatbox too!
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Rogue
Male
He/Him
5 years
Tundra Wolf
Aromantic
4
10 Posts
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Post by Arden on Dec 2, 2022 11:49:31 GMT -8
The most unexpected response came rolling into the cave behind the more passive rogue. Her portrait was tiny but her voice made up for it, something a wolf of her stature must have had to develop over time. Arden's body was inching further into the light, and by the time the imp wrapped up her arrogant tirade Arden suited himself in an air of dispassionate foreboding. "Do as you please. Bears tend to stay away from caves, anyways. They hate them. You wont find any in here." Arden sat comfortably, creating room for the rogue to pass by pressing his back against the cool throat of the cave. There was a hysterical bout of laugher bubbling in his chest, his tail itching to flick side to side. That the imp was more frightened of bears than entering a cave with a complete stranger was... well, considering his unique appetite, quite a gag. Harley Holly
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Female
19 moons
Mixed Species
5
6 Posts
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Post by Holly on Dec 3, 2022 10:24:24 GMT -8
At last, Holly had encountered someone. Even if that someone seemed to be a bit of a grump. After all, you never know who could be a softie in disguise. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light, Holly could make out the shape of the stranger. This guy was big. She took a step back ad lowered herself slightly, a posture somewhat of submission, but not entirely. After all, weren’t all rogues equals? Still, probably best not to challenge this one. He’d probably beat her in a fight. “Apologies for trespassing,” she said.
Holly took another step back, the stone rough and cold against her paws. She was more used to soft grasses and sand. A sound behind her caught her attention. She turned partway around to see an even smaller wolf approaching, one who actually looked a lot like Holly’s father. A quick sniff told her, though, that this wolf was female. Her demeanor was much more inviting as well. “It’s okay, I was gonna leave anyway. No need to make anyone any more riled up,” she said, facing the smaller wolf. “I’m Holly, by the way.”
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Female
3 Years
Mexican Wolf
Pansexual
2
8 Posts
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Post by Harley on Dec 6, 2022 17:30:44 GMT -8
Small but defiant, Harley marched into the cave. She didn't have to prove anything to this rogue. She entered on her own curiosity and to quench her personal need for exploration, not because this brute seemed to have an affinity for dark spaces. The Mexican she-wolf had no qualms with brushing past the male, no matter if his shoulder and her ears lay at almost the same height. "Do as you please. Bears tend to stay away from caves, anyways. They hate them. You won't find any in here," the dark male's rumbling voice echoed slightly in the cave as Harley peered further in. She scoffed, the puff of air reverberating wonderfully. "Ya think I want ta find a bear!? Lookit me! I'm smaller than its littleuns!" She resisted the urge to roll her eyes in the dim light of the cave as she barked back at the male. Rather, she chose to move past him once again, back into the outside world where that other rogue had been standing. She seemed like a young thing, new to the world and pretty shy. "It's okay, I was gonna leave anyway. No need to make anyone any more riled up. I'm Holly, by the way," the pale she-wolf spoke, seeming like she was talking more to Harley than the anonymous party pooper. Flashing a lopsided grin, Harley replied, "Nice to meet ya, Holly! The name's Harley. Care to introduce yourself as well cave dweller?" Her focus shifted as she spoke from Holly onto the large male standing at the entrance to the cave. She didn't know why he would choose to stay in that dark, musty cave. He seemed to be a bit... stranger than most wolves. The cave stunk of him and encroaching mildew. Surely it wouldn't be healthy to stay there for much longer without getting sick somehow. Besides, there wasn't very much prey up in the mountains to sustain someone as big as him, unless he had some secret hunting grounds. Harley figured she could get along well enough with Holly. Her first impression was just that - impressionable. Inexperienced with the world and teachable. This male seemed to know his own place in the world, and if that was his own stinky hole in the ground, good on him. Arden Holly
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Rogues
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N/A
Male
He/him
1.5 years
Heterosexual
0
5 Posts
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Post by Shale on Dec 14, 2022 14:02:20 GMT -8
Shale always felt safest with the mountains around him and a bit of his namesake under his feet. Most other wolves he’d met preferred open spaces, where hunting was easy and there was room to run, but he had always hated the feeling of being so exposed, so obvious in all that flat, wide-open vastness. With the high, rocky peaks wrapped comfortingly around him, it was no difficult task to make his quiet way through the world and remain largely unnoticed while he did it. He’d kept away from other wolves since reaching this place; you could never know what to expect from rogues, and that, like so many things, made him nervous. This little group, however, he had stumbled upon almost by accident. He’d caught their voices first, instead of their scents, which was the only reason why he didn’t do what he usually did and head straight in the opposite direction. It was a she-wolf’s voice that carried farthest, with an odd sort of twang to it. Something about…finding a bear. He couldn’t be sure exactly what she’d said from this distance, but if she really was going after a bear…well, that was a good candidate for the worst idea he’d ever heard. Wanting to be sure, he crept tentatively closer, until the other rogues were in sight. Only three of them, that was good, and one of them looked to be even smaller than he was. The other she-wolf didn’t look particularly threatening either, though you never could tell with a rogue. The big dark brute at the mouth of the cave, though…that one, he was worried about. He could hear their words clearly now, but he’d still missed a good portion of the conversation. He took a deep breath and forced himself to move even closer, keeping his head down and trying to look less unsure of himself than he was. “Excuse me,” he began. Which was usually a good way to begin things, but, in typical fashion, everything after that poured out of him in a stammering, timid rush. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I…well, I thought I heard you say something about looking for a bear, but I’m definitely not, so if there’s one anywhere around here I think I’d like to be somewhere else.” Arden, Holly, Harley
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Rogue
Male
He/Him
5 years
Tundra Wolf
Aromantic
4
10 Posts
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Post by Arden on Dec 16, 2022 10:23:08 GMT -8
If you stay with me I'll kill you bit by bit, Arden thought as he admired the ivory coated female, reticently introduced as Holly. Arden didn't honestly have a flare for the dastardly, but he could feel in his blood that he'd spend every waking moment spent with Holly and Harley fighting against a nature he'd buried deep in this cave. Out there, he couldn't say for certain whether it would follow him or not. Whether the collective would follow him. "Care to introduce yourself as well cave dweller?" He wasn't altogether sure if he wanted to answer Harley's question. He had figured he'd never make it out of here and became accustomed to that reality. Despite the dank floor and the musky air conspiring against his well-being he was comfortable committing himself to a slow death. Anything was better than what he considered to be the alternative, an unpredictable life devoted to some higher social or theocratic order. But his fate was being tested again and again, once more with the arrival of yet another demure rogue––he may even yield to call friendly––finding his way to the very place Arden had positively submitted to eternal solitude within. "Look," Arden began, his tone shifting down like a small brick of his wall had toppled. He surrendered to the knowledge that what he'd say next would undo the words he said to Harley moments ago, and untie the knots he'd formed around his expectations. "The caves are a sanctuary for preserving life. Whatever dwells in here knows it's safe from what's out there––bears and worse." He pivoted slightly, pointing in the direction of an arch within the cave that led deeper. "There is an exit on the other side of this system that leads to a coast peaceful enough for you lot, plenty of prey and not a lot of competition. I can take you there, but you'll need to stay close." Arden's voice fell into the waters of the cave and reflected itself onto the walls, his echo resounding with regretful memory. "One wrong turn and you're gone forever." "And my name is Arden," he voiced with clarity, neck reaching out to bend in Harley's direction, before settling his gaze on the dark path before this odd arrangement of strangers. Holly, Harley, Shale,
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Female
19 moons
Mixed Species
5
6 Posts
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Post by Holly on Dec 16, 2022 16:36:58 GMT -8
Holly nodded a greeting to the newcomer, then turned to the wolf who’d introduced himself as Arden. “I can’t speak for these two strangers, but I would very much appreciate the help. The coast sounds just about perfect. I don’t know how I can thank you, but I’m very grateful.” She wagged her tail just slightly before turning back to Harley and the other wolf. “Anyone coming with me?”
OOC: Sorry for the short post
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Female
3 Years
Mexican Wolf
Pansexual
2
8 Posts
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Post by Harley on Dec 22, 2022 15:44:44 GMT -8
While waiting for the phantom's introduction, yet another meek young thing approached the group. Pink eyes turned briefly away from the other male, landing on the newcomer as he spoke, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I… well, I thought I heard you say something about looking for a bear, but I’m definitely not, so if there’s one anywhere around here I think I’d like to be somewhere else.” Barking out a hearty laugh - a surprisingly loud sound out of such a small body - Harley flicked her gaze around the wolves that had gathered. "We definitely don't want ta see any bears! Haven't even smelled one round 'ere! Was more pokin' fun at this fine gentleman here for hidin' away like he's 'bout to hibernate!"Her playful gaze turned back to the darkest male as his gravelly voice began once more, "Look, the caves are a sanctuary for preserving life. Whatever dwells in here knows it's safe from what's out there––bears and worse. There is an exit on the other side of this system that leads to a coast peaceful enough for you lot, plenty of prey and not a lot of competition. I can take you there, but you'll need to stay close. One wrong turn and you're gone forever." Impatiently, Harley nodded her head, awaiting the answer to her question as he continued, "And my name is Arden." Cracking a toothy smile, Harley strutted back to the mouth of the cave. Holly's voice squeaked out behind her, "I can't speak for these two strangers, but I would very much appreciate the help. The coast sounds just about perfect. I don't know how I can thank you, but I'm very grateful. Anyone coming with me?" Poofy tail wagging lazily behind her, Harley yipped her affirmation to join this little party, "Oh you bet yer butts I'm comin' with. After all, a hunt and some sun could do us all a lick of good, ain't that right Arden? We'd better get you to some light before ya turn into a pile of dusty bones, hm?" Truly, she enjoyed jestfully taunting the larger male. He seemed very uptight, but at least he was efficient. If he wanted to get rid of his sudden company then throwing them to the coast was a smart decision. "C'mon newbie, introduce yerself on the way, why don'cha!" Her boisterous voice rang out once again towards the newest male who had also failed to introduce himself within his bear worries. Tilting her head up to peer at Arden, Harley tapped her tail against his leg, a virtual 'giddy up' for the beast to get them started on their journey. A bright cheeky smile was stuck to her face as she relished in the small joys of pushing the beast's buttons. Arden Holly Shale
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Rogues
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N/A
Male
He/him
1.5 years
Heterosexual
0
5 Posts
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Post by Shale on Dec 23, 2022 19:50:25 GMT -8
The minute the little she-wolf opened her mouth, Shale quickly reconsidered his impression of the three other rogues. He’d apparently chosen the wrong one to worry about, because the laugh that burst out of her small frame was one of the loudest and most startling things he’d ever heard. She unsettled him a bit, he decided, simply because it was hard to believe anyone could be so incredibly, unbelievably peppy. But she seemed friendly enough, and at least she’d confirmed that there weren’t any bears.
The bigger male’s words- bears and worse- sent a shiver up his spine. As did the idea of going deeper into those caves, even if there was a safe, peaceful coast on the other side. The taller female didn’t take much time to make up her mind, though, and neither did the little loud one.
That settled that, then. Frightened as he was of letting those dark depths swallow him, if it came down to being in the company of someone like Arden who clearly knew what he was doing, or being out here on his own with whatever was worse than a bear, he knew which one he was picking. “I’ll come if you’ll have me,” he said shyly. “I won’t be much help in a place like-“ he swallowed- “that, but staying close, that I can manage. I think.”
It seemed as though there had never been a doubt in the little female’s mind that he’d be coming along. "C'mon newbie,” she sang out, “introduce yerself on the way, why don'cha!"
Oh, right. Names. People usually started conversation with those, and he probably should have. “Sorry,” he said. “My name’s Shale.” His eyes went wide as Harley brushed her tail teasingly against Arden’s leg, making a mental note to stay just as close to the tiny she-wolf as he did to Arden. Courage had never been something he’d been blessed with much of, but it looked like she had more than enough audacity for both of them.
Arden Holly Harley
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No Pack
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Rogue
Female
5 years
Himalayan
Demisexual
5
7 Posts
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Post by Chey on Dec 25, 2022 18:27:43 GMT -8
It had taken nearly the full day to traverse the eastern mountainside with Spirit and Ekra, and now as Chey looked behind the cozy, green terrain she'd known briefly had become a figment, as if it had evaporated into the air. She felt like her mind could go adrift in this expanse of red but Spirit's energy was anchoring, something she'd never forget when they inevitably parted. Ekra had been kind, too, his intentions unclear but one thing certain: he didn't know enough about himself to tell. Usually wolves on the quieter side were harder to read, but he showed distinct signs of being lost. Chey felt for him, but was glad he came along. Spirit led the trio into what liked like only a small cave from the outside, and Chey could feel her heartbeat hasten. "Are you sure you know where you're going?" Chey threw out in the manner of a statement rather than a question. Upon entering, however, the air changed. The cave sucked in the breeze from outside and went dead as she drew herself into its dark maw. It took a few moments for the air to filter itself, and finally she detected a myriad of canid scents coming from within. "Spirit..." she whispered with forbearance in her soft tone, ears pulling back. Staying close to Ekra, she made herself small, trying and failing to blend her alabaster canvas into the obsidian backdrop. Spirit @ekra Arden, Holly, Harley, Shale,
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Rogue
Male
5 years
Panromantic
4
7 Posts
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Post by Spirit on Dec 27, 2022 14:10:08 GMT -8
Spirit knew exactly where he was going. Every year he made this trek to honor his sister. He reflected on the wolf he once was and forgave the things he'd done to try to force his way out of acceptance. He shared this story with his traveling companions, most likely to their discontent, as it was long, detailed and personal. He didn't believe in oversharing, though. "Yes, yes, don't worry. The caves are actually pretty safe. And you'll love what's on the other side," he commented with a smile as he entered the dark room. Down the way was a gathering of wolves seemingly making the same trek. It was odd, he'd come here every year and had never seen another wolf passing through. It looked like one of them, one who, in this lighting, appeared to share Spirit's dark coloration, was leading the way. "I haven't seen you here before. Are you going to the coast, too? I happen to know the way and am happy to help guide your friends through."Arden, Holly, Harley, Shale, Chey,
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Rogue
Male
He/Him
5 years
Tundra Wolf
Aromantic
4
10 Posts
|
Post by Arden on Jan 6, 2023 13:31:51 GMT -8
It was settled. Arden's undertaking was an impressive change but not one he was sure he'd manage well under the pressure of Harley's maw and the still new scent trickling in through the small incoming breezes. One of the newcomers sported a resemblance to himself that put a pause in his trek, and the credibility of his words were questionable at best. Arden spent the last year getting to know everything that came in and out of this cave. "You sure about that?" the dark coated brute growled, coming up to his visage to take a look at him and his follower, sniff out any suspicions. A long pause accompanied his scrutinizing glare up and down these wolves' bodies. Anticipating Harley would be filling that silence all too soon, Arden shook his head and continued his path through the cave. "That wont be necessary," he echoed curtly as he took a left, squeezing his body through a thick crevice in the wall. The cavern dimmed itself even more upon entering and presented a narrow path about two wolves wide. He was here now whether he liked it or not, playing tour guide for a bunch of homeless imps who he knew nothing about it. The newcomer's comment already put him on edge, though. "You say you've been around here?" He scoffed with a twist of his head as he avoided a low-hanging projection from the ceiling without a word, sadistically hoping it wouldn't miss the wolf behind him. "You just happen to be heading to the coast, too, huh?"Holly , Harley , Shale , Chey , Spirit ,
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