``bound for the sun & the west coast [Andee]

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

Why are we here? What is the point? You know the answer to that; don’t make me tell you again. But this is not my place; this war…it is not mine. This isn’t my duty. Your duty is to aid me, in whatever way I require. That makes it your duty. You know that. But a war? Peace is my element; you know that. And peace shall be your element; it is peace I desire. But how? How am I to stop all this? So much pain…so many spirits; I should be easing their suffering, sending them on, not meddling with the violent rages of the living. No spirit here will rest easy while their kin still fight; and neither will I. Stop the fighting, bring peace to the living, and the dead can take care of ourselves. Then what can I do? Stop the war. I know! But how? I’m no warrior, no leader; what would you have me do? This is not the job of a warrior; it is the job of reason, of peace; who better than a priest to bring these things? Do what you do best, young one: talk. What good will talk do? Talk can ease many things; you’ll figure it out soon enough, I’m sure. Is this why you’ve brought me here, then? Yes. Now walk; nothing will be gained by standing about like a fool. Very well.

He walks, plagued by obedience to follow the will of the spirit he guides, set upon a path unknown to him by the restless dead, doubt in every step, but a willingness to continue driving his legs onwards. He walks. Behind him, he can almost make out the steps of temporal paws grazing pebbles and sod, but it is naught but his imagination; ghostly paws make no noise. But ghostly paws do wander, and behind him the mottled gray form traces a path above the moist ground, a path which merely grazes the ground without ever touching it, but which places him so close as to give the illusion of a living body traveling in the living realm. Yet it is only his paws which grow sore upon rough footing, which leave prints in moistened ground, growing dank and uncomfortable. Spirits do not tire; they do not feel pain or discomfort; they do not feel at all. Spirits feel only what their restless minds force upon them, and even this is not true feeling. But is this not their right, to be spared feeling after experiencing death? He does not complain; he never does. His own paws grow weary and bleed, his own stomach roars its displeasure, but this is his duty. And so he walks.

You are tired. No. Lies do not become you, young one. And my eyes can see that much, at least. I will be fine. This is no place to exhaust yourself, and I will not drive you as those in the past have done. I can not be laid to rest so quickly, and this you must accept. Rest; drink. Take care of yourself, or you will find I am not so easy to care for. But my duty… Your duty is to aid me; and in order to do hat, you must fist aid yourself. Now rest. Very well, if you are sure. I am. Rest.

He does; at long last, he lets weary muscles fall still, aching paws cease movement. Yet his mind does not cease; never can his mind cease. He crouches beside the stream, lets his muzzle fall beneath the flow of cold waters, yet even in this small act, he berates himself for being lazy, for taking pleasure in a physical comfort. The mission, the mission; always the mission. His duty to God, his duty to Heaven, to the spirits, to Tyre, to himself; always his duty. What duty is served in satisfying his own greedy needs? Yet he forces himself to relax, physically if not mentally, to let his muscles fall lax, to drink in the clean waters, to quench a thirst long growing in his throat. Behind him the spirit watches, critical and judging, expecting the best and nothing below it, nothing else. He lifts his head, his gaze, lifts a paw, and sends a silent prayer to his true master; what good can he do when mortal needs bind his form? Father, give me strength. He waves the paw, an awkward cross. The spirits nods his approval, then sits, watching critically; reluctance bars his movements, but he follows the example, resting uneasily upon his haunches, submitting to orders he does not understand. Rest; what good can it do? He can not give himself an answer, and so he waits, hoping for an answer from above.

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and gravediggers’ smiles
_{trench
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lyrics © dashboard confessional
Let the fun begin, haha.}

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[Andarial]

She crouched low over the large stream. She made sure her shadow never fell across the water and as she sat there she was tensed and her breath was stiff and barely coming out. Her paw was paused high above the water, suddenly as a larger fish suddenly came underneath her she swiped her paw down, claws extended and caught the fish easily. She flund it far from the stream and picked it up in her mouth. She trotted lightly on her large paws away.

Today was sucha tiring day. The food within the Lashia territory had gotten lower and lower and it had forced the the big cat pack to hunt outside of their territory. She blinked her large almond shaped, golden eyes and made her way farther down the stream to catch some more fish. Maybe she could bring back two or three. Everyone knew that the Traitors had the most food in the territory, they wouldn't miss a few fish.

Suddenly she saw a wolf. A quiet hiss left her muffled muzzle and Andarial padded into a thick brush to watch him. The urge to kill him surged through her.

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

How much longer must I stay here, Tyre? As long as it takes. For what? What is it you are waiting for? For you to relax; do not seek to fool me, young one, I can tell you have not allowed yourself to rest. Your mind is no more immortal than your body; how will you bring about peace if you cannot think to speak? No diplomat functions well when tired; even you should understand this. And no diplomat functions while sleeping, either. If you are so eager for the war to end, then I should be seeking out the leaders and speaking with them, not lazing about by some stream. What good does this do? The good, young one, is in your understanding the land, and you’ll never be able to discover the problems of this place if you are too weary to be alert. I am not a spirit to be tossed in a grave and sent to heaven; this is not the duties you are used to. You will need more strength, more intelligence, more wisdom. And none of this will come if you collapse on weakened paws. Very well. Then I will try. See that you do.

And so he does; paws knead the moistened sod, restless and anxious, before he lowers himself fully to the ground, ebony hued pelt offering little shelter from the discomfort of streamside pebbles which dig into his underside, yet he ignores this; his mind has many other issues to puzzle over, and he is no stranger to physical ailments. His head lowers, muzzle pressed against the sparse fur of his foreleg, rubbing slightly across the scar pattern; he seeks comfort in the rosary he believes has been branded into his leg, hoping some relaxation can grace his mind through the touch of this sacred symbol. Yet even this does him no good, for still his mind walks and trudges and soldiers on, though his body lies still, defying his every instinct, his every wish. Yet patience fades from even the most patient, and his head lifts again to the heavens, seeking answer, seeking aid; Please… A single plea, a prayer too quaint to be uttered aloud, yet he hopes it is enough. Yet his uplifted muzzle draws his attention elsewhere, tickled by the wind and the scents upon it. His muscles surge, bringing his bodice swiftly upwards, and place his weight stoutly upon paws that complain with aches and pains, complaints which go ignored.

Tyre…what…? Ah. I had wondered about that. Surely this place is not unclaimed. Well, you prayed for action, didn’t you, young one? No…I prayed for strength, for peace; this isn’t… Then the Lord has been kind to send us a warning; I would not bet on your odds had you fallen asleep. Yet now you are awake, perhaps it needn’t come to that. But what…? Who? I do not know this scent. Then look, and look well; I suspect it will not be the last time you capture this scent, and you had best know it well. But what is it? I see nothing… Look harder; over there, it believes it has hidden well, but white does not hide so easily as black. A cat? That is no wolf I smell. Correct; a cat, and a big one. What would you have me do? What you do best, young one, what you do best: talk. Very well.

He sees it now, though only vaguely; tufts of white dispersed in the earthen shades of green and brown. Nature is cruel to those who wander from native lands; she does not hide those who cannot hide themselves. Yet he does not see nature’s cruelty in this discovery, but God’s grace; his vague prayer had been answered, for Heaven has aided him where it could so easily have abandoned him to the claws of fate…and those of this cat. Muzzle parts, drawing the cool breeze within his bodice, pulling strength from the air, only to expel the air and its gifts in casual speech. ”Fine greetings on this glorious day; the Lord has surely gifted us all with such fair weather. But, forgive me, I must ask of you to show yourself; I’d rather not speak to a faceless bush. I do hope I have not given some offense, to force you into hiding like this; do forgive me if I have, for I certainly meant nothing by it.” He pauses, glances at the spirit, askance in his gaze. A silent nod is all he is granted; he does as well as he can, by the spirit’s judgment, and so he continues, speaking in the only way he knows, and hoping it will cause no offense to a creature he is so unfamiliar with. ”But forgive me, I’m being rude; here I’m blathering on and haven’t even introduced myself. The name’s Trench, a humble servant of the Lord, and it is a pleasure to meet you, miss…?”

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and gravediggers’ smiles
_{trench
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lyrics © dashboard confessional
Methinks Trench is just asking to tick her off; I think he talks too much, haha}

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[Andarial]

Fury shot through the small but great cat. The snow leopard came forward out of the bush and shook her coat gracefully to rid herself of the leaves. Her golden eyes glinted with the anger that blossomed in Andarial's chest. Her muscles were loose but her stance was dangerous. When she fought it was fluid and perfect. She dropped the fish delicately from her mouth, not taking her eyes off the wolf. Exhaling sharply in anger the feline responded, her voice low and dangerous.

"How dare a wolf like yourself speak to the Alphess of the Lashia. It is dangerous to do so. Stupid to do so. My name... yes I shall tell you so that if you speak something wrong you will die with the word upon your lips. My name is Andarial," she rolled her muscled shoulders impressively. Her whole body was muscled perfectly.
She moved sideways and in an arc around the wolf, who called himself Trench. Her claws were extended and ripped the ground as she walked. She knew this great wolf would not be a match for her, at least in her mind he wouldn't be. She was perfect in her mind.

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

What…is that? A leopard. Or, a snow leopard, to be more exact. I had figured as much; only so many cats can be that white. You had figured as much…yet you chose not to warn me? Not all of us can be as gracious as the Lord, and you should not always count on forewarning when exposed to threats. Perhaps you have heard the phrase? War is Hell. These lands are not safe, and you will learn swiftly to expect unknown things. I can do only so much, young one. Perhaps, but every bit helps, I’m sure. I certainly would have liked to be warned at the sheer size of these creatures; I had expected something…rather less imposing. Of course you had. Because you are not thinking. You will find that not everything is smaller than a wolf, and the predators here are not merely coyotes and foxes, nor will they scare as easily. Then what do you expect me to do, in the face of such warriors? I have already told you: talk. It is the only weapon you have; at least, the only one which might work. You knowingly send me into such grave danger? Do you wish to wander aimlessly for eternity? Of course not; I knowingly send a servant of the Lord into a land which sorely needs his aid. Do you think me wrong to expect his blessing of protection on you? No, but the Lord does not favor fools, and it was foolish to come here. You would be surprised, I think, by the number of victories which were originally thought foolish. Hmph.

Both living and dead alike fall silent, watching, listening, waiting. He does not know what to expect from this creature, from this feline, but he is not blind, and anger is ugly no matter the face it distorts; it is not easily missed. But he does not submit; he does not turn and run, nor does he give in to the anger to threaten anger in the face of anger; he is above such things, and so is his Lord. And so he draws calm serenity from his years of service, standing tall, unflinching, despite the tumult of worry which threatens to pull at his faith. His paw shifts, and he takes comfort in the pull of the scars across the rolling muscles of his foreleg. Just as the rosary enwrapped his leg, he could imagine the feel of the Lord’s protection entwining his form; he needn’t worry, and so he crushed his fears. After all, he was on a mission, and divine protection could be battered but never broken, so long as one did as the Lord willed. These were the thoughts which lay his mind to ease, clearing his thoughts so that he could listen intently to the words which fell from the mouth of this great feline, and it was the work of these thoughts which saved him from worrying at the mention of her title.

An alpha? She is a leader, then? I have never known the word to mean anything else, young one. Then how should I proceed? Surely there are customs, manners, something? Proceed as you always do, young one; each leader is as they will be, I cannot say what she will expect from you. It is obvious enough that she will be displeased by any word you speak, at least for now. Then why should I speak? What use is there in the risk? Nothing risked, nothing gained; if you turn away now and run, then maybe your endurance can carry to safely away; but what would that solve? You are the one, young one, who wished to take action, to begin saving this place; so do it. You wanted to find the leaders, well here one is. I suggest you start talking, and choose your words carefully, young one, but honestly; there is nothing else you can do that will be any more productive. Is there no further advice you can give? Yes; don’t fight her. If she does attack, run; no alpha has become so without being able to fight, and you are not ready for such a battle. I believe I could have figured that out on my own. Then perhaps you should handle this on your own; it is better you pay attention to her, anyways. Very well.

This advice he follows without question, his gaze following her movements, his paws shifting across the sod so that he faces her, yet his muscles do not tense, and he forces himself to remain calm; not threatened nor threatening. Silence does not last long, for he is not a creature of silence, and talk has long been his friend. Even carefully chosen words do not take long for his lips to form, for such mannered speaking must always be carefully chosen. And, as he prepares to talk, he takes one last bit of advice from his fallen comrade: honesty. Perhaps this alpha does not wish to hear such heavily spoken words, but such talk is who he is, and he remains honest in his speech. ”I do apologize, Miss Andarial, it was not my intention to offend you, and certainly not to anger you. Please, accept my deepest apologies for the offense, and my greatest respect; I would not presume to challenge an alphess.” Yet he does not bow; he does not lower himself to her. For he serves a master far more powerful, and it is not his to submit to leaders of the mortal world. ”Please, I have no wish to fight; might I venture to request a less hostile nature for this meeting? I have no quarrel with you, great leader.”

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and gravediggers’ smiles
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lyrics © dashboard confessional
o.o They keep getting longer XDD I promise I’m not trying to write so much, lol}

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[Andarial]

Andarial watched the wolf with the piercing eyes of a cat. This wolf was strange. Very few Traitors would have attacked her, very few wolves would have attacked an alpha period. If they wanted their life that is, most would already have run away. When she walked she swayed beatifully and she looked just like something within a dream. A dream that would exist in the mind of her cats... it would be a nightmare to wolves. She watched this wolf's body language. He was not scared, that was something that interested the alphess. She tapped a clawed against the pebbles.

She wanted to understand why this little whelp didn't bow to her but she also wanted to kill him. What should she do? He seemed truly sorry... he called her a great leader... that is something she could live with. She sighed and sat her rump upon the ground and curled her long, thick tail around her large paws. "Tell me what you wish to tell me, wolf," she said the last word with disgust.

[ketsueki]

A soft green glow shown threw the branches of the great oak, the forest was thick here and the ground riddled with moss. Many different creatures made there homes in the great oak, and the different chattering could be heard throughout the forest. A young female wolf lay stretched out on a branch, her paws casually draped over the rough bark. A long fluffy tail swayed in the breeze, ears pricked up listening to every sound. A chattering of birds caught the ruby colored wolfs attention. She raised her slender head and turned her attention to the group of finches on a near by branch. Birds we’re always difficult to talk to, especially the smaller ones. There chattering was always so fast, one really had to struggle to listen to the high pitched twerps. If she had heard right there was a new comer on her lands. She cleared her throat, the birds had changed the subject to a fairly delicious berry patch that would soon be ripe. She made a mental note of that, though her kind we’re carnivorous, it didn’t mean they didn’t forage for berries and grains now and then. But turning her attention back to the birds, she wanted to hear more about this new comer.

”Excuse me, did you say there was someone new in the forest?”

The birds let out a sharp chirp in surprise, they hadn’t paid the wolf any attention until it addressed them. They puffed out there feathers nervously, wolfs were known to hunt birds when they felt like it. Best answer the beast before it decided not to be friendly.

”Yes, a wolf off the southern border, it was alone from what we saw”

Ketsu nodded and jumped off the branch, her paws sinking into the moss that cushioned her landing. Before trotting off she reached up and dug her claws into the great oak, best to leave a scent trail for her pack mates. After she turned tail and trotted off in the direction of the new wolf.

A couple hours later she came upon a new scent, her nose dug deep into the sod. She closed her forest green eyes, the feeling of the smell etching into her brain. Soon she raised her nose into the air, air filling her lungs in a deep breath. A kaleidoscope of smells raced into her nose. She picked the one she wanted and set out on the trail, once again at a trot. She trotted with her ears forward and her tail held high like a banner. Ketsu walked these lands with pride, for they where hers, and since they where her own it was her duty to see what subjects roamed her lands. She was the leader of the Traitors pack, ruler of canine and feline alike.

A while later a another scent began to blend into the new one, she recognized the second one. Her lips curled back in a snarl, while she roamed with the Canitao pack she had learned that this scent belonged to the cat that lead the Lashia’s. Yes she welcomed felines into her lands, but the Lashia leader was bound to make trouble. Trouble which she did not welcome. Her trot picked up into a run, she could cover a lot of ground that way, and fast. This gate was kept until the scents where only a few moments away, the wind was blowing into her face. Her scent was hidden from them, and there voices where carried towards her. By the sound of it, a male, probably the new wolf was trying to be friendly. A sigh of relief washed over her, usually she had to …convince…her canine brothers to fallow the Traitors way towards felines.

There was no use hiding out of scent a view, she didn’t appreciate the Lashia on her territory. So she trotted forward into view, her ears pricked forward and her tail held high. Her forest eyes stared into the large felines, she was an Alpha meeting an Alpha, she needn’t show submission to anyone.

”My my, a Lashia on my territory…tsk tsk, I truly hope this is just for a visiting purpose. The Traitors may be lenient on who enters are territory but we do not tolerate trouble.”

The only reason Ketsu was putting up with this particular cat at the moment was because the cat had yet to attack someone on her lands. After all she had to fallow her own rules, if she didn’t how would she expect her pack to fallow it. She glanced at the new wolf for a second, she would deal with him after the feline. She shifted her weight from paw to paw, the rocky bed of the river was uncomfortable to stand on for a long period of time.

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

Well done, young one, very well done, indeed. You jibe. Not at all; that was quite impressive…or very lucky. In either case, you are doing very well; it is no small task to disarm an angry alpha cat. Especially one with such a prejudice against our kind. You know well there is no luck. Then God is certainly with you; do you yet doubt my leading you here, young one? Not as much as I probably should, but it does seem the Lord protects me; perhaps you are right. And you would do well to accept that; I wouldn’t mind being trusted once in a while. It is difficult to trust one who has already proved so unlucky as to be dead. Hm. Quite. At least trust in your faith, then, that even if I do lead you astray, the Lord will guide you home. I believe we will both be better served by less questioning on your part, young one. Hm, fair enough. Excellent. Then I suppose you wish me to continue talking? It is working, is it not? True enough. Then speak away.

Yet he does not speak, not immediately; still the warning rings in his ears, and he picks over his words. There is a longer pause this time, for he has not considered what it is exactly he wishes to speak of. Truthfully, he has not counted on an audience, has not expected to have his voice heard by the alphas, especially not so soon; and yet here he stands, and before him sits an alpha, waiting and willing—if not all eager—to listen. And what plea can he give? Stop all this foolishness and go home? He does not expect her to listen to such words; only logic, steady and supported, has chance of getting through. Yet his is not a logical argument; his is a vote for the spirits, and how can he explain such a thing as that? A cough echoes in his mind, silent yet heard, sent only to him, and he glances sidelong at the impatient face of Tyre; the spirit widens his gaze in expectance. He grunts, turns back to the feline alphess, and clears his throat quietly. Honesty; was that not the parting advice of his spirit? ”Well, I suppose I had not thought of that; after all, it was you, Miss Andarial, who approached me, was it not? I suppose I spoke only to ensure that approach did not come to violence; I’m sure you can tell, I am not much of a warrior. Yet, now that you are here, perhaps you can suffer your disgust of my kind long enough to explain why it is you experience it in the first place? I admit I am unfamiliar with the history of these lands, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t know what my kin have done to provoke such…hostile reactions. Forgive me, of course, if this is prying; I am merely curious; admittedly it is a fault of mine.”

Caution, young one; this meeting is no longer a private one. Look. I hear noth…oh. Hm, not trusting again, I see. Her territory…could this be…? Another alpha? I believe so; look how she moves, how she carries herself. She’s more proud than you, I think. I am not proud; I merely do not submit to mortal rulers; my master is more powerful. You know that. Perhaps, but still, this one is proud, and there are few who willingly stand so against so impressive a foe. Even fewer, who would so openly challenge one. She is clearly defending something. You are sure? Well, I cannot promise anything, but… I believe so. In any case, I believe you would be best served by continuing as you have: cautiously and courteously. That would not have been too difficult to assume. Then proceed as you will; you know my advice. Indeed.

He nods his greeting and shakes himself slightly, breaking the stare which has fallen so rudely upon the female. He trails his foreleg across the stones, silently requesting forgiveness for the lapse in manners. He can do nothing but follow his orders, to speak and to hope his words do well to ease the sufferings of this land. Yet she is obviously so uninterested in him; he clears his throat, a subtle attempt to draw attention upon himself. Better she turn her challenging eyes upon him than to send her angered gaze to the feline; after all, his were the least hostile of habits. ”If I may, madam, I do not believe this will be a problem; Miss Andarial and I were merely speaking. Forgive me, for it is my fault that she has been detained at all; I was merely trying to hear the news of the land. I’m afraid I am new here, you see. I do hope her presence here is not an issue. I cannot speak for her, but if it is, I would gladly move our conversation beyond your borders; I would not wish to disturb the peace of your land, by any means.”

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and gravediggers’ smiles
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[Andarial]

Andarial stood listening to this wolf with a cocked eyebrow. He seemed to have some sort of respect for her whether it was fear or not. She didn't have problems with others fearing her in fact she found it quite useful. Many feared her and she gave them many reasons to fear her. Though her pack only respected her and loved her because that’s all she had shown them. He wasn't from this land as he didn't know what had been happening for years, the war between the Traitors, Canitoa and Lashia.

Suddenly her sensitive cat ears picked up the sound of paws on gravel and Andarial's eyes swiveled from the wolf and landed upon whom she knew to be Ketseuki of the Traitors. Fury exploded within her once again. She crouched and hissed, her hackles standing away from her skin and giving her a look of being even larger. Her strange golden eyes glinted in the sun and her claws moved from their sheaths.

"I go where I please, Ketseuki. I have yet to do any harm but that does not mean I won't," Andarial said with a growl.

She stayed where she was, showing no fear as most of her cats would back away from an alpha this powerful. Especially if they were as small as Andarial whom is only slightly larger than her wolf enemies.

[ketsueki]

The feeling of the new wolfs gaze upon her made her skin itch, in any other situation this gaze could easily be perceived as a threat. Threat or not, the larger of the two was what needed her attention. However she did turn one ear in the direction of the wolf, the feeling of his gaze broke and the sound of gravel shifting under his paw reached her ear not soon after. She let out a small snort, something which sounded suspiciously like laughter. This wolf was certainly naïve, what luck he had that he traveled onto her lands instead of the Lashia’s or maybe even the Canitao’s. Both of which strangers where seldom welcomed.

”Luck must be on your side wolf brother, your lack of knowledge had put you into dangerous parts. My lands are probably best for this encounter of yours, for this particular feline can’t attack you with out the fear of the Traitors Pack being on her back with in moments.”

She would have gone on but the cat known as Andarial crouch down into a threatening position. Both Ketsu’s ears pricked forward again and her paws spread further apart. Her tail was raised even higher, and the fur on her hackles rose. Her green eyes widen, and her lips curled back into a snarl, her lengthy sharp canines in full view. A strong growl erupted from her throat, almost drowning out the cat like hiss. She was not afraid of this cat, after all she ruled over larger cats then this. These were her lands, she would not show submission here.

”Andarial, is this an open invitation for me to travel onto your lands when I please? It is only because you haven’t done any harm that you’re allowed to stay on these lands. But as soon as you do my pack will be on you. I am a reasonable wolf and bare no hatred towards your kind. As long as you agree not to harm those protected by my pack then your welcome to wander as you please, I’m sure that’s a favorable truce for now….especially when your packs food supply is so low. After all, I’m guessing that’s the only reason why you of all the cats would be hunting in my lands.”

Her tail became level with her body, and she held her head high. The rocks where really beginning to irk her paws. She saw an opportunity with this cat, it would be a gamble but hey who doesn’t love a good game.

”Come now we are both leaders of our packs, and even leaders of war have to converse with each other from time to time. We can also inform the stranger of what goes on in these parts, pluss…I’m curious to the Lashia view of things. So if you agree let us move this conversation else where…preferably somewhere that’s softer on my paws.”

If the Lashia Leader was smart she would agree on this temporary truce, after all it could be an opportunity for food for her pack.

[Andarial]

She made it sound as if it were a bad thing to provide for her cats. Her lip curledover her canine and showedthe long sharp tooth. Andarial's spotted tail lashed back and forth showing her fury. Her eyes glinted and urged for the wolf to attack. It was not unknown that she was one of the best cat fighters, she had to be for being so small if she wasn't her place would have been taken by another cat already.

"I hunt on your lands only because I must provide for my pack. I will do anything to provide for my pack," Andarial said stubbornly.

Ketseuki's veiw suddenly changed. She became less hostile and more willing to talk. Andarial wasn't sure about talking to this wolf. She could be planning a trap. But this may be a way to get some food for her pack and she needed some badly. She had just had a litter of kits in her pack and they were going hungry for the mother had no food to make milk.

"Yes, perhaps we should speak together. But first we must have food for our mother's cubs. They are going hungry right now and I fear some will die soon. If you feed them then I will talk with you," Andarial said sternly sitting and staring unmovingly at the wolf.

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

She is right, you know. How so, young one? Sending me here with no prior knowledge could have gotten me killed. Still doubting, are you? I’m afraid that doubt does not suit you at all, young one, not at all. It is certainly an ugly trait for one of your teachings; I would have thought you’d be more willing to go on faith. One cannot stop swimming and pray to God expecting him to stop you from drowning; the Lord helps those who are willing to help themselves, he does not often favor fools. Yet you are willing to help yourself; there was merely nothing to be done until you got here. It would have been more suiting to find a border and wait, rather than just wander on in, hoping for the best. Perhaps, but I did not hear this suggestion until now, or do you intend to blame me when you yourself cannot come up with ideas until watching hindsight? No, but it might have been to both our aid had you not been so eager; I might have had a chance to think otherwise. Would you truly have taken the chance? I seem to recall having to order you to rest not an hour earlier; was I to expect you to take the initiative to plan ahead? I did not think so. But enough; we are here now, best you pay attention, and do what you can to spare this meeting from needless bloodshed; there has been enough of that, I think. Very well.

So again it must come to words; he knows this well, that today is not a day for action; not that an day, truly, is a day for action for so temperate a wolf. Yet today, even for these war-hardened leaders, today forbids all action; it is a time for talk, for words which may heal, or begin to heal, the horrors this land has faced; is this not why he has come? Yet he is of no consequence; he knows well he is but a servant, and that now especially his words cannot count for much, not in the face of two alphas; only their choices may bring the peace. Yet hope prays that his words may influence them, perhaps give a shove in the right direction, and so he must talk; what else is there for him? And what better way to draw her attention away from the challenge the feline has sent her way through action and words? He clears his throat, hoping to pull her attention before challenge provokes violence, intending to respond to words directed at him, whether she hoped for response or not. ”All due respect, Miss Ketsueki, but I do not believe in luck; chance means little to one who can see the greater plan beyond all things. I do not claim to know the Lord’s plan, but I do know that all things happen to his will, and today it must be his will that I survive, just as it must be his will that you should happen across this chance encounter. Forgive me if I suggest too much, but perhaps the good Lord meant for there to be words exchanged today, and not violence? I cannot see any other reason why his will would bring we three together, where violence seems so ill-advised to all partiest.” He falls silent and waits, hoping his words might carry some meaning to these warlords who seem to know nothing of greater powers. Now is the time for words, but no longer time for his own; he listens, trailing a paw across pebble and sod, taking solace in the feel of rosary scars pulling across shifting muscles; the Lord is indeed watching over this meeting, but extra prayers can never hurt a cause.

Well spoken, young one, but I fear talk of the Lord may fall upon deaf ears; religion has never been an element worth mention in these lands. Perhaps that is the very problem. Indeed, but do not expect conversion from these two; I believe they may be too set in their ways. Perhaps, but it never hurts to try. Until that trying becomes overbearing; then you serve only to drive them away. Subtlety, young one, cannot hurt, either. Then I will not request of them again to see the way of the Lord, but I will not cease to call it to notice; they should know that there is a greater plan. Does that please you? Well enough, for now. But now you must listen; attention should be paid to any words spoken between these two leaders. Of course.

And, indeed, he does listen; he listens well to every word which passes the lips of first the wolf and then the leopard. His leg falls still slowly as his worries and doubts fade in the face of a glimpse at possible peace. Children are indeed a gift, a gift which all who breath recognize as such, feline and canine alike; surely even war can be put aside for the sake of the young. Indeed, even his own aversions to the hunt and the ending of life, however necessary, fall away at the mention of young ones going hungry. Now it seems his turn has come again, and time does not wait for one to speak, however needed it may be. Again he clears his throat, a polite call for attention, the only way he knows how, and he looks now to Andarial. ”My prayers will be with your hungry litter, and with their mother, but I cannot say that will be enough; it is my belief that prayer without action can go only so far, as the Lord rewards steps taken in the correct direction. And so I would like to offer my own aid in this matter. Of course, I do not mean to say that you or your pack cannot hunt for yourselves, I mean only to suggest that an extra hunter may aid the matter. With your permission, I would like to bring food to your pack whenever the Lord aids my hunt and brings me abundance.” He pauses, gathers his thoughts, refocuses on the matter at hand; the thought of suffering cubs has distracted him, but now the distraction fades, and he speaks to the matter before him. ”Beyond that, I thank you, Miss Ketsueki, and you, Miss Andarial, for being so willing to inform a newcomer; I am grateful for any information you are willing to share.”

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and gravediggers’ smiles
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[ketsueki]

Ketsueki’s ears flicked, this wolf was quick to assume that she only thought of violence. Was it not her that was warning the feline that an attack would not be tolerated? Her fur puffed out, the wolf would be wise to figure out what goes on in the lands before he started spouting his philosophy.

”Wolf whose name I yet to know, wait to wag you tongue until you know what goes on these lands. I’m sure even this ‘lord’ you speak of looks and learns of a situation before passing judgment. You do well to do the same…”

Her voice was calm, her green eyes showed patients; she spoke to him in a tone that a mother would use on a pup. The green eyes turned back on the feline and returned her stare, she would not be the one to initiate an attack no matter how much the cat taunted her. The Traitors clan did not seek war, nor did they wish to continue the war, but for survival sake they had to. Though it seemed survival was the same cause which drove the large feline into her territory.

”I understand where you come from Andarial, a leader must always go to all lengths for their packs survival….both canine and feline alike….”

It was the same reason why she would not let this feline pose a threat to her own pack. Surely they where alike in this aspect, and even she had to respect the love that the feline clearly had for her clan. One of Ketsu’s ears drooped lazily in thought; the young where valued in all the clans. Unknown to the war of their elders, they should not suffer the pains of hunger if it could be prevented. However if she was still in her Canitao pack the group would turn there backs on this problem. If the young didn’t survive then the Lashia’s wouldn’t grow in strength. But Ketsu wasn’t apart of the Canitao’s pack any more just for that reason. She wanted the three clans to live in peace one again one day, and young kits always had a fresh view of things…they were truly the ones that could one day bring peace to the lands, hence any young from any pack must survive. Ketsu nodded, she would help hunt for the Lashia pack. Even though it was likely that the Lashia clan would never return the favor.

”You have my aid Andarial, we’ll gather food for your packs litter. I can not stand idly by knowing kits suffer the pains of an empty belly. After all was it not the old law that said that packs would not horde food? I have Lashia blood in my pack, your kits are my kin also.”

She looked over back at the other wolf, whom also offered his aid.

”How well can you hunt wolf?”

Ketsu was use to hunting for a large pack, she could bring back large amounts of game. This wolf looked like he was a loner, was he use to hunting for more then one mouth? She shrugged and looked at the cat, and thought for a moment. She knew one animal that would provide enough food for the entire pard for a couple days.

”With two alpha’s and this loner we have enough power to bring down a moose. With this prey it gives your pard a couple more days to hunt and gather food, this way you’ll have an extra abundance for your kits….fallow me I know where they roam and I know this forest well, you will not get lost with me as your guide”

She raised her nose to the air, pinpointing the direction she was to go on. Getting up she trotted forward, keeping up the fast but comfortable gate. She expected the two to fallow, for she was really the only one who knew where she was going.

[Andarial]

Andarial followed behind Keseuki, feeling strange as she was usually always in front. This wolf, these wolves, were strange. Ketsauki was so open to her even though Andee was so aggressive to her. And now Ketseuki was helping her. The other wolf was stranger still. Talking about a "lord" of a kind Andee had never heard of. But still Andee would hunt with these wolves if it meant that she would be able to provide for her family. Her pack was her family even if they weren't related.

She padded on with these wolves without a remark of their strange quirks. Though Andee was a spit-fire most of the time sometimes she could be so silent it was scary. The land here was beautiful. Different than Andarial's land, this place was much more lush than Andee's place and yet still she missed her territory. She trotted forward to become level with Ketseuki and sighed almost unwillingly, "Thank you, Ketseuki, for helping mewith my lack of food right now. When the rains come, hopefully the buffalo and wildebeaste will come back."

"What Is this 'lord' you speak of Trench?" she spoke his name and tried to make it sound civil.

[Trench]

the ditches and the trenches

Well, well, bold young one, I do hope you are prepared for this. This…is not what I had in mind… Clearly not; but is that not the risk of speaking up? Perhaps you should not have so eagerly volunteered aid without restrictions. A lesson which you should have learned long ago, I believe. When precisely should I have learned this? I pledge my life in the service of the Lord; there are no restrictions there. And until now, how often has anyone but the dead required aid which I could render? Are you so sure you can render aid now, even? My heart was in the right place; the Lord will be my guide. If the Lord cares for and feeds the birds, do you not think he can feed us all? Perhaps all these packs need is to realize this, and for now, it can do no harm for them to hunt alongside someone who already trusts. Are you so sure of this? Perhaps the Lord has shunned these cubs for a reason? Will they not grow to plague this place the same as their parents? Perhaps true hunger is what is required to bring the packs out of their hunger for blood. If that were the case, then why would I be needed here? The Lord would not have guided me here simply to witness such pain, if I could do nothing to stop it. But perhaps that is exactly what you are here to do: witness, and learn, so that you know what will happen to those who stray so far. I cannot believe that; there must be something to be done. Believe what you will, young one, but I believe you have work to do now. Yes, of course. But this discussion is not over. As you wish, young one, as you wish.

He hesitates, lowers his body over outstretched foreleg, caresses the pattern of scars with the side of his muzzle, his lips moving slightly as he prays for a blessing of strength, of speed, of skill; all things which he knows he does not possess except, perhaps, through the will of the Lord in giving it to him. Behind him, the spirit shakes himself, as though to loosen muscles which he does not even, truly, have. As wolf and cat head off, he bounds forward, catching them up swiftly before falling into step behind the two alphas. He does not attempt to place himself any further forward, comfortable, instead, to follow behind; is it not his to follow, anyways? The spirit draws level with him, smug in his every movement; but his irksome behavior does not evoke response from his guide; instead, the wolf merely turns his attention forward. He clears his throat quietly, hesitates, and then speaks, choosing carefully his words, lest he further provoke the ire of the canine alphess. ”Forgive me, Miss Ketsueki; I have been rude. I am Trench; I hope you will accept the introduction, despite being so late. As to my hunting, I cannot boast I possess any true skill, but the Lord has always provided, and I expect he will now, as well.”

Well, well, young one, you have received your wish; she is ready to listen, but are you ready to speak? Are you truly in a position that you can answer that question? The Lord will provide the words, as he provides all else; and I am always ready to speak to his favor. If she will listen, and learn, then I will teach. Then I hope you teach well; if this is to be their first exposure, I do hope you present him well. She is willing to listen now, but will she remain ready to hear? Choose your words carefully, and I do hope the Lord does help you, for a single error can make her turn from you, and from Him, forever. I am well aware of the risks, but I am more aware of my faith; you would do well to check your own.

The spirit does not answer, and he does not prompt; his attention turns ahead, and he allows the growth of a lengthy pause, choosing his words slowly. Finally, he draws a breath, and is prepared to speak. ”Forgive me, Miss Andarial, but you ask a very…difficult question; I am unsure if I am truly qualified to answer, but I will do my best. You see, it is difficult to say what the Lord is; to me, he is everything, but I believe everyone interprets Him differently. But perhaps you will accept the term God? I understand not everyone is so receptive to the word, but that is what He is, and I’m afraid I cannot think to describe Him differently. You see, I did not receive much in the way of teaching; I serve Him, but I have figured out how much on my own. I believe that doing so is sufficient enough; the Lord will not shun those who come to him in earnest, however they may come. Or so, that is what I’ve come to believe. But, forgive me, I’m doing a poor job of answering your question; yet I’m afraid it is, perhaps, to broad of one for me to answer; perhaps there is something more specific you’d like to know? I can only hope I can provide for such a question better than I have this one.”

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and gravediggers’ smiles
_{trench
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lyrics © dashboard confessional
Finally, it is done! Haha; it’s amazing what 12 hours of sleep can do XD Again, sorry for the wait, but hopefully my muse is back on track now; it definitely seems to be xD}

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