Dancing on the Breaking Point (OpeN)

[Sage Zivaen]

It was dark out, the horizon lit with the glow of warm fires. The black sky seemed to burn, sparks dancing upon the night as if it were a stage for only them. The soared into the sky, reflected in the water, and in the eyes of those watching. And some watched more carefully than others.

A deep bronze covered wolf paced. She was beatiful, deep black lining her stomack and lacing her paws. Worry and fear pierced every muscle in her lupine body, making her movements almost shaky. She was arguing with herself, literally. Wolf Sister, I do not think this is such a good idea. Yes, we have been invited to this place, but there are magics here I do not comprehend. They wraps me in iron chains and whisper to me. How do I not listen when thier voices are so hauntingly beautiful? She shook her fur, waiting for the slow voice inside of her to wake up and listen.

You must go. For too long sister you have hung onto the sorrw of losing Aaron and his pack. That was not your fault. No one could have told you then that you were so dangerous to those unguarded. I was not awake enough then to tell you of the danger? Have we not discussed this time and time again? The older, slower runble that was the wolf fell upon her mind, making her think. She had kept everything strictly in check sonce that time. Since long ago by her won reckoing, though she knew she had much longer times to yet live.

I'm still unsure. I know they are bound differently, but I also know that we cannot be bound. So what do we do? I am dancing on a fine line here with silken paws, and if I cross over it I do not know if I will ever be able to return. I cannot be the downfall of such a proud pack. It's just too dangerous for me to go. With that decided she turned, about to head back into the city.

That was when it started.

The wind moved slowly past heer dark fur, going towards the camp. It caught her scent, and fondled it like a child, carrying it upon it's broken wings. She stopped cold, realizing what was going to happen. They would know she was here before she could even get away to dave herself the suffereing of being around others of her kind. Damn. She thought. And then the true wolves started to howl, smelling her strange, divided half scent. It smelled of cinnamon and wood, but underthat was the scent of moss and fresh rain.

Double Damn

[Arwen Loup Garou]

Like many nights at the Luna, fires were lit. Some of us were human, as we danced and ate. Some had shifted to wolf. All of us were celebrating. It wasn't a holiday or anything important on the calendar, it wasn't even a Full Moon. It was simply a celebration of who and what we are, and giving ourselves over to the glory that is Mother Moon.

Mick was hanging with Synge and Midian, the boys all laughing as they ate and drank. I'd spent some time earlier in the evening with Mick, we'd changed forms and ran through the great meadows around the Luna. We rolled and tumbled, wrestling and playing...until dinner called. The scents of food from the Luna's camp had both our mouths watering. After a fun romp like that, a good meal was always welcome. Not to mention the fact that were's liked to eat. Our metabolisms burned higher and hotter than a normal humans, and because of that, we ate often.

Roasted lamb & pork, fried chicken; a mix of steamed, sauteed, and grilled vegetables, potatoes of all kinds. Bread and rolls. Sweet, salty. All of the scents savory. Mick and I both ran for the camp. My paws pounded the ground below me as I panted. We skidded into our shelter, changing as we entered. Laughing, we wrapped our arms around each other and snuggled for a brief moment before pulling on some clothes and joining the others. Wearing a beat-up Doors t-shirt and some holey jeans, I skipped shoes and went to find my sister and niece. Spotting Stryker with Arya on her lap, I made my way over to them, filling a plate on my way.

We sat on a long trunk of what had once been a great tree and talked idly as we ate. I stole a glance at Mick and saw him stiffen. His nostrils flared. I closed my eyes, listening, inhaling deeply. There was another wolf on our perimeter. Just beyond the lines that marked the Luna's domain. She hadn't breached it, or Cole and the others would have gone to investigate. It smelled familiar, but not a scent knew. I inhaled again, trying to recall where I'd found that scent before. On Syren! Yes! I turned to find her speaking with Cole in the distance. She caught me looking her way and nodded to me, her eyes moved off behind me, back to mine, and she nodded again. Ok, cool. I knew what that meant. The wolf was a friend.

I stood, patting Arya's head while speaking to my sister. "I'm gonna go say hi, see if she'd like to join us." Stryker smiled, knowing what I meant. Every Loup Garou in the camp knew there was a wolf on our boarder, and yet we continued in our revelry, sending the newcomer welcoming howls. The new wolf was not a threat, or we'd have known by now. Halfway to the wooded area that ringed the Luna, I slipped off my jeans and shirt before shifting smoothly to my wolf. My emerald eyes shone in the dappling moonlight. My fur a deep gray, almost blue under the light of Mother Moon.

I ran for the perimeter of our territory, slowing only when I was nearing the other wolf, nearly stumbling as Syren's voice entered my mind. "Her name is Sage." Syren knew her, somehow, from somewhere. Not that it mattered where or how, she was a friend, she'd been invited here. Our barriers would have reacted differently if one came who meant harm, and those that maintained the perimeter would keep the Luna guarded at all costs. Which, wasn't the case here.

Sage's scent changed, she was nervous....and afraid? The nervous I got, we were a large clan. A wolf on their own, without a pack can get intimidated by the sheer size of any large pack. And the Loup Garou was the largest pack in existence, so far as I knew. "Sage?" I had no idea if Syren had told her of our abilities to use telekinesis when in the form of the wolf. It was easier to communicate to humans especially. And once a Loup Garou spoke to anyone in that form, the channel was open. That person would always be able to speak to the Loup Garou in the same way. I saw her then, a bronze hued wolf. I stopped a few feet from her and sat back on my haunches, tongue lolling from my the side of my mouth. I raised a paw and quirked my head as I looked at her. Smiling, I gave a small, curious whimper. "I'm Arwen. Syren has mentioned you, and you're welcome among us. Hey, don't be nervous. Think of it as a party. After all, there's enough food and drink down there to make it one." I turned to look back at the Luna before facing her again. I barked, an excited yip, and stood tail wagging. "Hey, come on, it's ok. We'll hang. You'll get to see Syren." I gave Sage a wolfish grin.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia Wolfen walked quietly through the night, the moonlight gleaming off her grey hair. She loved going on night walks by herself, even though it could be dangerous. A few minutes passed and Lycaonia picked the scent of other wolves and heard howls. The inner wolf started building up inside her and she transformed, taking the form of a large white wolf. Lycaonia reared up on her hind legs and galloped towards the other wolves. As she came into view of the two wolves, she lowered her body, flattened her ears and narrowed her piercing, yellow eyes.

[Synge Loup Garou]

I stood near my brother, laughing with him and Mick as we chatted away, my plate constantly being filled up with more food as I shoveled meat and vegetables eagerly into my mouth. I wasn't starving, none of us starved in the Luna since there was plenty to eat for all, including any guests that wandered our way. Earlier I had been out, swimming and generally running about. I was careful to stay within the border, coming across Amanda as she shyly followed, intrigued with her little brother. Yes, little brother. And I do mean me. As I ate, the two older males continued talking before he stiffened up. As the Duke, he often was tuned in with the pack border, though less stronger than my father and mother had. "Whats up?" I asked, curious as he inhaled a scent, then it dawned on me. "Shes getting closer. A friend, not foe. A strange scent, but welcoming." I saw his eyes reopen, my hand reaching towards my amulet as I tried to decipher what was in his eyes.

I knew he wasn't falling in love with the scent. I watched him for a moment, trying to figure it out. "Shes alone. I don't think she has a pack." I knew then that Mick was saddened by the fact she didn't have a pack herself like we did. Wolves generally disliked to be alone. Their strong ties to pack and family was what kept them going. "Then we shall welcome her with open arms! Mom knows shes a friend." I grinned, slapping Mick on the back while Midian just chuckled my way. He knew I'd go and see this new wolf; I adored other shifters and was constantly learning more about other were's, shifters and the ways they lived. Arwen was the same; we both adored other shifters and sometimes it was a race to meet the new shifter or were first. Not that I minded. Starting to walk, I passed the large, crackling fire and feelings its heat melt my skin. The Mother Moon shone high in the sky itself while a chorus of howls were heard all around me, including the deep rumble of Nathaniel's as he ran through the Luna, fur disappearing into the night.

I knew where he was going. Often he patrolled whenever he could and with news that this was a friend not a foe, he was content to continue his rounds which included King's Pointe. He relayed everything to my father that was needed, and Mick kept his ears out for any sign of trouble he may run into. Even though we weren't all bound by blood, we still were a family. "Eh, let them go. I'm in no mood to see another were." I heard Lucy speaking to Aimlyn while I passed, offering both a quick grin. They preferred each other and I knew Lucy would probably take off into the woods to spend less time around the pack. I respected them both for who they were, and if they wanted to be alone that was fine by me. Reaching my parents, I looked upwards at my father, he was taller than me and I always felt small around him. As he ruffled up my hair, I looked between him and mom, almost bursting with excitement at the newcomer.

"I'm going with Arwen. Unless I'm needed around here?" I grinned as they both told me it was fine to go, knowing I loved other shifters and knowing that even though it would be safe and Arwen was there, that I always asked before I went. Bounding off into the night, I shifted easily into my wolf form, fur glistening as I ducked under the Mother Moons light, though it wasn't as strong since the full moon hadn't approached us yet. Approaching quickly to Arwen and the newcomer, I began to slow down so I wouldn't scare Sage though Arwen could easily hear me, and know that I was on my way. Arwen was in my view first, then the bronze colored wolf and a new one that was coming closer, body lowered to the ground. "A new friend is definitely cause for a party." I grinned, tapping into both their minds so they could hear, extending that to the new wolf as Arwen spoke to Sage. "Arwen has probably mentioned herself, so now its my turn." My wolfish grin stayed upon my maw.

"I'm Synge, and like whats already been said, you are welcome in the Luna." I turned to the other newcomer, one whose named I did not know, studying her for any sign of a threat although it seemed like she was also friend and not foe. "And who might you be if you do not mind me asking?" Sitting down, I was all full of excitement; meeting new werewolves, shifters, anyone, always did that to me.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia raised her body slightly when she heard another wolf approach. She glanced towards one of the other females, apparently called Arwen. Lycaonia turned towards Synge, startled at first when she heard him speak telepathically. "Nice to meet you, Synge. I'm Lycaonia Wolfen", she thought back to him. Lycaonia felt less wary now that they knew she was not a threat. She looked at Synge's goofy grin and couldn't help grinning back at him.

[Sage Zivaen]

Sage's wolfish head looked up, eyes still dancing with nervousness. Arwen spoke to her, surprising her slightly. She knew what Syren had said, but had almost forgotten about it in her worry. Then another Luna scent joined Arwens. The wolf identified himself as Synge. I nodded to him, and took a breath in.
Don't be afraid. They can more than likely hear me, even as I speak for your ears only. They are not bad. You cannot hurt them Sage's wiolf spoke to her, and she shook lsightly. Not out of fear of being hurt, but of hurting.

Hello Arwen, Synge. My name is Sage. She didn't say anything about her wolf sister, not now. Syren already knew, and that was enough for her. She was unsure how to start his conversation. On one hand the welcoming calls were a soothing balm to the growing worry in her stomache, but they were also the cause of it. It was a double edged knife, cutting her slowly and watching her bleed. She wasn't sure how to react around this many wolves. She had never been around this many wolves. Aarons pack had been small, only arounf twenty alltogether. The scents drifted past her and she tried to identify them all.

I was invited here by Syren. I... I wasn't sure when to come truthfully. Something just seemed right tonight. Beter than most nights. She explained. And worse than others, the thought to herslef. What if she lost it, letting the fierce grip on her magic loose? What if she did hurt someone? She could never forgive herself if she did.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia glanced at Sage when she spoke to Arwen. The bronze-coloured wolf seemed a little uncomfortable and Lycaonia didn't like it. She knew from experience with her pack that tense, uncomfortable wolves usually had something to hide. Had she been with her birth pack, Lycaonia would have ordered Sage to explain. But she was not with her pack anymore so she sat down and scratched her ear instead.

[Arwen Loup Garou]

Seeing yet another Were come into view, I dipped my head in welcome to her. "Greetings friend, I am Arwen. Welcome to the Luna Garou." For we were but a few steps away from the invisible boundaries that marked our sacred land.

I couldn't help but let out a small giggle, which came out as a bit of a snort, when I heard Synge heading our way. It was just like him to run out and greet the new comers. I nudged him playfully under his jaw with my snout.

"Sage, you are welcome here, as are you Lycaonia. It's pretty much an open invitation, you can visit whenever you like." I grinned, tongue lolling from the side of my jaw as I looked from one wolf to the other.

There was a great wave of anxiety that washed over Sage, I could feel it, smell it in the air. I padded softly over to her, laying myself at her feet. I was quite larger than she was, and humbling myself in a submissive gesture, she would know I meant no harm. I whimpered, then yipped, standing to lick Sage's face before wandering to Lycaonia and repeating the gesture.

"Come and join us. There is a ton of food & drink. We have all night to run the lands of the Luna. I can show you King's Pointe, the place of our clan meetings. A sacred place of power for the Loup Garou. Syren will be glad to see you Sage. And everyone within the Luna will be thrilled to see that you've both come for a visit."

I looked to Synge, a sneaky grin pulling up the corners of my mouth, exposing fang, but not enough to be a threat. Glancing back at Sage & Lycaonia, I nodded, ears pricked and swiveling toward the merriment below us in the heart of the Luna. "What are we waiting for? Let's run!" There was nothing so freeing as running as your wolf. The speed, strength, and agility that accompanied the form was a rush. Wind whipping through your fur as your paws flew over grass and brush. I let out another yip before nipping Synge on the ear and darting off toward the campfires. "Come and join us, for at least tonight!" I hollered back to Sage & Lycaonia as I ran.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia looked down at Arwen and gave a nod of acknowledgment. Then Arwen and Synge set off back to the Luna. When Arwen called back to them, Lycaonia yelled back, "Sure, why not?" and galloped off after Arwen and Synge. As she ran, Lycaonia howled out of the sheer exhilaration of running. She loved to run like this in her wolf form.

[Sage Zivaen]

Sage gave a shudder, and then looked inside for a moment. In thequiet place in her mind she could see a wolf standing there, her Sister. The wolf had a happy look, as if she knew what was coming. Sisiter, run go. I will folllow and take you lead. I think maybe it is time for me to finally let go of this. Maybe time to start over again. The bronze wolf noddded, giving a wolfy grin. They have shown you that you are welcome. That we are both welcome. Why do you think the spirits of thie ancestors reached out to you? You are free, untamed as the wind and the earth. They know nothing can bind you. They also know that you hurt, and you need a friend. We will go.

And it was as if shehad switched places. She watched from two sets of eyes, heard and felt everything twice as she ran with her sister, running closer in soul than either of them had in a long time. Silently, Sage thanked the Luna spirits for grantering her this reprieve from worry. The wolf gave a happy howl, following the others to where ever they were going at the moment.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia glanced over her shoulder as Sage howled and followed them. She continued to follow Arwen and Synge as they went back to the Luna. Lycaonia felt her fur being ruffled by the wind as she ran. Even though she felt happy at the moment, she was nervous about meeting the other wolves in the Luna. Lycaonia hoped they wouldn't see her as a threat.

[Arwen Loup Garou]

((I'm just gonna write Synge in with us as we run back to and around the Luna, until he gets a reply in. ))

I let loose a delighted yip as the others began to run with me. Synge ran up to keep pace with me, before darting around and in between us all. He was just that excited. Sage's howl was echoed from others within the Luna. I grinned as I ran, paws pounding over familiar paths. This was our land, these were our people, even those that are not Loup Garou by blood. We are all the same, bound to wolf and moon.

Syren had said that Sage was special, and her aura seemed to have a certain something there. I could sense it, I could feel the Luna's collective magick welcoming her energy. There had to be a name for it, her energy was too unique. I thought back to Gram's lessons, and couldn't recall or place what that specific energy would mean. Nyta would know, good ol' Gram's. Of course, Syren and Cole would know too. I guess I could ask Syren, but it'd probably be better to ask Sage about it later. I didn't want to be rude by blurting something out that she wasn't up to broadcasting. I've been known to put my paw in my mouth from time to time, and was hoping to avoid it. It was just that the feeling I got from Sage's aura was damn close to the energies I felt around the Alpha, Lupa, Freki, even Mick & Nyta, really, pretty much all of the pack's hierarchy. And yet, it was different. It was cool, regardless. The sensation running through me, coming off of her.

I was often lost in thought while I ran, but still traversed the land I knew so well without a problem. We dodged outcroppings of bushes and young trees, bounded over fallen logs and boulders. Darting between tall pines, sun and shade. Once I saw where the forest started to ebb and flow into the lower meadow I canted off to the right. Without breaking my stride, I leaned my head down and managed to scoop up my jeans and shirt that I'd discarded earlier. Running free over the plains, the four of us closed in on the Luna. Rings of shelters, tents, and blazing fires marked the gathering. The scents of roasting meat and vegetables, fresh bread, sweet berries, and honey was much stronger, making my mouth water regardless of the fact that I'd eaten just a few minutes ago.

"Hope you're hungry." I shot a glance to Sage & Lycaonia, still grinning. Smooth as silk, I went from trotting on 4 legs and furry, to walking on two and being.....not so furry. I shook my short hair, running my hands through it to ruffle it before slipping back into my jeans and tugging my shirt back over my head. I turned back to face the two wolves that had run with me. At about the same time, a few of our younger pack members, pups of various ages came galloping over to us, all sniffing around Lycaonia and Sage. "Hey, hey, easy now. This is Sage & Lycaonia. You can all sniff and play with them later. They just got here. Go on you scamps." I gave the nearest, Jacob and Tyler, a couple pats as they ran back to my Gram's. She just happened to be brining out a massive pan of fresh cinnamon buns. I laughed. "Sorry, I should have warned you the pups would come to nose around." I flashed a smile to the girls.

Milling through the other pack members gathered in smaller groupings, eating and laughing, I grabbed a plate piled high with roast lamb, and lead us to a less crowded area. I picked a long log, smooth from the years of use it's gotten as a bench, and took a seat, the lamb resting in my lap. Shoveling a chunk into my mouth before offering the plate to both Sage & Lycaonia, I started to point out everyone. Some were in wolf form, others not.

"Well, you met Synge, that's his brother, Midian with my sister Stryker over there. Her daughter Arya is the one waving wildly at us." I laughed and waved back to her. "Over there is Midian & Synge's mom, who you met Sage, and our Lupa, Syren. Her mate, our Alpha Cole. Oh, and there's my Mick, out healer. And Gram's, or Nyta, our Oba, is the one who came out with that pan of cinnamon buns." I gestured to everyone as I told the gals who they were, then turned and pointed up behind us to the outline of King's Pointe. "That's King's Pointe, were we have most of our rites. Mating ceremonies, initiations, all that stuff. We can run up there later. For now, I say we eat." I munched another chunk of lamb. "What smells good? I'm all about snagging one of Gram's cinnamon rolls." I smiled again.

[Lycaonia]

Lycaonia's wariness increased slightly as she came into the Luna. She inhaled the smell of delicious food and replied "I am definitely hungry." As Arwen transformed back into a human, a bunch of young wolves came over and sniffed Lycaonia. She was alarmed at first but then she sniffed them back. Lycaonia smiled back at Arwen through the Luna to a log where she sat with a plate of roast lamb. She seized a big chunk of lamb from Arwen's plate with her teeth and sat down to eat it. Lycaonia looked at the others as Arwen pointed them out and looked over at King's Pointe.