We all fall Down {{OPEN}}

[Nimara]

And if you have a minute
Why don't we go
Talk about it
Somewhere only we know?

[/size][/center]


Stryke's paws were powdered with frost as she followed the male, padding silently along at his side. Her future alpha. Future alpha... The words carried an odd weight to them as they echoed in the fae's mind. Future alpha... Why was the thought so strange to her? Was it the fact that she was disgracing her parent's memory by stepping into a pack? Surely not, after all, now she would be able to fight the Royals without worrying about falling to their merciless fangs. Was it the change from being on her own to suddenly being able to rely on someone else? Perhaps... But she couldn't as much rely on Poison as the other wolves, so that probably wasn't it. So what was it? Why was this so strange? Wolves joined packs all the time, why would it be different to her?

For a brief moment, the fae thought of turning back. Of leaving this all behind and laughing it off as if it had been nothing more than a simple joke. A game of pretend she had been playing, but now had decided it was time to return to reality. But she couldn't. Something held her to Poison Arrow's side as completely as if she had been tethered. What was it? Something that was waiting for her if she did leave? But then what could be? Death? Well, she was half there already wasn't she. Loneliness? No, being alone was something Stryke was used to, something she could handle. So what else was there? Regret..? Now there was a strange thought. What would she regret if she left? Not taking out a few of those Royal dogs? Not grabbing some small morsel of food before running off? Letting him slip away... The words were like whispers in her mind, echoing endlessly with in a haunting way. It made her nervous. She wouldn't regret leaving him, there was nothing between them to regret.

Future alpha... Stryke snuck a quick glance at the male she followed. Sapphire gems quickly scanning his figure before returning to watch where she was going. With his slim body and long legs, he wasn't exactly what the fae had envisioned when she thought of an alpha. What did I think of..? She asked, surprising herself with the question. What had she though an alpha should look like? Strong and proud, a full, thick coat... Someone who is just and kind.. Someone like... A picture began to come together in her mind's eye, slowly at first and the faster as her imagination came together. NO!! The word was a mental scream and the picture of her father shattered into nothingness.

Stryke took a deep breath, hoping to calm her nerves. I need to calm down. She thought sternly, trying to force herself to pull together and act her age. The young wolfess was over reacting and that was all. Future al- OH SHUT UP!! Great... Now she was talking to herself. Poison stopped then, making the fae also come to a halt as she came to his side. "What's wrong?" She asked, her voice as neutral as ever.

words=518

((OOC:I hope this location works?))

This could be the
End of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

[Poison Arrow]

Once Upon a Time
I woke up and you weren't there;

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

You can't do this.
Why can't I do this?
Because she's a Loner!
So? Swift was a Loner; Ice was a Loner; your mother was a Loner. They all made perfectly good Pack Wolves.
Not that. Being a Pack Member is perfectly fine, and you know it.
Well what else is there?
You know what I'm talking about.
Yes, well you are me, and I am you, seeing as we are the same wolf...
Wait, so you can't say 'I am you' if we are the same...
And you... No, wait, I can't say 'we' if we... I... You... Are the same...
This is confusing.

And irrelevant. I'm going to stop thinking now, okay?

He shook his head, the faintest trace of a whimper behind in his throat. This line of thought was confusing... But the strong urge, deep in his gut, stirred when he looked at her.
Stryke.
The mysterious silver she-wolf with a glint behind her blue eyes and a firey temper that made his throat go dry. This couldn't happen. It wasn't right, and in his head he didn't want it. His heart... He wasn't so sure. But into the pack... The pack was fine. It was - sort of - normal. That was okay. Cool. Fantastic, even! A good, strong she-wolf for the pack.
Yeah, a she-wolf in the pack, brand new and with the mark of an Alpha Female, right when you are supposed to be choosing your mate? Like that's not going to cause trouble.

And then the scents hit him, so sudden that he almost tripped over his own paws. The camp! They were barely two minutes' walk from the Camp! He stopped suddenly, mismatched eyes distant; as he stopped, they re-focused.
At Stryke's words, he glanced up sharply. "Oh... Oh, yes, no, nothing, fine. Just... Fine. Umm, yes... If you just wait here, I'll, umm, find Swift and let him know the plan, and... Yes."

And without another word he hurried away, sniffing the air, then the ground, and following the scent-trail of his Alpha. He needed to concentrate now: It was crucial that they all know the plan, and that they do it right.
This was a spying mission about to begin, and one that may change the course of the packs. It would certainly never happen again.
And maybe it will change my life?
Everything changes your life one way or another. Some way or another...

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

That was when I realised I loved you,
Because suddenly I cared.

~*424!
~Poison Arrow

[hellhoundish]

Swift sniffed cautiously, the scent of his alpha filling and swirling around in his nostrils. He was genuinely worried for Poison Arrow, he had expected the alpha to return before this time. However, Swift knew full well that the alpha could take care of himself, having play fought with him before. He was unduly worried, adding to his pre-panic of what he might face later. Spying is a risky business...

He walked along the familiar route, heading out to where he thought his alpha may be, remembering fond moments they had shared. It tugged at his heart, causing a huge ache, tearing at his emotions. Soon I will have to leave this all behind. He shook his head gently, soft fur seemingly rippling in the slight breeze, eyes half shut and not in focus.

He thought of all he would leave behind, making him whimper slightly. Very carefully, he stopped, sitting down and waiting for his sadness to stop. He would hate to be discovered like this; a beta shouldn't act like he was now, and yet it seemed unavoidable. He closed his eyes peacefully yet again, just managing to control the waves of sadness.

The trees were full of noise, birds calling out to each other, so Swift looked up.

"Hello," he called.

=214

[Nimara]

And if you have a minute
Why don't we go
Talk about it 
Somewhere only we know?

[/color][/center]

A short, stuttering explanation and then Poison Arrow was gone. Disappearing into the trees like a phantom. Stryke stood there, stock still, simply starring at the space in the trees where he had disappeared; a few low hanging branches still swiging in the alpha's wake. What was wrong? Why had he been so flustered? Had she done something to induce this behavior? No. No there's no way. She told herself defiantly, haunches lowering to meet the ground. So what had gone wrong?

Stryke's mind whirled with possibilities. Maybe he was going to warn the pack about her arrival. Then again, maybe he was going to prep the fighters for a tresspasser... The femme frowned slightly, the latter thought not setting well. Something was wrong, this was all spiraling out of control. The young fae didn't trust this male, but the pull she felt around him - the quickening of her heart and the fluttering of her stomach - was simply too much to fight against. With a sigh, Stryke lowered herself down to her belly, front paws crossing and chin resting over them. 

Boredom set in. Slowly but surely. It was all she could do not to simply change her mind... To walk away and let this whole ordeal slip from her mind as if it were nothing... But to leave now? When she was so close? When a pack was right in front of her nose? Not likely. Stryke gave another sigh, a heavy weight settling in the pit of her stomach. This could go two ways, either really good or horribly, devestatingly bad...

words = 263

((OOC: You guys can just skip me while you have your big plan conversation, and I'll hop back in when y'all come back ))

This could be the 
End of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

[Poison Arrow]

Once Upon a Time
I woke up and you weren't there;

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

Thoughts swirled around his head so fast he felt dizzy - he was going to throw up if he wasn't careful. Pausing for a moment when a few minutes from Stryke, the wolf closed his mismatched eyes and counted, slowly, to ten. He swallowed, hared, adam's apple bobbing in his throat, and then continued at a faster pace. Best to just get this over with... Then he stopped again. He couldn't do this. It was too hard. She could just turn around and leave; he was the Alpha, he decided who came in or out. But Poison Arrow couldn't do that, either. Stuck between an impossible and a pointless...
Oh, Great Ancestors help me, what do I do?!

As if on cue, his Beta's voice sounded behind him, and the Alpha span around. What was Swift doing here?! How long had he been out? He tried to work it out quickly in his head, but his thoughts were spinning too much for the numbers to make sense. Instead he glanced quickly at the sky, and felt his heart quale. Surely he hadn't been out that long? It was early sun-low when he had left - or more appropriately been kicked out of camp, all very suspicious - and it was at least sun-top now.
Well, with that thought, Poison Arrow couldn't blame his Second for coming for him. Realising that he had failed to turn around at the voice, he did so hastily, but continued to stare at the lack of Swift until some part of his brain that still had a grasp of the situation chugged into life.
He could just be further off.

So, scenting the air and letting his instincts take over, Poison Arrow began searching once more for the Beta. Birds flapped away with a start about 300 yards away, snapping him out of his reveree - oh. And there was Swift. How dreadfully simple. Well, it was now or never... His voice tried to quaver in his throat, but the alpha stopped it; he needed to be strong, now. "Swift," he called, nice and loud, and began a quick trot towards him. Move fast, so that there's no time to think.
"I need to talk to you about something," he continued when he neared. "It's very important, but you ain't gonna' like it..."

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

That was when I realised I loved you,
Because suddenly I cared.

{OOC: Kay, thanks ^^ }}

~*4o5!
~Poison Arrow

[hellhoundish]

"Oh, really?" Swift chuckled, just happy that his alpha was safe for now. He made a playful rush towards Poison Arrow, as though he was charging him, but stopped just before the action was complete. He paused, considering how disrespectful this could look, so he carefully backed off a bit.

"Ah, I'm sorry," he said respectfully and quietly, but brightened up afterward. This was quite unusual for him, as he was normally grave and serious most of the time, however it was obvious he was trying to enjoy the time he had left.

He tried to cover up his actions, but in his head he was slightly confused. Part of him wanted to take his anger out on his alpha, the other felt ashamed of thinking the thought. In the end, he just sat down, ears twitching thoughtfully.

"Soooo, what's this important news?" he asked, making sure the so was drawn out, as though he was trying to cover up any awkwardness. However, it was that moment a stranger's scent caught his nose.

"Huh?" he said, tilting his head to where the scent was coming from, "Is that stranger part of it all, or do I go greet them?"

He realized that his attention was dwindling slightly, and he returned his focus to Poison Arrow. He looked apologetically at him, stammering his apology. His eyes fixed on his alpha, and he tried very hard to concentrate. Damn, stupid emotions.

[Poison Arrow]

Once Upon a Time
I woke up and you weren't there;

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

The Alpha was both relieved and wary to see Swift. There was so much to be said between them - the unseen strength in his Beta's heart, risking so much for information, and the secrets he felt deep inside of him that he for once felt no desire to tell. The Rebels were, in some ways, both more and less open than the Royals.
They did not gossip or brag or pick at old wounds, and in return they usually got the information they needed simply by a companionable silence. And in this way, Poison Arrow dreaded returning to his beloved pack. They wouldn't ask why he had been out so long, or why he had let the stranger into the pack, or even ask eachother. But they would know. And the accusation in their eyes would break his heart.
But I must be strong. I am their leader, and they have faith in me; even if I am unsure, they trust me to do what is right.

And with that thought he looked his Beta in the eye, and spoke.
"Do not fear her, Swift. She is to join the pack. I found her in the Deepwoods nearly pecked to death by a Vulture and, startled, she set off this way. I... I attempted to stop her, but she was determined and untrusting - and I can't blame her. She's a bad limp and a fear for the Royals, so it isn't hard to guess her story. But after a while and some good conversation, she said she... She wanted to join the pack." He paused here, then hastily added, "she's good and strong, though, so she'll make a good fighter. And she's been away from any other wolves for a long while; there's no chance she could have been a Royal, or loyal to them at any rate. Born a Loner, by the rugged look of her. Her name's Stryke.

Poison Arrow shifted on his paws, trying not to look hesitant, then continued, though his voice had lost a tiny amount of its strength now. "This... This may be a good time to put our long-standing plan into action. Be it the truth or neigh, you must strongly disagree with me on the matter of her introduction to the Clan. We will... We will... We must almost fight over it - to the point of snarls and bared fangs, even - and hope for an intervention. If it comes from Stryke that adds effect, but may seem a little faked. Then..." He looked at the ground suddenly, admitting defeat of his shame. "Then you must leave the pack."
His voice was hushed.

What will the pack think of me when I kick out my own Beta? Who will be his stand-in? What does that show I am willing to do for a stranger she-wolf who comes at just the right time? So many consequences, so many flaws...
No other options.

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

That was when I realised I loved you,
Because suddenly I cared.

~*552!
~Poison Arrow

[hellhoundish]

"Oh," was all Swift said. In his head, he was saying goodbye to the lands and his pack, and dreading the moment when he had to act this out, what seemed like a betrayal to his very existence. He looked down sadly, all happiness seemingly sucked away from him at the mention of his departure.

"Well, at least we now have an excuse. Do not be sad for me, Poison Arrow. Just remember who I am is all I'm asking for." he said softly.

"Hey, how about I go meet this wolf I am supposed to be angry at?" he said, brightening up a bit. He padded slowly to where the smell was coming from, ears pricked for sounds of objection. He paused slightly when he heard a bird's song. The notes almost brought tears to his eyes, but he forced them away. Perhaps the birds will sing for my arrival back home...

He turned around to face his alpha. His eyes immediately saw a deer, meters away. Perhaps a departing meal? No, no need for killing right now. He continued on, paws clawing quite heavily upon the earth. How shall I act? Shall I act grumpy and then growl and pace around a bit? Or should I act immediately offended? I wonder how good we are at acting?

"Poison, perhaps you make sure I actually leave?" he called

He returned his focus to finding the wolf. What was her name again? Stryke, wasn't it? He kept on sniffing the air, getting closer all the time.

"Hello?" he called, trying to find Stryke. "Stryke?"

[Nimara]

And if you have a minute
Why don't we go
Talk about it
Somewhere only we know?

[/color][/size]


A bird fluttered through the trees, seeming to have forgotten the full grown she-wolf lying statue-like beneath it. Stryke's eyes followed the feathered creature, sapphire gems glued to the dull feathers as if they held some secret. Of course that was foolish, but the slender fae couldn't help simply watching this creature...and wonder. Why did it live? Why did it continue chirping and hopping about when at any second its life could end? When life is that fragile, why try? Because in every life there is a spark, and every spark has the right to grow into a beautiful flame so that one day that flame might rise up and join the countless others in the sky. Her father's voice echoed in the she-wolf's mind, bringing a shadow over her usually unreadable visage. With a sigh, Stryke lifted her head. She was being foolish, she needed to pull herself together. Stop acting like a child.

There came a rustle in the forest a few yards away. Stryke lifted her head, ears pricked forward, sharp eyes watching the landscape with a frigid gaze. In that moment of change, the she-wolf went from a bored and overreacting pup, to the wild beauty she was. The silver brace on her foreleg clanked softly as she stood, head held up and tail out behind her. Someone was coming. "Poison Arrow...?" She said softly, taking an unsure step forward as if looking for the male's appearance. But he didn't come, instead a foreign voice called to her through the trees. "Hello? Stryke?" The femme scowled and drew away, her hackles raising.

He had betrayed her, that lying alpha had set her up. Even now, his pack must be surrounding her, preparing to attack. This wolf who called her name would be a diversion, she must be ready for anything. They would leap for her, try to tear out her throat as they had done so long ago. But that hadn't been the Rebels... That had been the Royals... It doesn't matter, pack wolves are all the same! The she-wolf thought defiantly, her trust shattering. How could she have been so foolish as to have trusted that male? How could she have thought he would actually stay true to his word? Stupid, stupid, stupid! Fine, if they wanted a fight she would give them one. Stryke widened her stance into one which could be both defensive or offensive, allowing her to move quickly in any direction. Her head lowered to fall even with her back and her fluffy banner swished across her heels with annoyance. Gem stone eyes glared at the spot in the forest she heard the wolf approaching, ears slowly easing back along her neck.

She was a ghost, a wraith of what could have been transformed into the anger of what has been. Stryke's slender body was tensed, each muscle coiled and ready to spring at whatever creature tried to harm her first. She was tired of this game, tired of being played so easily by two faced pack wolves. Her head raised in a display of defiance, making her seem that much more formidable. She was lovely, she truly was, but the jaded fae held the look of danger and feral strength in her frigid and guarded gaze. And as Stryke stood so still, the only movement being the wind slightly tugging at her fur, there was no limp to mask her beauty.

words = 568

This could be the
End of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

[/color][/size]

[Poison Arrow]

Once Upon a Time
I woke up and you weren't there;

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

Yes, Swift, yes. I will be there when you leave, and I will be there when you return. I will be here, waiting for you, my most loyal friend, and I will miss you so badly. I wish you didn't have to do this. What sort of Alpha am I to let you go, without protection or plan? What sort of friend am I to leave you alone like this? I will be there when you leave, and I will be there when you return - because you will return. For me, Swift. I will follow you to the ends of the earth, and will always be there to protect you, as both an Alpha and a friend. And I merely ask one thing in return:
When I go, wait for me too.
All of these things ran through Poison Arrow's head, and he felt an impossible amount of emotion building up inside of him, making him feel as though he were about to burst with shame and regret - and honour that his friend would allow him to send him away. And of all the things that he wanted to say, his reply came as a flat, "Yes."

Then he caught up to the rest of what Swift had said, and reality came rushing back. "Y-yes. Go and meet her... No, wait!" He leapt into action as he realised how it may look to Stryke. "She'll still be jumpy - just wait a moment... I'll go with you."
Again, there was more behind that last sentence than he let out.
Where will I go with you? There's a difference between where I want to follow you, and where I can.

Is it right for me to make him go? Even if he volunteers? Should I go in his place?
No. I am the Alpha. I still need to care for my pack.

He spotted Stryke through the trees, and realised her stance with a start. Not this again... "It's okay - that's Swift," he said assuringly, mismatched eyes bright with concern and honesty. "Don't worry; he's the one that's supposed to be angry that I've brought you in. But he's fine, really. Promise. We're not going to hurt you..." And, despite his proud position as alpha, Poison Arrow lowered his head, ears back, and flashed his throat at her in submission.

*-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-*

That was when I realised I loved you,
Because suddenly I cared.

~*347!
~Poison Arrow

[hellhoundish]

Swift burst through the undergrowth, finally seeing Stryke. He chuckled, slightly relieved that he had found her. However, he had managed to hear some of his alpha's words, and felt slightly guilty. I don't suppose I've screwed up his life yet again? Perhaps he'll be better without me.

On seeing Stryke's response, Swift stopped suddenly. He felt very stupid now for leaving without his alpha, and nervously clawed the ground, waiting for his alpha, but he suspected a response would soon be demanded.

"Oh," he said, wondering why he had rushed ahead. Stupid me. Oh well, better make the best of it. He turned around to see Poison Arrow. he was a bit surprised when he saw his alpha submitting to Stryke, and decided that it would probably best if he replicated his alpha's actions. He bent his legs, pulling off what would hopefully pass as a recognizable bow.

Oh dear, what have I gotten into. I'm supposed to fight Poison Arrow over Stryke? I don't think I can pull it off. I mean, why would I fight him? Everyone's going to not believe it, but we must do it. I suppose the majority of the acting has to be done by those two, but it looks as though Poison won't have any trouble pretending he likes her. He pulled his head up, glancing at the alpha. Truly it seemed as though the two would have no problems.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Swift, as Poison Arrow has previously stated." He said, becoming more formal. It did not do, at least in Swift's mind, to underestimate strangers. So he ended the bow, waiting for Stryke's reactions.