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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 16:25:15 GMT -5
((Gah, what is it with me and all my long posts? Sweet jeebus... I'm sorry. XD))
[Private - Genevieve]
Feraz. The Beta had been unreachable for some time now. That was all well and fine, however, as far as Galieo was concerned. The pack could run without an Alpha for this long, they could do without a Beta as well, until Feraz decided to show his face and establish some order within his ranks. Until then, that would be held as one of Galieo's many duties, which had begun to pile up on him with the Beta having disappeared.
It mattered very little to the Galieo at the moment, as he was faring fine on his own. The pack was still few in numbers, and managable despite being on his own. The other members at least respected him as the highest ranking member that was currently available, and that made things a little easier. They knew their places well, in this land, and if they did not... Well then, that was just another duty for the Delta to carry out.
For now, Galieo was conent with his silent loathing of the world and his solitude that he had held onto for the majority of the day. Not many creatures were seeking out Whiteback as a possible pack, which left him feeling unsettled. He knew of their reputation, yes, but that was not what worried him. What had the blue-eyed demon worried, was the fact that their numbers were so few. Numbers did not always win a war, this Galieo knew... but they certainly helped a great deal. Espeically when the Whitebacks were among the smallest breeds.
Maw resting upon dark-socked forelegs, Galieo gazed out over the terrain, where the snow was smooth and untouched, and where paths had been formed like small, indented rivers. It had snowed over-night, as it often did in these high altitudes, covering the last signs of his most recent 'finished duty.' And he had only just recently managed to get most of the blood-stain from the fur upon his head. He felt no remorse for what he had done, for the life he had taken... but he did, however, feel as if he had lost his control somehow.
War was coming, he could feel it, smell it upon the wind... but he was no fortune teller. He could not tell anyone his fate, or theirs, or when it would come. He had done his family a service, ensuring their safety, even if only for a day or two more. But he had been enraged; it had not just been his duty then, it had been his own personal vendetta at that exact moment in time. He had to learn to not take such things so personally.
But how could he not?
Letting out a soft huff, Galieo eased himself onto his side, still staring out at the horizon, eyes blinking and ears flicking occasionally against an errant snowflake. He laid in complete silence, reveling in the chilling touch of the snow, the crisp bite of the air inside his nose and lungs, the hiss of his breath against the chill... And for a moment, Galieo merely laid and thought about how very alive he felt, despite his hatred for so much of what surrounded him. It was far better than the alternative, he decided, such as being bled out, and left to be buried by the snow...
And as his thoughts wandered, his ears picked up the faintest sound of footfalls against the snow, crunching softly as the snow compacted beneath paws. Galieo's solitude was disturbed, but he had yet to decide if he was annoyed by this as he sat upright quickly and pushed himself to his feet. Giving himself a sqift shake to free his fur of remaining snow, the Delta glanced past the rocks to see who it was that was approaching.
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 16:36:54 GMT -5
She knew her paws could be heard as she walked on the rising snow, feeling it collapse under her weight and melt slightly when it came into contact with her light grey paws. She knew that the Delta was resting nearby, thinking of the pack and the oncoming war which would ensue. True, it would come... and despite the low numbers in the pack, they will catch what was left of the Bloodback pack as they journeyed to help their Aryian companions, and some of the pack will commit alliances with the Chicotahs... But this war was a long way off from now... Nothing to worry about just yet...
"Good evening, Delta..." Genevieve spoke solemnly like she had just blown a grass reed, a pleasant but unknown voice that seemed to hung in the air. She padded forwards, glancing up at the sky with her transparent whitish eyes.
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 16:46:38 GMT -5
Dark-hued ears flicked slightly, the only sign of recognition that crossed Galieo's still form. Even the small wisps of stream seeping from his nostrils had ceased for a moment, before the male sat down without a word. Genevieve's voice lingered in the male's thoughts for a moment, leaving him to study the sound carefully in his mind. It was strange for him to hear such a voice, Galieo finding it a little unnerving with its hints of many secrets. However, so far the female had shown no hint that her secrets were the sort to be pitted against the Whitebacks, and so his distrust had faded considerably.
It had been an awkward moment when Galieo had first welcomed Genevieve into the territory, though one would hardly call it that. He had outright threatened her, warned her that any treachery would result in her death, and still she had stuck around, despite his severe lack in social skills. It had probably not helped that his friend had been slain by his own fangs, and his features had been stained with an old companion's blood. No, those did not help make a meeting any lighter.
But Galieo had some silent respect for the eerie-eyed female, for not letting his gruesome appearance, nor his behavior deter her. Whiteback needed strong-willed members, ones that would no longer run when things grew too violent and heated. The ones that were left... those were true warriors. But there were so few...
Giving his head a small shake, Galieo gave his head a short nod, directed to the gray-pelted wolfess. "And a good evening to you too, Genevieve." This time, he could afford to be a little more eloquent in his greeting. They were, after all, a whole family; they could hardly afford any awkwardness or animosity among themselves... He knew that.
"The day has treated you well, I hope." He said quietly, smooth voice lingering on the border of polite and almost friendly as he shifted his forepaws in the snow.
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 17:41:52 GMT -5
"Yes... The others have not bothered with me for some time now and that suits me just fine. Their bickering has been rather... disturbing... as of late..." This time her voice changed to that of a wispy melody, like wind over hollow reeds in a swamp... All the more adding to her mystic. Her strangeness.
White stripped ears turned slowly in the Delta's direction, listening to the words he may speak next, as if she was in anticipation of them. Her remarkable ability to predict various outcomes within a semi-second had given the Whiteback a lifelong reputation, and knowing just about everything really unnerved her foes, and her allies.
Shifting her weight to her other hind leg, Genevieve took a graceful, if not eerie, glide over the snow, so that she now faced the multi-colored male. Transparent eyes flickered over the Delta's handsome head, as if trying to read his thoughts. But of course she couldn't. But if one was to look closely at her eyes, they would be able to see a hint of greyish white where her actual eye was, proving that she was not, in fact, blind.
"What seems to trouble you, Delta Galieo?"
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 17:57:13 GMT -5
"This is good news, I'm glad to hear you've been left untroubled." Galieo gave another nod, his poster slipping gradually into one that was more at ease. He so hated distrusting his packmates, but in times like these, one could not afford to blindly trust any member... even those that had been close for years. Things were not the same as they once were.
The Delta's dark-toned ears swiveled slightly toward the wolfess as she moved to face him. Blue eyes watched her movements closely, taking in the ease with which she moved, almost gliding over the snow with a grace that even few females had been bestowed with. It merely added to her eerie demeanor, which in all honesty, left her sitting high in Galieo's books.
He did greatly appreciate the fact that Genevieve had not proved to be a brainless idiot, like some of his packmates. She was not bent on fighting anything that moved, leaving Galieo with the feeling that perhaps he was not so strange among st his brethren. He did not go out of his way to find a fight, no; he would avoid being involved in one, if he could... but if the opportunity appeared that called for him to fight, he would without hesitation, for he so loved the thrill and sense of power it gave him. However, he chose his fights carefully; he knew that he would not come out on top every time, and he was in no hurry to conclude his life.
His blue eyes came back to life in realization that he had lost himself in his thoughts, something he had begun doing quite a bit of in the past few weeks. Giving his head a soft shake, the male huffed softly and turned his gaze to rest upon Genevieve yet again. "It's this war, I'm afraid. I know one is coming, but for the life of me I cannot tell how close it is to breaking..."
His icy gaze swung out to travel over the horizon, down into past the furthest reaches of Whiteback territory and out into Bloodback lands. His eyes narrowed a bit as he stared at the land around them, before he shook his head yet again, his tail curling about his hind-end where it sat.
"Our pack is at each others' throats... when they should be preparing themselves to be at Bloodback, or Aryian throats, even Chicotah. Yet they fight and quarrel among themselves... Feraz has not been heard of in some time, and I am left to instill order and rule back into our family..." Galieo finished with a frustrated huff, canine shoulders hunching as he lowered his head in a brooding fashion.
"This is all madness... and it has come at such an inopportune time, I'm afraid."
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 18:14:43 GMT -5
As Galieo turned his attention to the horizon, Genevieve kept her cold stare on him, memorizing every strand of hair on his body, every marking, every scar if found. Her eyes painted a mental picture in her mind of the Delta. The reason for this was simple, information was crucial and she prided herself on knowing nearly everything to be said or thought of about anyone.
While her transparent pupils gazed intensly at the male, her eyes were nevertheless mesmerizing. You could get lost by just staring into them. She had done it with pups to keep them quiet during their nap time. Just by letting them see into them, she was able to send them into a silent trance which lasted until they were moved or a loud sound interrupted their thought processors.
"You need not worry about the war yet... It shall come in a few years time, perhaps. But not now. Tensions are high but it will need something disasterous before the battle shall come. And no need to worry about your mortal enemies... The Blackbloods will most likely be taken offguard with just a few protecting their lands. The Chicotahs may come to your aid also..."
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 21:18:32 GMT -5
"As long as there is the possibility of war, I am afraid that I will have to worry." Galieo kept his gaze outward, eyes taking in a sight that would have normally been viewed as beautiful, breath taking. However, to the Delta, it was merely an annoyance, a grievance because it was not under Whiteback rule. If it had been, even Galieo would not have denied its beauty. For now, all the Delta could do was sneer at the lands of the Bloodbacks. Someday, it would be theirs...
Genevieve's words of reassurance did not go unheard. Quite the contrary actually. They caught the Delta's attention, drawing his gaze away from the scenery and onto the wolfess' features. He had forgotten it was rude to not look at the person you were speaking with. Another behavior he would have to work on, if time would allow him.
"I hope you are right, Genevieve... To have the Bloodbacks caught off guard would be a wonderful opportunity for the pack to take those lands... " A hopeful gleam appeared in crystalline blue eyes as he spoke. If there was any chance at all of such a thing happening, he could be certain the Whitebacks would not hesitate with such a matter. However, his wishful thinking was cut off with a dark chuckle as he gave his head a short shake.
"Genevieve, my friend... The Chicotah are not on good terms with us. It is unlikely that they would ever come to our aid..." The Delta trailed off, blue eyes going distant as he mulled over all that the she-wolf had said. "Then again... war changes alliances quicker than one would expect. We can do nothing but keep our eyes open, and our fangs at the ready."
After looking Genevieve in the eyes, the Delta was feeling strangely calm and at ease, as if he could genuinely relax, if only for a moment, rather than pretend his mind was not at turmoil. With a soft huff of air exhaled through his noise the male shifted to slide into a laying position without much care toward the fact that Genevieve was still present.
"I do appreciate your words, Genevieve..." Galieo started, lifting his head to regard the gray-pelted female with curiousity and a shadow of gratitude. Blue eyes met those of gray, the ones that seemed to gaze blindly straight into him, leaving him feeling rather exposed, but not entirely threatened. "But... I must inquire... What gives you the confidence with which to speak of these future occurances?"
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 21:45:58 GMT -5
The grey female tilted her head, her eyes still gazing forward which ran over the male's facial features, reading them easily as if they were tracks from some large beast or the scampering prints of rodents. Her eyelids closed, releasing the binding spell on the male. Her mind hindered on small thoughts as she quickly sorted them into place.
"...Ah... It is a rare gift. Many think of it as predictions, things that will happen in due time of which I may be the only one who knows. I think of it as calculated assumptions. My accurately on the matter is what surprises many, which leads them to believe I am different from them. I'm not that much different as the flesh on your bones or the blood that courses through everyone's body. o one is perfect... and even I can make mistakes..."
The contrasting fae opened her eyes again, the transparent whiteness clearly visible in any light. Her ears pressed against the sides as if she had grown strangely tired after the explaination and her tail swished behind her.
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 21:56:24 GMT -5
"Accurate or not, they are words of encouragement... Something that many ears are in need of hearing...."
The Delta male's voice shifted slightly, holding some uncharacterisitc warmth within it as the words left his throat. He eyed Genevieve carefully, remaining on the ground as he gazed up at her, blue eyes once again snagged by the strangeness of her irises. He did, however, manage to let his gaze travel onward to take in the weary expression as it flitted across her features.
A soft chuckle worked its way from his chest, his eyes lighting up with amusement not brought on by his dark sense of humor. Giving his cream-masked head a shake, the Delta actually wore a grin upon his maw as he returned his gaze back to Genevieve.
"You're welcome to have a seat... Surely one of the only calculating minds amongst the Whitebacks is worthy of such a luxury."
It was true though... The Whiteback members were not known for their cunning or calculations in battle. THis was because such a thing was rather non-existant in the pack. They fought fiercly but with no order... They just aimed to kill, and that was well enough for them.
"So, Genevieve... Was there something you came to me for, or did you just come upon me by accident?"
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 22:10:01 GMT -5
Genevieve dipped her head at the words spoken to her, "... It seems not many Whitebacks wish to listen to reason and tactics, heading straight into battle with nothing but bloodlust on their minds only proves to be a weakness. However I understand it is in our nature to do so, as do I in times of battle, whenever it happens upon me..."
Letting her head dip to sniff at the ground, grey paws eased themselves as Genevieve let her body lay in the snow, the chill unable to get through the thick coat to her bare skin. Readjusting her body so she was as comfortable as possible, she took in consideration the next question.
"...I sensed you may be in need of some company, or at least one of equal notions to speak with. If you wish me to leave, I will proceed to do so. Delta Galieo."
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 22:19:05 GMT -5
"Indeed, it is in our blood, and it is, in the end our undoing, should it be our time to meet it." The male himself shifted as Genevieve laid down, his chuckles sounding dark among sugh light surroundings of snow and stone, and the considerably lighter company of Genevieve. "I am not worried for our brethren on such a notion; we have survived well enough with our instincts and actions, these coming years will surely be no different."
With a resolute nod, the Delta inhaled a lungful of crisp, biting air with a small smirk before letting out a slow sigh. His multi-hued head tilted to the side as she answered his last question, blue eyes darting over toward her with a look of complete seriousness. "If I had wished you to leave, I would have told you to do so immediately, rather than carrying on such a... lovely conversation, Genevieve."
Grint working its way across his maw and into his eyes, Galieo sat for a moment, watching Genevieve in silence, taking in her ashen appearance. It was not uncommon to find a member that was polite and respectful, but it was refreshing to Galieo to have found one that was so new, and still knew her place. So many saw the opportunity for a power struggle, and the Delta, quite honestly, had grown quite tired of such nonesense. He was not Beta, nor was he eager to attain the role of Alpha. He was content with his position as Delta, and he truly wished that those eager-to-rule males and females alike would take their business elsewhere...
"I appreciate the company, to be honest." He spoke rather suddenly, head turning away from Genevieve as he concluded his observing. Tail twitched idly before shifting to curl back up around his haunch, covering one hindleg. "The bickering and squabbling gets rather... tiresome, after a while. It has been a while since I've enjoyed a simple conversation."
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 22:32:07 GMT -5
"Yes... It has become quite difficult to converse with others of our own breeding. I've noticed many who can't even pronounce words in their speech. Let alone form complete sentences..." She lowered her head onto her paws, breathing in short breathes and watching as a vapor of breath escaped from her. Her eyes seemed to focuse all around her despite not a flicker of movement to turn her head. Ears raised, listening carefully to everything the Delta had to say. It was also true that not many Whitebacks would listen intentively as she did, giving them more reason for rash behavior on their part.
Watching the vapors disappear before her very eyes into the air which she had been scenting for quite some time now, Genevieve turned her clear eyes to the male once again, "You may call me Genev, if it would suit you better, Delta. I understand others have difficulty with my name and I've grown quite accustomed to being called as such."
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 22:51:28 GMT -5
Galieo chuckled again after Genevieve's words. A soft snort of laughter sent a thin wisp of steam from his nostrils, the ghost-like vapors lasting only a few moments before disappearing. "This is true... All we can do is hope that mother nature strikes them from the list of those who shall reproduce, lest our pack begin speaking in grunts..." The dark humor again appeared in Galieo's smooth, laughter-laced voice as he gently laid his chin upon his paws. A fleeting thought drifted through his mind as his eyes watched the sky. If Mother Nature does not see to it, then I surely will.
However, Galieo was not a creature to go out and seek a fight without reason, that much even he would admit to. He was, at first appearance, all but useless as a Whiteback. Many wondered how he had managed to gain his title as Delta, as docile and unaggressive as he first seemed. Those that had seen him fight knew better. He loved fighting, the thrill it gave him, the rush, the momentary sense of power, but he did not go seeking it out, unless one counted him seeking out fights to simply watch. But he would not fight unless provoked, or told by his superiors... That was just his way, even if it made him rather dull, as a Whiteback.
"Genev," ears flicked as the male tested the shortened name upon his tongue, blue eyes flicking towards Genevieve curiously, "I do not mind saying your true name, unless my tongue leads it to cause grief to your ears." His good mood was made apparent by yet another chuckle rumbling through his chest. "I will call you whatever you wish, unless you give me reason not to."
"And... if it proves easier, you may simply call me Galieo..." There was a gesture on the Delta's part that was rarely made. He was all for respect, and very much enjoyed hearing others refer to him as 'Delta Galieo.' However, there were times where even higher-ranking members made exceptions... "Just be respectful while we're in the company of others, and there shall be no problems."
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Post by RANDOMNESS on Jun 16, 2006 23:28:43 GMT -5
"My own name doesn't cause me any sorrow or grief. I live life as I should, my past no longer holds any power over my being. If it had, I'll be as dark as they come for a Whiteback. I've learned to deal with the issue..." Her ears pricked up when she recognized the dark humor in the Delta's laugh. It wasn't unpleasant to her ears, more like a familiarity she had lost contact with times past... A past she may not want to re-live... if she had that kind of choice.
"Well... I wouldn't be much of a subordinate if I were to call you without your title." Her blank eyes went to Galieo again, "If you don't mind my asking... why would you permit me with such the honor of just your name without title? We have barely known one another for a day now, and we alread y seem to be fast friends..."
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Post by Galieo on Jun 16, 2006 23:41:49 GMT -5
A wolf who did not let her past govern her future... Now that was a rare thing indeed.
The Delta male fell silent as he listened to Genevieve's words, her explanation. Many wolves let their pasts haunt them, mould them into some monster of hatred and revenge. Galieo had been born that way, but whether it was a good or bad thing had yet to be decided. For now, he was conent with his own being, as Genevieve was content with hers. It had, after all, kept him alive this long, and would for many more years to come, most likely.
She did bring up a good point, however. Suboridinants were meant to be respectful of ranks, obedient and loyal. Galieo had no real reason for his actions, none that he cared to explain anyhow, because they made little sense to him. True, they had known each other for but a short time, meeting each other on less-than-usual terms. But it had set a certain bar that many others had not reached.
Perhaps it was because the Delta had an unvoiced sense of respect for her, when she had not run away from the sight of him covered in a packmate's blood. She had risen to the occasion without hesitation, and that stood well with the Delta. Or perhaps it was the rumors that surrounded her, the air of uncertainty that followed in her wake as other pack members deemed her a bad omen, shied away from her. Perhaps it was because he did not feel judged, nor pressured by her. It could have been any of those things... but Galieo was not about to say anything about those.
"Why, because Genevieve, I find you delightfully creepy..." He said, another wave of genuine laughter lifting into the air from his throat. He did however, give a shrug of his shoulders, tail flicking idly against his leg. "I simply made the offer, you do not have to take it if you do not wish to."
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