Meeting of the Minds (Blood Curse RP) Part I

Featuring: Tazihound with Polaris, DodgerMD with Grendel, halloumicheese with Moth, data-bull with Rutnik, MediocrePotato with Calida, UKthewhitewolf with Vojin, KelpGull with Ludko, Zoketi with Temperance, SaskedieJagerin with Ian, tyger-pax with Myghchaell, Jaeggy with Baely, ShishiNoSeirei with Sheru, Shichibi with Rocko, Ammerlie with Petra, Tamrielle with Tamrielle, toboe5tails with Rayne, Baseballfan2414 with Nach

 

 

Grendel

The grey wolf sat and watched as everyone gathered. He was glad to see so many had come after his request and showed up for this meeting in secret - which alone was absolutely ridiculous to him! However, it was a relief to see not everyone had either lost their mind or ability to think for themselves and use simple logics, while he had been away. He still didn’t fully understand what had happened or even more how it had possibly happened, but he knew that something needed to be done now! The pack had been idle far too long and too many had suffered due to this absolute nonsense!

 

“Thank you everyone for coming so quickly.” he said with a grateful dip of his head, “I know I have been gone for a while and am guilty as much as everyone else may be. However we are definitely not looking to point paws, we can’t afford such pupish behaviour in our situation, that much I have been able to gather by now. Our situation is, in fact, a dire one and I feel if we don’t act now, we might lose our chance entirely.” he gave a deep breath, “Just like you I’m not willing to accept this. This is not Fellfang! This is not our jarl Fable! He helped us when we needed him and now it’s our turn to help him, even if that means forcefully removing him from his duties until he is master of his own mind again.” Grendels nose curled slightly in discomfort, he hated the idea, but it probably was the only they had to save Fable from this vicious fox and himself.

 

“So. I take it you all here are sound of mind and body and want to help rescue our pack and jarl? So why has nothing happened yet about that malicious fox?” he bared his fangs into a snarl, just for his expression to soften again with a clear of his throat, “I would much appreciate if someone could fill me in on what exactly happened, how it could even happen and what your plans are to get this fixed. If we act now and work together, I know we still can return Fellfang to what it was and is supposed to be.” he nodded firmly.

 

---

 

Rutnik

He couldn’t help but frown as their sullen gathering came to order; it was merely a shadow of the skuld before “Valda” appeared. Surrounding him were faces old and new, but the fact remained: while their Jarl was not counted among their number, there was no pack, so far as he was concerned. The Thane listened closely as the Aldinwitch spoke, brow furrowing when he demanded answers. It wasn’t as though anyone had wanted this to happen, but they couldn’t rightfully disobey Fable’s orders before it’d been confirmed that his actions were not his own. Recent days had worn his patience thin, and it took a moment for the golden male to quell the disapproving growl brewing in his chest. Grendel only wanted to help, he reminded himself sharply, they all had to help themselves if they wanted Fellfang back.

 

“I’ll start from the beginning, and anyone is free to follow with whatever information they may have,” he announced, stepping forward to address his packmates. “Leave nothing out; even the smallest detail may be invaluable in rescuing the Jarl.”

 

Seeking understanding in their eyes, he continued. “It was the Jarl himself who welcomed Valda into the skuld. He had received visions, both his own and those of his sister, that the world’s energies were out of balance. He claimed that her path coincided with our own; that she was not our enemy as the legends say, but had come to restore the world to its natural order.” Rutnik frowned, regret weighing in his breath as he remembered the emptiness in his blood-brother’s eyes. “But the vixen had her grip on him even then, and her true intentions soon revealed themselves. One of our own, Durzin, became her enforcer. Many submitted to her will, as we didn’t see the signs of the Jarl’s corrupted mind.”

 

Bowing his head in shame, the Thane’s voice became slightly agitated. “I, along with many others were taken in by her charade. Had we known…” His face was pained, painted with guilt. “As you said, Grendel, this is no time to dwell. With the disappearance of Durzin, and Valda’s waning influence, now is the time to act. We will rescue the Jarl, but we will not do so carelessly. At the same time, it is equally important that we seize the opportunity to usurp Valda’s influence altogether; we must subdue those who remain loyal to her, and drive her out for good. Both must happen quickly, else we risk harm to the Jarl, or resistance from Valda.”

 

Fable was the priority, but Valda had not lost her power over the pack completely. If some believed her to be a spirit yet, they might side with her; if possible, he wished to avoid fighting his packmates. But he would if left no other option.

 

“To that end, I yield the floor to any with something to say.” He declared, stepping in among the crowd.

 

---

 

Rocko

 

He was glad that he had been invited to Fellfang's ressistance meeting, as he was eager to help and contribute, if he could.

Though, he was well aware that it was still their pack and their decisions. He just hoped that they would choose something reasonable, logical and not all too brutal.

The whole time since Rocko chose to stay behind and aid the Fellfangir in any way he could, he had been lurking outside of the territory, carefully waiting, watching and listening. Using this knowledge to warn other outsiders to stay away from Fellfang, predicting their raids and patrols. This was actually the reason why he had ran into Grendel, not knowing that the gray wolf was part of their pack and actually had a very important task to fulfill and only now came back to chaos and hostility. Sighing slightly he sat down a foot behind Grendel, listening to his - albeit angry - opening speech. For the first time, just like him, Rocko would hear the full story of what had been transpired in Fellfang and how such a helpful pack could turn into such a twisted and malicious one.

 

When one is not raised in a pack structure, one doesn't really grasp how dire Grendel's proposal was: Remove the Alpha from his duties, by force, if needed.

However, Rocko could almost feel the tension rising around the group when the grey wolf had spoken those words out loud. There was a slight, but firm nod coming from his side. Nobody without a right state of mind should be left in charge and able to rule as they please. Fable could risk war with other packs even, if the Fellfangir had raided not just any 'loner' group, but a traveling group from another pack. This had to end, one way or another and he hoped, for their sake, that they would be able to put and end to all of this in a more peaceful way.

 

As Rutnik began to explain, Rocko became more and more bewildered as to how such a thing was even possible, a whole pack was ruled, including their own Alpha, by nothing more than a little fox. A mortal little fox. Folding his ears back ever so slighty, while trying to keep his neutral composure, he pondered if such a thing could happen in Heyl as well. Thoughts wandering to the mountains, to Impala, to Khione and Kestrel and not to mention, Fitu.

"Would Fitu be so easily fooled, too? Would he throw the pack into bloodshed, only because of a being that he believed to be a God?"

Then again, they had Icadorityl and Rocko didn't doubt her existence either, just like some of the Fellfangir didn’t doubt Valda, but he would certainly doubt any mortal who would try to impose as her, but... would Fitu, as well? Would his pack, as well?

Shaking his head, he tried to focus back on the conversation at hand, he would refrain from openly judge them though, especially at a time like this and with all of them gathered. One could easily feel put on the spot and feel the need to defend themselves with such a large crowd gathered and besides, they all followed their Jarl's orders, so it was his fault, corrupted mind or not.

 

---

 

Ian

A secret meeting. Well, of course he had to go! How many times did he have to say it? He did not leave a pack where violence and tyranny ruled, to join another one that seemed to be heading in that same direction. Of course Ian would try to do everything he could to help his new home, he arrived shortly before Valda planted her seeds and Fellfang was the family he never had. No way he was going to let a fox ruin everyone’s lives.

 

He sat down next to his Bondfather, Nach and listened quietly to the Aldinwitch speaking. The Aldinwitch! He was back! Ian had been told that he had been away on some kind of mission but that he would he back. The young wolf had been excited at the news but then, he tried to imagine how it must be for Grendel to return only to find Fellfang in such state. He was grateful that the grey male wanted to end this unbelievable excuse of a fox as soon as possible, so to let the pack return to what it once was. And the Jarl too.

 

Ian had seen in what kind of state Fable was and that wasn’t right. The quicker they would free him from that malicious presence lingering around him, the sooner he would be back to normal.

As Grendel finished his speech, it was the Thane’s turn, that explained to the Aldinwitch what had been going in Fellfang. He smiled, pleased, to hear the name of the white ghost and his current status, with Durzin out, Valda was left without her bodyguard. AHA! But Rutnik’s last part of his dialogue caught his attention: there were still supporters of Valda. Of course, he just had to take a look at those who joined the meeting thus identify the missing faces.

He wanted to speak but was a little interested timidated. “Come on, no more time for being a shy little coward! It’s the well being of your pack, your family, that you’re all discussing here.” he spurred himself “How...How do we deal with those supporting her?” he asked. Despite wanting to kick those thrall’s tails out of Fellfang, he knew they were still packmates and fights between packmates were never a good thing. “During all the raids and even during the exile of Baely and Temperance, there were those who enjoyed what was happening. With Durzin gone, is it possible that some might have taken his role, of being Valda’s bodyguard?”

 

If they wanted to drive the fox out, how could they if some of their packmates wanted to protect her? And they couldn’t approach her if she was always surrounded by a convoy of her supporters? She had to be alone. The memory of his, Ludko, Vojin and Calida’s failed attempt to speak with the Jarl thanks to a dirty sneak of one of her loyal ones, was still fresh on the young wolf’s mind.

 

---

 

Ludko

 

Though a sullen hush permeated the close-knit crowd of Fellfangir, the air was alive with tension. This was the turning point- Ludko could feel it. The skuld was a beast with a life of its own, and though they had suffered much without the able-minded voice of their Jarl to lead them, they were not left without the will to fight; a fact that Valda would soon come to know.

 

Though he had been thrilled to hear of Grendel’s return, he found himself growing unusually irritable as his speech came to a close. The Aldinwitch had his utmost respect and had helped him more times than he could remember, but it was difficult to face such judgement from someone who hadn’t been there, hadn’t experienced the change in both Jarl and skuld firsthand. Ludko bit his tongue, and tried to put himself back in the position of the traveller who’d returned to find his home changed. It was a difficult position for anyone to be in, and they needed to understand and help each other now more than ever.

 

Taking advantage of a moment of silence after Rutnik’s recap and Ian’s remark, Ludko added what he knew. “I’m not sure how well this story has travelled, but Calida, Vojin, Ian and I went to speak with the Jarl not long ago. Fable is…” he paused, unsure of how to phrase it without embellishing details. “Well, he’s sick. That’s the only way I can describe it. He still thinks that Valda is here to restore the balance, and that isolating himself is helping somehow. He looks like he hasn’t been eating. Whatever we asked him, he wouldn’t give us any straight answers.” Ludko was speaking quickly, the mere memory of it upsetting him greatly. “I think- I’m sure the fox must have done something to him.” He searched the expressions of his skuldmates, looking for any kind of hope. “His mind couldn’t just be failing on its own…” Ludko trailed off, defeated. He knew such things were possible, but the ramifications of it were too horrible to consider.

 

---

 

Moth

 

As was often the way, Moth listened quietly as her peers spoke. Ever the wallflower, she had planned to remain mostly silent, feeling that she had little to offer compared to those assembled. Powerful wolves, strong personalities, quick minds… she was but a Witch Doctor. Her expertise lay in plants and flowers, not here. Not in conflict. Not in secrecy.

 

Her orange eyes watched Grendel first… she was perturbed by the manner in which he addressed the gathered wolves. Aldinwitch or no, he had not been here. It seemed unfair to her that he could judge their actions - or lack thereof - when he had not witnessed the rise of Valda’s power. She sensed the rumble of discontent trembling through her Skuld, and knew that the tone of his voice and the manner of his words had likely riled the tempers of more than just she. She was surprised to see Rutnik turn his eyes, to be wracked with guilt under the Aldinwitch’s annihilation.

 

All the time Grendel had been gone, Moth had held Fellfang together, knitting and mending worries as well as wounds. Tensions as high as they were, she was offended by the insinuation that she - and the others gathered - had sat idly by and done nothing. Time spent having to stand up and be more than she believed she could be had leant her a tongue at last. She was still meek, she was still mild, but no longer would she stand to be insulted, not even by her own kin.

 

So, where others bit their tongues, the unlikeliest wolf of all did not hold hers.

 

“With respect, Aldinwitch Grendel, you have no right to return here and address us as if we simply handed Fellfang over to a fox without question,” She spoke softly, calmly - though as it was so rare for her to speak out against another opinion, her words commanded attention. She met Grendel’s gaze with defiance, and for the first time, did not avert her eyes as she continued to speak. “Jarl Fable had no reason to believe that she was not who she claimed to be. He believes in the spirits with as much faith as he believes that the sun sets and the wind blows. As his Skuld, we trust his judgement. As his Fellfangir, many of us share his faith. Had you been here, you would likely have done no different.”

 

She allowed a few moments silence to follow her words, focusing on steadying the tremble of her legs. The thread of conversation continued, and soon Moth’s eyes began to travel once more around the worried faces of those gathered. She tipped her ears in silence at the mention of Valda’s followers… her own son counted among that number. A flicker of concern burned in her chest. She did not wish to see those who heeded Valda’s command punished. Each had done so for different reasons. Some wolves perhaps just enjoyed violence, but those were few. Most simply believed in Valda, as they had been raised to do, as was customary of Fellfangir. It was too easy for a skeptic or a newcomer to claim ignorance, when they had not been taught the things the Fellfangir had been taught. When you did not feel that overwhelming pull of faith, it was not difficult to have the upper ground.

 

Valda must be usurped, yes. But they must find a way that did not end in violence. They must find a way to show their Skuld once and for all that she was just a fox - and Moth knew it would not be easy, for even she had felt the violent pain of doubt.

 

At Ludko’s final words, she shifted her paws uncomfortably. Her eyes searched the clearing for the comforting, familiar face of Baely. One of only two wolves she had trusted enough with the secret she had uncovered these passing weeks. Steadied by a tight nod of his chin, she took a deep breath, and spoke again.

 

“I believe… I believe that Valda has been using a mixture of psychoactive herbs and plants to keep the Jarl subservient. After Durzin’s disappearance, she summoned me to the depths of Starheim, and told me that Jarl Fable had requested certain herbs to help him reach the final spiritual plane. I realise now… the herbs she requested… they would remove a wolf from every sense of his own self. This is how she has controlled him for so long.”

 

---

 

Grendel

 

The Aldinwitch heard the growls and grunts in the crowd, when he bluntly tossed their own shortcomings at the skuld and he was glad for it. If they were getting angry or annoyed by his words, it meant they knew what had happened was wrong and they needed to do something. It was just what Grendel had hoped for, just what they needed.

 

He listened to the first speak, explaining to him what had happened and how it had been possible. The grey male snorted quietly to himself, when the speakers tried to justify themselves and how it had been possible Valda had been able to play her vicious game for so long.

 

Finally Moth spoke up - firmly meeting his glance. It made Grendel smile a bit in pride at her standing up to him like that, however at her question he sighed.

“And still you did.” was all he said, he shook his head slightly, “I want to say it again, we are not here to blame each other. I know now I never should have gone and you probably also know a number of things you shouldn’t have done or accepted without questioning it. But I am here now and you are here now. We are skuld and we must not forget that. Especially not now!”

 

“Like Rutnik and Ian say, now is our time to move and I think we can be clear about one thing: this fox who calls herself Valda is no spirit and we need the entire pack to realize that!” he growled.

When Ludko spoke, he nodded thoughtfully as his description of Fable acting clouded and not like himself. Ears then perked as Moth added about her discovery.

“And you did not grow suspicious...ah, nevermind!” he took a deep breath, “That is just the proof we needed! If Valda put Fable on herbal drugs that means he can be weaned off of them again! We can save him!” he said, “But we need to separate him from the fox, put him somewhere so he can sober up without hurting himself and others and most importantly we need to make the pack see that they were fooled!” he looked around the group gathered, “We are a bunch of clever minds, so...any ideas?”

 

---

 

Rocko

 

At Ian's words he looked over to the young wolf. They had met at the borders one evening, accompanied by his bondfather, Nach, when Rocko mistook them for a patrol, out to get the exiled Brandr Baely and Drengr Temperance. It was the first time he openly confronted one of their patrols and would have fought them, if he must. Although, he didn't feel too happy about the last part, as fighting and violence was not the Heylian way, however such could not always be avoided, especially when you are protecting someone else.

Ian's words rang with a truthful concern: If there were still followers and believers among their pack, their Skuld as they called it, they could run into problems and surely a fight amongst packmates should be avoided at all costs. Even if they would prove the fox to be an imposter in the end, such fights and conflicts could linger and be dragged on, far longer than the vixen's grip on their pack.

 

It was the brown shewolf's words, however, that almost made him scoff and shake his head in disbelief, as she tried to excuse their absurd reasoning on why such a small creature was able to fool and rule them all for such a long time. Rocko was not judging their belief system, but more so their logical thinking. One surely must be able to distinguish folklore, fairy tales and stories from the real world, the real life. No? Where he came from, they believed in spirits and gods as well, however they always questioned things, always tried to rationalize how such legends and tales came to happen. Believing in such a god so strongly, that one would allow a little fox to rule over them so easily was quite a shock to him and he couldn't quite grasp it.

 

He understood that the pack was following their leader and his orders and surely put great trust in him and thusly, when Fable believed Valda, so did they - or some of them. Though, then he could not understand how Fable would let such a thing happen to his pack, especially not getting  two of them hurt and chased out.

But the brown one's, Moth's, following explanation made sense. If their Jarl had been under certain influences, like herbs or mushrooms, and was weak of mind beforehand, then it was easily doable and his actions weren't as absurd anymore. Which made the whole situation even more disgusting in the first place. Bringing back memories of a talk with his fellow packmate, Laur, about how some wolves use those to test their influence on wolves. “Truly a disgusting way to manipulate an already broken mind. However, such an act speaks of great intelligence as well. I would be cautious, who knows what else she is capable of.”

 

Deciding whether or not he should voice his opinion too often, he still remained silent for the most part. A helping paw he may be, though he was still and outsider, a Heylian, not a Fellfangir - not part of their Skuld. And while he was allowed to be here, he also had to keep in mind not to overstep any boundaries. They've allowed him amongst their resistance in good faith and even the slightest misstep could lead to political conflict and consequences for both packs in the long run. Escalation was never too far out of reach, especially in such dire times.

 

---

 

Myghchaell

The golden thane’s explanation left his blood cold and stomach churning. If there was anything so dreadful to have befallen Fellfang, this great deception was it. Myghchaell felt the anxiety in the meeting place, but knew there was righteous anger behind the faces of those who attended. Maybe it would be worth a shot…

“Fellfangir,” he began slowly, the word no longer foreign on his tongue, “we must be tactful about this. Small as she may be, foxes are masters of subterfuge and deceit; that Valda has reigned for this long is proof enough. If we are to have any hope of safely removing Jarl Fable from his prison, we must remain one step ahead of her.” Just speaking in front of them both terrified and exhilarated him, and Myghchaell knew he would have to spend his breath wisely.

“I… know the cost of underestimating one’s enemy, as I’m sure you all do. As Aldinwitch Grendel said, we are strong of mind.” His fiery eyes were alight, resolute where they had once been fatigued and afraid. “You all know this land better than I do, and surely better than the imposter. Why not use that to our advantage? Fortify the island, escort Jarl Fable somewhere remote, maybe?” It was easier said than done, but if there was anything Myghchaell had learned during his time in the skuld, it was that they were hardy. Though he knew not how the numbers swayed, any shred of hope was better than nothing.

---

 

Nach

Nach stayed during the meeting, keeping close to his bond-son, Ian, and listening intently at the news that was given. He couldn’t believe the words that came from Moth, hearing that his own bond-father had been induced by herbs this whole time. He was proud to see Ian step up in the moment, even if he was still new to the customs of the pack. Grendel then asked about coming up with ideas to separate Fable from Valda.

Mygchaell then spoke of an idea to separate Valda and Fable, an idea that just might work in this situation. Nach himself then stood up, knowing that he would want to do. ”If anything, allow me and a few others to help take the Jarl to someplace hidden, like the pit in Starheim. It’s a place that can keep the Jarl from escaping on his own, and it can prevent Valda from reaching him .” Nach then took a moment, just thinking about how Fable might be, knowing now that his bond-father was being drugged. “There’s no doubt that the Jarl might not be himself. He might try to attack anyone trying to help him. I can’ take the hits,and I’ll do anything to get my bond-father out of this situation.” His voice was firm, and strong, as he mean every word he meant, and was willing to do what it takes to save his father.

---

Grendel

 

Nodding in approval when the two males spoke, “It might sound harsh, maybe even cruel, but Nach and Myghchaell ideas are probably the only way to get our jarl to return to himself. Like Nach says, it’s very likely he’s not at all the jarl we know. Herbs can heal, but they also can do horrible things to wolves and turn them into their very worst! It’s indeed most likely he’ll try to fight, so you need to prepare for that. Once weaned off the drugs, he will understand, but you must not let your feelings get the better of you! He needs to be restrained and he needs to be locked up - for his best.” the grey wolf sighed deeply, he disliked the idea greatly himself, but it was what needed to be done, “I agree with Nach, a pit near Starheim would be a good location. We can keep him watched there, but he won’t be able to get out without help, so we can make sure he’s sobered.” he nodded, “Fable however is an able wolf, so I propose for more wolves going to get him. Strong wolves and good fighters, for our jarl is not to be underestimated, even in his drugged state or maybe even more so that he is not knowing what he’s doing right now.”

 

He took a deep breath, “Then that part is settled. Fable shall be brought to the pit and held there until he’s sober again. Now for the truly tricky part however!” he looked around the crowd again, “How do we lure the fox into a trap and show the entire pack that is just what she is - a clever fox and no spirit?” he considered for a moment, “It is known that there is no way to hold a spirit. They are divine and ghostly...so maybe we can use the fact that she is indeed made of flesh and blood to prove to those still under her spell that they have been deceived?”    

 

---

Calida

 

With a sizable portion of the pack attending this meeting and all the scents and voices floating around, Calida tried her best to remain focused on each wolf that spoke. She had a feeling that this meeting was, in a sense, the calm before the storm, so she tried her best to keep cool and collected as everyone voiced their worries and opinions. She agreed with Rutnik that now was the perfect time to try and overthrow Valda’s reign since the disappearance of her ghostly henchman has weakened her rule. But what really caught her attention was Moth’s remark after Ludko shared the outcome of their secret visit with the Jarl. Herbs, of course! A mixture of sleep deprivation and malnourishment topped with psychoactive herbs could send the strongest of wolves into a detached state like the Jarl’s. Weaning him off of them would surely help Fable return to his former self.

 

“Fortify the island, escort Jarl Fable somewhere remote” Myghchaell’s idea was worth paying attention to along with Nach’s mention of the pit in Starheim. The fox did not know the territory like the Fellfangir did and they could keep the Jarl away from Valda’s presence until the herbs’ influence escaped his body. The Jarl was taken care of, now it was time to move to turn their attention to the fox.

 

“If this works out and we do manage to somehow capture her, the fact that we can surprise her is already a strike against her validity. If she was truly a spirit, then she should have been able to forsee the trap and avoid capture. If we hide the trap well enough, she’ll fall right into it, and we will have outwitted the vixen.” She growled with a smirk. “That along with the fact that she cannot escape from a trap should leave no doubt in the rest of the Fellfangir’s minds that she is in fact a mere fox. But how can we set this scenario so that the pack witnesses her capture without Valda growing suspicious?” The she-wolf huffed as she rattled her brain to plan out the perfect trap. But there were just too many options and variables to try and figure out and sort mentally on her own. But with all these wolves gathered, that should not be a problem.

 

“Speak up, Fellfangir!” she barked. “If we want our pack to return to its former glory then we need to combine our minds to plan out and execute a flawless plan. Now is not the time to be shy!”

 

---

 

Petra

 

Since the meeting provoked by previously missing Aldinwitch of Fellfang, Grendel more and more approached to its culmination Petra diligently kept on taking plans of other packmates to the overall picture of the case. After The Thane Rutnik’s speech, Petra first time was able to know about all things which have happened and caused by the Valda’s appearance. Or maybe no one already calls her by this name seriously without the context of discontent or ridicule.

The only time she was able to measure this vixen by her own was the Valda’s first coming in front of the pack when their Jarl Fable has welcomed her as a true spirit according to the Fellfang lore despite the absolute difference between The Trickster’s role and a role of the black fox he came with.

Not knowing Valda shewolf already was irritated whether the behavior of the Fox or the behavior of the Jarl. How their as their the patron could go against history and laws of his own pack? Or else, was he sure of the truthfulness of the return of The Trickster? However, even then the antagonist would definitely have to be treated differently.

 

After hearing Moth’s explanation, everything fell into place, but the sage still could not cope with the idea that she doesn't know the Fox in the face. How could it help?  Then she reminded Ian’s words.

 

Sure.

 

“I… I have an idea.” she started “ As Ian has said after Durzin’s exit there is a need for a bodyguard for Valda but is there any use if someone of her thralls would become it? Or would she let someone from the resistance in? I do not think so.” Her voice sounded full of unsure but with a hope of being helpful. “I’ve never met her by myself. As she never met me. I’ve never acted on any side so vixen won’t be able to judge me if I will express a desire to join her. However, I hope I’m not the only stranger to her and with some else wolves we can use her for our’s good.” a bit stumbled Petra has finished her thought to the Fellfangir and glanced over the meeting.

 

---

 

Temperance

 

Her figure bore the marks of a loner's hardship, coupled naturally with the scarcity of winter, and a ruffled look of venomous anger in the depths of her hazel eyes. Exile had not beaten the she-wolf, who had been on her own before (and she had not been alone this time), but merely taken a natural toll that was already beginning to fade. Of course, the truest solution in her mind was the reason the rebels were all gathered here: ridding the pack once and for all of its wrongdoing fiends. She had waited and waited for this moment - cut off from the rest of them and shamed as a traitor alongside Baely. But not anymore; Temperance wanted nothing more than to throw herself back into the fray and draw the blood of the fox and her pawn. She must be patient, of course. This would need careful planning and precision. But oh, would it be glorious.

 

The russet wolf's attention snapped upwards as the first speaker began. Grendel. He'd returned from his travels shortly before the two exiles had been gathered back, but had not experienced fully the disturbing change of their pack and of Fable. His rallying words spoke truth, though she could not rid herself of the bitter iritation. This worsened as he then accused them of doing nothing. Temperance could not hold back a snarl of her own; how dare he? He who had been gone for moons, insult them of dragging their paws and going along with things! She bit her tongue to keep herself from barking out; as much as she wanted to snap back at him she knew this was not the time. They needed to work together and plan as one to bring about an end to Fellfang's new leeching tyrants. Instead she snorted and turned towards Rutnik as his voice rang out.

 

His speech was fierce and to the point, and Temperance found herself approving it in spite of the Thane's initial acceptance of the new ways. He had obviously realized the flaws and the lies, and was a rebel as any of the rest of them. What did catch her off guard, however, was his mention of Durzin: disappeared. Her eyes widened as she bit back another flurry of questions. Gone? Vanished? Part of her was glad; indeed, that would help them greatly to have Valda's Right-Paw out of play. Yet she was disappointed too. She had wanted - almost too much, perhaps - to be the one to sink her fangs into his disgusting pale throat and shake him until he collapsed like the pathetic defector he was. What a shame.

 

She flexed her claws into the soil and resumed listening as yet more speakers voiced their information and concerns; Ian, Ludko, and then Moth, whose initial retort against Grendel's words gave Temperance a pleasant surprise. She licked her jaws and shot the Aldinwitch a glance. A soft huff escaped her jaws before she turned back towards the darker she-wolf, ears pricked as Moth went into further explanations. Herbs, yes. Moth had spilled this to her and Baely upon their retrieval. Another surge of anger towards the false spirit made her grit her teeth and bow her head, eyes pulled to greenish slits. As Grendel himself spoke up again, she regarded him with a slight glare, though she fully agreed with his words nonetheless.

 

An unfamiliar voice turned her attention sideways; setting hard eyes on a black-brown male whose name she did not even know. When had he joined the Skuld? A soft snort puffed from her maw, but she did not disregard his input. They needed all the assistance that they could garner, and this wolf seemed a good strong member, even if he had not been around Fellfang that long. By now Temperance was dying to speak up as well, even if she could not give much information in comparison to the rest of them, having been ousted from much of the on-goings. But she had not yet a chance. Nach furthered the newcomer's idea of removing Fable by offering a place to hold him, and the russet Vanguard bobbed her head in silent agreement. Then Grendel brought up the hard part: taking Valda out of play - proving her to be nothing but a treacherous little fox.

 

Eager eyes fixed onto the cream-colored Calida as she threw her voice in. Yes, yes. Temperance's tail gave a slight flutter of approval. They would pull the ground right out from under Valda, usurp her undeserving position of power. Hm.. the ground... if they could trap Fable in a pit, perhaps they could do the same to the fox? Thoughts wound about her mind, formulating ideas. She glanced towards another new face who had joined the conversation. An offer to propose as a supporter of Valda - that might be useful. Narrowing her eyes in fierce satisfaction, Temperance took a step forwards and jutted her chin up, attempting subtly to draw attention her way before she spoke.

 

"I think that could prove useful," She stated in a raspy voice, with a glance to the grey-white female who'd just spoken. "As for Valda herself; earlier thoughts have prompted my idea: another pit. There are likely eroded trenches and sinkholes in Raefnwood and Misthelm. Cover one with debris to hide it, but so little that the weight of a fox will be dropped within. We can lure her over it, with the rest of the Skuld nearby, and prove to them when the fox falls that she is not so all-powerful as she claims to be." She licked her jaws again, already anticipating the downfall of the treacherous trickster. It was a rough outline, but certainly plausible. Her hazel stare darted across the assembled group, both familiar and not familiar, but all Fellfangir together and all ready to fight back.

---

 

Baely

 

He did not want to be here. In fact, he would have been content to leave all of this behind if it was not for Temperance's fierce determination to return. She had convinced him to rejoin the fight for Fellfang, if not only to support her. And that was why he returned. Why he was here now, listening to his former packmates prattle on about what to do.

 

That was what they were: former packmates.

 

He and Temperance were still exiled, smuggled into the territory by Moth and kept hidden alongside the Heylian, Rocko. His hazel eyes slithered across the clearing of gathered wolves, eyeing each one of them suspiciously. He had no place here. They had forsaken him.

 

His resentment manifested in the sound of blood roaring in his ears. It drowned out all other noise and the former Brandr could seldom hear the voices around him. He observed their exchanges instead, watching them in cryptic silence. He could feel Temperance tense beside him when the Aldinwitch spoke. Baely immediately knew her thoughts as if they were his own.

 

They had seen precious little of Grendel, even before they were exiled. Yet here he was... joining their plight in its later stages and speaking as though he suffered just as much as the rest of them--as much as he had. As much as Temperance had. The scar across his face was a dull ache--but that paled in comparison to the hatred he felt whenever he looked upon Temperance. Like his, the wounds Durzin had given her were not fully healed.

 

His attention shifted to Rutnik who spoke next. His eyes narrowed into slits as he observed his old friend. He was acutely aware of the vast distance that had grown between them. He could not help but wonder why he was here--last Baely knew, he was siding with Fable and his fox--as he always did. He would always do as his bondbrother willed, a slave to his loyalty.

 

Baely suddenly glanced quickly towards Temperance as if caught off-guard by his own thoughts. He was no different. She was who he was blindly loyal to. A hypocrite he was.

 

His thoughts brought him in and out of focus, the ongoing debate continuing without his notice. It was not until Moth, perhaps the only wolf in the pack he still saw as an honest friend, spoke up that he stirred. He was surprised by her boldness, his eyes widening slightly as she voiced her thoughts--ones that mirrored his own. He already knew the secret she carried, and he locked eyes with her in the crowd when she revealed it. Giving an approving nod for support, the Brandr then shifted his gaze to Grendel, eager to hear what their chronically-absent Aldinwitch would have to say.

 

A call for ideas.

 

Baely possessed a strategic mind, but he found himself unwilling to speak up. Bitter resentment kept a tight hold on his throat. They did not deserve his insights. Why should he help them after none stepped up to help him and Temperance during their exile? They were all cowards--even now as they held this pitiful meeting in secret. He wondered which one of them would report this little escapade to Valda. Once again his gaze swept through the crowd, seeing spies in every face that had once been so familiar.

 

He remained silent, stubbornly refusing to speak. He was here for Temperance, and would support whatever plan she put forward. It was a sound one, as most her ploys were. If the others accepted it, he would help her orchestrate it. But nothing more.

 

 

---

Ludko

 

Ludko's eyes widened, completely stunned by Moth's statement. Fable was... drugged. It was as if a ray of sunlight had pierced the gloom, lifting his spirits beyond measure. Finally, something that made sense. He almost laughed out loud, but caught himself. This was something they could handle, and as his packmates continued to put forth suggestions, his confidence soared. All they had to do was keep their Jarl out of harm’s way, and expose the Valda for the fox she was. And not just a fox, Ludko realized, a new surge of disgust overcoming him at the thought of her. She was a dangerous liar, a false spirit, and now a poisoner too. Whatever fate she met would be too good for her.

 

Returning his thoughts to the conversation at hand, the sound of Temperance's voice snagged his attention immediately. He hadn't even realized she was back in the territory, and it was a welcome surprise. He glanced around, wondering if Baely was there too, when one of the previously exiled Fellfangir's suggestions struck a familiar chord. He danced from paw to paw in excitement. "Oh, there are definitely sinkholes in Raefnwood, I've fallen into one before!" The embarrassing nature of his comment was totally lost on him in the heat of the moment. "I can hide one pretty easy, if I could get one or two others to help dig it out a bit. They're not usually very deep." A good spring storm had blown through not too long ago, as he recalled- there'd be plenty of windfall branches lying around to cover the mouth of the hole. It was perfect!

 

---

 

Rayne

 

Rayne couldn't believe what he was hearing. The omega, trudging back from a long walk of the territory, had caught the scent of a huge number of wolves, and could just hear their voices from his vantage point. Quietly investigating, it turned out that the strange group was mostly Fellfangir. He recognized many of the faces, and the scents of most of the others were at least familiar. But why were they hiding out here, talking amongst themselves in secret? As he listened, he came to realize the truth; these wolves were conspiring against Valda, and against their very own Jarl. Rayne was utterly baffled, even wolves he knew and thought he could trust were involved in this. He'd never thought Moth or Nach were capable of such treachery...

 

...and yet, something didn't add up. They spoke of Valda as if she weren't actually a spirit, of the Jarl as if he wasn't himself. Rayne didn't know much about him, other than his name and that Valda spoke in his stead. Privately he had his own doubts of course, that what he was doing wasn't right, but if it was the orders of his Alpha, wasn't that what he was supposed to do? That was the point of pack life, wasn't it? The more the resistance talked among themselves, the more Rayne felt the weight of the world crashing down on him. Drugged with hallucinogens, hidden away from his pack, by the word of Valda alone, the Jarl was in no state to make informed decisions. Rayne...no, the whole of Fellfang was being lied to. Wolves had been exiled for speaking up against the violent ways, ways that he continued to follow.

 

The omega felt sick to his stomach. The guilt he felt for chasing away lone wolves only grew worse with each passing minute. What had he done? Half the pack wouldn't be agreeing amongst themselves if it were a complete falsehood. His peers weren't treacherous, they were more determined than anyone to save their pack. What had he done but play right into Valda's paws? Rayne had been manipulated, he wasn't protecting his pack, he was destroying it from the inside. Not only that, but he accepted it, even with his doubts he never truly questioned the orders he was given. He aspired to be part of the Vanguard, and even having barely been there a season he had already failed in his duty. How could he protect anyone, how could he keep fighting if an enemy could so easily fool him? Truly, he had been naive.

 

Tentatively, Rayne stepped out of the dip he hid himself in and joined the group, his confusion and shock evident in his gaze. He looked around at the group that was his pack, the wolves that he should've been with from the very start. Undoubtedly they would assume he had been on Valda's side, or at the very least scorn him for his complacency, and in truth he deserved it. Regret heavy in his heart, he looked to his paws in shame. "So it was all a ruse...?" He asked, his voice cracking, "You're not playing a trick on me, right?" There was nary a worse time for a joke, but given the choice between coping with humor and breaking down in front of wolves he respected and hoped to be respected by in turn, Rayne far preferred the former.

 

---

 

Rocko

 

Most of their faces were foreign to him and thusly he had no idea what name belonged to the dark coated one, that spoke words of true wisdom. Myghchaell was not only right about the intelligence of the little critters that they called foxes. Mortal or not, they were known throughout to be smart, cunning and masters of words. Maybe they had to be, with their tiny, slender bodies, in order to survive amongst the bigger and stronger predators. Nonetheless, it made her all the more dangerous and he nodded in a silent agreement with Mygchaell's words.

Upon the mentioning of using their surroundings as help free their poisoned Jarl, he started to think as well. Eyes upward with a thoughtful frown, he came to the conclusion that he wasn't much of a help there. Back then he had declined Brandr Baely's invitation to join them as an 'inside help', to not risk blowing any sort of cover. Of course it didn't matter, as Baely got exiled in the end anyway... or did it? With his knowledge of herbs and the bundle he had brought, he was able to treat the exiled duo's wounds and keep them safe from patrol, while being able to bring news to them from the border, without risking their lives.

 

The next one who spoke up was a face he finally could put a name on, Nach. Though, the idea of tossing the Jarl, their Alpha around like that, even possibly dragging him sounded a bit wrong. But what else could they do?

Grendel spoke out loud what Rocko had thought, harsh and cruel, but maybe their only way and besides, who knew how packs handled these things anyway?

"When I get back, I'll have to converse with Impala about this."

Creating a mental note for himself with that, he chose not to comment on whether or not dragging your leader around was the right thing to do - besides, Fable was most likely lucky nobody tried to get rid of him and take his place instead, but they rather tried to bring their Jarl back to his senses.

Grendel's next words got a comment out of him, though "Indeed. A wolf, or any creature, really, can become quite dangerous when they are no longer in control of themselves." Sighing heavily he hated to say his next words, but they had to be spoken "Depending on how much he is lost to the drugs, he might even think you are out to get him. If he feels cornered or attacked, he, as Grendel said, might even lash out!"

 

As the crowd started to exchange ideas, he noticed that those who had been burned by their packmates grew more and more tense, Baely and Temperance. It was surprising, yet highly admirable that both of them agreed to be brought back into the territory, alongside him and albeit a big secret. The reaction that came from the brown shewolf was no real surprise, after all, she and her loyal companion wore the proof of actually trying to do something on their pelts. They had tried to change things and had paid the price, which was higher than just a few scars. Scars that would always remind them of being cast out and left alone by those they thought they could trust. If a pack would change their ways this fast and was willing to stand by as loyal friends were chased out, as Khione would put it, willy-nilly... would Heyl throw him out, if they knew about his fighting ability, too?

His chest began to tighten and he forced himself away from such fears and onto the crowd and their conversation ahead. At least Temperance had began to join to conversation, which could not be said of Baely. He tried to give the Brandr, or ex Brandr, an encouraging smile when their eyes met. They could see what they wanted in those two, but the only thing what Rocko saw was loyalty and love, besides being treated wrongly.

 

And now they began discussing the parts where he could not really help with, since he was still being a secret. If Rocko was seen inside of Fellfang, they would risk the entire plan. So, he could neither be there to help them with their Jarl, digging the pit nor with summoning their fellow packmates. Even his scent lingering around could rise enough suspicion to ruin the plan, which is exactly why he was smelling like earth and freshly sprouted herbs at the current time. He was sure that there were Witchdoctor's around them at this moment, giving enough reason to have such an odor hang in the air.

Remaining silent the whole time, even when a new face joining them and according to their behaviour, he figured that they had been a supporter the whole time. A dark frown was the only reaction the newcomer would get from him, as he was in no right to put the other in its place, though he was worried about not just his presence being seen, but also Baely's and Temperance's.

---

... To be continued in Part II...