literature

Meeting of the Minds (Blood Curse RP) Part II

Deviation Actions

Ramala's avatar
By
Published:
1.5K Views

Literature Text

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

 

When the plan was made to trap the vixen in one of the sinkholes Grendel nodded in approval. It was a very good idea - the pack would need to have to realize she was no powerful spirit that had come to them from the world beyond, when she would be trapped down in the pit and not be able to get out again. Even the most clouded minds wouldn’t be able to deny the lie they all had been fallen for! It was their best chance to rescue their pack from the grasp of this vicious fox.

 

“These ideas are great. Petra, I suggest you try to find your way to Valda and gain her trust while Ludko collects himself some able diggers and prepares the trap. Make sure it’s deep and the walls are straight, foxes jump high and we mustn’t have her get out of there by herself. It’s crucial for us to make the pack see she’d nothing, but a vicious little vixen that can be trapped and not the spirit she pretends to be.” he told, “Now all we need is a reason to have the pack collect, so we can present our trap to them. Does anybody have an idea what could be done to achieve that?” he looked about the gathered group again, “Valda and the wolves loyal to her shouldn’t grow suspicious, but still the pack needs to feel obliged to attend.”

 

The golden eyes of the Aldinwitch then snapped towards a wolf speaking up. Rayne. A low growl escaped him at the other male’s words.

“Does murder, oppression and violence look like a joke to you?” he barked, “Open your eyes, wolf! This vixen is not Valda the Trickster! This is not the way of Fellfang! She has deceived everyone and we need to free them from her and now is the chance to do so. If you think this is all a joke then you might as well jump into a pit yourself, for your mind too must be clouded.” he huffed, “If you’re here to help, however, then I would appreciate ideas how we can gather the pack.”

 


 

Ian

Yes, yes! Ian’s tail wagged when hearing all the suggestion to trap the fox and show to her loyal subjects that she was fake, just a someone that decided to play with them, like a puppeteer would do.

He narrowed his eyes at Moth’s words, so that’s why the Jarl looked sick and not really himself, speaking oddly, as if he was just echoing someone else’s words. He was under the effect of drugs! The young Delta hid his concern, he believed that their Witch Doctor’s abilities would be able to free Fable from his mental prison that the vixen and her herbs build on him, he didn’t want to think that their Jarl was irrecoverable. This wasn’t an option. And at last the fact of Valda’s followers and possible new Durzin-figure was brought up. Ian found himself agreeing with what Petra said, a new face, someone that the vixen never met before was the perfect infiltrate to position next to that lying fox, earn her trust so that they would strike harder on her, without her noticing. “I hope someone of her followers didn’t already take Durzin’s spot.”

 

Hiding the Jarl into a pit to keep him safe sounded like the best option. He must be separated from Valda. Despite his numerous trek in the territory, Ian admitted that he wasn’t familiar with everything yet, he had places he visited more often so, he stayed quiet while the Skuld discussed about possible pits to hide Fable during the operation that would unmask the fox.

The idea of a pit extended not only to the Jarl but to Valda as well. Yes, making her fall into one without her knowing sounded just perfect and, as Grendel added, the pit should be as deep as possible, they couldn’t risk her getting out somehow, they couldn’t mess this up.

“I can help digging the pit!” he offered himself, looking at Ludko and then at Grendel. This was something he knew he could do. He felt the anxiety building up on him for this moment and feared that he might mess up somehow. But digging, that was something the young male felt he could help with. Since also, he had no idea what could be a good way to call and collect the rest of the Skuld, those loyal to Valda, to witness her lack of power and spirit.

 

“If Petra succeeds to get closer to Valda, maybe she can be the wolf to draw the fox to the trap? Whispering that there is something she has to see or...even that a small group was able to get Fable out and that they’re taking him to Raefnwood?” he tried to suggest “I feel that if we collect the Skuld to directly witness her falling into the trap, someone might be trying to warn her thus ruin our plan. I feel like some of her most loyal would indeed push her away and fall at her place. Even if this would still show that she has no powers.” he explained “But I don’t know still how can we get the others to her...we can’t go in and shout “Hey! Come all and see! Your Valda isn’t who she says she is!”...or can we?”

 

Their planning and talking was interrupted by the arrival of a reddish young male. He looked really shocked, referring at what he had just heard coming the secret meeting. Grendel told him off, which Ian approved, even though he felt sorry for the packmate. While some followed Valda attracted by the lust of violence and power, others did as she said out of fear and beliefs. She made it looks like it was all the Jarl’s orders and will and in a pack, who doesn’t follow what their leader says, even if skeptical? Not all dared to question, like the small group did.

Ian didn’t say nothing and focused back on his companions.

 


 

Sheru

 

Sheru has been listening closely to others while their spoke of how to rescue their Jarl. So far he had been silent, not seeing any reason to interrupt the ongoing conversation. but once they came to the issue with the fox-spirit-that-wasn't-a-spirit, the problem began.

 

"Hey! Come all and see! Your Valda isn’t who she says she is!”

 

Sheru could only shake his head.Young minds were always so... how to put it. Simple-minded.No, they needed more finesse than that to convince others to come with him. And he was certain he could get them to follow him to the pit one or other way.

 

-No, we can't say that- he said and looked at the wolf that had spoken.

- I could always pinch their "spirit" down to the ground in front of them and prove a point but something tells me that would make me end up in a pit instead....

 

Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea.

 

- Fear is something I can work with, and something that can help us bring entire group to the pit.

 

One way is to allow Valda take me as her hostage. If I went with Petra she could tell Valda I was spying on them, this way partly gaining her trust. This would also allow me to get closer to one of their members who fear Valda and ask them to assist us. I'm sure I can convince them to keep

 

The other way is more tricky. We need to reach out to those who fear her and give them an opportunity to flee. The fear is clouding their judgment and pushing them into submission no matter what they themselves want.Of course this would have to happen without Valda or her most loyal servants to hear that.

 

As for the pit... the only thing we need to do to get them to the pit is to convince them that we have lost the Jarl...and the Jarl fell into a hole. Once they come here they will see the fox... and her true nature.

 


 

Myghchaell

“We’ll have ample time to decide who gets to thrash the little devil once we get this nasty business wrapped up,” he thought to himself. Sitting up a little straighter, Myghchaell snuffled dust from his nose and waited for silence to fall among the convocation.

“Build a trap, lure the imposter into it, and reveal the truth to the pack. It’s a good start, but...” Pause. “There remains the issue of her underlings. Sheru is right, fear is the skuld’s greatest enemy.” The brown male began drawing a line in the silt with his claws, as though to illustrate a point. “A weakness, yes, but also our greatest weapon. If we can infiltrate the rest of the pack, we don’t necessarily need to fully convince them of… of her true nature right then and there. We need only plant the seeds, use their doubt and confusion to discreetly ruffle some feathers. If we can do that, however we choose to go about it, we may very well have a chance of coaxing them out of this… mess.”

Myghchaell sunk down to his elbows on the floor and lay his tail over his back paws. “But, this is assuming the odds tip in our favor. Who is to say Valda hasn’t been administering supplements to those who follow her? We know neither the full extent of her control nor the state of those she has manipulated... and we don’t know how far diplomacy can reach.” He took a weary breath inwards, then exhaled it through his nose. “No one in Fellfang, the real Fellfang, would think to harm their own… but Valda and her most loyal cohorts might. If it comes to it, I will fight and die for our skuld.”





Vojin

 

Vojin had remained silent so far. His apprehension getting the better of him. Moth’s revelation had shaken him to his core, a vision of the broken form of their Jarl deep within Starheim clouding his mind and making him furious knowing he’d been forced into such a state with trickery and hallucinations. Vojin could not let his emotions take over. Not when things were so important.

Finally stepping forward, he spoke…

“We should not fight. Not even if they instigate it.”
His voice was steady, calm.

“I know our honour says we should, but spilling blood will not help Jarl Fable nor our Skuld. If they resort to violence, protect yourself, push them off of you, but don’t retaliate. Don’t bare your fangs.”

Vojin knew it went against everyone’s instincts, even his own, but he forced his head to remain high and his emotions to keep quiet.

“We can use that to our advantage. The fox’s meddling has turned our Skuld to violence. There is no excuse she could come up with on the spot, from within a pit, to spin turning our fangs upon our own friends and family as something that is right. If it comes to that, show them all what this false spirit’s words have done.”

 


 

Sheru

 

 

 

"Die for our Skuld."

 

Nearly cringing as soon the words "die for" were spoken, he sighed inside. Words of a fool. Words of a fool that saw glory in death...glorified pictures of heroes who went to fight the ones who threatened their home, ignoring the aftermath of their death... and possible outcomes. While bravery was admirable in this kind of situations it was never a good idea to throw away one's life that easily.

 

-While dying for one's pack may seem honorable at times, and in certain situations the sacrifice is needed, I doubt this is one of those cases. Whenever you are fighting within your pack or against an enemy from other grounds always make sure to do your best to return. If you ended up dying in this "disagreement" it would create a rift between those who would cause it, your loved ones and the rest. Guard your pack and packmates with your life, and guard your life with everything you have. Only then you will be able to help them with whatever problem everyone is facing at that time.

 

His ears twitched once he heard a voice he hasn't heard much of so far. Just like he himself have the other wolf been listening to what was said before he voiced his opinion, a sign that the other one was smart enough to wait as long as possible before making his move.

 

-You are correct. Fighting ignorance with violence would solve nothing. If our opponent ends up being one of those who has been forced to follow with fear, averting a fight with words will work even if they decide to attack.

 


 

Tamrielle

 

 

Sitting towards the back of the group, Tamrielle watched silently. There wasn't much she could offer, she had hardly been here long enough to know most of these wolves before her, so she listened quietly as they discussed their plan for a trap. As they talked she felt sickness rising from her stomach. How could a mere fox cause so much damage to a pack, dividing brother from brother? Why did their intelligent Jarl fall victim to such heinous lies? Her head spinned with questions but then dipped her head at the mention of the drug inducing herbs. She had no idea they could be used for such disgusting intentions. As they mentioned where the Jarl will be held, she had an idea.

 

If we plan to have Jarl Fable crossing to the island just as the land bridge disappears, that should buy us some time before it resurfaces & the pack can get across. He won't be able to leave, & they can't get to him if they get by us. By then they should be convinced of Valda's true nature but we need to do all we can to mitigate any rescue attempts they may try.”

 

As the group turned toward the topics of a fight, & non-violent strategies Tam couldn't help but feel skeptical. How is talking going to help when another wolf has your throat between their jaws? She couldn’t help her ears twitch in slight agitation, but tried to hold herself in check.

 

Not engaging could be dangerous if they have true intentions to kill you to get to their leader. Some will be afraid & listen to what we have to say, but the loyal ones we have to be ready for as they may not hesitate to seriously injure us. There needs to be a way to quickly gain the upper hand & subdue their attack.”

 


 

Grendel

 

The grey wolf had quietly listened to the various ideas. Naturally some wanted to fight their way out of the situation, it was a natural instinct to defend yourself, Grendel would not blame them for that, yet he felt that this time they needed to do far more than follow their instinct, much like the imposter Valda they needed a lot more clever than their instinct!

 

“I agree with Sheru and Voijn - our Skuld has been dragged into violence, trying to fight fire with fire might be a consequent thing to do, but it only leaves charred land and that’s not what we need right now! What we need is to show those fallen for the fox and her lies that violence is NOT the way of Fellfang. If we try to fight and use fear to bring the pack up against her, we are no better than her! We need to open their eyes, not cloud them further with just another thing to fear.” he took a deep breath, considering their options. It was true and definitely likely that they might have to fight at one point or another, but if there was a way to avoid it, Grendel would very much prefer to avoid any more blood spilled.

 

“What we need is to act quick and to act smart - like the fox that decieved us. Only that we need to be even quicker and smarter than her! It’s all a matter of timing, I say! The timing needs to be perfect! The group leading Fable away to safety needs be in sync with the group announcing to the pack that a big announcement will be made and everyone needs to gather at the very point where the third group will lead Valda into her trap by luring her in telling her they heard someone is planning to get the jarl away. If we play this right and if everyone is true and brave playing their part without any fear than we can manage to make these parts come together in perfect timing. I know it’s dangerous and only the tiniest mistake can crush our entire plan, but you are the best wolves of our skuld - those with a heart loyal to the real Fellfang - and I know we can do it!” he finished with a firm nod, “Timing, my friends, it’s all about timing and there won’t be no single drop of blood spilled needed for we definitely had enough of that already!” 

 


 

Rayne

 

Grendel's harsh words stung, justified as they were. Rayne's pelt burned with embarrassment as one by one the other wolves turned their eyes to him, as if they too were passing a more silent judgement. Deep down he wanted to wail like a pup in response to his criticisms, to implore that it wasn't his fault. How could he have known? Valda was already in power when he had joined their ranks, he had no way of knowing that Fellfang wasn't that way. Naturally one wanted to retreat when faced with a hurtful truth, but Grendel was right. Ignorance was no excuse, he had doubts and he had ignored them. Even worse, he had heard stories of how their ways were peaceful from a wolf he trusted, and still Rayne had not acted. New as he was, his choices had made him complicit. Innocent blood stained his claws.

 

Thoroughly taken to task, Rayne sank to his haunches. His head hung shamefully for a moment, but he couldn't let himself be caught up in self-pity now. He had no right to feel sorry for himself, his duty now was to make things right. He lifted his face back to the group, listening to what the others had to say on the matter. As a plan began to take shape Rayne spoke up. "I've been an obedient player so far, if I can be of help luring Valda away then I'll do it. Not to brag, but I can be a convincing enough actor when the situation calls for it. And....assuming she resists, I don't fear her claws and teeth. "

 


 

Rocko

 

Grendel's harsh words made his ears twitch and he gave him a side glance, though he could relate with the frustration. But, if both liked it or not, belief was a great force and especially when it invoke and controlled fear. And the others seemed to have realized it as well, as another dark pelted wolf and the one from earlier, Sheru and Myghchaell, began to analyze the whole situation and instigation. "I can only agree with both of them. Fear is a strong force and especially if one fears the wrath of a higher being." Pausing slightly to look at the newcomer that had just joined "Nothing brings more fear than the unknown, but thankfully some of you began to free themselves of such shackles." He smiled, trying to encourage the wolf, after Grendel's hard words. The other may have been foolish to begin with, but he was trying to make a difference and that was all that mattered now.

 

The matter at hand quickly shifted to a darker tone, as the words of battle and death came up and on this one, he was conflicted. If the wolves inside turned against logic and proof that their ''Goddess'' was nothing more than a mere mortal and chose to attack, should one really let themselves get pushed around and bare no fangs? They were technically traitors then, weren't they?

Not killing your own friends and possibly family, was something he agreed with nonetheless. The bigger problem for him was: He was a Heylian. Heyl forbade violence, killing and mostly fighting. So, if he would join them in such a scenario, he could only protect himself - as self-defence was still allowed, but ...

"Can I really stand by and watch, if someone is about to get seriously hurt.. or even.. killed?"

 

Inhaling sharp and long he mulled their reasonings over in his head, "Bloodshed should be avoided, yes. However, you must prepare for those who are willing to use whatever force they can, to get through you. Dying or killing should NOT be the course of action, no matter how honourable the first one might be. I would advice to try and immobilize those that cannot be reasoned with."

 


 

Moth

 

Grendel’s initial response only served to fuel her anger. The hypocrisy of his words burned and his look of disappointment stung further. He said he knew for sure the fox was just a fox, although he had only been back a number of days, suggesting he favoured a pragmatic approach - but held council on occasion with the spirit of Lore, reinforcing his spirituality. It must have been easy to pass such judgement when you had a paw in each world, when you could pick and choose what to believe or claim divine intervention. He said he did not come to place blame - but then spat derisively at her discovery. Had she been suspicious? Of course she had. And as soon as she was able, she made this information known. He had no right to judge her choices. She had been the only one to uncover the truth, to prove at last that Fable was not willingly under her control, and those she now trusted with the information could only chastise her for not acting sooner. Below her lips, her teeth gritted. It was all she could do not to snarl at him, as he had done when he brought this meeting to a beginning.

 

It was not the time to fight, but Moth would not forget a word the Aldinwitch had said, even as she tore her gaze from him. Rank was not the thing that earned respect. It was words and actions that held weight, and precious few among this pack had earned the shy Witch-Doctor’s trust.

 

The meeting that followed felt like chaos. For a wolf who avoided social situations as much as she did, the speed of the exchanges and the emotions that charged them quickly weighed heavy on her shoulders. Her eyes wandered through the crowd as words were spat and shouted, as every wolf tousled to offer advice or solution. At the chastising of Rayne, her ember gaze softened, watching the young wolf shudder below the weight of Grendel’s words. An unfair punishment for a wolf who had not known any different from that which he had been instructed to do… she felt sympathy for him, as she did many others. She looked away from him before his eyes could meet hers, knowing that the attention would surely only make him feel worse.

 

It did not take long for her to become thoroughly lost, sitting quietly in the background knitting her eyebrows in frustration as opportunity after opportunity to disagree passed her by. She began to grow annoyed at herself, for not taking the chances to speak out, for not dousing the flames before they burned to a fury. A low rumble floundered in her throat at the mention of taking only strong, warrior wolves to expel Fable from his prison and into one of their own making… no. Violence was not the way to compel him. Better to take the wolves among the Skuld he trusted most. His mate, his blood brother. To frighten or to show aggression to their Jarl, when his blood was so tainted by Valda’s poison, was only asking for trouble. It would only cause him more pain, speed on his confusion.

 

All these observations died in her throat, giving way to those with louder voices who hoped they knew best. She continued in dutiful silence, her expression filling with worry as time wandered on. More than anything, she hated to hear the way that the wolves assembled talked of Valda’s supporters... as if they were the enemy. It was easy for them to place the blame, but she could not afford such luxury. Her own son, her beloved Misha… he counted among their number. She supported Jarl Fable, and she would be a willing part of this plan, but neither she nor her own mother Olega would see a single wolf here turn even a glint of their fang toward Misha.

 

Fellfang was her Skuld, but Misha was her blood.

 

Her head lifted at the mention of the possibility that Valda’s followers may also have been poisoned and controlled. “No,” She offered softly, speaking at long last. “The herbs have made their user sub-servient and addled. Valda needs able minds and bodies to protect her, not puppets who would drop to the earth like raindrops. She would not take such a foolish risk.” And besides, she thought to herself quietly, there was no way she would have been able to fool Misha, not when Moth herself had been training him since his youth to recognise plants and herbs by sight and smell.

 

Still the situation continued to overwhelm her. Moth did not have a great deal of tolerance for this sort of thing, and her feelings of anxiety had quickly spiralled to breaking point. When the briefest moment of silence fell, she could not gather her thoughts, and struggled to comprehend what on earth it was they had decided.

 

Was Fable to be corralled in Starheim? Or Burnfeigr? Or cross the land bridge? Valda… to be led by Petra, Rayne and the apparently captured Sheru to a pit in Raefnwood, a pit dug by Ludko and Ian? The pack would be summoned… by who? With what ruse? Her gaze turned thoughtfully to the forest floor. She counted whom among their number remained without part, and tried to piece together all the fractured pieces of this… plan.

 

“We need this to be clear. There will be no room for doubt or suspicion,” She murmured, eyes flickering nervously around the clearing. She swallowed heavily, before speaking again. “In the coming days, Ludko and Ian choose a pit and dig it deeper, avoiding Valda’s many eyes. When it is ready… a group leads Fable into a pit, to distance him from Valda’s control and coax him slowly back to reality. I think… I think Starheim would be best. It would be risky to try to take the Jarl a further distance, weak as he is. Meanwhile, Petra and Rayne claim to have caught Sheru breaking the new laws, and use this ruse to draw Valda into Raefnwood to apprehend him. Everyone remaining must urgently gather the Skuld and bring them to Raefnwood to witness Valda’s fall from grace…”

 

She paused. She still was not sure of the quickest way to draw the rest of the pack. Again she searched the assembled crowd for recognition or confirmation. Every one of them needed to be crystal clear, for every one of them would have a part to play.

 

“Perhaps… perhaps tell them Fellfang is under attack? No wolf would hesitate to rush to Raefnwood and defend their home. Every member of the Skuld would come, and so, they would all see Valda’s failure.”

 


 

Ludko

 

Ludko nodded at Grendel's acknowledgement of his offer. His tail wagged in anticipation as he plotted out the most likely areas of Raefnwood in his mind, eager to begin the work. These thoughts were shaken astray by the sound of a newcomer, and the less than warm welcome he recieved; an unduly harsh judgement on the part of Grendel. In spite of himself, he felt annoyed with the Aldinwitch. He had not been there. The newer and younger members of Fellfang had been particularly vulnerable to the lies that Valda had spread, and not so quick to suspect the frightening changes that had taken hold of their Jarl. Abusing them for doubting would do more harm than good. Ludko opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off- the conversation had already moved on, and now was not the time to press the issue. He gave Rayne a sympathetic look, and focused on the words of his skuldmates.

 

Ludko's mood was much improved by Ian's offer to help with his task, and he gave the youth an appreciative smile. It would be tricky to dig the pit out to a usable depth while keeping the concealment thin enough to break under the light weight of a fox, but with Ian's help he was certain it could be done quickly. Wolves were speaking again, one after another, and it was all Ludko could do to keep up with it. His skin crawled at the suggestion of fighting other Fellfangir, and Vojin's words of wisdom filled him with a glow of pride. Their encounter with the Jarl in Starheim, interrupted by Valda, Durzin and Misha, had very nearly ended in bloodshed- the memory of it still made him shudder. The blood of his skuldmates would not be on his paws, nor on any other Fellfangir's if he could help it, and as the talk continued, he found with relief that his thoughts seemed to be shared by the majority. Moth brought attention back to the main issue with a clarification of the current plan, and Ludko found his opening to speak.

 

"As, uh, tense as everything's been lately, I don't think most of Fellfang would have much trouble believing that we're being attacked." He gave a bit of an awkward laugh, then continued. "Ian and I can start work on the pit as soon as we're done here. I know that things have been... weird lately, but I agree with Vojin, too. Valda's followers are also our Jarl's followers, and they probably don't understand what's happening to him. They are still our skuld, and we should do everything we can to keep from fighting. Wounds heal, but you never forget the wolves that gave them to you." He looked around at all the faces assembled, confident that they would do the right thing if push came to shove.

 


 

Nach

Nach stayed quiet for a few minutes, as the others in the meeting laid out ideas after ideas to find a way to beat Valda, and to keep those who were tricked, from being hurt as well. All these ideas were being thrown out, trying to put them all together with one idea for Nach. It almost felt like there were too many ideas for this plan to work, and his mind was not at ease. That was until he looked at two wolves, Ian and Myghchaell.

His bond-son, watching him take charge, showed the true potential that he had for his age. There was so much of his life ahead of him, and Nach wanted to make sure that happened. He then looked at Myghchaell, one of the new members of the pack. The duo had bonded quickly, and Nach knew that he was looking for a fresh start in life. With how things were going though, if they did not do something, that was not going to happen for him.

Ludko’s words then snapped him out of his thoughts, as his friend talked about getting the traps set up soon. “I would recommend those being done sooner rather than later. There’s no telling if we have to set this plan into motion sooner than we want.”




Myghchaell

Myghchaell lifted his head to scrutinize the ceiling. “Nach’s right,” he rumbled, taking his eyes off the cavern to look at the gathered pack. He got to his feet and stretched his legs, blinking away the dark spots in his vision. “The quicker we mobilize, the better. But we must also be discreet. Charging off into the gale all at once would immediately rouse suspicion… perhaps the smaller of our number should be tasked with digging? No offense, of course.” Pause. Myghchaell spared a glance towards Nach, carefully studying the Brandr. Fellfang was in no shortage of diverse characters, each with their own talents and capabilities unique to everything from their body types to their attitudes; Nach, being of the taller breed, had potential for everything from scouting to bodyguarding. He surmised that this could be used to Fellfang’s advantage, and might well play a role in how best to execute their plan.

“We’ve got the bare bones of a plan and some idea of how to disperse ourselves. A group to set up the trap, a group to escort the Jarl, et cetera, et cetera. In regards to fabricating an attack, I personally suggest employing those best suited for battle to sound the alarm. Give off the illusion that it’s serious, something the whole skuld has to unify for. I’ll be the first to volunteer for this undertaking, if that becomes our plan of attack.” He took a moment to let the words sink in among the skuld, hoping he wasn’t contributing to the verbal overload the more sensitive of the bunch may have been suffering from.





Petra

She got her task.

 

Planning as the first step of old Fellfang returning was made but still, no one can provide their success in provoking Valda at her mercenary plans. A hatred born in her heart from the moment it started. She did not want to do this or take a part in disturbing their routine life, their comfort and beliefs. But it already has been disturbed. And right now every word thrown into the air of Starheim can crash their plans. Not vixen was their enemy, only distrust.

The majority part of wolves was dissatisfied by things others have added however still everyone was looking for compromises. Petra rosed her gaze over the packmates and narrowed her eyes. Their speeches burned the air and the whole atmosphere of conversation stings everyone with each mention of their Skuld.

 

She glanced at Moth. At Rayne. At all her packmates. Their sights were full of worries about themselves, their jarl or their relatives left on the other sides of the conflict and were ready for the call. And everyone present needed it as a knot which must be untied.

 

Returning her thoughts to her own mission Petra moved her sight again to Rayne she had to work with soon.

“Rayne, a wolf should not fear vixen’s claws. We should fear her power and those who it has subdued.” Stood up from her place deep to the Starheim moving her paws along the cold stone walls she breathed quietly leaving only a thin film of condensate on the cobblestone and moss sprouted through the cracks. Heading to the exit the sage continued. “ However we need to discuss our own plan, Sheru and Rayne, I'll wait for you here until you will finish and then let’s go outside.”


 

Ian

 

His offering of help was gladly accepted, Ian and Ludko would dig out a pit in Raefnwood. It shouldn’t be too much difficult, there were two of them working on it, they just had to make it sure it was deep enough to prevent a fox from jumping out. They shouldn’t also leave any kind of of steps or projections on the walls or else she could use it to her own advantage, which made Ian think: how would he and Ludko get out the newly digged pit then? Maybe they could wrap some kind of vine around a nearby tree and use that to get out? He could discuss that with Ludko later. They had to dig away from Valda’s eyes. This was not easy, someone of her followers could be passing by as a coincidence and could notice them, reporting to the fox their doing. “Shouldn’t someone lookout while me and Ludko dig?” he asked “Maybe one or two can check that no one passes by, if we are digging, it will be hard for us to keep an eye on the surroundings, we must be sure that no one catches us digging or else we’ll make them and Valda suspicious.” “Also to help us get out of the pit.” he said to himself as a reminder “Same goes for the group escorting the Jarl, someone has to check that the way is clear and that there is no one around for whatever reason.”

 

As Vojin spoke, Ian found himself agreeing with him. He was ready to fight, ready to save what now he had finally been calling family but he realized, just like Grendel and Sheru pointed up, that using violence would make them no less different than Valda. Yet the pacifist way troubled him in this case and an orangish she-wolf that Ian had yet to be introduced to, said out loud his thoughts, that Valda’s supporters, or at least some, would by no means have a second thought to lay their fangs at them, Skuld or not. It was a possibility they had to keep in account and be prepared for it. “We don’t know how they will all react after witnessing and being told that this fox is no Valda and that they’ve all been fooled.” he started “I agree, we should avoid fighting but what if some decide to attack us? Probably not all but there might be a possibility that a small number might react in an aggressive way towards us to take it out on us the feeling of betrayal towards that fox, us being the ones to open up their eyes.” he then looked at Tamrielle “I agree with her, we must be prepared and ready to expect and subdue a possible attack. We must not assume that they will all react passively, it’s better to be prepared even if nothing violent happens, than fail under an unexpected action.”

 

As the others kept speaking, he moved closer to Ludko so that once the meeting was over, the two could immediately bolt towards Raefnwood, searching for a pit to dig. He agreed with his Bondfather when he said that we all must take action quickly, as their plan could be put in action sooner than they expected. They had to be ready for it to happen in the next hours or days.

As to gather Valda’s loyal subjects, Ian found Moth’s idea very clever and looked at her surprised, it didn’t occur to him that they could just call an attack from outsiders, it was a perfect idea! And the details that Myghchaell suggested improved the acting they had to put in action “Yes, sending those of the Hunt and Vanguard to call for help would really give the idea that we’re under attack.” he commented out loud.

He listened as the plan began to form: Sheru, Petra and Rayne would get close to Valda to ultimately lure her away, into the trap, a group would take the Jarl into a safe pit while others would gather Valda’s loyals to witness her fall into the pit he and Ludko were to dig. Yes, this could work.

 


 

Vojin

 

Vojin nodded gently as the discussion continued. As much as he burned with the desire to be rid of the treacherous fox sooner rather than later, they needed to be careful. It would break the entire pack if they rushed into this and the blood of their own ended up staining the earth. Fellfang could recover from Valda, but he doubted they could recover from something like that.

 

He turned toward Ian as he spoke, his words made a lot of sense. If he and Ludko were busy digging they could be easily discovered, and there isn’t really much of a reason for two wolves to be digging a pit.

“I can keep watch over you and Ludko.”

He stepped forward with one forepaw.

“It’s not uncommon for a member of the Hunt to be patrolling and keeping an eye on prey movements, no one will think it odd, and if anyone does happen to wander into the area before we’re ready it’s easy enough to request that they turn back - ask that they don’t alert potential herds until we have moved it where the pack needs.”

 


 

Myghchaell

He shifted his weight to one side and listened. When quiet fell upon them once more, Myghchaell cleared his throat. “Think about how you wish to divide yourselves up. Anyone who wishes to lead the rest of the pack to Raefnwood, rally with me when we’re done here. Know your group. If, spirits forbid, things go haywire, your best defense is having an extra set of eyes and ears watching your back. Stay alert.” His voice dropped some, his inflection cautionary. “And don’t underestimate the imposter.”

It was all coming together. Soon, very soon, things would fall into place... and the liberation would begin. Myghchaell felt the pinprick of anxiety crawl up his back like spiders, an old wound reopening ever so slowly in his mind. Could it happen again? He looked around the expanse of the gathered wolves, reaffirming their presence and dedication. No, not this time… the pack would see this through, one way or another-- and he would be right there with them.

He said nothing more as he stalked away from the crowd and into the unknown, gone with the changing winds.

 


 

Rayne

 

Rayne watched Moth intently as she laid out an outline for their plan. She was attentive, and it was easier to understand everyone's ideas in conjunction with each other having it all stated in simple terms. He was a bit uncertain about luring the pack out under the guise of an attack on their territory. Nobody wanted to fight their own packmates, but alarming them all like that would make them anxious, and potentially more aggressive than if they were approaching the location calmly. A wolf who would take that information well may not take it as well when under pressure. He didn't voice his concern though, he didn't want to be outspoken and complicate things further.

 

Turning to Petra, Rayne smiled. "Valda's powers are petty trickery, and now that I know she's fake I'm even less scared than I would have been." He flicked his tail confidently. "Soon enough our packmates will see as much too, and everything can be settled." Rayne glanced to Sheru, "I'm ready whenever you are."

 


 

Vojin

 

“As false as she is, she’s still a fox.”

Vojin’s voice betrayed his anger at ‘Valda’, a slight grumble in his chest.

“She’s small, and fast, and has snuck up on us more than once. She may be a fraud, but take care not to let your guard down.”

In their secluded spot here they had been protected from prying eyes, but they would be vulnerable while they set their plan in motion. Being caught too soon could not only ruin everything, but make the tensions between those who believed her and those who did not boil over into violence. That could not be allowed to happen.

 


 

Calida

 

It was all coming together, slowly but surely. The small seed of hope that was barely surviving in the she-wolf’s heart was now beginning to sprout. It is going to happen, they are going to bring back Fellfang, the true Fellfang. A small smile, almost unnoticeable, was tugging at her lips. The thought of the pack returning to its former glory sent a wave of excitement  through her body. She actually had to take in a deep breath to calm herself a bit. But this was no time to act like a pup, she let out a snort as she shook her head to refocus herself.

 

“Vojin is right, a fox is a fox and they are known for their wit and being sly. But as long as you keep your eyes open and mind alert and don’t give her a reason to grow suspicious, then we should be alright.” She shifted her weight a bit before continuing to speak. “As for gathering the pack, if I am not needed anywhere else, then I will also help to lead the group of Fellfangir to Raefnwood.”

 


 

Ludko

 

Ludko listened to the others impatiently, ready to begin. As his eyes jumped from speaker to speaker, he caught sight of Calida, and... his eyes flashed back to her, narrowing slightly. Was that a... smile? He could hardly repress his delight, and he had started to walk toward her when the mention of his name turned his head instinctively, his feet catching up a moment later as he hobbled to a stop. Ian had raised a good point, and Vojin was volunteering to help.

 

"Oh, I didn't think of that!" He admitted, proud that his friend's bondson had seen such an important flaw in the plan. He nodded toward Vojin, accepting his offer. "Sounds good to me! If you're both ready, we can get started now. And if anyone sees us on the way out, the story should still hold up- I'm a member of the Hunt too, after all! Ian can be our apprentice for today." He winked at the younger wolf playfully, and turned away.

 

Though Ian's words about preparing for violence tainted him with a moment's unease, he shook free of it quickly. The plan would work. Once the others understood the terrible truth behind Valda and her control over Fable, they wouldn't support her, and the skuld could finally heal. Here, a sense of brotherhood, of belonging, had returned to him in a way he had missed for too long. This was his family, and they would protect one another. Ludko's steps were lighter than air as he continued on his way, practically at a prance. He picked his route carefully and nudged Calida as he walked by, flashing her a wide, unstoppable grin. He was chuckling quietly to himself as he moved toward the exit, where he would wait for Ian and Vojin to join him.

 


 

Nach

 

He stood in silence, as the others planned out how they would do their parts, and do them without getting caught. All he could do was smile, as he was proud to see what this meeting had done. It had brought those who would have never spoken to each other before, come together as a pack.

Nach knew in his mind that no matter what would happen after this, after Valda was defeated, and the pack was going back to normal, that this pack was going to be closer together than ever before. This was going to spark friendships in those who had never met, and for those who had not seen others in a long time. This would be a true test of Fellfang’s closeness, and Nach would be right there through it all, no matter what.

 


 

Calida

 

Calida let out a lighthearted huff and flashed a smirk as Ludko gave her a light nudge on his way out. She could sense that the same feeling of hope and excitement was growing in his heart as well. “Soon all of our suffering will end, and Fellfang will be as noble and welcoming as ever,” she barked. “But for now we must continue as before. I suggest we all begin to return to our normal activities before someone notices our absence. Fair winds take you, Fellfangir.” She gave a quick nod to Grendel and Rutnik as she turned, and to Temperance and Baely as she passed them on her way out of the group. She knew that they would return, but it still made her happy to see their faces at the meeting. Even though they are exiled, to her they were still just as part of Fellfang as she was.

 


 

Sheru

 

Sheru listened to the others carefully. He was pleasantly surprised to hear how Fellfang`s healer managed to keep herself calmer than anyone else, letting her knowledge and experience to speak rather than letting her personal feelings to take over her tongue and slip with an unpleasant remark. It was the first time he saw a healer that was involved with the pack in more ways than to be just the one you summoned once someone got hurt. All previous healers he had met were interested only in the healing process, injuries and how to fix them. Anything that didn't require their skill as medics were dismissed. It was nice to see a healer who took their role to new levels... and allowed themselves to make their voice heard.

 

When Rayne spoke, Sheru turned his amber eyes to him. Nodding his head in silence to show he was ready, he rose up and joined his partner before turning toward Petra. It was time for them to polish their own part in this plan to make sure everything went as smooth as possible. He doubted he had anything else to add to the ongoing conversation going on here, so it was better for him to start moving forward.

 


 

Rocko

 

Watching the Fellfangir sharpen out their plans, he kept himself quiet and just observed the rest of the conversation, until a creme colored female barked words that made his heart skip a beat. "...“Soon all of our suffering will end, and Fellfang will be as noble and welcoming as ever,”...

 

This was when he finally decided to bring in words of gratitude and admiration, maybe even to further fuel their passion and enthusiasm to take back their home, "Words that I love to hear. Many of you do not know me," with this he finally stood up as their meeting almost came to and end, but it didn't feel right to do it beforehand and bowed deeply to the still gathered Fellfangir "I'm Rocko, a Gamma Sage of Heyl. We have not forgotten what Fellfang did for us, when we were called Heylguard, still."

 

Lifting his gaze he let his eyes wander around before continuing “Even when I was little, born far from the Domain, words of a pack that was honourable, just and helpful spread to me, Fellfang. A pack that used its great knowledge of healing to selflessly help others in need and I cannot wait till it reverts back to this reputation, which is why I stayed back when Heyl sent our group to come for an alliance.”

With those words he let his gaze fall onto Baely and smiled warmly, hoping to give the male at least a little bit of happiness "I'll assist and aid you in getting back not just your pack, but also your Jarl, if I can. I could have never turned my back on a pack that helped us, that was now in need for help itself."

 Wagging his tail slightly he gave his words time to sink in. "My field of expertise is herbs and plants, so I am willing to help getting the things you need, while your Witchdoctors are taking care of the Jarl. Though, if you need me otherwise, I will gladly do what I can. Thank you for helping us and thank you for allowing me, us, to help you."

 

As most of the wolves started to gather into their respective groups and prepared to get to work on their plans that they had discussed, he stood up and made his way over to Temperance and Baely. He was sure they would be escorted out safel again, until they could come back when the plans were set it motion and being executed. Surely, nobody would notice them getting back into the territory with all of the commotion going on.



photo


Part II of "Meeting of the Minds"!

Synopsis:
Some drama ensues, but the group throws their ideas out, and a plan forms to expose Valda as the fraud she is. Now they need to act quickly.

:la: Things are getting real.
BTW- I just need to give a huge hand to all the people involved with this RP. Everyone was SO diligent and posted SO quickly, I've never seen anything like it. Amazing job, you guys!

:icondomain-of-the-wolf:

Featuring in no particular order: 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

© 2018 - 2024 Ramala
Comments4
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
SaskedieJagerin's avatar
Thank you for building up this amazing plot ;D