The man was lost to put it mildly. To spell it out he was alone and didnt know where to go. No one would speek to him and when they did, it was usualy to tell him they wanted nothing to do with him. The last wolf he had spoken those exact words but he could see that she had wanted him to leave.

He no longer took care of others as he had become who he had tried so hard to become, a cold man who cared for no one...at least thats what he kept telling himself. In reality he knew he still cared and that he could never truly hate the world. He just got good at pretending he didnt give a damn, and even better at pretending Callisto meant nothing to him.

He stopped trying to find her, stopped helping and teaching her and even tried to stop caring about what happened to her. He hadnt spoken to her since he gave her the thistle plants and he refused to find her to give her more.

He focused his attention and energy on finding plants to fill his den with. Thats what he was doing now even though it made no sence. He had enough hurbs to take care of an army but the only one he ever cared for anymore was himself.

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When she had returned from the Battlefield, she had decided that her new study would not be hunting, but navigation. It only occurred to her a few days ago that she could use the stars to locate areas, or to navigate herself through unknown areas. Her mother had once mentioned this type of study to her. But as a pup, Arivae did anything but listen. She wasn't thinking of her future, and what she would grow up to be. It was all rainbows and fluffy pink clouds. Now she understood what her mother had meant. Between hunting, healing, fighting, and navigation. It was what she would study.

Finding a teacher or a mentor to help her would be pretty difficult, though. She didn't know many wolves that studied the stars and the land. Garthinaw was a fighter, and Song was a healer...so it wasn't quite her fault. She didn't have any little tips as a younger girl. But would she have listened, either way? Arivae groaned at the thought, circling around a patch of brambles and trotting up a small path.

She was returning from the Battlefield, ready to see Tiburtius and his family again. The whole pack, to be specific. Her home, her den. Everything. But she decided to take the long way home, so she had time to study the things she knew. Plus, she could maybe find someone to teach her a little about the atmosphere and Alacritia. Even though the chances were low, it wouldn't hurt to look/sniff around? The dark girl slowly lowered her head, accidentally inhaling a puff of dirt and letting out a loud sneeze.

Arivae shook her head and wrinkled her nose, continuing on the path that led her through the thicket. As she walked, she lifted her head to the sky, gazing through the brambles that grew overhead. How would everything she needed to learn fit inside her little head?! It seemed impossible! She couldn't even remember the defensive stances her father had once taught her.

A cold shiver rushed up her spine, and she bit down on her lip, continuing to stare through the brambles. Suddenly, she bumped into something. Or someone. The girl fell backward due to the shock, scooting backward and staring up at the massive black...thing. But it didn't take her long to figure out that this was another wolf. With...purple eye spot things? It was pretty. Arivae flattened her ears to her head and lowered her head, staring at her paws.

Uh, sorry! I didn't see you there...

LORD, I AM CLIMBING HIGH MOUNTAINS TRYING TO GET HOME Trying to get home...   Lyndvarr was on a mission, intent on stocking up on various herbs in this foreign land. He still didn't know the natures of the packs here and fully believed that an attack could happen at any time. He had to be prepared. On top of that it was taking him longer than usual to find the herbs he needed an he was having to travel great distances to maneuver the terrain. Panting the male stopped. He could hear his stomach lightly start to rumble…. damn. Well, he'd better hurry with this and get back to Lærke then maybe they could go hunting. Lynvarr stepped into the thicket, maneuvering lightly through the grass as he kept his eyes peeled for one in particular that would help with battle injuries…yarrow. Nostrils flared as he hunted for the strong, sweet scent of the yarrow plant. It was difficult with the other flowering plants about him casting their scents into the air. As he did so he became aware of two other wolves nearby. Hmmm… perhaps they would know? Slipping through the brush he came across a dark colored male and female, his pale sapphire gaze fell to the plants that the male was gathering and Lyndvarr smiled. Jack pot! The viking in Lyndvarr stirred… he could just fight this male and take the herbs but… gaze shifted to the female. Lynd was never thrilled with uneven battles and there was no real need for violence. Besides he was specifically looking for yarrow and if this male was a native it would be far more helpful to ask and know where to look in the future. "Pardon me… would either of you happen to know if there is any yarrow growing about this thicket?"

The man had just bent to add a few more hurbs to the ones aready grasped between his teeth when something, or rather someone, had smacked into his right side. On impact Max dropped the hurbs hed gathered and stumbled a few steps to his left. A growl would escape him only seconds before he would fix the little black female with a glare only to receive and apology and and excuse.

After a few moments he would move back to his plants and open his maw to say something but a male voice would stop any sound before it could escape. His glare would shift from the dark female to the owner of the question. One he deemed stupid considering thats what he had just been trying to pick. An eyebrow would be raised at the man "Well since there is a tiny patch of it right here at my paws id say I did know."

He would look back over to the young female and shake his head. "As for you, what on earth could you have been doing to not have seen me?" sure he had answered the male a little more rudely than what was necessary but at this point Max didnt care.

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Arivae had some large ears that could pick up the quickening of a heartbeat. So when she heard the male emit the slow growl, she emitted a quiet whine, crouching down onto her belly and laying her chin over her paws. From there she stared up at him, sometimes looking away to point out that she was no threat, and she was completely submissive. But it seemed she had made him drop the herbs he was carrying. The girl was about to help, but when he got closer, she flattened herself like a frightened rabbit and continued to gaze up at the dark male. He looked like he was about to speak, but was cut off by another voice. One that was all but familiar to her.

Something about herbs, which she knew nothing of. Apparently he was looking for something called yarrow? Arivae wrinkled her nose back and slowly moved to her haunches, gazing over the grumpy man and offering a kind smile toward the other stranger. Maybe he wasn't as intimidating as this guy was? He certainly didn't look like it. In fact, she would go as far as to call him handsome. Because, she wasn't going to lie, he was. Tiburtius was prettier though.

The dark male in which had frightened her earlier reacted to the other boy in a snappy, rude voice. Which she thought was completely unnecessary. What had he done to deserve that? Arivae was tempted to let out a growl toward him, but her gut told her not to. This man was obviously pissed off. Instead she sat back down and swallowed the anger, slouching her shoulders and sighing. "As for you, what on earth could you have been doing to not have seen me?!" Oh no. Would she have to explain this to him? Arivae bit her lower lip and glanced over at the multicolored stranger before speaking. I was looking at the clouds. They are pretty this time of day.   She said aloud, yawning slowly.

LORD, I AM CLIMBING HIGH MOUNTAINS TRYING TO GET HOME Trying to get home...   Lyndvarr met the males glare and immediately felt his own temperament turn icy cold.  Now why would the other be so adverse to company? Surely he had not stumbled upon some perverted affair?  Goodness the male was ancient compared to the girl. However, judging from his question to her it seemed the pair were strangers.  Lynd glared at the man as he spoke harshly to the girl.  Well now… if the pair were strangers that changed things. Lyndvarr's eyes traveled up to the yarrow the male was harvesting and a grin peeled across his maw, fangs glinting white.  "I was merely being polite, I didn't simply want to march up to the same plant you were harvesting…" Lyndvarr moved across from the male, offering a wink to the femme as he did so, excitement shivering down his spine.  Honor to maintain through battle, spoils to plunder and a lovely maiden to watch him exact his victory.  What more could a viking ask for?  In an instant with trained precision his defenses were in place. Lynd's skull and tail shifted to align with his spine as his chin tucked slightly.  Neck scrunched back as his shoulders rolled forward as his hackles raised.  Lyndvarr spread his legs equidistant apart, evenly distributing his weight and bending them slightly to lower his center of gravity and in preparation to spring at the other male.  Ivory toes spread evenly, claws digging into the earth.  Ebony jaws parted as his brows knitted in a snarl.  Ears pinned tight to his head as his eyes narrowed. "However, if you want to play it that way…then I'll be taking your herbs with me." Powerful limbs uncoiled as Lyndvarr launched himself at the other male in an attempt to close the distance between them as well as approach the male several inches to Lynd's own right in an attempt to line up the front center of his left shoulder with the grove between Max's left shoulder and right-sided chest.  Shifting his weight to his back legs and right foreleg Lyndvarr threw the front of his left shoulder toward the target in the hopes of jarring ligaments and straining the other mans left shoulder.  Simultaneously, Lyndvarr's neck would curve to his own left in an attempt to grab hold of the left-side of Max's face.  Lynd tipped his head slightly down seeking to dig his upper fangs into the flesh just in front of the base of Max's left ear, his lower fangs hoping to dig into the lower portion of the mans left cheek.  Lyndvarr's goal was to gain hold and bring his jaws together to shred one of the key muscles (masseter*) that aided in the opening of the lower jaw thus partially crippling the other mans jaw for the remainder of the fight. Lyndvarr vs Maximous for WEED  Max's gathering of herbs Rd. 1 of ?

* http://i48.tinypic.com/5b4vmc.jpg

Temporarily, Max would ignor the boy and the young girl would explain what she was doing. At her answer the dark male had nearly cracked a smile, but the movement the male made distracted him. Icy blue eyes would shift from the female to the male and again Maximous would raise an eyebrow at him.

The tri colored male had shifted his body into a fighting stance. Inturn Max would ready himself to move as the younger male spoke. The dark man would no more than open his maw to state that he could have the damn plants when the male launched himself forward.

An instant reaction was for Max to lower his head toward the ground and dart forward as quickly as he could. In doing so the other male's shoulder would indead hit shoulder but teeth would miss their intended target. Instead Max would give a small growl of pain as the other male's teeth sank into flesh on the left side of his neck just below a thick layer of fur.

Quickly Maximous would scrunch up his neck to keep the male from getting a decent grip on anything but fur and skin. Not that he hadnt already harmed the muscle below the skin. His tail would sraiten out for balance and his stance would widen a bit to keep the male from knocking him over. It took him seconds to put defenses in place and only a second longer force himself forward, lunging for the other mans front left leg. He aimed to rip away much needed muscle and ligament.

Defenses: Scrunched up neck, widend base and straitednd tail.

Injuries: left side of neck punctured and bruised shoulder

Attack: lunged for front left leg with intent to rip away muscle and ligaments

Round 1of 2

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It all happened so fast. One minute it was just her and the dark male, the next there were two guys fighting over herbs right in front of her. Or...whatever they were fighting for. She didn't really know. But either way, the younger male didn't look to be appreciating the older man's attitude. Even though fights were never good news, she couldn't help but think that the older man had gotten himself into this by being so rude. Couldn't he have been a little nicer? She learned to roll with it, but that other multicolored boy...not so much.

Please don't fight...! She thought, becoming uncomfortable where she sat. The boy winked at her, as if trying to impress her, but she couldn't stress enough how much she disliked fighting. Of course she admired his looks and his courage but...this was just ridiculous. When they lowered into defensive stances, Arivae gave up. She frowned and scrambled back a few several feet to give them space, lowering down onto the dusty path and watching them grimly. Was this really necessary?

Before she could get comfortable the younger boy was already flinging himself toward the dark man. In the bundle of multicolored fur that belonged to them both, she couldn't make out where they were being hit and how effective it was. So she stopped trying. With a semi-relaxed huff, she lowered her head and watched the two males fight it over, trying to erase the negative thoughts that filed into her mind.

LORD, I AM CLIMBING HIGH MOUNTAINS TRYING TO GET HOME Trying to get home...   Lyndvarr's opponent would dart forward and the two would clash.  The front of Lynd's shoulder slammed into the front of Max's left shoulder causing moderate bruising to blossom on Lynd's own shoulder from the shared impact. The snowy male winced in pain.  His fangs would miss and instead land on the upper left side of Max's neck taking hold a few inches back from the dark man's ears.   Max's jaws would sneak down and bite into the outside of Lyndvarr's upper left arm, right above the elbow leaving moderate puncture wounds and spilling his blood.  Pain shivered down his spine in a mix that not only hurt but thrilled him.  Lyndvarr quickly reset his defenses.  Ears remained pinned, eyes stayed narrowed and hackles were still standing on end.  Lyndvarr's neck scrunched back, his shoulders rolling forward as he spread his limbs equidistant to evenly distribute his weight.  Toes splayed, claws digging into the earth for added stability if the other male should try to unbalance him.  Limbs bent slightly, lowering his center of gravity as his tail moved to align with his spine. Suddenly Lyndvarr released his hold on Max's neck and Lynd shifted his own neck slightly to his own left, changing targets as he dove for a higher position on the underside of Max's left-sided neck.  Lynd aimed for his  upper fangs to pierce flesh a few inches below the base of Max's left ear while his lower fangs sought to dig into the underside of the older man's throat just between the corners of the man's jaws.  Lynd hoped for a powerful grip to choke out his opponent and bring an end to the battle. In addition to his bite Lyndvarr attempted to twist his body to his own left, weight shifting to his back legs and left front leg as he tried to throw the front of his right shoulder into the underside of Max's neck right at the base in front of the shoulders in an effort to stun the man and maybe make him choke. Lyndvarr vs Maximous for Max's herbs Rd. 2 of 2

The man could taste blood in his mout at the same moment he could hear the young girl practically begg them to stop fighting. It wasnt like he had wanted to fight he hadnt started it and the could have taken his hurbs for all Max cared. He had entirely too many for one wolf, the only reason he still gathered hurbs was to keep himself buisy.

As the boy moved, so would Max. He would do anything and everything he could to keep the other wolf away from his face and the underside of his throat. He would reset all the defenses he could think of. Keeping his base wide while keeping his tail out for balance and scrunching up his neck and keeping his head low to prevent the other wolf from being able to get to the underside of his head and neck.

Before Maximous could think of how to worsen the damage he had done to the other, teeth sank into flesh once more mere inches from where he would have been able to choke out max. Blood would run from previous puncture in the left side of his neck as Max moved about and now more would run from the same side but a few inches lower. In moving he kept from being rammed into with the other males right shoulder.

As soon as Max was sure the other wolf couldnt get a better grip he would shake his head while forcing himself forward and up. The shaking was meant to do further damage to the boys leg and to get free of the others grasp. In moving forward and up the intent was to be underneath him and to toss him backward from under Lyndvarr's chest.

Defenses: Scrunched up neck, widend base and straitednd tail.

Injuries: 1st round: left side of neck punctured and bruised shoulder. 2nd round: more puncture wounds to the left side of his neck and tearing as he tries to escape/cause further damage to Lyndvarr

Attack: he is shaking his head in an attempt to make the damage to Lyndvarr's left leg worse and he is darting underneath him (leg still in mouth) and then forcing himself upward trying to knock/throw the younger wolf backward

Round 2 of 2

LYNDVARR vs MAXIMOUS for SPAR ROUND ONE LYNDVARR CLARITY All Clear! Total: 10 POWERPLAY - 0 Total: 10 DEFENSES + 1 (tail) + 1 (skull) + 1 (chin) + 1 (neck) + 1 (hackles) + 1 (legs) + 1 (weight) + 1 (toes) + 1 (claws) + 1 (jaws) Total: 10 ATTACK + 2 chest slam +4 masseter muscle bite and grip attempt Total: 6 INJURIES - First Round! Total: 10 Total for Round One: 46 / 50 MAXIMOUS CLARITY - 2 "lunging for the other mans front left leg. He aimed to rip away much needed muscle and ligament." Where on the leg? Below the elbow, above, closer to shoulder, closer to foot? Where exactly is he aiming? Total: 8 POWERPLAY - 0 Total: 10 DEFENSES + 1 (head) + 1 (tail) + 1 (scrunched) + 1 (stance) Total: 4 ATTACK + 2 Left leg bite and grip attempt Total: 2 INJURIES - First Round! Total: 10 Total for Round One: 34 / 50 ROUND TWO LYNDVARR CLARITY + All Clear! Total: 10 POWERPLAY - 0 Total: 10 DEFENSES + 1 (ears) + 1 (eyes) + 1 (hackles) + 1 (neck) + 1 (shoulders) + 1 (limbs) + 1 (toes) + 1 (claws) + 1 (knees) + 1 (tail) Total: 10 ATTACK + 4 throat bite and grip attempt + 2 shoulder choke out attempt Total: 6 INJURIES - 2 moderate lacerations to leg Total: 8 Total for Round Two:  44 / 50 MAXIMOUS CLARITY - 2 " He would do anything and everything he could to keep the other wolf away from his face and the underside of his throat." What did he do? Reset his defenses? Did he move? What? - 5  " In moving he kept from being rammed into with the other males right shoulder." - How did he move, you didn't explain at all, you just said he did. Max still has Lynd's leg, you merely reset his defenses, how exactly is he remotely get out of the way of the shoulder slam when he's right there? Total: 3 POWERPLAY - 2 did not properly acknowledge shoulder slam or explain properly how Maximous may have dodged it. Total: 8 DEFENSES + 1 (balance) + 1 (tail) + 1 (neck) + 1 (head) Total: 4 ATTACK + 2 head shake to worsen leg Total: 2 INJURIES - 2 moderate lacerations/puncture wounds to left side neck - 2 bruising along right side of neck from shoulder slam Total: 6 Total for Round Two:  23 / 50 Totals: LYNDVARR 44 + 46 = 90 / 100 MAXIMOUS 23 + 34 = 57 / 100 And the winner is... LYNDVARR Maximous must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out and must hand over the bounty. Damage: LYNDVARR - Moderate lacerations to left forelimb – 2 ooc weeks to fully heal MAXIMOUS - Moderate lacerations along left side of neck from both bites – 2 ooc weeks to heal, needs a healers touch - Moderate bruising along right side of neck – 2 ooc weeks to heal, very tender Notes: Tips for writing and some suggestions. (no points are deducted here): LUNS I’m consistently wowed by your spar posts. Clarity, powerplay and defenses are always top notch! Creative moves as well. I hate just giving positive comments, and I’ve honestly searched for something constructive to say, but…you were spot on. Sorry! SECRET You lost out on lots of easy marks with your defenses. I do the head and shoulders knees and toes song to remind myself what needs to be done. You must properly explain where it is you are aiming for and be clear and what your movements are. You cannot just say “he moved” without stating how and why. Spar posts require a lot more detail than other IC posts, for clarity reasons above others. Also take proper damage! It’s safer to take proper damage with proper counters than to keep it unclear and have a judge decide for you. Also, take advantage of your body in attacks, wolves don’t just depend on their jaws. Other than that, great spar! - By [Arin]

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Before she knew it, the fight had come to an end. Lyndvarr had obviously won, leaving Maximous unconscious/wounded. Without hesitation, she leaped to her paws, towering over the older male and studying his wounds, which were primarily located along his neck. But she was sure there were bruises here and there. Arivae slowly leaned down and cleaned most of the fresh blood off his neck, before turning to Lyndvarr and frowning.

She was about to yell at him for beating up an old man...but in a painful way, Maximous had asked for it. Instead she glanced over at his leg and sighed. Boys are so ridiculous, She groaned, shaking her head as she continued to gently bring her tongue over Maximous' wounds. To have them be infected...that would not be good. All she could do now was soothe his pain, considering she knew nothing about herbs.

Arivae turned back to Lyndvarr and studied his leg again, gritting her teeth slowly. I'm sure you can handle yourself, tough guy. She hummed, flicking her tail over her paws like a cat and attempting to speak to the wounded man softly and easily.

LORD, I AM CLIMBING HIGH MOUNTAINS TRYING TO GET HOME Trying to get home...   Victory!  Praise be the gods!  Lyndvarr's tail waved out high behind him in dominance as he defeated his enemy.  Licking the blood from his fangs the young man moved to the healers gathering of herbs and scooped them up so he could later get his jaws around them.  Ahhh the spoils of battle!  Whether the man was conscious or not Lyndvarr spoke. "I'd offer to help clean your wounds for the good fight…. but I don't think you'd accept my help and I'm sure you'll manage just fine.  Thank you for the herbs, I'm sure my aunt will be quite pleased."   Packing his bundle, Lyndvarr was about to go on his way when he paused to watch the young woman cleaning the mans wounds, muttering about men.  Hah!   I'm sure you can handle yourself, tough guy He quirked an eyebrow at her.  "Of course I can…. I do not fight over useless things.  I'm a fairly accomplished healer in my own right and these spoils will serve my pack well.  The fool can tend to himself, my dear….but if you insist I will not dissuade you."  Fawning over loser in a battle, these Alacritians were a curious lot indeed.  He supposed it wasn't a truly glorious battled.  It was clear that the other man was no warrior….Lynd pushed aside the budding feelings of guilt.  His tail flicked and he offered one last smile to the girl. "Take the leaves off this plant, it's called yarrow.  Chew them and apply them topically to the wounds to ease the bleeding.  I hope you enjoyed the showing at least in part.  Have a good day." Scooping his plunder up in his mouth he turned to head back home. [exit unless stopped?]

The dark male had released the younger wolf and dropped to the ground in submission. To the young males words the only reply Max would give was a glare. As far as he was concerned, the other wolf could have just taken the damn herbs, no fight necessary. At the girls touch, his flesh would jump in pain. He hadn't realized just how much the side of his neck hurt until she touched it. His eyes would find her only to give her a questioning look. Was she a healer, or just worried about an old growly wolf. More specifically the growly wolf that had just been a bit growly with her. The question he really wanted to know was why she was being kind to him when he didn't necessarily deserve it.

He had been trying to hate everyone for so long that he had forgotten why he loved being a healer. It was that small bit of kindness that reminded him why. He liked to be kind to others because he liked for others to actually want to help him when he needed it and to trust him when he needed them to. Icy eyes would travel away from her and to his own paws as she groaned about the stupidity that he had just been apart of. When the girl would speak to the other male Max couldn't help but grin inwardly. Apparently she hadn't been very impressed with his ability to fight those who sucked at fighting. To the males words Max would have to stifle a growl but his words weren't exactly friendly. "The fight itself was pointless, you could have just taken them. Its not like I have anyone to care for......" He would look away as his thoughts went to everyone he had cared for. More gently and with a friendlier expression he would talk to the girl. "Thank you for helping me" without her help the wound would most likely become infected. Though he was a healer himself, he couldn't exactly spit herbs onto his own neck.