Great Tales Start With a Small Step. [Cassiela/Valhalla]
(Valhallans wait until Indie's posted Cassiela first, please lol)
Ardyn
Master Fighter (250)
Master Hunter (240)
Knight
Bloodletter
6 Years
Male
1056
BrienaSkysong
Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi |
[ooc: if any Valhallans wish to say hi, please wait until after Indie's had a chance to post first lol]
He and the big cats had hauled the raft well up above the highest waterline and moored it in the Estuary before Ardyn had led the way to Valhalla’s wall. As dusk was falling, it came into sight and he smiled, tail swaying in a flame-touched banner of cheerful homecoming.
Building techniques had improved over the past year our so, and he’d been able to build the wall even taller, and wider, though it took a lot of work and help from Taliesyn to lift the stones to the top.
He kept an easy pace for the smaller wolf to keep up with until he stepped into one of the wide passages left in the wall to allow the prey herds to migrate in and out through. There were the beginnings of additional walls built to act as a funnel, and a place for defenders to hide behind and attack by surprise in the event of a raid or siege.
Ardyn paused, letting Cassiela catch her breath and get a look at the plains ahead. The land was vast, with a wooded hill at its heart breaking up the grassland’s expanse. When one was up on the wall, it was possible to spot one or two huts in the distance, most unclaimed as yet. If he squinted in the evening dusk, he could spot the blue-white light at the top of the hill, suggesting his mother was busy working on the tower.
“So, think you can live comfortably while you get your feet under you?”
His query was cheerful as he glanced at the small woman, brows lifting.
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
Ardyn at first glance is as black as can be imagined with a raven sheen.
Closer inspection proves that he shimmers in fire tones in every hair on his hide right down to his lashes.
More obviously, he glows like a bed of coals and flames with every movement and brush of fur. His tail is usually wagging, so blazes like a torch.
His adult teeth are in and his saber canines have grown to their full length (see profile). His mane and tail hair have grown to full length, as well as being lightweight and easily buffeted by breezes.
A look at his front paws will give the impression of hands, with his dew claw dropped low and lengthened into a functioning thumb, and his toes elongated into fingers. He has retractable, solid black cat-like claws on every paw.
Ardyn has developed a glowing mast of intricate markings in fire and ice colors over his face, symmetrical over the last seasons of Year 17 (see profile for details). During hunts or raids/sieges, he will smudge them out with black soot to cover the glow, otherwise, they are bright enough to note at first direct glance at his face. Not all his artwork currently portrays the mask markings.
He is also often bedecked in beads, small bells, feathers in blues, ribbons and braids thanks to the Ooze Event of Halloween 2021, and the Coathanger item that he got. The accessories generally are seen most in his mane and tail hair. He removes the brighter items and bells for hunts or battle.
Ardyn
Master Fighter (250)
Master Hunter (240)
Knight
Bloodletter
6 Years
Male
1056
BrienaSkysong
Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi |
She’d been noting the wall, he saw, as she asked about it. He nodded lightly, though for the moment he set the subject to one side. It seemed she approved of the lands Valhalla claimed, and he grinned slightly, eyes drifting to the hilltop. The blue-white glow was drifting down, now, flickering as it wended down through the trees at a leisurely pace, lower and lower.
His mother had clearly spotted his fire-toned light in the darkening dusk. Cassiela’s observations brought his gaze down and he smiled, nodding. “Yes. The wall was founded during my grandfather’s time. Initially, it started as a line of stones around the borders as a visual aid for pups and outside wolves. Then it was built over time until it stands as you see it. Valhalla, though, is much older. It’s a long history, and a good story, though I’m biased.”
It was one he enjoyed telling, to be honest. His several greats grandmother had been firm about the histories of Valhalla and the families that founded it being told truthfully without embellishments.
“Do you prefer natural denning, cave systems, or huts?”
He started forward into the lands, tail flicking in a torch of invitation to walk as he led the way, head tilted.
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
Ardyn at first glance is as black as can be imagined with a raven sheen.
Closer inspection proves that he shimmers in fire tones in every hair on his hide right down to his lashes.
More obviously, he glows like a bed of coals and flames with every movement and brush of fur. His tail is usually wagging, so blazes like a torch.
His adult teeth are in and his saber canines have grown to their full length (see profile). His mane and tail hair have grown to full length, as well as being lightweight and easily buffeted by breezes.
A look at his front paws will give the impression of hands, with his dew claw dropped low and lengthened into a functioning thumb, and his toes elongated into fingers. He has retractable, solid black cat-like claws on every paw.
Ardyn has developed a glowing mast of intricate markings in fire and ice colors over his face, symmetrical over the last seasons of Year 17 (see profile for details). During hunts or raids/sieges, he will smudge them out with black soot to cover the glow, otherwise, they are bright enough to note at first direct glance at his face. Not all his artwork currently portrays the mask markings.
He is also often bedecked in beads, small bells, feathers in blues, ribbons and braids thanks to the Ooze Event of Halloween 2021, and the Coathanger item that he got. The accessories generally are seen most in his mane and tail hair. He removes the brighter items and bells for hunts or battle.
Ardyn
Master Fighter (250)
Master Hunter (240)
Knight
Bloodletter
6 Years
Male
1056
BrienaSkysong
Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi |
She’d spotted the light of his mother; he could sense the tensing of her muscles in the breath pause of breath, and the subtle, snow-quiet sound of her hackles lifting. A quick glance her told him she’d locked on, before her eyes flicked to him. He offered a reassuring smile.
She was certainly interested in the snippet of history he gave, and Ardyn smiled cheerfully, nodding as he quipped, “I’ll have to talk your ear off with the story soon, then. We have a custom here where we gather now and then and share stories, whether they’re factual histories of our past, the lore and legends of someone’s culture from where they came from before settling here, or even just a pup’s story of the monsters they vanquished on the way there. It’s optional, and just a way of coming together and forming bonds. You are welcome to any that we hold.”
Cassiela seemed content with a den, so Ardyn led the way to one that might suit, passing close to one of the unoccupied huts scattered across the plains. He did pause long enough to check that the mortar has set well before moving on toward the den he had in mind. It was one of several options; she’d be left with the option of choosing which she wanted in the end.
Finally, he stopped by a smooth mound with a wide hole leading down into a comfortable chamber, with a smaller, cozier chamber dug further back into the earth. It had clearly been dug by himself, since he fit easily as he peered into the den. It’d need a few good bison pelts to make it even more comfortable, but it would do if it suited the woman.
Stepping back he said, "This is one of many dug around the territories. The final choice is up to you. If you change your mind to choose a hut or the Alcoves later on, you're welcome to do so."
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
Ardyn at first glance is as black as can be imagined with a raven sheen.
Closer inspection proves that he shimmers in fire tones in every hair on his hide right down to his lashes.
More obviously, he glows like a bed of coals and flames with every movement and brush of fur. His tail is usually wagging, so blazes like a torch.
His adult teeth are in and his saber canines have grown to their full length (see profile). His mane and tail hair have grown to full length, as well as being lightweight and easily buffeted by breezes.
A look at his front paws will give the impression of hands, with his dew claw dropped low and lengthened into a functioning thumb, and his toes elongated into fingers. He has retractable, solid black cat-like claws on every paw.
Ardyn has developed a glowing mast of intricate markings in fire and ice colors over his face, symmetrical over the last seasons of Year 17 (see profile for details). During hunts or raids/sieges, he will smudge them out with black soot to cover the glow, otherwise, they are bright enough to note at first direct glance at his face. Not all his artwork currently portrays the mask markings.
He is also often bedecked in beads, small bells, feathers in blues, ribbons and braids thanks to the Ooze Event of Halloween 2021, and the Coathanger item that he got. The accessories generally are seen most in his mane and tail hair. He removes the brighter items and bells for hunts or battle.
Ardyn
Master Fighter (250)
Master Hunter (240)
Knight
Bloodletter
6 Years
Male
1056
BrienaSkysong
Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi |
Cassiela’s interest in the story times stoked a small ember of hope that the next time he invited the pack to one, at least one would attend. Valhalla was steeped in rich history, tied to this land by blood and bone and time. It was a history meant to be shared and reflected upon.
She was content with the den, and he sat back, letting her explore the two-chambered den if she wished. “I can bring out some pelts to add a little padding to the place. We do our best to use every part of a kill, so we’ve plenty of hides and pelts for housing and crafting. If you’re still present by the time winter arrives, there are hot stones in the alcove to line the sleeping chamber in there with for extra warmth.”
Her query sent his head tipping in thought, before a soft paw step, and brilliant blue-white glow turned his head with a filial grin. “Well, here’s one individual. Meet my mother, Aurielle.”
He stepped back slightly to give his elegant dam the floor, touching his nose to her cheek on the way.
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
Ardyn at first glance is as black as can be imagined with a raven sheen.
Closer inspection proves that he shimmers in fire tones in every hair on his hide right down to his lashes.
More obviously, he glows like a bed of coals and flames with every movement and brush of fur. His tail is usually wagging, so blazes like a torch.
His adult teeth are in and his saber canines have grown to their full length (see profile). His mane and tail hair have grown to full length, as well as being lightweight and easily buffeted by breezes.
A look at his front paws will give the impression of hands, with his dew claw dropped low and lengthened into a functioning thumb, and his toes elongated into fingers. He has retractable, solid black cat-like claws on every paw.
Ardyn has developed a glowing mast of intricate markings in fire and ice colors over his face, symmetrical over the last seasons of Year 17 (see profile for details). During hunts or raids/sieges, he will smudge them out with black soot to cover the glow, otherwise, they are bright enough to note at first direct glance at his face. Not all his artwork currently portrays the mask markings.
He is also often bedecked in beads, small bells, feathers in blues, ribbons and braids thanks to the Ooze Event of Halloween 2021, and the Coathanger item that he got. The accessories generally are seen most in his mane and tail hair. He removes the brighter items and bells for hunts or battle.
Aurielle
Master Intellectual (240)
Master Fighter (255)
Professor
10 Years
Female
212
BrienaSkysong
Aurielle Adravendi |
She’d been finishing off the last of some floor planning at the tower when the subtle fire light of her son, returning from his own little adventure with a raft he’s fashioned. As Aurielle squinted, she spotted a small dark figure beside him. Another new member?
Her curiosity was piqued, and her work was close enough to done for the day, so she packed things away and strolled down the path, un-daunted by the darkening evening. She had her own personal light source, after all.
Soon enough she found their fresh scent trails and followed at an easy pace, before she arrived in time to catch the young woman’s words. Initiative, good.
Her son’s head tilted before he noted her own arrival and deferred to her with a grinning quip. Aurielle returned his brief touch with a twinkling smile before those gradated sapphire into sky blue eyes rested on the stone-colored woman, locking with her emerald eyes. Tired, weakened, but with resolve and intelligence that burned brightly.
“Welcome to Valhalla. What are your strengths? Whatever suits you best is the way you can find to help Valhalla in some way.”
The former queen settled on her haunches with a casual, habitual flick of her tail to pool at her paws and studied the woman keenly with a faint smile.
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
At first glance, Aurielle's coat is pure white.. Her fur has an iridescent quality (like moonstones) where the fur shimmers different colors under various angles of light: in this case, the colors shown by rainbow moonstones. Not one hair on her hide is a solid unnatural color, but, ya know, it's really hard to convey that in still art :P
Aurielle's English is heavily laden with an Irish, Swedish mixed accent.
Her family is allowed to crash all her threads, Private and Open.
As of Autumn Year 14, Aurielle glows with a bright blue-white bio-luminescence in her fur, and bears a marking over her left eye - see profile and reference.
Ardyn
Master Fighter (250)
Master Hunter (240)
Knight
Bloodletter
6 Years
Male
1056
BrienaSkysong
Ardyn Cadeyrn Aodhán Phoenix Adravendi |
It was always fascinating to see the reactions of those first meeting his mother. Aurielle had a grace and presence that either comforted or unnerved the unexpecting. He smiled faintly, watching the small silver and stone woman.
Cassiela was quick of wit, clearly, and he listened with interest to her response to his mother’s question. The woman had promise as a diplomat. Should she choose to take Valhalla as a home in time, she’d be a useful addition. She was a natural color, striking in her own way but not someone that grabbed the eye and memory as strongly as he or his mother, or even Torben, with his tall size, and pale albino coat, or Tel with her distinctive fur and markings. So far, her memorability came from her personality and quick composure.
He could picture the small woman working with Drachen to gather information on other packs, but he set the possibility aside. That was a large ‘what if’ prospect. For now, she was a guest who would very well likely move on once she was on her feet.
“You might enjoy spending time with my cousin Legacy. She’s a healer but she likes exploring beyond the walls. Amorielle and Laoise, two of my sisters, are also healers. Aoife is my youngest sister and she enjoys working on songs and instruments. I’m sure any of them will enjoy company while they gather herbs or supplies for making musical instruments. If you’d like scout work, Drachen may be heading out on another scouting mission for information on the surrounding regions. It could also help you get your bearings and learn more about the continent and the packs.”
He tilted his head, glancing at his mother with a faint grin as he let Cassiela absorb his suggestions.
Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think |
Ardyn at first glance is as black as can be imagined with a raven sheen.
Closer inspection proves that he shimmers in fire tones in every hair on his hide right down to his lashes.
More obviously, he glows like a bed of coals and flames with every movement and brush of fur. His tail is usually wagging, so blazes like a torch.
His adult teeth are in and his saber canines have grown to their full length (see profile). His mane and tail hair have grown to full length, as well as being lightweight and easily buffeted by breezes.
A look at his front paws will give the impression of hands, with his dew claw dropped low and lengthened into a functioning thumb, and his toes elongated into fingers. He has retractable, solid black cat-like claws on every paw.
Ardyn has developed a glowing mast of intricate markings in fire and ice colors over his face, symmetrical over the last seasons of Year 17 (see profile for details). During hunts or raids/sieges, he will smudge them out with black soot to cover the glow, otherwise, they are bright enough to note at first direct glance at his face. Not all his artwork currently portrays the mask markings.
He is also often bedecked in beads, small bells, feathers in blues, ribbons and braids thanks to the Ooze Event of Halloween 2021, and the Coathanger item that he got. The accessories generally are seen most in his mane and tail hair. He removes the brighter items and bells for hunts or battle.