Tʜᴇ Rᴏᴀᴅ Lᴇss Tʀᴀᴠᴇʟʟᴇᴅ Bʏ {literate ; closed}

[videlicet]

(*crawls back into thread on belly* Eek, guys, I am so sorry about my positively abysmal inactivity! I thought I was busy last week -ahaha, I must have been delusional. D: Nevertheless, I will spare you my moanings about school, and work on posting!
Also, my apologies for my contribution in adding to the confusion! D: Many thanks for working it out civilly! c: )

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A R I ⊝ I N G V A R ⊝ S V E R R I R

The cold metal of the blade lay against his throat, exerting just enough pressure to assert its presence, but not enough so to draw even a drop of blood. If his heart hadn't been threatening to burst from his chest cavity, Ari might have taken a moment to admire the skill with which the Ice Girl wielded her blade. But, as it was, appreciation for finesse was not something that crossed his mind when the object in question was in alarmingly close proximity to his jugular.
With feline agility she swept off of him, giving Ari a moment to realize that he had fallen to the ground -again. No, not fallen -Eloise had tackled him. The order of events sorted itself in his mind as he began to push himself to his feet -back complaining after the repeat of its previous encounter with the hard-packed snow. Suddenly, a sharp cry caused him to start, falling back down onto his behind. Heading turning to suss out the source, Ari was startled to see Serenity sprinting (and slipping a bit, as well) down the hill towards them, hood fallen off in her urgency, dark hair streaming out in a chaotic wave behind her. Her small frame trembled visibly as she placed herself between Eloise and he; Ari marvelled at her bravery, a balloon of gratitude swelling inside of him, threatening to crack his ribcage. Serenity. He'd been right -the small, quiet girl would care. She did. The beginnings of tears began to prick again at the corners of his eyes.
As suddenly as Serenity had materialized, Krystal did the same, placing herself by Serenity as she whirled on Eloise with a question on her tongue, words laced with fear. She was frightened of the Ice Girl as well -they all were. Eloise held the power here, manifesting itself physically in the dagger clutched in her fist; Ari looked down at his own hand, remembering he, too, held a weapon. Loosening the vice-like grip of his fingers on the hilt, Ari spoke into the silence that had followed Eloise's nonchalant explanation.
"It-it's fine. I'm not hurt, really." Ari pushed himself weakly to his feet, offering Serenity and Krystal a wan smile. "The Ice G -Eloise is right. I'm the weakest link in this chain," he echoed her previous statement, unable to conceal the bitterness in his tone. "She's only trying to k-keep us all alive." Thank you so much for coming after me, he added silently, wishing he had the gall to scream the words to the sky, instead of allowing them to merely meander around his head, whirling around his brain like a hamster on its wheel. Going nowhere.

(I am brain-dead. :C)

[GrayStar51]

Eloise Amelia Blackwithe
{guide; ying} {loveless} {female}
the c o l d hunter



She walked over to Ari, snatching the blade from his grasp. "Give me that, before you lose a finger." She hissed, her wild green eyes on him for a moment. I still think your pathetic, don't forget that. She turned away from him, holding the blades threateningly in each hand as she looked at the two girls who had come running to Ari's rescue. "Thank you for interrupting our lesson, would you care for a more advanced session?" She growled, furious at the pair of them for ruining her focus. She grit her teeth, a white gleam appeared between her thin pale lips. She put away one of her knives, picked up her sack and went back over the hill. She kept her one blade in her right hand, ready to strike. Her weapons gave her power, and power, she had plenty of.

[Speak]

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——Heart pounding Serenity couldn't see much except the flashing blade that was gripped in Eloise's hand, like most children of the Sseal Serenity had learned how to use a knife but this girl...it wasn't simply a tool, it was like an extension of her arm, like the claws of a cougar, a natural deadly asset. Serenity stood there trying to stop the shivers from going up her spine, the girl's aura made even the frigid air seem warm inhaling through her mouth she could feel the lump in her throat become even larger. As Eloise explained what they'd been doing Serenity couldn't help but look down at the snow covered ground, she wasn't brave and right now she was scared to death. Looking back at Ari as he told her that he was fine Serenity finally focused and lost a bit of the panic that had consumed her eyes before; there was no mark on his neck, he was fine. Letting out her breath in a thin trail of white that blew off into the heavens, Serenity followed Eloise's movement with cautious grey eyes. Serenity bit her tongue, preventing the shout that was rising past her throat as Eloise turned on Ari once again. What had he proclaimed himself to be? The weakest link? Serenity couldn't believe that, if anything Serenity was just as weak as him...maybe even more. After all- the thought severed from her mind before she had even had time to conceive it Serenity stepped away from Eloise as she turned to growl at her and Krystal. The cat like girl glared at them for what seemed like an eternity before walking away and back towards the camp. Limbs still shaking Serenity glanced from Krystal to Ari "I-I'm sorry...I di-didn't mean to-" she cut off her sentence and looked away finishing the sentence in her head -to get you all into trouble.- this time it was all on her. Just like always.

It's ok, your brain dead posts can beat mine to a pulp C: }}

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—— SHALL POST WHEN I THINK OF SOMETHING.

[arabmorgan]

ｋｒｙｓｔａｌ.
female . 16 years . single . the outgoing
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Krystal relaxed visibly at Eloise's perfectly plausible explanation, a sheepish smile etching itself across her face. "Oh, but that's a great idea!" she agreed enthusiastically, trying to make it up to the other girl, whose features looked chillier than ever after their unexpected intrusion. "Shall we join in?
Don't go yet!" She stared after Eloise's retreating back, her expression perturbed. Her gaze shifted to Serenity then, and she faltered a little to see the unhappy expression on the other girl's face. "Hey, it was just a mistake. Loosen up, all of both of you," she sighed, not really liking the uncomfortable silence that remained between the three of them. "I mean honestly, it's better to be safe when there are knives involved." She gave an awkward laugh, her eyes flicking from face to face.

"Anyway," Krystal continued awkwardly after a moment of silence, clearing her throat, "maybe we could continue this another day." When Eloise isn't in such a bad mood as usual, she thought inwardly, her tone resigned. Jerking her head back in he direction of camp, she began to scramble back up the snowy slope that had been so easy to slide down just moments before. With her thick mittens and clothes, it wasn't easy to keep from rolling back down once she was halfway up.

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luna . female . 16 years. gray wolf

[GrayStar51]

Eloise Amelia Blackwithe
{guide; ying} {loveless} {female}
the c o l d hunter



She snatched her sack from the top of the hill as she crossed over and headed swiftly and gracefully towards the camp in the thick snow while the others wobbled around like penguins up the hill. She inspected the work they had done before interupting Eloise, and was satisfied. The igloo was spacious enough for her liking, and there was plenty of firewood for tonight. She looked back to the hill where everyone had just finished climbing back up. "The campsite looks good, let's go hunting." She called back to them. She set her sack inside the igloo, taking only her bow, quiver, and of course, her two blades strapped to her boots. She tied back her hair with a strip of leather, only a few strands of silky blonde touched her face.

{Will we be starting the guides soon? And it seems that quite a few of the other members are inactive. Do we want to PM them, and if they don't respond, open up their spots to new members?}

[dogface]

ooc; Got some exams & projects coming up before school releases us for summer :} will reply ASAP

[videlicet]

(@GrayStar, We will, indeed! Guides should be beginning to stumble upon their human counterparts anytime now! c:
And, yes, I've noted that as well -I will certainly follow that suggestion and message them once I actually have a longer-than-five minute time window! D: And, yeah, if they don't respond, or decline my invitation to continue on in the roleplay, then I will definitely open up spots for new members. If any of you guys know people who you think would like to RP, feel free to contact them! c:
@Sadist., I feel your pain. D: Good luck on all those exams and projects! c: Feel free to take as much time as you need; schoolwork trumps roleplaying any day.)

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A R I ⊝ I N G V A R ⊝ S V E R R I R

Grip loosening complacently, Ari allowed the blade to be snatched away. He flexed his hand experimentally, feeling the tension in his fingers slowly dissipate. Wild green eyes had locked onto his; an archer, poised, arrow notched. Ready, aim -fire. The scorn in her gaze seared hot enough to burn. She turned away, and the short boy felt his shoulders slump as if some great weight had been released from his care. A blade clasped in each hand, almost an extension of her arms, the Ice Girl turned her diatribe to to his saviours. She was merciless.
Ari watched in terrified silence as Eloise packed one of her knives away -he was not sorry to see it go- and slung her pack over her shoulder, stalking away over the hill. He held his breath as she crested the snow-laden mound, before making her way down and vanishing from sight.
The anticipatory silence was shattered by Serenity, still trembling like a leaf in a breeze, stuttering out the beginnings of an apology. She was sorry? For what? Ari felt his brow furrow in confusion as his gaze raked over the small girl (almost his female counterpart), trying to understand what she had meant by that statement -what had she to apologize for? The silence began to stretch out, wearing thin, like an elastic band strained to its limits. Ari felt it tugging at his limbs, at his tongue, his lips. Say something, it whispered tantalizingly. Open your mouth and make yourself out to be even more of a fool.
They were saved by Krystal. The quiet snapped, and Ari felt a physical relief. Krystal laughed, and he felt a small smile begin to tug at the corners of his lips. It was over. He was okay, they were all okay. "Yeah," he choked out softly in response, relief colouring his tone. "Yeah, okay." He placed one foot in front of the other, and soon was moving along in Krystal's wake, stumbling down the snowy slope. Casting his gaze in Serenity's direction, he attempted to catch her eye, offering the widest smile he could manage. Thank you, he screamed silently. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Once they had reached the campsite again -Ari was surprised to see how the igloo-building had progressed in his absence- Eloise appeared to greet them, words of -wait, was that -did she just say 'good'- praise and command on her lips. Hunting. Ari felt his stomach plummet again. "I'll, erm, watch t-the, uh, camp?" he offered.

[Speak]

so sorry that I haven’t relied I will do so asap!}}

[GrayStar51]

Eloise Amelia Blackwithe
{guide; ying} {loveless} {female}
the c o l d hunter



She stopped in her tracks, hearing the feeble reply from Ari. She turned slowly, her vivid green eyes scouring over his timid expression. "Oh, you suppose you'll just sit this one out, then? While we go hunt for your dinner, you'll just admire the scenery? I don't think so, You're coming with me. Krystal can stay, she's done enough work today and deserves her rest. I wouldn't want you to miss your first live action bullhunt. That's all I eat, is bull. You know why? Bulls have some fight in them, they don't just fall over and die while I rip open their steaming hot carcass. I like bulls." She spat her venomous spirit at him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the protection of Serentiy's side and up to the front with her. Her cold hands gripped his wrist, her knuckles white as snow. She pulled one of her blades out in her left hand, towing Ari forward with her right. She was going to teach this lilly-livered coward how to take down a male elk.

There was only two things more dangerous than taking down a bull in these parts: a polar bear or a leopard seal. Eloise wore parts of both of these vicious predators around her. Her parka was the hide of a white bear, the warm fur turned inside to keep her warm, while the leathery skin repeled the wind, snow and ice. Her boots were leopard seal skinned, the spotted dark gray and black skin was waterproof and warm. The inside of her boots was elk fur, and kept her feet toasty warm. It was only her eyes that were cold as ice. She was a predator, the most dangerous thing on this land. She wore the others lie trophies around her neck. Even her weapons were made from dangerous trophies. The very arrows she would slay an elk with had the tips made from a bull's antlers.
The Iorny.

[Speak]

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——As the silence dragged on into oblivion Serenity could feel guilt squeezing her heart in it's fist, she wasn’t even sure if it was beating anymore. Did they blame her? They should, she’d been the one to panic and make something into nothing, Are you sure it was nothing? The voice in her head asked, this voice wasn’t like the other; the other one had an almost snide and suspicious lilt to it. This one on the other hand, this one was a little softer and while it never spoke often- she always listened to it when it did speak. This time was no exception, Eloise didn’t like Ari that was easy enough to see but…she just couldn’t shake the feeling that Eloise wasn’t above leaving them behind to save herself and the stronger members on this passage.
Looking up through dark eyelashes as Krystal’s voice sounded, telling her that it was alright; it was just a mistake. Serenity could feel the fist around her heart beginning to loosen, the guilt she was drowning in began to shallow; maybe, just maybe it was just a meaningless mistake. Heart sinking once again Serenity remembered the poisonous glare Eloise had bestowed upon her and Krystal when they had interrupted Ari’s ‘lesson’. Nodding hesitantly to show her understanding Serenity didn’t look up at either of them as she followed slowly behind trying not to slip on the snow packed hill, that would only make her seem weaker.
As she crested the mound Serenity glanced up feeling someone’s eyes imploring her to look up. To her surprise it was Ari, Ari with a grin on his face; it was almost like he was saying thank-you with that one look. Finally the fist had released her heart, her spirit was set free from the chains of guilt. Feeling a small smile pulling up the corners of her mouth Serenity nodded, she understood and she was so happy that they had both forgiven her. Her heart lighter Serenity quickened her pace to catch up with Ari and Krystal.
When they reached the camp Serenity sighed softly in relief; Eloise approved of what they had accomplished during her and Ari’s absence. The last part of Eloise’s praise though was a different matter- hunting. Serenity was an average hunter at best and hopefully she would be at her best today; if not she knew she would be on the receiving end of that glare once again.
Looking up at Ari as he stammered out an offer, an excuse really so he wouldn’t have to go hunting with the rest of them. Was he really that bad of a hunter? Or did he just think he was? Opening her mouth to give a quiet reassurance that it’d be fine Serenity jumped back as Ari was dragged forward to face another wave of Eloise’s fury. Eyes wide and scared Serenity could feel her breath coming in and out in short fast gasps, as if there wasn’t enough air in her body to sustain the life she felt was so meaningless. Watching as Eloise hissed poison at Ari, Serenity tried -dear gods she tried- to speak up like she had before, but to no avail. The words clung to her throat, refusing to rise up past her lips- her feet were anchored to the ground as if she had been rooted to the spot like a tree. As the girl moved forward with Ar in tow Serenity turned to Krystal and gave her a small smile before following after Ari and ELoise. She didn’t know for certain if ELoise would be ok with Serenity coming along but she wasn’t going to just sit by like before


………what?……I don’t know where this all came from…}}

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——Ambling along Cuan followed the tracks of the humans—BLARG will edit I PROMISE