[wajas]

Finished! yay! And yes, Lillian-this will be hard. Good luck to all, and I think these entries are great!

[mango sherbet]

Calypso is a girl in Greek mythology who was imprisoned on an island forever, tucked away from the rest of the world. This is how I imagine Calypso. She is cut off from everyone else, lost in her own troubles. The color of her eyes also contributed to this, because I can imagine the reflection of the water in Calypso's eyes to be just like the color this WoI's are.
Calypso is called Calypso by everybody, nobody dares to give her a nickname. Ishanue (read on), however, occasionally calls her 'Calli,' though never while in company.
(I originally had named Calypso Isis until I realized that the WoI thread had been modified to include patrol names, and that one of them was called Isis, so I felt I had to change it.)
{ pronunciation~ cuh-lihp-so }

{{family;; made up in the story
father; Yusjen, yoohz-jehn
mother; Imogen, ee-mow-jehn
aunt/foster mother; Lishia, lih-shee-uh
foster father; Desyar, dehs-yahr
brother; Thurin, thur-inn
sister; Iyisha, iy-ee-shuh
cousins; Carmen, cahr-mehn; Cicily, sih-sih-lee; and Xylen, zy-lehn}}

Calypso hides herself. She knows it's wrong to be so cooped up inside her own body. She wants to be free, to be able to say what she wants and feel for others without being ashamed. The problem is, Calypso doesn't want to be perceived as weak. She knows it's ridiculous and too self-concious, but she can't shake herself from the idea. So Calypso is known as the 'bad girl' the one who is sarcastic and mean to others only because she feels like it. It feels good to vent her own frustration on others, but horrible at the same time, because she knows deep inside of her that such things are bullying and wrong. It's like she's locked in the coils of a boa constrictor: the harder you try to escape, the tighter it squeezes. That's what it's like for Calypso and her own hatred. The more she tries to pull away, to be good and kind and helpful, the more she is compelled to continue to put others down.
Calypso's hatred is split two ways, for two wolves she should love very, very much. The first half is for her father, for going out on a dangerous, risky, and foolhardy expedition to wipe out the Kronadors once and for all. Of course, it didn't work. Calypso's father and four other foolish Warriors were killed. And the worst part was that Calypso watched it all, from behind a rock after she'd followed her father out of their den late one night. She'd grown up knowing the identity of the beast who'd killed her father, and hating both so badly that it consumed her completely- the Kronador for murdering her father, and him himself for getting himself killed and Calypso an orphan.
The second half of Calypso's hatred was for her mother, the wolf she'd never known. Her 'father' and 'mother' found her and even with his help, she barely pulled through. Calypso loved her foster mother, but not nearly as much as her rescuer, who in return loved her and pretended to be her real father, though they looked nothing alike. Calypso locked herself up inside after he died, turned her heart to stone, and never looked back. Among her peers she was famous for being 'the wolf who never cried' (though wolves cannot cry, I am using this to say she never showed any strong emotion) and also 'the assassin.'
Calypso earned her title. She was legendary among both apprentices and trainees as one of the deadliest wolves ever to train as a Warrior of Isket. Apart from this, Calypso was extraordinarily violent; she solved most of her arguments with fights and was always getting in trouble for it. She actually picked on younger trainees and apprentices and was looked up to as a feared tyrant and powerful bully; the kind of person no one dared challenge and who instead oppressed everyone else.
Out of all this, Calypso felt terribly misunderstood. Nobody seemed to understand that Calypso couldn't control herself when she picked these fights- instead they all assumed that she hated the world for some reason. And she did- but not for the reasons they thought.
Her only remaining friend as she neared the end of her training was a male named Ishanue. He was a bit older than she was, but they had known each other since they were pups, and had grown to be very good friends. The only other wolf Calypso would defend apart from herself was Ishanue, and their friendship created many rumors of their supposed 'romance' among their peers. Calypso would just roll her eyes unblushingly, because she thought it was stupid that they would think that she and Ishanue were secretly in love when everone knew that Calypso couldn't be any less romantic herself. They were like brother and sister, always relying on each other and sharing secrets, not that they had many. Both loved the cool night air and preferred a nocturnal lifestyle, making Calypso's nickname to be altered to 'the Bat Assassin.'

nothing you can do
My eyes were heavy, but I was not yet ready to go to sleep. Why, I wondered, did we sleep in the nighttime? It was so much better with the cold, dark air soothing my eyes opposed to the glaring sunshine. It hurt my eyes.
I silently picked my way around my foster siblings and crept out of our den only to walk right into a dark, solid shape, a silhouette against the darkness beyond our den. "Ishanue?" I whispered.
"Shh. Come over here." Ishanue guided me over to the part of the tunnel where there was a large gap, exposing us to the world outside. My heart beat fast as I spotted several tiny figures sprinting away from the mountain below.
"Who are they?" I asked, only realizing I'd been shaking when my paw hit the wall and I nearly slipped.
"Your dad and some others," I realized Ishanue too was shaking. "Calypso, they're hunting Kronadors."
I resisted the urge to call after them with all my might, but my paws shuffled like they were about to run to Father. And I remembered what Ishanue had told me, about when he was only a bit younger, when his parents and sister had been killed by a Kronador. What would I do if Father was killed too?
I backed away from the gap, my heart pounding even faster. I couldn't think straight and Ishanue's voice was strangely warped as he said, "Are-are you okay?"
"I have to stop them," I said, though I knew I never could, one tiny pup against full-grown warriors. I turned to my right and began to run, only to realize that I was going the wrong way, so I spun on my heel and raced back past Ishanue and down the corridor. I wasn't even sure where I was going until I took a breath of fresh air and realized I'd reached a room I' never seen before. It looked older than the rest of the tunnels, and a huge chunk carved out of the wall revealed a view of Isket like I'd never seen it before.
"Calypso, you can't stop them! You'll only get hurt!" Ishanue barreled into the room behind me, breathing hard. "Oh-"
"This way," I said, pointing myself in the direction opposite to where he'd come from and running out of the room again.
"Do you even know where you're going?" Ishanue screeched after me, but I had turned another corner and was now dashing down a corridor lined with windows. Finally when I reached the end I had to admit defeat. the end was just another den. I had no idea where I was. Ishanue nearly crashed into me as he too reached the end.
"Where..." he panted.
"I don't know! Let me see." I shoved past him and peered through the nearest gap. We were practically at ground level now. "There's no time to find the exit," I said. My heart was pounding as I retreated a few steps and turned to face the window, a determined expression set in my face. "Stand back."
Then I launched myself at the gap, tucking my paws to my chest as I rocketed through. I barely made it. The gap was pretty high and I was small for my age, so my paws scraped the ledge but I thankfully made it.
I wasn't so pleased with myself after that. I fell with a thud to the base of the mountain slope, knocking all the breath out of me. I struggled to breathe as I tumbled down the slope, finally stopping at the foot of the mountain in a heap.
"Calypso?" I could hear Ishanue calling to me from the gap. "Are- are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I yelled back, though it was pretty much the exact opposite. My pelt was dirty and mussed from my dive, and every part of me ached. My eyes watered from the bright lights around me.
Bright lights?
Fireflies danced around me, their wings touching my fur softly. I looked away, unable to bear even the tiniest sliver of light in the cool, damp darkness. There was a thump nearby as Ishanue hit the slope, rolling as I did to the base.
"I thought you said you were fine," Ishanue groaned, pushing himself to his feet. He stared at me, watching the twinkling lights around me.
"I am. It doesn't hurt at all." It wasn't like me to lie to Ishanue, but I didn't want him to know how much it did hurt. I didn't want to worry him. "Where are we?"
The view didn't look anything like what we'd seen from the gap. There wasn't anybody in sight. "We must be on the other side of the mountain," Ishanue said slowly. "Come on." He stood and began to stumble away from me.
"Ishanue!"
He stopped. "What?"
"Where are you going?"
"I can lead you to where your dad was going. Come on." He started walking again.
"No!"
"What?"
"No. You're going the wrong way. We can get there faster going this way." I stood and gestured with my curled tail to the opposite direction, swatting away the fireflies that still danced around me.
"Calypso, this way if faster. Trust me. I've explored way more than you."
"No!" We faced each other with our fur fluffed and eyes narrowed. I guess I knew I was wrong, but there was no stopping me when I got going. My stubborn streak was not a good thing when time mattered.
"Stop it," Ishanue said, and there was something in his voice that hurt me. I was so used to dragging Ishanue around that I'd forgotten what it was like to follow someone else for once. "We don't have time to lose."
I gave in and followed him around the base of the mountain, our pawsteps sending up little clouds of dust as we walked. It wasn't long before dark shapes grew out of the distance. My father and the other warriors were putting on their armor.
I looked sideways at Ishanue. He still looked a bit angry, and I felt ashamed of myself. That was rare, and Ishanue was the only one who could make me feel this way, I was sure. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. Ishanue glanced over at me but said nothing. I knew he had forgiven me. Words weren't necessary between us.
"Everybody, come on! Let's move out," called my father. The handful of wolves around him nodded their approval and got to their feet. I tensed, and I could feel Ishanue shivering slightly beside me.
"We have to stop them," I said, but my legs wouldn't move. "Ishanue..."
"There's nothing we can do," said Ishanue.
That was the thing I'd been dreading. "There must be something. My father will listen to me, I know it."
"He won't," Ishanue replied steadily, though I could detect a tremor in his voice now.
"What makes you so sure?" I glared at Ishanue, incensed.
"He won't listen. They've been planning this for months. They won't let anything get in their way. One pup won't stop them, even if she is the foster daughter of their leader."
"Wait." I frowned. "For months? Foster daughter? What are you talking about?"
Ishanue lowered his eyes away from mine. He shifted away from me.
"Ishanue!" I shrieked in anger and confusion. My father had began leading the others away from us, toward Kronador territory. "What are you talking about?! Tell me!"
Ishanue sighed. "I heard them talking a couple months back. Your d-dad, he said something about you not knowing a thing. They want to wipe out the Kronadors, but it won't work. They'll all be killed."
"And you kept this from me?"
"I had to. You would have been so upset."
"Upset is right," I snapped. I was longing to give him a good slash across the face to remember me, but my father- my foster father- had already gotten too far. "We can talk about this later." I turned and left him there, mouth open, and headed after my father.
There weren't many places to hide, and it was hard to ignore the temptation to run ahead and stop them. But whatever else Ishanue might have said, he was right. They wouldn't listen to me.
They had brought nothing but themselves and their armor and I had no idea what they planned to do. Maybe Ishanue knew. I started to regret not bringing him with me.
Finally they stopped, me ducking behind a clump of grass and hoping I looked green enough that they would ignore me. They let out eerie, jeering howls. I shuddered and pressed down harder against the ground.
Then a fully grown, angry Kronador crept out of the darkness, his teeth bared. He snarled and lunged for one of the smaller, younger wolves, snapping his neck easily, then turned to the rest. All the others swarmed onto the Kronador until he fell limp to the ground. I was transfixed with horror at the sight of the battle, but couldn't seem to move.
With his last breath, the Kronador screeched for help, and more Kronadors advanced. Now the Kronadors had the advantage of numbers. I couldn't make out what was happening through the mess of snarling bodies and blood, but finally only a few remained: two Kronadors and my father.
All at once, whatever was freezing me thawed and I rushed forward, standing in front of my father and facing the angry Kronadors.
"Calypso?!" He yelped.
"Dad? Are you okay?"
"Get out of here!" My father reared to slash one of the Kronadors' muzzle, shunting me aside. "This is no place for pups! Go back to your mother and stay there!"
The other Kronador, bored with the duel, zeroed in on me, snarling and snapping his jaws. I stumbled backward, suddenly tired, and hid behind a rock. Luckily the Kronador was stupid enough not to realize where I'd gone. He turned back to the fight and attacked my father from behind.
It seemed that I lay there forever, praying that the Kronadors wouldn't find me and that my father would emerge victorious. But then finally the sounds of the battle stopped, and I peered over the top of my rock to see what had happened.
Bodies were strewn all over. Not a soul had escaped alive. My father had killed the last two Kronadors and now lay motionless. I yelped and ran over to crouch by his head.
"Dad? Daddy? Are you okay?" I shook him slightly, but his head just flopped from side to side. I couldn't stand it. I ran back to my clump of grass and curled up into a tiny ball, shaking with sobs. I felt a warm flank press against mine.
"It's going to be all right," said Ishanue softly.

icy black hatred
Ishanue and I didn't mention the previous night. We both had too many horrific memories already that there was no need for more. We sat in a companionable silence and stared out of the gap near my den, ignoring the squeaks of the pups behind us. "Shh," I could hear my foster mother saying. "Calypso is mourning her father. You need to be quiet."
I didn't care much if my mourning was in silence or not, but I did mind her reminding me of last night's events. I strode away from her and Ishanue followed- not at my heel, like the night before, but alongside me, as equals. We wandered the corridors until we found the room with the large gap we'd seen last night. I didn't mind the light now; its pain seemed so minor compared to the gaping, aching hole inside me.
"If you want to talk about it," Ishanue said after a few minutes, "I'll be here."
I nodded and rested my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. The ache inside me worsened.
A new voice rang through the room. "Oh, has the poor little 'Assassin' had her heart broken? Does she need her mate for comfort?"
I lifted my head and spun around so fast that for a few seconds the room spun. But then the fog in my head cleared and I could see who it was: some of the new trainees, who had before respected me enough to not bully me. But now, it seemed, they thought my father's death had weakened me. They were wrong.
"Is she mad? Oh no, I'm sooo scare- AGH!"
I had thrown myself at their gang leader with all my might and I began slashing him with all my strength. Ishanue stood in the same place that I'd left him, clearly unsure whether to help me or not. He hovered uncertainly on the brink of the battle.
It was a very unfair fight. The leader cowered while I easily bit, scratched, and clawed him. After a while his cronies finally decided to show some loyalty and rounded in on me, snarling. It couldn't be more obvious that they were dreadfully afraid of me. Finally I sprung off of their leader, strode over to Ishanue, and growled, "Don't ever insult me again. Understand?"
They all nodded and hurried their bruised and beaten leader away. I turned to Ishanue. "Are you alright?"
"Why are you asking me that? Are you alright?"
"Of course. That wolf doesn't know a thing about fighting." I sighed and flopped down. "Ishanue, tell me..."
"What?" Ishanue seemed nervous, he squirmed uncomfortably beside me.
"What's wrong with you?" Then I understood. "Relax. I'm not going to ask you to be my mate or anything."
The air suddenly seemed much more warm; I felt my fur get hot. Ishanue let out a sigh of relief and lay down beside me. "What?" He repeated.
"Can you tell me about what you heard?"
"What I heard- what?"
"I mean, about the secret plan. What you heard."
"I don't really know much, Calypso. They were just talking. They said they were going to launch a sneak attack and kill all the Kronadors."
"Well, that worked really well," I said sarcastically, because it was all I could do to stop myself from bursting into tears. Ishanue saw the look in my eyes and moved over to comfort me. I almost pushed him away, but couldn't bear to. I was too overwrought and there needed to be somebody I could trust. There was nobody but Ishanue left.
I rested my head on his shoulder, suddenly feeling awkward and nervous. So I lifted my head again and said in a choked voice, "And- and when did he say something about... about me being..."
Ishanue silenced me with an understanding glance. "We... we don't have to talk about this if you're upset."
"I need to talk about it."
"Calli-"
"Don't call me that!" I shrieked. "My father called me that!"
"I'm sorry-"
"Sorry doesn't cut it," I growled, half rising to my feet and shoving him away. "I don't need you."
"Calypso!" Ishanue reached out toward me, trying to pull me down. But I wouldn't stand for it. Blinded by rage, I struck out at Ishanue's face, and he recoiled.
Everything turned icy black. I stared at Ishanue, unable to comprehend what had just happened, unable to accept the monster I'd just been. "Ishanue!" I rushed forward to help, but he scrabbled away from me, eyes wide with fear.
"I swear..." I said, but the words died in my throat. Ishanue looked back at me in terror and ran from the room.

didn't give up
I couldn't handle it anymore. I lay down and buried my face in my paws and tried not to think about the look on Ishanue's face. I don't know how long I lay there, wallowing in my own misery, but after a while I felt a gentle tug on my scruff and opened my eyes to see my foster mother, Lishia, lifting me up by my scruff. I let her. Normally I would have protested, but I was so worn out from the emotional stress of watching my not-father die and arguing with Ishanue that I just lay limp.
Lishia half-carried half-dragged me (for I was getting too old for carrying now) back to our den. The pups, who were two months younger than me- Carmen, Cicily, and Xylen- were tumbling around and squeaking in the most annoying fashion. I shoved Carmen out of my nest and flopped down, burying my head in my paws again.
"You're growing up," sighed Lishia, half to herself. "Soon you'll be apprenticed and then before I know it you'll be a soldier already."
"Not yet," I said, sitting up so fast that I have to wait a moment for the dizziness to stop. "Before that I have to wait out the rest of the month stuck in this dunghole of a den. Without my father. Without my mother. I'll be stuck here with these three idiots and waiting until I can escape." my voice broke and I looked away, repulsed by my own words.
Lishia looked angry, then sad, then angry again as she watched me. "Calli. If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
"That's what Ishanue said, and now look!" I spat. "Don't call me that."
"I mean it. Anything at all."
I hesitated, weighing the options. I could ask her about my father, but that might make her refuse and set me off all over again. I could storm away like I wanted to, but that would make me seem more than ever like an overgrown brat. So I sighed and said, "Can we go somewhere else?"
Lishia hesitated and glanced over at the pups. They were somewhere around two months old now, and didn't have much energy. Their playing had worn them out. Even now they were yawning.
"They'll be fine," I urged.
"Okay," Lishia said, and quietly led me out of the den. We stood in the hallway with the large gaps, and Lishia padded over to one.
"So, Call-Calypso... what would you like to talk about?"
I hadn't missed the slip up and wouldn't forget it, but ignored it for now. "I want you to tell me about my supposed 'father,' what exactly he was doing the night he died, and who my real mother is. Now."
If Lishia was bothered by the intensity in my voice, she didn't show it. Instead she said in an even voice, "Calypso, you might not like what you're about to hear-"
"Which is why I need to hear it," I interrupted, silencing her with a glare. "Go on."
Lishia sighed and scratched the ground with her claws. "Where should I begin? I knew your mother for a long time, since we were pups even. She wasn't a Warrior, but she respected our ways. We were friends. And she wanted to end the war by making peace with both sides.
Your father- your real one, I mean- he was a Warrior, actually. My brother."
I'd never even known she had a brother. I kept quiet, waiting for her to continue.
"They fell in love when Yusjen was going on his mission, to get his armor. Imogen, your mother, she wanted to help, but Yusjen said no. He was stubborn that way. But Imogen came with him anyway, and when they came back, Imogen decided to join the Warriors.
Nobody liked the idea, your father least of all. He loved Imogen but he didn't want her to get hurt trying to be a Warrior. So he drove her out, not knowing that she was pregnant. They were young at the time, but Imogen thought she'd be able to take care of you. Then Yusjen came after her when he learned from me that she was pregnant; I'd been visiting her. Yusjen insisted that he give her the pups, that he'd be able to care for them better living with the Warriors. Imogen resisted with all her strength. She didn't want to give you up."
"But she did give me up," I said, my voice shaking with both anger and sadness.
"No, Calypso, she didn't. I... don't know how to describe Yusjen to you, but he was very violent."
Of course he was. he was my father, I thought with equal parts satisfaction and dismay. "So?"
"So he got very, very angry when Imogen refused to give him her pups. He left, pretending to be defeated, and then returned in several months when he knew you have been born. There were three pups. I saw them. I came with him, to make sure he didn't do anything crazy."
"One was me," I said. "So I have siblings?"
"I- I don't even know, Calypso. The moment we got there Imogen got ready to fight for her pups, but Yusjen made a deal with her. Ia exchange for her firstborn pup, he would leave her and his other pups alone. Imogen still refused. She didn't want to give up Thurin."
"Thurin- the firstborn?"
"Yes. You were... you were a runt." Lishia looked down at me with dark pools of sorrow in her eyes. I glare back defiantly. I don't care if I'm barely larger than Lishia's pups, who are two months younger.
"So what happened?" I demanded.
"Yusjen went insane and killed Imogen. He would have killed the pups, too, but I blocked him as best I could."
"So... how did he die?" I tried to not show the emotions boiling inside me. I was an orphan. But I'd been deceived.
Lishia's eyes dropped. "Calypso, you have to understand, I had no choice. Yusjen was a danger to all of Isket, including you pups. And I couldn't allow you to be harmed."
"You... you? You killed Yusjen?" I stared at Lishia, willing her to meet my eyes, but she kept her gaze on the ground. "In cold blood?"
"Like I said, I had no choice! I took you back to my den and tried to find somebody to help me. And Desyar was my only choice. He was kind and helpful, and he would keep my secret."
"Why my d- Desyar? He's nice, but there are plenty of nice warriors. I mean, not that he wasn't a good choice... he's been such a good father to me... but...?"
"It doesn't matter," said Lishia. "We went back to get Thurin and Iyisha, but they were gone."
"Gone, meaning...?"
"There was no sign of a struggle, no blood or anything. They were just gone. Either a predator came and carried them away, or they found the strength to run away. I'm not sure. I've searched, but... we never found them."
"And then you forgot all abut them after you and Desyar had pups," I snarled, anger taking hold of me again.
"What?" Lishia's eyes were wide. "Who told you- how did you know-"
"I have psychic powers," I sneered. "What do you think? Every time you say his name you get all dreamy."
Lishia's eyes narrowed. "You're just like your father," she said coldly. "He bullied me when we were young, you know. As do you. Do you know how stupid I feel cowering from a mere pup?"
"I won't be a pup for long," I snarled. "Soon I'll be apprenticed and I can forget you and your wonderful, dreamy Desyar." I said his name the way I would say 'Kronador drool.' "Now I need to go. I need to go and find Ishanue to make an apology. You can keep stupid Desyar and his noble death and his stupid secret plans."

Ishanue
Ishanue didn't look up when I arrived. He was laying in the grass at the base of the mountain, near the spot that we'd fallen to the night before. My heart hurt to see him look so troubled, but I masked my emotions and settled down beside him. Thankfully he didn't run away.
"Ishanue, I'm sorry about earlier-" I prepared to start the speech I'd been thinking up, full of phrases like 'betrayal of trust' and 'idiotic rage-' but then Ishanue interrupted me.
"Do you think we'll be happy someday?"
"-horrible mistake I made, I apolog- what?"
"Do you think we'll be happy? You never seem happy. You're always depressed or angry at somebody. And I- I'm not happy right now. I want to be apprenticed."
I coughed. "We'll be apprenticed, don't worry, Ishanue. I made a dreadful mistake and-"
"Please stop."
"Well, okay. Do you accept my apology?"
"Of course."
"Thanks, Ishanue. Don't you mind the sun?"
"Of course I do, but I'm not going to able to be nocturnal, so I figured I'd better get used to it."
"That's logical," I said blandly. "Ish..." I cocked my head, wondering if he minded me giving him a nickname.
"Go on," said Ishanue, as if he hadn't noticed. "Can I call you Calli?"
"I suppose. Do you ever miss your family?"
Ishanue turned his head to look at me and I saw his eyes were welling with tears. "I-no-forget it- sorry," I said in the smallest voice I could muster. Ishanue waved me off.
"I miss them all the time," he said. "I watched them be murdered right in front of my eyes. I had a brother, and a sister, and we were happy... before the Kronadors..." his voice became cracked with emotion, and he looked away.
I surprised myself by pressing against him to comfort him. "At least your family was decent. They were happy when they lived, and they're probably watching over you now. At least your family wasn't a blood-crazy warrior and a defiant, overprotective idiot."
Ishanue turned his head to look at me. "How do you know?"
"Lishia told me..." I trailed off, sniffed to block my tears, and continued, telling Ishanue all I knew about my family.
He looked shocked when I finished. "Well, it sounds like you've inherited some traits then."
I let out a choked laugh. "I got all the worst ones. I'm a coward, stubborn, stupid, power-crazy..."
"You're not a coward, or stupid, or power-crazy." Ishanue licked my ear. I froze mid-sentence, unsure what to make of this gesture. Was Ishanue really just my friend? He seemed so much more.
"So what happened to stubborn?" I tried to act like I hadn't noticed, which is impossible.
"Well, I can't really deny that can I?" Ishanue said.
I turned my head to face him but avoided his eyes. I didn't want to meet them. My fur was burning and I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. So I did the only thing I could to deflect the awkwardness. I jumped up, called, "I'll race you to the brook!" and sped off.
Ishanue stared after me, dumbfounded, then recovered and sprang up too. He didn't ask me to wait up- he knew it would be pointless- but he ran after me. I slowed slightly, then ran at full speed once he caught up. Together we raced across the the dusty base of the mountain, into the forest, and tumbled down a grassy slope. When I finally sat up, adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I realized we'd headed the wrong way. Ishanue was laying on his back, laughing with his eyes closed.
"Ishanue...?"
He sat up with grass clinging to his ears. "What?"
"What is that?"
"What is what?"
"That noise."
"What- oh." He heard it. A faint growling, coming from the depths of the forest ahead.
We unconsciously moved together, peering into the forest. Then a wolf crept out of the shadows.
He definitely wasn't a Warrior. He was about our age, but more muscular, with his pelt clinging to his ribs so we could see every one. He was clearly half-starved, and I felt a stab of pity. But I was still scared. He looked like the type of wolf that could kill you with one swipe.
"Help," Ishanue said in a tiny voice.
A memory flashed through my mind like a shooting star. I lowered my hackles, stepped forward, and said, "Thurin?"

Apprenticed
Thurin refused to go back to the Warriors with us. He said living with who we called the Unknown was his life. They had rescued him. I pleaded with him, but he told me no, and pushed us away. We promised not to mention him at all.
I was heartbroken. A family member lost and found in the space of only a few months. Now Thurin was lost all over again, and I'd never get to meet Iyisha.
Weeks went by. Ishanue drifted farther away from me, having been apprenticed a month before me. Then, finally, it was my turn.
I stood in a large, cavernous room and stared around. Most of the Warriors were there, along with their apprentices. I scanned the room for Ishanue and found him talking to his mentor, who had five apprentices sprawled around him. No way he'd be able to take another one. I sighed. I'd been planning on asking Ishanue's mentor to take me on so we could train together, but that didn't seem possible.
I looked around nervously. Everybody seemed to have an apprentice or two, and I wasn't sure who to ask. But then my eyes found the one wolf without an apprentice and I seized the opportunity.
"Excuse me- Kafka?" Thankfully I knew her name.
Kafka turned her head to look at me. "What?" I had a feeling she knew what I wanted, but wasn't going to give it to me so easily.
I felt disrespectful standing so boldly, so I kind of tried to put my tail between my legs, but without much success. I half-bowed to Kafka and said, "My- I'm Calypso, and I'm old enough to be apprenticed now. I'd be honored if you'd have me."
Kafka looked me over and smiled. "You look like you're past the age of apprenticeship to me."
I wasn't sure if she was complimenting me or not, so I answered with a vague, "Yeah... thank you...?"
"I don't have any apprentices at the moment, so I guess I'm obligated to take you. Do you see that wolf over there?" She nodded over to where a muscular and stocky brown wolf was explaining the concept of armor to an excited-looking white pup. "He just got his armor. I mentored him."
I was impressed and felt a stab of longing as I watched. Ishanue had crossed the room to the brown wolf and was asking to try on his armor. The nerve of him. Ishanue had his own training armor, he'd shown it to me. I had to admit he looked handsome in the warrior's armor, despite the fact that it was several sizes too large for him.
"So, would you like to be my apprentice?" Kafka studied me intently.
"Of course," I said. "Thank you, Kafka."

Kafka had no other apprentices, so right from the sart she spent all her time on me. I learned to duck, roll, and swipe, and Kafka showed me a strategy to confuse even the smartest Kronador. I began to realize that Kafka, as a young Warrior, understood me better than Lishia, who I maintained a politely cold attitude with. Over the next months, two more apprentices joined me to train under Kafka, and I enjoyed showing them the perfect way to claw a Kronador's eyes out. Toward the end of training, I started perstering Kafka to let me go to find my armor. "I can't," she said, and when I asked why, all she would tell me was, "You're not ready."
Of course I was ready. I was certain I could take on a whole patrol of Kronadors now. I regretted not being trained already when the Kronadors had killed Desyar. But I dismissed the thought. Desyar was no longer someone to be missed.

Four and a half months after I'd started my training, Ishanue left on his own quest for armor and returned quickly. I grew even more impatient as I watched him give his training armor back to his mentor, resolving to get my armor soon whether Kafka liked it or not. When I mentioned it to her, she sighed. "Attack me."
"What?" I was sure I'd misheard her.
"Attack me. I'm going to see if you're ready. Here," she said, tossing me my training armor and strapping on her own. "You two, watch and stay out of it," she called to the other apprentices, who watched, wide-eyed, as Kafka and I circled each other. I'd never fully appreciated how scary Kafka could be in battle. I'd always thought of her as my easygoing mentor, always happy to give me tips. I'd never imagined her like this. It was as frightening as facing down a Kronador.
I searched Kafka for weak points. In her armor, most of her was covered. Her chest was exposed, but I didn't want to kill her. It was just a friendly spar, wasn't it?
Kafka threw herself at me and I managed to roll out of the way, pushing her away. My claws screeched against her armor and I winced at the noise, but pushed myself back up and leapt on Kafka, wrestling and snapping at each other. Finally Kafka emerged victorious with me pinned down. We were both panting.
"Very good. I think you're ready."
"I am?"
"Yes. Now remember, the forest is full of horrible deaths waiting to happen. But you'll make it through, I know you will." Kafka stepped off of me, allowing me to scramble to my paws. "Good luck, Calypso...."
"I'll try my best," I told her.

Armor
I stood, panting, and stared into an ancient cave. Elaborate carvings of warriors in their armor decorated the walls. I looked around, stunned by what I saw. Armor of all sizes, shapes, and colors lay half-buried in the soft sand that soothed my paws. It had taken me nearly a week to reach this cave, but here I was.
I padded over to a shiny white breastplate and examined it, then leapt to another piece of armor. I examined every piece, then returned to the entrance and sighed. There was no armor here for me. Nothing seemed to fit right. I looked at the wall, looked at all the warriors proud in their armor, marching to battle. A certain carving caught my eye. It showed a wolf in beautiful armor, greeting another wolf that I recognized as resembling Thurin. I wanted that armor. But where was it? I looked around the cave again, and this time a glint caught my eye. I hurried over to the very back of the cave, where another carving of the same wolf adorned the walls. This carving was painted, and the black wolf's blue eyes reminded me of my own. I scanned it and found a faint carving underneath, symbols resembling a sun and a rune I was able to recognize as an old version of the one for -sh. Then another rune that looked like a mountain, but what I took to say -a. Sunsha. The name stirred something from one of Lishia's stories. There once was a warrior named Sunsha that... what?
That wasn't how it begun, I remembered. Lishia always started with, I was descended from a powerful warrior named Sunsha...
Sunsha had been one of the first warriors and the first to try to make peace with the Kronadors. Of course they didn't want to. Sunsha had been killed by the Kronadors. But she was still respected for her bravery, even now.
If Lishia had been descended from Sunsha, and my father had been Lishia's littermate, wasn't I descended from her too? I looked down at the sand beneath my paws to catch the same glint that had attracted me from across the cave. I dug into the soft sand to find Sunsha's old and slightly rusty armor. It fit me perfectly. I realized that not only had I inherited my father's traits, but I also had some of Sunsha's as well. I looked up at the old painted carving and gave a sort of bow, because it felt like the right thing to do. Then I turned and left the cave.

Armor Ideas and Concept

concept
here is my concept, which I drew off of my original traditional sketch (below). It was based off a shattered mirror.
green = plates
white = mirrors (to confuse opponents)
blue = cloth
red = gloves

colored armor
this is the colored version of Calypso's armor, which is mainly dark red with intricate blue and green designs. The chest plate is hard to see, as it's partially covered by two hanging pieces of cloth (the same color of Calypso's eyes). It's several interlocking plates with cloth hanging from it, the last bit covering Calypso's belly.

final armor
this is the armor with Calypso colored in.

Calypso's armor is designed to be lightweight and easy to fight with but protects all essential parts of her body. The dangling mirrors and mirrors in her armor plates confuse her enemies, giving Calypso an advantage. There are also many sharp points on her armor, and though they won't do much damage, opponents are wary of spiking themselves on them.

Other digital art

animation
This is a running animation I made of Calypso. I started it not even thinking about how complex her markings were, then found myself tearing my hair out in frustration. I spent several hours on this and it's not perfect, but I'm happy with it.

Traditional art
{{ note that the scanner pretty much killed the colors. }}


Calypso as a pup
A drawing I made of Calypso as a pup.


Another drawing of Calypso
I really do hate my scanner...
sorry for the awful grass.


Calypso and Ishanue
This one looks better than the others, but Ishanue looks brown... ugh...
I'm experimenting with my style of eyes and am pleased with how these turned out.

At one year old, Warriors of Isket become soldiers. This means that Calypso has nearly completed her training.

Warriors of Isket live in the carved-out tunnels of the mountainside.

I've wanted a Warrior of Isket for a very long time, from just after I joined CS and learned about them. I find them fascinating, because they are the original warrior wolves here on CS and though there have been many ripoff species the original has still survived as the best and most popular. Though there have been several WoIs up for adoption that I've had my eye on, I've never entered for them, simply because they didn't seem quite right. With Calypso it's a different story. Many things about her I can relate to myself and working on this form gives me a sense of purpose to be using my developing art and writing skills. I really don't know much about WoIs, so writing my story was especially hard, and I apologize for anything that doesn't make sense in there. Okay, I should probably stop. I could ramble on forever about how amazing Calypso's design is and how much I'll love her, but I'll stop, because this is an extra section and I don't even know if you'll read it. But no matter. Thank you for giving me this chance, and I swear I won't make a stink if you don't choose me (because that's just not the sort of person I am). Thank you.

[Emma-Chan]

I've read both stories that used Ishanue and have to say I enjoyed them both. Each capturing a different side of Ishanue perfectly one a more shy and backed or side the other being his knowledgable on his feet side can't wait to see The outcome of this months adoptable

[○~Discover~○]

- What time will you be ending this? I have to work super hard right now x3 But I am leaving today around 3:30-4 Central Time and wont be back until Sunday and I will not have internet access -

[Green Arrow]

Can you give us a couple of hours warning before you close this please? :3 I'm working on my form just now, which will be added to my post on the first page, and it's almost finished, but I'd like to tweak it after I've done the story.

[Lilian Nightshade]

Just warning, guys, I'll be closing this is 3 hours.

[wajas]

Okay, I can't wait to see the winner!

[○~Discover~○]

- Alright (: I will try my best to get my form completed with a great amount on information and stories/Art <3 -

[mango sherbet]

I'm really scared. I'm going to be writing so fast my fingers will be a blur on the keyboard ;3

[Green Arrow]

╔══════════════╗
# Dancing with Myself #
╚══════════════╝
{~|On the floor of Tokyo
Or down in London town to go, go
With the record selection
And the mirror's reflection
I'm dancing with myself

When there's no-one else in sight
In the crowded lonely night
Well I wait so long
For my love vibration
And I'm dancing with myself

Oh dancing with myself
Oh dancing with myself
Well there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
I'll be dancing with myself

If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself

Oh dancing with myself
Oh dancing with myself
Well there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
I'll be dancing with myself. |~}

{~|~|Basic Information |~|~}
Name
~~~~~
Saphira. According to a name website I found, Saphira is a variant of the name Sapphire.
This is perfect, as her eyes are that amazing shade of blue. And, of course, in Eragon, the dragon is named
Saphira, and I think this girl suits sharing her name with a dragon.

Nickname
~~~~~~~~
None.

Gender
~~~~~~
Female. Even if it was changeable, I wouldn't.

Birthdate
~~~~~~~~
15th of April

Astrological Sign
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
♈ Aries

{~|If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself

Oh dancing with myself
Oh dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance

[Scat]

Dancing with myself
Dancing with myself
Dancing with myself
Dancing with myself

If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself

So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself

Oh dancing with myself
Oh dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance...|~}

{~|~|Stories |~|~}
Training
The young wolf padded from her den, her clear eyes flickering as they adjusted to the light. Although she was not yet a full warrior, she lived on her own. Her family was in a den a couple of meters away. Recently, this wolf, named Saphira, had discovered a large alcove made of softer rock close to her family's den. Over a few weeks, she enlarged it by digging carefully until she had a small den that she could stand up in. Saphira moved in there and decided she liked it there, opting to stay in her small den until she became an adult warrior, then she would find more suitable lodgings.
Saphira navigated her way through the mountain until she reached fresh air. She stepped outside and was greeted by a playful breeze which lifted her fur and refreshed her. As she crossed the grass, she nodded to a few warriors who stood sentry. Even though in Isket the sky was always dark, this was generally slightly earlier than most warriors would arise.
She liked to be alone at this time, when only guards were fully alert. Slowly, she ascended a small hill, which was large enough to let her see some of the beautiful dusty-red landscape. Up here the wind was stronger, making Saphira have to stand firmly in order not to be buffeted by the currents of air. She lifted her head and closed her eyes as she breathed in deeply. Saphira loved Isket. She loved the sights, the smells, the activity. She even loved the Kronadors. Without an opponent, life was no fun for her, and the ever-present threat of the beasts gave her something to work for.
Dew dampened the cobalt grass the fae stood upon, and she flexed her toes to wriggle them deeper into the blades. The grass tickled her paw pads pleasurably.
Saphira stayed there for a while. She wasn't sure how long she stayed for, but long enough for the world to wake up properly, shaking off the dreams and rousing itself. The fae savored the solitude. Being around others irked her. Saphira enjoyed starting arguments and preferred to settle debates with fights rather than words, which wasn't always appreciated by others.
With reluctance, Saphira turned and walked back to where everyone now was. A group of teens were assembled apart from the others, and Saphira padded over, her ears flicking absentmindedly as the grass rustled under her feet.
Their mentor strode over, wearing his armor. It looked heavy, but the large warrior bore it as if it was no burden. He stood tall and his chest was always thrust out, his head held high. This wolf was clearly proud to be a warrior, proud to be serving his species. Saphira respectfully dipped her head, as did the rest of her peer group.
"Right!" The warrior barked. "Training exercises. Pair up."
Saphira grunted and waited impatiently for the others to pair up. She secretly hoped there would be an odd number so she could work alone, but there was a young male who mooched over to join Saphira. He happened to be one of the cocky, arrogant brutes who Saphira hated with a fierce passion.
"You attack first." The male said, an unpleasant smile on his muzzle.
"With pleasure." Saphira growled. She leaped at her partner, her snapping jaws inches from his face. Startled, the male barely had any time to recover before he was forced to defend himself, her ivory canines dangerously close to his eyes. The moment he gained some ground, however, he started to taunt, seeking to infuriate her.
"Is that all you got, Sapphy?" He mocked. "You're about as powerful as a blind pup."
A ferocious snarl tore from her open maw. She prided herself on her fighting skills and her stamina. She was born strong with little fear, so fighting was one thing she worked hard at, strove to be the best that she could be. This attack on her pride angered her. With reinforced determination, Saphira fought to close her powerful jaws around his neck, trying to force him into submission. She succeeded in tearing a few tufts of grey fur from his ruff, making him growl and struggle to snap at her ears. He bit into her right ear, his teeth piercing the thin skin. Saphira yelped and reached forward, nipping at his chin. He released her and backed up, keeping her away from his face.
Their mentor glanced over. "No blood!" He called sharply. "Change!"
Now Saphira's opponent was pushing her back, his topaz eyes sparking angrily. His teeth gnashed in a desperate attempt to bite her sensitive nose.
Saphira snarled again and took his paw between her teeth and bit down. The male yelped and yanked his paw out, ripping his paw-pad on Saphira's needlelike teeth. He got to his feet, raising the injured paw off the ground and holding it to his chest. If looks could kill, Saphira would be stone cold on the ground now.
Their mentor hurried over, looking furious. "I said no blood!" He growled.
Saphira stepped back, realizing she'd gone a bit far. Her face betrayed none of this, however. "Sorry," she said, her voice cold and insincere.
"You're excused." The mentor addressed the other wolf. "I diagnose a case of wounded pride."
Looking resentful, the male limped off, muttering curses under his breath.
"And you, Saphira." The adult sternly said. "You shouldn't have let your temper get the best of you."

A Close Call
I was woken in the morning by calls of alarm. "Kronadors!" A voice screeched. That word, that single, three syllable word, made my eyes flash open and my heart beat like a bird was trapped in my ribcage. I got to my feet and rushed over to my wooden armor. Quickly, I donned it, then ran out of the den. Never had the mountains been so hard to escape from at that moment. I encountered minature labyrinths, dead ends and winding passages before I eventually got out. Almost immediately, I was encountered by my mentor.
"You're not fighting." He said flatly. "You're not properly trained. You aren't a fully-fledged warrior."
I couldn't stop myself lifting my lip in a snarl. I saw this as an insult.
My mentor glared at me. "I mean it. Go out there, and there will be serious consequences."
I looked away, focusing my fury and indignation on the reddish soil at my feet.
"Your job," my mentor continued. I looked up hopefully, "Is to defend the mountain. Go. Now."
Annoyed, I turned tail and stalked back to the group of teens in their stiff wooden armor. Clearly they had been bumped off too.
"I can't believe we aren't allowed to fight!" One fae whined. Even though I was equally annoyed at it, her voice irritated me more. The rest of the group murmured in agreement, clearly resentful.
I was furious at being refused the honor of fighting for my home. I was just as strong as the warriors. My head was thumping, for my growing anger was building up and making my head hurt. Uneasily, I shifted my weight from foot to foot. I could hear the noises of the battle, and it sounded like they were round the other side of the mountain. Occasionally the sound of a high pitched yelp would sound across the mountain, which made me tense up, wondering who was dead. I couldn't handle it any more. I had to help.
After a moment of thought, I silently skirted round the back of the group, doing my best not to jostle my armor lest it creak.
I made my way through the mountain, ducking into alcoves when I caught sight of warriors, until I came upon the battle. I stood upon a small ledge just above the sight.
Three particularly large Kronadors, males, stood, tearing into the warriors around them. Now I regret my rash decision. I wish I'd just stayed away like I'd been warned. As it was, I darted out, running past the other fighters. The adults, noticing my weak wooden armor which offered little protection from those vicious jaws, tried to stop me, but I managed to dodge them, slipping from their grip.
"Saphira!" A voice bellowed behind me. "You'll get yourself killed, you foolish pup!"
My pride stung at that, making me run faster to get my share of the fight. I shimmied up the leg of the nearest Kronador before it could swing round and awkwardly balanced on it's narrow back, trying to find a way to dig my claws in to stay on. He roared and suddenly reared up, flailing to get his attacker off. Having no hands, I was unable to hold on. So I fell. As I tumbled down backwards, so many thoughts were rushing through my head. Was I going to die? Were my family going to be alright? Why didn't I listen? My heart was throbbing.
I hit the ground hard and I lay, winded. Everything sounded dull and my eyes were unfocused, blurry. My breathing was shallow and labored. Was this death?
"NO!" A voice came from my left. The haze over my eyes lifted and cleared, just in time to see my father, my own father, the wolf who'd raised me from a pup and had always sided with me, even when I argued with my mother, leap up towards the Kronador that was arching down to rip me apart. He snarled ferociously and clamped his jaws down on it's nose. The Kronador retreated back a few steps while he searched for a way to attack me, clearly the weaker one.
My legs felt like lead as I struggled to my feet. But I forced myself on. I would not let myself be bested by a beast who wasn't even using attacking skills, just sheer brute strength. Quickly I ran forwards to snap at the Kronador's tail. Its companions, noticing their kin was on his guard to stop me and my father causing him injury, ambled over. One snatched my father and bit down on his ribs. I tried to pretend I didn't hear a snap. Silently I prayed it was a rib and not his spine. The other targeted me. Frantically I lashed out with my paws, succeeding in nothing but making the beast lean closer and blow his foul breath over my face.
My muzzle wrinkled up in a scowl and I stood up. Being smaller than the Kronador, it was easy to dart beneath its stomach and bit into it's soft underbelly. Blood stained my face and I screwed my eyes shut to stop the crimson, thick coppery liquid going blurring my vision. The blood flowed into my mouth and I retched. I hurriedly backed up as four or five more Warriors followed me. They proceeded to bring the Kronador down, inflicting deep wounds while the animal tried to sidestep away from the attacks. I watched, emotionless as it slumped to the ground, its eyes glassy and unfeeling.
The other two Kronadors's reptilian eyes swept over us, calculating whether they had a chance if they stayed. Glancing over at the other Warriors which stood, ready to step forward should they be needed. Evidently they decided would be slain if they didn't retreat. With a baleful cry, they turned and loped away. Once I was sure they weren't bluffing, I ran back towards my father. As I had dreaded, he was not alive. His violet eyes were unseeing. I rasped my tongue over his forehead, cleaning the blood from his pale fur. A paw landed on my shoulder, but I shook it off with a growl. My armor was severely cracked beyond repair. This was my fault. If I hadn't been such a fool, full of bravado, then my father would not have had to sacrifice me to give me a precious few moments to escape.


{~|~|Personality |~|~}
Saphira can be nice when she wants to be. With the friends she has, she rarely loses her temper with them. With everyone else, however... That's a different story. Saphira uses sarcasm a lot. It's automatic now, a second nature to her. She is savage in a fight, and if someone wrongs her, she does not forgive or forget. She tends to hold grudges, even when apologized to. Her secretive nature can lead to arguments, when she refuses to give a reason for something she has done.
When someone is around Saphira when she doesn't want them to be, after bluntly telling them they aren't wanted, if they do not leave, she will pick on their insecurities and nag away until they leave, irritated and probably insulted. She can be very violent when provoked, and loses her temper very easily. Her mood swings can be positively frightening. Even if playfights as a pup, Saphira would enjoy it too much and end up losing herself to her instincts.
Being alone is something Saphira enjoys very much. There's nobody to aggravate and annoy her. Sometimes others make the mistake of thinking she's lonely, and are quickly answered with a sharp cuff to the ear. She doesn't get depressed, though some people think she does for her negative nature. She always sees the dark side to things, picking out the worse case scenario. This generally annoys others.
When she's in a bad mood, which is quite often, Saphira is savage and cruel, picking on others with a vicious intensity. She pushes others away, keeping to her own life. In times of grief, Saphira is unusually withdrawn, and particularly short-tempered.
All the time, Saphira is impatient and easily frustrated. But determined, too. She sees things through to the end, and is proud, refusing to accept help or ask for it. She's very independent and normally quiet, but when she is in an argument she is screaming and tends to work herself up.
Saphira has a habit of taking a sudden and intense dislike to people she hasn't even met. If something about them doesn't seem right, Saphira will dislike them forever, unless they prove themselves. She is extremely stubborn.
Saphira prefers using strategy as opposed to randomly fighting. When she's on her own she can't really have a plan, but in a team she likes for everything to be planned out the the last detail. Though she is good at improvising when needed.
Of course she does have a sweet side, but she is annoyed most of the time, so it only shows itself when she's extremely happy or with family/close friends.

{~|~|What is required in a WOI's armor? |~|~}
A backplate and a chest plate. Helmets are often added. And you're not allowed to heavily reference other WOI's armor.


{~|~|At what age do WOIs become soldiers? |~|~}
At one year.


{~|~|In Isket where do the WOIs live? |~|~}
In the red mountains. They live in dens. There they can be forewarned of attacks.

{~|~|Art |~|~}
XXX
XXX
By moonlight_girl
Sorry there isn't more, my tablet stopped working ;u;

{~|~|Armor Concept |~|~}
This isn't the final draft. I'd be tweaking it slightly if I won her :3
Saphira's armor is made from tungsten carbide. I chose this because after I time of searching online for information, I found some rather interesting facts. Although many regard it as so, titanium is not the strongest metal. Is is strong for a metal so light, but it is not the strongest. The strongest metals are made from inter-metallic alloys. Tungsten carbide is made from equal parts of tungsten and carbon. It is one of the hardest substances in the world. Although it can be brittle because it is so hard, if the metal is treated correctly, and the carbon amount is carefully controlled, it is not so prone to shattering. Tungsten carbide doesn't react with oxygen, so it will never dull.
Tungsten carbide is heavier than titanium, so I designed the armor so it layered in sheets which are thick enough to fend off attacks, but thin enough that they don't weigh Saphira down enough to hinder her. (Written by me. I didn't copy it off Google, promise.)

The Design
Saphira's armor isn't based on anything really. The horns on her helmet, I decided upon because they would look awesome, as well as being good for defense, helping push her opponent back.
The helmet is designed to look like it is constantly snarling. Above the eyes, a scowl is carved into the metal, and along the muzzle, there are ridges which indicate the muzzle is wrinkled up to bare its teeth. There are two prongs just below the nose, which are supposed to be teeth. These are made of gold, treated with a varnish to be resistant to scratches. They're mainly for decoration purposes, though they offer a little protection to her mouth.
For the shoulder plate, I went for a spiky approach. The sharp edges are honed so that if they are brushed against they are sharp enough to draw blood, like running your finger along a sword blade.
Over the ribs there are three plates which are very highly polished and slippery, which deflect claws, so that if her attacker tries to bite her ribs, their claws or teeth will slide off.
The stomach is protected by twelve small plates which are cut to hug the belly as closely as possible, so claws can't catch the armor and pull it away to expose her stomach. Two chains go from the ribs on one side, under the belly, and to the ribs on the other side. They are attached by steel pins. They're mainly for decoration. Small spikes are to be found along the back, to fend off attacks from a taller opponent.
Saphira's flank is exposed, however. So she has to be on guard for attacks there at all times in battle. The vulnerable patch is covered by a scrap of royal blue silk cloth, which does nothing to protect but looks beautiful. On Saphira's left hip, a snarling dragon's face is engraved into the metal, kind of like how in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Thalia's shield has Medusa's face. On the right side, it is blank, just smooth metal.
Then from the heel to the ankle on her hind legs, she wears black leather gauntlets which lace up, kind of like odd leg corsets. Again, mainly for decoration, though they protect her legs from scratches and bruises.
Saphira's chest plate is smooth, through at either side it tapers into a sharp edge.
Symbols are engraved on the shoulder plates, having no meaning but they are intricate and pretty. SO sorry I don't have a picture. I drew it traditonally, but I lost the sketch.

{~|~|Mental Views |~|~}
Optimist or Pessimist?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pessimist. She prefers the term 'realist', though.

Religious?
~~~~~~~~~
Nope. Nothing at all.

Attitude to Lying
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saphira only lies when she needs to.
Otherwise she's frank and blunt.

Mental Insecurities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
None.

Mental Problems
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
None. She's completely sane.

Sensitivities
~~~~~~~~~~~
She hates when people accuse
her of being a psycho for her moody temper. It's not true
and it only infuriates her.

{~|~|More In-Depth|~|~}
Likes
~~~~~
-Arguing - It helps her feel relaxed and happy.
-Sarcasm - It may be the lowest form of wit, but it is so familiar.
-Fighting - This empowers her and makes her loosen up.
-Being proven right - There's just something satisfying about it.
-Eating - She feels much better on a full stomach.
-Being alone - Solitude is her biggest comfort.
-Open spaces - Then she feels like nobody can corner her.
-Venting - Screaming at someone else helps release her feelings.

Dislikes
~~~~~~~
-Pups - Their demands irk her.
-Explaining things - Why should she waste time explaining when she took the time to learn it?
-Waiting - Her impatience rules all.
-Randomness - Plans and strategy are the way forward, she feels.
-Bottling her feelings - Then it all builds up until she explodes.
-Traitors - How someone could betray everyone around them is beyond her.
-Overly feminine females - Senseless girly squealing and flirting sicken her.
-Being beaten - She can't stand losing.
-Cowards - She spits upon those with no courage.

Flaws
~~~~~
-Her snappy attitude
-Her impatience
-Her habit of taking a sudden and intense dislike for someone she doesn't even know.
-Low tolerance levels
-Jealousy

{~|~|Descriptive |~|~}
Eye Color
~~~~~~~~
Sapphire blue

Fur Color
~~~~~~~~
A dark brown base, with darker
legs and tail. Paler on the paws, face and back. light
coloured insides of ears.

Markings
~~~~~~~~
Cream and brown saddle marking,
with creamy spots over her upper body. On her tail and legs,
faint stripes are visible. Her ears are back and she has intricate
facial markings. Her two middle toes on each paw are white.

Fur Length
~~~~~~~~~
Short

Height(ground to withers)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
39 inches

Weight
~~~~~~
Around 160lbs.

Stature
~~~~~~
Saphira has a build which could
be described as graceful. She has sinewy muscles beneath
her fur however, always taut.

Scars
~~~~~
She has one small scar on the third
toe of her left front paw, a result of stepping on a thorn as a
pup.

Piercings or Accessories
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
None