Tʜᴇ Rᴏᴀᴅ Lᴇss Tʀᴀᴠᴇʟʟᴇᴅ Bʏ {literate ; closed}

[Speak]

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——Still feeling her heart squeezing in humiliation Serenity wished that she was invisible at that moment, feeling someone looking at her Serenity flicked her eyes to theirs and was a little surprised to find Ari looking at her with what seemed like pity. Looking back down at the ground Serenity breathed out once watching as her breath came out in a white puff- something that was very common here and yet when she'd asked her parents -a long time ago- why was breath white when it was cold? They'd given no response and had actually avoided the question by telling her the story of how the four winds came to be. It had been an interesting story but she'd stopped asking them questions after that, after all if they wouldn't at least try to answer what was the point in asking. Now most of her theories were based off how she perceived the world and her imagination; breath was a little piece of your soul escaping, that's why we died- because we eventually our entire soul escape.
As a girl approached their little sub-group with fishes and a leaders attitude; just as Krystal was extroverted this girl seemed to be able to give orders -even if they were worded as suggestions- with an ease that seemed to come with practice. Not wanting a repeat of what happened the last time she'd opened her mouth Serenity simply nodded in agreement to this girls suggestion. The girl was taller than Ari, although not by much, and was beautiful though Serenity would describe it as a frozen beauty, there wasn't much warmth in her voice or expression and even her hostility towards Ari was cold. As the group began to move Serenity followed sticking closer to Ari and a little ways away from the frozen girl, even if Ari was awkward she still felt a little more comfortable with him because she knew what it was like to have trouble voicing thoughts and emotions.

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ｃｕａｎ
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——As the cream coloured cat realized he was there Cuán fought his amusement as she looked him over- trying to determine if he was at all a threat. The answer of course was blatantly obvious of course, yes he was a threat and yes he could beat her. She didn't have food though and she wasn't encroaching on his territory so he wouldn't fight her- he was after all a better wolverine than that. Granted he wasn't that much better but he was still...yeah, he was better than fighting an injured opponent for no apparent reason other than he felt like it. When the feline hissed her question at him Cuán bunched his shoulders in a defensive stance, he'd only asked a simple question, granted it may not have been worded correctly...or respectfully but still. "Cuán." he told the feline "Not that it's any of your business." he added his fangs flashing. He could tell that she wanted him to go and so, just cause he was so nice, he backed away slowly "Whatever," he said grudgingly "I'm goin'" he said finally turning back to follow the teens who had finally started to travel towards the winter home and, incidentally, a herd of elk.


...fghaskfgdsjfadvghjfdeqg I really hate when my muse disappears halfway through a post ^^'' }}

[arabmorgan]

ｋｒｙｓｔａｌ.
female . 16 years . single . the outgoing
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Krystal smiled, pleased when Eloise agreed with her suggestion. Perhaps now that she knew they were all friendly, she'd be less keen to kill them all, or just hang out with them. Krystal held back a smile at the rather ludicrous image of Eloise sneaking around their tents at night with murderous intent. She followed after the others, amusing herself by taking care only to tread in the footprints of those in front of her. When they were a good ways away from the accident site, the elk herd gradually began to come into view, their low calls travelling clearly across to the teens. Krystal set down her things with a look at her companions; she figured this was as far as they should go, or else they risked spooking the elk into a stampede, and as Eloise had said, that would be insanely dangerous. "Let's set up camp. I don't think they'll be moving anywhere soon," she suggested, nodding towards the elk herd a distance away. Immediately, she set about digging through her pack for her bedroll and spare cape, fitting herself snugly into it breathing a sigh of happiness at the warmth that engulfed her.

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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 looked at the small excuse for a shelter that Kyrstal was unpacking. She stood over her for a moment in a blank stare. "Please tell me that's not your only means of shelter." She said, her finger pointed to the tent material and sleeping bag. She shook her head. "That's two ways to get killed. Your exposed to elements, and to predators. Windy nights out here could kill you faster than frostbite ever would. We are building an igloo. Not a big fancy one, I'm thinking more of like a hole in a pile of snow. It will be warmer, sheltered and hidden. And we won't be spotted by the elk." She said, not taking any other ideas with this one.

She began immediately to shift snow into a pile. The pile kept growing and growing, until it was big enough to house them inside. She climbed up the mound, and dug down the center into the middle. After a few hours, she had a hollowed out center. She dug a small opening at the base so the others didn't destroy her air shaft above when they would try to get in the way she had. "This should fit about five or six of us. Try to bring only what you need in here, it will be cramped, but warm." She warned, squirming out from the small hole. She grabbed only her seal-skin sleeping-bag, the thin material was similar to rubber; well insulated and cushioned. She made her spot close to the door against the wall.

[Speak]

Ok I have Cuan's post up ^^'' }}

[videlicet]

(Sorry guys, I've just been insanely busy this past week -something that shows no signs of lessening as time wears on, I'm afraid. D: I have a bit of time to dash down a reply now, though.)

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A R I ⊝ I N G V A R ⊝ S V E R R I R

The bearer of fish fastened her attention on Ari for a moment, disdainful gaze latching onto his form with ice-sharp talons. The acidity of her tone when she inquired after his name -or, at least, he'd assumed that was what she'd been asking- turned his insides to lead, feet melding into the packed-down snow beneath him, tethering his figure to the ground. It was a good thing, too -he thought he might've fallen over otherwise. Predatory green eyes released him after what felt like eons, though it might've been closer to a manner of seconds. Ari felt an almost physical relief, as if chains had been unwound from around his chest. In. Out. He could breathe again.
Shuffling backwards unconsciously, Ari came to rest nearer to Serenity as he observed the hostile girl proceed to take charge of the situation. She certainly was knowledgeable about the subject of survival, and he supposed that he should be glad that so experienced a person was there to aid them on their Passage. But, Ari couldn't bring himself to associate thankfulness with the tall, blonde girl. Her words were clipped and factual, manner cold, eyes sharp... she carried alongside her a frighteningly vulturous air. His amygdala was screaming for his feet to move, to run, to get away from this girl as fast as humanely possible. But, his frontal cortex rebelled against that, reason trumping instinct and keeping his feet locked firmly in place. In. Out.
The group started forward and Ari trailed hesitantly a pace after them, at once eager and apprehensive. The journey had now truly begun. Serenity stuck closer to him, and the short boy was immensely grateful for her silent companionship. Who knew -perhaps he would find a friend on this peregrination after all. He dearly hoped so.
The site of Nathan's accident had now faded firmly into the distance, and Ari stopped his forward motion as Krystal halted. She spoke, drawing him out of the fog he had drifted into during their march. Camp, yes. The brown-haired boy began to mimic the bubbly girl's actions, swinging his pack around to his front for better access. All of sudden, Eloise appeared, standing over Krystal in what may not have been an intentional display of dominance, but none the less effective for that. He let his hands fall back to his sides.
Ari watched in silence as the Ice Girl (for that was how he had begun to refer to her) rebuked Krystal thoroughly, feeling a disproportionate sense of relief that he was not her current victim. That emotional response was quickly followed by a wave of guilt -Krystal likely enjoyed it no more than he. Eyeing the Ice Girl warily as she switched gears with startling immediacy, consuming herself with the building of a makeshift igloo, Ari considered making his way over to Krystal to console her. Chewing on his bottom lip (which by now was aching slightly from all the attention it had been paid in such a short while), he shifted from one foot to another. Eventually, he decided against that course of action; one reprimand from the Ice Girl surely wasn't enough to pierce Krystal's substantially bubbly demeanor. Besides, what sort of thing would he even have said?
Not for the first time -and certainly not the last, either- Ari despaired over his stifling uselessness.

(Ugh, I swear school sucks all of the creativity out of me. It's tragic, really. D: As well, GrayStar, you might want to stay away from major time skips without consent from everyone else -perhaps we might want to help with the igloo-building, too. There might be some interesting opportunities for interaction there! :p)


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ϟ G W E N D O L Y N

I shall respond soon -I just need to go bang my head on a wall to restart the circulation. (I swear I'm pretty much brain-dead at this present moment.)

[arabmorgan]

ｋｒｙｓｔａｌ.
female . 16 years . single . the outgoing
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Krystal pouted slightly, her eyebrows drawing together at Eloise's sarcastic remark, although she looked more thoughtful than hurt in any way. "I do this all the time with my dad," she pointed out defensively, watching the other girl set about piling up the snow. Granted, she did do this camping-outside thing often, but it was usually with a nice little fire going just a few feet away. So maybe I really didn't think this through properly, Krystal sighed inwardly, promptly packing her bedroll and spare cape back up neatly in her bag before getting up to help with the igloo. It wasn't easy work, and it took a few hours to even make the pile of frozen water remotely resemble something that could be lived in, at least temporarily. She'd had to beckon the others over to help too; poor Ari in particular seemed to have frozen to the ground he stood on, if his motionless state was anything to go by. Climbing into the make-shift igloo as well, and amazed that it was solid enough not to collapse even with its insides hollowed out, she settled her bedroll opposite Eloise's and the door; if she was going to be warm, she wanted to be the warmest of the lot. "Come on, guys!" she called out of the entrance in the top, cupping her hands to her mouth. "It's toasty in here!"

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luna . female . 16 years. gray wolf

[GrayStar51]

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



Once her spot had been established, Eloise's critiquing eye wandered for any mistake she had made. She looked at the outside structure of the mound, and frowned in disappointment in her work. The walls were much too thin, any strong gusts could knock it right out and freeze them to death before the repairs could be made, and before they could warm up again inside. It would be like a sheet of glass hitting them in their warm, soft sleep. Eloise even doubted her own ability to endure such a stinging cold. She called for the two girls who were nearest to her. "Krystal, Serenity, would you mind giving me a hand?" She asked, her voice was a light, but unfeeling monotone. She was truly a hollow person inside. She had one motive for life: to survive.

Once she had captured the two girls' attentions, she gave them further instruction. "Would you pack on more snow to the sides? I'm afraid they aren't thick enough to protect us from the blizzard winds I'm expecting late tonight. They will need to be thick, strong and sturdy. I don't care if it's sloppy, it's not artwork. Just pack the snow on their. And Krystal, I know your an expert in campfires. Could you and Serenity try to hunt down some firewood?" She added, before nodding briskly and turning away. She left her sack, but took her two daggers. They gleamed menacingly in the blinding winter light. She fastened the sheaths to her belt, and put the blades away. She looked towards the boy, Ari, she had heard one of the girls call him. "Ari, come with me." She beckoned him to follow her with her hand, waving it hastily forward. She had to take care of something before nightfall.

[Speak]

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——For the rest of the walk it was quiet, this girl of ice who still hadn’t introduced herself had aided in the rebuilding of the lump in her throat, glancing at all the teenagers Serenity couldn’t help but feel the silence weigh heavily on her heart, they had started off this Passage with an injury and awkward conversation- not the best start but, hopefully, not the worst ever. The only sounds was the wind through the trees, snow crunching under their feet and their collective breathing. After they finally reached their supposed destination Serenity looked around and observed the flat landscape that didn’t seem to separate from the grey-white clouded sky. Far off in the distance she could barely discern the small dots that she supposed were the herd of elk that the cold girl had talked about. Placing her bag on the ground by her feet Serenity looked around and tried to ask what she could do to help with the igloo/mound of snow that the cold girl had begun constructing as a temporary shelter. In the end though the only thing that came out of he mouth was a strangled quiet “uh-” Serenity doubted that anyone could’ve even heard it; she didn’t know why it was so hard. It was a simple question ‘what can I do to help?’ and yet she couldn’t even voice that in front of this girl, she was just scared, scared of the venom that had been thoroughly supplied to Ari. Standing there like a pillar against the cold wind that was breezing through and freezing her outer extremities. Time was passing slowly, after all there was no point in rushing it, drifting into her thoughts Serenity’s eyes held that faraway look. She thought about what her life could’ve been like if she’d lived in one place…never moving, would it be better? Well she’d never know but it was nice to imagine.
Coming out of her revere Serenity blinked when she heard her name being called, looking to the voice she realized that it was the cold girl, her voice wasn’t threatening but it held an emptiness that caused a small shiver to go up her spine. Listening to her instructions Serenity nodded silently communicating her understanding, simple tasks- these were things that she could do and for that Serenity was grateful. When the girl asked Ari to follow her though Serenity felt a knot deep in her stomach, even if she didn’t seem as hostile as before she still wasn’t completely trusting of her. Touching Ari’s arm tentatively Serenity gave him a small smile before moving towards the mound of snow. Knowing that there was a significant drop in the number of people around her, Serenity felt just a little more comfortable. Humming one of the more common campfire songs Serenity settled into a pattern as she packed snow onto the sides of the igloo.

This is what happens when I have absolutely NO homework!!! *does a little dance of victory*}}

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——As the cream coloured cat realized he was there Cuán fought his amusement as she looked him over- trying to determine if he was at all a threat. The answer of course was blatantly obvious of course, yes he was a threat and yes he could beat her. She didn't have food though and she wasn't encroaching on his territory so he wouldn't fight her- he was after all a better wolverine than that. Granted he wasn't that much better but he was still...yeah, he was better than fighting an injured opponent for no apparent reason other than he felt like it. When the feline hissed her question at him Cuán bunched his shoulders in a defensive stance, he'd only asked a simple question, granted it may not have been worded correctly...or respectfully but still. "Cuán." he told the feline "Not that it's any of your business." he added his fangs flashing. He could tell that she wanted him to go and so, just cause he was so nice, he backed away slowly "Whatever," he said grudgingly "I'm goin'" he said finally turning back to follow the teens who had finally started to travel towards the winter home and, incidentally, a herd of elk.

[arabmorgan]

ｋｒｙｓｔａｌ.
female . 16 years . single . the outgoing
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Nodding agreeably at Eloise's suggestion, Krystal turned to Serenity with a smile. "Come on!" She followed the other girl's worried gaze trailing after Ari and Eloise, and gave a small laugh. "Don't worry about them, Eloise is really capable, I'm sure. The rest of you can pack on the snow then!" She shot her words over her shoulder gleefully as she climbed out of the shelter, excited to be getting out of the almost-stifling warmth. Once out in the open again, she halted to look around; there were dead trees scattered far and wide, so she targeted the nearest one and began to trudge towards it, beckoning towards Serenity with a mittened hand. "Let's gather everything we can from one tree, or else we'll be walking back and forth till night!" she said with a laugh. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "How're you finding the Passage so far? I'm glad everyone is so friendly, except for Eloise, but I think she might get nicer after getting to know us. And I like having someone take charge, don't you think?" Krystal gave an embarrassed laugh, rubbing at her cold nose as she did. "I'm rambling, aren't I? I always do that so you should stop me, or else I'll go on forever."

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luna . female . 16 years. gray wolf

[dogface]

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A l e n a
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With a resigned sigh Alena's shoulders began to relax, allowing for her pack to fall haphazardly to the ground with a soft "thud". She stood a bit away from the rest as she observed their igloo-building; the structure looked suitable for their little group and now they wouldn't have to worry about overexerting Nathan's injury. She stood for as long as she could, until her stagnation had her feeling like a fifth wheel, before approaching, gathering up snow as she did and firmly packing it into their icy bastion.
The taller girl, who would have been the largest of the group if not for Nathan, quickly began implementing orders and Alena realized just how many things needed to be done. "So much work.." the hazel-eyed girl exhaled quietly as she began to gather snow against the igloo with her boot absently. She was accustomed to using a simple tent made of thick animal hide, quick to construct and dismantle- rarely ever had Rydell resorted to the building of an ice shelter, but... Oh yeah, I left everything behind. At the mention of a campfire, however, Alena's eyes lit up and she peered down at Krystal as she ascended the man-made snowdrift with a smile. "Say, once you and Serenity get back with the wood, I've got a tinderbox that we can use to start the fire," the red-haired girl trilled as she stepped into the shelter carefully, allowing Serenity room to maneuver after Krystal. Once over the wall Alena resumed the excavation of their shelter, using her foot to shovel the snow in place so she could compact it against the original foundation with her hands. If they continued at such a pace, a presentable shelter, along with a roaring fire, would be theirs in no time at all.
But before she could continue, her attention flitted once again to Eloise as the girl called another order. Eyes squinted into thin slits, Alena peered out of the igloo curiously, looking like a fox inspecting the world from the safety of its earthy hide. She watched as the blonde girl retrieved two wicked looking daggers before motioning towards someone to follow. Alena quickly recognized the boy from earlier- Ari, as Eloise had called him- and her gaze vacillated slowly between the two. Bent slightly at the waist in order to resume work should either glance her way, Alena prepared to dispatch from the shelter and follow the pair.

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A i k u
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"Ah yes, snow is wonderrouuss," the throaty, and oddly coherent, growl of a large white cur accompanied the sound of wind as it whistled dismally over the frozen landscape. The beast, in spite of his size, trotted lightly over the snow, leaving behind a trail of wolfish prints to be eaten up by the flecks of white that fell, without end, from the heavens.
He felt himself being urged forward by some unseen, yet powerfully kinetic force; and already he was aware of his objective while the noticeable scent of humans and of their recent quarry, fish, signaled to the wolf that he was on the right track. It took very little time for him to make his way towards the group's earlier checkpoint. Blood covered the snow, surrounded by a plethora of footprints that lingered around the fading red stains before lumbering east. Interesting. Looks like these poor travelers'll need all the help they can get.
The ends of the wolf's maw curved upward in a human-like grin as he continued his pursuit, curving off his original trail towards a nondescript group of trees that continued south in a straight line so as to avoid being spotted by the Ssael.