Posts by rakel

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: 7pt; text-align:justify; width:325px; height:; overflow:;][CENTER][size=11pt][font=courier]WE'VE WALKED THE EARTH IN SOLITUDE
[hr][/align]
one would consider rakel to be wise beyond her years -- a motherly sort of individual, caring deeply for those around her and standing beside her affiliation with fierce loyalty. she puts others before herself, and as a result she's never without fresh nicks and scratches both physically and mentally. the voices of the dead have been guiding this young canine for as long as she can recall, teaching her valuable lessons and shaping her into a valuable friend and a feared enemy.

[b]NAME: rakel
AGE: 25 moons (2 years)
GENDER: ♀
ALLIANCE: where twilight lingers
RANK: priestess (HP)
ABILITIES: the sight, ability to see spirits
APPEARANCE: a sturdily-built swedish vallhund. her coat is a rather pretty mixture of grays and browns, with a splotch of white on her nose to complete it. though she stands on short legs, she
[hr]
[CENTER][size=11pt][font=courier][b]SO COLD WE NEED THE WARMTH OF SUN

tracking

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]The tribe had always been a notably solitary and independent group -- refusing any opportunities at forging alliances, but also doing its best to avoid possible rivalries. They didn't start fights, but they were glad to finish them. Maybe it was why it was so odd to her that they were just now stepping from their comfort zone to look at the surrounding lands from which they had isolated themselves from for so long.

Having accompanied her chieftain on the first attempt at forming an alliance in the tribe's history, the smaller canine came to a stop alongside him at the border. She, like the rest of Where Twilight Lingers, was quite unfamiliar with the rest of the world and the other groups within it -- it was why she was gradually growing more and more uneasy as she trudged across this foreign terrain. She could only hope that the group whose border they stood at was willing to accept their peace offering -- forming a rivalry right off the bat was something she was sure nobody wanted.

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]The tribe was normally not very welcoming of outsiders, being as solitary and reclusive as they were. However, they were not cold-hearted, and were not ones to leave others to suffer if they had no reason to.

Although there was already a small group gathered around the wounded bear, Rakel figured that lending an additional paw wouldn't hurt -- after all, it looked as if they were going to need all the assistance they could get. Trotting onto the scene, a look of utmost concern crossed the small canine's face as she eyed the large creature's gushing, rather serious-looking wound. While Tryggvi ordered one of the bystanders to fetch a healer, the lawspeaker turned her gaze to meet that of the newcomer's.

"Is there anything I can get for you?" she inquired, "Water? Some food, perhaps?"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Rakel was so used to her close-knit clan being sealed off from the surrounding world that the idea of finally branching out to forge alliances with neighboring communities was a foreign one -- however, at the same time, it was strangely satisfying. While coming out of their shell would definitely create new obstacles for the ancient tribe, it would also aid them and give them a stronger sense of security knowing that they now had allies to fight alongside them and, in times of weakness, help them back onto their feet.

Trotting over to where her clanmates were gathered, the lawspeaker listened in on the suggestions that they were tossing around. While they were all interesting thoughts, one in particular caught her attention.

"I like At Night's idea," she said, nodding in the direction of the dark-furred feline, "Though, I'd suggest that before we invite everyone, we get some basic ideas of what each one is like. I don't think anyone would want notoriously troublesome groups coming into our territory." Though she supposed that forming alliances with said troublemakers could help them, the small canine was still rather nervous about the idea of betrayal.

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]While more and more outsiders were finding their way into the tribe's territory, Rakel had yet to get used to this new feeling of no longer being an entirely solitary community. For the first time in centuries, curious and harmless newcomers weren't being chased from the clan borders, but were instead being welcomed into its ranks. She had to admit that it made her a bit nervous, though she figured she was simply overreacting.

At the sight of the young feline, the lawspeaker was instantly able to tell that this was one of these newcomers, judging by the way she was aimlessly wandering through the marshland. Perking her ears, the small canine -- with caution -- trotted towards her.

"Might I ask for your name and business?"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Summoned by the piercing howl that had rang throughout the territory, Rakel trotted over to where her tribemates had gathered. While at first she was confused as to what was going on, her questions were soon answered at the sight of the deceased goats lying at the chieftain's paws. With all of the new faces showing up in their land, she figured it was only reasonable to introduce them to the tribe's traditions, such as this one. The canine cast a glance at each of the gathered newcomers, curious to see if any of them were willing to learn how to assist Tryggvi during these kinds of ceremonies.

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Rakel had admittedly been a bit startled by the whimper coming from the trainees' den a short distance away, which caused her to lift her head from her paws. While she was unsure as to what the problem was -- even though it was likely something along the lines of a bad dream or a stomach cramp -- she figured that she should check it out.

The camp was shrouded in darkness, save for the dim light of the half moon peeking through the clouds overhead. The lawspeaker, however, trotted across the camp anyway, stopping before the den from which the noise had come. Taking a small sniff, the gray-furred canine perked her ears in surprise.

"Soulpaw?" she asked. She hadn't exactly expected the bright young feline to be the source of such a sound. "Is something wrong?"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Scared of the dark? Well, she supposed that having a fear of the dark wasn't exactly uncommon for those around the young trainee's age range -- at one point even Rakel herself was kept awake by the sinking feeling that some vicious predator was lingering in the shadows, watching her while she slept. A small frown forming on her maw, the lawspeaker plopped down at the entrance to the den.

"It's alright, Soulpaw," she began assuringly, "A lot of growing warriors are afraid of the dark -- I'll admit that I was at one point. But you should always remember that you're in a safe place. If anything tries to sneak in here, we'll make sure it's gone before it can get to you."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Coming to a stop a short distance behind Soulpaw, the lawspeaker scanned over the newcomer in silence as she awaited his answer. His stench was very unfamiliar, unlike any of the strangers that had joined their ranks thus far. Since he clearly came from another unknown area of the world, it only reminded Rakel that her once strictly-reclusive tribe had a lot of exploring left to do.

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Upon hearing the news that Soulpaw had been promoted, a small smile stretched across Rakel's maw. She had always seen great potential in the bright and enthusiastic young feline -- she was certain that she would excel at her new duties.

"Congratulations, Soulpaw!"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Rakel knew that she hadn't spent a whole lot of time getting to know her new clanmates. She figured it was because she was still a bit ... on edge after her tribe had suddenly decided to let outsiders into their ranks, but at the same time she felt terrible for being so untrusting in members of her own community before even getting to know them. So, the short-legged canine trotted over to where a few individuals had gathered, a small smile present on her face.

"Hello -- I'm Rakel. It's nice to meet you all."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Having lived her entire life in these wetlands dotted with lakes and rivers, Rakel definitely knew a thing or two about swimming, despite not exactly being well-built for such an activity. However, she had gotten by thus far, and so the small canine trotted over to where Soulpaw had announced that she was going to learn how to swim.

"I'll tag along," she said to the healer trainee as a small grin flashed across her face, "Swimming really isn't all that hard to learn. Once you get the hang of it, I'm sure you'll do just fine."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]The unpleasantly strong, metallic stench of blood had crossed the lawspeaker's nose while she had been tracking down a goat by the territory's edge, and after instantly turning tail and scrambling to find its source, Rakel now found herself staring blankly at her co-worker's mangled and bloodied corpse, an amber-scaled dragon hovering only a short distance above it. She found herself at a loss for words, especially when she got a glimpse at Soulpaw's awe -- rather than fear -- stricken face.

"What ... what happened here?"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]It was a nice day -- a little odd when you considered all the recent storms that had been stirring up around the territory, but the unexpected bit of sunshine was welcomed by Rakel. The canine had been trotting around the marshlands in search of any clusters of birds or rabbits that may have risen from their burrows to bask in the light, but was surprised to find Soulpaw instead, who was stretched out along a fallen tree. While the lawspeaker had never held the position of a healer, she knew quite well that their duties were a lot to handle. She also knew that this bright young feline had been working hard towards the position under Oceanwave's training -- for Soulpaw, a break like this was well-deserved. A small smile flashed across Rakel's maw as she padded over.

"Hey there, Soulpaw -- mind if I join you?"

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]The lawspeaker, once she had made her way over to where the others had gathered, dipped her head towards the tribe's newest member in respect. "Welcome, Annastasia -- I'm Rakel. If you have any questions, or if you need someone to show you around, don't be afraid to ask. We're always here to help."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Dual membership? Were there really members of her tribe that had their loyalties split between two groups? That was news to her. She didn't really know anyone specifically that was part of multiple alliances -- but, then again, they could simply just be keeping it secret. After all, they had to know that this sort of behavior was unacceptable, banned or not.

She dipped her head in the direction of the chieftain. "Noted."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]Just as she had been expecting the meeting to be dismissed, she was surprised by the news of an additional promotion, and then shocked even further by the fact that it regarded herself. Even while she had served as a lawspeaker before the death of Tryggvi's father, she'd never envisioned herself taking on the role of a priestess. It was a position of such high power and responsibility that, for the longest time, she had thought she was incapable of holding. However, knowing now that the chieftain saw her worthy of such a rank, she felt a sudden boost of confidence in herself. She wanted nothing more than to do the best for her community, and if this was the way that the gods had intended for her to do it, then so be it.

"I ... I accept," she said finally with a dip of the head, still slightly taken aback, "Thank you, Tryggvi -- I will do my best."

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]As a trainee, Rakel had picked one particular spot by the edge of the easternmost river that branched off the territory's mainlake. It had been a place she'd visited often, and even many months later she had not outgrown the habit of making her way over there every once in a while, usually when the sky was clear and the sun was not shielded by clouds. Today was one of those rare instances when there was not a single cloud floating above, and so the canine had supposed that paying the old spot a visit wouldn't hurt, especially after neglecting it for several weeks.

She didn't have many reasons for visiting the place -- she mainly liked to challenge herself into seeing how many fish she could catch, or if she wasn't in the mood for that she'd simply use it as a thinking spot. It really didn't look like much, but she was drawn to it. Perhaps because of the ... strange things she often saw there. She'd been able to see them for as long as she could remember, and while she wasn't too sure what they were -- spirits, ghosts, perhaps even representations of the gods themselves -- she figured she might as well attempt to find out, now that her tasks as a priestess involved being acquainted and connected with the gods. It was part of why she was here in the first place.

With a small huff, Rakel glanced down into the rushing waters, ears pricked as she looked for any signs of life beneath. Though she was used to be alone here, she wondered if anyone would happen to find and join her this time.

[fancypost bgcolor=transparent bordercolor=#000000 borderwidth=0px; border:0px solid #494949; background:#; padding:0px; font-size: pt; text-align:justify; width:355px; height:; overflow:;]With all the outsiders joining their ranks recently, Rakel knew it was definitely a good idea to help them learn more about their new community's central religion, seeing how they were most likely unfamiliar with the subject. Because part of her role as a priestess called for her to spread this knowledge among her fellow tribemates, she figured it was only necessary for her to assist Tryggvi during this meeting.

"I'll help you out, if that's alright," she told the chieftain as she padded up beside him, turning to face the crowd.

(tracK)