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Post by Thea on Jul 6, 2022 4:11:37 GMT -5
It’s been a while that Thea has shifted into her wolf form for anything other than for the sake of it. She wondered if there were other shifters like her that get so caught up in life that they forsake what a gift it was to be able to detach from the intricacies of it by just … being. Animals had so much freedom, not having to worry about bills or relationships or duties. They were allowed to be.
And to have someone with her? A fellow pack mate? When was the last time that happened? She couldn’t help but feel excited.
“Thea? Easy?” Miss Penny scoffed as she returned Ivy’s hug. “Please, that girl is hard as stone.”
“Hurtful,” Thea said in mock-offense, but had a smile on her face as the nurse turned to hug her too. “Bye, Miss Penny.”
“I’ll take care of myself, don’t worry. Leave that to me. You guys make sure to come back from your run, okay?”
Thea nodded her head in reassurance before they left. When Katie asked if she had any particular direction, she shook her head. “I’d say just go with the flow. See what we find. But I’ve gotta strip first. My clothes don’t shift with me unfortunately and this is one of my favorite shirts.”
They walked further away from the compound, just enjoying the scenery and making small talk. “Nice weather we’re having.” “Watch any new TV shows? I heard Stranger Things was good.” Things like that. It wasn’t until they were far enough away from the pack house that Thea stripped behind a pretty big-sized tree, taking no more than five minutes to do so and fold her clothes and the base of it. She took even less time to shift, a minute tops. And who emerged was an arctic wolf, pristine white in color and huge in size.
Ready when you are.
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Post by Ventia on Aug 14, 2022 16:36:23 GMT -5
Like her mother Katie had always had a quick shift that didn't require her to take off anything, not even the items she stored away on her person. Once when she was young, she asked her mother about the reasonings behind it, and why it was different for everyone. Ventia said it had to do with the magic of the bloodlines, different Shifter families had their own beliefs and practices, through every new generation that genetic information stored itself within the cells and magic would either grow or diminish.
It didn't really make sense back then and it still didn't today, but Ivy sort of got it, it was just different for everyone and she stopped trying to make sense of all the crazy things in life once she branched out and literally met fallen angels and gods and so on and so forth. Life was crazy, if she tried to find reason for every little thing she would go insane.
When Thea moved behind the tree, she let the shift roll over her, thinking once again that it has been a long time since she actually shifted for fun. The feeling of not deserving to shift on Pack Grounds made the process stall for a fraction longer than it should have, but alas her wolf took over happy to be back home, her human mind shifting focus becoming more primal more wolf, she closed her eyes to her crappy history of a life one second and opened them to the future full of possibilities the next second.
Vison sharpening, senses expanding, Katie began padding the earth, letting her claws get their first good feel of her home's dirt, it felt wonderful from the earth to the smells to even seeing Thea coming out from the tree in her wolf form, the feeling of Pack burning tight into her center of a soul, at the sight of a actual packmate coming close and accepting her.
She was as small of a wolf as she was a human, not even coming up to half her mother's large build, her coat mostly a dark brown almost black with only the underside being dusted with white starting from her muzzle all the way down her chest and body to her paws. Her eyes having a silver glow under the blue glean. She shook off the last feelings of the shift and then padded on soft paws over to Thea.
Without hesitation and thought, she crossed the last few feet and rubbed Thea's large neck with the side of her face, Thea's size completely tripling over her. Katie was sure she could fit into the open space under her body. The feel of her coat soothed her, that feeling of Pack once again filling her with warmth, she made a little bark of happiness before nudging Thea's body once more.
Then she took off into the forest, the warm weather of the season brought out the life in the forest, spring was here for a few more days, plant life teeming, the wind felt good against her coat, the earth felt solid under her paws, she glanced to the side, seeing Thea moving alongside her within the trees with ease, her Packmate...her Pack...her Home.
This was what Ivy had missed the entire time she'd been away, it was what kept her up at night, it was what made her unable to join any other pack, because none could compare to home. She was finally free.
Gods it's been forever! She said with a laugh before picking up the pace.
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Post by Thea on Aug 23, 2022 0:22:53 GMT -5
Thea was surprised at Katie's shift. Not because it was any different than hers, but because what stood in front of her was a wolf. But Katie was ... small. And she hadn't expected that. Usually, a werewolf's shift was larger than the average wolf, whether because of the mass of the human side or some magical mumbo jumbo. Thea was average in height and weight in her human form, so she would blame the latter for the size difference, given her mixed heritage just from the maternal side. (She didn't compare to her mother, mind.) Even so, Katie's shift was unexpected to say the least.
Thea stood still, non-threatening with her tail up and ears pointed forward, watching Katie come close to her. Had Katie done this a few years ago she might have snapped at her; she didn't like for anyone to get close, much less touch her. Elaine, the very touchy snow leopard from the Guild, bulldozed her rule and pretty much set new standards for Thea. So when Katie's fur brushed against hers, she wagged her tail a little bit, open and friendly to the smaller wolf.
Then they started to run, the forest taking over Thea's senses like one of her mother's hugs. The scent of pine tickled her nose, and the rich greens and browns that passed by her as she followed Katie further into the territory were pleasing to her eyes. The ground beneath her paws was just firm enough to give her enough traction to propel her into the next steps. With her bum leg just getting back to normal from the vampire attack at the estate, she was careful not to overdo it. She got at least a few feet behind Katie after the initial takeoff, though never more than twelve, rationing her energy though still having fun.
This was the first time in a long time that she was able to just ... be. Ever since Lena, Drogo, and Kenneth left she had taken the mantle as Guild Director, at least for the time being. But with that came a whole lot of responsibilities that had left her breathless, much less being forgiving enough to go on runs and keep in touch with the animal side of her. The other half of her soul was ecstatic to be let loose, as well, yipping happily. As she ran alongside her packmate, with no worry for her responsibility to the Guild, she felt free.
Same here, she replied, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she pushed herself a little bit more to keep up with the smaller wolf. And it wasn't until they came across a pond of water, that they stopped. Thea's sides were heaving with much-needed breath, but didn't complain as she went to the edge to get herself a drink. You're fast! I could barely keep up.
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Post by Ventia on Aug 31, 2022 0:38:21 GMT -5
Thanks! What I lack in size I make up for in speed. Katie’s chuckle was transferred over as well, as she took in the spot before her, one of the many pretty places nestled within The New Dawn’s territory. She had been here before, many times, both by herself and with Reaver. Had she unconsciously led the way here? Probably, or maybe it was a coincidence. Either way, it brought memories to the surface.
How many days and nights had she come here? Thinking aloud or staying stubbornly silent, watching the stars from the open space with the sea of trees surrounding her, or watching the moon reflection’s in the water, while her young mind felt like the world was set against her.
Ivy scoffed, the sound coming out of her wolf’s muzzle like a angry grunt, she had been so young back then, those struggles not even comparing to what she stressed over these days. What she would give to turn back time and do a few things better, it was useless to think such things, she knew this, yet the desire was there nonetheless.
Padding her way to the water’s edge, sitting down near Thea, Ivy watched her reflection and then Thea’s. The pretty picture of two wolves next together eased Ivy’s anxieties, she probably wouldn’t be here like this today if it hadn’t gone the way it had. Life, as Katie was learning, had a funny way of doing things.
I’m really happy we’ve met again like this today. I know we haven’t always been close but I like talking with you, Thea. You’re cool and pretty. We’re alike in many ways too. I think we can be good friends if you’re up for it, lord knows I don’t have too many of those but I’ll like to start. Putting roots down you know?
While I’ve been away, I’ve been too scared to do that. But being back here, I think it’s time to start living my life the way I really want to. No more point in running away anymore… I want to breathe life into our Pack again, I didn’t think it was this bad.
Katie was silent for the next few moments, looking up to watch the quiet forest, the Pack had always had its issues but never did she feel such distance from everyone else as she did now.
Her voice brightened. I think making friends with everyone again is the first step in the right direction. She winked at her, her wolf’s mouth opening in a happy wide smile, canines gleaming.
So what do you say? Besties? She giggled and continued to tempt and tease her new friend. I’ll settle for friends for now but I am very persistent when I want something. I think that’s another thing we have in common.
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Post by Thea on Aug 31, 2022 17:47:40 GMT -5
It was pretty evident with her size that Thea wasn't built for speed like Katie was. She had inherited her father's wolf form, a big, broad-shouldered Arctic wolf who was known to throw her weight around. That was one thing she was glad to have inherited from him, even if seeing her reflection reminded her of Westly and caused a strange pang of heartache. The animal part of her was rarely ever vocal, though bloodthirsty and violent in battle. Outside of it, Thea could always rely on a steady presence when she felt like everything was crashing around her. When she was abandoned by her cousin, whom she had loved more than life itself, twice? After she had made a deal with a shady-ass character who had yet to collect his debt so that she could regain feeling in her legs? When her mate chose Selena over her time and time again? Her wolf was there to support her, even though she felt the same loss as Thea.
She made a mental note to appreciate that side of her more often.
When Katie mentioned being friends, one of Thea's ears flicked toward the smaller wolf in interest, as if she had spoken aloud instead of through the pack link. Thea could count on one hand how many friends she had in the past. Iggy had been one, braving human high school together before Iggy became a part of the pack. Of course, that had been brief, before she and her Outsider mate moved halfway across the country so that she could become a neurosurgeon. Last they spoke, Iggy had taken a residency at some fancy ass hospital and was doing just fine living the rogue life. And as much as she would like to say that she and Darren were close, the sibling bond they had in the Arena had been made out of the necessity of survival. The most recent letter he sent her was brief but had good news in it: he had just welcomed a third "kit", as he and his packmates called their young, with his mate Brigitta. A girl. They named her May, after Thea's middle name. It brought tears to her eyes reading it, and she so wished she could meet his family. Though between the New Dawn and the Guild, she could hardly find time for herself nowadays.
"Cool" and "pretty" weren't words that she would describe herself as. She never really had any self-esteem issues, mind. Just that when she looked in the mirror, she didn't see beauty. She saw herself, a mix of her father and mother, just that. And "cool"? If she were in her human skin she would have laughed ruefully. Thea was the opposite of cool. Sure, she had grown a lot. Gotten a cooler head. If they had crossed paths a few years ago, she was sure Katie would have thought what a good three-quarters of the Guild thought, and maybe the pack too: an explosive, childish woman stuck on her past that would try to murder someone in cold blood if they looked at her the wrong way. To be honest, she wasn't sure what changed. Maybe the meditation that she does or Lena and Co's absence forced her into a leadership role she truly didn't care to have. But she had noticed that everyone was looking at her differently now.
She'd take being cool.
Roots aren't a bad thing to have, Thea said softly, thinking of her own bouncing between two places and wishing she didn't feel like she was torn in half. She refused to let Kenneth come to her mind, and what things could have been. Every time she did, the anger she was known for would light up like a blazing inferno, destroying everything in its path. She looked down at her foreleg, where Lena had burned her forearm one day, taking stock of the barely-there hairs that grew despite the scar. What a hell of a day, that day.
Thea lifted her head and turned to her packmate as she continued to speak, mulling over her words. Friends ... she was afraid to have them. It seemed that everyone that she brought close to her always left. But then she thought of her family. Her mom, Nathaniel, and her younger siblings. Even Tim and Avery, with Killian and Ruby and their mates. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they would come to her aid if she needed it because she wouldn't do anything less for them. And then Hallie's tenacious attitude about doing something that scares you comes to her mind. Thea was not going to be outdone by her youngest sister, she thought.
Hey, you gotta be persistent nowadays. Only way to get the things you want. Her tail wagged slowly, and she was anxious and excited all at once. I'd love to be your friend.
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Post by Ventia on Sept 4, 2022 1:19:54 GMT -5
Really? Katie asked with surprise in her voice, her eyes snagging on Thea's tail wagging a little bit which only made hers start to swish back and forth at a incredible pace. She gave her a wolfish grin, the blue of her eyes eating up the black and leaned the side of her body and face against Thea's larger build, her head barely reaching the top of her body with how small she was.
That makes me so happy, I'll definitely make sure you don't regret it. I can be quite overbearing sometimes so fair warning if you wake up and see a bunch of texts from me talking about nonsense. She giggled, straightening back upright and started pawing at the water's edge, messing up her reflection. She had major body issues these days which wasn't that surprising seeing as how she altered her appearance for seven years in a row just because she couldn't bear to look at herself in a mirror. That hadn't changed much even with being back and returning to her normal appearance, her past forever haunting her and making her feel sick whenever she stared for too long or remembered too much.
Guys do suck. She said remembering the tidbit back at the Infirmary about Thea's mate who basically ditched her new best friend. A familiar rise of anger swelled up in her, always ready to defend what she felt was right and wrong, and a mate running off like that with no good reason was definitely something that rubbed Katie wrong. She would give him a talking to if she ever met the guy and was already thinking if she knew any guys that could potentially be a good match. None popped up at the top of her head and she shrugged the thought away, sure Thea felt as much dislike for a new relationship as she herself did.
She thought of the new potential doctor Kane for a moment, her eyes glazing over as she stared down at the water, her mind obviously elsewhere as she saw that golden retriever smile of his aimed down at her with his bright eyes. Goosebumps ran across her fur and she shook the feeling away, it wasn't like she hadn't seen cute men before so she didn't understand why he was already beginning to pop into her mind. She sighed, thinking of all her past loves and situationships and everything in between. Nothing had ever worked out in the end, Ivy was really thinking that it had all to do with her and not the other way around.
I feel like it keeps slipping from my fingers, love and whatever, I try and then I get burned, so I get pissy and that just makes it worst. Or its right there, we got a good thing going and then suddenly nothing, like either no one crosses a line or things don't work out after that, those feelings even if they are there, you cant do anything about it. Then you're alone again and its like why even try? Yeah we might meet a new cute guy but it's going to end up the same or is that the line of thinking that makes us miss out on something great? She rolled her eyes, scoffing under her breath and gave Thea a look.
See unsolicited word vomit just like I warned you. She smiled at that, cause she didn't really feel like Thea minded all that much. Having a whole bunch of siblings did that to someone, she was a bit jealous herself seeing as how she only had Jareth growing up.
Also how's Nate? I kinda sent Ruby and Killian to him a few years back so I hope everyone's happy these days. The twins like I liked to call them aren't that great at keeping in touch.
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Post by Thea on Sept 7, 2022 22:43:32 GMT -5
Having two younger sisters has gotten me used to rows and rows of texts of nonsense, Thea said in a reassuring tone, the though of her group chat with Hallie and Harley being filled with fashion news, internet videos, cool landscape photos, and pictures of the family cats they recently adopted from the pound being "cute little terrorists" as Thea aptly named them. I might not respond right away, but I promise I'm not ignoring you. She watched her newfound friend with interest as Katie pawed at the water, not understanding why she was doing it but deciding to do one better and bound into the water with a happy yip, splashing Katie in the process.
The smaller wolf's next words had her sobering, and she found herself digging her toes into the mud below the water. As if that could shelter her from her anger and the feeling of abandonment every time the thought of Kenneth came up. Gods. She used to use her anger as a weapon, unafraid to wield it to keep herself safe. The older she got, the more she worked with the Guild, the more she realized that her anger was hurting herself more than other people like she was taking poison but expecting those around her to feel the effects. She was doing everything she can think of to curb it. Meditation. Yoga. Breathing exercises. Being left again by the ones she loved - especially by the man she thought helped her get over her past - only stoked that anger.
Nah, Thea murmured, the white wolf taking a slow deep breath, ribs expanding with every passing second until she could no longer inhale. Before she let it out in a giant huff, she held it for a long while, as if she could smother her anger before it could do any damage. I wouldn't say word vomit. It's like you're speaking my thoughts out to me. Why even try? she echoed. Had she known what Katie was thinking, she would have joked about sharing her siblings with her. She definitely didn't want to deal with the grocery bill her mother and Nate had every month.
The mention of Killian and Ruby had her ears perking, shock and surprise jolting out of her pity party momentarily. What? No way. What a small world! She debated what to say next, feeling suddenly fangirly for even thinking of saying it. But then she mentally shrugged her shoulders. Thea didn't think that Katie would rat her out, and it wasn't like she was going to confess her undying love for them. They're kinda badass, not gonna lie. Nate took them in without much thought. It was like he said, 'Of course I have two extra younger siblings, why wouldn't I?' He's got a big heart like that. And Killian and Ruby are doing great, too. Killian is fixing to get married to his mate and Ruby got caught looking at rings on her phone the other day. Lovesick, both of them are. It's kinda gross.
She finally released her hold of the pond floor, using the traction to propel her further out of the water. Once she shook herself of the excess water she stuck her tongue out at Katie jovially. They do look alike. I'll yell at them for you for not keeping in touch. How do you know them anyway?
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Post by Ventia on Sept 15, 2022 18:26:29 GMT -5
Rows and rows of texts huh? I'm lucky if Jareth would even reply to me. Then again, guys are pretty sucky in communicating. So yeah I'm pretty used to getting ignored haha but that doesn't really stop me from continuing to spam so I think we'd be a perfect text buddy pair. Ivy growled teasingly when Thea splashed her with water, swiping the water's surface to return the favor when she noticed the change in Thea's playful demeanor. She made a face, scrunching up her muzzle as if she had smelled something fowl. Which she could, both her own and Thea's scents were mingling, the tangy angry and hurt aroma left a bitter taste on her tongue.
I'm sorry, it sucks doesn't it? I don't get why life has to be so...complicated. But hey shit happens, hopefully for a reason. She moved away from the water, moving towards a warm patchy spot on the grassy floor, a few weeds with flowers were sprouting in the area and she sat near a few wild flowers as Thea moved farther away from the water as well. She smiled wolfishly, a sly look passing her blue eyes.
It's definitely a juicy story but before I get into it, I'm happy they're doing good. For all their tough exterior they were honestly the sweetest people on the inside. Like Nate and Tim. If I had the time, I probably would have reached out myself to see how things were going, but I was pretty busy back then myself. Katie leaned her head down on her front paws, stretching her body out on the warm cozy land. Still Killian about to get married with Ruby close behind him? Damn I must have missed quite a lot, they were such playboys back then I cant wait to meet the women who changed their wicked ways.
How'd we meet huh? She paused, remembering the day, Well I kind of mistook Killian for my mark on this one case, happened fairly early after I left the Pack and fortunately before things could get too out of hand, the misunderstandings got cleared. We were both after the same guy, Ruby too, and seeing how neither of us wanted to back off, I said we should just work together and split the reward. And after they stuck around, I had this little place little group and they joined me. For my sake, they liked to tease me but I think they needed a safe place as much as everyone else. It was pretty fun, those days in the beginning, but nothing stays the same forever. They left, I tried something with someone, also didn't work, the group got disbanded, I started working solo well with Jaimie and Clara too, Jaimie's my- Katie paused about to say adopted but then Clara's warnings came to her head, reminding her that she needed to keep up the act or else it would ruin Jaimie's brain and memories.
My son. All grown up now, bigger than me. God, pups grow up so quickly. I didn't realize it myself as a kid but raising one, well yeah seven years and he's all grown up now. Clara is a good friend too, a bit extreme but she's got a good heart. I'll introduce you to them one day too, maybe have a barbecue and invite anyone I can get my hands on.
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Post by Thea on Oct 6, 2022 22:11:04 GMT -5
A wave of laughter was sent Katie's way, jovial and warm. When we get back I'll give you my number. One would think that she wouldn't care for her phone to be blown up constantly through the day, especially when she was busy with Guild matters. However, she found that she actually didn't mind it. In fact, if Hallie and Harley weren't constantly texting in the group chat she would have thought they were dead. Or at the very least acting very out of character.
And honestly, it was almost like Christmas opening the texts, getting to see what her little sisters were doing and how they were feeling that day. When Hallie and the rest of the quads were born, she had been caught up being Lena's second or whatever in the Guild. She missed a good portion of her siblings' lives. Their first steps, first words. And Harley had been growing as well, morphing into every bit of what a Constantine was and what they stood for. It wasn't until after their first shifts that she had found herself with all the time in the world to be with them. With how her siblings looked up to her, she didn't take it for granted.
She had a feeling Katie's texts were going to be the same way.
Thea made her way to her friend, broad shoulders rolling with untold strength, and flopped down beside Katie. The white wolf stretched, front paws scratching at the grass in front of her and back legs spread out behind her. If she moved the grass ticked her bare pink belly, causing her to every once in a while shiver. The story of how Katie met Killian and Ruby was interesting. It filled Katie in for her as if she was a coloring page, and Katie's words were the colors that brought her to life. She would have never thought Katie to be a bounty hunter of some sort, but then again she was Ventia's daughter.
Then the mention of a son had her wolf head cocking to the side. Thea never really pictured herself with children. Not even when Kenneth came into the picture. She wasn't maternal like her mother was. But it was also that she forgot her age. She was grown enough that she very well could start a family of her own if she wanted to. And Katie was around her age, so it would stand to reason that she had a son. Still, Thea was floored, even when she knew she shouldn't be. She didn't even register the other she-wolf's pause. Yeah, they do, and I would love to meet him and Clara. Barbeque sounds so good right now. she replied after her silent shock went away. It was a little bit before she spoke againWhen my cousin Selena and the rest of the family came back, she made me her left hand man or whatever and I spent most of my time with them. I missed most of the quads' growing months as well as Harley's. I remember when I was a pup myself. Ma was so helicopter-y, and I was so ready to grow up. With an audible, canine sigh, Thea laid her head on her burned foreleg. What I wouldn't give to relive just one day of it. Such simpler times, then.
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