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MERONA

"She's a brainless mute. Sell her off to someone else who cares."

He was gone. Those black, ebony claws. Gone. The yellow teeth with that unforgettable rank breath that slowly slunk over her shoulder as he cursed at her in the sweltering heat. Gone. Forever she would be rid of his presence; it made the pale she-wolf want to jump for joy. Free, at last. In a sense. Here she was again, thrown to the dogs in this accursed place, this place that ripped through her nightmares, reminded her of the pain, of her lowly status in this dreaded country.

For once in her life, Merona didn't even listen to the insults that her old master hurled at her as he stalked away. His eyes were already pursuing the next she-wolf that would serve his purposes. With a shudder, the vix turned away, eyes downcast as she stood before the Auktion Rock overseer, waiting for judgement to be placed. Where would she be thrown this time? A master kinder, if Iudex be in good spirits. If not.. Merona didn't consider the ugly possibilities.

"Merona! Back so quick? Not pleasing enough?"

Winking from the crimson rock above, stood the wolf that ran operations around here. His fur was a bright blazing red, small specks of grey slate mixing along his back and muzzle. Merona had always been intrigued by how it complemented his deep, golden eyes with the richness of his russet colored pelt. Rochus was the brute's name, and his temperament matched evenly with his coat color as Merona knew only too well. With a quick shake of her sandy head, she responded in the only way she knew how.

No sir.

Maybe it was a curse for her parent's wrong doings. Surely her inability to speak was not to be called a blessings? Still, the gentle she-wolf could not bring herself to blame her parents, even if she didn't know who they were or who could tell her where to begin searching for them. Supposing she had wanted to go on a little hunt of her own to find her kin, it would have been quite the sight to see; her speechless self trying to communicate what she was doing, who she was trying to locate. The lack of articulation was a real dead weight when a question was poised in her mind.

"Well, don't just stand down there, you stupid vixen. Dominors will want to see you."

Make me.

Blue eyes danced with a cold flame, sprang up from their position of inferior placement, changing from dirt to the golden orbs of the captor that held her in her slave rank. They glared, daring him to make her move, make her do as he commanded. She was stubborn, she knew it as well as the rest. Hell, she should have been dead by now. Merona however, refused to submit, accept her rank. She was not the weakest. She would not be tossed around, used up like the others. With a disdainful flick of her tail and a roll of her azure eyes, Merona gathered her hind legs beneath her before joining Rochus on the rock that towered over the dead ground. The red male's voice rose above the crowd immediately, a hint of his commanding, arrogant self found within. Disgusting.

"3 year old female, mute. Obedient, yet feisty. Any takers? She'll throw good pups, I assure you..."

Watch it. I'm warning you.

Merona imitated a slight snarl at the words Rochus shouted at the assembled crowd, pulling her lips off her teeth, sporting her ivories in protest. It was all she could do to hold her frame higher in an attempt to ward off any males that thought she was to be taken advantage of. She was a fighter, not the best by any measures, yet certainly not the worst. Seduction of any kind would not go well with her.

The vixen was completely unprepared for what came next. Her flickering eyes barely caught Rochus' golden eyes watching her, almost inspecting, surveying as a smirk wired it's way onto his ruby muzzle. His raspy chuckle floated off his lips, foreboding, as if he knew some secret he kept from her. Odd. Seconds later she lay barely balanced over the rock's edge, her side blazing with a slashing, fiery pain. Her mouth gaped open with agony, but no sound came forth. Instead, a metallic taste hit her nose and the warm liquid dripped from her, pooling on the ground below.

"Shut it, vermin. I decide whether you live or die, remember? I didn't think I'd have to teach you that lesson again, Merona..."

Yes, sir.

The female shrank back, clamping her eyes shut as he removed himself from over her now frail figure. The pain laced through her body, wracking her as she lifted herself off the wounded side. Blue orbs caught his red-stained teeth, her blood that lingered there, the stinging pain. Anger was in her company now as she yanked her ears back towards her skull, a facade of raging emotions yelling at him.

You'll pay for that, you brute, you scum.

With a reminder such as that minor attack, Merona could no longer ignore that she was out of her element here. Any physical resistance from here on out would be fatal. She knew all too well that was merely a warning. Still, the scar received would last for weeks, the pain equaling days of torture. The guards and Dominors that roamed these lands were not rule-abiding citizens; even if there had been rules. Besides that, there wasn't a soul here that would care if her throat was slit for nothing other than a wrong glance at the royalty. Royalty. Pfft. Lowering her tail and burning eyes in regretful submission, at least for the time being, Merona waited as her life was traded and gambled away. At least she would live to see another sunset.

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[Maya]

Vernado

Do you recognize the face in the [ m i r r o r ] looking back at you?[/center]

Hoards of males filtered in one by one; swarming to flock over to any female they so desired for their sick and twisted pleasure. Dominors walked off with their pick one after the other in a line that seemed to be showing a sort of pecking order. He noted, with little interest, that the smaller the male was he chose the more rebellious female. It was an interesting thing to observe, and although he was reading into what was playing out in front of him, he did notice the larger the male the more often he chose either the more timid of females but occasionally some would test their luck at a feistier female. He shook his head, resigned from his spot furthest away from the females. Vernado made it his duty to not visit the Rock so much that it seemed he was part of the group of wolves that ran the entire operation. He would pop in from time to time, unnoticed and unseen, slipping in and out to wolves’ visions without so much as a single glance at him. He was a male in a sea of those egotistical maniacs who merely wanted to prove themselves in their great bounty of “obedient” slaves at their paws, worshiping them and the very earth they walked on. ’Loathsome creatures.’ The words hissed within his mind, shocking him invisibly by the harshness they were spoken with.

If being here with these egotistical maniacs disgusted him so thoroughly, there was one mere question to ask: Why was he here? Out of all places he should be basking in the lands, enjoying the faint and low roar of a waterfall but as his mocha eyes scanned each female, he knew his reason. The very females before him were his reason for coming here. He wanted to give a female a chance at living a normal life or at least reintroducing them back into normalcy, even if he wasn’t exactly normal himself. Vernado wasn’t a harsh and demanding dominor, in fact, he was patient and far nicer than most. He was a gentle giant even if he didn’t exactly stand out in a crowd, which is what he preferred. He didn’t want to be remembered by worthless creatures such as the prideful look on the males’ faces as they walked off with their slaves as if given a brand new trophy that would only be tarnished and tainted with the impurities that would eventually reveal the brown colored rust beneath a golden exterior.

He turned his gaze to the right, settling upon a male as he spoke with rumbling excitement about the female next to him. Her pale coat was offset by such blue eyes that they seemed to burst forth from her coat and pierce through the souls of every male around her. She had pride even if she was at a lowly rank, but Vernado knew that somewhere behind that was a battered female begging for freedom. For the first time since he arrived, Vernado moved. He hauled himself up to his paws, passing by the group of males to sit at the very outer edges of the assembly, watching with detachment as the male rambled on about her. One particular statement made him cringe on the inside. "3 year old female, mute. Obedient, yet feisty. Any takers? She'll throw good pups, I assure you..." Again disgust rolled thickly through his body and he felt the urge to slam him into the ground but he fought back the urge. His mother had taught him manners, and having gone what he went through, he was glad those manners had stuck around.

Vernado shifted, removing himself from his thoughts as he idly observed the female. The rowdy group before him was clearly interested but none directly voiced it. He waited, perhaps waiting for the right moment in order to take her to his lands and bring back what she may not have ever gotten a taste of—Freedom. Vernado had an interesting way of doing things. He would rehabilitate females and release them with full freedom and give them the opportunity to stay or go as they pleased. He was still alone at his lands but his method did not change and would not change for however long he would be Alpha Dominor in Regen. He watched her peel back her lips in a clear show of protest, disliking the statement he spoke about her. Vernado cared not for the fact that she was mute but she had a voice even if it could not be heard; it was different now for there was finally someone listening—himself.

His eyes then switched onto the male, mentally forcing him to go on but instead he saw something else. The reddened male laughed darkly, menacingly as though he had been hiding something. His golden eyes turned upon her and within seconds, he was upon her. Anger flared through Vernado’s body but at the same time, recognition and familiarity collided with the anger, dwindling him for a second. The male reminded him of Ringue, especially the laugh and the eyes. He tensed as the scent of blood rose into the air, drenching the atmosphere with the familiar scent. He recoiled slightly, watching as she slowly got up from the fierce warning, clearly scarred. Vernado knew how it had been having a wolf attack him like that. He could relate more than anyone would ever know but before his mind brought back the imagery, a snarl clawed its way past his tightly locked jowls and through the crevices of his teeth into the air.

The small jeers were now replaced with silence at the response Vernado had given to the slave being put back in her place. Anger slammed into him from all sides and he clutched the earth with his claws. He felt scrutinizing eyes upon his scarred form but these scars seemed to glorify him no matter how he received them in the first place. His muscular frame weaved past the group, most of who stepped lightly out of his way. He was side lined by anger and it took a lot to bring him to this point in time. Those who were dumb enough to “block” his way was soon shouldered aside strongly to provide a little warning to get out of his way. He stopped at the edge of the rock, catching her name. ’Merona.’ Vernado stored this away but an interesting and rather good point was made. If she was mute, then how did they know her name? Did they name her themselves or did she actually talk at one point?

Vernado smoothed out his features, eyes blazing upon the male whom he so desperately wanted to rip to shreds but that wasn’t him anymore. That was the old him. Calmly, he glanced to the female before turning towards the male again. ”I will take her.” His voice was authoritive and filled with wisdom beyond his years. It was gravelly and low, almost powerful in the richness of the almost pleasant sound. He snorted harshly, eyes unfaltering and although this was said nicely, what the male didn’t know was that it was a bit of a demand. Vernado was going to take Merona to his lands, away from the beatings and pain to showing her what life could be like living it blissfully without being afraid of getting attacked. Vernado settled into the earth, snorting heavily and hoping that Merona would be released to him.

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MERONA

"Merona."

The voice fluttered over the muddied grounds, as a bold brute slowly his made towards hers. His white and grey coat flowed over his muscles and for a moment Merona was caught. Who is he? The she-wolf softly blinked her bright blue eyes, waiting for some type of explanation. What did he want with her?

"I'll take her."

The simplicity of the command was like a smack to the tall, crimson brute who leaned over her. Rochus was quick to step back from his prey, dipping his head without a word. Merona watched, dumbfounded, as one of her tormentors walked away, silence crackling through the air. He cast the she-wolf one last look before he picked up a quicker trot, a gaze that burned into her very mind. He had wanted her for himself tonight. And somehow Eperna had saved her from that horror.

No. This brute had done the deed. The she-wolf hastily turned about, lowering her head in deep respect. This was to be her new master then? He seemed rather reserved, not much of a talker. But maybe that was for the best. A master that didn't have much to say didn't have much to correct, and that much less to beat her for. The she-wolf surveyed the wolf who had spoken aloud in her defense with a keen eye. Was he trying to help her? Or had his intentions been only for his own pleasure? Merona narrowed her eyes, as if searching out his true identity. She was not scared of his larger size that was coated in a thick grey fur; that grew around those deep sienna orbs, contemplating in their duller gaze. His plans for her? That was where her fear grew.

I'm not a push over you, know.

Merona vainly tried to communicate her hostility towards the male, her tawny pelt bristling as she stepped nearer to her savior. Whether or not he would truly gain her loyalty would soon enough be decided. The she-wolf sighed and let up her game of anger; she needed a new, fresh start and being rude wasn't the way to get there, As the sun rose higher in the sky she waited for a command in her new life. Let's go.

ooc- sorry this is so late; Maverick told me he'd just join your pack and the plot can continue there! Sorry for the crappy post too. bah.

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[Maya]

Vernado

Do you recognize the face in the [ m i r r o r ] looking back at you?[/center]

Vernado’s gaze glared at the male who stalked off, tossing Merona a sideways glance. A snarl permeated from his visage, a warning that whipped through the atmosphere. The silence still swirling around him, though soon replaced with the sounds of whispers about the recent display of anger. He could hear their questions rise, wondering as to whom this male was and if they ever saw him. Where did he come from? It was all the same, though surprisingly some might have known his story by word of mouth or have forgotten him completely. Either way, he was glad no one had stepped up to claim her as well, which was maybe a smart move on their part.

With a gentle sigh, he turned back to the female who was now eyeing him, taking him in for the mound of flesh and fur that he was. He wasn’t the most dashing or pleasant wolf to lay eyes upon. His coat was mere shades of gray, casually tossed onto him as though he was a painter’s blank canvas. Eyes of a deep shade of brown peered out at the world with indifference but what lay beneath those steady and empty gaze was rather intriguing. Vernado thought most things through, taking into account the consequences of actions and making him rather level-headed, though his acting on impulse often tossed those consequences out the figurative window of his mind to be strewn across the forest floor. He was a large, burly wolf who could boss around others with his size alone, but put him in a fight and his experience would overrule his size.

Vernado met her eyes silently and thought carefully about what he should even say, and for a fleeting minute he wondered as to how he could convey his intentions to her. He did not want to inflict any harm upon her whatsoever but how could she know? How could she see that he was just there as a barrier to keep her from harm? He snorted heavily, ridding himself of the raging thoughts that toiled effortlessly to him, removing him from the task at hand. He had to get her out of here and into what he hoped was the safety of her own lands that maybe even she would come to love the pure beauty nature possessed.

He cleared his throat with a bit of unease as he gazed upon her, watching her bow her head in clear respect. He shook his head, denying it. Respect, in his book, was to be earned and not magically handed over on a silver platter. Vernado, although he wouldn’t verbalize it outright, viewed Merona as his equal of sorts as he did with all other wolves unless given a reason to not view them in that way. He was a unique and different leader, and was muffling the extraordinary values of a true and grand leader, he was skeptical of his abilities. Could he lead such a pack or a pack at all? He was about to find out.

Vernado turned towards Merona and nodded. ”Come along, please.” His voice still was laced with the usual tone but it lacked in authority. He was inviting her to come along rather than demanding it. He gave a low grunt as he pivoted towards the crowd, their whispers immediately cut off as most stepped away from him out of sheer understanding that they were not to get in his way. He tossed a glance behind his shoulder, wondering if she would come along. After all, she had her own mind and was capable of making her own choices.


Ooc: It's alright! My response isn't the greatest so I apologize beforehand. Should one of us make a new thread at Regen or do you want to reply one last time here?

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Go ahead and make a thread at Regnen. I'll post asap! :)

[Maya]

Made a thread! =: D