The days were warm and we wore them like skin

It's been a pleasantly warm spring day. The sun came out in the afternoon, allowing the temperature to rise up to 70 degrees. It didn't get too hot, but it wasn't chilly either. Perfect weather for a walk.

You've been walking through a deciduous forest for about an hour now. The sun is now beginning to set behind the trees, but you're not yet ready to return home. What a beautiful evening! you marvel to yourself. You cease walking and look around the forest, taking in the beauty of nature.

The sorrowful cry of a mourning dove can be heard in the distance. The crickets are beginning to sing their harmonious songs. The forest is beginning to grow darker and darker by the minute, and the stars are already appearing in the late evening sky. Yes… the truly is a remarkable evening. It's too bad you can't get away from the city more often.

A sigh escapes from your chest as you realize that you should probably be getting home. If it gets too much darker, you won't be able to find your way back. You really wouldn't mind if you have to spend the night in the forest. It wouldn't be so bad… but you have to be somewhere early tomorrow morning. There's no way you could sleep here.

You pull a map out of your pocket and begin to study it, calculating the best route of the hiking trail that you could use to return to civilization. There are many winding trails, all very long that go in the direction from which you came, but the shortest one points forward. The map shows a small town just a mile beyond this path. You could probably find a bus station there and ride back home. Alright. Forward it is. You resume walking.

After a few minutes of walking, you come across a large stream. You can spot pine trees on the other side as well as deciduous foliage. You stop and look around, trying to determine the best way to get across. It's far too wide to think about jumping. There are a few rocks that peek out from beneath the waters near the shore, but they're too far apart to get from one to the other. There's probably a bridge further downstream, you think.

Rustle rustle…

What was that? A bit unnerved, you turn around and scan the forest with your eyes. Who else could possibly be out here at this hour? Wait… There aren't bears or… or wolves in this forest… are there?

H-hello?" you call out, trying hard not to let your voice crack in fear.

A few moments pass before an answer comes. Each passing second feels like an eternity. Finally, a voice pierces through the darkness.

What are you doing out here, human? Do you not know where you're going?

Huh?" you mumble under your breath. What an odd thing to say. "Who are you?" you inquire uneasily.

A wolf steps out from the underbrush. Surely he couldn't have been the one who spoke you think, too baffled to be afraid.

You take a second look at the wolf. Even though it's dark, he seems to be unusually shaped. Are those... wings on his back? you wonder, No… this must be a dream.

This strange animal also has what appear to be four black spikes running down his back, stripes on his back and limbs that appear to made from a hard bony substance, and bangs. What kind of odd creature is this?

Your thoughts instantly jump to rumors of a local lab that experiments on animals. Of course, when the employees were questioned, everything was denied. Could this wolf be a result of their experiments?

The wolf clears his throat and speaks again, You can't go over there. It's too dangerous for humans.

You blink in surprise and raise an eyebrow, still in awe of this talking canid. "Too dangerous? Why?" you inquire.

If you want to know, go to Ahlsi, a human who lives nearby. She knows more than me somehow and has the time to tell you the whole story. Now follow me, and I'll take you back to the humanplace., he explains as he turns around and begins walking away. He stops after a few paces and looks back. Coming, human?

Um.. okay," you reply, even more bewildered.

My name is Xaulem, the wolf states simply and clearly.

Now I feel the effects of October again

Name: Xaulem
Age: 2 (Teen/Young Adult)
Gender: Male
Species: Gray Wolf
Rank: Juvenile
Pack: Moonsong

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Ick. This is outdated. DESIGN IS BEING REVAMPED.

As summer becomes October's cold

For one last touch of warmth from summer

I've never felt this close to anyone before. I feel that she is the only one who understands me.

I want you always by my side.

The softest of sounds for the heaviest things

Yavia;; Wow. I really never thought I'd be this close with anyone. I met her one day when I was wandering around the outskirts of my pack's territory. At first, we were both really suspicious of each other, but we soon realized that there was no need to be afraid of one another. I must say, she was quite surprised when she saw my wings, so she's obviously not from around here. Anyways, I learned that she couldn't smell, meaning that it was very difficult for her to hunt. Feeling sorry for her, I helped her bring down an elk. From then on, our close friendship blossomed and we became inseparable. I convinced her to join my pack, so I brought her to the Alpha. She has yet to pass the test, but I have no doubt that she'll be accepted into the pack.

Urippedes;; Urippedes has always been like an older brother to me. After my parents were killed by that traitor, Durhza, he took me under his wing and taught me everything I know. He's also my assigned mentor, and even though he tries to act official and professional, we always end up having fun together or getting into trouble. I find that kind amusing, because he's the beta (second in command) of our pack. He's a great friend, but sometimes I feel like he's hiding something, but I can't fathom what..

And the pain that it brings

Durhza;; *snarl* Not many have earned my hatred, but this wolf certainly has. He's the source of all the troubles my pack has had over the past 2 years. When I was just a few days old, he betrayed our pack and killed many wolves. My parents were among the wolves whom he murdered. All for what? Nobody really knows. Most think that he wanted to gain more power. But why would he want more power? He was already the Beta Male of the pack... Now, he lives on the other side of this forest with his new pack, known as the Shade Pack. He's ruthless and cruel, and has tried to take over our territory many times. Since the betrayal, many wolves have given their lives to defend the Moonsong Pack. How many more must die before we drive away this bloodthirsty wolf?

As laces of white fall to the ground

Whismir;; Whismir is my sister. We look completely different, and it's hard to believe sometimes, but it's true. Our personalities are very different too. She's too trusting, talkative, and outgoing, while I'm suspicious, shy, and antisocial. We're pretty close, though. Closer than most siblings. I think it has to do with the fact that we never knew our parents. She's my best friend, and I've never kept any secrets from her.

Father;; I never got the chance to get to know my dad, seeing as he was killed when I was a few days old and all. When Durhza's new pack attacked us, many wolves were lost in the battle, including my dad. Urippedes and Dyrm said that he was very honorable and brave. I really wish I could've met him...