Thread: Against The Dark (Howling Winds and Nightengale)

Darius Hunter Barkov had been a Guardian to many Ourion Pack Alphas for some time. Pack lore said that Guardians were sources of advice, knowledge, and pack history. The oldest ones, or ones that could no longer fight because of injuries, became sort of a secondary group of advisers, mostly teaching and raising the younger wolves. Darius was not yet close to that age because, due to a rise in the deaths of Guardians during an earlier peak in the ongoing war with the Darkness, he had been chosen as a Guardian thus, he had a few extra years in the position. He had been around long enough to know that most Alphas stood out in some way from the rest of the younger members, either distinguishing themselves with some talent, such as healing or bravery or forcibly battling and leading a brave charge or a last stand. In his opinion, the newest and current Alpha of the Pack had done none of this so far. Alaizabel was picked...for some reason. He had forgotten why after a few weeks time. As any Alpha did, she had her supporters, those who looked up to her and said that she had what it took claiming that she was to light the way to a new direction and better times for the pack, hence she had been given the nickname light which had stuck. The name made no sense, as she did not project any light that he could see and any metaphorical meanings were lost on Darius. Alphas proved and earned their respect and leadership capabilities, they were not simply handed the position. Was he bitter that he had not been picked? If he was honest, the answer a little bitter and cynical, yes, but he would respect and advise whoever had obtained the position. He just could not understand the decision, made over his objections. He was sure that, soon enough, they would all see how wrong they were in picking the young woman and how, perhaps, they should have picked him. Like many of the Pack, Darius could take two forms, and today he was taking his beast form, which meant he was a black furred, red eyed, wolf with rather pointed ears and sharp fangs, which he did not hesitate to showoff to anyone who did not show proper bowing to the Alpha...or to himself. he knew, from rumors, that he was regarded a bit of an asshole, being far more jaded and cynical than he should be. But, he felt that his perspective on all things Ourion was real or close to reality. Any Alpha would need that, or so he thought. Thus, eh was honest to the point of a brutal spear. It rubbed many the wrong way, but he had the backing of many wolves older than him, and that was just fine. His other form, that of a human, who looked easily in his 30's but was actually 27, had him standing a good 6'0 feet tall, with black hair and piercing, bright green eyes. He weighed roguhly 200 pounds and had many scars and cuts that had not yet healed on his body, from battles with The Darkness and it's creatures. He usually worse long black coats, which sometimes had fur lined hoods. The Pack's symbol hung on a necklace which he kept around his neck. He further outfitted himself with black boots and a large sword, which he preferred to any magical weapons or guns. he had been raised to wield this sword since birth and he believed that it was connected to his body. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun had not yet risen, and most of the pack was still sleeping, save for the few on patrol and Darius, who had positioned himself outside of where the Alpha was sleeping, as was customary for Guardians. He worked, unlike many, alone, as he had no mate within the pack and none of the female had expressed much an interest in mating with him. Darius had taken this as a sign that he would always be single and had just about accepted his fate, but he still out a candle for a potential mate to to come along some day. Mostly the quiet breathing of the pack and the sound of the predawn hours was enough to keep him up. Darius had not been getting much sleep, as it was just leaving him in a ball of restlessness that would not abate, the past few days and so he remained awake and on guard. Nothing much was happening, it seemed and he hoped that this day would give the pack a chance to rest and let their light speak something prophetic or inspiring to them. The last time he'd checked on her, she was sleeping peacefully and he though he might do so once more when he heard the soft padding of paws on the ground and looked up at the approaching Lara, one of the older female members and one who he most envisioned partnering with, but who had expressed no desire to guard the Alpha. She greeted Darius with quiet whimpers and nudges, a friendly sort of greeting, and said,Good mornign Darius, is She not awake yet? I had hoped to discuss...her plans for activities with the youngest ones. If there was anything she needed, I was prepared to offer my help... Darius playfully swiped at Lara with a paw and nipped at her ear, and replied quietly, so as not to wake the Alpha before she was good and ready to rise, She sleeps, my dear friend...still. She does not rise as you and I do. I am curious of her plans myself. I hope this day brings us peace, we certainly could use it right now. She is not yet ready... Darius stopped himself and flicked his ears in annoyance, his tail swaying back and forth briskly and his tone suggesting his feelings, which had made clear to Lara on previous occasions. Lara spoke in a tone of agreement,I am aware, you have made your feelings well known. it is why you have enemies. I...I do this out of my own choice, you should at least know that. The young ones will not pressure me to guard her as you do. I...I do not think I could handle it, you are a brave one indeed. Lara rolled her eyes at the whole situation and huffed in annoyance. She moved to sit on the opposite side of where the Alpha rested, patiently waiting for her to rise, so that she could say what she needed to and be on her way. She respected the Guardian for what he did for many Alphas, but she was not sure his personality translated into romance, thus she could not bring herself to mate with him. But, Lara remained a loyal friend to Darius, despite the controversy he seemed to stir up. Darius, eternally grateful for this, sat up more on his hind paws and once more awaited the Alpha's rise for that morning.