Archer

## Application Sheet

Archer was a red-and-white-furred she-wolf with pale yellow eyes. She lived in the Domain as a loner, keeping on her toes to survive the threat of the white wolves during the Hive Wars. She remained close to her traveling companions Clementine and Kamila. Ultimately, in the winter after the Hive was defeated, Archer would lose her life, attempting to save Kamila from drowning. Archer was created and RP'd by VilkasVale.

## Personality

* ***Charismatic*.** Archer is not the wolf to stay in a corner for long and keep quietly to herself as a wallflower- you can forget the idea of that. Instead, she'd rather go for the gold (and your heart!) by swooping in for a conversation and having a good time, at least for herself. Still, it's not too difficult to be captivated by her charming air and find yourself drawn in, wanting more…
* ***Driven*.** Despite all of the odds she's faced, Archer isn't a wolf to throw in her quitting time. Instead, she's determined, devoted, and hardworking- at least with the simple goal of keeping herself alive and well. After all, at the end of the day, all that matters to her is proving him wrong… proving them all wrong.
* ***Good-Humored.*** A lot of wolves from Marrun, her old pack, couldn't seem to take a lot of jokes. Archer grew to strongly hate this- and instead, tries a more light hearted approach with jokes and good fun! After all, staying a loner is hard enough work. A few laughs and a smile to send you on your way is just as healthy- and important- as a good meal.
* ***Respectful and Disciplined.*** Archer has really grown into herself much faster than a wolf her age might- but with due respect, she feels ready to carry such maturity and weight bestowed upon her. Her cards were not dealt fairly- so what? Archer believes in creating her own fate more than dwelling on the past. This has also led to a fastly maturing mind that she carries, and leads to the she-wolf holding respect for most wolves who make it on their own, just as she does.
* ***Dominant.*** Archer makes it no secret to those she meets- she runs her own show! While she isn't bossy or commanding by any means, Archer is quite used to handling things out on her own and has grown a healthy air of confidence as she's grown into herself. To the right wolf, this can be incredibly helpful… to someone with just an eager desire to own control, this might make for a tough situation between the two!
* ***Practical and Realistic.*** Hardly a dreamer since she's grown up from her youth, Archer prefers to practice the more believable beliefs and mannerisms that a lone wolf would benefit from. Gone are her days from longing of a storybook happy ending, but rather, the opening of a new chapter in which she learns to work hard and keep a level head to earn all that she works for.
* ***Well Spoken.*** All due to growing up in a pack who practices social life as if it were an art, Archer is very articulate and skillful with her words. She had to be, growing up- impressions in her pack were everything! Nowadays though, it would seem as if she takes advantage of these skills and likes to dizzy the wolves around her and leave them reeling to catch their breath and keep up.
* ***Assertive*.** Archer has some things left to learn yet- and knowing when to hold back and hold a place that isn't the spotlight can be difficult for her. While it's not often at all that she runs into others, it leads to trouble when she's insistent on guiding the way and assuming herself a leader. This negative trait could be due to past trauma and an unhealthy coping mechanism, but with time Archer should be able to find a balance between follower… and leader.
* ***Distrusting*.** Archer finds herself extremely aware when males are around. Or, really, anyone new. But she has an extremely hard time in trusting males due to her past again, and would rather avoid them at all costs… unless she finds her smooth talking to leave them in tatters and she can get her own benefits from dealing with them. When dealing with an untrusting Archer, it's best to be upfront, modest, and clear. These are a few ways to catch her eye, and she may be willing to work with you… even if it may come at a price.
* ***Hot-headed.*** More negative traits have been especially noticeable in Archer since her banishment from Marrun, and this one is especially so. Archer hates, more than anything, to be 'put in her place' or to be argued with. She's quite stubborn, and frankly doesn't know how to deal with her emotions yet… and this can lead to a volcanic eruption of frustration and rage. She doesn't understand, she can't- why would anyone think her to be wrong? To be misguided? Archer also despises being seen as weak and only as her assigned sex- and she's not afraid to get in your face to prove what girl power can do.
* ***Self Confident.*** One would think this to be a positive trait, or a skill honed in to properly grow and train… but Archer has yet to realize her true potential with self confidence. The truth is, Archer hates relying on others. She's so much more used to leading her own way, traveling alone for weeks in solitary confinement. Why would she need anyone else? Her self confidence is not healthy, primarily because it's rather flimsy and faux. Archer depends on herself and talks/acts a big game because truly, she's the only one who can take care of herself- and it's better to not get others involved.

## Pre-Group History

The falling of crumpled red leaves caught her attention. Archer, the she-wolf was known by, strayed her eyes from the path she'd chosen for herself. For a still, brief moment… she'd nearly forgotten it was her favorite time of year.

How the seasons passed.

Marrun was a pack known for its well versed social life and eloquent pack-wide gatherings. Built by mostly red wolves who carried only the strongest and finest lineage of their heritage, Marrun truly stood out. Marrun was known for wolves who could captivate and charm. The land they called home was no less than beautiful, either. It was a perfect balance, a match made.

Archer first found herself wandering down a path alone when the time came for her to outgrow the den she shared with her mother and father. As all pups her age would, Archer would learn instinct of the wolf within and her parents provided a test to ensure she earn her freedom.

And so, Archer tracked her way back home from this path. It was crooked, and the leaves were complicated as they fell consistently along with her clunky and unguided steps.

But still, Archer would pass the test. She was free to go as she pleased.

From wobbling down that path came leaps and bounds, and Archer found herself growing faster with each day, since her summer birth. Limitless energy blessed her youthful body, as she ran down the path she'd known to be more home than actual home was. She was coming up on an important part of her life- it would be soon that Archer would pick up a task. And with that energy she carried, it would come to surprise no one just what she'd choose for herself.

Now a full grown huntress, Archer knew her place in the pack- and it seemed as though everyone else was on the same track as she. Respected and cherished, not just because she'd been born to respectable, high ranking wolves who also showed up to council on the daily. No, she was something special. All eyes were on her…

And unfortunately, a pair of eyes that were not so pleasant had been sizing her up.

His name was Leif, and he was the Alpha's son. Charismatic, headstrong, and reliable, Leif had more than earned his respect as an up and coming leader. Though most of his life had been admittedly handed to him, Leif still worked hard and assisted with all tasks of the pack to ensure their trust in him and his care for Marrun. In turn, his circle plan seemed to work. Everyone seemingly adored him, and it was considered a high honor to even get a moment in time to speak with him.

Archer could not roll her eyes any harder.

But still, Leif would find the wolf least attracted to him, prince of the land and to all who lived here, undeniably mysterious. He was instantly hooked by Archer's dismissiveness towards him and her drive as a hunter to supply for the pack. It seemed he'd never get a chance with her… until.

Time was growing sparse upon winter's cold arrival, and both sets of parents had begun to make arrangements. Archer's parents begged and pleaded with the young yearling wolf to consider partnering with Leif; their family would honor her choice for generations and the promise of children to inherit Archer's outstanding hunting abilities. Archer could not be any further disgusted… and yet, she had no choice. Archer knew this. She'd eventually reason with her parents, though a fiery skeptic in the back of her mind and heart. She'd at least give this male a second of her time, and see what the fuss was all about.

It was less relieving on Leif's side when he'd come to the conclusion of loving not one, but two wolves. Leif had fallen for Archer, and that was no guessing game to those around him. His Alpha parents could not be happier- unity among the more powerful and high ranking wolves would remain intact for a generation longer. But yet…

Leif had his eyes on another she-wolf, Finch. As Archer had been boyish in nature, Finch was every bit delicate and more feminine that Archer was not. And, more importantly, she truly loved him. They had grown up together, had partaken in council attendance together, and more importantly… She had already proclaimed her love for Leif.

But Leif was uncertain still, drunk off of love and his thirst for power. His reign could not come sooner… and maddened with greed, Leif at last made his choice.

Winter was melting away into the sweeter air of spring, and so brought out many of the wolves who'd hidden themselves away with their own families and kept fighting for survival in the prior months. Archer was fully grown now, but her fire had never died out. So long as the pack remained hungry, she would be there to feed and provide for them… Leif included.

On an evening return from a success hunt, Archer found herself pulled away from the head of her group by Leif. She was not beyond leaving the other wolves without a congratulatory remark, after they'd managed to fell a large buck… and quickly, she made off with Leif to catch up to him in private.

From there, delicate words were shared. Wary at first, Archer found herself listening intently. Leif explained his unfortunate falling out with Finch, who was not quite the wolf he believed her to be. While he did not deny loving both wolves at the same time, including dropping that love to Archer in full, Leif also explained that there were complications with being with Finch. She was infertile, and much smaller than Archer. Though they were the same age, Archer could find this believable. Finch was a healer, though respected and earning her way up the rankings of that task quickly. She supposed it wouldn't be long until Finch would be the head of the healing wolves.

But, Archer… Leif's eyes fell and deepened with softness and vulnerability. They both knew, by explanation, she was more capable of becoming his partner. His princess. Archer's eyes widened… and, at last, saw Leif for the wolf everyone saw him for. She understood now. She was in love with him.

Little did she know.

Archer and Leif began to share time together and bond over nearly everything. She taught him how to perfect the art of hunting, while Leif invited her to more exclusive meetings from the council and filled her in on how it worked. They genuinely enjoyed their time spent together, and many laughs and smiles were shared. Archer's trust was completely with Leif. All was going so well…

Until.

Summer was already passing them by as she knew it. Archer was growing fonder and fonder of Leif, of accepting her role as a to-be alpha beside him.

And, what was more… she couldn't wait to spend their future together with their children.

One evening, Leif approached Archer. At first, Archer had smiled and padded towards him with nothing but love and admiration for their to-be family… but as Leif held himself firm and still, Archer's smile slowly came to a stop. She frowned. Archer began to fumble as Leif was silent… and then, he began to laugh.

Archer found his action unnerving, and pretty poor taste for a joke. Nervously she would ask him what was wrong… and it was then that the truth was revealed to her.

In truth, Leif had never fully loved Archer. He loved the idea of her children- wanted a beautiful heir with strength to match and a keen eye for hunting… but it was never a love for Archer. The she-wolf was completely, entirely speechless. She was silent. She was broken.

Leif then went on to reveal that Finch was very much so his love, the true wolf to inherit Marrun alongside himself… and Archer was beside herself. Still, Leif had more to reveal. She would be allowed to stay within the walls of Marrun until her pups were due… and then, at once, would be cast away. Would be chased off, pushed out, and deemed a loner at once. Leif grinned… and promised that nobody would believe her, anyways.

After all, in a land where all the alpha would say is truth and just, where was she to stand up?

Sick with heartache and feeling powerless, Archer had no choice. She carried out the remaining months of her pregnancy in silence… and while she hated Leif more and more with each passing day, found herself coping by falling in love with her to-be pups instead. She'd lay out in the open at night, when all was still and not a wolf in sight to sing to them. She taught them the stories her parents had shared, curled into herself as much as she could to keep them warm. Eating made her feel sick, especially since she could no longer hunt… Leif had taken her place as head hunter and provided her meals.

It was too much.

The dawn of winter came again, and so did the arrival of Archer's pups. She did not have long at all to see them- in fact, they were picked up and dragged away the second she had finished with her birth. The deed was over. She was over. Wolves of all high rankings hovered, so much so that Archer could just barely see her children. She screamed and wept, begged for them a second longer… but snarls and growls erupted from the den, and she was chased out.

Archer was spared no mercy as the swipes of fangs grazed her ankles. She struggled to push herself after already being worn thin from just producing her pups, but her survival depended on her. Archer at last made exit from the borders of Marrun. Still and eerie, not a wolf was in sight… and snow began to fall to the ground. Sick with fatigue, Archer collapsed.

It wasn't until dawn that she stirred, and fortunately, the snow hadn't picked up much other than a dusting. She looked down, towards her bloodied paws… and then upwards, her golden eyes so dull and weary. Before her was the path she'd chosen for herself, but she was alone now. Autumn hadn't graced her presence, but instead, the dead of winter.

How the seasons passed.

Now a few years old, Archer could not help but to walk down this very path again, so many times trampled by her growing paws. She dared not get too close- dared not stray into Marrun's territory. She knew that her family was still there. She knew that her pups, her children, were there and growing.

Oh, how the seasons passed.

She breathed a breathless sigh… and after making what peace she could, after making it a year out in the wilds as a loner…  left Marrun at last.

Archer wondered what was out there, what could be left...

## Group History

Archer entered the Domain with curiosity, but held wariness as she observed traces of strange white wolves in the area. She kept her wits about her, remembering her skills as the head huntress of her former pack. She was skilled at hiding her pelt, especially in the autumn, where her reds blended nicely with the foliage. She used it to her advantage.

Sometimes Archer would team up with other loners to hunt. Once, she paired with a white wolf, but he wasn't one of the mindless beasts of the Hive. His name was Vilu, and he was just a regular Domainian. They hunted deer together, and enjoyed watching the stars together that night. They discussed a wolf Vilu had often met and traveled with, named Robin. Ultimately, though, the pair would part ways - on good terms, nonetheless.

It was hard to feel safe with the Hive on the rampage. Being a loner meant always having to watch your own back, and sometimes she thought she saw the Hive where there were none. It wasn't easy to be a loner sometimes.

Other loners would cross paths with Archer, like Rose. After some discussion, they decided to track down some Hive wolf and teach them a lesson, not realizing how horrific and mindless the mass of wolves really were. Still, it is unknown if they ever actually found a Hive wolf to beat up, or if it was simply the musings of two frustrated loners. They would eventually part ways.

Autumn shifted to winter, a season Archer greatly enjoyed, even if her pelt didn't blend as nicely with the snow as the red leaves! Autumn reminded her of her pups she'd never really known, the little red bundles who were stolen away from her before she even had a chance to name them. It was better to not have the red leaves on the ground reminding her of what she had lost.

Winter was tough, and hunting was tough. The Hive made prey scarce. Archer nearly lost her life in a battle against the Hive, but was saved by a pair of loners, Kamila and Clementine. They leapt in and saved her, and took her to safety. In their company, she recovered from her injuries, and was grateful for their actions.

Archer was immensely relieved when the season finally relented and spring arrived. Though Archer loved the snow, and welcomed the last flurry of the season, Kamila was ready for spring to melt the snow entirely. She enjoyed spending time with Kamila, in particular. She was a great friend, and the two engaged in several fun activities when the Hive wasn't an immediate threat, like catching fireflies! Archer also hunted some turkeys and decided to add their feathers to her fur, for decoration!

Archer took her companions' safety very seriously, and used her hunting skills to provide food for Kamila and Clementine whenever she could. She also started training herself to fight, so that she, nor her companions, would ever be overwhelmed in battle again.

Still, that didn't mean she wanted to seek out the Hive.

She and Kamila discovered the borders of Mhor, a pack to the north, and were excited by the opportunity to find prey and shelter. Unfortunately, these lands were already occupied. Still, the Mhorians weren't interested in fighting the loners, and instead looked to recruit them. Maeve and Talni explained to Archer and Kamila that Mhor was going to unite the Domain and go to the south to fight the Hive Queen. Archer was amused, and sarcastically told them she would join them, though it was painfully obvious she wouldn't.

Honestly, Archer wanted nothing to do with the pack wolves, who she thought were greedy and selfish. Kamila wasn't interested, either - but Clementine was.

Kamila and Archer parted ways with their companion, traveling for a time but vowing to return to meet Kamila in a month's time, at a gnarled tree at the outskirts of Aryn. In the meantime, the two she-wolves frolicked and tried not to think Clementine was in danger. In fact, they firmly believed she was on her way home after a few weeks! They were racing towards their meeting point when Kamila slipped and fell into a raging current. Archer leapt to save her, grabbing her scruff to hold her afloat. Unfortunately, driftwood slammed into Archer, and she went slack, drowning in the attempt to save her dear friend's life.

She didn't regret it, though. Even giving Kamila a *chance* at survival made her sacrifice worth it, in the end.

## Trivia

* Her favorite season was winter, but she enjoyed rolling in spring flowers, too!
* Kamila loved Archer but never got a chance to say it to her.

## Quotes

* "They're...something. Bunch of mindless brutes, if you ask me. At least they're fairly easy to outsmart. Not that it takes too much, y'know. Wanna go find one with me and bother them? Show some *lone wolf power* around here?" (to Rose, *Ballad of Rogues*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* VilkasVale's deviantART Gallery