Alpine

Temperance (Stepsister)

Extensive Highvalley Kin

## Application Sheet

Alpine was a gray-and-brown male wolf with steely blue eyes, guardian to his cousin Vladimir, who would later become High King of Highvalley. He left Highvalley to find his twin sister Aspen when Samwell told him she was in Fellfang; when she wasn't there, he continued his search outside of the Domain. He was also the stepbrother of Temperance (though he didn't know that - he believed they were half-siblings). He was designed by Quailmix, and created and RP'd by WynBird.

## Personality

* ***Responsible and Loyal.*** Alpine takes his vows very seriously. Appointed at a young age to be Prince Vladimir's personal guard, and friends with his royal cousin from birth, you will not find a wolf more loyal to Vlad. He can always be relied upon where Vladimir's welfare is concerned - the prince's interests are, by effect, Alpine's interests. And he will have them seen to. For Alpine, his personal desires, morals, and opinions come second. He is e*xtremely* loyal, to the exclusion of all else. That being said, Alpine is more than capable of of independent thought, it simply takes a back-seat to his duties as High Guard. He is respectful but honest with Prince Vladimir in a way that others could never be, thanks to the bond they developed growing up and training together. His honesty is a mark of devotion, though it, like all Alpine's other aspects, will indeed be silenced at the command of his Prince. Just as his sister was raised to be the perfect wife, Alpine was raised to be the perfect heir. His family status is very important, and he ensures his actions always reflect well upon his bloodline. Alpine is proud of who he is and where he comes from, and will defend his honour with both word and fang.
* ***Decisive and Efficient.*** Given time and experience in his task, Alpine's ruthless efficiency may devolve into downright callousness. He is a weapon, he lives and dies at the command of the King. And, though Alpine is not one to follow blindly, he will execute the King's justice without question. There is no room in his life for guilt. Anything which threatens the royal family, particularly Vlad, must be *dealt* with. Alpine's skill in battle is his birthright. He has been trained as a Keeper under the best tutors, in order to serve Vlad with both honour and distinction. He is well versed in Highvalley terrain and strategy, and his physique evokes the sense of a bloodline built for the task.
* ***Adaptable, Discerning, and Vigilant.*** From Alpine's standpoint, nothing and no one are beyond scrutiny. His suspicious mind means he is rarely taken by surprise, his training means he is prepared to adapt quickly to unexpected developments. Though not a politician by nature, Alpine grew up among the political intrigue of Highvalley, and is experienced in the art of the "great game." He is good at picking up on underlying meanings and can be aggravatingly attentive to detail. Even harmless mistakes and quirks may inspire Alpine's scrutiny, and this lends itself to a certain display of over-protectiveness. Alternatively, those who earn his favour could not ask for a more attentive friend. Alpine is constantly, intuitively, surveying their moods, needs, and wants.
* ***Learned, but Unassuming.*** Though not antisocial, Alpine necessarily holds his cards close and keeps very few in his counsel. It is easy to mistake him for brute guard, but the truth is he as been tutored from a young age as a Highblood. He is well versed in pack history, politics, and law. As one grows in their relationship with Alpine, they may be surprised to find in him a good (if at times improper) sense of humour, and an eye for detail that is seldom surpassed. That being said, Alpine only ever truly seems to open up around Vladimir. Some jokingly refer to Pine as "The Prince's Shadow", but in truth Alpine is the most outgoing and unfettered when around Vlad. Alpine's casual and seemingly unchecked speech to Vlad can be alarming, given their difference in title. But Alpine would never publicly challenge, question, or otherwise shame his sworn charge. In truth, Alpine knows exactly what he *can* and *can't* say to his superior, and never crosses that line.
* ***Prejudiced.*** In line with his upbringing, Alpine is negatively predisposed to lowbloods and outsiders. They are an inferior breed and therefore beneath his esteem. This is not to say that he is cruel to non-kin, but Alpine possesses a great deal of prejudice against them. Like much of Highvalley's youth, Alpine was raised hearing stories of the rift between the pack which Rodwen sealed. He has taken the lessons of Eadric's violent reign to heart, and looks harshly upon wolves who lack self-control or discipline. Especially due to Firetip's tutelage, Alpine holds a special hatred in his heart for the Fellfangir. He is not sure he puts much stock in 'curses' but he has no reason to doubt the testimony of his superiors and it is clear this pack of raiders are base, impure creatures full of hatred and violence.

## Pre-Group History

Alpine was born to Highvalley and raised according to his family's traditions. While his twin sister received lessons in obedience, good-mateship, and manners, Alpine learned to be honorable, a warrior, an heir to his father's bloodline. He and his sister were well-behaved children who seemed to understand their roles in life inherently, and both brought pride to their family's name.

Due to their similar age and interests, Alpine and his cousin Vlad were thick as thieves. As boyhood rivalries go, Alpine often sat upon the brink of Vlad and Klaus's bids for power, owing his deference to both but always favouring the pale prince over his unpredictable and hot-headed elder brother Klaus. He made this quite clear, when such opportunities to display sentiment arose. In a way, Alpine may even have been jealous of the attention Klaus demanded from Vladimir - but ever aware of his place in the hierarchy, Pine dared not express such sentiment.

His role determined almost from birth, Alpine possessed the ambition and talent to take on the task of a Keeper. As he grew and began Keeper training alongside Prince Vladimir, Rodwen saw the loyalty and dependability of his nephew, and soon anointed Alpine as Vlad's personal High Guardsman. This was a great honour which Alpine did not hesitate to accept. This appointment was not without cost, however. By High Law, the Guard is forbidden both marriage and offspring. For some time, Alpine and Princess Ava had shared a close bond and well-mannered affections for one another. His promotion coincided with the increasing of Ava's expectations as a potential bride and heiress of Rodwen's bloodline. Their paths were diverging, and ultimately the devotion to kin and honour which had drawn them together, now pulled them apart.

Though vigilant in his duties, however, Alpine's youth and the recklessness which came with it worked yet against him. When Vladimir nearly fell to his death, thanks to the carelessness of Klaus, Alpine took the crisis as a personal failure on his part. He even approached the High King to beg forgiveness and offer resignation. Since this time, Alpine has been overbearingly thorough in his duties, determined not to fail the royal family ever again.

## Group History

Alpine served Vladimir for several months before Samwell arrived in Highvalley. Sam informed Alpine that he knew a she-wolf from Fellfang looked *identical* to Pine. Mortified that his sister was being held by the Fellfang *barbarians*, he and Ragnor were granted permission to go retrieve her. The two didn't find her in Fellfang, and instead, they sought her outside of the Domain. Alpine has not been seen since, nor has Aspen, but we hope the twins have found one another. Perhaps they have rejoined Highvalley in its new location outside of the Domain? We may never know.

## Quotes

* "By the High Blood before which this sanctuary is holy, I will to Vladimir be true and faithful, and love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns, according to the laws of Highvalley and the order of the world. Nor will I ever with will or action, through word or deed, do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it, and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him and chose his will." (Alpine's Oath of Fealty)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* WynBird's deviantART Gallery