Twyla

Solune (Twin Sister)

Unknown Brother (NPC)

## Application Sheet

Twyla was a white-furred she-wolf with a creamy underside and face markings. She was born outside of the Domain, alongside a twin sister, Solune. They were separated after a perceived betrayal, and Twyla tracked Solune to Mhor, where Twyla joined her to try making amends. She became a Gamma Harvester, and adopted an orphaned pup named Lumina in the midst of the Hive Wars. Tragically, Twyla lost her life in the final battle of the Hive Wars, from blood loss and shock from losing part of her leg to a Hive drone. Twyla was created and RP'd by Lachtaube.

## Personality

* ***Taciturn and Modest.*** Generally speaking, Twyla is a reserved and observant wolf. She takes her time to consider her surroundings and acts accordingly, only revealing what is necessary--more so out of politeness than the security of her own privacy. She will open up when asked questions, but does not like speaking of herself freely. Twyla is far more likely to sing praises of her sister than of herself. Her curt responses and simple queries can make her seem something of an airhead, but she is far from it.
* ***Diplomatic and Meditative.*** Twyla is a wolf who is quick to take charge to try and resolve conflict, however petty. She is cautious of other wolves' feelings and will work hard to at the very least bring everyone back to neutral. She aspires for true altruism but her own self interests often get in the way without her realizing. As a result, on occasion, some interactions with Twyla can seem back-handed or misleading. She can often speak for her own sister with a pin-pointed accuracy and will often apologize for her actions.
* ***Spiritual and Driven.*** This pale wolf is a believer of both the afterlife and the spirits that walk this realm and her spirituality will sometimes lead her decision making. Twyla is especially enamored with the legend that flowers are borne from the footsteps of spirits who have walked there. She strongly believes in a supernatural link between herself and her sister; to what degree, it is unclear, but she feels an undeniable connection to her twin that she doesn't harbor with anyone else. For this reason, she always puts her sister first.
* ***Self-deprecating and Diffident.*** Twyla knows her place and stays there, aspiring for higher ranks only to help the pack, not for self-serving reasons. She can be a bit skittish around compliments. She carries herself well, but her true self-confidence is low and she often questions her decisions. Lately this has caused her to spiral in her own mind, detaching from the world around her to overthink things on the spot, requiring a bit of a nudge to be brought back to reality.
* ***Messy and Aloof.*** In spite of the way she carries herself, Twyla doesn't mind getting dirty - because dirt can always be *cleaned*. She feigns vanity as a counterbalance to her sister's utter lack of it, but her reality is that dirt and grime are harmless, and appearances aren't everything. Like Solune, Twyla often looks overtired, coming across as older than she actually is. Twyla is well-mannered, even when no one is watching, but there seems to always be something on her mind preventing her from being fully present.
* ***Nosy and Newsy.*** If there's any personal news in Mhor, you've probably heard it pass Twyla's lips a few dozen times. Having become much more comfortable with her packmates, Twyla tends to delve into their personal lives and likes to know everything new there is about everyone. She doesn't share it with everyone but she has a few close friends who she can be seen gossiping with at pack gatherings, or privately over a kill.

## Pre-Group History

A perfectly normal childhood in a perfectly normal family -- elsewhere. Twyla grew up with her siblings, her parents, and their parents--among cousins and neighbors in her birth-pack. They brought her up on their belief system -- to respect the land, their food sources, and the ways of nature, instilling a deep respect for the earth in the young pup, just like her sister.

As a yearling, Twyla's sister Solune became betrothed to a neighboring wolf. Twyla was elated for her sister, though admittedly a little envious -- only of her fortune, not necessarily of her match, Zuke. Make no mistake, he was both kind and generous, but from what little interactions she had with him, he seemed to be a bit of a show-off. Solune was a good counter for him, grounding him back to reality and quick to jest at his expense when appropriate. They teased each other affectionately and seemed to be a perfect pair. That's why Twyla was so glad for the opportunity to be invited to spend a day with him. She couldn't have known it would unravel everything.

**"There you are!"** The dark-coated male bounded up behind Twyla as she relaxed by the fishing river on her day off, startling her a little.

**"Oh, were you looking for me?"** She asked, a little surprised that he'd chosen to seek her out instead of Solune. He only chuckled and informed her of a surprise. Before she could ask any questions, she was running off after him as he goaded her to keep up. It was monarch season, and the lower fields were full of butterflies. They had a grand morning chasing and playing like pups (they were still fairly young to be truthful,) and Twyla was a bit pleased to see he had to work to keep up with her.

**"I... didn't realize... you were so fast!"** he shouted breathlessly as he tailed her through the tall grass, splitting waves of butterflies in two. Twyla spun around on her heels and pounced, surprising him and knocking him to the ground with a hearty laugh.

**"That's why *I'm* the hunter!"** she teased, though it was really obvious.

The smile fell from his face and he stared at her. She stopped. She had seen that look before. Her hackles rose when he asked in exhasperation -- **"*Twyla?*"** Like so many others, he'd managed to confuse them for each other. It couldn't be helped, they were identical. She smiled apologetically and shrugged her shoulders.

**"I thought you wanted to hang out--since we'll be in-laws soon."**

His bashful grin returned and he shook his head. **"I guess I should have known. You're a lot more athletic than Solune. I feel like an idiot."** She could see his blush under his dark coat.

Shaking her head, she brushed it off for him. **"It happens all the time. Sorry, I guess this was supposed to be a date. The butterflies *are* pretty romantic. But I'm glad we got to play!"**

He nodded. **"Me too."**

It wouldn't be the last time Zuke confused them. But every time he approached Twyla, she made sure to first identify herself, and he would sheepishly slink off to go find his proper bride. It happened more than she liked, and every time she would report back to Solune who would roll her eyes and remark what an idiot he was sometimes, with a genuine smile on her maw. She loved him, in spite of his slip-ups, and Twyla couldn't have been happier for her.

That is, until the night before Zuke and Solune were meant to be bound. On the return trip from a successful solo hunt by the light of the moon, Zuke stopped her in the mountain pass. Twyla knew immediately something was wrong. **"What's happened?**" She demanded, the rabbit falling from her maw, fear creeping up her spine. She hadn't sensed anything was wrong from her other half, Solune seemed fine from the narrow thread that tied them together.

He stayed silent for a long moment before finally telling her, **"Twyla, I'm not going to be your sister's mate."** She said nothing, awaiting further explanation. It was a tactic they had learned from their father. Keep quiet and the other person will fill the silence. **"I don't... I thought I loved her. But it's you, Twyla. It's always been you."** Between her bewilderment, his repeated professions of love for her, and their consequential arguments -- it's an *arranged* marriage; it doesn't make a difference; Solune will be crushed; we'll run away -- time slipped by. Before long, the sun rose. They would be late. Everyone would wonder where they were, why they were *both* gone. For every attempt she made to get past him, he blocked her efforts, keeping her trapped within the mountain pass for hours. Finally, she knew she had to double-back. He chased her back through the pass, up the mountain, but could not keep up with her as she climbed ahead. It took the rest of the morning to climb the mountain and begin her descent, but at that point she was so exhausted she knew she had to sleep. Curling up in a cave for protection and to hide from Zuke, she tried to rest, but sleep would not come that night. All she could think of was her sister, how worried and hurt she must be by her betrothed's unexplained absence. When Twyla had finally descended the mountain safely, it was dark again. Solune's betrothed had managed to catch up with her, but was too exhausted to keep her from her path. He had given up trying to convince her they were meant to be--not he and Solune--and followed her with his head hanging low, ears and tails drooping like some heartbroken pup. Twyla's irritation for him turned into rage when she arrived at home and learned that their absence *wasn't* unexplained. Zuke had apparently confessed his love for Twyla to his own parents before fleeing to catch her on the mountain pass. Everyone had expected they'd run away--*together*.

What's worse, Solune was nowhere to be found. She had left that morning, seemingly in good spirits, in spite of the apparent circumstances. She said she would be back soon, but Twyla knew from the ache in her heart that she was *not* in good spirits. Twyla spent two agonizing moons fuming, searching the pack's borders for signs of her sister. Night was falling faster with each passing day, and soon the leaves would begin to turn color, and autumn would be on its way. She couldn't bare to be without her sister, without her sister knowing the truth. So she set out, searching for the wolf whose trail had long gone stale, searching for a wolf who looks exactly like her.

***"Do you recognize me?"***

## Group History

Twyla found herself facing up to Solune in Mhor...but not the way she expected. Accidentally mistaken for Solune before she'd had a chance to talk to her twin alone, Twyla gave Babylon too much feverfew when he came looking for medical assistance. Solune, realizing what must have happened, went with Talni and Serren to find Twyla; as soon as she was spotted, Solune attacked Twyla, cursing her with venom-laced words of hatred. After they split apart, Twyla tried explaining the situation, but Solune didn't want to hear it. Still, Talni and Serren suggested she come back to Mhor, to explain what had happened to Babylon when he recovered.

She was welcomed by Rowena after Babylon recovered, and offered a chance to join the pack. Twyla agreed, promising to contribute to the pack and not get in others' way, and Serren offered her some information about the pack she was joining shortly thereafter. Matthias, too, would give her information about the tasks and what being a Scourger was like (his own task). After a few weeks, Mhor already felt like home to Twyla, and after Harvest's Close, she was consecuted, placing her paw print on the wall in the Menagerie. She swore an Oath as a Harvester, a hunter for the pack. She enjoyed the Harvest's Close, bringing a ptarmigan to Archqueen Rowena and her friend Faolan to enjoy, and was amazed by the light of the Faefyre Falls.

Twyla tried to make amends with her sister as the autumn passed, but Solune still resented her sister for everything that had happened in their past. Still, Twyla stuck close to Solune's side, even when sleeping. One night, when Solune was dreaming, she attacked Twyla in her sleep, which alarmed her *considerably.* Still, she continued to try.

She made other friends in the pack, though, in her sister's 'absence'. Aurith showed her seashells on the shore, and while collecting herbs with Solune, Twyla would befriend a newcomer named Ilse, and go for a walk with Teagan. She would also form a close relationship with Babylon, who she'd taken to tending to, bringing food and moss for his bedding, feeling it necessary to make up for almost killing him. Babylon assured her that he never thought less of her, and she had more than repaid her debt to him. He wanted them to go forward as friends, as *equals.* Twyla wanted to try.

Twyla spotted a loner she was familiar with, at the borders of the territory. His name was Solazar, and he was familiar with the story about Twyla and Solune's troubles in their birth pack. It was he who suggested Twyla tell her sister the truth, the whole truth, and maybe Solune wouldn't hate her so much. Twyla would consider it. Later, she would enjoy spending time with Giuseppe at the beach!

Sometime later, Solune and Twyla would find one of Solune's friends from the past: Macgyver. At first he mistook Twyla for Solune, but she quickly corrected him, before Solune sent her on her way. Later, she and Twyla had to flee the Hive while patrolling with Serren, leaping from cliffs into the ocean in order to escape the horde. They nearly lost their lives, having to swim in the dark, churning waters and reach the shore under the night sky. Fortunately, all three wolves survived their experience! That being said, they were haunted by their desperate fight to swim to shore, and had nightmares about it.

Shortly after they returned to Mhor to recover, Twyla finally managed to have a heart-to-heart chat with Solune. They discussed what had happened in their birth pack with Zuke, *why* Twyla allowed Solune to hate her, and why Solune felt so betrayed by Twyla's actions...not for Zuke choosing *her*, but for Twyla choosing Zuke over Solune. At least, that was how Solune saw it. After this, though...Twyla managed to reach her sister. They would finally be able to grieve their time apart, the heartache that preceded and followed Solune's departure...together.

After returning to Mhor and recovering from their ordeal, both she-wolves returned to their duties. For Solune, that meant treating the sick and injured, such as Mason. Mason confused Twyla for her sister and brought toxic plants as a token of appreciation, not realizing they were fatal. Fortunately, neither Twyla nor Mason ingested the plant - Twyla actually recognized it as dangerous thanks to working around Solune for awhile!

Twyla was chosen to go on a journey to Riverfell, for trading purposes, alongside Alderwen and Wenlock. Apart from trading, the trio were instructed to extend an invitation for a meeting of alphas to the Riverfellians. Ricci and Devina received the news (and goods) from the Mhorians eagerly! She also had a chance to have a friendly spar with one of the Riverfell Gold Feathers, Calumina!

In this snowy season, Twyla chatted with Teagan and Matthias about a beautiful frozen waterfall on the territory. Matthias had since offered an apology to Twyla for the harsh welcome she'd received, and she told him it was all water under the bridge. The two would go forth as friends! She also spent a great deal of time doing her duties, hunting with the other Harvesters, including Serren, Talni, Maeve, and Indigo. Even those who weren't Harvesters, like Theia, invited Twyla to hunt with them!

As the end of winter approached, Archqueen Rowena called a meeting. She was going to send a war party to aid Chandor and Riverfell, and was looking for volunteers. Twyla wanted to go - to meet up with her friends in Riverfell - but a sharp glance from Solune told her she'd be better off staying home. However, she was stunned, and desperate to protest, when Solune announced that she would be leaving with the war party.

Ultimately, remaining behind was the best choice for Twyla, because before the war party set out, Twyla and Aurith discovered a tiny orphaned she-wolf. The puppy needed a caretaker, and Twyla was more than happy to step up to the task. She found herself growing very attached to the little she-wolf, who was named Lumina.

When the war party set out, the Hive had been waiting for them. Twyla kept hidden with Lumina, knowing that she needed to protect the pup at all costs. After the Menagerie was attacked, Twyla feared more white wolves had come for them, but was surprised to see Solazar. Solazar was looking for someone - a packmate, Ramona. Twyla inwardly bristled at his interest in the she-wolf, and told him that unless he was interested in fighting with Mhor, she wouldn't reveal her packmates' locations.

After the fight against the Hive ended, Twyla could breathe a sigh of relief. She and her charge had survived - so too had Solune. In the quiet moments of recovery, Rowena approached Twyla to inquire about Faolan. A bit mischievous, and sensing something more than friendship in the inquiry, gently teased the Archqueen.

Shortly after the recovery, Rowena would make a stunning announcement. They were going to fight against the Hive, but first, she had to come clean about her identity. Her whole life, she'd believed - Mhor believed - she was the reincarnation of Aewen. But she learned in a vision that she was, in fact, the reincarnation of Cassiopeia - Aewen's *anam cara.* This caused a great rift in the pack, but Twyla spoke out firmly. Her identity didn't matter. Clearly, she'd kept her identity secret because she wanted to keep the pack united against the Hive - and they threatened to break apart once they learned about the lie they'd been told. Twyla stood by Rowena in spite of everything.

After the surprise revelation, things in Mhor settled a bit. They didn't know, yet, where to find the Queen, and had only expressed a determination to find her and end the Hive Wars when they did. In the meantime, Twyla wanted to get some advice from her packmates about how to be a good parent to Lumina. She sought advice from two seasoned parents - Babylon and Raylan - who were happy to oblige.

The threat of the Hive was very, *very* real, and Twyla began to consider another option for her young charge. Lumina was only a juvenile, and Twyla didn't want her adoptive daughter to lose her life before having a chance to live it. A small band of loners were traveling out of the Domain, crossing paths with Mhor, and Twyla spoke quietly to them about taking Lumina with them. The loners were willing to take her along, and after a heartfelt, heartbreaking goodbye, Twyla wished Lumina the best of luck and sent her away for her own protection.

Mhor learned of the Hive Queen's location. Archqueen Rowena sent patrols of wolves to alert the other alphas of her location, and call them to join Mhor in the final battle. Swift-footed, Twyla and Aislin traveled to Xassa in order to give word to Cyrus Nineveh. He agreed to join Mhor on the battlefield.

True to their word, the Xassans went to the battlefield with Mhor, and the other packs. Twyla found herself fighting side-by-side with a Xassan, Solan, briefly, before they parted ways in the midst of battle. Twyla wasn't experienced in battle, however, and though she bravely raced to save the life of a Riverfell ally, Ashwood, she was not able to stand against the foe she'd attacked. The massive Hive drone lashed out at her, grabbing her right foreleg in its jaws, and with a sickening snap, broke and ripped away Twyla's forearm.

Shocked and in horrific pain, Twyla was only saved because Hieronymus came to dispatch the Hive drone. Twyla hobbled away, trying to find her way to the medical outpost. She was aided by Navindru of Chandor. Desperate to see her sister there, however, Twyla was disappointed. Solune was gone. Other Clerics and healers set to work trying to help her, but the shock and blood loss was taking a heavy toll on her.

Deborah tried to help, but it was growing apparent that Twyla wasn't going to make it. When Solune finally made it back to the medical outpost, she could see, with horror, that Twyla was dying. Still, she did her best to disguise the horror on her face and reassure her sister as she passed into the Summerlands.

Twyla died as Solune sat by and comforted her, all of the troubles that had scarred their history long forgotten. All that mattered was each other, in those precious last moments.

Twyla would be grieved by her packmates, but none so much as her other half.

## Trivia

* Twyla and Solune are identical twin sisters, via shared placenta!
* Twyla has scars on the bridge of her nose, but many wolves could tell her and her sister apart by personality alone after a short while.

## Quotes

* "I didn't *mean* to impersonate her. We're not supposed to do that. It's disingenuine and breaks trust." (*The Other Solune*)
* "I knew it wouldn't make a difference. I knew that the truth would be worse than what you went through, what you continued to know to be true. So I didn't tell you. Because it would be easier for you to hate me." (to Solune, *Things Might Get Better*)
* "The wolves of Mhor, surprised to learn their Archqueen is imperfect? An Alpha can only be as good as her pack. Why, do you suppose, she kept her secret? Could it be – to avoid the reactions she would get from her packmates? Her *family?* Because it would benefit no one? Clearly it did not benefit her. I pray, for the sake of the entire Domain, that we leave our squabbles at home." (standing by Rowena, *The Truth About Courage*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
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