Jedrek

Crow (Brother, NPC)

Santia (Sister, NPC)

Shiloh (Niece)

## Application Sheet

Jedrek was a lavender-gray wolf with golden eyes, the estranged father of healer Mutaias and uncle, through his marriage, to Shiloh. Born and raised in Riverfell, he supported the patriarchy and fought on Rhaegar's side when Shiloh returned to claim her place as Riverfell's leader. However, after over a year away, Jedrek returned and rejoined the pack with Shiloh's blessing. He would betray this trust by allying himself with the Hive, and was discovered to be a traitor in the midst of the Hive Wars. He was exiled after the Wars by Shiloh...permanently, with her killing him to prevent him doing further harm to her pack. He was created and RP'd by Quaylak.

## Personality

* ***Intelligent.*** What Jed lacks in brawn, he makes up for in brains. While not physically weak or unable to hold his own in a fight by any means, his mind has always been his greatest weapon since childhood.
* ***Independent.*** If he were more confident about being able to survive on his own, he would, but he logically knows "the strength of the wolf is the pack." Born within Riverfell's former brutish patriarchy, he struggled to fit in and had to rely on his own wits in order to find his place within their society.
* ***Rude.*** More *colorful* language has always been used to describe his often heartless personality, but it's been his way of "connecting" with others for as long as he can remember. By calling out others' faults, it distracts from his own. And besides...*it was only a joke.*
* ***Steadfast.*** A blessing and a curse, Jed can be unrelenting in pursuing his goals. While this would normally be seen as a positive trait to most, those goals are primarily self-serving/selfish in nature.
* ***Manipulative.*** Never first to be picked for any team, Jed learned how to gain the favor of those more powerful than him early on in life. His tactical knowledge and logistical skill made him an asset on the battlefield, but it was rare he actually stepped out onto said field and risked his own neck for his packmates. His talents were further tested and put to greater use after being tasked with becoming a Rider. As many joked, *"Jed could trade a week-old rotter for a warm meal, and the other wolf would believe he walked away with the best end of that deal!"*
* ***Narcissistic.*** He looks out for number one -- himself. Jed will do anything to stay alive and maintain a comfortable lifestyle, no matter the cost or sacrifice. His loyalty is always to his own well-being and he very rarely puts himself at risk (and only will do so if it means he can secure his survival).
* ***Jealous.*** After watching everyone around him thrive, Jed developed an unhealthy sense of jealousy toward his male peers. Many went on to excel within their chosen tasks and ranks while he struggled to find his place and the job best suited for him. In an effort to continue using those around him for his own benefit, he stifled his bitterness and pretended to be their friends. He faked his happiness to hide his growing resentment at his own faults and mounting failures.
* ***Rational and Non-confrontational.*** He is always extremely even-tempered and is rarely reactionary. Very little can rile him up or trigger him to lash out or lose control. Only those (formerly) closest to him will remember a time when he lost his temper or reacted to a situation in an overly emotional capacity. Otherwise, he is cool as a cucumber and always thinking and observing and planning his next move.
* ***Guarded.*** He has spent his entire life disappointing others and trying to be someone he is not. As a result, his father, former mate, and children have "all abandoned him;" or so he tells himself. Mentally, he recycles this as an excuse to push others away and continues to reinforce the idea that he does not want anyone getting close to him again. Despite playing such a dominant role in the destruction of his closest relationships, Jed is secretly heartbroken that he is alone.

## Pre-Group History

Born the eldest of three pups to Reilach and Johanna of Riverfell, Jed was forced to grow up quickly after an unfortunate hunting accident claimed his mother's life as a child. His father was a high-ranking Guardian that spared little time in caring for his pups. Instead, he relied on the Sages to bear the burden of raising them, but it all ultimately fell upon Jed. He made sure his younger sister and brother were fed, had a warm place to sleep at night, and were educated. It left very little time for Jed to find his own path and carve out a place for himself within Riverfell like most young males.

Eventually, he followed his father's path and became a Guardian. With his siblings old enough to care for themselves, it was time. Unfortunately, Jed had chosen his task poorly. Though his size and strength were ideal, his heart was not in fighting. His father disapproved and their relationship slowly soured as Jed struggled, once again, to find his place within Riverfell.

Shortly into his new career as a Rider, Jed met a loner female that he would often trade with along Riverfell's borders. After a passionate evening, the female, Mayu, later admitted to being pregnant at their next trading rendezvous. Eager to raise the pups on her own and not burden Jed, she did not ask for his help or request to join Riverfell. Jed, however, realized the potential behind their situation and the rise in his own personal status within the pack by proving his virility. He was able to convince Mayu to join Riverfell after speaking with Saerian and explaining what happened.

Two daughters and a son were born, yet Mayu grew less and less enchanted with pack life as the pups grew older. Jed enjoyed his rise in status and knew his son, Mutaias, would become his legacy and ticket to respect from the other males of Riverfell. However, Mayu decided she wanted to leave the pack just as their children were old enough to be weaned. The culture and societal pressure did not sit well with her and after several heated arguments with Jed, the pair decided to separate. Mayu took their daughters and Mutaias remained with Jed in Riverfell.

She and the girls were never seen again.

Now a single parent raising a young son, the pressure upon Jed to be someone he was not had reached its peak. Fatherhood was never something he had initially wanted in life, but he enjoyed the sense of normalcy and respect he had gained in return. That pressure to become something great and achieve what he had not was placed squarely on the shoulders of his innocent son. As Mutt grew older, his interest in following a warrior's path grew smaller, much to Jed's dismay. Mutt had inherited his father's brains and instead, wished to pursue a life typically suited to the females of the pack. His knowledge of herbs and healing grew as he spent more and more time with the Sages. Many arguments occurred throughout Mutt's adolescence until their relationship was pushed to the brink.

Like Mayu, Mutt decided to sever his relationship with his father as soon as he was old enough. Their last fight was intense and physical. Years of pent-up jealousy and feelings of inadequacy were unleashed upon his son, scarring him and pushing him away forever. It was rare for Jed to lose his cool and lash out physically, but Mutt denouncing his relationship with his father and dashing Jed's attempts to live vicariously through him was too much to bear. It broke Jed's heart to know he had caused such a thing to happen and is one of the few regrets he carries with him and will never forget -- nor admit to anyone, including Mutt.

Unwilling to admit his own misgivings and mend the relationship with his son, the two continued to co-exist within Riverfell, though they rarely saw one another or interacted. Jed's reputation was not stellar after his mate left with two of his children and his own son disowned him, but rubbing elbows with Rhaegar, a wolf he had grown up with as a child, offered new opportunities to repair his status. Rhaegar was strong and an ideal male in the eyes of those around him; including Jed. It was easy to see that after the mysterious death of Pyre and Saerian, Rhaegar would be the best choice to lead Riverfell -- or so Jed convinced him to believe.

As Rhaegar rose to power, so did Jed at his side. Despite being a Rider, Jed was allowed to join Rhaegar on his patrols with the other Guardians of Riverfell. Finally respected and viewed with esteem, he reveled at his new lifestyle and felt his efforts had finally paid off.

Until, of course, a powerful female appeared on the horizon with a band of friends at her side.

Confident in Rhaegar's abilities to defeat this fiery female who claimed to be the blood of Riverfell's former heir, Jed fought at his side. It was only after being defeated by Howl and retreating that he realized Rhaegar had fallen. Had he truly chosen the wrong side? Could everything he worked so hard to achieve truly be over? The weight of a lifelong string of losses and failures nearly crushed him. If this female was to replace Rhaegar, where would his place be? Jed escaped and hid within the Emerald Forest to plot his next move.

He watched from the shadows as Riverfell's culture was transformed with the arrival of "Lady Shiloh." She placed her priorities on the concept of equality; a foreign concept spouted by a younger generation that seemed to favor the rise of females within their society. Suddenly, the reputation of the opposite sex began to improve and overshadow even his own former place within the pack. How was this possible? Knowing there was no possible way to regain what he had worked so hard to achieve for himself, Jed decided it was time to leave Riverfell for good and establish himself elsewhere.

He left no trace and traveled South to warmer climates. He knew his best chances of survival would be to follow the herds and find somewhere warm until the following Spring. Little did he know, the coldest winter on record would grip his former homeland.

And in his searching for shelter and safety from the cold, he would encounter a familiar face he never expected to see again - *Heather.* Riverfell's lost Master Sage and Aunt to Shiloh.

Wounded and alone, Jed debated helping her at first, but then realized the opportunity this new discovery would offer him. If he were able to get Heather back home and reunite her with her long-lost niece, perhaps he could earn Shiloh's favor and restore his status within the pack? He knew the likelihood of surviving out in the Wilds, alone, was quite low. Heather would be his meal ticket back into the pack and into a more comfortable - and secure - lifestyle. It was worth the risk, so the two sheltered in safety for the winter and decided they would head home at first thaw.

## Group History

Jedrek and Heather returned to Riverfell in the summer, much to everyone's surprise. The first wolf they encountered was Gold Feather Howl! They were overjoyed to see Heather, but less enthusiastic about the return of Jed. Those who had fought for Shiloh, and those who remembered his slimy ways before leaving Riverfell in the first place, could have done without seeing him ever again. Still, he was pleased to be back, and was honored at the spring Quarter Feast by Shiloh, for bringing Heather home.

He would serve as a thorn in Shiloh's side, however. Despite openly being supportive and reformed in his manner of thinking, he would take small jabs at Shiloh's leadership whenever he could. He brought up his concerns at the autumn Quarter Feast with Shiloh's leadership, addressing the addition of four new mouths (Deonte and Sheranee's new pups) *and* the decision to even *have* the Quarter Feast instead of taking their fight directly to the Hive. Shiloh resented his interruption and told him to challenge her properly if he was dissatisfied with her rule.

His words made ripples in the pack. Fiadh sought him out to hear what he had to say - without Shiloh interfering. She agreed with Jedrek's reasoning to have the pack fight the Hive directly, and would be one of the few allies he'd have in Riverfell going forward.

Jedrek continued to make waves in Riverfell. One day, he was in the Sage's den, alone, when Ruby came into the camp, severely injured by the Hive. Calumina had helped to bring her in, when Atsila and his pup-sitter, Ricci, were visiting. Jed leapt to action to stop the bleeding, until an *actual* Sage could come along. He did well enough, and earned a bit of favor from Ruby in the process.

As the autumn drew to a close, Jedrek was on a patrol with Alice, Rocko, and Devina. There had been whispers of potential trading partners along the southern borders and they wanted to scout it out. Upon reaching the borders, though, they discovered signs of a bloody battle against the Hive. The corpse of a trader...and a dying Hive wolf, which placed a vulture feather at his paws.

A message.

Jedrek knew that the vulture feather was a sign of the wolf the bird served - General Sledge, of the Hive. A wolf he had made a deal with many moons previously. The Hive general was about to kill him, when Jedrek bargained - insider information about Riverfell, its prey and patrols, and he would serve as a spy, in exchange for his life (and leadership of Riverfell). He would ally himself with the Hive, if they chose. Sledge saw the value in having a spy and ally, and told Jed that his time would come. They had much to discuss.

Finding this message from Sledge meant Jed's loyalty was to be tested, it seemed...and soon. For now, though, he kept his head down.

He served his pack as a Rider, much to the displeasure of some other Riders like Sasha and Josephine. Still, there was no reason to mistrust him...right?

Oh, the wolves of Riverfell had no idea, truly. General Sledge was losing patience with Jedrek and decided to send him a message. Sledge tracked Jed down and brought him to an overlook, to watch as the Hive attacked one of the pack's Sages, Lyza. They caused intense, mortal injuries, and Jedrek could only watch in horror. Still, he passed his test by not interfering with the Hive's kill. When the Hive departed, he went to Lyza, thanking her for saving him and his son, Mutaias. He would be spotted at one point by Swiftwing, who flew off to get help. It was too late for Lyza, though, and she died after having a final word with Shiloh and Morgan.

Rattled by Lyza's brutal death, Jedrek struggled moving forward. He thought he should flee, and had every intention to do so - but then he ran into General Sledge. He demanded information, and Jedrek provided it, the slimy traitor he was. Shaking, Jed informed him that Shiloh's wedding was being celebrated that night, and they planned to join forces with Chandor and Mhor to fight the Hive. Sledge knew this already, of course, but was pleased his spy shared the news and proved his loyalty once and for all.

Jed was still away from the pack when Sledge launched his attack, being held as a semi-prisoner, semi-spy, unwelcome with either party. He was discovered by Fiadh, who, stunned, freed him. Jedrek told her that the pack was in danger, and Sledge was leading a surprise ambush *now*, and she needed to gather all of the able-bodied warriors she could find.

As Jedrek raced to Riverfell's den, determined to warn his packmates - perhaps help his pack, *really* help them, for the first time! As he approached the densite, he was horrified to see General Sledge already holding the near-lifeless body of Morgan in his jaws. Sledge honed in on what Morgan had been fighting to protect - an injured Sasha, Josephine, and Ruby, quaking in the Sage's den, unable to fight.

Jedrek leapt at Sledge as he turned on the she-wolves. The two clashed, with Sledge cursing Jedrek: **"Consider our contract and agreement *officially* terminated. Now I won’t just kill your Alpha for you – your entire pack dies today. And YOU are next!"** Jedrek did his best to battle Sledge, holding him off just long enough for Fiadh to arrive with reinforcements - Calumina, Howl, and Deonte.

Injured, he watched the battle, watched the culmination in the deaths of not only Morgan, but Deonte as well.

*How had this happened?*

It wasn't long before Shiloh found out the truth. Howl informed her of Jedrek's lies and manipulation. In a rage, she attacked Jedrek, throwing him to the ground and swearing to either end his life or send him back to the Hive. Jed pled for his life, insisting he had information that would help them defeat the Hive. Howl intervened and said Jedrek should face a trial, and Shiloh begrudgingly agreed, bringing Rocko to serve as the warden to the new prisoner, Jed.

Jedrek's trial was public, and some wolves stood up for him, and others were happy to let him rot. Ultimately, the decision reached was that he would remain imprisoned, kept under Rocko's careful guard, *so long as his information proved fruitful.* If they were led to the Queen, he would be exiled permanently. Until then, he could 'enjoy' life with Riverfell.

He went with them to Mhor, and onward as they sought out the Queen. He was always a small distance away from the rest of the pack, though, who broadly didn't want anything to do with him. He did find himself a way to continue manipulating Shiloh, though...through her daughter. A young she-wolf was adopted (along with three males) by Shiloh on the road, and the female - Sawyer - was ripe for manipulation. Jedrek introduced himself and praised the young one's intelligence and used his charm and wit on her. He *would* remain in Riverfell, and not be forever exiled. This was *his* pack.

With time, and frequent secretive conversations with Sawyer as she grew, he came to care for the young female. She, Fiadh, and Mutaias - the only wolves in the pack he truly cared about.

Riverfell's treacherous compass led them to the Hive Queen, along with the rest of the wolves of the Domain. Jedrek didn't want anything to do with the final battle, but once the battle had ended, and the healers were moving amongst the injured, he happened to be in the right place at the right time. A dying Hive drone reared up to attack Sawyer. In a flash, Jedrek dispatched the drone, saving Shiloh's daughter's life. She told him she believed he had some good in him, despite him reminding her of the bad things he'd done, and insisting he wasn't a hero.

The battle against the Hive, and the defeat of the Queen, meant they were returning home. Riverfell was going back to its own territory. Along the way, Fiadh took an opportunity to remind Jedrek of his sins, accusing him of using her friendship. Jed tried to defend himself, but ultimately owned up to his mistakes and warned her not to end up like him.

A day from Riverfell's lands, Jedrek was approached by Shiloh. The Lady of Riverfell brewed with silent rage, and told him it was time for him to leave, to begin his exile. He asked if he could say goodbye to the wolves he cared about - who *might* still care for him - but she reminded him bluntly that *she* had not gotten to say a goodbye to the wolves she lost because of his treachery. He slunk off, whispering a goodbye to Riverfell, and immediately, in his mind, started plotting how to get back into the pack.

He was caught completely off-guard as Shiloh raced after him and ripped his throat out.

He would *never* hurt Riverfell again. She made sure of it.

## Trivia

* When Shiloh and her band of females came to overthrow Rhaegar, Jed fought against Calumina, and nearly bested her, but Howl interfered and helped her to subdue him until Shiloh had won the battle.
* Fiadh had a lot of respect for Jedrek before his treachery, and actually once let slip and almost called him "Dad"!

## Quotes

* "My point is, if you want us to be grateful for your birthright and rise to power after murdering our previous leader, I believe we should do as he *surely* would have done months ago and eliminate this threat directly. What is it you're waiting for, exactly?" (challenging Shiloh, *Fall Quarter Feast Announcements*)
* "I-I can help you and your pack if *you* help *me*. I know the territory, the patrols, our weaknesses and herds. I can infiltrate and act as a spy for you. And if you take her out, I will assume leadership and pledge myself and my pack to you in exchange. A female has no place leading us." (making a deal with General Sledge, *Courting Fate*)
* “I’m no good guy – no hero. You don’t screw over as many wolves as I have and hope to have anyone left that would be willing to call you a ‘friend.’ I’ve done nothing but terrible things for as long as I can remember.” (to Sawyer, *Honor Amongst Thieves*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* Quaylak's deviantART Gallery