Ira

Nadina (Sister)

Saurugol (Adoptive Father)

Arthur, Zevahni, Mohawk, and Yuaei (Adoptive Siblings)

Renae (Niece)

Alastor (Nephew)

## Application Sheet

Ira was an albino she-wolf, raised by Saurugol in Havir, after being abandoned in the territory by her grandmother, separated from her sister Nadina. She fell in love with childhood friend Faust, and after a long and difficult road, the pair became mates in his pack, Vale. There, she took on the title of Elska, and had children with him: Gabriel, Nikolai, Charlotte, and Elisabet. Later, she and Faust decided to leave the Domain together, eventually reuniting with Ira's dear friend Shandris. Ira was created and RP'd by WynBird.

## Personality

* ***Insecure, Distant, and Disillusioned.*** Ira was badly shaken by the destruction of Havir and events immediately following. As such, she's blocked out the memory of much of what happened following the explosion, but still tends to be plagued by nightmares - the memories that she has tried so hard to forget. She is tense, irascible, and insolent towards her fellow Havirians. Unsure who to blame, Ira has settled for blaming *everyone.* The beta's attempts to rally the pack during the crisis were met with hostility and confusion. Already suffering from doubts, Ira has all but lost faith in her fellows who were so quick to forget the Havirian cornerstones or Respect and Rank when faced with the unknown. Moreover, and less consciously, she questions her own qualifications as a beta. If they did not trust her in their time of need, what place has she as a figure of authority? Even Faust is not privy to this private suffering.
	+ As Vale recovers and Ira settles into her new role as Elska and mother, these wounds have slowly begun to heal.

* ***Devout and Superstitious.*** After her encounter with the god of death, Adetunji, Ira has found her faith reawakened. She believes it is his voice that led her through the madness of Havir's destruction, a revelation Ira has been careful to keep a secret - both out of mistrust for her fellows and a lack of understanding to the meaning of the god's intervention. Ira puts great stock in prophecy and foresight. Indeed, the quickest way into her trust is by showing some proficiency with these gifts. She believes there are sacred places, cursed and dangerous to trespass upon. There are dreams which tell the future. Visions that warn of calamities to come. And there are most certainly ghosts haunting the woods at night.
* ***Domineering, Stubborn, and Vindictive.*** Ira's the sort to pluck out an eye if it offends her, rather than let the entire body be tainted. Treacherous *vandr* are not welcome into her confidence, nor is any insurrection within pack rank. Sensitive and prone to holding grudges, Ira is quick to judge and can be especially harsh on wolves who have disappointed her in the past. She believes wholeheartedly that the pack can only remain strong if the laws which govern it are abided. Laxness or disrespect, are therefore, some of the most dangerous traits to display in her presence. She will assert her dominance violently at almost any hint of a challenge. *However,* despite her devotion to tradition, both time and toil have tempered the pale wolf's spirit. The gods work in sometimes incomprehensible ways, and the Elska has learned that the law is not always superior to one's own heart.
* ***Blunt, Impatient, and Perfectionistic.*** A fiery and willful wolf, Ira has little patience for political-correctness, preferring to be as straightforward and unyielding as an avalanche. Those who presume too much will face her unbridled wrath, as Ira is not known for her finesse. She has no tolerance for grovelers, either, making her seem almost impossible to please. As Elska of Vale, she expects both competence and deference from her subordinates. She often prefers to take charge of situations herself, and will not hesitate to dismiss or push other wolves aside at the slightest display of incompetence. It is difficult for Ira to delegate authority, because so few meet her high standards.
* ***Competent and Conceited.*** Ira has spent a great deal of time and dedication to honing her skills as a huntress. She considers herself one of, if not *the*, best hunters in Vale - perhaps in all the Domain. Though Ira has great respect for others of her task, she insists on correcting even relatively minor mistakes they might make, and will quickly dismiss advice which contradicts her own personal experiences. She is self-assured at best, given the fact that she is often able to back up her confidence with equal action. She is not, however, *invincible,* though she would like to believe it. Talented though Ira might be, she carries a certain degree of delusion around. Additionally, Ira is exceptionally proud of her unique coat and considers herself divinely marked. Due to her albinism, Ira favors nighttime and deep forest. She avoids the ocean during the day, as well as stretches of open space, as these are too bright for her blood-eyes to see well. She is disdainful of this weakness and prefers to pretend her habits are an act of preference, rather than necessity.
* ***Idealistic and Romantic.*** In her secret heart, Ira holds on to a certain degree of idealism which the many tragedies of her life have not managed to beat out of her. Faust's abandonment left her disdainful of love - when he returned, Ira felt as if her entire world had been turned on its head. She tried to be angry, she tried to forget him, but in the end the flame that burned between them was impossible to extinguish. Much of the future remains uncertain, and Ira *is* afraid. But with Faust beside her at last, she is confident that no matter what happens, they can get through it, *together.* Despite her outward projection of coldness and self-superiority, Ira craves close companionship among those she can consider equals. She wishes to be able to put faith in others, though Ira is often too suspicious and impatient to provide them with such an opportunity.

## Pre-Group History

Ira was not born to the pack of Havir. She was found alone in Havir territory by a hunting party after a freezing night of bitter snowfall, presumably abandoned. Much dispute arose as to what to do with her, as she was an outsider. Leaving her would mean certain death for the young pup, barely old enough to walk; yet bringing her into the pack might incur the wrath of the gods. Her strange coat aggravated the dispute - some said it was a mark of favor by the gods, others were sure he coat marked her as one cursed by Adetunji, shepherd of death.

In the end, Saurugol claimed her - even challenging his divine father Sandre for the pup's life. Though the gods were harsh, they also taught that all pups were gifts. This one was no different. So Ira grew up within the pack, her security as a member lying only in Saurugol's favor. While she has always known deep down that he cares for her, the golden male's cold and distant demeanor has made it difficult for Ira to trust in his affection. She became obsessed with pleasing him and proving herself worthy of his love.

As a pup Ira made any easy scapegoat for any calamity which struck, and from a very young age had to learn to strike first, or be the one struck. She was always aware that not everyone accepted her, and realized early on that she would need to be twice as good as any trueborn Havir to prove her worth. Because of this double standard, Ira developed a short temper and a deeply rooted suspicion that everyone was out to get her.

Once she came of age, Ira joined the ranks of the Hunt Masters, following in Saurugol's footsteps. She pushed herself in this task as she pushed herself in all things, training tirelessly to rise through the ranks. Barely a season after gaining her task, Ira took down a fully grown bull elk single-pawed, thereby raising herself to the rank of Gamma. She is challenged less often now, but continues to keep an ear out for anyone who might dare to contest her right as a member of the pack.

## Group History

Ira spent a great deal of time with her childhood friend Faust. The pair would often work together, combining Faust's physical strength with Ira's in order to bring down large game. She was quite blunt and demanding with the wolves she was paired with (and those she happened upon, and demanded help her, like Cyrus).

When hunting alone, Ira was occasionally challenged by lone wolves, like Razor. The loner, who called himself "The Ripper", attacked Ira. She was outmatched, and he wounded her, but let her go, telling her to warn her pack. Ira's pride prevented her from admitting to her packmates what had happened, but she eventually was moved to tell Saurugol. He punished her for keeping the presence of a very dangerous loner quiet by having her collect cotton grass to keep her packmates' nests warm.

She preferred working alone, in spite of the risk. She was often 'forced' to bring company on tasks, such as investigating what was killing the prey at the borders of the territory. She was partnered with Silvanus, and the pair fought off a cougar, Silvanus earning her begrudging respect. Still, Ira wasn't an easy wolf to get along with, even for her packmates. She and Daciana fought one another when Daciana refused to show Ira 'proper' respect.

Ira's loyalty was placed in Faust, instead of her father, for the first time when Faust decided to leave Havir, to help a pack in the south - Blutwald - which desperately needed assistance. Saurugol had refused to send aid, but Faust could not turn his back blindly on those who were suffering. Still, Ira *needed* her father's permission. She approached Saurugol to inform him of her decision. Tensions rose. Saurugol threw Ira's feelings for Faust in her face, and accused her of abandoning her responsibilities to chase her heart. Unable to stand it, she told him she was leaving anyway - and Saurugol called after her to *never* return.

She was found by Aphrodi on her way out of Havir, who begged her to return. No matter what Saurugol had said in the moment, she was his daughter, and he loved her. He would take her back, regardless of her actions. Ira, however, was resolute in believing she'd never return.

The two traveled south. They admitted to one another their lack of faith in the Havirian gods, citing their losses and the 'curses' they had expected to bear, yet never received. They were openly tender with one another, and happy...but Faust, knowing that he was *going* to be exiled upon their return, and wanting to protect her from that fate, told her their feelings would pass, and ran off.

They arrived in Blutwald. At the border, they met the new alpha, Stallion, and his family: Winema, his mate, and two children, Sava and Sylus. They wanted to appraise the situation in Blutwald, but Stallion refused Faust entry - Ira, however, could enter. She did so, assuring Faust that she could handle herself. She admired Winema's quiet authority, more than Stallion's posturing and threats. Once Ira was satisfied that their tyrant leader Roman was indeed gone, and females were now able to live comfortably and safely within the pack, Ira and Faust made their return trip home.

They were welcomed back with open arms, despite the blizzard raging around them. Hera, Saurugol, and Silvanus met them at the border. For a while, Ira thought things could go back to normal...but then Faust openly renounced the gods. He was immediately exiled, and Hera, desperate to save the soul of her son, offered her life to the gods.

Ira was stunned. Faust was gone, Hera, the High Priestess, was dead. Numb, she followed Saurugol back to Havir's camp. She listened as Saurugol summoned the pack, to announce Hera's death, Faust's banishment, and Silvanus's promotion to High Priest.

She reconnected with Cyrus upon her return. Both had gone through tremendous ordeals, and embraced one another's friendship in a way they hadn't before (when Ira accused him of laziness and made him hunt with her). He would become her best friend, now that Faust was gone...for good, she believed. Though he was a good friend now, other wolves remained on Ira's bad side: Daciana tried to make amends with her after her return, but Ira held her grudge firmly.

Ira was assigned to train some of the new, young, aspiring hunters of the pack, like young Shandris. Shandris actually managed to impress Ira with her raw hunting talent, though Ira didn't want the youngster to get cocky, and warned her that she needed some fine-tuning of sorts.

At the borders, Ira attentively watched a loner, Niels, as he ate a bit of carrion - not *technically* trespassing but close enough for Ira to get up to her usual threatening behaviors. After a short discussion, Niels managed to make her cry with some hurtful words, and she chased him off before he could see them fall. She paid for letting him get away unscathed later.

Ira became a sort of "big sister" when her adoptive father Saurugol had pups with Beta Guardian Malika. Zevahni and Arthur were loved by Ira, though she didn't really know how to be a big sister. She did teach Arthur to hunt mice, however!

Her hunting skills were toned even further as her apprentice, Shandris, graduated to a higher rank. The two realized their hunting styles complimented one another, and they could bring down more prey together than individually. Their hunts brought them together as friends, and they became as close as sisters!

Still, happiness eluded Ira. Zevahni died, and Ira felt even worse when the loner she'd chased off, Niels, returned to Havir, working with a wolf named Valda, to steal Fallon's pup Veron. She apologized to Fallon, who forgave her for showing Niels mercy, but asked her to help him search for Veron. Ira was overcome by emotion and did not help him to search.

She did help with another search for a missing wolf: Siobhan. Ira searched with Saurugol up in the snow-covered mountains, when the pair were attacked by an angry bear. Ira and the bear wound up getting swallowed by the mountain when the snowy shelf they were standing upon gave way. Saurugol, believing Ira to be dead, returned home to grieve.

Ira was not dead, though she floated on the border between life and death. In her mind's eye, she was approached by Adetunji, who claimed to have staid his fangs long enough, and was ready to collect her, for her life was owed to him. She fought back, and managed to earn his respect. Adetunji released her, warning her not to disappoint him, and she blacked out.

Upon regaining consciousness, Ira realized she'd been found by a packmate - Freya. Freya didn't know how to help Ira, but was determined to make sure she survived. The pair of she-wolves were found by loners, however, Ha'an and Zane, who took them as captives. Ironically, the loners stealing Ira ensured her survival - the journey to Havir's den would have been too long and treacherous, and would have killed her.

While in captivity, Ira realized Siobhan was there! The wolf she'd been searching for, before she was attacked by the bear. Siobhan tended to her injuries, and the she-wolves noticed that there was dissent within the group, particularly with one seemingly weak link: Tadashi. Tadashi went to the Havirians to organize a rescue party, and Ira would be rescued - Saurugol led Nadina, Sage, Quidel, Arthur, and Cyrus in a rescue attempt. It was successful, but Ira's presence stunned Saurugol and left him exposed to attack - only Nadina, a wolf Ira had never met, saved his life.

Upon returning to Havir, Ira learned a great deal of news: Faust was back, welcomed into the fold after being usurped from his position as Alpha of Vale, and the silver she-wolf who had saved Saurugol's life was a new huntress named Nadina*.* Ira approached Faust in his den, and he was stunned to see her. The two embraced and confessed their love.

She learned some news about Nadina, however: she was her *sister.* Ira immediately rejected Nadina, threatening and bullying her into submission, before leaving her in denial. She avoided Nadina as much as possible.

Still, she couldn't avoid her sister, another huntress, forever. One night, Ira encountered Nadina, covered in the scent of a male wolf. Immediately, Ira confronted her sister, who explained that she'd been visited by Adetunji! Ira scoffed and the two realized that Nadina had only been taken advantage of by a heathen lone wolf (actually, Janus was a pack wolf). Nadina begged Ira for help, and Ira told her sister than her sin would bring Adetunji's wrath upon them all, and hoped the union would not result in pups, who would live their lives as the target of packmates' hatred and mistrust...just like young Ira herself had been. They hunted for an offering, to sacrifice to the gods, as a starting point.

Ira spoke to Aphrodi, about their respective families. She wished him well, with his new mate Ruston, and congratulated him on Siobhan bearing his pups as well. Aphrodi told Ira about how terrible a state Faust had been in upon his return, and expressed relief that both of them were healing from their injuries. But they had many trials yet to overcome.

Faust told Ira he had to leave - an usurper named Renier had taken leadership of his pack, and the pack were being oppressed, thrust into the Dark Ages. He had to rescue his people. Ira, desperate, told him that she was pregnant, and he *couldn't* leave her, not now. Faust agonized, but knew he could never leave her - not like this. He agreed to remain in Havir, for now. They approached Saurugol (and his mate Tilika) to share the news! Tilika was also pregnant - Ira was going to be a big sister again (though she would never meet these pups).

Ira knew Faust would have to return to Vale at some point - his loyalty to his people was great. But she didn't realize the *circumstances* they would be leaving under...no wolf did.

A meteor struck Havir, killing Saurugol and setting the territory ablaze. The Havirians fled in all directions, most of them following Faust to the southeast. Ira was horrified, but felt some relief when she was reunited with her mate. The grief of losing her father, of losing her *home*, would have to come later. She bore it, gathering her packmates (and preventing Evander from attacking Faust) and leading them to safety with Faust at her side.

Their group was small, even though it had the most Havirians: Ira and Faust, along with Nadina and her two pups, Renae and Alastor, traveled towards Vale, with Evander, Dahlia, Silvanus, Morgana, and Denahi following. They wandered for many days, grief-stricken at the loss of their packmates, their leader, and their territory. Where were they going? To Vale.

To reclaim the pack in Faust's name, and to have a new home for the Havirians.

Faust and Ira arrived in the nick of time, for the rebellion was ready to begin. Ira had remained behind while Faust led the first wave, but despite his wishes, she had no intention of remaining completely out of the action. Ira spotted Alar, the alpha after Renier, fleeing the scene, and attacked him. She quickly realized this was not the barbarian who had attacked Faust, but what she deemed a "carrion crow", gloating over a kill made by better creatures. She could take him. Ignoring his threats, Ira pursued him, managing to catch up to Alar.

She wounded him, severely, but Alar fought dirty to save his skin, and kicked up, hard, into Ira's stomach. The pain was immense, and the fear she felt for her unborn pups, unmatched. Faust approached, and attacked Alar with such viciousness, Ira feared he might have been possessed by Adetunji. Only the interference of Shenandoah, and Ira's fear and pain, prevented Faust from killing Alar.

Ira was brought to Vale, where her wounds were treated, and the little lives in her belly were checked up on. Shortly after the rebellion, Ira had given birth, and her four pups seemed no worse for the wear: Gabriel, Nikolai, Charlotte, and Elisabet. For the first time in her life, she imagined a life with no hardship - the kind of life she wanted for her children. Even though she had lost so much, in them, she found the strength to keep going.

She spoke to Loki about Faust, and the conflicting understandings of the gods, admitting to the Valerian male that the gods must have seen Faust worth saving, to found Vale, and bring the Havirian refugees *there.* They were *blessed*. Loki, filled with understanding, thanked Ira, and told her he was honored to have a chance to serve her.

Ira loved her children, and tried to imprint upon them the importance of their heritage, and the virtues all Havirians held high: nobility, respect, dignity, and strength. She saved a curious Charlotte from the claws of a Vektren she-wolf, Seraph, when she wandered off, and bonded with her other children.

She tried to encourage her youngest son Nikolai's talents, for he did not have the body of a strong fighter or hunter, but perhaps he would be suited as a healer or diplomat? It was easier to understand Gabriel, her strong son, and Charlotte and Elisabet, who also found a place in the pack to serve the greater good. Only Nikolai took no task.

Still, Faust and Ira realized they didn't actually belong in Vale, no matter what they thought...they belonged in *Havir.* Faust and Ira stepped down when their children had become young adults, giving the position of Astir to Loki. They left the Valerians behind, and set off on their journey. It is unknown what they did after visiting Havir's old territory, but they have not been seen since.

## Trivia

* As a parent, Ira is an attentive and assertive mother, considering the well-being of her offspring the most important and sacred task to which she has ever been appointed. They represent her past, present, and future. It could even be said she sees them as an extension of herself, and their success as individuals directly reflects back on her as a parent. She is stern in her tutelage and does not tolerate laxness or misbehavior, but it would be wrong to assume that Ira does this out of indifference to her pups' personal feelings. She knows that the world can be brutal and cold, and to survive in it, her children must be prepared.
	+ Moreover, though her expectations are high, Ira is in fact very affectionate with her children. Her own father being quite distant in her youth, Ira is determined not to leave her children with that same sense of separation. She takes pride in tutoring them, is eager to praise their success, and their sense of wonder about the world has reawakened her own. They are her world, and she is their Champion - ready to defend them from any and all threats.
	+ In the wake of Havir's devastation, the upbringing of her heirs has played a key role in helping the Elska heal emotionally from the loss of her home and family. Particularly as younglings, Ira is reluctant to leave her brood in the care of others, even for a short time, and is noticeably more erratic and irritable when separated from them.
* Ira found a golden feather after the destruction of Havir, which she wears in remembrance of her father, AdeSaurugol.
* According to Halkuonn and WynBird, Ira's dear friend Shandris eventually found Ira and Faust, and is living in a small group with them outside of the Domain.
* Ira was the **Spring 2015 Character of the Season**, making her the fourth character of the season in the group!

## Quotes

* "I am Ira! Bane of Havir and born of Adetunji's wrath!" (threatening Razor, *The Razor's Edge*)
* “If I am precious to him, then he should not have cast me out like some heathen wretch! IF HE DIDN’T WANT TO LOSE ME, THEN HE SHOULD NOT HAVE THROWN ME AWAY!” (to Aphrodi about Saurugol, *A Talking To*)
* “*I* am the daughter of a god, a child of the Sun and the Moon and the Stars. I have faced Death in his raw fury! I am Wolf. I am *Havir.*” (to Alar, *Retribution*)
* "The pain of losing everything will never heal. Not for me. But I have been given a second chance, and I do not intend to waste it. Faust is the reason I believe in miracles." (to Loki, *A New Hope*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* WynBird's deviantART Gallery