pawprints:
Post by mint on Nov 30, 2018 21:08:26 GMT -6
Arcticspark
| agender | thirty-two | demisexual | arcticflower |
| arctic wolf | alpha of the southern snow |
powers the winter wraith
MAJOR POWERS /
Arctic is known for their ability to manipulate cold weather, from the passive ability to alter the temperature around them to being able to call upon snowy winds.
Primarily, Arctic can conjure a blizzard that can span anywhere from a few acres around them to blanketing entire mountains. The sharp temperature drop has the potential to freeze those unprepared to handle the cold, but it mostly serves as a hindrance and a means of escape, depending on the circumstance. This exerts a lot of energy, and Arctic can typically only conjure the storm once a month. In most cases, he loses control of the storm, and it eventually dissipates on its own.
One of Arctic's few offensive abilities is the creation of a twister of cold wind. It picks up dirt, snow, and debris, and the strong winds can suck up or push back enemies on the ground and in the air. Dangerous and volatile, it requires great concentration to keep it under their command.
MINOR POWERS /
A subtle power of theirs is passive and unnoticeable: their natural immunity to ice and the cold. Unlike others, Arctic does not need the warmth to survive, allowing them to keep to themself on the coldest of nights and still thrive.
They can also manipulate the temperature around them, letting them drop the temperature so quickly that breath will begin to fog and frost will start to form. In closed off spaces, such as caves, this is much more controlled and effective. Open spaces can only influence the area immediately around Arctic.
Finally, Arctic has the ability to conjure and manipulate clouds, allowing for them to summon a dense fog that blankets the area or temporarily block out the sun. Clouds that precipitate require more energy, but Arctic sometimes keeps small snowing clouds over themself when traveling in warmer climates.
SIDE EFFECTS /
Due to their powers, Arctic's temperature runs low. They are susceptible to intense heat, yet this is usually counteracted by the frigid air emitting from their body, allowing them to be near fire elemental wolves without too much of an issue. So long as they are not attacked or in a crowd of much warmer wolves, that is.
The cold emitting from their body frosts the ground they tread, which usually melts once they are far enough away. This also freezes still water long enough for them to pass over bodies of water, but they have never been able to fish or swim as a result.
Arctic is known for their ability to manipulate cold weather, from the passive ability to alter the temperature around them to being able to call upon snowy winds.
Primarily, Arctic can conjure a blizzard that can span anywhere from a few acres around them to blanketing entire mountains. The sharp temperature drop has the potential to freeze those unprepared to handle the cold, but it mostly serves as a hindrance and a means of escape, depending on the circumstance. This exerts a lot of energy, and Arctic can typically only conjure the storm once a month. In most cases, he loses control of the storm, and it eventually dissipates on its own.
One of Arctic's few offensive abilities is the creation of a twister of cold wind. It picks up dirt, snow, and debris, and the strong winds can suck up or push back enemies on the ground and in the air. Dangerous and volatile, it requires great concentration to keep it under their command.
MINOR POWERS /
A subtle power of theirs is passive and unnoticeable: their natural immunity to ice and the cold. Unlike others, Arctic does not need the warmth to survive, allowing them to keep to themself on the coldest of nights and still thrive.
They can also manipulate the temperature around them, letting them drop the temperature so quickly that breath will begin to fog and frost will start to form. In closed off spaces, such as caves, this is much more controlled and effective. Open spaces can only influence the area immediately around Arctic.
Finally, Arctic has the ability to conjure and manipulate clouds, allowing for them to summon a dense fog that blankets the area or temporarily block out the sun. Clouds that precipitate require more energy, but Arctic sometimes keeps small snowing clouds over themself when traveling in warmer climates.
SIDE EFFECTS /
Due to their powers, Arctic's temperature runs low. They are susceptible to intense heat, yet this is usually counteracted by the frigid air emitting from their body, allowing them to be near fire elemental wolves without too much of an issue. So long as they are not attacked or in a crowd of much warmer wolves, that is.
The cold emitting from their body frosts the ground they tread, which usually melts once they are far enough away. This also freezes still water long enough for them to pass over bodies of water, but they have never been able to fish or swim as a result.
appearance the ethereal
REFERENCE IMAGE BY SANDARA
voiced by Arnór Dan
Arctic seems to be, in most regards, an ethereal being. Slim, almost delicate features, long legs, and thick long fur, they are a wolf who draws the eyes of those they pass. Predominantly snow white fur is accented by the soft hues of blue that adorn their chest, create thin stripes on their forehead, and display subtle smears against their back and tail. Their eyes possess the same shade of icy blue.
Beauty and poise make for a remarkable wolf, yet this is the wolf that can look like an ice sculpture at one moment and a wraith the next if provoked (a feat rare in its own right). Free flowing fur creates wisps around them, and the blue smearing their white pelt ripples with power. But, Arctic was not built for offence, and they prefer to use the threat of their appearance and the cold they control to handle situations from a safe distance.
voiced by Arnór Dan
Arctic seems to be, in most regards, an ethereal being. Slim, almost delicate features, long legs, and thick long fur, they are a wolf who draws the eyes of those they pass. Predominantly snow white fur is accented by the soft hues of blue that adorn their chest, create thin stripes on their forehead, and display subtle smears against their back and tail. Their eyes possess the same shade of icy blue.
Beauty and poise make for a remarkable wolf, yet this is the wolf that can look like an ice sculpture at one moment and a wraith the next if provoked (a feat rare in its own right). Free flowing fur creates wisps around them, and the blue smearing their white pelt ripples with power. But, Arctic was not built for offence, and they prefer to use the threat of their appearance and the cold they control to handle situations from a safe distance.
personality the wise
At a glance, Arctic is quiet, softspoken, and exerts qualities that may make you believe they are shy. They are anything but, only keeping their distance from most wolves, especially strangers and crowds, due to an aversion to heat rather than timidness. Introversion is a more accurate trait, finding comfort in the time spent in solitude yet still finding enjoyment around those close to them. Despite that, some tend to see them only as shy, causing their abilities as a leader to be underestimated and laughable.
Of course, should they take the time to get to know Arctic, they will find that they are anything but. They are wise and knowledgeable, a deep thinker who prefers to work through problems to find the most efficient solution rather than the easiest. This makes for a competent strategist in both battle and the daily grind of pack life. With a calm disposition, they are not the kind of wolf who gets easily upset. This allows them to remain level headed in times of high stress or when dealing with less than favorable company.
Overall, it is through their actions and gentle guidance that Arcticspark has gained the loyalty and affections of most of the pack, save for the few who still choose to focus on the alpha's frailer body or the faults that no longer hold any value.
Outside of leadership, Arctic has always been the one ready to learn new things. Curiosity has never left them, not even as they grew older and had to push aside their desires to train harder in order to gain favor with the pack. Arctic will almost always want to come along if there is something to learn, and more than once have they slipped out when they find a little free time to roam. Their curiosity often comes with the disregard for their own safety. Others are a different story, but they would stare down a bear just because it had some sort of mutation they wanted to study.
Arctic does harbor terrible coping mechanisms. Growing up, they would always focus on anything but a personal issue, usually involving those closest--or who should have been closest--to them. They will tunnel vision into a specific task in order to try and block the problem out. The indirect way of 'solving' the issue never does what they intend, but that does not stop them from trying to ignore the problem until it goes away.
Of course, should they take the time to get to know Arctic, they will find that they are anything but. They are wise and knowledgeable, a deep thinker who prefers to work through problems to find the most efficient solution rather than the easiest. This makes for a competent strategist in both battle and the daily grind of pack life. With a calm disposition, they are not the kind of wolf who gets easily upset. This allows them to remain level headed in times of high stress or when dealing with less than favorable company.
Overall, it is through their actions and gentle guidance that Arcticspark has gained the loyalty and affections of most of the pack, save for the few who still choose to focus on the alpha's frailer body or the faults that no longer hold any value.
Outside of leadership, Arctic has always been the one ready to learn new things. Curiosity has never left them, not even as they grew older and had to push aside their desires to train harder in order to gain favor with the pack. Arctic will almost always want to come along if there is something to learn, and more than once have they slipped out when they find a little free time to roam. Their curiosity often comes with the disregard for their own safety. Others are a different story, but they would stare down a bear just because it had some sort of mutation they wanted to study.
Arctic does harbor terrible coping mechanisms. Growing up, they would always focus on anything but a personal issue, usually involving those closest--or who should have been closest--to them. They will tunnel vision into a specific task in order to try and block the problem out. The indirect way of 'solving' the issue never does what they intend, but that does not stop them from trying to ignore the problem until it goes away.
history the frail
Worry filled the first few precious, delicate weeks of a newborn litter's life. Out of the four pup birthed, two died within the first few hours. The third desperately pressed against his mother's side for warmth. The fourth and smallest refused, but they were cold, oh so cold. The nurse did what she could to try and keep the frail pup close to their mother, but the pup's condition declined the more they stayed close to their family's warmth. The nurse eventually tried another method, keeping the pup at a distance, much to their mother's dismay, and only bringing them closer to feed. In time, there was improvement.
Arcticpup, the smallest was dubbed. For their snowy pelt and their cold touch. Their brother, warm like the sun, at least to the youngest pup, became known as Dustpup, for the darker fur that reminded their mother of dust storms during the droughts in other territories.
Due to Arctic's health issues, as they were considered at the time, they missed out on crucial bonding time between mother and pup. It became obvious as time went on that Dustpup was favored, spoiled rotten while the snowy runt was left sitting off to the side. As they grew big enough to waddle around more on their own, they never seemed to bothered by it, always finding something new to look at and preoccupy their time. Their father tried to step in, to correct their mother's behavior, but the little squabbles between their parents were quickly cut short by their father's inability to hold an argument. He was too much of a pushover.
So, he consulted the nurse that had been present at their birth. Arcticpup was moved from their mother's den to the nurse's as soon as they were weaned off her milk. This allowed the nurse to watch them more closely and make sure they received the attention they would need to develop. The nurse urged pack members with abilities of frost and ice to interact with Arcticpup, and this usually evolved into play sessions of Arcticpup chasing after small balls of conjured ice and snow.
The specialized treatment Arcticpup was receiving convinced nearly everyone in the pack that they would be taken on to apprentice under the nurses. This might have been an original plan, wanting to keep the pup close for further observation. After delaying their ceremony for two months, they were taken under the wing of the other nurse, rather than the one who had been taking care of him. Possible attachment issues, they claimed. This was fine for Arcticcub as it meant they would be allowed to leave the stronghold in search of herbs. Always the curious one, Arctic was eager to go that very night. Too bad they made them wait.
They never finished their training.
Nearly halfway through, Arcticcub found their true calling. They never quite explained to anyone the reasoning, only giving the slightest information to their mentor when discussing it late one night. In truth, Arctic could never quite put into words the feeling or the reasoning when asked why. They had visited the Neutral Circle, unaccompanied by their mentor after slipping away, following the wind as it pulled them farther from their territory. Curiosity, they might have claimed. They were always the type who wanted to know more, the type who would accompany the foolishly brave on adventures at the slight chance of learning something new.
They could never explain why they found Dustcub in the Circle, or why, estranged from their own sibling as they were, the larger male greeted Arctic with such a soft, warm expression. Perhaps it was that expression or another gust of wind that drew them closer, swaying their heart to desire a life they had never been allowed.
The two arrived to the stronghold together, separated by their respective mentors to be reprimanded. In the confines of their dense, the nurse's lecture faded off as Arcticcub stared with a contemplative look, ignoring everything their mentor said as they tried to sort through the events of that day and the strange feeling that had been sown in their mind.
"I'm sorry."
The first words to leave their lips, soft and hushed.
The rest of the night was spent explaining to the best of their ability why they wanted to train as a soldier instead. The nurses tried to talk Arctic out of the decision, reasoning that they would require far more training than the other cubs. The time spent training under the nurses along with concerns over their health left Arctic with far lower stamina and muscle definition than the other wolves. It would be detrimental to their health to pursue such an occupation.
But, their decision had already been made. The nurses eventually relented, and they accompanied the cub to visit the alpha, and one of the senior soldiers was called in to discuss the matter. As old as Arctic was at the time, they could not be trained like the rest their age. The soldier was briefed before accepting the challenge of training the cub, and the arrangement was announced to the rest of the pack soon after.
Despite Arcticcub's resolve on the decision, they found it hard to adjust to the life they had forced themself into. Their new mentor struggled to find a proper pace for the frail cub, and the first few weeks involved a few trips to the nurses because Arctic collapsed for one reason or another. Their brother became a more familiar face, often trying to find time to get to know one another all over again. With these encounters did Arctic begin to feel the uncomfortable gaze of their mother upon them, something they were able to be blissfully unaware of as a young pup. Their every movement was scrutinized by her, and it soon weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Arctic did what they could to dismiss the feeling that they would never be good enough. They pushed themself into their training with the desperate hope that their mother would leave them alone once proven fit. It was never enough, but it did provide the young wolf with the motivation needed to go above and beyond. Arctic took to training without their mentor, finding a secluded area deep within the grand cavern to hide away and practice in private. That privacy was soon interrupted as their brother slipped up while trying to be stealthy. He helped where he could, often giving small lessons and tips.
There were plenty of days where Arctic could train without their brother. Those were the days they focused on anything but combat, something they struggled with if someone was not there to guide them. Once more, their privacy was interrupted, this time by a young she-wolf. Arctic was hesitant to let her draw near, sensing the rise in temperature around her presence. They were considered to be a shy wolf, so it was easy to pass their avoidance off as such.
In time, however, they grew accustomed to her presence. Just like with Dustcub, her specific warmth no longer bothered them, so long as they did not get too close. Their budding friendship was something of an oddity, one Arctic chose not to question but instead enjoy.
In time, their brother became a soldier, leaving Arcticcub to train alone. Once more, a rift tore between them, one the white wolf could only blame themself for as the soft expression they once saw from Dust disappeared. Just like all those other times, Arctic focused on something else to keep their mind off it. They were improving greatly in their training, having found their niche in terms of 'combat'. Or lack thereof. Arctic found themself skilled more in stealth and reconnaissance, making for a better scout or spy than an offensive soldier.
They were eventually deemed strong and skilled enough to become a soldier, and they became Arcticflower. Such a name came as a surprise to many, but those who truly knew the wolf understood the reflection onto their true nature. They were not a fighter; they were a nurturer. They would rather create than destroy. Of course, that put Arcticflower in an interesting situation when battles were eminent.
They quickly proved themself to be an asset when it was necessary. For the sake of winning or driving out intruders without risking too many casualties, they convinced the alpha to let them train the soldiers under conditions that would otherwise put them at the disadvantage. Over the span of a few weeks, the soldiers and their cubs trained like they always had, only this time under the watchful eye of Arcticflower. A light fog would drift over them, which was odd for the time of day, but the white wolf simply told them to continue. This persisted for a week before the fog became thicker and thicker. By the end of their allotted time, the pack could travel and fight with relative ease despite the thick fog that rendered their sight useless unless something was standing right in front of them.
No one believed Arcticflower had done anything, claiming they just wanted to sit back and watch everyone else trained. They did not refute, not until after a group of rogues tried to breach their border, only to be easily chased off by a small patrol of soldiers accompanied by a heavy fog that had conveniently rolled in.
"You're right. I did not train you; you trained yourselves. I simply provided the means for growth. Sometimes the best lessons are the ones you figure out on your own."
Aside from the cold that followed their every step, Arcticflower had kept the abilities they discovered under lock and key. They did not want to be defined by their power, not wanting to have it used against them in the future. That was the first time they allowed their manipulation of the clouds to surface to the pack, rather than keeping it to parlor tricks when they were alone with those closest to them.
After a greencough epidemic took the last of the alpha's lives, Arcticflower was promoted to co-alpha, taking their place as the Second, much to the surprise of many. They were wise beyond their years and calm in the face of danger, perfect traits of an adviser. However, they were not physically strong, the type of wolf to charge into battle on the front lines, the type you would expect to eventually take over any pack. As strange of a choice as it seemed, it proved to be the right choice.
The new alpha put up a poor performance, leaving the work to the co-alphas once the pack began to slowly crumble. Arcticflower did what they could, carrying as much of the burden as they could so the Head could focus on other matters, especially once the alpha walked out on the pack. Arcticflower put their old nurse skills to the test while the Head ventured out to seek guidance from the Spark Pool. Despite the weight placed on their shoulders, Arcticflower carried themself with dignity and grace, never letting the stress and worry show to the rest of the pack. Some of that weight was lifted when the Head came back with new lives and a new name, laying claim to the pack and placing himself in the title of alpha.
Arcticflower was promoted to Head co-alpha, and another wolf eventually took the place of Second. The time that followed was difficult as they rebuilt the pack piece by piece. As with any change in power, loyalties were tested, and reforms were put into place. While generally unbothered by most of the changes, Arcticflower was concerned about their alpha and his methods. His newfound confidence was comforting, but there was a lot about how he handled different circumstances that made the co-alpha watch him just a little bit closer than before.
Their concern was eventually validated when an outburst caused the alpha to disappear. Unlike the previous alpha, this disappearance was abrupt, leaving the whole pack questioning. As the Head, Arcticflower wasted no time in taking over the alpha's duties, not wanting the pack to relapse after all the hard work put into building it back up. Their actions garnered the support of the pack, a stark contrast from the scrutiny and suspicion they had received upon deciding to become a soldier.
After so long without the alpha's reappearance, Arcticflower called for a meeting, asking the pack what course of action they would prefer: to wait for the return of alpha or to consult their ancestors. Knowing what the consequences might be, the majority called for the journey to Spark Pool. Once they were certain the Southern Snow would be fine in their absence, Arcticflower set out to the Neutral Circle for the first time since they were a young cub.
You have found your calling.
The words echoed in their mind as they returned to the stronghold, bearing a new name. Arcticspark, they reintroduced themself as after calling a meeting. There was a new air of power around the white wolf, a presence that commanded authority with a mere glance. Yet, they were not the type to abuse the authority they held. Once more, reforms were put into practice, but they were ones more readily accepted. Arcticspark was not the kind of leader who made decisions without great thought. Meetings with the pack elders and senior soldiers became a norm, often to make sure voices were heard before making decisions that could and would influence the entire pack. Only when absolutely necessary would Arcticspark use their authority to make decisions on their own.
It would be arrogant of them to say the pack thrived under their leadership. Yet, despite the proof before them, Arcticspark always believed that there was more they could do. They would not allow themself to fall into complacency, especially not after the events of Eastern Rock's attempted siege.
Arcticpup, the smallest was dubbed. For their snowy pelt and their cold touch. Their brother, warm like the sun, at least to the youngest pup, became known as Dustpup, for the darker fur that reminded their mother of dust storms during the droughts in other territories.
Due to Arctic's health issues, as they were considered at the time, they missed out on crucial bonding time between mother and pup. It became obvious as time went on that Dustpup was favored, spoiled rotten while the snowy runt was left sitting off to the side. As they grew big enough to waddle around more on their own, they never seemed to bothered by it, always finding something new to look at and preoccupy their time. Their father tried to step in, to correct their mother's behavior, but the little squabbles between their parents were quickly cut short by their father's inability to hold an argument. He was too much of a pushover.
So, he consulted the nurse that had been present at their birth. Arcticpup was moved from their mother's den to the nurse's as soon as they were weaned off her milk. This allowed the nurse to watch them more closely and make sure they received the attention they would need to develop. The nurse urged pack members with abilities of frost and ice to interact with Arcticpup, and this usually evolved into play sessions of Arcticpup chasing after small balls of conjured ice and snow.
The specialized treatment Arcticpup was receiving convinced nearly everyone in the pack that they would be taken on to apprentice under the nurses. This might have been an original plan, wanting to keep the pup close for further observation. After delaying their ceremony for two months, they were taken under the wing of the other nurse, rather than the one who had been taking care of him. Possible attachment issues, they claimed. This was fine for Arcticcub as it meant they would be allowed to leave the stronghold in search of herbs. Always the curious one, Arctic was eager to go that very night. Too bad they made them wait.
They never finished their training.
Nearly halfway through, Arcticcub found their true calling. They never quite explained to anyone the reasoning, only giving the slightest information to their mentor when discussing it late one night. In truth, Arctic could never quite put into words the feeling or the reasoning when asked why. They had visited the Neutral Circle, unaccompanied by their mentor after slipping away, following the wind as it pulled them farther from their territory. Curiosity, they might have claimed. They were always the type who wanted to know more, the type who would accompany the foolishly brave on adventures at the slight chance of learning something new.
They could never explain why they found Dustcub in the Circle, or why, estranged from their own sibling as they were, the larger male greeted Arctic with such a soft, warm expression. Perhaps it was that expression or another gust of wind that drew them closer, swaying their heart to desire a life they had never been allowed.
The two arrived to the stronghold together, separated by their respective mentors to be reprimanded. In the confines of their dense, the nurse's lecture faded off as Arcticcub stared with a contemplative look, ignoring everything their mentor said as they tried to sort through the events of that day and the strange feeling that had been sown in their mind.
"I'm sorry."
The first words to leave their lips, soft and hushed.
The rest of the night was spent explaining to the best of their ability why they wanted to train as a soldier instead. The nurses tried to talk Arctic out of the decision, reasoning that they would require far more training than the other cubs. The time spent training under the nurses along with concerns over their health left Arctic with far lower stamina and muscle definition than the other wolves. It would be detrimental to their health to pursue such an occupation.
But, their decision had already been made. The nurses eventually relented, and they accompanied the cub to visit the alpha, and one of the senior soldiers was called in to discuss the matter. As old as Arctic was at the time, they could not be trained like the rest their age. The soldier was briefed before accepting the challenge of training the cub, and the arrangement was announced to the rest of the pack soon after.
Despite Arcticcub's resolve on the decision, they found it hard to adjust to the life they had forced themself into. Their new mentor struggled to find a proper pace for the frail cub, and the first few weeks involved a few trips to the nurses because Arctic collapsed for one reason or another. Their brother became a more familiar face, often trying to find time to get to know one another all over again. With these encounters did Arctic begin to feel the uncomfortable gaze of their mother upon them, something they were able to be blissfully unaware of as a young pup. Their every movement was scrutinized by her, and it soon weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Arctic did what they could to dismiss the feeling that they would never be good enough. They pushed themself into their training with the desperate hope that their mother would leave them alone once proven fit. It was never enough, but it did provide the young wolf with the motivation needed to go above and beyond. Arctic took to training without their mentor, finding a secluded area deep within the grand cavern to hide away and practice in private. That privacy was soon interrupted as their brother slipped up while trying to be stealthy. He helped where he could, often giving small lessons and tips.
There were plenty of days where Arctic could train without their brother. Those were the days they focused on anything but combat, something they struggled with if someone was not there to guide them. Once more, their privacy was interrupted, this time by a young she-wolf. Arctic was hesitant to let her draw near, sensing the rise in temperature around her presence. They were considered to be a shy wolf, so it was easy to pass their avoidance off as such.
In time, however, they grew accustomed to her presence. Just like with Dustcub, her specific warmth no longer bothered them, so long as they did not get too close. Their budding friendship was something of an oddity, one Arctic chose not to question but instead enjoy.
In time, their brother became a soldier, leaving Arcticcub to train alone. Once more, a rift tore between them, one the white wolf could only blame themself for as the soft expression they once saw from Dust disappeared. Just like all those other times, Arctic focused on something else to keep their mind off it. They were improving greatly in their training, having found their niche in terms of 'combat'. Or lack thereof. Arctic found themself skilled more in stealth and reconnaissance, making for a better scout or spy than an offensive soldier.
They were eventually deemed strong and skilled enough to become a soldier, and they became Arcticflower. Such a name came as a surprise to many, but those who truly knew the wolf understood the reflection onto their true nature. They were not a fighter; they were a nurturer. They would rather create than destroy. Of course, that put Arcticflower in an interesting situation when battles were eminent.
They quickly proved themself to be an asset when it was necessary. For the sake of winning or driving out intruders without risking too many casualties, they convinced the alpha to let them train the soldiers under conditions that would otherwise put them at the disadvantage. Over the span of a few weeks, the soldiers and their cubs trained like they always had, only this time under the watchful eye of Arcticflower. A light fog would drift over them, which was odd for the time of day, but the white wolf simply told them to continue. This persisted for a week before the fog became thicker and thicker. By the end of their allotted time, the pack could travel and fight with relative ease despite the thick fog that rendered their sight useless unless something was standing right in front of them.
No one believed Arcticflower had done anything, claiming they just wanted to sit back and watch everyone else trained. They did not refute, not until after a group of rogues tried to breach their border, only to be easily chased off by a small patrol of soldiers accompanied by a heavy fog that had conveniently rolled in.
"You're right. I did not train you; you trained yourselves. I simply provided the means for growth. Sometimes the best lessons are the ones you figure out on your own."
Aside from the cold that followed their every step, Arcticflower had kept the abilities they discovered under lock and key. They did not want to be defined by their power, not wanting to have it used against them in the future. That was the first time they allowed their manipulation of the clouds to surface to the pack, rather than keeping it to parlor tricks when they were alone with those closest to them.
After a greencough epidemic took the last of the alpha's lives, Arcticflower was promoted to co-alpha, taking their place as the Second, much to the surprise of many. They were wise beyond their years and calm in the face of danger, perfect traits of an adviser. However, they were not physically strong, the type of wolf to charge into battle on the front lines, the type you would expect to eventually take over any pack. As strange of a choice as it seemed, it proved to be the right choice.
The new alpha put up a poor performance, leaving the work to the co-alphas once the pack began to slowly crumble. Arcticflower did what they could, carrying as much of the burden as they could so the Head could focus on other matters, especially once the alpha walked out on the pack. Arcticflower put their old nurse skills to the test while the Head ventured out to seek guidance from the Spark Pool. Despite the weight placed on their shoulders, Arcticflower carried themself with dignity and grace, never letting the stress and worry show to the rest of the pack. Some of that weight was lifted when the Head came back with new lives and a new name, laying claim to the pack and placing himself in the title of alpha.
Arcticflower was promoted to Head co-alpha, and another wolf eventually took the place of Second. The time that followed was difficult as they rebuilt the pack piece by piece. As with any change in power, loyalties were tested, and reforms were put into place. While generally unbothered by most of the changes, Arcticflower was concerned about their alpha and his methods. His newfound confidence was comforting, but there was a lot about how he handled different circumstances that made the co-alpha watch him just a little bit closer than before.
Their concern was eventually validated when an outburst caused the alpha to disappear. Unlike the previous alpha, this disappearance was abrupt, leaving the whole pack questioning. As the Head, Arcticflower wasted no time in taking over the alpha's duties, not wanting the pack to relapse after all the hard work put into building it back up. Their actions garnered the support of the pack, a stark contrast from the scrutiny and suspicion they had received upon deciding to become a soldier.
After so long without the alpha's reappearance, Arcticflower called for a meeting, asking the pack what course of action they would prefer: to wait for the return of alpha or to consult their ancestors. Knowing what the consequences might be, the majority called for the journey to Spark Pool. Once they were certain the Southern Snow would be fine in their absence, Arcticflower set out to the Neutral Circle for the first time since they were a young cub.
You have found your calling.
The words echoed in their mind as they returned to the stronghold, bearing a new name. Arcticspark, they reintroduced themself as after calling a meeting. There was a new air of power around the white wolf, a presence that commanded authority with a mere glance. Yet, they were not the type to abuse the authority they held. Once more, reforms were put into practice, but they were ones more readily accepted. Arcticspark was not the kind of leader who made decisions without great thought. Meetings with the pack elders and senior soldiers became a norm, often to make sure voices were heard before making decisions that could and would influence the entire pack. Only when absolutely necessary would Arcticspark use their authority to make decisions on their own.
It would be arrogant of them to say the pack thrived under their leadership. Yet, despite the proof before them, Arcticspark always believed that there was more they could do. They would not allow themself to fall into complacency, especially not after the events of Eastern Rock's attempted siege.
played by mint!
[googlefont="Cinzel|Cormorant|Cormorant+Garamond|Cormorant+Upright"]
