R A G N A R
Male | 4 Years Old | Grey Wolf x Irish Wolfhound x Sable Shepherd | Jarl of Blackback Guard
Mentions: Odin, Saba [indirectly] Fenrir, Skera [directly]

The dawn was damp and cold, the wolfdog's breath whisking out in thick clouds of visible vapour before dissolving up into the overcast sky above his head. In the distance, sitting in the heart of the mountain range, stood the Highvalley Kingdom. The faintest detection of sunrise made it's edges glow a warm gold, seemingly radiating a beauty that was undeserved. The conifer and bracken here were much more scarce, replaced by godly mountain ranges and miles of outstretched valley. It gave the land a reverent silence, though an unsettling one. There was little cover in this open land, and Ragnar couldn't help but feel this would either benefit them or lead the Highvalley mutts right to them. There was no matter. Whether they invaded their camp, or the dogs came straight to them, Ragnar would swallow them like a serpent and send them straight into the pits of the hell they so feared.

They had lost a pack mate on their trek through the valley. She wasn't valuable, but his property nonetheless. A Youngblood who received promotion to Scavenger not long before, she had been sent to gather what she could but never returned. Word was sent not more than a day after that the female had been taken into Odin's possession. Odin. The audacity of the mongrel to bare such a holy name. He would be the first to die by his own jaws, and then he would slay their knights and take their females. Their whole Kingdom would respond to him and him only. Lord King Ragnar of Highvalley- the first wolf-blooded to possess the throne. A wide, yellow-fanged grin split his mouth in two at the thought.

"Listen up, my people." The rugged, throaty snarl that tore from his throat beckoned the Blackback Guard, most of which were lingering in the valley below him only a yard away. "I don't intend to squat here any longer. We're like quail waiting to be feasted upon. It's time we take what we ventured here for." Falling silent, his eyes scraped through the crowd, eventually falling upon the shaggy form of his commander. "Fenrir will take a portion of you, as will I. The rest of you shall travel with Skera at the lead. When you're all organized, we shall leave, but don't dare set on your way without further instruction."

N O R T H
Male | 4 Years, 6 Months Old | Grey Wolf x Beauceron| Slayer of Blackback Guard
Mentions: Ragnar, Skera [indirectly], Open for Interaction

If there was anything that North considered holier than the hall of Valhalla itself, it was a good night's rest. He had been robbed of that pleasure, and it left him even more vexed than usual. The grounds here were flat, barren, and rock solid, and it was next to impossible to shield oneself from the bitter mountain wind. Letting out a drowsy growl, North shifted more comfortably beneath the cover of the shield of grizzly fur that he bore across his shoulders. Once used as protection from snapping teeth, it was now a blanket, and it was now time to lull further into a near-dead sleep.

"Listen up, my people! The ear-splitting snarl of the Jarl left North delirious and confused as he was shaken from his slumber, quickly shaking his head and pushing himself into a sitting position. Ragnar stood above them, far too lively and awoken for North to be fond of, but he figured the alpha would announce their departure at such a time like this. He had been edgy and restless since they arrived here, and he knew Ragnar was eager to invade their walls and gain control. Do you even have a plan, Ragnar the great? The beauceron thought scornfully. He offered a single nod in response, a signal of understanding, before glancing towards the Lord Commander and his other fellow Slayer. How lucky for Skera, a female, to have been chosen to actually lead something. It was rare for the leader to select one of his females to do anything in preparation of battle.

J U K K A
Male | 3 Years Old | Chinook x Swedish Elkhound| Lord Duke of Highvalley Court
Mentions: Odin, Highvalley Knights [indirectly] Open for Interaction

Jukka stood at the entrance the King's den, peering into the darkness with narrowed eyes. He wasn't sure if the long-limbed male still rest within his quarters, and he didn't have any right to step a foot in and figure it out. The world beyond their dens was still dark, the sun barely brimming over the horizon in the distance, and realistically he could've gotten away with another few moments of rest. Yet his paws felt restless and his soul felt agitated- like there was something happening beyond his control that he needed to confront. How dare I stand here with the thought of waking up a sleeping king. What kind of an idea is that?

Shaking his head, the red-pelted male abandoned the mouth of the lair and sauntered quietly out from the kingdom's stone-clad walls, relishing in the brisk morning air once reaching the clearing. It was a fairly ordinary morning, aside from the fact the majority of Highvalley's knights were up and already guarding the walls. They knew the Blackback's were intent on a raid; but they had fallen silent and not shown their faces. For some Highvalley dogs, this was settling. For Jukka himself, it was more worrisome than anything. It won't be long now.

S A B A
Female | 2 Years, 3 Months Old| Borzoi x Golden Retriever x European Wolf| Highvalley Court Omega Prisoner
Mentions: Open for Interaction

After a long day sent in solitude amongst not a single soul but her own, Saba could feel the pains of her confinement affecting her. Not exactly physically any more- no, the sensations of cold and sheer pain had dissolved into something of a norm for her. It was in her mind. The steadfast drip of rain water splashing in a dirtied puddle in the corner of her cell was deafeningly loud, the scrape of a guard's claws against dampened stone as bloodcurdling as a dog getting his throat torn out. She couldn't take it anymore. She didn't want to be alone. She wanted to be back hom-

Saba lifted her head, narrowing her eyes at the thought. Did she actually want to go back home? How could she even consider her place amongst the Blackback Guard a home? She'd been stuck here for what felt like a lifetime, and she knew they were never going come for her. Sure, they'd raid this kingdom, assassinate the king and his lackeys and take it all for themselves, but Ragnar would never send specifically for her. Who knows, maybe he wouldn't even free her from his cage once he claimed the crown. The thought was a self-inflicted wound to her hope, and she hung her head once more. She was destined to die down here.

D R I F T
Female | 3 Years | Wolfdog Hybrid | Blackback Guard | Scavenger
Location: Blackback Guard's Camp| Mentions: Ragnar, Skera, Kolvardi, Rahla

Drift crept forward on silent paws, eyes locked on a squirrel settled at the base of one of the few sparse trees the valley had to offer only a few paces ahead of her. The young dog had set out early in the morning with the intent of catching herself a proper breakfast, it had been far too long since she’d had a full meal, but as usual her mostly white pelt proved her undoing.

Every animal she stalked had seen her coming against the lush green landscape surrounding them and escaped long before she had any chance of capturing them. This squirrel, however, appeared far too busy snuffling among the roots for seeds. It might just be her lucky day. When the time was right she propelled herself forward, snatching the rodent up before it had the opportunity to react and swiftly snapping its neck.

Her golden gaze scanned the clearing to make certain she didn't have any visitors and that the cliffs above were clear of prying eyes before tearing into her kill and scarfing down the delicious meat. With her own hunger satisfied for the time-being she might do a better job hunting for the pack. It wasn't long after that she managed to spook a hare from its borrow and sink her teeth into its flesh. Her ears flicked as a bark from the Jarl echoed from camp and Drift was quick to scurry back, her new prey clutched between her jaws.

Depositing the hare on what was left of the previous night's food stock, she lingered near the back of the group of gathering dogs as Ragnar made his announcement, as surprised as any other dog when Skera was chosen to lead, More than ever she wished she were a Slayer herself and could travel beside the strong female. 'You must be patient. The Blackback Gaurd already has two female Slayers' she reminded herself begrudgingly. 'It will take some time before they are ready to accept a third.'



O D I N
Male | 5 Years | Borzoi | Highvalley Court | Lord King
Location: Highvalley Court Clearing | Mentions: Jukka, Derrien

As Odin stared over the walls to the lands beyond he almost appeared rooted to the spot, as still as any statue, his usual stern expression etched into his countenance. What should a king feel in this moment? Fear of the quiet? Or should he be falling under some false sense of bravado right about now? "There is nothing to fret. We would see them coming. They can never reach us here. The walls will protect." All commonly muttered reassurances. He believed none of them.

These dogs were vikings. He knew all too well what they were capable of. Did they think his name was a coincidence? Did it fill them with rage? Further incite them to violence against him? Did they think he wanted to bear such a title? The name of some heathen god? He had kept this name because his mother wanted him to always remember her and the blood from which he had been partially born, and it was that request alone that still had him clinging to the name of Odin, that and it was satisfying to know it caused the Jarl such vexation.

As far as anyone was concerned, Odin's mother had been the king's wife. They couldn't have known Myra was unable to give their former king a boy even if she had wanted. They certainly didn't know he had sought out others to carry his children instead. Foreign females the rest of the court would never see. The only pup he had ever laid claim to was the single son born among many daughters, and Odin had lived knowing his true mother and sisters would be kept away while another she-dog raised him with cold eyes and harsh words. The blood of his enemies ran through his veins. As hard as he tried he could never forget that.

"Come if you must. You will only meet death here. Our shared heritage will not save you," he growled under his breath, finally turning away to tend to his duties. His legs were stiff from his former stance and he felt a good run would loosen up any tense muscles. It was still early and he could perhaps get away with going off on his for a time. As he began to sprint toward the clearing his pace automatically slowed as two other dogs came into sight, Jukka's red fur recognizable at once.

F E N R I R
Male | 1 year 6 months | Alsatian Shepalute Wolf Mix (65/35) | Lord Commander of Blackback Guard
Location: Blackback Guards Camp
Mentions: Ragnar, Skera [directly] Odin [Indirectly] (Open for Interaction)

Fenrir huffed to show his agreement before moving his large body to a sitting position as he waited for whomever to come to him. Blue eyes blinked as he gazed around himself watching those of importance, namely Ragnar and Skera. He was surprised to hear Ragnar's orders to the female. But then again, had Skera been male she would most likely hold his position. He was young, possibly one of the youngest to ever hold the "Lord Commander" position in the pack the only reason that he currently held the position was because of his burning hatred for "King" Odin along with his giant size and ability to use his size to his advantage in ways most wouldn't. The mere though of Odin brought a gruesome snarl to Fenrir's muzzle as he looked down to the tooth that hang limply around his neck. he was only a pup when he had found his father's body, chunks of his fur lying around him signifying who the wolf was. Though even without the scent Fenrir would have known. those bastards at the castle had murdered his father and had the audacity to take one of his teeth as a trophy of sorts, something Fenrir would never allow to stand. it was on that day he had sworn to avenge his father and hunt down his fathers slayer. Shaking his head to clear his thought Fenrir looked up just in time to see one of the dogs motion towards him whilst looking at Skera. Probably should make a plan of sorts with her since Ragnar would most likely take the finest with him and leave the scraps with us Fenrir thought as he slowly lifted his body before making a slow approach towards the female in question.

D A K OT A
Female | 1 year 5 months | Alsatian Shepalute | Knight of Highvalley Court
Location: Highvalley Court Walls
Mentions: None (open for interaction)

Dakota huffed as she gazed over the dens and around the general area, keeping sight for anything suspicious. Unfortunately nothing happened. She supposed it should have been a good thing but when you spend almost all day on the walls simply watching you cant help but crave some excitement every now and then. Call it her naivety from being young but the heart wants what the heart wants. Sadly the heart cant always get what is wants. Dakota quickly did a quick scan before she sat down and rested her head on the walls ledge. Such a boring job Dakota thought as she continued to gaze around the area keeping a close eye on everything despite her boredom.

F A L I N E
Female I 3 Years I Chinook Mix I High Priestess of Highvalley Court
Mentions: Saba [Directly], Odin, Jukka [Indirectly]

Nails clicked against the ground as Faline strolled through the stony halls of Highvalley Court, looking as calm as ever despite the growing nervousness in the pit of her stomach. Part of her job was to comfort those who were afraid, but she didn't think anyone could be comforted by her if she seemed just as scared as they did. For the past few days the group of viking dogs had been driving her almost to the point of insanity. She knew they were going to attack, but she didn't know when, and with every passing day she grew even more anxious. 'They're taking an awfully long time, especially considering that we've taken one of their own as a prisoner. Does their leader not want her back?' She thought, wondering why they seemed not to care for the scavenger that they had stolen from them.

Speaking of this prisoner, Faline was suddenly curious as to what she looked like. She never had gotten the chance to have a good look at her, since she had been rather busy recently, and had only seen glimpses of the Omega skulking around the castle at day. 'From what I've heard of the Blackback Guard, she probably looks very barbaric; wolfish, big, full of scars. I'm surprised we even let one of their kind wander around at day, she could-" She was suddenly snapped out of her thoughts, realizing where she was. While she was lost in her thoughts, her paws had taken her down to the dungeons. She was about to turn back when another idea crossed through her mind. She had wanted to see the prisoner, right? And now she was here anyways, so she might as well go ahead. She considered it for a few moments before starting to walk forward; she was reluctant at first, but her confidence grew with each step she took. She just hoped that Odin or Jukka wouldn't come down here for whatever reason. The guards wouldn't question her too much, she was a higher rank than them, but she wasn't sure how she'd explain this to the King or the Duke.

She finally arrived at what she presumed was the prisoner's den, and she hesitantly peered into the cell. As soon she laid her blue eyes on the prisoner, she was almost taken aback by what she saw. She looked nothing like what Faline was expecting! She seemed to be the same type of dog that Odin was, and aside from a bit of strange coloring on her pelt, she looked nothing like a wolf. Faline even thought that she might have been quite pretty, if it weren't for the fact that she was bruised and emaciated. The next thing her gaze fell upon was the prisoner's facial expression, and her heart sank when she saw the hopelessness in her eyes, and the way she hung her head so low. Surprisingly, she felt pity for this Omega. "Hello." Faline said, her voice gentle and kind, as if she were speaking to one of her own packmates. She didn't really expect an answer, since a few others had told her that this prisoner was quiet, but it was worth a try.

SALEM
Female | 4.5 Years Old |Ibizan Hound x Pharaoh Hound x Taigan x Azawakh | Voodoo Queen of Blackback Guard
Mentions: Ragnar[indirectly] Fenrir, Skera, Ignatius [directly]

Long limbs moved the tall female through the crowd of dogs with delicate steps, her head held high and odd eyes scanning through the crowd. The faint click of her bone collar could be heard alongside the scrape of her harness and brush of her paws across the grass all mixed in her tall ears. She knew where she was going, who she was approaching with as much fear as one would expect from the distant and cold Voodoo Queen. She brushed other dogs in passing but rarely looked to them at all, a young wolf-dog named Drift was one she passed, she even moved past Fenrir and Skera without a real glance at them. If they were to move today, she would either travel alone or with her trusted friend and no one else. The tall sighthound bowed her head and shoulders in greeting before settling down silently beside him. ”We must speak after we leave. About the missing canine that Odin has.” Her normally eerie lilting voice became rough on the name Odin, spitting it out like bad meat in her mouth.

Salem let her gaze travel back to the gathering of dogs curious as to where her little…apprentice, had gotten off too. In all honesty she could care less but if Ragnar wished her to train a youngblood, though Ignatius was far from young, then she would even if she felt he was a false. Salem was aware of how much farther back she sat then Ragnar, how much distance was to be put so that it showed she was not an equal but a lesser ranking dog. A sign of respect from her, something many dogs didn’t receive in the slightest from the Voodoo Queen. She sat with her paws close together and calmly waited for the Blackback Guard to begin to move. Her thoughts drifted to the gods and spirits of the land, body relaxing just a little as she let herself get lost in the thoughts and whispers of words that nipped her heels like a dog with a rabbit. Gods. There were so many of them, some heathens and some serious, some bloody and battle hungry while others nurtured and allowed plants to grow. But none were her gods, her gods had long since faded after she had come to this land of cold, snow, and gods of heathens and blood. Her gods, the ones who spoke at the back of her mind came from a land of heat and sand, a land of cats who grew bigger then the largest wolf. Ah, but those times had passed and what she remembered of it, she remembered through a pup's eyes. Salem was here now and had a position and responsibility to fulfill here, to help bring the Highvalley Kingdom to it's knees.

♠ [Corax] ♠
♠ [Male] ♠ [3 Years, 10 Months ] ♠ [Blackback Guard, Slayer] ♠
♠ [Mentions: None {Directly} Ragnar {Indirectly}] ♠

"Listen up, my people."

Those were the words the woke up Corax from his slumber. His eyes blinking drowsily, the midnight black wolfdog attempted to fall further into the gentle paws of unconsciousness. 'Sleep. Sleep is a good idea. Let's go back to sleep, yeahyeahyeah...' But, Corax knew he had to get up soon, for if he didn't, punishment awaited. He inwardly shuddered at the thought of the pain his superiors could inflict upon him if he didn't get up now. However big and muscular he was, there was no escaping it. He slowly lifted his head, setting his gaze upon the Lord Jarl, Ragnar. 

"I don't intend to squat here any longer. We're like quail waiting to be feasted upon. It's time we take what we ventured here for."

That one sentence alone was enough to snap Corax awake. Quickly abandoning and from of sleepiness felt prior, the large wolfdog stood up, shook his fur, and joined the crowd. Was this the day? The day that they- The Blackback Guards- would take over the Highvalley Court? 'Finally! Those filthy dogs will never know what's coming, yeah!'  

"Fenrir will take a portion of you, as will I. The rest of you shall travel with Skera at the lead. When you're all organized, we shall leave, but don't dare set on your way without further instruction."

Not really registering that a female of all things was leading a patrol, Corax sat down, his tail wagging excitedly as he imagined sinking his teeth into Highvalley Court flesh.