Sacred Grove Waiting Game

Clear ? Current Temperature: 24° F/-4° C The air was brisk as the white lady slipped through the shadows of the trees. She was on her way to attempt to join Swift River, hoping that she`d be accepted. The sky was clear, but today was slightly windy wiping the branches every which way. At one point, she thought she was never going to get through the forest without get knocked out by a flying branch. Gritting her teeth as she once again got hit in the back of the head with a willow branch, she raced forward hoping and praying she`d get out soon. The scent of the family oriented pack soon filled her black nostrils as she slowed down to a slow trot. She had no desire to cross the obvious border, so she stopped at a relatively far distance. Athena didn`t want to ruin her chances of being accepted by crossing a well maintained borderline. That wouldn`t be a good impression. Athena didn`t want to appear rude and demand the alphas` attention, so she debated whether to howl or wait for a patrol to run by her. It was about midday, so she hoped that she wouldn`t bother them by intruding their ears. An elegant howl escaped her maw, politely calling for the alphas` when they had a chance to see her. She knew that they would be busy with more important things, so she tried making her howl as polite as possible. Good impressions are key. The white girl settled in to wait. Running though her skills that she would present to the alpha that came to her, she knew that they would most likely judge her on her size, but she knows that she will be able to pull her own weight. She has exceptional hunting skills with her speed and stamina. The strength part of pulling the animal all the way to the ground was her problem unless she`s able to tire the animal out while holding on. She is great with pups, her heart has a soft spot for them and breeding season is rapidly approaching and that means puppies that will need to be looked after. Also, her speed allows her to patrol the borders with ease, stopping unwanted wolf in their tracks. With all this, she hoped that the alpha would appreciate her and her skills that she will offer. Time for the waiting game.

(This post was last modified: Mar 01, 2012, 03:04 AM by Athena.)

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Why do they think I never change, they're the ones that stay the same.

What the hell? Another one? His nostrils quivered, and his obsidian tinted fur bristled at the very small trace of yet another stranger. Yet another wolf was at the edge of Swift River, in the Sacred Grove, and quite frankly he was tired of everyone insisting on being a river wolf.If this one had no intention of joining, he had in mind to send them on their way for snooping around his home. Crossing borders or not. This was his place to protect, and his home to guard. With his head low, and tail partial raised above his hocks he trotted with his nose as his guide to the unknown lupine.

He was in a foul mood to be greeting very nice, but his patience was thin with the lone wolves, and their lack of manners. He zoned in closer, and closer when a feminine howl sang into the sky. Ey, it was she, and she was interested in joining. His molars scraped against themselves, his neck becoming knotted by his displeasure. His recent encounters had him not exactly fond of seeing another girl, and he moved with haste to set her straight. Corinna, and Indru didn't need to set another fool in their place. They had enough to do. It'd be up to him to see if this was a waste, or if on a very slim chance this one might be worthy.

The more prominent her scent became the slower he moved, and the more he crept, slightly hunched. He wanted to inspect just where she was before revealing himself. though he was large, he could hide among his home. He noticed she was quite past the borders, and waiting patiently for her call to be answered. First he was almost thought it was Accailia, the scent was different, and his tight muscles loosened. He would go crazy if he had her here, stalking him every chance she had. This female actually appeared older than himself, and she was smaller. Her figure did not speak of anything fragile, she was streamlined. Probably quicker than himself. He held steady in the brush, his breathing completely silent while he became a spectator.

When it appeared she was going no where he brushed past the brush letting it rustle with his arrival. His posture was a defensive position, his eyes bright, and fiercely piercing in her direction. It was clear he was not here to waste time, or jibber jabber about the clear day. "Afternoon, I hear you hope to speak to my leaders. You thinking of joining or requiring something else?" His black tail lashed out behind him while he spoke, his tone deep, and sharp. Then he halted three average wolf lengths out of her personal space, not once taking his eyes off her.

are you with me through it all?

<blockquote>A familiar voice danced on the breeze and Naira's tail wagged in recognition. She headed in the general direction of the grove, taking her time. There was no rush and the wolf was only an acquaintance anyway. She arrived to see Triell had already answered the call and his posture told of annoyance at the sheer number of loners they now had approaching their borders. This pack was very similar to the one she had grown up in. They were mostly family, and so she wasn't sure on the pale lady's chances, but she had made it in, hadn't she?

She wandered over, bumping against Triell affectionately in greeting. Sure she wasn't much of one for physical contact, but it was polite to greet her friend in such a way. <b>"Athena wasn't it?"</b> she questioned peaceably, hoping her relaxed stance would help to calm her new brother. <b>"How goes that leg of yours? It doesn't seem to be causing as much trouble as it once did."</b> she said with a small smile. She figured the dark males annoyance had something to do with the persistent young wolves who just wouldn't take no for an answer.

She doubted they would have this problem with Athena. She seemed normal enough when they had met before. She was quiet, and respectful, and eager to hunt from memory. She didn't want to overload the poor woman in such a short time frame though so she allowed her a moment to process the questions she had been asked and respond. After all it wouldn't do to have her tripping over her tongue.</blockquote>

The white figure was on the verge of pacing. Anticipation was building up inside her and was threatening to explode out of her. She just wanted to get this done and over with. Patience was what she needed to focus on right now. She didn’t need to get all worked up and screw up the plan. There was no desire within her to mess around with this pack. She knew better than to mess around with a family oriented pack. Bad idea was written all over it. But, she needed to put on her calm and collected stature and pull this off. She was indeed offering her skills, in return for a home and a place to rebuild her lost strength. Loner life takes its toll on a wolf and it’s certainly taken its toll on Athena. No matter how much a loner says they don’t need a pack to live; they are most certainly wrong. So today was the day to finally get the wheels rolling. Hopefully. Triangular white ears perked up when the sound of rustling interrupting her thoughts. If she hadn’t have been focused on arguing with herself, she would have smelt the wolf sooner. Her amber orbs lay upon a black male while he escaped the confines of the bushes. His posture was nothing friendly, but held a threatening, business like stature. The scent that radiated off him was of pack. Swift River to be exact. Realizing this, Athena immediately fell into submission. Ears pressed against her skull, white tail between her legs, soft underside slightly exposed, and eyes averted from the menacing look of the brute before her. He was clearly here for business and nothing else. Something Athena was relieved about. Thank god, no small talk. Continuing to stare at the muddy ground at the male’s feet, she answered him with unwavering, practiced words. ”Yes, sir. I wish to join this pack and offer my skills and companionship.” She spoke loud enough for the male to hear with her slight accent. She lay there listening for the brute’s next words even when she heard a familiar voice. She never expected to bump into an acquaintance, while seeking acceptance here. It was Naira’s words that she heard next. She wasn’t focused on the air around her, so the tawny female’s appearance was unexpected. Athena looked up to see the female with a new glint in her eye. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so hard after all, she thought to herself. Smiling, she answered Naira, ”Yes, it hasn’t been causing me much trouble at all. I have kept your remedy in mind for next time. Hopefully, I won’t need it, though.” Athena finished with a playful smile.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Why do they think I never change, they're the ones that stay the same.

His eyes did anything but remit, and the same could be said for his body posture. He was waiting for one single wrong move, and that's when he'd be making his. Maybe if he cut into enough wandering idiots without the good sense to use the brain they'd been given they might warn others Swift River was as Sacred as the Grove. He kept telling himself steady, everyone had a fair shot at a first impression. Hers was untainted....for now at least. His muscles taunt beneath his skin, he had thought over a couple maneuvers if need be. She appeared small, but looks were only a cover. He might appear an irritated, large black male, he was more than that.

Calmly he kept his breaths going smooth, and the hair about his neck even. When her body fell closer to the ground, the muscle in his right thigh twitched, ready for the worst. He realized just how wounded tight he was. He could no sooner be any more comfortable. He titled his head sharply, this was the first anyone had showed any part of their fragile underbelly to him. He was aware what it meant, and rolled his weight onto his haunches to sit. She could be as smart as she looked, and loners with capabilities, manners, and intelligence was always a promising start. His nostrils quivered trying to detect any deceit, or any whisper of a scent he would know. She was an entirely everything new to him, eyes, ears, and nose.

When she began to spoke, his ears through his past irritation pressed to the side of his head. There was a hint of some different origin to her tongue, but he wasn't sure if that information meant much. She was asking to join, and her offering her skills. He wanted to question what that implied exactly. Instead someone familiar to both of them was next to break the silence. It was not the quiet she broke, but the hard line of rigidness his body was in. He flinched at the contact, but realizing it was Naira, the edge of his lip pulled in the shortest life of a grin. There was still the matter at hand, and his pack mate offered the name of the white lady. Athena. They had met, and by the sounds of it Naira had helped her. He trusted Naira to a point, and wanted to have faith in her judgement. This time, it would be up to Corinna or Indru to decide if she came or went. Triell wasn't sure if he wanted the responsibility of letting another wolf enter their home. He doubted Naira would bring him shame, but one was quite enough.

"Ey, I see you two have met. Guess I better introduce myself then," his black tail wrapped itself around his limbs while his eyes shifted between the two females. "I'm Triell Tainn, brother to the Leaders here. I believe Naira has a good sense, so I'm sure either Corinna or Indru will be along, maybe you'll have a shot at being a River wolf," he humble put, an amused grin teasing at the corner of his dark lips. He was not going to say in this matter, not today. Casually since he was not sure when one of the leaders may come. (She had called, and he was not about to call again.) He let his attention drift to Naira. "How are you?" He asked, his tone more friendly, despite how still his body was. He had seen her in passing, but hadn't much talked to her since she'd joined.

(This post was last modified: Mar 13, 2012, 04:27 AM by Triell.)

are you with me through it all?

<blockquote>She was quick to return the smile of the dark male, while taking in the still submissive posture of the white lady in front of her. Yes, she did look better than the limping wolf she had first encountered, regardless of how hard she tried to hide it. The tawny wolf had sharp eyes.

Turning her attention back to her pack mate a wry smile crossed her face. <b>"Oh you know, den digging, collecting herbs, not to mention the day to day tasks... Sometimes I wonder how I find a chance to sleep..."</b> she admitted with a slight chuckle. Life of a pack wolf was a far cry from a life of leisure and it was about to get so much harder with the coming months... and she couldn't be more excited. While the season proceeding it was her least favourite, the time when every female needed to be on her guard, the resulting litters from those with the freedom to revel with their partners was a joy shared by all. She already found herself daydreaming about what the puppies would look like and how many there would be of each gender...

A wistful sigh escaped her mouth as she turned her attention back to the white lady. <b>"So why this pack?"</b> her curiosity had gotten the better of her. May as well make small talk while they waited.</blockquote>

She stayed in her submissive state while the black male introduced himself. Triell, she thought to herself. She locked his name, face, and scent in her mind for later. When the male directed his attention back to Naira, she silently rolled back onto her feet, but stayed respectively low to the ground. She didn’t want to seem impolite and rise onto her feet, making herself higher than them. Being impolite would get her nowhere. Athena stayed silent while Triell and Naira conversed. By the sounds of it, if Athena was accepted, she’d be facing a lot of tasks. Tasks that she hoped she was prepared to do. Her mind started to wander, imaging the specific tasks that may lay ahead of her. "So why this pack?" The question had interrupted her unnecessary daydreaming and brought her back to reality. She paused for a moment, while she searched for her answer. ”This was one of the two packs that I knew of and well Grizzly Hollow seems a bit packed, “ she told the two River wolves.

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Gone Tomorrow

"Swift River shouldn't be a second choice." The words flowed smoothly and coolly from the leader's lips, as she strode forward behind Triell and Naira. She had heard the howl while out on along the border's, and had made her way to the sound's source. Like what seemed to the case frequently, she was not the first on the scene, but Corinna preferred it that way. Triell, Ice, and now Naira, had been more than adequate at keeping unworthy lone wolves away from the protected territory of Swift River. Now, more than ever, Corinna was on her guard, not only for her self, but for those who by virtue of being a River wolf were also under protection. One more female was not what she needed, nor wanted, but she had to keep it in mind that once the tension of the season faded, she would not feel that way. But that was a ways off yet, and it was without this in mind that she stepped forward.

Though not a dowager, there was a growing regal air that Corinna carried around her. Long gone was the timid she-wolf who had lurked along the borders, afraid to ask for acceptance. She had grown into her role quite well. Head and tail were lifted effortlessly, ears directed forward. For the time being, she greeted her two pack mates only with brief nudges to the bases of their ears, her attention focused on the small white wolf in front of her. "If the only reason you're here is because the Hollow is packed, then you would do better to leave now." The repeated words weren't unkind, but direct and to the point. Wasted time was one of the worst sins in the mind of the River matriarch. "We don't allow freeloaders to rest their paws on our soil. If you have skills or abilities to be contributed, I invite you to share them." Corinna wouldn't chase her off, unless the answers were unsatisfactory. The fact that Triell and Naira had not was a good indication that there was something of value here. Only time would tell for sure though. Green eyes pointedly staring down the white female, she waited for the answer she had requested.

Her keen ears missed the approach of another wolf coming from the brush of Sacred Grove. Seeing her regal posture, she knew that this must be the alpha of the mighty River wolves. She reclaimed her submissive position, body on the ground, soft underbelly slightly exposed, ears back, and eyes averted. ”Swift River shouldn’t be a second choice,” the regal lady spoke. She didn’t respond, just merely looked down at the sacred ground at her feet. Athena had slipped up with her last words, but hopefully it wouldn’t screw up her chances completely. ”If the only reason you’re here is because the Hollow is packed, then you would do better to leave now” Athena began to worry. She didn’t want to give the regal lady the wrong impression. She had no desire to upset her, but already it seemed too late. The noble woman continued, her tone not hostile, but stern. She steadied herself, ready to answer the female. She glanced up slowly, stopping at the lady’s chest and began to speak. ”I offer my exceptional hunting skills. I have the speed that most wolves do not acquire to catch up with our prey and stamina to keep up with them.” She had always been faster than her siblings when she was growing up. Her mother grew very proud of her and tried to teach her some tips while on hunting trips. “With the breeding season here, there are sure to be puppies and I can look after them whenever needed. I will offer companionship and support to all; in return for a place in your ranks.” She finished, averting her eyes once again and waited with straining ears for her response.

Sorry, if there is a post order/:

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

<blockquote>Naira visibly relaxed when her leader approached, ears pinned and tail dropped in respect as she listened closely to what Corinna had to say. She was right. Swift River should never be a second choice. Perhaps they had a reputation for being harder to gain access to than other packs, but that was for their own benefit. All it took was one weak link...

Her attention turned back to Athena, it was a nice recovery, although she wasn't certain if it would be enough. All females were on edge at this time of year and she almost pitied the dark male in their midsts... Almost... She was sure he was more than capable of handling the erratically emotional females if the need arose. But perhaps she was investing a little too much confidence in the young man? All she could do now was wait. She would be loath to chase the young woman off, as they seemed to get on well at their first meeting but she had to do what was best for the pack. Corinna would decide her fate, and Naira would follow through with her wishes.</blockquote>