Whisper Caverns The winds have changed

@Sloane
@Asterion

May 15th, day after WC pups were born
Mid-day, 10 Degrees, partly cloudy

she doesn't care how she gets there, as long as she gets somewhere she knows... The hare that swung from her mouth rendered her silent as they made their way into the meadow, all in all they had been trotting for about twenty minutes when they reached the border of pack lands. Though she could not speak to elaborate her feelings they were clear, she was elated by his decision to take her offer, her tail wagged while they moved and she moved as if she had not a care in the world. When they reached the border Minka paused glancing towards Asterion, preparing him with her eyes, she knew this would be difficult for him. Turning away she moved forwards slowly so that she was a few lengths over the border where her alpha's scent hung strongly, filling her nostrils. She placed the rabbit upon the ground below her paws and shut her eyes, taking the scent of the land and unsurprisingly she found that Sloane's scent was not in the immediate area, he was probably with his pups. She had chosen to enter the territory fairly far from the den site, she did not want either alpha being alarmed by the scent of a loner so near to the defenceless newborns. Turning the fae gave the rogue an encouraging smile, prodding him forward over the border silently, inviting him into their home. She cleared her throat and softly spoke, "Are you ready? I will have to call Sloane, an alpha has to make your joining official." She knew that the rogue who had awakened such strong feelings with her had said he wasn't fit for pack life but she hoped he was wrong, she would give up everything for this wolf, the question was: would he make her? Turning away she lifted her muzzle to the sky and let forth a howl, calling her king to the pair, not a howl that spoke of danger, but one that spoke of importance. Minka finished the call and returned to the side of the dark male, she pressed her flank against his fondly as they awaited the maker of their fate.

table by mimi

(This post was last modified: Jun 08, 2013, 01:43 AM by Minka.)

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The silence was deafening as they padded along. His mind had gone into overdrive, unable to comprehend everything that was happening. Had he really agreed to this? Every step forward was another step farther away from everything he knew. Alternatively, he could almost feel the relief pouring off of the bright eyed girl next to him, but could she feel his panic? Each breath told him they were coming closer to the borders, and that only made it harder for him to breathe. He considered asking Minka for another day. This was a decision that meant everything was going to change, and he hadn't had enough time to think about it. Unfortunately for his plans though, Minka turned and once again, sun touched ice. This time it was not meant to challenge. This was not a part of the war that had been their relationship. It was comforting. When he looked away from her golden gaze, he felt the distance between them. Once again, they were separated by a border, but would this be the last time? One could only hope.

Her smile propelled him forward, onto foreign ground. He never thought he would set foot on a pack's territory, yet here he was. Words failed him, but he answered her with a nod. The problem now was submitting. It was certainly not something he was used to, but for the wolf beside him, he thought he might do anything. Her voice rose up in the sky, calling her alpha towards them. He wasn't ready, yet he had to be. Instinctively his ears fell back on his head.

Sloane was tired, but resting peacefully outside of the birthing den. Narime' had allowed him in to see the pups and pride still filled him, but his enormous bulk was too big to allow for a prolonged stay in the cozy den. Simaea had come and gone and managed to ease their youngest boy's breathing, albeit in an unconventional manner! Now mother and children slept peacefully while he stood guard outside. For the moment they were completely dependent on him and the others for food and protection and he would certainly let no harm come to them. He would give his life first.

His heart sped up as the call came from the distance. He recognized the voice of Minka and was relieved to hear no panic in he call, but there was a sense of urgency. He gave a worried glance into the shadowy mouth of the den and then looked about. The others were far enough away to have provided privacy, but plenty close enough to defend their leadess should the need arise. Giving a brisk nod as he moved his large form through them they were all aware of his departure and he had full faith that they too would guard his family with their lives. It didn't make leaving any easier, but there were things that must be dealt with and Minka had summoned him to the borders, so it must be important.

When he arrived he saw Minka just inside the borders looking back at a strange male. A male that was standing right at the borders. Instinct had his hackles raised and his head and tail carried at their highest, adding even more to his already impressive height, as he approached a bit stiff legged and long fangs slightly bared. Ordinarily, he would not have taken quite such an aggressive approach, but his pups were barely dry and his protective urges were in overdrive. Although the blood still pounded in his ears, he noted the lowered ears of the other male...Perhaps an attempt at submission? Between that and the look of trust and hope upon Minka's face calmed the defensive male somewhat and he lowered his lips to cover the white tips of his teeth.

With the way that he'd been summoned by her and the other male's presence he could guess what this was about. A potential joiner. This was a good thing and normally Sloane would have been exceedingly pleased at the prospect. Thoughts of his helpless family around a complete stranger warred with thoughts of another set of fangs and claws to protect that very family. Of course he could be here for something else entirely. Willing the man to show his true nature as well as give his purpose, Sloane's deep voice rang out "I'm Sloane Thorben, leader of the Whisper Caverns pack. What is your purpose here?" His golden amber eyes blazed down at the man. He was large, to be sure, but not nearly as large as Sloane himself. Of course, few were.

Knight of Honor

she doesn't care how she gets there, as long as she gets somewhere she knows... Minka could feel the cold nervousness in the man and her heart sank, maybe he will choose to leave? Maybe he won't even stay for a night, maybe he won't join at all. For a moment panic flooded through her veins and she looked back after her howl, her eyes searching him. The sight of him with his ears back calmed her though, he seemed to be trying to submit the best that he could. The fae approached him slowly and licked his chin before whispering, "You will do fine Asterion, calm down, I'm here for you every step of the way." She stepped back to look in his eyes, her own portraying encouragement and trust, she nuzzled him now, trailing her whole spine beneath his jaw. It was the sound of large paws meeting earth that had her pull back from the embrace, as she had held her frame wrapped protectively around his for a moment. When her alpha approached she dropped her tail down, her ears flat on her head and her head bowed down. Minka walked slowly to him, nudging her muzzle to his in a formal greeting, then her eyes searched him for silent signs of how the pups were. He seemed anxious, but not overly so, the pups must be okay then, or he wouldn't have left, or he would appear more upset. The thoughts brought relief to her, she had already grown protective feelings over the young ones, even before they had been born. At her king's words the fae moved to his side but spoke though she did not know if it was her place to or not, "I have brought him here Sloane. I have met with him on three separate occasions and have passed positive judgement on his character. I brought him here as a potential joiner, with your permission I wish for him to join the pack." Her voice faltered slightly over the last sentence, a deep blush creeping up her neck and she glanced away from the loner in an attempt to hide it.

table by mimi

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Icy eyes looked toward the woman he was blindly following. He knew so little about her, but the fact that she made him feel at all intrigued him. He desperately wanted to know more about the fiery woman, and this would be the only way to make it possible. His eyes found hers right before she licked his chin, and he could see the fear behind them. What was she so afraid about? Immediately he felt sick to his stomach. Maybe she realized that she didn't want him here, or that he wouldn't be cut out for pack life. Whatever had caused that reaction though, frightened him. He certainly didn't want to be chased away by her alpha. As soon as she spoke, he felt much better about everything. Her voice was comforting, and she still sounded as if she wanted him here.

It wasn't long before another scent began to fill his nostrils, followed by what he assumed was the alpha male. His thoughts were confirmed as soon as he noticed the male's posture. Everything about it screamed for him to submit, and so he did as best he could. The alpha's voice filtered it's way into his ears, and he lowered his posture even more. Asterion had to do this for Minka, and the prospect of wherever their relationship was going to go. Before he had the chance to speak, the fae began for him. Relief washed over him at her praise. She seemed so sure that everything was going to work out, and maybe it would. He hoped he could find pleasure in life here. Nodding his head lightly, while still keeping it low, he spoke. "What she says is true. I intend to ask if I may join in your ranks." His words remained formal, as he awaited an answer, or another question.

Still a bit torn by his overwhelming instincts, Sloane listened to Minka's assertion of the male's character and worth. Under different circumstances the huge alpha would have been far more welcoming. But Minka's trust and the male, Asterion's obvious submission to him mollified the over-protective leader. The male appeared strong and healthy for a loner, which spoke well of his ability to contribute to a pack, but he could also sense a bit of uncertainty in the male. He wanted him to be sure of his desire to join, for Sloane took family quite seriously, be it by blood or a pledge of loyalty.

He perused the man with a serious, but not unkind look and then asked him, "Should you join our ranks, what would you have to offer your new family?" He felt his words told it all. If he joined, he would immediately be considered family and family was loyal to each other. Could Asterion pledge his loyalty and hold true to it? For now he focused entirely on the male, but he could still sense the hopeful presence of Minka in the background.

He wondered briefly if these two were merely friends or more. Should the male be allowed to join, he would have to ascertain their exact relationship. He and Narime' felt the same. They were happy to allow their members to find love, but no one but they would bear young. This fleeting thought passed through his mind as he awaited Asterion's response to his query.

Knight of Honor

The question threw him off guard; What did he have to offer Whisper Caverns? He wracked his brain thinking of something that wasn't going sound absolutely ridiculous. Asterion was pretty good when it came to hunting, he was also self-reliant but that wouldn't necessarily benefit a pack. Quick witted probably wasn't the best quality and quick footed wasn't really something that would benefit another pack member too much. He finally chose to go with the easiest one, the one that would be best for the group. "Sir, I know it isn't much, but loyalty is my greatest virtue. No favor goes unnoticed, and will always be returned, so long as I can help it." His words radiating truth, as his eyes shifted to Minka. He wanted her to hear it, because it was no lie. He would be devoted to her, as long as she wanted him here. He had zero intentions of being without her ever again.

His tail remained curled against his stomach and he continued on holding a submissive stance. His eyes found their way to Sloane's paws focusing there and awaiting the judgement that would surly come next. This very decision was make or break for the tawny fae and himself. If he wasn't accepted then everything would end right now. He would be sent away from here, back to the only life he has ever known. If the male in front of him allowed him to live among them, then just maybe he would get to know Minka a little better.

Sorry to skip you, but I needed to get a post in!

Sloane listened intently to the man's honest answer. He didn't profess to be a great hunter or valiant fighter. He offered loyalty, plain and simple. This simple, yet forthright answer please the huge alpha and his estimation of the male went up a notch or two. His very health proclaimed that he could take care of himself and if he could do that, he could certainly do his part in providing for the pack. He didn't miss Asterion's intent for Minka to hear and understand his words. It seemed that they were as much for her as they were for himself.

Sloane relaxed his posture a bit, although his head and tail remained high in confidence. "Loyalty is to be greatly valued in any pack and it is indeed a great boon. I will trust Minka's instincts, as well as my own and welcome you to the Whisper Caverns. Pack. Minka can show you around and eventually you must present yourself to my Lady. For now, keep your distance though, as she has just whelped." He pinned their newest pack member with a hard stare that told the man just how serious he was about his mate and young.

Knight of Honor

Woohoo exit posts time! That will make 10

Minka turned her muzzle sharply to look upon Asterion, curious as to what his response to Sloane's inquiry would be. Truthfully she had passed positive judgement on his character, but she knew little of his skills, his talents, she didn't know what he could offer them as a pack. All she had was these crazy feeling he brought to her whenever she looked upon him, whenever she felt his presence nearby, these feelings like a fire inside her that she didn't know how to put out. His answer was brutally honest, it was one that made her fall even harder, she already trusted him even before his words, but his answer comforted her that the trust wasn't misplaced in him, he was a good man.

Anxiety was clear on her muzzle as the fae turned to her Alpha, Sloane's words would be final, no amount of argument or any tantrum could change if he turned Asterion away. The few moments seemed to take hours, as if the world had stopped turning and time had frozen, her fate held in a tangled web of glass that could shatter at a few simple words. What came next was both unexpected and expected, it was everything she dreamed she would hear, but was too afraid to hope for. Tawny tail beat a fast rhythm in the air, the sun seemed to glow brighter in meadow and the beds sang a song of triumph around the unusual trio.

Nudging her muzzle in respect to her alpha's chin, "Thank you Sloane, for your trust in my judgement, I'm honoured you would think so highly of my opinion, please send my well wished to Nari, I hope all is well." Stepping back the smile shone brightly, her face glowed in a new found confidence that had not been present before. Gesturing with her tail towards the darker male she set off, a bounce on her step like an energetic yearling, it was time to show Asterion around his new home.

(This post was last modified: Jul 25, 2013, 01:37 AM by Minka.)

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He nodded toward the first male he would call alpha since his father. The dark wolf could almost feel relief bubbling up through his pelt as the word of acceptance rained upon him. Now he and Minka could have a chance at whatever it was that they were. She wouldn't have to leave, and if he for some reason found nothing here, then he would be free to go. Asterion couldn't think of it as being trapped or pinned down. He had to feel that if need be, he may just up and go. It was the only way he talked himself into submitting to pack life once more. All he could do now was hope that he and the tawny female found something in each other that would make them an unbreakable pair.

Of course loyalty, and repaying favors meant more to him than just about anything. Sloane had accepted him, entrusted him even, with the lives of his pups back in the den. Asterion knew that now he would protect those lives with everything he had. That was just who he was, and the dark male would not leave until his favor was repaid. At least not until the cubs were old enough to defend themselves, and by that time he and the fiery girl might hold a deeper bond. The life of a Whisper Caverns member might not sound so bad after all. So long as it was nothing like the pack he had experienced before this.

He took note of the smile falling across Minka's face, making his chest flutter. He saw pride there in her eyes, and he couldn't help but feel as though he had done alright. A simple gesture with her tail had him moving toward her deeper into the boarders. With her in the lead, he figured that it was entirely possible that he could spend the rest of his life here. Of course that was something that would never leave his maw. A secret that only he could know, and one he would surely never admit to himself.