I Am The Tower

Calling @Destin!

Maksim strode through the forest, tail held high and stiff as if it were a flag. He could do so much more than he was doing … sure, he had been given the title of guardian but he knew he could be more useful to both pack and himself. Perhaps that’s why he had suddenly latched onto the idea of rising up to the position of second, just beneath @Kade and @Ava. It was the closest he would get to becoming a leader (for now) and part of the Baranski knew he deserved it. He had devoted himself to the Rapids, to his alphas. Though, there was a slight problem that lay ahead and that was the current second in command. The guardian hadn’t seen much of the male and didn’t know all that much about him. He knew the basics, though. What he looked like. But the important stuff he hadn’t the foggiest. He knew each eyetooth in his mouth better. What was he skilled at? What did he spend his days doing? Maksim couldn’t imagine he just lay around all day and did nothing. He didn’t understand how some wolves could simply sit around and do that. It was so far from his own nature. He had to have structure, he had to move and be active otherwise he felt like he was accomplishing nothing. Things needed to be done. Always. Sure, breaks were necessary and well deserved but never doing anything just felt so, so wrong. Though, Maksim wouldn’t judge. Maybe the brute in second was loyal in other ways. It mattered not when it came down to it. Maksim knew he was going to get it over with today. Finally breaking through the treeline, the Baranski stepped out into the clearing. He thought it best to keep his distance from the den site, what with the pups being there and all. He deserved this. He knew he did. Maksim sucked in a deep breath; he wouldn’t use a single tooth nor claw against the second. Well, that was unless the male who came to greet the guardian denied him the position he honestly believed he deserved. It would be resolved easily, however, Maksim would make sure of that. Strong words could be just as useful as a strong bite. Tipping his head back and parting his dark lips, his howl stretched through the territory of Darkwater Rapids, boldly, for Destin. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Not much had been happening in Darkwater territory as of late. The predators seemed to be staying away, though prey was thriving. All the pups were growing quickly and looked rather silly with over-sized ears or paws with small heads. Destin began to know the area well, patrolling it in a certain way each day. For some this work may be considered boring, but for the large male it was rather relaxing after recent exciting events that had sent him over the mountains in order to confront and kill the wolves that had been stealing pups and causing trouble. Speaking of those wolves... Destin recalled that he had not seen Sibyl in a while. He fleetingly pictured her in the way he had seen her previously- hunched over and shaking, speaking of a wolf she had left behind after some kind of attack.

Before he could make his way to find her, a howl called for him somewhere nearby. The voice was Maksim's, Destin was sure of that. The McBain hadn't seen hide or tail of the male since they had first journeyed to Darkwater Rapids on that fateful day near the water. The large male had only joined a few days previously before Cedarwood moved across the rocky slopes to their new home. For some reason Destin doubted that this was only a call for a chat since the wolf did not seem like a social type anyhow. But the male did not have the faintest idea why Maksim would be looking for him.

Padding towards the howl, Destin made his way into the clearing where the Guardian was waiting. Maksim's tail was held high in a position of dominance, though he certainly was not a leader of Darkwater Rapids. Paws led the brown-ish male closer to the other, golden eyes looking at him curiously. He never was one for the dominant gestures that others seemed so fond of showing off whenever possible. Nor was he a competitive wolf that was so interested in getting himself as far as possible with disregard to those above or below him. Enjoying life and assisting others in doing that as well had become his only goal as time proceeded linearly as it always had and always would. "Hello, Maksim," the white-chested male greeted, sniffing the air to see if any other was around. Neither Ava nor Kade had joined this gathering, this was one between the two only. What could Maksim possibly want?

(This post was last modified: Aug 08, 2013, 12:40 AM by Destin.)

It didn’t take long for the brown coated male to arrive, greeting the guardian as he approached with curiosity in his golden gaze. A brief sniff in the air with the purpose of identifying anyone else nearby, at least that’s what Maksim presumed. “Destin,” he responded with a nod, “I hope you’re doing well.” He was sincere with his words though in reality the pleasantries were there to make the next topic easier for both him and Destin. Perhaps after he challenged for the position of second, Maksim should get to know the brute better. He was pack, after all, and he considered pack to be his family of sorts. He inhaled deeply as his ears perked up and Maksim keep his eyes on his current company. “I apologise for the abruptness of this all.” The guardian squared his shoulders and kept his voice level, lifting his head ever so slightly. There was a slight raise of his lip, something that came with the nature of being a wolf; dominance. “I ask you to step down from the position of second.” It was short, straight to point as was to be expected from Maksim. He was a wolf of few words when it came to business such as this, preferring to get it over and done with. Whilst some were content to live without the worry of ranks, it made the Baranski feel like he was achieving in his life. He was taught, since he was a pup, to be the best he could be, rise to the highest he could. He scanned briefly over Destin, looking for some sort of visual response. “I will understand if you defend your place,” he had been here much longer than Maksim had, after all, “but I will fight for it.” I deserve it. He was no waif, he was no longer a vagabond. He was a king far from the throne he deserved but willing to carve himself a new one. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

(This post was last modified: Aug 08, 2013, 11:51 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

"I am, I hope you are as well," Destin replied with a smile. Then a look of confusion passed over the male's face as he listened to Maksim's words. Some other deeper meaning was hidden behind this apparent kindness that was being shown to him, and soon enough the McBain realized why. He had never been a wolf that went after high ranks, nor was he one that played the dominance games with his siblings. Mostly he kept to himself, playing only to do just that- not to reveal who was the strongest physically or intellectually. The subordinate fumbled for words, wondering how he could deal with this situation. Never before had he been in such a rank as "second", and Kade had never come to him informing him of his duties as such- it had been given because of time spent, nothing more. Being in any rank would suit Destin comfortably, whether second or third it did not matter much to him. Perhaps to other wolves like Maksim it was much more important, and the male could accept that fact.

The Darkwater Rapids wolf opened and closed his mouth. Was he supposed to happily give over his rank? Was he expected to fight for it? The McBain thought it rather silly to risk life and limb for a title. But, like always, Destin reverted back to his old ways- speaking of the leaders. "Have you talked to Ava or Kade about this?" the male asked, his golden gaze watching the other man, still filled with a tinge of confusion and uncertainty. Destin simply lacked the experience of being a higher officer. He wasn't sure if these were common proceedings, or if Maksim was trying to finagle him out of something. The 4-year-old shifted his weight uncomfortably as he awaited a reply.

(This post was last modified: Aug 09, 2013, 02:46 PM by Destin.)

Maksim kept his stoic expression as Destin wished him well, too. However, what happened next caused the guardian to falter a little with his display, blinking back a little confusion himself at Destin’s visibly puzzled look. Had the man never dealt with rank scuffles? It was almost an everyday thing for the Baranski family and their pack. Ranks meant respect, after all. Maksim himself had fluctuated in his ranking. He was young and inexperienced in such procedures as a boy but with time came experience. Had Destin’s upbringing been one without such things? It was a little hard to believe. Destin’s mouth opened and shut as if he were briefly imitating a fish. Had he spoken to the Attaya couple? Maksim had to hold back the urge to tilt his head in his own display of bewilderment. “Such things need not be discussed with the leaders,” he responded. Yes, that was right. This would be sorted, man to man. “If anything they would have heard the call too.” Maksim wasn’t about to give Destin a lesson in how a wolf dealt with such things, especially considering they were of the same age! Differences in their youth were obvious now, something the guardian hadn’t thought too much of until … well, until just now. Some wolves were raised without the ideals that ranks were something to strive for. It all seemed too unprepared. If you didn’t know how to scuffle for a rank then what if the situation came where you were to fight for your life? You had to know how to make another wolf yield. Rank clashes were the best practice for that! But perhaps this was all a ruse. Perhaps Destin was trying to bluff him out. No, Maksim would not back down simply because the brown wolf was confused. “I ask you again,” vibrant green eyes remained locked on Destin, “step down.” He took a step forward, tail still held high; a warning. Or I will make you. He knew how to fight. The Baranski only prayed that Destin would not hold this against him. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

For a moment the large male thought he saw confusion in Maksim's eyes, too. The feeling of being at odds could not leave the second, realizing that he was very ignorant in regards to titles, rank challenges, leadership, and the like. Why would Ava and Kade not be involved? Second was like deputy to the dominants- would it not be important for them to be present at this meeting if it was as Maksim said? He could do nothing else except give the benefit of the doubt to his challenger, that his words were not falsehoods, and that he was being fed true information. Either way it seemed that the male was at a disadvantage compared to his "competition", not that Maksim could really be classified as such simply because Destin's rank held almost no significance in his daily life or aspirations.

Destin became stunned as Maksim started being ever more forceful, moving towards him again and not breaking eye contact. The brown wolf took an uncomfortable step back for each one his challenger took forwards. Why couldn't this situation be held more peacefully? Why was this dominance game so important? An explanation would be nice, but it seemed like the other male was interested in only what he wanted which perturbed the subordinate. Yet again he looked for words. "Uh.. okay?" he replied, still puzzled. Destin bowed his head slightly to show that he did indeed mean it, that Maksim was the new second, and hoped that was the right action to take. "Congratulations," he said politely, stepping backwards again to put even more distance between himself and the new Darkwater second-in-command. Hopefully Maksim found everything he was looking for in seeking him out, though Destin did indeed feel a little unsettled after the encounter.

"speech"

DARKWATER Rapids

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

(This post was last modified: Aug 09, 2013, 07:24 PM by Destin.)

Oh gosh, I haven't been able to stop giggling this entire thread. They're both just so confused!

Well, this had certainly been a helter-skelter of a rank challenge. Both participants had wound up confused, one at the situation at hand and the other at their “opponent’s” puzzlement. It had certainly knocked Maksim’s confidence a little, that was for sure. Never before had he been in such an awkward position. Still, he was a sturdy man and where confidence was shook it came back stronger. The guardian could practically feel discomfort radiating from Destin as he stepped back, uncertain of why Maksim was coming across so strongly. Perhaps he’d better explain why this was so important to the brown subordinate. Parting his charcoal lips, he was cut short by Destin’s very confused “okay”. The smaller male bowed his head and Maksim watched, his ears falling slightly from their perked up, alert position. What? Congratulations? He was stunned, jaws closing firmly as he suddenly swallowed his explanation. It seemed it was his turn to imitate a goldfish. That had been … easy. Maksim was, honestly, a little disappointed in the whole thing. It certainly hadn’t lived up to his expectations, the rise to second. To simply just hand over the position beneath the leaders was so strange. Whilst he had wanted a peaceful passing, the Baranski was a little unsatisfied with it now that he had hindsight. He enjoyed a good spar now and then; dominance scuffles were hardly a fight to the death scenario. He simply wanted a chance to see what Destin was made of. Perhaps he just wasn’t a fighter. So the now second had to perform the duty that came with his new position. He approached, slowly as if to prove he had no desire to actually harm his pack mate, and opened his jaws wide. The guardian’s intention was to gently take hold of Destin’s muzzle for a few seconds. It was simply how things were done, surely he’d understand that. MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Haha I can't stop laughing either.

Maksim's confused expression brought Destin's uncertainties back ever more strongly. Had he done the right thing? Was that what you were even supposed to do? What if he messed it up? Was Maksim going to charge him or something? The male's golden gaze watched the new second closely, as if ready to sprint away if the situation called for it. The subordinate could sense that there was something extremely unusual about it all, but the other male still had not explained anything, causing the McBain to remain completely in the dark about the following proceedings.

Once Maksim seemed to regain himself, he returned eye contact and then stepped forward slowly as if to imply that yes, everything was okay. Destin still looked at him very cautiously, instinctively stepping back a footfall or two while the other advanced further. Was his "opponent" getting ready to solve this mystery for the poor, confused third? Thinking this was the case the large wolf stopped moving backwards and remained still, waiting for words to come from Maksim's jaws. This seemed to be what was going to happen when the male opened his mouth, at least.

Well, that was before he closed them around Destin's own, who became stunned and could do nothing except stand there as the other male had his jaws around the other's. It would be quite a comical scene for anyone watching- two male wolves in an obviously awkward social encounter- with both looking rather confused except one more than the other. Destin was going to ask what was going on but he couldn't, due to the situation. The only thing he really could do was stand still until this was all over. What if Maksim never released him? The seconds ticked on and the large McBain was preparing himself to break free by running, hoping his jaw wouldn't rip off in the process.

"speech"

DARKWATER Rapids

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

(This post was last modified: Aug 12, 2013, 12:53 AM by Destin.)

EDIT: Maksim's leaving so that we can archive this and all the good stuff to get points!

Luckily for Destin, Maksim wasn’t going to hold on forever, nor did he have any intention to actually bite down. The hold wouldn’t even break the first layer of skin on the man’s muzzle. The seconds felt like an eternity though, until the guardian let go and reclined back from the subordinate. As awkward as it had been for him, it seemed to open his eyes a little. Dominance scuffles were, apparently, a thing not every wolf was used to. But it was nature! He couldn’t wrap his mind around it! By no means was the Baranski stupid, rather he was a very instinctive animal at times. When it came to dominance, if you were better than someone (in your opinion, at least) you challenged them. There were no formalities, there were no rules. Which raised another question: had Destin never sparred? Maksim had been at least three months old when he had witnessed his first spar. One of the guardians of their pack, Mancer, approached the vigilante, Bear. Both were large males, though Bear was the bigger of the two, and both were forces to be reckoned with. Mancer was covered in white fur and appeared to be chiselled from ice. He was sharp and dangerous, quick witted and strategic. Bear looked like he had been born from a mountain with his boxy, heavily scarred snout. He was of fire, unpredictable and wild. Their clash was something that both terrified and inspired Maksim as a pup. In fact, it was Bear who had really taught him to fight. The whole pack pitched in for tutoring the young Baranski litter but they each had a main mentor. Maksim cleared his throat a little though he stood tall. “I apologise for any confusion you may feel,” he almost muttered, “but it’s … it’s simply how things are done.” How they were always done and always would be done. Still, he couldn’t help but feel like he was talking to a pup; it was utterly embarrassing. The Baranski was rather glad he had chosen the clearing away from the den site. No one had to see this. He pursed his lips, thin black lines forming as he furrowed his brow in an odd mixture of confusion and irritation. Why had this caused him such unrest? “Nature.” As if it explained everything, Maksim was satisfied with his choice and explanation. If Destin wanted to know more, well, the guardian wasn’t going to teach him. He could ask someone else. Still, there was something the new second simply had to stress. Not because he felt bad, but simply so that Destin understood. “Just know, I wished no harm upon you.” They were pack, after all, and the second had no reason to try and harm the third. Frowning heavily, Maksim turned away from Destin and stalked enough. This hadn’t been what he had wanted from his challenge. This hadn’t been what he thought it’d be like. This had been … so disappointing. { Exit Maksim } MAKSIM BARANSKI “the only thing we’re allowed to do is believe we won’t regret the choices we make”

(This post was last modified: Jan 07, 2014, 06:24 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue