Another prison flight

The morning was partially cloudy, even as the sun began it's ascension into the sky, breaking out of it's prison upon the horizon, Nagga could see the wispy clouds that drifted lazily across the sky line. Among that, he found himself adjusting to the harsh chill that seeped through the silken tendrils of pale fur, thickened for the winter season and in his heirtage as partially Arctic, rather well given that he had come from a place where winter did not know this cold. Not tropical, by far, but warmer climates than what Nagga knew thus far of Relic Lore's current winter. The name for these lands sounded strange, even in the tenor of the ghosts' thoughts but an old warrior had used it to name these lands whilst they had hunted together, pulling their collective strength and tactics to take down a small, lost fawn just before Nagga had crossed the invisible threshold into Relic Lore. Deep inhale was taken, drawing in the raw cold as the air passed warm, leathery black nostrils. He was getting closer to pack territoy, having already passed a few on his way south. In truth, the ghost was not sure why he had not stopped to inquire about them, aside from the simple consideration that he did not want to trouble them if he decided not to join their ranks. The flaw of that logic was exposed like a live wire when he contemplated it as a palpable option. He would never find a pack if he kept following that obscure line of thought. He was a stranger to these lands, and knew nothing of the packs or the wolves that inhabited them. How was he to learn if he did not inquire?

Nagga lowered his head to the frost covered grasses beneath his paws, nostrils flaring as he drank on the scents, attempting to guage how far away he was from the pack's borders and deducing, silently, that this unknown pack was as good a pack as any to break the ice. Reddish orange eyes surveyed the territory around him for a few seconds, before he began padding in the direction of the borders. It was not a terribly long trek, and Nagga - who was thankfully familiar with loner/pack customs from watching Drogon attend to her duties as the muscle or Dragon's Keep's monarchy - made absolute sure there was more than an adequately respectful distance between his body and the borders. Lifting his head skyward, Nagga sent out a howl to announce his presence to the wolves that dwelled within, noting his interest as a potential joiner. That was only as good as if they had not met their maximum capacity and would take him, of course, but Nagga figured he would handle such things when they arose.

Avatars and Table by: Mimi <3


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Here's Hati to bring some awkwardness to the scene! Hope you don't mind. c:

Hati greeted the harsh morning with silent curses and a devilish glare burning in his one eye. Ever since the lynx incident he had despised the cold temperatures that stung at his exposed, slowly healing skin, and was only semi-comfortable at mid-day when the sun climbed high and he could stretch out his scrawny black body to soak up its rays. When warmth was not so available he could be found wandering about the territory and especially the borders, leaving his signature scent behind to warn any stranger of the danger he offered. In this fashion the Cut Rock River subordinate had spent his days with little excitement and less comfort.

After stretching his battered body forward and backward he abandoned the temporary nest dug in the snow and resumed his travels into mid-morning. Twice he spotted rabbit tracks dappling the powdery blanket of snow, twice he failed to acquire their creator, and many times his stomach growled at him, reminding him constantly of his hunger. So all-in-all, Hati was not in the best of moods today. Rather he felt sour, bored, hungry, and sore.

It was then that a summoning howl sang out from less than half a mile away, seemingly just outside Cut Rock River borders. Immediately the ebony male's interest perked at the questioning note within the howl. This would be the first join request since the foundation of the pack, unless someone else had somehow made their way in without his knowledge. Rather than let the day continue to be so purposeless Hati turned towards the fading call and easily moved into a lope that would carry him to the location in minutes. As he neared the borders he slowed, picking his way more carefully through the snow and putting on a show of dominance with a lifted head and tail and stiffened limbs. Whoever this outsider was, he had better know that he was at Hati's mercy.

A white male eventually came into view, a huge wolf in all aspects waiting for an answer. The scent rising off of his ivory pelt did not suggest any hostility, but that was no reason not to be cautious. Slowly Hati walked closer, watching the stranger with every ounce of concentration, his eye burning intensely with mistrust. And then he came to a halt about ten yards away from the brute and simply stared, never uttering a sound or opening his mouth.

All had been well within Cut Rock River. Mostly. The news of a lynx had left the golden female on high alert. Cinder and Quil still seemed to be reserved, keeping to themselves. Astra was still a little shaken up after her ordeal with Destin, whom she had saved twice now. She was also doing her best to manage keeping up with the responsibilities that came with being an Alphess. Heaving a soft sigh, heated breath spilled out in smoky tendrils once exposed to the frigid air. She was taking a little walk today, to try and sort through her thoughts. First Darkwater Rapids and now Cut Rock River. Two homes in less than a month, although her hopes were high that this one was permanent. She wouldn't be cutting her ties to this place so easily, should mother nature decide to challenge the wolves again. Thoughtfully, her stormy eyes flickered upwards...to the sky. Where she always looked when in a contemplative mood. Framed by the spindly, leafless branches of the trees, the blue canvas was beautiful, yet an oddly lonesome picture. It wasn't that she disliked winter...only that this one, her gut told her, would be a challenge. A continuous line of paw prints embedded into the snow wrapped around trees and rocks, their path seeming to lead nowhere in particular. Astra already was intimately familiar with the territory, but today she didn't seem to pay much attention to where she was going. Lost in thought, she didn't acknowledge any familiar faces she might've passed by, or any chance at hunting. There seemed to have been a tension in the air recently, considering one particular wolf, and herself. Astra hadn't had the chance to formally introduce herself to Anastasia or to speak to the female regarding her feelings about having been chosen to lead. It had not been her choice...it was Maksim's. And who was she to turn it down? She had to honor his decision. This role was not something she had asked for...she didn't even have any training. Until she could speak privately with the white girl and Maksim, then all she could do was her best. As if to remind her of the responsibility on her shoulders, a howl sliced through the silence, demanding her attention. With no one else around, she would see to it that it was addressed in a timely manner. Bursting through the snow drifts at a modest gallop, Astra's butterscotch form was easily distinguishable against the backdrop of white. Many had once mistaken her for an Arctic wolf, but upon closer investigation, had discovered she didn't have a trace of Arctic blood in her veins. The scent grew stronger as she neared the borders, and she soon discovered that the loner was not alone. Hati's scent mingled with that of the outsiders, and a small smile tugged at her lips, pleased to know that neither wolf was alone. Once, not so long ago, it had been her standing in the loners place, submitting humbly before Maksim as she made her case. As much as she'd like to go easy on them, winter was practically at their doorstep and they needed wolves that could pull their weight...not weigh them down. As she approached, her eyes fell on the dark form of Hati, who to say the least, looked a bit scruffy. Fresh scars littered his body and she met his gaze inquiringly. Brushing against his shoulder lightly in a gesture of alliance, she stood poised before the male, tail raised. "Good afternoon. I am Astra Sellix, Leader of Cut Rock River. What brings you to our borders?" She said, her voice soft but firm while awaiting for the male to respond.

Nagga, though well accustomed to patience, found himself, well, rather impressed that his wait at the unknown pack's borders was not too terribly long. Attentiveness at the borders from their side was always a good sign, as far as the ghost was concerned. It was like anything, he rationalized, if the borders were poorly attended then obviously something was slacking in the hierarchy and such would only prove to turn him, as a potential joiner, away. That would make them an easy target, or if not that then surely a hair away from disbanding. That was a situation that Nagga did not want to find himself in the middle of - despite that life was unpredictable and the ghost came to learn that nothing lasted forever. The wolf that moved towards him from within the borders, Nagga took notice of nearly instantly, as that it was ebony in coloration - quite the stark opposite of Nagga himself. Secondly, there was a distinctly masculine scent beneath the smell of the pack that clung to the midnight man's coat; thirdly that the man's stature as he approached was unmistakably dominant. In physical recognization of this Nagga adjusted his own previously neutral stance to one of willing submission. Strange though it was to submit to a stranger, Nagga understood that it was all a part of proper ediqutte that was expected of him.

The man offered no words, and Naga's lips parted and then closed in trepidation, unsure if he should speak or not; feeling a slight shiver of unease slither along the cuve of his spine as the man's gaze remained unwavering and the silence yawned on. Nagga felt a slight wave of relief - though he dared not rise from his submissive pose nor allow his relief to show physically - when another joined their little gang, a female of pale creams, her tail raised to express that she was a, or at least one of the leaders. She introduced herself as such shortly after her arrival on the scene, and reddish orange eyes, diverted to look at the woman's paws, as he processed her name, tucking it away, and prepared to answer her question.

The inquiry itself was simple, and begged a simple, truthful reply from Nagga in return. "I am Nagga Thrakon," deliberation had been given seconds before words had fallen forth from his lips as to if he should include his sire name or not. It was not as if Nagga had anything to hide, simply the name 'Thrakon' held no weight and no meaning in these lands, though in the end, mostly out of habit the ghost had included it nevertheless. "and I have come to inquire about possibly joining your ranks ma'am." He finished falling to the silence willingly, ears thrust forth to listen to what she, or the dark male, had to say about the matter.

Avatars and Table by: Mimi <3


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You guys don't need to bother waiting for me, I'm just along for the ride. c:

This was a new feeling.

It was like power, but not quite. The male who had so easily shown himself submissive had not lowered his head because of Hati, and the black subordinate knew that. It was not power he craved, after all. It was belonging. The stranger was bowing to him merely as a member of Cut Rock River. That was what he craved, what he had wanted since banishment. And here it was, staring him in the face. He couldn't help the unearthly grin that spread across his face and the slight wag in his tail, remembering how he himself had been just a little while ago, begging for acceptance into Darkwater Rapids lest the clutches of winter, and his own loneliness, get the better of him. Undoubtedly this monstrous snow-wolf had something similar in mind.

The next few moments were slightly amusing to Hati. His silence was taking the effect it nearly always did, making the stranger feel awkward and out of place. This was an approach he had taken to heart years ago, and as much as anyone could argue that it was strange, what else was there for him to do anyway? He had been told by many that he should try to work out some grunts and whines to make them sound like words, but the idea appalled him. Though it hurt, he would much prefer to remain entirely silent and hold on to the dignity he had left. So staring with his one intense golden eye and holding his dominant position, there was no doubt the man was less than comfortable. Good. If he was planning on joining the pack he'd better not get any crazy ideas about trying to one-up Hati. The wounds were still obvious from the battle with the lynx, and the many scars decorating his pelt spoke of a history of war. The missing eye? His greatest weakness, but not enough to make him weak. Judging by his reflection, he guessed he looked like a pretty scary, if not crazy, dude.

It was then that Astra showed up, and most of the heavy atmosphere fled. She was taking her new responsibility seriously and was, in fact, doing a good job by Hati's standards. She seemed smart and strong and well able to help lead a pack. As they made eye contact Hati involuntarily flashed her a grin. What it was about even he didn't know. Something about the whole serious situation just seemed a little bit funny. Was his own silence getting to him? Was he losing his mind? Quite possibly.

As her shoulder touched his he lowered his head to acknowledge her rank, but raised it again to direct his dominant position at the white male. The two exchanged their simple, to the point declarations as Hati watched carefully. Nagga, as the man called himself, looked strong and healthy, though perhaps slightly haggard under the season's harsh punishment, and had proved himself willing to submit to those above him. Surely Astra would agree that he would be a wise addition to Cut Rock river?

Look Out!

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the snow. Hunt Opportunity

Standing poised before the lone male, Astra pinned him beneath her stormy gaze, expectantly waiting for a reply. To her satisfaction, she noted his body language was submissive. Always a promising sign. Hati, whose company she appreciated, she didn't bother to introduce. He may be a mute, but she was respectful enough not to do the introduction for him. If this outsider did indeed prove worthy of joining their ranks, then he too would come to know the names and faces of every member. Tail swishing back and forth slightly, her ears perked forwards as the white male introduced himself as Nagga Thrakon. Storing this little bit of information away, Astra took a moment to look him over. He seemed to be in good health, although a little unkempt. Pack life would see him well fed and in fit condition. If they could find enough food to sustain themselves, that is. So, he wished to join Cut Rock River did he? Astra remained silent a moment longer, only raising a brow thoughtfully, considering him. This was her first time in dealing with a lone wolf who sought entry into the pack, and thus she had to stop and replay the events of how Maksim once dealt with her. She was in his shoes now and mustn't forget to be thorough in her questioning. However, that didn't mean she would just let this wolf slip into their ranks so easily. Part of it was instinct, compelling her to behave as she did now. Their pack was a closely knit family. Wolves who expressed interest in joining, had better intend to stay for the long haul. Not just hang around for the winter and be on their way. Pursing her lips, she maintained a dominant stance over the male, but by no means showed any aggression. "I appreciate your interest in joining Cut Rock River, Nagga." She began, well aware that Hati was standing a few feet away, observing. "Tell me, why do you wish to join us? And what can you contribute to the pack?"A wolf who lounged around and took advantage of their hospitality would not be tolerated. Cut Rock River needed hard working, dedicated wolves who pulled their own weight. One's that proved useful, not a burden. With a harsh winter approaching, Astra had all the more reason to take whatever answers Nagga gave into serious consideration. If he had skills and wished to prove his dedication, then she would be happy to accept him. But first, she needed to make sure that the white male before her met the standards she had set.

Nagga made a specific point not to stare at the ebony man who stood beside the pallid alpha female, knowing it was rude to stare, especially when one was as riddled with scars, more than the etiquette permitted assessment of the other man allowed. It wasn't that scars bothered Nagga, per se. His own mother, an Amazon warrior - the stuff of legends, in his mind - had been riddled with scars of her own. Drogon had worn her scars proudly, each a physical memoir of a conquest, an did not care if others stared like a deer caught in th headlight; however, the ebony man was not Drogon and it would be wrong to assume how he felt about staring. Personally, Nagga had too much of Massak's vanity within him and could not help but think to himself that scars were wretched and ugly. Red, or pink trails of uneven skin, where fur refuses to cover - if bad enough. Not that Nagga had any intentions of speaking his true thoughts on things that cannot be helped; not to the stranger and certainly never to his proud mother. Sunset orange eyes diverted, finally settling wholly on Astra's pat pallid cream paws, for the lack of knowing where specifically to look. Eye contact presented a challenge – and Nagga had no interest in challenging anyone. He was youthful, but hardly ignorant. Despite that his attention had mostly shifted to Astra as it was, he did not forget the silent man's presence. The alpha female spoke that she appreciated his interest in joining their pack, Cut Rock River. The questions that followed shortly after were not entirely unexpected. Countless times had Nagga heard Drogon inquire the same questions, though where Astra inquired, Drogon had been often known to demand. Simply inquiring was nice, Nagga thought, considering he had rather expected most Alphas to be like his mother, simply from his personal experience following her around as a child, fascinated by her and Massak as he had been. Nagga was silent for a few minutes, considering his words and how he wanted to piece together the truth. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#cb410c;">To be honest, I know nothing of your pack, ma'am. Until a few minutes ago, I did not even know it's name, Honesty was the best policy, Massak used to tell him. He suddenly hoped his father had been right when he had told him that. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#cb410c;"> I left my home seeking grand adventure, A soft, mirthless chuckle escaped Nagga's lips. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#cb410c;">For a loner, experiencing winter such as this for the first time my adventures this far isn't as grand as I had envisioned. I will die if I cannot find a pack to call home, but I am looking to live outside the burden of my parents' shadows. I cannot do that back home. I seek a permanence, where I can make a name for myself, instead of carrying on theirs. Nagga spoke with a fluid honesty, figuring if she turned him away, there was always another day and another pack. Surely, one of them would take him, and if they didn't then he would have to try to go back home, he guessed. It was either that or die. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#cb410c;">My mother was an Amazon warrior, brave and feral. She taught me how to fight, and how to fight well. I can defend the borders as well as any wolf. I took a particular interest in my father's duty as a scout, however. I am good with moving briskly, and at remembering useful landmarks. I'm not bad with diplomacy either. Nagga felt a bit narcissistic naming off his strengths as such, and so offered a small, sheepish smile, but she asked what he could contribute her pack and he was not the kind of creature to hold back. Especially not when his life was on the line with winter nipping at his heels.

table by mimi

(This post was last modified: Dec 07, 2013, 12:11 PM by Nagga.)

Avatars and Table by: Mimi <3


0/3 thread(s) available

(Sorry for the wait! <3) With Hati watching, waiting to see whether or not Astra would accept this male, Astra silently wondered what kind of impression she was making on her packmate. She barely knew any of these wolves, but it wasn't like she was putting on a show to impress them. While she cared what they thought, to a point, she wasn't about to act like her natural self. She was a good judge of character, easily able to see through both the words and actions of a liar. Her time as Alphess would only serve to enhance her skills, adding to her experience in encounters such as this. "Well, we are a fairly new pack." She replied smoothly, thinking it wise not to clue him in to their numbers. While still growing, Cut Rock River was still formidable, with reliable members of varying skill, enforced borders and with Maksim who certainly had his fair share of experience. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips once Nagga confirmed that he was indeed, looking for a pack in which he could belong, erasing his days as a loner. His timing was unfortunate. To arrive in Relic Lore in what could quite possibly be the worst winter to date. So the cream female could certainly understand his predicament. While he had her sympathy, she would turn him away if he could not offer something on his own behalf. Her ears swiveled, letting the information of his background and skills pour in. He was trained in fighting, was he? Then if he proved useful, the role of a guardian would suit him well in the distant future. What fascinated her, was that he was more than capable of moving at a brisk pace, with a knack for remembering specific landmarks. It was quite similar to her own talent, of how she studied both the land and the patterns of the prey animals. Her tail lowered a few inches, no longer raised like a flag over her spine. With the relaxing of her muscles, some warmth returned to her eyes, yet she still held a dominant stance. "Nagga, I would be pleased to offer you a position in Cut Rock River. But we are a tightly knit group, and we value loyalty and hard work above all else." She said seriously, driving home the fact that lazing around taking advantage of their hospitality would be a one way ticket out. "I expect you to pull your weight, if you want to stay." Her voice was firm, with no room for argument. A gentle reminder of what was expected of him. Moving forward, Astra brushed up against his side, transferring her scent to him, marking him as an official member of Cut Rock River. Coming round his side again, she faced him with a welcoming smile. "I am Astra Sellix by the way. Our lead male is Maksim Baranski. If you would like, I would be happy to accompany you on a tour of your new home." She suggested, while sharing a glance with Hati, so he was included too. Stepping forward, she led the way back towards home.