no rest for he wicked.

He had absolutely no choice. The last couple of months had not been pleasant for the demon wolf. It would seem that after Anastasia had gone and abandoned him, everything fell apart, crumble bit by bit to the ground in her wake. He had left Pitch Pine Trail with every intention to follow her, stalking her scent north until he came upon the 'River' wolves once more. Catching a scuffle there, he could not help but allow himself to reap havoc once more upon these 'River' wolves in their new location. However, the battle did not end without it's ill fate. Injured, with various shallow cuts about him now, yet to be fully healed and obvious with the dried blood caked about him, he traveled on. Of course, only to find out once getting to the pass he had one crossed before over the mountains, it was, needless to say, no more. The Winter thralled him, enraging the dwindling wolf who now could not continue his conquest. To make matters worse, the Trail he had left behind no longer remained, ether. He had no way of going forward, could not go backward, and he was fairly wounded, rapidly deteriorating as the Winter moved on.

He had followed the scent of yet another pack on this side of the Lore along the River line with every intention to make do. He would join them, as he had been unsuccessful in finding any other pack to join, or it would kill him, for this he was fairly certain. The body which the demon dwelt within would not survive the winter with sanctuary and the lands that reached out before him as he settled in a sit at the borders, seemed worthy enough to be called a Haven. He falls low, a shallow howl echoing from his jaws to the wolves of this land, readying himself for the display of submission he must pull off if he is to be of success here.

Do you mind if Rhys pops in? We never get to thread. ;__;

Oh look. Snow. Everywhere you looked. The lands were white. The tall male could not recall ever having seen so much of the stuff, not even during his years up on the mountain. He knew in his bones that something was not quite right but so far he had yet to venture far from the pack of the dwindling cache of food they had to offer him. Day by day he grew stronger, recovering from his wounds though the scars which littered his legs, the tatters that were once his ears and the gash across his once handsome face would never vanish altogether. It was fortunate that he was not vain, nor in the market to impress anyone with his looks. He was here for one reason and one alone, to survive the winter, kill his former mate and reclaim his title of King.

Pacing the outskirts of the borders had been enough to keep him busy. It served two purposes; one to alleviate boredom and the other so that he might get to know the lay of the land where he would spend the next few months. He never did anything without a reason. As of yet, it had been a pretty dull task. That was until the sound of a shallow call tickled his ears and instantly caught his attention. The source of the howl was not far from his current position and even though he was not the king of these lands, that did not mean he could not take a glimpse at the wolf who required the packs attention. Quickly as he could, he followed the noise until his eyes met what he could only call a mini-mirror image of himself, right down to the grey eyes. How amusing. It was as if someone had shrunk him down into a more convenient size... and looking at the guy he was glad of his tall height; being short didn't sit well with him. Not that the stranger was short, but he still stood lower than himself and that made his ego feel much better.

"What do you want?" he asked in his southern drawl. Not in a rude manner, but blunt and to the point as he made his presence known, unable to hide even if he wanted to with his dark pelt against the alabaster canvas all around them. He held his head high, tail too. Though he was not the king he was still a pack member and judging by the scent of the other man, he was but a mere loner and Rhysis held rank above him so dominance was shown. No doubt the other was here to find a home before the snow got any worse... and whilst it was not his call who should stay and who should go, that didn't mean he couldn't be nosy and vet the guy first.

Only one came to his call. Or at least, only one for the moment. The demon did well enough to hold his placement. He kept his body low, his limbs bent, head tucked between his shoulder blades. Of course, this would easily enough be a defensive stance, a stance ready for a lunge or to flee. He expected anything and everything from this encounter and so prepared himself for it. The display of this wolf did not help. He held himself pompously, tail waving and head held high, body high, as he seemed to walk with an air of arrogance that made it clear he was better then the lower who came crawling to his doorstep. Beelzebub would be left to huff silently to himself, silver eyes watching his movements as he came nearer.

The words that came out of the male's mouth was at first offered with silence. An invisible brow lifting for the question that was given to him. What other reason could be possibly by here but to join? He looked thinly enough to be a lower. A bit raged in appearance and with the manner Beelzebub was trying to pull off, a lack of self worth in his current conition. Though the words which spat from his lips proved differently. He was just as evil to the core as the male before him was. "I am a rogue howling for members upon a pack's border. What is it you think?" He spoke with obvious sarcasm, his body still, tensed even in ready action. He might have been taller, bigger, and a member to the pack he did seek, but Beelzebub was not his subordinate yet and so did not fall before his feet. So much for playing nice...

Look Out!

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +7 Health

Snow clung to his pelt heavily, though the male paid little heed to it. The sparse bits of ebony found upon his spine were seemingly cloaked for now – and given the winter they were currently having, Phineas could only imagine it would worsen. He had lived through mild winters, and he had even lived through a harsh one as well. His concern rest more upon his cubs – so fresh to life, and so very fragile. Especially Kyros.

It was with this in mind he took to scouting the borders – not for the weary traveller, though he marked his dominance along the way. Instead, he sought a hopeful glimmer of chance for a meal.. one he could take back to his children to help ebb the gnawing hunger the pack was beginning to feel.

This was a fanciful wish however – the herds were seemingly gone, and thus far the only trace he could find was a very small caribou herd. One they would need to gather and hunt soon, as the closer herds had left. Famine was not a foreign concept to him, but it was a word that struck fear in his heart. This was alleviated only momentarily when he came upon the scraps of a previously scavenged deer. A flock of crows hopped mindlessly around it, and with a loud snarl, the male strode forward, his jaws snapping to the black creatures, ignoring their sharp cries of discontent. One pecked him squarely upon the nose, drawing blood and eliciting a snarl from the male. Snapping his jaws once more, his teeth just grazed the crow’s foot before it took off.

His victory was anticlimactic when his eyes fell upon what remained of the meat. Only then did his nose overlook the scent of prey to catch another, and glancing up, feet ahead of him were two swarthy wolves – one he recognized as Caleb, the other he did not know. Ushering a harsh bark, his figure strode protectively over the carcass, his eyes wary as he took in the stranger. “Who’s this, Caleb?” His voice rose, hoping to drift over to the newest member of the pack.

Sorry for the wait and no doubt what will be a crappy post. Virus is blargh. x__x;

His reply was obnoxious. Rhysis took an instant dislike to him. His tone was sarcastic. His words were cheap and pointless. A time waster and he certainly didn't want him to reap the benefits that pack life would obviously provided the loner with. Clearly the guy was an idiot. You didn't stroll up to a pack, seeking a home, and act like a dick. The sad fact was however, it was not his call to shun the outsider but that didn't mean he had to go calling for his leader. No, maybe he could run him off before they got wind of him? It was for the best interest of the pack afterall...

His lips elevated, revealing his pearly whites whilst his muzzle wrinkled in distaste. He';d been about to give the guy a warning snap- there was no point in replying to such a waste of fur and limbs, when his leaders scent crossed his path. Instantly he disregarded his malice and composed himself, taking a deep breath though it pained him to do so. It was not worth showing his true colours just yet. He needed pack life and the benefits it gave him, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to remain blunt and to the point.

From the side Phineas appeared. He had yet to hold any real judgement about the guy. So far he had been fair. Let him feast and go about his business in relative peace. He didn't seem to like small talk and that pleased him to no end.
He lowered his stance, showing correct submission to the leader as he made his approach but ensure he remained higher then the other fellow. A budge on the shoulder signalled his respect to the leader before he replied to his question. "Some cocky git hoping you'll give him a home." he muttered in his southern accent, making his expression clearly read he was not impressed with the guy thus far, and he was pretty sure he never would be either.

He did not like the reply - obviously. Beelzebub awaited the action which would be taken in response, the hairs along his back side standing on end, his body remaining low, yet poised, as a flash of teeth was offered in response and nothing more. However, as quick as the male before him showed this display was as quick as he ended it. Once the fangs were away the hairs along the demon's back rest. Ah, Master had arrived and now the dog had to become obedient once again. Alas, there was Beelzebub to play the part as well if he wanted to wiggle beyond the pack borders as Rhysis here had.

The male, obviously dominant over this now known 'Caleb' questioned him, to which pale hued eyes danced over the black and silvery coated wolf (in much ways as himself) in wait of reply. The words which edged the wolf's maw was much as anything he expected, causing a small smirk to twist over the beast's mouth before his attention drew to the other male. His crooked grin gone, his body remaining in the low position as it were, he dipped his silvered muzzle to the other wolf as pleasantly as he could. "Beelzebub." There was little attention spared to Caleb now that he knew the other wolf was in higher charge and from the others words, the Leader. "The mountains have become impassible. It is pack, or it is death." He makes his reasoning for being here obvious and clear, if it had not been made obvious already. He had no intention of playing Phineas the fool by spewing out his devotion and willingness to lay down his life for this place. He was here to survive and he would do his part to prove his worth and work to be within such ranks as any. "I will help whatever way I can and if any specific need arises for the taking, I have served as a Scout for years - a tracker and messenger." Of course, the last part was a load of crap. He had only just acquired this body and had not done much of 'serving' anyone as of yet. Though he had done well to travel Anastasia across the Lore and going out for runs seemed like something he would be willing to do, allowing him often freedom beyond territory lines.

There was much to say about Phineas’ family – spare for his bitter feelings for @Albireo, the male was loyal and protective of the others in his pack.. Caleb included. The moment the swarthy male worded his thoughts about the stranger before them, a soft chuff escaped him, his fiery eyes blazing as they regarded the other more critically now. His stance remained firm above the remaining food while his ears flickered forward at the words the other chose to give him.

A man of honesty, the ivory wolf could appreciate that the other did not spew about how his lifelong wish was to be of Magnolia Glen. Yet as much as he received it, he would also give it back. “Your death means very little to me at this point, wolf,” he rumbled, giving an idle flick of his tail as he allowed thse words to stand between them. Life or death. He chose for his pack to live, and damned be to any rogue who had considered themselves invincible until nature turned on them fully. “My pack means everything to me. Why should I take you in and share their food with you?” Again, he allowed a small pause, his eyes only drifting to Caleb for a swift moment before moving back to study Beelzebub. The wolf at least was reflecting submission – but that was not necessarily enough. “I don’t need your loyalty. You’ve made it very clear this will be a temporary solution, and I will not begrudge that. But why should I trust you?”

(This post was last modified: Dec 17, 2013, 12:45 PM by Phineas.)

He remained silent. Fighting the urge to chase the guy out. It wasn't his place to do so. This was not his pack, he was nothing more then a lowly drone at this point; mindlessly following the word of their leader until the spring arrived. Though if pack life remained as easy as it had been so far, he might even reconsider leaving so soon. Food was good. Life was easy, and he was able to go about his business. The upside to pack ownership was breeding rights and let's face it, he was never going to win father of the year; though the process of creating pups was a pleasant one, it was not something he required. Was it really worth sacrificing comfort for pride? Time would tell... It had been his life long ambition to rule the lands. Twice he had done so but to what end? To end up beaten to a pulp, cast out in the snow and left to die by anyone he had ever considered a friend or family. What a waste of time that had been.

His leader was not a foolish wolf. Though his superior acting skills had gotten him in, it appeared this moron did not possess such a talent and Phineas had heeded his words judging by the look in his eyes. He moved quietly to stand aside the leader - his head not as high but the two side by side would be a dominating sight indeed with their height and strength. They were such opposites, on the inside and out, but together they appeared strong - a wolf wall, blocking the way home until this wolf could prove his worth. Rhysis would not have let the guy in - why share food with him? It was scarce enough as it was of late and another mouth to feed would not benefit them. Still, it was not his call and all he could do was stand to attention and take any orders given with a pinch of salt. With any luck, those orders would be to tear the guy limb from limb.

(This post was last modified: Dec 17, 2013, 08:38 PM by Rhysis.)

The game was intriguing, so say the least. Back and forth did they spit their words, one looking to outwit the other, one to make the wrong move. Formerly, Beelzebub had considered himself to be very good at words, at this mind game. He had whispered a thing or two many a time before to manipulate others, but in form- in body and in life of a wolf, manners were far different. They did not crave the popularity that humans might. They did not crave fancy items or riches beyond their dreams. They wanted survival, to be on top amongst those other wolves and predators in the wild. It was this and only this and today the demon would have to make Phineas think that having him within their ranks would further their placement in the land when it came to surviving the winter.

"Only the fool-hearted trust strangers at their doorstep - we've only just met. I'm asking you for a chance." He speaks these words as straight forward as the last. Why should Phineas trust him? Perhaps he should not. Not trust him with his life. Not trust him to be a servant to his every whim, nor be within the Glen for the remainder of his days as a faithful companion. But the obvious was there: Beelzebub needed him and the pack he held to survive and destroying it from the inside out only meant destroying himself. "You have made it clear you don't care if I live or die, but I, however, have come to find this existence, interesting, to say the least. Only two packs remain in the East. As I have said, I will help whatever way I can. I can ether hunt, scavenge or steal for you, or I can for them." After all, should he join, Beelzebub would be his pack and so, Beelzebub would 'mean everything' to Phineas as well.

(This post was last modified: Dec 17, 2013, 10:01 PM by Beelzebub.)