Spectral Woods Anyone home?

Phyrrus awakened from her long nap, after a long pause of small groans and vulgar exclamations of pain from the previous fall, Phyrrus' eyes met her surroundings. She saw no sight of the dusty male. Tracks led into the blackened forest, and with a sour snort she stomped in the snow. He didn't even mention a goodbye! Shit, did I say something wrong...? Her thoughts raced frantically, trying to recall if she called him something or he found her odd way of conversing off putting. After long moments of doubt, she remembered that she had given him a thanks and then fallen asleep promptly. Oh. Well still... Phyrrus thought as she turned her head to the east and trotted away swiftly to Oak Tree Bend..

SOME TIME LATER ON...

Her dirty paws came to a halt on the riverbed stones. Her claws clacked against the stone and made a pleasant sound that bounced around the halls of woods. After an unenthusiastic sigh, Phyrrus lifted her eyes to the rushing river. The Cold Water Creek had widened since she saw it. Its waves were more audible and it developed more white caps. Preparing for connection with the new pack, she thought over her choices. She wanted to remain on this side of the creek for an unexpected escape, but also didn't want to come across as weak and afraid. After her slight consideration, she stayed put. Phyrrus balanced her position, making sure her lungs had enough space to make her cry loud enough. She took a massive breath, and then allowed herself to belt out a howl. Its tune changed pleasantly, keeping the notes in the higher scale. They cry slowed as the air in her lungs gradually ran out. The message was a statement of presence and a request to speak with the lead male (@Triell ). Phyrrus knew she wouldn't get a response immediately, but she couldn't help but feel anxious. Her tail swayed in excitement and then decided to take a quick rest before any word of a retort.

(This post was last modified: Jan 09, 2015, 09:56 PM by Phyrrus.)

  

@Phyrrus I read it as Phyrrus is on the opposite side of the creek but let me know if I read that wrong!

Winter was ramping up in earnest now, with white blanketing nearly everything and frigid winds cutting down from the north. The season bothered Spieden little, warmed by her plush brown and grey coat and doubled by thick layers of muscle and fat. Strong limbs pushed through the snow, breaking new ground as she left a deep furrow in her wake. The Coho woman's bright amber eyes skimmed the leafless forest and she kept her flared nostrils to the wind as she patrolled the territory. It made Spieden's skin crawl with how quiet things were lately. It was too still, too peaceful, and she wasn't used to it. It made her wonder if something terrible was waiting in the wings. She didn't want trouble, but she also didn't want to be caught unprepared.

Spieden's loping pace slowed when a long howl drifted towards her from the outer reaches of the packlands. She wondered if Triell had heard it too, but had to check on the off chance he hadn't or was busy with something else. She interacted little with the man, but at least respected that he gave her distance and hadn't given her cause to mistrust him yet.

Pausing for a moment, Spieden tipped her head back and released a short, low call alerting both the stranger wolf and any of her packmates who might be listening that she was on it. Before the last echo of her song had died off, Spieden was on the move again. She picked up her pace to a hurried gallop, snow crunching loudly underpaw as she traveled.

Familiarity with the land told Spieden she was nearing one of the creeks that edged the territory. It had made a fine fishing spot during the summer, but now it was edged with ice and not worth the frozen paws for what few fish remained in its depths. Spieden approached the bank, and her gaze swept over the other side before settling on a silvery female poised on the opposite bank. Spieden's dark tail waved steady with her back with it's tip arched upwards.

"Yes? You called?" Spieden gruffly asked, her voice steady and loud enough to cross the hiss of the water between them.

Phyrrus was glancing around for a place to rest when another howl shot out from the opposing side of the creek. She looked on with a confused expression. The howl was distinctly feminine, but it was also powerful and confident such as a leader's. Hmm who could that be... maybe the alpha female? Ah yes, they must be in relations. Alright, here we go. Stand tall, look poised and be polite. She concluded and mentally prepared for the arrival of the she-wolf. The dark lady slipped put of the shadows and laid her eyes on Phyrrus. The question was answered after a short pause, Phyrrus was wondering how to approach the subject.

"Hello there, I'm Phyrrus Monodora." She dipped her head in respect. "I just wanted to speak to an alpha about joining Oak Tree." Not particularly enjoying the space between them, she made her way through the water. It was about knee high and felt colder than liquid nitrogen. Climbing out of the water, she shook her body sending little drops of icy water into the woods, careful not to offend the lady by getting her drenched. She stood high but made up for it with a limp tail. The sky had cleared and allowed little streams of light to beam down in the openings of the canopy. If not for her meeting with the she-wolf, Phyrrus would have found herself sunbathing in the bleak spots of light. Afternoon had come around, the warm temperature was starting to reach its climax.

(This post was last modified: Jan 10, 2015, 12:35 AM by Phyrrus.)

  

Spieden quietly watched as the woman introduced herself. The lone female's respectful body language put Spieden at ease, but she kept her stance firm and her tail stiff. Spieden still felt a bit guilty for how she had treated that poor blind wolf weeks ago. She regretted not offering to help him, and imagined he had probably fallen through ice or off the edge of a cliff by now. Still, it was hard to work against the defensive shield she'd built up around herself over the years. Kindness, or at least an approximation of it, was something she had to actively work towards. Spieden's crumpled right ear flicked and she gave a curt nod as the she-wolf mentioned wanting to join their pack.

Spieden kept her eyes trained on Phyrrus as she waded across the stream. She quietly winced as she knew how cold it must be. Spieden politely took a step back and allowed the woman room to stand on the snowy bank. This also gave some distance to avoid the flinging droplets of icey water.

"You're talking to the right person, then. I'm Spieden Coho, I lead here beside Triell Tainn." Spieden informed her. Now that Phyrrus was standing closer, Spieden could get a better look at her. The female was smaller, looking quick and lithe, but didn't seem too young and Spieden could find a few scars scattered about her silver pelt. Refocusing her attention, Spieden snapped her ochre eyes to stare straight into Phyrrus' dark umber pair. Spieden had never fielded a new member before, this was all new to her. She had to think back to when Triell had taken her in, what he had said then and what she should do.

"So, why do wish to join us? And what can you offer us?" She asked. As much as she wanted to help the woman, winter was here and Spieden had the well being of the pack to keep in mind. They had no need for idle paws that would only consume with nothing to return.

Phyrrus gave a silent sigh. Jesus, what a relief. As always, she was a little nervous about meeting this powerful wolf and was starting to regret walking over to get a better look at the lady, but her positive attitude was a sign from god in Phyrrus' eyes. In return of an expression, she nodded with a friendly smile. Phyrrus watched was Spieden sized her up until the she-wolf's eyes met her own. Then, the questions started to roll in.

"I have heard of this pack before, it seemed like a place to start for me." Phyrrus didn't mention the random gut feeling she had when she was wandering back in November. Belief and superstition wasn't a subject she wanted to open up with. But still, her eyes read honestly and courage. "I've been trained for combat throughout my years and I'm an exceptional hunter. I know winter is a tough time for all wolves, I want to be able to make that a little more effortless for Oak Tree through security and/or sustenance." She finished. Phyrrus felt as if this was a pretty good response, and it soothed her anxiety drastically. As she waited for the next words, she overlooked this kind lady's appearance. Spieden was much larger than Phy, her body was thickly toned in muscle and her ear was crumpled sadly and long thin scars traced along her body. Phyrrus had a few scars, nothing grievous though. She winced faintly, wondering how someone could acquire such injuries. Phyrrus soon stopped her intrusive thoughts and mentally scolded herself for being so rude. Even though she didn't say anything or give any looks, she felt the need to insure that her mind didn't reach dark and judgmental places.

(This post was last modified: Jan 10, 2015, 01:01 AM by Phyrrus.)

  

Spieden quietly listened as Phyrrus disclosed her reasons for seeking out the Bend pack. Silently, Spieden wondered who she had heard of them from. One of their own? An enemy or ally? A well informed wanderer? She didn't have long to further ponder this as the lone female quickly continued on with her skills. Spieden slowly nodded, taking it in as she thought how useful it would be to have another able hunter in their ranks to provide, and another set of teeth and claws to keep watch over the border. The woman looked fit enough to stand up to her claims, and had a sharp look in her eye unlike the wandering gaze of the boy she had encountered earlier.

"Your skills sound like they would be a great help. If you can live up to your claims, you might even find yourself with the title hunter or guardian. If any of that interests you." Spieden told her. She knew some found great pride in getting their own titles, while other's couldn't care less. "Even then, we still expect everyone to share in all duties." She added.

"Do you have any questions for me? Of our pack? I don't know what you've heard about us, but I don't want you to find we're not what you expected." Spieden said. She wouldn't demand undying loyalty, and in fact despised the practice, but wanted to make sure things were at least a comfortable fit before welcoming someone to their ranks.

Phyrrus was yet again relieved. Her response seemed to catch the lady's eye and mentioning lessening the packs duties was after all, was indeed a smart choice. She listened with a poised stance, making mental check notes of Spieden's words. I wonder why she would ask if a title would matter to me. Wouldn't anyone strive to have an identity? Its how you gain your power and trust from others around you... right? Phyrrus thought inquisitively. After the smokey female mentioned each member pulling his or her own weight, she nodded. Thats the way its supposed to be like right? If you couldn't tell, Phyrrus never had anything like a pack in her life. The lady asked if Phyrrus had any questions, she contemplated what she was going say.

"I don't really have any questions yet, I may need the occasional fill-in about history that I missed. Other than that, I guess my next question is when can I start?" Phyrrus smiled widely, excitement trickling along her spine, down her long legs and into her paws. She knew that being member of a social group would benefit her greatly, being alone and quite depressed for a while, this was the best medication for her as of right now. While they were talking, the sky had developed a beautiful array of colors. They ranged from purple to sunset orange. Light cased the clouds in a heavenly glow that shined brightly on the two wolves. It was a silver lining.

If you'd like, you could post once more and I can fade out in my next post. Unless you want to keep going. I can go either way, let me know :)

No questions then, not that Spieden minded. Or rather, there was the one question from Phyrrus of when she could start. It slightly amused Spieden, since why would they wait? For the first time in their interaction, Spieden let the corners of her greyed muzzle upturn slightly in a half smile. Her dark tail, rigid and still this entire time, suddenly came to life with a wag.

"Well... Now, of course." Spieden said as she stepped forward, closing in towards Phyrrus and reaching her face towards the other wolf's. Slowly as not to surprise, she grasped the female's jaws within her own in a muzzle grab. It was a test of trust and an initiation rite. She held it for a moment, firm yet gentle, asserting both her own position as lead and this new wolf as one of their own. Never in Spieden's life had she expected that she'd ever be doing such a thing as leading a pack, or accepting members. Yet through strange circumstances, here she was. With any luck, she herself wouldn't become a victim to similarly strange circumstances.

Spieden released Phyrrus' muzzle, stepping away and glancing skyward at the brilliant hues. The beauty of it was lost on Spieden, but their meaning was not; sunset. Spieden grunted, more to herself. These winter days sure didn't last long. "If you want, I can walk you to the pack den. So you know where it is. Wouldn't want you getting lost out here." Spieden offered.

(This post was last modified: Jan 10, 2015, 06:36 AM by Spieden.)

Phyrrus was quite pleased that the two were getting along, it is always in favor of being an alpha's good side. She opened her mouth to say something but was quickly cut off by Spieden's jaws closing around hers. Her brown eyes opened wider and was about to pull away, but then remembering this was a form of dominance it would be wise to stay still. She stood tall and waited it out. Then, the lady released her white muzzle and stepped away back to where she was moments ago. Phyrrus smiled with a sharp inhale of air. Then the shadowy lady offered to lead Phyrrus to the den.

"Sure why not, do you all get recruits often?" She allowed the female to take lead. Phyrrus was already marveling the place where these wolves lived. The trees twisted around each other and were topped with ice that draped over the branches. The sky was beginning to darken and the wind picked up. Her eyes glanced back to the other side of the creek. She worried for Anthem, even though they had only spent a day together she could tell he was a good person. After things got settled, she decided a trip to see him would be beneficial to both wolves. She shook her body vigorously, her legs still drenched in water that would soon freeze. The feather behind her ear wiggled and floated to the ground. Phyrrus cursed under her breath and quickly returned it to its rightful place.


OOC Comments: Yeah sure if you want the next post could be your response and checkin out the den. :)

There is a rabbit's nest nearby. +1 Health