Larkcall Lowlands Too Far North

There is a family of deer nearby. Hunt Opportunity

Part of him was jealous of @Jessie, he too longed for the scouting missions of the past. Not that he didn't like the Fields, but traveling was in his legs. All he could do now was patrol the borders, taking detours out into the Lowlands now and again. He wouldn't stray too far, protective of his family and weary of their neighbors to the north. Still, they needed to eat, and scouting out herds was a great excuse to get out. Of course it just so happened that this was when Askan dragged home another damsel. Drestig froze mid-stride as the howl reached him, perking his ears for a moment to gauge the nature of the summons. Then he huffed lightly, shaking out his fur and turning on the spot, going back the way he had come to see what the guardian had found.

It didn't take him long to happen upon the second, along with another, as he'd expected. The alpha studied the stranger closely as he came to a halt next to his pack mate, one brow characteristically cocked. Another youngster, occupying a midpoint between the two Rye wolves, his coat closer to Drestig's raven than Askan's taupe, also marked by grey, though it was hardly the silver of aging. The king offered a nod to his possible new recruit, turning his eyes briefly to the guardian; "Who've you caught this time?" Then, without waiting for answer, he looked back to the stranger, offering an easy smile along with the introduction: "Name's Drestig Avalon, leader of Wild Rye Fields." His tail gave a lazy wave, shoulders lax, there was no dominance in his posture, he felt no need for such. Instead he met the pale grey eyes across from him, tilting his head slightly in silent encouragement; Your turn.

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Okay, officially back. Real life has been a little hectic lately. Sorry about the wait!

Kobe's ears twitched in response to Askan's howl. His tail wagged a little. He was both excited and nervous. It took a conscious effort on his part to keep his paws planted on the ground. It was a new experience and he wanted to run. A large part of him did. As one moment passed into the next it became clearer to him that what was about to unfold could very well become the new chapter of his life. A new beginning. It was a concept worth pondering. Pack. Looking at Askan, the word seemed almost foreign when linked to its counterpart. Packmates. Family. A cluster of strangers. All bonded under the pact of mutual benefit...but there was more than that wasn't there?

Other than the appearance of a pack leader, he didn't know what to expect. He lowered his head a little subconsciously, mulling over the idea of submission. First impressions only happened once. He had no intention of fobbing it up even though he abhorred the thought of rolling over in front of Askan. Nevertheless, he would comply. As it was, if he was accepted they would not be equals. Askan would be his superior. Kobe knew that but knowing and accepting were two different things. At the moment he felt they almost stood on equal ground.

Kobe's gaze shifted from Askan to an older black male and offered him a deferring nod. Piecing the well time appearance with the stranger's easy confidence and age, Kobe assumed he was the pack leader who was called. The younger wolf's tail turned halfway between his legs. His nervousness had evolved, he was intimidated. If not by Drestig than by his rank and the sheer gravity of the situation. It was the first time Kobe had been in the presence of a pack leader and the reality was more delicate a matter than he'd imagined.

"Kobe Moonshade," he said, introducing himself in turn. "I would like to join your pack, if you'd so kind to permit my entry." Honestly, he wasn't sure how else to put it. How did one beg to be accepted?

(This post was last modified: Jan 31, 2017, 10:31 AM by Kobe.)

~~ Do it or don't do it, you'll regret both ~~

Aside from the brief, amused glance Askan shot Drestig's way, his eyes remained firmly set on the dark loner. When they first met, Kobe had been anything but polite. He was snappish, rude and had a sharp tongue. But now he seemed like a completely different wolf, he was soft spoken, polite and was offering Drestig every bit of respect his position demanded. It was such a stark turn around that Askan couldn't help but be a little suspicious, was this just a ploy? Or once this was all said and done would he truly work hard to be a part of their pack?

Kobe had mentioned that he wanted in, but he'd never entered another pack before. So perhaps his behaviour could be excused and in time he would get better. But as of there and then, Askan had no way of knowing what Kobe would do. All he knew that was if he did get in, the Rye wolf would keep a close eye on him, just to put himself at ease. Just in case.

"He's got a mouth on him, but I don't think it's nothing we can't handle." He grinned a little at that, before his expression settled into one of neutrality.

In the end though, he doubted his words would impact on Drestig's decision all that much, he was his own man and so he tended to make his own choices. And that was fine, Askan was always willing to defer to his alpha's word. If Kobe was not welcome, Askan would see the loner off. But if he was, he would give him a quick tour of the place and let him know how things were going to be. Either way, he didn't have his heart set on this loner, he wouldn't be disappointed if he didn't become a Rye wolf. Even with winter holding Relic Lore in it's icy grip, their pack was doing well, they were carving out a life for themselves and would continue to do so no matter what the end result of this conversation.

(This post was last modified: Jan 31, 2017, 05:42 PM by Askan.)

The young wolf was quick to shift into the appropriate, submissive position, his answer polite and humble. Drestig smiled reassuringly, nodding his head and waving his tail low and steady, all in an effort to appear less intimidating. His eyes strayed to Askan, a snort escaping him at the second's comment; You're one to talk! But he appreciated the words, proving that the guardian was becoming better at introducing his possible recruits. The Rye wolves' eyes met briefly as they shared a silent laugh, then the leader looked back to Kobe, still smiling. "I don't care about your mouth," he began; Heaven knows you're not the only one! "What matters to me is your actions. The Fields is my home and its members my family, if you respect that and are willing to work to protect it, we'll welcome you." The seriousness of the speech was lightened by a small wink near the end, ears flicking towards the lad in wait of an answer.

He couldn't see a reason why the boy shouldn't be allowed in, he seemed serious in his request and looked capable enough. Glancing towards Askan again, the alpha raised his brows, smiling ruefully, then he stopped back a little, gesturing for Kobe to follow as he turned to head back towards the Fields; No need to stand around out here any longer..! Drestig waited for the younger wolf to come up beside him, an encouraging smile on his face. They were in no rush, but better to move as they spoke more, rather than stand around in the cold. "So tell me a little more about yourself Kobe," The older man prompted, tone pleasant and conversational; "What are you good at? What would you like to learn? All your skills will be put to good use in the Fields." The assurance was given with a crooked smile, a kind glow in his eyes. The prospect of another new recruit was very pleasing to the king.

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