Thicket of Secrets Heartcry

@Hollow - Here is my joining thread. Don't reply yet please, I just figured that since this is about when they would get there I should post this so I don't lose points that I would technically not lose if our other threads were finished. This way I don't have to backdate, too. Oh, and you don't necessarily have to be the one to respond. Anyone will do.
@Aideen

A pack is what he had always yearned for, ever since that day he had left his first home. Now he had a chance, and a good one. Not a fool, Coal knew that he was the type of wolf most packs are looking for and though he didn't gloat about his size and strength he did not deny the fact. Gaining entrance to Secret Woodlands was not something he doubted would happen.
The huge wolf turned to Aideen, the copper female who had helped him from the creek to the borders of what they hoped to soon call home, and who had also captured his heart. They were in this together, and if one of them was turned away, he knew that they would leave together. However the chance of that happening was slight...he hoped.
"I believe this is the place. I can smell it." He trotted forward nosing around the place, reading about the pack just by the scents they had left there. There were many strong members as well as a few pups. It was obvious the pack was healthy and strong. It meant that new members would not be so enthusiastically welcomed in need, but still Coal believed they would not turned away.
So he howled a long, gentle, non-commanding summons, asking for entrance. He would wait here with Aideen until a member of Secret Woodlands responded to his call by coming to these borders. And then...a healer would be nice. And some shelter and sleep.

Hope you don't mind me butting in. I might not have time later.

She had her sad plan set in stone now. In a few days time she would be able to head out to Willow Ridge and possibly go to Whisper Caverns to see if Inali had returned with her the news that Nina had sent. She had already begun readying herself for the trip and was quite surprised when in the middle of her wanderings a soft call echoed throughout her territory. Eyebrows furrowing in concern, Nina pushed herself towards where the sound had come from. Whoever had called was calling for the alphas, @Hollow and herself, and Nina would make sure that things got taken care of in a timely manner. Her time for mourning was certainly not over with but it was time for the woman to get on with her life and fulfill the duties she had sworn herself to. The golden brown lady had allowed Hollow to take the reins when it came to new members and from what she could tell so far, he was doing quite a good job with it.

Flicking her tail above her back as she stepped into the clearing, she let her single eye take in the two wolves before her. There was one male and one female, both around the same age, and at her borders. Cautiously she strode forward, taking in the two wolves. It was obvious that she two had been traveling together but if they were asking for admittance into her pack and were unwilling to abide by her rules then she would have to turn them away. There was no possible way for her to be able to allow wolves into her pack that were not rule followers. Clearing her throat, she spoke with purpose, her strong voice resonating throughout the thickets, "Who are you and why have you come?" The alpha spoke formally, her stance strong and proud. She had been away in hiding for far too long and it was time that Nina Reinier came back to show the world what she had.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

Ooc: My apologies fir the lateness.

She had kept close to the sand-pelted male for the entire trip, supporting him whenever he needed it. As they progressed, it had pleased her to see him walking more and more on his own, but she had continued to watch him like a hawk watches mice, never straying far from him and staying vigilant, prepared to protect him should he need her. Looking at the large wolf now, it was very hard to imagine the state he had been in, only a week ago; but the sight still hunted Aideen, sending a painful sting through her heart, and she promised herself that she would never let him get hurt again. The orange wolfess had lead them, following what vague directions she remembered from the meeting with Ashanti, until the scent of other wolves had met them, proving that they were on the right path. Coal had taken the lead then, the tri-colored girl right at his hocks, and soon enough they reached what was unmistakably a border marked by a wolf-pack. Aideen smiled at her companion when he spoke, meeting his eyes with a warm, hopeful look; Our new home... Hopefully! She hung back, sitting down a few steps from the border, monitoring Coal in the way she had gotten so accustomed to over the last days. A small shiver ran down her spine when the lad howled for someone to meet them, and she scrambled back to her feet, not sure if it was the nature of the call, or simply the sound of his low, rumbling voice that affected her. After shaking her pelt lightly, the young lass padded up besides her companion, rubbing her body lightly against his a she stopped at his side; the faint touch so natural to her, yet sending another, delightful tremor over her skin. It did not take long for their call to be answered, a powerful looking female wolf appearing before them, her stance and formal tone making her position within the pack clear. Aideen bowed her head to the woman, tail and shoulders lowering in a submissive stance. She remembered what Ashanti had told of Secret Woodlands' alphess, and her ears slacked in sympathy; she then looked back up, to meet the lady's eyes, and was shocked to notice that she only had one! For a moment she stared in silence, but then realized her rudeness and cast her eyes back down, heat flushing her cheeks; Don't act like a pup now! You're here to ask admittance, you need to keep calm, COLLECTED! She glanced at Coal, standing tall by her side, and instantly felt more confident, she wasn't alone! The fox-like fae straightened back up, meeting the Alphess' one, deep green eye, and cleared her throat. She didn't want to speak for Coal, but on the other paw she found it important to underline their commitment to each other, so after a moment of thought, she respectfully answered: <b style="color:#c7470f"> "I am Aideen Smoke, and this is Coal Bielski," She cast a quick look at the man then, looking for recognition of her taking the word, before continuing; <b style="color:#c7470f"> "We have come to humbly ask for admittance in your pack, Madame." Hoping her words had been the right ones, Aideen fell silent, awaiting the response. Word count: 544 I'm not stupid <b style="color:#c7470f">”I've got bark!”

PLOT WITH ME!

Look Out!

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

He had been on a run, trying to get away from the thoughts in his head. She was gone now, Azariah's scent had faded away from the borders of home and thus his heart had hurt more with every step he took. Why she had left he could never imagine, but he was very sure that he could never see her the same. She had hurt him so badly now, which was why when Hollow heard the howl for the leaders he turned and nearly burned a path through the Thickets. Blazing through his home so quickly that he was upon the group before he knew it. In his head he was curled in his den alone and whining into his fur, but now, here in the waking world he was striding up to Nina's blind side legs stretched to full height. His eyes were steel and his face a ,ask as he looked upon the two before him.

Hollow nodded to Nina, even if she couldn't see it from the side he stood on he knew she felt the very most faint touch of his nose to her fur. Just so that she knew he had nodded to her. The male turned back towards the two loners and raised his black head. "Hollow Nite, Leader of Secret Woodlands, with Nina here. You wish to join you say? Well, what can you offer our pack?" Hollow spoke straight and simply, there was no room for dressing it up anymore, these wolves would either be loyal or they wouldn't and Hollow had no room for disloyalty in his pack. But for all his show of strength he couldn't help but wonder if Nina could feel the pain coming off of him in waves.

Ashanti Aranna
Maybe my heart isn't that whole

Hope ya don't mind? If ya do, PM me and this post will disappear

Ashanti had been everywhere around the territory lately. She was bustling her butt to get herbs into the stores before they all dried up and died. She had little success which had led her off the Secret Woodland's territory more than once. But this time, when she was going to cross the borders, there was a stranger, two packmates, and three wolves she knew. The woman who had helped her find lavender near Bramble Falls was at the borders with another loner, the alphas were there too. Ashanti had heard the call, but ignored it because she was not a leader. She showed herself anyways, a bow to her alphas as she stood at the borders. "Nina. Hollow. Aideen." She said in greeting to the three wolves she knew.

Ashanti was curious as to why Aideen was there, even though she already knew. Asha wondered if she had advertised the pack in their conversation? She was having troubles remembering what she said. She turned to her leaders and offered a little bit of an explanation for one of the wolves. "Aideen had helped me find some lavender for you Nina, down in Bramble Falls maybe a few weeks ago." She said with a small smile, but she had no idea who the other was. Ashanti had heard what Aideen said. She knew the man's name was Coal and that they were traveling together. Were they mates? Did they have any affection for each other? Many questions pursued the young girls mind.

(This post was last modified: Dec 03, 2013, 09:17 PM by Ashanti.)

Hoping to get this thread moving.

The alphess was alone in front of these two wolves and the lone woman seemed to be looking on at her in…sympathy. Shifting slightly, she turned her gaze directly onto that of the female’s, making sure that she knew that Nina was the alpha here and that it was definitely rude to be staring at the alpha of a pack’s borders you were standing near. Clenching her teeth shut, she waited for any reply, but before either one said anything, the strong presence at her side reassured her that Hollow was here. She had grown use to his presence near her and appreciated his company on her borders. He was much more of an active participant in her pack than Koda had been in his time here. Her heart still hurt, and Nina was sure that with the recent disappearance of their pack Healer that Hollow was experiencing the raw hurt of love. She leaned into his side in a comforting a companionable gesture, letting him know that she would always be there for them and that she would stick with him through anything. It was then that the female spoke, Nina’s single eye trained on her. Two members in one…could prove to be interesting…especially if they had any kind of romantic ties into their relationship. Before she could say anything Hollow spoke up, stealing the words from right off of her lips, not that she reminded. Hollow had the same rights that she had when it came to interrogating loners at their borders. It wasn’t long before another one of their own showed up, Ashanti. Turning her head towards the female, she nodded briskly before turning her attention back on the loners. She was surprised with Ashanti’s words…she didn’t know that the Teacher had been out recently…but when again, Nina had been completely out of it ever since Tacoma’s death. Swallowing the pit that had formed in her throat, she pieced the pieces together quite easily. The sympathetic looks…Ashanti had told a complete stranger something about her…something that could have gotten Nina killed just like it had before. She would have to remind herself to talk to Ashanti about it later.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

Soooo sorry for the delay! I've been extremely busy. I forced this post out though, so it's short and choppy. Again, sorry!

If it wasn't for the cold season that stung at his cuts and froze into ice crystals around his nose and mouth, Coal would never have requested acceptance into any pack in this state. It was obvious he was not especially healthy, and the cautiousness with which he walked betrayed the tenderness of his muscles. Aideen had been his one comfort through the ordeal, and the huge Bielski felt himself growing more and more fond of the red female.

The wait for an audience was not lengthy, and soon a light brown wolf who radiated authority and leadership stood before them, demanding answers. Coal opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted when Aideen introduced them both. Coal agreed with merely a nod, making a brief eye contact with the alpha female before lowering his gaze respectfully. Then another, darker wolf showed up, black with a strange shade of eyes that drew Coal near to the point of staring, but he resisted and answered the man.

"Yes, alpha. We are both strong, though I am still recuperating from a scrabble with a bear. Aideen is brilliant, though I will let her speak for herself, and if we are welcome I promise to protect the borders of this home with all my power. This cold is taking its toll on all of us, and I believe I can be of help to you and this pack." As he spoke another female entered the scene, a white wolf with blue eyes, the latter a feature that made Coal wonder if she and the male alpha were related. He kept quiet, though, waiting for a response.

Whether it be a sign of a busy, healthy pack, or by simple chance, more wolves seemed to keep coming, quickly making the clearing fee crammed. First, a lean, dark male, who's confident gait exposed his rank, even before he announced it; Along with a question, which Aideen looked to Coal to answer first, unsure of her own answer. What I can offer? I don't... What would they want..? A small shuffle unsteadied her stance as the insecurities overcame her; What am I worth? What can I do?! Looking at her partner helped calm her a bit, but she still felt uneasy in the alphas' company, and it showed through a flip back of her ears when the first sounds of yet another approaching wolf rang through the clearing; Not one more! I can't... So it was with a shaky sigh of relief that the orange girl's eyes lit up with recognition, when a familiar, white female came into view. Ashanti greeted her, along with the alphas, and Aideen offered back a small smile, the tip of her tail waving faintly; the presence of another known face putting her at ease. The white wolfess offered explanations to her leaders, and Aideen nodded in confirmation, copper eyes seeking blues in silent thanks; This is good, we know each other, she can vouch for me... Their meeting might not have been a long interaction, but it had been a friendly one - in which the younger fae had helped gather herbs for the very empress that now stood before her; Yes, this is good. Then Coal spoke, his voice steady and booming despite his still tender body. The mere sound of his deep accent made Aideen's heartbeat speed up, warmth rising to her, frost-tender, cheeks when he praised her to the alphas. She glanced over at him with a shy smile, but made sure to quickly return her attention to the wolves in front of her, knowing that if she first met the sand-pelted mans eyes, she wouldn't be able to look away. Besides, this was no time for... For whatever this was. Clearing her throat, the slender girl looked to the alphas, careful not to meet their eyes directly and keep her tail and shoulders low in submission. A short silence passed after Coal had finished, and then Aideen took word, voice steady despite her anxiety; <b style="color:#c7470f">"I don't know about brilliant... But it is true that I helped Ashanti find some herbs when we met. If you accept my application I will wholeheartedly support, protect and honor both you and your pack! I... I do not have size on my side, like Coal," At this point she paused for breath, nodding in direction of her companion, yet making sure not to meet his gaze; not yet. <b style="color:#c7470f">"But I'm enduring, and I have much experience in hunting. And, despite my small body, I'm hardy, I grew up in the far north, so I'm used to snow and cold. It won't slow me down!" She was feeling her nervousness melt away as she spoke, pride swelling in her chest when she made her case; Would you have accepted that Yami? Did I do you proud? And you too mom? She could only guess about these questions, but she felt confident, she had made her case well and done Cimerra honor. Even if this becomes my new home, I will never forget you! And I will always honor you! Word count: 575 I'm not stupid <b style="color:#c7470f">”I've got bark!”

PLOT WITH ME!

The leader listened calmly as first Ashanti arrived, and then spoke of meeting at least the one called Aideen Smoke. That explains the looks passing between Aideen, Nina and, Ashanti. From the sympathy the she wolf had given his partner, Hollow could only assume, Ashanti had mentioned Tacoma's passing to Aideen. But the dark male made no motion verbally or otherwise to tell Ashanti she should be more careful with whom she tells pack secrets to. Nina would certainly handle that much better than he, as it was her business and her pup. Plus Nina was still and alpha as well, Hollow could let her handle this, he felt that if he put his paw in everything eventually Nina would probably bite it off. Especially when it came to Tacoma.

Hollow's lips remained in a tight line covering his teeth as if he were holding back something. Of course, he was, he was holding back the howl of sadness, his song of hurt for his lost love. It had been building up for days now and soon it would release itself. But Hollow had other things to tend to first. Important things, more important than his pain. He felt Nina's reassurance at his side and he pressed back before opening his jaws. "The winter is not kind this year." Hollow nodded an agreement to what Coal had said. "Remember because that is so, it doesn't mean that we could not survive without new members. Each member has a responsibility, to those weaker and stronger, loyalty is your bond."

The alpha's eyes flashed intensely while he spoke. If there was one thing he could not stand it was betrayal, leaving without cause. Hollow was reasonable to any circumstance, but giving your word and then deserting, was the quickest way to his bad side. "If we say yes to the two of you and you swear your loyalty, I Will hold you to that word. Coal, when you are healed what are your skills." Hollow inquired as to the males abilities, while he turned to look at Nina with an unspoken statement. What are you thinking so far? The she wolf seemed fairly submissive, to the point of seeming fearful, and Coal seemed the more confident type, something Hollow admired in a wolf, and looked for in a pack mate.