Treading Softly

[Skadu]

Despite her attempts to walk silently, it was hard when her joints were stiff after such long travel. She had come from forests to the north, and had plunged straight into the center of another's packlands. She wasn't stupid, she could scent their markings, the heavy aroma of them hung on the air. There weren't tons of them, like of the others... but they were here nonetheless. Skadu grunted as she moved. Her paws hurt, her back hurt, her legs were stiff and cracked painfully occasionally.

She finally stopped and sat, panting lightly. Despite the cool spring air, it was hard getting around without overheating. Her heavy pelt didn't help at all either. Her dark colors would immediately make someone think "bloodback!", and many had. she'd been attacked and drove off many times. Her figure and size belied someone smaller though, and her willingness to fight only when being attacked proved this. She had come to the place that had seemed the most like her, and here she sat.

Green eyes glanced around. It was a comforting home, and it seemed to need more life. She wondered vaugly if they'd just run her out like all the others had. She sighed before tipping her head back. Her voice broke lightly on the wind at first before it rose, breaking through the day easily. It carried on the breeze and echoed off the trees. Hopefully someone of rank would hear and come to her aid... If no one did, she'd just mill about and wait. She hadn't been rude, she had announced she was here in the least. She lay down, crossing her forepaws, as she awaited what she hoped would come - an answer and a welcome.

[Rouch]

Beta male trudged across his land wearily, having been all tuckered out from rumpus and play with beloved Delta. It was a good sort of weary though, the sort of weary that made you feel good about yourself. For now though - all he wanted to do was curl up on a nice bed of grass and fall into the land of dreams. Then the smell of a new comer hit his nostrils, it was quickly followed with a howl that met his ears. At least this one had the courtesy to announce - his? No, her - presence. If canine's had been granted the ability to shrug one would be placed here, since they had not he simply shook his head gently dislodging whatever thoughts were whirling and trudged off to greet the new female who would hopefully add to their ranks. No - they weren't bad off, but a new recruit or two never hurt.

These thoughts blew of the weariness that had begun to sunk into his bones - by god he was getting old. That thought didn't increase his self confidence, so it flew out his skull like the other thoughts that had been coming recently. War was a pain in the rump to await, especially the long nights wondering when the damned Chicotah would make their move. Oh just stop it, be a happy Beta Male for this female damn it! And so he put a warm smile on his face (Though it didn't reach his eyes) and continued to pad forth and greet the new female. Finally he came upon her, the warm smile still about his jowls as rump placed itself before her. No need to stand, besides he was tired enough as it was. Dominant position was held, but it was not over-bearing. Enough to show female he was large and in charge, but not enough to force her to think him pompous.

"Greetings New comer. I am Rouch - Beta male of the Ayrian lands you are now residing in." He spoke with dignity, with only the faintest trace that he would like to be fast asleep right now. The warm smile remained as he made his inspection of the female, Bloodback? No. Much to small. Perhaps a mix of Ayrian and Bloodback - or pure bred Ayrian. "Dare I ask what brings you to our home?" Skull cocked curiously, much as a domesticated dog's might. The question had been asked, now it was up to her to respond. If she wished to join more questions would be asked - until he got a good idea of what damsel was all about. If the vibe he received was good she had a damn well chance of being accepted, if not ... well. Everything worth wile in life is worth an effort.

[Skadu]

She heard his pawfalls before his greeting. Her sharp green eyes focused on him when he came into view and she flattened her ears. He wasn't the alpha, this wasn't an alpha's stance... But he had authority, and it was obviously his home. Beta, delta maybe? She nervously flicked her tongue across her nose, a smile splitting her maw. She stood creekily, keeping her tail and head very low. He seemed... down, despite his attempt at happiness. It wasn't hard to see through his eyes that his smile was a cover-up.

"Greetings. Rouch. I am Skadu. Aryian by blood. I apologize for treading so far into your lands, but I was in search of an authority who I could speak to about entering your ranks." She was nervous, and she tried not to show it. This was always a nervous time. She wriggled her claws into the soil. If... of course.. that wont be a problem.." She lowered her gaze away from him, still having not made eye contact... eye contact without permission or withou being a pack member was rude, and could easily be taken as a challenge or threat.

Her nearly white paws stood out against the earthen tones of their surroundings. She felt oddly strange being here, she knew her coat was of obviously different colors than most other Aryians... as far as she knew, she was pure though. Possibly a mutation? Her mother had been beige and grey... she couldnt' remember her father. She refocused her thoughts and grinned lightly. She had to force herself to be serious and composed for this part of their meeting, she wanted to cry out in joy that someone wasn't attacking her at sight. Damn her giddiness in serious times!

[Rouch]

More thoughts of getting old echoed within his head, but once again they were pushed to the side and discarded. It was not a time to be worrying about age when there were possible recruits to greet! Lord and Lady Alpha had been with Breakbone all to often, leaving matters of seeing who fit to join Ayria up to him and Delta Lilah. A beta's work is never done. Forcing a yawn back down his throat, he listened intently to the female's words, all the while listing the things he was to ask her in his mind and making sure he skipped none. When it came for his turn to speak in the conversation, he paused a bit continuing to look over the possible new member carefully once more. She had a sleek build, perfect for scouting and other such things. But it would be best to see her skills before deciding any place for her.

"You need not apologize for simply following your paws, and I do believe you found your authority figure. " The fake smile lifted up and floated away, replaced with one that was far better suited to the occasion. After all - to get a bad impression of the higher ups is to get thoughts of rebellion in ones head. "You wish to join our ranks 'eh?" The mental checklist shown in his mind before he continued on-wards, "Well - I have a few questions for you then. Why do you wish to become a member of Ayria?" A simple enough question, a good one to start out with. From the looks of things she had wandered enough to understand the workings of pack, and probably had attempted to join one at a few times in her life. Invisible brow rose slightly as for the first time Rouch noticed not once did her eyes connect with his.

"I'm aware it is a little willy nilly - but I'd much prefer you look at me whilst we converse." The mere sounding of that sentence caused a shudder to run down his back - he was starting to sound old. Just having one of those days, he passed it off as. Not dwindling on the subject when there was a possible new recruit a mere three feet before him. Would she stay once she knew of the brewing war? Would she fight for them or run off with her tail between her legs? All these questions and so little answers, that would just have to change.

{Sorry for it being late - I had an award show yesterday that took up all my computer time x-o;}

[Skadu]

His words slowly filtered in around her thoughts of failure. Why did she.. what purpose. As she turned to focus on him, she remembered. A wry smile came across her face and she forced herself to focus on him instead of on something else. Her near-white paws shuffled a little until she was comfortable, then she curled her tail around. her.

"I wish to join your ranks because half of my blood is that of the Ayrians. I my father was of the bloodback clan, but I am nothing nearly like them... And I.." she paused for a moment. Fear of being rejected again was rising. "I want to do the right thing. I think that thing would be following after my mother, who was of your clan.. at some point."

Oh.. the younger days. Were she older, she would have known her answer. where she not so unsure about it all, she could have answered so easily. She suddenly added. "I'm not a trained fighter. But i would learn, so that I could protect the pack..." She didn't know if it was out of place or not, but she would. Just as she had protected herself in the past when threatened...

Well, the few times she didnt flee. Protecting a pack was more important though.. wasn't it? She'd just have to wait and see his response. Her sharp green eyes stared at him intently, nervousness but sincerety shining in them.

((that's okay. I understand. ^_^))

[Rouch]

Listening intently to her answer, he realized exactly how young she was. I wonder how many packs she's attempted to join. Came his thoughts, as he went over everything that had been said - but not just that. How it had been said. For only the most skilled con-artist could defeat the rising pitch that came from lieing, and only a fool would try to rise against the largest pack in all the lands. She was part Bloodback, always a good thing. Their Brother's to the north were large, and muscular. But what position could this female hold? She had stated herself she was not a skilled fighter, but one could always learn. An older member was always willing to teach so long as the pupil was willing to learn. All these thoughts passed in an instant - as thoughts usually do.

"I see. Well - you can always receive training to hone your skills. Now that I know why you wish to join, would you mind telling me what you can bring to the Ayrians? Any skills that would qualify you above any other wolf that happened to be passing through?" It sounded a bit harsh, but it was the damn truth. He liked the feelings he got from this female, she seemed honest and it would do a world of good to have some more younger members to make up for the crotchety old wolves that were Cronic's Council (Himself excluded.) The fatigue he had felt was replaced with thoughts of his duty, and thoughts of how this female - Skadu her name was? - could be an asset in the coming war. A scout perhaps, her personalty was friendly enough it seemed. Or maybe even a warrior if she received the training.

Mis-matched gaze stared straight back into that emerald green gaze, and he fought to hold back a grin. He succeeded by only a small margin, and a small smile was placed in its stead. The look the stared back at him was one that all high ranks dreamed of seeing. Hopefully she had skills that would aide them - and then he could go around bragging of his stupendous recruitment abilities.

[Skadu]

Skadu pondered over his question, her mind once again mulling everything over. Was she ready for a jump into such a large pack? Was she ready to enter a battle if one neared? And did she really want to learn how to fight. The answer in her mind came simple. Yes. She, however, couldn't hold back the smile that came in response to him, though she knew grinning or laughing right now would be very out of place. What did she have to offer... Her mind raced through everything about herself...

"I suppose I would work well as a scout, or a fighter. While my coat is not black, it is dark and it is not hard for me to lurk in shadows. I am quiet when i walk, sometimes as silent as the wind. My sense of smell is keen, allowing me to hunt well. I cannot say that I am better than any other wolf that passes through. But I can say that these gifts are true, and I would try my best to serve the pack with them."

She held her gaze on his. It was so hard for her not to move. Her young body wanted to pounce and skip in glee. Yes, there was still the pup in her. She was supressing it very well, and was surprised at her own maturity. She was curious where the alphas of the pack were, but didn't make herself rude enough to ask. They were obviously doing something and it wasn't her business yet. She wriggled her toes into the earth, waiting for the next question.

[Rouch]

Beta continued to stare into her eyes, searching for something not quite right. Something that would prove his judgment wrong and would send her into exile. Quite a lucky thing that something was never found. Ears had perked themselves throughout the entire meeting, but now they seemed to perk even higher. Catching every word, every tone, that came from her vocal chords into the air. A long silence followed, as he mulled over what had been said and what hadn't been said. She's young, Lilah will like her. The Alpha's will too. Nodding to the thoughts that passed through his skull, he smiled a rueful smile that was just on the edge of being a grin. Silent for a few more moments, just to draw the time out longer, he finally opened his mouth to ask the question formally.

"Alright, I'll give it a shot. Welcome to the wonderful lands of Ayria, Skadu. You'll start off as Omega until you can receive the training to better yourself as a warrior, or you prove yourself a skilled fighter. You will probably receive such a rank from the Alpha's, though I do have the power to give you a rank suiting your skills. Speaking of the Alpha's - our Alpha is Lord Cronic, and our Alphess is Lady Vette. It will do you good to show your respect, though I doubt neither of them require you to stop whatever you're doing just to bow to them. We are allied to the Bloodback's, and it would do you best to show respect to any of them that come with messages or just friendly conversation." What was he forgetting? Oh - yes! How in the name of hell had he forgotten something as important as that? "The Chicotah our are enemies, if you are seen fraternizing with them I will not hesitate to bring you down. No one in the pack will. The same should go for you, if you see any member of the pack even speaking on friendly terms with one of the Chicotah bring them to one of the Alpha's - or me if they are not available. Now - do you accept these terms?"

Finally ending the long winded speech that came with recruiting new members, he awaited her answer.

[Skadu]

Her throat emitted a squeak with glee and she spanked her paws nervously, a grin splitting her maw that she couldn't get to go away. Whatever it was that had deterred her from other packs didn't make this old wolf want to send her away. She felt like pouncing upon him to say "thank you" but didn't. Forcing herself to calm, she listened to the rest of his words before nodding vigorously.

"Lord cronic and Lady Vette.." She seemed to try the names on her tonge before going on. "They sound like noble, and honorable leaders. I am indeed honored and accept these terms."

She had never come across a Chicotah on her journey to find a home, but she was sure she'd meet one now. She stood and shook out her pelt, another attempt at calming her racing adrenaline. "Thank you.. Rouch. For both considering me and accepting me into the Ayrian." she bowed her head in respect before lifting her eyes to his. "Now, if I may be a bit rude.. is there prey nearby? I'm famished."

[Rouch]

The sheer look of bliss that crossed Skadu's face at the news, caused a grin to break out over his own maw. Lilah'll certainly like this one. He had indeed made a good choice, for a new perky female around the pack would lighten everyone up. The Devil knows they all needed it, himself included. The upcoming war had caused even the most easy going wolves to look about in a wary manner, never knowing when the next attack was going to be. For now though - they had best enjoy themselves and forget about whatever was to happen until it actually drew close to happening.

"Ah - indeed they are. I'm sure they'll love you, once you meet them. I'm glad to hear you accept! Some run in fear with the precautions we must take - and it's a grand thing you aren't one of those canines." He nodded, giving himself quite the ego-boost with his grand new recruitment.

At her thanks and question of prey he grinned and nodded, "Ah - indeed there is. Down south, follow your nose to find it." Ears perked as a high-pitched howl entered his ears. It seemed Lilah needed some help, and a call for help could never be ignored. "I'm afraid I must leave you, but I'm quite certain we will meet again. Wander about your new home and meet as many as you can - take care of yourself." With that he trotted off toward whatever direction the howl had come from.