Wolf RPG

@Burke

Oli breathes in the scent of his chosen pack. He grows anxious of the alpha staring him down, picking him apart, telling him weither or not he is good enough for the pack.
If the alpha male knocks him down, Oli will know the alpha has chosen for the good of his clan.
Oli shakes his coat of any filth that makes him look undesirable to the pack leader.
A strong wind cuts through his longer, thicker winter coat giving him a chill.
Oli paces along the Blackfeather Woods border. He watches a leaf fall from a nearby tree and he wonders if this would be a normal sight to him, and will he watch the seasons change will pack mates?
He draws in a deep breath and lets out a loud but deep howl. His howl rang through the trees.
Oli wonders if any one heard him. "Hello?" he spits out, thinking someone could hear him, his ear ring and his head throbs from anxiety. He shakes once more to insure he is clean.
Now, he waits.

Burke was still grieving. The heavy tank of a male was finding himself tasks to do, if it wasn't around his children then it was somewhere the pack needed him. Burke had already been away for a few hours, the max he could be away with his children growing hungry. The male was eaten from his caught prey to later feed it to his young. Without his mate this job was more difficult. Once he finished his male a howl sounded through the forest, oh no, not now. He needed to feed his cubs. They were waiting for him. He would prioritize his own young over a stranger, luckily he had his trusting Beta, Akela. 

Burke howled as a follow up to his Beta that he should go this time. He trusted his judgement, and like every new member they often get a two week trail to prove their worth. Burke's heavy howl echoed through the forest, probably also reaching the ears of a stranger that another was coming. Burke was occupied right now. His heavy frame moved towards his children deep in the heart of Black Feather instead of the border.

Death was part of life. It came to all and everyone at some point, and one way or another everyone would have to deal with it and accept it. Precisely Blackfeather Woods and it's members were wolves that needed to be trained in order to deal with death, death was their trade, and so Meldresi's death, although badly timed, and deeply troubling, was something Damien had to deal with as the Dark Brother he would be one day.

Meldresi had made it hard to think of death as something else than a natural, and beneficial process of life, and although Damien grieved his mother's death, she had left something behind for her eldest son to strive for. He was a protector f this family. He promised her he would be. And the best way to fulfill her wishes was becoming a warden and making sure the perimeter was well guarded.

Damien knew that Burke would have his hands full with the twins, and so he schemed a plan to get where he wanted. He only needed a chance to prove his talents, and it was the perfect opportunity when a wolf howled at the borders of their dark forest. Damien's ears flinched as the sound of Burke's howl echoed behind caller. He would not be coming this time, he would delegate this task to his Beta. Not if I get there first.

The young wolf got to the borders in no time, Silently watching the caller from the shadows from a moment before stepping out into the light.

"Speak your intentions." commanded Damien coldly. And then, observed the wolf's every single move.

Oli bowed his head to the stranger wolf. He lifted his head and made eyes contact, trying to look strong. 
"I would like to become apart of your pack. My name is Oli." His deep voice sounded confident.
He could sense some sad emotion of this other wolf. He cocked his head slightly to the side. A pang of empathy shot through him. Oli swished his tail to the side and strained his ears forward to hear even the slightest response. The blood rushed to his head, making him slightly dizzy, but he didn't show it. His pupils grew large and he fixated his eyes to the stranger, hoping for the response he had been dreaming of.

The caller was bold and decided to make eye contact with the young Gamma. Too much confidence for his own sake, and so Damien stared back with severity. "You better look away before I pull your eyes out, loner" growled Damien as he raised his tail dominantly.

"What do you know about this pack?" he asked with his own deep voice, "And why join us?"

This was Damien's very first interview with a potential recruit, and he did not know exactly how to handle it, but he went with his gut, and with all he'd learned with mother and Burke about keeping revealing information to the minimum.

Oli ducked his head in embarrassment. He flicked his tail quickly and brought his head back up, making sure he dosn't upset the stranger wolf. 
"Sorry, I didn't mean that as a challenge." Oli said, sounding genuinely sorry.
"I don't know to much about this pack. Though I feel something has gone wrong recently, are you sad about something? Im very sorry for what ever you have gone through." Oli brought down his head again. "Im very sorry." He said quieter this time.
"I want to join this pack because I am very used to this terrain. I feel like I would work best in a familiar area, and preform my best for this pack." Oli strained his ears forward.

Oli really wondered what loss this pack has gone through to cause this big of an impact. He felt some of the sadness rub off on him, but he couldn't show it. He felt exposed to this stranger wolfs' anger. 
"This pack makes me feel at home."
 

What took longer for Akela to arrive was that he was at the south border dealing with a situation when he heard  Burke's howl. He had quite some work on his paws since Burke was grieving and Akela was doing his maximum to keep this running. Which with some element of the pack was not that easy. He was surprised to see  Damien acting like he was in charge. Akela was a patient wolf, but Damien was overstepping. He was all for proving himself, and showing what he could do but even at this distance, he could just see how negative Damien's body language was. That was not how you spoke to a loner, arrogance was not the way to handle this.  However, since you never showed quarrel in front of others,  Akela did not say anything. This "my cock is longer  "  was so not of Akela's age anymore.

He came closer and only heard the other apologize and how uneasy he was with Damien's behavior.  "Afternoon" he greeted both.  "I'm Akela, the beta of this pack, and at the alpha's request I will see if you are fit for this pack or not.  " he turned slightly to Damien.  "Thank you Damien"  he dismissed the wolf.

It was clear that the loner felt uneasy after Damien suggested being more respectful, which to the young warrior seemed completely normal. He actually kind of liked it to be honest, so he did not feel he was doing anything wrong.

The wolf spoke his reasons as to why pick Blackfeather Woods for a home, but Damien's reaction was probably one he did not expect. It wasn't enough for Damien to know that there was a real intention behind the request. He didn't doubt that part. But Damien also needed to know that every wolf that became part of the pack was a good fit, both for them and for the guild.

"Do you know what lies within this forest, loner?" Damien asked with a clearly mysterious tone to his question. But just before the other wolf could answer, the obtrusive Akela made a late appearance.

"I can handle this, Akela," he said suggestively, not looking at him in the eye, but clearly posing a demand to not be disturbed.

Oli bowed his head to the new wolf. 
"Im Oli." He said looking between the to. He took a step back feeling slightly uneasy and the tension.
He glanced at Akela. "May I ask who I should be responding to?" 
He was confused at who would be testing him. He felt like he should be responding to Akela, but ignoring Damien could cost him. He felt more at ease with Akela there and he flicked his tail to the side.

Akela licked his lips.  "No doubt you can, you're skilled at always handling what no one asks you to handle. "  Akela replied patiently. He turned back to Oli. The poor male was caught in a underlying problem of dominance Akela did not really wish to display to new comers. He was patient with Damien because he understood that he wanted to prove himself, and he understood that he was grieving too. However, Damien was still young, and lacked experience. "Oli,  you respond to me and our Alpha Burke, who is excusing himself for not being able to attend to your request right now, he has matters that could not be put on hold. " Akela explained. He was always polite with wolves at the border, sometimes  it just avoided nasty outcomes. Confrontation was not always good for it. "Damien here is wishing to exercise his warden skills it seems, while his words heed no final decision, his piece of mind surely can help me figure out. So go ahead, answer him ."

Oli awkwardly flicked his ears to the side. 
"I completely understand about your alpha, tell him I wish him well with whatever is going on."
Oli liked this new wolf, he seemed patient to new comers. Oli glanced quickly at Damien, he didn't know what to think about him. Oli knew something must have given the pack a devastating blow. He couldn't tell exactly what went wrong but and obvious sadness broke through his harsh words. 
"Is there anything I could do to help your clan? I can do small, not very important chores for anyone." Oli felt slightly embarrassed about offering his help to a clan that doesn't think much of him, but he knew, some how, they wouldn't appreciate it. 
"I know that other packs lie beyond the forest if that's what you mean, I also know about the different terrains that lie beyond the mountains." Olis tail began to wag as he explained in detail about what lies beyond the forest. Once he caught himself, he quickly went quiet and  stood very still.

Had Damien been as explosive as everyone thought he was, he would have ripped off Akela's face by now. And trust me, he really wanted to, but he wasn't stupid. Damien had not inherited his mother's calmness, but he had surely learned manners from her.

Damien's lip twitched at the Beta's comment, but he was surprised that Akela valued his question enough as to allow Oli to answer it. With cold-still eyes, he turned to listen the loner's answer.

It was an interesting answer.

Damien was indeed inexperienced in Akela's field, but he knew one thing. Blackfeather Woods was not a refugee center. Blackfeather Woods was not for just anyone. There were qualities required to survive Blackfeather Woods, and he knew Akela would want to know if this wolf possessed them.

"The world is sure wide beyond these trees. But within there's only space for those who do not fear death. This is not a place for the faint-hearted or the spineless. The wolves here are forged fro great things. Do you think you can live up to that?"

Oli went stiff and his face grew grim. He took a step forward his eyes looking down at the ground. 
"If this pack accepts me, I will treat my pack mates lik my family." 
His deep voice lowered almost into a growl. 
"Their problems become mine, I will fight for this pack with my life, I put my pack mates first."
He flicked his tail and rose his head high, his eyes focused on the sky. 
Oli listened as a bird in the distance cried. 
He hoped he had gotten his point across that he will not mess around when it comes to his pack mates. 
"All I will know is how to protect them, how when someone is confronted by danger, I would gladly throw myself in front."
His eyes darted from the sky down to Damien's nose, making sure not to make eye contact with him, but to show him he was dead serious about his decision.

Burke reached his kids while he assumed Akela was responding to the howl at the borders. The father fed his children. He made sure that both their tummies were round and filled. After that the big grey laid with them so they could go for a nap. Once they were both dozed off Burke got up. After this he should find Nemesis. She might be willing to baby sit the two pups, just so they weren't alone that often. Now he had done his fatherly duties the male made his way to the border to see how Akela was fairing with the loner.

Burke kept a brisk pace, using the shadows as a way of traveling. Burke was surprised to hear Damien voice instead of Akela's. The immensely sized male trotted towards his Beta and son. His docked tail was raised in the air as he walked, and his pale eyes instantly zeroing in on the black male that stood before them. His face only resembling calmness. Burke greeted Akela first with a nod and then eyed at Damien. He questioned why the young male was here, though Burke appreciated him helping out. He naturally missed the part where Damien was actually creating tension. "I'm Burke. Alpha of Black Feather," he spoke. Still he made no further comments. The grey tank trusted his Beta so he wouldn't take over Akela's job.

Akela observed the other's behavior. Loyalty was important to everyone, but Akela had learned to look passed these things. He needed to know some other details. Sure it appealed to see a wolf with such values and sense of family, but so did many before him.  He kept quiet as he replied to Damien's question finding it quite interesting how Oli replied.  He saw Burke arrived and kept a frown from appearing on his face. He was not really sure why Burke had finally showed up. Three wolves , that was a little too much in his mind, and unnecessary. He didn't think Burke was making sure he was making sure he was doing his job, which in this case he wasn't really, because of Damien, but he wondered what the alpha was doing here.  "This is Oli, he wants to join. " Akela informed Burke and licked his lips.

" What you say is noble of you, Oli. " Akela replied.  " Where lie your interests? What tasks are you good at ?  Fighting ? Hunting? Naturalist?  " he asked. All the other blabla and to know if the woods were fitting or not was unnecessary information, they needed efficient elements who know how to master the tasks given.

Oli bowed his head to the new wolf. 
"My name is Oli" he said and flicked his ears. "Very nice to meet you."
Oli turned back to Akela. 
"I really enjoy hunting, because I love running." Oli shifted his paws. 
"I'm also pretty good at swimming, if that's something that would ever come up." Oli's eyes brightened up as he talked about the things he loved to do. Talking about the things he enjoys gets him excited. 
"I'm also good at hunting because I blend in pretty well, and I always sneak up downwind. I also know when to test my hunting skills and when to let go." Oli's eyes were bright as he continued to explain his love for hunting.

Unlike Akela, Damien believed that everything he'd asked would make important information when it came to deciding if Oli was fit for joining. But it seemed like the warrior's presence was unwarranted, because on top of Akela getting in the middle of Damien's attempt to work, Burke joined the trio and made it even more difficult for him to even attempt anything.

Not wanting to create more tension in front of the newcomer, or Burke, Damien decided it was time for him to leave. He was clearly not necessary now, and perhaps his little siblings could benefit more from his watch.

But Damien wasn't the kind of guy who just allowed his effort to go to waste. "I am sure this pack will benefit from you, Oli. Welcome to Blackfeather Woods," Said Damien, hardly leaving any say to his older leaders before turning tail and delving into the darkness of Blackfeather Woods.

Oli widened his eyes. 
"Thanks!" Oli almost spit out. 
He felt like a whole new wolf. Getting an official grant of luck from a wolf like Damien. He cocked his head as Damien walked away. His eyes were bright and he felt proud.
Oli assumed he had left because of the weird tension between the others. 
"Is there any certain skill I would need for joining your pack?"

Akela sighed and shook his head.  Damien was ... Damien.  He turned his attention back to the newcomer. "We do need gamekeepers especially with winter closing on us and young mouths to feed. But you'll have to work more than just on your hunting skills. Burke here will be of help as a counselor if you need any advice on what exactly to do in this pack.  " Akela explained.  "I have no objection giving you a chance. You'll be on a trial of two weeks before being definitely accepted.  Prove yourself worthy and this might as well become your new home, however, see it as a shelter for winter and your stay will not be welcomed. "

He looked at Burke.  "What do you say... he's willing to learn, work and protect this pack as its own family. He knows these lands, and is willing to be in the darkness of the wods. "

Oli was surprised at Akelas' response. Why would anyone take shelter from other wolves? Oli shrugged it off and turned his attention back to Akela. 
"Thank you so, so much for this opportunity, I greatly appreciate it with all my heart. I would gladly sleep in the cold if a pup was at a loss of a nest."
Oli felt overjoyed at what he could possibly become apart of. 
"Thank you so much again for this Akela." Oli's tail was wagging and his eyes shined like diamonds. He couldn't express his gratitude. Then Oli realized that Burke still hadn't said anything about it. He immediately went still and his eyes focused on the ground. 
"I-If that's ok Burke."

Burke kept watch as the others continued. The large male nodded to Akela once he was addressed. "We will see. He will need some work," Burke stated and then looked at the male. At least he was respectful. He rather had a bit of a too timid wolf that would become a loyal and fierce member than one that couldn't see who was authority and would do his own thing. "Two weeks like Akela said," he confirmed once more. 

Burke didn't like that Damien said that the male was welcome. It was Akela or His' word not Damien. He would talk about that with his son later. He could tone down on his arrogance. Burke let it go for now, not wanting to create too much of a fuzz. "Thank you, Akela," he spoke once more. He then nodded in welcome at the newest member of their pack. Oli.