Wolf RPG

Several weeks had passed by since the pack hunt where he had stood toe-to-toe with Terich-mir, only to back down in favour of order. Since then, Farstep had chased off a trespasser, witnessed the turning away of two wolves and the initiation of two wolves into the pack, and met with the majority of the pack's core members. He had yet to elicit an unfavourable reaction from any of his fellow wolves, and had taken it upon himself to man the borders frequently. His exploring had been set aside, but he had managed to find time to bring back the scent of former wolves from the nearby plateau, and had even contributed to a cache not too long ago.

Yes, Farstep had been busy, and in all of that, he had made note of his fellows and their activity as well, sizing them up as they surely sized him up. He thought fondly of Jhala, who was rapidly proving herself to be an asset, and his respect for the leading pair was still high as ever. He still doubted Kesan's capabilities as a Beta female, especially with her presence lacking when the black lone wolf sought to challenge Capriccio, but there was nothing he could do about her position anyway. Terich-mir seemed a more capable Beta than Kesan, but his presence was still lacking at border encounters, and the man's scent on the borders and throughout the territory was not as strong as Farstep would've liked for a leader. Order was important, so he had submitted willingly before, but trusting his leaders to handle things and work hard for the pack was important to him too, and he found it tough to submit to a wolf who didn't appear as dedicated as Farstep felt that he was.

So it was that Farstep began to consider himself a more suitable candidate and began to act it, and on a particularly sunny morning, decided to make his intentions known with a low howl. Though he had no words to inject meaning into his howl, it was strong and proud and carried the confidence of a Beta wolf, and that in and of itself was a challenge to Terich-mir's present authority.

He expected that howl. Farstep had resisted Terich at the first pack hunt, and has since showed himself to be a true guardian of their claim and an asset to the pack. It would have surprised him if the brown wolf did not challenge for the role of beta. He turned on his trail and headed toward Farstep's location, intent on being a witness to the challenge.

His pace was brisk, and he hoped to see other packmates there as he jogged along; it was important, he believed, for all packmembers to take part in their ranking rituals. He would be disappointed if most chose to not engage. But when he arrived, he saw no one else but the beta-hopeful.

Like he had with Jhala, he remained off to the side, watching, and waiting as he took a seat.

there had been shifts within the upper ranks, howls ringing forth as challenges to those among them who must answer, or forfeit their place in the ridge. the silent man she had met before, today his tones of confrontation rose above the mountainous backdrop of their home. vuk paused, but made her way to the place that would be the scene of the strife. 

taggarik was there; the theta proffered him a lick to his jawline before turning her turquoise eyes upon the agouti gamma. she had gained some measure of confidence and had drawn herself from immediate belly-skulking in the face of her leaders unless it was warranted.

because she had only met the challenger, and because he was respected by the pack, his scent thick upon their borders, it was behind he that vuk placed her support. she had never met the beta male, and his markings were not distinguishable from those other leaders.

There had been rank challenges and shifts in the ranks when he'd been gone and Romulus wasn't sure if he liked it or not. Presently, he had decided that for now, he would stay in the pack and perhaps, he would eventually adjust to this life. He'd also decided to meet and check out all those that were above him in rank and decide if they belonged there in first place. If he felt they should be below him, he would challenge them too. It was time to exert his presence and power around here; if Rom was to stay here, he might as well be useful.

It was today, in the middle of a patrol, that a howl rang through the air. He cocked his head, the voice unfamiliar for a moment, before it clicked and a small smile curved over his lips. It was the silent male he'd met on the borders and on the day he had fell into that water hole thing and he was issuing a challenge to the Beta that Rom had not met yet, and had not smelt often around here either. The youth paused for a second, then decided on a decision. Turning on his heels, Romulus made his way over to where the challenge would happen.

Upon arriving, he spotted Taggarik and Farstep and a newcomer that he had not met yet. His piercing bi-colored gaze drifted over her form, figuring he was above her in rank, and after analysing her, offered her a vague nod. His posture one that was suitable for a wolf his rank, he too, attempted to lick the black male's chin submissively in greeting before turning his attention on Farstep and giving him an encouraging nod and a vague smile. The Roman realised he quite liked the mute male, and thought that he did deserve the rank of Beta. He was behind Farstep on this one.

Perhaps Farstep didn't feel Terich was a good beta because, well, he probably wasn't. Terich hadn't really wanted to be beta, but some strange stubborn, dominant part of him had refused to allow a stranger to eat before him during that first pack hunt, and somehow that translated into him becoming the first beta male. For a while, that was alright with him. Farstep was a good wolf and while Terich would have followed the other easily, something during that hunt had triggered a nerve in him. So, like all stubborn males, he hadn't backed down and was the first to rise on top. And all remained in that line.

Until now.

The howl that rose from the tawny wolf spoke of one thing: challenge. Terich knew this day would come eventually, but didn't feel ready to defend himself or step down. Either way, the sight wouldn't be a pretty one. And talking Farstep down wasn't an option, either, since the wolf couldn't talk and didn't seem to understand any words spoken to him. In true wolfish fashion, Farstep only understood gestures and body languages, which was all fine and dandy, unless you wanted to avoid conflict altogether (like Terich usually did).

By the time he arrived in Farstep's vicinity, Taggarik and two others were present. He didn't really care about the others (see, great beta material here) since he didn't know them at all, but he spared them a glance and a nod before submitting himself to Taggarik. He was the alpha and while the pack would decide in the event of a tie (or perhaps even not then), Terich still held his friend's regard in high esteem, even after his silly romp with that wretched creature who followed him home. The beta licked Taggarik's chin, bumped his shoulder in a friendly way, then moved away to square off with Farstep, keeping his posture rigid the entire time.

He didn't want to face this challenge, but he had known it would come sooner or later. Now that it was here, Terich would face it as he faced everything: with a bit of swagger in his step and a smile on his lips.

Others arrived. Taggarik was first, and Farstep was exceedingly glad to see the Alpha male. Not only because he believed that Taggarik would support him in this, but because he was generally glad to see his leader. He enjoyed the man's company. In the short time between Taggarik's arrival and the appearance of others, Farstep took a moment to show his respect and appreciation by ducking his head and waving his tail.

Yet when Vuk arrived, followed closely by Romulus, Farstep was all business. The quiet she-wolf was an enigma to him, one of the newest members of the pack, while Romulus was a difficult book to read even after a few encounters. He stood taller and firmer as they arrived on the scene. He didn't sense a desire in either of them to seize advantage over this challenge, but he knew it was a possibility. Either of them could rise up for any number of reasons. They could prevent Farstep from winning, and even challenge him for his position in so doing. They could ensure Farstep would win by ganging up on Terich-mir, and they could attempt to climb the ladder themselves. It was a scary thought, that they might turn the tables against him and try to take his place in the pack for themselves, but his assurance was fed by the belief that he had done a lot.

Terich-mir's arrival heralded the beginning. The tawny wolf allowed his greyscale rival to greet Taggarik accordingly, but when the man approached, the same rigidity that took hold of the DeMonte gripped Farstep. Exactly like before, the wolf raised his snout and stood with his paws planted firmly, prickling the hair along his back to make himself look larger and more dangerous. His tail was quick to rise, and there was no wag in it now. He was dead serious as he rose his eyes to meet Terich-mir's for the second time, wide and confident.

And there was the crux of the entire thing: Farstep thought of the others as rivals whereas Terich didn't even notice them, apart from acknowledging their presence. There was not one thought in his mind that either wolf might step in to sabotage his claim, or even take their own ambitions to the next level by undercutting Farstep in his. Terich-mir was shortsighted and rather dim in that way (again, not really the leader type, and well he knew it himself). Terich's body stiffened as Farstep stepped before him, body tense and tall.

But nothing changed Terich's entire demeanor quite like the wolf's wide, blue-eyed stare.

Something in him unhinged, moved against all that he was used to, and his body moved a fraction higher, wider, bigger. The hairs lifted along his spine and shoulders, bristling out and making him seem bigger, just as his tail stood straighter and taller. This was not Terich the goofy male who stepped forth only moments before. This wolf was Terich-mir, the one spoken of only in whispers, only in quiet moments between believers in his homeland. If not for the decimation of Mount Noshaq, perhaps he would have cut a fine kingly figure well before now. But as the world had moved against him, so had his destiny been altered.

Farstep's wide-eyed stare was returned, and with it a step forward as Terich-mir pushed out his chest. Little regard was given to the others as he took another step toward the far-wolf. The mountain's breeze stirred their coats, tendrils of grey billowing about in the sudden gust. Terich-mir stood firm, forepaws firmly planted in the soil, as he invited Farstep to challenge him fully. He would not step down without a fight.

Fighting wasn't Farstep's style. He preferred the stare down. Terich-mir had won the rank from him before by making the challenge physical, showing all there that he was unwilling to fall to blows when his future wasn't certain. He had submitted the moment his nape was pinched. However, it wouldn't be the case this time; he fully believed he would have the support of his fellows and had nothing to fear from Terich-mir. He himself would avoid making the challenge physical as long as possible, but if it happened, he felt more confident now than he had before that he would emerge victorious. Whether or not it was the case remained to be seen.

Terich-mir didn't submit to him. The Beta drew himself up in defense of his rank. Farstep had expected that, though to say he wasn't disappointed was an understatement. In his mind, this meant that Terich-mir did not believe in Farstep's accomplishments and didn't believe Farstep would make a better Beta wolf than he currently did. Farstep couldn't blame the guy—they had never formally met—but it did cut Farstep a little to know his efforts were so disregarded that the man wouldn't even falter in his stance.

Well, Farstep wouldn't be the one to give in this time. He stamped a rigid forepaw on the ground, raising his head up high and peeling back his lips to show his teeth. Bristling, the male snarled deeply, silently demanding that Terich-mir back down.

She had missed the shift in ranks when Jhala had challenged Anywl and won – it was just as well, for the female made poor company these days. She was indulging in her space for the moment, attempting to piece together the reasons as to why she was so infuriated at Taggarik and his one night stand with the strange female. His intentions had very clearly not been to take a mate – and yet here he had allowed the poor girl to follow him home and become humiliated in front of a pack of wolves. Taggarik had even defended her rank – but to what end?
 
Yet when Terich-mir’s challenge rose to the sky, Capri knew she would need to break away from her solitude, if even for this moment. Her pace quickened, her slender limbs drifting forward as she came upon the gathering. Taggarik was there, though Capri blatantly ignored the regal male. Her own form stiffening as she tipped her muzzle up even a notch higher than his, her eyes flashing in his direction for only a moment before she instead chose to settle close to Vuk’s other side. Her features would soften only slightly to the more timid girl, who she would proffer a gentle nudge to. Romulus was there as well – another she was only slightly familiar with.
 
Her eyes trained forward to Farstep and Terich-mir, watching with silence as her best friend was challenged for his rank. She did not make to interfere – knowing that either male would make a fair and deserved Beta.

Farstep misunderstood Terich-mir's intentions here. It was not that he did not see what Farstep did for this pack, the hours he toiled on the borders, the wolves he intercepted there and had a paw in either accepting or rejecting from their ranks. No, Terich-mir saw these things and was glad for it. What Farstep did not see was Terich-mir's own quiet assertion of his rank, the relationships he was quietly, slowly, building among this pack. Perhaps he was not doing so quite to the degree or quickness to Farstep's liking, but who was he to say one way or another?

As far as Terich-mir was concerned, Farstep had no say in the matter, and that was why he had no intentions of backing down today. From his peripheral vision Capriccio arrived, and Terich-mir's heart lifted in his chest. Good, at least one wolf who would side for him, if it came down to it. Without looking, he noticed the way she scorned the alpha male, and even noticed the slight way she challenged him in her own right, before settling beside the other female attending the ritual.

Then all his attention snapped back to Farstep as he stamped a paw upon the ground and snarled. The DeMonte felt his muscles tense in anticipation, but he knew in some primal part of his body that Farstep would not fight him. There would be no violence here, would be no physical show of strength, unless Terich-mir himself instigated it. But not yet. Instead, the grey wolf stepped toward Farstep, deliberately pausing after each paw hit the ground, lips lifted to show his own teeth, to show he's not afraid of this challenge. Then he paused a few yards from the challenger, his head held higher with his chin tucked protectively over his throat, and issued a warning growl.

Perhaps he wasn't the best beta right now, but that didn't mean he shouldn't be given the chance to improve.

Farstep's eye was critical, calculating. His growl rumbled on, continuous but for the breaths he pulled whenever he could, and the volume of it increased with every step that Terich-mir took toward him. The intensity of his display rose with each press of his rival's paw upon the earth. Every deliberate pause was met with the defiance of Farstep's hardened gaze, his unwavering stance, his bristled fur. He held his ground, even when the opposing male pulled himself up and growled in return.

He responded in kind, pulling his chin closer against his neck and pinning his ears as far forward as they would go. The entirety of his face contorted into peaks and troughs, his muzzle wrinkled along its whole bridge, the skin between his eyes pinched fiercely. The hair of his cheeks even seemed to stand on end, and his tail was a bottlebrush held rigid over his hindquarters. His snarl was a feral pitch, and he showed every inch of his gums that he could reveal from beneath his lips. He hunched forth his shoulders and stood tall, adamant in his perceived claim of Terich-mir's present rank.

The growls that emanated from the two males were matched in ferocity and pitch. Terich-mir kept his eyes open wide, staring into Farstep's blue eyes, tilting his head downward in an effort to force him to step back. Perhaps it wouldn't work, but that was his aim. They stood facing each other for some moments, each growling and snarling, at an impasse for the moment. Terich-mir had little regard for the other wolves now, as his vision and attention was set solely upon Farstep and his inability to realize that the beta rank was not his for the taking.

After a few moments, Terich-mir decided enough was enough. He took one more step forward, closed the distance, and placed his right shoulder on Farstep's. He turned his head to keep his eyes locked onto his challenger's, his growl growing from not only his throat, but now deep in his chest as well. Terich-mir hoped that Farstep could feel the vibrations now, could understand that he would not give up so easily. Now that they were physically touching, Terich-mir used his weight to push on Farstep, not aiming to shove him, but simply to show his dominance through physical contact. If he didn't budge, then Terich-mir would have to escalate his showmanship.

Others arrived, and he regarded them with a quick look. He did not miss the lift of his alpha female's muzzle or the brisk ice she threw in his direction. His ears turned back for all but a moment, acknowledging her and her rightful scorn. He owned his mistake, and would work to rebuild the damage done. For now, his attention was on the two males.

There was a lot of strong posturing, and not wolf looked to back down. Terich was determined to keep his rank, and Farstep was determined to take it. The black wolf kept a close watch, but rose to his paws as their dominance intensified. It appeared to him that this would come down to a scuffle, or the opinion of the pack. Taggarik preferred the latter option.

He stepped forward holding himself high, his tail rising like a flag above his hips, his ears forward, and he took his paces toward Terich, favoring Farstep for beta, and asking that the current one back down.  

Terich-mir had bested him in the past with a similar strategy. The man would find it wouldn't work so nicely this time. Farstep felt the weight of the wolf's shoulder on his own, and though he continued to face formally forward, his eyes slid in their sockets to view Terich-mir from the side. He pressed back, vibrating with the force of his own growl as its volume increased at this show of physicality. He had no desire to physically force submission, but unlike before, he would do it if he had to.

It would seem he had to, for Terich-mir applied pressure on his shoulder in a clear attempt at dominance, and Farstep reacted quickly. He lunged for the current Beta's snout, jabbing his muzzle forward with his jaws unhinged. If he was fast enough, he hoped to grab the wolf's snout firmly and push his head down in forced deference. Taggarik's involvement went unnoticed for the time being, but soon enough Farstep would catch sight of the Alpha male and would redouble his efforts to claim the rank of Beta.

capriccio arrived, and vuk returned her soft nudge. however, flanked by the two alphas, the theta was quite effectively caught in the midst of their silent crossfire. tension flared in her body, but she fought herself, fought to remain calm and train her eyes upon the unfolding drama. 

when taggarik rose, vuk blinked, confused for a moment, unused to these rites of pack life. yet in a moment's time she realized that the alpha male was rallying to the mute gamma's side, and she too joined him. vuk could not bring herself to growl, lest the current beta's wrath be kindled, but her hackles rose, and her teeth flashed briefly in support of the agouti wolf's claim.

Terich-mir leaned his weight against Farstep, determined to keep his spot in the pack, when his attention wavered. Taggarik stood and backed Farstep, and with a look and a motion, asked Terich to step aside. Vuk joined him, flashing her teeth in agreement. In that moment Farstep snapped his jaws at him and was able to place his teeth upon Terich's snout, but the DeMonte's reflexes were stellar--instead of clamping down on his entire maw, Farstep's teeth simply grazed the top of his nose as Terich pulled away, backing away from the other.

A whine escaped his lips then, a soft sound of confusion as he looked between Taggarik and Farstep. Though he knew he wasn't beta material (and had always known this), some part of him hoped he'd be given the chance to prove himself; perhaps he had not proven himself fast enough for either male. Ears slid backward on his skull as he took one more step back and lowered himself before Farstep and Taggarik, knowing that while his place among the pack was not forfeit completely, his time as beta was over.

Posture still submissive, Terich crept forward to place a soft lick upon Farstep's chin, relinquishing the rank to the tawny wolf.

Capri joined them, and Romulus, after sparing her a glance and giving her a respectful nod and a vague smile, turned his attention back on the quarreling pair, eying them with interested bi-colored eyes. They attempted to stare each other down at first, then Terich-mir took action, closing the distance between them and forcing physical contact. Romulus was learning from watching; if he was to challenge someone for their rank, he needed to know how to win. He knew how to challenge someone, he just wanted to see how others did it, and came out as the victor.

Taggarik came forward then, supporting Farstep, and the unknown newcomer came forward too. Romulus, after a moment of hesitation, moved forward, silently backing them up in their decision to support Farstep over the silver Beta Male, former Beta Male. The silver man, seemingly noticing that he had lost the fight, relinquished his position to Farstep, submissively licking the tawny wolf's chin.

It was true: Farstep had high expectations of the pack's leadership and in his eyes, Terich-mir had fallen short, in spite of the truly short time he had held the title. It simply wasn't enough for the tawny man. It was unfair in a way to take it with such haste and lack of hesitation, and had he known words or been keenly tuned into the more advanced emotions of his fellows he may have realized that, but all Farstep knew was wild. And in the wild, packs with solid leaders reigned supreme, and naturally those who could best serve rose.

He felt more than saw that Taggarik had stepped forward, for Terich-mir pulled back from his attempted grapple and whined softly. Farstep didn't dare look around for fear of losing the advantage, but his rival's reaction told all. If the Alpha male had thrown support behind Farstep and was uncontested then he had won. Terich-mir confirmed it with his lowered head, and when the former Beta approached to lap at his chin, Farstep returned it with a sloppy lick across the wolf's nose, as if to say, good show. There would be no ill feelings from him, and perhaps one day he would once more be in the silver wolf's shoes.

Only then did the newly crowned Beta shift, and only then did he realize that both Vuk and Romulus had risen to support him as well. Capriccio sat aside, having put her support behind neither wolf. Even so, Farstep's heart swelled and his lips pulled into a grateful smile, perhaps the only thing he could do that wasn't completely primitive, while he waved his tail triumphantly above his hocks.

And just as quickly as that he dropped his front half into a play bow, inviting any and all of them, especially Terich-mir for the release of tension, to romp in the snow.

Terich relented and submitted to Farstep, and the black wolf backed off, passing a look to Farstep's other supporters to bid them to do the same. The pack had spoken and had chosen a new beta. Or at least, some of the pack. He was pleased with this, but he hoped that in the future other members would engage in these rituals.

Farstep took a moment to show off his new position, before inviting the wolves to romp and shake off the tension of such an important challenge. Taggarik did not hesitate, he woofed and danced forward toward Terich, a forepaw raised to bop him on the shoulder. If the silver male would not play, he would turn to another.

As short-lived as his position as beta had been, there was a certain relief knowing he was no longer a part of their leadership. He had never expected to become a leader and in reality he knew that his personality didn't suit it at all. Even knowing these things, that didn't stop the sting of the challenge, either. Farstep accepted his submission and after a moment shook the tension from the meeting and swept into a playful stance, inviting him (and the others) to engage.

Terich grumbled softly, though it was in jest, as he swept into his own bow. Taggarik bopped his shoulder then, and Terich turned to chase him, teeth bared playfully as he chased his alpha through the snow.

vuk held her breath as the two vied, but it was short-lived, and she halted immediately as taggarik ordered such silently. her turquoise gaze watched as terich-mir gracefully surrendered his rank to farstep, and she thought greatly of him in that moment. presently, the new leader made a very small show of his new status, before beginning a rousing game to dispel the tightness of the past moments.

vuk whirled to romulus then -- she fell into a play-bow and invited the other to follow her in a race through the drifts, and, like taggarik, if he did not wish to cavort, then she would find another partner for the festivities.

Unsettled when Taggarik chose to intercede the challenge and support Farstep, she cats him a cool glare. Farstep would make a fine Beta – but he could not speak, and it had confused more than one of their new members. Terich-mir took the new position without contest the moment Taggarik made his decision, and she withheld a small snort at the Alpha male.
 
The pack proceeded in to play – her own slender form merged forward, though she rounded fully away from Taggarik. A fond glance was cast to Farstep, and she crooned at him before casting a congratulatory nip. But her true focus was upon Terich-mir, and flanking upon his other side, the she-wolf cast him a playful nip, her eyes searching him to see that he was indeed okay.