The meeting with the Alphas hadn't gone as smoothly as Dash had hoped. They had made more of an issue of him asking for a demotion than he had expected, and instead of meeting him all the way, had demoted him just to Zeta. He had accepted, of course, worried that his refusal might make them simply kick him out. He realized that he may seem ungrateful, but he wasn't. He understood their position and reasoning, but, at heart, Dash simply wasn't ready for a higher position. He wished his leaders could have understood that.
His demotion didn't mean he took on less responsibility- he would still do the work he already did. It just meant he didn't have to worry about making an example of himself for the others. He didn't feel confident yet enough to teach other how to be, and for him, that's what higher positions meant. They weren't exactly leaders, but they were looked up in a way Dash just couldn't handle right now.
Feeling standoffish and needing some space, Dash headed east, ending up in Northstar Vale. The forest was nice and dense, which easily concealed his thick black pelt. It didn't smell like any wolves frequented the area, so he felt relatively safe. He knew, though, that there were packs not far away, so anyone could just pop up. He kept his eyes and ears alert in case anyone did.
Alaska had been making her way throughout the territory, alone for most of her trekking through. She was familiar with the terrain, but not with this specific area. She'd come across multiple moments where she wished she wasn't alone, but had ignored the thoughts and continued familiarizing herself. She had reached North Star Vale out of curiosity, and entered it's dark and deep forest.
Upon reaching this, she captured the smell of another wolf close by. She was allured by this, and slowed her pace, hoping to find the source of the scent. Which surprised her, as not many other scents were visible to her nose. For a second her mind tried to warn her, but she pushed her conscious away and continued on.
She had almost passed the dark wolf, not being able to see him with how well his pelt concealed him in the dark bush. She stopped in her tracks, lowering her body to show submission. Alaska stood out extremely, her white pelt against the dark colors of the forest, even though snow covered part of the ground. She usually was camouflaged herself, within the mountains, tundra and snow. At least in the winter.
What was this wolf doing here? She questioned, while the dark wolf probably wondered the same thing, with the area being so vacant of other wolves. Hello. She greeted.
It seemed he was right to be on alert. Her voice reached his ears and he turned to face her, his stance neutral since she seemed submissive. Hello, he responded simply. She stood out in the dense underbrush, her white fur the opposite of his own, and her body a little smaller than his.
I'm Dash, he offered, almost instantly feeling comfortable with her, which was unusual for him. He generally shied away from strangers, and didn't talk much. But, he knew he needed experience in opening a conversation with others, and what better way than with this female? She obviously wasn't aggressive, which was exactly what he needed.
Alaska instantly noticed the scars on his body, and opened her mouth without thinking. How did you earn those scars? She asked, trekking on a subject that could be very sensitive. Without even saying your name? She questioned herself, sternly. Almost regretting that she asked something so quickly after a greeting, but didn't because he might get an interesting story out of it.
Before he could answer she explained herself. I apologize if I seem too blunt, I said it without much thought of the consequences behind it. She hoped he'd understand and not think of her as odd or weird. She sat down, while tilted her head to the side. I'm Alaska.
He was a little surprised by her open question about his scars. Not that he didn't get the question often, but not usually so quickly in a conversation. It was also the way she worded it. Earned. Before he could answer, she apologized for being blunt. He shook his head. No worries. I like a wolf who doesn't beat around the bush, he assure her. It was refreshing to meet someone who spoke their mind. It took the worry off him of trying to guess what they were thinking.
I was a lone wolf for quite a while. I had to fight to survive. Sometimes, literally, he said, answering her question. What's your name? he asked, since she hadn't offered it up. He figured if she got to ask questions, then so did he.
I'm Alaska. She said, standing up and moving herself a bit closer to him, but keeping space incase he was a wolf who liked space. She liked the way he phrased her bluntness, as someone who doesn't beat around the bush. His explanation of his scars made much sense, and she could relate. How long were you a lone wolf? Alaska asked, getting more in depth with his past.
She also assumed the conversation would be question-for-question, so she waited for him to respond and return the question before asking a new one.
She offered her name then, Alaska. She moved towards him, and he stayed put, sitting back on his haunches. He was rather comfortable with her, though experience taught him to never completely trust a stranger. She could get closer, but his body would always be ready to fight or flight if he needed to.
Her movement allowed her scent to be carried by the wind then, and he realized she smelled similar to himself. A few years, he responded to her question. Are you with Moonspear? he asked quickly, already knowing the answer. It was interested that he would meet a new pack mate outside the borders of their pack. He supposed it was a bit humorous.
Alaska hoped it wasn't a rule of some sort that new recruits couldn't venture outside of the borders, but such a regulation seemed strange, so she assumed it was allowed. I am, she assured. But I'm the newest in the pack, I was just familiarizing myself with the terrain outside the territory, since I imagine me to spend time out here often. She was somewhat a loner, but definitely enjoy the company of others, especially if they showed interest in her and didn't disregard her questions.
Why were you a lone wolf for so long? A few years was awhile, even longer than her time alone. She traveled for two, but only one year alone.
There wasn't any kind of rule dictating how long a new member of a pack had to stay in the territory before venturing off. Dash just generally met new wolves inside the borders, not outside. He nodded, understanding her reasoning. I'm in Moonspear, too, he said. He didn't have an official reason as to why he was here. He just needed some space.
She asked why he had traveled for so long. He thought for a moment before answering, a little unsure if he wanted to really explain, but he supposed it would help if he opened up to other wolves. I don't have the best social skills, and it was just easier being on my own. But, then I met Charon and Thistle Cloud, and decided it was time I give pack life a try, he confided. He had to admit that being a loner was something that came natural for him. But, the benefits of being in a pack outweighed the uncomplicated lone life.
Alaska understood why it might seem odd for her to be roaming the outside, but her explanation was valid. She was one who enjoyed spe and alone time as much as closeness and social occasions. He said he was in Moonsphere, which is why he smelled so familiar. Why are you out here? She asked.
Dash talked about how he was comfortable and how it was easier being alone, maybe that's why he was out here. But she didn't want to assume anything, perhaps he just got in an argument and needed to take time to himself. If that were true, she didn't want to disrupt his time in cooling off.
The female seemed rather outgoing, and not shy about asking questions. For once, it didn't seem to put Dash off. To be honest, I needed a short time away from the pack to gather my thoughts, he confided in her. He took a deep breath, taking a moment to decide whether or not to tell her the whole story. She was a stranger, but a new pack mate, and maybe she would have a fresh view on the situation.
I, um... I was Gamma, at one point, before I decided to ask for a demotion. I didn't feel I was living up to the position. I honestly thought it was the right move, he said, before adding quickly, And I still do. Dash sighed. But, Charon was not happy with my request. I think I've disappointed him, even though I also feel like I did the right thing for myself. It was such a confusing situation. There were flashes of moments that Dash thought it would be easier just to be on his own, but they were fleeting, and he knew if he left, he would just be taking the easy way out.
Upon hearing he came outside the borders for time alone, she lowered her ears and felt as though she was invading his space and time. As he went on she grew more curious. What made you believe you weren't owning up to the position? She asked, sitting down on her haunches. Alaska still would wait for him to move any closer if he'd like to, not wanting to disrupt any more than she could have been. It was odd to hear him say he wanted to be demoted, and especially off to know the higher ranks seemed angry. Usually wolf's have so much pride in themselves, and envy higher ranks. While she loved being at the bottom, usually meant no trouble for her, and he seemed to like the lower ranks more. At least he was honest about it to Charon, which made her question why they would dislike the idea.
Her ears lowered when he confessed he had come for some alone time. He hoped he hadn't made her feel bad. After all, he was enjoying her company. He stood, moving a little closer to her before sitting back down once more. Would that make her feel better?
She asked exactly whey he thought he didn't deserve the position, and he had to think a moment before answering. Well... I mean, I'm not lazy. I do my fair share for the pack, and I make sure not to be a burden... he said, before adding, But, I just feel like I'm not quite up for being looked up to by so many wolves just yet. I haven't quite learned the fine art of socializing, and I feel like I really need to figure that out before I can be Gamma again. He needed the stresslessness of a lower position so that he felt comfortable enough to focus a little more on meeting his pack mates and becoming familiar with them.
Alaska was comforted when he moved closer, surppressing the idea that he didn't want her there. She nodded, in understanding. You don't seem to be having a hard time speaking with me, she pointed out. Which truthfully, made her feel good about herself. As though she was special, which she rarely ever felt. This was his chance to deny or support her comment, which was he goal. She would assume things, to have the answer confirmed or not.
She would think that the higher the rank, the more stress would be there. Her being the lowest rank meant rarely to no stress at all. Then again, she'd only been in the pack for a short period of time, she shouldn't make assumptions like that.
Alaska pointed out that he didn't seem to be having such a hard time speaking to her, and he had to admit that she was right. She wasn't someone he knew- he had never met her before- yet, there was something about her that found comfort enough to open up to her without question. A hint of a smile appeared on his maw. No, I don't, he said softly. Maybe if all wolves were a little more like her, he would be a little more open to them. Or, at the very least, he could look back upon this conversation and see what he did right.
Do you want to head back to Moonspear with me, or are you going to scout for a bit? he asked. He didn't want to stay gone too long, but would understand if she wasn't ready to go back yet.
I wouldn't mind heading back with you, if you'd like, truthfully Alaska would love to go back to Moonsphere with him, she enjoyed their small time together and hoped for it to last longer, but if he wanted to continue on his own she left the option open. But he didn't seem to be the kind of wolf to say he'd rather be alone and shoot her down, which bothered her bit, afraid he wouldn't speak his mind. Dash had said he did, ipso facto, feel comfortable speaking with her, a bigger smile appeared on her, but not enough to show teeth. Her ivory tailed wagged for a second, showing delight.
Fade with your post? Would love another one!
There it was again- the hint of a smile appeared on Dash's maw when Alaska said she'd like to head back to their home with him.
I would, he responded. Standing, he waited a moment to ensure she was ready to go, and then started the trek back home. He altered his gait to match hers, not wanting to make her go faster than she normally would. It was different, in a good way, to have a traveling companion, and Dash took the time to enjoy it.