The queen was walking again, her muzzle in the air to the dark-gray sky as the water droplets fell. While it was not the perfect weather to go seeking for loners interested in joining their pack, she kinda liked this sort of weather. It wasn't raining that hard anyway, so who was she to say that there were no lone wolves travelling through the mountains today? She lowered her muzzle again, seeing no signs of heavier rain nor a storm. Her claws made a light Tink! noise as they came in contact with the wet stone beneath her, probably giving away her position to anyone around. It was risky, though she felt like she could take an attack. Not that she wished it to happen of course.
As time passed, the sound of water got louder though the light rain wasn't getting worse. She raised an eyebrow, looking to the sky again to see if it had gotten worse but that she had missed it, but there were no signs of it. She stopped for a brief moment, relying on her ears to make out what the noise was. Suddenly, it hit her in the face. There was a lake nearby, intensifying the sounds of rain as the liquid combined. It was a true discovery for the young girl, since they didn't have such a great water place back at the canyon. Perhaps, in spring, they could go looking for herbs here since she knew that there would be none available in the blood canyon. She got closer to the lake, and now she could see it clearly. She was a high way above it, though that wasn't a great problem. As long as they could reach it from underneath, things should go smooth here. Perhaps there would even be fish in these waters.
After spending a quiet afternoon on the beach and then camping within the bordering forest, Mitanni had decided to continue north. Her adventures in crustacean catching had been educational at best, and she'd hoped to try her paw at catching more in other tide pools along her travels, but after finding no others she decided it best to head east into the denser woodlands.
Doing so brought her further into heavily trafficked locations, and once or twice she had to carefully skirt a pack's border. The fact there were packs here was encouraging--if wolves could find it in themselves to stick to one place, it meant that one place was bountiful and comfortable--and planted the seed of interest within her thoughts. Maybe she would give those pack lands a closer peek later on, once she felt a little more comfortable here.
Dense forests soon gave way to rocky mountainsides, and though it was difficult work--especially given the rain--Mitanni began to climb. She wasn't sure where she was headed, or what she might find ahead, but that had never really stopped her from making a journey before. But this one paid off. As she came within sight of the lake, the mottled brown wolf stopped and admired it for a moment with open awe. This...this was a really nice place.
Except for the wolf already standing there. Interactions were few and far between for the small wolf, and as she eyed the dark-toned female she felt the familiar itch in her paws to leave, particularly before she was noticed. But with such a lovely find in this lake, she dared to chance it today and, lowering into a crouch, tried to creep just out of sight.
The light rain prevented the queen from smelling much, though it didn't stop all the scents from crawling into her nostrils. There were a few scents indicating that there were critters around, but no scents of her own sort. Little did she know there was one climbing up the mountainside as she thought it.
The rain got more brutal, coming now with a harder breeze, making the left side of her body wetter than the other. It was a horrible feeling, though she refused to leave this place and seek shelter before investigating further. She took a few more steps towards the ridge that had a better view of the lake beneath, though careful not to slip and fall. Her legs shivered a bit, though she found herself standing fairly stable for someone in her position. She looked down some more, now having a better view of the water place, and spotting some signs of plants that had bloomed in the summer. It was enough for her to believe that they could indeed very much use this place.
She almost wanted to turn around, heading for the blood canyon to tell her lover that she had found something interesting, though a faint scent stopped her from doing so. She slowly turned around, her back now facing the end of the ridge as she scanned the area. It was harder to see with the rain constantly making her blink, though she was sure there was someone there. Someone who didn't want to be found.
Hello?
She called out in a kinder voice than her usual, now questioning her sanity. Had her nose betrayed her, or was there indeed a presence nearby? Only time would tell.
On quick, nearly silent paws, Mitanni ducked behind and within the nearest bit of vegetation, doing her best to blend in and remain still and hoping the rain would help mask her disappearance. She didn't want to be seen, didn't want to be approached, and only had intentions of waiting until the lakeside was empty so she could resume her own investigation without interruption.
But fate had other ideas. Despite her quickness, she'd been seen, and after taking refuge within her chosen hiding spot she heard a voice call out, apparently seeking whoever was in the vicinity. Her nose wrinkled, disappointed she hadn't moved quick enough, and for a few seconds the black and brown wolf hesitated. She would have felt more comfortable talking with someone after she was more familiar with her surroundings--especially if the interaction went south--but the audible niceness in the voice of the stranger won out.
Sighing to herself, still questioning whether she was making the right call, Mitanni slunk silently out of her hiding spot and back into the rainy open, making herself apparent as her deep amber eyes blinked, searched, and found again the dark-hued female that had called her out. Saying nothing, she stood still but alert, her tail giving one nervous twitch against her haunches.
After a few moments of wondering if she had gone insane, she heard some footsteps. They weren't loud, almost silent as the rain was still making a louder noise, but it was noticeable for someone who was seeking for sound, a signto proof that she was sane. Out of the bushes came a smaller wolf, making it's way to the more open spot of the area they had found themselves in. It showed no signs of wanting to attack nor submit, all that was given was a movement of it's tail.
Now that the wolf was a bit more visible, the dark queen could inspect her some more. She could smell the stranger was female and could see she was fairly young. Or at least, it looked like it given her lanky figure. In the dark lightning here, her fur almost looked fully black tot the queen, but she would discover someday (maybe even never if the stranger decided to flee), that it was actually a mixture between obsidian and chocolate. She blinked at the silence, only hearing the sound of rain, now not sure if the stranger could speak at all.
I don't bite.
She said softly but sweet. It was almost ironic that this sentence came out of her mouth, as she had ripped the air pipe of her own mother out of her throat not even moons ago. Though, she had changed. She had become wiser, nicer now that she had bonded with another loner.
What is your name?
She asked, still wondering if the being could speak. If it was a mute however, her body language would show that she had no intentions of harming the other, though would still display a bit of dominance with her tail as it raised.
Mitanni was nervous as she stood beneath the scrutinizing stare of the dark-hued female, resisting the natural inclination of her tail to twitch again in another display of nervousness. At least the wolf didn't appear to be ready to cause her any harm, and her words backed up that assumption. Biting was something of a worry, and Mitanni had ventured close to a few packs along the way, but this didn't appear to be some offended pack wolf.
She did, however, exude a sort of natural authority that the mottled wolf found hard to ignore. Not wanting to cause trouble, Mitanni sank into a minute crouch and let her tail fall limply against her hind legs. Her head lowered a fraction more, just below being even with her spine, and she quickly averted her gaze. No matter how friendly the wolf seemed, there were too many chances being taken in being careless with her body language.
The stranger's request for her name went unanswered for a couple seconds as she considered her answer. Should she lie and give an alias instead of her real name? Or should she give her true name instead? Deciding her prospects would be better with honesty--at least in this instance--she fidgeted a little on her paws and answered, "Mitanni. I'm Mitanni Anath."
Sorry for dissapearing all of the sudden, but I needed to get some sleep. I'm a hard-working school girl trying to combine my schoolwork with what I do online :)
The rain almost stopped, though the sky became no less grey, indicating that it was just a small break for the clouds. Perhaps it would get worse, or perhaps it would blow right over the mountain area. Only time would tell really.
The other being that was also getting soaked by the rain now showed signs of wanting to submit, something that was appreciated. Though still not a queen nor leader, she was going to be one and already showed signs of a higher rank. She had always really been this way from birth, but now it was not because she was treated like royalty, but by the fact that she was beginning a pack of her own. Her muscles visibly relaxed a bit more, her tail now wagging slowly as their conversation continued.
The stranger who introduced herself as Mitanni, seemed a bit nervous to talk as Malice saw her jiggling a bit on her legs. Malice eyes still widened nonetheless, as she had thought it was a mute, but it was only for a mere second, maybe even less. As the stranger had given her name, it was only appropriate for the dark queen to follow her lead. Why, hello there, Mitanni.
She greeted the girl first before continuing. I am called Malice Lanius, though Malice alone is fine.
She revealed, a small smile highlighting her features.
What has brought you here to these mountains, and in this weather?
She added the fact that it was raining, merely to give the stranger an idea. Perhaps the girl would now think about seeking shelter, and where better than in the blood canyon?
It's cool. I'm still in college so I know how the homework and balancing things goes.
Mitanni blinked again as the rain began to taper off, not entirely enough to leave them without it but enough that standing around the open was less uncomfortable than it had been just a moment before. Neither wolf, however appeared ready to seek shelter, and as the dark-hued, authoritative female stayed in place the mottled black and brown wolf did too. Mitanni didn't think she'd be attacked or chased down if she turned tail, but it was also a chance she wasn't willing to take yet.
With smiles and kind words Mitanni was greeted, and after a while her guarded, submissive posture started to relax. There didn't appear to be any immediate threat in this one, and Malice, as she named herself, did seem rather nice. There was still a wariness within Mitanni's dark amber eyes, however, and that was something harder to shake.
Questioned about her purpose here, the black and brown female once more shifted her weight to either side before answering.
"I like traveling," she explained in the most simplistic way she could,
"just happened to go this way today." And who knew where the next day would take her? With the luck she'd been having running into different wolves, she suspected it would bring her to new company.
The queen was happy to see Mitanni relax as their conversation continued, and the smile she was carrying did not fade. Most wolves who weren't fond of having conversations would've turned by now, leaving her to believe that this stranger might not be so shy as she thought before. After all, the other had hid for quite a while before revealing herself and their seemed to be some nervousness, though the queen couldn't be sure. She was good at reading people, but not that good.
It took a few seconds for the other to respond again, but it wasn't taken to heart. Perhaps this wolf spoke another language entirely, just like Cog, and needed time before saying anything. It was weird to hear that Mitanni liked travelling, even in this kind of weather, but hey, everyone had their own preferences. Malice wouldn't ask about it, as she had found herself wandering in this kind of weather too.
Were you looking for a place to settle, if I may ask?
The daughter of Lucifer hinted that she might have a place for her, but didn't blatantly ask her to join her pack. After all, they couldn't take in just any lone traveler. But perhaps if the other showed interest into the matter, she would recruit her. If not, she wouldn't see it as a useless conversation. She had found a beautiful place, and had met another soul on the mountains, that was good enough.
Mitanni continued to watch the dark-hued female closely, but try as she might she couldn't decipher anything untoward or remotely threatening about her. Perhaps her smiles were sincere after all, and her good spirits a natural disposition for her. After spending so much time alone and on the run, it was hard for the mottled black and brown wolf to rid herself of her innate hesitance, despite all the signs revealing it to be unnecessary.
She made herself relax further, mentally talking herself down from her guarded thoughts, and when asked about a possible interest in finding permanent residence somewhere, the wolf's ears perked. A pack? Was that what Malice meant? It hadn't really been one Mitanni's mind as of yet--being so new to the region, she thought it best to explore her options before truly giving thought to such a weighty matter.
Still, her curiosity was piqued, and the lithe little wolf found herself unable to answer in any other possible way. "I might be." Did she know of a place, or was Malice simply making conversation? "You know a place?"
We should really wrap this up soon, not wanting to rush you or anything, but because we really want the pack to go official and such + moving to the other location. Also, sorry for the short post, I'm in a little hurry to finish up all the threads.
A pack she meant indeed, her and Cog's one. The girl seemed interested by her words, and the queen's smile intensified. Yet another loner interested in joining a pack, things couldn't go better for the two lovers. Mitanni said she liked to travel, so maybe she could be a good scout. Her small build also made her look like a good healer, but she'll have to learn a lot. Or perhaps she already knew something about the matter.
Indeed I know one.
She said mysteriously, her smile turning into a grin. Me and my lover are starting one. A pack as friendly as she could get them, buutt... We could still use some members.
She hinted.
That's fine, I don't mind making this a quick thread.
It was with clear pride that Malice addressed the subject of the pack, and Mitanni found herself more and more intrigued by the mysterious way in which it was introduced. Ah, so she was starting a pack of her own, alongside her lover. Mitanni hadn't yet considered allying herself with any packs in the area, but there was no denying she was curious. What was the harm in learning a little more before a decision needed to be made?
"Where would someone find this pack?" Mitanni asked, relaxing a little further as her interest deepened and she boldly took a single step forward,
"and what might they find when they get there?" She was curious, and she wanted to learn more of this pack before making any rushed commitments.
Okay, glad to hear that :) I'm also assuming this thread happened after Mal's encounter with Veritas and already knows they won't be staying in the canyon for long.
Malice saw the girl getting more and more interested, well, at least it sounded like it. Their numbers had been growing almost every day now, and Malice, though full of confidence in her last sentence, found herself thinking for a bit to answer Mitanni's questions. She knew they eventually had to move away from the canyon, and she wasn't happy about it, but at least they knew of more places to go. Well, Veritas knew.
We are currently residing in Redsand Canyon, but we plan on moving.
She answered, keeping the place to where they were going a secret for now. If the other did not plan on sticking with them, it would be better for her not to know where they were headed. She could tell other packs about it, putting them all at risk, she knew. Plus, they weren't sure yet where they were going anyway. The queen was interested in Phantom Hollow, but it would be up for debate until they had discussed it with everyone. You would find my lover, Cogitemus, there if he's not looking around. Perhaps some others, though it's all unsure. As for the temporary territory, it is a canyon drenched in the color red with not much plants to speak of. Not much of anything to speak of really, though it won't be for long.
Though Malice revealed that the future pack would be moving from the territory they were currently set up in, Mitanni noted that no mention was given of where they would be moving to. Of course it only managed to make her more curious--a fault of hers she was beginning to realize--but there was nothing to be done for it. She only nodded her head to acknowledge that she understood.
She described the current locale, and though it sounded rather pretty the mottled black and brown wolf knew she'd have to see it for herself. Not that it would make much difference--it was only temporary, after all. "And the pack? What'll be expected of those who join?" Mitanni felt, almost, that she was being too forward, too pushy with her questions, and though it made her nervous that she might overstay her welcome with Malice she felt pressed to ask.
The questions were not annoying nor pushy in Malice' eyes, it was a sign to her that said that the other was curious. Questions were signs that they were interested enough to ask about something, and that only made her more glad to answer them.
the question that came next triggered Malice to believe the wolf was indeed thinking about joining them, and the queen found herself almost trotting around of happiness like a little pup. She kept her desire to scream YES! in, and instead kept perfectly in control of her body, though an excited glint could be spotted in her normally cold, yellow eyes.
One would need to be loyal to their alpha's, as well as be respectful to the their fellow members, despite their ranks. We do not ask much skill, only that one would not take more than they are giving. A mastery is not necessary, though we encourage ones who want to acquire a skill or a calling to help each other and acquire it.
She explained, almost out of breath as her sentences came to an end.
Mitanni thought she saw a glint of excitement, or maybe satisfaction, enter Malice's yellow eyes. Though it was clear the dark-hued wolf was happy, the mottled brown wolf was rather enjoying how readily she was gaining information about this pack-to-be. Not that she intended to do anything malign with it, but it was nice understanding fully what she was being offered.
"That doesn't sound so bad," she remarked, tilting her head just slightly to the right as she peered at the future leader of this pack. It was the first pack she'd heard about, and while the offer was tempting Mitanni found it difficult to commit right on the spot.
"If I wanted to be a part of it," she made herself ask, her tone indicating the scenario she posed was still only hypothetical,
"can I find you later?"
Mitanni hasn't quite made up her mind yet, but I think she wants to join to test things out. Would she be able to leave later on if she find she doesn't fit in the pack?
Of course she will, though I hope she won't XD As long as it's not an aggressive goodbye, everything should be fine. She is even able to return if she doesn't find anything, though I feel it would be harder for Malice to trust her again. Also, we should be able to finish up this thread soon!
The daughter of Lucifer listened carefully to the other girl as she was saying that their pack was at least worth considering. But, as they were leaving so soon, it would be hard for them to meet again. She had a plan to fix this problem though!
We are leaving quite soon, so perhaps I won't see you again.
She informed, a bit of a sad frown on her face. But I have a solution!
She said, her frown immediately turning into a smile again. I will howl when we are leaving, so if you made up your mind by then, you could come straight to the canyon.
It wouldn't be aggressive, she's not that type. She just wants to get a good feel for the place, and doesn't feel she can do that without joining for a trial period. Hopefully it all works out. Thanks for the thread.
Mitanni could feel the chance to join this pack slipping away the moment Malice replied to her. She sighed silently, supposing not everything could go so well right off the bat. Maybe her luck would turn around later on, with another group of wolves.
But hope returned as the dark-hued leader-to-be added that she would howl once her band of wolves were ready to move. The expression on Mitanni's face brightened and became more alert. That could possibly work. If she just made sure to stick around close to where they were currently then she could slip in among them during their move.
Feeling optimistic, the lithe little wolf smiled and nodded her head in open agreement.
"Alright, sounds good to me," she said, beginning to fidget again in her desire to move. All thought of exploring the lake was gone, replaced by a new desire to scope out this pack and their current hideaway.
"I might lurk around," Mitanni admitted, feeling a fair warning was due to this wolf,
"but I won't see you until then." Not if she could help it at least.
"It was nice meeting you." With a possible pack lined up for herself, the little brown wolf turned and quickly retraced her steps, leading her away from the lake so that she could scout out where this potential pack was waiting before their move.