Wolf RPG

Laika padded happily along the borderline, and smile permanently etched into her face. Ever since she and Casmir became mates, that smile has been there. She continued on, freshening the scents with an occasional scrape of her paw pad upon the ground.

Her brilliant blue eyes traveled around her territory, and she couldn't help but smile again. With her tail and head held high, Laika padded on.

The silver male kept himself close to the borders of Silver Creek, though he longer to explore the land and learn the way of the pack he must follow their customs. He understood the reasoning, the earning of trust and especially making sure a wolf wouldn't be invited into the fold only to vanish. While he stayed near the border, he hadn't stayed where he had first spoken with Spring. He had started to make his way along the lines, wanting to learn even while he was on restrictions. He kept a constant watch for wolves within the pack however, also interested in blending himself, as Spring had put it.

He was lounging in the shade of a tree when he saw the female and he instantly bound to his feet. He watched her for a moment, taking in her body language and whatever scents the wind might allow him. There was pride in her step, happiness written on her face and she held her head high. He thought perhaps, too high to simply be due to her mood. Could this be the beta that Spring had spoken of? He struggled to recall the name. Something with an "L". Lana? Laina? It was something like that. 

He cursed himself for forgetting, but all the same he raised his large head and gave a bark, calling the other's attention. He approached her, tail swinging in a friendly fashion and head held at a polite height. He wasn't sure that she was in fact the beta, so he wouldn't embarrass himself by mistaking her for something she might not be.

"Hello there!" His voice was deep but kind. "My name is Heston, I'm a hopeful for Silver Creek. I thought I'd introduce myself and not waste the opportunity. How are you on this fine summer's day?" She smelled of the pack, but she also smelled strongly of a male. He was observant and while she was a lovely she-wolf he would keep his devilish charm and flirting to a minimum.

Laika continued to walk along, her paws light and quick and her tail high and swaying to and fro. Briliant blue eyes traveled around her surroundings in a quick attemtp to figure out what she was to do. A cool wind played through her snow white pelt just as she laid eyes on a large, handsome, silvery male. He was rather close to the borders, and her hackles raised when she first saw him. He strode towards her, confident as ever, although lacking the telltale signs of an intruder.

His words soothed her worries, and she quickly smoothed out her fur. So he was a lone wolf looking to integrate into the pack. She flashed him a smile and nodded. "That's wonderful! I assume you've met Spring already?" She said eyeing him closely. He seemed to be an able body worthy of joining their ranks. Spring had picked well for this one. "I'm Laika, beta of Silver Creek," she fought the urge to announce that she was also Casmir's mate. "and I was just taking a stroll along the borders. In fact, I was about to leave the territory and go a little farther. Care to join me?"

Heston was handsome indeed, but Laika only had eyes for one male recently. However, that didn't stop her from labeling him as a welcome distraction as she stepped out of the territory and headed towards him. Some may call her smitten over Cas, but she was perfectly fine with that title.

He noticed the slight rise of her hackles, but did not let that slow his pace. It was unlikely that Spring would have told her about every single hopeful the pack had. It would be hard to keep track of names, much less to remember gender or coat color. Had she seemed unhappy with him following his introduction he would have beat a hasty and submissive retreat. His words seemed to reassure her though, and she offered his a dazzling grin. He nodded to her question, a short and quick reply falling from his own smirking lips. "That I have, it is with her permission I am here." 

The other female introduced herself then - Laika! That was the name! He dipped his head cordially to her, paying respect to her rank and showing submissive posture. Her invitation raised his head again and he waved his tail a few passes through the air. "It would be my pleasure, Laika. Anything specific you're on the lookout for?" He waited until she had grown closer before turning to take up the path behind her. He placed himself to her left,  his head equal with her shoulder. This positioning would show to any that saw them that he was following her lead and would have her back. As he walked alongside her, he took this moment to look more closely at her. Her coat was well-kept, a pale white. He noted she bore scars, a slight knick in her ear and one that was harder to see on her hip. She was the second wolf he had met from Silver Creek, both were strong females bearing scars. He wondered if the scarring had come from a pack battle or separate instances. Either way, it was clear this pack was full of strong women, or at least lead by them.

He glanced to her again, thinking to be friendly and hoping he wouldn't be prying too much for her taste. "You seem to be in a wonderful mood, if you'll allow the observation." He didn't directly question as to why, assuming that if she wanted to share she would. He wasn't sure if it was a personal happiness or if something had happened within the pack to make her light up as she was.

He affirmed that he'd met Spring already, and demonstrated a respectful, submissive posture to her. Her tail remained high and she lifted her chin, grateful for the respect. Spring had trusted her to be her beta and she would make damn sure that everyone knew that they had to respect her. 

They began their stroll together with Laika in the lead, Heston behind. He soon made his way up to her shoulder, a daring move on his part. However, luckily for him, Laika didn't mind at all. He asked her why she was so happy right now, and the pale woman's cheeks grew hot. Should she tell him? It just seemed like an odd topic for the two of them, they'd just met! "I am happy, yes," She confirmed even though he didn't need it. "My life has been wonderful lately." She couldn't help but smile as she spoke, glancing the the silver male beside her.

He was a large male, much larger than her. His muzzle was a dark combination of grays and silvers, although the rest of him was mostly white all the way to his midriff. Darker colors flouish along his hips and tail. His eyes are a piercing orange and he is confident in his step. Laika, being petite and lithe had to look up quite a ways to meet his gaze. 

"How's your day been? Are you confident you'll make it into Silver Creek?" She wanted to evaluate his confidence in himself. Finding out how his day has been and if he think's he'll make it is a good start.

Unknowing of his daring, Heston kept pace with his original positioning at Laika's shoulder. If asked he would fall respectfully behind, but he'd need to be informed of his faux pas first. As he asked after her good mood, he did not notice the heat in her face. She gave a roundabout answer, and he took this as his sign to not question her further. Whatever the cause it was either personal or considered pack news for the pack that he was not yet a part of. Her smile was wide and infectious though. He chuckled warmly and nodded. "That is good to hear! I've got an advantage then, it seems." He joked, raising his brows at her. "You're already in a good mood, I'll only need to keep from bringing you down. No need to sweeten you up at all." He winked at her, showing that he was only joking... though the statement was partially true. It would have been harder to come off on good terms with a wolf in a bad mood.

Heston was used to wolves being smaller in stature than him and he made sure not to crowd the petite female as they walked. A large wolf must always be aware of themselves, more so than a smaller wolf. It was easier to seem threatening when you loomed over someone. There were downfalls and benefits to all sizes and shapes, it was only a matter of becoming familiar with your own and adjusting for them. "My day has been nice, though not so good as yours it would seem." He smiled warmly again. "I have been attempting to scout along the borders, always on my permitted side, of course. If I sit too long in once place I find myself getting too anxious...not in a bad way, but an...excited and eager way. Silver Creek is lovely from what I can see outside of it. I'm eager to explore it, to meet the other wolves. I have missed pack life a great deal, you see." Her next question he considered a moment before answering.

"I... am confident in my ability to put my best paw forward. So far I have had no bad experiences with Silver Creek or it's wolves, which I take as a good thing. I believe I am a good fit here, or I will be. So...I suppose I am confident. I feel good about the decision to attempt to join and the wolves I have met. I can only hope the pack feels the same about me." He looked to her for a moment, a single brow rising as if to question if he was making a good impression. He didn't ask her directly though, he felt it would seem impolite.

She glanced at him with a warm smile, flicking her tail with geniune pleaser. He was a good wolf to be around, and she much enjoyed his company. He joked around and told her that he didn't have to sweeten her up and she nodded with a soft giggle. "Your right there!" She told him.

He went on to tell her of his day and she nodded along, noting that he seemed quite at peace with the track he was headed on. She was pleased he enjoyed being around Silver Creek members and thought highly of Silver Creek. With the amount of unloyal wolves they had lost, they really needed some like him. He then told her that he was confident that he would be a worthy member and not a dead weight to the pack. Good. "You seem like a very loyal wolf Heston. I'm glad you chose us to make a home," She smiled towards him with a swish of her tail.

He grinned as she laughed, liking the sound. He didn't think he'd ever heard a laugh he didn't like, not one born of good intentions anyway. It was happiness made audible. He especially loved to be the person to elicit such a reaction from others. He dipped his head to her in answer to her kind words. "I appreciate you saying so, Laika. I try my best to be. My morals are important to me. Loyalty, and keeping your words. Those are important. Following a wolf who would not attack another when their back is turned, or they are otherwise hurt...that is important to me as well. I like morals in my leadership too, I can't stomach to follow a wolf who would take advantage."

He glanced to her, watching her reaction to his words. "I don't think that's a problem I'll have with Spring, not from the meeting we had. Nor do you seem that type." He raised a brow and in a joking manner asked his next question. "Do I have you both pinned right? Or are you both so devious I couldn't even see it?" It was clearly a joke, which he emphasized by winking at her playfully.

"I think I will be glad to make Silver Creek a home as well." He thought to add something about so many pretty females being a plus, but she smelled like a taken woman. He wouldn't overstep his bounds, even in jest. He'd not have her mate come barreling at him all teeth and snarls, or her snarling if she took offense. No, it was safer to save the flirting for those who were untaken and those he knew better. "Where are we headed, exactly?"

He told her a few of his morals, glancing at her quickly to gauge a reaction. They were good, reasonable morals that Laika would follow.. if she were sane. Every wolf has their downfalls, no matter how much they deny it. What many people don't know, is that she is extremely protective, and if any wolf were to hurt Indra, Laurel, Spring or Casmir she would take them down, injured or not. Frankly, she would chase down someone if they touch one of her packmates, just maybe not to the extent for someone like Casmir or the pups. 

Right away, Heston assumed that she would follow those morals too, and all she could do was give him a stiff nod. She would, she definitely would. They continued to make their way along the path that had been worn down from many months of not only wolves, but also prey plodding along the earth. 

He continued to speak, agreeing with her quick statement and ending with a question. Where were they going? Oh yes! She had been so engrosed in the conversation that she had forgotten to tell him where they were off to. "My bad!" She smiled. "We are on a short trail that dips along the riverbank for a couple yards and then loops back to the borders," Laika explained. She had been on this trail many times before and was fairly confident it hadn't changed since then. 

White ears pricked as the soft gurgling and bubbling of the lazy river began to make itself present. "Looks like we're almost there!"

Speaking of his morals left many grey areas. He was not against attacking wolves when you were attacked, even if the other was injured. He knew that grey existed, accepted that some parts of grey fell into everything. There was a difference in protecting your family and actively hurting another's. His story had not been told yet, and he wasn't exactly ready to tell the wolves of Silver Creek. He'd need a closer connection first and he'd also need to feel secure in the pack. Currently there was always an inkling wonder of what would happen this time, now that he was so pleased with Silver Creek.

He laughed as she realized she'd never told him where they were going. "Leading me to my slaughter for all I know, but it's just as much my fault; I followed like a pup." He nodded as she explained, eyes moving towards the sound of the river that was now evident. It was a pleasant little river that came into view before long. He nodded, looking back to her. "Is this the typical route you take to guard the borders? Or check and remark them anyway?" He paused a moment, then as he remembered. "Oh, and do we share borders? Are there any other packs I need to be aware of or cautious of?" He felt it important to know the shared enemies of Silver Creek, for once he joined they'd be his as well.

Laika couldn't help but giggle as he mentioned leading him to his slaughter. She shook her head in amusement as she glanced at him with dancing blue eyes. Soon, they reached the river as it lazily meandered along it's track. The occational stick that had been capture by it's sometimes evil hands would drift by, and ducks could be heard although not yet seen. It wasn't the calmest spot in the river, and perhaps they were a bit further down. The weeds and riverside plants were beginning to grow back to full height, reaching over the water's edge and casting jagged shadows upon the surface. A large willow tree located on the opposite side drapped it's willowy arms aross the river, barely reaching the other side. It was home to many birds who tweeted and sang as they followed the trail that dipped down right beside the river. 

"I sometimes use it for that reason, yes. Mostly, we come down here to fish, and that's why it's so worn down. Serves as a nice leisurely walk too." She finished, only to start up again at his next question. She was happy he was so curious to learn to make sure he was ready to serve his pack. "Nearby packs.. Nope! Although the forest over there," She pointed with her tail towards King Elk Forest, "Is our hunting grounds that we rightfully claimed. Even lone wolves we tend to drive out or watch carefully." She told him, thinking it was a good thing for him to note. "Also, do to our past," she added, "If you do hear word of packs settling nearby, please notify me and Spring. We will not tolerate it and are willing to fight them off. We may be low in numbers at the moment, but our wolves are strong, especially with you and two others joining our ranks." She smiled.

His eyes swept over the scenery with clear approval on his face. It was a lovely little area. The weeping willow gave it a romantic touch and he logged away the thought for when he'd started seriously eyeing and female companion. A nice little jaunt down here under the guise of border patrol, perhaps in the early evening. They could fish and chat, let the sun slowly set. He could beckon her under the branches and watch as the fireflies came out to dance. He nodded to himself, please. He was perhaps the most romantic wolf that ever lived. A female would be lucky to get his invitation to his romantic strolls. He would make someone a very lucky female one day.

He returned his attentions to Laika's pretty smile when she turned to him though, not wanting to seem rude. He returned the grin, listening as she informed him of the uses of this area. He glanced towards the forest she'd pointed to, narrowing his eyes at the treeline. He nodded, intent to follow protocol should he happen upon a loner. He turned back to her at the mention of Silver Creek's past. "I met with Shreya not too long ago. She told me some of the story of your past. Of Reek, and how the pack came here. Were you with the original pack too? What was it called..."

He paused and sighed a moment before remembering "Ah, Maplewood?" Before she could answer though, he decided he should respond to her request. "And you or Spring will be the first to know should any packs come settling...or any wolves named Reek come calling." He watched her face for reaction at the name of the male, wondering how others felt about the betrayal. Shreya had seemed forgiving, would Laika be as well?

Laika listened to him carefully, pleased that he already knew of Shreya, and the Maplewood. The thing the surprised her was that he knew of Reek. Reek. 

Laika nodded slowly. "Ahh yes, Reek." She said, staring blankly at her paws for a moment. "Thank you for that, Heston. It is good to know that you will be on the lookout for those things. As much as I respected Reek in the past, he is not welcome here." She spoke somewhat from her own oppinion. She did not dispise Reek, but the fact that he left Saena the the pups high and dry upset her. However, the reason she would not allow him anywhere near Silver Creek, was because of the pups. They were his pups, yes, but to her, he had no right to them. She feared that he would want to take them away, and she would not let that happen.

Speaking to each wolf was slowly drawing a better picture in his mind. Even Laika still seemed to harbor some caring for Reek. He was beginning to realize that he couldn't possibly paint the brute as a villain. He clearly was not the same male that had betrayed Heston's pack. He couldn't know that her reason for not wanting Reek around centered directly around Saena and his children, so he merely thought it was still because of the betrayal.

"I'm sorry I brought it up, Laika." His voice was serious. "Sorry that it happened to you all, too." He offered her a slight smile and nodded in response to her thanks. Once he was accepted he would be there for Silver Creek. He hoped to prove himself a loyal member...perhaps he'd even be everyone's favorite. That was his own ego wishing, though.

"Nah, your fine," she told him after his rushed appologies. "Really. The past is the past." She gazed at him with a gentle smile before glancing up at the sky. She frowned as she realized what time of the day it was, tail tip twitching. She turned her delicate head back to the boy. 

"I really should go, I've got more things to tend to," she laughed gently. She then bowed to Heston and backed up, getting ready to leave. "I have a feeling I'll be seeing you around." She bid him her last goodbyes before turning and darting off. Really, she just had to think about things. Well, things being what ifs. What if Reek was really going to come? What if he was a changed man? What is he wasn't?

He nodded, frowning slightly. He wished he could agree with her but...he simply didn't. His past seemed to be so vibrant lately in his mind. He knew it had to do with joining Silver Creek, with meeting new faces and attempting to become friends with wolves once more. He felt as if his past was a rock that he would always carry in his belly, pulling him down and turning his mind to darker things.

"Of course." He said, wagging his tail softly. "Such is the duty of a Beta." He returned her bow with a flourish, tucking his nose under his front limb. "I certainly hope so, Laika." He said, offering her a smile. "Have a good day, hope I've not made you late." Then she turned and headed off and he decided to resume the walk. He could finish the border checking himself, he decided. Whether or not he had a true banner of Silver Creek. Besides, it was nice to explore new areas.