It wasn't often that young Itch would travel alone. Usually she'd call upon one of her many acquaintances to come along with her, like Dorvin perhaps, he was a good friend. But that was back in Ancencusa. Sure, the memories of her homeland were still fond in the mind of the dark yearling, yet that was weeks ago and she had promised herself never to return. "Damn travellin' always dampening the mood," she'd chrortle, nostrils flaring as she came towards the telltale scent of a border. Interesting.
With an intrigued twitch of one bat-like ear, the pewter spindle would lift her snout to the skies and release a rather untuneful melody. She had not come here to wreak havoc, instead she was intent on familiarising herself with he surrounding creatures and meeting with a pack was certainly a rather promising start.
It seemed the borders were busy the past two days, as another howl rang out to call the Alpha's attention. He held back a sigh. With all the work he was doing, he had very little time for play lately, and it was draining him. But, he would not falter. Steady was a strong-willed wolf, and he would not stop working for his family, no matter how tired he might be. But, it wasn't just physical exhaustion that was ailing him. Mentally, emotionally, he was mourning his mate. He had no proof she was dead, but she wasn't here and there was no explanation as to why. In addition to Ezekiel's lack of presence, it was weighing heavy on his heart.
Altering his course, he headed for the boarders, his gaze searching out the caller. She was a slight of a wolf, dark in her complexion, but she had lighter hairs, as well. Steady's tail and head were high, always showing his dominance, but he wagged his tail in a friendly greeting. Hello, I'm Steady, Alpha here. How can I help you? he asked.
Little time passed before the dark silhouette of a wolf emerged from the brush. "Aye," she greeted as he approached, dipping her head as he spoke. "Name's Itch. I'm looking to join a pack round 'ere." The newcomer was strong and proud in stature, polar opposite to Itch who's legs were some half-size smaller than the brute's own self. In many ways he reminded her of Everette, the leading wolf of Ancencusa at the time of her departure; friendly in nature but with a bite to challenge any.
With a slow blink of her bi-coloured eyes, the young wench would let her tassel swish from side to side in a gesture to match the others own. "I can offer ya my hunting skills,' she quipped, tongue protruding slightly to dampen her nose. "They ain't too shabby."
She was respectful, and it pleased him. With the influx of new members to Easthollow, he didn't need anyone here who would cause any type of disruption within the family. So far, he felt he had gotten lucky, with the exception of Eden and her sister. But, they were no longer his problem. The female before him introduced herself as Itch, and commented that she could offer her hunting skills, if the family were to have her.
Nice to meet you, Itch, he said politely. Where do you come from? She didn't smell of any pack, but he wanted to make sure he wasn't allowing someone in, mostly from Broken Antler Fen. Steady had still not forgiven them for the way they treated Grayday, and he wasn't likely to anytime soon.
A happy and rather satisfied expression crossed the spindle's face as Steady spoke more, betraying his pleasure in the form of tone rather than actions. His way of speach was far more formal than Itch had ever imagined a wolf to speak, foreign to the receptors of the yearling. "Where do you come from," she repeated curiously, jaws flopping as she tried to imitate the high vocals of the alpha, promptly failing as she returned to her usual twang.
"Sorry 'bout that," she grinned, averting her gaze apologetically as she moved on to answer his query. "I come from a clan not a few days' walk from these 'ere grounds. Near enough to scuffle with the occasional Tortuga sprog. Ah, but we never clashed for long." With a ruffled shake of her pelt, she chatted on fondly. "Called Ancencusa."
If your crew would have room for a spindle like me, perhaps I could tell ya more!" So engrossed in introducing herself and her former alliance, it took a few moments before Itch could quell her polite excitement and turn to question the undoubtedly waiting alpha before her. "So, dear Steady. How'd ya come about being leader of this 'ere band?"
She repeated his question, which he found to be a bit odd, and her voice changed. He studied her, trying to figure out why the sudden discrepancy in her tone, but it didn't sound like she was necessarily mocking him. An apology came next, and he gave a soft, albeit confused, smile to her. She explained where she was from, and it seemed that she wasn't from any neighboring packs. That mostly settled his worry there. What's Tortuga? he asked. He didn't much care about the scuffles—maybe they could spar?[/mdash]but he didn't want to know who she had gotten into them with.
He was just about to accept her into the pack when she asked how he came about being the Alpha here. His facial features visibly fell, tightened with the memory of his brother. He didn't really feel like getting into the detail of it. I was next in line, he answered. It was true enough. If Mason had been here, Steady would most likely still be Beta. But, it was not how things had worked out. Hoping to head off any more questions, he added quickly. You're welcome here, at Easthollow, as long as you do your share. We consider each other family, not just pack mates. Let me know if you need anything, he offered. He wouldn't just leave, however, and waited to make sure she didn't have any other questions, hopefully not pertaining to how he came about his rein.