(Ooc: Any female character's who can act royal (or is) has the best chance to have him join their pack. It won't be hard to trick him unless you are not what he is looking for xP Anyone is welcome to try)
It's been a few days but facts remain Nishu still having found the female he has to serve. If only he knew who she was, it would have been much easier to find her. The last wolves he had encountered didn't even know about Knights that well. They weren't impressed nor interested, They didn't really know what a Knight was which frustrated Nishu. How could there be wolves that have no idea of how important Knights are?
He discovered a creek where he could rest for a bit. Before drinking water from it he stared at the water. He thought to himself, How could find her if no one knows about knights here? where all wolves here clueless? He wondered if there was some sort of trick behind the request but as he thinks about it, it would be his fault for leaving without good enough infomation. That made it to where he couldn't go back and face shame. He must find the one he has to serve. Not just to forfill his duty as a Knight but now to also prove to other wolves that Knights are not just guards or soldiers.
He drank some water before looking up at the sky and rised his paw. "I will find you even if it takes my whole life to do so. Giving up would mean I'm not worthy of my title." He said like a vow. He didn't plan on quiting but he didn't have a plan on how to find this royal female wolf who had requested a Knight. Atleast his plan of wondering around was better than doing nothing.
Osprey hadn't left Blacktail deer plateau since her return - catching up with everything that had happened during her absence, getting to know the other pack-mates had taken a lot of her time, leaving the rest for sleeping and hunting. Since she enjoyed both of the activities and therefore didn't want to give up any of them, the day she could actually venture outside the safe confines was a bit of a miracle.
It had started because of entirely practical matters - she had been following a scent of a roe deer, got lost somewhere along the way and eventually she was caught up in the "Imagination land". Because once an idea of a good story came to her mind, she had to bring it to a reasonable conclusion, so that she could pick it up and use it later. Therefore it was just a coincidence that she didn't tumble and fall in the river face first, when she reached the banks, because the sight and scent of an unknown wolf nearby snapped her out of the story she was making that very moment.
The wolf was quite well-built and good looking male with a coat draped in greys and silvers. Why are we all grey? She recalled Pura's innocent question and smiled to herself. If there were such cloud-walkers then this could definitely be one of their kind. She was standing in a distance, which made her comfortable and confident to spark up a conversation, because the words he said to the sky seemed very fitting for another nice story. "Greetings, stranger!" she called to him. "Looking for someone?"
Nishu was cought off guard and by reflex instantly turned and saluted the figure that came. This would be the second time he jumped this way but he really had no control over it. At about the same time she asked the question he said "Knight Nishu, reporting for duty!" A few seconds later he realised that this was another stranger he didn't know. Gray with of a bit black behind her neck, Emerald eyes, She seemed interesting. Made him wonder if she knew anything about Knights.
He remembered the reactions he had the first time he had his reflex go off, It wasn't the best reactions. "My apologies miss, It's just a habbit I needed for my trainers.." He said as he relaxed. He didn't hear her question due to speaking at the same time so he decided to just introduce himself. He sat up straight and began "Greetings, My name is Nishu Inte and I happen to be a Knight.. just in case you don't know, Knight are there to serve one who is in need of protection and guidence as well as being there to follow commands. In other words, Knights are the best. Much better than soldiers anyway." He looked away after finishing hopeing that she would give a better reaction. He could still remember being treated as a soldier. There was a big difference and Nishu will prove it that Knights are far better. Of course he can't do that yet until he finds the female who requested a Knight. He just stared out there wondering if she was close or not.
Osprey's knowledge about brave knights came from the fairy tales she had listened to as a kid. Damsels in distress (of course, since she had to be as tough as the rest of the boys in the family, she never played that part), fierce dragons, which weren't always evil (again her interference, because it seemed kind of unfair that they were the ones to be slayed at the end of the day) and brave knights, who went to do great and honorable deeds. Aether had told her about the brave Roman warriors and kings that came from his bloodline and still lived in a far off land. Therefore her belief that there was some truth in the children's tales hadn't completely disappeared.
At first she thought that Nishu Inte was a little odd or playing a game, but the way he spoke and moved implied that there was very little to no pretending in his manner. He was sincere. "My name is Osprey and it is my pleasure to meet you Knight Nishu Inte," she said and dipped her muzzle politely. "Do tell, which kingdom you come from?" she questioned him.
Perhaps it was her nice manners or it was her question but Nishu began to wonder if she was the one who needed a Knight. Osprey did seem like a royal female. He wanted to know if she had ever requested a Knight. He looked at her smiled almost wanting to believe this was the one but he still needed to make sure. Maybe if he told her of the pack he is from he can indirectly see if she did request a Knight.
"Osprey. It's a pleasure to meet you too. I guess there's no harm in telling you where I'm from but I'm not really allowed to tell everyone that. True Knights are rare so we can't allow all wolves to request one to have at their side. It's not really a kingdom but I can atleast tell you that the pack I come from have only devoted Knights as members, Most in training of course." He paused for a bit and started thinking about the stories of some of the great Knights that came from his pack. "Most may not know, but Knights have made a difference in the world and one day I'll be one of those Knights.." Then his smile disappeared, The Idea of still being masterless bothered him. "A Knight can't do much without having master to protect and serve." He looked at Osprey with determination. "Even if I have no idea what my master looks like, I will find her and be the Best Knight that ever existed. You can count on that happening!"
The one, who called himself the Knight, seemed both surprised and happy for her interest in his origins. Obviously this was important for him, therefore she listened to him carefully. With every snippet Nishu Inte revealed about his life it was harder and harder for her to believe that she hadn't unknowingly made a step from the real life to a fairy tales. Because he was right about one thing - knights didn't lie around just everywhere and she felt almost special for being one of the rare people, who actually had a chance to speak with him.
The fact that he was looking for a female to watch over and protect specifically was an interesting way of putting "I want to court you from distance", but, since this idea stemmed from her very own unpleasant experiences with men, she brushed it off and never let it show. Nishu looked like a decent guy with his intents pure. "Do tell, what does a knight need to do for his master exactly?" she questioned him further.
It was a nice feeling to have someone actually take interest in Knights so without hesitation he sat up straight with his head held proudly. After clearing this throat he began to tell Osprey what Knights actually take care of. "Alright! A Knight must first always follow the command of his master! If no orders are given then the Knight can temperarily do his other duties as a Knight without being at the master's side. These duties are more like scouting for enemies or getting details of useful locations for hunting or finding herbs." He paused for a bit wondering if she would understand.
"I guess you can say Knights are there to assist a worthy master by dealing with the problems or aiding in large task. Knights are even able to train their masters in many different kinds arts.." He said as he thought about his training. He knows he hadn't master a single art but he still knew a few things about each one. "Well that does depend on the Knight, no one can be the best at every single art out there but we alteast know a bit of each one." He was starting to get curious about the female he is talking to. "I said alot about myself but what about you? What's your role?" His intention was to find out if she had a job of some sort, depending on her answer it may tell him if it was possible that she was the one who requested a Knight. Then an idea appeared. What if someone had requested a Knight for her? That thought made it much more complicated. Was it possible to find out without directly asking?
There was a time in Osprey's childhood, when she had demanded attention and listened very little to what other's said. Over the time, however, she learned, how unpleasant it felt, if her packmates took no interest in what she had to tell, therefore she had learned to balance things out. Besides it was always nice to know that one of the reasons, why the conversation went on smoothly and your partner was enjoying it, was you. Therefore she smiled in an encouraging way at Nishu Inte, while he explained in details, what his origins and duties were.
"Well... I am a lorekeeper and story-teller," Osprey replied and paused a little to see the Knight's reaction. Most wolves, who had limited imagination thought that this was no good job at all, yet they didn't realize that every story came with a lot of efforts and it took time and skill no raise it from a tiny idea to a blossoming tale. "But I am also good at hunting and racing. I have traveled a little, but I like to stay at home and help, whenever it is needed," it was true that one couldn't be the best at everything, but you could try at least to lend a helping paw at any kind of job.
"How do you know that you have found a master?" she asked still curious about the whole knights business. "Do they request you or there is some sort of signs you can read?"
A lorekeeper and a story-teller. Nishu knew what they were but he thought only old retired wolves would do jobs like that. If she doesn't travel much then how does she have the information needed to make stories? Then there is also the fact that she isn't old. How could she have enough experiences to be able to spread wisdom around? Nishu wasn't really convinced that Osprey had those jobs. Then again maybe she was a trainee, It would make for sense for him that way. Although she did say she was a hunter and a racer. It kinda made him want to race her.
The one question Nishu had hope to not have to answer appeared. His problem of not being able to find his master came from him leaving without details. He couldn't just say exactly how Knights are hired or else that would lead her to believe he was an idiot afterwards. He wasn't quite sure how to respond to that question but he knew he had to say something. There was a moment of silence before he spoke. "It's not that difficult, the best way is to locate a Knight or a pack like mine. Afterwards you may request to have a Knight. Usually Knight are requested by leaders and if we believe they are worthy we accept it." He assumed she would ask about him after this. "As for me, I took a request but I wasn't given enough details about it to be able to find the master so I'm have to try my luck." His eyes wondered off, he lied knowing it's his fault for being in this position. Hopefully Osprey won't catch on. It would make him feel and look bad about it if she knew the reason why he is here instead of serving a master by now.
When Osprey had been a yearling, she had believed that no good story could be made without experiencing true love. God knew, where she had come up with that idea, but after her first heat she had realized that so called and cherished love was nothing but a madness driven urge that vanished, once you weren't smelling attractive anymore. She had heard so many flattering words all meant for one purpose only, that by her next heat she had aggressively attacked any so called suitor. After that she had realized that you didn't have to experience all things in life in order to tell about them. Story-telling was about practice and hard work every day.
Nishu Inte seemed so avid in finding his master that for a moment Osprey considered playing the "damsel in distress" card and request him to become her knight. It would be just like a fairy-tale. But she wasn't great March Owl's daughter for nothing - her mother had taught from very early on not to rely on anyone and be independent about every thing you did. Therefore - all things considered - she was not in a need of a knight, she was very used to handling situations herself. "How long have you been traveling and looking for a master?" Osprey questioned curiously.
Nishu couldn't really say he has been looking around for a long time even if it felt like it. He spent a week at most wondering around. He didn't progress much at all, in fact he is exactly behind the starting point. How could he even be the greatest Knight if he can't even be one yet. He knew he was wasting time so he needed to use everything he can to find that master. He looked at Osprey, maybe she knew someone that was looking for a Knight. Atleast with that he could find the master and hope that it was the right one. He believed it was worth the shot.
He answered her "I've been traveling for a while but it feels much longer than it seems. It's such a big waste of time, I didn't even pass the starting point in becoming the greatest Knight." Then he asked her the question which he hopes she gives a favorable answer. "Maybe you can make it easier for me to get started, do you know anyone who has requested the service of a Knight?" He wanted to add that she had to be a royal female but he felt like that would make him seem like all he wanted to do was to serve some female. It was the description of the master he was suppose to have but he didn't want Osprey to get the wrong idea. As long as she knows someone, it will bring him closer to the starting line for his dream to be the best Knight.
Nishu didn't look that old, therefore it surprised her that he thought traveling was just a waste of time. Where was the rush? Especially, if it was your first journey. You could gain so much experience. Her two long-term travels had been that way at least. They had changed her life in the end.
"What is the starting point in becoming the greatest knight?" she asked, still not quite getting, where Nishu was heading with all of this. Hadn't he said at first that he was a "qualified knight"? And now it turned out that there was nothing else behind the name. Or... she was missing something.
"Well... I haven't heard anyone to request for a knight directly, but my brother is the king of the forest over there," she beckoned in the direction of the Blacktail deer plateau, "and if you wish, I could take you there and you could meet him. Our pack has a lot of wolves, who are qualified in various arts - you could learn a lot, if the knowledge is what you seek."
There was much thought into following Osprey to her pack. It may not be exactly what Nishu is looking for but maybe it could lead him closer to the one who he needs to serve or atleast give him a clue. He couldn't give up on the little chance he had of actually finding the royal lady. There was a moment where Nishu wondered if he had ran out of time to fill his position. He had no idea if he really had time left but it was still better to follow Osprey to a pack than to continue wondering around aimlessly.
"A Knight can't really be a Knight on his own. Which means I can't progress until I have someone I must serve with my life, until they find a partner a Knight will always stay loyal." He said giving an answer with a bit of extra detail then continued on to the offer "I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to see what your pack has to offer but It would really make me feel better to find that royal female that needed my service. I have no idea where to find her which is a huge problem. I'm running out of time and I can't give up either. Perhaps your pack can assist me since you say they are skilled in many arts, so I accept your offer."
Nishu got up, ready to move again. He felt the urge to race her to see if he can match her speed but he needed to be serious about his problem and couldn't possibly do a race at this moment. What was really on his mind was the possibility of not finding any leads. By that time his mission would be a failure, and it hasn't even started really. Going home was a bad idea, what would happen to him? Nishu couldn't stand the idea of what may happen. He told himself that he would become the greatest Knight, He could still do that on his own as long as he did find someone to serve but right now he can't give up. There's still hope where there is still time.
"All right, let's go," Osprey got to her feet and lead the way to the Blacktail deer plateau. She honestly had no idea, what Nishu had meant by "royal female" - was he really looking for a princess or a queen or was it just a metaphor for something entirely different. However, since he himself had admitted of having no particular skills, let alone the good looks, athletic body and great enthusiasm for his mission, she thought it would be a lot wiser, if he spent some time learning and then go out in the world again to look for his master.
"Why is time of essence for you?" Osprey asked curiously, because she couldn't imagine any valid reason, why Nishu would be in such a hurry. "I mean, if I were you, rather than focusing on finding a royal female, I would spend my time learning and improving my skills, getting to know more people and then go around looking again," she offered cautiously, not wanting to sound too overbearing. "Besides - winter is coming and I doubt that a Knight frozen to death and as hungry as a dragon would catch eye of a queen."
((ooc: Sorry for the lateness, school this week is heavy :P))
He began to follow Osprey and as he started he answered her question. "I imagine there is a time limit. I accepted the request and they know about it. I really don't think they would sit around and wait very long for me to come. It would be bad to fail before starting." He didn't want to say he didn't follow the messager just so he could get started faster. Just asking for directions wasn't enough clearly.
According to Osprey her pack seems to be an excellent place to train. It seemed a bit too shiny, was it really a place full of wisdom and such. He slowed down as he thought about it, falling behind a bit. Then he looked at Osprey. The idea that she wanted him to stick around crossed his mind. Was it possible that Osprey wanted to encourage him to stay just so he would be around. Did she have something planned? He wondered about it.
Although Nishu wasn't really aware about winter coming. He believed he would be able to take care of himself even though he has never experienced a winter alone. "It can't be that hard to survive winter alone. What kind of Knight would I be if I couldn't handle a little winter along with my duties." he said, confident in himself. Instead of taking her last sentence as something like she was doubting his abilities he took it as something that added to his suspicion of the idea that she wanted him around.
ooc: I will PM Peregrine to join this thread.
When Nishu replied, Osprey had a feeling that she had missed some point, because she had no idea, who these "we" were. Maybe his previous pack? He hadn't gone in much detail about them, spilling only some bits and pieces about the whole knight-business. Anyway... she pushed the questions and doubts away, happy that the final decision was left up to Peregrine. He would probably ask more and that way she would find out more without asking too.
As for the reasons of bringing him to the plateau - they were both practical and a bit selfish too. One didn't meet individuals of that kind every day and she was curious about his background. If they bid farewells here and now it was a high chance that she would never see the fellow again and that way she would miss an interesting piece of history. So in part Nishu was correct thinking that she wanted to have him near for a while. As for the rest - time would show.
She didn't say much at all, while they made their way to the plateau, once they were at the borders, she cast a glance back at the wolf thus telling him to stay, where he was, then lifted her muzzle and howled for her brother.
If anyone else had howled for him just then, Peregrine would've ignored it. He was veritably glued to Atticus's hip and did not want to leave his brother's side for anything. Even when he recognized his sister's voice, it didn't stop him from feeling annoyed and impatient about being summoned. What could possibly be so important that she would draw him away from their mending brother? Why didn't she call for Fox or Dante instead (Blue Willow was no more likely to leave Atticus's side)?
"I'll be back in a jiffy," Peregrine promised, then hastened toward the borders. He swept down to meet Osprey, who was standing beside a stranger. "Oss," he said a bit brusquely, though his eyes were soft as they met hers. "This isn't really a good time for border calls, so let's make this quick. What's up?"
As Osprey howled Nishu wasn't quite sure what to expect. It was Impossible to tell who exactly would show up. He half expected an elderly wolf to appear, ready to spread wisdom and such. Osprey did say something about a king but would a king have time to come here? If there was a king then that means royals were around. How come he never thought about it, maybe the one who actually requested a Knight is here. It would make since that Osprey had no idea, she was a lorekeeper after all.
He thought to himself as he waited. Not long someone answered the call. Given the way this stranger came in and spoke left the impression that this was just your average wolf, Nishu was hopeing for something royal to show up instead. He still had to present himself like he has to.
He saluted "Allow me to present myself Sir, my name is Nishu Inte. I'm a Knight and I'm seeking someone. She's a royal and that's about the only lead I have for now." then he relaxed. Clearly the two wolves knew each other. It made him wonder what kind of relationship they had. It wasn't really any of his business to ask, he didn't need to know anyway.
Osprey didn't have to wait very long for her brother to appear. He did seem like person, who had been interrupted in a very serious business, but she believed that her reasons to call for him were important enough. It was a deal of accepting or declining a potential pack-mate and, even though she liked Nishu, it was not her place to tell, whether he would join the Plateau wolves or not.
She greeted him with a fond smile and went over to nuzzle the side of his cheek, then she retreated and returned to the Knight. Before she was able to explain, why and how she had ended up here with a tough fellow tagging along, Nishu introduced to himself. "As he already told, he is a Knight - a real one," she said, toning her voice down at the last part of the sentence.
"At the moment he is looking for a royal female to serve - do heroic and useful deeds and such - and I thought that we could help him out? I mean - he has a lot to learn and offer to us," she finished and held Perry's gaze for a while, urging him to ask questions to the newcomer himself.
Normally, Peregrine enjoyed his sister's penchant for whimsy, yet when the stranger introduced himself as a knight and Osprey corroborated this claim, the Alpha male glanced between them with a slight frown. Atticus had just woken from a coma and these two wanted to talk fairytales?
"Wait, are you looking for someone specific?" Peregrine asked with a touch of impatience, focusing on Nishu. "I'm sorry. I don't have time to talk about knights and princesses and whatnot. There are no royals here. There is only a wolf pack. If you want to be part of it, tell me what you can offer me."
It was delightful to hear someone speak favorable about Knights. Osprey who seem to actually believe in Knight made Nishu's day. He was glad to know that someone around these lands had faith in Knights. But Nishu was starting to believe that Knights are slowly being forgotten or considered to be nothing. According to this other wolf royality are under valued. Nishu didn't quite understand why the world turned this way. Wolves who had done great things became legendary and their descendants became royality and where expected to become great as well. Has legendary wolves stopped appearing? What happend to their descendants? These were questions that appeared into his mind but it wasn't time to think about it.
More importantly this wolf said that there's no royals here. It was a good way to kill his hope quickly but what really annoyed Nishu was how he tossed the titles of Knight and princess like it was nothing but a story. Clearly there was no respect. This male wasn't even trying, like there was something better to do than to assist.
"I have nothing to offer you." He said calmly by reaction, Nishu didn't really think first. He looked at Osprey and continued "I would only offer my services to Osprey If I had to offer anything, She knows manners and understand what Knights are atleast." Nishu then looked at the direction the wind was blowing. "Anyway, if there isn't any royals here then the person I'm looking for is not here either, so thank you for that information. I might as well continue my search else where so if you would excuse me, I'll be on my way." He nodded respectfully at them both and slowly began to walk. He hesitated on actually leaving, winter was coming that he knew but it was Osprey that he didn't want to leave behind. She believed in Knights if she meant what she said and is a lorekeeper. That meant he could share his stories with her and maybe restore complete faith in Knights afterwards. If he could he would stick around but he needed to find that royal wolf he was suppose to serve before it was too late.
(ooc: He didn't really leave yet but he can be stopped, or we could continue in another thread later but let him leave. I guess it really depends on Osprey's choices right now xP or Peregrine's if he decides something. Decisions decisions :P)
ooc: I am sorry for the delay. Since this has taken longer than expected, this will be my last post here.
Osprey rarely felt annoyed with her brother, yet the way his conversation went with Nishu, made her uneasy and feel belittled. They had met all kinds of oddballs in their life and she had expected at least more tolerance from Perry. The fellow had potential, it really did and it wasn't like their pack could boast with plethora of strong individuals. On the other hand the self-proclaimed Knight didn't help much either and she wondered, whether she had misunderstood him completely.
When he offered his services to her, she felt totally confused and even her good-will couldn't come up with any way he could be of use to her. She wanted to help him - yet it seemed that she couldn't. "I am very sorry, Nishu," she said, briefly looking him in the eyes and then turning her gaze away. "I am just a subordinate - I don't have a voice, when it comes to making decisions," she had enjoyed being in middle ranks all her life and never before had it been a problem to her. However, submitting to her brother's authority now felt wrong.
"I do hope that you will find, what you are looking for eventually," she called after him, wishing him all the best in his journey. Had it all gone good, he would have been nice to have around. You can go now, Perry," she told her brother casting a quick, polite glance at him and then turning to go in other direction.
The stranger's reply surprised and agitated him slightly, yet at least he was polite about it. Peregrine said, "Fair enough," but otherwise made no comment on the matter. Neither he nor the plateau was in a position where he needed to recruit and it seemed like it was no great loss on either side.
He stepped back, prepared to leave, but lingered a moment as Osprey and Nishu said their goodbyes. When she turned and dismissed him, he blinked at her. "Hey. I'm sorry that didn't go the way you'd hoped, Oss. I didn't mean to be a douche. It's just... well, shit, Atti's awake! Don't you want to go see him?"
Whether or not Osprey chose to join him, Peregrine turned and hastily returned to the plateau proper, eager to re-glue himself to his brother's side.