Wolf RPG

Hazel eyes lit up when they spotted a mountain ahead of them. For days the summer heat has exhausted the valley wolf, and beat down on his body. His fur was thin, but it still felt like a winter coat when he stood in the sun. A trail of blood was left with each step the wolf took, his paws soar and aching from the miles of endless traveling. Nevertheless he trudged, on fighting through the pain as he was postitive whatever was at that mountain was better than here.

Atlas he arrived at the huge pile of rock and sure enough he was rewarded for not stopping. A creek filled with thriving fish and clear cool water stood before him. Wasting no time he walked forward into the glorious water letting it sooth the pads on his paws that were cut open, and cool his body from the heat. It felt like an oasis to the wolf, and he bent down to take a drink allowing the water to rush into his mouth refreshing his dry tongue and scratchy throat.

After a brief rest, the wolf stood and walked along the edge of a forest until he came across a pack. The thing he had been searching for was finally in view.  For so long had he been alone in his journey and now was the chance to finally connect with others. A new change and a new beginning was just what the valley wolf needed. He sat at the border and lifted his head to call for the Alpha(s) of this pack. Now all that was left was to wait.

His transition into Tartok's ranks was...not easy. He found himself to be more dominant than he was used to. In the days come to past, he could feel a fulfilling sense of primalness thrum within him. Violence and force were starting to become second nature to everything else.
INDENTTatsuya did not know how to feel about this unveiled side of himself, but there was no denying that it made his breath hitch and his heart beat faster. Here, dominance was good. Here, defiance was met with flashing fangs. Here, he was Kapvik, wild and true. But being wild and true was not always a good thing...
INDENTA howl gave him pause, its origin relatively near. Possessiveness curled in his gut and he cut off in Aegeus' direction. He was looking to join. And Tonravik has made it exceedingly clear to view outsiders close to their borders as unwelcome...Perhaps this wasn't the greatest idea, rushing to meet a potential pack mate with a raised tail and a deafening snarl, yet, here he was in all his aggressive glory.

The howl rose. Immediately he let up a reply of his own. Iqniq was on his way and he'd be damned if he let Tonravik try to take this one alone. Not again. She was becoming far too reckless in matters of this kind and he would stubbornly refuse to let her take on the borders or the nearby wilderness on her own. So he moved. Swiftly, climbing over the ridges and descending along the walls of the Spine to near the borders where this newcomer lingered.

It seemed as though he was not alone. The newcomer was also present, the wolf he'd heard rumors of being actively defiant towards wolves of the Spine who'd already earned their place. It was an... unbecoming trait. If it became an issue here, he'd not hesitate to remind this wolf where he stood at the bottom of their ranks. If it became issue in front of a loner? Heaven help him.

Kerosene snarled, joining the duo with a flick of his tail towards their newest wolf. Stay silent. His eyes took in the loner's appearance as he noticed the overall health of this new wolf. Worse for wear due to travel. Damp around the edges. Pads fresh with sores and the lingering hint of wounds not yet healed. In truth, this wolf was little challenge, but all loners were greeted the same. Too close, his teeth seemed to snap. Back up. They took no chances.

"State your business here," he spoke within his growl, stepping forward with lifted tail, ears, head. His posture spoke very clearly of his position here, his body language a reassurance that he would do all he needed to do to protect the pack behind him.

The alpha female would soon be indisposed to do tasks such as these. But while she still could, she would; she had, she estimated, a week or so left to these tasks of looking to the borders to welcome or give chase to wolves. She had recently entered her fourth week, and was just about to her fifth; at the sixth, the woman would give to her instinct of searching for a den where she would first raise her brood. 

But for now, she answered the call, a low howl of her own responding. And then the black bear was on her way, swift in her approach. The wolf was near their borders, and the alpha female's tail was well over hindquarters, ears thrust over her brow in a show of authority and a demand for respect both. She had not yet made it to him, descending the hard-to-travel Spine with ease that attested to her experience for such land and also her longevity here. 

There before her was the wolverine. Unlike Iqniq, she did not think his testing his boundaries in the pack unbecoming. It was normal; why sit beneath someone unworthy of the title? She knew full well that Nanuk could handle herself; it was why the woman had become Beta. Once, the dark one had tested she herself. He learned his place swiftly. Learned of her ruthlessness, and her "grace". The others defiance would melt away as quickly as it came when he was bested; it was how one learned their place. So long as no blood was shed in the process, Tonravik felt no need to give the other reproof for it. 

And here, he would learn his place, too; he would rise, or he would not. It came with time. His spirit was something she was curious about. 

Tonravik sidled beside her mate at last, surveying the strong looking male before them both. The other looked spent from their journey. The toils of a lone wolf was not something she envied. The woman was content to let her mate handle this, and would only speak if she disapproved of something the lone wolf said, or did. 

Silence hung in the air as the male waited for a response. He heard a howl in the distance and a smile formed on his face, satisfied that his call would be answered. Yet, another howl filled the air. Aegeus came to the conclusion that after howling for the Alpha's and receiving two howls that meant that the Alpha positions were taken. The male had grown up in a pack where your rank was what mattered most, and with his father being who he was the valley wolf moved up in the ranks easily at home. However, this was not home.

The sounds of aggression left the hairs on the Greek wolf's spine stand up, and he rose from his seated position. Aegeus turned to face a dark furred male, who the Greek wolf believed to be the Alpha male. The valley wolf lowered his head to show respect when another male approached, this one showing dominance towards dark wolf. So was this new bright and fiery male the true Alpha then? Even if he wasn't, Aegeus bowed his head to show respect.

His ears flicked when the red furred male asked a question, and the Greek wolf took little time answering it. "I wish to join this pack" he said simply looking at all three of the wolves before him, not bothering to explain anymore than what was needed. His voice was deep and his Greek accent was clear when he spoke. He learned the English language over his travels, but he still was in a learning experience. He hoped these wolves would keep their sentences simple, that way he could actually answer them.

Finally a female came into view who had midnight colored fur, and an almost unbelievable appearance.  She was large, and truth be told, was most certainly not the prettiest looking fish in the sea. Once again he bowed his head, something the valley wolf was not use to. Now before Aegeus stood three strong wolves, and for once in his life he felt intimidated.

Two howls rose to the sky above as he made his way to the outsider. Neither made him pause. Kapvik bulldozed his way into a possibly unwelcome accumulation. If he has offended, his superiors best let it be known or let it sit and fester like a wound gone fetid. Not right now in front this outsider, of course. Did not want to tarnish the glossy Tartok motif. If he did that, well, he would not be doing anyone favors.
INDENTThe wolf submitted to him, but that was not enough. Kapvik was seconds away from running off this worn out wolf until he heard an audible, very near gnarl. Not from the likes of Aegeus but elsewhere. Furs shuddering at all the hubbub, he watched as the Big Bad™ strode onto the scene, ushering him to keep quiet. Kapvik was irate in being chided at - like a child, no less - but he was not about to smear the Big Bad's name in the mud. He had no reason to aside from making a spectacle of his rank in Kapvik's face. Which did not grate on his nerves as much as Kroc's did. Sniffing, Kapvik's growl gradually died down until nothing but the vulgarian sounds of wilderness filled the spaces between them.
INDENTKapvik peered endlessly into the back of Kerosene's head, observant and judgmental of the shrewd and blatant movements the flame displayed. The composure with a bite of disquietude he portrayed was...inexplicably calming. Maybe a little over the top, but calming nonetheless. The need to fight - to bulwark his home - was curbed. The need would mask itself as necessity, as it did earlier. Shame and discomfiture filled him but it did not show.
INDENTOnce his favored she-bear came along, all ill emotions left him. That, at least, was visible to all who looked upon him. Eyes looking to Tonravik's distended belly, the urge to ward off the unwelcome gnawed at the back of his mind. For not being his pups, he was very protective of them...He wondered briefly if Kerosene would approve or disapprove with this sentiment seeing as they were his children in that big ass belly. Kapvik did not wish to ruminate on it, blazing regard settling back on to Tartok's latest applicant.

Tonravik joined them. This new wolf submitted to each of them in turn. His easy acknowledgement of his present situation was well received. As such, Iqniq quieted. His growl was still ever present, ready to boil over within his chest, but he would hear this wolf out to his entirety. Thus far, he'd been mostly respectful of their borders, requested an audience, and showed the appropriate body language. He took no issue in rewarding such behaviors with a moment of their time.

Mm. To join. The wolf had said as much in his initial howl. Kerosene nodded before parting his lips to speak. "We require proficiency as both warriors and wardens." It went without saying. Could he be formidable in both? This grandstanding on their borders was a common thing. They took their visitors very seriously in that they had none. These borders were as close as they got before they were run off again. "What added value do you bring?"

 

Tonravik was appeased by the other who submitted rightly before them, but remained quiet all the while. Her attention remained upon him, assessing and observant, looking at him to note any small movements he might make, subtle or otherwise, that meant defiance. He seemed to wish to join them in earnest, and she had no reason not to believe him so far. 

The alpha female had nothing yet to say. Her mate, again, spoke. She felt fortunate for him, that she need not talk at all here, perhaps. Kapvik seemed quieted, too, but he was only kept in her peripheral.

It seemed with him be respectful, everyone settled down. He would have to keep that in mind, if he going to be accepted here. The red furred male explained about being a warrior and warden, and in return Aegeus just nodded. He felt no need to say anything about the trades, but instead just nodded to show he understood.

The dark wolfess remained silent throughout the conversation,  and the Greek wolf was curious why. Before he had any chance to think about the female,  another question was thrown in his direction. What could he offer this pack? "Stories" he said plainly, but after a moment of thinking he realized this statement may need explainong.

"I was always able to keep the  younger members of my old pack entertained with stories...so that's what I'm good at." He had a feeling that this pack was not the story type, based on the trades he would be forced to have. However he figured it was best to tell them the truth, than lie and have them find out he is terrible at what he said he was good at.

Kerosene dished out demands and questions. The loner answered in kind. Kapvik smoothed his fur, more relaxed now that words were being exchanged. The outsider had not only bowed his head to him – a lowly Zeta – but to the Alphas as well. It made him wonder if this wolf was more submissive than bellicose. Spiritless wolves were almost always at the bottom of the hierarchy. Omegas were still needed, however; having a punching bag around was beneficial to the pack. Everybody had their role within a pack. Kapvik wondered where Aegeus would land.
INDENTUpon hearing of Aegeus' particular talent, the bistre Zeta's tail lashed behind him. Stories? Telltales of faeries and dragons? Was that the talent he offered? Piercing, incredulous eyes flickered to Tonravik. Did they need a pup sitter among their ranks?

All three wolves of the Spine simmered down. Good. It meant this wolf could focus without the added stress of fearing for his life. And focus he did. He was quick to the punch with a skill set Iqniq would not so immediately associate with the Spine. Storytelling? Hmmm. They were primarily creatures of force and held a militaristic attitude, but even those who were so quick to battle needed the balance of leisure.

He found value in this particular talent for several reason. The first, because the wolf understood warrior and warden would be required of him and was bold enough to speak of something else entirely when it came to his strengths. Whether it be honesty or boldness, it was unexpected and simultaneously appreciated. The second, because Tartok held its own legacy and what was happening here would need to be remembered. Thirdly? Because, unless they could goad Echelon into watching over pups, few here showed any interest in what would be considered a more "delicate" trade. All were important. They kept a pack well rounded.

"Could you tell us one then?" he asked as he sat upon the ground and made himself at home. Though comfortable, his posture remained alert and primed. "A quick story?" He did not wish to occupy three of the Spine wolves time with this as their talents were desired elsewhere, but assessments were similarly important. That, and there was a small part of him that was curious to see whether or not Tonravik could sit through a tale.

Tonravik was not a woman to waste her breath with speech when it was unnecessary. And right now, it was quite unnecessary. The woman tilted her head as he spoke of stories. In her life, Tonravik knew of two story tellers. They were as good with fighting as they were with their words, but the trade was tolerated only as they told their stories. Lessons of grandfathers, grandmothers. Not of the moon, the sun. Stories of war and bloodshed and successes and overcoming failures and obstacles that had truly occurred. The stories the wolves told were stories they had lived through.

She was not one for fantasy.

Her mother had told her the story of their origins, a very important story. All of Tartok knew it; it was one to be shared. It was a large reason that there were so many branches. When a wolf wished to leave the pack, Siku would enable them to, so long as they dispersed to create their own branch. And they always did, so devoted to the creed and their way. It was the same within every branch. And now, Tartok was most everywhere one could see a mountain.

The alpha female listened to her mates query, and listened herself. If his words were well-spoken, perhaps he would tell of their accomplishments and their victories, of their growth and success. His tongue would sing the song that the warriors displayed but could not speak of prettily.

Of Tartok, she held many stories close to her heart. What story did he bring with him?

Aegeus would not have been suprised if he was sent away when he told these wolves of what he has to offer. To say he was the best at telling stories was a complete lie, but at the same time he was always good enough to make his siblings shut up. So, when the red furred male sat and asked to tell them a quick story, Aegeus nodded and sat also. He figured it would make the fiery male more comfortable if they were at the same level.

He pondered on what story he should tell these wolves. They did not seem like the bloodthirsty type, but at the same time Aegeus was postitive they were not into the butterfly and rainbow shit either. "There was a mighty pack far north of here. A bear was slowly killing off every member - one by one, until only a single wolf remained. A thin wolf, with fur like the shadows of the night, and eyes that were as white as snow. The wolf was a lowly Omega with a quest to avenge his pack. He found his way to the bear which was sitting apon a rock surrounded by bones. You see the wolf was blind, he couldn't see the attacks the bear threw at him and after only minutes of fighting,  the wolf lay on the ground bleeding to death. The bear climbed up on his rock and sat there proud, and the wolf let out one last bark. At the same second the wolf barked, lighting struck the bear and the rock split in three. The bear vanished, leaving the wolf to die. But he died knowing he completed his quest."

Aegeus finished his story, and looked to see the wolf's reactions. The story held meaning to it, and it was up to these wolves to figure out what it was. Aegeus always saw the story to be a lesson. A lesson the sometimes the weakest can be the strongest if given the chance. 

Iqniq sat upon the ground and the lone wolf joined him there. He nodded, bidding the wolf to speak whenever he was ready. No doubt, he was shuffling through his thoughts trying to select the "right" story to share and so he waited patiently for the wolf to begin his story.

He did not disappoint. He spoke elegantly, a bit rushed there at the end, but Kero understood this wolf was under a bit of pressure and let it go. No doubt, in his leisure he'd be able to tell a longer tale more true.

In this, he glanced towards Tonravik. He knew there were stories of their own that needed sharing. Tartok was a legacy. Its history and its future would need to be recorded and shared. He regarded his mate for a moment before turning back towards the wolf and carefully wording his next thoughts. "Would you be open to learning new histories?" he asked. "There are other stories to be told and remembered."

The story—to Tonravik—bore little meaning to the woman, who preferred the literal, the real. Perhaps he had been there to see this all unfold. Tonravik knew little of her heretic mothers abandoned faith, but her mother taught her for defensive reasons alone. She recalled, then, her mother telling her of Loa. How wolves believed they could send them against you, with totems and relics and cursed objects.

Tonravik herself only believed in the things that she could see and touch and feel. You lived, and you died, and dead was dead and that was that. There was nothing romantic about it. In your youth it was something you ran from and as you aged, and your bones grew tired and ached, it was something you might come to desire.

The leader thought of his story, and thought of the Omega she had killed in her own pack due to her disobedience, and her inability to contribute anything but senseless noise. It would have been an interesting story for him to chronicle and keep with him. She did not think her impatience a bad thing. It helped her determine the worthy and the unworthy, both; and sometimes, Tonravik could aid the world in weeding out the weak souls that would not make it anywhere else in any case.

Her mate glanced to her, and her wedgelike snout turned in his direction in turn. His train of thought was something that she, too, thought of. He could hunt, protect, fight, and entertain. A unique mix.

Aegeus was unsure if he had pleased these wolves with his story for he could not read their minds. He did not know what they were interested in or not and had to guess at what they would like. So when the fiery male looked over to the dark wolfess, it seemed like they were communicating through thoughts.

Soon a voice filled Aegeus's ears and he focused on the red furred male when he spoke. The Greek wolf's eyes lit up with curiosity as he was asked if he would learn new histories. He didn't see why he couldn't, there was still plenty of room left in his memory for more stories. "I would be open to learning these histories if it is required of me."

Their shared glance passed back and forth between each other. After a few shared moments, he asked his question of the wolf. Kero's ears turned towards him, listening as this one confirmed that he would, in fact, be willing to learn. That was really all he could ask of any wolf. That they would watch and learn and eventually become all that this place represented.

"Come then," he said, lifting to his feet as he shook his fiery coat free of whatever dirt might have found its way upon it. He turned, glancing towards his mate curiously as he began to lead their way towards the Spine. Had she crafted a name for this wolf yet? Or did she still need to see more in order to decide. He lingered for a moment, offering her an opening to speak if she so desired before he tipped his head towards the pack lands beyond. "Welcome to the Spine."

He responded that he would; anything else he verbalized mattered not, for it certainly was a requirement he learn of them if he wished to tell any wolf of theirs a story. She knew her bunch, and knew that pretty tales were not ones they desired to hear; they would sooner rend his tongue from him than enable him to spin fiction. Her wolves preferred facts.

History was interesting.

As her mate invited the scarred wolf in, Tonravik nodded yet again before turning to move deeper into their home. She would find him some other time; but presently, there was another matter that she felt the need to attend to.

His story pleased them and he smiled, satisfied that he had been accepted into a pack once again. He may have appeared calm and gentle in this interaction, but he couldn't wait to prove his fight skills when the right moment came. The red furred male welcomed him and the Greek wolf stood to follow in the Alpha's footsteps.

It seemed the two other wolves tagged along just for fun, because neither the brown male nor the dark wolfess spoke. Aegeus couldn't help but be slightly curious as exactly what these 'new histories' were exactly. However for now he kept quiet and studied the land which he now called home.