i got that good girl faith [ic joining]

Opal sat down under the small shade of a nearby tree on the slope of a mountain. She was just roaming around as usual in the close forests when she stumbled upon this mountain. The hike didn't seem too long and she had plenty of time to check out this mountain, but she might not have the strength to make it to the top. Opal haven't caught anything big enough to make her actually full, and it's been all morning since she had some water. She felt a bit weak, and feeling weak is a bad sign. Opal should really get some water or food soon, or she might never find her sister. Her sister could have gone up this mountain or hid in a cave somewhere to stay away from the cold. She could be anywhere.

Opal stood up from the shade of the tree. The tree only had empty branches left, so it doesn't really count as shade. She had already made it up the mountain slope, but the summit was still far away. Opal had traveled around in the winter and it has been harsh on her. Prey was scarce and some of the water in the streams were frozen. She went closer to the mountain, step by step until she caught a whiff of something. It smelled like… pack territory. Was this mountain already claimed? Then Opal felt some drops of water on her back. Was it snowing or raining? She felt a bit dizzy now and stepped away from where the scent lingered. She couldn't pinpoint the location, but just moved backwards. Opal didn't want to intrude on unknown pack territory and get captured or maybe even worse. She glanced up at the top of the mountain and stood there as she felt more light headed.

The days may have been shorter but feels like time has been going slower. Nishu felt as if he could get things done faster than before. Having spent a reasonable about in the mountain got him used to the harsh terrain. Exercising, training, patroling, these helped him keep warm the whole day. He was already a physically strong wolf, gaining more strength wasn't easy anymore but instead he need to maintain it. Showing the world that he was a powerful Knight is still all the he really wants. Currently he serves Rain with the goal of finding her sister. During that time he is to protect her and watch over her, until the goal is completed.

For now he patrols the pack borders. Nishu walked carefully along the cliffs up to a point where the wind changed direction. His gaze followed it then it fell towards a figure at a distance. It would appear to be a wolf but he didn't catch the scent yet. If the winds would swift back towards him he would Identify the character. He didn't want to wait on it, instead he decide to head down there himself. His path wasn't straight and there was a bit of jumping to do. The land was angled in a way that he could see the wolf. Moving closer and closer to the unknown wolf he wondered if it would run away or stay in place. Perhaps it was going to be a battle. The knight really wouldn't mind doing a bit of battle. First things first though, who was it?

Days of wandering and traveling made Opal's defence tough, but she is not very good with combat. In the distance, she made out a wolf coming towards her. It seemed to be a large male, and being confronted by a large male is not Opal's idea of fun. She stayed where she was by the borders, because running away would be a coward thing to do and she felt like her legs were planted into the ground. Opal bent down in a submissive pose, even though the ground felt like it was moving around. Perhaps this kind wolf would help her out, or at least not try to kill her. The experience was not very enjoyable, and Opal was not in the mood for a fight. She tried to keep her shaky legs steady and held her submissive pose. Maybe the wolf was a pack wolf and she could get accepted into the pack, but that was quite a laughable idea. The best she could hope for is not to be killed, so she could hobble back out into the wild and die slightly happier somewhere far away. It's not likely she would ever find her sister again, so it would probably end up with Opal dying alone.

[size=x-small]Sorry for delaying! @Opal [/size]

Nishu approached the wolf, eagered at first but as he got closer it was clear that it wasn't a fight that was going to happen. That fact was kinda disappointing but that didn't really matter. He stood tall before the female, he was only curious about her. As long as there wasn't any threat being generated he could lower his guard.

"Greetings, I hope you atleast understand that this is Sunspire's territory." He said, watching her eyes. "I don't believe you came here for a fight so I shall ask what brings you here."

Yes, it was a good question or atleast the fastest way to find out why the wolf was here. In any case it's up to him to figure out what she wants. He thought about how the other Sunspire wolves would react to strangers. He doubted that it was the same as Ankyra. Strangers should have the chance to say something before a decision is made but not all packs were that friendly.

Opal looked up to see a strong male in front of her with her dark amber eyes. He seemed friendly, or at least gentler than other males she had met. This was it. She had to make the decision now, to join this pack or to walk away. Opal has come all this way. She was determined to join.
"Good afternoon. I respect this pack territory, sir, and I come in peace." Opal's head was killing her. She has experienced this only once before and a few sips of water with a nap had fixed it. It felt like hunger was all she ever knew now.
"What brings me here is my sister. I believe she has wandered out into this wild, and I want to look for her. But as you know, it's winter right now and finding her is very important to-" Opal hissed at the pain intruding her skull. This was bad. Who knows what will happen if she takes forever trying to explain.
"Sorry. I would explain more to you, but I'll make it short." Opal hated to be this blunt, but right after this she had to run for some water. "May I join your pack?" Opal added another bow to be polite, of course.

Something was a bit off about this female. Just watching her he could see that she might be injuried somewhere. It didn't seem like an outside injury though, so there wasn't much he could try to do to help her. That aside it didn't feel like the female wanted to sit and chat all day. That was a good thing, he could go back to patroling or back to Rain once this was all taken care of. Thinking about the female's problem and then Rain's problem they both are looking for a sister. Was this Ryuu standing before him?

So she wanted to join. Personnally Nishu didn't mind but he wasn't very interested in the matter. "I don't see why not, but I am not the one who will decide if you can join Sunspire. I am only serving one of the members here as their Knight. I can at the very least call the Alpha for you." He said and instantly called the Alpha without thinking on it ( @Amekaze ).

Once that was done he decided to ask a few questions while they wait. "Does your name happen to be Ryuu? Does your sister happen to be Rain?" It would be lucky if it was but then again that would complete the contract he has with Rain. He had mixed feelings about this. Would it be a good thing if this was Ryuu? Of course it was good. It was be selfish of him to not keep his word. But still, he wasn't sure if he would be able to leave Rain after finishing this contract.

"Thank you. I'm sorry, but I do not know of a Ryuu or Rain. I am Opal and my sister's name is Amber." Opal said gently, seeing that it might have been important to the wolf. Maybe he was looking for someone, and she had held his hopes up? He had called for the alpha, alerting the alpha or alphess of her appearance. Opal didn't mind much about whoever was in charge, she will be as obedient as she can. This pack seemed not to be too uptight, but it wasn't too lax either. This wolf was probably has a casual or laidback personality. Opal didn't like strict alphas but it's not like she could change anyone. She was a follower, not a leader. The headache she had seemed to be subsiding a little now, but her head still made her a bit dizzy. Opal wasn't sure how long she could take until she collapses.

quick post to get in here! sorry for my holdup, i've had migraines + work ~_~

Nishu's howl was answered accordingly. Although she didn't announce her arrival verbally ahead of time, she soon glided onto the scene mid-conversation. Her presence spoke well enough for her, and most likely, Nishu would have prefaced it with telling the stranger who he was summoning, so this would not be a surprise. She did not feel that a full-on introduction was necessary, either, and before she even made it upon them, she was looking the loner over carefully -- a pale-coated female without any telltale signs of weakness on her countenance.

"Greetings," she said, settling in beside Nishu with ease. Her tail was lifted, but not dramatically, and her head carried naturally high -- neither gesture having the stiffness of aggression in them, but fluid grace that suggested that she could always shift readily given the circumstance. But for now, she was coolly confident and at ease, for she did not yet perceive the female to be a threat of any sort. Amekaze then glanced between the two of them to see who would launch to the explanation first.

It would have been pure luck if this female was Ryuu but the facts say it wasn't her and Nishu accepted it that. "I'm Nishu Inte, I apologize for assuming you were someone else. It's my duty to find Rain's sister so if you have any clues to that I would ask for you to share it." He said calmly without changing stance. Shortly after, Amekaze showed up which gave Nishu the choice of leaving everything to her so he could continue his patrol.

But maybe he should explain the situation. He nodded to Amekaze "Greetings Amekaze, This is Opal, she seeks to join your pack as well as finding her sister named Amber." He said briefly. With that done his side duties for being part of the pack was finish. "That is all."

He had the reflex to wait for permission to leave so he remained there almost a bit casually. Of course he didn't be attention to the fact he held his stance as high as the alpha's. It was natural for him to show off a strong dominate form, anything else wouldn't really suit him or last long.

The alphess has arrived in front of Opal. She kneeled down and kept her head low in submission. "Good afternoon. I wish to join your pack, if you will let me." Opal said in a polite tone. A first impression is everything, and Opal intended to give a good first impression. The sky was cloudy, but streaks of sunlight shone through. Opal liked the sunshine instead of the cloudy days. The sunshine gave Opal energy and the confidence to face a new life. She could start over now and begin a new life in another pack. This is an opportunity to forget her brother and her past, and look forward towards finding her sister again. A smile almost crawled on Opal's features, but a wave of pain stuck her head. Opal winced and shifted her stance.

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Nishu briefed her with name, purpose, and otherwise while the pale-coated female dipped her head. Ame listened with a thoughtful look. I see, she breathed, glancing from the newcomer to Nishu, then back again to the wolf she wished to focus most on. What skills do you bring us? Any aspirations? she asked with a subtle tilt of her head -- meaning besides finding her sister and all. Amekaze had an affinity for outriders, warriors, and even naturalist (with her own bias likely responsible for that one, since they did not have a massively important use), but recognized their need of more gamekeepers. In short, she was attempting to get a feel for what Opal may find herself suited to do.

Then, to Nishu, she nodded. You may go, if he was ready to do so; Ame knew this situation was under her control now, and although he was not an undesirable presence looming nearby, he seemed like he might be finished here -- he had served his purpose well.

"Until next time." Nishu nodded to both females before making his leave. He tried to imagine what serving would be like if he was following a leader around. Would he be given challenging task? Maybe he would be a personnal guard that takes care of basic duties.

Still he wouldn't complain about his situation. Being in the mountains allow him to have a good workout but soon it could be considered as taking it easy. He was eagered to start heading out with Rain. New challenges will await him and he will be ready to face them while keeping Rain safe.

Thinking of Rain, he wondered how she was doing. Even though he checks on her every day he continues to ask himself the same questions. It was his duty to protect her and keep her happy. Failing to do so was something Nishu wouldn't accept. He had to do his best, for her.

Opal contemplated for a moment to gather her thoughts. She wasn't much good at combat or to an extent, hunting and not very good with pups or sick wolves. But there was one thing that living alone in the wild independently had taught her. Opal was very good at anything related to plants. She could scour a forest and pick out the best bushes to sleep in. She knew which common plants were poisonous and if a rock on the mountain path was slippery. Knowing the weather came easily to her like a scent in the air and it was helpful to know when to seek shelter.
"One of the things I have picked up in the years living in the wild is knowing nature. If I can't be the nature expert, then I suppose I have some knowledge about healing plants that I could expand. I'm not especially skilled at combat or hunting, but I do well enough to get by, madam." Opal said with a respectful tone and slowly looked up to the alphess.

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Nishu took his leave, and Ame only spared a second to watch him go. From there on out, it was Opal who had focus, wholly and absolutely.

The newcoming female went on to answer, and the dark alpha got the sense right from the start that she would appreciate the response -- in knowing nature, Amekaze knew they could draw great strength. Well enough, she said, lifting up her muzzle with a subtle smirk. I myself am a naturalist here, although am certainly not the only one.. which went to say that they were important to her, between the lines, of course. We can always benefit from those with healing plant knowledge, she added. And, having her admit to not being the best at hunting or combat, but acceptable, had her nodding on. Have you been alone long? she asked; the female did not look to be in poor condition, so even if her hunting was not the best, it was enough to get her by. If so, Ame had a feeling she could still contribute.

"I have been a lone wolf for about a year. I was travelling with my brother for the first six months, but then he decided to stay with a pack we encountered on the way." Opal left out the part where they fought so hard he left her. She never really gotten along with her brother, so it was sort of a relief to see him leave for a good home, but she missed him deep down. Her brother has protected her in the wild, taught her many things and raised her the best he could. Opal was very grateful for him, but whenever he tried to apologise, she always shook it off. She had forgiven him on the surface, but deep down in her heart, there is a stubborn piece of her that refuses to accept his apologies and wants to be reunited with her sister. Sometimes, it felt like finding her sister was not something Opal did for sisterly love, but to prove herself for her brother. Maybe her sister wouldn't recognise her anymore, or she wouldn't want to leave where she had ended up.

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A whole year. Amekaze had done the same herself, and knew, firsthand, its trials. However not with a brother at her side for the first part of it. And about your lost sister? Do you think she may be in the region here? she said, and paused for a beat before continuing on. She was not in a place where it was wise to turn away able wolves; the mountain could possibly flourish more with new blood in their midst. So long as you can contribute to our strength, you will find a place here at the Sunspire. Any questions? she asked of the pale female. Nishu had likely briefed her somewhat, and Amekaze would gauge her next words off Opal's response.

"My adventurous sister liked mountains and bright places, so I had scoured all the mountains in search for her. But to be completely honest, she could be anywhere. We originally lived not too far away, so I think she could be around." Opal had been searching through mountains and asking some lone wolves of her sister. They always told her that Amber was most likely deceased, but she refused to believe that her sister could be dead. There was always hope, and Opal will just keep searching until she finds Amber. Nothing could stop her, not even her brother, who had protested many times until giving up and joining her.
"Thank you for your great hospitality. I will try my best to benefit and contribute to the Sunspire as much as I can as my duty. I do not have any questions, madam." Opal was elastic that the Alphess has granted her a place at the Sunspire. She bowed down again to show respect with a smile on her face. All this talk has distracted her from the slight headache that drummed in her head.

She nodded slowly as she listened about her sister, and unfortunately had nothing useful to add. It would be something Opal would need to sort out for herself, but Amekaze would note the information all the same in case something did come along. She was not a master at locating lost siblings; hers were dead.. unless there were those that had been born after she had left the homeland. But they were of no consequence to her.

Very well then, you are free to explore. If you need me, I am around. Jace, the beta here, may also be useful to know in time, she informed, since she had no questions and only continued to be respectful. Amekaze knew she'd encounter various wolves around the Sunspire for herself and she did like to at least mention Jace.. just so new wolves knew of the leadership here. Nevertheless, with that said, she stepped aside and would let Opal choose her heading then would be on her own way.. even if she had not yet decided what she may do.   

thanks for threading with me! :D last post from Opal?

Opal looked back at the alphess earnestly. "Thank you again, madam. I shall be on my way now, you must have duties to attend to." She bowed once more and respectfully exited the alphess's presence. Opal thought she was a very nice wolf, and meeting her again later would be nice. She had to get to know the other wolves in the pack too. Then it hit her that she had no idea what the pack was like. It could be filled with danger or horrible things. Thinking things through was not Opal's strong suit, but she knew from the way the alphess acted and talked, she treated every wolf with basic kindness and maintained the pack properly. An alphess can represent a lot about the pack that they looked after. Oapl gave a grin and begun her way around the mountain, gazing at each and every plant.

(yesm! i'll archive ;D)

It seemed that Opal wished to waste no time, so the dark alpha deemed the notion commendable, and would let her be on her way. For the beginning, she would watch from afar -- it was easy for her to keep rough tabs on wolves around the mountainside anyway. But, she'd make it a point to cross their paths sooner or later to see how she was doing later on. 

Amekaze nodded a silent farewell and watched her leave. Once she was gone, she turned her nose down towards the borderlands, and picked the direction that would lead her towards the northern face of the mountain.. just to cover ground there while she was down here, anyway.