Can't go back now

Taking @Iqniq put on that offer :)

Pluto approached the borders with mild hesitation. The pack he had attempted to join had disbanded when he was so close and he was nowhere near finding his sister. He almost felt it was a sign from the Gods, whoever they were, that he should just go home and make peace with his family. And he had considered it. But he was no quitter, and he would never give his parents the satisfaction. After searching, he found a pack that was much like what he was looking for and located in a place he could well adapt to. Maybe your luck will change here, they owe you this one, he thought to himself. 

Growling, he reminded himself of his mission and with that came his serious look. Broadening his shoulders, he made himself big. He needed to show he was strong, physically and in heart. He would only serve the pack to the best of his ability, no less. And with that thought, he threw his head back and called for the Alpha. He was sure this was the place to settle, he just had that feeling. He even forgot about his sister for a while as he waited to hear the footsteps of the Alpha, drawing near. For now, he lived for himself as he made his own decisions, not influenced by a soul. He was ready for a new life, in that moment and would make sure he didn't forget it.

700th post!

Sawtooth Spire was something of a fortress. This mountain was a dormant volcano of sorts. The remnants of an explosion long ago created sharp, jagged ridges that threatened to shred any wolf who misstepped. Traveling anywhere close to the Spire was no easy task, but that didn't keep any wolf from trying. They'd found a few new faces and were reunited with a few others. The massive storm that tore through these wilds was no easy thing, but because if it Tartok had a bastian.

They'd had an influx of wolves lately. He didn't understand it, but he wasn't about to question it. They were failing their hunts lately so it seemed they could use all the help they could get. When that howl rose up? There was a part of him that was hopeful, but when it came to meeting strangers, he approached with utmost caution. There were wolves out there unsuited for this family and it was his job to weed out those that wouldn't mix with their company.

Another one. Also male. It seemed this pack attracted that gender like flies. Head lifted, tail high, he neared this wolf at the borders with all the authority of his station as alpha. "What brings you to our borders?" he spoke, waiting to see if this wolf would submit properly. This dark wolf held himself proudly. His lips curled in a silent snarl. That wouldn't do.

YAY!*claps happily*

As soon as the Alpha reached his call, he lowered his head in submission. He had been there to witness many brazen and accomplished attempts to join his parent's pack and he knew, to the Alpha from a stranger, respect was key. At the Alpha's question he rose his head and replied in sincerity. "Not a while ago I attempted to join another pack near here, unfortunately they disbanded. I come from outside the Teekon, looking for a new pack to live my life. This place, between the mountains, is a place i'd like to stay. Therefore, I ask permission to join the ranks of you pack"
He wasn't nervous, or he tried not to look like it. A calm exterior would benefit him immensely than an anxious one. There was nothing to be anxious about, he reminded himself. He got it, or he didn't, he would move on. By know, he knew how easily his choices could be tarnished but he took that chance. 
He was a loyal worker, diligent and strong. He would do his part here, and he could fit in. The moment he was granted permission, all ties would be severed from this parents and their pack. A part of him yearned at the thought and another begged him to turn back. Clearing his mind, he pushed away the thoughts. All ties were ruined when they abandoned their daughter, his sister. There was no home there for him anymore, it would be here if he was lucky.

The wolf submitted. Satisfied, Iqniq's lips concealed fang once more as he shifted his stance to display his satisfaction in this wolf's posturing. With lifted ears, he listened as the wolf spoke. Normally, it mattered little as to where a wolf came from, but when there was news of a local pack disbanding... well that was too great an opportunity to let pass up. "Which pack?" he asked, curious. It was always a good idea to keep eyes out on the neighbors.

All else the wolf spoke of seemed sound. He tasted the air and found truth within the dark wolf's words. "We require all of our own to be trained as both warriors and warden," he said. These trades were necessary life skills intended to teach every wolf within their fold how to properly attack and defend themselves as needed. "Outside of that, what value do you bring?"

There was more that could be said of who and what the Spire was, but those things could wait until they discovered what this wolf could offer. Every wolf within their number had their role. They worked together as a unit to keep this pack safe and strong and thriving. If this wolf wished to be a part of their family, it was of utmost importance to learn what it was this one wished to contribute.

"It was a warrior pack, Hoshor Plains. I have no knowledge as to why they disbanded, unfortunately" He replied, not dwelling on the subject. 
His ears perked up when the Alpha said is was mandatory to become a Warrior as well as Warden. It was one of the many reasons he had wanted to join Hoshor. 
"I am trained well in becoming a Warrior, and have much knowledge in Tracking. Tracker was one of my trade's in my original pack" He explained, not touching the fact that it was his parent's pack he had tracked and hunted for. It wasn't necessary to talk about his lineage when he didn't consider that anymore. 
"I am not one to skip out on loyalty, I promise you that. I am a hard worker, thorough with task's and will only benefit your pack" He spoke, with truth. He was brought up to earn his keep and he wouldn't lose that habit now. 
"I will earn my way here, and contribute all I have to offer" 

Hoshor Plains, eh? Those foreign wolves were the ones who'd harassed their old territory before they, as a pack, all relocated to this place. His eyes narrowed, wondering how involved this wolf was. He held no accent. He didn't appear to hold any ties to the Dothoran culture of the wolves of the plains were known for. They'd been foreigners true and true, but a small part of Iqniq was glad to hear they'd been driven out... It made his pack all the safer.

Like all wolves who came to the Spire, their history was forgotten. This wolf would get a clean slate too if and when Iqniq was ready to welcome him in. Listening as the wolf explained his history, he found it curious that the place this wolf came from had a distinct trade for tracking. "What kind of tracking?" he asked. "Wolves? Game? Anything?" His promises of loyalty and hard working were all met with nods. That would most certainly do. "How are you with hunting?"

Pluto was hesitant to reply. The Alpha wanted to know what he tracked, and the subject was a little wary for even himself. 
"I can track game, birds and wolves too. Part of the reason I entered the Teekon was because I was tracking my sister" He explained, almost grimacing on the last part. He didn't want it to sound like he was only here to find Iris, that wasn't the whole story. He was getting sick of his parent's anyhow and had planned on moving on. Besides, he didn't want to admit it but he had the feeling that his sister didn't want to be found. It was time to let go, if that's what she wanted. The obsession of finding her was not healthy and he knew it. It was denial and he couldn't do it any longer. 

"I am excellent with hunting. I considered taking up Gamekeeper but never got around to doing it. I hope to pursue that in the future" He nodded. Hunting was his forte, the thrill of taking down an animal was exhilarating like no other activity. Sinking his teeth and claws into the soft flesh of the prey was his version of fun, whoever strange that may be.

The wolf was quick to answer. Iqniq appreciated his clear, concise answers. It made this entire process a heck of a lot easier and smoother too. His questions were answered, and while more formed within his head, he kept them to himself. This wolf's journey was his own. So long as he knew this pack would be his family for as long as he lingered within their territory, that was really all that mattered.

"We're always in need of good gamekeepers." All packs were. Keeping their member's stomach's full ensured they were able to do additional duties. "I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty of time to take up that trade here." He peered at the wolf then lifted his nose to the air. "How 'bout you give it a go here and now? Track something. Between the two of us, I'm sure we could find something to help fill the caches around here."

Pluto nodded, accepting the hidden challenge. It was only customary that the Alpha would want to make sure he wasn't all talk and no do. Lifting his nose to the air, he took a deep breath, the scent of many animals nearby filling his senses. Bear, coyote, ahhh elk, He sighed. 
Elk were by far his favourite animal to hunt. They were fast, no doubt and strong. The chase of hunting them down was all the more exciting, if you were careful. He knew that elk usually stayed in groups of single gender and in this case he presumed it was male. "There is a small herd of elk, near here" He informed the Alpha. 
"It will be enough to fill your pack if we go now. I think they're on the move" He stated, noticing many signs scattered around the area of the Elk's presence. 
Starting at a slow pace, he began to follow the scent, ever so often lifting his gaze to find signs that the elk were habitating around here. Some long grass, he noticed, were flattened against the ground, a clear sign that a few had been sleeping in the grass hidden from view. And the foliage, tree bark and tree sprouts been clearly chewed off. The scent became stronger, more pungent and mouth watering. He noticed suddenly that he hadn't exactly filled his stomach completely, instead feeding on small rabbits and such while he searched for a new home. This would make up for that, dearly.

Nearing a glearing of jagged rocks and long grass, he smelt before he saw the first signs of elk habitation. The sharp antlers of the beast was a clear sign above the grass that it was there. He kept his eyes trained on the animal as he waited for the Alpha to show him his victory. He would explain how he found the animals, the signs he noticed and the scents he followed.

It was up to this new wolf to track. The answers Iqniq knew from living in the area and from tasting the air were answers he kept to himself as he waited for this wolf to make heads or tails of the area. Elk. Nearby. Mm. The nearby valleys had a lot to offer this pack so long as they were willing to make the trip up and down the mountainous slopes. The internal territories were home to other prey too, but so long as they were lingering on the borders, they'd turn their hunt towards places unclaimed by any pack.

The wolf spoke. Iqniq offered him a nod. "Let's go then." Together, they set off. Iqniq let the dark stranger take point. He was tracking. He was leading. This test was his and his alone. Iqniq was merely there to be added muscle and support once they got to wherever it was they were heading. This wolf was sharp. His tracking skills were excellent in the way he noticed not only scents but the signs of traveling and other details that were crucial in hunting. It didn't take long for them to come across the herd of male elk. Not long at all.

They huddled in the grass. Iqniq watched the herd, running his eyes over their many members and searching for any signs of weakness. Elk were large beasts. They'd need something sickly or old and weak if they were to make a kill on this occasion. "See anything worth eating?" he asked the wolf in hushed tones. He'd tracked, but that was only the first part of being a gamekeeper. The second part was in making the kill.

Pluto scanned the herd, looking for an easier kill. There were many muscled and strong elk in the herd but to take one down with only two wolves would be risky. If he could find a smaller one, maybe sickly or old, the would have the wolf power to do it. Finally, his eyes zeroed in on an older one, not exactly feeble but weak enough. It had the signs of aging, is once colour filled coat now turning gray with age. It didn't seem to be protected by the herd, instead standing a little ways away from them. Elk were dominant creatures so it must have known to give them some space in case of a fight.
"There's one, an older one" He pointed out. They were hidden by a treeline among other bushes so they could sneak up unnoticed. If they did make their attack, the other elk would make a run to spare their lives instead of trying to save the elder. It was sad, but true. 
Softly, while hidden by the tree's he approached the old elk. It's senses would be dulled, hence it's age so that would only benefit their attack. Turning back to the Alpha, he explained his idea. It was basic, not needing much explanation. I can chase it, tire it out then get a grip on it. Then, you can come from the side and get its neck" He said. Silently, he crept closer to the old elk. It was munching away on some grass, perfect, he smiled. Leaping out from his hiding spot, he launched himself at the elk, startling it in the process. The rest of the herd looked from their business and promptly started to leave. But, the elk would not go down without a fight and began to run. Pluto was faster. He began to snap at it's heels, and ever so often backed away in fear of getting kicked in the face. Then, the launched himself at the elk, from behind, gripping his nails into it's flesh. It was clearly tired, making short gasps of breath. It began to stagger and sway, almost getting him of balance. Any second now the Alpha would emerge and get it's neck, making it easier to control the beast.

"Mmm," he murmured in agreement. "Good choice." The older elk was long past its prime. The age was evident in the gray about its snout that bled into other areas around its body. Those silver hues were clue enough. The way the herd seemed to separate, as though giving it space to respectfully pass on its own time was clue too. It may once have led victoriously, but that elk no longer held the same standing within the herd. It could not support them any longer. They cared less about it than before.

Iqniq trained his eyes upon the elk as the dark wolf spoke of his plan. He nodded in agreement. If that is what the wolf wished to try, they could definitely make that happen. True to the instruction, Iqniq slipped to the side and positioned himself in the grasses. He'd watch and wait for the opportunity the wolf had described and help from there as felt natural.

And the wolf was off! The herd startled. It split in different directions before tuning in to one another and fleeing as a group. The older elk trailed. The dark wolf ran alongside it and Iqniq moved, joining the wolf in the chase so he might come alongside it as instructed. He harassed it a bit, nipping at the elk's side and haunches as together they wore it out. Then the wolf sprang and that was his cue to take action.

He sprang, launching himself at the elk from the side. He grappled with it, locking his teeth around the thick fur at its neck and clasping down. Hard. The elk stumbled. He twisted with it, refusing to give up his claim on the neck as he tore flesh from the ancient beast. He dove in again, clasping down where his grip was lost as he danced to avoid flailing limbs. This wolf had set things up perfectly and now the elk breathed its last and fell still.

He released his grip and stepped back. He panted as his tongue rolled. It was hot and that chase had been short, but good. Iqniq gave himself a moment to catch his breath before looking to the wolf. "You did well. Do you have a name?"

Pluto held his grip as the Alpha launched himself at the elk, gripping it's neck in his teeth. As the elk collapsed under the pressure of their attack, he knew he did well. The rest of the herd was long gone now, perhaps in a few days the would return to the area but it was not likely, they would find a new place to settle for now. 

After moments of struggle, the elk let out it's final breath and he stepped back. The Alpha too was out a breath and he stopped moving to take in some air as well. He listened intently to what the Alpha had to say, only hoping it would be good news. To him this was a victory, but there was no saying what the Alpha had in mind. The compliment was short, and Pluto was thankful for that. He didn't want to get ahead of himself. Even after, if he did get accepted into the pack, he would have to prove himself to the rest. This was only the mere beginning, and he knew it. 

"My name is Pluto, not very impressive I know" He said, with a little bit of humor. He always did wish his name wasn't so..simple. After letting go of his past, he considered taking up a new name. And he had one in mind. It was a nickname his sister called him, and he quite liked it.
"May I ask your name?" He asked, wanting to know the name of the Alpha before him, and hopefully his new one.

The thrill of the hunt was over. They had an older, but still impressive elk to drag home and help fill the caches. He lingered over the animal and lifted his ears, searching for sound of other wolves or scavengers that might try their chances as their meal. He found none presently, but he wasn't taking any unnecessary risks. They'd failed a few hunts recently as a pack. This kill was very much needed.

The wolf introduced himself. Iqniq nodded. He didn't seem super happy about his own name, but it didn't matter. Inside of the Spire he would have a new name his packmates would come to know him by. "Let's call you Savik, then," he said. The word was Inuit for "hunting fang" (aka: wolfified version of "hunting knife"). He did well on the field. No doubt he would continue to prove himself a valuable asset.

"It was your hunt. Eat up. Then let's drag this thing back home, shall we?" The wolf was welcome to eat first. His hunt. His kill. As far as Iqniq was concerned, his right to eat first. He wasn't so picky with these things when it came to one-on-one scenarios. In front of the rest of the pack? Yeah. Rank mattered a heck of a lot more. Out here and with another pack member? For him, less so. "Welcome to Sawtooth Spire."

Savik, he quite liked it. It was different to what he was used to, but that was good. He had learned to accept the change, after everything that had happened to him. He was glad that the Alpha was so accepting of his situation, and did not try to press into his past. It seemed like when he joined, his past was forgotten and everyone in it. For that, he was thankful. 

He was however, surprised when the Alpha gave him the first bite of the kill. Normally, well, what he was used to with his parent's was the Alpha's getting the first bit then leaving the rest to pick over the remains. Perhaps the Alpha was letting him have it, for now, hence it was his kill too. This led him to wonder how different his parent's pack was to others. All he had known was their pack, and to think that anything else was normal was weird. But he would get used to that also, he couldn't live in their footsteps any longer. 

"Thank you, you've given me all that i've looked for" He said, in pure honesty. He had a new name, new home and a new Alpha, a fresh start. After taking his bit of the meal, he began to get a grip on the elk as he dragged it back to the Sawtooth borders.