Cedar Sweep Plus One

For @Nico

Charley had gone back to the Glade after his adventure up to Alpine Lake, but now the sun was sinking low. Again, he struck from his home, but this time he only went right over into Cedar Sweep to explore. The half blind man padded on through the darker woods, sniffling and wondering what there was to find out here. Before he went far, he decided to howl for any more lone wolves around the area. So he did. 
Would anybody come? The numbers of the pack were going up and down, as happened with forming packs. Paikea, Estella, Skeet, and Darsal: four wolves he was wishing hard to come home to the Court. He hoped those who hadn't been seen recently were okay, and that they were just out hunting or scouting their new homeland. Would he welcome them back if he found out they'd really just left? How long until he assumed the worst? Who knows. Right now, keeping the pack afloat was all that mattered. To do that, they needed numbers, more paws to defend and work alongside them. More wolves that would fall under the Kings protection, his rule, to become the unbreakable family he so wished for.

      It was strange, Nico thought as he wandered through yet another forest, green eyes scanning his surroundings with a wariness that one could only obtain from a long time as a loner. It was strange that for a long time, he'd yearned for peace and freedom, away from shouting sergeants and colonels, away from blood and fangs and death but now, now he wanted back in. It was almost as if, as if he missed being a soldier. Never, in his entire life, did he think that there was even a chance he wanted back in. But now, as he wandered a forest, all alone, all he could think of was his former comrades and wished that he didn't leave.

      But he did leave. So he couldn't do anything about it now, could he?

      A scowl adorned the wolf's features and for a moment, he was tempted to stomp around like a bad tempered child but resisted the temptation, instead, he lifted a paw and kicked at some bushes. It did little to help him vent, however, so he sighed and lifted his head up to the thick canopies above, his green gaze seeking out the small gaps between the leaves in which he could see the sky and breathe freely. And that was when the howl came, asking for any loners. The deWinter paused, frowning slightly, wondering if this was an ambush of sorts before shrugging, it wasn't like he had anything to lose now, did he? His soldiers were dead, his friends were dead, it was like he was living with the dead.

      Might as well join the living now.

      So he located the howl and approached, silently. Nico found the man who howled and observed quietly from safety of the shadows of the trees, watched his movements, analysing him slowly. The soldier in him never died, and the training, he didn't think it would ever go away. 

      Finally, when Nicolas decided that the guy was not a threat, he emerged, still as silent as a panther and chuffed quietly, softly, yet loud enough for the stranger to hear. He stood there, his posture neutral but nevertheless held the pride of soldier. But where was the surprise in that? After all, he stood like a soldier too.

      A slow smile made it's way to his lips and he tilted his head slightly, the words leaving his tongue in a lilting tone, "You rang?"

Onward Charley walked, loping slowly through the woods and enjoying the warm evening air.  Far too soon the Fall would be here, and the cold and hungry months of Winter soon after. 
Charley hated the snow and and ice and the cold, everything about Winter really. He always had, even when Emory had wanted him to play in the fluffy white powder with her. And what was great about the cold, especially when you were wet from the snow! 
When the scent of another broke through Charley's thoughs, he stopped, blue eye sweeping the undergrowth for movement on all sides. His ears swiveled, but for the longest moment the King could not pinpoint thing his nose demanded was close. 
Soon, it was proven right, and a male slipped from the shadows to his right. The chuff brought Charley's body with the turn of his face, and though at first his orange hackles rose, seeing the strangers neutral pose brought them flat again. The two stood silent for a moment, both tall and stoic but neither pushing for dominance. They were simply two proud creatures who needed to show that they meant business. As a smile spread across the greyscale man's face, a grin formed on Charley's blackened face. You rang?
      "I did, I suppose, didn't I? I was just out on an evening stroll, see if there was anyone in need of a home."
His one good eye, the only open one, scanned over the one to answer. He was athletic, muscled and a boy, finally and likely a warrior. Not that his pack of girls wasn't strong by themselves, it was a little awkward being the only male left. At least, if until Skeet came back. 
                        "You see, I'm the King of the pack that rules over Golden Glade, Charley Pryor. We call ourselves the Royal Fire Court."
He stopped again, waiting to see what the male thought of this so far. It was harmless information, and probably not much else would be given unless there was real interest. If not, then, that was okay too. Only the dedicated were allowed within the Court.

      Nico observed the stranger through inquisitive green eyes, noting the scars marring the other wolf's face. Across the wolf's right eye were three gashes, which probably meant he was half blind as well as the fact that his right ear was ripped in half. He was large and robust, reminding the Northerner of mean bullies back at home and he resisted the urge to smirk, but concentrated on analysing the stranger. Tall, strong, muscled and scarred. A warrior of strength, perhaps, but weaker now, given the blind eye, if Nico had deduced correctly. If it came down to it, he was pretty sure he could take advantage of the blindness and win the fight, but only if it came down to it.

      He watched carefully as the man grinned and replied, saying that he was just out for a stroll, seeing if anyone was in need of a home. Nico canted his head slightly, a slow smile teasing his lips. The stranger's wording was of no mistake, it was intentional, and the deWinter would be lying if he said he wasn't curious. But he didn't speak, instead, waited for the male to finish speaking. And soon enough, his thoughts were proven to be true as the rugged male introduced himself as 'King' of a pack that resided in Golden Glade called the Royal Fire Court.

      "I'll be lying if I said I wasn't interested," Nico said, fierce green eyes fixed on Charley. "Although I would prefer if it was called Royal Fire Army and you were the Commander, but I guess beggars can't be choosers," the soldier smiled then, an indication that if anything, he was joking. He straightened up, and lowered his head politely, "You said you were out for an evening stroll, seeing if anyone was in need of a home. Well, Mr Pryor, it appears you've found what you're looking for." He paused, his gaze steadfast, "The name's Nicolas deWinter, former soldier, Commander and Alpha." Then the deWinter grinned, "but you can call me Nico."

The man's silence Charley interpreted correctly: he was indeed interested and perhaps weighing his options. He said so, after the King was done speaking. The patched man sat silently and let this Nico finish speaking, returning the respect given. Already he liked this man, could see the two being friends. Best of all, he told Charley what he wanted to hear. It appears you've found what you're looking for. The alternate name for the Court brought a tip to his head, thinking about it, but decided he liked Court better. There was, however, a commander place in his pack that would one day be filled. 
             "One day, we will be in need of a General to lead my army. Many ranks have yet to be assigned, really, once we are more official that can be done. Work hard enough, earn the family's trust, and perhaps it will be you to fill it."
Or more, even. The posibilities were wide, and the only thing he couldn't become was King, unless something kept the current royalty from having children. Already, Nico had a expansive history that was filled with things catching his interest. He'd been a Commander, an ALPHA. So long as he was now alright not being in charge, Charley saw no reason to bring him home if he was really interested.
                           "All we ask for is your dedication and loyalty to the Court, to keep its secrets and serve this family like everyone else. We may be new, still forming, but we are strong: We can do this. You and I, we're two men among an army of females, but it's our job to protect them at any cost. Are you willing to do these things for the Court?"
The bonding, the getting to know histories, that would come after. The most important thing was serving the family, above all, and the pleasantries could come soon after.

      Charley spoke of needing a General to lead his army, and elaborated on how his pack ranks worked. He also spoke of how his pack was yet to be official, which to others, might be the point where they decided to leave, but to Nico, it was just a minor detail, insignificant and trivial. As long as the pack was strong, mighty, honourable to a certain extent, and worthy of his loyalty and service, he really didn't care. What mattered to him were the people within, and the way the pack operated, which, from what he knew of Charley and what'd he said, seemed decent enough. Which, surprisingly enough, was hard to find, given the fact that cults were springing up everywhere.

      Nico didn't need, didn't want, to be part of a group which was dedicated wholly to serving a bunch of unproven deities, or one, it didn't matter. While he might respect them — sort of —, he didn't find them useful, at the slightest, and preferred to join military packs, or kingdoms, or whatever. Anything that seemed interesting was good enough for the veteran. After all, once again, beggars can't be choosers. Charley's pack seemed to fit what he liked, so he thought he should probably give it a try. At least, then, if it didn't work out, he could tell himself he did give an attempt at it.

      The Pryor then spoke of what he needed to do to join the 'Court'. He really, really preferred to call it army, or military, but...he'd supposed it would have to do for now. 

      Nico canted his head, green eyes gleaming with an unidentifiable emotion. He didn't show the surprise he felt when the man said they were the only men, but it didn't matter, more women to seduce and flirt with, he supposed. Too bad they were the only men though, because he could've used some cute boys too. Ah, well. Nevermind. The deWinter turned his attention back on the Pryor and grinned, "You have my loyalty and service, Mr Pryor," he began, bowing his head respectfully, if only to finish his speech. "On my honour, I vow to serve the Court as best as I can, and that I will be faithful to you, and your family." Then he lifted his head, and smirked slightly, though his eyes showed his sincerity.  
                           

There were no more words needed, it seemed, and Nico agreed to strengthen the pack. Finally, another MALE! And a capable one at that. Charley's tail fanned behind him, his remaining blue eye sparkling in joy. There was only one correction he made to Nico and his oath, and a smile lit up his face, warm and welcoming. 
                "OUR family Nico. Welcome to the Royal Fire Court. Those who are new to the pack make their dens anywhere in the Golden Glade: with others, alone, it's no matter to me."
Turning and beginning to walk towards home, eventually though Cricket Bog, Charley motioned with his head for the silver male to follow. 
                          "Once Queen Aspen and I think a member has proven themselves, which is usually done by earning a trade or proving your devotion to the pack, they are allowed into the tunnels that Inner Circle members call their dens but Gentry wolves are not allowed into. In the far back, the tunnel marked by each Inner Circle members scent, is our meeting cave. Just behind there is my den, but the Inner Circle members are expected to pick their own branch of tunnel and scent it as their own nest."

It was with a small smirk that Nico answered Charley's grin and enthusiasm. He did appear to be a playground bully at first sight, but he seemed to be more than what he looked like, which was good. He'd learnt long ago not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes, some wolves seem to be exactly what they looked like, and he hated it, not only because the majority of the time they were major jerks, but also because they had no depth, no character, and if there was something Nico lived for other than his loved ones, it was the complexity of personality and character within each individual wolf. Each was so unique, and special in their own way, and he loved it. Loved trying to solve the mystery that was a person.

      And so, you would understand, that he was severly disappointed by those who's cover represented exactly what their book was about.

      But enough of that.

      The deWinter wolf followed Charley calmly, pawsteps silent as he treaded the forest floor, listening attentively as the Pryor explained how Royal Fire Court worked, with all it's complicated circles within circles and tunnels and dens. Nico was used to the simplicity of soldierhood, hearing all these rules and complications made him wince slightly, but no matter, he would learn to adapt, like he'd always had. "Cool," Nico said, looking at Charley, "Mind explaining how the ranking system works, though? I'm used to soldier life, so, I could use a bit of explaining," he grinned, as if apologising, but not really and lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug.

Nico fell into step with him, and a sense of satisfaction took over Charley's heart for the moment. He was filled with pride, and rightly so, with how far he'd come. From being a scared youth wandering from home with only his twin sister at his side, to conning with Emory and Reek to survive, and then to Larksong Grotto. It was there that things had looked up for him, other than the dissapearance of Emory, and he found the perfect wife in Aspen. They'd planned, resisted Reek's religion as long as they could, and they'd gathered wolves for the cause of the Court. Some they'd lost along the way, it seemed, but there were even more who were slowly proving themselves to be loyal and valuable members. 
The silver male nodded, but asked Charley to explain a little more. With a smile, the King nodded. He was happy to, of course, for that meant Nico fully understood everything right upon joining: Charley didn't have to keep reminding him. 
                  "There is only one rank for the Outer Circle wolves: Gentry. They are treated equal to the Inner Circle wolves, do just as much work, but they aren't allowed in the tunnels or to the meetings. It isn't hard to advance, not at all. Advancing in your trade is the easiest way, but anything that proves you truly are dedicated to the family will earn your way to the other ranks. We have but one Inner Circle member, Ayla, and she proved her loyalty to the pack by fighting a bear. Not alone of course, but she found it and did what she needed to do, even if the chances of her death were high. All to protect those within Golden Glade."
Pausing to both take a breath and see Nico's reaction, Charley decided to go into depth. Soilders needed to know everything they were to serve, that much the King knew. He would give it now to make everything clear cut and easy.
                                   "First off, you should know that everyone has an equal here, most ranks have a male and female variant. Knight and Dame are at the top, like Gamma's. Following that come Baron and Baronetess, Count and Grafin, Marquess and Marchioness, Earl and Countess, Viscount and Vidame, Lord and Lady, and finally Noblemen and Noblewoman.
Jester and Jestess are the omega. To climb within the Inner Circle ranking, you need to challenge the rank above you and climb your way up. No blood is allowed to be drawn, but the one who gives in gets the lower rank of the two. Am I missing anything?"
Charley stopped again to think. Did he tell him now about the Specialty Ranks, or did he leave it at that for now? It was a lot of information.

Charley began explaining, saying that there was only one rank for the outer circle wolves and it was called Gentry. Okay, that was easy enough. Even though they were of the 'outer circle', they were treated as equals to the Inner Circle wolves as they do the same amount of work, but they are not allowed in the tunnels or to the meetings. Here, he frowned, and a lifted a paw to pause the King from speaking further. "What tunnels and meetings?" he inquired with a inquisitve cant of his head. The Pryor also told him that there were many ways to get into the Inner Circle, you could simple earn a trade, but anything that proves one was dedicated to the family would be good enough. Apparently, they only had one current member who had proved her loyalty by fighting a bear, her name was Ayla.

      He took an interest in her immediately, and commited her name to memory before continuing. "That's brave of her," he commented, almost offhandedly before listening again as Charley began explaining the ranks of the Inner Circle, which, apparently, even had a male and female variant. Wow, that was way more complicated than Nico felt it could be, but he kept his mouth shut, for now. He felt more at home with the Privates, and Sergeants and Colonels, but he supposed this wasn't half bad; he could get used to it with time. To climb up, you had to challenge the rank above you, in a spar, he assumed which was easy enough, for a veteran soldier. But you never know, he might meet some competition.             
 
      Charley seemed to have stopped, so Nico took the opportunity to ask a question. "What about the General you said before that would lead your army?" he questioned, "What's that?" Obviously, that was the one that stood out to him the most, but a tiny part of him wondered if it was a good idea, given the fact that he'd promised himself never to go into theater again.

Charley mustn't have been doing too bad explaining, for there was only one question about the tunnels and meetings. With the same stoic mask and warm voice, Charley continued. 
                     "Golden Glade is wedged between a mountain and a plateau. There are tunnels winding deep in the mountain, and the most important meetings are held in there. Aspen and I talked it over for a while, but we decided that only those who had proven their loyalty were allowed to know the details of everything right away. Dont worry, we don't hide things from the Gentry wolves, they just get told after the meeting. My hopes are for there to be few to no Gentry wolves, really, and everything we do is an attempt to push for the goal of a bonded and happy family."
The King nodded with Nico's words of Ayla, agreeing fullheartedly, hence why she was now an Inner Circle wolf. He went onto the General rank though, and Charley decided that he would tell about them now. Why not, right?
                                  "The General is a part of the Inner Circle as well. There is a Specialty Rank for each trade you can specialize in: Hunter, Mercenary, Caregiver, Naturalist, Scout, Chronicler, and Councelor. They are the role models of their trade, since there is only one for each." 

Nico cocked his head thoughtfully when Charley explained that Golden Glade was wedged between a mountain and a plateau and that there were tunnels deep within the mountain and that the most important meetings were held there. He nodded then, it made quite a lot of sense for meetings to be held in a tunnel, but, if there was to be an ambush, the chances of them escaping were probably quite low. He didn't voice that thought, however, but continued to listen to the Pryor explaining why the rules were as such. Aspen, whom Nicolas assumed was his mate, and Charley had discussed it and decided that only those with proven loyalty were allowed to know the details of everything.

      He was quick to assure the winter wolf, however, that rest assured, the Gentry (whom he'd named mentally in his head as the 'Privates' to make it easier, somewhat) were not kept in the dark. They would know everything once the meetings were over which was fine for him, given the fact that he was planning on getting into the Inner Circle as fast as bloody possible. "You have fine ideals, mate," he informed Charley with an approving nod but said nothing else on that matter, for his mind was already on the next subject: specialist ranks.

      "Okay," Nico said, "but, if you hold a Specialty rank, does that mean you can also hold an Inner Circle rank? For example, can a wolf be both the Knight and the General?" he asked, because that had been bothering him for quite a long time and it was starting to get on his nerves. Nicolas was a wolf who liked to understand everything he'd been told, and when he didn't, well, let's just say he could be a very grumpy soldier indeed.

"No."
Charley shook his head at the question, pushing on ahead without pause. When one gained a Specialty Rank, they gave up their previous rank. 
              "The Knight would have to give up his title." 
The DeWinter seemed to have no problems with any of it, and if he did none of it was brought to light. That was just fine by Charley, who planned to keep things the way they were. If there were no other questions, they would talk about something else.
                               "So, where are you from? Why aren't you a warrior anymore?"

Sorry this post is so short I'm so tired lol

don't worry about it! :)

A quick negative put Nico's confusion away and he nodded, absorbing the information before yet another question popped to mind. "Got it, Charls, sorry, Charley," he said, "but, I've got another question. That is, if you don't mind answering," he began, canting his head. Back at home, no, back at Winterhail, the higher-ups never had a problem with the deWinter's constant need for answers and quickly put his curiousity to rest. They had, sort of, admired his need for answers because in the battlefield, one had to know everything without even a bit of confusion, but sometimes, even they found it annoying. Gods knew what this King would think about it, so, he kept it to a minimum. "I was wondering, sir, where the wolf with the specialty rank would be in the entire hierachy then. Under the Knights and such? Above the Dukes?"

After the questions from Nico were over, the King of the Court asked him a question which he answered with a shrug. "Came from the North," the soldier said nonchalently. "Loved it there, but my dad was an abusive bastard to my mom, so when I got old enough, I fought him in a fair battle and kicked him out. Ruled there for months, before handing over the reins to my bro and sis. I joined another Northern pack, a military one which was at war. Fought for them, almost died, mind you, and then.." he shrugged, smiling almost painfully. "We fought in a major battle, lost a bunch of my comrades, and we lost. By then, my friends were pretty much all dead, and I didn't want to stay in a place where they died, so I left, with good wishes from my superiors, obviously. They absolutely adored me."

Nicolas managed a bitter smile and lifted a shoulder, sighing softly. "I'm still a soldier, still a warrior, sir. Never stopped. I was just one without a pack, and now that I've got one, well, I'm here to serve and do my best." Then he chuckled softly, "Although I do prefer the term, soldier, when one addresses me, rather than warrior. Seems a better fit for me, I suppose."

Charley was thrilled that such a new recruit wanted to have clarity over everything, and he respected him for it too. If he really did stay, make it into the Inner Circle, he would make a wonderful General and friend. The questions were welcomed, surely. 
            "They would be just above the Knight, but below the Duke and Duchess."
Next Nico answered his question about his past, and Charley was glad to know that the male was both protective and fully trained in battle. Unfortunatley, he'd lost people, but really who hadn't? The last part of his answer was by far the most pleasing though, it'd been just what the King was looking for. One never lost the ability to be a soldier, never resigned from it. 
                          "I'm sorry for all the hardship you've been through, but it's probably made you a better soldier in the end."
With a smile, Charley turned his one good eye on Nico.  
                                          "I think you'll fit in well among the Court, Nico. Anything else you need to know?"

Welcome to the RFC group, cant wait to become official! :D Couple more posts each?

Sounds good to me :)

Charley confirmed that those holding specialist ranks would have a place above the Knight but below the Duke and Duchess, whom he assumed were the Betas in a pack with a traditional hierachy. That was fine with Nico, if he did manage to stay long enough, he would be aiming to get a specialist trade of General or Commander, whatever. A small part of him, however, wondered if he would even be able to stay in the pack for that long. Sure, it sounded nice, but he still felt a little dubious.

Nico shrugged away the thought and focused his attention on the Pryor who, for some strange reason, apologised for his hardship as if he had anything to do with Nico's problems. He didn't question it though, but cocked an eyebrow in confusion. "Yeah, I suppose," he flashed the King a small smile and shook his head, "Nah, nothing, not really," Nico replied.

Gonna leave this as my last post, up to you if you wanna archive or post one more time :3 Hope to see Nico stay and bond with Charley! xD

 
Nico accepted all the facts he was thrown, even if he might've inwardly disagreed. For this, Charley was glad: it was easier on his end, and while he dearly hoped this recruit stayed and one day became his friend, family, he would not change his pack based on the opinions of others. Unless, of course, that opinion was Aspens. SHE was the only one who could suggest changing something that he'd listen to. 
With a nod of his head, the Pryor King went on towards home. There was nothing much else to say between them, and so he didn't. If the man had questions, comments, he would voice them, but now was the time to head home and check on his Queen.

Nicolas wished for a home, a place where he would truly, truly belonged, a place like Winterhail, with friends and comrades who thought similarly yet completely differently. That had been the last place that felt like home. The brief flings he had in between Winterhail and the Court had been fun, and he'd made some interesting connections with the wolves but in the end, he always left. It was easier for both parties, he'd decided, and it was better if he found somewhere he belonged truly rather than pretend he did. So, Nico only hoped that the Court would be the one for him, but there was a sneaking suspicion inside him that told him he was wrong, or that he was going to be wrong.

They fell silent, with Nico falling into step beside Charley as the Pryor led them back to his soon-to-be home. He was glad for the silence, it always helped him think, and right now, he needed to do some thinking. So he followed the King back to his packlands, wondering what Fate had in store for him now.