Stone Circle You Need More Than Manners

It was late Autumn, some animals were already starting to go into hibernation, lakes were already starting to freeze over, the wind was cold and harsh, the ground covered in frost. Ari knew well what would happen to him if he stayed out in the cold by himself over the winter that was soon to come. Hunt was getting harder to come by already. He was afraid, of course, the wolf packs of the Teekon Wilds seemed just as terrifying as being taken by humans again. However, freezing and starving seemed worse.
   Decisions must be made, it was; attempt to join a pack, or, die slowly over the winter. The choice was obvious.
   The small Grey Wolf trotted carefully into what he had come to know as Easthollow territory, inside he was panicing. What would happen to him if these wolves thought he was an intruder, trying to steal prey? He wouldn't stand a chance against any pack wolf, he could bearly hold his own against another lone wolf. Every part of Ari was screaming at him to turn back, to flee and hide.
   He pushed on and continued walking through the Pano Clone Forrest, he was starting to become rather turned around. All these trees looked the same. After a moment Ari picked up the sent of the pack wolves that go through this forest often, following the trail to what he hoped would be the wolves of Easthollow pack.
   Ari was going to need more than manners to be accepted at this point.

Hey - let me know if I misunderstood this since 'The small Grey Wolf trotted carefully into what he had come to know as Easthollow territory, inside he was panicking.  Starks going to respond more aggressively than he normally would.

 

Despite his best attempts he still found himself combing over the borders like they belonged to him. Thanks to that restless energy he came across a fresh trail heading too far into Easthollow to make him comfortable. He bristled, following the track past the edge of the treeline until he'd spotted another wolf. He let out a low growl as he sped up a bit, finding the male and moving to quickly intercept the stranger before they'd made it further into the packlands. Tail arched behind him and teeth exposed, Stark stared down the unknown wolf. "You need to back the hell up now." He growled out - none of his more pleasant demeanor offered to the stranger at the moment. 

It was almost a thrill thought he had to reluctantly admit - god, maybe he'd missed the whole packlife thing more than he'd realized. Well. He'd just tell himself it kept the pack safe and that it meant there was no way anything would happen to Valette's kids if he made sure to keep any rogue males out of the way. He'd just chalk it up to doing what was the right thing for the pack over all and just ignore whatever feelings it gave him. 

Ari felt his skin crawl, that feeling someone or something was watching him, Ari looked deeper into the forest to his right, seeing no one, he turned back and before he knew it, a pack wolf had appeared in front of him, scaring him half to death. This wolf was much bigger than him, guaranteeing death if he made a wrong or sudden move.
  Ari let out a quiet yelp of surprise and took a few steps back, lowering his body to the ground as he looked up at the wolf. "I meant no harm.." He said quietly, not breaking eye contact. He now realized just how much a threat he appeared to be, sneaking into a pack's territory, and going so deeply into it as well. Ari mentally scolded himself as he awaited the other wolf's reply, very hopeful that this pack wolf would see he had no foul intentions. Ari was on thin ice already he could tell.

Sorry about this, Valette is normally super friendly. But this momma doesn't like her lands being threatened <3. If you want to join a pack it is best to state that your character howled for the leader, at their borders or a bit away from their borders!

Valette happened to be close as well. Ater the attack with the wolverine she was keen on spreading her scent at the borders as well. She wanted that wolverine to know that they would not allow him into their territory to hurt her kids. Valette was also more alert on other wolves close to her borders. She encountered two females rather close but today Stark seemed to encounter a stranger within their lands.

Valette bared her teeth and rushed forward. She didn't care that the other was already on the ground and submissive. The alpha female snarled, a rare sound coming from the friendly female. Valette was pleased to see that Stark already intercepted the stranger. Valette snapped her jaws shut with a loud snap as a warning, rather close to the other wolf. The female's tail was curled up dominantly. "If you meant no harm then you don't cross a pack's borders without consent!," she snarled. Valette was rather unforgiving after the attack on her young. Valette howled to the able wolves in this pack.

"You better run," she threatened and lowered her body as she was ready for a chase. She looked at Stark, she didn't know anything about fighting but she did know how to hunt. The alpha female had a sinister glint in her eyes that usually appeared when she was hunting. To her, this trespasser would be damn lucky if he got away without an injury. "Let's chase him out. Make him learn some manners," she spoke to Stark.

sorry on the delay guys! sick as a dog + pregnant = less than zero energy! In the future, if you'd like a thread with any of my toons feel free to tag them! Hemlock, Catori, and Ceallach are out in the Sequoia, they are probably gonna be way more receptive lol. Stark in a while might be interesting to see how another thread with them would go!  

 

Stark felt himself bristle, indignation and just irritation bursting through him. These weren't his borders, and yet, they were - the way that every wolf who called themselves members of Easthollow owned the lands. Stark snapped his teeth in irritation and barely resisted the urge to grind his teeth together at the male's response. At least he lowered to the ground, he had to be satisfied with that, right? And yet - was it really enough when the loner had been found in their lands? Valette burst onto the scene and Stark spared a sideways glance at her, snorting at her response in a gruff form of agreement. It took a second but Stark adjusted his posture, tail still furled proudly but mindful that his Alpha was present and she was taking the lead on the situation as she should. 

The notion was immediately clear that this male wouldn't be given a chance - and Stark didn't feel bad. When he'd found Knew in his packlands he'd instantly wanted to set to him and chase him out. His only hesitation and moment of leniency was because he'd trusted Gwen. Still, the male had shown his true colors running off. "Out and towards the moor? Let him deal with that." Stark muttered beneath his breath to Valette, giving a low growl before snapped his jaws again impatiently and sprang - seeking to send the male into motion far, far from their packlands. 

Ari looked up at the wolf, knowing that at this point there was no chance of getting into the pack. It was really best if he moved along and left the pack's territory. He looked down sadly at the male's response, simply hoping his mistake wouldn't call for violence. He was about to speak up, and let the wolf in front of know that he had never been near a pack before, and was not aware of the rules already set in the wild.

   He then turned his ear, hearing another coming towards them, he dare not turn his head, however. He lay, unmoving, as who he assumed to be the alpha stood in front of him. Ari's eyes went wide as she spoke, it was only natural that he would be run out of their territory for trespassing as he had.
   He continued to stay in his current position as the female howled.

   Ari shut his eyes tightly as the male sprang at him. He could get out the way, he could run. But he didn't. He scared, terrified even. But he wasn't a coward, Ari would leave, but he would not and will never run away.

I have OOC consent for the attack/consequences of not running away.

Valette watched how Stark sprang forward and snapped his jaws to make the other run. But it was like the other was frozen to the ground. Valette was mildly surprised by that reaction as it didn't happen very often. Valette was only angered more. How dare this trespasser be so arrogant to not move from their territory! It was only an assumption. Valette sounded a howl summoning @Murdock @Wardruna @Nikai @Banner @Ezekiel and @Mawk. All capable fighters. The female attacked. She snarled and opened her mouth. As the male was not moving it was an easy target to bite into. She tried to clamp down on the side of the other wolf's neck as his underside was harder to reach.

It was probably clear to Stark as well that their plans had changed with the howl she sounded. Valette didn't think he deserved the mercy to be ran out from their pack lands. Now he would be very lucky if he even escaped from their pack lands. If Steady was here, he would have done the same. Valette was certain of it. Yet normally he was the one enforcing it. Now it was her job as the leader. This stranger dared to come upon their family grounds. Valette liked to think that he had very evil plans. It made the attack easier... The other heard the howl, so if he could come loose from Stark and her he might get out of here alive.

Oof gosh, I'd almost forgotten about Gwen :') Still miss Hannah and Knew.

He was first to respond to the call, it seemed, and as the wolfdog swiftly approached the scene his golden hackles rose almost instantly. He was in a poor enough mood as it was, with the apparent disappearance of his entire family, and he was not in the ideal state to attack. Or, perhaps you could argue that he was, for his aggressiveness was sure to only urge his attacks to be stronger, more violent. But was that good?

His fiery gaze landed first on Valette, and despite his demeanor he gave a curt nod to her, his respect for the alphess not dwindling. Then his eyes glanced over a male he had yet to meet, and he would have been inclined to greet him were the male's intentions not purely to attack the stranger now. Mawk was quick to respond to this, his own stare switching harshly to said stranger. Here, he let out a snarl.

She was off as soon as Valette's call went up.  Thoughts raced through her head - most important of all were those revolving around her brother - but Banner actively fought against allowing her imagination to get the better of her.  Still, it was an incredible rarity for several specific wolves to be summoned in the middle of what appeared to be a normal day in peaceful Easthollow.  She bit the inside of her cheek and burst on the scene just as her Alpha moved to attack.

Skin tingling with the effects of sudden, white-hot anger, Banner slicked her ears back against her skull while her hackles rose.  Green eyes honed in on a cowering male as momentum kept her moving.  He was the epicenter of whatever had occured here and the focus of Stark and Valette's heated attention.  He was far into their territory, much farther than an unaccompanied stranger should be!  And why, in the face of four obvious threats did he not at least attempt to run?  A low snarl ripped out of the short lady's throat as she quickly circled around behind the stranger, effectively cutting off his escape if he thought about making any such attempt.  However, she made no further move and instead became an enraged sentinel after planting herself.  Her eyes rose to lock with Valette's face, watching carefully to see what action her friend would take.  If the Alpha wished for Banner to move and allow their intruder to pass, she would.

But if Valette wished for her to attack, she'd do so gladly.

As Nikai arrived, his eyes fell on the stranger who was being attacked by Valette immediately. It looked like the situation was under control; there was a stranger, but Valette was on the case. There were a few other wolves there too and he felt like he was running late, even though he had immediately come here when she'd called for him. Nikai waited for further instructions, feeling tense as he had never been in a real fight before and wouldn't consider himself a fighter per say should anyone ask. He would do his best if it were needed, however.

Steph was out exploring when Valette's call reached her. It seemed to be for specific wolves, and urgent. While she was not one of the wolves called for, Steph's curiosity could not be smothered. With a wag of her tail, she was off in the direction of her mother, wondering what was going on.

She could hear the sounds of the fight and she paused before the wolves came into view. It almost sounded like Valette was fighting with the wolverine again. That time, though, Steph hadn't been allowed to watch. This time, she wanted to see, and no one had specifically told her not to come. She inched her way forward quietly, not that the sounds of the fight wouldn't drown out whatever little noise she might make. She huddled up next to a bush when the wolves finally came into view.

Her mother was attacking some other wolf Steph had never seen before, while others of the pack either joined in or stood by. Steph had no idea why this was happening, but she watched with wide eyes.

Much like her sister, mama's call reached Clary in the middle of exploring - or more, in the middle of looking for Steph. She found her sister's trail often led to places she wanted to be, but always a little too late. Today would be different - was supposed to be, until the summons came. She flicked her ears about to try and catch the direction of the call; her legs already carried her forward. Something told her this was a bad idea - a dangerous one - but like often, Clary ignored the sense to bolt to the den's safe retreat.

Though Clary had prepared to give up Steph's trail, she found her sister's scent only ran stronger the closer she drew. Strange noises - angry and feral - shivered her spine, until the forest unfolded to the fray. A hot flash tumbled her stomach and her breath stuck with a silent catch. Instinctively, Clary stumbled toward the nearest bush, where her shoulder brushed against the dark and familiar shape of Steph.

She couldn't tell what was happening, who mama was attacking, and she couldn't find her voice. Nor could she pry her eyes away from the fight - certain only that their target was wolf. She pressed up against her sister, hunched up and shaken, and watched on from her side.

The feeling of having her blood turn to ice became very real for Aurelia as the call of her leader, Valette, pierced the air. Though the Lockhart was not directly summoned, instinct carried her to the place where the call had been issued.
When she arrived she watched hell break loose.

Wolves she did not personally know but knew to be her packmates swirled around a single man Aurelia assumed to be the offender. Her ears flattened against her skull as the sound of her packmate's vicious snarls and snapping jaws grew louder.
She then turned her gaze away as she caught a glimpse of Valette launch herself at the helpless male.

Aurelia was not a fighter so she kept herself at the margin of the chaos, knowing she'd be of no help among her snarling packmates in the line of fire. She remained where she was, petrified until the small outline of a pup caught her eye. At the sight of Steph she moved instantly, quickly running over to the dark babe and her sibling, who Aurelia had yet to meet. She stood over the babes, figuring that the least she could do was keep them safe.
"it'll be ok" she whispered, her own fear being temporarily shooed off in hopes the frightened babes would follow suit.

 

Stark was astounded that the male hadn't taken the very generous offer that Valette had given and run. Instead he'd hunkered down like that was somehow the answer and Stark almost balked. For a moment he just looked to Valette, wide eyed in disbelief, but she called for the rest of the pack and the message was beyond clear. The male should have run. He should have taken the opportunity to get away. Still, she'd launched herself and attached to his neck and Stark was quick to move past her, towards the male's flank. Seeking to solidly plant his teeth into the male's flank, Stark would physically drag the male if need be - if Valette didn't finish him off first. 

Soon enough the rest of the pack responded and Stark felt a flourish of pride, something instinctual and deep running through his veins. The united front, the teamwork - all of it brought a feeling from Stark he couldn't quite articulate and now wasn't the time to try anyways. His eyes briefly lifted from the male to seek Banner's brilliant green. She was providing the effective barricade and Stark knew if need be, all that pent up anger would get fueled into one hell of a venting session for his sister. It was almost enough that he might have backed off to let her get into the thick of things but Stark wasn't that generous - and he wasn't sure he could simply let go of things now. 

Her name had not been called, but the sheer urgency in Desna’s voice kicked Nanook to a wild sprint. Her thoughts ran everywhere, and numb all the same. The Apaata heard the snarls through the thinning forest long before she caught sight of Desna’s bristling jaws locked around the throat of a stranger on the ground.

Nanook prepared to sweep forward to join the front, when a different motion moved her - the Pali shuffle of one of their newest recruits loomed over a bush - two small shapes beneath her.

With a snort, Nanook redirected her charge toward the three, and whisked around their other side. The pulse of her heart hammered against her skull, and though she feared what might happen if the stranger caught sight of the innocents, the moment to herd the children away was now while Desna held the intruder to the ground. With most of the pack already rallied, her sister would have enough help here - she had to trust that.

She looked briefly to the lithe woman with a glance to tell her they had to get the kids away, before Nanook bent low to urge both Steph and Clary with a full gesture to run back to the den - and she would be sure to be right behind them.