A New Beginning

As the sun comes over the horizon, the beams bounce off of Jagger's black charcoal coat to warm him up after a cold winter night. Jagger shakes off the heavy snow and scans the area for anything new. Smelling the air with his long broad snout, and listening with his large triangular ears, he didnt hear nor did he smell anything new. It was time for home to move. It was time for him to find someplace else he could call home. Being a lone wolf, Jagger didn't have to rely on anyone for anything, but he also didn't have anyone to converse with, or to guide him. If Jagger did leave, where would he go? Who will he meet? When will he get there? So many thoughts raced through Jagger's mind. But ultimately, he made his decision.

After hours of consideration, Jagger decided to go and head south. Not knowing anything about this new land, Jagger just feels the need to head south. If there were other wolves, maybe they could train Jagger and help him overcome his past domestic lifestyle. Knowing that this wouldn't be easy, Jagger prepares for his long track full journey.

He decided to leave in the morning.

Another night has fallen and the sun showed its face again throughout the land. As Jagger promised, he would leave in the morning. There was nothing worthy enough for Jagger to take with him. Jagger doesn't get attached to anything, or anyone, because he knows that one day he will lose them, so why get attached.

The time has come for Jagger to set off. With a glance back at his former home with his piercing brown eyes, Jagger leaves. he heads south hoping to find something worth him staying. He doesn't know where he's going, but south was the best option. Jagger doesn't like relying on people, but he doesn't want to be a lone wolf anymore.

After only a couple hours into his journey, something startles Jagger. A sound he's never heard before. He could tell what it was, he's just surprised it was aimed at him. It was a loud, amplified snort. So loud that it made Jagger stop in his tracks. Jagger was no coward. If he was going to fight, he would fight until his last breath, with or without a pack.

Without hesitation Jagger let out an aggressive bark; "Who's there? What do you want?"

No answer. Jagger was getting anxious. Who would snort and not attack or answer his call? It didn't make sense to Jagger. He scanned the area with his brown colored eyes, but saw nothing. Perked his large triangular eyes to hear nothing. Not even a squirrel preparing for the next day. Smelt the fresh evergreen air with his long multicolored snout and found out exactly what made the snout. It was a mother doe protecting her young. Hard to believe that this doe spotted Jagger before Jagger even noticed. He knew he was clumsy and needed to be taught, but who was to teach him such abilities. The only thing that Jagger knew how to do well was to fight, and that's because his father taught him.

Now knowing what made the sound, Jagger again smelt the air to pinpoint where exactly this mother doe was. If she was to be too old, Jagger would go in for the kill, if she were to be young, it would be a challenge, but Jagger needed to eat.

Jagger spots the large matured doe in a clearing surrounded by her herd. She had a brown coat with grey strands in between. If Jagger wanted it to be a fast, clean kill, he was going to have to separate her from the rest. There is nothing Jagger treasures more than life, if he was going to take one, then he would take it with honor and
respect.

The time has come, if Jagger wanted this kill, he had to act fast. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. Taking on such a large doe by himself, but Jagger had nothing to lose and he needed to eat. The doe was yards away from her herd. It was as if the herd separated her due to her age. Nonetheless, Jagger found his opportunity. He used the brushes as his camoflauge to get within sprinting distance of his soon to be kill. The doe knew something wasn't right as she repeatedly perked her head up to scan her surroundings. The doe turned to the opposite direction of Jagger and without hesitation, Jagger struck. he sprinted towards the doe and chomped on her hind leg so she wouldn't run away. The doe let out a loud scream to warn the herd, and in an instant, most of them ran. The doe looked at Jagger, who was gnawing on the does hind leg, and with her good leg kicked Jagger in the face. This startled Jagger and with a grin said "I love the fighters", and lunged in for another bite. Now that the doe couldn't run away, Jagger tried to aim for the neck. If he bit the neck, the doe would bleed out.

The remaining 3 does of the herd soon realized that Jagger was a lone wolf and if tried hard enough, they could possibly scare him away. Jagger soon realizes what the plan is and now must try harder to take this large doe down. Being the matured doe that she is, the doe always seemed to have a counter to Jagger's attacks. If he lunged, she would side-step. If she swiped his paw, she would back away. If he chomped, she would kick. Jagger had to do something, and fast. 1 vs. 1 was a lot easier than 4 vs. 1.

Jagger used her disability to his advantage, he swept behind her and bite her other hind leg. Now the doe was kneeling. Nowhere else for her to go. Jagger leaped onto her back and chomped deep into her neck. For the other does, it was too late. They witnessed their beloved member take her last breath as her spirit left this world. For Jagger, this was first of many accomplishments. Being a lone wolf and taking on such a task would have been suicide for others, but Jagger knew he could do it.

Jagger was exhausted from his kill, but before devouring his kill, Jagger looked into the does eyes and said, "Thank you sister, I will honor you with the upmost respect. That I promise." Jagger glances at the other does to make sure they are not a threat, they understood what Jagger had done and were pleased with how he honored her and left him.

Once finished with his fill of the day, Jagger checks himself for any injuries. Besides the kick to the face, there were none. Jagger beds down and sleeps for the evening. He continues his journey tomorrow.

Shivering.....shivering.....Jagger awakened suddenly to find himself coiled up like a snake outside in the open as freshly flaked white snow feel upon his black and white fur coated body. This was the first time this lone wolf had spent the night outside in the open in a long time. Jagger knew it was time to relocate, but Jagger would be damned before he would let his kill go to waste. Before making his kill, Jagger promised to honor the doe's body, no matter the cost.

Looking up at the clouded night's sky, Jagger would let out a houl that would fill the woods and make any small game tremble in fear. A houl so massive that it even startled Jagger for a moment. As he awaited for a response, Jagger would resume eating his kill. That's all Jagger wanted, just a response.

Kove hadn't been busy, per say, but had wandered from the borders of the pack in order to go deeper into the territory. This time around, he didn't plan to stay in the territory for long, but was going to head to the lake again to check it out. Since the run in with the albino cat, he'd been avoiding going back there, not wanting to get involved in something he might not be able to finish himself. He never made it to the lake, though, for his attention was dragged to another place. The howl that cut through the air was quick to grab hold of his mind, steering his legs towards it so he could see who the hell it was. He'd never come across a loner who actually made their presence known like that, which made him curious as to whether or not said wolf actually belonged to a pack. The voice didn't match anyone in Blackfeather, and didn't fit anyone he'd met before, so his guard went up immediately once a decent distance from the lone wolf.

Raising his snout to the air in order to give a sharp bark to the stranger, the ghost wasn't met by any pack scents he knew of. Definitely a loner, then, though why would they just announce their presence like that? Isn't the idea to be sneaky and careful when nearing a pack's claimed land? Hell, he had no idea. His time as a loner had been somewhat long, and he'd never been all that sneaky around pack territories when he should have been, but those packs hadn't been full of killers. Or, maybe, they had been and he just hadn't taken notice. Either way, he still couldn't see what the male was playing at. "Why have you called out for another so close to a pack's land?" Kove inquired once in speaking distance from the other lupine, copper optics watching the wolf eat at a doe's corpse. It's hide did not match the pale man's coat, telling him it wasn't one of the deer that belonged to the Woods. It was just another, average deer that had managed to catch the eye of a hungry wolf.

Now that howl left Jagger's mouth, Jagger had nothing else to do except eat his kill and await for a response. He knew that being a lone wolf and making such a large howl could be suicide, but Jagger didn't care. He feared no one.

In an instant, Jagger knew something was up. As he perked triangular charcoal ears and raised his long snout, he smelled a new comer. A pack wolf. Jagger being unaware that a pack was even remotely close to his location, was surprised at the fact that a wolf had responded so quickly.

Jagger had got up from his feasting and decided to scan the environment to see if he could spot this new wolf before this new wolf could spot him.
Too late.

To offer a meal and hospitality were Jagger's intentions for the howl. He wanted to honor his promise to the doe and to establish new aquientences. How this new wolf was going to take this news, he was going to talk it out, to see.

"I originally wanted to join this pack, however before I could, my stomach got the best of me," he said, referencing to the fallen food.

"Considering I can't eat it all by myself, you can get some, if you want."

Kove hadn't expected the other male to speak of a desire to join, nor had he expected the offer of food. Not being one to take what another killed, even when offered, he had to refuse the idea. He wasn't hungry anyways, making his refusal all that much easier. "I am not hungry," the ghost said, his words as blunt as they could be. With that out of the way, he had another topic to address. One that involved the pack possibly acquiring a new wolf to it's ranks. He couldn't see anything wrong with the bright eyed lupine, so surely he wasn't just looking for a place to stay through Winter; which was good.

"If you are truly considering joining us, I could call out for someone else," Kove told him. While he didn't appear to be that much of a threat, and had already made his intentions clear, the pale being still didn't relax too much. The wolf was a stranger, after all, and not even his name was known. Speaking of which... "What do they call you?" he inquired, silently thanking his conscious for reminding him to ask that.

Standing there scanning the new wolf in front of him, Jagger couldn't help but notice a mark was placed upon the shoulder of this wolf. As intrigued as he was about it, Jagger was going to have to ask about that at another time.

As for now, Jagger replied confidently, "My name is Jagger. I have traveled many miles trying to find your pack. I have heard great things about your pack and I respect what you represent. Your help for me will greatly be appreciated friend. So, what shall I call you?"

After making his statements and asking his questions, Jagger gains ground between them to not seem so distant. If Jagger's mother had taught him anything, it was to show respect when respect was given and never seemed to pushy. Jagger hoped he had honored these life lessons with this new wolf.

Once the wolf gave his name, he continued to speak of why he'd come, and so far too. He wondered where the male had come from, exactly, but didn't bother to ask. It was of little importance to him, finding all that mattered to be the fact that he wished t join them. This wolf, Jagger, respected the views and ways of Blackfeather, or so he'd said, which was a very good thing if he was intent on joining them. When asked for a name, the ghost wasn't all too quick to answer, but did nevertheless. "You can call me Kove," he told him, watching closely as some ground between the two was lost.

"Tell me, before I call out for the Queen, what do you plan to do after joining the pack, if you're accepted?" The pale man's orbs locked onto the other's, curious to hear his answer. He liked being well informed on things, even if it was something small. "Do you plan to stay with the pack just through Winter, or longer?" Kove wasn't a huge fan of wolves that stayed with a pack for only the cold months, for it chowed a lack of loyalty. They were just looking out for themselves when they did that, and were usually more trouble than they were worth.

Jagger looked upon this pale coated wolf who called himself Kove and knew that he was loyal. Jagger appreciated that fact. Unfortunately, there are not many like him anymore. What a shame. Nevertheless, Kove wanted to acquire intel from Jagger, and after some deep thought, Jagger replied,

"If accepted into your upmost prestigious pack, I plan on contributing in any way I possibly can. I am a very good fighter, and once trained properly, I will be a very good hunter. If you're willing to give me a chance to prove myself, why would I not take advantage of the situation? I would be a fool to not to." Jagger says as he sits down. He looks at Kove and states, "As for how long I plan to stay, my loyalty lies until the very end. I am not one to overstep his boundaries, nor am I one to leave once satisfied. I respect you and your pack enough to live by these codes of honor. I will most likely stay with your pack as long as possibly unless given a reason to leave."

Now rising upon all fours, Jagger tilts his large head and states, "I have heard of your Queen, Meldresi correct? What can I come to expect if you are to call out for her?"

My muse is seriously lacking. Sorry for the crummy post.

The multicolored male spoke words that were appealing to Kove's ears. He could contribute to the pack, though would need some training with hunting, and his loyalty sounded as if it was intertwined with his very very life. The trait was something he liked, and one he was sure Meldresi would appreciate as well. "I am glad to hear that you have the intentions to be so loyal," he voiced. By now, the pale being had further relaxed, not seeing a reason to keep himself so tense around the other. He was usually a relaxed wolf, but had found his body growing tense with anticipation each time he met someone new. As the Dark Queen's name slipped out, followed by an inquiry, the Alaskan sat himself down to answer. He didn't plan to say much, but just enough to prepare the brute, in a way.

"Yes, you are correct," Kove told him, starting off slow. He had to think of what would be expected, finding no easy way to answer it. Anything could be expected, really. She was a busy wolf, especially with her children still so young, so perhaps she would be annoyed or upset with being called out and away from her young? It seemed like a way a mother would act, not that Kove had ever met one other than Meldresi before. "Expect anything," the ghost finally said. "She is busy, after all, and might not seem so thrilled over the idea of a trespasser. You should lead by mentioning your wish to join, rather than by starting off with any idle chitchat." His mouth stayed shut when it came to the young, not seeing a reason to share their existence with the loner. If allowed entry into the ranks, he would learn of them anyways, so no harm done.

Listening to what the pure white wolf had to say, the multicolored wolf lifted his large head, smirked, and let out a chuckle. The answer that the wolf had given him amused Jagger. It was one that he wasn't expecting, but he appreciated the honesty.

Keeping the advice in mind, Jagger stated, "When can I achieve the privilege of meeting your Queen? I would hate to make it seem that I'm rushing things, but I have been trying to find your pack for a long time. I'm sure you understand." As Jagger finishes his statements and waits for the snow wolf's answer, he trots over to the half mutilated deer and continues consuming precious meats.

Want me to tag Meldresi in this post, or the next? I can edit it if you'd prefer the first option. c:

The pale man quirked an invisible eyebrow when the other released a chuckle, but said nothing on it. He had not seen any humor to his words, as was probably obvious given the expression he'd made, but wiped his small look of confusion away as quickly as it'd come. Moments after, the multicolored male asked when he would be permitted to meet the Dark Queen, then returned to the carcass of the deer. Kove was a bit glad that the other had actually been searching for the pack for awhile, which told he was a determined creature. It also heightened the amount of truth to his words of being loyal until the end, which the ghost liked.

“I can call for her whenever you feel you are ready to meet with her,” he informed the other. “When she arrives, though, I can not say. As I told you, she is a busy one.”

The large dark wolf picked up his head and looked towards the ghost wolf. He swished his tail in approval and stated: "If your queen's timing is unpredictable, the sooner the call, the sooner she can be here. I really appreciate everything you have done for me Kove. It takes a lot to gain my trust and respect, I wish you don't abuse it." Jagger had gone back to eating the little remains of the deer caucus. Knowing that he had gained a new ally satisfied the colored one.

After having his fill, Jagger turned to Kove saying: "While we wait for her, tell me about yourself. How long have you been with this pack?"

The ghostly figure listened to the other as he spoke once more, but did nothing but nod his head. Once the loner had finished his first bit of words, Kove took the brief second of silence to toss his head back and released a howl, calling for the presence of @Meldresi as he did so. As his voice reached his end, he was curious as to when she would arrive, as well as to whether or not she would want for him to stick around when he did. Deciding to wait for her appearance and voice in the matter rather than assuming things, his attention was returned to the other man, who had once again spoke. This time, however, it was a question for him, and one he didn't mind answering.

Kove gave a shrug of his shoulders in response to the question, thinking back as he did so. “About a month or so, I believe,” he answered, a bit uncertain. Honestly, he had not kept track of how long he'd been there, as it had not seemed all too important. What he believed mattered was the fact that he was there and devoting himself to the pack, rather than wasting his days keeping track of how long he'd been within it's ranks. “I have a question of my own now.” Kove's voice came once again soon after his answer came out, not wanting for the other to continue to ask things without the white wolf learning anything in return. “Have you been within a pack before? Or would this be your first time joining one?”

As the white ghost muttered his question, the large wolf pondered as to why his answer would be relevant. Although, because the question was from someone whom Jagger highly respected, he answered, "I have never been with another pack. This shall be my first if your queen decides to let me in." The large one sat down and curled his large fluffy tail around his body and asked, "What else would you like to know?"

@Jagger care to wrap this up with me? We waited too long, and now BFW is full, so maybe try again when it's open? :o
Edit; It's been awhile since this had a reply, and the character seems to have gone inactive, so I'm going to wrap this up here.

Once his question was answered, the man bobbed his head in a light nod, simply to show he'd been listening and understood. He wondered what had kept the other from joining a pack until now, but promptly decided against pressing for an answer. What good what it do to press into the other male's personal things, anyways? No, good, really. It was unneeded information, as he was sure it would not cause any issues later on down the road. When he sat, though, and asked him what else he wanted to know, the ghost was somewhat surprised. He had not been expecting such an offer to come up, but didn't feel any negative emotions towards it. Instead, he allowed himself to get closer to the other, then sat down and watched him closely.

“Were you ever taught to hunt with others growing up?” Kove asked him. They had pack hunts sometimes, and he wanted to know if the man before him would be capable of participating in one without going on some practice rounds if the need every arose. With the other members in the pack, he doubted it would ever come down to the multicolored male needing to hunt with a group, but the skill and knowledge were still good to have. Helpful, too.

The other male never got the chance to answer the question, as a sound rose up and grabbed hold of the pale wolf's attention. It was a howl, clearly from one of his pack mates, and they seemed to be requesting his presence. He glanced to the other for a second, then looked behind him once more. After careful consideration, he deemed the call of a pack mate to be more important than speaking to a loner. Though the loner had showed an interest in wanting to join the pack, Kove was unsure as to whether or not he could make it in, or if they even had any space for him. "Actually, scratch that," he said, dismissing his own question. "I must go, someone has called for me. Come back another time and request Meldresi's presence. If she sees something in you, then I am sure your want to join will be taken into consideration. If not, well, good luck on finding another home." Once the words left his mouth, he waited patiently to see if he had understood what was said. Afterwords, Kove turned and headed back towards the pack's border, leaving the lone wolf with his meal. Had he been closer to the border, he would have escorted him a decent distance away, but since he wasn't, the Inuit man let him go. Besides, he didn't want to leave his pack mate waiting long, even though he had not idea what they could possibly want.