Larksong Grotto Riding alone, town after town, toll after toll

This takes place on the borders of LSG, so anyone is welcome!

A day had passed since since Reek's most recent bombshell and the weather had not changed. Clouds still shrouded the sun with a thick, gloomy quilt: nearly everything in Reek's field of vision appeared as a dull and gloomy grey. Reek was no naturalist but he thought it must have meant rain was in his future. It was fitting, of course. With eyes trained on the overcast sky, Reek sighed and pushed forward through rocky terrain and toward the borders to start his patrol.

He walked with little purpose. The patrols were not as necessary as they had once been -- the borderline practically reeked of Reek at this point -- but, Reek felt a draw to the fringes of the territory— a call that he felt he need to answer. Without consciously realizing it, he waited for Tavi's return as he walked. There were so many things he needed to discuss and so many things he wanted to tell her, but since she was out and about outside the territory, Reek was left alone with his thoughts.

The sky steadily darkened as he went along, and eventually, Reek felt a single rain drop fall directly on to his nose.

Hello! :D Like i said. Apologies if this is crappy :3 Apologies if i got the region wrong :l 

Aspen walked ears twitching alerting to the sounds of birds or just the sound of her paw steps on the undergrowth. She had been walking since just before dawn after her last somewhat decent sleep. However, her sleep had not been as deep as perhaps she needed. That was solely because the area she was now in was heavily populated by many packs of wolves it seemed. She hadn't been here in the region long but she must have passed at least five or six different borders. She dare not to trespass however as she knew better. However  She had spent many a month on her own and she was contemplating the idea of joining one of the packs around here.

The weather was rather cloudy, almost as if any moment it would pour down with rain just to make her travels even worse.

She didn't know where she was going, or for what purpose other than to perhaps join up with a pack. Eventually but at no surprise, she had found yet another set of pack borders. The borders here were marked strongly and recently, more recent than perhaps some of the others who's scents may have been at least a day or two old. Some wolf was rather diligent here and in fact despite the damp air she could pick up the scent of a wolf. Perhaps patrolling the borders again. 

She approached slowly her head hung somewhat low in case the wolf took her as some sort of threat. Perhaps this wolf would accept her into their ranks. Not to say that she would trust any of the wolves here quickly. Only time would tell with that one. She had some trust issues because of her history with pack wolves. They had a tendency to be quite cruel at times. She pushed the thoughts out of her head almost as quickly as they entered. Another time. Another place.

She let out a small chuff to alert the male wolf that had become visible in her eyes now. He seemed rather strong and she would rather not startle him. The wolf seemed to be distracted with his thoughts and not all that alert but she did it just in case. Apart from that small chuff she remained silent and her tail swung low by her haunches. She wasn't going to chance having a conversation if conversation was not welcome here. 

I may have rambled. o.o

Despite the looming threat of rain, confirmed by a single rain drop, Reek pressed forward and continued his patrol. However, as the sky further darkened, one discouraging droplet turned into two -- then three. Reek squinted and stared up at the sky with furrowed brow. Soon, the floodgates would open and all would be drenched in the first of many April showers.

He felt it wise to turn back: to retreat back to his cave and wait for Tavi's return there, but Reek's base protective instincts kept him glued to the border with careful eye trained on the distance, searching for a flash of grey. Of course, he saw nothing of the sort, but hope was not dead.

A chuff, however, grabbed Reek's attention. He turned to see that the noise was soon followed by the loud crack of thunder in the distance and bright flash of lighting. The sky had apparently reached it's threshold. The bottom opened out and it began to pour. Through the pouring rain, Reek could see a streak of grey— nearly indistinguishable from the bleak surroundings. His first thought was of Tavi. "Tav?" He implored toward the stranger, voice hopeful.

The dark clouds were hovering and seemed like they were in to stay as the first few drops of rain lead to a full on downpour. The dark wolf turned to face her and he had a look on his face that seemed lost or curious. Perhaps the male had mistaken her for someone else. Someone that was a part of this pack. It hadn't yet occured to her this wolf was the alpha of the pack that lived here. 

As it to further ruin any mood Aspen did have, a loud clap of thunder and a bolt of lightening added to the already wet and gross atmosphere. Aspen tipped her head to the clouds with a rather unamused look on her face before her gaze returned to meet that of the black wolf inside pack borders. He spoke, one word. "Tav?" Tav? Who or what is Tav? She looked rather puzzled before deciding that it must be a name. "No." she stated rather abruptly. She wasn't going to say anything more before realizing that comment might have come across a tad harsh. "Aspen," she added her own name so that he had something to identify her with.

She hated the fact that her fur was getting wetter and wetter by the second. Her lack of significant body mass came to her downfall when it rained because it meant she got cold easily. She generally avoiding hunting or really anything while it was raining. However, in April when the rain was more common she realized that she hadn't any choice in the matter. Wolves needed to be fed. Just because it was raining it was no excuse for starvation. 

"Sorry if I'm not who you were hoping to see on this rather...rainy day," she said with a slight bit of sympathy in her tone. She then waited to determine if this wolf, having now realized she wasn't this Tav person. Perhaps he would turn on her. Only time would tell.

Reek could feel the small amount of hope he clung to leave his body in the wake of her clipped response. His head drooped and he exhaled sharply. In the greying gloom of rain, the two wolves (Aspen and Tavi) were nearly indistinguishable from one another. The dissapointment lingering in this case of mistaken identity was evident in Reek's voice. "Oh," he returned on the breath of a sigh. She would return eventually. She had to.

It took a great deal of self control to not turn back now. Reek yearned for the comfort and the protection from the rain that his cave offered. However, realizing that this wolf was not Tavi, Reek now had business to attend to. His body language stiffened, the comfort that once peppered his stance now fading away. Lifting his tail, Reek took a step toward the stranger.

"You're close to my border," he said, matter-of-fact. "Why?"  No one approached a wolf pack without reason. Whatever her's was, it better be good.

The wolf did in fact seem disappointed with Aspen's rather abrupt statement whether he let it on or not. However one the thoughts clicked that she was in fact a stranger and rather close to the borders, he quickly changed his body position to one of rather dominance and power. Aspen remained in the same position she had before head low and her tail tucked by her haunches. Not in fear, but in submission. Not that fear was out of the question, this wolf made her slightly nervous but she didn't really let it show.

"I wish to join the ranks of your wolves," Aspen spoke calmly. She took a breathe before continuing. "I can assure you I would be an asset to your pack. I am a skilled hunter and my long legs and slender body make me a swift fighter though my skills could use a brush up. I also would be able to help with your patrols although I do not doubt your ability to manage on your own, a little help never hurt," she stated with a well meaning bow near him. She then waited for the now noticeably alpha wolf's reply.

Eslani, who had been hastily hunting so she could catch up with Reek, was finally done. Her burdens of the day relieved, including marking the territory, she followed his newest scent trail to find him with a new female. Eslani padded up behind him, eyes inspecting the female, and greeted him with a soft chuff. She then turned her head back towards her, listening to her words. Ahh, a new asset...possibly. With a slow blink, the blood-raven sat and listened to the conversation. She wasn't feeling to aggressive after getting her anger out on the trespasser, so she gave the slightest hint of a smile to the loner. 

Her always-clean dark fur was slick and shiny in the pouring rain, lustrous yet unbearably wet. She licked her claws and tail, then once again focused her gaze on the new one. Aspen...nice name. Different origin than hers, obviously, but pretty. With a single wink, she managed to wish the girl good luck, putting a grin on her face. It was unlike her, but she felt good today. Yes, today was a good rainy day, a thing that didn't happen often...

She sought a home. Of course, Reek could have guessed. Typically there were only two reasons for wolves to show up to knock at his door: One, they're called (in the case of Thuringwethil and her escort) and two, they're displaced wolves looking to make the grotto their home. Reek was not above opening his home to those who truly needed it, however, he felt himself as no charity worker. As with all wolves, if Aspen had nothing to offer, she would be turned away.

Reek felt he needed fighters, especially with the looming suspicion that the maplewood would eventually come to meddle with his claim. He needed all the able bodied wolves he could get in the sake of preserving his security, in which Reek had already gone to great lengths to ensure. If she could walk the walk and back up her words, then Aspen would surely find her home within the grotto.

He made note of Eslani's approach, but payed her no heed. His business was with the prospective joiner. However, it was nice to know that if things went to shit, he would have back-up. Taking a step forward, paw sinking into the mud before him, Reek dipped his front end down to initiate a spar. "Show me," he said. "If I like what you've got, you can stay."

Body bowed in waiting, Reek readied himself for Aspen's coming assault.

I rolled a four, so Aspen looses but her skills are good. Considering she had said prior she was rusty her loss didn't bother her too much. She still fought well. Go Reek!! XD 

Aspen side glanced as another wolf came to Reek's side and greeted her with what seems like a smile. Hellooo I'm a stranger why are you smiling? Aspen thought slightly annoyed by the lack of sense this she wolf seemed to have. If a stranger was at pack borders, the last thing on your mind is to be friendly with them, even if this was a new recruit the wolf had no reason to automatically trust Aspen. Yet the wolf didn't seem to have a doubt in her mind this wolf was not a threat. She decided rather than be disrespectful she would return the she wolf's gaze with a small polite nod.

 Her focus returned to the means at hand as the Alpha male asked for Aspen to demonstrate and if he liked what he saw, she could consider this place home. She returned his bow with a gaze that showed pure determination and focus. She took a split second to think before lunging for the side of his neck while he was still in a bow. It wasn't the sweet spot but for now it would have to do.

 She aimed to grasp on just to the right of where she really should have hit in a real fight but couldn't reach because of his angle. She held hard enough that it wouldn't cause any damage but that she still had some control. In an attempt to knock him off his feet she was twisting her head at an odd angle keeping her legs locked so that she herself wouldn't fall during the maneuver herself. The mud made this harder but perhaps it could be used to either of their advantages.

Heh sorry if the sparring is bad, the last battle i fought was when i had Wynter at ankyra sound against Duskfire XD Before we disbanded :3 And other stuff happened *smug grin* XDD

Reek rolls a 9!

Feel free to post whenever you can @Eslani. Since this is a joining thread, I'm going to try and keep it moving as fast as possible!

The silence -- apart from the pitter-patter of steady rainfall -- shared between them as they stared each other down was soon replaced by a low and guttural growl coming from Reek's throat. It was his best attempt at intimidation. He found, while he was not the best fighter in the wilds, he could turn the tide in his favor by worming his way into his opponents head. Aspen, however, seemed absolutely unfazed— and before Reek had any proper time to react, she was already upon him, lunging forward with jaws outstretched.

She locked down on his scruff, and with a twist, Reek staggered sideways into the mud, however, he did not let himself falter. He struggled to pull away. Whipping his head back, he felt her teeth painfully scape across the skin of his unprotected neck. Having pulled from Aspen's grip, Reek lunged forward with a feral intensity. Jaws parted wide, he seeked purchase around Aspen's neck. Once he had her, Reek would roll, and unlike Aspen, Reek would use their collective weight to knock her into the mud, because, if he was going down... so was she.

Eslani son became interested, as a spar was something she loved to have on her free time. She raised an eyebrow as Reek was scratched, but was relieved to see that he recovered quickly. She wasn't so sure about this aspen as she seemed hesitant to answer to Eslani's wink. Plus, she had missed her aim on Reek's neck. Eslani, of course, set the bar high, but that was just because this thing was her cup f tea. Maybe, just maybe, if Aspen beat Reek, Eslani could spar with her next. That was if she wasn't to tired. Her disdain was masked by a solemn poker face, one that was absolutely unreadable. The only wolf who would recognize that face was...nevermind that. All that mattered was that they wouldn't understand what she was thinking. Her tail flicked with a silent sort of laughter as Reek was pushed into the mud. Though it was a spar, it was funny to watch the two wolves scuffle around on slippery grounds in the rain. Ha!

Aspen, just wanted to let you know, Eslani's actions or thoughts do not reflect my IRL opinions, heh.

Of course you roll a 9 XD I'm trying i swear XD My luck is just crappy. Point proven with the large gap in who wins :P

Aspen had succeeded in the manoeuver she had attempted in that the Alpha male had lost his balance and slid into the mud, however her "victory" was short lived. He managed to pull out of her grip before she had a chance  to even think about what she would have done next and the loss of his neck from her jaws caused her to slip slightly but she manged to stay up right. She didn't have much time to think though as jaws came flying for their mark. 

She felt his jaws clasp her neck as he pulled her into a roll. She caught a glimpse of the black and red wolf watching from a distance almost in amusement but she had little chance to focus on that as both of their weights combined gave Aspen no chance to hold her ground. Despite her struggle of paws in the mud she eventually fell, coating most of her fur in a slick layer of mud.Well she supposed she deserved that one though it didn't stop her from cursing the rain a little more inside her head. She made sure to note what he had done differently with the same move using the collective weight and gravity to his advantage. 

She paused for a moment before trying to fight off the black wolf's grip as well as gain some purchase on the ground. She tried once, twice, and a third time to get her legs underneath her and to be able to stand but the ground apparently had other plans as she fell legs splayed every time.

Aspen sighed in defeat as she kept her body low to the ground and lay on her side showing him that he had won. She remained silent as she waited from him to loosen his grip on her neck and until she could find a way to stand again.

 Despite having lost she felt accomplished.  That was the first spar/battle she had had in a long time. If she hadn't missed her mark with her first shot, perhaps she could have one that. She tried her best and o her that was all that mattered. Well that, and the opinion these wolves now had of her. Good or bad we would find out soon. She kept her gaze locked on the alpha male. Waiting, and hoping, for something, anything.

Eslani, good to know aha but same goes for Aspen. She can be a bit...blunt at times :3 You have been warned :P

The move worked and the potential joiner came crashing down to her side as Reek forced her into a sidelong roll. Tucked together in this roll, they both became better acquainted with the mud. Reek himself became one with the dirt and grime, as it clothed him like a tightly woven sweater -- covering nearly every inch of his greasy, scraggly fur until he was nothing but a slipper, brown mass. Neither did Aspen escape the mud's earthen grasp, and soon, the two became too bogged down to continue their spar.

With jaws still wrapped around Aspen's throat, Reek stood above her in a dominant position. The fight was over, but Aspen still struggled to get to her feet. The fight had not left her, and for that, Reek could respect her effort. He was not one to reward those who gave up, but for those who continued trying (in Aspen's case), Reek felt there was potential for growth.

His grip slackened and he pulled away. "You're in," he said, smiling. "Welcome home." Before making his way back to Eslani's side, Reek shook the loose mud from his fur. He settled into a seated position his gaze once agian fell on the new joiner. "My name's Reek. Call me if you need me." 

And with that, Reek turned away to clean himself of the exess mud in the lake.

Aspen didn't have to wait too long before she felt his grip loosen and let go. She put her head back in a somewhat normal position but stayed on the ground until the alpha spoke. "You're in....Welcome home," he spoke. Aspen smiled at him and then at the Red and Black wolf who was sat near him. "Thank you," she said gratefully. "I won't let you down." 

She watched as the now mud covered wolf stood up shook himself lightly and moved to sit next to the other wolf of his pack. Their pack now. It had been a while since Aspen had been a member of a pack, she hoped that these wolves were all friendly and that nothing bad would happen. It would take a while for these wolves to gain her complete trust but she would remain loyal to her Alpha's if its the last thing she did.

The Alpha spoke once more, telling her his name and that if he needed her all she had to do was shout. She nodded as  Reek then got up to presumably find a lake to wash himself off in. Aspen knew she needed to do the same, it was still raining but that certainly wouldn't do the job. After she got cleaned up she would find a place to take shelter for the night. Somewhere a bit more....dry.

Et Voila :) Sorry Eslani that i skipped you again but we wanted to finish this up so I could post in some other threads :3 If it bothers you I can delete it but I'm fairly sure this is going off to the archives now.

Its all good! You can call me Ezi btw.

Eslani gave a well-deserved nod to the stranger and one to her alpha as well. "I am Lani. I hope to see you around soon. If you need me, I'm usually around the caches hunting. Until then." She touched her alpha's shoulder, along with the newbie's, and trotted off to hunt, black and red plume whisking behind her.