Blacktail Deer Plateau "It is our choices that show us who we really are"

@Kavik @Grezig @Illidan @Elixir @Corvus @Minori @Kenkou @Donoma @Thorleif @Yizur feel free to come meet @Ruenna but please let her reply first! :)

The leader led Rue back in companionable silence, for the two women were very much the quiet type, through the Flatlands and up the footpaths into the territory. She crossed the border with little worry, for the silver girl was at her side and Liri had already brought her back with the intentions of introducing her. Should it come to pass that Rue decided to depart, the Alpha would kindly escort her from their territory just as she had led her in.

"We'll probably find most of them further in," she reassured the wolfess at her side as she padded through the silent forest of conifer and birch trees. 

The northron halted once she had reached the heart of their territory - not far from the Door - and settled on her haunches. Her pale head tipped back, a call rising in the air for her wolves to come introduce themselves if they so pleased.

The journey up to the plateau was a quiet one, but that was fine for Rue. She made use of the silence by allowing her full attenion to focus on the unfamiliar scenery. As the Kintla grasses turned into a lovely forest of pine and burch, their footpath inclined and Rue could only assume that they were making the final climb up to Liri's home. Would it soon be a place Rue called home as well?

Rue hesitated for the briefest moment as they passed the pack's scent markers, her lone-wolf instincts taking over. She continued forward feeling silly. Had Liri noticed her little balk? From the leader's comment about finding most of them further in, it seemed like Liri might have noticed her companion's hesitation and hoped to encourage her forward. Rue gave the woman a small, understanding nod. 

Liri called to request the presence of her packmates, and Rue took in a steadying breath. It had been a long time since Rue had been in the presence of more than one or two others, and the idea of an entire pack of strangers gathering around her in unfamiliar territoy put her more than a little on edge. She attempted to hide her apprehension behind an amicable tail-wag and an open, friendly expression. Her muzzle and throat were still coated in blood from the pair's previous hunt, but hopefully no one would find that too offputting.

His mate's call drifted to his ears as he ran a patrol at the edge of their territory; the sound could draw him from any task, and he wasted no time turning and heading in her direction. The summons promised a new face and, thankfully, did not sound distressed. It didn't take Kavik long to reach the area not far from their dens. When he walked onto the scene, he immediately went to sit next to Liri, giving her a quick nuzzle in greeting as he did so. He looked to the cream and tan female then. I'm Kavik, Liri's mate and the other Alpha of this pack, he said with a polite bow of his head. There was nothing aggressive about the new female's body language, but Kavik did briefly notice the blood in her fur. The scent from the blood was the same as what he scented on Liri, and he wondered if they had maybe been hunting before coming to the plateau. I assume my mate has brought you here because you're interested in joining our pack? Kavik asked with friendly curiosity. They were always glad to add more strong, capable wolves to the ranks.

Kavik was the first to respond and the healer greeted him with a returned nuzzle, her tail giving an enthusiastic wag at the sight of her mate. 

She remained silent as her dark counterpart introduced himself, watching his verdant gaze flicker between Rue and the doe's blood. Liri watched, but Kavik didn't seem alarmed - she assumed he must have guessed what they were up to. 

The sylph's pallid crown bobbed at the question but it was obvious that it was directed at Ruenna. The healer waited to see what the silver girl would say, brown eyes alight with curiosity.

Although the inky male's appearance was far from sudden, he strode forward with such a sense of purpose that Rue felt herself tense at his entrance. After Rue realized that his gaze was set on Liri rather then herself, she silently released the breath she had been holding. She watched their loving exchange, gaze softening. They reminded her of her parents, just a bit. 

Hello Kavik. I'm Ruenna. Her voice emerged in her usual quiet tone, though her eyes held the male's with enough curious intensity to make it clear that she was not a timid wolf. She dropped her gaze deferentially after observing the male as long as could be considered polite, especially with their status difference in mind. 

After the male asked his question, Rue felt the fleeting desire to look to Liri for reassurance, as a child might before answering an adult's inquiries. Of all the silly urges.. Rue swallowed, keeping her eyes decidely away from Liri. Instead, she flicked her gaze back up to Kavik in order to answer his question. 

The life of a lone wolf doesn't suit me, I'm afraid. It was an honest statement, but it didn't exactly answer the man's question, did it? Rue took a breath and tried again. I'd love nothing more than to settle down, but I know so little about the area. Liri offered to introduce me, so I might learn a little more about life here and.. How to put it exactly? ..And whether I might be a good fit for your pack. 

Kavik nodded in response to her greeting. She made eye contact with him while speaking but shifted her gaze afterwards in what he could only assume was respect. She seemed intelligent and strong so far, and he was impressed. Her calm demeanor in the face of meeting a stranger in an unknown, claimed territory only accentuated her apparent strength. Overall, a good first impression, the Aplha thought. 

Ruenna's answer to his question did not come as a surprise. Living alone was hard for most wolves, and before long, winter would bring frigid temperatures, so it was wise for her to be seeking a pack. It was even wiser that she wanted to make sure she was a good fit before committing to anything. I can say, based off your first impression, you seem like you would fit in well here. he said confidently. We run things a little differently here, he began, stopping to smile at his mate, We believe that all members should have a say in the way things are run, very much like a democracy, he finished, moving his emerald gaze back to the silver female. He felt like that was the most important aspect of their pack and should be brought up right away to potential recruits. What kind of skills would you be bringing, Ruenna? he asked with friendly curiosity. If his assumptions were correct, they might have another hunter to add to the ranks, which was always welcome. But was she also a healer like his mate, or a mercenary like him? Maybe she liked the stars like Elixir, or wanted to offer her advice about leadership decisions like their Beta, Grezig. He looked to Liri then, seeing if she had anything else to add.

Liri had considered the fact that Ruenna might be nervous in a claimed territory with unfamiliar wolves but the girl seemed to faring rather well under any stress. The healer suppressed a smile, again impressed by Rue's grit.

"Indeed," she added, dipping her head. She hadn't yet explained the inner workings of the Plateau with Ruenna, unsure if she was going to join. "We convene as a Council, comprised of all pack members, whenever an issue comes up," she elaborated. Everyone had equal say here. 

Liri turned to the silver one as Kavik inquired about her talents, curious to see what the girl would say. 

Rue’s mind buzzed with questions after Kavik’s reply.  She couldn’t imagine what sort of first impression she had made that would allow him to make such a generalization, and with such confidence to boot.  Wondering about it might have made the young lady feel self-conscious, if she had been allowed to wonder for any amount of time. Instead, the alpha continued to speak, directing Rue’s curiosity toward the inner-workings of the pack’s “democracy.”  Liri chimed in, offering an elaboration on the concept, and Rue’s head tilted in interest.

“Ten or so voices… all from very different wolves... and all have an equal say?” She was a perceptive young woman, and judging from the scents that lingered at the borders and on the pelts of the alphas, Rue had concluded that there were ten pack members give or take. Liri had mentioned earlier how varied the personalities were among the Plateau wolves.

Rue was only vaguely familiar with the concept of “democracy,” but her impression was that all voices were equal. If a higher rank didn’t necessarily mean more decision-making power, then what were ranks for exactly? How were they chosen? “Does the Council also assign ranks?” Rue asked, finally deciding on her next question. She had so many it was difficult to choose.

Ah yes, here came the question the Rue had been anticipating—the question that she was surprised Liri hadn’t asked her right up front. What were the skills she was bringing with her, essentially, what’s in it for us? Rue’s eyes darkened with something akin to doubt. “Nothing special,” she admitted quietly, “My former pack trained all members to develop competency with the basics of hunting, border defense, and wound care.” Of course the plant life around here would be a little different from what she was used to, so she would likely have to receive some lessons from a medicine-wolf before she could bring her first aid skills up to par once more.

“The most I can offer is loyalty, and a desire to assist where I am needed.” Rue was so used to being simply told what was required of her that she had never considered what sort of trade she wanted to pursue. So far, she had never even been asked. Her existence had always been about what the pack needed. Personal desires, pursuits or curiosities always came second.

Assuming Liri wouldn't have informed a stranger of the number of wolves in their pack, Kavik bowed his head at the woman's first comment, impressed she had picked that up from just the scents at the border. Yes, everyone one has equal say in any matter that affects the pack, Kavik answered. All subordinate ranks are based off of each individual's contribution to the pack. Although, a member may challenge another member for the rank directly above theirs once a month, leadership ranks being the only exclusion, he said in response to her second question. 

The Alpha listened to Ruenna discuss the skills she learned from her previous pack and disagreed with her comment that they were nothing special. Those are all skills we see as very valuable in a packmate, Kavik replied. When she finished her last statement, Kavik decided that the female reminded him of Grezig; very straight forward and to the point. He bowed his head once more and answered, Two more excellent qualities in a pack member. If you're interested, you're welcome to join us. He didn't need to hear anymore; she seemed intelligent and capable and like she would be a nice addition to the ranks. He looked to his mate after he spoke to see if she had any objections or anything else to add.

"Yes," she answered easily. Liri often refrained from making decisions until she had heard from the pack. 

"They don't. The ranks are based on longevity. It was Kavik and I who first recruited members and sought to found a pack. Grezig, our Beta, was our first recruit," she explained, hoping they weren't overwhelming the poor girl. 

"We lead not to throw our weight around but mainly to organize the pack, make sure important tasks are taken care of," Liri added. It was rather like being parents, responsible for making sure they had full bellies and a safe home.

"That's plenty special," the sylph protested gently with a smile. Those were the same skills she had, though perhaps her profession as a healer was more than competent. 

Both leaders agreed; all pack members have an equal say in pack decisions. Such a concept was almost unfathomable to Rue, and she wondered if "democracy" was the sort of thing that worked better in theory than in practice. She was intrigued, and she knew that the only way to truly understand how this pack ran its democracy was to be a part of it. 

Oddly, the leaders had slightly different takes on how ranks were assigned. One said according to longevity, and the other said according to contribution. Rue would start out at the bottom of the ranks no matter what, but she was curious how quickly she would rise once she was making a steady contribution to the pack. Would she rise up past packmates who had been members longer? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? Rue knew that she would cede a rank immediately if someone were to challenge her-- if a title was that important to someone, she wouldn't stand in their way.  She had to wonder again what purpose the ranks really held, if every wolf truly has an equal voice in decision-making. "So a rank is primarily a.. symbol of respect?" she ventured. 

Both of them seemed to believe that Rue would make a valuable addition to their ranks, and though Rue was surprised they thought so she certainly wan't going to argue with them. She had been honest and upfront about her skillset (or lack thereof) and since they were still inclined to take a chance on her, she would just have to make herself into a wolf who worthy of such a chance.  

Rue's ears flattened at the praise that she recieved from the pair. It was a bit embarassing for her to have such a meager offering lauded, but she knew they only did it out of kindness. They both had an air of straightforward kindness that was terribly difficult to find out in the world, as Rue had discovered. 

"Thank you both. I.. I'm honored." Rue's eyes flicked downward. She was at a loss for words for how to express the amount of gratitude she felt towards two relative strangers willing to take a chance on her. "..Thank you," she said again. "I would very much like to join you."

Rue took a steadying breath and looked back up. "I'm looking forward to meeting Grezig and the others. Is there a densite or.. or a place where the pack congregates?" As she made eye contact with Liri and Kavik, the realization slowly dawned upon her that they now continued this conversation as packmates. As one family member to another. The thought made her smile-- it was a small smile, but certainly a genuine one. 

Liri hadn't noticed the differences in their answers - it seemed to her both were important when it came to ranks. Those who had been here the longest had her trust - Grezig and Elixir and perhaps even Minori, as the two seemed to be forming a tentative friendship. Yet, helping out around the territory was equally important - if a newcomer worked harder than one of their original recruits then Liri wouldn't hesitate to demote them. 

"That's a way of looking at it. Ranks make things easier but we don't put so much emphasis on them - our main concern is the pack at whole. We're a family and this is our home. Everyone needs to work to keep it safe, the ranks help motivate people to do so," Liri tried again, wondering if she was just confusing Rue further.

Liri practically beamed when the silver said she would stay. Had she less self control she might have approached with the same exuberance she approached many of her familiar pack mates with, sniffing Ruenna all over and welcoming her, but she wasn't sure the girl would appreciate that. She settled for a smile and, "Wonderful! I hoped you would." 

"The Door," the Alpha answered, "most of us sleep there and it's where we meet for classes and gatherings." She glanced to Kavik then, reminding herself to speak with him later about when they would hold their first class, and wondering if he had anything to add.

He listened as Liri further explained the rank system to the new female. He felt she did a good job explaining how it all worked and felt no need to add anything to her explanation. 

Kavik gave a nod in response to the female's acceptance of their offer to join the pack. We're glad to have you, he added. He nodded again when his mate described their dens to Ruenna. When Liri finished talking and looked to him to add anything, he said, Welcome to the pack, Ruenna. Please always let us know if you need anything, and feel free to explore the territory and get familiar with it. He didn't think there was much else to add. When he had finished speaking, he continued to give their new packmate his full attention in case she had anything else to add.

We're a family and this is our home.

These were magic words and the ultimate selling point for Rue-- truly, a family and a home were all she sought. She knew that if she continued to hold Liri's gaze then the other female would detect her intense longing, so she let her gaze drop once more. Liri explained that the ranks were a motivational tool, and though Rue understood the intent she also knew that she would need no such motivation to serve her family. Acceptance and respect were motivation enough, and she heard both in the warm welcomes provided by each new leader of hers.

"I'll head for the Door then," Rue informed the pair. She almost offered to help them go back to the kill and carry the meat home, but then she thought better of it. They probably wanted some time to themselves to discuss... well, to discuss her. To discuss pack things, or whatever it was leaders and mates discussed. 

Rue stepped forward, lowering her crown to nudge against Liri's shoulder in farewell. Rue knew she came across as a little standoffish, and she was used to making first contact with others. She wanted Liri to know it was okay to touch her, but then there was also the more practical matter of transferring an alpha's scent to her pelt. The last thing she wanted to do was wander into a den of pack wolves smelling like a loner. 

Rue dipped her head in farewell to Kavik. Although he was a nice guy certainly, Rue's personal space bubble was a whole lot more extensive where males were concerned. One's alpha's scent would do just fine for now, until she felt more comfortable around Kavik. 

Tail waving amiably, Rue paused in case Liri wished to offer a farewell or perhaps some directions to the Door. If not, Rue was more than capable of sniffing out the pack densite herself. 

She was surprised when Rue approached but dipped her own muzzle to rub against the girl in welcome. Once she pulled away there was no doubting that Ruenna was one of them, officially. 

"Welcome," she smiled as she stepped back, tail waving with excitement. "The Door is that way," she offered with a sweep of her snowy head and a kind smile. She had no doubt that the others would receive the silver with welcome.

"Would you help me bring our kill back? I need some muscle to pull that seer all the way back," she teased gently as she turned in his direction, bumping Kavik's side with her hip.

He watched the affectionate exchange between his mate and their new packmate. He responded with a nod as she stepped back and dipped her head towards him. The fact that Liri had received quite a different departing statement than he had did not escape his notice, but he was in no way offended. Whatever her reasons for being more standoffish with him, he was sure they were justified; not that they really needed to be, though. He only wanted her to feel comfortable and safe here, so whatever that looked like for her was fine with him. 

Kavik smiled at his mate's request. Ahh, the real reason you keep me around, he teased back, nipping her gently when she bumped him with her hip. Smiling at her again, he said, Lead the way, alpha, giving a bow of his head as he spoke and waiting for her to start moving so he could follow her.

Rue reurned Liri's smile with a small one of her own before turning away. She set off in the direction of the Door, steps light and heart optimisitc for the first time in a long time. It felt good to have a full belly, and better to have a place to call home. 

Rue can be considered exited. <3

"Truly, just for the brawn," she teased as Ruenna departed, heading in search of the Door. Liri felt light, bubbly with happiness - having brought back a recruit who seemed genuinely excited to be here. Their family was growing and it overjoyed the sylph to watch it happen. 

She shook her head gently with amusement, taking the lead as she headed back towards the doe they'd taken down.