Northstar Vale NSV CLAIM: we owe this to ourselves!

@Tenzin @Dawa @Silas @Zombie @Lanegan @Raiden

Summary: After investivating the valley and ensuring its safety, Raheerah calls for Tenzin and Dawa, as well as Silas and Zombie who joined the group while they were exploring the valley. Lanegan, Raiden, and anybody else hoping to join IC can pop in :) Don't worry about waiting for Tenzin and Dawa - post ASAP! Tenzin and Dawa will make their howly claim post as Alphas after everybody (or mostly everybody) posts.

Setting: Evening, overcast.

The time had come. He had spent the day and that before scouring these lands for any trace of danger, but all sources pointed to this being the single safest place for his wards to remain. Closed in on all sides by mountains, few could enter without detection; there were even fewer paths leading from the cliffs into the valley, and those safe enough for passage could easily be guarded. The monk and Lham had already come here and inspected the lands for themselves - they lingered somewhere in the shadows, kept safe as he investigated any possibility of threat. Even the ones they had gathered on their way remained somewhere nearby, but it was Raheerah to certify this land as acceptable. And now that he had done so, it was time to claim it for themselves.

The beast stood in the heart of the valley, where frozen creeks trickled past his paws under sheets of ice, and the snow built up in graceful drifts, played by the wind. He would be able to see them as they came, one by one. The wind was cold on his skin, but the sunlight, despite its fading, countered that with its golden warmth. Raheerah sucked in a breath of cold air; it hardened his lungs, and he pressed it from his chest, erupting in a mangled, hellish cry. It was deep, like a bellow of thunder cracking across the sky. Like the roar of a lion it descended into depths unfamiliar to the mortal ear; callous, dark. It was the call to bind those that had been promised peace, for whatever peace could represent.

A fool's promise.

He let the song disappear and dropped his head again. Shoulders hunched, and the wind continued to play at his long, oily coat as he sunk to his haunches, waiting. The sun was falling behind the mountains, only stray rays of crimson and gold visible now. Soon, it would be dark; over the valley, over this pack.

Although it could have been the chilly late winter air that brought the sensation, it was truly Raheerah's overpowering howl that sent shivers up and down Silas's spine. The call was deep, and despite any foreboding that the ruddy prince had about the dark wolf's character, it was a welcome of sorts. He felt his ear twitch in the direction of the call. The invitation was loud, and surprisingly clear, and he found himself responding immediately.

Silas's long legs guided him through the mountain range, picking out a path in the saturated hues of dying daylight. The sun bathed the world in a rich gold that highlighted the sparkling snow and pronounced the dark shadows that lingered in the corners. He relished in it as long as it was there, soaking up whatever warmth it wanted to give while leaving his face bitterly cold and his weathered paws icy.

It didn't take long for Silas to reach the beast. He gave a soft woof of arrival when his form took shape along the mountain's horizon. Raheerah's form was beginning to grow on him, and Silas looked up to him to nod, now familiar with an appearance that used to take him aback. He stood easily amongst him, and waited for the rest to arrive.

She had remained in the shadows of the Vale's forest, and her cold heart fluttered in her thin chest like a frightened bird. Zombie had agreed to follow the beastly male, to leave the fool Hawkeye and her plateau behind, but she was not yet convinced that she had made the correct choice. Jinx had not condemned her at her last meeting, but would she now that all traces of Zombie's oath had been shredded asunder? The grey-and-rust yearling hardly thought so; Jinx felt no love for the plateau's dark leader, and had moved on from such things herself. And, truly, the yearling wasn't sure why she felt the former leader's opinion mattered so much.

It was a fresh start, here in the Vale, in the presence of the monster that equally comforted and terrified her.

A fresh start was what she needed. From her crouched position, Zombie's electric eyes lifted suddenly towards the loud, rumbling howl of the beast. It caused the hackles to raise along her back, and the yearling's nerves screamed, "Danger, danger!" Nonetheless, she found herself struggling to contain a responding cry—something she did not know why she fought, though it escaped her suddenly all the same.

Dawa had spent the night squirreled away, as she often did, amongst a strange terrain. The mountains afforded her some fortitude, but it was the dark trees that lend a saving grace; hiding the small canine from sight, as the Dragon prowled. She was not afraid of Raheerah, though she had many reasons to be - she was not even afraid of the strange scents within this secret vale, or the fact that Tenzin was away from her; nothing spooked her. Nothing ever could. Even when the great black beast's call rose to her ears, sliding like oil across the territory and in to every corner, the cleric did not feel frightened. If anything she was emboldened, despite the silence in her heart. The signal had been clear - this place was safe. It would remain safe for as long as Raheerah kept his word.

So, the nimble-bodied creature lifted to her crooked paws, and began to make her way out of the darkness. It was slow going, of course. She felt her way along with tender paws, cracked from prior days of travel, and slunk with her head low. It was not the way an Alpha should walk. If anything, Dawa looked like the ultimate Omega; the crook in her tail being the only raised portion, although it was not by choice. There was smooth against her paws; then there was crunch; rock, forest, underbrush, a great mix of things that Dawa traversed with careful steps. She sought out the scent of Raheerah even though her instincts told her not to - that he was an enemy because of what he had done to her. Midway through Dawa's agonzingly slow trek, there came a new voice. It was distant and it was strange. Bright, airy, and masculine.

It wasn't Tenzin, Dawa thought with a lift of her nose, hoping with a wiggle of her snout that she would smell the stranger. She was met with the scent of the vale. This prompted her to lower her head again and continue snaking her way towards the heaving breaths of the Dragon. A second voice burst forth from afar - somewhere on the edge, where the mountains met paradise - but this new sound did not make her pause. If strangers were interested in their home, they would be welcome. It was the purpose of paradise.

She stumbled, tripping on something hard and narrow; it cracked and infused the air with woody smells, and Dawa crinkled her snout - there was a steady and familiar musk, which was her target. The black mass was unseen but Dawa reached for it with swift, if a little jagged, steps. With her head lifted slightly she caught her nose against the man's ankle. She felt Raheerah's coat give beneath the drag of her muzzle, and the feeling continued as she drifted along his hip - feeling a twinge of pain grab at her cheek and roll down her neck, in to her shoulder just as she removed her touch from the beast. He was here, and now so was she - unaware of the strangers around her, but fully aware of the sharp sensations heating her skin.

"Raheerah," Dawa called out the name of the Dragon with a clinical certainty, as she descended her rear in to the soil. Confirming that it was indeed him, and not some imposter - not that anyone would ever be foolish enough to impersonate the dangerous creature. "Tenzin?" She called out next, with a blink of her milky eyes. The urge to cry out and howl was not something Dawa contained, but she would consider singing with her packmates once they were all gathered.

An authoritative call broke the otherwise peaceful silence of the evening, the rapidly darkening overcast sky, drifted apart as if on some sort of unknown command, giving the platinum gladiator a glimpse as body paused of the setting sun, at the velveteen colors it painted brilliantly under the clouds that worked in protest to conceal such brilliancy with their abhorrent vagueness. Coincidences were not a concept that Raiden believed in. Likewise he was not so inherently driven upon a questionable faith that he believed everything was a sign. He believed in himself and little else. Despite this, his lack of belief in coincidences caused him to give great contemplation. The howl had been a beckoning, and while the territories of Northstar Vale stretched on invitingly to him, the scents of wolves - few in number though they were - trailed in a sort of haphazard scent border. They were not yet defined, inherently claiming the lands as taken yet there was a vibe of permanence in each scent trail that would lead him deeper into Northstar Vale. It was likely, and generally assumed by Raiden currently that these wolves would become a pack, that tonight they would stake their claim. He could be apart of that. A stranger with little else to go; and why attempt to work his way into a pre-established pack likely near their brim of wolves. They would have less of a reason to accept him with welcome arms than a pack that was just about to claim.

What had been the chances of him happening to be heading near Northstar Vale when the unknown caller’s howl had arisen to shatter the night? None, because coincidences did not exist to Raiden. It had been some form of ill twisted fate, or rather merciful fate that had led him to be exactly where he needed to be. The decision was easy for it was hardly a decision at all. Though Raiden did not know these wolves, did not know their intentions, their ideals he would join their ranks. There would be time to learn of those things later. Lurching forward, the platinum beastling pushed himself into a well paced trot. Trot slowed to a cautious pace as he neared the small gathering of wolves, their scents individualized until they began to mix into something new altogether. Movements were like premeditated slink, though he did not lower himself to the ground (and would not until his submission was required). Sea blue eyes studied the wolves already gathered, lingering longer by seconds upon the tall beast missing an eye with a strange marking branded into his skin, before they brushed over the tiny, multihued female beside him. Subtly they continued to move, taking in all that he could, not wanting to linger too long on any specific creature, though he did not desire to stare absently at a fixed point, either.

In silence, the gladiator waited.

Leaving Eaglesong Forest had been the most difficult thing that Lanegan had ever done. For the past two years it had been all she'd known, her first and only home, and although most of it's inhabitants were not of her bloodline, they'd been family to her all the same. There had been nights when she'd curl up in a hollow in the snow, long for the warmth of her pack-mates, and weep with the reminder that she might not ever see her father and friends again in her lifetime.

The days had been long, the nights even more so, and Lanegan's journey had so far proven entirely miserable. She did not know where she was going or what she was hoping to find - she simply walked and walked. What she did know was that she could not regain happiness alone, but no pack had been willing to take her in. The harsh Winter forced many loners to seek refuge of an established pack, causing their ranks to overflow and resources to deplete quickly - it felt like no one anywhere had room for her. Her only hope, perhaps, was to happen across a group looking to style and establish something for themselves.

And so imagine her luck when a call came a she passed through the Teekon Wilds. Immediately she paused in her tracks and lifted her sale ears to listen, and heart was set aflutter. The ashen beauty faced the direction the voice had sounded from and, as the song began to fade, she tilted her muzzle skyward and responded - "wait for me!"

Upon her arrival, she wondered if she'd made the right decision. Before her gathered an unlikely bunch: an aging male, a blind hybrid and perhaps the ugliest wolf she'd ever seen, but mentally kicked herself for being so quick to judge. There were others present, other loners she assumed by the distance between them and the aforementioned trio, and she aimed to acknowledge each of them with a curious glance. Her frosty gaze again found those she guessed were to be the founders of this pack-to-be, and she swallowed the lump in get throat. Uncertain how wolves went ahead with pack creation and ironing out hierarchy, Lanegan felt rather out of place among the crowd

— Round 2 begins now! Please allow @Raheerah to respond first.
— The claiming howl will be made in Round 3~

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Whenever the monk had the chance, he slipped away for quiet prayer and meditation. He had traveled deep into their paradise this time, following thin streams of frozen water like fingers that reached out to touch the farthest hidden pools. The one he had found was iced over like most of the water, so he assumed it must have been pretty shallow. Nevertheless, it was quiet. Tenzin settled himself in and breathed a long sigh of relief. The cold was not an issue for the monk - not because he had grown up in it, but because his self-discipline was topnotch. His breath became slower as he slipped into deep meditation. Rather than puffing out like clouds, his breath became thin wisps of smoke as his eyes closed and his mind relaxed.

Silence engulfed him for only a brief moment, though. The earth-shattering call of the Dragon broke his concentration and the monk annoyingly opened his eyes. He wouldn't be meditating with that beast waking the gods every other chance it got. With one final deep breath, Tenzin exhaled his anger with the Dragon and inhaled his patience. Gathering himself and shaking free of excess thought, the monk headed quickly toward the epicenter of the call. Following the same thin finger of iced water for short while, Tenzin soon found himself heading toward the the gathering of wolves that had come together near Raheerah and a very lost looking Dawa.

Dawa, he called softly, snaking through the gathered wolves straight toward her. Here, child, he called again softly, coming up to her but keeping a very gentle distance between the two of them. He had learned to let her make first contact, especially when surrounded by strangers. He turned to the Dragon with a quick glance before turning address the gathered wolves. Hello friends, he said with a smile, You are gathered here today to join our ranks. We will be Northstar Vale; we will be the healing springs that dot this paradise, the tall mountain walls that protect it, and the gentle air that drifts through it.

He turned to the Dragon again. Was it not evening? When did they plan to hold this meeting? Hadn't it been set for the morning? Tenzin dismissed the thought and smiled gently toward the beast. You will also be Northstar Vale, the monk said quietly, barely a whisper. Tenzin had tightened the Dragon's chains once before, but this was the final turn of the lock and disposal of the key. You cannot leave us, not even with this paradise- which, I will admit, I am heavenly grateful for the find. But you are Dawa's immortality, no? Tenzin lowered his voice even more, You will stay here, and you will protect her. With a final and authoritative look that ended the conversation, Tenzin turned happily back to the group.

Let us introduce ourselves, friends, he called gently with a smile. I am Yasuo Tenzin, though you are welcome to call me Tenzin. I am a monk and seek to further the possibilities one has with their mind. Dawa here, he gestured to her small frame, is a cleric. She heals physical wounds with all sorts of plants and—he gave an apologetic chuckle—whatever else she magically mixes together. He waited patiently in case she had anything to add. After a moment, his attention drifted to the Dragon and the monk hesitated to introduce the imprisoned beast. The sun was dangerously close to leaving them for the night. A twinge of annoyance settled in the monk's eyes for a brief moment: he didn't want to cast his pack's good graces under the cover of an overcast night. A monk would never be defeated by darkness, however, and he lifted his head as if urging Raheerah to take over.

After the Dragon had made an introduction, Tenzin turned to the gathered wolves and gestured for one of them to speak up.

(Sorry for the late post!)

Shima had been nearby when she had heard the call. Somewhere in these mountains, was a sanctuary. One that others had deemed worthy of claiming for themselves. As a lone wolf, she had no place to stay. No pack to call her own. Tonight that would change, as others gathered at this meeting, where a new pack would rise up from the ashes. Tentatively, she began to slink forth, along the rim of the mountain, searching for the secret entryway into the valley below.

All she really had to do was let her nose guide her, taking in the fresh, yet unfamiliar assortment of scents found upon the earth and in the winter air. Paws crunched steadily against the solid ground, leaving a distinct pattern of tracks in their wake. As she grew closer, the scents grew stronger. She must be close now. Finally, just there, she spied a break in the rocky ledges, leading down into the heart of the valley. Coming to a stop, ears flicking back nervously on her head, she weighed her options. She could move on, or see what this new pack was all about. If it proved not to suit her tastes, then her search would continue.

Slinking down along the steep slope into the valley, she kept her body hunkered down low, just in case any unfriendly wolf were to attack her. Shima was an uninvited guest here tonight, and no one could say for sure how these wolves would react to her presence. Relief soon set in after she grew closer, a small crowd coming into view. Several of the wolves looked out of place, or at least slightly uncomfortable. Regaining some of her usual confidence, she slipped within the circle of the gathering, finding a place of her own to sit.

There was a dark, gangly looking black male, a tiny female and male boasting a pelt of white. He was the one speaking now, addressing the group. Perhaps, just perhaps, she had made it in time. It was to him, and the more intimidating male, that she bowed her head in a respectful dip. Apologetic that she was late, she hoped she would not be turned away. Shima soon learned that the thin little female was called Dawa, and the speaker himself Yasuo Tenzin. This pack, was to be named NorthStar Vale. A fitting name for a pack so close to the mountains. Tenzin seemed...placid...gentle. Attentively, she sat, listening to all the information he offered. The sooty male it seemed, was just as important a figure as Tenzin, by the way his leader addressed him. A pack of monks? Interesting. Very interesting. Before Shima was to speak, she politely would wait her turn, taking in what the other male had to say, along with letting some of the others speak first. After all, she did have a tendency to be shy around strangers...especially in a setting like this.

@Silas

Patience was one of the more important virtues he exercised, and one of the few. As the clouds hovered overhead, the dark male remained unmoving, waiting. He knew for certain that two would come - the monk and Lham, but others still were expected to show their faces. Namely the ones that had been plucked in their explorations of the valley. The beast felt the wind breathe upon his skin and tousle his fur, but neglected its touch.

The first two to arrive were of course familiar creatures. The male he had hunted alongside, and the female he had coaxed into their ranks upon learning of her ill impression of the plateau wolves. He blinked, even tipped his nose in greeting to the two of them as they stepped forth. And then a tiny, meek creature came into the gathering, and he felt her nose against his ankle. It trailed up his leg and flank, and she came to stand beside him acknowledging him. Raheerah was rigid in his stature, but he glanced down at her and answered her with a carnal rumble, deep in his chest. It fell silent as she called for the monk. He would not speak on matters of the monk.

Two more appeared after Dawa; another male and female, though he didn't know these ones. Again Raheerah tipped his jaw. As expected, the monk did arrive in time and shepherded Dawa into his embrace. Raheerah did nothing but peer at him out of the corner of his eye, then turned to look out to the group as he spoke. The monk began to address the gathering, and he stood taller, assuming the position that spoke of power and loyalty. The faithful dog. The unrelenting guardian. Only when he spoke to Raheerah did the beast cock his head to listen, and answered with a gruff puff of air. Still he spoke nothing to the monk. Yes, he would stay and watch Lham - it was his duty, for she was innocence, and he its divine protector. He would be foolish to assume that Raheerah would abandon them once his promise had been fulfilled.

The time soon came when the monk prompted Raheerah to do as he did and introduce himself. The monster was never so good at introductions; they'd always been brief, terror inducing. Had he wished to frighten these lost souls into their deaths, he'd have done so long ago. He was not meant to be known. Merely felt, and feared, from a distance. The beast parted his jaw, lazily licking the side of his mouth before he uttered his words. "Myy naame is Raheeerah, the guaarrdian of this valley." He began, gaze flicking over each wolf present. "Yoou will do well to remeemmber my authoorrity as tailing that of Teennzinn and Dawaa." Raheerah added. For that moment, he glanced at the monk, and remained silent.

As the gathered wolves were given their opportunities to introduce themselves, he turned to the monk again. "I amm your Betaa." His voice had quieted, but retained that natural hardness, the persuasive drawl of the dragon's desires. He would leave no room for compromise or argument - he had chosen his ranking, and the monk would be advised to remember it. With another snort of breath, he cast his gaze back out to the gathering.

The dragon's rumble vibrated through the air, through her, and as the young woman felt it she side-stepped away. Out of the darkness of Raheerah's fur and in to the cold air, the emptiness, which was filled with the scents of many strangers. More and more, they just kept popping up. Her nose wiggled weakly as she gathered them. Dawa's head turned sharply when the familiar scent of Tenzin met her — and then his voice, which she heeded with a certainty that boasted of their time together. The crown of her head pressed against his descended chin as she moved but it was a brief contact, before a spark made her duck away from him.

His words flowed freely after. Dawa sank to her haunches as she listened, melting on to her chest with folded paws - a sphinx between a dragon and a ghost. Her blank stare — empty in every regard — passed over the strangers that peppered the landscape, while her ears flicked to catch the monk's words, and then the thunder of her guardian. There was nothing for her to say that hadn't already been said. The cleric was not as amicable as the monk, nor as intimidating and strong as her shadow; for an Alpha, she was perhaps their weakest link.

But she did believe in her abilities, and in her methods. Dawa would teach anyone willing to learn and the Vale would make something of itself; even if it amounted to being a secluded school, it would be well protected, and that was what they wanted.

OOC: Following the small hunt and Raheerah's invitation to Xi'nuata. Her mind had been light since the conclusion of the hunt. Only the thoughts of what more to do within a day tended to plague it. For a time, she wondered where her place within the arms of the mountain would be, having only ever been by the side of the demon in the short time since her entrance into the Vale. Though she intended to remain near, the light that was never without its shadow, prior packlife had demonstrated that most vows of that nature were metaphorical at best. The literal keeping to another’s side was a notion expressed to equals and kin. And as it was, she was neither- simply a new face within the fold. But she tried… how she tried not to hang her thoughts on this. Better she ponder her immediate placement, lest she give the demon a reason to regret his actions. And so she immersed herself, took mark of near every nook and wild cranny that was claimed by the Vale. The scents were fresh, hardly days old atop the snow. The demon… others… and small fodder in turn. And dare she admit it was… peaceful. She believed this was what the elders had called a haven, a resort where one might find a home and peace. Strange that he would have led her to this place. Were it not the mountains, that touch of familiarity, she might have second-guessed her decision. If only for a moment. But no such doubt resided in her mind. Especially when the call of the demon touched her ears. Neither was the female swift nor slow, but at her own pace to become acquainted with the land. Each step was with the purpose of cementing the feel of the earth in her mind. Each blink of the eye to capture the scenery, that should she be lost, she would find her way once again. She was graceless and heavy, save for once the generous mounds of snow allowed for an easier stride. The straggler’s pace increased to dexterous bounds as she assumed the higher paths to draw nearer to the gathering. The dusk had settled offer a softer light to her stage, but she was swift and sure upon it none the less until the pillars of ice gave way and she resumed her walk across level ground once again. Her eyes bore witness to the gathering ahead before smell or sound told of how far it had progressed. Even in the waning light, her eyes found the scarred visage of the demon as he addressed the many in the familiar coarse drawl. Her own voice was reserved letting the fall of her paws announce her approach instead. Her eyes did wander from one unknown face to another bar two she had encountered before her invitation. To them, she simply addressed them with a soft bat of heavy lids before turning to Raheerah. She crept close to his side and ever mindful of his blind eye, offered a low hum to remind him that she was near. She had heard his designation, and in truth it surprised her. However, she offered no contest as she lowered herself to the ground at an angle from his side. Smoothly, she turned her muzzle from the earth to look to each face both known and unknown. “I am Xi’nuata,” she offered simply, as she hadn’t a rank to give them in turn. She fell silent then and let her head rest on her paws, though her ears remained forward to listen to the others’ names and tales.

— Round 3 begins now! @Raheerah @Dawa @Silas @Zombie @Raiden @Lanegan @Shima @Xi'nuata
— This round (and the thread) ends Monday, February 17th.

The Dragon introduced himself on cue, but hissed toward Tenzin. The monk would not argue with the rank the beast had claimed for itself. By not acknowledging the statement at all, Tenzin had accepted it. Instead, the monk's focus shifted to a newcomer who had ducked in during his speech. He smiled gently at her but another newcomer pulled his attention. This one, however, chose to hum her position to the Dragon and even took up a spot near him. With a raised brow, the monk studied her carefully to dismiss any thought of injury he thought she may have. She was healthy, it seemed, though Tenzin did not know what her relation to the Dragon was. She introduced herself when the Dragon had fallen silent.

Tenzin turned to the group then, studying their quiet faces with pity and compassion. None of the stepped forward to speak and the monk did not blame them. Perhaps the Dragon was too overpowering or perhaps they were all broken souls. Is that not why they were here? To learn and to be healed? Tenzin smiled gently as the group was gathered in the silence of the setting sun. He was one who favored silence, and found that any who could bond without words would be stronger committed to each other than those who needed words. Closing his eyes, the monk let himself slip beyond into a meditation state. He could feel the day ending, the sun brushing his coat through the clouds and the trees; he could feel the quietness of night settling in and a gentle smile eased on his face.

I see, he said softly, eyes still closed. We will learn together then, who we are; if your voice is quiet and your bodies timid, we are here to unlock what you are within. He opened his eyes slowly, taking in the wolves around him. Excuse me, friends, he said, turning to Dawa gently as his eyes grazed the gathered wolves. There is a reddish agouti male who I met earlier. His name is Silas, and he has amber eyes, the monk whispered, looking across the group and picking their features apart. There is a stone colored female with hints of rust; she has yellow-green eyes. There is another silver female, but she has more peppered black with black points and... interesting eyes, Tenzin paused, trying to think of a word for them, but he could not; Blue, mostly, I guess, he laughed softly. Another silver body graces us, but he is a warrior; very strong looking, indeed. He has beautiful sea blue eyes, much like mine if... his voiced trailed off sadly and he resisted the urge to turn to the Dragon. Much like mine if you remember them.

Lastly, there were the two other females. There is a pretty girl with ice blue eyes whose coat is blacks, browns, and creams, he said of Shima, turning to Xi'nuata briefly to refresh himself. The one who introduced herself as Xi'nuata is shades of tan and her eyes are no different, though she possesses beauty nonetheless, he finished, turning back to the group and standing tall once again. All so young, he noticed, save for the silver female with black points. She was at least a year older than the rest, but indeed the group was fresh in the world. Xi'nuata was a year older than the black-pointed female, and Tenzin did not think of her as young, but rather, matured. The thought of teaching such young minds pleased the monk, though, and he accepted their silence with their age.

Very well. Dawa, Raheerah, and I claim this Vale as our own. It is yours, as well; we are the Vale, and the Vale is us. You may be shy and you may be young, but do join us in song if you can find the confidence, he said kindly, turning to the Dragon with an unforgiving glance. He had never placed himself in such a situation before, but he knew his fate the moment he released the creature from its eternal bonds within the cave. The mark across the Dragon's missing eye was forever a reminder to Tenzin, to everyone; but nobody here knew what it was, what it meant. Yasuo Tenzin, the unforgiven.

Breaking his thought away from the beast, Tenzin lifted his head toward the sky. He let loose a promise into the evening, his voice a smooth a gentle tone, though strength pushed it high. They were here. They were the wolves of Northstar Vale, and they were here to heal and to help. As Dawa's voice joined in, Tenzin felt himself closing his eyes slowly and reaching with his voice into the stars. I have saved her, he called to Yonten, Dawa's true mother. I have found her a home of peace where she can rest her weary head. This is my blessing, his promise continued, relief settling in as their song carried up the mountainsides that surrounded them. I have saved her.

After he had fallen silent, Raheerah expected the others to speak up. He was not wrong to make such expectations - the monk encouraged them to speak, but it would seem none were willing. He narrowed his single eye, looking over them all; a newcomer had appeared, but truly distracting him from his observation were the familiar pawsteps of a female approaching from his blind side. Instinctively, his agitation sparked but was quelled almost as soon as he heard her hum. Reminding him. No matter where the shadow resided, the light would be quick to find him.

Raheerah allowed himself to calm, tilting his head slightly towards Xi'nuata. Though he still could not see her, the tip would at least denote that he was acknowledging her, aware of her. An airy snort left his nostrils in acute response to her arrival, but she had quickly descended to the ground. Raheerah shifted slightly, inching closer so that his flank barely touched her side, assuring him that she was there. He was unable to see her without having to twist his neck and look around, so this served well enough to reassure him.

The monk went on to speak, first explaining the gathered wolves to Lham, and then throwing back his head to utter a cry. A claim - official, eternal. Raheerah did not hesitate to join the monk; if one thing should bind them, if one thing they should hold together, it was the paradise that would protect Lham. The beast raised his jaw and erupted in a sound so uncanine - hellish and broken, a mangled song to cement his home.

She feared not that her presence would be ill received by him, nor did she feel uncomfortable settling closing to his side. What set the prickly edge along her spine was the silence following her announcement, however soft… however bravely uttered it went without a reply. And by the resting of her chords, the stillness prevailed. Though, did not wear her uncertainty nor her growing fear that perhaps she was unwelcomed. Instead she adorned the mask of calm as without word she was comforted by the presence of her shadow, the warmth of his flank becoming an anchor to hold her fast. An assuring gesture that all would be well regardless of the pack at large. She waited with him in silence, looking to the faces of the Vale as they were retold to the smaller female. This being that looked far from wolf but was indeed of their blood. She could smell this. And when at last the elder male raised his muzzle in claim, his Beta followed suit and in turn his ward. Her voice so unused was grated and strained- more the bray of a wounded beast than a howl. Yet even in this she endured so that her message would rise along with the chorus of the Vale wolves. This was claimed land now, and she would see to its protection.

The strangers were silent, but it was all right. They did not have to speak now. They could sing, and be made in to something better, first. Dawa too was silent; there was nothing for her to say in this moment, nothing for her to comment on. She could only wait to be prompted - an Alpha that follows more than leads, out of necessity. If she still had control of all her faculties, things would be different. Tenzin would have never needed to flee alongside her; they would not have needed Raheerah's protection. Dawa ruminated over these thoughts very briefly, and banished them when Tenzin's voice filled her ears. Whatever remnant of nostalgia existed within her, possessing her in that bare moment, was gone.

He fed her descriptions and, by listening to the sound of his breathing between words and the subtle change in direction each sound did make, she could pinpoint their general arc. These wolves were surrounding them, peppering the land with their presence, waiting. Silas. A stone woman. A silver warrior. She could smell them each, as the spice of their perfume was very different; but it was Tenzin that made her ears flick, as she carefully extended her nose in order to touch his flesh. "Another silver body graces us, but he is a warrior; very strong looking, indeed. He has beautiful sea blue eyes, much like mine if.." He pauses and her nose makes contact, attempting to facilitate their connection. Perhaps attempting to sooth.

Dawa feels a sharp, electric pain shoot through the flesh of her face. In to her gums, and past them. But she remains connected. "...If you remember them."
"Blue.. Blue like sky," She remarks almost instantly. The woman would never forget the things she had seen; as volatile or as peaceful as they may be. An attempt at a smile creases her crooked face as the memory of his eyes surfaces, only to fade away when Tenzin moves on - addressing the collective and dropping away from the small moment. It was alright. Dawa sank in to herself and felt the cool relief of air upon her face, instead of the monk's musky fur.

Tenzin asked for them to join together in song. Despite her kinked body and hunched shoulders, Dawa was quick to comply. She lifted herself as high as she could - being still, no bigger than a child - and called out with her own attempted howl. It was a mixture of yowls and shrieks, each attempting to reach the level of song that the others managed. Her mixed blood was obvious now, a clear fault. The wolves howled and their leader, the crooked halfbreed, felt her coyote side take over. She added chaos to their melody.

Individual, the chorus was in shambles- broken. A culmination of octaves each with its own resonance that overpowered the other. Imaginably, it was not an intention feat of any, but merely the sounds that came forth through experience and age. But in a fantastic happening, the notes once unique began to merge into a song, reverberating off the other to produce in itself a new sound both strong and commanding. Each voice aided the rise and carried to the heaven individual intentions to reflect the other. It was not only of claim, but of promise to all that beheld the merging chorus that whilst wolves lived among the Vale, their purpose was too united. It was a strange, beautiful sound, that sent chill along the woman's spine. When at last the sound receded, she breathed then let her eye drift purposefully to the named Alpha male and female of this new engagement. They looked no part of the other, nor fawned over the other in intimate adoration that came as mates. They were unity but by the sentiment of the kind elder. His companion looked more patient, more accepting of her place. The cause for this, the autumn female did not fathom. Instead she rose from her place beside the dark Beta, offering him a nudge of acknowledgement before walking close to the elder Cleric. Her eyes averted, she dipped her muzzle in casual respect. "In time, I hope you will look upon me fondly," her voice was soft, but a whisper on any ears that received her. "I will see myself within your higher graces in due time. With guidance, I would hope you acknowledge me then." Her ambitions stated, she allowed her muzzle to rise but a fraction to grace his- black nose touching the whiskered chin in passing as she turned from the gathering in silent depart. This was indeed a strange new world to embark upon, but as long as her shadow would be there at her side, she did not believe she was walk this new path of purpose along. [Exit Xi'nuata]

Just a short conclusion post and then it will be archived!

As he expected, many of the new, younger wolves did not join in with the claiming howl. He did not blame them. When the Dragon's monstrous sound filled the air, Tenzin would have cowered also had he not been the strong monk he was today. If they were just wanderers exploring and discovering areas, then Tenzin would not force them to stay within the Vale. As the song concluded, the monk beamed regardless of the lack of participation from the others. He turned to the Dragon with a pointed look and a tug of his ear, Shy, I guess? The monk gave the beast a curt nod as if to say "watch them," then turned his gaze to Xi'nuata as she approached.

Still unsure what connection she had with the Dragon, Tenzin nodded warmly to her words and gave her a promising wink. You are bounds before the rest, Xi'nuata, he whispered sheepishly as she touched her nose to his chin. Aside from Dawa and himself, she was the only one who joined their song. Though Tenzin did not judge the younger wolves who chose to remain silent, he did mark them for (what he believed to be) their cowardice. Xi'nuata seemed immune to the Dragon's savage aura and for whatever it was worth, Tenzin appreciated that in some way. They did need warriors who could be one with not only the Dragon, but Tenzin and Dawa as well. They were a unit and should not be divided.

Tenzin chuffed to Dawa before nudging her softly. Come, my child, he said kindly to her, leading her off in the direction of one of the warm springs. Let us find peace in solitude, hmm? She had met a lot of wolves today and he wanted her to relax for some time before talking to them herself. Also, Tenzin wouldn't mind soaking his paws again and figured the warm water felt good on her body too. Without paying any further attention to the Dragon or the others, Tenzin lead his ward off into the trees.