Blackfeather Woods ask not the sun why she sets

hello folks!

Rin stood upon the frozen ground a fair distance from the borders of Blackfeather Woods with a freshly killed rabbit hanging from her jaws. The lifeblood of the creature dripped onto the snow, speckling it with vivid crimson in a gruesome display of nature's way. Her ears pivoted around as her sharp eyes scanned the treeline. The decision to approach, not from the swamp side, but from the woodland side was an easy one; without knowledge of which pathways were safe, she knew the risk of becoming mired and drowning a lonely, slow death was all too real. Suffocation was surely not on her bucket list. 

So, instead, here she stood with a rabbit as a gift to the first wolf to stumble upon her presence. She'd made herself known a few moments ago with a sonorous howl, and now it was simply a waiting game. And patience, thankfully, she possessed in droves.

Just hanging out here until Burke arrives :)

Her dark figure roamed along the borders, where she had stationed herself in the midst of the winter. Trespasser activity was increasingly high during the desperate days of the cold season, and more than once had she intercepted their suicidal minds crossing over the territory. Blackfeather's blood drenched borders was a warning in itself not to enter yet some were still foolish enough to attempt. Blackfeather was not a place for the faint of heart nor the lesser to kill. Blackfeather was no ordinary pack, no, it harboured murderers, assassins, spies and the wickedest of souls. But they were a pack, regardless of who they were and what morals they held.

Her ears pinned up as a call from the near border rang through the woods. It was a joining call no doubt, for not many sane souls planted themselves right where the blood of outsiders were spilled. Most days, she would have ignored the call and left it to Burke yet there was no harm in checking it out for herself until he arrived. And she couldn't just assume it was a joiner, for assuming wasn't always accurate. She had placed herself at the borders for a reason, and that reason she would fulfill. 

Nearning the wolf, her eyes trained towards the borderline. If it was over, bad luck would she bring. Yet, she female stood behind, with.. an offering, it seemed. It was not customary but she acknowledged the respect it took to hunt for those the female did not know. It was a smart move, yet not enough to grant admission. Her dangerous stride introduced itself as her cold and malevolent eyes met the she wolf's. "What is your purpose at our borders?" Her voice was strong and yet intimidating as her maleficent nature seeped into her overall aura. Yet, it was clear she was not the Alpha nor would be assumed she was. But she would not leave the wolf there, nor bring it into the woods without Burke's approval. Only a fool would trust an outsider, even if it came bearing gifts.

Another howl sounded through the forest. Burke lifted his head, ears alert. This was another howl, it was to be expected in the winter. The alpha licked his lips clean from the meal between his paws. He placed it back on the caches and buried some snow over the carcass. After that the alpha kept a casual trot to the borders. The large male kept his time, he wasn't going to rush for some stranger. 

His large frame moved through the shadows, something he always did. Burke liked to see what kind of of wolf was at their borders. Then he saw Nemesis already at the scene. Burke stepped forward from the shadows. His head raised and his whole demeanor calm and assertive. He stepped next to Nemesis and looked at the dark colored furred female. His eyes quickly fell on the rabbit because of the fresh smell of meat. 

He wondered what the meaning of it was, but Nemesis seemed to have asked a question so he would let the stranger answer first. He would let her do the talking, before questioning her. If her motives were wrong Burke would make sure to chase the stranger out.

Shadows materialized from nothing, and inky paws stepped forth from the woodland as if bade by the night itself. The shape that approached was graceful, regal, and bespoke of a suspicious nature and wicked personality. Rin immediately looked down as she caught the first glimpse of intelligent blue eyes ghost over her much smaller frame. The movement caused another few drops of blood to spill, and a few landed on her paws; hot, almost, in contrast with the chill of the snow against her toes. She felt a shiver of fear threaten to spill over at the base of her skull but reigned it back, for now. The smaller she-wolf could only hope she was not found in fault of protocol.

Thankfully, the other woman spoke and gave her a moment to address the reasons why she found herself so close to the pack. But before she could bring herself to answer, another creature formed from the dust and shadow on the edge of the woodland. He was massive; at least two heads taller than Rin herself, and her heart felt diminutive in the presence of the bastion and ruler of Blackfeather Woods. There was little time lent to giving him a good look for fear of lending the impression that she was naive. 

Rin slid her left foot forward and lowered her front half to set the rabbit between them on the snow. She looked up, though kept her eyes well away from either party. "I've heard whispers of wolves inhabiting these woods, and I've come to seek approval to become one of your own." Rin spoke with a militaristic tone. It was clear she was not willing to over-speak or explain anything without first being asked to do so.

Her head turned to Burke as he arrived, giving her own dip of greeting. But the Alpha did not say anything, leading her to assume that he was okay with her questioning the female for now. Her eyes swiveled back to the stranger, her eyne making regal contact with the figure of the wolf. She seemed to have enough brains to submit in the presence of the Alpha and was careful not to show challenge by looking straight in his eyes. There was respect clear in her actions and in her words.

"What can you bring? Any talents or specialties that will benefit the pack?" It was an important question to ask for in the harsh climate of the winter, they all had to pitch more. Free loaders were not welcome, as it was abundantly clear. She did not let on the fact that a spot was available, for she wanted to first see what she female was made of before she even spoke of admission. Yet, she seemed a wolf of few words. Not babbling on but giving what was necessary. It was professional, something that gave off a militaristic effect.  

If she was allowed, she would ask what the female hoped to find in the dark woods. Some looked to find a haven where their darker minds could wander freely. Or some seeked a stronger pack, one that was not afraid to fight and do what they must to survive. Yet, the woods was not perfect for everyone; for some were just not cut out to live in it's un-soulful climate. First impressions were long lasting, and she would remember if the female showed to be of value to them or in her more curious instinct; with the same, darker mindset as the shadowed woods attracted.

The alpha watched the female, her response and her shown respect fell in good graces with the alpha. Normally Burke would be mush harsher during a questioning if one could join or not. But he only behaved that way because they didn't show a grain of respect. This one however did show that respect, and to reward one for that Burke would often give the same respect in return. He worked very simple like that. It had been the same with Nemesis. She showed loyalty and kept being respectful, she was instantly rewarded with a special rank and the red paw print on her shoulder. Burke looked at Nemesis when she continued questioning the other. He let the female answer the question Nemesis asked before correcting his pack mate. "Nemesis," he corrected lightly. "This stranger shows respect, so let's return that respect. We might be a dark pack but being rude to someone who shows the right behavior isn't really a good motivator," he explained, his tone still calm and controlled. "What is your name?," he questioned.

It was quite a thin line to walk, and since Nemesis was very open she needed to learn social skills Burke wasn't afraid to mentor her in the ways of politically correct behavior. It was clear that the alpha wasn't humiliating her, just a mild correction to show her how to handle a loner like this better in the future. Burke was very into a rewarding system. Yes, he was quickly agitated and not afraid to make others know what he disliked. But when he did like something he would tell that too. First impressions were always a must, especially with Burke. Was a first impression wrong one would take a long time for Burke to show some friendliness, take Xan for example. "I am Burke, alpha of this pack. This is Nemesis, one of our most loyal followers. These woods you want to be a part of is called Black Feather Woods. I am curious what kind of whispers you heard. And why you would like to join our pack? We do have our... own little ways," Burke's calm voice turned into a bit of a sly murmur. He still had his master plan after all. Maybe one day it would succeed.

There was a notable shift in the air between herself and the two pack wolves. Despite Nemesis heading the questions for now, the Alpha commanded the tide of the conversation, and he pulled the strings accordingly. She stood stock still, legs locked, and back straight, as Burke gently admonished his subordinate. But what struck Rin was that the stub-tailed Alpha didn't warn his pack mate so much as offer advice. To her, anywhere else she would have been on the front row of a very typical dominance display. But here? 

She gathered herself and replied promptly. "Shima Rin. Rin is what I go by." She began with her given name, in the format she was used to. Because there was little indication she should answer Nemesis' question, she didn't continue further. But her eyes did shift from Burke's chest, to Nemesis, and back again in wordless uncertainty. Thankfully, Burke was quick to pick up the trailing threads of the conversation and stitch it back up in a neat little package. His way of describing his pack was... unusual, but she was undeterred. 

One inky ear twisted forward and she continued, "The wilds know little, and they lack the means to properly explain it, but they know there is food here and that the wolves that rule the land will do anything to survive. There is no place else my skills would be properly utilized, and I wish not to grow complacent and waste away."

She held her tongue after Burke's careful instruction. In her opinion, her words hadn't been rude but straight to the point. There was no need for names but what value the female would bring, introductions were bound to happen sooner or later, she was more interested in the pack's benefit than a name. But nevertheless, she headed Burke's words and held back whatever she thought. Only a fool would question his judgement and she would not be subject to disrespect. 

At the sound of her name introduced to the stranger, she gave a slight nod, an outcome of the respect shown. While, yes, her social skills were unrefined to say the least, she would give respect where it was due and not any more in the face of someone she did not know. For all she knew, moons away this female would abandon them as many had. But she refused to judge based on first calls, though Rin showed better promise. Though, her question had been asked, and quite frankly didn't like how it hadn't been answered. Yet, Burke's own question had patched up the beginning of a hostile feeling. In the face of a stranger, it was her instinct to be on high alarm, not calmed by the presence of the Alpha. It was something that kept her alert on her Wardening rounds, for the better. Of course she did not show it, not wanting to drive away the stranger all together. 

The description of "little ways" did not necessarily do the ways justice. Their network was more than little, more darker and much more bloodier in truth. Yet, normal wolves could find peace in the dark woods if the darkness itself didn't appeal to the female. 

She nodded slightly at the female's explanation, understanding the urge to make use of what she had in the light of a greater cause. All she had accomplished had been cast in that very motto, and the outcome shone even stronger on her shoulder. Clearly, it was her turn to step back, leaving the rest of the interview to Burke. She was not yet an Ambassador, as much as she would like to be. Yet, she had learned much from the experiance. Perhaps later she would give a little insight into what Blackfeather was about, but at that moment she knew very well it was up to Burke what he chose to find in the female.

Sorry for holding this up! And when I wanted to reply the checker went rogue xD

Burke stepped forward towards the border the other was standing behind. His docked tail stood up right, the male was still quite dominant. Even after he gave the female the opportunity to tel them their name, something that wasn't often asked at the borders. Nemesis went quiet, which he appreciated but he didn't mean to completely silence her with his words. She had good questions. Maybe if this female was like Misty, they would keep the weakling and torture her. That sounded like an excellent idea. 

"I see, so you are talking about specialities. Tell me, like Nemesis asked you before, what are those skill you can only utilize in our pack?," he questioned. Burke was still skeptical. Of all the ladies that did join not all stuck around. Only Nemesis really and it took a long time for Burke to accept her. Though lately she was sticking out with head and shoulders. The alpha regretfully thought of Cyn, or Adelina and the one that sounded like her Abelinda. Oh or even worse, Shego and her sister. Burke could grow agitated when he thought too long about it.

This Rin might also be good in the long run as a teacher or babysitter. Burke still had a lack of females he wanted to introduce to his young. If this female was so the say being as they liked their wolves to be there were a lot of promotions available. Nemesis was the example of that.