Moonspear Kindred spirit, restless feet

Dusk had claimed the plains and with it set in an icy wind. Frozen tendrils caressed the withering land and would only grow stronger as the night wore on. Heavy pawsteps were almost lost amongst a night-creatures' howling, a darkly swathed brute passing quickly through. He'd set off from the meadow with the peak within his sights and so followed it now, loping at a stiff pace as he braced the headwind. Soon, the rocky slopes @Floki had so proudly spoke of would be in sight.

Requesting an audience, preferably from the pale Beta or his upper counterparts(@Amekaze @Charon), the Treborn stood a distance away from the rigorous display of odours, snout tipped to the heavens as his low tune rose above the light wind. Winter would be harsh this year, and the man didn't want the lights to go out as done with his belated comrade; he wondered if he'd be welcomed here to pledge his allegiance or if he'd be run out, he'd find out in time.

Floki was prompt in responding to the howl that rose up over Moonspear's frigid slope. Having put traveling on the back burner for the time being -- what with winter's swift approach and Aria's recent arrival -- he had doubled up on his duties as the pack's Beta, leaving Charon and Amekaze to tend to their family while he patrolled and marked the borders. He picked his way carefully down the slippery mountainside, eyes already turned ahead to identify Aurelius, the loner he had met just weeks ago.

"It's good to see you," he said with a smile as he halted; though he didn't know the other scout well, he had enjoyed his company briefly. With such polished manners, it would have been impossible to dislike Aurelius.

The lands grew cold fast, and Charon was grateful for the latest additions to the pack that they had had; they could use the extra wolves, especially now that this winter, they had little girls to take care of. Charon didn't think they would hunt their first things before early spring, because it was a lot harder in winter. Perhaps if they were lucky they would find something wounded, but they wouldn't likely be substantially able to contribute throughout this winter, taking more than they gave. They'd need all the capable pack members they could get to bring the girls up into healthy, strong individuals together.

So when he was patrolling the borders that day, the call was not unwelcome. It seemed this was someone that knew of his brother too, considering the call's direction, and Charon was curious to see of this person. He carried his body proudly, head strong atop his shoulders and tail curled over his back to display his status, as he approached. It seemed his brother had already arrived and Charon glanced between the newcomer and Flóki curiously to see which one of them would fill him in first.

The stone was cold underfoot, rough and comforting in comparison to the harsh grasses of the valley and Aurelius' paws shifted, the one thing that betrayed his nerves. Waiting was not something the Treborn would call his greatest asset; interaction proved to irritate his nerves yet perhaps the flaw would iron itself out over time. He was doubtful.

It came to his immense relief when the sandy form of the Beta descended the slope and he returned the sir's greeting with a mirrored smile. "You too," he'd confirm, tail motioning lightly from side to side. There was little time for conversation before another arrived, pale and steadfast against the pewter mountainside. It would take no genius to guess that this was a wolf of great power, and so a questioning glance to Floki was deemed unnecessary.

"I am Aurelius," he'd introduce, taking the initiative to break the silence between the trio. "I have met Floki before, he informed me that your guild would perhaps benefit from a wolf such as myself. I am an able hunter, former Gamma of my natal pack." With a slight dip of his muzzle, the brute would hold his shoulders high, tail continuing it's quivering wag as he spoke.

Charon was prompt; Floki wasn't surprised that his brother wished to investigate the stranger at their borders. He flashed a small smile at his brother, adjusting his own posture to make it clear that, while his status in the pack was important, Charon was the head honcho.

He was glad that Aurelius wasted no time in introducing himself. This would bode well for him, and Floki watched Charon's expression momentarily to see what he thought of the information provided. Then, turning back towards the traveler, he said, "This is my brother, Charon; Moonspear's Alpha male." The explanation was likely unnecessary, but this would give Charon the opportunity to make the final judgment call on Aurelius, perhaps after probing him with a few more questions.

It didn't surprise Charon that there was something the dude wanted, since he seemed to know Flóki and he appeared not to be of another pack. Winter was nearing and it was a good time for both packs to strengthen up as well as lone wolves to seek a pack. Charon hadn't expected anything less than a joining attempt.

"Why did you pick Moonspear?" he asked, skipping the pleasantries — he'd already been introduced and he had already heard the stranger's name, too. Charon kept his proud and tall stature as he waited for the answer, keeping from judgement for a moment longer.

The snowed figure kept his regal posture, and Aurelius found his shoulders slipping to a lowered stance as submission kicked in. Though a wolf of ample ability, the man was well accustomed to heading a low role in society. This did not disclose the pact that he had ambitions, yet that side of him was slumbering for the time being.

"It seems a strong guild," he mused, "The crags remind me of home too." The anonymous leader seemed of good size, strong and healthy despite the winter foreshadowed. There'd be no doubt hard times were coming, and the man himself hoped they wouldn't suffer as strongly as others. "I believe I can help see your comrades through the cold season..." He left the statement open, in case a name were to be suggested from one of the two uppers.

I am so sorry for the delay!

Charon leveled a question at Aurelius, one that would give him some insight into why Aurelius was interested in this particular pack. It was a good inquiry to make; there were a handful of other packs in the area (and even more spread throughout the wilds as a whole), so why had he picked Moonspear? Floki watched his acquaintance carefully, hoping that his response would impress Charon in the same way he had impressed the Beta.

He nodded gently as Aurelius obliged Charon, then glanced back at his brother. Although Floki approved of the male, Charon would have the last say.

The words he spoke brought up so many other questions. Charon'd never heard of packs being called 'guild' and he wondered where this guy was from, if it reminded him of home. Then again, odds were big that he was probably just another wolf from somewhere-far-away and that his past would be pretty boring to hear recited. And truth was they needed able-bodied wolves.

So rather than ask any more questions, Charon said: "Alright, you seem like a healthy enough fellow. Welcome to Moonspear." And he moved forward to bump shoulder to Aurelius', welcoming him but also rubbing a hint of his scent across so that others would know he was welcome.

When no name was uttered, the man considered calling the white brute of an alpha Ronan, some calling his thoughts had provided in tern for an empty identity. Yet no words more were utterred from the mouth of the Treborn, who stood bowed and still as the nameless higher spoke. His words were of acceptance, of which Aurelius responded to with a low rumble quite akin to a purr as he returned the sir's gesture with a respectful series of nibbles along his spine.

"Thank you," he lifted one paw, steeling a glance at both to see if one would take lead into the territory.

Charon made his decision and admitted Aurelius to the pack. Floki hung back as his brother physically welcomed Aurelius into their ranks, a faint smile playing on his lips. He felt confident and proud as they prepared to face winter; the pack was swelling, but not so much that it wouldn't be able to sustain itself, and as the herds multiplied during the colder months they would surely be easily able to keep their bellies full.

"Welcome," he repeated, then took a step back as though inviting Aurelius into the territory. There were many nooks and crannies on the mountain's slope that the newest member of Moonspear would have to acquaint himself with, though Floki was confident that he would have no problem scaling even its most treacherous slopes.

Flóki seemed enthused enough to show Aurelius the territory, so Charon decided he'd be good to leave, himself. "See you later," he said to both others and then he turned towards the territory; crossing back into the woods and up the mountain, to the rendezvous site, to make sure that his daughters were good.

my last post :)