Blackwater Islands Who am I?

The boy knew nothing - he did not know his name, he did not know where he was, nor what he was even doing here. Clearly, he had arrived by the sea - but everything about him was just... a blank. A question. And he didn't know what to think about that, or even how to feel about it. He was just... lost. As his large paws carried him over the battered coast, he reflected on what he should do now.

The speaker saw the man wandering alone near the water. A new acolyte, brought here by the listener. The man looked lost; he just needed someone to show him the way.

Tulok pulled himself from the edge of the trees and moved along the compacted, wet sand to approach the acolyte head on. When the demon was close enough, he stopped, his two-toned gaze taking in the beast. His face showed nothing that passed through his mind, though. 

What is your name, acolyte, he asked. There was no malice in his tone, just a sternness that demanded respect.

Another male came towards him, almost the same size and build as the yearling. He still seemed to have some growing to do. When he asked for Kimya's name, the boy merely frowned, shaking his head vigorously. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out except a small, apologetic noise, half-growl, half-whine. He hoped this was enough to communicate the fact that he couldn't speak. Attempting to inquire their location, the boy gestured broadly with his muzzle, then tilted his head to the side, meeting the other's gaze with a hard questioning look.

It appeared the boy could not speak, something that might prove beneficial. If he couldn't speak, then he couldn't spill their secrets if he was ever deemed worthy to know them. It did, however, make it impossible to know the acolyte's name. 

Has the listener mentioned giving you a name? he asked before explaining where they were. It was a yes or no question, one that could be answered with a nod or a shake of his head. 

We are on Blackwater Islands. It is the home of the druids. If you wish to remain here, I can guide you in the ways of the druids.

No, he had been given no name, not yet. Kimya shook his head in response. Then, he was given knowledge - he was on an island, but that much he knew already. From the coast, there were other islands, and a huge mainland not far off. Kimya was curious about what lay in the mainland, but knew it was best to stay here for now; he was still weak from his fight with the ocean. So, he nodded to the stranger - he wanted to stay, for now.

The boy silently answered his questions. For now, I will call you acolyte. That is your rank here while you learn. When you have earned it, I will gift you with a name. His tone didn't suggest that he needed any hint of acceptance from the silent wolf; this was how it would be.

I am the speaker; I am allowed to tell you our secrets, but you are not allowed to tell anyone of them. The listener is your leader and prophet; she leads all the druids under the edict of the unnamed god. He paused to ensure the boy had time to process everything. 

We consider you a druid on a probationary basis. If I sense you are not willing to learn our ways, then you will no longer be welcome here. He looked to the acolyte, his face stern and cold. There was no room for argument or question, not that the silent wolf could voice any if he had them. 

You must never betray a fellow druid; this will also strip you of your welcome here. He looked over the acolytes face. Are you able to follow these rules?

So sorry for the wait!

Acolyte - a term the boy has never heard before, but then again, he has amnesia. He knows nothing. His brow furrows and he frowns deeply, debating the male's words. Then, he was given a name - or, was it a title? "The Speaker". It had a cool ring to it, he supposed, but it just made him more and more curious about the island and it's inhabitants. And how was he supposed to tell anyone their secrets, if he couldn't talk? The boy just snorted softly, nostrils flaring. Their secrets would be safe with him.

The Speaker's cold nature did little to warm the boy towards these druids, but he knew he had nowhere else to go. As the other wolf finished speaking, the boy pondered - what was he meant to do here? Did he have any tasks? He gave a low whine, then lifted his paw to gesture to himself, tilting his head.

no need to apologize!

The silent acolyte's gesture was easy enough to decipher. The man wanted to know what his purpose would be here. 

The demon thought for a moment, his gaze studying the other man's face. 

How do you feel about fighting? the speaker asked. He needed to know where his skills were before coming to a decision.

Fighting? The boy pondered this for several long moments. He was fully-grown by now, and he was an impressive sight to behold. Fighting could be easy, given his sheer size. But did he want to hurt others? He wasn't sure. He could defend the borders, he supposed - that way he'd only have to fight those who were trespassing. He gave a small nod, then paced in a circle, jerking his head to the shores. He would patrol.

The speaker nodded. A guardian, he translated. We need dedicated wolves to guard the island. 

The demon was struck with an idea. Report to me anything you see around here that might cause problems, Tulok instructed. He knew it would be difficult for him to speak of everything he saw but: Perhaps we could create a language of movements and signs that only we know. If they were successful, he though this man would be good for the position of his silencer as long as they could find a way to properly communicate.

The boy understood his duties - he was to patrol the island and guard it from outsiders, and should he find anything of interest, he was to return to the Speaker. And when the Speaker spoke of a new language, the boy nodded, his tail waving. It sounded like a game, like secret code! He let loose a sigh of relief, no longer feeling afraid, or like an outcast. This could be his home, he saw that now.

The man seemed to like his suggestion of creating a way for them to communicate. Then it is settled, he told the acolyte. I look forward to working with you, acolyte. It was the closest he would offer to support or praise. The demon saw no need for either. 

Go then and begin your guarding, he instructed. I will call on you for a sparring session so that you can begin your training.

Unless the man had anything else to add, the speaker would take his leave.

would you like to fade here and have a new thread?

Yes please! <3

The boy nodded, dipping his head to the Speaker. He would leave then, setting off to patrol the island, so that he might get used to it's layout. Privately, he doubted anyone would swim out to the island, especially if they knew the druids lived here, but he would do as he was told.