Strength and Honor

[cheveyo]

Pale gold turned from side to side as the pale beast moved ever forward, pace not slowing a step as he neared claimed lands. Cheveyo was nothing if not confident in his ability to defend himself, he aught to be considering his very name meant Warrior. It would be quite a thing to meet a wolf of such a name and find them nothing more then a coward, any who thought that of him would soon learn otherwise. Stern features shifted into a frown as he moved along the borders taking in the sights beyond him. Fresh smelling lands reminded him of home so he stopped, head high as he looked for signs of the pack close by. Frowning slightly he loosened his muscles as he glanced around looking for anything that would tell him this place was not worth his time. Finding nothing amiss with this land from the outside he mentally went over his options, there were always a few one had. Deciding his course of action would depend upon the Alpha’s strength, a weak one who annoyed him would fall hard. A decent one…would have a much nicer day presumably.

Feeling lose and ready for a fight he threw back his head and howl a call of summoning, let the Alpha come and meet their Fate. Lowering his head he readied himself for a fight, head lowering to dart forward and protect his throat and chest, legs slightly bent and braced for a charge. Only a fool stood tall, proud, and exposed to some hidden attack, he had not lived so long by being a fool. Ears shifted seeking Pack movements he could not see, the Pack was in there somewhere, how many he was unsure. Closing his eyes he sighed softly before opening them expression calm and focused. Fighting was what he had been born to do, hunting was not so different, he had little to flat out fear. Unless the Pack came at him as one committed unit as they would on a hunt he was not overly concerned with being outnumbered. Ears pivoted forward and his nares flared, it would not be long now.

“Strength be mine.”

[amaroq]

From birth he had been raised to lead. It was a deep responsibility and on he took quite personally, and with his strength the pack continued to grow and bloom. Now that he was the Alpha and his mother Amaka stepped down, Amaroq spent a lot of his time patrolling the boundaries of the place he called home. It was his duty to keep his pack safe and often enough threats tended to linger along their border. Today was no different much to his annoyance, as a loud howl reached his ears. Gold eyes narrowed in agitation at such arrogance most loners did not bay at the sky for the Alpha. Obviously, this lupin did not know that his pack was not very welcoming, and they rarely accepted new wolf into their clan. His lip curled slightly as his body went forward on it's own. In the back of his mind the large wolf was aware that this might be a challenger for his land and not just a mere loner. He wasn't afraid of a challenger but a part of him worried for the safety of his family. Unlike most he did not rush off to find this unknown animal, he took his time showing that he was indeed confident.

Finally, Amaroq caught sight of this unknown wolf. Solid white, he reminded him of his younger sister Kali if only for a moment. Instead of just slamming him which was his right as the Alpha of this land, he approached with his head held in a neutral position. He was no fool, exposing one's neck was a very foolish mistake. His tail however raised behind him in a beckon of power and dominance. Perking his ears forward he slowed to a stop across from where the male stood.

"I am Amaroq. Alpha of Zilar Heights, what are you called."

He figured it was best to get the formalities out of the way. Gold eyes took in the strong figure of this male wolf and knew automatically that this would be no simple fight. Not that he worried, he enjoyed a challenge.

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[cheveyo]

Golden stare focused on the dark male that approached alone, cautious but still confident, caution was wise when meeting a newcomer alone, fighter or not. If he had no honor he would have attacked if this ranked male posed as so many seemed to. As if the look at me pose was a wise stance when facing a stranger you knew nothing about, even less so when you counted on your rank to intimidate them. Cheveyo did not do cower, this dark male did not seem to wish to try and make him, wise on his part. It was clear this stranger was at least Beta from how he carried himself, not haughty but proud, and rightly so if he was a tough as he looked at first glance. Pleased his call had been so promptly and intelligently answered he waited quietly to be addressed, quick and too the point this one was quite the formal one. Relaxing a bit to show he was not planning on jumping him while they talked he debated his answer, siding with the whole truth.

“I am Cheveyo, Amaroq, Alpha of Zilar Heights, thank you for your…prompt response. I have met a few who think letting one wander around unwatched for a while is a wise move, they did not last long. I have come looking for a place, since you are no fool who thinks he is undefeatable your rank is safe from me. Name your terms Dark One, you will not find me wanting.”


Calmness was the only thing that would make that sound more like a sincere offer then a boast. This Alpha had no reason to trust his word, though he also had no reason not too, the weight of the decision was on him. Trust and possibly gain a new ally, trust wrongly and possibly lose your life. He had little doubt if Amaroq had no interest in him he would say so and leave him to wander off alone as if he had never been. He did not strike him as the petty kind, though he swore he sensed some annoyance at his presence. Not surprising seeing as he was a fully grown and clearly not weak male, with intentions he could only guess at. It was time to see if the Dark Alpha would guess correctly for all their sakes.[/center][/color]

[amaroq]

Amaroq watched this wolf with a keen eye, wary of him and yet not afraid at the same time. With their kind, a meeting of unknown wolves often lead to bloodshed and even death. It had happened along his border often enough, and many had been chased away from their pack over the seasons. He could not tolerate the weak here amongst his family, not with how hostile the territory became during the winter season. Some may consider him to be a haughty idiot for turning away able paws and teeth, but he was doing them a favor. That did not mean he would not ever accept a new wolf into his clan, they just had to prove their worth to him and his family. Obviously this white male was not going to jump him and try to kill him. His ears flickered absently as he listened to the words that spilled from his mouth. Cheveyo hmm... Silently he tucked that information away, remembering his name and scent.


"I try to be prompt here, I've had my fair share of idoits. You do not seem stupid therefore I am in no real rush to make you leave my land. Zilar is a land of hostile winters and the possibility of starving to death is very real most of the time. So the weak and dumb are chased away mainly to save their lives and ours.."


He explained quietly, gold eyes watching him for a moment before they veered off to take in their surroundings. Amaroq was glad that this meeting did not end up being a battle. Shifting his bulk he returned his gaze towards Cheveyo.


"My terms eh? Well you need to prove yourself to me and the clan. Proving yourself consists of hunting and making use of yourself when needed. If you desire a higher rank I will demand a spar to see if you are worthy of said rank. So Spirit Warrior, are you going to join my clan?"


Amaroq asked him, wondering what his answer would be.

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[cheveyo]

Mouth curved into a slight grin at the mention of fools and the shared dislike of them, fools had no place around him besides cubs. A cub was meant to be foolish and could hardly be blamed for not knowing certain things, knowledge took time. The mention of harsh winters did not surprise him, higher ground was like that. This Alpha was honest and up front, two things he preferred in one who would order him about, not that this one would do something so frivolous. Content this Alpha knew what he was doing the last thoughts of challenge were dismissed, there was no need and so no reason to think more about it.

“Your honestly is refreshing but I fear no winter, my homeland was not all that forgiving at times as well.”

With that out of the way he waited for a yes or no of some kind, wiliness to stay did not mean he was welcomed to. Snow colored head bobbed as what was required to prove his wroth were listed, nothing outrageous at all. When a sparing match was mentioned his pale stare lit up with a impish grin, he was starting to like this guy. He preferred a middle or high middle rank himself, enough power to do what was needed but not enough to be called on for every little thing one could think of. A spar would prove he held the optional his looks often portrayed to others, while doing the same of the Alpha who would become his master. Looking him over he still sensed no mean streak in him, practical, logical, a bit cold perhaps but nothing that would grate against his code. Grinning wide he tilted his head with mock swagger, everyone needed a bit of fun now and then.


“Agreed then Night King, a friendly bit of sport is the best offer I have had in some time. If your clan is as reasonable as you I am sure we shall come to friendly terms soon enough. If you are ready we can start anytime?”


{Do we want to play this out with Ama winning, the pack shows up and they stop so no one thinks Chev is there to take anything, draw or close to it, or just wing it? Whatever is fine by me.}

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[avarice]

Avarice ducked her head as she saw the ashen male approach the border, flattening her ears and flicking her tail in warning to her small pup. She hadn't expected this. She'd been observing the pack land for some time now, hoping to join what seemed to be a well-organized unit headed by a strong and competent leader. Now it seemed to her, she wasn't the only one who saw the advantage in joining such a family.

She made sure to keep Adair under her own body, should the wind decide to shift and give away their position, and ducked her body lower, watching as the dark male approached. So his name was Amaroq.. Her lip curled a bit as the ivory stranger issued his challenge in a somewhat cocky manner. She disliked those that opposed authority, it was clear that the sable male held dominion over these lands. Her eyes never flinched as the males continued to converse.

Just take him out!

Her mind screamed to Amaroq fervently. He shouldn't have to deal with such insolence in his own territory.. A proper subject would first submit to his better and only challenge him once he had gained proper knowledge of his strengths. That seemed to be the most logical way to her, at least.

Her nose twitched as she felt the wind change direction, carrying her scent and that of her small offspring toward the opposing males. She cursed her luck and stood quickly, keeping her eyes and ears alert for any sign that either of the two males might notice her and deem her a threat.

Come along, Adair.. It seems we are destined to show ourselves. Stay behind me and do not look either of them in the eye.. We don't want any unsolicited hostility.

She instructed her young before slinking closer to the two males, stopping short of them by a good meter and bowing her head low to the dark one who ruled here, though keeping a wary eye on them.

I too, humbly ask to join your ranks. I see no better leader in all these lands and wish to ally myself to the strongest. If you'll have me, and my son as well, we will be at your call..

She raised her eyes to meet the males and stood her ground.

[cheveyo]

Before Armaoq could say if he was ready to spar or not nares flared and pale golden stare turned, he had no reason to fear Armaoq would attack so he did not have to watch him. Another pale wolf came forward, her cub close by. This was not entirely unexpected but their timing made him chuckle mentally. The two males were just about to have a bit of fun and work came a calling, wasn’t that just the way of things? As any smart stranger did she came forward slowly, watching them both for any sign of attack. Looking her over he did not see anything he would reject if he was Armaoq, but he was only interested in a decent rank not the mantle of leadership. He got the distinct feeling this female disliked him and he frowned, the Alpha did not mind him, surely he did not looking all that threatening standing across from Aramaoq. His white frame and pale stare were not that uncommon, was it simply because she had a cub? Who was to say this Alpha was not a cub killer? He was certain Armaoq would only kill one out of mercy but this fae had just met him as well, and seemed to have misjudged him greatly. Glancing at the cub he nodded slightly but said nothing, he would hate to have to pin down a rabid mother if she took offence at his saying hello.

Sighing softly he backed away from the trio giving the mother plenty of space before sitting down, gaze turned away from them all. Armaoq did not need him nearby to welcome or reject anyone, if he did he would have to reconsider trying to take this land. The mother clearly did not want him nearby, a fine enough reason to move away from her. The males could hardly spar until she was dealt with one way or the other, he had time but he was not sure about the Alpha. Sighing softly he closed his eyes and decided to wait in silence until he could prove his power worth of a decent rank, and the Alpha could prove his was worthy of his loyalty. Armaoq had done a fine job so far of proving himself likeable, he seemed to find him agreeable as well. It was nice finding a leader who was not ’OBEY ME’ all the time, as if he needed to be ordered to do everything, could he not think for himself? One did not earn rank by blindly following orders one earned rank by proving they could do the job without being told what to do. He was no cub, and he was no follower, he was a fighter, fighters did not need to be told how to fight they only needed a target.

[amaroq]

[color=
Amaroq felt a grin touch his lips if only for a moment, as the wind changed direction he noticed something new. A foriegn scent reached his quivering nose, and immediately he turned towards the scent. It was a female and by the scent of her she had offspring. Currently his pack had no pups so surely this would be an interesting encounter. Out of the corner of one golden eye he watched as Cheveyo backed off and sat down away from them. The black male then returned his gaze to the female wolf and her pup. Obviously she was in need of a pack and he was always willing to give any one a try. They just had to prove themselves and be strong when the seasons turned harsh and life was no longer easy. Looking her over silently he raised his tail in a way of dominance but it wasn't overbearing. Hearing her words he smiled softly.

"I've heard that I am one of the more harsher leaders to live with. However with how bad our winters get here in the mountains one can never be to easy on their pack mates. All I ask is that you do your part in the pack, when we need to hunt you hunt.. If the borders need to be defended, defend them. If you are strong and willing to work hard than this is the place for you to live. I am Amaroq and the Alpha here. What is your name?"

You could say that he was more gentle with the female wolf, and it was true in a way. Amaroq like all wolves has a soft spot for pups. His pack did not have any at the moment and perhaps by having young wolves around it may pull the pack closer together. That and he considered males to be more of a threat. He could tell that she did not really like Cheveyo and that was something he would stay out of. Amaroq would only interfere if the two of them actually fought or were compromising the pack. Looking down at the young pup he gave the small wolf a soft smile, his tail wagging a bit as he watched the two of them

At the rate this was going he'd have to put off the spar with Cheveyo. If the pack showed up and saw them fighting they may try to chase him off or worse. With two unknown scents lingering around the border and the smell of pup they were bound to show up. For now he'd try to get to know these two new wolves and perhaps learn more about them.

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[avarice]

Avarice cocked her head a bit as she watched the alabaster male incline his head toward her, as if in greeting. Confusing.. he didn't seem all that threatening anymore. Perhaps it was just his way of submission; to prove his merit in a duel. She understood now. He wasn't challenging the dark male, he was demonstrating his strength firsthand for the Alpha to judge.

She had not known of this, never had she seen an acceptance take place, or done anything of the sort herself, so she supposed there could be numerous ways to go about the process and this was just one of them. Satisfied that the male she admired wasn't being threatened, she inclined her head to the light one, acknowledging his own greeting. She turned her attention back to Amaroq, her head inclining further in a sign of respect.

I am called Avarice, if it pleases you, and my young son is called Adair. We have no experience in a pack setting, but because of my situation, I have learned to be a strong an effective hunter in order to provide for the two of us. It may have been rude of me, but I have been observing your lands for quite some time and feel the need to join such a distinguished family.

Her eyes flicked up to the male, seeing him smiling down at Adair and his tail wag a bit. That was a good sign, and she felt her defenses lower a bit, seeing how pleased he seemed at Adair's presence. The small pup peeked out from around his mother's foreleg and smiled back, yipping softly before jumping out, his tail wagging happily as he approached Amaroq. Avarice's eyes widened and she pulled the pup back a bit, still unsure as to what would happen.

My apologies. He's young and full of playfulness, he doesn't quite understand manners yet.

Her words fumbled, thinking the male might take the pup's antics for disrespect.

If you would allow us to join you, I'm sure that he'll learn quickly to show proper deference to his superiors.

She was sure more of the pack would come soon, seeing as their leader was outnumbered by strangers at their border. She sat up straighter, speaking strongly.

If I am to prove myself, only tell me what you require and it shall be done.

[cheveyo]

Cheveyo ignored the fae’s nod after he had nodded at her son, he was not an overly sensitive wolf but he preferred to ignore or fight those who misjudged him. He hoped the fae already of this land would not take one look at him and think something negative as well. It did not take her long to go back to focusing on Armaoq and ignoring him, which was fine by him. When she spoke of no experience in pack settings he wanted to chuckle, must have been a small pack she had been born into. Admitting she had been spying on this pack got a frown from the pale male. He found such behavior a bit disturbing, he trusted his gut to tell him if a pack was worth his time, so far this was the first one it liked. Of course he did not have a cub to consider, or one at all. All her sweet words to the Alpha seemed unnecessarily to him, Armaoq need not his ego stroked so blatantly to accept her. Again perhaps she felt she had to lay on the charm because she was a fae with a cub, though if she had been watching wouldn’t she know if they would be welcoming or not? She seemed to think submitting was the only way to show respect, as if a pup knew or cared about such things? Cheveyo was a proud beast, he would not bow every other sentence proper or not. Armaoq seemed fine with his current level of respect shown, he had not submitted once. This proper fae needed to relax a bit if she wished to carryon on any short of meaningful conversation with him beyond hunting and fighting tactics you learned interacting with pack.

Head turned when a new wolf showed themselves, moving with a calm curious stride as he came up to Armaoq’s side. Spotting the pup his eyes lit up tail wagging a bit, clearly this guy was a playful one, and not afraid to show it. Getting to his feet he got this new grey wolf’s attention, a once over was given but no growling. Clearly he assumed since he had been sitting there he was no threat and treated him accordingly. Pleased with this one’s judgment he walked slowly past the fae and pup stopping near the grey male, his left ear tip was bent but otherwise looked as normal as the rest of them. Giving him a friendly grin he sat back down, it seemed a bit of talking was in order, which was fine enough.

“Hello stranger I am Cheveyo, your brother is quite refreshing.”

[nails]

Nails yawned as he headed towards the best meeting spots along the border hunting for new wolves and his brother. New scents became new voices as he approached the cover near were all of them had gathered, today was a busy day for newcomers. Coming into the open he immediately focused on the pup, tail wagging a bit as he came to a halt near his brother. Movement got his attention and he turned from the mother and cub to a new male, a fully grown male. Armaoq made no move to defend himself, the pale stranger simply walked forward, giving the mother and cub plenty of space, nothing threatening. That made sense to him Armaoq would never chase a well manner and capable male away, his manners he was unsure of but he trusted his brother’s judgment. The other’s friendly grin was enough to assure him his brother’s gut was still working as it always had. Returning the other’s grin only wider he chuckled at his greeting, that was a new compliment.

“Nails, Delta male around here, nice to meet you Cheveyo.”

Looking past him he grinned at the mother, another pale wolf but she seemed shy, perhaps just so many males around her cub was to blame. She knew he was Delta now so he hoped she would not be afraid or nervous around him, he was harmless really. Moving Around Cheveyo he lowered his head giving the pup a good look over, he looked healthy so there was little to worry about in that respect. A good meal would do them all some good but no one looked underfed. Raising his head he nodded in greeting to the fae, she seemed to like his brother so he was not worried about getting along.

“Welcome Avarice, your son will be in good paws here I assure you. My brother would never ask you for more then you could give, none of us will. Winters are often very harsh but we will do all we can to see we make it through them, you will learn all you need soon enough I am sure. Brother you did not tell us you were famous, hiding such things from your own littermates, tsk tsk.”

Chuckling at his dark brother he could not help but tease him a bit about it, his brother often forgot to do little things like have a bit of fun. He sensed Cheveyo turn to face them but the pale male said nothing more, turning he grinned at him, he sensed the same driving force of duty in this new male. Avarice wanted a safe home, Cheveyo somewhere where he could be of use, both should fit in just find here.

[amaroq]

Amaroq was keenly aware of his brothers approach way before he actually showed up. His scent was reassuring to the dark male, even though obviously these strangers were not a threat to him. Glancing at his sibling he smiled just a bit, though he was also aware that already Cheveyo and Avarice seemed to be at odds with one another. It was troubling to him that these strangers were already not getting along. However he couldn't force them to get along or be friends... but it was a situation that was worrisome. Returning his attention to the mother and pup before him, he shook his head at her worried expression. He was by no means a monster, just strict in a harsh land. Just because the pup looked excited and wanted to play did not mean he would snap at him. He was only a baby after all.


"Don't worry about it. He's only a baby.. I don't expect young wolves to know all the rules of a pack. From what you've told me you don't know much about it either. I'm sure in time it will come naturally to you."


He told Avarice gently, noticing that Nails and Cheveyo both seemed to get along well enough. Which was good for the pack but he still wanted the two new comers to get over what ever 'beef' they seem to have with each other. Amaroq could understand the females worry over some male strangers.. and it did appear that they were about to fight. One ear twitched absently as he heard the distant rumble of an approaching storm. Obviously he needed to give these two ranks to start out in, that way as they proved themselves he could up their rank as needed.


"Since you both are new here, I'm going to give you the rank of Sigma. However, as you prove yourself through hunting and other activites your rank may rise. As for the pup he will be ranked as one, and taken care of by the whole of the pack which is our duty."


Amaroq finished speaking, his tail waving gently behind him, his posture still showed his dominance but it was not overbearing by any means. Watching the pup for a moment, he stuck his paw out to lightly bat at the youth, allowing him the chance to play if he desired to take it.

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[arashi]

Delicate looking paws carried the dark furred fae along not really heading anywhere special just walking. The scent of wolves turned her feet without her having to tell them to do so, a new pack would be wondrous. Ears perked at the sounds of voices before her eyes saw any of them, what a nice little group. One dark male, one short of dark male, one light female, and one simply adorable cub. Smiling warmly she walked slowly out of the shadows allowing them to see her coming, sneaking was for hunting and play. Sitting down before the group she watched their reactions, the dark and pale males were the fighters of the group, the lighter more friendly, the mother was a mother. Bowing her nose to the ground she raised her head warm smile still in place. They had all been talking before she walked up so she was not worried about three males, she was hardly threatening looking.

“Greetings. I am Arashi, and if you would have me, I would like a chance to join you all. Hello Little One, are you not simply adorable. You must be very proud miss, a happy healthy pup is a wonderful thing.”

Singsong voice bubbled with joy as she spoke of the pup, he was too cute. The grey male had a kind look about him, likely s fellow friendly soul. The dark male looked thoughtful and a bit weary, as if something was worrying him a bit. The pale male looked a little sullen, perhaps his meeting had not gone as well as he had hoped it would? The mother was understandably a bit weary of her at first, she was a stranger, but she hoped she would relax soon. Turning her green stare back to the pup she smiled again, if he was all alone he would need someone to play with. [/center][/color][/font]

[cairn]

Tri-colored brute moved through the lands on sure paws, his head held high and his posture demanding respect. His paws touched the ground with little noise, his broad body cutting through the undergrowth as he moved forwards. Auds flicked at the various sounds of his home but so far nothing unexpected had occurred. Patrolling the lands in this way was a habit to him, he wanted to protect the pack and to prove he was worthy of his role and as such, his brown orbs often found themselves scouring the lands.

Cairn was the beta male of the lands and a good friend of Amaroq, though the two were really quite different, meaning that his place had been well earned. However, it was not in his nature to let things slip - neglecting his duties would be to neglect the pack and that was not something he intended to do. Furthermore, Cairn was in many ways the enforcer for the pack, he made sure that no one stepped a toe out of line without punishment.

As he moved onward voices floated to his ears and he stopped for a moment where he stood as he analyzed the situation. Amaroq was there, as was Nails, but beyond that he was without support dealing with intruders. He felt a strong need to be with his friend now and so he moved toward the sounds rather than continuing his patrol, soon coming upon the scene.

Amaroq and Nails were surrounded by strangers it seemed. The first a white male, the second a dark female and the final two a mother and her pup. He wrinkled his nose slightly, most pups annoyed him and he could see no reason why this one would be different, but continued to make his way to the alpha's side, flashing a smile at the dark female as he did. He said not a word, for he was here for his alpha not to socialize and he was a little on edge due to the presence of the white brute.

[shadowfire]

Something was brewing in the air. Nothing heated but something non-the-less. Strange scents riddled the air and all from one concentrated place. How odd. The pale pelted femme lowered her muzzle form the winds, her sharp hazel optics scanning the terrain around her. She couldn't see the situation as of yet, but the scent was strong, the gathered were close. Shifting her sizable frame she started in the appropriate direction. She would have to see fr herself just what sort of conundrum her pack-mates had found themselves in.

Nicodemus came upon the scene after the three, oh how cute! Four newcomers approached. She watched from afar for a moment, assessing what was going on. She noted the presence of Amaroq, Nails and Cairn, clearly she wasn't the only one who noticed the change. Her facial expression was blank as she approached the group herself, her black saddled shoulders rolled to relax her. She studied the strange male at the boarders with a critical eye, but moved on to look over the new females and the pup. Her visage gave away little emotion of the situation she made sure to lower her stance somewhat as she entered the premise of her Alpha & beta, showing due respect. She nodded a collective greeting to those gathered, choosing not to speak. This did not seam to be a purely social gathering. Instead she let her hazel orbs observe her pack and the new possible members.