Never give in (Joining)

[thunders]

Thunders padded through the taiga, alone. She didn't know where she was headed, just that she had to move forward. The wind was cold and her paws left tracks in the snow that would be easy to track.

Sure, she had seen snow before. What sort of self-respecting wolf hadn't? But never this much. It had to be at least five feet deep, if not more.

Her stomach growled impatiently. It had been a while since she last ate. But that wasn't her biggest concern. She was afraid that her condition would once again take control of her. She hated it, hated it with all her heart. What was worse was the thought that she might be on another pack's territory. She shivered at the thought of getting jumped.

Thunders shook her mane. Why did the snow have to keep falling? It was pretty, but it made it hard to find prey. And she was out in the open, too. She made out a line of black and broke into a trot. The black stretched and grew. Trees. She stepped into the forest and felt comforted at the closeness around her. She lowered her head and swallowed a mouthful of snow, shivering as it melted in her throat.

Is that-? She took a deep sniff. Yes, she could smell it: fresh meat. Her mouth salivated as she padded through the trees towards her quarry.

[SYVER !]

As he grew, Syver knew that his duties would grow as well. Having become quite a proficient hunter, despite having to take short stops to catch his breath every few moments, he was turning into a fine young wolf. His accomplishments seemed dwarfed compared to Adraxxia's and Aroh's but he didn't mind. He was acutely aware each of them were suited to different things. Aroh was strong and the brawn of his family and the powerhouse behind things. Syver instead was the brains; he could think through things logically and map out strategies. Together they were strong. Even still he ventured out on his own. Normally he would be seen side by side with Aroh, but he had been trying to become more independent as of late.

So he was wandering the borders, confident in his size and abilities. The snow was already a telling sign that winter was here, but the cold air brushed Syver's pelt around haphazardly. He didn't mind the cold at all, his body well insulated from the harsh wintery land. The snow also made it easier to spot intruders, which was his mission right now. Smaller than his brother, he was also swifter, though he had his limitations. If he exerted himself too much he lost his breath and it took ages for it to fully return to him. Either way he would have no problem dealing with anyone intruding on the pack.

It was the stench of blood which caught his nose before the wolf's did. In fact, it completely blocked it out, and suddenly Syver heard his stomach growling, moving towards the source of the smell. He had just had a few mouthfuls of rabbit that morning and it seemed to be almost midday now. It was only natural he was hungry. He approached the quarry at the same time the other wolf did. His eyes flitted to her and he blinked for a moment, before growling, his ears flicking backwards. Still quite young, his horns weren't fully grown in yet, and neither were his long sabreteeth but as he opened his mouth into a growl he revealed the growing canines.

A quick survey told him that the female wasn't one he knew, and he growled another warning. "Who are you and why are you trespassing near our pack?" his growl was harsh as he moved towards the kill, trying to keep her away from it. If she was intruding and had no wishes to join, he would have to chase her off.

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[thunders]

She made her way and reached her prey just as another wolf did. She stopped in her tracks and stared across the area. Their eyes met, and then his ears flitted back and a growl passed his lips. It was then that she noticed the small horns on his head.

"Who are you and why are you trespassing near our pack?" he growled harshly as he moved closer to the kill.

Thunders' ears flattened against her head. "The name is Thunders," she said. "I came because I was hungry. And lonely."

Her blue eyes flitted to the kill. It was a deer carcass, and judging by the warm scent emanating from it the kill was still fresh. Her stomach growled again, loud enough that the other could hear. She wanted the meat, but if this really was a pack wolf then she would have to be cautious. She just hoped that her condition wouldn't ruin this meeting.

She took a step back, shaking her head as she did. She didn't know what this male wanted, but she would try to play it cool.

"Wha-" Dang it, why did her voice have crack? "Erma, what's your name?" she asked, feeling like a total retard.

[SYVER !]

It seemed his appearance had startled her just as much as it startled him. He pursed his lips together. Even at just under a year he was probably about the same height as the female, if not larger. He was almost fully grown, he had to remember. Soon he would be quite a powerhouse, second in age only to Aroh, at least he hoped. The female's response to his words was submissive behavior and so Syver stopped his growling, his stance still regal enough, but he surveyed her with a more curious eye than before. She didn't seem to pose any threat at all. Even still he was slightly wary, if only because he knew better than to let his guard down first thing.

She introduced herself first, as Thunders. He tried to recall if he knew anyone of that name, but could not. If that had any telling of her power, which she would obviously have since she was a lupus, he assumed she would be much like Pyke, who weilded the power of lightning. Or well, thunder was like lightning but of a different caliber... he was so caught up in his thoughts he almost missed what she said next, but suddenly his ears were swivelled towards her, picking up her voice. Hungry and lonely. Sounded decent enough.

He could audibly hear her stomach growling and he looked over her once more; she looked thin, at least to a yagi, and she backed off in turn. He realised he had said nothing, but the silence was broken as Thunders spoke once more. A small smile flitted across his lips as she asked for his name. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

"I'm Syver, son of Ahote, alpha of these lands. You say you are lonely and hungry? I assume your loneliness has brought you to our pack lands seeking shelter? Eat," he pointed towards the deer carcass. "Even if your intention is not to join us the least I can do is let a hungry wolf fill her belly. I am not cruel," he said, his golden eyes softening slightly as he motioned towards the kill.

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[thunders]

She saw his lips purse as she spoke. He looked over her figure before stepping forward.

So his name was Syver, and he was the son of an alpha. He motioned towards the kill, telling her to eat. Her eyes narrowed at his last words, but she was hungry. For a brief second she wondered if he had poisoned it. No, that was stupid. He had arrived just as she had, and had seemed surprised to see her. He was around her height, maybe a little taller than she.

Thunders moves in to eat, glancing up at him with questioning eyes. Strange name, she thought as she ate. The meat was still wet and the blood stained the snow as she ate. It was good. She licked her chops in satisfaction before realizing that she was being rude.

"Do you want some?" she asked him. He looked well built for a- whatever he was- but she could see the hunger in his golden eyes. Suddenly she felt stupid. She had only once met non-Lupus wolves, and she didn't want to think about that right now. Or ever, for that matter. The fact that she didn't know what he was was a sign that she was young and lacking. He seemed to know that she was a Lupus, although he hadn't mentioned it.

[SYVER !]

Even the young adult, if he could be called that yet, noticed the hesitant game they seemed to be playing. He had only seen loners a few times, and usually with his father or another high ranked member. It was rare for him to go out searching for them on his own, but he needed to know how to handle them if he was to one day follow in his father's footsteps. So far it didn't seem so hard, and though the female seemed hesitant at first, soon she was eating from the deer. He half wondered how he had gotten there; what poor fool had left such a nice deer out in the open. He knew some of the members, like Duchan, went on early morning patrols and did some hunting. Perhaps it was he who had left the deer there with the intention of hauling it back later.

His thoughts came to a close when Thunders spoke once more and he looked up, watching her for a second. He had almost forgotten the rumbling in his own stomach, urging him to go quench his appetite. It growled loudly as if to say yes, the noise forming a sheepish grin over his face. Even the sons of alphas had to eat.

He nodded slowly, then moved towards the deer, remaining opposite to her. He tore at the flesh, ripping off quite a large piece and chewing it slowly. In the winter large prey was fairly rare so the taste of deer was not lost on his young pallate. He savoured the meat, swallowing it just as slowly as he consumed it. "One of our hunters must have brought it down earlier and hadn't had time to bring it back," he voiced his thoughts, trying to have it make sense to both her and himself.

He was about to take another bite but hesitated, sitting back on his haunches and watching her for a quiet moment. "My pack is a good one, one of the strongest and best around here. My father is a good leader, brave, strong but loyal and kind too. Females are treated well, not like other packs that toss them around like possessions. If you want to join us, I'm sure my father would be happy to have you."

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[thunders]

Thunders watched him as he nodded and started to eat. He ate slowly, taking large bites and chewing them as if to taste every drop. She slowed her bites, too, not wanting to look like she was starved. But it pained her to be so close to this strange male. She was normally very food-aggressive, stealing what she could and running off with her catch to eat alone. The only time she ate in company was when the pack made a kill, and everyone hovered over the kill.

She listened as he spoke, more focused on the meat than his words. His last words caught her attention. Back in her birth pack, females weren't treated fairly. They were simply prizes to be won. Of course, every once in a while the females would fight for their rights to be mated; but she had been disinterested in these romantic games. Whenever she could, she would steal away with her brothers to go hunting.

She knew that, as a female, it wasn't her place to hunt or fight. But she was a tomboy. It was her nature to be wild and strong. She vaguely remembered how it was always her mother that punished her, and not her father. Males weren't supposed to touch females. But that wasn't always the case back home...

She realized that it was her turn to speak. She sat back on her haunches and looked him in the eye.

I would like that very much, she said graciously. The protection of a pack is something that I would be glad to have. Thank you for allowing me to eat, she said with a nod to the deer carcass. She rose to her haunches and waited for his reply.

[SYVER !]

The yearling was far more interested in watching the new female than filling his belly. Learning was something that always had interested him so for him to have the experience of meeting a loner and welcoming them to the pack was quite an interesting one indeed. He had met them before with his father but usually then they were intimidated. Syver doubted his own appearance was as intimidating as his father's full grown yagi bulk, despite Thunders seeming somewhat ill at ease.

Her emanciated appearance though gave him thought to just let her eat. He could catch something later, or find himself a quick meal, whereas this would probably be her only food for miles around if she chose not to join the pack. She seemed to be pondering his suggestion, mulling over her choices. Syver knew some of the Enclave rules were strict but they were in place to keep the vulnerable ones safe. Life was carefree for a female in the enclave. He hoped she would see that.

Finally she replied, and her response was a positive one. Syver was absolutely thrilled, though he showed it with just a small smile on his face. He knew Ahote would be proud of him, bringing in more members for the pack. She was polite as well, thanking him for the food. "It is the least I can offer. Would you like to come with me to see my father? I'm sure he would like to meet you. He may seem a bit intimidating at first, but he's very kind," he spoke, lifting himself up from where he sat and giving his body a quick shake to dislodge all the snow.

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[thunders]

He gave a small smile and asked if she would come with him and meet his father. Thunders decided that she could do that much.

"Yes, I can come with you." She smiled as he rose and shook the snow from his fur. She had had her fill and stood as well.

"Lead the way," she said with a nod of her head. Her tail tip twitched with excitement. She wondered what this new pack would be like. She hoped that they would be nice enough. If they weren't... well, she would see for herself what kind of pack they were.

"So, how many wolves are there in your pack?" she inquired. "What kinds of wolves do you live with?"

She desperately wanted to know what he was, but decided that she would deal with that later. Maybe she could ask someone who would bypass her lack in the knowledge of species. She was curious as to what his parents were like. He had said that his father was intimidating. Did he have large horns like a mountain goat? Or antlers like a stag?

The sun was gradually ascending to its throne in the sky. She had plenty of hours before nightfall. She wondered how far away their camp was situated. She hoped that the pack would welcome her without incident.

[SYVER !]

She seemed happy to come into the pack to meet Ahote, which was good. He was sure his father would want to hear of any newcomers to the pack, especially to officially ask her to join and welcome her. "Wonderful. He should be around the area. I doubt he'll be hard to find. Just look for a big, horned green thing," he said with a bit of a grin, nodding as she told him to lead the way. He walked just a bit ahead of her trying not to get too far away from her. She was following him, but he was not leading her like a pup. The terrain all around was snow and trees, but soon it would let up and they would see the valley, the clearing, all the beautiful things the taiga had to offer.

"I have to say it's a touch nicer here in the warmer months, not that I remember them too well. The mountains shelter us mostly from the coldest parts of winter, but we cannot escape it," he said, not really an important bit of information but conversation none the less. She asked how big the pack was and he looked back for a moment, pursing his lips as he spoke. "At least twenty of us, if not more. There are many yagi like me, but we also have keiyou, and lupus, like yourself. We're a pretty diverse group, unlike some of the other packs."

Syver assumed she knew what each species was; that was something he had learned quite quickly, having to know what Alucio was, Avalon, even himself. His species was his identity, and so he tried to learn about everyone one. "I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. Do you have siblings Thunders?" he asked, trying to make casual conversation as they made their way into the heart of the packlands as the sun dropped.

[[ I'll get Chess to post here with Ahote asap. ^^ ]]

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[thunders]

She nodded her head and followed after him. The snow around them was white and soft, and she was thankful that the heavens weren't dumping more of it down. So there were twenty of them. It sounded like a well-rounded pack. He said that they had many Yagi; so that was what he was. Hmm.

Thunders was surprised when he asked about her siblings. She was also surprised that he had but two siblings.

"Yes, I do," she said as her paws moved across the snow. "I have four sisters and seven brothers." Then, not wanting to confuse him, "We were a family-oriented pack. Every member of the pack had large numbers of puppies that interbred with other families. Newcomers were rarely graced into our order."

She didn't think it strange. She was brought up this way, in a clan-like way. It seemed almost forbidden for a wolf to leave the pack, although it wasn't. No one ever did leave, maybe because they had all that they wanted. Who would dare leave such a safe place for the unknown?

[[Okay that sounds good]]

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/ahotemid.jpg] Ahote had been resting. For the first time in a long time to be honest. He had spent the morning with his daughter Adraxxia and was amazed at just how fast she was growing up. She was of a fine build, a wonderful medium between his sheer size and bulk and of the slender strength of her mother. Her coloring had blended in a beautiful way, and even her mismatched eyes were a sight to behold. He knew sooner rather than later she would be thinking about mates, and males…and then Ahote would be turning gray rather than green. The thought of any of his pups turning into adults just made Ahote feel old, and even though he was still close to the prime of his life when one looked at all of his accomplishments he had truly done a lot in one of the shortest spans of time. He watched as his pups went from wriggling masses, to excited clumsy puppies, to now stout little examples of fine Yagi purebreds. He had watched the same process with Avalon’s pups and while she and Pyke seemed to be missing, Ahote had taken on the responsibility for near ten pups. He felt he owed Avalon that much, and while he didn’t owe that thundering windbag Pyke anything, he respected the male enough to know he cared for Avalon in his own way and would watch over her, letting Ahote essentially become father of the century. It was a role that suited him though, all the pups regardless of whether he was their biological father or not respected him, and followed his word. A few of the pups in general were very close, Olyvar although a spitting image of Pyke almost was one of the pups he knew would grow up to be something, and Luparia and Eolande would grow up to be beautiful young ladies just as Adraxxia would. It was along these lines of musings that had lulled him into a rest, but not necessarily a sleep. Ahote was much to alert to sleep at the base of the Home Trees. Pups were coming and going (and to him they would always be pups) and females some slunk around him in and out of the tree, and some brazenly walked close to him. He was not above a long sniff as they went by, showing his approval. While he had not chosen a female to mate with yet and continue to continue his line he was indeed enjoying the sites he was given, and the attention was never something he would necessarily turn down. But it was rather nice to be right in the hub of activity, but yet to be apart of it. Things were calm for right this second and his muscles had begun to relax and his eyes were slightly closed until his nose was assaulted with the scent of his son Syver, and the following scent of a female, unknown to him. Pushing himself up to his full height of standing he still dwarfed his son, but it was something that could not be helped. Aroh would always be the bigger male, and even Adraxxia had a size advantage being the first born. Syver would always be the smaller son, but Ahote felt special towards him. When he looked at Aroh he saw himself in the way he spoke and acted by Syver was nearly the spitting image of Ahote, minus his white socks. Syver was truly the evidence that his line had been passed on, he even had his eyes while Aroh had his mother’s eyes. He watched his son lead the unknown female into the heart of their pack lands, and while he did not agree necessarily, a howl to get his attention would have been better he would not rebuke his son publicly it just wasn’t done. He gave his son the full weight of his smile and eyes as he came closer and held back the urge to puff out with pride or show his son affection, he was old enough now that he would not find it necessary or not embarrassing. “Syver, I see you have been out and about and have even managed to bring a new female into our midst. Busy you must have been since the rise of the sun..” Not that one might be able to tell when the sun was out besides the light factor, it was still cold, and he knew many of the smaller females were inside to keep warm and eat, while some of the hardier set females and males were out patrolling and stretching their legs, winter was such a…boring time. His eyes sought the female past his son and they remained on her for a long moment. By the look of things she was a lupus…and while they were always a great resource to have he found many of them to unpredictable and ruled by their emotions. Unfortunately for the rest of them others were usually at the mercy of their emotions and powers when things did arise. One thing Pyke may have been useful for was gaining more control and teaching others, but Ahote could only roll his eyes mentally and ask the female, “What brings you to the Taiga, I assume since my son brought you here you wish to join?” His voice boomed, and sounded much more aggressive but he knew sometimes females to avoid having them not take the rules seriously needed a little fear.