over-analysis creates paralysis [JOINING]

[Lieszal]

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[atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/izqb6t.png] This place was beautiful. Absolutely lovely. Just breath-taking. In all her years of traveling, the small white female had never seen such a vibrant place as this. All the many fragrances of flowers in bloom left her almost intoxicated. Lieszal wanted to drink it all in; the beauty, the aromas, and the peaceful atmosphere. I couldn't have wished for a better home. Ah, but it wasn't her home yet, she softly chided herself. For the past three weeks the lone Lupus had been pacing around the borders of the Hellion Mafia's territory. She'd caught glimpses of several of the members deep in the distance of the jungle on several occasions, but she'd never actually met one of them. Most of what she knew came from the information she'd gathered through the scent markers. Basically, Lieszal knew that powerful, strong wolves lived here. That was about it. Not seeking a fight, she hadn't set even one paw past the markers until she made up her mind to seek court with the pack's leader, or leaders. It had taken many long nights of hard thinking to finally make the decision to seek the company of others once again. It'd been almost a year since she'd parted from her brother and Evergreen. She was starting to feel a bit lonely. Actually, that was a severe understatement. Lieszal ached with loneliness. Her heart still burned with the betrayal she'd faced, but the graceful female wasn't meant to live the life of a rogue. Plus it'd just be a waste. With a tongue like hers, it'd be an absolute crime not to use it. So it was upon a moonlit night that Lieszal first ventured into Hellion Mafia land. She was sure that they'd noticed her lurking about the borders, and was fairly surprised that they hadn't confronted her. Moving through the jungle at a quick, yet cautious pace, the thin female's ears were standing at high alert, and her lantern-like gaze flickered from one tree to the next. Szal was not going to be caught off guard. There was only one problem. The only way the Lupus would be settling down was if there was a water source nearby. She needed to be able to continue honing her power to even greater limits. After years of working with water, her nose was very keen to the smell of riverbanks and pond muck. Lieszal had caught the scent of what she thought to be fresh-water, and headed that direction, even farther into Hellion territory. After quite a trek she emerged out of the treeline to see a dazzling pool which reflected the stars and moon vividly. Oh yes, this place will do quite nicely. I should seek a meeting with the leader of these lands before they find me here without permission. But first things first... Agilely leaping down to the pool's bank, Lieszal closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. Within moments tendrils of water rose out of the pond's surface and wrapped themselves around her neck, legs, and tail. She'd run out of rings during her stakeout of the Hellion Mafia earlier, because she couldn't find a clean water source and had resorted to drinking them. Heaving a satisfied sigh, Lieszal was ready for anything now. she felt far more balanced and prepared now. Knowing that members of the Mafia would find her within minutes, the regal female sat down with her back to the pool, just waiting. Hopefully all went well... But if it didn't... Well, she was sitting with her back to the pool for a reason. If these wolves turned out to be hostile, Lieszal had an unexpected friend ready to throw waves.

[Scorch]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/sback-33.jpg] Speech | Think | Walk The quiet humid night air filled the Don with a restful tranquility, he had always enjoyed the hours when most were resting the best for it allowed him the leisurely to travel without disruption. The temperature dropped a bit at night and so the heat wasn’t to suffocating for the large lupus as he moved through the shadows with his shadow power, remaining all but invisible in the darkness of the night hours. His steps fell silently on the ground, he knew the jungle terribly well and was used to moving silently within it so that hearing his approach was a difficult task. His fight with Leo had only gone to prove once again why he retained the position of Don and his little skirmish with Pantera had demonstrated the true power he wielded with such ease. All in all squishing the weak had been unintentionally the ordre du jour these past few weeks, loners that came to try and challenge his strength were amusing at first, but after awhile Scorch grew bored. Either they joined his ranks or got out of the way, he simply didn’t have time to waste on the pleasantries of violence no matter how much he might enjoy making them worm under his hold. Tonight he was especially alert, there had been reports of a lithe female roaming about the jungle borders of late, it was indicated that she wasn’t really a threat and so he had let it go, enjoying some rare free time. Tonight however the jungle seemed to almost speak with him, something was amiss in his lands as though an outside forth had stepped in and upset the delicate balance of the tropical paradise. With heirs sleeping peacefully deep within the safety of the Sink Hole, Scorch had venture forth under the cloak of shadows to find the source of this dis-ease. His spectre came to his side, his sneering face mildly angered tonight, though the gaping sockets that stared at him from the ghost’s face were difficult to read. It hissed angrily at him, “Scorchie get a move on, had you been half the wolf I am you would have realized she’s by the Clear Eyed Pool.” Were, Scorch reminded the ghost, half the wolf you were. Snarling at the Don it continued, “This one is a water magician, doesn’t that just tickle you pink?” The spirit knew very well Scorch did not have an affinity for water lupus, his experience with them had almost caused his death when he had been imprisoned as a pup in the putrid camp. Doesn’t matter, Scorch thought darkly, he did not like them, but it did not mean he feared them and right now the wolf was on his lands and unless she planned on joining then he would remind her of why wolves never trespassed on Mafia soil. Nearing the pool he continued to keep his body concealed as a shadow, merely observing the pristine white wolf as she wove her elemental magic. So she had chosen this area to confront a mafia wolf, well that could only indicate she had thought far enough ahead to prepare for the encounter, fair enough. The rocks the formed the bed of the pool continued to emit the strange azure glow, the area cast in odd cold shadows as Scorch’s ghostly companion stood beside the female with an inviting smirk. Silently he leaped from the shadows to land a mere couple feet away, his ocean blue eyes seeming to glow as they reflected the light from the pool and bore mercilessly into the female. The blood red highlights in his pelt shined glossily in the light of the moon as muscles rippled slowly beneath his hide. Head held in an imperial fashion he kept his tail held high, asserting his position on the land. The Don’s voice oozed forth like rich silk in the night, “And what, pray tell, brings a lady into Mafia soil at such an hour and entirely without permission?” His teeth shone through his black lips as he waited for her answer that would dictate the outcome of this encounter. | S c o r c h 's . S o n g |

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[Lieszal]

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[atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/izqb6t.png] He seemed to appear out of nowhere. He was one with the shadows, for she hadn't noticed him until he emerged into the moonlight. His appearing out of nowhere unsettled her, not striking fear into her... But rather, alerting her to her own ineptness. Szal, you've gotten rusty. That simply isn't acceptable. You should've been aware of his presence, powers or not. Blinking lazily, pretending to be much calmer than she was, the female looked the stranger over quickly. Quite a daring move. She wasn't being submissive at all, instead, she was looking him over as a threat and an equal. Lieszal couldn't help but to be impressed. Here was a leader. He was large, well-built, muscular, and seemed to give off an aura of power. She couldn't deny that he was handsome either, though this thought she mentally stored away. This was a serious situation, and she couldn't be bothered with thoughts like that. Besides, he most likely had a powerful mate who could read minds or something. Better to be safe than sorry, right? Scorch was a specimen, that was to be sure. And after judging that he indeed, had to be the leader of the Mafia, the white female lowered her proud maw a subtle amount in respect. She also cast her gaze downwards demurely, ears flicked a tad forward. This was her way of letting him know that she wasn't threatening him, but neither was she about to roll over on her belly and wave the wolf flag-of-surrender. When he spoke she was caught off guard by the smooth richness of his voice. It was surprisingly pleasant to listen to. "Without permission, but not without reason," she corrected him gently, eyes flicking back up to meet his azure stare. For several seconds Szal said nothing, just met his powerful gaze with her own very intelligent, well-masked one. Then she spoke once more through a small, testing smile. "I'm not one for beating around the bush so why not just say it. I've been watching this 'Mafia', and I'm looking to offer myself and my services to the disposal of the leader here." The water bracelets around her ankles twirled and spun around her muscles, and a ripple ran across the pool, as if to enunciate her point. She had little idea of Scorch's aversion to the lupus with water affinities, so she thought nothing of the small display of her gift. "I'm assuming that would be you?" Everything about him simply screamed 'leader'. Lieszal was extremely confidant in her assumption. Bowing her head once more in respect, she tried to make it as clear as possible that she sought no fight. Lieszal was much too tired from her journey to put up too much of a show. Normally she'd beat around the bush all night, spinning and weaving her lies all about. But tonight her aim was different. She was being very honest. Because she needed this pack, probably more than they needed her. She could not risk being rejected from their ranks. Once... Or if, she was admitted to the group, that's when she could take to her cunning, deceitful ways. Narrowing her eyes slyly and opening her small smile to a relaxed, calm grin, she waited for Scorch to confirm her guess. "Seems I've forgotten my manners, sir. My name's Lieszal, or Szal if you prefer." Her voice was slick and clear, though on the quieter side.

[Scorch]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/sback-33.jpg] Speech | Think | Walk It was certainly on the tip of the Don’s tongue to correct the water lupus, frankly he wasn’t so naive to believe a wolf would be brazen enough to try and penetrate the bowels of hell without a good reason. He had merely indicated that she had not received permission to do so, but he let the issue slip by him, more interested in knowing what the reasoning was then by contesting his own comment. To that end he but merely waited, stony faced with his eyes flickering with their usual burning cold light, fully expecting an explanation to follow without requiring the need to encourage the female to speak. She was a lithe looking creature, tall and finely shaped to reflect elegance and grace, what could such a rather innocent appearing wolf want in his lands? Perhaps this was one of those dark hearted souls whose power remained ambiguously concealed to the naked eye, waiting quietly in the abyss to strike when least expected? Or perhaps it was her mind that was the weapon, the cunning that could bring a pack to its knees in the right circumstances? True she was a wispy looking individual, but it was plain to see that she could not be mistaken as frail, that was good for such small details could tip the balance in the Don’s mind. He utterly despised weakness, the very thought of it was enough to aggravate him and the quality of the loners that had tried to challenge his rule recently sank below the limits of weakness. No matter, it would do no good to get angry about them now for that distemper would no doubt reflect in his current encounter. If there was one thing that Scorch prided himself on it was his innate ability to woe and charm, his gifts for eloquent speech and multi-watt smiles were an attribute he wielded with much prowess. It was in part what had wooed Tor over to him, a slight tick jutting for a sec under his eye as his thoughts rested over his missing mate. He would need to find another female to take her place and continue his legacy, but he doubted whether any could rival the lightning’s lupus affection in his heart. However, all in the same basket his temper lay in wait, a virulent and vile force that could spike at any given moment and destroy whatever lay in its path no matter the consequence. Aaah, so this female was interested in joining his pack, well that was always very welcome news and his maw parted in a charming smile, a small mock bow following with elegant nobility. The Don’s eyes never left her face though, unblinking and calculating, he had noticed she had not grovelled in his wake, that was a sign of self worth and he needed wolves within his ranks that knew that as their were Mafia they held great self worth. He did not want cowering wretches that would ply under enemy threat, or one that would loose their wits in the face of adversity. However, nor did he want cocky wretches that would listen to nothing but physical forth, he didn't think this female was one of such wolves though. Voice now infused with rich charm he said, “Why yes, how astute of you my dear. I am Scorch, the Hellion Mafia Don and you are certainly in the right company.” His eyes rested lightly on the shimmering water and the odd bracelets, resisting letting a moue of disgust filter onto his face. The wolf that had wielded water in his past had tried to drown Scorch as a youth to force his power to appear, the maneuver had killed most of the young captives and the Don had almost died as well. However he had found his power and barely survived, and it was from that day on that a maleficent force had taken up living within his soul and eaten away at all that was left of the good in him. That sorry son of a gun was now resting as a pile of bones in a grave somewhere, decomposing while Scorch continued his reign. Coiling up his spine in a stretch he moved closer, fur coming to lie flat in a silky cloak over his body as he tipped his head inquisitively. Although new members were welcome he wanted to know exactly what this female had to offer to the pack, none entered the elite group without Scorch knowing precisely what weapons he had at his disposal, he needed to know that everyone could hold their own and whom to employ for what uses. The Mafia had a lot to offer an individual, the title itself was prestigious, but the joys of not having to hide who an individual was and to have those qualities that others shunned celebrated for a change was enough in itself. Lifting a brow he said, “That is welcome news indeed, however surely you must understand the Mafia does not have the reputation it has without employing only the most skilled individuals. What exactly do you have to offer our ranks Lieszal?” He flicked his tail impatiently, he wasn’t the type to beat around the bush ever, Scorch enjoyed getting to the point as quickly as possible, it economized time and allowed him to invest energy into other ventures. | S c o r c h 's . S o n g |

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