Who is in Control [Nimue/Joining]

[Theona]

Theona trotted swiftly, weaving through the tall grassy plains until she finally arrived at her final destination: the edge of Ananke territory. It was odd for the she-wolf to be so close to a pack's border. Lately, since she had been on her own, she tried to steer very clear of any marked or patrolled borders she could think of - and she knew of many. The only time she had actually entered a territory with an intent to speak to the wolf in control was once when she was younger, and Aretha, her stand-in mother and mentor at the time, had instructed her to enter the lands of a pack and ask a hunter or another wolf if their pack was welcoming to new members. It was simply an exercise to get young Theona exposed to pack life and strengthen her courage when speaking with wolves of authority. At first, the Tundra was nervous, but she knew Aretha was watching from a short distance away and the whole conversation went smoothly before she said her goodbyes and carried on in her loner life.

But now, standing only feet away from the freshly marked border of Ananke, Theona's heart began to race. She wasn't here to carry out a pointlessly formal conversation with a random pack wolf. Instead, she was here to hopefully become one of those pack wolves. C'mon, Theona. Aretha taught you the ins and outs of each pack on this continent and certainly enough about the rituals of joining a pack. Just do it. But, the ebony colored female needed a moment to clear her head before she made the most life changing move in her entire life.

Leading up to this day, Theona had done one final tour of the continent to take a peak at each of the major packs. The trip was not necessary, really, because she already knew all that she could know about each one from her outside perspective. She had been weighing her options for half of her life now. Kairos was too big, Othala and Eden were too religious, Ultoris was too geographically isolated, and Valyn was too disaster-stricken at the moment. It was a big decision, choosing where to call home and whom to call family, but between Airila and Ananke, Theona didn't have too much opinion either way. Both had good values and a family-like group. The only difference was their location and duration of being an actual pack. Airila was practically ancient, and despite her Tundra blood, Theona didn't really prefer residing in colder climates. Plus, joining a new pack intrigued her. The pack was bound to create a long lasting legacy just like Airila's, so why not help it get there?

Theona knew what to do, and she knew her decision was the right one for her. She just hoped that Ananke would see her as an important asset to their pack and accept her. She knew worrying wouldn't do her any good, so she put everything behind her and threw her head back letting go of a clear, urgent-sounding howl that would catch the attention of the wolves within the borders. Then, she waited patiently for someone to arrive - hopefully someone of high rank who could help her make the transition from loner to pack wolf.

"speech."
thoughts.

---

word count: 552 words
tags: Nimue
muse: pretty good
ooc notes: I can't wait to play Theona, it will be so fun <3

[Nimue]

Winter had cooled Aveline to a level that was almost…pleasant. Nimue lounged atop a particularly large mound of earth that resided near the crater, her slender muzzle resting atop her paws. It was her favorite place to lay, not only because the sunlight shone directly onto her back, warming her pelt in the frigid months, but because she could see across a large portion of her territory from her vantage point. While it was impossible to see the entirety of her territory, for Aveline was vast, her vivid gaze could easily catch sight of the edge of the meadows. It was a speck of pale gold on the horizon, the usual lovely green of the grass dulled by winter’s touch. Despite all of the business that had seemed to plague Ananke, from the disappearance of several pack members to the joining of many more, Nimue could always relax upon her own soil, gazing out across her home with contentment in her bones.

The howl that shattered the silence moments later had the Chieftain lifting her head, pale eyes turning in the direction of the meadow once more, though she could not see who it was who beckoned to her. The song was light and feminine, earning her attention immediately as she stood, stretching before bounding from the hill. She moved quickly, little puffs of snow rising around her paws as she trotted towards the border. Wherever the rest of her pack was, whether they were lurking in the dens or hunting somewhere, she could only wonder if they would bother coming to the call. Most likely not, unless she called for them; she’d found that they had settled into their lives within Ananke with ease, and while she had not appointed a Beta as of yet, they would come should she require their assistance.

As she drew nearer, the large femme easily spotted the feminine she-wolf who sat waiting. She was unfamiliar, her pelt a wondrous plethora of dark hues and vivid reds, and her eyes were the color of a sunset. Nimue smiled, slowing as she approached until finally coming to a stop. ”Greetings, stranger," she said, bobbing her head just slightly. The she-wolf did not smell of other packs; it seemed as if another loner had found their way to Ananke, and it could only bode well since she’d directly called for Nimue. ”I am Nimue, Chieftain of Ananke. What is it that brings you here?”

TAG: Theona
WORDS: 409
NOTES: Here you go! <3 

[Theona]

The Tundra female was at peace already while she stood at the edge of Aveline. In truth, she didn't know what lied deeper inside the borders, but being there felt right to her. She wasn't sure why this was, but she wasn't about to fight a good feeling. The canine didn't need to wait long before the faint sound of paws rhythmically striking the ground entered her ears. She swallowed her saliva nervously but imagined that she was swallowing her uncertainties. From here on out, she would appear as confident and sure as her heart currently felt, ignoring the tiny itching nerves that sprouted in her brain.

Soon enough, the wolf making its approach became visible to Theona. It was a multi-hued female with piercing blue eyes and a stature that stood almost a full foot taller than her. This must be one of the insanely gigantic breeds that resided on the continent, and it also must be the leader of Ananke - Nimue. The dark colored femme felt slightly odd meeting a wolf for the first time and already knowing their name, but she supposed it wasn't too unusual to know a pack's leader by name without actually meeting them.

At the words of Nimue's greeting, Theona dipped her head as a sign of respect. She remained silent, though, because she was fairly certain the other wolf was about to say more. Sure enough, the chieftain introduced herself and inquired Theona as to why she was trespassing. The Tundra female paused politely before replying in a clear and confident, yet respectful tone, "I am Theona. It is a pleasure to meet you, Nimue - I have actually come to Ananke specifically seeking a permanent home and pack if you are to accept me." Her red-orange orbitals shone hopefully up at the larger wolf, but her posture remained business-like and serious. She was also sure to keep her muscles from going stiff by keeping her shoulders relaxed and back - this was an important lesson about speaking to wolves of authority that she had learned in her younger years.

"I have heard many positive words about your pack. Your virtues are similar to my own personal ones, so I would be honored if you would let me be a piece in its growth," she added in a genuine voice. Theona wasn't an ass-kisser. Compliments like this came from her heart, and she wanted it to be clear to Nimue that she wasn't just saying meaningless fluff in order to slip her way into Ananke's ranks. She really would be proud to call herself an Ananke wolf.

"speech."
thoughts.

---

word count: 447 words
tags: Nimue
muse: good
ooc notes: :3

[Nimue]

Theona. It was a pretty name, and somehow fitting for the dark she-wolf who stood before her, though Nimue did not yet know her personally. She was eloquent as she spoke, her speech measured and almost careful, her voice pleasant. It made Nimue want to listen, her ears pricking forward as she nodded along with Theona’s words to show that she had heard them. It seemed as if the she-wolf had heard of Ananke before, something that pleased Nimue. It meant that word of them had at last spread, and it was drawing loners from far and wide, making Ananke’s ranks swell with capable wolves.

And there was something about Theona that simply made Nimue believe that she was genuine. It was a lilt to her tone, a set to her words, something about her voice. With a smile, Nimue spoke at last. ”It is a pleasure to meet you, Theona. I am glad that you have heard positive things concerning Ananke. We are a family, primarily, and I believe that everyone has a specific skillset that will be useful within the pack. Everyone has a place here.” She paused long enough to allow her words to sink in before continuing. ”I am always glad to accept new wolves into our ranks, and you are no different. We offer a variety of positions – varying combat positions, gatherers, hunters….but there is one position in mind that I feel you might be very well suited for, indeed.”

Lately Nimue had been reflecting upon the roles within Ananke left unclaimed, and with the recent alliance to Kairos forged, she was aware that a Diplomat was sorely needed. And something about how well Theona spoke, how respectfully she carried herself, spoke of great intelligence and a way with words that Nimue could not miss. ”Forgive me if I am wrong,” she began, ”but I feel as if perhaps a place as Diplomat would suite you well. We have an alliance with Kairos, and I have considered forging one with Ultoris lately, too.” None of this was information that Theona could use against Ananke should she turn away then; Nimue was kind, but she was no fool. ”Because of that, I will need someone who speaks well, and who is able to accurately act upon my desires and wishes to branch out to other packs when needed. Is this something that perhaps interests you?”

TAG: Theona
WORDS: 400
NOTES: ^.^

[Theona]

Theona's nerves had died down when she saw the smile come across the Chieftains face. Nimue seemed to be very reasonable and possessing of important leadership qualities. This was good, because although the Tundra wolfess was very loyal and follows orders well, doing so with an incapable leader was difficult and almost disgraceful to her.

When the larger she-wolf explained that Ananke was like a family, this made Theona rather proud of her decision. The only real family Theona had ever had was her mentor, and although this wasn't typical "family" she knew the weight of the concept and its importance in a wolf's life. She wasn't exactly sure where she would fit into this pack - her hunting skills were decent enough to support herself, but she wasn't sure how to vamp that hunting up into enough to support many more wolves than one or even two. The same could be said about combat - she could fight, but only out of pure self defense and she wasn't sure if she was very good at it. Gathering was completely out of the question at this point. The reddish brown eyed female was interested in herbs and medicine, but couldn't tell a poisonous plant from a safe one to save her life. Where do I belong? were the words racing through her head right as Nimue mentioned that she already had a position in mind.

This puzzled puzzled her even further. She didn’t understand how this wolf could have any idea what Theona’s skill sets were considering they had just met. She cocked her head slightly, truly curious what Nimue had in mind. When Nimue suggested a diplomatic position, everything seemed to make sense. Her entire life up until now, she had been learning from observation how the packs on Anikira behaved and interacted. Now, during her first encounter with actually joining one of these packs, Theona was offered a role that would utilize her knowledge and skills perfectly. Now, how Nimue had picked up on this so quickly, she wasn’t sure. But in the end it didn’t matter. Theona nodded thoughtfully and continued to listen.

Ananke was allied with Kairos and Ultoris, both strategic decisions on Nimue’s part. She explained to Theona that the position had certain requirements and expectations, and she nodded to show how seriously she took these in. All of the points she made made sense to Theona, and she didn’t think it would be a troublesome position for her at all. In fact, it would allow her to travel and use her knowledge just as she always had. Except now, she might have a pack and family of her own. “I believe that position would certainly suit me. I’m actually quite enlightened when it comes to Anikira’s packs and the geography of the land itself.” She said this with a certain respectful pride that only shone through because she might finally be able to utilize the seemingly random information she had acquired over two years. She felt like she might actually be useful and have a true place in this pack which made her especially elated. “I would be more than grateful to accept the Diplomat position,“ she shared to finish her piece. It was strange how well things seemed to be going so far, she just hoped her luck didn’t change anytime soon.

"speech."
thoughts.

---

word count: 574
tags: Nimue
muse: good
ooc notes: 

[Nimue]

While Theona had originally looked puzzled as Nimue made her off, the Chieftain was pleased to see that the femme seemed pleased by the role that she had presented. For some time now Nimue had known that she’d needed a Diplomat, and it nearly seemed too perfect that a well-spoken she-wolf had come to her with the desire to join Ananke. And better yet, Theona expressed that she knew the land well, something that was undoubtedly good information for a Diplomat to possess. Nimue did know the whole of Anikira; she was young still, and while she’d wandered with her sister after she’d left Kairos in the beginning, it hadn’t taken them long to settle in Aveline. There were corners of the island that she had not yet stepped foot upon, and she made a note to ask Theona about the foreign territories later.

As Theona officially accepted the offer that had been lain before her, Nimue smiled and dipped her head in both respect and greeting. Though she was the Chieftain, she knew that it did not mean she could not hold the rest of her pack mates in high regard. Each of them had proven to be skilled additions, and some were even proving to be wonderful friends. She would insult none of them by using her rank to dishonor them for their presence. ”Then welcome, Theona, to Ananke.” There was a touch of pride in her voice as she lifted her head to gaze at the dark she-wolf, her tail swaying gently at her haunches.

”Aveline is not the largest territory, but it houses us well. Fresh water pools at the bottom of the crater, and beneath the sinkhole known as the Eye of Fenris is a collection of caverns that we use for dens. The marsh is good for hunting ducks and small birds should you desire it, but there are snakes there too – most are safe for consumption, but should you see an ebony hued one that lurks in the water, avoid it. There are crocodiles as well, but only in the deeper areas.” This was all information that Nimue knew Theona could have discovered on her own, but it was only right for Nimue to inform her of the places where she might encounter danger. After a brief pause, Nimue gestured to the land behind her with a sweep of her muzzle. ”Feel free to explore. And if you have any questions, I would be very glad to answer them.”

TAG: Theona
WORDS: 416
NOTES: Yay! We can end this here or with your next reply, if you'd like to do one more; up to you < 3

[Theona]

At last the charcoal pelted female felt at peace when her Chieftain announced her welcome to the pack of Ananke. A strange thrill came with the feeling of now becoming a part of a larger group. A small piece in the well oiled machine that was the group of wolves bonded together by the ties of their pack. Her life was only just beginning here, but she already felt homey and well accepted by Nimue. Whatever lies beyond the spot where she stood at this moment was new and foreign to the Tundra femme, and she was excited to scout out the area as well as hopefully get to know her other pack mates.

Attentive eyes watched the Kenai as she also listened to the words being given to her. Theona was told the basic layout of the territory as well as the small prey and dangerous creatures hiding within. These bits of information were well appreciated by the female, and she bowed her head in thanks. Not only was it useful to know the basic ins and outs of an area to avoid the chance of getting lost, but it showed that Nimue cared for her packmates greatly and wished for them to succeed. 

Nimue’s invitation to explore and ask questions was also quite calming to her. She smiled kindly towards her newly acclaimed leader and her red orange eyes shone gratefully. ”Thank you, Nimue. I look forward to speaking with you soon regarding my duties in serving Ananke.” She bowed her head once more out of respect before looking over the brown pelted femme’s shoulder out into the expanse of Aveline. Not the largest territory? This is the largest territory I have ever called home in my life, she thought. She could only imagine how the rest of her life would play out here, but the only way to find out the truth was to go find out for herself.

"speech."
thoughts.

---

word count: 328
tags: Nimue
muse: fine
ooc notes: Just thought I'd throw this short reply up to end the thread :3