b r o k e n [joining]

[Arlo]

Heavy steps dragged a wolf through the Chamoru Plains. Every step was a burden, his legs almost giving out in exhaustion. Ever since that day where he lost it all, he didn't stop walking. His legs were aching and his paws were swollen, but he didn't stop walking. He wanted to walk away from the pain, from the suffering, from the nightmares of seeing his mother choking in blood and gasping for air, but every day that passed was worse and worse. His thin body showed signs of malnourishment, and his head hung low. He didn't care if some unknown beast came in and ambushed him, taking his life away from him--he had lost it all. He had lost the only being that understood him and saw him for who he was. What more to life was there?

Was he born to suffer in silence? Arlo did not know. His thoughts had been consuming him ever since it happened, and he wasn't sure if he would be able to cope with what he had been feeling lately. The thoughts of ending it all had crossed his mind on multiple occasions, but he didn't have the courage to do it. What if he found his sisters? The hope of being back on his feet again always gave him hope, at least. He hoped to one day feel like he wasn't a failure. He knew that if he left this place, he would never know if things would get better for him eventually. But... for now, he had to keep walking. Maybe he would find something to live for if he kept walking long enough.

And, for a moment, he halted in his steps--the scent of multiple wolves entered his nose, making his body come to a complete freeze. His muscles were tense, his jaw did not move, and his heartbeat began to increase. Was this a pack territory? What if they were hostile? Should he make his presence known or just turn around and leave? What if they killed him if he didn't announce his presence as a friendly wolf? A billion questions began to swirl around in his mind, making him snarl at himself. He had to do something about himself and about his situation. He began to think about the pros and cons about joining a pack. They could help him distract himself from all the pain he was going through, and maybe he could make a few friends. It could help him get used to being around wolves, and maybe he could even find The One one day...

He would be surrounded by wolves all the time, which would make him uncomfortable. What if the Alpha is super strict? He wouldn't want them to be mad at him. What if they see how much of a failure he is and do not want him to be around them anymore? What if they see right through him? His heart began to race as his two conflicting thoughts began to war inside of his heart. Arlo breathed in, and then breathed out, his teal eyes closed for a moment as a tear ran down his facial markings. His mother would want this, he was sure. She would want him to overcome his anxiety and she would want him to try out new things without fear. For her... he would do anything. 

Picturing her beautiful face for a moment with his eyes closed, he saw her smiling back at him. Tears began to overflow the eyes of the pale Apennine, and with a sudden burst of courage, he lifted his maw to let out a howl to make himself known. He stood still, breathing in and out, trembling, hoping that these unknown wolves would be friendly towards him. He did not want to cause trouble. He just wanted to find a home...

Nimue POOR BBY

[Nimue]

It was a beautiful night, the sky clear, revealing a myriad of twinkling stars. The moon was bright and full, illuminating the earth beneath it, making the layer of pale snow upon the ground seem to glow ivory. Aveline was quiet, the silence of the night split only by the distant chirp of cicadas. It was peaceful, a place that had become both Nimue’s home and haven. Even now as she laid just outside of the dens, watching as fireflies periodically blinked in the distance, she was calm and content. Things had gone well lately, with the promotion of Silver and Theona’s mission to ally with Ultoris. Though the Diplomat had not yet returned, Nimue knew that the she-wolf was confident and capable. She doubted there would be problems.

A howl reached her through the darkness, sudden and sad, making her ears perk atop her skull as the Kenai she-wolf lifted herself to her paws. The sound was unfamiliar to her, signifying that yet another stranger had come seeking Ananke. Without hesitation the Chieftain trotted off in the direction of the noise, curious as to what kind of wolf she had been delivered on this night.

She spotted him in the distance, her blue eyes trained upon his form as she approached. He waited just beyond the border of the plains, and something about his posture made Nimue slow, until her gate was careful and calm. He seemed…defeated, the slump of his shoulders suggesting that perhaps all was not well in the male’s life. And as Nimue came close enough to gaze down at him, she did not miss the sadness reflected in his brilliant teal gaze. Immediately a gentle smile graced her muzzle, and she dipped her head to him in greeting before speaking, her voice soft but clear.

”Hello, stranger, and welcome to Aveline,” she said. ”My name is Nimue. I am Chieftain of Ananke. Is there something I can do to help you?”

tag: Arlo
Notes: HE IS SUCH A PRECIOUS BABY

[Arlo]

The stars shone brightly above the male, twinkling in the midst of the silent night. Arlo's body was starting to show more and more signs of anxiety as a sudden stillness fell upon the plains. The chilly wind made him tremble as the minutes seemed to form hours in his mind. A shadow began to appear, bleak, its form intertwined with the darkness that surrounded the male. It was walking carefully, and it approached with caution. Arlo's heart began to beat faster, so much, that he could hear it ringing inside of his ears. The form of the stranger came into clear view--a beautiful female, bright blue eyes and a friendly smile. He had a feeling this wolf was one of importance within the pack, and maybe the alpha herself. 

”Hello, stranger, and welcome to Aveline,” she spoke, her voice soothing to his ears, helping him calm down. ”My name is Nimue. I am Chieftain of Ananke. Is there something I can do to help you?” Chieftain? What did Chieftain mean? Arlo lowered his ears and tucked his tail between his legs before closing his eyes and breathing in and out. He could do this. All he had to do was talk... just open his maw and utter words. It couldn't be that hard. "...H...Hello Nimue, my... my name is Arlo. Sorry to interrupt your sleep, ma'am," he said embarrassed, lowering his eyesight and then lifting it up, not looking directly into her eyes. "I am looking to join a pack to call home. I have been wandering around for too long. I mean no harm... I just... I have nowhere to go." 

Standing still, he licked his lips and stood there without moving a muscle. "I must look so stupid right now..." He thought as he tried to fight back the tears that were bubbling inside of him. What if she asked him if about what he could offer to the pack? Arlo thought for a moment, trying to figure out any talents he may have. He knew he was a fast runner, so maybe that would help him with something. Sighing, he raised his head a little and for a brief second, he looked at her into her eyes. All he hoped was that she would accept him. He needed time, he needed love... he needed a home.

He hoped Ananke would become that... and so much more.

---

Nimue TEH FEELS. BTW he has Andrew Garfield's voice omg

[Nimue]

His voice was gentle when he spoke, light and halting, and Nimue listened patiently with her ears tilted forwards attentively. He seemed uncertain, almost frightened, as he introduced himself as Arlo; throughout his speech, he was unfailingly polite, and Nimue felt a deep tug within her heart as she watched him. There was something about him that suggested he was a gentle soul, something that Nimue both understood and appreciated. She had always felt like she had been too soft, too weak, for Kairos, that she had not been nearly ruthless enough to bear such striking resemblance to her infamous father. Until she’d founded Ananke.

”I just... I have nowhere to go.”

His eyes glistened damply, and immediately Nimue found herself edging forward, lowering her head slowly to brush her muzzle against his cheek. It was a small, simple gesture, one meant to comfort and console. When at last she spoke, her smile was gentle and kind. ”It is a pleasure to meet you, Arlo. You certainly have not disturbed me,” she said. ”As for your search for a home, Ananke would be glad to have you. We are a place of acceptance, and each and every member of Ananke is welcomed as family.”

As for what he could offer Ananke…well, Nimue knew there were many things. ”Instead of simply assigning a rank, I like to offer everyone their pick of positions, for surely you know better than anyone else what you would like to do.” Briefly she paused, gathering her thoughts, before continuing. ”We have hunters, gatherers, guardians to watch over the pups. Various warrior tiers – those who favor defense, and others who favor offense. Watchers, who are essentially spies when needed, and Slayers, who are similar to assassins. And we have Sentries as well, though who are tasked with patrolling our borders and reporting any suspicious findings to the Legion Commander – the one who oversees our legion tier – or to me, if they feel the need. Do any of these options appeal to you?”

TAG: Arlo
WORDS: 336
NOTES: ahhh so cute < 3

[Arlo]

The pale wolf trembled in anxiety, hoping that he had not said anything out of place so far. The thought of being exiled from a chance of a new start made him feel hopeless. She stood there, listening to him as her striking eyes glistened in the moonlight. For a moment, he froze when he saw her take a few steps and nuzzle him on the cheek gently; a bold, but comforting gesture that made his cheeks flood with intense heat. He could not understand how the Alpha of a pack would do such a beautiful gesture for him. He did not deserve it. At all... Lowering his eyes for a moment, a soft smile formed in his lips against his will. Even if he felt embarrassed to be such a wreck in front of the alpha, he could perceive that she understood. After all, that is all he ever needed... understanding.

”It is a pleasure to meet you, Arlo. You certainly have not disturbed me,” she said, her voice soft and her smile kind. ”As for your search for a home, Ananke would be glad to have you. We are a place of acceptance, and each and every member of Ananke is welcomed as family.” She then proceeded to speak about various ranks and that he was the one that could choose whatever rank he desired. He did not know what to tell her, though--for a moment, he was clueless. What was he good at? He had thought about telling her that he is a good runner, but was that enough? Lowering his ears a little bit, he looked at her again before answering. "I... uh... I am a really fast runner. Would that be of any help to the pack?" Gulping, he hoped that she would help him decide.

What if he chose wrong? Oh, this was just too much... At least, he had the comfort of knowing that these wolves were friendly. He knew that not all of them would be, but at least the Alpha, or... Chieftain... would be a great place to start. She was so nice to him... he didn't deserve so much kindness after what he had to do. He had blood on his maw, and a gushing wound on his heart. Was he worthy of a new start after all? Looking at her quietly, he waited for her answer...

---

Nimue These two will be the end of me. its ur fault

[Nimue]

Though Nimue had been unsure as to how Arlo would react to her touch, she was pleased to see the small smile that formed upon his maw. He seemed so fragile, so quiet, and yet so sweet; there was a part of Nimue that felt as if she needed to protect him, though she was sure it was absurd. Perhaps it was because his light cream-hued pelt was slightly reminiscent of Fawn’s, who had been Nimue’s smallest and youngest sister – though she’d grown to be a feisty young thing. Regardless, it was good to see a spark of something that almost seemed like relief spring into the male’s gaze.

”A fast runner,” she repeated with a smile, her tail wagging gently at her haunches. ”That’s wonderful. You’d make a perfect Sentry, if you are alright with that. You’d patrol the borders, and the rest of Aveline too, and should you spot anything that you find strange or out of the ordinary, you’d run as fast as you can to report to me, or to our Legion Commander. His name is Phantom. You won’t need to engage or fight off anyone; you simply need to keep an eye out, and tell us of anything unusual.”

At the moment, Ananke had no other sentries, meaning that Nimue spent the majority of her time patrolling herself. It would be good to have someone else to work alongside, and strangely Nimue already felt more comfortable with the idea of Arlo along her borders. He was a timid male, but it was clear he was pure of heart and devoted; already Nimue could tell that he would prove to be a wonderful addition to the pack. ”I’m glad that you found your way to Aveline, Arlo,” she said, her tone genuine as she spoke. ”With time, I hope that you can come to feel as if the wolves of Ananke are your family.”

TAG: Arlo
NOTES: UGH MY HEART

[Arlo]

The petite male did what he did best--listen. He analyzed every word that the Alpha said quietly, looking at her with soft, sparkling eyes. "A fast runner! That’s wonderful. You’d make a perfect Sentry, if you are alright with that." Arlo tilted his head at the mention of the title, but kept on listening before asking anything. "You’d patrol the borders, and the rest of Aveline too, and should you spot anything that you find strange or out of the ordinary, you’d run as fast as you can to report to me, or to our Legion Commander. His name is Phantom. You won’t need to engage or fight off anyone; you simply need to keep an eye out, and tell us of anything unusual.” Arlo smiled, nodding quietly in approval, liking what he was hearing so far. The thought of simply running away to inform something without the necessity of combat seemed perfect for the frail wolf.

Afterwards, the taller female continued speaking with a gentle tone, welcoming him officially into the Ananke pack. Wagging his tail, he dipped his head in a respectful thank you. "Thank you, Chieftain Nimue. I... I'm eternally thankful to you and your pack." Smiling at the larger female, he wagged his tail in excitement; not able to contain his bliss, he lunged forward and hugged the taller female, placing his head below hers while a tear began to run through his eyes. Opening his eyes and retreating immediately, he cleared his throat and apologized for his outburst. "I'm... I'm sorry, I'm just... so happy... I, uh... where do we go now?" Then, he stood still and waited for her to show him the way into the mainlands. Today had been horrible, but it ended on a high note for the male. Maybe things were not going to be horrible after all. Who knew? Perhaps this was life's way of bringing him his happiness back. Almost holding his breath in anticipation, he awaited for her reply before doing anything else.

---

Nimue You can finish the thread sweetums, you can say they both returned to the mainland/dens whatever THIS THREAD HAS BEEN A PURE DOSE OF SWEETNESS WHICH GAVE ME DIABETES.

[Nimue]

To see the male brighten at her words brought a genuine smile to Nimue’s muzzle, her tail wagging swiftly behind her at the sight. There was no point in pretending that the sight of his happiness brought her glee; there was a part of Nimue that wished to protect Arlo, to see him grow and flourish, and as his Chieftain, Nimue would make certain that he had the opportunity. Before she could truly register what was happening he was moving, lunging forward to embrace her, his head tucked neatly beneath hers. For a moment she was still, surprised, but then the she-wolf was move, brushing the top of his head gently with her own, her heart seeming to constrict at the pure sweetness that seemed to radiate from the male.

The moment he began to apologize after stepping away she was shaking her head, her bright blue eyes shining with mirth as she spoke. ”There is no need to apologize. If you are happy, then so am I.” And it was true. Nimue had found that more than anything, she enjoyed seeing the members of Ananke happy. So many of them had come from less-than-ideal situations, running from harsh pasts, and to see things turn for them brought the Kenai dominant femme joy unlike any other. With a gesture of her muzzle she turned, walking alongside Arlo as she steered him deeper into the territory, towards the basin. ”Come. I’ll show you around a little, and then I’ll let you explore on your own for a while. First we can go see the basin, where you’ll find water. And after that, I’ll show you the dens and the marsh.” Though she was his alpha, Nimue did not walk ahead of him; instead she walked alongside Arlo, finding that she was content in the presence of her newest family member.

TAG: Arlo
NOTES: omg these two < 333 we can end this here!