Seeking Acceptance {Zethrox and Open}

[erebus]

OOC: Quite a bit late, but better late than never. XD

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Coeus's eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in all the foreign arrangements of stone and buildings constructed from it. Currently he stood before the small semi-clearing, feeling just a slight bit of the daytime sun filtering through the clouds and canopy of trees above to fall upon his fur and into his line of sight, lighting the different structures that were laid out before him to explore and ponder on. Only a couple times had he heard tales from his parents concerning the humans that had once been at home on the lands, experimenting on the creatures and wildlife around them. In Coeus's eyes he didn't view those humans as bad or evil. Evil didn't exist. Not in his mind at least. Just the absence of good. If one were to ask him he would answer in turn the exact same.

"I wonder what they looked like." It was just like Coeus to wonder of something so mediocre, so minuscule in just the same way he wondered what the humans motives had been. What they had been trying to achieve in their experimentation of the wolves and other animals. "What did they want? Where did they come from?" The questions circled in his head in much the same way he wandered through the crushed remains of some buildings and the still-strong walls of others. Green-gold eyes scanned everything; from the vines winding around the rocks to the parts of the stone structures that were untouched, even after all this time. How long had it been since the humans were here? He had never been given a specific time frame. He doubted even his parents had known a time.

The once homes of the humans almost distracted him from his search until he caught scent of a marker. A territorial boundary that he had crossed without knowing. At first sniff he didn't recognize it, but upon sniffing again his memory jogged that it was a powerful scent. The scent of an alpha no doubt. Just who that was he didn't know. Were these the Kamari lands? Zethrox's lands? Coeus hoped so, but he had to call out anyway to see if he may have stumbled upon a territory of a brute he didn't know--even though he was well aware of the alphas on this island. Things could change and possibly had ever since he had been with his parents and then struck out on his own. The latter being harder than he could have ever imagined with his natural-born limp. He couldn't hunt alone, and certainly couldn't find anything to scavenge. He had been forced into eating plants and catching the occasional fish in a nearby stream, pond, creek, or nearest body of water.

Sighing as he felt his stomach contract, Coeus decided he might as well call out now and possibly gain acceptance or a stay from whoever's lands these were. He hoped they might have been the Kamari, but that was only a hunch and his hunches were always as right as he would have liked them to be. Short leg raised a little higher than he always kept it, Coeus turned his muzzle up towards the canopy above and howled long and loud. His message was clear to any and all that heard. "I am new here and seek guidance with the ruler or rulers of these lands."

When the howl ended, Coeus turned his eyes once more on the stones and fallen buildings and figured he would wait. Limping his way over to a comfy patch of sunlight, he pondered over the vast amount of answers to the questions he had asked before, eyes on the buildings at first and then the trees above where life was teeming unbothered by him or any other creature around. Birds were fluttering and chirping, squirrels burying what they needed for winter, and various other creatures that Coeus could name but decided against since he need not distract himself too much lest he not hear the approach of the ones he had called out to.

[zethrox]

There was a certain air of carelessness, though tense and heavy, that filled the air of Kalus's Point. Zethrox had been quick to hurry towards the ruins, as he did not wish to leave wolves waiting for long. The pack could handle itself, and he definitely could take care of himself for a little while. Whatever this wolf wanted, he had not clearly stated himself in his howl. The brute had not specified his intentions, as most of the pack members had. For this reason, he was curious; it was this curiosity that drove him to head here alone.

The brute sniffed the rocks casually, assuring himself that his scent markers were still strong and would deter any young wolf that would dare to challenge him. Zethrox was not one to be messed with, and as he drew close to the ruins, he was certain this brute was not looking for trouble. The wolf seemed casual, his eyes wandering around as if to familiarize himself with the ruins. Zethrox, too, found himself glancing around aimlessly, as if to mimick the brute. He sauntered up to the wolf, his posture full of authority, yet not aggressive. He dared not offend this wolf by an overbearing greeting, as he had no intentions of frightening harmless wolves. He could not sense any aggression from the new wolf. "I am Zethrox, the Alpha of Haishin," he announced himself with dominance. The brute's ear flicked impatiently as he scanned the brute. He seemed alright, though not perfect. He had very briefly seen the wolf walk; he carried himself with a limp. But Zethrox was not without his own imperfections, as his face could clearly testify. There would be time for more personal introductions later. For now, he simply wished to know the reason for the brute's presence in Kamari.

"I heard your call. What is your name, and what do you seek here, brute?" Zethrox asked curiously. He was not willing to completely drop his guard, particularly after the long conversation he had just held with his pack. It was in his nature to guard himself carefully at all times, but it had become so nature that he still appeared relaxed and nonchalant. The brute was calm and steady; there was no cause for alarm. Yet, he reminded himself cautiously. Just because he had bothered to howl in the territory did not mean he could not have some connection with the knaves. He would be on his guard from now on, until there was reason for him to trust this brute. I will not judge until I learn your purpose here, he mentally reassured the brute, although he knew the wolf could not hear him.

No part of the brute's body language would dare to give away what was going on in his head right now. The brute's fur gleamed proudly in the sunlight as he remained as still and composed as he had been before. Zethrox's years of training had brought him to disguise emotion as best as possible to prevent weakness. Without someone probing his mind, he could not be torn apart from the inside. It was sad that he still felt the need to analyze every situation from a military stand point; perhaps that would fade with time, perhaps not.

"I am curious to your cry for me. What exactly do you wish to seek?" he inquired again, calm and patient. Zethrox was still puzzled by the brute's cry. He seemed aged and wise, but his body was young. This much, the timber wolf could tell. He did not anticipate such words to come from a young brute; how was it that every other wolf seemed immature and pup-like to him, yet this brute had managed, in one small howl, to confound him? He was curious to find out about this wolf, where he had come from, and what exactly his plans were.

((OOC: Could have been better, but I'm tired XD))

[erebus]

OOC: No worries. XD

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Coeus's expression displayed nothing but awe and curiosity as his golden-green orbs followed every nook and cranny that one of the still standing buildings had in its aged, yet timeless demeanor. The way such buildings were built was what truly sent Coeus into wondering what these humans might have looked like. How had they managed to make these structures? Certainly wolves were not capable of it, nor any other creature that Coeus had ever found himself encountering. What made the humans so special and different? What did they possess that set them apart from all other life forms within the area of this island? It was hard to fathom what their differences might have been from wolves themselves. From foxes and coyotes, birds and squirrels, insects and spiders. What was different?

His thoughts kept him from seeing or scenting, even hearing Zethrox's approach until the alpha was speaking and introducing himself. Turning his head in the direction of the speaker, and then following it with his entire body, Coeus could hardly contain himself as he saw for the first time what Zethrox actually looked like. The brute was strong in body and presence, and Coeus could venture he was just as strong in intelligence and thought. With him he seemed to bring power and self-assurance, confidence in his ability and rightfully so. Coeus had no doubt just what kind of power this wolf had when in battle.

"I am glad that I have made it to your lands, for I wasn't sure exactly where they lay." Bowing his head respectfully, Coeus forced himself to keep his calm demeanor. Even though extremely intelligent that didn't take away his pup-ish mindset to overly want to get in the favor of someone he had always admired and heard wonderful stories about. "My name is Coeus and I have been born of loner parents. They told me many stories about you and I have came to seek acceptance into your pack." A brief pause and Coeus was looking up to meet the older brute's eyes, yet not in disrespect. He merely wanted Zethrox to have the ability to see into his eyes and know that his words were truth and meant to be taken as such. "As you may very well see I could not make it alone, and I do not wish to burden my parents any longer."

Maybe he would be cast aside for his limp, but in all he had heard of the great ruler and wolf that stood before him he hoped that his faith in Zethrox's fair mind would stand tall. "But the reason I have came to you and not into another pack is I have heard tales also... of your son." Whether it was a sore spot or not Coeus decided to find out because he needed to let the other brute know exactly why he had came to him. He didn't wish to make Zethrox believe that he wanted to burden him rather than his parents. He didn't. If he knew a way around his disability to hunt for himself he would, but perhaps he could help Zethrox in ways he couldn't help his parents. Advice, or a counsel of sorts. Coeus didn't yet speak of that, however.

"I have heard that you are wishing to right the wrongs with Ardemu, and ever since I was a pup I have always wished to help you in your quest of sorts. I found I might be able to be of some help, yet in what ways even I don't know yet." Perhaps Zethrox would know already how he might be able to help him, or he wasn't sure, yet willing to see what place Coeus might have within his pack. "I would not burden you, but to help in anyway that I may. This is all I came to ask. Acceptance into your pack and to be allowed to help you."

After he spoke, Coeus let silence reign over the both of them, inwardly needing to hear Zethrox's response before going on. His entire being very near quivered with excitement, a pup-ish thing he had hardly ever let show. Only when he was given insight into the world that he hadn't before--through a new piece of knowledge or another wolf he had never met whose life story was being told to him--would he get such a feeling running through his veins. Call it delayed childhood, or still being partly in his young age, but Coeus was really more impartial to it, and not even bothered by it at all. He loved the feeling and could hope that his body really wasn't trembling from being in the presence of a wolf that he truly did admire.

[zethrox]

A nearly amused look crossed Zethrox's muzzle as the wolf, who introduced himself as Coeus, spoke. So, there are those who tell stories of me. This is interesting, he wondered; he would not allow this thought to bolster his ego. Merely the fact that wolves other than those he had come across in the last few years knew of his existance was astounding. Maybe this continent is not as large as I had originally assumed, he thought absently, his attention returning to the young brute before him. He seemed sure of himself, very confident in his words. This was something hard to come by, and he was pleased by how the brute carried himself. Something about Coeus was unique and captivating. The brute had potential, this much Zethrox was sure.

It seemed odd that someone had particularly sought him out. What made him so special that this sort of dedication would be necessary? Zethrox could think of nothing in his past that would warrant admiration or pride. Shortly after, however, Coeus answered this question. Odd. So stories of my boy float around as well. What a menace he is, he thought, his nostrils flaring ever so slightly at the mention of Ardemu's name. He was not ashamed of his son, but he was not proud of him either. The choices had been made, and Ardemu would be what he wanted to be. But Zethrox would not stand by and watch as his son laid the continent to waste. So this brute wished to aid him, so he would allow.

"I am quite in awe by your request," Zethrox admitted plainly. Coeus had searched for him in particular simply to aid him in destroying his son? It did not make sense to the older brute. The more he thought about it, this wolf was a bit on the odd side. However, he would give him a chance to help, and, in the process, a home. There was nothing else he could offer at the moment. Security was out of the question, as was safety. He would allow Coeus to remain with them, and perhaps he would make an excellent addition to the pack. However, the fact that he had been raised by lone parents was a little disconcerting. He did not know whether this brute knew the meaning of team work; it was small things like this that he would need to learn in order to properly evaluate the skills of both this new brute and his current pack members. "However, you are free to join my pack and remain here." He smiled slightly.

His pack was steadily growing, and at this rate, he would overshadow the rest of the continent; not on purpose, but because of sheer numbers. "I have ordered the remainder of the pack to head back to our dens. Please, follow me and we will meet them there," he ordered simply. He turned away from the ruins, glancing over them once more before falling deep in thought. These ruins carried so much hatred and pain, and they were filled with the hurt and emotion of those who had been held captive. How they could call this place a part of their home was almost unimaginable. Kalus's Point was not as empty as many thought; it was home to a variety of small animals. But Zethrox very rarely wandered here, as there was no reason. Some days, he would come to pay his respects to those who had not made their escape from the humans' grasps. There was so much history here; many stories that could be passed on and saved for a later date. Never let history be lost, or it is doomed to repeat itself...

Zethrox led the way through the ruins, glancing back at the brute shortly before continuing on his way. He maintained a steady pace so not to leave Coeus too far behind. After all, the wolf had never been to the Haishin dens before, so it would be best not to leave him behind. He smiled and bounced lightly as he stepped, careful not to trip over the wasted walls that scattered across the earth. It was not a long trek to the Boryz Expanse, but he was taking his time. It was a scenic walk, and it was always an excuse to enjoy his territory just a little more...

[erebus]

Never once had Coeus thought that joining a pack was as simple as Zethrox had just made it. He had thought previously there were trials, things he had to prove to make himself worthy enough to run alongside other wolves, but to hear how easily that this powerful brute that he had admired since the first story he had heard of him would gladly allow him to become a part of his pack was amazing. Coeus was admittedly surprised, yet pleasantly so. How he had longed for this. To join a pack and know the value of what it was like to be close to wolves you had no relation to other than running alongside them and helping one another. What made it even better for the young wolf was that not once had Zethrox said or hinted to his disability, even in disdain. It had just been accepted as normal and for that Coeus was grateful.

"Thank you, Zethrox." Was all the young brute could find in him to say as he was told to follow and that they would be headed back to the den site where there rest of the pack were at. "But... may I ask just how many wolves are in your pack?" Even to Coeus that sounded rather suspicious, but he didn't mean it as such that he would tell anyone else the information. He was just increasingly curious and interested to know all he could. Anything could make him curious, from the way birds flew was up in the sky down to why ants scuttled along one after the other in great numbers to haul food and other supplies up to their ant bed to help each other out. He was the kind of wolf that would seek and wish to play twenty questions all the time, but yet would hold back and ask twenty at twenty different times during the day. Moderation was what he believed key to not seeming overbearing.

Other than his question, Coeus followed silently behind the powerful alpha, his limp going unnoticed even by himself because of his interest and anticipation for what was to come when they got to the dens. What other kinds of wolves would be waiting there? What could they tell him that he didn't know? Could the teach him pack life? And most of all, would they accept him? Zethrox's kindness was something that had been startling, awe-inspiring to Coeus, but it also made him realize that maybe not everyone always looked at the physical differences and inabilities of others. That there were people who could look beyond that and seek out the personality of other beings. If his admiration of Zethrox could have gone up any more so than it already was at that point then it would have.

It felt odd to leave the ruins, the buildings he had only just begun to explore. There was a feel to them that he hadn't first recognized, nor seemed to pick up on until now as he was leaving with Zethrox. There was pain here. Great pain, and the suffering of many. Even though he was curious of these humans, Coeus had heard of what they had done to the other animals around here. It was stories of them that his mother and father had always scared him and his littermates with as pups. They had told them if they wandered off alone the humans would snatch them up and take them away and they would never see the forest again. Of course puppy minds hadn't been much better in believing them to be giant monsters with horns and ferocious teeth and such of that nature. It was only when Coeus was older that he started to question that image and believe the humans were possibly not monsters, but something different than monsters and animals altogether. Powerful beings that could do as they wished.

It was a puzzling thought, indeed, and one he wondered if Zethrox might be able to answer him someday. These human areas were a part of his territory after all.

((OOC from Xinneh: Zethrox already left. *pokes above post*))