Zethrox was only comforted when Terror stated that he was not afraid of the new femme. He could not help but smile and wag his tail slightly at the pup's retort. He's such a cutey! he thought; Zeth was a big softy for pups. Which brought him back to his earlier dilemma... Gah, I need to keep my mind focused at the issue at hand. Such things can be dealt with in time, he chided himself, angry that he kept allowing his mind to dwell on the issue. "Just want to be sure you're okay, buddy," he chuckled softly before licking the little one's ear. He was the closest thing to a son that the alpha had, and he was greatful for Terror every day. He now needed to turn his attention to the femme.
The wolf came straight out and asked him if she could join his pack. The brute's bemused expression could not be hidden. "Do you mind if I ask your name first?" He almost laughed. "I told you mine." If he had not just met this femme, he probably would have laughed at her nearly tactless approach to an alpha. But it was not in his nature to poke fun; she would realize this mistake and would likely never repeat it. And as for entering my territory without so much as a howl? he thought.
"Miss, it would definitely be better for your case if you were to announce yourself and wait at my borders before wandering into the heart of my territory. You see, that, my dear, is how you get yourself attacked by overly cautious pack members," he explained, no harshness in his voice. As long as Terror was alright, he had no reason to be angry with the femme, other than the issue of wandering Kamari without permission, that was. But many a wolf had made the same mistake, Legacy to be included. He had always been a fair alpha, and there was no reason to start acting like an asshole for the sake of appearing powerful. He knew his position - why exploit it at other's cost?
As the conversation focused on Revan, Legacy could feel herself sinking into the background. It wasn't that she had nothing to add, for Legacy was generally a very outspoken female. It was just... She was on tentative ground with the alpha and didn't want to risk jeopardizing Terror's future. It was a lucky break that Zethrox actually liked the pup. She didn't want to change his opinion of his son simply because she said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Still, she wasn't exactly pleased by the path the conversation was following either. To put it bluntly, she didn't like Revan. The femme had frighted her precious little Terror. That was enough to earn Legacy's bad favor. Despite the fact that the pup had realized his rashness and tried to correct his mistake, it wasn't enough to qwell the overprotectiveness of his mother. She still saw Revan as a threat and would continue to be suspicious of her until she grew used to her presence.
Legacy sunk farther into the water, ears pricked forward to listen intently. Her head lay atop her paws, the warm water lapping carelessly at her muzzle. Soft brown eyes shifted back and forth repeatedly between Zethrox and their visitor, a hard edge to them that showed her distrust. She wasn't comfortable with the situation she was in now and had no means of escaping it. Even if she wanted to run, she had no intention of leaving Terror alone with the alpha and a stranger.
Revan winced at the rebuke, but pulled herself together. Eyes still down, she spoke softly. "My name's Revan. I did howl at the border, and I waited two days for a response. With an injury, I wasn't about to wait longer." She risked a glance up at Zethrox, trying to see if the alpha was angry with her. It seemed that she had blown her chance at finding a pack. She slumped a little, despairing.
Revan's gaze wandered longingly to the steaming spring. She still needed a bath, but this was more important. At least Terror had forgiven her for frightening him. A strange feeling rose in her as she watched the pup play in the water. She couldn't name it. She turned her eyes to the other female, meeting the hard gaze for a moment before fixing her gaze on Zethrox's paws once more. It was obvious that the Mexican femme did not trust her, but this seemed a bit more then that. What had she done? Was this normal for a mother whose child was frightened? If so, then the femme was a much better mother than her own had been. Her scars seemed to flare with pain at the thought of her parents. She knew that the pain was mental, but it still hurt.
With a father that abandoned her at the edge of his territory in favor of her siblings, and a mother who had not protested, it had been a miracle that Revan had survived. She had hung around the border for a time - it was all she knew - but her father wouldn't have that. He had attacked her and she had been nearly killed. She knew he hadn't been trying to kill her - had he been trying, she would have died, no question. But even though he had let her live, Revan hated him. The bitter gem inside her was at odds with her surprisingly gentle personality.
The femme had howled? Zethrox looked at her, assessing the honesty of her words. He could not detect any signs of deception; perhaps he was getting old much quicker than he though. "If that is the case, my dear, then I apologize for not responding to you. I suppose I must have been preoccupied." He dipped his head slightly, not as an indication of inferiority, but as an apology for his mistake. Just because he led the pack did not mean he was immune to mistakes - this is one of his most redeeming qualities. While he enjoyed his position, he did not take advantage of it and claim to be perfect. If anything, he was less perfect than most of his pack members. But it was his conquering these imperfections that made him a compotent leader.
"Well, Revan, I suppose Haishin could be a good home for you," he spoke, almost appearing deliberative until a smile broke out across his face. He had not missed the hesitance in Legacy's expressions towards the female, but she had presented no danger to the pack; therefore, he felt that it was only fair that he allow her to join. "Welcome to the pack."
His pack was growing. And with the growth of the pack, he could not ignore his desire to expand. There was so much land out in Anikira; why should he be limited to Kamari? Perhaps Zethrox was being overzealous, but he craved the control. Maybe it was the older part of his behavior that was influencing him, but it was almost as if he wanted to stir up trouble. There was too little action these days, and life was growing mundane for him. With more room, he would be able to delegate out power, maybe even find some wolves he felt would be sufficient leaders to help him run the pack. There would be more breathing room, although it would mean more territory to control.
Revan's head jerked up. Had she really heard that? Was this real? Had she finally found a pack? A home? She began to shake slightly, not knowing how to react. Bowing as low as she could, she responded with heartfelt thanks. In truth, she did not know how to treat an alpha of her own. Her father had been the alpha of his territory, but Revan had never really felt that she belonged to that pack at all. And all her later encounters with alphas had been filled with wary respect mixed with slight fear as they escorted her across their various territories. In fact, nearly all the wolves in the various packs would gather to to see this black stranger that was crossing through. Sometimes she would trade news for a place to sleep for one night or for a meal, but that was a rarity. Most alphas would want her off their territories as soon as possible, though none had ever attacked her, as she had followed their orders immediately and left when asked.
Revan's gaze was drawn to Terror as she thought back to other pups she'd seen on her travels. Silently asking permission from Zethrox with her eyes, she made her way into the spring, hissing slightly at the heat of the water as it lapped at the scrape on her leg. Walking into the hotter water near the side edge of the spring, the black femme settled, lying down on the shallow shelf near the other two wolves, making sure not to place herself between the Mexican femme and her son. The hot water was forcing her mussels to relax and it was making her somewhat sleepy. Laying her head on her paws, she turned her vivid eyes to watch the interactions that her presence, and new position, would cause. "So will you tell me your name?" she asked the femme.
Curious golden eyes wandered around his surroundings. A couple flies twitter by, a bumblebee and even a grasshopper. Insects seem to be plentiful in this certain area, not once had little Terror seen an actual mammal or bird in the vicinity for quite some time. Well, other than wolves. He pawed at the ground lightly as the adults talked, the pup's eyes lingered to Zethrox for a moment as the elder brute reassured Terror's safety. The young brute nodded once with a toothy grin, and went back to pawing at the anthill.
He hadn't heard his mother speak in quite a while, he figured she was still moping and untrustworthy of the newest female in the pack. "Oh, you are in for good?" Terror added after Big Zeth pronounced that Haishin would be a good home for her. "Cool! But we can't sleep together 'cause I get nightmares and hurt others..." Terror muttered, continuing to paw the ground but the grin never left his maw.
He spoke of his flaw like it was normal, bu in fact it wasn't. His 'trance' was a serious thing, though he was still young he couldn't do much damage. But he had hurt one of his siblings in the past before they died. Attacked his mother once but she was able to handle herself. She'd been through a worse beating with Rapture, her little pup couldn't do worse. Not yet at least, give him another few months when he takes the shape of an adult wolf. Unfortunately for Terror, his disability will never fade through time, only worsen.
Legacy couldn't suppress the growl that built within her throat. Why had Zethrox accepted Revan so quickly? The female had scared her precious little Terror. That should have entailed instant banishment! An irrational demand, yes, but the false accusations against Revan had sent her on a witch hunt. She despised anything that upset her son even if only for a moment. Unfortunately, in this case that something was now one of her pack mates. The Mexican was already on thin ice with the wolves of Haishin. To show open dislike towards the newest member would only serve to further the rift.
It didn't help that not long after Revan's acceptance Terror had to go and open his big mouth. While she was aware of her son's condition, Legacy didn't like to admit to it. She refused to see the demon that lurked within her son. Doing so would confirm that he was more like his father than she wanted him to be. She hated seeing the Rapture that lurked just beneath the surface. "Terror!" she chastised through grit teeth. Even if the warning was probably for the best, she didn't want broadcasting it about. And she especially didn't want him doing so in such a provocative manner. The pup may not have been aware of his word choice, but his mother had not missed their dirtier connotation.
Sinking further into the water, she hoped it would wash away her discomfort with this entire situation. Though the springs still had yet to cleanse her of anything, it was an ideal she clung to desperately. The water was the only thing that made her feel clean. And now...
Legacy jerked her head up with a start, spraying droplets everywhere. Where did Revan think she was going? The black fae was entering her sacred spring. How dare she!
The moment Revan settled herself comfortably Legacy rose to her feet. She was not going to sit around and tolerate this. Nothing about this encounter had gone well for her thus far. Before she did or said something stupid she just wanted to get out of there. Now that they were pack mates Revan would probably corner her eventually. For now, however, the Mexican was not in the mood to put up with it. She walked out of the waters with long strides, pausing only to pin Revan with a pointed glare. "Legacy." It was the best answer the other female would get from her.
Legacy then proceeded to walk away from the little group without so much as a goodbye. She was even leaving Terror behind, and she never let him out of her sight intentionally. Zethrox was there though. She knew her son was in good paws. And chances were he'd follow after her anyway. Either way, she had no intention of hanging around any longer. The springs had become suffocating and she wanted nothing more than to be left alone. If the others had a problem with her behavior than too bad. Right now she didn't trust Revan as far as she could throw her and the last thing she wanted was to make smalltalk with a wolf she still viewed as the enemy.
And so the pack was growing again. Zethrox watched the exchange between Revan and Legacy anxiously. He knew well enough the mexican femme's temper, especially when it came to Terror. He also recognized that she was angry with him, likely for agreeing to allow Revan to stay. But the brute realized something that Legacy had not seemed to grasp. Terror is not going to want to be smother his entire life. In fact, I do not think it will be long until he starts resenting the attention from his mother. He watched the pup with sympathetic eyes, knowing well enough that it would not be long before he would be all grown up. The lone pup of Haishin, the only wolf in his territory that represented the future of the pack. It was both awe-filling and sad at the same time.
As Revan inched towards the springs, he nodded in allowance. She was a member of the pack now, so Zethrox had no reason to restrict the use of the springs. It seemed as if many wolves that did not bother to ask his permission used Enackir anyways; why would he try to tell a member of his own pack no? Of all the places in Kamari, it was the most trespassed of all, as shown by Revan's entrance.
Zethrox barely acknowledged Legacy's abrupt exit, knowing that she would probably head off to stew by herself. She has turned into a fool. The wolf I once pitied is no longer there... It is as if she has turned into a hollow shell of what she used to be, he thought, knowing that it was true. In all honesty, the brute had once cared for Legacy. After Krever's betrayal, he had turned to the mexican femme for comfort and found a friend, someone that he was comfortable around. But alas, it was not long until she became aware of Legacy's pregnancy. She was lucky that he did not banish her from Kamari at that point. He had shown enough mercy to allow her to remain in the territory until her pups had been born, although he had fully intended on sending her away after that. But once again, karma threw a nasty wrench into the picture.
Once Rapture had returned to kill his own offspring, Zethrox had once again taken pity on Legacy. It was the reason she remained here today. It was the reason he put up with such vile behavior as that displayed now. And perhaps, deep down, he still cared for Legacy, however horrid and uncaring the femme seemed to have become. But that was the past, and Zeth knew that he could only go forward from here.
Zethrox turned to Revan, his apology covering the basis that Legacy was always like this. "I must apologize for her behavior... She is not always the most pleasant of the pack. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish here, though I cannot assure you that Legacy's behavior will ever grow different towards you," he explained. He then turned to Terror.
"And what do you want to do, my man?" He grinned. Terror brought out the nurturing, fun side of him. He absolutely adored the little brute, and he would do nearly anything for him. Yet another reason I still put up with her, he thought briefly, a smirk dancing across his maw. "You're free for a little while, wouldn't you know it!" he laughed, his tail wagging happily. He rarely got to spend time with Terror without Legacy hovering behind him like an angry bee. When was she ever going to learn that he was not quite the fool she took him for?
Revan watched Legacy stalk away; she was not insulted by the abrupt exit, as she could feel the emotions churning inside the other wolf. She heard Zethrox apologize for the Mexican femme, and shook her head. "Don't worry about it," she said with a slight smile. She was not sure how much of her 'gift' to share, even with her new pack. She had no idea whether such abilities were normal, and so decided to keep it to herself for now; maybe she would share it later, after she learned more about her new pack. Her pack, she would never tire of those words.
Fighting off the sleepiness that the hot water of the spring was causing, Revan turned her head to look at the scrape. Now that is was clean, it didn't hurt nearly as much. Noticing the questioning looks of Zethrox and Terror, she smiled self-deprecatingly. "I slipped on loose shale and tumbled down a mountainside," she explained. "Not much fun." She smiled at them, watching the interaction between the two males. She could see that Zethrox was not Terror's birth father, though he seemed to be taking a fatherly interest in the pup. Her thoughts turned to Terror's statement about his nightmares. She smiled at the pup's unintended provocative words, knowing he had not meant them in that manner. She could see that there was more behind the word nightmare than its normal connotation, but that was filed away for later as well. "Nightmares, huh?" she said. "I can understand that." She herself had had nightmares for her first several nights away from home - nightmares where her own father had advanced on her with eyes glowing red, and she had been frozen, unable to defend herself or to run away.
Terror nodded to Revan after she said she understood his nightmare problem. Well, technically she wouldn't know about it until she witnessed it. But he'll agree with it anyway. Terror smiled and wagged his tail, then quickly recoiled and flinched at the sound of his mother's harsh tone snapped his name. He gave off a pathetic apologetic grin towards his mother and scooted more towards Zethrox for protection. Her rampages weren't fun to be around, and she soon took her anger out on Revan as she entered the hot spring.
The little pup sighed with relief as his mother made an exit without acknowledging him to follow. This was a first, but he wasn't alone at least. He had Big Zeth and the new femme, he was safe right? It was nice to have a break from his nagging mother anyway. His golden eyes turned to the alpha brute as he spoke to him. A silly grin appeared on his face as Zethrox's inviting energy of play tingled inside the pup. Terror didn't hesitate to jump up on the older brute and gently tug on his ear, then playfully bowing and lashing his tail side to side. Revan was more suitable for playtime, she wasn't even two yet... Still considered a pup right? Didn't matter, Terror loved to roughhouse with the big dogs, age didn't even matter.
"C'mon old man, that the best you got?" he challenged. Terror still wasn't aware that his 'trance' usually sparked when his emotions run haywire or when he feels overly aggressive. There are other things that can trigger it but he hasn't developed such as of yet. To this day, only when he sleeps is when he becomes the monster. Who knows what will happen in the future.
Zethrox nodded to Revan, acknowledging her explanation of her injuries. "That is terrible... I was afraid that you may have gotten into a fight," he explained. "There is nothing worse than being on your own after a fight, as no one is there to tend to your injuries. To be honest, our pack does not know much about the treatment of injuries. No one has the skills, at least that they have informed me of." He realized just how vulnerable the pack could be to an attack if no one knew how to treat the injuries. Sure, he knew some basic medical techniques that would tend to minor injuries, but that would not be enough to heal a potentially fatal battle wound.
Soon, Terror was in the mood to play. Zeth laugh, glancing at the bouncing pup as he egged on the alpha. Zeth faked a lunge at him, dodging to the right and slipping his head beneath the youngster's stomach. He shook his head, ruffling up Terror's stomach fur as he growled playfully. "I may be old, but I still have some spunk left!" he challenged the little one, slinking back from him in anticipation for Terror's strike.
He knew well enough that this form of play could eventually turn dangerous, but it was a different experience for Zethrox to be able to frolick with the pup. He truly was a pup at heart, as he did not have the opportunity to be one in his own youth. His parents had treated him as a warrior from a young age, and there was no play involved in the fights he fought when he was less than a year old. He had been ruthless, taking out those who dared to stand in his way. One could say that he was reliving his puphood through Terror. That, and he was wishfully thinking about the possibility of his own children.
What would have happened if Ardemu had turned out differently. What would have happened if the rest of his and Rixes's litter had not been murdered by the band? Maybe then he would have some representation of the love of his life here with him now. Someone to take over the pack after him, that he could train in the ways of leadership. But alas, Ardemu was dead, and so were the remainder of his unnamed children. He had considered Terror as an option, but with his issues, could he truly lead the pack? He knew the nature of the pup's father, and he was not sure he wanted such blood to be running through the veins of the future alpha. Perhaps he still had a chance, but Zeth was getting old. No one wanted the old brute; they were simply counting down the days until he dropped dead and they could scramble for his rank.
Zethrox was mildly impressed that no one had challenged him for his position. He was happy that his pack seemed pleased with his ability to lead, for if they did not he would be in trouble. His leadership skills were not to be questioned. He had a strong heart, a bold spirit, and the wisdom of both his years of darkness and his years since shaping up. Sure, he felt those negative impulses from time to time, but he was better now... Wasn't he?
Revan mulled over Zethrox's words, knowing the truth of them intimately. She had felt so alone and afraid during those dark days after leaving the valley of her father's pack. Even after her injuries had healed, she had stayed in the shadows, venturing out and traveling only in the deepest hours of the night, and finding a place to hide long before the sun came up. She had used her dark fur to the fullest advantage, the only sign of her passing was the slight glow of green eyes in the dark. Unless crossing claimed lands, that is. Then she would allow herself to be seen and follow the commands of the ruling alpha.
The second part of Zethrox's acknowledgment brought something forward in Revan's mind. One thing she was very proud of was her skill and knowledge of various plants. While it was true that there were many plants here that she had never seen before, there were also many common plants that she knew the names and various uses of. In fact, she had used a few, burdock in particular, on her scrapes and cuts after her fall. "I know quite a bit of plant lore," she said aloud, not intending to sound boastful. "There are many plants that I have never seen before around here, but there also many that I recognize and know several uses of." Plants of all sorts fascinated Revan. She knew which were poisonous, and which would help heal infections. She had learned which plants certain animals preferred to eat, and by hiding in wait near some of said plants, one could catch prey.
Watching the two males play, Revan smiled slightly. It was fascinating watching pack interactions and wonderful not have to hide in order to see. She could be a part of something now, and that was a great feeling. Of course, the only thing that would truly heal her injuries was time, but now, she had that.
One thing Revan was sure of, was that she did not want power. In fact she would shun it. She would help, if asked, but she did not want to lead.
Terror had a wide, fearless toothy grin on his muzzle as he played around with the Alpha brute. Zethrox was one of the only wolves in the pack that would actually play with him. Terror hadn't gotten to know the others, like Koli and Apollo and Zhen... He's seen them but never officially met them. His mother didn't really like other pack members around him, other than Zethrox.
Terror growled his puppy growl, bounding side to side and playfully yipping as Big Zeth pretended to lunge at him. He chuckled and wagged his tail happily, panting and licking his lips. He began to giggle uncontrollably when Zethrox tickled at his underbelly; rolling over and kicking his hind legs. "Ahaha! That tickles nooo! Hehehe." He breathed hard, catching his breath and rolling back to his quads. "I got more spunk than you Big Zeth!" He snapped his jaws, at the Alpha's feet and laughed.
Terror was glad his mother wasn't looming around while they played. She was such a worry wort when it came to roughhousing, always worrying about him getting hurt or too dirty. Well mom, take this! Terror jumped into the hot spring, splashing about making his coat as drenched as possible. Then crawling on the shore and rolling around in the mud. Oh boy, Mom sure is going to be sore about this! Now his short coat was caked with mud, hopefully Zethrox doesn't get mad either. Terror was such a little twit.
((OOC: Um yeah, my Terror posts suck... SORRY. -sob-))
Zethrox listened to Revan thoughtfully; it would be useful to have someone that could treat illnesses in the pack. With their luck, it would not be long until someone ran across an angry bison or tripped off a cliff. They simply did not have the best track record going for them, and it was comforting to know that someone would be able to look out for them all. With this thought came another one. He had not bothered to assign any ranks to the members of the pack. Perhaps it was time to call everyone back to the dens for a pack meeting. Maybe then he could get a good word in and sort out some of the ranks and such that he had put off for too long.
Terror's reaction brought yet another smile to the older brute, and he laughed while nodding his head. "Indeed, you have a lot more spunk than me, bud," he agreed, "but I have lived many more years than you, too. Believe it or not, I was your size one time too! And I bet I was an even spunkier little bugger than you!" He fought the urge to bite his tongue. That was one of the larger lies he had told in his life.
Zethrox's life as a pup had been awful. He had not lived to experience the joys that he was helping Terror live now. It was his second chance at a great puphood. There was nothing more that he could wish for other than the opportunity to return and do it over again. But he would not get that chance, so he was trying to relive those years through Legacy's pup. It was not quite as selfish as it seemed; Zeth really did care for the young brute. He simply saw an opportunity to help the pup experience everything that he wished he had been able to live. His slightly selfish act was overcast by the fact that he was helping Terror live the life of a true pack pup.
It was only because of his shady past that Zethrox had not kicked Legacy to the edge of the terra for her actions. It was not that he knew she would see the errors in her way if he let her stay, but that he knew there would be little to no results from that. And, if anything, it was the protection of the Haishin Pack that was keeping little Terror alive. Zeth had always found the pup's name slightly ironic, due to his parenthood. Rapture had been nothing short of the pack's terrorizer. And yet Legacy had taken it upon herself to name the pup after the deeds of his father... It was too strange for his liking. He grew up in a rogue band; yet he was not named "Bloodthirsty" or "Ravager." He had received a normal name...
"Terror, we need to head back to the dens... Revan, when you are done here, please follow my scent back to the dens. We have some pack business that needs to be handled," Zethrox instructed, watching Revan to make sure she caught the instructions. He beckoned for Terror to follow him, knowing that Legacy would have his head, alpha or not, if he let the youngster out of his sight. The brute raised his crown, howling to the rest of the pack before he set off at a steady pace back to the crevice.
"All members of the Haishin Pack, please meet back at the dens for some important business."
Revan nodded and padded out of the water. With a slightly impish grin, she shook vigorously, spraying water all over Terror, who still stood in the mud, and soaking the pup. She giggled at the sight of the sopping wet pup. Hopefully, the slight invitation to play would help her form a bond with the young male. She wondered if she were the closest in age to him. Having not had much of a chance to be a pup herself, she hoped this pup would be her friend. Her heavy coat, damp now, was slick to her body, showing the fact that her ribs stood out a bit.
Dark clouds were gathering and Revan looked up when a raindrop landed on her nose. The fur on the back of her neck stood up, an indication, as she had learned, that a thunderstorm was coming. Revan's ears flattened a little at this. The fact that she hated storms was a result of her constant movement for most of her life. Storms were dangerous and, when one came around, a wolf should be safe in her den - not out in the open. Revan remembered her first storm and shuddered. It had come as a surprise and she had been passing through a sparse forest. The thunder had hurt her ears and frightened her horribly. In the end she had found shelter by squeezing into the space between the gnarled roots of an old pine tree, but she had hated storms ever since and always tried to be under cover when the lifting of her fur told her one was coming. "I'll come with you now," she said quietly. She always spoke quietly when she could help it. She was prone to silence.