Yellow eyes scanned the breathtaking scenery spreading out across the land, several thousand feet below. I've never seen anything quite like that... The gray and cream femme was lying on a snow bank, enjoying a rest after many hours of hiking upwards through tall snow-covered mountain peaks. Spirals of steamy breath spun upward into the air as the female panted - she was exhausted, excited, and nervous all at once. Come on Artemis. You're a big girl. You can do this. Artemis picked herself up again and shook the snow from her coat. She was searching for a pack to join. She'd caught wind from a kind old loner that Amar might suit her perfectly, and that she should seek out the wolf called "Kiddo". He was the Alpha. With these thoughts strong in her mind, she rose her maw to the sky and let out a long, powerful howl. It wouldn't overstep her bounds as a potential subordinate member, that is, she hoped it wouldn't, but it would tell Kiddo loud and clear that she wanted to join Amar and was willing to do anything for that right.
In this moment the proud femme felt strong, and ready to take on anything. She was so sure of herself that after a few moments of silence she rose her voice again, listening to the howl echo across the peaks. A wolfish grin crossed her features as she fell silent, and a few moments later she headed down the side of the mountain, twisting her way through the trees and keeping her sharp eyes and excellent sense of smell at the ready, should she cross paths with any unfriendly faces.
A few hours passed, and with them passed the the snowy scenery. Artemis found herself in a forest of red, yellow, and orange trees, a cool and calm breeze causing the leaves to fall around her as she walked. It was incredibly beautiful, and for a while she allowed herself to be lost in her thoughts. Are you proud of me Papa? The femme moved on. After a bit the breeze brought a scent to her, the scent of another wolf. Artemis wasted no time. She rose her maw and howled again, then laid down in a bed of fallen leaves to wait.
Count | 393 words. Muse | Good muse. Tags | No tags. Notes | First post with Arti ^^.
Last Edit: Nov 13, 2012 18:54:03 GMT -5 by Uruviel
His lands were truly beautiful. Especially in the fall. Kiddo, like all other alphas, was certain that he had the most beautiful and best quality territory on the island. The trees were changing colors so beautifully and even as they lay on the ground, they decorated it with their beauty.
Kiddo often took time out of his days to be by himself and do boarder patrol. He couldn't say that he enjoyed doing this meaningless task. But he did like to have time by himself to think and to admire this beautiful land surrounding him. Then, he heard a long powerful howl from yet another female voice. He was interested in what power that this female thought that she had. It would be a nice change from the last female to meet someone that was stronger. This female voice sounded like it was ready to take on anything. She sounded confident in her arrival.
Kiddo then started his way to the Kinath. But not long after, he heard another howl. Patience stranger, patience. Kiddo growled in his throat. He didn't enjoy being bossed around or told to hurry up as whoever this was, was doing. She had better have a good reason to be here or a death wish to think that she could behave in such a way to the alpha of this land. Kiddo was far from the Kinath. It had taken him several hours to get within sight of it. A beautiful mountain it was. There was also a yellow and white female looking around at the base of it. Kiddo could only assume that she was the one that had called him, twice. She then called him again. Kiddo rolled his eyes as he came out of the trees.
He walked up close to her. His head craned down at her from his height above her. Who do you think you are to call the alpha of this land not once, not twice but three times? His voice was obviously not impressed. He was rather irritated with her but he was not beyond reason. He was upset with her but he was still willing to listen to her reasoning for being here. He waited, not so patiently, for her answer.
Artemis first scented the male, then watched him approach as he came into view, crunching over the leaves of fall. She first looked to him with eager determination, but it then slacked off a bit when she took stock of his posture, and even more so when she heard the tone of his voice. She'd overstepped her bounds with the howling, just as she'd feared that she would. The femme rose her body from the ground, but not to full height. Her tail was tucked, her ears laid back, and her maw pointing ever so slightly at Kiddo. She was trying to look as submissive as her character would allow.
Despite the submissive behavior, Artemis was still a strong willed individual, and she would not allow herself to be degraded beyond reason. She would not show her belly like a wounded cub, or worse, like the omega of a pack. She never considered that perhaps this pride would get her killed one day. She only knew that she was no sniveling pup.
The femme avoided flinching at Kiddo's harsh words, though they struck her to the core as any alpha's would, and she stared right at him. All the while she was stumbling in her mind to find something to say, something to put her back into his good graces. She would admit that the second howl was bold, and that the third was plain stupid. "I...I apologize, Kiddo. I became too sure of myself in entering your territory, and should not have bothered you so. I know better..." Artemis realized that she was rambling. She coughed nervously and started over, a more confident tone coloring her voice this time.
"I called because I wish to join your ranks. I have looked into each of the local packs and determined that your strong leadership suits me most, and if you'll have me, you'll soon see that no wolf is more loyal than I." Flattery might not get her anywhere, but it was worth a shot. "I'll do anything you direct me to do, be it hunting to feed the pack or fighting to protect them. I'll do anything you dream up for me. I only desire a full belly when possible and a new family for whom to care for and a family to care for me. Above all I wish to serve you, sir." For good measure, Artemis lowered herself a little bit more, almost imperceptibly so. "I do hope you will forgive my rudeness. I overstepped my bounds, I know that now."
Count | 441 words. Muse | Good muse. Tags | No tags. Notes | No notes.
Last Edit: Nov 13, 2012 18:54:18 GMT -5 by Uruviel
The female rose to her feet but kept her body low and submissive. At least she has some common sense. It was a little more comforting to know that this female was not so stupid as to rise to her full height as if she were equal to him. He also noticed that she wasn't completely giving in to the submission but he didn't expect total submission from her. Other than being a pushy and impatient, she hadn't done anything that horrible to need to act like an omega.
As she apologized to him, he wondered how she knew his name. It must have gotten around the island somehow. That wasn't a bad thing it seemed. He had been getting a lot of attention from loners wanting to join and they all seemed to be decent wolves in their own regards. And, at least the female realized what she had done was wrong which was a bit saving for her. At least she was intelligent enough to know when she was wrong.
Ah, everyone that came here seemed to have something. Everyone that came around here had skills and loyalty. Which were great qualities to have. They were in fact the only qualities that Kiddo required of his members but the trick with it is that he never quite knew if these wolves actually had those skills that they claim to have. Her confident tone though made him believe her a little more than the last female that came through here. Apparently this one and loyalty and willingness along with hunting and fighting skills. Well, he would just have to test those out, now wouldn't he? Of course he wouldn't do that just yet. I see. Well, you do know how to grovel. What's your name, femme? Kiddo was considering allowing her into his pack. She seemed confident enough to stand on her own in a pack full of three males and one other female along with a bear, a bird and a big cat whose name was ever escaping him.
Artemis watched Kiddo carefully, smiling inwardly. While he probably wouldn't forget her rudeness, her words seemed to have saved her. For now, at least. While her potential Alpha looked her over, Artemis reflected on that which had brought her here. Her brothers departing, her father pushing her away, months upon months of being a loner, of being chased away and threatened by other packs and loners. She didn't know if she could handle being denied again. That just means I need to try that much harder to make my way in and stay in...
Maintaining her lowered stance, the femme introduced herself. "My name is Artemis, sir. I am the daughter of my deceased mother and namesake Artemis, and my father Zeus. I am sister to Apollo and Adonis. We all traveled for a long while together, but I now owe my allegiance to no one. Should you ask me to fight, it will not matter who I am pitted against. I will do whatever you ask of me."
Artemis wondered what Kiddo was thinking. She couldn't read his expression at all; she could barely read his posture. She dared to look away, moving only her eyes. There was a cool and quiet breeze rustling the leaves, causing more to fall from the trees and pushing many more across the ground. the weather would get cold very soon, a time that Artemis was not looking forward to. She could already feel her terrible seasonal cough tickling in the back of her throat. She hoped it wouldn't cause problems for the pack in the future.
The femme snapped her eyes back to Kiddo mere moments later, eager to hear his verdict. The rest of her life from here on would hinge on his decision. Was she worthy enough? More importantly, would she be able to function and survive in a group full of strangers? They won't be strangers for long...
Count | 319 words. Muse | Good muse. Tags | No tags. Notes | No notes.
Last Edit: Nov 13, 2012 18:55:22 GMT -5 by Uruviel
Artemis. That was the name of the female in front of him. He had to admit it was a name that he hadn't heard often before. Her family members all seemed to have "religious" names as Kiddo would call them. He couldn't remember which group of wolves decided to dream them up but he did remember that it was long ago and that most wolves didn't believe in them. She went on to tell him that she had traveled with her family but now she was on her own. Kiddo really had no interest in why she got separated from her family. It would only become his business if the reason started to affect his pack.
Kiddo's posture was no different from any other alpha seeing another wolf who wants to enter in their pack lands. He was showing his dominance in an upright manner with his tail standing erect behind him. It became very clear that this female meant him no disrespect but he was still not going to let his guard down like they had been friends.
Kiddo's thoughts were plain and basic. This female seemed like a good candidate for his pack. She was respectful enough yet confident enough to speak in front of him; therefore, she should fit in well with the other members. She had also talked about her intense loyalty which was something that was very important to the alpha. He didn't take well to wolves that just ran off and were never to be seen again. He spent a lot of his energy making sure the needs of his pack were met and for a wolf to just take off without so much as a word, infuriated the alpha. Disrespect was not taken lightly here.
Well, there would be no harm in trying this female out. According to her, she was a wonderful wolf to have in a pack but most wolves stretched the truth at least a little bit to sound better. Kiddo understood why they did it. Packs were not the easiest thing to get into and stay in but they were almost essential for survival. Some lone wolves can make it a few years on their own but most wolves live longer surrounded by others helping them. Well Artemis, your description of your skills and loyalty have earned you a place within Amar. You will join as a subordinate and if your descriptions have been accurate, I will see about a spot for you in the upper ranks. Kiddo explained these things to all the wolves that joined here. Everyone but Hadrian had joined as a subordinate and this female was no different. She would need to earn her place here like everyone else and prove her worth. Everyone that was here had a purpose and now, Kiddo needed to find Artemis' purpose here.
Artemis felt as though she were holding her breath. The anticipation was so bad it was nearly making her twitch. But she had learned patience long ago, and she wasn't going to ruin her chances of acceptance with careless impatience now. She'd already made the mistake of being impatient, though she hadn't meant to, and she was lucky it hadn't cost her a place within Amar. Then Kiddo spoke the words that the Mackenzie femme had been waiting so long to hear.
Success. After so many failed attempts, so many denials, Artemis had finally found sweet success. She deepened her stance, turning it into a sort of bow. "Thank you, Kiddo. I owe my life to you, and it will be an honor to hunt beside you." Artemis reflected upon her new Alpha's words. Subordination would be fine, for now at least. But if she could, Artemis would work her hardest to move upward. She wanted to be trusted, she wanted to excel at something, no matter the scale of renown. A sudden burst of excitement welled up inside of her, but she reminded herself not to let it show. There were times when it was appropriate to act like a young pup again, to play and be excitable, but now was not that time. Now was a time of business.
The femme shifted, trying to get more comfortable. Her travels had exhausted her, and she wasn't used to holding a submissive stance such as that which she was now in. "What would you have me do, Alpha? I am eager to prove my capabilities to you." While Artemis awaited Kiddo's response, she wondered about who her pack mates might be. She looked forward to meeting them, but was nervous all the same. Hopefully all would turn out for the better.
Count | 312 words. Muse | Good muse. Tags | No tags. Notes | No notes.
Kiddo could see the relieved look that Artemis had. It was like she had been awaiting this for a long time which either meant that she had tried to join other packs and was rejected or, that this was the first pack she had tried to join and she was nervous. Kiddo didn't know which of the two he would have preferred and he also didn't know which one it might be. Artemis' callings were a sign to him that she hadn't a lot of experience with things such as this. But her submission and her ability to talk her way into things would show otherwise. These female would be interesting for sure.
Kiddo nodded his head, in response to her thanks. Being a pack member here was not a gift or a favor. Those that were here earned it but she would soon find that out. Also, he learned that she wanted to be a hunter. Well great! Kiddo had been looking for hunters. He had a good set of those who were fit for battle but they were not necessarily the most equipped for hunting. So, he would test out this female as a hunter and see how she would do.There isn't much you can do at the moment. We will be having a pack hunt shortly and you can prove your abilities to me then. Until the hunt, you may familiarize yourself with the area and the other pack members. Kiddo didn't have a doubt that Artemis would get along with the others. She seemed like a fairly well-mannered wolf so he didn't see her having any kind of a problem with her fitting right in.
Kiddo then turned to leave the female to explore on her own. He didn't fear that she would turn around and run up the mountain and abandon the pack so quickly so he figured it was safe leaving her on her own. Besides, this area was not the largest on Anikira so getting lost shouldn't be an issue. In fact it was so small that if Amar got much bigger, they may need to consider taking another territory for themselves.
