Something New [Joining Possibly]

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Thoughts | Actions | Speech

There was a small nip in the wind, swaying the brute’s grey flecked fur. He hadn’t traveled very far, only just beyond a few miles from his origins. His mother had passed away only months ago. It didn’t sting the brute as it used to, only fond memories of her filled his cranium. They were all very pleasant, mostly her speaking her kind words to a young Cronan. The large brute padded through the meadow, the arrival of spring had been bringing it back to life. Small plants grew, just breaking the height of the grass; flowers were soon to bloom and litter the ground. His wide paws left prints in the dewy grass, early morning was always his favorite time. The sun just reached over the horizon, shades of orange lay about in the sky crashing into a small wave of blue soon to overtake overhead. A small twinkle of the moon was just beyond vision, hidden by a light cloud cover.

The brute was at the first steps of his new adventure, and his main goal stood at finding a worthwhile pack. Cronan was a bit picky when it came to the company he kept, mostly they had to be useful. In a pack, that wouldn’t matter too much unless they held rank; but every wolf had to have a use in their prime. Cronan stopped at the mouth of a small clear pool, the water’s clarity was spectacular. Dipping his head, the male lapped until he’d had his fill. The refreshment just added to the serenity of this place. It’d had given him the extra step to keep moving on, excited to view what his homeland was fully like. Small buds cluttered the earth, soon they were to bloom into colorful rich red flower. Quite unfortunate, but he didn’t wish to waste time here. He noted the location best he could, though nothing spectacular could be said about is sense of direction.

Head thrown back, Cronan scented what he could from the air. Nothing immediately close, he decided to head right. He’d reached the edge of a forest before long. Each tree carried the scent of a group, a pack! Light trails of snow still laid about twisted between the trunks, and the wind carried a bit of a chill; luckily his coat was still thick from winter. Padding through the forest, the weather grew a bit warmer. The brute sniffed at the ground, a mostly fresh trail, it was good enough for him. Once again, his cranium shot back as a thunderous howl came form him. He sat, afterward, an awaited the arrival of anyone. He was a pushing the larger side of wolves and knew how to defend himself well. With his mind made up, there was no regret in his mind and his ears stayed alert. It would only be a matter of time before he was greeted. His mind formed images of what awaited him, how pack life really was. Do they all sit around a clearing and commune? Or do they travel, only meeting when the alpha calls? For once the male felt nearly giddy with anticipation.
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Muse; ---
Word Count; 534
Notes; Joining

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Winter was quickly approaching its last gasp, and the bleak sunlight that bathed the land was steadily growing stronger. Javan lay basking in it now, his light grey fur luxuriating in the warmth. His tongue draped itself out of his mouth as he panted, and his eyes were closed in contentment. It was rare to see the grey wolf looking so relaxed and happy. The slightest suggestion of company was enough to put him on the defensive, but when he was alone, it was as if he had to go to the other extreme to keep himself from losing his mind. He'd spent the winter here in Shyia, as a warrior of the Airila pack, and still had yet to meet any other members apart from the Alpha and Beta. Granted, they were both very important members that everybody should know, but still, he was curious to see who else this land was home to. It wasn't his habit to sleep in the dens all that often, even in the worst kind of weather. In his old pack, he'd been forced to sleep outside in the snow, because nobody wanted him in a den with them. After a while, he got used to it, and decided that outside was the place for him. He felt safer out there, anyway. He could change his location every night and hide himself away, so that nobody could sneak up on him. Of course, there was no need to feel that way here since nobody hated him yet, but old habits die hard.

Eventually, the grey wolf unfolded his limbs and stretched, pushing his rump high in the air. He pulled himself to his feet and began a leisurely trot towards the borders of Shyia, feeling that a patrol was in order for the day. There had been no need for him to put his skills as a warrior to the test just yet, not unless you counted the practice fight he'd had with Huxleyi, but that was no excuse for him to be lax in his duty. His time alone had mellowed him, allowing him to rediscover the joys of being a wolf with no one to fight against. Hunting prey that he was allowed to keep for himself. Playing on the sand, poking his nose into holes and getting himself into trouble. Roaming through the woods, with sunlight dappling his back, because he wanted to and not because he was being chased. Even the practice fight with his Beta had been good for him, reminding him that not all battles had to be serious affairs. He was still unsure and rather defensive in the company of other wolves, but he felt that he was improving. He was having less flashbacks to unpleasant experiences in his previous pack, and the fact that he was genuinely craving the company of other wolves was definitely a good sign. There was a prey pile in the dens that he sometimes frequented, but it felt strange to take a kill that someone else had put time and effort into hunting. He did notice that the pile was bigger than usual, which meant that new hunters were being accepted into Airila. Still, he'd like to know somebody else around here. If he was going to put his life on the line for this pack, the least he could know was who was in it.

A nearby howl caused him to hesitate in midstride, and he turned his head in the direction that the call had come from. He was traveling through Xayar Forest and this strange wolf seemed to be in the same area. Javan remembered what it was like for him when he'd first came through the forest, seeking acceptance into this pack. He'd been wound tighter than a length of wire, and just as likely to snap when put to the test. But Toiro had been kind to him, even though Javan had been expecting cruelty and some kind of mental dominance. He felt the need to go and investigate this newcomer, and as a warrior, he thought he had the right to, as well. He did not have the power to accept new wolves, but he could always call Toiro or Huxleyi, if neither of them were already on their way. Many howls had echoed through the territory these last few weeks, and Javan could imagine how busy the Alpha and Beta had been keeping themselves. The least he could do was keep this newcomer occupied and find out what his intentions were.

Changing course, the lanky wolf turned and loped off in the howler's direction, his sensitive nose picking up on the stranger's scent within minutes. A cold wind gusted through the trees, causing Javan to shiver, and he was glad that he'd got up from his nap when he did. At least now he was moving, and the activity from his limbs was enough to stave off most of the chill. His wandering eyes caught sight of a figure framed within the trunks of the trees, and he dropped into a trot, keeping his stance neutral so that the other wolf would know he was not under attack. It was Javan's way to be aggressive and snarly, but he remembered the way Toiro had treated him at their first meeting, and strove to imitate his kind manner. The most he could manage was to keep the bristle out of his shoulders, but he was pleased to discover that when he spoke to the stranger, his voice was not aggressive. "Greetings," he said to the other wolf. "I am Javan, a warrior of Airila. Is there something you need?" he asked, deciding that since the newcomer had howled to announce his presence, he obviously knew he was on pack lands. He had not snuck into the territory, and this had done wonders for him, in Javan's opinion. He had yet to find a loner that did not announce their arrival, but he was sure that he would be much less pleasant towards them than he was towards this stranger now. Keeping his ears forward and his body language neutral, he watched the loner carefully and awaited a response, trying to be pleasant. Or at least non-abrasive.

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Thoughts | Actions | Speech

The brute listened well, hoping to catch the sound of an approach. The wind kick up, shuffling the different shades of grey in his fur. It wasn’t advantageous to sit downwind, but this was pack land and he dared not tread further into it. Concentrating, he heard the steps of another. Cronan prepared himself, letting out a calming deep breath. Sitting more upright, he shook his shoulders bristling his coat a bit. Onlooking the approach, brown orbs took in the wolf. Smaller than I am, oddly not what he’d been expecting. His brow furrowed, the thought that an alpha could be so small.

Large head dipping at his counterparts welcome, Hello. A warrior, that makes much more sense, the brute laughed to himself. He’d felt foolish, but didn’t plan to underestimate this one. He would be pleasant, there was no need for hostilities. Cronan felt a small tidbit of joy, he’d found a pack, just what he’d been looking for. The brute kept a peaceful face, I’m Cronan. He wished to find the right words, instead of pouring out his entire history to this new acquaintance.

I was just traveling around, searching for a pack. Nothing fabricated there, in fact he’d never lied before so the thought of doing so never crossed his mind. If you don’t mind a story, he took a breath before beginning. I was born a few years back a stones throw from here. My mother was a rather reserved female, and had never introduced the lands to me. I more just stumbled upon your lands here, coming just form the north. He hadn’t realized he was rambling.

To the point, Oh yes, I was wondering a bit of what your pack’s like. Your alpha and all that. A small gleam of puppy-like excitement came to Cronan’s eye when he spoke of packs. Unintentionally, his tail swished on the ground; very unlike him.. he nearly fell over embarrassed when he noticed it happening and put an abrupt stop to it. Compose yourself, he calmly watched Javan, awaiting a tale. He hadn’t thought, but this could only be one stop on his way to find a pack, but what if he were find a pack that loathed this one. Would he be able to fight them, if he needed? It was the price to pay when you have to show loyalty to your pack. He loathed the hypothetical idea at this moment, and pushed it from his mind to focus.
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Muse; ---
Word Count; 427
Notes; Does the font look better in grey or white?

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Javan met the other wolf's gaze levelly as the stranger inspected him, flattening his own ears slightly in distaste. Judge me at your own peril, loner. He and the other grey stood at roughly the same height, and their builds were very similar too, the loner perhaps a shade stockier. If it came to a fight, Javan felt confident that he could take him. He had many years of cutthroat fighting experience under his belt, and would happily put his skills to use if this other wolf forced him to. It had been a long time since he'd fought a real battle, and in a sick way, he missed it. But he kept his face inscrutable, his only sign of irritation being the slight tilting back of his ears. A deep breath was drawn as he attempted at patience; dealing with other wolves was not easy for him. For most of his life, he'd had to fight against and hate his own kind, and it was only recently that he had freed himself of those circumstances. This newcomer could not know that, and it wasn't his fault that Javan was always on edge. It was wrong, therefore, to make him feel unwelcome here if he was attempting to join Airila. The one thing that steadied him fully was the thought that this wolf could become a future packmate, and the last thing he wanted was to alienate a potential ally. So he kept his posture neutral, and found it less difficult to keep the hostility from his eyes as he listened to the stranger answer his query.

A nod was sent towards Cronan's direction as Javan acknowledged the wolf's words. "Well, you've found one. This is the Airila pack." He listened to the other wolf's story, and tried to remember what was north of Shyia. Caurus? He wasn't overly familiar with the territories of Anikira, but he did know that to the north lay a land where lone wolves could roam without fear. It was likely that Cronan had come from there, and was simply tired of living the lonely life. Javan could understand. When his pack disbanded, he would have liked nothing more than to have nothing to do with other wolves for the rest of his life, but the aloneness drove him to distraction. Even though he didn't see many wolves here in Shyia, at least he knew he was part of a group, living for something bigger than himself. He found himself sympathizing with Cronan, and when the other grey's tail began to wag, Javan offered a stiff swish of his own, aware that he wasn't being particularly friendly to the hopeful loner. He allowed a small smile to appear on his features, trying to comfort the mortified wolf. Obviously Cronan hadn't meant to display such behavior, but Javan didn't condemn him for it. There was nothing wrong with being friendly, and he himself needed to learn how to show affection towards other wolves. "If you're looking for a pack to join, I know that Airila is always happy to accept more wolves. Do you have any skills that you're particularly good at, such as hunting, healing, or fighting?" Cronan shouldn't worry too much if he didn't; the question was posed simply to allow Cronan the opportunity to outline any skill set he had that could aid the pack. If there was a position he would like to try for, then now would be the time to ask.

"As far as packs go, Airila is a good one," Javan told Cronan, in response to his question. "Our Alpha, Toiro, is both kind and fair. He is well up to the task of leading this pack, and I think he does a good job." Of course, Javan had seen little of Toiro since he'd been accepted into Airila, but his first impression of the other grey had impressed him greatly. He was willing to be loyal to the wolf that led the pack he called home, and if Cronan was wanting an Alpha that would treat him kindly, he could do no better than Toiro. "Shall I call somebody with the power to accept you?" Javan asked, wanting to know if Cronan was interested in meeting with either Toiro or Huxleyi. He wasn't sure if there were other wolves who could accept new members, it was only those two that he actually knew. Patiently he awaited Cronan's response, with some of the ice in his demeanor melted. Giving Cronan the opportunity to say no was polite, Javan thought, but if Cronan decided that he wanted to move on than Javan would have no choice but to escort him to the borders. Game was scarce enough in this cold place without lone wolves hunting it. Hopefully Cronan would be interested in joining Airila, for their numbers could definitely do with an increase.

ooc: Sorry for the wait! And for Javan being such an icy welcomer. It's just what he's like. :/ And I like the grey better, the white's a bit harsh against the black background.

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Thoughts | Actions | Speech

The Airila pack, a smirk crossed the brute’s face. Hearing the name of an official pack, Cronan felt a small shiver of excitement. Keep your head, he had only traveled a short distance, there could be something better out there for him. No, he was set to join a pack as soon as he left his birth land. Even if were only coincidence to happen upon one within days, he made himself a promise and intended to follow through. Pack life would be a huge change, or would it? He didn’t know, but this male before him knew.

Javan spoke highly of the Alpha, it was admirable, and his words felt the backing of truth to them. That there simply added points to joining this pack. The mention of skills, fighting was his only real skill. Cronan had practiced lightly, and honed when he could. I wouldn’t call myself a warrior, yet, but I’m an suitable fighter. Haven’t had many, umm, chances to practice. He snickered, trying to keep the ease in the conversation. His stiff, straightened, back began to ache. He wasn’t used to keeping poster, Cronan just hoped to make a good impression. Cronan found Javan to be respectable, and decently comfortable to be around. He would make a good comrade in arms, the male appraised his acquaintance once again. If Toiro, the alpha, has found such fit members, he must be worthy of his title. Airila, Cronan had decided, was his new hope of a pack. The brute turned, nodding toward Javan, I think, yes, I would very much appreciate that. THe brute’s heart had been racing, nearly on edge now having given his final answer. Once his mind was set, there was no going back on his word.

He’d thought of the surrounding land that he’d come from, in the north. The harsh winters were bearable, having been raised in such conditions, and for all Cronan knew the packs land stretched into paradise. Don’t let your imagination get a hold of you, he was always a reasonable one. He knew to keep himself in check, especially with a high rank coming to greet, and accept, him. He took a deep breath, calming himself. He didn’t want to mutter, or slur his words from nerves. Always present your best self to others, a motto Cronan had made up for himself. How long have you been in Airila, Javan? What are other members like? He spoke as he studied the trees around him, trying to familiarize himself. The brute hoped to make small talk, and not to offend. It seemed an innocent enough pair of questions in his mind. He would rather listen to Javan speak then sit in silence, awkwardly, and let his nerves build up again.
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Muse;
Word Count; 485
Notes; Sorry I took so long D:

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Huxleyi has been on his normal routes, trekking along through the territory, the familiarity of the trees and rocks comforting as he patrolled. White wing flashes followed him, his avian companion following loyally. The bird had chosen to stay with him, determined to repay the debt she had incurred when Huxleyi had saved her life. The Beta male was glad of his position within the pack for this reason - had he been lower ranking perhaps his strange eccentric partner wouldn't have been accepted. In truth though, he had yet to formally ask Toiro if Isna could stay. He wasn't sure what he would say if the Alpha denied him.

As the scents of others reached him he slowed. Instantly he recognized the smell of Javan, the Warrior, though he did not recognize the second body. He moved slowly and silently, Isna alighting awkwardly on the ground beside him. She was rather awkward on the ground, the her feet didn't exactly allow her to land within the trees - she truly was a cliff dwelling animal. Slowing abruptly Huxleyi listened to Javan interrogate the new comer and was pleased at how he handled the situation. He seemed a bit gruff, but all business - there was no longer a need for Airila to be desperate for members as they were growing strong, though they were still unlikely to turn away an able wolf, or abandon one in need. Huxleyi loved this about his new home - no wolf left behind.

Javan offered to call a higher member, and then the newcomer accepted, and proceeded to ask about the other wolves of Airila. A good question to be sure - it was important to learn about what your new family was like. Huxleyi emerged from his concealed hiding place, Isna taking flight to catch up with him, letting out a little kaw as she did, though she uttered no other words - for the moment. "No need to call Javan." He stated, his posture rising notably: tail curling over his pack, head and ears high. "Good day to you, Cronan is it? Forgive me, I overheard your conversation. I'm Huxleyi, the Beta here." He smiled and gave a dip of his mug in greeting, eyes trained on the silvery wolf. He seemed healthy and able, and had previously mentioned fighting abilities.

Ruffling her feathers, Isna gave a squeaky noise and waddled forwards. "And I'm Isna, personal scout to the Beta." Now this was undiscussed. Huxleyi had never bestowed her a position at all - especially not one that sounded so official. Sturtting about the red-footed bird surveyed the other wolf through narrowed eyes. She gave a shrill cry and fluttered back over to Huxleyi, "I don't like him!"

Huxleyi was speechless, staring incredulously at the bird. "Isna, enough." He gave an irritated growl and shuffled the bird off a bit, glaring after her as she fluttered away to skulk in the background. "I was just trying to help..." She crooed, then continued to sulk.

"Excuse my companion, she's new at this. Please, tell me: what skills do you possess, and what would you bring to Airila?" Huxleyi was rather embarrassed by Isna, and would definitely have to have a word with her upon their departure. He couldn't have her upstage him like that - it looked ridiculous. the Beta wolf taking orders and counsel from a bird! He understood that she wanted to help him, and still didn't understand the ways of wolves, but she really should have been able to figure out that Huxleyi was important, shouldn't she?

Words: 602
Muse: Better!
Notes: Sorry for butting in, but I thought I might be useful in moving this along.

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Thoughts | Actions | Speech

Cronan’s face snapped to a set of trees, that previously concealed a now approaching wolf. No need to call Javan The brute felt his nerves on end, this is one of the high ranked member’s. No need to be nervous, you haven’t faltered yet, nor will you. you can do this. The advancing wolf spoke his name, Conan let a breath go with a dip of his head. Keep your place, acknowledge his rank. Pleasure to meet you Huxleyi, he spoke as he returned his head to it’s height. He gave in to the urge to looked over the Beta, naturally shorter, smaller than he was, but head his head with such confidence that it spoke beyond his physique for his place. In that way, Cronan already respected him. Order, and knowing your place was to be regarded as high priority to him. Additionally he admired the colorful contrast Huxleyi’s coat was to his own.

A squeak came from a gull, approaching the two grey wolves across from the Beta. Unintentionally, Cronan felt a small smirk cross his face, thankfully he suppressed the laugh that attempting to accompany it. The bird glared at the silver brute, he, himself felt over judged under the tiny gaze. She let out a piercing noise before returning to her companion, exclaiming her distaste for the newcomer to the land. His brow furrowed, his suspicion of unfairness and pre-judgement was seemingly proven true. As his mouth parted slightly to protest, the Beta put his companion in her place.

Cronan let his gaze fall back to Huxleyi, allowing himself one more single glance at the bird, sulking behind him. It’s no bother to me, as long as you don’t share her pre-judgement. He let out a small smirk, hopefully his tone came off as joking. As for my skill set, I’m a fair fighter. I can scrap with the best of them, I haven’t a clue about healing and have dabbled in hunting, being a lone wolf and all. The brute felt himself relax, there was a calming aspect in talking to the Beta for him. I could use a bit of sparring, and I’m always up to training, but I would make myself into a proud Airila warrior if given the chance. He honestly hadn’t meant to sound so formal, it was just his way most often.
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Word Count; ---
OOC Note; I’ve have been given full permission by Dusk to skip Javan’s turn.