Feels like Home (Joining Airilla- Audas and Nymph)

[Audas]

For the longest time, he believed that he would never return to pack life. The deaths of those he cared about a long time ago were the reason behind it, he cowered in fear of growing attached and losing everything again, having to lead if the need arose. His grief was almost all-consuming.

But that, was no longer the case. Audas still remembered and mourned the loss of his kin, but he had began to try and let go of the more corrupting grief, and effectively move on. It was thanks to the arctic wolf that walked beside him, Nymph... his mate... that allowed him to see such a reality.

No nightmare had came to plaque his mind when he and Nymph had settled in for the night within a clearing deep in the Shydar. Audas' consciousness drifted peacefully through the night, and he awoke to find himself snuggled close to his mate, smiling at one another.

They had decided to make the trip out of Canrus, the place where Audas first arrived and met Nymph, and across in to Shyia. The home of the pack known as Airila. The brown furred hunter had mainly offered to go to the region with Nymph because of three primary reasons.

Audas looked at the little female that walked alongside him, giving a friendly grin at her as he did. The first and foremost reason was about his concern for Nymph's safety. He could not... would not allow another wolf to suffer in his presence by another's hand. Airila was a large, closely knitted pack, lead by the strong leader by the name of Toiro. Audas remembered the repeated detail on how the pack was effectively one big family. It was ideal.

The second was to simply give the two a better life, it was quite plainly obvious that living in a pack had it's comforts, protection, more food, others for company, there were many examples.

The final reason... was to try and heal himself. A change in environment may be nessessory. Of course, if he couldn't tolerate the pack life, they could always depart, and they would support each other through any trouble.

Audas had allowed himself and Nymph to walk short distance into Shyia before sending out a call, moving through the cool forest as the morning sun shone through the canopy. It didn't take long before they moved into a clearing. Unlike the clearing the two wolves had slept in, complete with a clear pond and soft grass, this clearing was covered in bare ground and the occasional collection of leaves. The large rock stood in the centre of the shaded clearing, tall and proud.

The brown furred hunter paused a short distance into the clearing, and took a moment to close his eyes and take in the sounds and few smells of the forest. As if tasting the air, Audas breathed a slow, deep breath through his nose, before letting out a calm, comfortable breath out. Opening his eyelids to reveal his brown orbs, he turned back to Nymph, "Sorry, it just... feels like home.". The grey wolf let out a quiet laugh, a natural one. Shyia was the closest thing Anikira had to his homeland.

Quickly enough, Audas became serious, "This is our last chance to back out. Are you sure you want to do this love? Remember that I will follow you where ever.".

A short time later, a howl echoed across Shyia, "We wish to join Airila, we are waiting at a large stone a short distance into Shyia from Canrus' border. We will wait here."

Ending the call, Audas turned back to his mate, "All we have to do now, is to wait darling." explained Audas, giving the female a friendly wink.

Word Count: 627
OOC: Sorry this took time to get on, just been busy last few days. Just to let anyone in Airila to know, Huxleyi was going to be the one to accept Audas and Nymph, but I will open it to all pack members if it takes time
Tags: Nymph @huxleyi

[Nymph]

The day seemed to smile upon the pair as they made their way to what would soon become their home.

The small female was both nervous and excited at the same as they tread their path across the boundary lines. It hasn't been a very long journey, but it seemed like ages to Nymph, who had to sometimes remind herself to not simply bounce ahead of her mate, Audas.

Mate....What a lovely sound. She smiled to herself as she thought about it. They haven't ben a couple for very long, but it felt like Audas has always been beside her.

They have been through a lot together in a rather short time, they knew each other's most kept secrets and accepted the other for what they were. Carrying each other through the harder parts of life.

She turned to look at him just in time to see him flash a sweet grin in her direction. The snowy pelted female winked and softly nudged him with her shoulder in response. They haven't really exchanged much in the way of conversation during their trip, but it was a comfortable silence which allowed each to dwell in their own thoughts.

Spotting the large rock and following Audas' lead, Nymph scanned the area for signs of anyone nearby. It seemed like a charming place to settle down, everyone who spoke about this pack had nothing but glowing remarks for them, the physical appearance of the land seemed to reflect that as well.

Hearing a sigh from the hunter next to her, she turned and tilted her head. "Sorry, it just... feels like home." She beamed back at him, "Yes it does."

A last minute warning was uttered by Audas, which only made her smile, "Positive, sweetheart. Let's do this." Shortly thereafter, Audas' strong voice echoed across the land to announce their arrival and call for someone to respond.

Waiting was kind of eating at her. She was so excited and anxious and nervous and incredibly happy. She was practically vibrating as she kept her place next the to brown Grey wolf.

"Do you think someone will be here soon?" She asked shortly after the sound of his call died down. She flashed a smile and tried to will herself to be calm and collected for when someone actually did arrive.

Word Count: 395

Tag: Audas @huxleyi

OOC: Here we go!

[Toiro]

Toiro’s ears perked at the sound of a howl coming from the direction of the border. He knew the stone they were talking about, and had in fact used it in his youth to practice his alpha stance several times because of the feeling of confidence and power it gave a wolf who stood upon it. Not that he had ever been the power-seeking type. In fact, Toiro’s highest ambition before arriving upon Anikira had been to become a skilled hunter – it was in fact not by his choice that he had become alpha at all. Realising that he had a lot of land to cover to reach the potential new member waiting for him, Toiro pulled himself to his paws and started off on the long journey from the dens high up in the Tia’deli Mountains.

When he finally reached the clearing he found that there were not one, but two wolves waiting for him. Judging by the difference in their shapes and coat colours they were not brother and sister, but their body language suggested a close bond. Perhaps they were a couple?

A slight pang struck the six year old male’s heart at the reminder of his love Aludra, who had not returned from a herb-gathering trip she had set off on now a long while ago. Although it had nearly broken him, Toiro had given up hope of his mate’s return – there was no way she would have willingly stayed away from him and their beloved pups for this long. And now was not the time for wistful reminiscing. He had duties to attend to as Airila’s alpha and he would not let personal grief consume him again, as it had when his adoptive sister, Nikia, and his earlier crush, Keyara, had passed away. So with a shake of his head, Toiro brought his focus back into the present day world.

“Greetings. I am Toiro, alpha of Airila.” The large grey wolf approached the pair with a friendly nod and a bright smile. “What are your names, and do you have any skills which could aid the pack?” The second question was more a matter of curiosity than necessity in Toiro’s mind – almost any wolf could be trained in hunting or fighting with time, although unfortunately the art of healing had disappeared along with Aludra.

Airila had shrunk again, as it did every year, so even if these two wolves didn’t have any specific skills, they should be good additions to the pack’s numbers if they were really as nice as they appeared to be from first impressions. Of course, Toiro usually had good first impressions of everyone – giving all wolves the benefit of the doubt unless they clearly did something to threaten his family – but he really did have a good feeling about these two.




((OOC: Audas Nymph Sorry for taking so long, I hope you're still interested!))

[Audas]

It had been sometime since Audas had gave out his call, he had admitted to Nymph it might have took time before someone had arrived, but even the normally patient hunter was beginning to get eager to get started, perhaps he was nervous? Giddy? Impatient? Thankfully Nymph's presence kept him in check.

He considered howling again when finally, a grey wolf finally emerged into the clearing, the brown furred wolf could feel the wolf having a careful, but quick look between the two mates. The wolf must have been thinking of something that had drawn his attention, as a moment later he gave his head a shake and focused on the two newcomers.

The grey wolf approached the pair, giving the two a nod and smile, “Greetings. I am Toiro, alpha of Airila. What are your names, and do you have any skills which could aid the pack?” asked the wolf. Audas blinked, this must have been the wolf Kismet, the first wolf he had meet on the continent, had given high praise towards.

Never less, Audas felt awkward, but then again, he had been a nomad for a long time, it was bound to feel like that. Taking the chance to take a deep breath, the hunter took a step forward towards the alpha and returned the nod respectfully. "Greeting to you as well, I am Audas, and this is Nymph." He gave a brief motion towards Nymph with his head as he stated his mates name, a very brief smile flicking across his face as he did so. "I'm a decent hunter and fisher, and had to hunt by myself for much of my life. My father taught me as his father taught him." Audas closed his eyes for a moment as he remembered his father's apperance, gave a slight nod at the image and reopened his eyes to focus on Toiro. "I can fight, but I'm overall a hunter, not a warrior.".

Audas was tempted to vouch for Nymph, but decided against it, it wouldn't be fair on her and it wouldn't look good in Toiro's eyes. So, instead, he kept his mouth closed and gave Nymph her chance to explain her own skills. He could vouch for her if things go south anyway.

Word Count: 377
OOC: Guess who's back? Don't worry about taking time Jay.
Tags: Nymph Toiro

[Nymph]

"Patience, Muddy." She said quietly as she could tell he was antsy about something. She herself was excited as well as nervous. Keeping a calm sate of mind was impossible at such a time as this.

She was new to the idea of a pack, only having lived with her small family before striking out on her own.

Once some time had passed, a wolf entered into view. A male who carried himself well with ease and even offered a smile. Nymph offered a small one of her own as he asked a few questions about themselves. She let Audas speak his piece, watching him speak with a smile shining in her eyes. Once he finished, she looked back at the alpha to gauge his reaction. She knew Audas spoke truth and it had to be in his favor.

The time now came for her to take a turn in speaking, continuing the story in her customary quiet tone.

"Hello, sir Alpha." She greeted before answering him, "I am Nymph as was brought out.  I fear my talents are limited to healing. I can hunt small game and have improved in my fishing capabilities, however I would not declare myself a great proficient in either. If you need proof of my healing, Audas can provide first hand statements." She looked at the earthy male with affection.

"We came here on the good word of one named Kismet, who has proven himself a great friend to two wanderers as ourselves." She concluded, not knowing if her last statement was necessary but decided it couldn't hurt any to let the Alpha know whom thought highly of his pack.

The curious female fought questions of her own, it really wasn't the time to appear to be conducting an interview of her own. In an effort to restrain herself, she sat down and slipped her tail over her paws as she waited for further instructions or questions.

Word Count 323

TAG: Audas Toiro

OOC: Yay audas! Glad you're back!

[Toiro]

The obvious affection which the couple held for each other was adorable, and Toiro was happy for them despite (or perhaps because of) the reminder it brought him of his love for his former mate Aludra. The memories of those days were ones to be cherished, not pined over - he was extremely thankful that their relationship had happened at all and would forever treasure the time they had spent together. These two younger wolves deserved to be safe and happy together, and Toiro felt inclined to do whatever he could to ensure the sweethearts had the chance to truly prosper.

The male was the first to speak, introducing himself as Audas and his companion as Nymph. Toiro was pleased to hear that he was proficient at hunting; Airila did not currently have any official hunters and with the season beginning to change - bringing colder temperatures and encouraging prey animals to move further south - any wolf who was capable of catching a meal would be beneficial to their survival.

The she wolf then spoke, describing how she was not very experienced in hunting, but that she had some skill as a healer, also adding that the pair had come here on the recommendation of a wolf called Kismet. The Airila alpha didn't remember ever having come across this wolf, but it was nice to know that his pack had a high reputation in the area. He had always strived to shape Airila into the best pack it could possibly be, and to hear that others were recommending his pack warmed the grey male's heart.

"Limited to healing?" Toiro asked incredulously once she had finished. "Healing is a vital skill; a shaman is exactly what our pack is currently missing. I would love to accept you into Airila as a gatherer for the pack, until I have the chance to see what you are capable of."

Toiro then turned towards Audas. "You will receive the position of hunter, if that is what you are most comfortable with." It was perhaps unusual for an alpha to give out ranks straight away, but Toiro trusted their word and knew they could make a helpful contribution to the wellbeing of the pack. "So... Welcome to Airila, Audas and Nymph!" The alpha smiled warmly at his two newest packmates, tail wagging happily behind him.


.

[Audas]

While Audas' brown eyes remained on Toiro most of the time out of respect, he had positioned his head in such a way as to allow him to easily see Nymph off to one side. The hunter's mate explained about her own skills honestly, explaining about her hunting and fishing abilities. At the same time, Nymph explained about her other skill in healing, mentioning that Audas can vouch for her healing abilities if Toiro wanted some additional details.

Audas showed a small smile as she mentioned this, he could quite easily do so. The grey wolf had once needed Nymph's tender care. He remembered the day on Ina'mos, where at the end of the tour of Anikira with Nymph and the European wolf Kismet, they had encountered an massive tundra wolf. During the ensuring battle by the falls, Audas had been injured when the hostile wolf bit down on his shoulder. Nymph herself was nearly killed in the scuffle.

Audas pushed the dark thought aside and skipped to next part of the memory. Despite his protests, Nymph had refused to leave the injured male behind, and helped him recover from the injury in the Caverns. He remembered the conversations they had in the cave, it was in there, underground, where Audas and Nymph began to get closer together.

He pondered the thought of returning for a visit, when Toiro surprised the brown furred wolf by accepting Nymph as a gather of the pack! Audas' head now turned fully in Nymph's direction, a grin flashing happily at her. Audas was proud of his little white furred Midget, and felt like the position was a suitable choice by the Alpha. He soon noticed that Toiro mentioned that no one was in the position of Shaman, perhaps Nymph might find herself in such a position.

Audas turned back towards the Alpha, just as the latter turned to him, "You will receive the position of hunter, if that is what you are most comfortable with.". The hunter gave the Alpha a nod of acceptance. Another well chosen position, one that Audas would fit comfortably into and was content to stay. Audas had no intentions for a leadership position, and would outright decline the offer if Toiro offered him a higher position, even Lead Hunter, unless convinced otherwise.

The alpha smiled, "So... Welcome to Airila, Audas and Nymph!".

Audas gratefully and respectively bowed his head to Toiro, "Thank You, Alpha, for accepting us.", thanked the new offical hunter of Airila. His spirits were raised by the ease and speed of the process, now, the two mates were part of something bigger now. Especially in Audas' case, he was no longer a nomad.

The brown furred wolf raised his head and smiled in Nymph's direction as he thought of this, before turning back to Toiro, waiting to see if the alpha had anything else to say, or if Nymph had any questions.

Quietly in his mind of course, Audas humorously thought, 'That was easy...'.

OOC: Been a while since I have done one of these, so I hope it's alright!
Word Count: 498
Tags: Nymph Toiro

[Nymph]

Her tail swinging like a fluffy white pendulum behind her, the small female wolf beamed at her new Alpha as he deemed her worthy of being a gatherer for the pack. "Thank you, Sir Toiro." 

Being the bubbly one of the duo, she was prone to displays of joy as the one she expressed just a few seconds after her words of thanks. Standing up, she spun around and barked happily and nuzzled Audas  as he received title of Hunter.

Their life together has been quite the journey in what some would say was a short period of time. But now they just had a whole new world opened up to them that she frankly once doubted would ever be offered. 

Who knew these two very different wolves, who met on a spring night by the very river that swallowed her brother would have found themselves thrown together through friends and adventure, would have found love in each other and strength in the hope of a peaceful life?

Now they had a stable home, a new family and occupations to contribute the greater good of the pack. Surely this would only strengthen them as a couple as well as individuals. 

"Isn't it wonderful, love?" She beamed as she remained close to her earth toned mate. 

Taking the the opportunity to ask some of her questions the snowy girl looked at Toiro, "Does everyone den together in one location or are they spread out the lands? Oh, do we have many pack meetings? Is it alright to try to meet everyone?" Catching herself, she gave him an apologetic look, "Sorry, I am very curious about, well, almost everything." She knew it was both a fault and an attribute of hers, but she didn't want to annoy him right off the bat, so she bit her tongue, promising herself if she would learn indue time.

Tag: Audas Toiro
Word Count:318
OOC: so happy!!

[Toiro]

Toiro watched Audas and Nymph's reactions to the news that they were officially accepted as new members of the Airila pack. Both seemed to be grateful for the positions they had been offered within the pack, and he was pleased the interview process had run smoothly and efficiently. "It's my pleasure to welcome you into my family," the alpha male replied cheerfully in response to the younger wolves' thank yous.

Nymph then proceeded to ask a string of questions, which Toiro struggled to remember while at the same time feeling elated that she was so eager. "Don't be sorry for your curiosity - it shows your intellect and is a great quality to have. I always love answering questions where I can."

"Anyway, our dens are up in the mountains, at the entrance to a beautiful underground cavern known as Lerelm, which functions as our main fresh water supply. We sleep there most of the time, but there are of course spots all over the territory where you can find shelter for the night if you so choose."

"Airila does have pack meetings; we are actually probably due for one soon since it has been a while since we last formally gathered... And of course you can meet everyone!" In fact, Toiro couldn't wait to introduce these two to their other packmates. Audas and Nymph would be a fine addition to the pack, and he was sure they would get along great with the rest of his family. And who knew; perhaps by the time spring came around there might even be some pups on the way. That was a long way off yet though, and he had no right to speculate on such private affairs so he quickly put the thought from his mind.

"Oh - would you like me to show you around now or would you prefer to explore by yourselves?" He was eager to see their reactions to the beautiful lands of Shyia for himself, although of course he would understand if they chose the second option. It was always exciting to explore new territory as if you were the first to discover it, and they should have no problems if they stayed within the scent markers.

[Audas]

Audas was in a certain way both surprised and unsurprised when the joyful little mate beside him jumped up and nuzzled him happily as he recieved the title of hunter, and Audas had proceeded to nuzzle his mate back behind the ear in return. Audas was considerably more calmer than Nymph, at least in the exterior, but he was still joyous nevertheless. "Aye", the brown furred wolf replied, "Absolutely!".

"It's my pleasure to welcome you into my family,", replied the cheerful alpha, as the two new wolves gave their thanks.

It didn't take long before Nymph had began to bombard the alpha with questions, Audas knew that Nymph was naturally curious, in fact, Audas was curious himself, though the quiet male didn't show it as much. Toiro didn't seem to mind the questions when the furry white female stopped herself, and actually seemed to praise it. 'A great quality?' pondered the brown furred wolf, he knew that curiosity was a nice quality or part of a personality, but likewise he knew, like risk, it could be a double edged sword. If one was too curious, they might delve into something that someone may not like, or simply seem like an annoyance, depending on the person who was being asked, however, if someone wasn't curious enough, they would never learn anything. Nymph can often find the sweet spot and knew when to stop, that was personally to Audas, when curiosity became a great quality, and Audas smiled at the thought.

'Then again though, I'm likely nowhere near as wise as Toiro' mused the male.

Toiro had soon began to explain about the den, Audas' small smile grew slightly, it sounded very much like the caverns on Ina'mos, especially when the water source was mentioned. Of course, the two mates could den in other sections of Shyia if they wanted. Soon, Toiro mentioned meeting the other members, and Audas knew it was worth meeting them all for numerous reasons, personal and practical.

It was then Toiro offered to take the couple around the territory, or if the two wanted to do it themselves. "I'm happy with both options, and am more than happy to do either.", Audas looked to the green eyes of Nymph, "What do you want to do love?" asked the hunter. Audas simply wanted what was best for Nymph, and if that was to take either option, he didn't mind.

Word Count: 401
OOC: Sorry for being late with this post, I have just got into Uni so I have been busy there, sorry if the post was bad towards the end or anything but I just wanted to get a reply up.
Tags: Nymph Toiro

[Nymph]

Somewhat surprised at the kind reception her questions, the little female listened to the reply of their new Alpha. Weighing the options carefully, she turned to look at Audas as he made his opinion known and finally leaving it up to her to decide.


"Well, that's a difficult one." She pondered for a moment. "It's been quite some time since I've met a number of wolves. But having a somewhat guided tour to know where the main body spend time, sounds lovely." A small bounce from the little female to disperse pent up energy. 

She wondered what everyone was like. Much like Toiro? Or incredibly diverse? Or both? She was eager to make new acquaintances, form new bridges that may very well last a lifetime. Hopefully. She grinned at Audas as the opportunity to meet and greet the pack was so close she could practically burst if she let it get to her.

"If you truly don't mind, Sir, could we see this Lerelm?" She stepped closer to Audas, nudging him lightly. She wasn't sure if her decision would cause any discomfort in her earthy mate, as sometimes he was a little uneasy around others he did not know. If this one of those times, she offered silent support.

She had to admit they balanced each other out very well. His more calm demeanor and logical train of thought matched with her energetic and somewhat whimsical way of taking on life. Taking on the world together, now integrated into the family of the Airilla.

Smiling, she waited for the Alphas response as she kept her fur meshed with Audas'. Completely content with their lot in life, she sighed happily. "Thank you for extending such kindness to two nomads as ourselves. Kismet spoke true of your family, we are incredibly thankful."

Word count: 305

Audas
@jaybird

[Toiro]

Toiro waited, curious to see which option the couple would choose. Audas stated that he didn’t mind either option, and left the decision up to Nymph. She in turn pondered the question carefully before answering, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. The new gatherer appeared to him to hold some intellect, and Toiro would stand by his opinion that curiosity was a positive quality to have, perhaps because he had personally never come across a situation in which a wolf had displayed too much curiosity for their own good. In that way, the six year old was still rather naïve about the world, but here, in the slice of paradise that was Shyia, the harshness of the outside world hardly mattered to him – he was the one in charge of this place, after all, and no dampening of any wolf’s natural spirit would occur while he was alpha.

Eventually the white wolfess spoke up, asking Toiro whether he could take them to see the caverns of Lerelm. That was a sensible choice in his opinion, as that was the most important part of Shyia which Audas and Nymph would need to familiarise themselves with and to be able to find their way to, but it would also leave them room to discover the rest of the territory on their own. It would also give him a chance to introduce them to some of their packmates – most of the wolves of Airila would be out roaming the territory at this time of day, but there should be at least a few still remaining there for the two newest members to meet.

“Of course you may,” the alpha replied. “Lerelm is in the heart of the Tia’deli mountains so it is a fair way to travel… I hope you two will be alright with the distance after what must have been an already long journey for you getting here in the first place. There is no rush though, so we can go slowly and take as many breaks as you like.” The large grey male turned back through the entrance to the little clearing which he had come from, indicating with his tail for the two wolves behind him to walk with him as he led them to their new home.



((OOC: This will be my last post in this thread since it seems to be a good end point here ^^))