After meeting the Chieftain, the creature decided she wanted to explore Aveline a little. That's when she came across what looked like to her, a marsh. How she had managed to work her way here, she wasn't sure. But she wanted to explore her new home so she knew where all she could roam with no trouble. Along the way, she had made it task to learn the pack scents so she wasn't to explore outside of it quite yet. She didn't want to push her limits with her new pack just yet.
Instead, she kept stopping to put her nose to the ground to take in the pack scents. When ever she lost track of them, she retreated a few steps back to track them again, though as she ventured to the marsh, the scents became fainter among the grass and water. Instead, her attention retreated to the animals here. The birds that flew up as she passed, the snakes making their way through the waters, and the few crocodiles that stuck around for the winter.
At one point, she had the mistake of venturing a little too close to one that was hiding, but when she heard it make it's own warning, she stopped and quickly bounded away, steering clear of it. Water splashing up against her dark coat as she moved. After finding a more solid ground, she slowed down again to take a good look around her to know where she was. The longer she looked, the more she realized she had gotten herself into a little more trouble than she was wanting. She wasn't even sure if she was still in her pack boundaries, let alone to make it back out of the marsh safely.
Glancing around again, Skye sat down for a little break, keeping her eyes open for all that was here. After a few moments of rest, the quickly becoming restless creature returned to the water for a drink, her eyes on the water, watching all that moved in it and across it. When she dubbed it safe, she moved quickly along the water, only two paws splashing the water as she kept her eyes open for what ever may attack.
When the water got even heavier on her coat, Skye had slowed down and paced away from the water to where she could stop and relieve her coat and skin of the water. Really, the cold didn't seem to bother too much, but after a while, it sure did get cold. Especially once she had stopped moving. So what better way to stay warm than to keep moving?
As she started to shiver, Skye quickly walked on, exploring more of the marsh than what she had already ventured through.
Word Count: 458 Muse: Good/High Tag: Open Notes: Eh. Just exploring, and looking to meet a few new wolves (new to her at least). X)
Though these lands were still vastly unfamiliar to Sorin, it was only a matter of time before he would know them like he had his previous pack lands. Aveline was a widespread and beautiful place, and unlike his last home, these wolves did not seem quick to move around. Having been raised in a largely unstable environment, it was different to realize that he now had a home here. And although it would take him time to familiarize himself with the pack structure, he was certain he would be able to figure out exactly what it was about this pack that made it different.
After meeting Nimue at the borders of Ananke's territory, the young slayer found himself in search of a little peace and quiet. Having never been one for much interaction, Sorin was a bit out of his element upon learning that this was a stable and full pack. Although it seemed that many of the wolves were related, much like his birth pack, there were also many that were not. He, among others, had joined up along the way, greatly diversifying the ranks of Ananke. There was something interesting to the male about the idea that he would possibly be more than just a grunt here. Under his father's reign, he had little hope to ever excel as Vorlos had. His litter mate had fallen prey to Vorlos, but he had never been one to be easily manipulated. The ways of their pack were the past; clearly, the universe had seen it fit to eradicate them from the face of the earth. If that was not sign enough that they were living erroneously, Sorin could not comprehend what else would show this.
As the male trotted away from the grassy plains of Chamoru, the quiet squish of his paws on damp earth brought a calm smile to his face. The marshy earth was a welcome change from the dense earth of the plains. And with each step forward, he was leaving his past behind him. This was a new life for him. But Sorin could not shake all of his past; the male constantly slinked around as if there were something after him. His every step rang within his ears, the male constantly searching for any sign that someone was behind him that should not be. When he finally realized that the threat was not behind him, but rather in front, there was no escape.
Right in front of the male, another wolf stood. Sorin quickly flattened himself into the reeds and grassy cover, hoping to stay hidden from the stranger. Perhaps she had not noticed his arrival, or she would simply leave him alone. For he had no way of knowing this was another member of Ananke. In the past, their pack had stuck together religiously. No one wandered out on their own; they had to stay close, as they could easily become lost at the start of their migration. As the grey-eyed male lurked silently, his eyes watched the femme's every move, searching for any signs of aggression toward her. He would not hesitate to end her, if need be. The rules of this world were simple: kill or be killed.
Word Count: 540 words Tags: Skye Notes: I'm still kind of getting a feel for him. He's gonna be a bit of a quiet type... more rough around the edges, I think.
Unaware of another creature behind her, Skye moved forward, her head lowered as she tried to get the smells of something. With the marsh nearby, all she could smell was the water and water-grass. It wasn't until she lifted her head slightly to look around that she caught it. A glimpse of something red sinking down to cover. At first she dismissed it, but when it didn't leave her mind, she couldn't help but turn around and figure out what it was. She wasn't able to catch the scent to what it may be with water still in her nose, and air traveling the wrong direction.
She held her head high and tail behind her as she looked around. Every time something moved, her muscles twitched, wanting to run. Though she fought not to, she still took cautious steps in her original direction, looking back several times. Why would something red be in a watery, greenish marsh? That just didn't seem right.
Taking another break to look around, she had gone a little ways from where the red thing was, so she decided that maybe it was a good place to sit and let her muscles relax after being on edge for so long. The longer she sat there, the more that question rang through her mind. Was it a wolf? Were they hunting something or following me? What did that thing want? Over and over again, she kept asking herself that as she kept looking around herself, seeing what she could, to see if she could still see it. If she looked hard enough though, she realized she hadn't ventured as far away as she thought with muscles stiffening from the cold water on her pelt, and her constantly looking back over her shoulder. A quiet whimper left her throat as she kept her eyes on the thing.
As Sorin lurked silently among the reeds, he could not help but watch as the stranger wandered about aimlessly. At one point, he was nearly certain she would approach him, but instead she veered off in another direction. It was about that time that the male realized that she must not be a threat to have such a relaxed appearance around these parts. This was likely another member of Ananke, and he would have to make friends with the others, eventually. But in his entire life, apart from his previous conversation with Nimue, Sorin had never so much as spoken to a female. He dared not act a fool in front of her, but lurking around like a suspicious stranger would do him no favors as well.
So the eastern timber male rose to his paws once more, approaching the strange femme cautiously.Sorin hesitated many yards away from the black femme, unsure if he should announce his presence or allow her to spot him first. And so, like the socially inept being he was, Sorin merely lingered there in silence, observing the stranger from a distance once more. The only difference from his previous position was that he was now fully in sight, and she was certain to notice him sooner or later. The male was unable to think of a way to approach a conversation with a new pack mate; how did strangers come together as a family and act so normal? It seemed that it was not all too odd for wolves to join another pack, but there he was, uncomfortable and out of place in the ranks of the place he was supposed to call home. This femme was smaller than him, albeit marginally, so it was not as if he really saw her as a threat to him, but he could not calm the nerves that terrorized his normally calm demeanor.
All his inner monologue was for nothing, though. As Sorin stepped forward again, his paw met a fleshy squish rather than solid ground, and the squeak of the startled hare caused him to leap back, startled by the creature. The reddish male nearly fell over, but his element of surprise was lost with the racket he made, and so he faced the eastern timber femme boldly and dipped his head in her direction. Unlike with Nimue, this femme did not appear to be one of authority; he had no reason to show submission toward her. The slightest dip of his head in her direction served as acknowledgement. He would allow her to approach him, if she chose. If not, he would be content to remain in silence, and continue on with his exploration of this territory.
Words: 452 words Tags: Skye Notes: I feel like this was bad, but I don't have a feel for him just yet. So he's gonna be a little awkward XD
The sudden noise in the once somewhat peaceful marsh caused the dark creature to jump to her feet as she turned to watch a hare take off. When she looked back, she noticed the red wolf as he dipped his head in greeting. "Trying to frighten everyone?" A growl rumbled softly in her her chest as she dropped her head. Skye tried to regain her breathing as she looked around to see if there was anybody else. When she didn't see anyone, she focused her attention on the red male again.
Lowering her head slightly, she kept her eyes on him as she offered a soft wag before sitting back down. Now that the water was draining from her snout and coat, she was starting to smell the marsh again. The red wolf included. The smell of pack wolves lingered on him, but not being a huge part of Ananke yet, she wasn't completely sure if this was a friendly wolf or a trespasser that had ventured far enough into the pack lands.
"The name's Skye." She at least offered a name, hoping that maybe the silent wolf would open up just a little. "Can I ask what your name is?" Tilting her head, she let her weight shift from one side of her body to the other as she patiently waited for the male to possibly respond. Even if she sat here for a while or would have to try talking to him again later on. Either way, she was fine with that, though she was normally not the first wolf to speak. Just speaking to him, her voice once the growl was gone, was soft. It was not loud like it usually was when she warmed up to others, but it was still clear. She could still be heard over the other gentle noises of birds, small animals and the large creatures moving among the waters a little ways off. But would he talk, or would he be frightened and take off like she wishes to now? She guessed that only time would tell.
Though his approach had been less than direct, Sorin had not expected such animosity from the female. The eastern timber male stepped back from her slightly, not yet certain if she was going to lash out in retaliation. "Apologies, miss," he murmured calmly, his grey eyes never leaving her as he monitored the situation carefully. Though he had no desire to get off on the wrong foot immediately, he would not unnecessarily belittle himself before these wolves either. He was the son of an Alpha, though that meant little in his birth pack, and likely even less here. Sorin was not a prideful one, but he was no pushover.
As the femme introduced herself, he offered her a half-smile, though the motion certainly did not reach his eyes. "Sorin," he replied after a few moments, dipping his head slightly in greeting to his new pack mate. Though he was one of few words, he would not allow them to sit in silence indefinitely just to keep from wounding his pride. "I am a Slayer of Ananke. And you?" If this wolf was not a pack member, he certainly would see her off of Nimue's territory with all haste. The Chieftain had not given him a run down of everyone in the pack, but Sorin trusted his intuition enough to believe he could tell if the femme was lying to him. His personal skills left some serious room for improvement, but he was here for one purpose; he would protect his pack with his life. Though he may not have remained with his birth pack, Sorin was loyal to a fault. He simply had some learning to do about the ins and outs of the world around him. The idea that a female was wandering unattended through the pack lands led him to believe she had some sort of death wish. She could easily be caught out here alone, and there would be no one there to protect her. That was, other than Sorin, of course.
Sorin did notice that the femme... Skye, as she had introduced herself, was relaxing some in his presence. That bode well for her; it was unlikely she would be making herself comfortable if she did not have permission to be here. It likely would have been in his best interest to remain with Nimue until he had become acquainted with the pack, but Sorin had never been one to adhere to the social norms. He was better off away from the bulk of the pack, and out here he could be sure that they remained safe. He had no doubts there would be others he had to meet, but for right now, Skye would have to do.
Word Count: 454 words Tags: Skye Notes: I think it's going to take a while to get used to his quietness.
A small smile stretched around Skye's maw when she heard him mention Ananke. He was a pack mate. Though she only knew of two pack wolves, Nimue and Silver, she was glad to have met another, though she sometimes wished she didn't always have to say so little. But she had to work with what courage she had.
Since the red wolf called Sorin seemed to be a part of the pack too, she might as well as be a little more open, which she seemed to find quite difficult anyway. "A pack mate I see." She tried to speak the best she could, but her voice just didn't seem to want to please her. Clearing her throat a little, she spoke again. "I happen to be one of the pack's hunters." That time, it was a little louder than what it had been, but still not her cheerful voice.Yea, there was a little cheer to it, but not what there could be. Maybe it would take her some more time to relax and open up to other wolves, or maybe not.
"E-exploring as well are you?" The sudden stutter in her voice shocked even her. Very, very rarely did the black creature stutter, and when she did, it was never in good reason. She let her eyes wander one more time before she got to her paws. Taking a deep breath, Skye tried to relax her nerves that had once again appeared with no reason. It took a few seconds before she was able to look at him again with no problem, so she tried to speak again. "Sorry for that. Not sure why it happened." A quick, guilty smile crossed her maw before it disappeared altogether again and she was able to sit down once more.
Word Count: 331 Tags: Sorin Muse: Good Notes: Had to do something different a little.
Though she seemed no more comfortable in his presence than he was in hers, Sorin could admire her confidence in remaining here. Many wolves would have turned away without a proper introduction in a pack setting. Yet Skye was neither turning away nor backing down. She was holding a proper conversation with him, and it would be remarkably impolite to walk away or ignore her. They would have to live together in this pack, and though his loyalties were to Nimue, his duties also extended to protecting the members of Ananke as a whole. This would include Skye, as well as any of the many other pack mates he was certain were roaming the territory. One did not hold a land such as Aveline without forces, and though Nimue was quite the beast, he was certain she would not be able to maintain the pack without proper support.
"An honorable position, indeed," he remarked politely, offering a half-smile as a peace offering with his words. Though he did not wish to lead the hunt, he would willingly participate. It was one of his many duties in youth. Those who were too young or not fully sexually matured were confined to hunting duties in their spare time, as they were not yet full-fledged warriors. He had been restricted to the hunt for many moons, and he had never been more relieved than when those duties were taken from his mantel. He did hold respect for the providers of the pack; they would cease to exist if not for the assistance of those wolves.
The eastern timber male did not even notice his gaze had fallen until the sudden stutter from Skye drew his attention, snapping his gaze back up to her black form. A smirk sprawled across his lips as a quiet laugh bubbled from his lips. "No apologies necessary, miss. I do hope I have not made you too uncomfortable," he crooned, turning on the charm that he had previously held back. He was finally starting to grow more comfortable around her, and Sorin had never truly been allowed to interact with females. Why would he continue to deny himself the pleasure of their company, simply because of his upbringing? To do so would be incredibly poor of him. He would have to learn to tolerate and eventually enjoy the company of them all; he was now in the service of the great Nimue. Life was certainly different than he might have expected, but not everything had to turn out bad. Perhaps he would be able to make a friend here. Having someone, other than the Chieftan, on his side might be a good idea, after all.
A quick smile crossed her maw as she let her tail move slighty behind her. "As well as being a slayer, and no you haven't. It's just a pleasure to meet a fellow pack mate. Especially one such as yourself." Skye dropped her head slightly again with a small grin. Really, it was a pleasure meeting more of her pack, especially those that will be protecting them; one thing this creature was never able to do thanks to being an omega for so long. Though the more she spoke with her new pack mates, the more she was starting enjoy being a part of Ananke. All the more kinder wolves seem to relay back to here, though she had yet to know why. But that would be something she would have to figure out later on. For now, she would remain with the pack and enjoy what she was good at. As well as maybe make some new friends at least. Though making acquaintance with some were not bad. She had to admit though that she was glad no one yet had turned to hate her, and she was hoping no one ever would.
"Mind me asking how your exploring is going?" Proud of how her voice seemed to get a little stronger the more she talked with this creature, the more relaxed she became. And the more she watched him, the more she realized he was doing the same, though he was relaxing a little slower than him. Was he one of the newer wolves aside from her? Or was he use to this pack? Not bothering to ask, Skye shook the thought from her head. To her, most of the wolves were new aside from the two she already met upon joining the pack. She let her gaze rise from the ground after they had fallen while she was in thought.
Word Count: 319 Tags: Sorin Muse: Brimming Notes: Did she just say that? And not bad using mobile, but feel free to correct Skye if you wish.
The male smirked, the gesture quickly transforming into a genuine smile at Skye. She was polite and not at all insensitive so far. Sorin was not used to these sorts of interactions, as before everything was so structured and scripted. Being around someone who was with him out of choice and not out of obligation was refreshing. That, combined with the fact that he was experiencing interactions with a non-imprisoned female for the first time in his life, made this a completely eye opening moment in the male's life. How could he ever have thought his old lifestyle was normal? Everything outside of his birth pack was different, and Ananke was opening new doors for him to be different than the rest of his family. "I appreciate it, ma'am," he reiterated politely. Though he was sure his politeness was growing redundant, he did not know how else to address a femme without resorting to the way his father and brothers had treated females. And clearly, that was not going to win him any favor around here.
"I have only been here a short time. I have seen some of the plains, and the marsh enticed me here," he admitted calmly. Though he was sure the femme expected more of an answer, he was not certain where else to go with that statement. He might have been more relaxed in Skye's presence, but that did not override his primarily quiet nature. He was a stalker and a killer by trade, and that did not align well with casual conversation and friendships. There was no friendship with other wolves, only with death. That was one friend he knew would never let him down.
But there was something here that kept him calm. Ananke was a new page for him, and if it meant he needed to act on behalf of Chieftan Nimue and take out the enemies of Ananke, so be it. The comfort he felt in the ranks of a pack far outweighed his discomfort in interacting with strangers. And Sorin knew in time, these wolves would no longer be strangers. Skye was a new face, and he knew there would be others along the way. But first and foremost, he was loyal to the Chieftan. She had given him a home, and though on the inside he still had questions about how well a female could lead alone, Sorin would simply have to trust his instincts that had led him here in the first place. He would have to have confidence in his pack, so that they would have confidence in him as well.
Word Count: 438 words Tags: Skye Notes: I so don't feel well right now so this is probably garbage but meh XD
Unable to help herself, she tilted her head as her tail moved the grass behind her. "Marsh caught your attention too?" She could not really say much. Before venturing out here, she too had come from the plains where she had met Silver before meeting with Nimue. She wasn't sure why she seemed to have been drawn here, but something about the marsh had caught her attention.
With so much of Aveline to explore, why was the marsh the first place either one of them wanted to venture through? She was sure that there were safer places around here to venture through instead of just the marsh, but nope. She decided to try and venture through, no matter how soaked her coat and paws became.
The more she sat here though, the more the creature came to knowing how cold she was quickly becoming. "I do hope you don't mind that I continue to venture before my wet coat brings me to a cold. If you wish, you can come with Sorin. I would gladly enjoy the company of a fellow pack member." Standing with what seemed to be slightly twitching muscles trying to stay warm, Skye lowered her head just a little one last time. Though the smile never really left her eyes, she felt it cross her maw again when she lifted her head again. "But that choice will be solely only yours."
Sure, she would like the company, but she sure wasn't going to hold someone against their will. She didn't have it in her to do that. Instead she always gave them the offer. If they left, she would continue on the way she had before they arrived; if they wanted to stay and travel with her, then she would let them. Happy to have a little companionship. And as she stood there, muscles still twitching ever so slightly, she kept her eyes on the red wolf.
Word Count: 321 Tags: Sorin Muse: Good Notes: Sorry for the wait. Hope you are feeling better XD
As the male patiently observed his companion, he could not help but wonder how much differently things might have been if he were raised in a free place like Ananke. Though he still was subject to the Chieftan, the wolves here were allowed the freedom to wander at ease, and that sort of freedom simply did not exist in his birth pack. Perhaps his father had been too concerned that, given enough leeway, many of the pack would never have come back. He was not the only level-headed one among his brothers, but he was the only one lucky enough to walk away alive. For that, he would remain forever guilty. It was part of the reason he chose to swear allegiance to a new pack so quickly; he did not deserve the freedom that they were never afforded.
As Skye mentioned the marsh drawing his attention, the slayer nodded his head mutely. He was growing distressed at the ever present company, and though he would never admit it to Skye, it was likely related to the pure fact that she was a female. He had no idea how to act or what to say around her, and while he was intent to keep himself from acting out of turn, he did not know what was appropriate. So when she mentioned him tagging along for company, the male knew it was time for them to part ways for the time being. "I must instead find Nimue and the others," he stated smoothly, keeping his words simple and to the point. "I must find out exactly what she wishes for me to do." It was an innocent enough statement, and it was the truth. He needed to be certain that there was not something else he needed to be doing instead of aimlessly wander and sating his desire for company without the conversation. He was destined to always be a bit uncomfortable, but the benefits that came with his life in a pack far outweighed the discomfort.
"I do believe it is time we part ways. Be careful in your exploration, Skye," he warned calmly, the underlying hint of urgency only evident to one who intended to look for the negative in his statement. He housed a legitimate concern for her safety, but part of what she may need to be safe from was him. He was not an innocent male by any stretch, and though she was a pack mate, he would sooner turn on a member of Ananke if instructed by the Chieftan than be cast aside. This was a new life for him, and the male was not going to jeopardize this chance for anything, not even a new friend. "Farewell. May be meet again soon."
And without another word, the male abruptly turned tail and headed off in search of the Chieftan once more.
Word Count: 478 words Tags: Skye Notes: Sorry he just hightailed it on you XD He's a bit finicky in my head right now. Hopefully he'll mellow more soon.
