Off the Beaten Path [acceptance]

[Blackfeathr]

Night had just begun to fall upon the lands. Stars appeared like pin-pricks in the twilight. The only thing that seemed alive that night was the tall, lanky black wolf closing in on Arnlans borders.
He had been walking for what seemed like hours, aimlessly, thinking, thinking, thinking....

His path had been so unceremoniously dispersed after a drought choked the lands of all means of sustenance for them. His mother, went off to do what she does best... be a wolf in solitude... his siblings have nothing to do with him in the first place, and his father, he had no idea where he is, and his real father, well, he'd rather not know where he is.

Armageddon has been the subject of more family brawls than you can shake a stick at. And it seemed to all start the moment he was born, so its not easily erased from the books.

Armageddon was the result of a forcebreeding between the tyrannical leader of a power-hungry pack, and a neutral packs alpha female whom had become Armageddon's mother. It wasnt until he was 6 months old when his father (or so he thought) at the time noticed Armageddon's angular, disheveled, lurid features and suddenly realized his son was not his own. He carried the exact likeness of the tyrant wolf, all but for his protuberant emerald eyes, his mothers eyes, so full of life that seemed to nullify his starved, lifeless appearance. After that his mother confessed to what had transpired and from then on his family was forced down a pit of depression. His brother ridiculed him, his mother pitied him, and his father abandoned him.
And now it was all over.

A part of him was glad he could live out on his own, without the judgement of others, no one would know he was supposed to follow in his real fathers pawprints. He knew right from wrong. He did not want power. He only wanted trust.

He sniffed at the borders of the land, giving a questioning grunt.
He stood there for a good five minutes, breathing in the scents of the lands. Smells of rotting bark, blackened trees, and dead leaves soggy beneath wet slushy snow greeted him. And yet... so many wolves here... living... breathing... alive. It reflected him in a way.
Dead on the outside, alive on the inside.

Condemned to a dark and cruel fate.

He dug a bit, flinging away at the wet snow to reveal the blackened ground beneath.

But if you look closely...

He didnt have to dig long before a tiny seedling sprout arose from the earth, as green as if it were the first day of spring. He grinned warmly.

There is hope even in the most unlikely places.

Armageddon slowly placed a paw within the borders of Arnlan. If, perhaps, he had found a home here, that would be wonderful. Traveling alone gets to be a bore after a while, having all the time in the world but just to use it to think, think, think....

[nightblood]

Blood rose with the full moon that night, catching the last bit of the sun's rays as it retreated beneath the western horizon. She had been lucky enough to fell an injured rabit that morning. Knowing it probably wouldn't happen again, she savored the meal and took her time eating it before asuming her duties on the border.

Belly full, but not bulging from the meager meal, the Sentry trotted on her way toward the southern border. It was the portion of the border which met Sallin that she paced most. She had heard too much about it's malice and ill intentions to ignore it. However, there was something that could turn her away from her intended path.

A scent caught her attention and her nose followed it slightly as she raced down the old trail until her head had turned almost completly around. She halted her steps and took a moment to try and identify it. The source of the scent was male and was around her age. Again, it wasn't Arnlanian, just like this morning.

Snorting, Blood leaped off the trail and ran at a faster pace, following the scent. It wasn't long before she had the new wolf in her sights. At first, she thought it was Archer, her ex-mate, but a flash of green eyes told her differently. And there was a fang around his neck, much like hers, only adorned with other jewels as well. And he was tall. Taller than her. No one had been taller than her since Tricker.

Galloping through the snow, NightBlood thundered into the male's sight as if running into battle. Only when she was a few yards away did she realize that she would pass him if she didn't slow down soon. Tripping only once on her bad leg, Blood managed to slow down enough to stop suddenly without flipping over. She shook her head and neck after her fast paced run and looked up at the male.

"You're ideling on the border of a pack's territory, Stranger." she said, her voice turning a it gruff, "What is it that you want?"

[Blackfeathr]

Armageddon was wrenched from his thoughts as another wolf galloped toward him. He backed up several paces, wide eyed. Even though this female was shorter than him, she was built a lot heavier, a lot tougher. Her aura screamed of authority and dominance.

"You're ideling on the border of a pack's territory, Stranger." The female said gruffly.

"I... I know." Armageddon stammered, his adolescent voice cracking.

Oh, smooth, he thought to himself, unconsciously slapping a paw to his forehead.

He hadn't yet learned the social graces of... in crude terms, kissing ass. He was born an heir to a pack and he never had to appease others. But that was in the past, now. He'd have to learn sometime. And it looks like that time is now.

"What is it that you want?"

Its now or never...

He took a deep breath, letting his chest expand, willing away any uncertainty that floated about in his head. He cant be unsure. Based on what the native fauna has told him, Arnlan is a no-nonsense pack.
"My name is Armageddon. I'd like to join your pa-ack, Arn-LAN, Ma'AM."
Armageddon tried to keep his voice deep and... "mature" but the last part of "pack," "Arnlan," and "ma'am" his voice cracked and turned falsetto.
If anyone could see the flushed face behind all that black fur, that time would be now, and that face would be Armageddon's.
Slapping a paw once again against his forehead, he mumbled to the ground,
"I'm sorry... first time, ya'know. I'm a bit... nervous."
He looked up at the wolfess with apologetic eyes, lips thinning in dissapointment.

[nightblood]

"My name is Armageddon. I'd like to join your pa-ack, Arn-LAN, Ma'AM."

The Sentry had to force herself not to grin in amusement. She had no one to embarass herself infront of while her own voice was cracking little more than a year ago. However, she had seen the futile attempts of those going through the adulthood ceremony who would try to make their voice behave and put on a show for the elders, only to have it crack at the end. Hillarious.

"I'm sorry... first time, ya'know. I'm a bit... nervous."

"Well, don't be," Blood answered, her voice easing a bit, "Name's NightBlood." Right from the off, she saw that there was nothing to fear from this one. Unless he was an especially trained spy from Sallin or any other pack. However, his coat didn't carry the odor of Sallin, and the scent of his birth pack was faded... to her nose, anyway. Although it was against her nature to trust so quickly, she couldn't find anything to fear from this newcomer.

"As noble as your intentions are to join Arnlan," Night continued, straightening up to proceed with business, "I cannot allow you entry unless you prove yourself. First of all, why have you chosen Arnlan to come to?"

NightBlood's stance held the air of authority and honor. Her eyes, however, had turned kind toward this male. Remembering how Pollux had looked at her earlier that week, she inwardly blinked at herself in her mental mirror. Just what was in the rabbit she ate?

[Blackfeathr]

"Well, don't be."

"Name's NightBlood."
Armageddon relaxed his shoulders, slightly, as a crooked grin spread upwards about his long, crooked nose. He half-expected this female to cuff him over the head and tell him to get the hell out. But she had a much kinder penchant, and he was thankful for that.

"As noble as your intentions are to join Arnlan," NightBlood began, assuming the air of the authoritarian, "I cannot allow you entry unless you prove yourself. First of all, why have you chosen Arnlan to come to?"

"Its the first pack that I've come across in my travels that... reflect me in a way." He began, not caring about how his voice sounded.
"This place is dark, dreary, and... dare I say... spooky. From the eyes of any old wolf, its a place to avoid, because it looks like unkindred, seedy spirits reside within these borders."
"I have gotten so many looks in my life from other wolves and dogs, whispers behind my back... keep close to me, my child, that stranger wolf doesnt have good intentions... he's a bad egg, black sheep, stay away, stay away... I mean, who would befriend such a monster." He trailed off, repeating so many memories of long ago.
In the fading light, his angular, lurid features stood in sharp relief against the light snow blanketing the earth. He looked ghastly, even more so that his posture was distant in catching the ghosts of haunting memories from the air.
He slowly looked up at her through sunken eyes. Even in the growing twilight, his emerald eyes seemed to glow with life and excitement.
"But I smell life within those who live here. I sense no evil, no wrathful souls who only live to kill, just those who have the will to live."
"Misunderstood, but strong. That is what I get from Arnlan. That is who I am."


((lol lamelame))

[nightblood]

"Its the first pack that I've come across in my travels that... reflect me in a way." He began, not caring about how his voice sounded.
"This place is dark, dreary, and... dare I say... spooky. From the eyes of any old wolf, its a place to avoid, because it looks like unkindred, seedy spirits reside within these borders."
"I have gotten so many looks in my life from other wolves and dogs, whispers behind my back... keep close to me, my child, that stranger wolf doesnt have good intentions... he's a bad egg, black sheep, stay away, stay away... I mean, who would befriend such a monster."

Night's muzzle lowered as her expression softened into that of understanding. Her maw parted slightly as she absently began remembering the same sayings from the day she was banished from her pack. There was a trace of a smile on her lips as she realized she had found a kindred spirit in such events.

"But I smell life within those who live here. I sense no evil, no wrathful souls who only live to kill, just those who have the will to live."
"Misunderstood, but strong. That is what I get from Arnlan. That is who I am."

The Sentry sighed and nodded, the invisible smile never leaving. "You have gone through ordeals that no wolf should ever have to endure. I commend you for finding peace with the name of Arnlan."

She paused, giving herself time to reflect and think about what else to ask of him.

"What skills can you offer Arnlan? Every member is required to help the pack in some way. How could you help us?"

{{What color code do you have for his voice?}}

[Blackfeathr]

((Aquamarine.))

Armageddon studied NightBlood's features after he finished telling his story. Even though it was difficult for him, he could read that she understood his point of view and maybe she herself went through the same things he did. A gruff female like her would probably get some looks.
"You have gone through ordieals that no wolf should ever have to endure. I commend you for finding peace with the name of Arnlan."
Armageddon smiled bitterly. It was all in the past, but he wouldnt hold his breath and say it wouldnt happen in the future.

"What skills can you offer Arnlan? Every member is required to help the pack in some way. How could you help us?"

Armageddon sat down. Now that he thought of it, he didn't have any discernible talents. Sure, he could hunt fairly well, but what wolf couldnt? It'd be a waste of his breath and NightBloods time if he said that. He wasnt some super-smart, super-cunning high-falootin', scootin, shootin' son-of-a-gun from the old Frontier... he was just... average.
He drew in breath to say he was the heir to a pack... but then let it all out in a sigh. His pack was disbanded. He was born an heir. He didnt have to do anything. What would it matter? Now that he was here, he was just a three-year old with nothing.
"Crap." he cursed at himself, furrowing his brow and looking at NightBlood.
"I have nothing."

"I mean sure, I can hunt and I've got some leading experience 'under my belt' as the two-leggeds say, but nothing that separates me from everyone else. I guess I havent found my niche yet."

"I'm sorry, I'm probably wasting your time," Armageddon sighed, getting up. "I dont want to be freeloading off of Arnlan. I really wish I had something to give."

Snow began to fall once more over Arnlan, in the silent night.

((BLEH!))

[nightblood]

"Crap."

NightBlood blinked as the male cursed himself and furrowed his brow.

"I have nothing."

The Sentry paused, not sure how to react. Should she drive him off or pity him? She doubted he wanted either. Thankfully, he continued, leaving her to simply wait until his speech was over.

"I mean sure, I can hunt and I've got some leading experience 'under my belt' as the two-leggeds say, but nothing that separates me from everyone else. I guess I haven't found my niche yet."

NightBlood breathed a sigh of relief. Had she been younger, she would have indeed chased him away. But during her time in Arnlan, she had come to the realization that there was almost always more than what the surface would show.

"I'm sorry, I'm probably wasting your time," he sighed as he stood up, "I don't want to be freeloading off of Arnlan. I really wish I had something to give."

"Now just hold on, there, kiddo!" Blood said, jumping up to stop him from leaving, "You're giving yourself less credit than you deserve."

Calming herself, Night took a seat in front of the male.

"We could use more members like you. I, for one, am tired of the show offs and arrogant bastards that come through these lands. Not everyone is like that, but I do believe that we have a few too many. My point is that you're the first wolf I've come across that isn't afraid to acknowledge his shortcomings. That takes guts. Expessialy in front of me. I think you can teach a lot of these guys about humility."

Blood paused, taking a breath. She hadn't talked this much in a while. While taking a moment to reflect, she thought of another idea, one that Armageddon couldn't possibly turn down.

"If you want entrance into Arnlan, you have to promise me that you will gain a skill nessesary to help us. Perhaps I could help you in combat or something... What do you think?"

[Blackfeathr]

He had all but turned around to leave when NightBloods voice called from behind him.
"Now just hold on, there, kiddo!"
He whipped his head around, aghast.
"You're giving yourself less credit than you deserve."

Credit? For what?

He mulled over what NightBlood could possibly be talking about and didnt notice the large female sit herself right in his path.

"We could use more members like you. I, for one, am tired of the show offs and arrogant bastards that come through these lands. Not everyone is like that, but I do believe that we have a few too many. My point is that you're the first wolf I've come across that isn't afraid to acknowledge his shortcomings. That takes guts. Expessialy in front of me. I think you can teach a lot of these guys about humility."

Humility. Well, my life has been nothing but humbling.

A sense of pride welled in him, that maybe he had something after all.

Humility wasnt enough, though.


"If you want entrance into Arnlan, you have to promise me that you will gain a skill nessesary to help us. Perhaps I could help you in combat or something... What do you think?"

Combat...

Memories seared into the back of his skull pushed their way forward until they filled his vision and overwhelmed his senses. That moment... the moment he was hanging by a strand between life and death, his fathers fangs at his throat. He saw the fear in his own eyes reflected in the hate of his fathers grey, pitiless eyes. He heard his mother, screaming, begging him not to hurt him. Take her instead... He saw this monster, pulling him away... away... He smelled the blood and the certainty of death.

"Combat. I would love to learn that. I'd be honored if you could help me."

[nightblood]

"Combat. I would love to learn about that. I'd be honored if you could help me."

A cloud of fog erupted from Blood's nostrils as she exhaled. The male would be able to stay, then. For her, Armageddon was like a wave of wind during a heat wave. She had had enough of the proud and arrogant new members.

"Welcome to Arnlan, then." Blood said, standing up and leading him into the land. She flicked the end of her tail, bidding him to follow. "I can show you around if you want, unless you'd rather explore on your own. I would suggest you get a good sleep. We'll start your training soon."

As an after thought, Blood added through a ghost of a smile, "Any questions?"

[Blackfeathr]

"Welcome to Arnlan, then."

Armageddon smiled, tongue peeking out through parted jaws.

He stood up and followed NightBlood, sniffing at the foliage and bushes here and there.

"I can show you around if you want, unless you'd rather explore on your own. I would suggest you get a good sleep. We'll start your training soon."

He perked his ears while ghosts of scents of others before him wafted up his nostrils. NightBlood was a sentry for a reason. Getting training from her was probably the best thing he could ever ask for.
Once again a smile inched its way up his crooked muzzle as he stared onward through the falling snow into the dark. He'd found a home in Arnlan. He'd found a friend in NightBlood. For the first time in his life, he was happy.

"Any questions?"

Armageddon was jolted from his blissful thinking when NightBlood addressed him. He shook himself of his thoughts and scanned the area.
"Yes, actually..." he looked back at NightBlood with curious eyes, "Where are the den sites at?"

[nightblood]

Blood grinned and shook her head with a slight laugh. "No den sites in Arnlan. Each wolf may or may not have a den. If they choose to have one, they build or find their own. Some beside each other and out in the open, others isolated. I don't even know where my dear friend Mortilitas Umbra sleeps."

She looked turned her head to the left and focused her ear on Armageddon. Her eye might have looked like she was looking at him, but in truth, she couldn't see him. She had to rely on hearing to measure where he was.

"I myself have had terrible luck finding a new den."

There was a sudden feeling on her right paw. While her good eye was staring into the bridge of her muzzle, she hadn't been able to see exactly where she was going. With one quick leap to the side, she rounded a pricker bush. There was a nagging pain in her back leg as her old wound objected to the movement, but she ignored it. Instead, she turned her head forward and kept on the lookout for any more surprises. She would have a hell of a time explaining to RavenShard how she ran head on into one of her English Hawthorn trees...

[Blackfeathr]

"No den sites in Arnlan. Each wolf may or may not have a den. If they choose to have one, they build or find their own. Some beside each other and out in the open, others isolated. I don't even know where my dear friend Mortilitas Umbra sleeps."
Once again, Armageddon smacked a paw to his forehead. Windfeather was so structured... having den sites placed perfectly between the giant hill and the edge of the woods. Course in a bigger pack with members from around the country he shouldn't have expected it to be some cutesy family cluster of dens.

He couldn't help but laugh at his own naivety.
"Oh, hah, I see."

"I myself have had terrible luck finding a new den."

"I bet." Armageddon said, once more scanning the land but returning his gaze back to the empty darkness
"Though I've personal experience with mountain dens. Makes me feel safer. Purely a comfort thing." Armageddon shrugged.

A chill wind ruffled his fur and he shivered. A twig snapped somewhere close by. He snapped his head in the direction he heard the sound, getting edgy. He sidestepped to the left and found himself where NightBlood was, and tripped into the pickerbush.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, mixing some other choice words in it as well.
Growling, he stood up and shook the pickers off of him, trying to bite off the ones embedded in his paw.

"Smart move, Night." He groaned to her, wherever she was. Probably safely away from the pickerbush.

[nightblood]

"I'm used to a wide range of dens, though I grew up in a marble cave-"

"Ouch!"

"Pricker bush," came Night's late warning.

"Smart move, Night."

"Lesson number one: Learn how to walk." Blood said with a mocking sigh as she did a U-turn, "A Warrior- or any decent, disiplined fighter, for that matter- walks with authority, while maintaining a respect for Higher Ranks."

With that said, Blood leaned her head as far as she could into the pricker bush without stepping inside it, and attempted to grab the three-year-old by the scruff of his neck as if he were a pup. She wouldn't try to lift him, however. She would mearly pull him in the safest direction- where there were less loose prickers to step on.

"When not paying attention to your surroundings, you're likely to fall off a cliff or into a pricker bush. Know where your paws are stepping at all times," she said once he was out of the bush.

[Blackfeathr]

"Lesson number one: Learn how to walk."

Grating, but true.

"A Warrior- or any decent, disiplined fighter, for that matter- walks with authority, while maintaining a respect for Higher Ranks."

Armageddon gritted his teeth. Such smart talk out of him for a new recruit to Arnlan. The words "Smart move, Night" echoed in his head, mocking him. Crap.
He felt like he was being lifted up. Looking upwards he realized it was NightBlood. He gained his footing and stumbled away from the bush, gnawing more at the thorns lodged in his paw. He had suceeded in pulling some out when NightBlood grabbed his attention once more and he listened intently.

"When not paying attention to your surroundings, you're likely to fall off a cliff or into a pricker bush. Know where your paws are stepping at all times,"

He slowly lowered his paw to the earth, studying both of them intently as he felt the snow and dirt sting his wounds. He tensed his shoulders, but dug his claws into the earth. When he removed his paw he saw a splotch of blood on the snow. His blood. Grimacing, he swiped his paw across the snow.

"Yeah. I could definitely use some training." He looked at NightBlood, chuckling weakly.