Bring forth conclusion [ Pollux; Orion ]

[Sofika]

Orion wasn't half nervous was he? thought Sofika. She could almost feel his pulse racing through him as she gripped at the soft ground and let go again. She watched his eyes as they tried to grab at any hint that would tell him everything was alright. Then he realised himself that it wasn't that bad. After so long Pollux would still wind him up a bit. She almost smiled at this sibling teasing.

" Yes. Sit down Orion. " Sofika said in a reassuring voice and motioned her head for him and for Pollux to take a seat. Perhaps he would be more steady this way. She would then sit down once they had. Clearing her throat she paused for a moment, giving Pollux the satisfaction of watching her brother in his nervousness. " One of the reasons I sent you on this mission with your sister was so that I could see if you had the potential to be a scout... "

She had guessed from their family tree that he would perform well. They were a strong bloodline. " Of course, you performed exceptionally well. Pollux has told me of your efforts and I am impressed. " She gave him a moment to take everything in as she expected he was becoming excited or a bit flustered by her compliments. In the sky the clouds seemed to be getting slightly slighter and if they weren't so stubborn they'd probably begin to break up soon as well.

" After talking it through with Pollux, I would like for you to undergo mentoring from her and become a scout for Arnlan. " She didn't want to tell him that he would no doubt, eventually replace Pollux once she retired. Sofika did not want to admit, and probably Pollux did either, that that day was approaching. " That is, only if you would like to scout for Arnlan. " Sofika stopped now giving time for him to reply and for Pollux, if she wished, to add anything.

[Squeeji]

Pollux smiled, nodding in agreement with Sofika, Orion had proven to be quite excellent on his first field mission. And she wouldn't disagree that he earned the chance to be trained up to be a full Scout in due time.

As Sofika gave Pollux a pause for her own reflection, the toothy grinned female took time to congratulate the young male. "You did very well Orion, and I think you would make an excellent Scout." She did not want to sway him though, it wasn't her place to recruit if he didn't want the rank.

After giving her piece, she sat down, her mismatched gray eyes watching her brother, no, her potential apprentice quite curiously, waiting for his response.

[sarhea]

" Yes. Sit down Orion. "

The reassuring tone put his churning mind a little more at ease. So this wasn't going to be bad? He gratefully relaxed his muscles and sat upon the cold earth, flexing his claws into the dirt in an attempt to shake off the lingering affects of nervousness...What had they been talking about? The silence during the brief pause caused his pulse to slightly quicken once more...

One of the reasons I sent you on this mission with your sister was so that I could see if you had the potential to be a scout... "

As the words came forth, they seemed to come in slow motion. He blinked dumbly, his brain refusing to process the words...

" Of course, you performed exceptionally well. Pollux has told me of your efforts and I am impressed. "

This pushed the first words through his dense skull, the full meaning of what had just been spoken slowly beginning to sink in. His eyes widened, a look of surprised disbelief shining forth. He opened his mouth, but no words would come. His mind screamed-Say something stupid!

" After talking it through with Pollux, I would like for you to undergo mentoring from her and become a scout for Arnlan. "

He felt his body begin to tremble at the excitement of what had just been said began to sink in and overtake him. He felt almost faint, as his pulse began to race, this time with an overwhelming feeling of pride and joy that he'd never before experienced. This was a dream come true. All he'd ever wanted to do was find his place in the pack, and after waiting for 2 years to escape the protective clutches of his parents, of dreaming of nothing else, here it was-his opportunity staring him straight in the face...and he couldn't find his voice...

" That is, only if you would like to scout for Arnlan. "

His gaze locked on his alphess's face, strength and determination shining forth. He bowed his head low in respect before lifting it once more.

"Alphess.....Sofika....There is nothing more in this world that I would rather do than to serve Arnlan as a Scout," he responded, his voice coming forth strong and proud, it even surprised him. Of all the positions he could have been offered, none were more appealing to him. Hunters, leadership, or even sentries held more weight in his mind than a scout, but a scout got to see the outside world. Not that he would ever leave the pack of Arnlan, but to serve Arnlan and see the outside....there was no better match for him.

"You did very well Orion, and I think you would make an excellent Scout."

He turned his head to his sister.
"Thank you, Pollux. I would be most honored to train under you," he said with a humble smile.

His heart beamed with pride, even if he was not an official scout yet. Just knowing that he would soon be training for that position...All the snow and ice the coming winter could not bring him down off this high....it was a glorious day in his books...

[gah-sorry for the delay]

[Sofika]

Sofika could see every emotion of Orion as he listened to her words. His determination pleased her and also that he would accept her offer and become, as his sisters and brother before, a scout for Arnlan. She expected great things from him.

" Good... " she said quietly and looked to Pollux as he offered his appreciation. She felt that the decision had been wise. Before his mission Orion had always shown an interest in the life beyond the border. It was an ambition he seemed to have, to one day get out there and see the world.

Even as an apprentice he would be able to do just that.

Sofika nodded her head to the young wolf. " You are welcome, " she added and flicked her ears back. Now would be the best time to give them the details of what would be required. She was not entirely sure if Pollux knew what was required of her, or if Orion knew what was required from him in this proposal.

" You will now go by the title of Scout Apprentice Orion. Let it be known that one day you will serve Arnlan as a Scout. But to get there, you must first be taught the ways of a Scout, which I know you will learn and understand quickly, with Pollux as your mentor. "

She was saddenned that Pollux would one day retire because it seemed only yesterday that she and Castor left on their first expedition. Drawing a deep breath, she continued.

" Orion. I want you to listen to everything that Pollux advises you on. Her knowledge in the rank of scout is very rich and you will do well to remember everything that she tells you. I would think that you would have without me telling you but I cannot emphasise how important it is. "

The black wolf turned her head to Pollux to address her now.

" Pollux, if you remember back to the days that you were mentored, you will recollect that you went on several excursions outwith the pack land. You have my permission to take Orion out of Arnlan at any time you please to train him. I expect that you will need to leave the territory at least once. "

Sofika trusted Pollux and believed that she would never betray this trust or take advantage of this free will. She was a responsible wolf, as was her brother.

" Until Orion advances to the rank of scout may you leave the territory. Once he is titled as Scout of Arnlan will you lose this free will. "

Shifting her gaze to Orion, she watched his face. Now if they had anything to say, may the say so.

[Squeeji]

"That is very fair Sofika. I will not offend your gracious offer." She wouldn't take Orion out of Arnlan immediately anyways, he needed a basic historical and current event knowledge of their lands and the neighboring pack lands before he could just start gallivanting around the countryside. "I will brief him on the information he needs to know first, before sending him into any danger however. So It may be some time before he gets more field activity." It wasn't that she didn't trust her brother, but, a careful embassy mission was much, much more dangerous than any hunt could be. Especially when it sent a scout to dog villages or strange wolf territories.

"I am sure you will not mind." Pollux smiled slightly, "but he shall be out of the lands in due time, to test what he learned. Already, a lesson has been learned, the pup can hunt." She winked, hopefully Orion learned that the term was a...endearing term.

"When he gets his rank, I will have no further need to leave Arnlan's borders, that is a promise."

[sarhea]

Orion sat proudly as Sofika bestowed the rank of Apprentice Scout upon him. Even though it was not the full fledged rank, it was something, a great honor, his chance to continue his family's grand heritage and contribution. He listened carefully at Sofika's instructions. He dipped his head in respect, "Yes, Sofika, I will," he answered quickly upon her strict instruction that he was to listen to Pollux. Her experience would be invaluable to him. He already held a great respect for her from their mission. She was a very determined, strong wolf, a great example.

Then Sofika turned to Pollux. Wow, they would get to go out of the territory as often as needed till he gained rank? The thoughts, the possibilities almost overwhelmed him. Until Pollux chimed in-seems he would be getting a long history lesson first. His excitement turned down a few notches as he sat, listening to her. He cocked a brow as she said it would be awhile before he left out again.

He caught her wink, and gave an ornery smile in return. Then he turned back to Sofika, waiting to see if she had anything to add. He was too excited to speak, fearing that he'd make a fool of himself if he did.

[Sofika]

" That is perfectly fine. " Replied the black female as Pollux explaiend that she would not take him out right away. Everyone had their own way of doing things. It was good that she would prepare him first instead of throwing him right into the snake pit.

It was good to see the young male so respectful of his elders. From the border she had watched wolves in the unclaimed lands treeting their elders with no respect. It disgusted her. She knew he would show his sister respect, you could see it in his eyes that he was grateful for this opportunity and was glad to learn from his sister.

" Good, then it is settled then. " The alphess nodded to them both. " You may begin whenever you wish Pollux. " With that she rose slowly to her feet, keeping her attention focused on young Orion. " You will do well, I can see it, " she added as encouragement to him. But she could honestly see him growing into a fine young wolf. He would learn all about responsibility and respect as he went down the scouting route.

" Do either of you have any questions before we depart today? " She was curious about Orion's silence, about why he was not saying much. Was he embarassed about being excited infront of Sofika? Maybe he was simply lost for words.

[Squeeji]

Pollux nodded politely, "I shall get started on the morrow." she lifted a brow, her eyes still intent and curious. Sofika had alluded to a second Apprentice, "We'll meet by the small clearing next to the food storage..." A slight hint to where the Alpha could lead this mystery youth.


" Do either of you have any questions before we depart today? "

Pollux shook her head, there was nothing she necessarily needed to ask. Arnlan was mysterious place, and anything she wondered about would be answered in time, what fun would it be if the Alpha just answered them for her?

Of course, that would be no fun at all.

[sarhea]

" You will do well, I can see it, "

Orion welled with pride at the words, dipping his head quickly in respect.

"Thank you, Sofika. I will not let you down." he finally responded, almost at a rasp as his voice finally overcame the excitement and emotion that had previously held him in silence.

He raised his head as Pollux announced where and when they would start the training, the curious tone of her voice and her curious expression just a bit odd. What was that about? He figured he would find out sooner or later...

As Sofika asked if they had any other questions, he had nothing pressing to ask, his mind too full of all the possibilities of what was to come. He lowered his head in respect as it appeared Sofika was about to leave, casting a quick glance to his sister and smiled. This had turned out to be a glorious day.

{ah the crappehness! I'm so totally brain dead right now-but I think we finally finished a thread! Wooo!}