Get into Gear

[Sofika]

The ground felt hard beneath the paws of the she wolf as she sauntered through the shadows. The snow was melting, but due to the temperatures, it was freezing and becoming a mixture of hard ice and slush and muck. A sharp breeze cut between the trees, sending a shiver down the spine of Sofika and she gave a growl for every time it did so. She was not in the best of moods. A lack in activity within the pack had slowly becoming an issue to this point where it could no longer be ignored.

Members were neglecting their duties, and she found that she was doing much of the pack chores herself. No more slacking. It was time to put the wolves back into their places. They knew what was expected of them when they joined the pack, or accepted the rank offered to them. Either they picked themselves up or they risked losing their positions within Arnlan. Of course, this did not apply to every member. There were the select few who put the effort in and Sofika was disappointed that there was only a few.

Stopping at the center of a popular clearing, she decided that this was where the members were to gather. Bucking back her head, the black female howled to the pack members. This was an urgent meeting, and by the tone of her voice they should realise that matters were serious. They all had had enough time to get to know each other, and so she did not expect introductions at this time. Lowering her maw she glanced about her. Arnlan was still, quiet, and the only noise at this moment was the fading echo of her angry call.

[sarhea]

Orion trotted through the darkness of the shadows. He was attempting to hunt, as he was a bit hungry and didn't want to just take food from the pack's store. He wanted-needed-the practice. But the sheer cold of the morning was more than he'd bargined for. He'd been born in Arnlan, so for the most part, the cold didn't bother him. But today's cold, combined with the wetness of the soggy earth, just made hunting miserable. It had been a few days since he'd snuck away from his over protective parents, setting out to finally make his own life, to become a part of the great pack he'd been born into. But as of yet, he hadn't run into many. He knew the alpahs were hard to come by, even as a pup, they would appear out of nowhere to check on his family, and dissappear just as silently and quickly. But the others...his sister pollux, Crow, Lucian, Ecclesiastes-these were just a few of the members he knew of that he'd briefly met at one point or another....where were they all? He'd been so excited to escape his loving parent's smothering, but so far, he'd been completely alone.

Orion considered going back to the pack's stores...he could hunt later and replace what he took, he would do no one any good if he was weak from hungar. As he turned to head back, a howl rang out through the otherwise silent trees of Arnlan....his alphess was calling! His ears perked at the sound-there was an urgency in Sofika's howl, a hint of anger... he stood alert for a second longer, decerning from which direction the called sounded, and then took flight, his strong legs carrying his form with ease across the slushy mud and ice.

He paused just outside the clearing, misty vapor streaming from his nostrils as his warm breath hit the cold air. he caught his breath and peered into the clearning. Yes, Sofika was there, and the way she held herself confirmed the anger in her call. Orion tilted his ears back and lowered his head, something was wrong...he was a bit hesitant to enter the clearning, facing the wrath of an uhappy alpha was not exactly what he wanted to do this early in his freedom, but he was here and knew that his presence would be noted...Sofika knew everything. He calmed his breathing and stepped into the open, his head lowered slightly in respect, his tail lowered, gentally wagging in friendly greeting as he made his way to the center where she stood. He stopped a few yards from her.

"You called, Alphess?" he answered.

[Squeeji]

With a start, Pollux heard the howl of Sofika, she recognized the voice...a dominate sound, but more graceful than Karolek's. But the call for herself and her packmates made the Scout drop everything. She had been antsy as of late, her fur over groomed, every gesture she made was jerky and nervous. Like she was almost suffering what humans called cabin fever. The break in the monotony was welcomed.

There had been nothing for her to do in these lands with the exception of being a sentry on the borders...without the permission of the pack Alphas, Pollux couldn't help but feel bored. She replied in her own reedy tone that she would be there shortly, pulling herself up on her aging paws for a sprint across Arnlan's lands.

After a spirited run, the female skidded to a stop near where she had heard the Sofika's howl. The expression on Pollux's face was that of hectic duty...again, she wished to keep herself occupied.

"I am sorry it took so long..." she chattered as she panted, shaking the snow from her fur. She noted Orion with a bit of semi-familiar curioustity. Pollux swiveled her ears and blinked, her brother, wasn't it? A younger pup. She really hadn't seen it since it was born. And that was more to congratulate her mother on the healthy; albeit small litter.

"Orion...right?" though it wasn't a introductionary phase, Pollux was often so absorbed in things she' couldn't recollect the name as well as she wanted...

[scrii]

The going had been tough for winter, with hardly any prey and with the stocks running low, but Ecclesiastes knew he had been neglecting his duties even so. He trotted through the Arnlan lands, his face blank and his ears upright, scanning the area around him for any sound that would indicate food, and his muzzle twitching as he tried to pick up any useful scents. Suddenly scenting a small rabbit nearby, he immediately lowered his stance and bound towards it silently, his paws hardly making any sound on the half-melted snow.

A moment later, and the rabbit was held in his jaws. Though it wasn't much, it would be a good addition to the food stock... Eyes flashing as he suddenly heard an almost furious howl, his ears flicked and he turned towards the sound, expressionless. Alphess Sofika. Immediately heading towards her, no thoughts ran through Ecclesiastes' mind. He was aware that the tone of the summon had not been positive. Why would it be?

As he neared and spotted his Alphess in a clearing he had ofted many times, he moved forward, placed the rabbit at her paws, dipped his maw in respect then backed away to where two other wolves were. "Greetings, Alphess Sofika," he said dutifully, then fell into a tactful silence. He believed he had met the male before, but not the female. Strange. Where were the others?

((lacking muse here.))

[nightblood]

NightBlood growled at the authoritive call. The female alpha sounded angered in some way. Her voice promised punishment for those who put her in this state. She was calling to the whole pack. That meant the black and tan female was required to follow the sound. Weither she would witness the punishment or share it was unknown to her... still... it was best not to anger her leader more by not showing up to the meeting, no?

Groaning, the massive wolf hauled herself to her feet and headed for the gathering. She had been admiring the scenery once again, though the look of slush and tips of grass displeased her. She liked winter and fall. The fall of winter meant Spring was comming. That was her least favorite season, but with Sofika in such a mood, would she live to see it? She was confident that she would be able to defeat her should there be a fight, but would she be strong enough to harm her?

Whatever the reason for the gathering, NightBlood forced herself to go. A flicker of an unknown feeling flashed in the deepest shadows of her mind. She desired rank. Which one, she did not know, but she wanted to rid herself of the word 'subordinate'. It was un ugly title. It signified weakness and vulnerablility. The wolf would not stand for such a rank, no matter how lazy she seemed. Perhaps... after this ordeal, she could inquire of Alpha Sofika what she would need to do to gain a more honorable rank.

NightBlood doubled her trot to a run when she realized she was getting no closer to the meeting at the rate she was going. Her paws carried her to the clearing in which only four had gathered. Sofika was situated amung them. NightBlood bowed to her leader, but made no attempt to speak to her. She did not want to bring the wrath of the Alphess onto herself.

The red eyed female observed the beings around her. The lightest of them was a female with gold coloring. She seemed to be a level headed individual, as her gesters seemed to be the calmest of the three Night didn't know. She was looking at a young male whom she seemed to question. Night was sure she had seen the black and gray somewhere, but didn't recall anything about him. The third was a decorated black, white, and blue male of whom she didn't know.

It now dawned on NightBlood that she hadn't exactly mingled with anyone since she arrived in Arnlan. She only knew Sofika and the young red and black pup whom she now knew was called Ziko. She had taught him to speak and had taken it upon herself to take care of him. She was confident that he was in the boundaries of the pack lands, but where, she didn't really know. She wasn't worried, as he knew the territory better than her.

[Sofika]

One by one they arrived.

"You called, Alphess?" said Orion, and Sofika nodded to him. Despite his friendly and respectful attitude, she did not answer him for no doubt all those decided to show their faces would ask the same question. Instead she thanked him for coming with a brief wag of her tail. Had the young wolf finally decided that he wanted his freedom, that he wanted to explore the territory and become one of the pack? This was good and she smirked. This would probably be how he remember his first few days alone in the pack.

Sofika was not in for repeating herself. Today she would say things once, and if someone didn't hear something, then tough. That was to be their problem. It was expected that Pollux would arrive. After the tragedy of losing her old scouting friend, she was always busying herself to keep her mind off of the incident. She seemed surprised to see her brother, almost did not recognise him. Not that the alpha expected her to because most wolves forgot who was their sibling as they got older, but not all. Then Ecclesiastes arrived with rabbit in grasp.

When he approached her she growled lightly under her breath and when the rabbit was placed at her feet she smacked it back to the hunter with a snarl. " Don't give me your offerings in hope of being let of easily Ecclesiastes. I know you have been slacking, and I will not tolerate it, " she barked in a loud authoritative voice. The food in the store had begun to rot and had to be removed before someone in the pack ate something bad and became ill. That also meant that the store was running of out meat because members were eating the good meat.

She wasn't pleased. Not pleased at all. Nightblood came next and Sofika threw her a glance then watched as she came in silently and acknowledged her pack members. Her breath came out in an angry cloud which spread into the air until it vanished. At least she had been putting in some effort where she wasn't required to. Sofika knew that she was teaching Ziko how to speak and had took on the responsibility of looking after him. It was only a matter of time before the young pup would be accepted into Arnlan as a full subordinate, and she felt that he would benefit from Nightblood's lessons.

Turning her attention back on Ecclesiastes though, she glared at him. " What do you have to say for yourself? " Sofika was not intent on rambling on too much about this. She was not going to throw a fit because he had been slacking. No, she was more controlled than that, and possibly could be reasoned with if he gave a valid response to her question. Sofika listened out for the entrance of any other wolf because Ecclesiastes was not the only one who was in for it today and she didn't want to focus her anger on him because that was not fair she knew.

[wicked]

The blonde streak of Phoenix's galloping form darted through the dense black forest of Arnlan. Hot on the pursuit of a fleeing rabbit of a sluggish breed, the female's short hunting practice ended with an abrupt howl from the middle of the Arnlan territory. Out on the outskirts, Phoenix almost jumped in shock with the force and dominant tones in the howl, which she could easily identify as Sofika's. With that, the female turned sharply on the spot and headed back, toward the heart of the ebony forest, long lanky form stretching and recoiling with each great stride and leap.

Phoenix knew that she was running a bit late, due to the distance of her trek, but she pressed on as quick as she could, her earthen-hued paws stretching out like extended pistons before her, spanking the slush that now covered the territory. Flying over the ice and sludge that lay smeared across the ground, she finally found herself in the clearing where a few other packmates and the alphess herself, had gathered accordingly. She slowed down to a walk, panting softly, steam from her breath rising into the cool air as she approached the growing group. Her blue eyes watched as Lady Sofika disciplined Ecclesiastes, and she didn't make any sound of announcement or try to question the alpha, for she knew that now was definitely not the time. In respect though, Phoenix gave a silent, but graceful bow to the Alphess in acknowledgment of her power, before backing into the widening group of Arnlan wolves.

[scrii]

Ecclesiastes was not at all surprised by the reaction he had received from Sofika. He just took it in calmly, refusing to bring his gaze to meet hers, lest it be seen as a challenge. He had known that Sofika knew he had been slacking. And no, he hadn't wanted to be 'let off easily.' He blinked a single time, then nodded. Perhaps it would anger Sofika even more that he was not bothered by her anger, but that was how it was. If she wished to take the rank off him, then let it be: he would not kick up a fuss about it. She was the Alphess, Arnlan was her pack. His sense of duty would be unwavering, regardless of how high he was placed on the ladder.

"I apologize, Alphess Sofika. I have not been doing my task even as efficiently as would be considered 'fair.' " Releasing a string of several glances and gestures, he let it be known that he would be willing to take on any punishment she may have. He was indifferent to it all, even as the familiar bright-toned form of Phoenix appeared in the clearing, caught in the corner of his eyes.

[nightblood]

{{I've got to delete my account from KO. Just say NightBlood walked off. Sorry guys. I'll miss you!}}

[trinity]

*Laughter echoed off the trees around Trinity. She was, once again, taking time to herself. At first she hated it, being so lonely. In fact, the only two wolves she ever talked to were the angry alphaess Sofika and the slightly twitchy Pollux. No one really had gotten to know her, understandable, of course. Her speech was much better now, but not yet fluent. So for now, the little wolf made friends with the snow. That was another obstacle for her. Trin’s old island home had no snow, and this place seemed to be full of it! So cold, so slippery, so matty! It always got entangled in her long, black back fur. But after a while, she got used to it.*

*It had been a good month since the odd glowing female had let Trinity find a home here, but still. It didn’t seem quite right. The thought caused Trinity to roll to a lying position. A look of confused concern fell on her face. She didn’t know much about this pack, but in her old one, the alpha would always speak to new members about duties and such. Why, now, come to think of it, Trinity had only seen the alphaess only once before, but just in passing. Had she done something wrong? With a thoughtful whine, the tiny wolf pulled herself to a sitting position. She hoped not. Trinity was trying all she could to fit in around here…but just as if Sofika could read her minds…*

Uht oh…

*Trinity flinched at the echoing howl. It was Sofika, no doubt. And once again, she didn’t sound happy…She shuffled to her feet, green eyes touched with fear. But right before she was about to sprint of…*

Ah! Not again!

*A high pitched growl escaped her. Once again, the snow had balled on the long, silky fur on her back. Shinny teeth bared, Trinny went to pull one off. Again came the echo of the howl. Trinity shrunk back again, there would be time for that later…she ran now*

*The scene would look like a yearling running on the snow, but that was not the case. Trinity was almost three now, but the little girl never grew all that big. Even her voice was high pitched! Small and dainty paws flung the sparkles of snow behind her. Trintiy knew where the howl had came from, but she didn’t answer. She was not yet that comfortable. She remembered the LAST time she howled here… She went faster now, trying her hardest to comply with the call…*

SPLASH!
YIP!

*Without even looking, Trinity found herself over a barely frozen pound. Even under her light weight, the glass like ice broke. Green eyes went so wide they almost flew out of their sockets. It was a good thing Trinity loved to swim in her past. Frantic paddling finally got the tawny body to shore..*

BRR!!! I HATES the cold!

*Trinity vigorously shock off the water, or what she could. Her snowballs on her back were now ice balls. But there was no time to take care of them, she kept running… Finally she reached the gathering…and just as she feared…most were already there. Most she didn’t know, only two. The snarling alphaess…and Pollux...quickly she shook more water off her back and slunk in, ears, tail, eyes and body low, and took a seat next to Pollux*

[Squeeji]

This had been awkward, to say the least of things, listening to the young hunter get an earful, she sighed, and settled down for a spell, not wanting to sound like she was getting into the males business, her ears tacked to the back of her skull she looked a bit scowly.

Pollux certainly hoped that the Alphess's ire didn't turn on her next. If it did, Sofika had no one to blame but herself. After all, a scout couldn't do her job if she wasn't sent out. But that was just the female feeling a bit defensive. She had been getting restless as of late, even taking up sentry duties in her desire to be occupied.

But for now she laid down in a bed of snow waiting for the rest of this to breeze over. This wasn't a social meeting anyways, and waiting just made her more antsy....

[Sofika]

Sofika saw Pheonix come but did not avert her gaze from Ecclesiastes. Though he couldn't see it, she was giving him a cold, unamused stare, which he may have been able to sense. Bristling her fur she glanced at the rabbit which was now covered in dirt from tumbling along the earth. There were other wolves in the pack who would probably kill to be awared rank and would make better use of it. Yet there were those who held title but did not live up to its expectations.

"I apologize, Alphess Sofika. I have not been doing my task even as efficiently as would be considered 'fair.' "


Sofika gave time for some consideration. At least he had been doing something, and was not entirely slacking, and so the food store was still updated even if it was irregularly. Demoting him would only mean that she would have to take it upon herself to replace the food. Or... she could have the whole pack contributing, but most probably would take more than what they gave. Wrinkling her nose, she watched Trinity come thudding in and taking her place by Pollux.

" I am giving you one chance Ecclesiastes. One to redeem yourself and prove that you are not the slacker you seem to be. If I find that you are not living up to your expectations then I will demote you back to subordinate. Unless you wish to step down from your rank. "

She shot a glimpse of Pollux who was looking particularly anxious and then rolled her gave over everyone else while giving the hunter a time to comtemplate the choice he had. Maybe there was someone here who wanted rank, but where they willing to work? This she would address momentarily, once she gained a response from the hunter. Sofika did not really want to strip him of his rank, but if it came to that then she would consider.

[blackrage]

[[This is my first post with Entei, so please tell me if I got anything wrong.]]

A form spread through the shadows, black mixing in, the other colors standing out. The flames on his legs almost seemed as though they were, at the speed he was moving. Dark colored pelt stood out in the midst of all the snow and slush that gathered around him. The old warrior, unlike some others, did have something on his mind, as usual. As it was rather uncommon for one to see him just sitting there, bored, and with nothing to do. It was just the opposite.

His body flashed, part of it blending with the shadows, the other contrasting brightly with the white environment. His breath puffed out in a warm mist, the pads of his feet turning his step to silence. The next moment, he was at a tree, and running up it by use of only the force of gravity and his claws. He went as high as he body would let him, and leap up, pushing off the tree. As soon as he reached it, he took a hold of the limb in his jaws, and was hanging in the air from that branch. He held on for as long as he could, and when he could hold no longer, he let go.

This was his training, and what he felt like doing now. Actually, it was what he was doing often. Within the pack, the only members he had met so far where the alphas, and most others, he went nowhere near. He was not the type for company, or the type that ever talked. Sometimes, he talked so little, that you might just think he was mute if you didn't know any better.

Golden eyes narrowed as he twisted in the air, throwing his feet around to the direction of the ground. It was one of few things he was known for doing, as in his battles of age, the hardest thing to do was take him off his feet. To him, keeping your feet on the ground or toward the earth is life, off your feet and it means death. In the war his pack fought against another, he learned that fact the hard way. Speaking now, most of the things in all his life, he had to learn the hard way. He never had it easy like some other wolves, who had the help of their parents, he got nothing; abandoned at the young age of a pup to fend for himself when he knew nothing of how to survive.

The old warrior landed square on his feet, a small snarl in his throat, stance one of attack and defense, feet spread to either side of him, tail held out horizontally behind him for balance; an old war stance. He watched the sky then, looking on as the snow began to come down. Some of the flakes landed on his back, and he shook, throwing them off.

He did not flinch, but the fur rose on his back as a familiar howl cascaded through the chilly air. Sofika. Arnlan Alphess. By the call, it was a pack meeting, and her anger lingered within it. Probably angered with the slackers...but it was not for Entei to judge. But he did not live off the food in stores at least, he caught his own, or he went hungry. Life or Death.

He hesitated not when the call came, and he set out. He was a great distance away from the meeting place, practically on the whole other side of Arnlan from them, but he wasted no time, and ran the entire way there, snarling as he bounded along. Part of his pelt once again blending, the other standing out like the flames of a man's fire against the ebony forest that was Arnlan.

Minutes later, he came upon the clearing, coming straight from the shadows themselves and taking his eyes upon all the members. As he looked at them all, he stored their appearances away in his mind, so that if he saw them again, he might recognize them. Among them, he spied Sofika, primarily by the three, neon blue dots of the side of her muzzle.

He came in, rather not wanting to be noticed, he hated attention. He gave a silent bow to the alphess, then seated himself along the outskirts of the group, where he could hear and see all, but also where he was half-cloaked in shadow. His flame marking brightly visible, and shining still, as he listened to Sofika chew out the hunter, Ecclesiastes. He knew all their names and their ranks, just not where the name went, what gender they were, or exactly how they acted. But, it was his fault for not completely loving to be in a conversation, and he'd rather be in the background.

[blackrage]

-Bump-