Blood and Snow [Acceptance]

[sailoruranus]

Lost.

How hopeless.

No, Alexsandr was not lost, however to say she knew where she was going...That would have been an understatement, a lie, and a guess.

Paws of black fur, matted with dried crimson would press against the soft white earth of the dark forest, and that muzzle would lift upward, toward the sky above with the intent of judging the time of the day while crusted blood fell in large flakes like sprinkled snow to the ground around her.

However, with the tops of these old trees twisting and twining with one another, casting this area into a creepy sort of eternal night, it would have been useless to try and judge much of anything.

Hunger gnawed at an empty belly, but there was no desperation that knotted in her gut. She only narrowed her eyes of stormy grey and settled them firmly on the spot between her two spread paws in mild contemplation. It would have been rude, certainly, to hunt in a land that belonged to another pack, for as her nostrils flared she collected within her the scent of those who actually 'belonged' here.

Mayhaps she could belong here as well.

Digits spread on the paws of her front legs, her body slowly lowering in a stretch that caused bones to give audible pops and her belly hit the snow beneath it. There was nothing more for her to do other then wait and bide her time, and her mind could calculate and assume that to enter further into lands that weren't her and stain it with her presence, and her scent could cause trouble.

Especially if she were to run across some forgotten meal.

Her will is strong, but even those of good intentions can be seduced by temptation.

Rising from her nearly lying position no sooner then she had taken it she'd slowly begin to move forward once more. To settle here like some lost pup looking for their mother would have been purposeless and time consuming, her best bet, her lucky bet, would be to run into someone.

Depending on what that someone did to her once they found her, would be up to Fate.

Who could sometimes be a bit of a bitch herself.

[Karolek]

The Alpha was always watching.

It was uncanny, how much he seemed to know about the land and what went on in it. Rarely was he surprised by the prescence of a newcomer, and even rarer still was the time when he didn't find out about it at all. Karolek knew there was a stranger on the lands. He knew she was injured, and that she didn't seem to pose much threat to the well-being of the lands.

Karolek knew. He always knew.

For a moment, the black wolf simply stood in the shelter of the trees, observing the strange wolf with critical eyes. There was blood. This was no time to be amused -- He'd quiz her, oh yes. But, there wouldn't be too much violence. She hadn't been attacked in these lands, or he'd of known about it. And if she could come this far with a wound...

...Maybe she was worth something.

"What are your reasons for crossing the border into Arnlan?"[/color] He stepped from the darkness as he spoke, staring through those eye-shielding bangs at the wolf. Karolek wasn't going to ask her about the blood just yet...That could wait for later. After he'd figured out why she was here. That was always the first step. If she'd come looking for protection, he'd send her away. The Alpha would not put his pack at risk by holding someone who was wanted within their borders. If she wanted to be accepted; To be a useful member of the pack...Then he'd consider.

For once, he didn't try to be too outwardly threatening, although the moonlight and the gruesome forest around him may have added the effect without much effort on his part. The two green dots almost seemed to glow...It was just the effect of the vibrant color on black, but it could get one to wonder...

Waiting patiently for an answer, the Alpha stood, staring down at the female through his mop of black hair. Never had anyone looked into the eyes behind it. Nobody except Nightshade. But the Sallin Alpha wasn't quite ready to share the story...

[sailoruranus]

The small wolf jerked, startled no doubt, by the sudden appearance of the green dotted face male. Her body twisted, turning around to face Karolek as he stared her down behind the bangs of his fur, his eyes hidden from her stormy grey site.

Her eyes would narrow in contemplative suspicion, her small form tense as front legs moved slightly apart and the muscles in her hind legs bunched. It was only natural for her digits to spread as claws clutched at soft snow. She was becoming defensive, a smart tactic though a stupid one would she have continued with an attack. This timber was much larger then she, as most often were and her body did not appear as if it were made for head on battle.

That and the familiar throb and ache in her empty belly and the faint almost phantom pain that embraced the left side of her body was a constant reminder of her current situation and condition.

No, it would not be smart at all to start off this meeting in a hostile manner if the scenario was not destined to turn in that direction.

Though, that did not make her put her guard down, for this was a stranger, and even if he did dwell in these forest, even if he lived here and could have even owned the very land she’d crossed uninvited, she did not know him.

Minds that were unknown were the most dangerous.

"What are your reasons for crossing the border into Arnlan?"

Arnlan?

Those stormy greys would leave the body of the larger wolf, moving to take in the expanse of the area, it's dark nearly occult feel that clung to the trees and atmosphere like a thick invisible fog.

Of course, she should have known...

"Arnlan..." She whispered, revealing her soft whispery tone which seemed accented with the rich heritage of some neighboring Mother Land, "Da, of course."

Her body stance relaxed, as if she was mentally relieved of something or another, and returning her caution filled gaze back to the male, she spoke once more.

"Ah, to belong to the land."

It was such a weird way to word 'To Join', but it was what the Russian wolf meant and she appeared rather serious about such a task, as her stance removed itself from defensive to a more straight forward pose with her ears erect and her tail slightly inclined.

[Karolek]

"Arnlan..."

So maybe this was one of those wolves that didn't even know where they were going. They simply wandered, stumbling on other's lands without seeming to care. This brought mild irritation into Karolek; He appreciated new members, but the wanderers were a bit irksome. However, they could always be used to manipulate...Such acts never quite lost their charm.

"Ah, to belong to the land."

Belong to the land? There was something in the way she spoke; the way she used her words, that suggested intelligence greater than that of the average passerby. But, the Alpha wasn't going to give any indication of satisfaction.

That would make it seem easy.

"So, you would like to join us...?"[/color] The wolf mused, more to himself than anyone else in the immediate vicinity. Raising his head slightly and letting out a sigh, Karolek continued on, in a rather bored sort of voice. "Well, now for the obvious question...What can you offer our pack? Why should I let you join here?"[/color]

Questioning could be so boring sometimes.

But, he was curious about the blood. Since he was going to ask about it eventually...why not now? "And...what happened to you? Have you made enemies with another pack?"[/color] His voice grew rougher with some sort of frustration at this. If Z had made herself a rival of Sallin and led them here...That could bring danger upon his whole pack. Although he doubted that Nightshade would ever lead an attack on this place again.

[sailoruranus]

That head would tilt, her eyes straying off Karolek's body to the body of the forest, once more taking in the criss-crossing of the trees and the design that seemed to keep out the light. They returned to Karolek once he began to talk again, her focus steady. Her attention was not wandering, and to say she was bored would have been a lie. Her actions seemed to be more military then not; a rescanning of the area to make sure no other wolves would surprise her again. With this place being so dark, other beasts could easily be hiding within the embrace of the shadow.

That thought was only mildly unnerving.

To his first question, there is given no response. He seems to understand her concept and so there is no need to repeat herself and seem too eager. Her face is a sheet of determination, but there's no puppy like excitement or awe for this dotted wolf in her stormy grey eyes, just a current acceptance of his present domination.

The second question is not answered right away; though by her the way her eyes narrowed in thought she is not displaying the normal hesitation one might give off when nervous or unsure of themselves.

To be simple, she was thinking about the questions so that she could reply with an intelligent response.

It would have been embarrassing to just start blabbering and this wolf seemed bored with her presence already.

"I can only offer what I have to give," She began, tilting that head up slightly so that her gaze shifted over the part where his own was hidden, though it was soon pointed elsewhere, like between the digits of her blood crusted paws, "I can give this pack my knowledge, for that is the weapon I have. My body is not build for frontal assault, but my mind can interpret a situation and give tactical advice based on the quickest most efficient way to gain success. I've traveled far," one could tell by the accent, "so I have seen many things. To those who have not set foot from this land, I can offer knowledge of what they've yet to know."

Then there was silence, her eyes closing for a moment, ears twitching as the next question was registered.

"I was injured on a hunt," She'd reply, smoothly, her muzzle wrinkled in a mild frown.

It's unknown if this is the complete truth, but to have said the real truth would have sounded unsure and stupid.

To say that she couldn't remember.

For the most part, she did not smell like any foreign wolf that would have been nearby. Infact she only smelt faintly of other boarders she'd passed through and small game that had been killed in order to sustain her health.

Whatever other alien wolf smell that had been on her, was now to faint and long gone.

The only proof was the blood.

"I've not made enemies with anyone at all to my knowledge," Then a soft chuckle, "I'm not a threat or worth the effort to catch anyway. I am small and because I'm no warrior that can be sent out to bloody himself, often regarded as insignificant. I get treated as if I'm not even there."

Weird, she was growing comfortable in his presence, perhaps to comfortable; otherwise she would not have elaborated further on the subject.

[Karolek]

"I can only offer what I have to give, I can give this pack my knowledge, for that is the weapon I have. My body is not build for frontal assault, but my mind can interpret a situation and give tactical advice based on the quickest most efficient way to gain success. I've traveled far, so I have seen many things. To those who have not set foot from this land, I can offer knowledge of what they've yet to know."

Knowledge.

It was such a valuable weapon, and for a moment Karolek was tempted to throw out questions at her, just to find out about the places she'd been. The Alpha didn't get out much, mostly because he had to guard this place. It wasn't so bad, though...Arnlan was where he belonged. It was dark, and mysterious, and he had the pleasure of making sure the place kept that reputation intact.

"So, you're a brainy one..."[/color] He said, almost mockingly. Karolek wasn't trying to be quite so menacing, now...At least this Alexsander wasn't claiming to be the strongest wolf on earth like so many others before her. It was like a ray of light.

"I was injured on a hunt."

He wasn't sure how much he believed that, but he wasn't going to attack her on the hunch that she was lying. Everyone had secrets. After all, wasn't Arnlan wasn't one big secret in itself? He'd probably ask her more about the 'hunt' later, after he accepted her. Or rejected her. It all depended on how she answered his next questions, which were undoubtably going to arrive soon.

"I've not made enemies with anyone at all to my knowledge, I'm not a threat or worth the effort to catch anyway. I am small and because I'm no warrior that can be sent out to bloody himself, often regarded as insignificant. I get treated as if I'm not even there."

But she had more to say? Her statement was a bit strange. Maybe she'd come from a place where only huge fighting wolves were valued. She was small, yes, but Karolek wouldn't exactly call her insignificant...

"What a shame. A good mind is a terrible thing to waste."[/color] His tail flicked involuntarily, as if to chase off a pestering fly. There weren't many bugs in this forest though. Unless they could survive the cold.

In a thoroughly un-Alpha-like manner, the dark wolf cocked his head and said, "What's your name, anyway?"[/color] No, there was no 'state your name' here. Karolek had assumed that it would be worthless trying to trick this wolf. Especially if she was as smart as she claimed to be.

And then came his favorite question. It was one he didn't normally ask, except in special circumstances. Or when he was just bored. "Tell me...What will you do if I refuse you? If I just send you away right now."[/color] A contemplative grin spread over his muzzle. It was obvious that this Alpha enjoyed mental stress.

[sailoruranus]

More questions.

She’d answer them.

The smaller wolf gave a shake of her body, causing more small crusted flakes of crimson to fall off her pelt and circle her standing position, "Alexsandr Z Kjonn,” she answered, tongue sliding over the teeth within her mouth. She did not ask for his in return, if he wished to give it, he would do so.

Her blank expression is the first response to his second question, her eyes watching the motion of that grin as it spread across his face before her muzzle would wrinkle up in thought.

What would she do if she were to be rejected?

"I would leave as you request," after all, this isn't her land, she is not one to say she can stay or if she cannot, "However, I would only return in a few moons time to show you my worth again." There she quirked a brow.

She'd either be accepted here or die trying, however failure and shame was not an option in this scenario.

Then she glanced back to that branch covered sky, as if entranced by the structure of it and after a moments time she parted her muzzle to speak once more, even though she had not been asked another question on this subject.

If she was boring him, causing him to reconsider her usefulness, perhaps she outta fix the damage she’d caused. After all, it would do no good to get turned away because she had not properly explained her abilities and skills. To be so blunt and non descriptive had maybe made this larger male grow weary and unimpressed with her presence.

"My size may not amuse you, but I assure you I've got strength in my own way."

She was only small, though she was not frail appearing in any fashion. She didn’t look as if she’d been beat on or bullied prior to her coming to this land. Only the blood upon her body portrayed some type of recent struggle, and there were no fading scars or bruises.

Once more that head lowered, one eye growing wide while the other narrowed, it made for an odd almost crazed expression. "For what I may lack in pure physical muscle, an undeniable intimidating presence, and stupidity I gain in agility, cunning, stealth, and intelligence." Perhaps her earlier words had disappointed him, perhaps only being smart was not enough, though she did not often enjoy to 'brag' about things she saw in every other wolf. Of course she could hunt, of course she could kill, she was most certainly not that weak, but that was not what she wished to bring to a pack that perhaps already held dozens of others who could do the exact same thing, "I have the knowledge of an advisor and the militant experience of a tactical mastermind."

She didn't want the purpose of her abilities to be misunderstood. She didn't want to seem worthless in the face of this male who might go back and tell his alpha to erase her from his thoughts (for she has yet to know otherwise of his actual status). Though she did not appear to be the strongest of fighters, she could damn well make the plans and the calculations that would bring forth the most successful and proper execution of those who opposed whatever she was standing for.

Maybe that also explained the blood.

Hell, if you can’t beat ‘em, use their environment to do it.

"However, I may sound like a contradiction to you. True, especially after what I just said, but in the eyes of some large brute that might target me as prey, do I truly look like I'm worth the effort? Where I am from, I did get treated in such a manner. However, you can grow skills and abilities from such a treatment. To be insignificant is to be invisible around those who talk so freely with their drool dripping mouths all their secrets get released." The wolf then displayed a rather bitter grin, but didn’t bother to elaborate further on that path; instead, she rolled her shoulders back, causing audible pops to be made as she tilted her head from the left to the right.

"Allow me rephrase myself. To those who do not know what I am capable of, I can appear useless, and to keep up this illusion has saved me the trouble of having to...extort unnecessary effort and force. I will not be one of those who throw their strength around, and it is not because I have none, but because it is smarter in some instances not to do so when all a wolf, where I had dwelled, can think about is the domination of it’s next subject. I will not be reduced to some whimpering pup, but to do this to others when it serves no purpose in the long run seems like a waste of time that could be used to pursue more investing avenues. Yes, I'm a brainy one, I ad, byt' if I don't use such a thing."

Then silence as she gnawed on her tongue.

Brains, would that be enough?

Then there's a nervous shake before she takes a deep breath and releases it in a soft whisper of her native tongue.

"YA udovletvor'u."

[Karolek]

"Alexsandr Z Kjonn.”

Interesting. He'd probably find pronouncing the last name difficult at a later time, but the title remained...interesting.

"I would leave as you request, however, I would only return in a few moons time to show you my worth again."

Determination. It was something that Karolek valued in all wolves, regardless of whether or not they resided in Arnlan. Anyone willing to give up after only a single try was to be discarded immediately. Or, simply, retaught. This Alexsander...This Z was coming up to be more and more promising as she talked. However, there was no reason to jump to any sort of conclusions.

The blood still bothered Karolek a bit.

"My size may not amuse you, but I assure you I've got strength in my own way."

May not amuse him? It amused him greatly, in fact. The Alpha found her small stature greatly amusing. Funny, actually. He wasn't going to make fun of her for it, though...yet.

"For what I may lack in pure physical muscle, an undeniable intimidating presence, and stupidity I gain in agility, cunning, stealth, and intelligence. I have the knowledge of an advisor and the militant experience of a tactical mastermind."

Stealth and intelligence. These were probably two of the most vauled things in the Alpha's mind. A brow quirked thoughtfully, although this action would most likely go unnoticed, due to his mop of dark hair.

"However, I may sound like a contradiction to you. True, especially after what I just said, but in the eyes of some large brute that might target me as prey, do I truly look like I'm worth the effort? Where I am from, I did get treated in such a manner. However, you can grow skills and abilities from such a treatment. To be insignificant is to be invisible around those who talk so freely with their drool dripping mouths all their secrets get released."

A slight chuckle sounded from his chest. Drool dripping. Heh. It took Karolek a moment to remember that he was supposed to be impressive and Alpha-ish. "This is true, I suppose."[/color] Once again, the wolf appeared to be mumbling to himself more than actually speaking to anybody else who happened to be in the area.

"Allow me rephrase myself. To those who do not know what I am capable of, I can appear useless, and to keep up this illusion has saved me the trouble of having to...extort unnecessary effort and force. I will not be one of those who throw their strength around, and it is not because I have none, but because it is smarter in some instances not to do so when all a wolf, where I had dwelled, can think about is the domination of it’s next subject. I will not be reduced to some whimpering pup, but to do this to others when it serves no purpose in the long run seems like a waste of time that could be used to pursue more investing avenues. Yes, I'm a brainy one, I ad, byt' if I don't use such a thing."

In the midst of this speech, Karolek realized that he hadn't introduced himself. "Oh, I'm Karolek, by the by. Alpha of Arnlan."[/color] In truth, he said this more to see the look on the female's face when he casually flung his rank out than anything. "Well, you've managed to impress me, but the real challenge lies ahead. My sister is a bit more...strict, and I doubt she would be pleased at the sight of our newest recruit covered in blood."[/color] This, too, was said very casually, as if accepting a new member was something the Alpha did personally every day of his life.

That tail swished again, and the grin plastered on his face widened. Some wolves got themselves so worked up and nervous over being accepted...Sometimes Karolek enjoyed seeing them become even more nervous. And sometimes he liked to watch the mixture of relief and confusion wash over their faces when they were accepted. Especially when he hadn't blatantly said, 'You're accepted' to the female.

If she was as smart as she said she was, she could figure it out on her own.

[sailoruranus]

The commentary offered during her saving grace was appreciated. It was nice to know, comforting even, that this other wolf semi-agreed with her actions and words. It allowed her to know that she was saying and doing was the right thing.

However, when he gave her his name, she knew of his rank before he spoke of it. Those eyes narrowed in mild disbelief, before she shook her head. It was impossible to know for sure, only his name had reached her red tipped ears, and no one can give a proper description of a being who they’ve never met, however, she could believe this male was the alpha; he seemed to know what he was doing as he put her through this process, but any other wolf that was skilled in acceptance could have done the same thing.

She could have done it, if she would have had the interest to do it.

She would have to take him on his word; after all, there was no point in posing as the alpha unless one had a death wish.

When she finished her speech those chops were licked, her head inclined in a small bow of respect. It would have been rude not to recognize his rank as the alpha of the land, but her body did not change its stance or lower into something akin to a sniveling whimpering submissive belly up dog. In fact, even her facial expression had remained the same, those stormy grey eyes lighting up slightly, which gave away the only evidence to her mild surprise and actual shock.

She'd been talking with the alpha!

Excitement inwardly rolled through her eyes, but she dare not display it outwardly with her body.

By the time he speaks once more, she becomes used to the idea, to his presence, and the glory or idolism that would accompany being in Karolek's site had passed away.

Now he is just the wolf she had been having a conversation with again.

However, she wasn't stupid or careless; the information that he was to be more dominant and that he was to be respected would always be knowledge dancing around the edges of her thoughts.

"Well, you've managed to impress me, but the real challenge lies ahead. My sister is a bit more...strict, and I doubt she would be pleased at the sight of our newest recruit covered in blood.""

Her stance does not change to one of relief; in fact she gnaws on her bottom lip slightly in contemplative thought before it’s released as well as a sigh. Still, she had trails to go, more people to prove her worth to, however some of the weight was lifted at the knowledge of impressing one of the important people that dwelled in this place.

Now, she had another problem.

Eyes would narrow upon the white earth around her, and lifting one of her bloodied paws she would rub it back and forth, smearing the land with the evidence of her hardship, but when removing her paw from the blotch of crimson snow, the blood would be very faint upon her paw.

"Your sestra...I can erase the blood from my form if given time with the snow. If...that is acceptable. Then, I can present myself to be reexamined and I will give satisfying results."

Z did not say she would try, though that was obvious. No, she would...she hoped she would, give satisfying results.

There's no mixture of confusion or relief on this wolf's face, only strict determination. This chess game was not over.

She has her check...

Now she has to go get the mate.

[Karolek]

"Your sestra...I can erase the blood from my form if given time with the snow. If...that is acceptable. Then, I can present myself to be reexamined and I will give satisfying results."

Karolek pondered this statement for a moment, as if it were a completely foreign idea that had never been introduced to him before. "You may clean yourself up, yes..." The Alpha paused for a moment, reflecting back on the female's statement. 'I will give satisfying results' There was no 'try' in that statement. Maybe this Alexsander had either forgotten to put that in, or perhaps it hadn't been intended to go into that declaration at all.

Perhaps she really would.

But, that would be for Sofika to judge, not Karolek himself. The male was a bit more impulsive than his sister, and maybe, if it had been her who had met Alex this day rather than Karolek, then the bloody female would've been sent off. Or killed. But, as it had all folded out, it had been the reckless male that had wandered by.

And for once, that had played out in the favor of the one he wandered across.

Or, possibly, it hadn't. Maybe life in a pack such as Arnlan wouldn't turn out to be something Alex enjoyed. Maybe she'd grow to loathe Arnlan and all its inhabitants.

There were certainly a lot of maybe's.

With this rather irksome thought in mind, the Alpha turned slowly around, letting his tail stretch and flex out behind him like a banner. This only added to the effect that he was melting into the shadows. For Karolek was now sauntering towards the trees, and already his black body was already becoming dappled with the small slits of light that managed to leak through the leaves. In short, the wolf was disappearing into the forest, and leaving this newcomer behind.

But, more to add dramatic effect than anything, the Alpha's voice rang out from the brush, "Good luck, Alexsander. You will need it..."[/color] And with that, the wolf let a grin that would go unseen slide over his muzzle, and he moved on at a brisk walk, heading to a place that was unknown even to him.

[sailoruranus]

The snow would suffice as a proper cleaning tool, and for now it would do for the purpose she needed. Though there might have been some sort of lake or small pond nearby that could have been used with the same final results in mind, there might be the chance that anything of that sort would be frozen in this snow wonderland, that and without the knowledge of knowing where these lakes were (unfrozen or not), that particular method couldn't be used.

The snow would work just fine for her situation, she would just have to make sure she was complete in her actions.

"Good luck, Alexsander. You will need it..."

Luck...There were times when she could be just as much of a bitch as Fate ever could be.

Stormy grey eyes would narrow, watching as the larger wolf molded into the shadow, embracing the darkness of his lands.

His shape became one with that of the dark shapes thrown off by the trees, and without effort Karolek seemed to disappear completely, leaving Alex alone in the clearing.

Alone and with a new host to find and entertain.

Relief did not flood her limbs and there were no thoughts of satisfaction or self accomplishment.

There would perhaps be time for such things, but not now.
Thoughtful determination moved her small body toward a cluster of bushes where she would be able to safely roll and flop about without fear or worry or embarrassment.

What if some other patrolling wolf saw her writhing across red snow like some drunken pup?

With a wry chuckle and a shake of her head she would soon part the bush, disappearing in her own way.