Whispers (Acceptance)

[wicked]

Black...

The dark trees that surrounded this forest acted as a proverbial shield. Shrouding this land in darkness in seclusion; keeping all of its mysteries captive within, unknown to any wayfarer or stranger. Arnlan was indeed a mysterious land, and the deceptive pack that called these lands territory was even more so secluded and covert in their behavior.

The blonde wolf stood out like a golden brooch atop the shimmering black velvet of the line of trees that lay just before her. The azure gaze of the young female scanned the tree-line for any sign of activity or life. Finding no one else in the vicinity, a fool would've let his or her guard down. But Maori, was no fool. Just because you could not see any signs of life, did not mean that it was not there. The wolves of Arnlan were known to be quite arcane in their ways, and this knowledge put Maori on edge.

The soul purpose of this tactful fae's arrival? To seek acceptance into this pack of course. What better for a wolf that constantly was kept on guard, secretive, and for the most part silent; to join a pack rumored and nearly famed for it's enigmatic disposition?

Maori's ears twitched and strained, trying desperately to pick up sounds from behind the front army line of ebony, steadfast soldiers. Her tail writhed at it's tip thoughtfully, assessing the situation that lay ahead; she would call for the assistance of an Alpha and upon the arrival of said Alpha she would vie for a place within mentioned Arnlan pack. Knowing that if accepted she would serve her Alphas as exactly they themselves wished it so, Maori was ready and willing to sell her soul, fangs, claws, wit, and strength to serve her Alphas.

She could only hope her tactics would follow through.....

Initiating phase one of her plan, Maori raised her delicately featured head up towards the heavens. Dark clouds had already begun to form, blotting out the cerulean sky beneath. Opening her maw, she belted out a long alto-pitched howl and it echoed past the ebony border far into Arnlan territory. Finishing her pleading serenade she lowered her head again and waited for a response.

[Sofika]

Throughout the lands moved a creature as black and cold as the trees and shadows themselves. She moved so swiftly through her territory, casually, looking here and there. Never did she grow tired of this, wandering her shadowy domain hour after hour, day after day. The path in which she took was that in which she had moved along only recently. Each week her route altered, so that she grew not bored. Her slender body weaved between the trees that loomed above; the canopy thick, obscuring all light from the sky above. Not that there was much light. Arnlan always did have that overhang of dark clouds, threatening to spill its waters upon them. Not that she minded of course.

It was good to see the life spring back into the pack. A stream of new meat had come recently into this pack. Karolek and herself had saw this as an opportunity to refresh their members, provide them with new energy that may someday, be taken to their advantage. Wandering now, not without aim, Sofika scanned the lands. Close to the border was she, glancing out here and there at each gape in the trees. It was then that she caught sight of another wolf. A female. Bright as the light, but yet mute as the shadows, or so she appeared. Her silent arrival went noticed to the Alphess as she stopped to eye the peculiar one. How her pelt stood out so boldly against her trees, that it was rather amusing.

As the other wolf bucked her beautiful head in calling to the land, she chose now to make an appearance. Her voice was like a whisper in the winds, it being carried around the lands, alerting those listening for it, that a new wolf had come, seeking for the approval of this one. Maybe she would prove to be of some use, just as the twin lords of the land hoped that the rest would be. Something about this she wolf, something compelled the Alphess to emerge to casually before her. Stepping out from the blanket of darkness that once concealed her form, she did go. A veil of fur hid the eyes of this one to any other. How it lay so still and did not stir to the gentle, regular winds that sweep ed the land was a mystery inquired many a times by the wolves who had seen her.

" Who are you, and why do you call to me. " grunted the female in a quiet yet highly demanded voice.

Words spoken were not that of a questioning tone. They were flat, expressionless like the features of her face. Maw raising into the air, she looked down upon this wolf of blond, examining her carefully. In what way did this she wolf think, that the shadows would conceal her presence with a pelt like that? It was likely that they would not budge themselves to hide her from potential prey or others, thought the Alphess, who's tail was erect behind her. Wrinkling her nose, the female stood before the trees of ebony, her form almost lost in them, with the exception of her maw. Highlighted on either side of her sleek muzzle were two dots of neon blue. Turning her head slightly, her ears flickered as she waited with patience for the wolf to respond to her, as she had her.

[wicked]

Stay silent, and listen...

A small mantra had been repeating itself, over and over again, through Maori's thoughts. Like a Hindu priest she could easily transcend into concentrating on only one goal. This time; this very unique occasion, all that traversed through her deepest thoughts, wills, wishes, and wants, was to join the ranks of Arnlan.

As the whispering winds, the same that had carried the she-wolf's melancholy melody across this necromantic landscape, softly greeted Maori with their spiritual caresses, they also brought along with them a scent. A scent, Maori hoped, would give her some sort of clue as to who was in the vicinity. The pungent musk of a wolf's scent was what had been brought forth from this black forest, and upon further calculation of the scent, it could be determined that the wolf was a female, and an Alpha at that.

Apparently her call had been heard and as movement began to surface along the tree-line, Maori knew she was not to be left prey to ignorance.

The creature that emerged from the forest, black as the arsenal of trees that guarded these hidden lands with silent vigilance. Maori's sapphire orbs widened slightly, pupils dilating not in fear, but in an almost hidden intimidation. The fae that had emerged from the darkness obviously was born here or had dwelled here for quite a long time. Her movements, her posture, even her pelt; all obscure details alluding to a simple fact, this mysterious fae that had emerged for these forests, she belonged here.

At this thought, a shiver went up Maori's supple spin as the wind howled again. This brought one source of insecurity in the seemingly iron-masked female, her pelt was quite abnormal. The one thing the put her out of many a pack was this dreadful coat, golden like the sun, being possessed by a she-wolf who's soul was black and heartless. Shaking all doubts from her mind, she needed to remain calm, confident, and collective when she addressed the approaching alpha.

Who are you, and why do you call to me.

The Alpha spoke in harsh tones and the words spoken were not asking as in a question, but as a command to be addressed as such. Maori chose her words carefully, maintaining a slightly confident stance but all the while lowering her head and tail in a submissive posture of respect.

"I am known as Maori, noble alphess. The reason for which I called upon your aid was that I wish to ally myself with the pack that you govern here."

Maori's words were spoken calmly and fluently, the words flowing forth from her throat and tongue. True, the slight accent of those residing in the British Isles tended to sometimes slur her words together, which was all the more reason why Maori spoke slowly to the dark ruler before her.

[Sofika]

The black wolfess looked casually around with eyes hidden to all. Her blanket of fur that concealed her orbs was blown slightly in the whistling wind, but somehow, it remained in its position. Basically just as her body was camouflage to the shadows behind her, her eyes were also hidden. The Alphess did not stir to this howling, regular gale, mainly due to the fact that she had indeed, lived here for many a years. The rumours that followed this pack were endless. Arnlan was legend known to almost all in the region.

The blond on who stood before Sofika now, was indeed a peculiar, one, and her eyes did not stray from her coat, but merely glanced over her posture. The submissive stance was pleasing to the she wolf, but it was not shown. Not all of the recent newcomers that she and her twin, Karolek had encountered showed much of what was before her. Nodding her head slightly, and then turning it to the left, her focus was upon the vast territory of Sallin. Sofika's head then turned back to Maori, as she spoke to her.

"I am known as Maori, noble alphess. The reason for which I called upon your aid was that I wish to ally myself with the pack that you govern here.

" Maori. " she said bluntly. " Tell me, in what way would you be of worth to us? "

Although the she wolf had attempted to hide any feeling she did not wish to show to her, Sofika had picked up on it. She always did. Am I honestly that intimidating, she joked mentally to herself, and slowly began to circle the light female, with flaring nostrils. The way in which she held herself suggested that she was wary of everything, trusting of no one, alert for possible danger. This drew a slight smile on the Alphess' features, but it soon faded quickly as she came to the front of Maori, where she remained now waiting for another swift answer from her.

Sofika wished to go back on her route around the territory, to be reassured all was in order. Kneading her toes in the thick mud, the female could literally feel the security in their borders. Even if there were no sentries present at this time, the border was secure despite their absence. It was always monitored, closely. It was protected by the line of ebony trees, looming over a steep slope. Unexpected attacks were not possible. Sofika's fur bristled as she stared mutely at the she wolf, anticipating an answer, but not revealing the conclusions made in her mind.

[wicked]

Maori lifted her own arid blue eyes from the muddy ground up to the face of the Alpha before her. Almost immediately she took notice that the female's eyes seemed to be always covered by the elegant patch of fur on her head. It seemed like the mysteries of this fae, of her eyes, were almost juxtapose to the mysteries of Arnlan itself, both shrouded in black. Instead of eyes, Maori noticed the peculiar cerulean spots on the Alpha's cheeks. Whatever substance adorned her face; be it marking, paint, or tattoo, it seemed to cast an eerie blue glow on the dark features of the Alphess.

Optics slowly studied the grand Queen before her, all the while still withholding her cautious, yet submissive posture in a respect of the Alpha's power and control over these lands. She had taken notice of the Alphess giving a slight nod before diverting her gaze to the south, toward the lands of Sallin. Rumors of this pack had also reached the alert ears of Maori, of how Sallin had formed due to the splitting of an older pack that accepted domesticated dogs. A feud broke out amongst the ranks and thus two packs were formed, Synl and Sallin. Maori had no opinion of dogs, except for the fact that those who did not choose to be free of humans were trapped and controlled like slaves to a humans' will.

"Maori. Tell me, in what way would you be of worth to us? "

The golden fae's mind was brought back again from deeper thoughts to the Alpha's question. Maori had noticed the Alpha's long casted gaze over her outlandish pelt, the source of inner insecurities. It was true, she did have a harder time catching prey than most others, but she made up for her faults with her speed, agility, and of course, a sharp mind. The latter of which she used to give the Alpha a quick response.

"My speed, my loyalty, my determination, my fangs, my eyes, and a tactful mind; all of which I am willing to divert to serving you, m'lady, in any way that you desire..."

Maori raised her eyes again only to notice that the fae had begun to make a small circle around her. It seemed like the Alpha was trying to figure out Maori as much as Maori was trying to understand this enigmatic alphess.

Once the alpha had finished circling and assessing Maori she stopped in front of her once again. Maori picked up on a sense of hurriedness, by the way the Fae's paws dug deep into the muddy surface below them. Possibly Maori had interrupted some sort of task or mission that the Alphess had engaged herself in, and for which, she was most apologetic for diverting the ebony she-wolf's attention to herself. She kept her position, awaiting a response from the perceptive alpha that stood before her.

[Sofika]

"My speed, my loyalty, my determination, my fangs, my eyes, and a tactful mind; all of which I am willing to divert to serving you, m'lady, in any way that you desire..."

Sofika liked this wolf. Blunt, quick in response, straight to the point. Nodding in admiration for her swift reply to her inquiry, the black she wolf turned and paced away several steps, gathering her thoughts together. Not many wolves arrived, who were so, like Maori. Despite her colour of pelt, all seemed well and her intentions clear. Glancing over her shoulder now, the she wolf pivoted swiftly on the spot, her black fur bouncing on her lithe frame as she did so.

Personally, the Alphess despised dogs. Perhaps once or twice had she seen the odd attempt to breech her borders. All had died a swift and painless death, before their arrival atop their steep slope. The moist ground on which they stood was nothing but mere slush mixed with the muck, due to frequent showers of rain of course. Arnlan would not be known for their showers of rain within their territory. All those who came in never went out unless it was their carcass being chucked for the scrounging birds to feast their greedy beaks upon.

" You have pleased me with your words Maori. " replied the Alphess calmly, her focus seemingly on her face. " Granted, I give you acceptance into our pack. "

First impressions were always the best. If one were to show at first glance, weakness, or anything else that might suggest they would be of no use, then, that would be the way they were looked upon. She saw this wolf in a different light from that. High expectations were of Maori, even on this brief encounter. Nodding her head, the Alphess turned her head to the South once more, glaring into the wretched lands of Nightshade. Fool, was the word that hung with that name.

" For now, you enter these lands under the title of Subordinate. You listen to me, Sofika, and my brother Karolek only. You need not heed orders from any other wolf, unless they are of rank. Which none are as of yet. You will not be permitted to leave these lands. Ever. No go. That way. "

The Alphess turned her head to the right and pointed her nose to the parting of the trees in which she had originally emerged. Flicking her tail behind her, she walked past Maori throwing her a smile. Despite having only spoken for several minutes, she had already concluded a lot from this impression. But she stopped, turned around, and then waited for Maori's response. She had not moved far, only several bounding steps behind her, and remained until she spoke.

[wicked]

((Hey, I'm sorry about this, but I just wanted to let you know that I changed Maori's name to Phoenix. This is most definitely the last change I'm making to her so I just wanted to let you know, we don't have to revise posts or anything but from this point on I wanted her name to be changed. Sorry about the inconvenience. )

Phoenix gazed out at the Alphess, watching for the slightest inclination that could predict and conclude her decision. Watching the alpha nod once after her reply and turn away slightly, Phoenix almost thought she was being rejected, but when the Alphess's head swiveled around to look back at Phoenix, or so it seemed through the mass of hair over her eyes, she quickly rethought.

" You have pleased me with your words Maori. " " Granted, I give you acceptance into our pack. "

Phoenix, if she had been a more emotionally-exuberant wolf, would have grinned in happiness, tail wagging furiously in all the gaiety. But Phoenix did not resort to such whelpish frolickings as that. Holding her blunt, straightforward composure, she nodded simply, but could not deny herself the chance to reveal but a small smile of relief.

"Thank you m'lady, you shall not regret this," Phoenix replied calmly with a slight bowing of her head.

The blonde wolf could already tell that she was to be serving a great Alphess. Sofika seemed much more capable of her position then some other pack leaders she had encountered through the past. All the while ruling with an iron will and steadfast tendencies, while at the same time keeping the ever-present air of secrecy and mystique about her. Granted, Phoenix knew she had made the proper choice by traveling here from the beaches of Scatterstone.

" For now, you enter these lands under the title of Subordinate. You listen to me, Sofika, and my brother Karolek only. You need not heed orders from any other wolf, unless they are of rank. Which none are as of yet. You will not be permitted to leave these lands. Ever. No go. That way. "

Phoenix quickly nodded in understanding, rapidly replying with a short "Yes ma'am." Looking off to where Sofika had indicated that she leave toward, the gasp into the tree-line from hence the grand Alphess had appeared before her. Phoenix understood firmly that she would not be able to ever leave those borders of dark trees, and she knew immediately that she would probably never even considering leaving the lands of Arnlan once she had accumulated herself to the bleak territory. Also, Phoenix noted Sofika's mention of her brother, this Karolek; gladly any kin of Sofika's, Phoenix was willing to serve for. Phoenix could only wonder if Karolek was anything remotely identical to Sofika is personality and wisdom.

As the Alphess passed by Phoenix, she could've sworn she caught the sight of the black she-wolf smiling back at her. At notice of this, Phoenix also showed a small smile and quickly loped in following of the Alphess toward the break in the tree-line.