See me for who I am [Acceptance]

[archer]

There was a steady fall of rain, but that did not bother the wolf who now stood in the Arnlan pack. His nose enhaling the scent barrier of the pack, and calculating that he was good to go with his plan, stepping over the barrier, and looking casually around. Archer sighed happily for once in his life.

The red, dark grey, and black male stuck out like a sore thumb, but he didn't mind too much. Instead, he merely shook off the building water. If he wasn't quick to be accepted, he would be rained on and possibly be drowned by all the rain. Laughing softly to himself at that thought, the wolf could not help but give a soft snort.

"Hello?" He called through the rain now pounding down with a force to be in awe of. One particuly heavy drop fell on his nose, and he sneezed as water rushed into the sensitive sensory system. He shook his head, snorting to get the water out of his nose, and then running to hide from the water under a tree.

[grebo]

Also perched just outside the border beneath a tree was Myth, the white she-wolf. She never was good at this sort of thing: plucking up courage and talking to strangers. Asking favours of them. It was quite daunting.

But she really wanted to join this pack. It smelled like fun, not like some of the places. She had passed by a dark, uneasy place earlier - rumour was it was called Sallin. It had smelt of fear and death, and she had run away as fast as she could.

Tentatively, she stepped over the border, allowing the rain to soak her luxurious fur. It would be worth it.

At this point she saw another wolf - a strikingly coloured male. He spoke a greeting - to her? Or to anyone in particular? - and then sneezed. She knew how he felt.

She pricked her ears and grinned, then trotted over to him. His stance was one of an unaccepted wolf - so he was like her then. "Do you mind if I share your tree?" She asked.

[nightblood]

A pair of crimson eyes gazed up atthe darkened sky. Although only one eye really worked, NightBlood could see every drop as it fell from the clouds. The giant lowered her gaze until she was looking at the forest floor. She had found one of the few spots in Arnlan where the trees allowed the sky light to fall through.

She was very close to the border, the Arnlan Sentry. She was finding herself around the edge of the pack lands more and more. That's what her title called for, but she had resided here since before she had been promoted. Her over all goal (or hope, really) was to somehow get to be the Arnlan beta. It was probably the stupidest thing to assume it could happen, and both Sofika and Karolek would both probably laugh if she ever mentioned it.

Slowly, she was beginning to think that she was suited for nothing else than her new position. Maybe Lead Sentry, if she kept this up. The thought annoyed her. An ex-Alpha Heir being reduced to nothing but a lowly Sentry... but it was better than a subordinate.

Through the beating rain, NightBlood refocused her eyes to what was in front of her. She had simply been standing there, letting herself get wet as she thought, she she was less than surprised when she found two figures at the end of the tree line. She had been worrying inwardly, not letting herself out of her mind. She would not have been surprised if a tornado had ripped the surrounding trees out of the ground when she wasn't paying attention.

Quietly, she desided to watch these two for the time being. The black-and-redbrown gray wolf walked forward into the brush to get out of the rain, but did not shake herself dry. If she had, why not howl her presence to the world why she was at it? No. NightBlood was not that stupid. These two seemed to be simple loners looking for a pack, but they could just as easily be spies from Sallin. Best to keep her distance until she knew for sure.

[archer]

The male sniffed, the scent of another and although highly diluted by the rain, it was strong enough for him to tell it was another wolf, and a female at that. A moment later, the said female wolf appeared in front of him. Archer perked one ear toward her, ignoring the water droplets still falling from the sky to look at her clearly. She was pretty, he would give her that.

"Do you mind if I share your tree?"

Archer nodded to her, his brown ears folding back into place at the top of his head. He didn't speak, rather, had sensed movement over in the brush. He moved slowly forward to inspect the source. His steps careful, calculated and precise. He found the scent trail of a a female, and the, turned toward the brush, sniffing it, and the backing away to sit in the rain on his black haunches. "Female of Arnlan, please allow me to see you. I mean you no harm and only wish to be accepted." His voice was cool, and calm.

[grebo]

Just as Myth settled under the tree, she glanced at the male wolf. His silence was due to the fact that he'd spotted something. She followed his gaze but could see nothing through the sheets of rain.

A sudden gust of wind blew the scent of a female towards her, and she sneezed and squinted to see if she could spot the stranger. Another wolf taking shelter from the rain? Or an enemy? Or someone coming to accept them? The male who she was with walked out into the rain as she remained under the tree. She quite liked rain really, but now was wet through and feeling a little apprehensive. Then again...she didn't want to seem a coward. Standing up again, she moved out to be deside him at a respectful distance.

The male spoke, asking for acceptance. Perhaps Myth should say something. She didn't know what to say. "I only want to be accepted as well," she said after a short pause. It was a little silly really, but it was better than saying nothing.

[nightblood]

The multi-colored male hadn't been on Arnlanian ground for more than two minutes and already, he was on NightBlood's nerves. That HAD to be a new record... maybe not. With a snort, Night reminded herself that he probably couldn't see her all too well, so maybe 'I mean you no harm' was meant for a smaller, weaker female. An idea suddenly came to her. 'This will make him reconsider his words,' she thought with a grin.

She was wet, so naturally, any canine would want to shake the water off. NightBlood started to shake her head and her body soon followed. Water droplets were sent like missiles through the bush, making every near by leaf tremble and spasm. The range was farer than a normal wolf. Perhaps that would impress upon both of them her true size.

Instead of heading straight for them, the giant rounded the two, attempting to quietly change her position and make them think there was more than one pack member in the area. It was a game. She was toying with their minds, trying to see which one had what kind of brain compasity. No completly dumb wolf was getting into Arnlan on her watch.

Once she found her new place, NightBlood looked back at the path she had taken and deemed the move satisfactory, despite the few twigs and leaves she had steped on. She turned her attention back to the intruders. Enough fooling around. Time to get serious. She walked slowly throung the bushes and came to a point in which her entire body was surrounded by tall weeds. She placed a strong paw out of them and into the grass. Moments later, all that was visible was her front legs, head, and chest.

"What makes you think Arnlan would want to accept you?" NightBlood asked gruffly, her deep, raspy voice probably throwing them both off guard, "State your names, outsiders."

One couldn't tell, but right now, NightBlood was in a calmer mood. Testing and toying with others often made her happy, but her face showed no such emotion.

[archer]

The bush startled to spasm as if it had a cramp, the leaves shaking from the water going everywhere. Archer already soaked felt more water land upon him, but he knew better than to open his mouth to say anything. The wolf, whoever she was, was big, and nobody in their right mind would dare make someone bigger than them angry. Archer was one of the few that had seen bigger wolves. When the movement stopped, his keen brown eyes trained by years of finding enemy targets in horrible conditions searched for her.

He did not panic, instead, sniffed the air. Only three scents. His own, Myth's, and Nightblood's. He stared blankly, her trick not fooling him. One of his ears tracked her footfalls, blocking out the rain and other noises, the multicolored male singled her out, locating her and then turning toward where she stood at the moment. Archer had skills, that was clear.

Soon, Nighblood revealed herself, and Archer scanned her, his eyes checking her over. She definitely lived here, was a female, and by the looks of it, and once been of royal rank. So far, he was impressed.

"What makes you think Arnlan would want to accept you?""State your names, outsiders."

With a gruff tone she addressed them. Archer looked at her directly, but avoided looking into her eyes. This was her turf, and he was merely a guest here. The wolf understood that. He paused to give a polite bow. "As to why I think Arnlan should accept me, I offer my strength, stealth, and speed. M'lady, my name is Archer"

[grebo]

Myth listened hard, trying to pick out the movements of the wolf behind the bushes. She could smell her, and the scource of the smell seemed to be moving - although it could just be the wind. She could also hear footfalls very faintly behind the rain.

The female emerged from her hiding place. A lot larger than many a female that Myth had seen before. She bowed instinctively, submitting. Procedure. She hated all these formalities, but unfortunately they were necessary.

She demanded their names, and Myth did not care for her manner. Archer boasted of his skills, and she glanced at him. Perhaps he did not read her character well. He would do well to be careful with her.

After Archer had spoken (a handsome wolf, she thought, but an interesting name. Handsome wolves seemed commonplace around here - and more than often full of themselves, in her experience. Only a few had seen enough of life to know their place...and those few had usually lost their looks to the harsh reality of life), she said her own piece, loudly and clearly without sounding too brash. "I am Myth," she said, averting her eyes in respect. "I only come in the hope that Arnlan will see my qualities and find a place in their ranks for someone with my resilience, team spirit and intelligence." She had other qualities besides, but these were the ones of which she was most proud. She didn't want to give a long list of how brilliant she was. The female could work that out for herself. In a way she was slightly frightened of this wolf, although she tried her best to be brave and seem unafraid. The female was big, and didn't seem to friendly. She edged a little closer to Archer, not that she could rely on his protection.

[nightblood]

Night listened intently to the strange-colored male's words. Strength, stealth, speed... qualities of an assassin. Arnlan could deffinatly use him. Though he looked more for speed than strength, she could see that he was not one to be doubted. He was almost as tall as herself. The source of his strength was most likely his height.

The giant's ear twitched at the title he had given her before announcing his name. 'M'lady'... she had never been called that before... but she wouldn't comment on it unless he continued to call her that. It really didn't seem to fit her.

So his name was Archer, was it? She had once heard humans talking of such a title... They were warriors armed with sticks. The sticks had some sort of tooth or claw at the tip and were sent flying through the air by another stick accompanied by a string. When the flying weapons found their mark, the force of their launch sent them deep into the skin of the enemy. Night made a mental note to find out how this wolf had gained such a name.

NightBlood blinked once when Archer had finished his introduction. At the sound of her voice, the dark wolf turned to the white female. Myth... another unique name. She liked it almost immediatly. Resilience, team spirit, intelligence... Team spirit was the core of just about every pack. It coinsided with loyalty, something NightBlood valued above most.

Intelligence would get Myth into Arnlan easily, but once she had given all she knew, it was up to her to quickly find a new strength or loose favor with Karolek and Sofika. If what she said was true, Myth's intelligence would surely provide another safe route for her.

Night steped forward out of the weeds and sat down in front of the two. "You may call be 'Blood' for the time being." She paused for half a second, allowing the name to sink in. Allowing them to realize that that is what would be spilt if their intentions were not true. "It would seem that both of you have qualities in which Arnlan prizes. Before I pass judgement, I would like for you to answer a few questions. Tell me, have you ever heard of or had affiliation with a pack called 'Sallin'?" The name slid from her maw as if a snake had said it, emphasising her distaste.

[archer]

His eyes saw the twitch of her ear. No movement was ever invisible to an assassin, and Archer had learned well from his trainer, his teacher. Nightblood blinked after he had given her intentions and name, a slight gesture he saw clearly. The male listened to Myth, one ear toward her, the other facing Nightblood.

The multicolored wolf looked at Myth, his large form bigger than she was, but that was to be expected. After all, Archer had not endured several months of literal hiding in a forest, learning to fight others and discovering that true power lay in trust. He knew that their were few in this world that would he believed him if he told them how he had gotten his name. His homeland had been under a siege for many years when he was born, and he was given the name of a weapon, his purpose for living becoming a weapon against all that stood in his pack's way of living peacefully. This made him weary, but trustworthy, and thus loyal to anyone that was in the pack.

"You may call be 'Blood' for the time being."

Archer knew even though he was skilled that if he was not true or well mannered, he would be in dire danger with her. Nightblood as big, and that he knew came with power, as he himself as large. The wolf nodded at her comment, allowing her to speak once more.

"It would seem that both of you have qualities in which Arnlan prizes. Before I call to the alphas, I would like for you to answer a few questions. Tell me, have you ever heard of or had affiliation with a pack called 'Sallin'?"

Archer was glad to hear the first part, but the latter was not so. He spoke again, and spoke honestly. "I have heard of it, and much to my disliking, I have an estranged half-brother there, Blackrage. We have not spoken in several years, the way I prefer to keep it. He still thinks I wander the beach" Archer spoke as if he had eaten a sour lemon, and the taste had been lingering for far to long. Blackrage had killed Blade, and he had almost killed Archer, so a hatred between them had formed, so Archer wanted revenge.

[grebo]

Myth listened intently to what Blood had to say. Why was it that she couldn't just see the alpha straight away - why did Blood have to accept them first? She didn't understand, but still put up with it. She sat up tall, her ears pricked, listening to every word.

Blood mentioned Sallin.

What was Sallin? Myth did not know, although it was probably an enemy pack. As with any pack, she would help defend it against enemies. Despite not having the strength or size that Archer did, she was pretty quick and passionate about defending justice. She would do her best. She waited until Archer had finished his speech, and then spoke.

"I have never heard of Sallin, but if they are an enemy then I will help defend the pack to the best of my ability." She wondered why they were hated so much.

[nightblood]

Night relaxed her face and brought up and arrogant smile. She lifted her head and turned it to Archer, raising her eye brows. "Best to keep him thinking that," she said with a chuckle. The very idea of having a pair of brothers fighting against eachother was enough to lift her spirits. 'Such interesting characters...' she thought.

With a slight jerk, she pulled at her brain, making her head turn to Myth as if guiding it with strings. So... this one was ignorant of the ways of Sallin? She would come to know well if they were to go to battle. She nodded at the end of her statement. In her mind, though seeming frail and week to her, Myth passed her test. But Archer had a relative in an enemy pack. Loyalties were in question, even though he vowed loyalty to Arnlan.

NightBlood turned both eyes toward Archer, leaving her face toward Myth. "Your words seem true Archer, I do not deny it. However, if the opportunity arose, ... would you kill your brother?" Her voice sounded curious and light, as if she was a pup inquiring of an older wolf about some puzzle or new object.

[archer]

Archer heard her chuckle, yet he did not see what was so funny, out rather gave a gruff twitch of his left ear. The other ear was focused on Myth, the white female. Archer took the moment to note that he was the only male in the current vicinity, so he noted to later look into how many wolves lived in the Arnlan pack exactly.

Best to keep him thinking that,"

Archer nodded, a cruel smile slipping across his face. "We have battled before, and I always keep him guessing."

Your words seem true Archer, I do not deny it. However, if the opportunity arose, ... would you kill your brother?"

He looked at her, his gray body swaying smoothly back and forth as he sat on the ground. Archer did not even have to think about the answer. It came so naturally to him. He hated his half-brother with more rage than he had ever shown to anyone but Blackrage.
"I would, without any hesitation, guilt, or doubt, end his life, anyone that needs to be stamped out." His voice sounded serious, but there was a undertone of anger, bitterness in it. Archer hated his brother, and how he was unable to feel anything but hatred or anger.

His body moved forward, and he looked at Myth, hearing her speak of Sallin with ignorance. She had too either be young, or just uninformed, but that was going to change. "Myth, since you know little of Sallin, I will inform you. Sallin is led by Nightshade, a she-wolf that used to live in Raknu, now called Sallin. Arnlan is, as I am sure you know, secretive and they are enemies with the pack, thus, the questions about our bonds with said pack." He turned to look at Blood, finally looking her directly in the eye, asking her if she wanted to add onto it.

[nightblood]

{{NightBlood was just named Sentry. Since there's so many acceptance threads, I went ahead and modified my posts. I changed them so that you guys don't have to change yours much, if at all. ^^;}}

[grebo]

(Congrats Nightblood. At the moment I'm in the throes of leaving home, which is why I've not been very responsive (sorries!). So please forgive me if I take ages, and if you want to you can skip my posts if it's possible. But I'll try to answer them asap).

Myth listened to Archer, surprised at the obvious age he had against his brother. She loved her brothers very much - more than anyone in the world, perhaps. Feeling such anger towards his brother must be very hard, she thought. How could a family member be so traitorous?

Her ears flicked back as he highlighted her ignorance. She didn't mean to be unaware of such a terrible pack. She just wasn't good at knowing things like that, about the locals. The next question escaped her without her even thinking. It was most likely a foolish question, and afterwards she stepped backwards and hung her head in shame.

"Why are they enemies? What have they done to Arnlan?"