Once More With Feeling {Acceptance}

[maxkhaos]

So close and yet so far! Where the words that crossed Vala’s mind as she trotted along with her nose to the frozen ground. She and her brother had been trailing a herd of deer from the West for more than a few hours. They were probably a good twenty minutes behind the herd as far as their scents was telling. It had been an easy fall so the pair were rather well fed and ready for the winter. Although it was just the two of them, they were rather good at hunting, trailing, tracking and, of course, fighting when the need occurred.

Vorce, the larger of the two by a good forty pound, kept up his smaller sister’s pace a few yards behind her. His head was lifted, Eyes scanning the way ahead, to each side and every so often behind. He fancied himself the guard of this little mission into unfamiliar territory, but then he always considered himself that when his sister was involved… Despite the fact that he was completely deaf.

Neither of them had any idea where they were. They’d not found an area to call their own or a pack that would have them since they’d left their own over three years ago. Moving around where ever there happened to be food abundant or where they weren’t chased off by the resident pack or humans.

It was around then that a few new scents crossed the deer path before them. Slowing and finally stopping, her nose still to the ground, Vala frowned. As her brother stopped behind her and tilted his large head before sniffing the ground himself. And then he caught the scent that had made her cease her travels. This was a territory owned by a pack. The female turned to face her brother. Mouthing the word ‘pack’ and tapping the ground with a front paw several times, she got that exact statement across to the male. Nodding he lifted his head once more. Returning the nod she turned and stared once more after the deer.

It wasn’t that big of deal to the pair that they were once more trespassers, but it was good to make sure the twins were on the same page.

[Bandersnatch]

For the past short while, Crow had quite certainly not been feeling too well. Perhaps it was a piece of far too rotten meat that had done her in, or perhaps it had been more simply a virus. She had cradled herself far from the rest of the pack, nestled in the roots of an ancient tree in an area not frequented by others, fearful of spreading whatever it was she had had. It had soon proven to be nothing deadly and the dusty toned femme had, after refilling her belly, swiftly returned to her duties.

Though her steps did not quite hold the stability they previously, and every so often her breath grew more forced, her patrol continued on. Perhaps it was not the best idea to confront strangers when one still smelt of illness, but it had not been once but numerous times that the smell of newcomers and Sofika filled her nostrils. Crow winced in guilt.
Now though, every new scent made her more determined to again fulfill her neglected duties.

It was getting later in the day when she came across yet another scent across Arnlan’s rocky borders. Strong… it was fresh, and to her seemed to stand out rather obviously from the dank, earthy smell of Arnlan – it was almost as if she could see the trail of the one… two? There was no evidence that any of the pack had come to greet them.
Out of nowhere the winged-marked one’s energy returned in a great burst, released through her legs as they forcibly pushed against the ground.
As she ran, reek of newcomers growing evermore stronger, it was difficult not to pick up the scent of the deer herd. Pilfering game? The softest of growls escaped Crow’s curled lips. Sofika and Karolek would not be impressed.

Up ahead, there they were! And two it was, after all. Crow slid to a stop, scattering about bits of half-dead leaves and snow. She was being much louder than her usual almost-silence – after all, she was still recovering. They would of heard her. It didn’t matter, though. It was an announcement without voice, for she could not produce voice.
Her sepia fur stood on edge, bristling angrily. She inched forward slowly, tail and head raised. What were they doing hunting upon these lands? Were they half-starved? If they were, would the hunger make them aggressive? Or had they simply carelessly stumbled into the dark territory? For the moment they were too far away to be studied.

[maxkhaos]

Both of the twins knew it probably wouldn’t be long until they were discovered and tracked down. Of course they were both still hungry enough to keep following, but their minds had turned to issue that came with entering another pack’s territory. Of the pair it was Vorce that was more skittish as the thought of possible attack weighed in their thoughts. It wasn’t extremely hard to catch him off guard when his back wasn’t to some kind of barrier. Being deaf wasn’t easy. Vala on the other hand was calm and mostly confident. The pair meant no harm, and she believed that any that they encountered would believe that… even if she’d been proven wrong many times before.

As the sounds of a follower made it’s way toward them, Vala slowed her trot, raising her head once more. Her ears were the first to rotate toward the patroller’s direction but her body soon followed. Ears forward, she finally spotted the brown wolf that followed. She looked aggressive, but still the female stayed calm. Vorce stopped with his sister once more, turning as she turned. Immediately he lowered his head, ears flat back and tail curled under. He hated being submissive, but he knew his sister was intent of finding a pack for them. Personally, he preferred just the two of them… But he never voiced that opinion, even when it came to confronting strangers. He would do his part and remain the lesser wolf to keep from being run off or killed. Of course even with his posture it was clear he was no lowly creature.

The female did about the same, lowering herself, tail tucked and ears flat. Standing close by her beloved brother, Vala licked her lips repeatedly, another sign that they didn’t want to fight. She would stay quiet, waiting for the other to approach them, instead of tacking the initiative herself.

[Bandersnatch]

The fur that had angrily arched across Crow’s back settled almost instantly. The two intruders had quickly ducked back. It seemed they meant no harm.
A flicker of a smile passed across her lips. The mean act was generally just a front, she knew it, but a protectiveness of her homeland gave it just enough edge to be believable. Replacing her aggressive stance, she held herself prouder – chest puffed out, tail held back and head high. It was a formality, really, but it was these that helped her communicate with others – or, at the very least, get the general point across. With this, she carried herself towards the pair that had so carelessly trodden across the boundaries of these lands.

The brown femme was of quite average height typical to wolves, but so often it seemed that the ones she came face to face with were of larger size. As she approached the other two, it became more and more apparent that this time was no exception. Despite crouched positions, she could tell that the larger, a male, at least, was much larger than she. Insecurities, however, for now would have to be pushed to the back of her mind.

As she came close to the pair, Crow’s heavily furred ears perked as her eyes gazed over them curiously. Yes, the male was certainly of greater size than she – and perhaps the female too. The mute turned about so that her front met theirs, paws gently knocking about the fresh layer of snow. Attempting to meet her eyes with those of either of the two, her head twisted sideward so that a lone ear stood in the ear, an eyeridged quirked in a questioning manner. Perhaps they would care to explain themselves?

(Aaaand it’s cruddy. Sorry again.)

[maxkhaos]

As sizes went, the male was certainly large and his crouching really wasn’t very good because of it. His sister however was of average size and weight, looking small compared to her male companion. Both twins watched the stranger intently, the male seeming a little more wary and yet the less likely to run in the need arose.

As the brown female’s posture relaxed a little Vala did the same, though she kept her tail curled low and made sure he posture was still submissive. Vorce on the other hand stood normal, not submissive but certainly not dominant either. His yellow eyes roamed over her, perhaps lingering and go into more details than one would expect or perhaps be comfortable with But again his expression was mostly blank so wither he liked what he saw or didn’t was only his to know.

Vala glanced from the female to her brother and back. Was the scout not going to say anything? Of course she didn’t know that the wolf was mute… And she didn’t expect her brother to say anything because he rarely did. And so, she cleared her throat. “Our apologies for trespassing… We have been tracking a herd of dear for hours and did not realize this territory was claimed.”

She paused gageing the reaction of the other to her words. “My name is Vala… and this silence one is my brother, Vorce. We’ve traveled many miles and for several years looking for a new range… and pack, if possible. So we are not hear to steal food or trespass… If we are not welcome, we will leave.”

[Bandersnatch]

[Crud. Sorry for dropping off the face of the Earth, there]

Crow gently cocked her head, taking in the female's words. The pair must have been quite distracted to have simply wandered up the steep, craggily edges of Arlan's borders - but then one could become so wrapped in concerntration that they bore little attention to their surroundings. Crow heaved the smallest of sighs. Sofika and Karolek were never impressed by strangers hunting on their lands, and surely this would be no exception. It surprised her that neither of them had come across the siblings yet - the alphas seemed part of their environment, the embodiment of the dark timber that made these woods, and as such little that happened within Arnlan's borders passed them by.

Still, she contemplated, they did not mean harm if the female's words, which to the native femme's ears sounded truthful, were right. Though still listening quite intently, her eyes travelled again over the pair's form. The male was of similar size and build to many of the land's more recent members, many of whom had quite impressed Alphess Sofika. Perhaps they impressed Karolek, too, but for this Crow could not be certian. She had not seen the male Alpha since before the last time he'd vanished. He'd come back - the scents on the breeze told her so - but it seemed few had spotted him. Perhaps he'd disappeared yet again? Crow could not hide the small smirk that appeared across her features. It was to be expected - Karolek always did whatever he wanted. He did not hold the same strong sense of duty that his sister held, but there was some childishness about him that opposed the twins' agelessness.

"If were not welcome, we will leave."
Crow's attention snapped back to the current situation.
Vala and... Vorce? As ever, the names were stored to her mind, regardless that they would never by repeated by her lips. Vala... her voice spoke not only her words, but of intelligence. Perhaps these two would be of use to Arnlan? They were looking for a pack, and Arnlan's borders for now were open, as long as the applicants could be of some use to the pack... or at least, she hoped they had remained open during the days of her illness.
Vorce's silence did not seem out of the ordinary to Crow - many of Arnlan's inhabitants perferred not to speak their mind, and as such it was not unusual to her.

Crow gave the tan pair a weary smile, a signal that for now they were welcome mixed with her own uncertianty. The sepia one was feeling weak again after the sudden strain so soon after her semi-recovery. She did not currently feel up to the task of trying to think up and communicate a task for them. If the alphas did not approve... well, they would do what they wanted to the two. Those who did not impress the alpha siblings... Death... slavery. The mute tried to ignore the pains of guilt in her gut over her lack of ability to warn of such conclusions. Ignore for now too was thoughts that she too could be punished if these new ones did not prove themselves.

[maxkhaos]

The female of the two watched with wise eyes. She was one to use her mind before her body. And it was interesting to her that many of the same expressions and postures, subtle as they were, that this guard used were similar to that of her brothers. It was to be able to read her in the same manor. Her golden eyes seemed to soak in the female’s silent words like a book and her posture shared the same information. Understanding of the possible risks. But she knew she and her brother couldn’t wander forever. She needed place to bed down and stay. Other wolves to communicate with and share space. They were social beings and the inner want of companions beyond her brother, even so far as a mate or pups, was constantly circulating within her mind and heart.

Surprisingly her brother felt the same, but would not admit it to anyone as of yet. Seeing as he been treated like a disease most of his life, he wasn’t keen to allow himself the want of company beyond his sister. As he watched the stranger move through her different thoughts he, like Vala, caught many of those emotions and thoughts through those subtle changes. It helped that he too had a disability, though his was hearing and because of that he couldn’t speak like most, thus his silence. He’d never meet another that had a problem closer to his own… this intrigued him and instantly formed a kinship in his mind. If the pair were allowed to stay here he might have a mind to try and… well he really didn’t know what. He couldn’t really talk to her, could he? Maybe… because of her own muteness she wouldn’t be so quick to judge his speech.

When she looked a little wiry, Vorce actually felt concern bubble up in his mind. Sniffing a little and looking at her intently he deduced that she had been sick, but no longer. However if hadn’t been long ago and she was still feeling the effects of that illness. Stepping forward a step before catching himself, he’d give her a gentle glance before stepping back in place with his sister. Of course Vala noticed this odd action of her brother’s and canted her head just slightly. She had to toss him a little smile, showing that that brief bit of non-aggression toward another was something she wanted to encourage in him. She’s not seen him do that in all her life and it was rather nice.

Looking back to the female before them she returned the bit of a smile. “I understand… Vorce is deaf and because of that tends to use things other than words to speak. With that in common with him, I get your meaning and am grateful for the warning. We are prepared for it and I hope I can speak for both by saying it is worth the risk because we cannot travel forever…”

[Bandersnatch]

Crow could feel Vala watch every little twitch of expression she made – but for now, it was Vorce that held her own attention. Still no words had left his mouth.
When the silent male stepped forward, a look of curiosity, mixed with a touch of confusion, creeped across her face. But, regardless to her confusion, his soft glance felt encouraging. Had he realized she was not at full health? The scent of stagnance and illness probably still clung to her coat. The sepia wolfess flashed him a small smile, appreciative of the token act of understanding.

Again, the Vala’s voice drew Crow’s attention back to her.
So this male, Vorce, was like her? Her eye ridges perked in an obvious look or surprise. In all her years she had never met another who was voiceless - not that she had seen much of the world beyond Arnlan’s borders. Sure there were many in Arnlan who preferred silence, but none other with the true inability to talk.
As the other continued, moving on to explain the siblings’ motives, she nodded empathetically. Though she had never left these lands, she understood. Their kind was a social species, and there were few who would shy from the company of others. To feel belonging, attachment to a place and others, was something very special. It was good, too
The sympathy to each other’s meanings they all seemed to share seemed so comfortable… it was the same sort of feeling she held in conversation with Sofika. So often it seemed as though the dark alphess could almost read her mind. It was out of the question that Vorce’s disability would be scrutinized.

With a smile and flickering wave of her tail, their welcoming to the dark lands was confirmed.
Perhaps it was careless to admit strangers into the land without some proof that they would flourish in their servitude to the Alphas, but Crow felt good about these two.

[maxkhaos]

Vala glanced to her brother a moment before letting a dog-like smile cross her muzzle. Were they truly home at last? Looking back to the other female, she would let her tail wag before nodding slightly in a ‘thank you’. Now she was happy and like a puppy, she partly bowed in play, her hind end wagging with her tail. Gruffing at her brother, she nipped his shoulder before trotting around him.

She’d wanted this very thing for so long it was hard to imagine it coming true. She would do everything she could to be good to the other wolves of this land and especially to the alphas.

Vorce, upon getting the message that they were allowed here, for now, she too would wag his tail, but showed not nearly the emotion that his sister did. He’d glance at her as she gruffed and bit him, but he didn’t do much more than raise his dog brows for a moment. But as his sister allowed herself to express her emotion around them, he looked back to the sepia female.

Neither wanted to wander farther into this pack’s land with out proof that they’d met her and been given the okay, so he stayed as he was. Well accept for stepping a little closer to her as Vala moved off to a tree to chew on a stick. Tilting his thick head for a moment, he moved his eyes over her once more. Although he could vocalize, his words sounded slurred and extremely strange and so he never spoke to any but his sister, and even that was rare. So in that respect he and this female before him were both mute. Lowering his head submissively, he inched forward again. For the first time since they’d met he actually didn’t seem to mind acting submissive. He rather wanted to sniff her a little closer, but didn’t want to seem aggressive.

Once close enough, if she would let him, he’d do just that. His ears pushed forward, he would take in air as his nose nearly touched her shoulder and then closer to her muzzle.