Prayers for a New Path~acceptance~

[shunketsunoroden]

((this is my first time so if it's a bit messed up please understand, the fourth part is supposed to be her thoughts but I don't think the italics worked I'll be playing my new character Tokokuni))

The sun was just rising over the horizon as morning light twinkled over the sparkling world of snow. At so early an hour, few animals were awake, most still resting peacefully in their dens. Yet through the deep piles of snow, came the soft sound of paws crunshing almost silently against the cold blanket. A single wolf padded along, her nose to the ground, keenly aware of everything around her.

Her ears perked up as a scent she'd never smelled before struck her, knowing well enough to whom it must belong.

"Arnlan wolves," she whispered to herself, realizing she'd finally arrived. Her thoughts raced through her head as stood there in the silence.

This is it...if these wolves don't accept me I don't know where I'll end up. But I can't expect them to do that, yet after everything i've been through...I might as well get this over with, and I do hope I won't have to make a quick retreat...I want to be here...for once I think this might be the place for me...

Shaking her head as to clear her thoughts, the wolf discovered what had to be the border into Arnlan territory. Her pale eyes glowed slightly as she stared out at the gently falling snow, sighing slightly. She took a step forward, but shying back as suddenly, images began to rush through her head.

Somewhere, from some time long ago, she had seen this place before, almost as if it were all just a dream. Her eyes grew wide as sudden images flashed through her mind. She could a pair of blazing red eyes, filled with a lust for blood, but she was not afraid, almost as if she knew their keeper, she felt a sudden cold, far worse than that around her. And then, she could just make out the vague image of a wolf, standing directly before her, it's eyes blazing with a kindness she knew she had seen before. The wolf opened it's mouth as to say something, but the words never came. Tokokuni gasped as the image before her shattered as though made of glass, disappearing into the soft breeze.

She stood there for a moment, taken completely aback by the strange vision. Sighing again, she shook her head from side to side vigurously, turning back to the matter at hand. She'd been seeing so many images like that lately, and still she had no clue what they could mean.

Doing her best not to think of the disturbing images. She calmed herself, taking a grave expression to her face, and prepared for the event she'd been rehearsing in her mind constantly over these last few days. With a silent plea, she raised her head to the glistening sun, and let out a lone howl. Closing her eyes, she continued her call, her ears pinned to her head as the sound of her voice drifted through the wind. Praying, someone would hear as a feeling of unease seized her, and stood alone, awaiting the wolves she now was sure were coming...

[akisame]

A few days since being accepted and the alpha had given her permission to accept a few members. So many wolves were coming into the domain it was hard for just two wolves to handle. Maybe that was why she was allowed to accept a few. It wasn't known for a mere subordinate like herself to be able to do that. Akisame brushed the thought away. Her paws sunk into the snow as she travled along the perimeter of Arnlan. Azure optics glanced froom side to side. Her tail swished and she felt a chill as a cold breeze rushed against her. She inhaled the crisp air and her orbs widened. A scent that was not Arnlan entered her nose. She cocked her head to the right and looked around. Her legs began to carry her lithe frame silently following the smell that was leading her to the source.

If the pack had some sort of guard on the borders a canine wouldn't have gotten so far in here. Her cerulean fur was thick keeping out most of the cold but like before some winds could seep through the insulation. The dead trees stood guard throughout the land. Their branches seemed ready to snatch one off of the ground. Aki loved that. She didn't know the reason quite but something just clicked in her mind whenever she gazed upon the plants. Her attention went back to the intruder at hand. No nose was escaping the gentle pawsteps of the she-wolf. She was following the scent the wind was carrying to her. That's whens he spotted the canine. Her eyes focus as she made her way behind the seemingly entranced wolf. The silver earring in her was being covered by tuffs of fur on them. Her bracelets let out a loud clink.

That should probably jump the female who didn't seem to notice Akisame behind her. The subordinate scanned her over quickly figuring out she was no threat. If she was, the ex-assassin would take care of it. She circled the creature her body low still watching her.

"What brings you to Arnlan?"

Aki asked. She raised herself from the ground standing proudly infront of the intruder. She wasn't acting with authority like most idiot wolves think, no it was more of showing the she-wolf she was not to be messed with. Akisame has a short patience when it comes to ignorant fools and she will tell anyone her impression first hand.

[shunketsunoroden]

Tokokuni stared at the wolf with her pale violet eyes, looking over her with an inquisivite manner. The scent of Arnlan clung strongly to this wolf, proving that she cleary was a pack member. Tokokuni felt her heart skip a beat, realizing this was her chance for entry into the pack. Dipping her head in greeting, being sure not to appear rushed or nervous, keeping her face grave, she adressed the blue wolf.

"My name is Tokokuni," she said cooly, her voice clear and honest, "and I have humbly journeyed here with a request for acceptance in the pack of Arnlan." Her voice was so calm, it would have been impossible to tell she was lying, if she were to lie anyway. However, she wasn't lying at the moment, she was only hoping silently, though she appeared as rigid and cool as ice, she was truly more like one of the falling flakes of snow, her heart beating loud in her ears, her body tense and her various thoughts fluttering through her mind. Her appearance was a pure lie, a lie of her true feelings. She had never been one to become excited or overjoyed, but right now was different, right now, this was the moment of chance. This was the very moment when she would either be accepted and start a new life, one she may finally be able to make sense of, or be rejected and left alone in the world that until this point had seemed entirely against her...

[akisame]

Seeking acceptence eh... Well Arnlan doesn't want just any random wolf in the pack. I wonder what this canine has to offer. Akisame thought. Her gaze never lifted from the female. She lifted a paw and stepped forward once now only a few pawsteps from the newcomer. Her light purple nose still trying to catch the scents of where this one had come from. Still she better say something now. Aki was obligued to give her name to Tokokuni, so far her impression is a good one. Alright best get on with now. She loosened her gaze and averted her eyes to the sky. The clouds were dark a sign of either hail or snow, the subordinate better give an answer or else she'll be stuck in the storm.

"You've made a good impression as of greetings...." Aki smiled kindly. "However Arnlan doesn't allow random members in. What can you do for the pack? Can you hunt? Can you spy? Or can you be a warrior? Lest to say just speak of your talents, then I shall tell you whether you join or not."

Her tail swished side to side. The ex-assassin was prepared for anything to be uncovered in this meeting. Of course no wolf who is not accepted into Arnlan must be killed. Which would be a bad thing if Tokokuni proves to be unworthy of this. Then the femme fatal will have to end the life of the newbie. 'caw, caw, caw.' Akisame heard the shriek of a few feather brained crows. Her lips curled in irritration to the birds. Damn birds... SCavengers is what they are... Must be waiting to see my desicion... They think that they may get the scrapes if I choose to deny Tokokuni.... She waited impatiently for Toko's reply. Patience was something she had little of.

"Hurry up girl! I don't have all day, a storm is brewin' and I ain't gettin caught in it."

She snapped.

[shunketsunoroden]

Whoa...she looks impatiant...
Tokokuni shifted slightly with unease, straining for an answer, how could she convince that wolf that she could be useful. She knew that she was a well able hunter and fighter, but with the way this wolf appeared to her, she wondered if her skills would be enough. Her ears perked up slightly when she too heard the cawing of the scavengers circling in the skies, creating even more feelings of tension. Sighing to herself, she knew she would have to reply, or she didn't know what this wolf would do. Surely she wouldn't just deny her and walk on...there was most probably some catch...one Tokokuni knew she didn't want to discover. Hastily, she prepared her answer.
"I can fight," she said after a short pause, suddenly realizing how serious this sitaution was, "and hunt. My family was once known for their skills in both areas. I'm quick on my feet and a sharp hunter, I have managed to survive on my own since I was but a puppy, and I've always been well off, meaning I'm more than capable of watching out for myself. I won't lie and say I've been a pack member from somewhere else before, but this is something I've been considering for quite some time now...and I'm well prepared for whatever answer I may recieve..."
Tokokuni was sure to keep her vioce from sounding bitter, knowing it would only upset the other wolf more. Praying her words had made some sort of impact, she readied herself for whatever was to come...

[akisame]

At Toko's words Aki began to take them all into consideration. Though she had no real care for whatever skills her family was known for. The ex-assassin earned her skills through blood, sweat, and tears. Not by gaining them through birth. Which comes the question. What is stronger Birth strength, or strength you earn through hard work? That questioned always angered the fatal. She was one who many doubted her skills becasuse her family were not famous or known for their skills. Her tail swished again and she watched as the crows landed on the ground close to them. Disgustinf, foal, scavengers.... The whole lot of them. She thought. The wolf hadn't had good run ins with the ebony birds. They had tried to peck her eyes out when she was resting. Of course the ones who did it were dead but that was besides the point. This newcomer thinks she could be of assistance and by the looks of Arnlan they need new members. Of course Aki will have to hear abit more. Have the wolf name any feats she has accomplished or any other thing that could prove to be of some use to Arnlan.

"So far so good... Tell me of some of the feats you've down... Or at least tell me what skill level you'd consider yourself on. I myself would be a five in my opinon, for I know there are better fighters then me."

Five that was a lie. Akisame knew she'd be on a higher level then five but it was a test. Would Tokokuni consider herself higher then Aki or lower. Though her grumpiness at the moment wasn't purpose. Akisame had little social skills with other creatures besides a few humans. The creatures she had met she hated. Toko hasn't inspired any hatred as of yet no she would lean more on the friend side, but with her past on her mind and what looks to be like a hail storm coming the Female wasn't in a good mood. Especially since the members had let a wolf come this far into the terratory without stopping her. Infact where were they?! Shouldn't someone besides a mere subordinate who was asked by the Alphess except members. Clearly if Aki was to do this, she might be given a rank of scout of some other rank she loathed. The female was a fighter not a scout, her mind was in the right place as well but she wasn't feeling well knowing her brother was out looking for her.

"I'd like to see you catch a crow... If you catch one... It proves you aren't lying about your hunting skills... I won't however test your fighting skills. For there would be no need to cause bloodshed..."

Akisame trailed off. There is no need to yet anyways.

((Sorry if I seem to repeat myself... I'm tired at the moment and I'm in a hurry.))

[shunketsunoroden]

Tokokuni watched the blue wolf as she trotted away into the shadows, a sudden dread filling her heart, mixed with swirling questions. She couldn't help but wonder what was running through the other wolf's mind as she turned her head and noticed the birds pecking about in the frigid blanket of white. A slight shiver ran down her spine as she observed their perky movements, despising the carrion feeders with all her heart. She knew all to well that crows were nasty creatures, devouring the rotting carcasses of any foolish being, swooping silently through the sky, they were true creatures of evil in her perspective.
Still, what choice did she have? Somehow, she would have to find some way to catch one of those vile creatures, or surely she would never be allowed into this pack. Yet it disturbed her, the way this wolf regarded her. The wolf had seemed troubled, for Tokokuni had seen right through her lying eyes. There was determination it her tone, yet somehow, she seemed almost bitter. It was like she had split feelings, as if she couldn't decided what to do. Maybe that was why she had given her this task, a task Tokokuni felt was rather odd.
Shaking her head, Tokokuni realized she would have to hurry with the task set for her, or she may never be accepted into this pack. She looked over the birds again, wondering which apporach would be best in the act of hunting. Barely willing to think over the matter, she crouched low to the ground and slunk towards the birds, being sure they had their backs to her. Scanning over the despicible beings, she chose the one cloest to her for her prey, watching it closly as she took tentative steps forward. Her fur brushed against the snow as she stalked forward, tensing and preparing herself to pounce. Knowing this was her chance for the acceptance she'd thristed for for what seemed like an eternity.
With a silent plea, she lunged forward, kicking up snow and dirt as she jumped at the birds. As though they'd known she was there all along, the birds let out an agitated caw and fled into the sky. They circled about, issuing cries of spite as they glared at the wolf with beady red eyes.
Tokokuni let out an agitated growl, already growing tired of this. She could only imagine what Aki would say, for surely she had failed. Yet, suddenly, she shook her head. She had clearly not regarded this situation well, for maybe rushing in wasn't the answer. She thought over a plan, looking about for clues as to a way she could get the birds out of the sky and back onto the snow. Then, she realized large flakes of white falling from the sky, vigorously shaking her head when one fell onto her already cold nose. She just knew there had to be some other way to accomplish this. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind, for if speed wasn't the answer...then maybe patience was...
Pushing all objections to the back of her mind, she began to scrape her paws through the layer of snow upon the ground, digging quietly to herself. After a long moment, she gave the ground a satisfied look, praying this would work. As quietly as the fallling of the snow, she layed down carefully in the small cleared space. She shifted about, getting into the desired position and being sure the birds in the sky were paying her little attention. Silently, she dug herself into the snow, her fur keeping most of the bitter cold from her as she did her best to cover her body. When she'd gathered all the snow she could, she let out a quiet sigh, and waited...
Snow fell from the sky in large flakes as the moments drug out, Tokokuni hoping Aki wasn't getting impetient, for she knew this would only work if it was given the correct amount of time. The minutes continued to tick by until the snow began to pile onto the wolf's still body, obscuring her image in a blanket of white. Tokokuni shivered slightly as her vision was clouded with snow, relying now keenly on her sense of smell, hoping it would be enough.
The minutes continued to drag out as she lay there, determined not to so much as move or make a sound. Even as she knew a storm was fast approaching, she did not let excitement or impatience so much as come over her stockstill body. Then, she realized that this clever plan might just be pulled off.
The crows in the sky were obviously convinced the wolf was gone, cirlcing a final time before swooping down and landing in the gathering snow. Their insistent cawing continued on as they pecked about for anything that would substitute for a meal, unaware of the wolf hiding in the freezing snow.
Tokokuni smiled slightly when she heard the crows' calls come closer, knowing they were now on the ground. She closed her eyes and concentrated will all her will, trying to pinpoint the location on a single bird. More minutes ticked by until at least, she made out the faint scuffling of a bird no more than two feet in front of her. Her muscles tensing for a final time, she silently prayed that this time her efforts had been worht it, and it a quick burst, erupted from the snow. The birds shrieked in their mocking voices as the unsuspected wolf lashed out, perplexed at her appearance. The ones farthest from her hurried into the air, but not all were as fortunate. With a single movement of her paws, her sharp teeth glistening a streak of white, Tokokuni clamped her jaws down upon a surprised bird. The creature fell silent in an instant, a trickle of blood falling from it's stricken body as Tokokuni turned back to the other wolf.
"Good enough for you," she asked through a mouthful of feathers.

[Lazy Aki]

Aki watched carefully as Toko ran at the crows. Not a smart idea... Crows are smarter then to be caught like that. she thought. The black birds soared into the air and circled thinking their meal would be coming soon. They cawed at the she-wolf waiting for her to say if Toko was accepted or not. Aki did not reply. She sat on her haunches and just watched Toko as the wolf began to dug a hole. Finally she is using her brains.... Optics looked to the sky as snow was falling faster. The storm was coming and it was about time to be heading for shelter. With a wag of her tail she stood up on all fours. The crows flew down and Toko caught one. A smile appeared on her maw, she won't have to kill this wolf. She was worthy enough to be Arnlan that was for sure. With one a nod of her she averted her gaze to the ground then back to Toko.

"Your in. Now head inland and get some shelter. The storm looks like it's going to be a bad one."

She spoke kinder then before and slowly she veered her body around and sprinted up the slope towards the hallow tree inwhich she has taken shelter to. Now it was time to sleep out the storm and wait for another to cross her path. As of now her thoughts crossed to ArchAngel, the wolf who's same blood as hers course through him. She wondered if her brother would be heading here. Would he come and join her?

((It's short but your accepted.))