A village! [acceptance]

[scrii]

Dusk was approaching, yet the remnants of day still clung on to the skies, even though the stars were starting to already make themselves clear to the naked eye. A pinkish-orange light filled the sky as the sun descended and the moon rose and took its place, the land lying beneath streaked with the firey colours of sunset.

Light paws tread over the cobblestones, muzzle turning this way and that, intrigued by everything. Everything was so different to Synl... no eternal hue of autumn colours... just, business. Fainéant felt slightly sad that he might not be able to get back into Synl. Would they allow him? He loved it here, but Hallow seemed so nice... His heart feeling torn, which it rarely was, he shook his head, the fur on his neck ruffling out. Blue eyes regained their sparkle as he stopped in his gait, plonking his rump onto the streets as he waited for someone to come, a lopsided grin on his face. He was here... in a village!

[wolf]

Kay nuzzled at her 3 pups and willed them to keep going, she needed to find shelter for her and her pups as light was becoming scarce. She came upon a road, too tired to assess the dangers of following a man made creation she put her head down and followed it, hoping it would lead to a village. For where there was a village there were bound to be people and she knew people were dumb enough to throw out decent food. Kay hadn't eaten in days, for every bit of food she found she had to give to her growing pups. Now almost 8 weeks old she was feeling the loss of her mate. "How can I look after 3 pups by myself?" she asked herself quietly.

Her thoughts still flooded her head before she realised the change in the surface her pads were walking on. Instead of a dusty dirt track the surface had changed to cobblestones, she knew she had to take caution now, feeling that a village was near by, "Ok everyone, a village is up ahead so be on the lookout" she warned her pups. They nodded in a silent agreement and followed their mother. Fate being the runt in the litter squealed for her mother when she couldn't go on. Kay silently turned round and picked Fate up by the scruff of the neck and continued on down the road.

The sky had almost lost all light now and Kay was beginning to worry about shelter. She looked up and saw what seemed to be a dog. She kept her profile low and told her pups to wait in the bushes by the side of the road. If this dog was going to be hostile towards her she wanted her pups to be safe. Once she was satisfied that her pups were well hidded she spoke to the stranger, "Who are you?" she half barked half growled, her voice broke the silent night and it seemed unfamilar to her. She stepped closer and repeated the question, her voice quivered and she stood in a defencive stance and waited for a reply.

[scrii]

((I'll wait for a high-ranked member first.))

[Wesley]

Wesley trotted along in the fading light of the day, his brown-hued coat becoming coppery and discoloured by the lighting. Naturally, Wesley didn't notice but enjoy the warm feeling fading from his fur as he did most other sensations of the touch. It would be night soon which he thoroughly enjoyed. The day is done and peace be on earth for those who walk the night.

A growling voice caught his attention as he turned from his route home. It would seem that those charting by the sun and Phoebus were going to use every ounce of daylight they held to keep him from a completely quiet night. On the other hand, the scents were both knew as they wafted on the breeze proceeding evening and he wondered what two new-comers could already be having a spat about.

Swallowing slightly because he was a tad nervous to approach a femme who smelled of pups and a potential offense to her, Wes took his time crossing over the cobblestones before coming near enough to them to make himself notice. Dipping his head politely he held his gaze, approximately, between the two to suggest he might be asking either. "May I help you?" It was a question he wouldn't hope too bold, but also complete some of the typical run-down of questions when encountering new folks in Hallow. Let us see what this is all about. He thought, large ears raised to listen to either attentively when they managed to answer him.

[scrii]

Fainéant's ears pricked as he heard strange sounds behind him. Hmm? Swinging his head around, an expression of shock entered his eyes as he saw a female, with three pups, approaching him. She didn't look as if she knew he could see her. Ah man, a female with pups. What on Earth is a male like me going to do? I'm gonna get snapped at, I know it... he thought, sarcastically exasperated. Then he realised that the female had spotted him, and she approached, growling defensively.

"Who are you?"

Fainéant laid back his ears, lowering his stance, showing he meant no harm. "Greetings, m'lady," he said. She seemed as if she wanted to find shelter in this village. "Who am I? I am Fainéant, currently a loner. Although I do seek to join this lovely village here, which I believe is called... Hallaw? Hallow?" His voice was bright and cheery, in complete contrast to the ever-darkening sky. It was his usual voice. Grinning in a slightly goofy manner, he swung around again as he saw a dog, standing and watching them. He looked brown. Suddenly noticing that this dog must be high-ranked, for the way he carried himself showed that, he fell into a clumsy bow, trying to keep the grin off his face.

"Greetings, Alpha... Wesley!" he said, after remembering the Alpha's name. "How do you do on this fine dusk?" Pausing, and realising he sounded stupid, he got up, keeping his head lower than the Alpha's. "I seek acceptance into this village pack, which I believe you are the Alpha of?"

After he finished, he looked sideways to the female, and broke out into another grin, this time lopsided, showing that he didn't know who she really was.

[wolf]

"I, urr, I am Kay and, umm, I too am looking for acceptance" she mumbled, stumbling over her words. It had been a long time since she had met other dogs and she wasn't quite sure how to act infront of the alpha, so she did exactly what the other male had done and bowed slightly.

Spirit being the most adventurous of the three pups stumbled out of the bushes Kay had hid them in. Kays eyes turned wildly to see her walking straight to the alpha. She made a yelping kind of sound and ran after her pup. It was too late, the pup had already reached the alpha and was starring up at him with her blue eyes. Spirit made a yipping sound and stumbled around the brute. Kay looked at the alpha, her eyes searching for any suggestion that he would attack her pup. She took a step forward watching both brutes and her pup. Her fur on her back began to prickle with every passing moment, "Spirit come here" she ordered her pup. Spirit looked around to see her mother, she smiled as a response but stayed where she was.

Her other two pups poked their heads out, and watched what was happening, but didn't dare take a step out of the protection of the bushes.

[wolf]

((OOC: ok ppl im really sorry, I didn't realise but I'm starting a different thread with Kay so I'm not continuing with this one sorry))

Kay looked in dismay and called her pup again, Spirit knew when her mother ment business and she quickly ran back to her. Kay hurridly picked up her pup and returned to her others, "Come on" she said quietly and walked back the way she came, she took a final look at the brutes then vanished into the woods with her pups. She continued going until she could no longer see them...

((sorry everyone))

[scrii]

((that's alright. )

[Wesley]

OOC|No worries, Wolf. Scrii, I'm just gonna play like she didn't have any exchange with Wes because that just makes it more confusing. ^^;

Wes was slightly taken aback by Fain's forwardness. He withdrew one paw from the earth, regretting his approach for a moment before pausing in wonder. "How did you know my name?" He asked, tilting his head slightly, while still easing back on his haunches slightly simply because he was dumbfounded and, quite frankly, a little startled. Sometimes, being blind had its disadvantages with newcomers. They always had an angle and different levels of exuberance which deterred him on either end of the spectrum.

Realizing that two questions had followed the slightly surprising greeting, Wesley tried to straightened himself and look more the manner that he ought to dominate by now: calm. His half-folded ears stretched forward on his head with attentiveness, but an easiness rest on his features and even reaching into his vacant eyes; he resituated himself on his paws so he wasn't leaning away from Fain nor implying anything but that he was simply standing. Now, to the questions at hand.

"Well, I feel that I fair well as the sun sinks. The warmth leaves, the flowers bloom in the sky. It smells of Elysium." He said, realizing he might be too nostalgic for this male. Others, Wes discovered, did not enjoy the night as much as he did nor flowers. However, Wesley was just masculine enough to admit his admiration of such delicate blossoms with their poise and beauty even to the blind.

"As for your other question, I am the alpha here. However, I'm sorry, what did you say your name was? Apparently you know mine." Wesley was finally moving into the conversation, a smile cresting his own fine set of teeth as he faced Fain. "You are welcome to into the pack of the rag-tag Hallowers if you like. We welcome any and many of the less enlightened would appreciate someone like you with your smiles." Wes commented knowing full well that Fain was smiling. He could hear it in the brute's voice and also noticed the crispness of syllables with the motion of the tongue which were slightly dulled when lips were closed or one was tense.

Wesley wagged his tail and appraised the other dog for a moment. Their exchange had been blunt which Wes wasn't sure he enjoyed, but everything about this canine was satisfactory. He wasn't running from anything, nor did his mind appear burdened with many of the troubles that often flocked to Hallow. Any additions to the pack were always wanted, but this was a particularly agreeable one in Wesley's heart, for his heart could see where his eyes could not.

[scrii]

Fain could see that the Alpha looked slightly surprised by his sudden manner, and he wondered why. Perhaps... there was something strange about Wesley's eyes... hmm. He couldn't place a paw on what it was.

"How did you know my name?"

"I have heard of this village around the place, and I heard that the two leaders are Wesley and Echo... So I guessed that you're Wesley?" He was trying to not be as abrupt with his words, but it wasn't really working. He wasn't too used to talking to a highly-ranked other. Not really noticing the repositioning that Wesley put himself through, he had rather forgotten the questions that he had asked just moments before. He wasn't usually absent-minded, but the whole formality and 'how do you do' style of the current conversation was making him distracted.

"Well, I feel that I fair well as the sun sinks. The warmth leaves, the flowers bloom in the sky. It smells of Elysium."

Fain's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Very poetic, indeed. No wonder the Alpha had seemed to be taken aback by the Border Collie's speech. They were nearly exact opposites of each other!

"As for your other question, I am the alpha here. However, I'm sorry, what did you say your name was? Apparently you know mine."

Ahh, good. So he hadn't made a mistake on that part. "My name is Fainéant, sir, though you could call me Fain, if it is easier," he said, smiling. He wasn't too sure whether Wesley could see his smile, but Fain could definitely see the one on the Alpha's face.

"You are welcome to into the pack of the rag-tag Hallowers if you like. We welcome any and many of the less enlightened would appreciate someone like you with your smiles."

Or maybe the Alpha could see his smile. Or hear, or something. Either way, Fain was glad that Wesley wasn't too formal. Grinning, the Border Collie waved his tail around, making soft swishy noises in the air. He wondered what the other was thinking. Going over what he had said? His mind definitely wasn't wandering: the Alpha didn't seem like that sort of dog. Definitely not.

Dumdedumdedum... Fain's mind started to sing silently as he became slightly distracted by the dimming sunset colours, the night now starting to completely fold unto the skies. Everything was so pretty here!

[Wesley]

Wesley nodded in understand at Fain explained how he had come to know of himself, his mate, and his village. Still, he never knew that the dogs of the village wandered very far because many of them became quite secure here. Perhaps it the cemetery they had spoken? What a strange place to have a conversation about a cheery village. On the other hand, perhaps it hadn't been a pleasant conversation. Had he and Echo does something to offend one of the dogs here? That would be absolutely dreadful.

"Ah, well to be honesty, it's a relief to know there is a briefer version of your name. I tend to struggle if there are more than two basic syllables I have to wrap this trap around." He said, still smiling and in a joking manner. He didn't like being formal because that only caused both parties to grow uptight. True, he was leader of Hallow, but every member did their part and he hoped Fain would do the same.

The gentle swish of Fain's tail made Wes grin more widely. It would seem, silently, Fain had accepted Wesley's invitation into Hallow. At least, that's what he thought. The enthusiastic dog hadn't just yipped he would love to be a part after he had offered, but Wesley figured it was implied.

"So my good chap, what brings you to Hallow? You smell of many places including Synl. Do you prefer the company of humans over dogs or simply a greater amount of domesticity?" Wesley tilted his head slightly, ears still folded forward in his interest as gravity dragged the large ears downward. This Fain was quite the character. A conversation should continue to be quite entertaining or, at least, distracting until night duties called.

[scrii]

"Ah, well to be honesty, it's a relief to know there is a briefer version of your name. I tend to struggle if there are more than two basic syllables I have to wrap this trap around."

Fain grinned and wagged his tail more. Especially with that accent on the E in his name. Would be even harder! It was amusing to hear how others pronounced his name, particularly on that syllable.

"So my good chap, what brings you to Hallow? You smell of many places including Synl. Do you prefer the company of humans over dogs or simply a greater amount of domesticity?"

The question confused Fain slightly, but he said nothing for a few moments, nor moved. Thinking about the question, he hardly knew the answer himself when he spoke. "I honestly don't know, sir. I just seemed to like it here... with the cobblestone streets and the murmur of the life around the village during the day, and the hushed stillness during the night..." His voice had dropped to nearly a whisper, his mind going into poetic mode. But that was quickly snapped out of, as his grin resumed its almost permanent position on his face.

Wesley would probably have ran away if he had not been the Alpha, had less sense, and had the ability to see the quick mood changes that Fain was subject to.

[Wesley]

Wesley was pleased Fain was so amiable and willing to explain why he had come here. Many a dog had simply shrugged their shoulders and said they were here and that was all, but Fain seemed capable of analyzing to the best of his abilities and try to explain. Perhaps it was because of his working heritage; they were bred to serve and assist to the best of their abilities.

Nodding his head understandingly of the tidbits of Hallow lifestyle, Wesley immediately grasped why Fain had come here; he fit. Wes liked knowing before going any further that this dog actually belonged here. He had admitted him in without much thought, but thinking back, it must have been instinct to have him concede so quickly. On the other hand, with such a small grouping of dogs, could Wesley really be picky? He supposed that it was Fortune's favour to have Fain come along.

"Yes, all that and more you will find in Hallow. Not to mention, for better or for worse, there are those with a thief's heart and those with a servant's heart -- A wide variety in a very small place with the intermingling of humans. It's quite a delightful place from where I stand, seeing or not." Wesley commented casually, wondering where Fain had come from still as he hadn't explained that. However, Wesley didn't want to pry. He would just have to move on. "Since this is going to be your home, do you have any questions?" Wesley felt like a tour guide or receptionist for the village on occasion. He couldn't leave any members to stand uncomfortably without feeling he hadn't performed all his duties. Granted, I don't think that Fain would be that uncomfortable.

[scrii]

The Border Collie, again, watched as the Alpha thought about what he had said. This time, Fain did not ponder on what Wesley was thinking about, but rather felt a strange anticipation welling up inside of him. He did not really know how many Hallow were, but he had had a feeling that they were small. He had been debating between Rakine and this place, but he had to admit he wasn't too fond of the way the human sailors and seamen spoke. Their tones hurt his ears, and their words seemed... dirty? It was hard to explain. He did not know what the words meant, but the tone they were spoken in could easily define them as a 'rude' word.

"Since this is going to be your home, do you have any questions?"

The question almost made Fain jump, as he was startled out of his thoughts. Luckily he managed to gather himself quickly, for he hadn't fallen too deep into the abyss of his own mind. "No, not particularly, Alpha Wesley...." His voice trailed off. He couldn't see whether the Alpha had accepted him already or not. Me and my wandering mind, Fain chided himself slightly playfully, before tilting his head at the Alpha and shooting him what would be probably a very rare question to ask one with high rank, especially on an acceptance conversation.

"Are there any other questions that you would like to ask me, Alpha Wesley?"

[Wesley]

Wesley felt a deep sense of gratitude towards this amiable canine that made his duties as alpha so easy. Often, he felt like if he met a new dog that he pressured them into the pack, but this one had come willingly and out of nowhere in particular. This dog didn't seem to be haunted by a past that made it difficult for him to commit to staying in Hallow Village. Not to mention, he was vivacious and filled with smiles which was another aspect not frequently found in Hallow. Who knew how different this dog really was from the rest of them? Only time would tell.

A greater relief washed over Wes when Fain admitted to not having any real questions. In Wesley's heart and brain, there was always a strain when answering questions about the Village or, in truth, anything else. What if he said the wrong thing? He wanted to be truthful, but never knew if exactly what he said was true. Fortunately for Wes, yet again, Fain hadn't asked anything except if Wesley, himself, had had any questions.

"Well," He paused staring thoughtfully from Fain and out into the Village, "I was wondering where you came from if that's not too much trouble. You are such a happy dog and though one, allegedly, might be bred for temperament. I always wonder how dogs become who they are when they place a paw into the pack." Wesley confessed, hoping Fain wouldn't take the defensive interpretation and think he was checking to make sure Fain could truly stay. To Wes, Fain was in and very much welcome.