Tonka enters (accepance)

[gazzi]

Tonka strolled around the small village. It had been a while since she had been here, mostly staying around Rakine port, where she had been born. The stone street felt odd to her paw pads because she was so used to the soft wet wood of the dock. She reflected back to yesterday when she had left, and how she had almost cried when one of the humans that traded there came into port. She remembered how that human was always sure to share his scraps with her and if he was staying the night would give her a place to sleep. She would miss him. That human was one of the good ones. Most of them would just shoo her away from them, even if it didn’t bother her that much. That only made Tonka learn who to walk up to, and who to avoid. She knew that this new place, Hallow village, would have humans. That was one of the main reasons she decided to come here.

Actually, she would have stayed in Rakine port, but her mother said she was too old to live with her still. It was very clear in her mind what her mother had said, and it hurt her a bit. “You must learn to be on your own. You don’t need me. Go.” But the thing was, she did. She knew that her mother only wanted her and her brother gone so that she could have more children with that mutt of a dog, Mickey. Tonka and her brother never liked Mickey, and would always threaten him until he left them alone. And so, while they got Mickey to leave for an hour or so at a time, her mother had taken their plan a step farther and made them leave forever. She resented her mother now, and thought of her in disgust. She should love her children more than her boyfriend, not the other way around.

Tonka’s thoughts were washed from her mind with the sweet and tasty smell of fresh garbage. She followed the scent to a pile of trash and food scraps below a window of a cottage. Somebody had thrown such a delicious treat out of a window? Who would do that? Tonka only pondered this for a moment before she decided that it was their loss, and began to move the pile around with her nose, looking for something good. She found just what she was looking for, pig ribs. And still with some meat on them! She picked up the rack and sat down right on top of the rest of the garbage. She loved the stuff. The smell, the consistency, the variety. It was heaven on cobblestone. She went on licking the ribs for quite some time, not caring about the passing pedestrians, just happy that she had gotten a meal.

[Wesley]

What a beautiful day. Wesley thought, sitting on a curbside amongst the hustle and bustle of the street. People were shuffling along as they did every day in a fashion that Wesley could never quite comprehend. He didn't need to see their faces to know that they were the same expressions despite the daily change of attire. The smells were the same and always grew worse as they day continued, but Wesley liked to hear them all anyway in the hopes of sensing stronger than routine. He did.

A small rustle and a clatter away he felt something far stronger than the ho-hum of the street-walkers who he regularly viewed with a sort of pity. No, now he not only vaguely sensed, but smelled a most pungent odor wafting his way with the change of a breeze. Garbage? Yes, it was garbage and fragrant already, but not horribly so. Someone's pile must have mixed most thoroughly with stagnant air as it now wafted down the path that Wes might he the mild complaints of humans who were not as adept at smelling as Wesley was.

At the sound of a bottle rolling around, Wesley concluded that the garbage wasn't just fruity of scent, but also being messed with and couldn't help but wonder which mongrel was up to mischief this time. Though he would never deny a dog a free meal, Wesley still liked to keep the people happy. Otherwise, work was harder to find an actually deserved meal.

Large ears pricked as he circled a corner and into the alley, he sniffed again before discerning the layout. There seemed to be a femme dog of medium size plopped happily amidst a mound of fresh garbage of bottles and meat and other less pleasant refuse. Wesley couldn't quite understand what she was doing there, but found her a far more interesting spectacle than those he had been attuning himself to on the street curb. Should he just watch? Not that that was precisely possible, but Wesley was begrudging the alpha's duty of welcome currently so yes, Wesley would 'watch'.

OOC| Hope you don't mind if I field this one, Echo.

[gazzi]

After a few more minutes of soaking the rack in slobber, the meat chunks had lost taste and were now just brown gushy chunks. Now that there was no flavor to them, she just nibbled the meat off and discarded the bones. She stuck her nose once more into the pile of trash and dug around a bit looking for something else. When she found an apple core, she rolled it around with her nose a bit, but didn’t eat it. There was barely anything left on it anyways. She found a container with something brown at the bottom that had a gravy like consistence to it. She licked it up with a few laps of her tongue. After a few more minutes of searching, she reluctantly came to the conclusion that all the good stuff was gone. So, she began to scan the area for something interesting.

There were people passing her by every minute or so. Some of them would just look at her as they walked by, and others would say something odd to her that she couldn’t quite understand. She could tell by their tone of voice it was something like, “stupid mutt…” or “smelly dog” or “disgusting!” all she could do was laugh at this. To her, they were stupid and smelly too. And some of their faces were quite ugly. Other humans still were a bit nicer, and one human pup had come up to her and given her a pat on the head. But the human pup’s mother had yanked her away and scolded her, before looking back at Tonka with a scrunched up nose. As they walked away, her attention was again stolen by another quite interesting spectacle. There was a dog at the end of the street, and he was watching her.

She cocked her head to one side and her ears swiveled around to an upright position, putting all of her attention on this dog. He seemed to be just as curious about her as she was about him. For a few minutes she just looked at him, thinking about what she should do. After much thinking, she decided to go talk to him. She lifted herself from the smelly mound of garbage. There was some brownish green… stuff stuck to her belly along with just an overall poo brown tint to the fur on her underside. Tonka didn’t mind though, she was used to being dirty. She walked leisurely up the dog with a smile, “hello there. My name is Tonka.” She said with a tail wag.

[Wesley]

Wesley, being nearer to the street, heard the grumblings of the humans which had only increased with the femme' rummaging around in garbage. Wes knew very well that the people of the village didn't like to be disturbed and, apparently, didn't fancy their garbage being kicked and eaten either. What was so wrong with another finding treasure in trash, Wesley couldn't quite gather but accepted that that was the way of the humans and tried to respect that. Silly as they sometimes are, they are not so different from us. Wes considered as one stroked his head with a familiar hand. Ah yes, the good ol' butcher who was so kind up on the northern end. Wesley quite liked the calloused nature of the man's hand from always using such heavy, coarse tools. It made him easy to recognize without so much as a whiff.

It would appear she has finished. He thought as he removed himself from reminiscence and to the gently clack of claws accompanied no longer by the tinkle of glass and other more unpleasant things rolling about. The she-dog was coming Wesley's way, and he couldn't help but smile. This was the hard part for one who was blind. Wesley could smell the different fragrances of her person if there was intense aggression, but couldn't see her expression or possibly the tilt of her head. When she was close or he knew her, that'd be easier to gather, but she was a stranger and therefore hard to comprehend fully. However, Wes had little to worry about in the end. She was friendly.

"Wesley." He said in reply, bobbing his head in a polite nod, his large cocked ears flopping forward with the tip of his head towards the lass. It was so much easier when someone else introduced himself to him rather than the other way around. Wesley didn't feel like he was invading in those cases. "Did you enjoy your meal?" He asked, smiling. It was always amusing to observe how a canine would eat their food as some were most voracious in their attack of food to consume and others more daintily. This one was just comical to Wesley as he relied on the sounds of the tongue lapping and teeth snapping. "A pleasure I'm sure." He said continuing to smile softly. Wesley wasn't quite bold enough to keep the conversation flowing yet. First, he had to see what dance this dog was moving to in order to slide into a groove. Oh yes, dogs could dance.

[Echo]

Ooc: I dont mind at all . I may feel the need to join in later, if thats okay though.

[gazzi]

“Quite nice to meet you, Wesley.” She said if a friendly manner. She looked him in the eye, to find that he was not looking at her back. She couldn’t quite figure it out at first, shifting around a bit to see if he would follow her. After a few seconds she came to the conclusion that he could not see her. “Yes, I did enjoy that. Nothing quite like a fresh pile to lighten up my day. I don’t know why those humans just toss it away. There’s some really great stuff in there!” she said. She could go on and on about trash, it was what she knew best. Growing up on the port she found so much garbage from the boats that docked there, just dumping their waste anywhere, as long as they didn’t have to take it out on the water with them. She gave a sigh as she thought about her home; it was a sigh of sadness and a sigh of good memory. Looking back up at Wesley, she gave another smile, even if he could not see it.

“Are you passing through? Or do you live here?” she asked, trying to start up a conversation. “I just got here today myself. I’ve lived at Rakine port all my life. I think here is a nice place though, and I think I’m going to stay.” As her sentence ended a few boys walked by her. One of them was very tall and looked a bit awkward in his walk. She assumed he was a young man, still growing into his body. The other two were much younger, and they stopped to take a look at her and Wesley. One of them gave a pat to her, while the other seemed more interested in Wesley.

When they left she looked around a bit to see if there were any more people or anything else that could be interesting. She couldn’t see anything in particular though. “The only thing that bothers me about this village is the streets. I’m so used to wood.”

(I’d love for you to join in Echo.)

[tefruit]

Ooc:Can Terro join?

From the corner of the street appeared Interro The small fox dog mix how was quiet commonly seen around Hallow. Terro's keen nose had caused him on this new journey around town; his nose had caught the scent of one of his favorite things, food and not just any food trash. Terro’s small body bobbed along happily as he walked it would be nice to get a full meal with out being attacked so far his nose had picked up no smells of other dogs, until he turned the corner to see Wesley and a new female. Terro stared wide-eyed and made dash to the trash cans.

" C'mon c'mon." the fox mix prayed diving into one of the small trashcans and sigh. "Its had already been picked over." Terro sigh reemerging from the trash can with a large piece of cabbage festively atop his rather small head. The dox grumbled and swiftly leapt from the trash cans, angrily shaking the cabbage and other food from the rest of his small body. He glanced up he had almost forgotten to greet the kind alpha though he was in no mood.

The dox slowly padded over to the two dogs. " Hello Wesley." Terro sigh knowing he would now have to be in a mad dash to find food before it got dark, it was not wise for a dog of his size to be alone in the dark. " I just came over here to introduce myself to the taste of food aging but it apparently ran away this time." The fox joked nudging the alpha friendlily. " And who’s this?" Terro asked happily turning to the beautiful yet filthy Border collie. " Ello my names Interro or Terro if ya will." the mix gave a toothy grin and looked towards Wesley, Terro knew Hallow was always happy to get member as was Terro especially female members. " Is she new in hallowing?" Terro glanced towards Wesley though smiling at
Tonka. He suddenly noticed the female was covered and reeked of trash. " Are you the little thief that stole my lunch, or course I shouldn’t be talking." Terro teased knowing he should not be calling anyone a thief that was his title to live by.

[Wesley]

Wesley tilted his head; following her in accordance with where she moved, but made the assumption that the femme had realized he couldn't see her. He always wondered swiftly others would catch on that his eyes were glazed little balls in sockets that could turn and look straight towards a person, but weren't really important for him to become acquainted with another. Along with her motions, Wesley heard her sigh; his floppy ears lifted slightly in a silent inquiry as to why she had a reason to sigh, but chose not to speak of the matter. He hardly knew her after all.

He chuckled, taking in all she had to say while listening to the little fox who had dashed betwixt them without a word as he hoped to fill his belly first. Wesley knew he would come to his senses of courtesy once he discovered that what he had scrambled down here for was already gone. A dog like Terro would almost always win the race against the little fox mix. Poor Terro.

"I live here. Have lived here for quite some time though I've never found the streets too troubling. The stones are familiar friends after a while and make such music beneath one's refined canine claws." he said with a smile still wondering if he should raise the question about him being the alpha. Wesley far preferred to be acquainted first so the pressure wasn't there; or did he just make it more?

Terro was out of the garbage and Wesley could sense him to be rather disgruntled. Wes had no doubt that Tonka had stolen his meal, but knew that the scamp could find another one without too much trouble. "Good day Terro." He said, smiling slightly apologetically. "This is Tonka; she's knew in the village so yes, she has been hallowing." Wesley replied, grinning slightly more broadly though disliking Terro bringing up Tonka's behavior as thieving. Everyone had a right to the garbage if they so desired. However, Wesley was not about to scold the small chap on such a meager point. He would rather see how it all played out.

[gazzi]

Tonka looked behind her as the orange fox-dog ran past her and towards the pile of garbage she had just rummages through. She smiled and turned back towards Wesley, knowing that he wouldn’t find much. “I’m sure that I’ll get used to the stones…” she said, looking down at the ground and moving her feel around so that her nails made the music that he had referred to. “Do you like it here?” she asked, trying to find out more about Hallow village, “what is it like?” she had a feeling that he had held back information from her, but she decided that it couldn’t be too important. She hoped that he was not lying, although she didn’t think he was. She could usually tell if she was being lied to.

She turned again this time to hear the voice of the orange canine, and when he walked over and spoke she gave him a smile and a few tail wags before saying, “a pleasure, Terro, my name is Tonka.” She laughed at his next comment, “actually, I was the one that stole your lunch, so to speak. I love trash. I guess we have something in common.” She chuckled.

(blah. My mind is blank. Sorry for shortness.)

[Wesley]

Wesley smiled as her heard the soft rattle of claws from Tonka as she discovered for herself what music he spoke of when nail met smooth cobblestone. However, he couldn't decipher whether or not she found it as enjoyable as he did. On the other hand, she had asked him something which Wesley could answer most easily. "Hallow has been my home for a long time; I love it here. The humans are nice despite their lacking fur, and whether you choose to associate with them or not, they will respond accordingly. The weather is charming all year round and there's plenty to eat and other dogs about as well. It's really a very happy and innocent place. So quaint that I suppose it's not for everyone, but Echo and I like it here." He said, eyes lighting up at the mention of his mate. Wesley loved her a great deal.

Looking to Terro as Tonka introduced herself to him, he was glad that the collie was already making a connection with the other members of their rag-tag pack. Perhaps this way it'd be easier to introduce the topic because Tonka seemed very willing. "Although I like the honest life, in a sense, there are scamps like Terro here who choose to live a tad more wildly amongst the common folk to rile things up." Wesley commented, not caring if Tonka chose one way or the other. Folks like Terro added spice to the shared sweetness of the little community. Wesley thought that Tonka could add both if she consented to stay. Perhaps he should mention it to her...or something.

"Tonka, do you intend on staying in Hallow? There is a pack here which is always welcoming members, or you could be a solo artist in the garbage and the like." Wesley said with a short chuckle. He hated sounding like he was pressuring a decision, but was never very good about asking such questions. Why couldn't one just immediately know a canine and talk casually all the time? "I don't mean to press or anything, but perhaps Terro and I could help if you planned on remaining here." Wes said, shrugging his shoulders slightly to try and loosen himself up. He should have kept away from the topic. Why hadn't he learned?

[tefruit]

The small fox mix chuckled lightly as Tonka spoke her comment on trash. " We have something in common! Trash I live for trash." The fox joked excitedly. " Yes, I agree with you new friend I think we would get along just ...fine." Terro smiled looking at the borders unique coat. " Quiet an odd shade for a border very nice though, I like when canines or different." The little mutt looked Tonka over she looked nice enough , strong, enough, fast enough ( Terro new that from his loss of lunch) , but especially because of her eagerness and happiness towards Wesley and himself who seemed to be complete strangers.

Terro turned toward the alpha looking slightly confused. Why wasn’t he telling her he was the alpha? Its not like it’s something to be ashamed of you should carry a rank like that proudly. " Wesley what are you....." the fox paused staring at the alpha , perhaps this was something he did to all new members he had not done it to Terro though no he came and introduced himself and his rank happily.
The dox cocked his head to one side and looked from Wesley to Tonka to Wesley. He just couldn’t understand the alpha's plan.

Terro grinned proudly and stuck out his chest as Wesley spoke of his wilder life. " Yes, and that’s the best way to live friend!" Terro laughed winking to Tonka he new which life he would choose she like himself was to young and hyper to settle down just yet.

" You really should consider staying." Terro smiled sweetly. " Like Wesley said both of us could help you in any thing you needed." The fox smiled. He always loved when he got to meet the new arrivals before they became Hallow members it caused somewhat of a bond between them He guessed. Though he new the female might turn the offer down, her life would be so much happier here.

[gazzi]

“Why thank you.” She said at Terro’s compliment to her coat, “my father was a red border collie and my mother a blue merle.” She explained, “Together came out me, a red merle. I must say your coat is very interesting as well. I haven’t seen many orange canines in my short life.” she chuckled, Terro amused her. He was so interesting looking, and acting. He had a good personality. She liked that. Her tail was wagging as she talked, almost like a habit. When she spoke, her tail would wag. Even if she was sad. It was something she had done since she was a pup. She didn’t mind it, but it sometimes confused others, which she could understand.

Tonka was a bit put off by Wesley’s directness. She fiddled a bit with her paws while she was thinking of an answer. “Well, I guess I can’t think of a better plac-“ she was cut off by Terro’s comment. She was a bit confused. What did he mean? “-e to stay.” She continued, ignoring his comment for the time being, “I’m definitely interested in joining the pack. I don’t know how well I would do on my own. I’m no loner.” She laughed. “Help would be nice too.” She concluded.

“Now, what are you two keeping from me?” she asked slyly and directly. She wanted to get to the bottom of this, “I can tell when I’m being lied to, and something’s up. What’s going on? I can take it.” she said, waiting for an answer.

[Wesley]

Wesley was glad that Terro and Tonka were hitting it off so well. They were both rather amiable and had a great deal in common despite the height issue. Even Wesley could determine that Tonka was taller than Terro without much trouble because it was dramatic enough. Enough about height though, Wesley needed an answer to his question.

He was pleased to know that Tonka had an interest in the pack as this was becoming a less and less frequent occurrence in many of the breeds who stayed away. Somehow, man had managed to breed it out of many dogs which was one of the few things Wesley did not appreciate. However, Tonka didn't have that problem although curiousity certainly plagued her.

She had been swift to notice that Terro had cut off his sentence, but Wesley had known with reproach what he had wanted to say. Perhaps Wesley was just in a funk today and didn't want to talk about duties. Couldn't he just help like any other dog and relinquish his title momentarily? No, he'd have to go along all the same and suddenly, this wasn't as troublesome as he first thought it had been.

Wesley smiled coyly as her suspicion grew; finding it particularly amusing that something that wasn't really a lie at all was causing her to mistrust them. Perhaps that was unwise. Flashed in Wesley's mind and he frowned inwardly. He had held off too long. "The secret isn't really much of a secret and something that isn't truly necessary for you to know, but that you might like to." Wesley began, still smiling charmingly. "You see, although we're eager to have you stay, I didn't want to put any pressure on you than have you see us as two pack dogs -- Which, in fact, we are. There was no wool we tried to pull over your eyes. The only thing you didn't know is that I'm the alpha of the Hallow pack." He said, feeling inclined to incline his head in a small bow towards Tonka. He always felt so formal when introducing himself that way.

"Sorry if that caused you any trouble or reflects poorly upon me. I only wanted to help as a commoner and not as some pedestalled figure which is absolutely ridiculous." Wesley said earnestly, his large ears tilting forward and his vacant eyes searching to meet those eyes he could not see.

[Echo]

I'll get on this as soon as I can sorry for the delay if you need to skip my turn this round feel free to if I’m am causing either of you loss of time. .

[gazzi is a]

(its not problem! i'd like to wait hought so that there is more for me to reply to.)