Weaving Shadows [joining]

[.kenren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=width,442,true]

[atrb=background,http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p185/Clouds_stock/Body-1.png] ♥ The weather didn't seem to know what to do with itself. It was just that time of year, when fall was melting into winter. Snow dusted the ground like a fine white powder, drifting against trees but generally not too thick or heavy in the warmer area. The trees rose above my head like towers, stretching toward the Heavens in a never-ending quest to grow taller than their peers. I turned my nose skyward, jade eyes squinting in vain to see the top of the trees. I smiled, not really for any particular reason. I guess I just admired their will and strength. Sure, they were only trees, but I guess they stood for more to me. With a small chuckle, I lowered my head, continuing my trek into the land. The sun shone down through the trees, reflecting off of my glossy black pelt, creating shadows that wove in and out of the underbrush. ♥ I'd never been part of a pack before. I still didn't totally understand why I was there, in Raekerin land. I loved being free to do what I wanted. However, when Anyala found her soulmate, and left me alone, I knew something was missing. I'm a social creature, what can I say. I like freedom, but I love companionship. I love to flirt, and tease, and even fight at times. It's what makes me feel alive. So I entered Raekerin land, completely willing to give up my loner status for a social life. ♥ But I had to admit, I was nervous. I'd met other loners in my wanderings, but my contact with the packs was basically nonexistent. What if I wasn't good enough? I mean, I wasn't perfect, physically or mentally. Would they be looking for a specific type? A certain look? Maybe if I was bigger... I shook my black head, as if that would banish my thoughts. I was counting myself out before I even got a chance. I moved at a steady jog, kicking up light snow, raising my head defiantly. I could do this. I wasn't afraid of facing off against a bear, so why should I be afraid of this? Deep down, I knew it wasn't the same. I was afraid of rejection. I was afraid that I would be alone for the rest of my life. ♥ Frustrated by my thoughts, I paused, throwing my head back and letting out a long, pleading howl. Hope was entwined with the notes. I still had the nagging feeling of doubt as the sound trailed off, but I was strong. I could do this. A small smile crossed my lips as I sat, black tail lightly thumping the ground twice. Excitement grew in me. If I was accepted... imagine the fun I would have. ()()()()()()()()()()()()()() Notes: First post! Sorry it sucks, it's my first realistic wolf post in a long time. Muse: Pretty good. Credits: Wolf to salsolastock.deviantart.com BG to colourize_ stock.deviantart.com Manip to Kenren Speak

[[Copperyn]]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true]

[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/34xiyhs.png] Zatenya lay, eyes closed, relishing in the warmth of the heated stone. The Raekerin territory's defining feature was it's hotsprings and geyers, and the main dens of the pack were located in a defensible rock formation that included springs and caves. Some of those springs gave off heat. The alphess normally kept a different den, one with a small, cool stream running through its wide, hollow space. There was room to receive others there, and in the heat of the summer, the cool water and open, shadowed space was a blessing. Now, though, in the winter, the only thing that kept that den's water flowing was the ambient temperature of the rock around it. Zay had relocated to a different cave - a smaller one, heated against the cruel chill of the air. She wasn't asleep, simply resting, so when a call rose up, somewhere off and away from the main camp, her ear flicked upward and her eyes came open. A moment later she got to her feet and slipped out through the vertical tear in the rock that was the entrance to her winter den. There was a loner in her lands, calling out. The stone bowl looked strange - steam hung in the air, rising from the heated water that poured from the sandstone in places. In contrast, some or the overhangs displayed miniature frozen waterfalls, or spears of ice. Toward the center, the water was warm enough to flow out before freezing, though elsewhere the small trickle probably ground to a halt. Without thought for the scenery, the Raekerin leader leapt from rock shelf to rock shelf with practiced grace, pulling herself over the edge at the top and vanishing from her camp. She set off in the direction the call had come from, head high and eyes glinting. The land rapidly made the change from sandstone to soft earth, and with that came the trees - towering pines and redwoods vaulted like cathedral columns, the space between them airy and open. The earth here was dusted with snow, bright white against the reddish earth and vibrant trees. A moment's pause brought the loner's scent to Zatenya's nostrils, mixed in with the familiar spice of the forest. Zatenya approached at a confident trot now, her tail raised. She broke from the trees and saw the wolf ahead - a female, pelt dark, marked with white here and there. The alphess took a few more steps forward and stopped, just within speaking distance of the young female. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Her voice was calm and smooth, but, as always, there was a small edge to it.

[/size][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[.kenren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=width,442,true]

[atrb=background,http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p185/Clouds_stock/Body-1.png] ♥ The black of my ears stood forward as the sound of movement reached them in the quiet of the woods. I did not wait long; in the time from my call, I'd heard but a few birds in the trees and perhaps a squirrel across the ground. The movement of a wolf was like the roar of a storm in the distance; there was no mistaking it. My heart pounded in anticipation, but my face remained calm, attentive to my surroundings. A moment or so later she appeared, the alphess of the pack. I had to admit, I was a little surprised. Not that I didn't know females led packs, but... I guess it was different to actually see a female in power. I knew she was alphess, because hers was the scent that had marked the land. I scented it on arrival. As there weren't many wolves, it seemed, to even leave scents, hers was one easily committed to memory. ♥ She was a pretty thing, with reddish hues and darker browns making up her pelt. I cocked my head just the slightest, a small smile crossing my maw. Suddenly I wasn't so nervous. This wasn't some monster, or an ethereal creature. She was a wolf, just like I. Why should I be afraid? Her voice rolled over me as she approached, smooth and confident as an alpha's should be. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" I couldn't help but let a small giggle leave my lips. Then I realized that probably wasn't very respectful and shut up. "Well, you technically owe it to my sister running off. Otherwise I might not be here." I didn't say it sarcastically, because it was the honest truth. There was the slightest bit of pain in my voice, but it was dulled to nearly nonexistent since so much time had passed. ♥ I cleared my throat, focusing on the present instead of the feeling of loss in my gut. I didn't know if I'd ever be able to replace the piece of heart that I'd lost when Anyala left, but if I didn't try there was no hope. The jade of my eyes settled on the female, my demeanor pretty much non-threatening. "I'm sure you know why I'm here. You look like the intelligent sort. I am Reinette. Forgive me, but I am not familiar with the packs, so I don't know your name..." My vocals were easy, conversational. I did not know how a subordinate normally addressed her superior, so I just went with what came easiest to me. Hopefully I wouldn't screw it up. ()()()()()()()()()()()()()() Notes: Meh. Muse: Pretty good. Credits: Wolf to salsolastock.deviantart.com BG to colourize_ stock.deviantart.com Manip to Kenren Speak

[[Copperyn]]

[bg=000000][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true]

[atrb=background,http://i55.tinypic.com/34xiyhs.png] Zatenya couldn't help but be surprised at the initial reaction this loner had - giggling. Eyes narrowed slightly, she listened as the black she-wolf gave her explanations. The little female had a peculiar air about her - frankness. Zatenya found it refreshing, so long as the girl still showed proper respect. The alphess was still, studying her as she spoke. She seemed fit enough, although her frame was free from many visible scars, so perhaps she would need some practice at fighting. Reinette... Zay filed the name away mentally. The last statement had held an upward inflection at the end. Not a question, per say, but she took it as one anyway."These are Raekerin lands, and I'm the leader here - I'm called Zatenya," she paused for a moment, nodding her head in indication of the lands around them. "Much of what lies north of here is ours. The other two packs in the area are Fjordsong and Valkyr." If what this female said was true, that she knew little of the politics in the region, Zay felt it appropriate to inform her before she joined rank. Raekerin wasn't a pack for everyone, and she had no room for disloyal members. "The tradition here is one of strength. All able-bodied wolves, aside from healers, are expected to train and spar often enough that they remain fit for battle. There is little tolerance for laziness or frivolty." Her tone was cool and matter-of-fact.

[/size][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]