Wanderer upon the Horizon

[Ashzina]

A lithe, red gray form slinked through the tree trunks, long pointed muzzle alert for any smell upon the lively night air. The cold bit through the wolf's thick coat, as her large paws sank through the banks of snow the shrouded the winter bound world. Ashzina halted suddenly, for here her keen nostrils had deteced something strange she had never scented before. It was wolves, that was for sure, but no individual scent stood out, just a huge jumble that she couldn't make head or tails of. It was a scent boundary, but growing up a loner, this femme could not know of such a thing. But the scent, the dear sweet smell that she was truly searching for was found nowhere.

It had been at least a week since the hungry, vicious blizzard had sprung up; Ashzina wasn't exactly sure, the days had slipped past with hardly a thought except that of her search. She had still found no sign of him, no sign at all. Where could he be, and if, curse the very thought, she could not find him, how could she live with out his kind and gentle words? His handsome, bold muzzle and brave eyes? His lustrous gray tan fur, that shone so in the winter blaze? How could she live with out Tavraz?

The sorrow in her heart welled up like a mountain spring, and spread into a rushing torrent of grief. It rang through every fiber, every tendon, every muscle of her being, 'till she could hold it no longer. It burst forth in a long, mournfull howl, that rang through the trees, echoing the pain that coursed through her blood, thrumming with longing for her brother, her only family, her only love.

When the riviting echoes died away, Ashzina lowered her head, her bushy red tassel of a tail drooped, and she padded on with a heavy heart. She crossed the scent border, and continued on her quest, threading silently through the trees.

[Kevin]

-The snow crunched softly under his feet, but the lightest whisk of sound to fill this silent place.-

He had been following the scent of the wolves for days.
It was carried on the cold winter breeze, tempting him, teasing him; calling and consoling him softly like a mother would coo to her inconsolable child.
His nose has been pressed to the ground, the wet snow pressed beneath his restlessly searching nose. It swept the ground this way and that, his ears perched high on his massivly round head. Clumps of fur hung here and there on his ragged body, giving him a large and impressive frame. He had not bothered to pick the matts out himself, had not bothered to drag his body across the ground to free them in fear of loosing the scent. He was too close now, and he had traveled through the night in order to reach them.
While his size was impressive, it was all too clear he was wanting for meals. If not for the fur, one would observe the last two of his ribs on either side; a surefire indication of his scavenger's life. Carrion and rabbit was not, as it were, a substantial meal; and even those he had to scrounge from the previous predator who had claimed the trophy as his or her own.
Crescent Moon stopped and picked up his head. While faint, he had detected another scent mingled here amongst the dirt; a fresh scent of a closer wolf.

While there was little more than that scent, Crescent Moon dared not venture further. The scent did not distiniguish friend from foe.
Then, the howl rang through the air; a howl whose message he knew well. It spoke of sorrow, it spoke of solitude, and his heart ached with the volumnes of grief it portrayed. He nearly broke into a run towards that howl, but his feet were fixed too neatly into the ground; as if they had a mind of their own. It was too close. He could not scare whomever that song belonged too.
Without any other course of action, the loner did what came all too naturally; and late out a long and baleful howl in the winter's wind. It spoke of his own lost family and woe, and it was carried with the question of companionship.

[/i]

[Toorima]

A lonely chorus of howls. It was a solemn note indeed but, it really didn't strike up much sadness in this particular wolf. It was nothing compared to what she'd seen and heard, but it did compel her to seek out the source only because they sounded as if their mitts were treading on her soil. Well, it hadn't always been her soil, but most of it had always been in possession of wolves in her heritage. Some of it used to be Orin's of course, but she rarely set foot on that because of memories and her stubborn nature.

Two different scents mingled together, two new scents, ones she had never smelt before. Well, it did make sense, she was on the borders of her land, were roaming wolves frequently turned up. Making a minor course change, she began to trot in the general direction of the scents and the howls. After a few moments of a steady, ground covering trot, she could see them. One femme and one brute. Both were just past the boundaries. They didn't look like they were traveling together but instead had both shown up here at the same time.

Eyeing them both up and down as she now moved towards them at a regal walk. The male was large, rather rough looking as well, probably from a time of traveling. The female, smaller in size and with a more reddish pelt. Both were probably in search of a pack to call home. Slowing to a halt, lifting her head and plume, she sneered and said a mere "Greetings." The lucid czaress didn't feel obligated to elaborate any more, instead she waited for them, either of them to speak, probably with questions or maybe even scrambling to explain themselves. She stood silently, watching them both to the best of her ability with her one good eye.

-.-;

[Kevin]

-The hulking male's attention was not first called to the lone wolf he sought, but by the dark female who did not walk with a loner's stance. No, this one was proud, alert, assertive -- and she carried with her the scent of the hertiage of many wolves.
So preoccupied had Crescent Moon temporarily become with placing the other interloper's howl that he had not noticed the warily approaching step of the Alpha of these lands. While her form was not a surprise, it certainly came swift reminder of whom he had been tracking in the first place.
She bore no aggression, no ill-will, only offhand indifference-- like one who had been expecting company, only to have them show up tardy. It was not a calm greeting, but a sober one, and the male tucked his tail fairly low, his nose hoovering nearer to the ground.
"And the same to you, Alpha," Crescent uttered, his tone low, but firm. While she had given no voice of her title, her stance all but shouted it -- even if he was wrong, there would be little humility in playing it safe. He dared not venture further, nor did he desire to approach her in any way. He was still on the borders, true, but that did not mean that he was welcome. Still, the empty air proved awkward, and the desire to speak ultimatly won over all other possibilities.
"I've been following the scent of your land for days. My intrusion is intentional, and I offer no apologies. Too long have I gone searching without finding any others -- if turned away now, my search would still not be in vain."

[/i]

[Ashzina]

OOC: Sorry! I couldn't get on over the weekend! eeps!

IC: Ashzina started as another howl, seeming to echoe her own rang through the frosted air. She whipped around to see who it was, hoping, dreaming...but no, this wolf was much bigger that Tavraz. Her ears and tail drooped with dissapointment. Then a voice spoke behind her, causing her again to swivle on her gangly legs to face the newcomer. She was big, bigger than Ashzina, and dark as night. Her stance spoke of power, more power than the loner had ever seen in a wolf. The black femme spoke to the big one, but Ashzina was too terrified to pay attention. She had never seen any other wolves than her family, and they were long gone. Her lean frame trembled, and her tail was palstered against her belly. Instinctively dropping into a submissive crouch, Ashzina whimpered quietly; she couldn't help it. Everything was too strange, too new. Tavraz wasn't here, for the first time in her life, not here to protect her. With her tail still tucked up under legs, the gray wolf tried to silently slip away with out the other two wolves noticing.

OOC: not the best, but I gotta do homework...

[Toorima]

She'd watched the femme of the pair a little more closely, immediately picking up on the bits of fear she was expressing, her having only spoken, nothing more, nothing less. Toorima knew she wasn't the most calming sight to happen across but the femme just looked extremely cautious, that's all. It didn't come as a surprise when the male spoke up first. At first, he only spoke of his greeting, in which she nodded. Soon after that, he continued on with "I've been following the scent of your land for days. My intrusion is intentional, and I offer no apologies. Too long have I gone searching without finding any others -- if turned away now, my search would still not be in vain." Once more, what she expected. When the ebony vixen spoke with rogues, one of the first things they said without her even telling them was that they were looking for a pack and meant to be here, something along those lines. For now, she postponed speaking more on his behalf.

Turning her cranium slightly, she peered over at the femme once more. She was cowering and it even sounded as if she was whimpering a little bit. She must've been quite knew to the border situations and how they rolled. As she looked as if she was plotting a getaway, Toorima merely said "No need to run, you'll only get in more trouble if you go taking off." shrugging a bit. This would probably be cake compared to other stuff she'd happen across. If she did go deeper into the lands, trouble'd ensue, if she went to another pack, her greeting may not be all to pleasant. She shifted back, attempting to divide her attention between the wolves, which was proving to be more difficult that she'd originally assumed. "Both of you are offered spots of Subordinate in the Yamamori packs for the time being, but first, speak your names and skills you possess." Eyes occasionally shifted from wolf to wolf, seeing how they'd respond to his proposition. She wasn't all too concerned with the male, but the female made her curious.

[Kevin]

-The male listened as the other wolf crept into the bush, but it was a fleeting diverge of his attention. It was not uncommon for wolves to be flighty--and Crescent listened to the ebony Alpha call her back with a patient air. As to this own comment, truly, what other answer could be given? No doubt most sought this place for homes, to be sure, so how could their answers possibly vary? It was apparent in her disposition and reply that she knew this had been on Crescent's agenda all along; and so neither of the two seemed surprised with the other's answer-

-Yet when direction was called to his skills, Crescent Moon's eyes were diverted momentarily in thought. There were many purposes he could fulfill in a pack enviornment, but there were a select few he felt were his prime. Picking his gaze back towards Toorima, he spoke- "My name is Crescent Moon. As a former pack Alpha, my leadership skills are apt. However, I feel that, having been a solitary for the past three years, that my skills now lie primarily in tracking, as well as the bringing down of formidable game."

[Ashzina]

Ashzina froze, pinned in place by the calmly athourative(sp?) words. But the she-wolf did not seem about to attack, so the red gray wolf relaxed, slightly. This time when the Alpha, as the big male had called the other femme, spoke, Ashzina heede her words more attentively. What did she mean? Those words, Subordinate, Yamamori packs, meant nothing to her. Suddenly, her fear was scorched away by a burning hope. Maybe this wolf knew of her brother, and where to find him. Her doubts were washed away by this idea, fixed so solidly in her mind that she could think of nothing else. The big male was speaking, but that didn't matter. The need to find speak swelled up in her mute lips, and she burst out, "Please, ma'am, the name's Ashzina. I'm not sure what you mean by all the other words, but could you help me? I'm looking for a wolf, my brother. About a week ago we were seperated, and I haven't been able to find him since then. Hsi names Tavraz, and he's a bit bigger than me, with a tan muzzle, and a gray body and a blackish tail. Have you seen him? Do you know where he might be? I don't where I am, I'm lost and I can't find him...." All this was said in a rush, so that she could get it all out before her nerve failed her. She trailed off pitifully though, and her ears, just now pricked with hope, lowered again as she waited for the Alpha's answer.

[Toorima]

Things were rather easy going right now, the male didn't seem all too shaken up about much and the femme, well, lets say she wasn't as laid back as the brute but not about ready to fly away at a moments notice. Attention moved to the male, listening as he spoke. So his name was Crescent Moon, he was a one-time Alpha, which was quite easy to understand from just looking at him, and his tracking skills and the ability to bring down decent game was what he felt he was skilled at. Good enough. Even if he had been alone for three years, he, from mere appearances, looked like he'd hold up his share in the pack. It wasn't the most detailed description of himself but it would suffice. With an approving nod, she said "Accepted." then turned more towards the femme.

She was called Ashzina, and just judging by her manner of speech, the ebony femme's suspicions were correct. So she had lost her brother a short while ago and was searching for him, the description of him typical for a male, his name Tavraz; Toorima listened to the profile of the male, jogging her memory, which didn't come up with any male named Tavraz or let alone, fitting that description. "Sorry, but I don't think I've seen Tavraz around here, nor any wolves really fitting that description." she paused for a moment. "I'm not sure if any of the other pack wolves have seen him but you may ask them if you choose to live here, even if it is for a short while. As for your whereabouts, you're in the Yamamori packlands, a vast expanse of land that my cadre resides upon, and if you lost Tavraz only a week ago, I doubt he'd made it past the mountains by now. He probably isn't too far from here." she said, shrugging a little. Those mountains weren't all too easy to cross through, Tavraz wouldn't have taken clear off and over them in a weeks time, unless he full out ran the whole time.

Toorima sighed a bit, recalled the things she'd said already. "Since each of you've already spoken your own name, my own calling is Toorima." she said matter-of-factly. Of course, she left out her proper surname and middle name. Nobody was going to be hearing either of those, especially at the borders.

[Ashzina]

"Oh..." Ashzina sighed, desperately dissapointed. She had been so hoping, but no, she must put that out of her mind now. But if he was close by...maybe she could ask these other wolves that...Toorima? Yes that was her name, had talked about. Perhaps she would join this pack, for a while maybe. The femme's tail lowered slightly, but she didn't give up that easy. "Could I join your pack? I was born a loner, so I don't know much about what you do...but I am a good hunter. I've had to fend for myself since I was a pup." Well, that was basicly true. Tavraz had helped, but she was still pretty adept. Shaking the snow from her gray pelt, Ashzina rubbed a fore paw across her snout to calm her self. She couldn't lose control. Calm...calm...deep breathes. Her amber eyes glittered slightly as her tongue lolled fron a gaping maw, and her panting breaths steamed the frosty air about her muzzle.

[Kevin]

-The male nodded slowly, his nose bent into the wind. On the surface, he was a humble statue; unshaking in his noble respect for his new Alpha.

His Alpha. The clarity of the notion took but a moment to digest. It had happened so quickly, so fluidly, so easily--a new home, a new family, a sanctuary to protect and mature within. His eyes glazed with this newfound attachment, and while the two other wolves comversed he escaped into these thoughts. He thought of spring, of pups, of warm dens against these winter gals. Soothing thoughts of grandeur, though they may be, it was a hope he clung too with steadfast resolve.

The rank of Subordinate did not trouble him, either. He was a stranger, a loner, and he had to earn even the right to this such title in the days that would follow.

Slowly, he took another step towards Toorima, his head still bowed and his nose curled slightly upward. He approached her on silent feet, and only spoke when her words to the femme--and she to the Alpha--had died.

"If anything else you require of me," Crescent began, his words perhaps echoing the meaning of her thoughts,- "All you've but to do is ask. You open your home to me, and for that I am in your debt."

[/i]

[Toorima]

Ashzina didn't sound all too thrilled about her not knowing of her brother. Well, if she did find this Tavraz, she'd be sure to tell him she was looking for him or if at all possible, take him to her. Toorima wasn't the best at keeping track of lost siblings, let alone someone else's, she didn't even know where her own brother, Kyuushi was, or if he was even still alive or if he still cared. "Could I join your pack? I was born a loner, so I don't know much about what you do...but I am a good hunter. I've had to fend for myself since I was a pup." The ebony femme nodded, "Of course. Even if you don't know much about pack life, you can learn here, meet some other wolves or something." Even if her pack knowledge was limited, it usually was easy to catch onto, just watch the other wolves and you learn. She'd found on her year of nomadic nature, observing packs' nature worked the best. They all had varied customs, just had to learn to pick up on them yourself.

Crescent Moon, on the other hand, seemed a bit more thrilled with what she'd told him. But he had different motives that Ashzina did so that meant for a different outcome. As he spoke, she listened contentedly. "If anything else you require of me, All you've but to do is ask. You open your home to me, and for that I am in your debt." he'd said, in which she nodded and smiled too. "Of course, Crescent Moon. If I need anything, I'll be sure to call." she said. Although she wasn't entirely sure as to what she'd be needing him for, it was just nice to know that he was willing to be helpful. Crescent was free to go roam, but Toorima remained for Ashzina's sake, curious as to if she had any further questions.

[Kevin]

-Her smile caused his shoulders to droop, his form relaxed. He came closer to Toorima, and extended his muzzle to touch at her chin in thanks. With a slow wag of his tail he lumbered past her, his nose sweeping the ground in deep huffs as he partook in the fresh scents of the grounds. He wouldn't go far, but it would be nice to find a place to bed down and become lost in his dreams. Pausing for a moment to see if his wanderings would be voiced against, he risked a glance over his shoulder to look lastly at the other stranger. Perhaps he would be able to meet once more with her, in time.

Looking back into the distance, he started slowly towards quiet lands.-

[/i]

[Ashzina]

OOC: Ach! Sorry I couldn't get on, my life was kinda messed up this weekend....

IC; Ashzina nodded slowly, happily. Even if she didn't find Tavraz soon, she might be able to settle down for a while, have a true family, or something. "Thank you." She said to the ebon Alpha gratefully, touching her on the chin as Cresent had. Than the wolf stood there, not knowing exactly what to do. The Alpha was still there, but Cresent had left...should she too? "Should I go know?" She asked tentatively.

OOC: Sorry, not good, but I gotta go

[Toorima]

hakafalbsst! Bad! ._.

Toorima watched as Crescent Moon left, eyes watching as he traveled over the horizon and vanished from her range of vision. The ebony wolfess turned back from watching the departing male to the female who was still with her "Should I go know?" She nodded and said "Sure, go ahead." with a slight grin. She could probably go find some other matters to attend to herself and his femme could go meet some new pack wolves, ask them about her missing brother.

After remaining there for a moment or two longer, she decided to take her own leave. She nodded once to Ashzina again before turning, directing herself in a different direction than Crescent Moon had, more of an eastern path than the one he'd traveled. First her gait was a mere walk then escalated it to a trotting pace. Soon, she was gone.