The leap of faith [Kai, Swallow, Tarkah, anyone]

[Skyla]

Aragon had traveled from the lands far to the west, his road forever winding across paths unknown. He had found his way to the base of the Carpathians, and then into the land of Transylvania. And now - now he was here in the land of Koran, with two varg he had only just met. The first, a she-varg, had decided to accompany Aragon and the Koran member; Kai to this place, and Aragon was beginning to feel glad that she had. This place was beautiful, and yet so strange to him. It had been many long moons since he had last smelt so many wolves in one place, and he found his heart racing. Kai was still in front of him, and Aragon could see rays of gentle light pacing through the branches over-head.

It was late afternoon as they finally reached a clearing, and Aragon scented the area eagerly before casting his golden gaze out through the trees, his keen eyes trying to pick up movement. He was excited, he could not deny that, but something in his mind was telling him to turn now, and run before it was too late. As the grey and ember varg thought on it now, he could not think why he had agreed to this. It was not as though he had not had the chance to join other packs before, but there was something about Kai's proud words of Koran that had made Aragon take this chance - this life-changing chance.

The wind blew a pleasant whistle in on its wings, and the birds in the trees around the varg joined in with the sound. It was a wonderful, warm day, but Aragon's worries would not let him enjoy it. "Perhaps you should howl, Kai. After all, you're already a member." Aragon turned to the dark he-varg and smiled, but it was quite obvious that he was more than uncomfortable. He turned again, his head at a similar level to his back. What if he was not right for this place, what if he did not fit in? Aragon tried to shake these curses from his head, and he relaxed himself into a more comfortable, natural stance. This was indeed a leap of faith, but one he knew he had to take.

[Swallow]

Swallow drifted in and out of the trees with the other two to the Koran pack. It smelt welcoming and looked it too. There was the mountains that they had just climbed down behind, and more in front. The Fae didn't really know where she was right now, but Kai wouldn't lead the Aragon and herself into danger, she was sure of that now that she knew him. A charge flowed though her unique body and she spiraled down the slopes, descending into what she thought could be her new home. For some reason the Varg felt comfortable already here, there was a soothing silent about the three travelers. When the Fae looked on she saw Aragon standing ahead, perhaps talking with Kai about their entrance. Although she couldn't actually see the dark pelted Mann, she belted forwards to join them.

The shadows of the trees swept over her back as the Fae ran over to her -new pack mates- With a smile set upon her slender face she nodded at Kai to say that she agreed with Aragon's suggestion of a howl. It would be easier for the two kerls then. Oh how she was so happy to of found these two Varg in the mountains, she didn't know where she would be now if she hadn't. A brief thought clouded her eyes, seeing her limp body strewn across the ground, with flying scavengers peaking out her organs. Swallow shivered at the thought and her cream hued pelt shook lightly in the breeze.

A sound sparked a vibration in her eyes, they seemed to jump, the blue depths beaming with life and excitement. All around her blue were perfect locks of cream fur, tipped and blended with white highlights that confused some. When others called her white she would prompt them with pride, for she deeply loved her unique fur style. The other two had pelts, that were strangely all so different, with Aragon's grey and ember pelt, and Kai's dark [grey? brown? black?] pelt. There was defiantly a flying contrast, which made them all different and she wondered about the Koran Varg. How different would they be? For some reason Swallow thought of a mass of contrasting colours, whites and blacks, with a few others too.

Her images of her future life were all so happy, and she felt happy right now, edging on the Koran borders she felt truly home. Now they would just have to accept her, then she would start her new life in this family.

[Kai]

The fact that the others actually wanted to tag along with hijm to the packlands brought him a sense of great joy. He was sure that Tarkah would accept them into the family without so much as a second thought, for if Kai could have trusted them so easily, they must be pack material. The wide smile splayed over his maw reflected his wishful thinking and ecstatic attitude, and he turned back to see Aragon and further behind, Swallow, still trailing behind him.

They were already headed down the other side of the mountain when Aragon suggested a howl to alert the pack of the newcomers. Being a mmember himself, he had never considered this, though many of the other members often howled when returning to the boundaries. He began to wonder if this was a habit he should take up, as not to seem so out of place or even rude. Tarkah had never said anything to him about it. Perhaps because he was a new addition and she figured he didn't know any better? This time, howling was a must, for he wasn't alone and the other two could easily be seen as a threat or even an ambush. Slowing his pace to an eventual stop, he rose his black nose to the sky, parted his maw, and let his voice ring out across the valley, reverberating off of the distant mountains as the wind carried the echo back to his pointed auds. His voice was young, but strong, and would be easily identified by the Drappa, Tarkah. As his song faded along with the fog from his breath, he turned around to the other two and picked up his pace again.

Going back down the mountain had always given him great pleasure, especially in the wintertime when the Koran Valley was filled to the brim with snow. His large, black paws would displace huge chunks of snow and leave a clumsy trail of where he had been. Though the snow had long since melted with the arrival of Spring, he still found a puppy-like joy to be had from racing down the slope. Turning once more to look over his shoulder, he almost dared Aragon and Swallow to catch up with him, though his goofy smile and lolling tongue was there to reassure them that he was just playing. Content that they knew he didn't mean to abandon them, Kai set off full speed down the mountain side. They were headed straight for the valley, and once they covered that, they would be before the caves. Koran's backyard. The Drappa would be expecting them.

((Sorry if this seemed really lame... My first post in a while.))

[Tarkah]

Tarkah mulled about, her tail drooped as she looked about, her eyes were glazed and she didn't seem to know her coordination. Her ears flickered and she sighed. Her eyes looked heavenward and then she turned, she had been starring up into the skies for some time know. Always glancing back.

The snow white drappa side. she had not been much of herself since the passing of her mate. It had been about a moon ago but it was still dreadfully painful. But she promised herself that it would not be like the last time. When her mate had decided to leave Koran again. She had been depressed and it was not well for the pack. In truth it had shattered the pack more then anything. She would not let koran become scattered. no not again. She would keep them together and keep herself hidden. Tarkah sighed into the wind the fur along her spine ruffling in the wind as she took in the scent of koran.

The arctic drappa then raised her head, her golden oculars widening. Her tail gave a flicker as she heard the sound in the distance. It was Kai. She cocked her head. What was this all about? Hesitantly Tarkah began to shuffle her way towards them. Her tail was drooped and her head hanging as she headed towards them.

Not too soon later she saw what the source was. Her eyes glared at two unknown forms. One a dragga and the other a drappa. Tarkah let out a soft growl. But she could tell that Kai had brought these wolves here. There scents were mixed together and only a journey travelled together could have done that. Tarkah let her growl ring and she lifted her head, she may be broken and torn on the inside but her outer shell was still as thick as a storm cloud. Her tail raised and her eyes gave a glistenign glare. "Kai" her voice rang out in a greeting. She stood there watching as Kai and his companions followed him towards her.

"Who do we have here?" she addressed her eyes flashign a look toward Aragon and Swallow. She trusted Kai and he had been a good apprentic, an eager learner. She wouldn't be one to expect Kai to harm koran or anythign of the sort. So she guessed that these two were his friends. But why he brought them to koran was beyond her. She looekd to the Dark warrior and nodded her head, givign him a gesture, 'im listening, go on ' it said.

[Kai]

((I'm just gonna take this one, since it seems aimed at Kai Alright?))

In the distance, a white speck became visible emerging from the Drappa's cave and was instantly recognizable as Tarkah. Yelps of excitement escaped his maw as he rushed towards her, quickly closing the gap between them. Looking over his shoulder, he was happy to see Aragon and Swallow still following close behind.

Although he knew of Tarkah's sadness, he had never met her mate, Andre. He had never gotten the chance. From what he had heard, Andre was often absent from Koran and when he did come to visit, it was only for a day or two. All he knew was that Tarkah must have loved him a lot and cared deeply for him, because she hadn't been the same since he had passed away. She tried so hard to keep Koran on its feet... it amazed him how she was able to keep up with everything.

There was no sense in staying depressed. Perhaps seeing the potential pack members would cheer her up- the idea of new family to replace the old. Slowing to a stop before his Drappa, he dipped his head politely as was custom and panted heavily for a moment to catch his breath. To try and keep the mood light and pleasant, his smile remained and his joy shone through in his voice.

"G'morning Tarkah! I went out for the morning and stumbled upon these two not far from the pack territory. They've got a genuine interest in joining Koran, so I arranged to have them meet you. If that's alright, that is..."

He hoped Tarkah would be convinced into letting them join after giving them a look over herself. His amber orbs remained fixed on the ground as not to be rude by staring directly at his Drappa, and also because part of him feared he would be scolded.

[Tarkah]

(is it my turn? O.o)

Tarkah looked up, her godlen eyes meeting Kai's as he greeted the drappa. "oh?" she asked in a questioning tone. Her eyes then travelled to view the two other wolves. "what makes them so interested in koran?" Tarkah asked her tail giving a gentle swish,, her lips curled into a suggestive smile, "since they are so genuinely interested" she smiled. She readjusted her paws and shifted her weight as she scented the two. They were both kerls, it was certain.

"ahh no worries, It's fine with me yess." she said nodding to Kai. But her eyes were stil lwatchign the two visitors. So they wanted to join koran? They were friends of Kai's. THey couldn't be bad right? besides Koran needed more members and particularly draggas. She looked to Aragon. He was young, that was good. Swallow looked like a respectful varg as well. Her tail gave a small flicker.

"Well, then. Why have you decided on Koran?" she began as a ice breaker. Of course Tarkah expected the two to introduce themselves promtly to the drappa.

(sorry sucky post)

[Skyla]

Aragon made sure to remain close to Kai, his golden eyes darting through the trees for any sign of danger or general movement. The birds in the branches of the tall trees around them seemed to watch as the three varg passed, a few shuffling from one foot to another through anticipation. It was so strange for the young varg to be back in packlands, for it had been many months since he had left his home to the west. Since that time, he had been smart enough to avoid places of gathering for varg, as he had not been in the state of mind to even consider joining a pack.

Finally Kai yipped with excitement, and Aragon saw the Drappa of Koran for the first time. She was a glittering white, and Aragon found that his gaze was fixed onto her. Remembering his place, the grey varg dipped his head low in greeting, his gaze remaining on the earth for a moment or two, before raising it again as Tarkah and Kai began to speak. Aragon did not know what it was, but he could sense something about the she-varg, like a sadness she was trying to hide away inside herself. It was hard to detect, but it was still there, and Aragon felt part of his heart go out to her. She had probably suffered a loss, but the varg knew better than to ask about it at a time like this.

When they had finished, Tarkah presented a question to him and Swallow, and Aragon passed his gaze across to where the cream she-varg stood. She made no move to answer, and so he did so moments later. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Tarkah." He dipped his head again, but when he lifted his gaze he could not help looking into her blue eyes. "From what Kai has told me, Koran seems to be just what I need, and I hope that in time it will become my family." He could not find any other words to sum up how he felt, and so he left it at that. Perhaps this would truly be his home one day?

((Sorreh for the delay!))

[Swallow]

Swallow gazed up from the ground at the glimmering white drappa as she showed herself. She was glad that Kai was there to speak up first, the growl would have scared her away if the Fae had been alone. Aragon spoke before her, as she was taking forever to find the correct words to address the beautiful drappa with. Surely Tarkah wouldn't turn them down? No, it looked as if the pack could do with new recruits by the grave look on the white Varg's face.

Nothing could stop Swallow from becoming a Koran member now, as she proudly looked on at the land before and around her. It suited her to be in such a cold but lush place, and by the looks of the wolves she wouldn't stand out to much. Yep, her and her friends would roam the forest all day, and when they got tired they could come home and relax under the willows surrounding the areas. Or so she thought, Swallow had no idea of what would happen to her, or what she would be required to do in the pack since she had never been around these lands before.

The cream pelted female kneaded the ground and looked around at the scenery for inspiration of her words. Suddenly she looked up to the drappa, and began to introduce herself to her. "Greetings Tarkah" she began with a bow. "Kai has told me of the wonders of living in the Koran pack, and from what I can see, I hope that I would fit in and be able to humbly serve you, and Koran for the rest of my life." Swallow finished with a glint of excitement in her blue eyes. The Fae wondered if now was the time to ask for Tratto's Blessing, or if Tarkah would question her and Aragon further.

[Kai]

((Kai doesn't seem to have a part in here just yet, so I'll let you three continue and I'll jump in again later if need be. I'm in Ge-Rad for the time being though ^^ ))

[Tarkah]

Tarkah lifted her golden gaze and brought it to Swallow and Aragon. She looked to the he wolf first, her tail giving a curious flick. Tarkah nodded as she listened to him explain first. She watched him. He seemed trustworthy. And something about these two made Tarkah feel that they would be well and loyal members to Koran.

Tarkah turned to look at Kai and couldn't help but give out a chuckle. "Really? I never thought Koran was that good" the drappa smiled as she turned to Swallow. Her black ears flickered as she listened to the fae now. Tarkah grinned. "Well you both sound as if you're ready to be a Koran varg... I don't see why not I suppose" she said with a shrug. "Koran vargs are loyal and brave. You seem like the right wolves to me. Welcome aboard then Tarkah said with a smile.

She then turned to Kai. "I'll be expecting our warrior in training to escort these new members to the den? And perhaps even a little tour if you want" Tarkah asked. These were kai's friends, perhaps it were best to give him the opportunity to show them around.

(sorry folks i lost my muse half way)

[Kai]

Finally sensing his turn to speak, Kai bowed his head politely to his Drappa before turning to the new members of Koran. A smile dancing on his features, he wondered, What should I show them first? Having made a decision, he parted his maw to speak and could hardly contain his excitement.

"Let's see...Where should I start first..." he asked, more to himself than anyone else as he surveyed the land that was Koran. They had already gotten a taste of the mountains bordering the packlands and the Koran Valley upon their entrance. Amber orbs fell on his den in the distance. What could be more important than shelter? Well, a lot of things could, but right now, it was all he could think to show off. "I know, how about the dens?" With that, he pranced off in the direction of his den, sure that the others would follow.

Once there, he turned around to look at Aragon and Swallow. A thought ran through his mind and he spoke again.

"If you wanted, you could share my den. It's big enough for three. Otherwise, you could each have your own, the unused dens are just over here..."

He motioned with his nose towards the empty dens over yonder.

[Skyla]

((Gah! I'll try to reply either tomorrow or later today. School 'aint over for me yet, so I feel a bit cramped now.))

[Swallow]

A pink tongue unfolded out of the she-Varg's dry mouth. Swallow was very happy, now that Tarkah had accepted her and her friend into the pack. The feeling of prolonged loneiness and regectfulness left her here, she was truely happy now. Swallow panted, and let out all of the tension that she had gained during those few moments of questioning. "Thank you Tarkah." she howled to the drappa, whilst giving her a small nod of appreciation. Tarkah had continued, to talk about the dens, and Swallow thought of that factor now all of the other worries where off her mind. All she could do was keep smiling while the drappa and Kai talked over it.

As Kai walked off to give herself and Aragon a tour, the cream wolf gave Tarkah a last smile and turned on after him. He had brought them to his den. It was quite large, and sheltered, and Kai went on to say it was big enough for her and Aragon also. At first when Swallow thought about his offer, it seemed to be almost too generous, then she decided against it and changed her mind. "Of course Kai, I would love to share your den with you and Aragon" the Fae barked, and smiled at the Mann.

After she had accepted his offer, she realised that she hadn't even looked over to the others. So now the Faemme did, just to check that she hadn't made a wrong choice. They were more cramped then Kai's, but then, if Kai's did have three Varg in it, it would probably feel the same. A thought crossed her mind, "Are you sure that you don't mind us sharing? I mean, if you get sick of me you could always kick me out" the she-wolf said, with the slightest hint of a joke. She didn't want it to sound unrespectful, of like she didn't want to share with him, because she did, really.

(That's Ok Skyly It's not over for me either.)

[Skyla]

((Sorry for the very long delay, but I may as well post now that I have a few minutes of free time!))

Aragon listened to the alphess carefully, and he could not help allowing a smile to cross his may. His tail wagged slightly, and he dipped his head low in respect and gratitude. "Thank you, lady Tarkah." He raised his gaze back up to hers and smiled warmly, and waited for a moment as Kai began to head down to the dens. As Swallow too turned, the grey mann padded slowly after them, keeping a few paces back simply because he wished to reflect. He was now a Koran varg, and for some reason that filled him with a sense of comfort. Perhaps this land would become home after all? The trees stood tall and proud on either side of the wolf-worn path that the three trod along, and Aragon gazed up at the bright white sun that smiled down upon him.

It was a warm day, and the ember varg found himself enjoying the short walk to the dens. What would happen now, in these days of his new life? Aragon wondered on this for several more moments, until finally the three varg crossed out onto a flat, and found themselves in a clearing littered with dens. The scent of varg was thick in the air, and Aragon began to notice that his own smell was beginning to alter. Kai and Swallow's scents had been mixed in with his own, and Tarkah's too, and the young wolf halted for a second in surprise. As Kai mentioned about the dens though, Aragon focussed on the present. He did like the idea of being able to spend more time with his new found friends, but he knew in his heart that he would want to spend these next few nights alone.

"Thank you very much for the offer, Kai, but I think I'll stay in one of the empty dens - at least for now. I hope you understand." Aragon smiled before turning and walking towards one of the dens that was set a few feet away from the others. It had the scent of rich earth, but nothing more. The varg was able to enter with ease due to the large entrance-hole, and as he sniffed around inside, Aragon realised that it was quite cold. The den had not had warmth in it for some time, and the grey mann felt somewhat refreshed. "This one will do for me." He spoke almost to himself, but loud enough so that the others could hear him still. There was enough room for two and a little extra inside, and Aragon walked around in a circle once before scrambling back out into the sun. He had not slept in a den for a very long time, and he wondered how he would cope being enclosed again...

(( What the hell is that thing above my avatar!!! *runs*))

[Kai]

((I'm not feeling too great right now, but feel I need to reply. I simply must. It'll be short, but sweet. Also, I think we should end this thread soon, as Kai has gone under a complete personality change since Zhentee's death. We can always start a new thread right up though, so no worries!))

He smiled at Swallow and gave a small chuckle. "Of course I don't mind, so long as you don't snore." He gave another laugh at his small joke. Turning then to Aragon, he nodded respectfully. "I understand. No hard feelings." Another smile. When he had first joined, he had also wanted the privacy of his own den. Part of him still wished for it, though having Swallow for company couldn't be a bad thing either. Remembering there was more to Koran than just the dens, his gaze returned to the packland that stretched over the entire valley.

"Beyond the dens is the river which actually provides some comfort in this heat." Kai, having a black pelt, felt the heat worse than Varg with lighter peltage, and therefore panted twice as much. "Feel free to explore!" He added with a grin.