Seeking a Pack

[Amore]

Exhausted, the snowy-white faemme half-heartedly reared her maw and let her melody fill the terra of Koran, a Pack that the young Hybrid had been thinking of joining for a while. The journey had been almost impossible, moving from No-Mans Land to the borders of Koranian territory, that Amore was worn out. Small frame trembling due to lack of energy, the ivory Hybrid sat and waited, unaware that she had already met the Koranian Drappa, Tarkah. The ivory Drappa had been repulsed by Amore's dual heirtage and made no attempt to hide it from the fragil half-breed. Lifting her hanging head as the scent of Vargs flowed into her quivering nostrils, Amore stood taller, awaiting for a Pack Member to arrive.

((V. rushed))

[kadin]

Broad ears quivered in the delicate air as the soft, exhausted song rolled over the valley of Koran, seeking Tratto's Blessing and perhaps something else. There was a tone peculiar to the song of the wild wolf, either way the raven Varg was intrigued to hear someone else's call and his powerful yet slender legs propelled him over the deep drifts of shimmering white crystals that blanketed the valley. His breath whirled around his powerful jaws in little clouds as he ran, feeling the air rush in and out of his lungs. He felt strong and alive and free. It was Kadin, the beta mann of Koran.

It wasn't long before the ebony male slowed his long strides of hard running into a steady trot as he neared the border, nose quivering as he tasted the air for the whereabouts of the Putnar that he now stalked. He called this land home nearly all his life, and instantly recognized the border as he turned to trek along it, wondering who would come to the Koran land now and why. Perhaps it had something to do with this war that he had heard rumor of. When he spotted the ivory drappa against the crystal white backdrop however, and tasted her kerl scent on the wind, he knew that it was unlikely she had anything to do with the other packs that resided in Transylvania.

As he neared, Kadin began to realize that there was something peculiar about both her appearance and her scent, and now that he remembered it, her howl was a bit strange although not at all foreign to the co-dragga's senses. When he was but a few paces away, the black wolf knew it to be true, that she was half-breed. His hackles rose and a glint of anger flared in his eyes as he felt bile rise in his gut. A sharp, quick pain exercised in his flank, a bitter reminder of the hunter's arrows... and their dogs.

"You." He called out gruffly, ears pressed forward and tail raised over his back like an ebony banner, legs rigid and the fur along his spine raised. "What business do you have here in Koran?"

[Zhentee]

Carried on the breeze was two smells in one, both varg and dog. Zhentee knew at once it must be a hybrid, there seemed to be more and more, venturing out into the wild now-a-days, but why would one wander into Koran? The ebony and crimson-brown varg decided to investigate. It didn't take him long to venture the short distance, with his long powerful legs. He arrived to find a white she-varg half breed, sitting near the edge of the territory, looking rather exhausted.

Zhentee stepped forward as the breeze fluttered his long mane. This, along with the combination of his odd markings and size, made the varg look almost mystic. The gaze from his emerald eyes pierced threw the air and landed right on the snowy half breed.

He was about to speak when Kadin, the varg Tarkah had chosen to be second in line, appeared, and snarled at the stranger. And for what, Zhentee wondered, what did he have to fear about this new comer? He boldly stepped between the two, and stared down at Kadin, looking him strait in the eyes with a nasty glare. Zhentee did not bother to raise his tail, or show any other signs of aggression, the older varg’s stare was enough to make any varg show his belly in submission.

“Silence.” Zhentee snapped, “What gives you’re the right to treat a wandering varg with such a tone? Especially one who has already asked Tratto’s blessing!” he snarled viciously. He did not care what status this wolf had, he was Dragga once, and this was no way for one to act in his opinion. Perhaps his opinion did not matter to this creature, but Zhentee was a varg that would speak his mind, and let his opinion be known, no matter the consequences.

[Phantom]

Phantom's sensitive ears pricked as the sounds of fellow vargs floated on the winter wind. The first was a call of Tratto's Blessing, a Kerl wanting to join the pack, I suppose. The other voices was familiar, Kadin. But, rather than hearing his usual, friendly tone, he sounded angry, and Phantom instantly wanted to know what was going on.

She reached the scene just as Zhentee muttered, "What gives you the right to treat a wandering varg with such a tone? Especially one who has already asked Tratto’s blessing!"

"Kadin, he has a point," Phantom said as she stepped from the trees. Her nostrils quivered at the unmistakable scent of a half-dog hung about the newcomer. A halfbreed, she thought. But Phantom pushed the thought aside. She wasn't the kind of varg to judge another based on their family history. Being a true varg meant something much deeper than having pure blood.

She walked past the males, muttering, "Pfft, draggas," humorously under her breath. She looked at the stranger, smiling and trying to comfort her. The poor creature looked exhausted. "Sorry, if my friends over there scared you, they just want to do what they believe is right."

"Hello, I am Phantom, Second Drappa of Koran," she said proudly, bowing her head in greeting. "What is your name, and what brings you to thins land, young one?"

[Amore]

The snow-covered undergrowth parted to reveal a large ebon Varg, one who's rank was high within the Koran Pack, judging by his dominant scent, but then, a Pack-wolf such as this specimen would hold dominance over a Kerl such as Amore, regardless of her Mother's blood. Flinching at the harsh tone of the Pack-wolf's voice, Amore stared politely at his muzzle, fearing to meet his golden orbs, for the Hybrid did not know if he would attack. Plucking up the remnants of her courage, Amore began to answer the ebon male, but broke off before she had accomplished one word.

Hackles bristling, a massive Varg stalked forward, placing himself between Amore and the first wolf. This other Mann was strange in colouring, his maw and most of his face, a ruddy red, as close to scarlet as Nature could get, bar blood. From what Amore had seen, the newcomer had piercing emerald orbs, which he now fixed on the first Varg's golden optics, staring down the Varg. His larger size than the first, persuaded Amore to think of the crimson and black Varg as the Beta at least, maybe the Dragga. So far, the ivory faemme had not seen a friendly face, for though the second male had defended her against the first, it did not prove that he actually wanted to be friendly, for he may just be disrespecting the other as defiance from a former row.

The third Varg who arrived was a faemme, and one who gave the impression of dominance. As the faemme's eyes locked onto Amore's trembling body, the Hybrid saw a flash of. . .of some unknown emotion flicker through her yellow orbs. The name of the first Varg was revealed as Kadin, from what the new faemme muttered, and her own was Phantom. Feeling gratitude flow through her as Phantom spoke with kindness, relieved that she had less of a chance of being driven out for her heritage. "I am known as Amore. My buissness here is one request," Taking a deep breath, Amore emptied her mind of all the worries. "I wish to join the ranks of Koran."

[Zhentee]

(( I'm going to wait for Kadin to reply befor I do.))

[kadin]

OOC: hehe, thank you Zhentee

Before the ivory drappa could speak however, a crunching in the snow proclaimed the appearance of another Varg, but as Kadin turned his head to see who it was, he knew that this Varg at least was a member of Koran. But instead of speaking to the newcomer, he turned to Kadin and stepped between them. Although the ebony mann was beta, he turned away after only a few seconds, hearing the clarity in which Zhentee spoke and finding the truth in it, even if it was of Kadin's own actions. Taking a deep breath, the ebony mann was about to speak when another voice rang out over the air, and Kadin turned around to see his mate padding up to them. He only nodded in consent as she spoke.

After a moment, Kadin sighed and nodded at Amore as he sat down in the snow. "I am sorry Amore. It was not my place to judge you simply on your heritage. I am Kadin, as you may have heard, and Second Dragga of Koran." But still the black mann felt a touch uncomfortable. Confronting something that had been associated with his near death wasn't as easy as he would have thought it to be. Shifting for a more comfortable sitting position, he listened to her proposition, which she announced with slight unease.

[Tarkah]

The howl of another was too great for Tarkah to ignore. Growls escaped her maw as she slipped through the forests of Koran. Fleet footed and swift the ivory drappa made her way through her home. Golden eyes surveying the land before her as her paws cut through the thin layer of snow.

Tarkah stopped and looked about, her ears twitched as she caught her breath that was visible on the cold air. She growled. The howl had belonged to no one in Koran and it spoke f Tratto's Blessing. So it was a varg, a stranger, a visitor in the koran lands. Though for one Tarkah knew it would not be a varg leading the war that would soon be forth coming. The ivory drappa had heard of the news on howls. But so far she had not discussed any matters with Deor.

Tail flickered and she padded forward and through the brush she appeared, stark white save her front paws that were black and her ears that were black as well. Her gleaming golden orbs looked across the terrain. She feared for another war. Koran was not as strong as the other packs were at the moment and with the coming winter the food would be less available. They needed to strengthen their ranks. They needed more members, but also more members would mean they would need more food. Tarkah sighed and shook out her fur and licked her lips. The borders were not far away now and Tarkah continued her stride.

The scents of varg's soon came to Tarkah's nostrils and she stopped. Not far away she could hear voices of pack members. She could hear snarling and Tarkah became intrigued, her ears prickling and her hairs up right as she entered the clearing in time to hear the visitors wish.

She looked from her beta's to her former dragga and dipped her muzzle in greeting. Her tail was erect and her head held high as she displayed dominance over the wolves gathered. Her golden eyes looked around from varg to varg.

What's going on here? Who wants to join the ranks of Koran now?" Tarkah growled and turned her muzzle to see an ivory canine. Tarkah stood shocked for a second, it was the same wolf dog from the castle she had met. Tarkah growled uneasily.
"Amore" she spoke and looked to Phantom who had shown great kindness to the hybrid. Tarkah sighed. Tarkah was weary of dogs but Koran indeed needed more members. But ceased her growling. She had acted rashly to the wolf dog before but what now? "So Amore what do you seek in my lands?" Tarkah asked the ivory youngster, her voice was not tainted in menace no was it overly kind.

[Zhentee]

The Ebony and crimson brown wolf watched as Phantom entered the scene, he hardly took his eyes off Kadin as she mentioned that his words held truth. However he did have to glance over his shoulder slightly with her muttered comment of ‘Pfft, Draggas” And if wolves were able to snicker and roll their eyes, he probably would have.

Zhentee did not show any emotion that said he was proud of Kadin’s admition that his words were truth. He simply turned to face the new comer, to take a better look at this varg, but as he did another wolf appeared. It was the white Drappa, Tarkah, his former pack mate. He listened carefully to her words, resting on his haunches, deciding to sit and watch this scene unfold.

((blah! Short… sorii!))

[Amore]

"I accept your apology, Kadin, but I do not wish for my heritage to block any friendship that I wish to have with Koran," Amore nodded to the Beta, a small smile playing at her lips. Her thoughts were cubbish, but she was still shocked that a Second Dragga should apologise and introduce himself to her, a mere Kerl, though of course, the apology was much needed in this case. Bowing slightly to the ebon and crimson Dragga, Amore aksed, "Um, what are you known as?" curiosity bubbling up inside her.

The hostile growl behind her startled Amore, causing the ivory Hybrid to spin round. The Drappa she saw could not have shocked Amore more if a hedgehog flew past her head. It was Tarkah, the regal Drappa Amore had met several suns beforehand. The two had not met under the best circumstances, for Serg, First of the Balkar and Dragga of Sarnes had been there too, constantly throwing death threats at Amore, encouraging the little grey he-cub that had been there to dislike Amore for her dual heritage. "Greetings, Tarkah," Amore failed to keep the icyness out of her voice as her cyan orbs flickered over the Drappa's form. The question was not stained by the venom that Amore had previously experienced from Tarkah's maw, but neutral. "I wish to be with a Pack, Tarkah, to feel a connection with others besides scattered Kerls. I wish to join Koran, Tarkah, if you will have me?"

[Phantom]

Phantom smiled at the white hybrid. Amore seemed to be a good varg, intelligent and willing to learn the ways of pack life. She would be a good addition to the struggling pack. Koran needed more members, and this pup would make the cut.

The Second Drappa glanced up at Tarkah. The Arctic Drappa seemed uncomfortable around Amore. Phantom understood why, for the pack had all dealt with humans and their hounds before. Phantom herself had suffered arrow wounds in the past, as had her mate, Kadin. But Amore had done nothing wrong, and she shouldn't be punished because of her mixed heritage.

"What do you think, Tarkah?" the dark brown Beta queried. "I'm sure she'd make a fine addition to Koran."

[Tarkah]

Tarkah looked to Amore. Her eyes were strangely a light blue, piercing cyan. Something that was rare. Tarkah had never seen an adolescent wolf with such cyan eyes before, of course other then young newborns who were birthed with blue eyes but would gradually change in pigment.

Tarkah stood still, her golden eyes still surveying the youth. Tarkah didn't know what to do with Amore. True she had opposed no threat to her pack and she seemed docile enough. But she was a dog. Tarkah kept on thinking in her head. The ivory drappa frowned. The thought of humans and dogs did not serve o be a great reminder as to what had happened some seasons ago.

Tarkah looked up and couldn't help but notice the iciness in the young she wolf's tone. Tarkah chose to ignore it though. The drapa was not one with a sour heart. Though sometimes her reactions were caused by past events.
Ears twitched and Tarkah took in Amore's question. She thought about it for a second and turned to Phantom and shrugged. Phantom's statements had somewhat eased Tarkah. Perhaps Amore did belong here. And like of course Amore was not present when Koran had been under attack by the humans and their dogs.

Tarkah's tail swished and she thought for a second more before sighing, "Alright." she said, "You may stay. I will not judge you for what you are but who you are understand?" Tarkah said and padded upto Amore. She scented the pup, she smelt like the pines and the mountains. Nothing of human stayed on her pelt. That helped ease Tarkah as well. Tarkah smiled now, "Welcome to Koran then Amore," Tarkah said but then her facade turned serious, "But do not make me regret my decision."

[kadin]

The arctic pelt and crunch of snow announced the arrival of the Koran Drappa Tarkah, and Kadin dipped his ears in submission and greeting as she approached. Kadin turned his attention back to the faemme who had stated her name Amore, but the recognition in Tarkah's voice made the black-hued beta swivel his ears toward her voice while he gave the ivory hybrid and look of curiousity. Amore restated her inquiry, and if Kadin heard right, with a touch of ice, he could tell that the Drappa was struggling over a decision. Indeed, so many things had happened to the Vargs of Koran because of man, but still, the youth before them had dropped their ways to live as their prey, and fight like a wolf.

Watching Tarkah as she announced her decision, Kadin nodded in ascent. He grinned softly; slightly, and rose from his haunches although keeping his head lower than Tarkah's. "Welcome, Amore, to the Koran." He winked, and his grin broadened. Indeed, she was healthy and if she had managed to live thus far, her skills in hunting would be of use. But not that her skills were the entire thing that mattered, Kadin was looking forward to meeting someone new, and the unease he had felt earlier was already beginning to melt away, although it was not entirely gone, as it would not be just like with any other stranger. Over time, this too would be banished.

[Amore]

Gratitude flowed through Amore's body as she heard Phantom's kind voice, supporting her as a possible Member of the Koran. Her pathetic excuse for a tassle had grown into a fully-fledged banner of white and she swished it slowly from side to side. The Hybrid faemme watched as Tarkah's golden-hued oculars searched her body, as if waiting for her to make an error and give the Drappa an excuse to drive her out of Koranian lands. The time between Amore's request and Tarkah's answer stretched longer than it should of done as the ivory Drappa continued to survey the adolescent's form.

Finally, Tarkah voiced her answer, and filled Amore with such joy that she had to restrain herself from dancing around in glee. Ever since Amore had left the dogs, she had been filled with such loneliness and sadness that to be accepted into a Pack was a gift from Tor. Amore remembered only to well what had happened after she tried to return. The humans had aquired two new dogs, distant relatives of the modern day pitbull, and when they saw Amore they had let the dogs loose, driving her into a net. After much struggling, the ivory faemme had managed to escape, not without a large wound on her flank from one of the massive dog's jaws and bruising on her shoulder from the club. Since then, both wounds had healed, the one from the dog a vivd red scar, hidden by her thick fur.

"Thank you, Tarkah, I shall not give you reason," Amore gratefully bowed her head, still resenting the fact that she was bowing to a Varg who had at first shown her hatred. When she looked up again, the ivory faemme heard Kadin's welcoming growl, and once again, gratitude washed over her. "I am glad to be part of Koran, Kadin," Amore said.

[Zhentee]

the scene unfolded sooner then Zhentee had thought it might, but he was proud of Tarkah descision none the less. He had missed amore's question about his name, after all there was so much going on. His emereal eyes smiled at the new pack mate, much diffrent from the eyes he had shown befor. Stepping threw teh croud he greated the new wolf with much mmore kindmess than he was showing tword Kadin. "It is a pleasure to meet you Amore." he said dipping his head slightly, in a gestured bow. "And an even greater pleasure to welsome you to Koran. I am known as Zhentee."

Zhentee may have seemed nice on the outside, and normaly was, bet ever since a sertian incedent, years back, he has this burning curiosity to know waht relly lurked withing each shell of a wolf. are they really what they sow on the ouseide, or was there something deeper within? He reasted back on his haunches comeing to the descision. that only time would reveal truth.