The Peaceful Stranger (On the border of Deor) - P

[Varloc]

ooc:


The darkly colored male had left the Koran territory, leaving behind one that he liked to call friend to ponder the choices that had been offered. He trembled at the idea of joining a pack. Could life ever be the same for him? Could he rejoin others and forget the pain and suffering he had felt and once again, relive his life in peace? There were so many of these thoughts that swirled through the male’s mind as he wandered past the boarder of Koran’s territory. He failed to notice he had not returned to the meadow in which he started, but now found himself in the crowded, darkening forest. The forest… He let his dark eyes drift towards the canopy, tail swaying gently behind him. He could no longer see the sky, except small patches here and there. He felt a great sense of ease sweep over him, finding comfort in the confined space. He was not easily spotted from the sky nor on the ground. He was old enough to have realized the advantages of his coat. The dark tones helped him blend into the dark shadows cast down by the trees.

He paused, raising his snout to the sky, inhaling deeply the sweet, crisp scent of the winter. The cold stung his lungs and numbed his toes, but he pushed on. He would linger here and ponder over the offer that Kai had given him. A home… He twisted his head around so that he could stare over his shoulder, back into the direction he had come. It would be a difficult decision. It would be a big change in his life and honestly, he wasn’t sure if he could make the big jump from being a lonely old kerl, to a functioning member of a pack. The male took the opportunity as he stood there, to study his surroundings. There were the obvious signs of winter. The snow on the ground, the great amount of leaves that no longer hung from the crooked branches of the trees. But there were the hidden signs. How quiet things had grown with the absence of the beautiful song birds. There were no fleeting deer, startled by his sudden materialization from the darkness. Spring, though, would be upon them and this dying, empty forest would turn into a place of life.

If it hadn’t been for the snow, the male would have moved like a ghost, but as he moved, he was followed by soft crunching as the ice gave way beneath his paws. He moved slowly, with no real destination in mind, but found himself growing nearer to yet another territory. He was amazed at the close proximity of the territory to Koran, but pushed it quickly from his mind. It appeared there was no hostility between the packs and therefore felt at ease as he pushed through what he considered a void point between the territories. He drifted closer, lowering his nose to the ground, again inhaling deeply. Wolves, he felt suddenly uneasy, knowing how his previous encounter had started out. True, it turned out well enough, but he wondered if these wolves would be so considerate.

Deciding to alert the wolves that called the territory home to his presence, so they were not startled, he lifted his muzzle, pointing his nose to the unseen sky and uttered a soft, low note. It held a haunting tune, one of both pain and suffering, but of strength as well. He had survived his troubled past and moved on, to live out his life. The song called for the wolves to be aware of his presence and held an underlying message of peace and good wishes. He was not looking to enter their land, but tell them that he was there, beyond their territory. Here he would stay for the next few suns, pondering over the opportunity that had been given to him.

[Dakota Spirit]

The land was cold and frigid, covered with a blanket of crisp snow fall. The weather wasn't out of place, fitting in perfectly for what was expected in this part of Transylvania, and yet it seemed striking all the same. So clean and pure, devoid of all color. Standing at his den's entrance, the wolf looked out at this landscape with his eyes wide and curious. With the snow, everything was so different. The normally warm sights and colors that painted Deor into the paradise that it was were now all covered in the blue layer of ice. Tree branches sagged heavy with the added weight they bore and even the breeze around them held more bite then was normal. Tilting his blocky head ever so slightly. the male took a breath similar to the one Deor's unknown visitor was enjoying for himself. Cold air rushed into his lungs, filling him exhilaration. Because he was different too. He enjoyed the cold, thrived in it. The biting winds were nothing but a welcome visitor in his eyes.

Stretching his limbs carefully before proceeding, the wolf finally began to move away from the den site. His body was large and built, muscle flexing under dark skin and fur. A thick brush tail tapered evenly from his back, carried elevated in authority and pride. And his face, etched out across a dark canvas, bore features that were not easily interpreted. His expression seemed in a constant state of thoughtful consideration, detailed oriented and methodical. He was handsome but stern, all shows of warmness and caring saved for those that he'd come to trust, those that he knew to be deserving. A pair of bright emerald eyes completed the look, speaking of intelligence and cunning. He was not one that would be easily fooled. Still, there was something else to the male, something apparent to most who met him. It was something like an inborn sadness, a weariness that he wore right there at skin level. The wolf was not depressed or overly despairing, but rather a bit of a mature for his cause. For his heart bled for the pain of others and thought he kept himself mostly collected, that deep seeded concern was hard to hide. So parts of it shone through in his eyes and his stance. Parts of it were always visible.

A trail of light paw prints marked the wolf's passing as he crossed over the snow's surface, heading toward the border lands in presuit of finishing his early morning patrol duties. He hadn't been walking long when the call came to him, a voice thin and echoing on the air. Pricking his ears to the haunting notes, the male stood silent for a moment trying to decipher what meaning they held. After a few seconds, the wolf raised his head to send up a call of his own. His voice was strong and fluid, holding the message that whoever had ventured here had been heard, and that someone was coming to meet them. Increasing his pace, the wolf set out at a trot, spraying up small flurries of snow around him. As he neared the border the thick shelter of trees began to thin and he slowed once more, stalking carefully toward the edge of cover. Muscles bunched readily throughout his body, preparing for any unexpected surprise. Yet when he finally caught sight of the visitor's face, the wolf sensed no danger and soon straightened up to his full hight. What's more, his scent bore a familiar quality. Much like the neighboring packs in the area.

"My name is Dakota Spirit", he said in a deep and rumbling voice. "And that was my call that answered you. I am the Beta to these lands and it is often my responsibility to meet visitors in the area." Dak paused a moment, assessing the stranger with his keen green eyes. "You show respect by calling to the pack before entering our lands.", he finally continues. "So I trust you mean no harm. Besides which I can smell the scent of others on you, Koran wolves perhaps, someone near by. This too leads me to believe that you are honorable in your intentions for no packs in this area are enemies with us. That being said, I would ask that you reveal your business here. For safety reasons, I'm sure you understand. And perhaps you might share your name" Dipping his head slightly, Dakota offered his respects to the traveler before flashing his customary lopsided grin. "Welcome to Deor, Stranger. You've entered the Land of the Bold."

[Varloc]

ooc: Ugh. Sorry this is a little late. O: And I'm sorry that its so short and horrible. XDD I've been swamped with school.

The male had taken a moment to recline as he awaited some sort of reply to his call. He was far to knowledgeable on what could happen to a kerl that took it upon themselves to enter a territory without first being welcomed. He had dealt with several like this in his own home territory. A dirty business, but one that must be done to keep the family safe. He took this time to study his surroundings, taking in the crisp, clean look that the snow gave the landscape, and the trees, towering high over head bear limbed and weighted down with frost. Although he held a rather unhappy grudge towards the cold that winter brought, there was no denying the beauty it offered the land. The silence that seemed to settle over the forest just as the snow had. For a moment, he allowed his eyes to shut and inhaled deeply, bringing a gulp of cold air into his lungs. He felt alive—more so then he had in some time. It was the socialization that made him feel once more like a wolf, instead of some pathetic, bone picking coyote.

Varloc heard the approach of the other, far before he spotted the male. He allowed his eyes to hang closed for a short time longer, listening to the soft crunching of snow beneath the weight of the approaching canine. By the sound, he attempted to judge the size of the creature—in hopes that he might prepare himself mentally for what might come. He gathered only a little—that the canine was skilled in moving for the sound was soft, yet he knew they were close. Finally, he peeled back his lids and starred interestedly at the approaching black canine with calm, unwavering muddy eyes. The beast spoke and introduced himself and offered his thoughts on Varloc’s sole purpose. He was right after all, he was there to cause no harm, merely to ask to be allowed through, or at least a chance to see the territory.

”I would be a fool not to call to the pack land before entering. I know what awaits a kerl that attempts such a feat.” Varloc paused, allowing a faint smile to tug its way across his graying muzzle. Finally, he dipped his head low, nose nearly touching the snow at his feet in a graceful bow. “I am Varloc—a traveler from afar. And you are quite right, my friend. I have just come from the neighboring territory. I also had the great opportunity to speak with the Beta Male there.” The male paused once more, lifting his gaze to meet the male’s for just a moment before turning shifting it to the side, respectfully.

”I come here bearing no ill-will towards your pack. I only ask to pass through, or at least be all allowed to scout your home. I find that lingering to long in one place unsettles me—specially one unprotected. I have business to attend to in the next few days and I wanted some time to think some things over. The male again, offered an unthreatening smile.”However, I understand the unease that comes with the arrival of a stranger. I merely ask permission to pass through—and then after a few suns, to be allowed back through. I would be a fool if I were to mean any ill-intent with you or your pack. One wolf against several has very slim odds and I don’t wish to throw what life I have left away on such a thoughtless act such as that.”

[Dakota Spirit]

Following suit, Dak fell back upon his haunches, adopting a position much like that of the stranger. His bright eyes scanned across the wolf's form with sharp intensity, taking in the signs of wear and life. Hardships..., he mused quietly. They plague us all. Even if it's nothing but the hardship of living. Nodding thoughtfully to himself, Dakota finally pulled his gaze away from the stranger's form and switched to catching a quick look at his eyes. There seemed to be wisdom there, experience gained from the simple act of living and dealing with what had to be done. For the first time it occurred to Deor's Beta that this might be a wolf older then himself, if not by a few seasons at least. It was an interesting situation for the male, who had not often been in one area long enough to know pack elders and having never truly known his own, didn't have too much experience dealing with those of an older age range. For a moment he felt strangely humbled, as if it should be the stranger scrutinizing him instead of the other way around. Grinning at the grey's words Dak tilted his head slightly and favored the visitor with a small laugh. "You are correct.", he said in the same smooth deep vocals as before. "Those would be the actions of a fool. Though plenty of otherwise straight thinking wolves seem to forget such a fact."

As he continued to speak, Dakota felt surprise nipping at the back of his mind. So this wolf had been visiting the neighboring Koran and not only that, but had apparently encountered Kai as well. Well Varloc...", he said as the other male paused momentarily. "It seems we have a mutual friend then, if you and I are speaking of the same Beta - a wolf by the name of Kai. He and I have known each other since cubhood and are quite close. I trust you enjoyed your time with him...he is a most pleasurable companion to have." Curious... The word came almost as a whisper within Dak's mind, as he again turned toward his inner thoughts. It is curious that this wolf would meet Kai first and then me. And of course me having my own meeting with Kai just recently...and now the news that he is to be taking Mist's son back to Koran with him. It seems much of my old life is linking with the new as of late. Perhaps that is a sign that things are finally coming together. Allowing the corners of his mouth to twitch in momentary happiness, Dak savored for a moment the idea that the jagged puzzle pieces of his life could really be forced together at last.

With his last words it seemed clear to Dakota that the elder wolf had something on his mind. He spoke of business outside these lands and had they been more familiar with each other, this Varloc would have realized how understandable those words were to the one with which he spoke. For the dark wolf had spent much of his previous life in a restless wandering from place to place. He'd needed that movement, the changed of pace, never quite calling any one space his home. Even now he sometimes felt the need to move, if only for a short amount of time. Perhaps a product of his years as a kerl or just the result of his restless personality, whatever the cause Dak was grateful that his current position in the pack allowed him the freedom to move around some. "I can understand that.", he said at last, feeling as if the words somehow fell short. "I was a kerl before my life with Deor and only recently have I made me home here. You do not need to explain further. Perhaps though, you'll allow me to accompany you to the dens at least. I can show you where you may rest and if you wish, introduce you to the pack. I'm sure the Alphas at least, may be interested in a visitor to their lands." Climbing to his feet, Dak shook his heavy body once before standing quietly waiting for Varloc's decision. "Deor is beautiful this time of year.", he murmured quietly, almost as an afterthought. "I would be honored to show you around."

[Sorry this is kind of short and lame. Let me know if you need more to work with!]

[Varloc]

ooc: Short and Lame? Are you kidding me? Oh heavens, no! Your post was wonderful! XD I don't think I'm keeping up with the bar you've set.

Varloc watched the male closely, though his overall appearance and behavior was one of relaxation and security. He was at ease with the male and found that he rather enjoyed the presence of another soft spoken varg. His voice was relaxing and stirred no unease in the gray male. He had a talent for reading character and he usually knew when to be on edge or when to relax and it was clear that this was no time for violence. His words where amusing to Varloc. He wanted to chuckle, but instead he offered only a gentle, knowing smile. Such traditions, he had found, were often being ignored. It was a sad thought to him, that such traditions where being tossed away, but he could do nothing about it. If the youngsters wanted to throw such important ways away, then so be it. Let them suffer a life of ill-manner and behavior. He hoped he’d be long gone by the time such things happened.

Dakota’s mention of Kai brought another smile to the gray male’s muzzle. His tail thumped once against the ground and he offered a brief nod to show that indeed, Dakota’s thoughts were true. ”Indeed. I did have the pleasure of speaking with Kai. A pleasant wolf. I enjoyed his company greatly. I find it almost strange that I have had the chance of meeting you after meeting your cubhood companion. It as though the Gods wished it so. I have no words of ill to speak of him. He offered nothing but the kindest hospitality.” He allowed his thoughts to turn briefly to what the future might hold for him. A home in Koran was a pleasing thought. Finally, a solid location to call his own; a peaceful place to live out the rest of his years.

He was almost startled by Dakota’s next words. It seemed as though the kind hospitality in this area was endless. However, he had briefly heard of such a terrible pack that roamed in the vicinity. He would have to question about that later. But for now, he found the invitation almost irresistible. A safe place to rest for the evening sounded wonderful; however, the idea of meeting the Alphas brought a slight tingling to his skin. Would they approve of harboring a kerl in their pack? Allowed his gaze to drift around the surrounding area and found that Dakota’s words rang with nothing but truth. Deor was indeed beautiful. Despite his dislike for winter, he found that it brought a strange pure quality to the surrounding area. It offered up a sense of wonder and life, though winter offered nothing but death.

He returned his dark gaze to Dakota and nodded slightly. “I do believe it would be the other way around, my friend. I would be honored to see your home and meet your Alphas. The idea of a secure resting place is music to my ears. It’s difficult to sleep when you must constantly keep one eye open for danger.” He rose, allowing his front legs to slide out a distance, stretching his back. Having relieved the stiffness of his muscles, he returned his gaze to Dakota. “And it is true. Deor is absolutely stunning.”