a stranger to this [sousewolves]

[nova ♥]

Even in madness,
I know you still believe

It was just the beginning of summer. Leaves weren't supposed to be on the ground, nor were they supposed to be losing their bright green colors. The air seemed to be almost crackling with it's sudden dryness. Brave little rodents ran amid the passing paws of the wolves approaching, suddenly becoming bold in their desperation to reach water in the oncoming threat of a drought. The gentle Kolenya river was showing obvious signs of evaporation, it's usually water's edge dwindling a few inches below the bank it usually lapped against. The weather was changing, and new tensions would soon arise.

Nara led the handsome, quiet nomad to the place where most of her Pack were unconsciously herding to due to the crisp breeze blown by the wind. Her cream-colored fur was unusually inflated as each off-white hair tried to let in as much of the harsh air as possible to cool her unnerved veins. She felt as if she were uncharted waters. I am..., Nara reminded herself. She'd never really been so uncertain. With the oncoming dangers of the sun's heat, would the Pack really be supportive of another mouth to feed, even if this stranger would be a great asset to them later on? Although she liked to think she knew her Pack, and her Pack knew her, she wasn't so positive about this idea, even though she herself supported it whole-heartedly. But why?

She glanced back, her golden-toned orbs taking his sinewy figure in for what seemed like the thousandth time in one day. His fur was so fascinating to her - snowy white, yet, tan. But what's more than physical features, was his reactions to her offer, and then her request right after. She had been analyzing him deeply, taking in the fact that, when she asked him to accompany him back here - to an entirely new, and probably quite shock-enducing, environment - he had actually thought it over, instead of cowering and saying no or glancing at her feminine attributes and saying yes automatically. He had thought about it, and yes, she believed he had meant that he would. And because of this, she was also a firm believer that he would join her beloved Sousepack. But as much as she wanted to take him as a warrior right away, she would not go on without the acception of the her Pack family. They came first, always.

Stopping at the very edge of the river, where normally the water would lap at the very pads of her paws, she raised her head, her ears curving back elegantly and her tail brushing Halifax's shoulder reassuringly. She let out a commanding, mesmerizing howl, full of authority and compassion. It floated through the trees, reverberating through the very ground. Hopefully she would call a few of her Pack to her in this way. But the first one she thought of, though, was the long-limbed, coal-coated Dragula, whom had become her very good friend in such a short time. Her eyes danced momentarily as she remembered their brief antics that had made her feel as if she had been a care-free pup once more. "Drag?"

Paint me your canvas so I become
what you could never be.

Directed to: Halifax as Halifax, Draven as Dragula, and any other Sousewolves.
Word Count: 526
Comments: Join in! This'll be a fun thread if we have lots of people!

[Mayhem]

Dragula had been laying under the shade of the willow tree when Nara's call entered his sensitive auds. He swilveled them slightly in an attempt to tell if she was near or not. He frowned, she wasnt, and by the sound of her call it seemed more like she was calling everyone. With a groan he got to his feet. His long limbs supporting his less than bulky frame. To describe himself honestly he would say he was handsomly awkward. He stood a decent amonth higher than his wolfen brothers, but was a good deal less in weight. With a sigh he began heading in the direction of her call, a mere trot would be sufficient. He was an awkward fellow, long anf sleek, with a slender head not resembling another wolf in the area. His bi-colored orbs only added to his creepiness as some would put it. Drag had never been a fan of attending these meetings, for he often pondered what the others thought of him. Nara favored hiim, but he often felt as if the pack would rather be rid of him. Dragula soon made it to where Nara was, and could not hide the shock on his face as he spotted the nomad brute beside her. He had noted this bastard a couple times on his rounds, and knew he had threatened him more than once. What was he doing with Nara? This unnerved him, but nonetheless he kept his composure. A slight growl escaping his slender vocals as he passed the male.

Dragula would not let his guard down around the brute, he was not part of the pack and therefore could not be trusted. Dragula knew his appearence probably made the others cringe. There he stood, long legged, slender, with a shaggy pelt, an unheard of long mane, and several battle scars, not to mention the extra two canines that peaked out. Dragula knew he was ghastly looking, and to be quite honest he was suprised Nara no longer cringed at the site of him. He liked that she didnt anymore, made him feel less nervous around her. He didnt dare go by Nara, to be honest he didnt even like the fact she was so close to this unknown brute. "Whats with the tag along.." he muttered in that cold voice of his. Nara only got to see the nicer side of him, and no one else. He couldnt have these wolves thinking they could be comfortable around him. Part of Drags intimidation factor came from the fact that he seemed unfeeling and unapproachable. Dragula looked over at the male once more, his bi colored orbs taking in his appearence and scent for future reference.

The black brute would make sure to keep and eye on this newbie who he had no doubt that Nara wanted to add into the pack. Dragula would normally had been fine with any decision she made, however he had the strange feeling in the pit of his stomach that this male would change everything. That things would never be the same after this point in time, and this gut feeling was not helped by the way Nara looked at him. Dragula had been around long enough to see attraction between two animals, and well.. he couldnt help but ti sense it from Nara, which caused more irritation to form in his eyes.

[Asake~]

Pathetic...

~ Honestly, did the days have to become any duller? Any less amusing as clouds ceased to drop shadowy messages on the ground. That the sun just had to be a snarling ball of flames... Of course. Why else would this all be worth laughing at... with. If anything, it was turning out to be a grueling day of boredom and pain.

Haze could not complain though. He was near his favorite water line. Just as he was, the way water flowed steadily in this land was enough to lull him into a sleep. It could be considered a weakness, A horrible weakness that something brought him closer to relation. Still, Haze saw nothing wrong with it if the weakness did not hinder his little plan.

Plan, Plot, Little bag of tricks. Indeed.

His mind sidetracked as he refocuses on his surroundings. His white mass was more silvery in this overbearing light. The gray over layer that is his coat was the most prominent feature. That is, until the observer found his face and the amber orbs that seemed to laugh continuously. Constantly mocking the world, every little thing was up to this laughter. Good or bad as it may be, that depended on how others viewed him. For Haze, everyone else was just a character. Sure, he could respect Nara... She was an 'alright' Alpha. His memories overwhelming a moment, recalling past escapes to moments of his life changing.

Eh, she would do... and nowadays, Haze had no drive to overthrow. He had no desire to be the Alpha. He had his thrill so long ago, he dropped it and could say he did not care for it anymore. To much responsibility, to much touchy freely needed to keep your whelps loyal. No, He found a rather tasteful position in this Souse pack. For they made him a Warrior, Clever. Honestly, haze was a large brute. Threatening to engulf the surroundings with his silvery/white bushy fur.

A constant deception, for while he was overly puffy, Haze was extremely fit. That and he has much combat experience. That, and besides... he could be an ass and normally get away with it. He can be cautious to the point of being called a paranoid jerk. That and get away with it... Why? It would be seen as protecting. Something Haze has at his heart, surely. Indeed indeed. For, without the Souse... haze would have to revert to being a nomad. Even then, the white brute can accept his flaws. Knowing that he could not sustain his glorious figure by himself. He was born on big prey, and such prey needed a pack.

Regardless, Haze was sprawled out in a shady luff of grass. Not to far from the dwindling river. Everyone was sensing the coming dryness, and Haze? He could not be more overjoyed. This meant coming battle, coming problems that could offer a certain challenge.

It would all be wondrous... Indeed.

Now, Haze was distracted. His head rising up as he spots figures over the distance. Closing towards the river, thirsty or otherwise, Haze cared not. They were int- ... Bah.

It was only Nara, and sadly the brute trailing her was basking in hr acceptance. It seemed to glow from the Alpha. This coming from the Haze who needed to read expressions, needed to understand social situations in order to thrive. Then his gaze shifted as he noticed Drag, the brute who tried -often, and way to hard- to be threatening. The perfect example of a wolf trying to be intimidating by cold glances and ragged looks. A complete opposite to Haze, who was groomed fairly well, and quite animated, maybe often to 'warm' in his glance. Regardless, Haze was often thought of as Intimidating by actions alone.

Yet, Haze liked Drag only on the prospects that he had his uses, these vary far and wide. That, and he was perfect stereotype. The 'intimidating' brute's wording reaching Haze as he too entered the proximity of the Alpha. Forcing a echoing chuckle from Haze as he entered. Despite the cold flavor that twinged Drag, Haze's chuckle was full of overflowing amusement... and it clashed horribly with his eyes. The two amber orbs held a degree of that laughter, yet it all glazed on a critical glare. All aimed at the brute that trailed behind Nara.

" Indeed indeed, This... Nomad, he seems to have your tail in his sights he does, oh dear Nara, picking into emotions are we? Such a pardon. " Haze voiced, his voice booming compared to Drag's. Even so, it snaked from his tongue, winding about itself until the white brute ended the verse. Now he stood there, tail hanging limply, his posture erect, yet stained with apparent age. He was no longer young, mentally at least. That and it was always fun to add some scrap of deception into any encounter.

All he needed now was a good growl and a target. The nomad seemed fair enough. Regardless, talking was always an opportunity for more amusement.

[patronize]

siyl

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Undisturbed silence ruled the small section of land in Sousepack territory. Of course, the relentless gurgles of the river curving past managed to slip through silence's grasp, and so did the chirps of birds (probably because they had nothing else productive to do).
But for the most part, silence controlled the land- affectionately named Kolenya, Siyl distantly remembered. She remotely had a memory of learning it was because the river 'coughed' up fish, but the mere idea was preposterous. In her three years and a few months of living, she had never seen a river 'cough', and she was positive she wouldn't see it anytime soon.
Yet that was besides the point. Kolenya was calming, a refuge of sorts from the ordinary noise and hustle in other places. Siyl deserved the break from hunting, even if it was rather short.

So peacefully she sat on top of a mild hill, gently curving upward a few feet from the flat terrain. A bright sun heated the back of Siyl's rust-colored pelt to an unfathomable level, somehow managing to sneak past the guard hairs and slather her skin with warmth. A fleshy pink tongue felt the need to combat the heat, and in an attempt to cool Siyl off, slithered out of its moist lair and hung limply from her mouth.

Siyl sighed, already bored and discontent with the quality of her day. It had started rather horridly- waking up with her paws drenched with sweat, her nose dry, dirt from her den threatening to defile her coat. Then, as hours went by, she had to deal with the lack of success in hunting- sure, prey was there, but already too skittish for her to get close enough to even swat a paw.
It seemed as if Kolenya would offer no break from her mediocre day. She turned away, musing about where else to go.
And then she heard a howl.

Her ears perked at the solid sound, an unbroken declaration that said for wolves to gather. It was teeming with authority, an authority that could only come from Nara, the lone alpha herself. Siyl jerked her head around, nose flaring at the scent parading into her nostrils.
Breaking the serenity of yellowed grass and a gurgling river came two figures, walking side by side. One figure Siyl immediately recognized as Nara- the strong scent of power about her, the tell-tale white fur free of any other color and a large, well-built frame. The other figure Siyl found herself pondering on who it could be. The wolf, Siyl knew to be a male from the scent, was not someone she knew. His fur was a dirty shade of white, as if he was covered in snow and then rolled in mud. Broad shouldered and definite muscles, he looked to be powerful.

Siyl returned to her perch on the hill, her eyes intently scanning the area where Nara and the stranger gathered. From the depths of oblivion, a third fellow came, a mess Siyl known to be Dragula.
Dragula. He was beyond words, an odd unsightly soul. Siyl vaguely knew him, except for the fact that he was a warrior within Sousepack. His parents, she concluded, had to be a fairly eccentric pair, considering Dragula's appearance. The overall size was similar to any gray wolf, nothing more than average. Yet Dragula was thin, a strange kind of thin not caused by starvation but rather genetics. His fur was dark, a mesh of ebony varying in intensity. A shaggy mane hung limply from his neck, an oddity Siyl wouldn't be proud of if she was him.
Yet despite this, he walked with pride, padding over to Nara and sending her a disdainful look. Siyl was even sure he said something, but she didn't bother straining to listen to the words he said.
Bad move, peon Siyl thought, her tail dancing behind her as she mulled. If Dragula showed so much intolerance for Nara's choices, he would surely lose her respect. The stranger Nara brought, although not a particularly wise choice, had to be there for some reason or another.

A fourth figure came, this time easily spotted because of his coat- solid alabaster, unbroken by any other color. What a pity it was to not be able to blend in. Yet, nevertheless, the wolf- Haze, if she remembered correctly- also joined the scene. He and Nara matched colors beautifully, but unfortunately they seemed to not match eye-to-eye. Haze also seemed pessimistic of the visitor, something Siyl couldn't condemn him for because she felt the same way.

Unsatisfied with remaining in the background, Siyl decided it was her time to strike again. She yawned and stretched before sidling quietly into view, the look on her face curious and intent.
Quickly she neared them, the fifth visitor in the gathering.
"Lovely to see everyone here," she uttered, eyes flickering to each one of the wolves.
"And hello to you too," she said toward the stranger, nodding politely to show it was directed to him.

WORDS:823
NOTES: I like this post. I like the way I narrated it. -shrug- It's something different.

[hal i f a x `]

The outsider saunters after his potential executioner, allowing a respectful distance to fall between them. Halifax has only just learned that he is to call the ivory-hued female Nara, and still rolls the voluptuous name around his mouth. He has said it only once out loud, immediately taking to the deep roll of it as it falls from his tongue. He thinks it suits the seemingly friendly but tantalizingly mysterious wolf perfectly. Though his mind is on the female before him, he sub-consciously notes his surroundings: foreign scents, unorthodox sounds, and the energy of the area around him. A blood-curdling sound then wrenches him from his thoughts, causing him to flinch in surprise. It has been a long while since he has been so close to the origin of such a call, the memory of it is haunting and leaves a foul taste in his mouth.


The stench of him fills Halifax's wet nose long before the maverick wolf appears, eyes shifty and distrusting, his gait closer to that of a stalk than anything. A surplus of shaggy mane falls ruggedly from his neck, giving his lean figure an odd ratio of proportion. Halifax watches him approach warily, unsure of his intentions. Before the words can tumble from his sable lips to confirm it, the rather unattractive creature's discontentment at seeing the outsider is evident. Quickly losing interest in the newcomer though, Halifax's gaze falls back to Nara, waiting to see how she will greet the male. An odd sort of chemistry seems to flow between the pair, though words are not shared.


Before much more can take place, a second wolf approaches. There is something about his easy gait and confident grin that is almost unnerving. Halifax watches him approach, registering the alabaster male's critical glare as an old friend. It is a look he has received on countless occasions in the greener days of his life, the pack's way of reminding him of his sins. A collection of old memories bubble to the surface, but Halifax can pay them no heed, far too alert for such distractions. The newcomer's words, laced thickly through with arrogance and what would appear to be charm, seem cheap and insincere. Though he tries to reserve too much initial judgment, the vastly outnumbered nomad cannot help but think little of the newcomer. Either way, he keeps his trap shut, waiting for Nara to make some kind of move.


Just as Halifax is becoming sick with the stench of testosterone, he detects a sweeter fragrance weaving its way into the little gathering, announcing the arrival of yet another approaching pack member - this time though, that of a lady. He is relieved to note a little more balance in the male/female ratio. Though he makes no solid judgments on the fifth addition to the group, he does note that she is the only one thus far to greet him seemingly without much initial judgment. Just like that, he places her slightly above the two males, respecting her neutral approach. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time Halifax has misread somebody through their words. He gives her a slight inclination of his head in greeting, eyes lowered habitually.

[/b] ;; ack, sorry >< i know this post sucked severely.. for some reason i didn't have much muse for this one //[/sub][/ul]

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[nova ♥]

Even in madness,
I know you still believe

She knew her beloved Packmate's reactions were most likely not going to be welcoming. She had prepared herself for it, prepared herself to stand up for her own intentions, and for this newcomer who would soon be part of Sousepack. As her thoughts once again strayed to his presence, Nara couldn't help but glance back at him, admiring his courage to stand so still, and with an aura of confidence, as her followers gathered.

As she had expected, the first scent that hit the roof of her sensitive gray mouth was her dear midnight-colored friend. Although she did feel connected to him, like he had been there for him as long as she'd been alive instead of just a day, she was irked when she sensed his irritation flowing off of him in waves - especially, when she sniffed a little deeper into his odor, when she realized that a big part of the cause of his grumpiness was, indeed, hormones. The creamy alphess would deal with that later, she was sure.

Soon Dragula and Halifax's presence were not the only ones the noble felt surrounding her. It seemed out of nowhere, but she knew they had been near, for very soon after Dragula's abrupt, loyal appearance, Haze's outstanding alabaster coat stepped out and into Nara's peripheral vision, and Siyl, the sly wolf, slinked out from the opposite sides. As Nara's eyes stayed transfixed on Haze - for Siyl was a bit more trustworthy than him, and his self-confidence made her doubtful - her warm, milky golden gaze narrowed at his snide comment. Maybe the nomad had come because of the pull all males felt for females, but he had come nonetheless. And, what's more, he stayed as they spoke down upon his presence. All except for Siyl, who's welcome was neutral and curious. Thankful for at least one slightly kind reaction, Nara nodded toward Siyl, a very faint smile slipping into her eyes. Then she once again turned to Haze, the oh-so-coy one. "Maybe so, Haze, but Halifax remains here whilst your mere presence would put any wolf on edge." She spoke the nomad's name, stilting it so that they knew he did have a name. And a very small part of the back of her intelligent mind noted that when it rolled off her tongue, it felt right... comforting, possibly.

Turning to look Dragula, Siyl, and Haze - why weren't Raelen and Soul here? - to look them in the eyes one at a time, letting them know through her serious gaze just how much she commanded their attention and loyalty to back her decision, she spoke to all, at the same time backing step by step, very subtly, so that she was standing shoulder to shoulder to the cappuccino-cream-pelted male she had brought here. "As your alphess, I'd like to introduce Halifax into our lives. But I'd like to have your support as I do so, family." she barked, her authority boiling behind her words, just waiting to burst upon any who dared interfere with her intentions. Glancing once more at the wolf so close to her, she added gently, speaking solely to each one of them as it would seem fit, "Dragula; look at him, standing firmly beside me even while your eyes interrogate him. Does that not show that he would only gain more diligence over time?" She raised her head, a smile forming upon her face as she looked upon the sly, curious, and slightly disdainful brown face of the only other female there. "Siyl; his eyes are full of raw intelligence, and I know you noticed this right at first. And Haze- - at this name, Nara unleashed her full potential as an alpha, her voice waving with the emotions of her regality - "You see his muscles beneath his thick fur, and so you must also see how much he would asset us to protecting these wonderful lands."

Letting out a very soft sigh, beautiful Nara turned to all four of them once more, her eyes burning with the unvoiced question that she wished they would answer right - Would they accept him as a Packmate?

Paint me your canvas so I become
what you could never be.

Directed to: Hali as Halifax, Draven as Dragula, Asake as Haze, and Patu as Siyl
Word Count: 692
Comments: Sucky post, but couldn't stay on longer. Friends are over. I'll be back to reply again once our the second round of posts are over! xD

[Mayhem]

Dragula had never cared for the wolf who appearened next. The snowy brute was not a fan of him, and the black bastard in turn was not a fan of the white. Dragula usually kept his thoughts to himself about the brute, but when he senses the brutes distaste for him, he returned the favor. The dark maned wolf may have been a lot of things, but he would back whatever he spoke, and he would. Haze was foolish to think that Dragula tried to hard, but the black beast wouldnt correct him. Let the brute be naive and foolish, would only play in Dragula's favor later on. When Haze made a comment about the male having her in his sights, Dragula perked up slightly, and did his best to stifle a low growl. Dragula did not like Haze, but he defenetly did not like the idea of letting this outsider so close to Nara. She didnt know him, and he most certiantely didnt like this power hungry wolf hurting Nara. Dragula snorted in disgust at Haze's comment. "Keep your observations to your self, and have some damn respect, boy." Dragula said locking eyes with Haze. The white brute had no right to say something so disrespectful about his alpha, and even if Nara would not address it he would. The maned brute was not at all afraid of Haze, and if he wanted to make a scene, Drag would give it to him.

The bitch called Siyl , now Dragula could tolerate her so much more. She wasnt like Haze, wasnt full of herself. Dragula still sensed slighty like Siyl was uncomfortable around him, but atleast they had a mutual understanding. He never spoke to her, she never sought him out for converation either. Dragula nodded at her, atleast acknowleding she had greeted them all. Dragula was snapped from his thoughts as Nara spoke. She introduced the stranger, and then asked for their acceptance. Dragula remained less than supportive of the idea. There pack was plenty big to fight off most threats, it was enough work to provide for the number they already had, and lastly there was enough civil unrest with out adding another male to the mix. Dragula knew Nara wanted his support, he was her best friend, and confidant. He knew he had to forget his own distrust, dislike, and support her. "Proves nothing Nara. He has the ability to keep his composure while he is safe in your shadow. Shows he has skills for deception, and I do not trust him in the least. Trust has to be earned, and for now.. I dont like him. However, I support you in your decision, but he'll have to earn my respect...all of our respect." Dragula said.

Dragula sat listening to her speak to the rest of them. He wasnt quite sure how they would all feel. Though he knew that if Haze was anymore disrespectful than he already had been, that Dragula would put a stop to it. Nara did not need the extra headache. Dragula was here to ensure one thing, Nara's happiness. As her best friend he wouldnt allow the rest of the pack to cause her tension, or disrest.

[Asake~]

It took more than they knew...

~ To hold in the chuckle that wanted to escape. Almost the moment his words slipped out. Drag was on his ass, dealing him a serving of disrespect. Telling him that he was being a ignorant child. Strange really, the matter being that Drag even called him a 'boy'. As Haze could remember... he was about four moons older than the decaying brute. In much better strength too. Yet, Haze know the power of deception, and knew that misunderstanding even this raggedy pup could prove fatal should he miss step.

That did not quell the laughter that tried to escape. Bubbling in his gut. Yet, even so, no one would guess at it. For Haze was being completely serene, Drag's insult and now Nara's compliment both flooding over him in what they were. Words.

Regardless, he let Nara's compliment tickle his core. He respected his Alpha. Also, being a warrior... thus a guard. He had the duty to protect his pack, protect the Alpha. Which means that he must be about her nearly at all times. If she was wise enough to not get complacent. She might have noticed her ghost. Regardless, his duty was to do such. Now... Haze could say from ample evidence that Drag had a rather, liking for the Alpha. Haze himself had no such longing. He only followed cause he did not care to lead. Living day by day just enjoying life until he can find a better spot elsewhere.

It was in his plans... and they were going along smoothly.

Love was not something he cared for right now. Drag on the other hand... was fuming about this other male entering what he possibly hoped was his chance. Haze's eyes flickered in amusement a moment before focusing on Nara as she spoke. His poise and demeanor turning into a loyal pup, one who knew what he was talking about. This nomad was going to join regardless on rather he voiced yes or no. So instead Haze turned a critical eye. Nodding to Nara's statement as his eyes flickered about the male.

He took a step closer, tail fixed low as he passed Nara, eyes moving across the male a moment before he tilted his head in silent inquiry. Turning back to Nara before letting a grin fall back on his features. He was listening to Drag as he walked, as he inspected the brute. The little trip was what he needed from fully laughing at the ignorant little pup. They might be strong, Yet a fool throws away more troops in the sake of love.

In so he smiled at Nara. His head dipping down in a respectful bow. Trying to be humble, make Drag think he had the advantage and fear of Haze. Worry Nara into a trust, even get this new brute a sense that he had an ally. " I cannot agree with Drag. Yet, I can agree on one thing indeed! Trust will be a... gained asset. Yet otherwise, I indeed support this... not for meager reasons as that I am required too, Yet, Indeed on the fact that he seems willing to enter the fold! Indeed. Might be an... Alpha trait in there. " Haze glanced back at Hali a moment before going a respectable distance for personal space. Expertly and subtly placing Nara between him and Drag. It was all so cleverly hidden as a form of submission, giving the alpha's their space. Becoming humble in an omega fashion as he grinned at Hali. Sure, if Nara was any less nervous of her pack's thoughts. It might have been strange. Yet, she was not by how he saw it. No matter what though... If the old fool was any smarter than he claimed. He would see the challenge Haze just voiced.

Thus blow his cover and ruin himself...

Yet, Haze did not underestimate and put that reaction as possible. No, Fact! He might have started a better alternative! Indeed. Now the White brute was waiting, for the fact that he was just a bystander in the real battle. He would of course be the one who fueled the fire. The only other option that Drag had was to accept the hidden comment. Realize that Haze had the upper hand in this silent bout, and put the matter rest that He... Indeed, had put him in a position that if he outburst. Nara was right there to stop him. That would ruin whatever he gained in these last few moons... Haze has been respectful, done nothing wrong.

She wanted order, Haze did nothing but respect that.

[patronize]

siyl

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A simple comment traveled a long way for the newcomer. Although Siyl didn't intend for it to have no more meaning than the rest of her words, he was appreciative. Lowering his head and flickering his eyes downward, Siyl could feel his gratitude.
But rather than being flattered, she was disappointed. A wolf of his body, definite muscles, broad shoulders, beautiful color, shouldn't be the one to submit to her, a homely stocky female. Even if he did feel 'outnumbered', considering nearly the whole of Sousepack was present at the rag-tag meeting, he had Nara supporting him with her subtle movements to shield him from the skeptical jeers, and obviously he had a body meant to be a warrior. Additionally, it was rather foolish to submit to her of all wolves, because it could only prove his weakness to others.

Yet, that wasn't her problem. She averted her attention to Nara's confident, yet wavering voice. Although Siyl often distanced herself from Nara's wobbly emotions, her alpha's faltering was irritating. She was the Alpha, the leader, and yet she could feel Nara almost beckon for the pack to accept this Halifax.
Despite this, Nara went on to hold a positive front- rebutting Dragula's unwise comment, and also giving an interesting tidbit of knowledge to Siyl and the other wolves.
The newcomer that she had brought had a name. Halifax.

So the peon has a name, Siyl thought, skimming her eyes on the wolf again. The name Halifax rolled off Nara's tongue so easily, Siyl had to question how long they had known each other before this.

Taking her time, Nara went ahead to mention Siyl's name, which quickly following Siyl jerked her head up. Nara, her voice braver now, went on to say how Siyl noticed the 'intelligence' in his eyes. It was partially true, the wolf was fascinating, and looked to have some usefulness in him. Yet for the most part, Siyl did it simply to follow her 'cordial' act. It pleased her to know she fooled Nara.

Nara went on to ramble on to Haze about the strength of Halifax. Siyl tuned it out, instead focusing on Haze himself. Under the thick fur and dense mind, he seemed to be rather intelligent. The wording of his sentences hinted at something behind his maniacal eyes. At this time, Siyl couldn't think of what it could be.

Quickly Nara's freedom speech ended, opening up time for Dragula to interject. He started off with a ramble about trust, quickly submerging into the topic of respect. Siyl felt like yawning, but kept her mouth firmly shut, eyes glazing over Dragula in an attempt to look like she was paying attention.

As if they were all going in order of speaking, Haze went ahead and spoke as well. He chuckled, a barely audible sound, before he uttered actual words. His voice sounded twisted, even to her own ears, leaving clues at the thoughts churning in his mind. The wording was cryptic, but as far as Siyl knew, she believed Haze was supporting Halifax in being a leader. Beta position, alpha?
Haze then edged over so he would be between Nara and Dragula, for reasons Siyl had no idea. Perhaps he was playing mind games or some other form of torment- as long as it didn't involve her, she was content with not knowing the specifics.

At last, with Haze and Dragula spoken, it was her turn to voice her opinion. She was unsure of what to say, being that she never did form a definite opinion about Halifax.
"I'm lost on why anyone would object to having another wolf with us. This newcomer, Halifax, he looks to be alright. He's healthy, looks to be of use. If any of you realize it, we may have possible competition with Valepack. Why turn away a good wolf if he could help us in the future?


WORD COUNT: 638
NOTES:
I love being the last one to reply (well, actually Hal is last...okay, second to last then).
I have so much to talk about in the post because of it. xD

[hal i f a x `]

The burly nomad, not knowing what to do with himself, folded his hind quarters beneath himself and sat at Nara's heel - rather like a loyal pet, he mused. With that thought, a mental image of the lean, ebony male came to mind. He seemed very pet-like to Halifax, practically kissing the Alpha's feet, itching for ways to please her. Not wanting to come off that way, Hal inched slowly side-ward as best he could without making it obvious, putting a more acceptable distance between himself and the pristinely white Alpha female. Though there was something about Nara that felt safe and trustworthy, Halifax still felt very much a rogue island in the sea of civilization.


At the words that flowed from Nara's lips, Halifax stiffened visibly. His mind struggling around each point she made about him, throwing them at her followers as though it would gain the sway of the little group. Were she not the possessor of such a rank, Halifax would have objected. In fact it took a lot of his self-control and restraint not to. The way she made him out to be bold because the one named Haze did not phase him with his attempt at intimidation; loyal because the odd-ball did not ruffle him with his doom and gloom demeanor; intelligent because.. Well, he couldn't imagine why she thought he must be intelligent. The last comment made his mouth pop open just slightly: an asset? Because he was muscular? From the disdainful words of his pack, Halifax believed he had but a fraction of the strength that most were born with.


Of course, the dirty-cream male - though not quite up to the standards that had been expected of him - still possessed immaculate skill on the battlefield, and certainly had the build to match. But to him, the thought of actually being any good at what he was bred to do was beyond comprehension. For the thousands of times he had been spoken of as hopeless, been the subject of ridicule - one opinion otherwise was not enough to shift his beliefs. He figured Nara was simply mistaken, that she didn't quite understand what she was saying - or that perhaps he had misheard her. Either way, he allowed himself to shake off the comment, to move on.


Halifax was not paying attention to hear the mild rebuke Drag spat at Haze, the proud male that continued his intimidation act. The intimation was that the two male's were not particularly fond of each-other, either through a past bad encounter, or just because. Either way, Halifax did not dwell on it, realizing that with the sooty wolf's two cents, he was about to hear the verdict from the rest of the small pack. Something deep almost wished they would not accept him, that they would force their Alpha to abandon him and he could go back to his old, simple life. At the same time, there was a strong, primal need for a pack, for a family. "Proves nothing Nara. He has the ability to keep his composure while he is safe in your shadow. Shows he has skills for deception, and I do not trust him in the least. Trust has to be earned, and for now.. I dont like him. However, I support you in your decision, but he'll have to earn my respect...all of our respect." Though Dragula's (known to Halifax only as Drag) tone was full of venom and discontentment with the decision, it appeared he was giving Hal a thumbs up - just. Raising a brow at the atypical male, Halifax was surprised at the unexpected kindness he seemed to be showing. Had this been his birth-pack, any outsiders wishing to join, whether under the Alpha's recommendation or not, would be turned out immediately - in one piece if the pack was in a good mood. If the Alpha wanted his pack to stand by him (or her), blood had first to be shed.


This time, the arrogant one approached. Halifax was momentarily surprised at having him come so near, but quickly composed himself. Haze circled the stranger, eying him critically like a slab of meat advertised as choice. Halifax kept his gaze level, not bothering to meet the other male's.

"I cannot agree with Drag. Yet, I can agree on one thing indeed! Trust will be a... gained asset. Yet otherwise, I indeed support this... not for meager reasons as that I am required too, Yet, Indeed on the fact that he seems willing to enter the fold! Indeed. Might be an... Alpha trait in there." The disagreement with Drag was to be expected, though his wording made it a challenge just to work out what, exactly, he was saying. In the least, he was able to decipher that Haze, too, had expressed his acceptance. Though he couldn't understand what he meant by the last part: An Alpha trait in there? Why on earth would he be looking for Alpha traits in the newcomer that appeared so disliked? The odd comment didn't do much to raise Hal's opinion of the tundra wolf.


Finally, it was the quiet female's turn to give her verdict.
[/color]"I'm lost on why anyone would object to having another wolf with us. This newcomer, Halifax, he looks to be alright. He's healthy, looks to be of use. If any of you realize it, we may have possible competition with Valepack. Why turn away a good wolf if he could help us in the future?" The mention of conflict had Halifax curious, but he did not bother to inquire about it, perhaps he would question Nara on the matter later on. For the moment, he was trying to digest the fact that he had been accepted, just like that. There was evident doubt, but all had unquestionably given their consent. Still Halifax said nothing, for he had nothing to say.


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