+ P O P P I E S +

[|ko|]

_{It was a Blue day.
Not a Black morning, or a Red eve, but a Blue day - and for that, Ko was glad.
As the young wolf padded through the long-stemmed grass, he closed his eyes momentarily, letting the scents of the afternoon wash over him. Rabbits, pheasants, flowers - all these smells and more swam through his nose. Pricking up his brown-furred ears, Ko listened closely for the sound of prey. He wasn't interested in smaller, pup's prey - he wanted real food. And, there - he could smell it. Deer. Oh, how he longed for it, longed for the moment where his fangs could sink right in to the tender, soft -
But, wait. He could smell the scent of other wolves, and he let out an agitated bark. This was a packland! Somebeast's territory, and so, the prey was theirs. He couldn't hunt here, for fear of being hunted himself. He had no clue as to whether the wolves here were Hostile or Friendly. Oh, he could have killed himself, right there and then - he hadn't eaten in what seemed an eternity. Ko's stomach let out another growl of its' own, and the Mexican wolf whined softly, but continued to pad desolately along the beautiful meadow.}

[Silver]

».{ Angrboda }.« the Ruthless

The land that had once been ruled by the uncaring and cruel two legged creatures now belonged to her and it was something that she took great pride in. True, she was relatively new to the area, but she had come to learn the nooks and crannies of her entire territory--picking out the best places to den for the evening if she wasn't back at her offical roost. She had places in every corner of the territory, just in case she happened to wander out that way and get the notion not to return to her den for the evening. At least she'd have a place to escape the weather and enjoy the soothing sounds of the night--if she happened to sleep, that is.

The night was a time that the rusty colored she-wolf enjoyed. In fact, it was her favorite time of day. It offered the perfect setting for her to stalk upon unsuspectng prey or observe others without in turn, being seen. Her coat, ideal for camofluage in most areas made her pratically invisible during the night hours. The wonderful blend of rusty reds, tans, browns and blacks created a pattern that eyes easily overlooked. It was not a stark color that would stick out against the backdrop of trees or grasses, but a mixture which broke up her form and made it difficult to make her out in tall grass, shrubs or...well anything other then flat land with short growing grass.

In fact, the female had come to know her knew home so well, that it did not take long for her to become aware of a new scent lingering on the breeze. It was faint -- a sign that the owner was not close and they had not been within her home long. However, she was not a forgiving type and to tresspass upon her home without first seeking her out was an unacceptable act--punishable by death, in her opinion. Angrboda, with her one good eye narrowed and pointed towards the direction that the scent drifted from, decided then and there that she would seek this creature out, wolf she was sure, and discover exactly why they where lurking about her home.

Swiftly, she changed the direction of her travel and allowed her pace to be set at an easy going, but swift jog. It would not take a great amount of time to reach the source of the sent, unless they where running. If that was the case, then she would slow her persuit and hope that they had realized their error and where making a quick exit. It would make her job a great deal easier. She was not one to shy away from a fight--but she was wise and would not risk injury if it could be avoided. Words could be just as painful and sharp as her teeth could be. However, as she neared the source, she realized that the owner was not moving swiftly and that it would come down to the explaination of the stranger. She grew closer and the scent became increasingly stronger--to the point where it was strong enough for her to tell it was distinctly male.

Unconciously, the fur along her spine and neck bristled, her ears laying back against her skull in slight annoyance. She was in no mood for males, or females for that matter. Males had a tedency to think that she wasn't a threat--that they could get their way by acting like dim-witted brutes. Females where just annoying and seemed to cop attitudes often. She drifted closer to the source, her steps becoming more cautious and carefully placed. She eased closer, dodging silently around shrubs and stepping easily over fallen trees and stumps. It had was only a matter of minutes from that point until she reached the source of the stench and she was growing increasily unhappy with the idea of the confrontation.

Finally, in the distance, she could make out the form of the wolf--but it was not a comforting sight. True, she had surprise on her side, things could always turn ugly and she had to keep that in mind. She shifted, moving parallel to the brute, increasing her pace so that she moved ahead. Finally, she angled sideways and eased her way from the shadows directly into the brutes path, one eyed gaze cold and unwelcoming. "Can I help you?"

[|ko|]

_{Ko raised his pale green gaze from the grass, and to the female's face. He kept a calm appearance, and glared back at her - but inside, his mind was racing. What should he do? This wasn't good...she was obviously an alpha; no mistaking the dominant tone, stance of body, and narrowed eyes. Ko shivered. His own experiance of alphas hadn't been the greatest.
Shrugging slightly at her question, Ko pondered over his answer. Obviously, she hadn't meant that literally. But what could he say? The tan and black wolf let out a little huff of breath, and responded.}
'No, I just...I'm sorry. I wandered off the track, I guess.'[/i] Shrugging oncemore, Ko supposed that was exactly what had happened. It had been...two moons, yeah, that was it. Two moons since he'd left the pack for good - left all of that behind him. Two long, dreary, hungry months.
Ko realised suddenly that he didn't want a fight. He bit the inside of his black lip agitatedly, whilst sizing the female up. She looked quite strong, and healthy. Ko looked smaller than he actually was, and the ghost of his ribs peaked out from under his fur. All in all, he didn't look like a match for even a squirrel right now, but what else could he do? If the worst came to the worst, he'd fight.[/sub]

[Silver]

».{ Angrboda }.« the Ruthless

The rusty female listened with little interest. The explaination of why he was there was not one of the greatest and it didn't do much to help his case, as least as far as she was concerned. As she eyed the male more closely, she became very aware that he was in no great shape and that if it came down to a fight, there was a very great chance that it would turn out in her favor. With a slight flick of the tail, she moved her steely gaze away from the brute, studying the surrounding area as though bored now with his presnce. Finally, she broke her silence, her voice leaking out in a cold, flat tone. "Off course? I find that interesting since the boarders are clearly marked. But I see you are in no great shape for a tussel. Tell me stranger, whats your name?

She lifted a brow in question, though as always it appeared that she cared little to none about his name or his reasoning for be there. She eased herself back, lowering her rump to the ground so that she could rest more comfortably. It was clear that she was unthreatened by his presence, but the growing irritation that she was feeling was evident in the unwavering one-eyed stare. For a moment longer she remained silent and brooding, the strange lack of bird calls or a gentle breeze rustling the branches of the trees only adding to the errie setting of the forest.

The lack of bird songs was easily explained---the presence of the wolves had unsettled the feathered creatures and so they lapsed into silence, content with just watching the two wolven beasts below and hoping silently that they weren't the future target of the two lupine. The lack of a breeze---well it was just a strange coincidence. Again, Angrboda broke the silence first, her voice no longer cold, but still strong and proud. "I am Angrboda. The owner of these lands. There is no pack here--but that doesn't mean I won't kill to make sure that this place remains mine."

She shifted and then rose, half turning as though about to leave and forget the previous questions that she had asked him. In fact, she was going to leave, but she wasn't forgetting the questions. It went unspoken that she expected the brute to follow along--after all, he had no room to decline her order. He was a stranger on claimed property and could risk the chance of a fight with the outcome of extreme injury or death if he ignored her. The truth was she was moving back to where she could relax in a clearing--open ground where it would be impossible for him to flee and disappear into the undergrowth. Having only a single eye to rely on made moving through forest somewhat difficult and fighting in such an area would be a challenge. Open ground made it easier for her. Open ground meant no obsticles to trip her up and no place for another to hide.

With one glance back towards the male, she turned fully leaving her back exposed. It could be taken several ways--as an insult, meaning that she felt so unthreatened by him that she was comfortable with presenting her back to him or that she was confident enough in her abilities that she needed not fear. Truthfully, she just didn't care. She saw the state the male was and understood that if she were in his state, she would be far from willing to engage in a fight. She was thankful if that were the case because she wasn't in the mood for a scuffle either.

[|ko|]

Shaking his head, Ko looked at the female once more, slightly bemused. Angrboda..what a strange name. It was definately new to him. His own name seemed to pale in comparison -Kokorobosoi. But hell, he wasn't going to tell her it. He'd sound like a twat. However, he got the feeling that she'd guess if he wasn't telling her the truth. Alphas seemed to have a sixth sense.
'It's...Ko.'
He wondered if his name would catch up on him - he hoped not. Studying the female's actions carefully, he could see that she was about to leave - and found that he did not want her to. He'd been alone for so long, he only wanted a few moments of companionship. To hear another wolf's voice made his head spin less, made it cleared to see. It gave him back a bit of his humanity.
Shaking his long-furred head, Ko spoke again.
' And...I'm sorry about the territory thing. I guess I just didn't pay attention,' Ko grinned, a little rueful.

[Silver]

»{ Angrboda }« the Ruthless

The female glanced over her shoulder briefly as the male spoke, giving only a slight nod when he spoke of his name, but offered no word in approval or that she cared in the least. It was a common thing for her to come off as uncaring or unwelcoming, but it was merely a defense of her's. Those unknown to her woould reserve a cold, harsh treatment until they proved to her that they were worth the effort to act pleasant and kind. Again, she cast a glance back towards Ko, her good eye twinkling. It would be amusing to have him meet the other that roamed this land. A large female that Angrboda had almost taken an instant liking too. The female had her faults, but had proven to be more then valuable.

For some time, she continued on in silence, allowing her mind to drift over the potential outcomes of the two meeting. It wasn't that she feared for either of their sake--in fact, the other wolf, a she-wolf by the name of Cwen could definately handle herself and the male seemed unwilling to enter into any sort of conflict... There wouldn't be an issue. Again, the male spoke, drawing a slight flick of the ear from Angrboda. He was sorry for crossing the boarder. Well, it wasn't like sorry would turn everything back--it would not take away the mistake he had made and so there was really no need to utter the word. Instead, she shrugged his words off, answering him with a question instead.

"What is your purpose here? I am weighing the idea of working on a pack--I currently have a trusted member already. Do you have a place to be already?" Angrboda did not glance back. If he moved on, it would not cause her any upset. Sure, the idea of ruling over her own pack was tempting--something her father would be proud of, but it meant dealing with troublesome members and all the conflicts between them. She didn't exactly like the idea of listening to everyone complain and whine about arguments between members.

With a quick glance over her shoulder, she offered a thin knowing smile. "You'll enjoy meeting Cwen." She moved with ease around the trees, having decided that she would wait for Cwen's arrival in a clearing not to far from her current position. The female had a way of always finding her--no matter where she happened to be and it was a trait that Angrboda found to be exceptional.

[|ko|]

Shrugging slightly, Ko pondered Angrboda's question. Did he have somewhere to be?
No. The tan and black wolf grinned to himself; he had all the time in the world, now that his past was behind him, and hopefully long gone. He belonged to no pack; he had no pups, therefore no responsabilities in that sense. Essentially, he had nowhere to be.
'No. I have no-where, right now. A pack?' Ko smiled, almost rueful. ' You would make a ... a very competent alpha.' Not that his comment mattered to her, of course; Angrboda seemed, to Ko, very brisk; he hadn't known her very long, however, and so couldn't make a very good descision yet. But her ways with him were cold, and he was used to it - alot of the females he'd met on his travels had her manner. Many of the males back home had been the stereotypical type; big, handsome brutes, domineering and bullying. None of the females were allowed their say, in anything.
He would have liked to have seen the lesson Angrboda would have taught them.
Ko's head cocked sideways at her new words.
' Cwen?' But it was all he asked. The golden-pelted wolf blinked his eyes slowly, then padded after the female. He wasn't getting left behind.

[{chay}.«]

The wolf had been trooping along at a steady trot for some time now, seemingly tireless paws striking out at a fairly unfaltering gait- if one were to peer closely, they might recognize a muted limp in the hind paws, but it was well-hidden and this particular she-wolf was unaware that it was visible at all. Her grizzled maw was lowered to the ground, black lips parted and salmon tongue lolling in an effort to beat back the raging heat that was currently spiraling through her ginger coat and only furthering the irritation that perpetually coursed through her veins- true to her character, a scowl was already plastered across what could be described as cruel-pretty features. She was not an ugly wolf, for all of the negativities that she was associated with, but she was definitely most unconventional and not at all your run-of-the-mill female. Bi-hued eyes darted, leaping to catch shadows in the act or, possibly, unearth any potential perpetrators. One could never be too careful; any careless bastard could breach the territory markings if they were not well-maintained. And so she scoured every inch of her packlands, ebony nose essentially cemented to the loam in hopes of locating whatever unwanted visitors dared enter the land without attempting to contact Angrboda. She growled through closed teeth, as she often did when in a temper, and moved into a fluid lope, stocky limbs churning beneath her heavy frame.

She was not a small lupine; in all reality she could be taken as rather rotund if it were not for the fact that the substantial weight was quite obviously due to rolling muscles, and not portly fat. The thick layer of gray-hued skin that covered the thickly-proportioned sinew was in turn covered with a pelt that was flaming-red in hue- a lucid wine that, in these bright months, was only glinting brighter. Her front- from her throat to her elbows- was covered in a haphazard ivory patch, parts of it intertwined with silvery grays. Her face seemed to be covered in a darkened mask, one that was almost black in hue but ticked with grays and whites, not unlike the weathered muzzle of an elder. While all of this sounds perfectly normal, she does have one naturally-occurring aesthetic value that sets her apart from the rest- eyes of different colors. No, not your usual brown and blue eyes- her right eye is a warm pumpkin color, while the left is a pale green, as if a lime had been left out in the sun too long and the color was bleached past the point of return. Because of these, it was not uncommon for others to do a double-take, though they were usually met with a curled lip and a verbal warning. She didn't need someone's blatant stare in her direction. If she wanted attention, she would make it very clear. Of course, for a wolf as colorful as Cwen, this unwarranted scrutiny was only intensified once the viewer made it past her forefront- take her hind limbs, for example. Each paw was noticeable small, and each lacked a toe, while the fur around the ankles looked as if it had been singed off, leaving behind only intermitted tufts of rusty fur and thick slate skin. The culprit? Frostbite. If the roving pair of eyes moved further, they would be even more surprised to see her tail...or what remained of it. Instead of rounding off at a decent length, hers abruptly came to a squared-off end on a length that was probably have the size of a normal wolf. But, then again- Cwen was not your normal wolf.

The she-wolf halted mid-step, hind limbs pulling up sharply behind her and her tattered tail whisking about her haunches. While there were two scents that she had locked into memory- Angrboda's dominant miasma and her own musk- there was now a third lingering on the air. In one instantaneous moment it was as if the ruddy wolf's entire body had absorbed the alien scent, and the reaction was not a pleasant one: burgundy hackles rose, pupils narrowed, and the battered muzzle bore a vicious snarl; not a moment after she had stopped to regain her composure she had tore off again. There had been no permission-seeking howl from this intruder, and her mistress had been left unattended, open for conflict. Mentally berating herself for not noticing the foreigner's presence sooner, Cwen snorted and adjusted the angle of her direction. Not only growing stronger, the mingling smells were also changing route, which could only mean one thing, of course: the two were moving, though not at any great speed.

Indeed it was less than a full minute later that the scarred femme caught sight of both her leader and the offending wolf, and her eyes narrowed once more, muscles tensing for the worst. As she approached, she slowed to a trot, making sure to create thorough noise and adding a gruff bark in attempts to ward off any surprise that might catch the ruddy Alphess. There. Cwen appeared suddenly at Angrboda's side, intercepting the pair by making good use of the cover that the constant forest provided, and taking good care to come forward at a slant that would be immediately seen by the leader's remaining eye. With a silent, brief nod in the dominant female's direction, the disfigured fae halted once more, staring boldly at the slender male, her pumpkin-and-pale-green eyes scanning him- though, rather than looking at him first in a positive view and searching for possible flaws, she immediately saw him as little more than an ignorant whelp, a weakling who didn't even have the decency to announce his presence before brazenly traipsing through lands that were in no way, shape, or form his. Still, Angrboda had obviously been leading him somewhere, and she would not dally her mistress' wishes for long- but this brute needed to understand the transgression he had committed. Wearing a rather contemptuous scowl, a low, threatening growl had begun seeping from her just-parted jaws, and her half-tail lashed behind her stout frame. She spoke with a gruff voice laced with a slight sense of mockery, the words obviously directed at Angrboda though the fae's eyes remained locked on the golden orbs of the newcomer. “Who's the whelp?” No other words fell from her black lips- she obviously felt no need to concern herself with fruitless introductions. If this half-sized male truly was in Savage River territory because he wanted to join, then, in her book, he only deserved to know anything about her if he was accepted- which, judging from his invasive entrance, didn't seem likely of as now.[/size][/size][/font]

[Silver]

If the darkly grabbed female cared at all about the compliment that had been paid her way, she made no sign or sound in reply. She didn't need the words of a stranger to tell her that she could make a good Alpha. She knew she could--that was the first thing a good Alpha needed. Confidence. Confidence and experience. And she had plenty of both, though it was not something that she would outwardly boast. Boasting was an act for the fools--for wolves that felt they had something to prove but in reality were nothing more then simple members of a pack. They weren't special in any way, yet they felt the need to announce to the world that they thought they were and needed the respect that was reserved only for the ones who rightly deserved it. Needless to say, compliments were a good thing to hear, especially if you deserved them. Angrboda cast a questioning glance over her shoulder back towards the male that had finally picked up the idea that he needed to tag along. It hadn't really been an invitation, but a silent order.

Her movements where fluid and purposely placed, instinctively avoiding twigs and stones that might shift or crack under her weight and give and idea to her position. It was a trait that had been driven into her mind from birth. To be heard meant to risk dying. Her father had been strict on that behavior. If he could find her and her siblings playing, then it meant that they weren't being careful enough. They where to noisy or they weren't keeping a good enough eye on their surroundings. Boy, was her father surprised the day that she was nowhere to be found. She had taken him by surprise and laughed joyfully at his startled expression. From then on, he speant his time criticizing the other youth, leaving her to her own training and even at times, uttering 'Why can't you be more like Angr? Now there's a warrior in the making. How proud she had been.

As the male muttered Cwen's name, a twisted smirk worked its way across Angrboda's scarred muzzle, remaining good eye twinkling with amusement. "Cwen." Angrboda repeated, but made no effort to explain any futher. But as if to answer the unspoken question, a gruff call exploded through the air, drawing Angrboda's attention away from the current activity. She had become very accustomed to Cwen's behavior and ways and had been expecting the female. She knew that eventually the scarred female would pick up on the strange scent and would come to investigate. She brought her travel to an abrupt halt, turning slightly so that she could also eye the younger male as Cwen spoke. Shrugging, Angrboda reclined, scarred jaws parting in a wary yawn.

Finally, she found the will to speak, her thick tail thumping once against the ground. "This is Ko. Apparently he didn't realize this land is claimed."

[/size][/blockquote]

[|ko|]

_{'Ugh!'
Frustration led him to let out a harsh, ragged-sounding hiss. They were treating him like a child, and the last time he'd been treated like that -
Ko didn't want to think about it. Nevertheless, he shook his head slowly from side to side, almost as if in a trance; his pale eyes were wide, and distant. But his tan pelted body shook - it was hard to tell if the wolf was remembering his past, or looking to the future. He was so tired of being treated like this - 'Whelp. Didn't realise this place was claimed.' And maybe Angrboda had been joking around, but if he was honest, he didn't care anymore. He supposed, he'd always kind of known that so much time alone would change him. But Ko hadn't realised it until today. Ugh, why were all other wolves like this to him? He wasn't a child; he wasn't no whelp, either.
'Look. I'm sorry that I wandered in here - but when you've been - driven' He tried again. 'I'm sorry. If I'm that unwelcome, I'll go.' Ko's last sentence ending in a ragged, mistake of a snarl, he watched the two cool-eyed females standing together, and tried to change his looks from frustrated to apologetic again. It didn't work very well.
Sighing, Ko braced himself; for the alpha and her beta were sure to dislike his insolence.}[/color]

[{chay}.«]

The half-tailed wolf let her eyes drift to Angrboda's seemingly relaxed movements before they darted back to the male, though she herself made no attempt to loosen the tension that crowed through her veins. She had not been appointed Head Guard because she was some brainless solider, but because of her extensive experience and the ability to function without hesitation along the one-eyed leader. The Alphess had been placed under sharp scrutiny since Cwen's acceptance, each reaction noted and logged so that the previous wanderer could better serve her mistress' needs- take now, for instance. The rufous-pelted lead let her muscled frame loll, but even if Cwen had taken a cue to relax, no such moves would have been made. Half of her duties were, essentially, to relieve Angrboda of the stresses that accompanied ruling a pack, including- but not limited to- taking the mickey out of (mentally, emotionally and physically, if need be) whatever infelicitous imbecile tramped through Savage River without the decency to announce their presence. It was with this prudence that the stalwart, wine-hued femme was scowling at Ko, clearly not believing his supposed “accidental” error. The boundaries had been marked again and again; that story wasn't even plausible. Still, this male was obviously no threat whatsoever-- and then he had to scoff, his resonating sound of disgust snapping all of Cwen's attention toward the tawny male.

The female's head lowered slowly, lips pulling back in a warning snarl as she took several menacing steps toward Ko, purposely imposing into his space and pinning her auds flat. “Watch yourself, tenderfoot,” she spat, flicking what remained of her tail sideways. Her brow furrowed as she noticed the faraway look in his pale eyes, and Cwen swung her head back to glance at Angrboda, obviously confused, and a two-toned half-growl slipped through her lips in the leader's direction. Was this wolf mentally unstable? Her bi-hued gaze came to rest on the male once more and she flicked her ears forward, sincerely weighing the idea for a moment before shrugging it off as he felt the blistering need to speak once more, emphatically apologizing for his “mistake” and brusquely acting as if either of the females had commanded him to leave- and ending it with a snarl that was indeed an error, for Cwen was at his metaphorical throat once more, her own voice sharp and prickling with obvious distaste. “Hush,” she demanded, her words making up for the lack of Angrboda's. “You're still in one piece, correct? If you wish to remain that way, however, you'll keep your tone at a reasonable level. If I were so small, I wouldn't dare be so impertinent.” In all honesty, it would very likely be impossible for Ko to ever escape Cwen's verbal abuse, so he had better begin getting accustomed to it now.
[/size][/font]

[Silver]

The single eyed female remained silent, her steely gaze flickering back and forth between her trusted Head Guard and the new arrival. In all honestly, as the male had uttered the unacceptable sounds in her direction, the firey female had felt the wave of rage wash over her mind, nearly blinding her and setting her upon the male--but, she wouldn't have become the warrior she was today if she hadn't beable to show restrant, which she had so purposely put into effect at that moment. Instead, she kept her jaws shut, allowing mind to settle once again and for the desire to leap on the male to fade. As it did, she rose once again, tossing a glance towards Cwen, a look that would have appeared nothing more then a glance to others, but it was a simple command and acknowledgement saying 'You've done fine, my friend. I will handle it from here.'

The battle scarred female broke her silence, addressing the new comer, her voice strong and unwavering, yet hinting at the threat that lingered ever so near if he decided to test his luck. "It is unwise to behave in such a manner, especially when you are at fault, be it mistake or not. You're wolf, as far as I can tell, and so I expect you to know the ways of a pack, including just how lucky you have been thusfar. We have been gentle towards you--Something that you may not find to be the case with other packs." She paused, narrowing her crimson eye at the male, studying his posture and his overall behavior. She had seen wolves behave this way, only to turn on you when you presented them your back.

Deciding that this wasn't the case, she relaxed her gaze, yet there was a hint of untrust. Once again, she nodded towards Cwen, but this time merely to include her in the conversation. "Although there is only two of us, we are still a pack. From where I am from a pack is the most important thing in a wolf's life. Respect and honor is what makes a good pack and if you have any interest in staying, you'll have to beable to accept that fact that two female's out rank you at the time being. However, rank is present because of experience. I expect you to show respect to all, including lower ranking wolves that may join in the future, yet I will also expect them to show their seniors undying respect and loyalty. I will need an answer from you. Do you wish to remain and become a part of this growing pack--if not, then you need to leave immideately. However, if you feel that you are worthy enough, then I will need you to offer me never-ending loyalty and swear to me that when times get rough--you will not shy away from your duties." She had put Cwen through the same treatment in the beginning and so far, she had not been disappointed.

Angrboda had a set idea for how her pack was going to be and in memory of her birth pack and family, she was going to carry on their ideals and way of life. They had become a fearsome pack, worthy of the respect that they recieved. They where a pack fit for survival because they worked together--they did not see each other as individuals but as a unit. They where a family no matter if they where blood related or not. And she had seen the Alphas ask a similiar oath from pups that had grown into maturity or new members. Every adult, no matter how big or small their role spoke that oath and those found guilty of breaking it recieved terrible punishments. Often times, it was death--other times, the guilty wolf was maimed and then banished from the lands. Wolves guilty of disloyalty within Angrboda's pack would recieve similiar treatment.

"If you accept the oath, then I will have Cwen show you the way the pack stays. I feel that you will find it to be most pleasing." Angrboda had found the discovery to be exciting and perfect for a pack to reside. The castle offered the best protection from the weather and possible dangers--it was large and could house large numbers of wolves within. The perfect fortress for the growing family.

[|ko|]

_{Ko felt a weight lift from the pit of his stomach as he watched Angr speaking. She would let him live? He didn't fancy fighting Angr or Cwen at this time; the chances were, he wouldn't have beaten them when he was at his full strength, anyway - one on one, perhaps, but not like this. Twitching his ears back and forth, Ko waited for a few moments to consider. What if this was all a trick? This alphess was cunning. She might have many, many more wolves, just like her and her guard, back 'home'.
A faint shudder ran through up his spine as he thought of the results of that. Looking up again, into the single eye of Angrboda, he somehow found the courage to speak.}
' I would be honoured to join your pack, if you'll have me. And I swear upon the ever-present sun, my loyalty to you, and to the pack. I will never shy from my duties, nor abandon you completely. If you accept me, I'll prove to you that you made no mistake in asking me to join. '
Something in Ko's demeanor changed, and he looked at the Alphess with a strange new determination. He wondered if she's asked him, only to use him as - well, he didn't know, protection? Bait? - And then to kill him. A sort of rueful smile found its way to his maw; he'd made his choice now, it was up to Angrboda and Cwen not to kill him. Ko had always wanted to join a pack; to make a family was one of his goals in life. He was a large, strong wolf, when not underfed like he was at the moment. It was one of the reason's he'd never told anyone of his desire for family life; who would expect it of this brute?
Wolves were never too keen on the out-of-the-ordinary. [/sub]

[{chay}.«]

Just as Cwen knew when to lunge for her leader's safety, she could also discern when her own malevolent words were no longer needed- like now. Though she did not settle herself, she did remain quiet, her own bizarrely-hued eyes boring into Ko with all the irritable intensity she could muster until, feeling rather satisfied that he would indeed remain where he was, she glanced toward Angrboda and dipped her head before trotting a little ways off, muzzle snuffling against the heated loam and gray ears in a frenzy. There was no telling if another had invaded; if the lines had been breached, and so the head guard would ascertain of this- though, of course, her scent-scouring was made in a wide swoop that brought her back towards her rusty leader and the undersized male rather swiftly. While there was no doubt that Angrboda would have little to no trouble restraining the offender if need be, the wine-hued Head Guard would take no chances; though of course Cwen nearly always remained on her mistress' left, so as to ward off any potential threats in that direction and it was a trait, she supposed, that would eventually be of use to initiated packmembers, for approaching an already volatile Alphess on a side that she had no vision out of would not end in anything wondrous for the transgressor.

The near-burgundy guard hesitated where she stood as Angrboda lapsed into silence, her scarred muzzle jerking up in time to see the leader speak once more, and gave a low, raspy woof at the mentioning of her name. Deciding that it would be better to assess Ko's demeanor for the time being, she settled herself somewhat tensely directly behind him, honed senses acutely tracking the twitches of his muscles, the respirations that swelled at his back and shoulders. Something of a smile crossed her features momentarily as Angr brought up the point that two femme's outranked him, and here Cwen's gaze burrowed into the male's back, lips twitching in a silent growl. From the she-wolf's view, the chance of that fact ever changing was null. He was so small- a whelp- and she would take this unwavering standpoint until there was some foundation of trust built that persuaded her otherwise.

It may seem rather odd that so small a pack was not searching to recruit new constituents, but, then again, what reason did the pair of astute faes retain that would drive them to such a strong level of desperation that they would vacate boundaries in order to search out possible members? No, if a wolf felt that they were truly strong and mentally competent enough to enlist in Savage River, then a problem should not arise from questing out the lands themselves. Hell, if this miniature excuse for a lupine could do it, then there was no doubt that anyone could, either. Savage River deserved only the best, and while Cwen had no sway over her leader's final decision, she would do her damnedest to ensure that no scraggly, inadequate ne'er-do-well found his way past her packland's borders.

The proud voice of the leader rang out once more, and Cwen gave an internal sigh. In all honesty, the monstrously towering citadel was not to her liking- too many shadows, too many places for rogues to lurk- not to mention there was always the chance that the dilapidated walls could further crumble, thus leaving several causalities in its trail. But, alas- Angrboda had chosen the spot, and so Cwen, too, would follow. The she-wolf's eyes jerked to the sudden, near-invisible quiver that ran the length of Ko's spine and she had to hold back a snort; he had caught them both in rather amiable moods- how would react to either of their anger? Cwen herself could be quite vindictive once overtaken by a choleric state, though it was rather difficult to truly force her to that degree of wrath. And then the whelp spoke- his words registering to the Head Guard only through the rolling of her eyes, and she slowly stood to her paws, glancing over Ko's head to Angrboda before giving something of a grumble, grayed ears pulled back against her skull in irritation as she stalked to the male's front, grunting as what would have been a half-wince threatened to cross her face- the remaining toes on her hind limbs had throbbed suddenly, though she did, of course, quickly beat it back and stared at Ko, giving him one more once-over before turning her head. “Follow me.” She growled, flicking what remained of her tail across the mann's snout before padding steadily forward; as she passed Angrboda she dipped her head lowly.

She was almost out of earshot before she slowed, craning her head around to peer irritably at Ko. “Feel lucky that the Mistress doesn't want you dead, whelp.” Eventually- well, that is if Ko did indeed prove himself- the name might leave him, might be worn out...but it was highly unlikely. Still, Ko shouldn't take it poorly- it was something that she was addressing him at all, rather than moving steadily forward with a cold indifference to the entire situation. “As Angrboda has told you, I am Cwen. I am Savage River's Head Guard and medic. What position are you seeking?”[/size][/font]

[Silver]

{ooc: This will be short because I'm pulling Angr out for now. I'll be starting another pack thread shortly. ;3 }

The rustic hued female eyed the male closely, her thick tail flicking back and forth slowly, in a critical like manner. Despite his words, there was still a nagging feeling in the back of her mind, reminding her that he was not of her blood or clan and therefore not to be trusted. Over time, she expected that her feelings would change, however, until then, she would keep a close eye on new arrivals. This pack would become the family that her birth back had been. They would be strong and supportive, but would not look kindly on those that could not offer the pack anything or refused to offer their services and instead, lounged around all day. Such actions would not be tolerated.

She merely nodded her head as Cwen passed by, casting one last glance towards Ko before turning hesitantly and slipping away into the surrounding foliage. Cwen would deal with the new arrival for the time being. When she returned to the castle that evening, she would see how he was settling in and then set him to work on his duties in the morning. They would need to locate the most populated areas of game. That was something that would be benificial to all. They would also need to make sure that no others were roaming the territory. There would be no free-loaders allowed within her lands. Such creatures would be taken care of as she saw fit.

Her mind drifted back to her right hand member. Cwen had proved to be far worth of her title and although her hesitation about having the castle as their den had left Angrboda feeling irritated, she understood her fears. However, as she had constantly assured her companion, it would be best for them in the long run. Troublesome wolves and animals would not know the ins and outs of the castle as they would if it was their home. They would beable to loose followers within the maze of halls and rooms. Pushing her companions concerns from her mind, Angrboda set out towards the boarders--it would be wise to keep a watch on them.