You know, we'll really have to have a Haven/Rurik thread sometime now since he's the only one of my characters who hasn't met him XD 500+

Nayati had made it a daily ritual of his' to walk the lands and become familiar with every single rock, tree, and shrub. After all, the land itself was as much a part of the tribe as any of the wolven members were. It was from the earth that they grew their crops and fed their horses. From the trees they found the wood to build their homes and tools. Thinking of this the pale wolf touched the string of his bow that was hung across his broad chest. The instrument had become more of another limb to him than anything else. Using it was no more difficult than using his arms. He was also fairly skilled with a spear, but it was with the bow and arrow that his true prowess lay. As long as something was in range, he had no issue hitting it right where he wanted the arrow to strike. He had trained for months and months to gain such skill and now he hoped that it would come in good use to this part of the AniWaya tribe. Being one of only three original members here was odd, but the woman he had met a few days earlier had been quite pleasant and interesting. He was anxious to meet his other new tribesmen and women.

Night was close at hand as the sun was starting to dip onto the horizon. The Utina male paused for a moment to take in the sight of the setting bright orb. Taking in a deep breathe he slowly released it in a fog before his face. Winter was all well and good, just one of the phases of the land, but he could not wait until spring so he could see the true potential of these lands. To see the plants rise up from the newly thawed ground and watch the animals come up from their dens to bask in the warmth of the birthing season. He may have been a hunter, but one of the things he found true joy in while stalking a herd was to see the new fawns frolic and play within the watchful gaze of their protectors. Nayati only culled the herds of their sick, elderly, and injured, never of their young. To do so was a crime in his mind. Without young deer there would be nothing to eat the next year. He took only those individuals that weighed the herd down and that was more than enough to fill the bellies of him and his people.

As he stood and admired the setting sun, Onawa had stalked ahead of him and he felt that she wanted him to come to her. Curious as to what it was she had found, the optime male took on a brisk pace to reach her. When he came upon her she had her large eyes set on a man leaning against a tree just outside of the tribe's borders. Something about the male seemed familiar to him, though at the moment he could not place exactly why. Walking forward to the edge of AniWayan lands he called out to the stranger. "Greetings, is there something I can help you with?"

fer sure! actually Haven's the Knight, Heath is the Marshall :o They still need to compare swords though, in a completely non-sexual manner XD 300+

With the forthcoming addition of this man here, it seemed that Nayati was meeting just as many outsiders as he was those that shared a home with him. It was a bit of an oddity to him. While in the original tribe they had had relations to the other groups nearby, he had always kept most of his relations secured within AniWayan borders. Perhaps that was just the way of these lands though, meeting many that you did not share a tribe with. Anatoliy had been very pleasant and he had thoroughly enjoyed speaking with the young man and telling him of his culture. It seemed these lands would be a good place to broaden his knowledge and horizons, which he didn't see as a bad thing at all. Perhaps that was one of the reasons Onawa had encouraged him to come here. Perhaps the Guide had known the opportunities that awaited her charge here.

As the other man waved his hand in greeting the Utina returned the gesture, a small grin forming his own features. The people around here seemed so pleasant, and he was grateful for their kindness. His people had not always been met with such courtesy. The tall luperci made his way beyond the fence that enclosed the tribe's lands and walked up to the silvery wolf, still allowing a comfortable amount of distance between them. When the other spoke and introduced himself his familiarity became clear. He held the same name as Anatoliy had and his pale blue eyes caught sight of the same metal hoop hanging above his one eye. "Another Russo? I don't suppose you are any relation to an Anatoliy Russo? I met him the other day, a fine young man." It was clear though that Rurik was not only older but had a better grasp on this language as well. "I am Nayati Utina, it is a pleasure to meet you." At that moment Onawa sauntered her way over to join them, standing next to the pale wolf. "This is Onawa, my Spirit Guide, and you have come across the AniWaya tribe."

lmao! sometime I want Onawa to appear to someone before they see Nayati so they can be all "OMFG D:" 300+

Nayati was just as ignorant the relations between his tribe and the other packs that occupied this area. In fact, he didn't even know the names of the other groups of canines that lived in these parts. He could have very well been walking up to someone who meant him and AniWaya harm and was only playing nice to lure him into a false sense of camaraderie. Still, the Utina liked to think himself a fairly good judge of character and he sensed not an ounce of hostility in the gray hued man who stood outside the borders. It seemed that Rurik and Anatoliy were indeed relations as the other male laughed and said that the younger Russo was his son. "It is funny, indeed. Perhaps there is meant to be some great friendship between your family and I," he said with a smile. He didn't much belief in chance happenings. Most things happened for a reason, he believed.

As Onawa came up beside him he saw the other's blue eyes widen and he stepped backward, clearly nervous of her presence. A soft chuckle bubbled up from Nayati's chest. It appeared that Anatoliy had not mentioned the Spirit Guides to his father. "Ah, it seems I must explain it all over again. A shame that your son did share his experience here with you," he stated humorously. As Rurik offered Onawa a nervous wave and smile she nodded her head at the wolf before sitting and wrapping her thick tail around her large paws. "You have nothing to fear from me," she said to the Russian man. "She may appear as flesh and blood, but indeed she is not. Even if she wished to do you bodily harm she could not. Onawa is the Spirit that had decided to help guide me through my life." He supposed he could launch into a lengthy explanation about the Guides, but had found it was better to offer small bits of information at a time. That way it was much easier to digest for someone who had never encountered such a thing before.

my typos in that last reply are numerous and embarrassing o_o; 300+

His visit with Anatoliy had been incredibly enjoyable, and it seemed like his father was just as pleasant. It was a relief to meet people outside of the clan so friendly and welcoming. Too often AniWayans had faced the very opposite from their neighbors. It was one of the main reasons for the tribe's move and the establishment of the satellite tribe here. "It would be nice, yes. Friendships are great things, and should not be taken for granted." Nayati took his bonds with other people quite seriously. He was loyal to a fault, though his main loyalty was always to his tribe. "Ah yes, I think I remember Anatoliy mentioning siblings. Family is important. I know that I miss my parents and little siblings. They're back with the main tribe." It was hard to be away from them, but he knew he was needed more here. They would be safe in the Great Tribe. He had to believe that or go insane with worry.

Nayati was glad to see the Russian man relax soon after the explanation was given. There was no danger here for him. As with his son, he was pleased to see the respect he offered to Onawa herself. Despite being unfamiliar with Spirit Guides, all of the outsider wolves he had met here had shown her a great deal of respect. It made him feel even more comfortable here. Onawa was a part of him, and if one rejected her then he could not really interact with them in good conscience. His head cocked to the side slightly as Rurik explained the spirits that he was familiar with in his homeland. "How interesting. I have not heard of such spirits. I am familiar with giving offerings to keep spirits contented though. We often do such things here." Sacrifices were a normal part of the tribe life. Nayati smiled, bowing his head briefly in thanks to the elder male's compliment. "I believe I am too. Onawa has been a great influence and help to me, ever since she came into my life." Of course that was what Guides were supposed to do, but he knew some were not so open as his' was. He was grateful for her always.