(J) One Journey's Ending, and Another's Beginning

Ciara O'Callahan · 02-06-2012, 12:09 PM

(OOC: Word Count - 536)

It had been a long seven months since Ciara's mother had perished, leaving her alone in the Labrador wilderness with no training and little knowledge on how to survive on her own. She had slowly traveled through the province, sticking to the coastline that connected the sparse province to the once flourishing adjacent province of Quebec. Spring had turned into summer, and she had taken her time picking through fields and forests, running from predators that might like to close their jaws on her small, yearling form. Rodents had been her source of nourishment for the most part, as she could crouch in the brush awaiting them, pouncing when it was just right to catch the squealing and thrashing being in her maw. She'd never been taught how to hunt anything else, and even though blood-bred instinct nudged her towards weakened deer and even a baby moose, she never had the nerve to go after them herself.

She spent her summer transitioning between Quebec and New Brunswick, thankful for the Maritime breeze coming off the Atlantic and scaring away the humid, sweltering inland heat. The scent of the ocean was familiar to her, and she let it carry her to the previous capital of New Brunswick, St. John. It was there that she crouched between borders, listening to the calls of far-off packs, excited at the sounds of her own kind. She would follow those calls, only to be chased away as a rogue, skinny and dirty with a gait clearly displaying her youth. Eventually, she came to the Isthmus connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, far from her birthplace in Western Newfoundland.

Coming down the Isthmus, she arrived at the borders of the Northern packs, delicately sniffing at each scent mark. One smelled strongly of coyote, and she let out an indignant huff at that realization. Coyotes had been her nemeses during her long travels, seven months of fighting with them for rodents and dens alike. She moved away from that scent-line. She came to a few more, their scents strong and powerful, but they just didn't smell...right, to her. She could taste the mixing of species on her tongue and the thought of dealing with hybrids other than wolves, even though they were canines, made her uneasy.

At long last she came to a scent-mark that she seemed to like. It smelled both powerful and somehow welcoming. Unsure of the proper custom, she was about to lift a small paw over the line when something made her sit right back in the snow. Her thick, multi-faceted coat ruffled against the wind, undoubtedly carrying her scent to the members of this pack. If she crossed into their territory, they would no doubt learn of it in an instant.

Once again, instinct was her saving grace. She lifted her head, pointing her nose at the nearly full moon above her, and let out an unpracticed and uncertain howl. Even though she had never had much cause for howling, the melody was at once wavering and loud, carrying her request for friendship and family on the wind and towards the den of the New Dawn wolves.

All she could do now was wait, and pray for acceptance...

Zalen Damaichu · 02-06-2012, 04:54 PM

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Hello der! :3 WC :: 530

Zalen had noticed that the seasons were starting to change. Despite the air still being quite chilly, the snow was beginning to recede, revealing damp earth that would soon sprout with wild flowers and grasses once the warmth of spring arrived. It was a promise of good things to come, one that the black Alpha readily accepted. This winter had been filled with emotions and change, and now he yearned for the simple, calm life. The punishment he had to give out the other day still lay heavy on his mind, and it threatened to drag his mood down with it. So, he had set out to find himself a small lunch. He wasn’t particularly hungry, for the pack had strong and young males to bring down large prey that could keep them filled for weeks. But the chase and the rewarding taste of warm blood always seemed to lift his spirits.

He had been stalking a lemming near the border of New Dawn. It was hardly anything but a snack, but the chase was fun, for lemmings were quick and crafty. It felt good to once again run along on all fours, unhindered by strange bipedal bone structure. The ebony male had finally changed from his Optime to Lupus several days before, after nearly a week of it's constant use. To be as natural as possible was one of the best feelings in the world.

He was about to catch his small furry prize when his concentration was halted by a call not too far off. He stopped for a moment, and it was all the lemming needed to scurry down a nearby hole. Zalen snuffed out, frustrated that he had lost his catch, but eager to see who had so suddenly called him. From the tone it sounded like a female wolf, he didn’t recognize the voice though.

Dark tufted ears tuned him in to which direction he should follow and he bounded along through the territory with ease. Though it had only been a moon’s turn since they had settled, Zalen already felt confidence in the geography, save the northern most territory which they had just recently claimed. That place was still wild, untouched; he made note that soon he and the others would have to roam there to finalize their claim.

Soon, he found the caller, a young wolfess who stood just beyond the scent marked borders. He did not hide his presence and walked up to her boldly, tail and ears raised. Soon they were nose to nose and Zalen took in her scent with well-placed sniffed. She smelled of the wild and the ocean, and intoxicating scent. This cornucopia of odors was like the sweetest perfume, and he could not help but to let his stiff tail begin to wag exuberantly. It was obvious she did not belong to any pack here, and the prospect of perhaps accepting a young female would be a welcome one, not only for him but for the other young males as well.

Hello, He said, giving her a smile, I am Zalen, I am the Alpha of New Dawn, the pack at which who's borders you now stand.

Zalen Damaichu

Ciara O'Callahan · 02-06-2012, 05:31 PM

(( ohai! WC: 355 ))

She caught the scent of the New Dawn Alpha before she saw him coming. His smell was one of the earth, doubtlessly due to long hours of huddling in a den against the harsh cold of winter. Even so, the scent of the crisp cold lingered, as well as the unmistakable odor of a lemming. She might have interrupted this wolf's lunch, and she instantly felt bad for it.

As he came forward easily, fear trickled through her. His black coat reminded her of that of her father's, a wolf she'd only met a time or two before he'd abandoned Ciara and her mother. She rose from her sitting position, tail held parallel to the ground in her curiosity and wariness. She was all-out startled when a cold, black nose bumped to her own brown one, and fell back into the snow on her rump with a yip.

Embarrassed enough from her fall, she grew even more so when the male announced himself as the Alpha of the pack. Panic instantly shot through her mind. The Alpha?! The small shewolf had expected perhaps a lower ranking wolf to come and inspect her, but the Alpha himself? Instantly, she dropped herself into the snow on her belly, pinning her ears back in submission and averting her gaze. Her tail had tucked itself in between her hind legs in the process of laying down, and the press of it against her belly almost served to calm her nerves.

"I am Ciara," she replied nervously, keeping her brown and golden gaze trained on the Alpha's ebony paws. She could hear the swish of his tail, see it out of her slight peripheral vision, and that served to calm her as well.

"I don't have a home...I was hoping that I could join your pack?" With that hopeful question, Ciara listened to her instincts and performed the only other submissive rite of passage she could think of. Fluidly, she rolled onto her back and exposed the startlingly white fur of her belly, chest and throat. Her paws curled up, tongue darting out once or twice to taste the air for tension.

Zalen Damaichu · 02-06-2012, 05:49 PM

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OOC :: Feel free to continue this thread with me, if you wish to do so, even after the acceptance post. WC :: 263

Her stance was a curious one, and not submissive, at least not until he mentioned who he was. This seemed to almost frighten her, and she genuflected as he had expected her to. This brought his opinion of her even higher than it had already been, and his tail continued to wag in a rhythmic manner. He even relaxed his stance a bit, to make her more comfortable.

Well met, Ciara, He said, rubbing his large forehead against hers, already transferring some of his scent. She wanted to join, as he had hoped she would. They had already accepted a puppy nearly a week ago, and now this young one had presented herself. She was perfect, a wonderful addition to the pack. Zalen found it funny though, that even at her apparent nervousness and inexperience, he doubted she was much different in age compared to Titania. Zalen considered himself lucky once more, to have stumbled up and fallen in love with his mate, who even at her young age seemed destined to lead.

Raising his head then, the onyx furred male looked down upon the dappled girl, Your youth and vitality would make you a grand addition to our ranks. You are accepted then. He smiled, nudged her gently with his snout to give her confidence to stand. I will lead you back to the den, so you may meet the other members. I would love to hear of how you came to find New Dawn. He took several steps away, apple eyes scanning the horizon before turning back to look at her.

Zalen Damaichu

New Dawn · 02-06-2012, 05:49 PM

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Congratulations! You no longer stray from the path and have returned to life as a true wolf. You do not have to face this world alone, and now may rely on the wisdom of your pack to guide you.

Take a moment to check out our Game and the Moons to see how you can start collecting rewards.
Remember to study your new realm by reviewing the Map and Territory Guide so you may know the land in which your family thrives. Do not be afraid to travel anywhere within the borders of New Dawn.
Please read about our Culture and take a moment to review our Policies so you are best equipped to live as a true wolf.

If you have any questions or concerns you may always seek your alphas' guidance by contacting Nat (Zalen Damaichu) or Nuki (Titania Moonsong). Feel free to start posting in your new home immediately, or if you would like to plan a thread you may poke your muzzle around in Thread Requests or Open Threads!

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Ciara O'Callahan · 02-06-2012, 06:08 PM

(( Certainly! I'd love to keep the post going, and I never specified in my topic description but we could surely make it open to all of the New Dawn pack now if you like. Thank you for replying so quickly and accepting Ciara! WC: 320))

Ciara felt an overwhelming sense of jubilance fill her when that great, obsidian forehead meshed with her multi-faceted one. She gave a happy little whimper at the Alpha’s words of acceptance, tail uncurling from between her legs to match his tail’s wagging pace. She rolled over, first just onto her belly and then to her feet at his gentle nudging. She continued to wag her tail, and when he moved away and looked back at her she moved up, licking gently at the underside of the male’s snout. She didn’t know if she was supposed to do that, if it was any kind of trespassing, but it certainly felt like the right thing to do.

When she started to follow him back to the den of the pack, she made sure to keep her pace so she would always be just behind his flank. One thing her mother had taught her was to never think of running in front of one’s Alpha. His words were running through her head as they moved, her ears relaxed and her brown eyes hazy with the semi-daydream. He said she would be perfect for the pack. She’d never been perfect for anything before. She hadn’t been able to make their father stay, or to keep her mother alive, but she had survived long enough to make it here.

“Thank you,” she whispered, belatedly, her tone embarrassed at the tardiness of her thanks and all at once gentle. She had a new family, and had a new wolf’s scent mingling with her own which had been solitary for nearly the first full year of her life. Spring was coming, and it would bring new friendships, and an entire new family. Her heart thudded proudly and excitedly in her chest at the aspect of meeting her other pack members.

“I hope they like me,” she said, quietly, her tone laced with all the uncertainty and modesty of a yearling.

Zalen Damaichu · 02-06-2012, 06:34 PM

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OOC :: This will be my last post for a bit just in case someone else wants to join in. If no one does then I’ll reply again and we can close it out. WC :: 322

He shared her joy, her excitement radiating from her like it was something tangible. Zalen was glad, his soul filling with happiness once more. She stood and began following him, her voice kind and soft. Zalen doubted he would ever truly know what she felt, for he had started this pack on his own and had never had to ask to be accepted. He supposed if he were to compare it to anything, it would be the joy he felt when Titania had accepted him as her mate. And so New Dawn would be as a mate for Ciara now, until she found a suitable male for herself.

Their pace was a casual trot, and it would take them a good number of minutes before they reached the heart of the territory, I’m sure they will, he said in response to her hopes of camaraderie, We are always happy to grow our family. He bumped flanks with her then, even more transferring his scent, though it was a shame to be rid of that wonderful odor of wilderness that clung to her.

Zalen looked ahead then, allowing his pink tongue to loll out of his mouth as he began to pant. He knew that the others would be over-joyed to see a new female brought into their midst, and one that seemingly had no ties to the other packs of the area. Sadly it seemed that some members of New Dawn clung too desperately to their pasts, as if afraid to let them go and just live. Zalen hoped that Ciara’s new blood would perhaps calm the nerves of some of them.

Soon the scents of the others reached his nostrils and he quickened his pace a little; he always became a little anxious when coming near the den, for he loved seeing all of his pack-mates around them. It was the closest bond of friendship and family he had ever experienced.

Zalen Damaichu

Ciara O'Callahan · 02-06-2012, 07:17 PM

Her fur might always keep that lingering scent of the wilderness and the ocean, having been on her own for so long. That length of time as a nomad would surely make it a challenge for the scent of the New Dawn pack to mask her own, unique smell. When the Alpha bumped flanks with her, she let out a shy, playful whine, rubbing her fur in against his.

She could smell them on the wind, her future pack members. A curious twinge of anxiety flamed in her belly, causing her tail to droop a little low. Her ears, which had been perked for the duration of their easy canter into the heart of the territory, now lowered a little more on her head. They would not pin back against her skull until she actually came into contact with the other pack members.

As they finally came on the den, Ciara sat on the outside, whimpering nervously and digging a paw at the ground. She would probably feel more comfortable if the other wolves came out of the den to meet her, rather than her entering the den to feel nervous and claustrophobic all at once. She wasn't used to dens anymore, having spent the majority of her nights in the open beneath a tree. There were going to be quite a few things for the young wolf to get used to.

Augustus · 02-06-2012, 07:43 PM

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OOC: Welcome! xD || Word Count →528

The Epsilon chose an easy lope as he made his way back to the den after a morning of patrolling. It was a duty he had not taken lightly ever since ascending to his new rank. He’d been at it ever since he glimpsed the predawn gloom early that morning, his waking and sleeping habits something that were yet to change. The pack borders had been strangely quiet since his stand off with Terra over the little whelp he now knew to be Holly, Deuce’s new ward. He didn’t quite know how to behave around a pup, but knew it was his duty to scold her for wandering so far. He sincerely hoped he hadn’t frightened her overmuch. He must have seemed half a giant, and his interactions with Terra hadn’t made him look less intimidating. He’d snarled at her, even as his head was bent over Holly. It wasn’t that he thought Terra would have harmed the pup, it was the sheer fact that she’d been near enough to plaster her scent all over her. He made sure to bathe her with his tongue before he returned her to Deuce, covering the pup with his own thick and earthy musk. He was dreading the inevitable moment when he delivered Zalen the news. Terra had been prodding around here once before, and was no more welcome than a biting tick. He knew he would not be punished, for he had not allowed her to cross the border, but still, Terra had been a friend once, and he was loathe to turn her in.

His thoughts whirled around his skull, and he steeled himself in preparation for his report. When he drew near his nose twitched and he spotted something sable out of the corner of his yellow and green flecked gaze. His ears drew instinctively back towards his skull, but his tail lowered only a little, lifted to a position just below half-mast. His head lowered but slightly. He was no longer a lowly subordinate, and no longer needed to greet his Alpha with bent back and lowered tail. His mouth was set in a mild frown, until his eyes and nose found the scent of the unfamiliar female, just behind Zalen. He cocked his head a moment, before glancing at Zalen's and her own wagging tails. A new sister, he concluded. His muzzle broke into a smile and his tail wagged as theirs. A new addition was always welcome to the young pack and Augustus’s thoughts turned in that happy direction. He soon stopped just before the pair, presenting his posture to the new female. It was nothing more than a display to announce his rank to his new sister, to show her who it was she was to submit to. He turned his gaze on her, sizing her up, soon understanding her to be young, unscarred, and healthy. He nodded respectfully in greeting to Zalen as well as a mark of approval. They had far to few females in New Dawn. It was about time that changed. The wolf did not speak, and waited for his Alpha in case he wished to introduce her for himself.

Image credit to freelancah at deviantart

Ciara O'Callahan · 02-06-2012, 08:41 PM

(OOC: Thanks! Welcome to the thread. Smile

WC: 364)

Her mind had been swimming with myriad worries. Would her new packmates accept her? Would they like her? What if the Alpha's mate was mean? She'd smelled the scent of a female on him. What if -any- of them were mean? She didn't think that Zalen would admit any cruel and rash creatures into his pack, but the young wolf, just barely past 12 months, couldn't help but worry. She sat on the ground at the entrance to the den beside Zalen, her ears twitching nervously and her tail wrapped snugly around her form.

When the Epsilon approached and cocked his head to the side, she had to bite back a whimper. She'd begun to automatically think he didn't like her until he broke out in a wolfish grin and began to wag his tail. She relaxed then, cocking her head to the side and moving towards him, sniffing curiously. He carried Zalen's scent as she did now, and while he didn't have the dominant posture of an Alpha or Beta, she could tell that she was supposed to submit by the body language he put forth.

Not having been around her own kind in the long months she'd been wandering, and having had only her mother as a teacher, Ciara was not immediately sure what she should do. She contemplated dropping to the ground and whimpering, maybe even rolling onto her back in complete submission as she had done with Zalen, but something told her that was to be reserved for the two highest ranks. Her ears, regardless, pinned back to her head and she dropped herself down into a crouch.

She hoped the male wouldn't think this as an attack position, and mentally cursed herself at the thought, but soon brought her tail down low to hug to her legs. It didn't slip between them, just tucked so it was pointing straight down. Silently, she prayed that this was what she was supposed to be doing. Ears back? Check. Tail down? Check. Head down? Check. Eyes do-...shit. Quickly, she dropped her gaze to the Epsilon's paws. If she needed to do anything else, she was sure either the male before her or the Alpha at her side would reprimand her.

Zalen Damaichu · 02-06-2012, 08:59 PM

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OOC :: WC :: 243

They arrived and Ciara sat herself down upon the ground, waiting for the arrival of the other members. Zalen strolled passed her to take up his usual spot atop a rocky mound outside the den. He laid down there, watching. The young female seemed so anxious, so worried, but it was to be expected, especially in meeting her new pack mates. Soon, the first arrived, it was Augustus. Zalen thought that perhaps others might not appear, but that was alright, they would all meet her in time.

Zalen returned the newly appointed Epsilon’s nod. He was very proud with Augustus, and glad at the decision he had made to give him the new rank. The young male was strong, and smart, and had been up every morning scouting; Zalen was impressed. But now was not the time to talk of such things, and he watched with keen eyes the subtle interactions of body language between the new Ciara and Augustus.

They both played the part well, and this brought Zalen joy. A well balanced pack structure would give them all peace, and that is what Zalen’s ultimate goal was, even if it meant harshly chiding those who went against his rules and wishes, like Noah had.

Zalen rested his chin upon his crossed paws, the complete visage of relaxation, Augustus, this is Ciara, she has just joined us. he said this happily, his voice not hiding his jubilant mood in the least bit.

Zalen Damaichu

Augustus · 02-06-2012, 09:34 PM

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OOC: || Word Count →320

Augustus stiffened a bit as the female sniffed him, inclining his head to do the same, poking here, prodding there, but gently. He whined happily, wagging his bushy white tail. He puffed up with pride to see the approval and happiness dancing in his Alpha’s apple green eyes, but was reminded of his duty. He’d have to breach the subject soon, but not now. Now was not the time to tarnish the celebration with such ill news, and he returned his attention to the yearling female before him. She was quick to submit, he observed with a satisfied smile, all but…When he saw her eyes peering into his own his tail gave pause and he was half a mind to reveal a single pearly dagger. She soon adjusted, and he was spared the effort. He was thankful, as this was a happy day for her. This day she gained more than she could have ever imagined: a family to keep her safe and warm, food he would be diligently providing, no doubt, and shelter. What more could she have hoped for? They would be a rock for her to build a foundation on, and he was happy for her.

His black rimmed ears twitched to his Alpha’s voice and he turned his head towards Zalen, before looked back at her as she was introduced. “Welcome sister,” He said his voice filled with hints of joy, echoing Zalen’s tones. He was sure she’d be happy here, for after all, he was happy here. New Dawn had seen a moon’s turn and still remained true to its name, securing the promises it had made, and offering even more. “I am the pack Epsilon.” He stated, giving word to his posture from before, “defender, and hunter of New Dawn. It is about time we had another female here…“ He paused and his muzzle broke out into a warm and widening smile. “Welcome home.”

Image credit to freelancah at deviantart

Ciara O'Callahan · 02-07-2012, 11:45 AM

(WC - 230+)

Welcome home…

Those were words she’d never heard before. Ciara had often dreamed of having a home while she was alone in the wild, searching for her own kind. Now that dream had come true, and the young wolfess could scarcely believe it. She had met these two older males, and already felt a sense of kinship with them. She knew that they would protect her, and provide for her, and she hoped to someday prove that she could do the same for them.

Hearing the happiness in his voice, the yearling let out a happy whine and tipped her head up, scuffling forward in her crouched position to poke her nose affectionately at the fur around the male’s neck. She moved her head, snuffing through the male’s fur and nuzzling lightly until delivering a carefully placed lick across his cheek. Some may see her as over-affectionate, but it had been so long since she’d seen another wolf that she really couldn’t help it.

After the display of affection, she raised herself from her crouching position, somehow sensing that once the initial, submissive greeting was over the wolf wouldn’t expect her to keep her belly in the mud. She glanced over the white-and-black furred male with a warm, still shy gaze.

“It’s nice to meet you, Epsilon,” she said, her voice finally confident. “Maybe someday I could hunt with you.”

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