[J][P] Gaming the system

Ezequiel Isoko · 03-15-2012, 08:33 PM

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Oh hai thar. Ezequiel is in Optime. In the writing of this post I discovered that Jackals have an absolutely adorable howl :3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiPug4tq_a4/+588

For the third time Ezequiel breathed deeply, taking in the scent of the border before him, wishing that he had been actually able to smell the scent of the pack before he had embarked on this venture; Tlantli's habit of disguising her scent had robbed him of even that reassurance.

There were so many things that could go wrong with this plan, so many ways for Ezequiel and Anita to get hurt; fuck, he didn’t even know for sure that he had followed Tlantli's directions correctly and found the correct pack. Too many potential errors and far too much trust was involved in this plan, but at the moment it was the only good option he could see.

There were many packs around this area but none other than the one before him that fit his needs. Many were weak in either population, philosophy or both and of those strong packs that he had found, one had almost wide open borders and one widely declared its presence and kept its population in one area for sleeping; an assassins dream.

The pack before him, then, was his best hope; both strong and secretive it fit his needs perfectly and if this plan went off smoothly he would not only gain acceptance into the pack but gain the foundations of a solid position within the pack. If it went off smoothly.

Still it was too late to back out now. Joining this pack was the only way for him to get some sleep at night without constantly worrying about waking up with a dagger in his back and from what he gathered the higher ranked Tlantli could cause him quite a lot of trouble before she left if he backed out on their deal. Perhaps he could use her leaving as a way to turn what she brewed up around… no, too risky. Best to just go with the plan and keep a dagger handy just in-case.

Still while a large amount of trust was required he was giving the yellow furred coyote no more than required. Anita was half a mile back and in hiding; only to come out when he had seen the leader dealing with his joining and was sure that things weren't going to go bad. Tlantli had provided good information on joining at least and Ezequiel had used the week since their meeting to prepare. In his right hand he held a staff like his own, carved at his own hands. Ezequiel lacked the resources to make a blade or colour the wood but he had used all of his skills on the weapon. The smooth, polished wood was both attractive and well balanced, carved with Celtic symbols similar to Ezequiel's own staff. The similarities were noticeable and would hopefully increase the gift's value. At Ezequiel's waist hung a jumble of leather which would serve as an adjustable holder for the staff; similar to Ezequiel's own but lacking the pockets, pouches and throwing knives his sported.

One last time Ezequiel let himself hesitate, running over the plan and things that could go wrong in his head before, with a sense of finality he stepped forwards, crossing the distance so he was only a few metres from the border and lifting back his head, letting a long howl, his jackal blood making the sound more high pitched than he would have liked and added deviation from his actual voice so he added direction to the sound, calling specifically for Tlantli in-case she didn’t recognise him from sound.

Tlantli Kimaris · 03-16-2012, 07:36 AM

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(370)

Tlantli is by me!

Trust was in short supply on the outskirts of Drifter Bay. The flaxen-haired coyote trusted few within the pack. Salvia was trustworthy to a certain point, she supposed, but she could not place too much faith in the daughter of the Auxiliary. She thought she might find an ally in Itachi, but she had not sought the former Protege out for herself. Her brother was even a gamble, but Miqui had taken to his role more readily and more easily than even Tlantli had expected. Their close proximity and her careful visitation with him prior to initiating this tryst might just be enough to insure they were not caught. That part was especially important with the added twist of Ezekiel. This part of the plan was more whim than anything else, but it also made appearances that she was striving for betterment in Salsola, too. This latter was important in these final weeks.

The yellow woman was no stranger to Salsola's borders, but she had paced them more frequently than usual in the preceding months, thanks to the attacks at the beginning of the year. It was an easy way to make herself appear useful without doing overmuch. This would serve her well when Ezequiel arrived, she'd figured, and it was just her luck she heard the call, high-pitched and distinctively unlike a wolf and rather unlike a coyote's cry. The tawny woman turned around and trotted toward the source of the noise, using her ears and then her nose to track him. She saw him, lurking just beyond the defined border of the pack, and moved toward him quickly.

As she approached, sharp blood-red eyes appraised the staff he clutched, her mouth twisting into a small grin. You brought gift. Good. You are ready, then? she asked, cocking her head to one side. She did not know this man, true enough, but this plan required mutual trust -- she thought him both calculating and honorable enough for her purposes. He was not yet blindly devoted to Salsola, though that might come in due time -- she intended to be far away by the time this occurred, however, and had made it plain to her companion.

Ezequiel Isoko · 03-16-2012, 08:57 PM

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Does Ezequiel know that Tlantli is planning to leave? I forgot./+300

Tlantli arrived fairly soon after Ezequiel called, greeting him and commenting on the staff he bore. Ezequiel took a moment before he replied, taking a few seconds to study the woman he would pretend to be mated to for before he answered her grin with his own, idly twirling the heavy staff in his hand with a practised ease, "Aye, I'm ready. Anita's just clearing up the camp, she'll be along soon." A lie, but there was no need to let Tlantli know of his lack of trust.

Not that he didn’t trust her at all, he wouldn’t be taking part in this plan if that were the case, but he was always much more cautious with Anita's health than his own; he could fight his way out of many a bad situation that she couldn’t after all.

This little thin'll serve well as a gift I hope then?" Ezequiel asked, jerking his hand to indicate the staff he held. Giving Tlantli a split second to reply Ezequiel then strode forward, moving close enough to Tlantli to make their story of a sudden mateship believable to a passer by but leaving the specifics of their stance, such as if they needed to be touching, up to her; she knew the tone of life in the pack better than him after all.

"Might as well give em a call an get it over with then aye? Unless there's anythin' last minute ya'd like ta tell me?" Ezequiel's words were casual, the jackal cross purposely exaggerated his Irish accent to make himself seem more comfortable around Tlantli but tension was evident in the tightness of his muscles and stance for a moment before he forced himself to relax with a deep breath, preparing himself to face the leader that Tlantli would call.

Tlantli Kimaris · 03-18-2012, 12:14 AM

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(409)
Hmm. Yes -- it would tie into her reasoning for wanting to fake the mateship? :3 Unless it'd be easier on you for him not to know. o: Small powerplay of arm-holding, if isn't okay, lemme know and I'll edit. Big Grin

Tlantli is by Alaine!

The pale coyote nodded as he mentioned the sister-canine. Tlantli had little care where she was concerned -- so long as she did not interfere with the flaxen Family member's planning, she was essentially irrelevant, at least with regard to Tla. The woman peered out to inspect the staff, but before she could reply, Ezequiel stepped forward, sliding toward her. He was of a height comparable to her own, but built just slightly more thickly than she -- though he seemed to be composed of similar sharp lines and lean structure, his lent toward true masculinity, while hers possessed the accursed curves and softness of feminity.

The sharp tips of her teeth showed in a fierce grin, and she moved just slightly closer, enough so that she might slide her arm beneath his, displaying their closeness with the demure air expected of them at first. She had explained they might fail -- but she thought otherwise. Eris was, if nothing else, willing to read into the signs where there was no truth, creating her own as she went along. They only needed to suggest mateship to their Auxiliary, and she would do most of the talking. The flaxen coyote was most assured of this, for she knew the ways the false priests and priestesses of the world -- no matter their faith -- operated.

Your gift is well-chosen. She likes pretty things, and she likes things she can give some belief to, the woman said, her voice soft. She did not intend Ezequiel to infer her meaning to be the staff was without its power, but she hoped he might understand this place was faith-misguided. Nevertheless, the rest of Salsola was strong -- perhaps in time, they'd see the inclinations of their Auxiliary for the folly they were. Tlantli hoped Salvia might usurp the position of her mother someday, for she was one to lead Salsola from darkness, if any other. We are ready, I think. Just let her talk -- she likes that, the hybrid said, shrugging.

The yellow-furred woman lifted her muzzle to the sky and issued a sharp cry, beckoning their Auxiliary to attend her on the outskirts of the pack. Tlantli herself was nervous, but she hoped it did not show in the coolness of her demeanor. They both played with fire, but she hoped the advance would prove worthwhile to Ezequiel, and furthermore, she hoped it would allow her to continue her own planning undisturbed.

Eris Eternity · 03-18-2012, 12:40 AM

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(721) Ugh long, sorry for spamming you with textwall posts. @_@ If it's any consolation, we should be able to get this wrapped up with like, one or two more replies. XD

Eris is by Alaine!

The call surprised her. The voice was not unfamiliar, but it was entirely unexpected. The hybrid stood from beside the river, glancing sourly down toward the slaves. The weir was almost complete, almost and almost again, but there was work to be done yet, and she was growing impatient with their progress. It would do her well to step away for some time, even more well to see what this was all about, this cry of attention from a most unexpected source.

The hybrid moved quickly toward the source of Tlantli's voice, pondering its meaning as she did. The woman had shown her face at the Last Supper, and Eris thought this -- accompanied with her increased activity within the pack -- might mean a path of redemption for the flaxen coyote. Sister or not, she has many miles to go, the woman thought. Her own children were not safe and free from the constraints of Salsola -- her dearest Salvia had advanced so far only due to her worth, not her blood and mother's position. That some of her children would inevitably face the Associate rank, as well, spoke to her devotion toward the pack.

The sight upon the borders surprised the dark woman, who allowed her surprise to display openly. She regarded Tlantli and her closeness with the stranger with bright chartreuse eyes, going so far as to cock her head to one side as she stopped some feet away from them. She put a hand to her hip and smiled, albeit uncertainly. Her eyes flickered to the slim coyote's lean companion, appraising him with a quick glance, and then returned to Tlantli. What do we have here?

Eris, the yellow-furred woman said, stepping forward with a bowed head. She greeted the Auxiliary in the customary way, delivering a submissive nuzzle to each side of the dark hybrid's cheek and waiting in return for her own greeting. When it was done, Tlantli stepped back beside the man. Eris's chartreuse eyes perceived their closeness and looked toward the Family member questioningly. This is Ezequiel Isoko, and I give him to your approval, she said, looking toward the man with an uncharacteristically girlish smile. It fit strangely on her razor-toothed muzzle, and Eris's eyes widened as the tawny coyote continued. For our mateship.

The woman's serpentine head tilted to one side, and she blinked her green-yellow eyes slowly, as if failing to comprehend. Tlantli? Mateship? Everything the tawny woman had said and done previously indicated disdain of the concept to Eris -- she had been slow to grant approval of Larkspur and see the value in him, had she not? Certainly, Eris's own choice of mate played no part in the former Crone's hesitation on Larkspur. You surprise me, Tlantli, she said, lifting one hand to idly inspect the claws on it. I did not think you the type for mateship at all.

The tawny woman's smile only broadened, and she shook her head. There are none in Salsola available for me, and none I'd have if they were, for one reason or another. Too much wolves and women, lo siento, my Auxiliary. She dipped her head to apologize for her frankness, and Eris shrugged. She was impartial to species, but she saw the truth in the tawny woman's words. This was no wolf standing beside Tlantli. I find mine outside of Salsola, and his strength will be the pack's strength, the coyote said. Better for me, better for Salsola, she concluded.

Eris considered this a long moment, cocking her coal-hued head to the side. Is this the truth of it, Ezequiel? she inquired. You love her, yes, yes, lovely -- but your loyalty, your strength. You pledge it to Salsola, she asked, pointing a long finger at Tlantli, for her? Or -- your wish is to have a pack? The dark woman did not care what her members did in their bedrooms and private dens -- what mattered was their heart's deepest loyalty -- that of Salsola. Tlantli's face soured appropriately, but this was good -- the dark woman should question his viability for Salsola before she addressed their mateship. She had educated Ezequiel on this point, that he should affirm loyalty to the group before his loyalty to her.

Ezequiel Isoko · 03-18-2012, 07:43 PM

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PP is fine and yeah, lets have Ezequiel know bout her leaving then. I assume Ezequiel has been told Eris' name./+593

Ezequiel remained silent and still for the most part, simply nodding in response to Tlantli's advice. When Eris arrived he remained silent, simply remaining behind Tlantli with his eyes averted and ears lowered slightly as was expected, until Tlantli introduced him.

If there was one thing Ezequiel prided himself on it was his control. Control of his body, control of his emotions and control of his voice. When under stress, such as now, Ezequiel tended to hyperfocus on this control, which was generally a beneficial thing. In battle it allowed him to control his movements nearly perfectly, in this situation everything about Ezequiel was perfectly balanced. His movements as he took a single step forward before dropping onto one knee, slowly bringing the staff round to be held out in-front of him for Eris to take when she saw fit, its position obviously that of a gift being offered.

" Eris ceannaire beannachtaí onóir, it is a pleasure to meet you." Ezequiel's Irish accent was strong as he automatically dropped into Irish for the formal greeting, his voice respectful to transmit the meaning of the phrase even though the words likely wouldn’t be understood.

Ezequiel was somewhat unsure of how to act as Eris talked to Tlantli, commenting of her surprise at the yellow furred coyote choosing a mate. If he remained too passive and silent he might seem weak, but if he butted in it might be taken as rude, something that he did definitely not want to display as a prospective pack joiner. Ezequiel took the middle ground, keeping quiet as the two spoke but speaking clearly and strongly when he was addressed, "Aye. I pledge my loyalty to Salsola and its leaders first and foremost." Ezequiel confirmed, voice tight and formal but not nervous, "I wish a pack just as much as I wish Tlantli, moreso even as I am responsible for another in that regard," Ezequiel added an appropriate amount of affection to his voice when he spoke of Tlantli, mind still going a mile a minute and overanalysing his actions,"I had been scouting the land the past few weeks, looking for a pack where me and my sister could settle. Salsola escaped my notice due to its position and those other packs I saw were either weak or unsuitable for one reason or another. I was due to leave the area to search other lands when I met Tlantli."

There was a rustle in the bushes behind them, though Ezequiel didn’t react as he had already recognised the scent within an instant and instead he simply spoke as Anita left the undergrowth and padded towards them, stepping lightly with her eyes low and dropping a holdall containing most of their belongings onto the ground and taking up a position to mirror Ezequiel's slightly behind and to the side of him. "Anita, my sister."He explained to Eris before turning his attention to Anita, moving his muzzle the slightest fraction to direct his voice backwards,"Tháinig tú go luath Anita" He spoke to her, toneign the words so they seemed like a simple greeting. There was a jangle as Anita knelt and out of the corner of his eye Ezequiel saw her holding a thin silver chain necklace studded with blue jewels out, just as Ezequiel held his staff. "Chuala mé ag caint leat Ezequiel, agus bhain sé sábháilte" Anita responded quietly, also toning her words like along winded greeting - it was useful knowing a language few others did - before falling silent along with Ezequiel as the two waited for Eris to say her piece.

Eris Eternity · 03-19-2012, 07:04 AM

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(473) Yus! <3

Eris is by Libri!

When first he spoke, it was all the coal-hued woman could do not to roll her eyes. Another one they'd have to struggle to communicate with -- as if Salsola did not possess enough foreign tongues to speak with whomever she desired? As he continued immediately, however, this impression was profoundly shattered, for English emerged from the man's muzzle. It possessed a lilting and almost whimsical sort of accent, one the dark-furred Auxiliary had never heard before. Her wolfish ears pricked forward to hear his speech, relishing the sounds of it as he spoke.

His words seemed scripted, as if they'd come from Tlantli, albeit filtered through a more educated and English-proficient mind. The dark woman studied her once-sister, who stood with her own head bowed, red eyes no higher than Eris's knees. The dark woman's gaze returned to Ezequiel, and she considered. As he finished speaking, however, a noise grabbed her attention, and she watched a third canine emerge from the bushes, this one a woman. The hopeful recruit introduced her as his sister, and Eris understood at once.

The life of a loner was difficult, and more difficult when one was burdened with the care of another. It was easy to spot Ezequiel as the stronger of this pair; Anita seemed to exude submission to Eris. She regarded this quietly, and listened to their exchange, understanding not a thing of it. Her muzzle wrinkled into a smile, and she peered toward Tlantli, who did not seem surprised in the least by the appearance of the other woman. Eris leaned forward and plucked the staff from the man's hands, inspecting its quality with her sharp chartreuse eyes. Finally, she nodded.

My sister has been kindly to me in the past. She legitimized my mateship with Larkspur. What kind of sister would I be if I denied her the same courtesy? the coyote spoke as if this was the obvious answer, as if no other course was even a possibility. Smiling toward the pack's new Associate and new Family member, she indicated they should rise and enter Salsola as members. Tlantli is ranked Family, and as our custom, she cannot mate one of the Associate rank -- you will therefore serve us as Family. This is a rare honor, she said, smiling sweetly. Do it justice. Anita, dear -- you must rise from the Associate rank, as most others. It is our way.

The coal-furred woman now turned her venemous eyes to Tlantli and offered her a smile, though her gaze still read plain distrust. Congratulations, dear sister, she said, grinning. Will we celebrate your new mateship? she asked, plainly switching from one dialect to the next -- a switch that might be painfully obvious to Tlantli, but might pass by the newer canines' notice.

Tlantli Kimaris · 03-19-2012, 07:25 AM

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(335)
Can end here if you want, or you can reply again? :3 Either way, ALL AS PLANNED for Ezequiel. PMing you. <3

Tlantli is by Nat!

The pallid coyote stood and waited, breathing only by forcibly reminding herself to do so every now and then. Her heart seemed to thunder, and it was miraculous Eris did not hear it. Still, Tlantli dared not look up, even as she listened to Ezequiel speak. He was doing everything right, so far as she could tell -- this did not mean they were immune to a perceived insult. Tlantli knew their coal-furred Auxiliary was fickle in that way, and she knew this dark queen was the truest weakness Salsola had. Sirius still frightened her too deeply for her to even speak of; she did not possess the same healthy fear of her subleader.

When Anita arrived, the flaxen coyote nearly screamed; instead, she clenched her jaw shut, hoping the exchange in their own tongue would not spoil the progress Ezequiel had made thus far. Their light tones made it seem more a greeting than any kind of informative exchange, however, and Tlantli could not say for certain what they spoke of. The coyote waited, growing lightheaded as she did so. When Eris finally spoke, the words nearly stole the yellow hybrid's breath away, and a thunderous feeling of triumph replaced her anxiety. So great was her feeling of success, the yellow-furred woman could barely follow the next words Eris spoke.

As the woman continued, however, the feeling of triumph receded abruptly, most sharply when the dark woman turned her absinthe-hued eyes toward Tlantli herself, speaking in casual tones. The wheat-colored coyote could hardly keep the sourness from her face, but she made herself shrug, forcing her own smile. Thankfully, it did not look nearly as false as it felt. I live a quieter life. Wild celebration is not what I want, she said, stepping close to Ezequiel again. Unless my mate wants different, she added, mustering a reassuring smile. All was well with Ezequiel -- things had gone as she'd anticipated with him. It was Tlantli who had been slighted.

Eris Eternity · 03-19-2012, 07:25 AM

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