in a safe place.

Thaddeus Dahmer · 08-20-2012, 09:41 AM

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ooc.
Dear GOD, I am rustier than....a rusty thing.
Backdated to the morning of the 19th.

ic.

Though his footfalls were quiet and his passage through the area went mostly unnoticed, Thaddeus Dahmer couldn't shake the unease that coursed through his body. He was not used to travelling in this way – out in the open without sticking to the shadows. And to make things worse, the dusty cowl he wore served only to make him even more conspicuous. In the urban lands of his former home, his clothing would have aided the male in blending into the background. He would move amongst the shadows, leaping from roof top to roof top as he chased his quarry. And at the end of the chase a life would be ended with a swift leap – silent and deadly. No one would see him coming, and certainly he wouldn't be spotted leaving. Not unless he wanted to be. That was when he wanted to send a message. But now? He didn't even travel through the tree tops, forcing himself to stay on the ground and out in the open. It went against all his training and Dahmer had to ignore the shouting in his head telling him to take to the trees. Instincts that would take a while to control and ignore. It was all bred into him, rules and behaviour instilled in him since he was a young pup.

He shook his head forcefully, the hood of his robes falling forward and casting his face in shadow. That was then. He had turned his back on all of that. Memories threatened to break through his careful control, and the massive brute fought hard to keep them at bay. Not now. He paused in his step, bringing a gloved hand across his eyes as he struggled for possession of his wayward thoughts. He had no time for this! With practised discipline the young male reigned in his thoughts and pulled them from the painful avenues they sought. It was more important to focus on the present – the future, even. He couldn't dwell on the past and its damaging properties. He couldn't take any of it back, the wolf knew that all too well. But he could remove himself from it and set out for brighter horizons. Take comfort from the positives. He was able to leave intact. Physically, at least. And he was better off in some circumstances, wasn't he? The male boasted a particular set of skills and possessed tools of the trade, both mental and physical. And above all, he had his honour. Something that had stuck with him from the beginning. Something that had led him from there to here after all this time. The negative things would certainly continue to haunt him for some time, but for now he needed to force it to fall along the wayside. There were more important things to focus on.

Dahmer halted his steps entirely, his shrewd eyes seeking out potential danger. There was nothing to note, aside from the breeze through the trees and the soft sounds of activity caused by the lesser animals. Since he wasn't hunting, their noises meant nothing to him. The male took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air around him. There were no screams of terror or anger for him to hear, The crashing sound of pursuit was absent and the stench of fear hadn't bombarded his nostrils for weeks now. He had finally escaped. There was only one last thing he needed to do to leave it behind. It took him a few more moments of thought, and a great deal of concentrated effort. The male's next actions were symbolic in many ways – their true significance important only to him and perhaps a few others he dared not think of.

He moved slowly, as though gravity suddenly increased. The large wolf's movements were careful and deliberate, as though a great deal of thought went into every flex of his muscle. And it had. He slowly peeled off each glove and tucked them carefully away in a compartment of the bag that had been on his shoulder up until a few moments ago. Unconsciously, the male patted the pouch where they now lay, unsure of when he'd ever use them again. But that was what he wanted, wasn't it? As if to confirm this thought he barely wished to acknowledge, the male nodded slightly and continued in his labours. His next actions were even more hesitant and careful in the extreme. After a few moments of deliberation and long familiar motions, Thaddeus Dahmer's most important tool was removed from his right forearm. Instead of packing the hidden blade away immediately as he had done with the gloves, the scarred male took a few moments of quiet reflection. Somehow the removal of this crucial weapon felt like the most significant thing he'd done so far. Even more so than simply leaving his former home. Irreversible, somehow. Even though he knew he could go back to it any time he wished – putting it away as he did now felt final. But he did it anyway, pulling the belt to the compartment tight. From here on out, everything seemed easy. The male quickly removed his robes and other dressings, packing them away as well. He was now completely bare, save for the pack that held all his belongings. His entire past.

Certain he was on the outskirts of a claimed territory – a place he wished to call home, the werewolf pierced the sky with a polite request for company. This was another new sensation for the former assassin. To call out for someone, deliberately giving away his position. But how else were they supposed to find him? He certainly couldn't step past the boundaries and seek out a pack member. No matter how things worked in his past, Dahmer was entirely aware of decorum. No, he would wait patiently for someone to come to him.

Pale blue eyes squinted at the sun as it filtered through the branches and leaves around him. He set his bag aside and concentrated further, determined to complete the last step to his ritual. Several moments later he was on all fours – a form he had not been in a long time. Dahmer was surprised – he had expected to feel panicked, like an outcast in his skin. But as he stood there, feeling the ground firm beneath his paws he couldn't find a trace of anxiety in his body. Somehow, in spite of everything, Dahmer felt as though he was exactly where he needed to be. Who he needed to be. He was comfortable and even glad to have shed his former self. It would all catch up to him later – in the hours before sleep, his anxieties would seize him again and he would toss and turn amongst a sea of doubt. But for now, all he could feel was the sweet sensation of relief. With this emotion guiding his actions, the male nudged the bag that possessed his past up over his head and onto his shoulders before stepping forward and into his new life.

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Hadley · 08-20-2012, 02:40 PM

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OOC here!

Caring for his family gave the carver a sense of pride. Down with the horses this morning he'd gently patted and checked over Blessing. She snorted, still upset about the impromptu milking she'd been given. He'd had to give Amatha something though. It had quieted the pup, and he'd been able to keep her calm. He went slowly through all of the stalls, making sure the horses had enough to eat before leaving, thinking about the new repairs he was doing to the shop he had been given.

The polite howl caught Hadley's attention. Pausing he considered ignoring it before changing direction and heading to the border. He might as well see if it was someone seeking help. He traveled fairly swiftly before pausing just on the edge of the woods, eyes riveted to the large wolf before him. Dark swirls surrounded him, death in the very air around him. All the scarred hybrid wanted to do was turn tail and run. Instead, he stiffened his frame, and came forwards, trying to look fierce. Why are you here? At least his voice didn't catch.

Thaddeus Dahmer · 08-20-2012, 04:41 PM

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ic.

The massive male didn't have to wait long before he heard the footsteps of someone answering his call. His ears moved quickly and Dahmer was able to zero in on the approaching wolf quickly. This all came naturally to him, swiftly – he was able to position himself in order to greet the pack member. It was simple, something he did every time another came across him. What he did next, however went against his very grain, the thousands of hours of training he'd devoted his life to. Instead of moving to greet the stranger head on, Dahmer stood rooted in one spot and gave control of the situation to his greeter. This was difficult – he was used to always having the upper hand in situations like this. In fact, one of his favourite jobs back home had been patrolling the mountain borders of his old home. He enjoyed the the difficulties that came with such a job. Deciding whether or not a newcomer was welcome or a threat – and then acting accordingly to each situation. He was always rigidly in control.

But now – this was something different. To add to his discomfort, Dahmer forced himself to lower his head, craning his heck so his throat was easily accessible. It was more difficult than the assassin could believe possible. It wasn't that he detested giving up power – or even being submissive. He had just been taught his whole life that his position kept him elevated above any dominance issues a regular pack would have. Even with the elders, submission had been entirely disregarded. The members all showed deference to the higher ranks in different ways. None of it involved exposing their necks. It was too dangerous. Luckily for Dahmer, he was still well versed in proper pack protocol and he knew how to act. That didn't make it easy.

He was also well aware of Hadley's unease, despite the wolf's admirable attempts to show otherwise. Dahmer wasn't exactly sure why the pack member seemed so tense, but he acknowledged the other male's compensation by making himself even smaller. He knew nothing of the wolf's keen ability and as a result the assassin merely assumed that all 'normal' border interviews proceeded in this manner. He acknowledged the stranger's question with a nod, careful to keep his gaze focused on the greeter's chin, refusing to allow it to venture any higher. And here there was a slight pause – did he delve into his entire story right here, or go for a more simple answer? Simple seemed best. Details could be requested easily and he'd readily comply. But for now, he figured sticking to the point was his best option. To start anew, while escaping the past. His words were soft and deliberate, infused with politeness. He figured that an outright request for sanctuary would be a little abrupt – something he should ease into. He didn't want to appear too hasty, after all.

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Hadley · 08-20-2012, 05:39 PM

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OOC here!

Being the focused attention of the wolf only made Hadley more nervous, eyes watching the black matter swirl around the wolf. Why did killers keep coming to this pack? He just wanted to be left in peace. Of course, that wasn't really an option now that he had a family that expected him to protect them. Wrenching his eyes Hadley looked at the actual monstrous wolf, eyes tracing over the large form that stood before him. Being bigger than him only made Hadley feel slightly better.

Silence hung in the air, the wolf shrinking to make himself even smaller. So much for keeping his unease a secret. He probably stank of fear. The answer that came to him was simple, Hadley mulling it around in his head to try and find a secret motive. What past are you escaping? Would he admit to killing? Hadley didn't know what the response would be, just that coming to the borders now seemed like a very bad idea. Perhaps he should howl for someone to come deal with this.

Thaddeus Dahmer · 08-21-2012, 02:16 AM

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ooc.
I apologize for how clumsy the writing is. I think I fell asleep like, three times while typing it up.

ic.

He would have to be very ignorant indeed to expect the greeter to leave Dahmer's answer where it remained. Who wouldn't want more details? It wasn't as though the two were meeting each other in passing – trading words and pleasantries for a few moments before moving on with their lives. He was requesting to become a member of the wolf's pack and family. Of course it was necessary for him to pass along more information. Each description would act like a spade, allowing the wolf to delve deeper into his past. A new pack and home may be his potential future – but the past clung to him carefully, along for the ride. Emotional baggage always needed to be checked in. He couldn't leave it unattended. It was stuck with him for good. But how much was it appropriate for him to divulge? Did he need to offer up every detail he could remember? Or was a brief summary acceptable? Perhaps the cliff notes were the best option for now. If Hadley required more information, there would be no one stopping him from seeking it. Honesty was the best policy.

He paused for a moment, remaining silent and perfectly still while he contemplated how to begin. The male rearranged the words in his head, struggling to place them in proper order before he offered them up to the wolf before him. First things first, though: My name is Thaddeus Dahmer. I go by Dahmer, though. I came from the West, a several weeks journey. He paused here and bowed his head in greeting. The male kept his voice soft and respectful, working hard to keep the doubt from his tone. He wasn't entirely sure why the wolf before him was so uneasy. He knew he cut an imposing figure – and he could certainly be menacing when he wanted. But his posture currently suggested anything but danger. He was the poster child for submission. So why was this male so agitated by him? Did all potential joiner interviews work this way? He couldn't be certain. While Dahmer patrolled the borders back home, wolves were never accepted into his part of the pack. They were born into it, chosen at a young age. If any wolf wanted to live in the valley, they were redirected to the main pack – where new memberships were welcome.

In any case, Dahmer figured that the truth was his best option in this situation. He wanted to escape from his past, yes – but he certainly didn't want to deny it all. No, it wasn't a secret. The land I come from has been plagued with war for many, many years. I was born into a special sect of our pack – assassins. It was our job to infiltrate enemy territory and to bring down the enemy from within. Swiftly, carefully and silently. We were a chosen few and we were very good at our jobs. He shook his head here, eyes mournful. I spent my entire life following this path; unaware there were other options. Now I am. I've grown tired of the fighting and all I seek is sanctuary. A break from the violence. I have family who used to live here, long ago and I hope to find whatever it is that kept him here.

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Hadley · 08-21-2012, 11:40 PM

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OOC is fine. add in leader needed to post? and do forgive his deep paranoia. he has his reasons

Silence hung between them, the hybrid fully prepared to drive the wolf off at the slightest hint that he was denying what Hadley knew he truly was. With a daughter to protect, letting a killer into the pack was the last thing that he wanted. He listened carefully, memorizing the name so he would know who to warn the others about. The first information was basic, just telling him where he had come from. Hadley wouldn't be able to check to see if that was true, but he seemed honest enough as he spoke.

A land of war. That would explain the deaths on the wolf's head. He almost choked when the next words were spoken, panic shooting through his frame. Not an assassin! Not someone like Amy! The horror just rose as the wolf spoke, admitting to entering enemy territory and killing those inside from within. Disbelieving the words Hadley let out a deep howl, calling for someone to come. Hadley wasn't a warrior by any means. Someone else would have to help him.

Ismeme · 08-22-2012, 12:21 AM

Isa had heard the howl and was going to greet the stranger, but decided to take her time and make sure Amatha was comfortable first. Wrapping the small pup in soft furs, Isa held her close to her own body as she headed towards the border. She got there just in time to hear the man talk about his past. Apparently he had lived the life as an assassin as well. At least he was looking to make a better life for himself. Hadley couldn’t see that though. All he saw was a killer standing before him.

She stepped forward, placing Amatha in Hadley’s arms. Love, everything is fine. Just calm down alright? She turned to face the newcomer and offered a bow of her head as a greeting. Hello stranger, I heard you were looking for a new path to follow. What do you have to offer Casa di Cavalieri? She looked him over and it was clear that he was strong and he seemed willing to leave the life of an assassin behind. Perhaps he would make a fine addition to the pack.

Jazper Rhiannon-Knight · 08-22-2012, 01:44 AM

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OOC:
Word Count: 300+

He had heard the call but had been packing up some new furs for Skye and his soon to be pups to use. He knew a thing or two about births and believed the furs would come in handy with the little ones and the up coming fall. There wasn’t much time left before the sun would be high in the sky and Jazper did not want to be traveling into the night. Ideally he would have preferred to leave earlier but Sophia had been a pleasant surprise at the boarders, losing him a good chunk of travel time as he got her settled into the Fort. Finally he found Vito munching on the grass by some trees and was about to lead him to the cart when Hadley’s call echoed through the pack lands. Grumpily looking to his horse, who nickered knowing Jazper only called on him to pull the cart, he grumbled “I’ll be back for ye’” before jogging away and towards the source of the call.

It took some time for him to arrive by the boarders, long enough for Ismeme to have arrived and begin questioning the new arrival. Relaxing into a slow walk he came to a stop a couple of feet short of the large male. Casa was full of many large males and Jazper was unusually large, standing over most of the males he came across, so the size of the man before him did not faze him, especially with submissive body language. With a crooked smile he looked over the newcomer, “Welcome to Casa di Cavalieri, I’m the Alpha, Jazper Rhiannon-Knight.” Looking to the mated pair he added, “I trust Hadley and Ismeme have already welcomed you properly.” Turning his body so that he was no longer blocking the two members from the stranger he turned his golden eyes to them and back to the male questioningly, “What can I do for you all?” He figured that the multicolored male on the boarders was either a joiner or causing trouble but regardless he knew that between the three of them he would get the right information.

Thaddeus Dahmer · 08-22-2012, 09:45 PM

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ooc.
I apologize for the wait!

ic.

During his weeks of travel, it was interesting to note the different reactions to his presence. Most revealing was the response he got whenever a stranger became aware of his former position. Throughout his youth, Dahmer had always been treated differently because of what he was. Yes, different – but he was also greatly respected. There was no negative stigma when it came to the Assassins of Jasper Valley. They were considered heroes. Dedicated warriors who put their lives in danger for the good of the pack – they never questioned it, they were born for it. But the further the male got from his former home, the darker his legacy appeared to be tinted. It was confusing, to say the least. He was well aware that many had reasons to fear assassins – of course. Their job was simply to kill. But wasn't that what a warrior did as well? As far as Dahmer knew, the only differences between a warrior and an assassin were special training and secrecy. It baffled him exceedingly. But as confused as these reactions made him, the massive male remained respectful. If he was asked to leave, he did so immediately without starting trouble.

So when Hadley reacted immediately to his honest words, Dahmer braced himself. There was silent for a few seconds, and then a howl ripped through the air. His ears shot forward in surprised and the male took an involuntary step back. Was he supposed to leave now? He understood now that not every one revered assassins. In fact, it was quite the opposite. And he'd dealt with hostility, but it had never become physical, Dahmer made sure of that. He was good at judging situations – and before anything deteriorated too badly, the male would apologize and take his leave. But this right here – he hadn't even been given a chance to react. One moment the greeter was asking him questions, and the next he was calling for back up! The male's eyes were wide with disbelief. He was still in a submissive pose and had begun to pull out of it when he heard another voice. Damn it! He cursed inwardly. They must have been close to begin with. He'd been so focused on the unpredictable one's movements that he hadn't even given a thought of anyone else arriving immediately. Oh, how his trainer would have made him pay for that.

Unwilling to start anything, Dahmer was about to turn to go when the newcomer arrived on scene. When he saw her though, all the fight went out of him. He noticed several things at once. She had some sort of connection with his initial greeter – the look of concern she'd shot at him initially suggested this, and it was confirmed when she passed the child to him. That was the second thing Dahmer noticed – the sight which had taken the fight from him. He loved children. Everything they stood for – a freedom he'd never thought he was capable of having, tenderness and a bright future. Seeing youth forced his thoughts down avenues full of pain, yearning and regret. But he was never bitter about it. As soon as the massive male's eyes rested on the young one, the cool blue depths softened immediately, his lips curving up with the hint of a smile. The behemoth pulled his gaze away quickly, aware that no one would appreciate a suspicious stranger ogling their child.

The last thing Dahmer noticed was the way the new stranger carried herself. She was much calmer and certainly more sure of herself in this situation. Of course, he had no idea she used to be an assassin as well, but his keen eyes were still able to appreciate the grace with which she carried herself. He felt himself able to relax marginally. He didn't have to worry about unpredictability here – she didn't seem nervous at all. When she spoke, he gave his head an answering bow – both as a greeting and a motion deferring to her dominance. He was about to respond when another presence made itself known. This was new to Dahmer – when he patrolled his clan's borders there was never an incident in which more than one other wolf was summoned to assist. Then again, their pack was never open to newcomers – all potential joinees were sent directly to the main pack in Jasper Valley. And thanks to the secrecy involved in their existence, no enemies were ever able to find the place. Strangers only arrived by stumbling upon the area as a result of luck. This was an entirely different situation, though. He would have to adapt to the changes and land on his feet as he always did.

The male's head bowed once again, deeper than before. He was immediately able to tell that the newest stranger was someone important. Head of the guard, trusted Advisor or even the alpha male himself. The way the large male carried himself left no doubt. He was on two legs, so Dahmer wasn't able to judge whether or not they'd be the same size. Not that it mattered, anyway. Another introduction was called for. Good morning, sir. My name is Thaddeus Dahmer, but almost everyone calls me Dahmer. I heard about these lands a long time ago from a distant family member. I'd like to start over with a new life, and I was hoping to be able to do it here.

He wasn't positive whether or not Jazper had heard Isa's question, but the male felt it only polite to answer her. I have no interest in returning to my past position – but I am a highly trained warrior. Should it ever be needed though. I specialize his scouting, stealth and attack strategy. I've had some training in the medical field and while I enjoy it, my true interest lies in carpentry. He fell silent for a moment, gaze flickering to Hadley. I realize I have sinister past and I make no effort to hide or deny it. I also don't regret it – those I hunted were killers of children and the defenceless. Had they been allowed to live, the tragedies they would have caused would be great indeed. That being said, I grew tired of the life I was living. He couldn't stop his gaze from landing hungrily on the young pup in Hadley's arms. It wasn't a suspicious look by any means, merely devastating in its yearning. Dahmer's tone turned wistful. I realized that in order to have the life I wanted, I would have to go. A deep sigh here, and a slight hitch to his words. Even if it meant leaving the ones I loved behind. I need a future. He looked up at Isa for a moment before respectfully lowering his gaze once again.

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Hadley · 08-22-2012, 10:10 PM

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OOC here!

The assassin looked fearful. Perhaps he knew this was a pack of trained warriors. Perhaps they would be able to deal with this killer, this monster before he entered the pack. He wouldn't let his mate and pup near him! He stood ready to fight, to do what little he could to keep his family safe. The nearby voice only panicked Hadley more, growling in dismay. What was she doing here? He wasn't going to calm down! He wanted to take Isa back into the fort, as far away from the black entity as possible. The young pup was dropped in his arms, eyes wide and curious as she moved around. She was growing too fast, and soon would be wandering around.

He held the pup tightly in his arms, backing up slightly. A growl broke from his lips at the question. He's a killer! He'll hurt you. Hadley stepped forward, trying to grab Isa's arm and tug her back while attempting to keep Amatha balanced at the same time. Gentle blue eyes stared down at Dahmer, a bright grin on the pup's face as she looked at the stranger. Jazper's arrival relieved Hadley immensely. If Sebastian was there he would have been able to calm right down. For now though, he had to trust his sole. His ears flattened a little, still convinced they should get rid of the stranger. Catching the male's look he pulled farther back, trying to shield Amatha from view, despite the pup's clear delight in the wolf's interest.

Ismeme · 08-22-2012, 10:38 PM

Hadley was just being difficult. Did he not listen to what Dahmer said? She gave Hadley a stern look when he attempted to pull her back. She would not be forced back. Even if anything did happen, she could handle herself just fine. Hadley stop this. Did you hear what he just said? He went after those who attacked pups like Amatha. He isn’t like Amy so calm down. Isa didn’t like being dominant over others but she wouldn’t get through to him otherwise. She held herself up tall, hoping he would listen to her.

She turned her attention to Jazper for a moment as she spoke. I apologize my Sole, I only wanted to calm Hadley down. It really wasn’t her place to assert her dominance when in the presence of her Sole. She may have a higher rank than her mate but with Jazper around, it just felt wrong to do so. Isa looked back to the newcomer, hoping he wouldn’t just leave. I understand where you’re coming from. I too come from an assassin family. I know what it’s like to want to escape that lifestyle. It certainly seems like you are wanting to do good for the pack and I respect your decision to give up your old life for something you want. In my opinion, you seem like you would fit into the pack well and I would be more than happy to show you around myself. With our Sole here, the decision is his to make. She nodded to Jazper before stepping back and allowing him to evaluate Dahmer himself.

Jazper Rhiannon-Knight · 08-22-2012, 11:47 PM

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OOC:
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As far as Jazper was concerned Dahmer’s speech had been very well presented and was clear-cut, he wanted to start over. He had heard the story before and already knew the questions to ask and what to be weary of. When it came to assassins you could never quite be too careful but the Knight considered himself capable of leading the lot of warriors and the man at his boarders was no different, though he found it off that a wolf who specialized in killing others would arrive in his feral form. It was Hadley’s outburst that actually caught his attention, drawing his entire body to turn to the brown hued man and his daughter with a curious gaze, but he didn’t get a word out before his mate spoke up, snapping at him.

It was very rare in Casa for members to display dominance but the Sole dare not reprimand Ismeme, he trusted she knew what was best for the nervous ex-slave. Although Hadley had made a lot of advances since he joined the warrior pack Jazper knew he still required extra attention sometimes. "That’s fine Ismeme." He said cooly before returning his gaze to her mate. "Hadley. It’s okay my brother. He can’t step foot on my land without my permission. Trust me." His words were said in a reassuring manner but the underlying message was there, he was the Alpha of the pack and he needed Hadley to trust him.

Being done with the two pack members he returned his sun kissed face to Dahmer, "You can relax Dahmer. All is well." Jazper enjoyed some submission every now and then, particularly from other larger males, but he didn’t care much for making joiners grovel near the ground as though looking at an Alpha would burn their eyes. Nibbling on the inside of his bottom lip he thought for a moment before speaking. "Casa di Cavalieri is home to many warriors who are expected to keep up on their training, I’m afraid this isn’t much different to your previous lifestyle. However, Casa is a home and safe place first and foremost. Everyone is expected to carry their weight in a skill other than fighting."

Pausing for a moment to think before he spoke he continued, "I care deeply about each and every member on my lands and expect them to work for the better of the pack as they would a family member. Each member has a duty to each other and to me to defend out lands and those in need. We have many friendships with packs and it is part of our mission to reach out to the other packs and remind them that we are a safe haven for all." Glancing back at Hadley to check on his body language he arrived at his first question, “You say you wish to change your lifestyle. Do you believe that you will be able to work towards a connection with those in Casa or are you more inclined to keep to yourself? Are you prepared to be an active part of a family?” It was his experience that most trained assassins preferred to work alone.

Thaddeus Dahmer · 08-24-2012, 09:52 PM

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ooc.
Sorry for the wait. And the length!

ic.

He was acutely aware Hadley's ever increasing anxiety. As a result, he was feeling more and more uneasy. He felt bad for causing such a disturbance, but he also couldn't help but worry about his own situation. Would the other two yield to his concerns and turn him out? He had no concerns about escaping safely – that would be easy. Dahmer certainly had no intentions of fighting if they turned on him. He wanted to escape from his former life – but death certainly wasn't a route he intended on taking.

The wolf's thoughts were distracted by Hadley's growl and the angry words he spat. He turned slightly, ears flicking to catch the male's warning. He didn't look directly at him, afraid of what it might incite in the male. He also didn't speak. He didn't know anything of Hadley's past. As far as Dahmer knew, the male just had a child to look after – and that was reason enough to want to keep dangerous strangers at bay. He wished he could inform the worried wolf just how off base his worries were. And if it weren't such a serious situation, Dahmer would have let a smile break through his disciplined expression. He loved puppies dearly. Hell, they were one of the reasons he had left home. As much as his clan honoured the young, assassins his age never bore children. This was especially difficult for Dahmer – in Jasper Valley, wolves half his age were settling down in order to make families. They were able to because the assassins were keeping them safe. It's why they did what they did. And family wasn't restricted from them by any means. But who would want to bring a child into such upheaval? Who would be able to say goodbye to their sons or daughters and then head out on a mission, unsure or whether they'd return or not? Dahmer refused to force such uncertainty on a family. But now....now that he was gone – well, this was his chance, wasn't it?

The male had been keeping his gaze respectfully to the side, his blue eyes blank. When Ismeme spoke, however – they flickered to her and rested there a moment. He didn't smile at his words, but the male's eyes warmed considerably and it was as though he was smiling anyway. He had a feeling she understood exactly what he was going through. Dahmer couldn't say why – except that his intuition told him, and it was usually right. She finished speaking and he offered her a thankful nod, head bowing gratefully. It was deferred to the one in charge, of course – and Dahmer turned his attention to the large male. He kept silent, merely nodding almost imperceptibly when Jazper reassured Hadley. He wouldn't get one step into the territory without permission. That was never debatable. He hoped the nervous male would be able to trust the one in charge.

The attention was then turned to himself. A huff of gratitude escaped his lips when Jazper gave him leave to relax. He did so almost immediately, lifting his head to a more comfortable level. He was able to look around more effectively and in doing so was immediately regretful that he'd shifted. For some reason, it had felt necessary to him – a part of his personal ritual, symbolically shedding his former life. He also hadn't been sure which form the natives preferred. His wolf form felt most humble. Jazper began speaking again, and all thoughts were pushed aside as he focused on the Sole. There was a lot to be said, and Dahmer sat silently while he took it all in. When it seemed as though the Sole was finished speaking, he offered a smile and remained silent for a moment more as he gathered his thoughts and chose his words. Now to string them together to form something coherent. First things first. Thank you, sir. His words were soft, referring to the alpha's permission to relax. It made things a bit easier – this wasn't an interrogation. It wasn't a picnic by any means, either. But still. Easier. I'm not sure how to put this without it sounding...off. It wasn't the lifestyle I was opposed to. We were all warriors – just a little more active than many. My family and its pack have been at war with another clan for many years now. I was just in a sect of warriors with more...specialized training. He paused, unsure of how to proceed. He didn't like killing – he didn't want any of them to think that. But he was capable of doing what it took to keep others safe. And he could do it very well. That wasn't what he objected to, although – certainly a peaceful life was better than any that involved fighting.

What bothered me was the secrecy and the isolation. The inability to comfortably start a family without worry. You are all familiar with wars, yes? Another pause, as though he was waiting for everyone to nod. In war...those you love are always foremost in your thoughts. And they can always be used against you. I didn't want that for any family of mine. That's not a life. His gaze moved unconsciously to Ismeme and Hadley's child for a few seconds before it returned to the leader. He had no issues when it came to working together as a family. What he hated was working alone. And while many assassins were trained to remain solitary in their duties, (and of course, he had completed many missions by himself) what they honoured most was family. It was what they fought for. I left my former home specifically because I wanted a family. I could have left the guild itself and remain in our main back with the civilians...but I wouldn't have been able to stop. Does that make sense? He was struggling to make them understand, fearful that he was merely babbling now. I wouldn't have been able to stay back while my comrades left for missions. I needed more distance. He fell silent once more, unsure of what to say next. Was there anything left for him to address? His thoughts were in a tangle and the male was finding it difficult to sort them all out. Surely Jazper would prompt him if he missed something.

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Hadley · 08-24-2012, 10:31 PM

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OOC here!

The scarred hybrid's ears flattened to his skull at Isa's words. He felt that he was being reasonable, trying to protect his mate and pup. His eyes dropped to the ground, tail lowering down. It wasn't that she was being incredibly harsh. It just didn't take much to get him to back down, as naturally submissive as he was. He still clutched Amatha tightly, refusing to let her go out and sniff the new stranger. This was one of the few times he wasn't going to let her have her way and stand strong. He didn't want her to get hurt. No matter what she said, Dahmer had the blackness around him, and he wouldn't trust the wolf.

Isa wasn't a killer. He knew that. He knew Isa very well, even fighting against her. The truth was the lifestyle she had lead hadn't given her the black stains that her sister bore. She didn't know what she spoke of. Jazper's calm words sent him submitting completely, crouching down and trying to make himself small, tail tucked high. Of course. He wasn't in charge here. There were other wiser heads that were leading. All he could do was his best. Now he had to let them deal with this enemy in the way that they thought best, Hadley's head low. All the assurance they gave him, as good as it was, couldn't erase what he saw.

The sole's warm words filled the air, soothing the large male. Amatha was whimpering at this point, struggling to get on the ground and start walking. Gently he stroked her, eyes not leaving the ground before him. Much of the tension eased from his frame, remembering the safety the pack granted him. It wouldn't let in those that would cause harm. Not his home. Dahmer spoke, his voice even. Hadley wished to leave, but now felt rooted to the spot, simply waiting and listening as the conversation passed through.

Jazper Rhiannon-Knight · 08-25-2012, 12:57 PM

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OOC:
Word Count: 300+

He felt bad for Hadley, who was now tucked into a protective ball low to the ground, clutching onto a squirming pup. He seemed to relax a little with his reassurance but that didn’t help Jazper’s guilt. The brown hued new father was a special case in Casa and required extra patience and many kind words. The last thing the Sole wanted to do was to break his trust or minimize his already small self-esteem but he couldn’t turn away someone based on an assumption about a past they knew nothing about. Perhaps Dahmer was a killer, but so were many within the pack lands. Casa di Cavalieri was a place where many members had experience fighting, protecting, and killing. Even the Sole himself had killed a couple of wolves himself, though always in protection of someone else. There was a thin line between murderer and hero and Jazper had no intention of allowed murderers into the pack lands.

Smiling gently as the assassin’s body language relaxed and he began to look around openly Jazper spoke reassuring him further, “Respect is a must in Casa but it is very rare that we exercise dominance and submission.” The leader liked to believe that members simply did what they were asked when asked and there was no need for anyone to snarl to get things done. There were very few cases when he himself had put a member into their place. Now he stood silently, relaxed and happy to listen to the newcomer’s case. The words solidified what the Knight had already thought, Dahmer was simply trying to change his lifestyle, start new and his plea of wanting a family made the warrior king nod along.

“Well it seems like you have a good heart and head on your shoulders Dahmer. I believe your story. I know that it’s difficult to change your ways without starting completely over and a new pack is always a good means of pursuing that.” Turning his head to the Gambi he hoped that Hadley would not take his next actions poorly. “You’ll start off in the Prova rank and have to work your way up through a bit of hard work and dedication. I suggest you get to know your pack mates since they are the ones you’ll be working with and for. Welcome aboard.” With that it was done, Dahmer would be part of Casa and there was no way around it. For Hadley’s sake Jazper hoped the new members proved that he was right to let him in.

Congratulations!

Here are some things that we suggest you take a look at, now that you've been accepted:

Check out the Game to see how you can start collecting points for fun prizes!
Look at the Map and Territory Descriptions to see the various places your character can explore within the pack.
Look over the list of Co-Ranks that are available for you character to pursue once they reach the Famiglia rank.
Please read our Policies and IC Laws & Punishments so that you and your character can abide by Casa di Cavalieri's standards.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Melissa or Aly and we will do whatever she can to help you! If you're ready to get to roleplaying right away, post in the Thread Requests forum or snag an Open Thread!

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