[J] The traveller in the dark
#1
Ottilie had heard tell of the Anathema pack on her travels; a place for misfits, occultists and criminals, thieves and liars. A place with an understandably dark reputation, a reputation that appealed to her. She doubted that the pack would be accepting of her terrible habit, but no matter-- she had kept it secret since it had begun, she could continue to do so now. But here, she suspected, one of her temperament may find more of a place than in other packs. And, if it didn't work out, well. Her home had wheels; she could always leave.

Said home rolled up to the border before Ottilie pulled on Svadilfari's reigns, calling the draught horse to a stop. The coyote was sat in the doorway of her wooden caravan, leaning against the door, feet dangling over the edge. It was a position she was accustomed to, as it was the only real way to drive the caravan. She hopped down from her perch, patting a hand over Svadilfari's neck as she passed him. The Percheron huffed at her and stood placidly.

Ottilie strode confidently to the border, yawning and rubbing her neck as she did so. There was no trepidation in her stance, no submission in her pose. That changed quickly however-- she dropped her ears and tail, lowering her head to make herself seem 'meek'. It was not something hat came naturally to her, but she managed. She tilted back her head and let out a howl to announce her presence. She didn't want to just mooch around at the border in the hopes of being discovered, after all.

Now all there was to do was wait, she suppose. Svadilfari nickered, stomping a hoof restlessly. Hush, dear. Ottilie chided, sending the horse quiet.
#2
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The mutt left the darkness of the caves, to welcome the sun’s touch. He yawned lightly and stretched trying to loosen up his sore stiff joints, still feeling a little bit beat up from his trip with Axelle to Halifax. A few nicks and cuts here and there on his body had yet to fully heal. A smile crept over his maw, all that trouble and only a single individual out of the band of renegade canines was lucky enough to scar him.

The male was distracted from his usual wake up routine by a call at the border. Saving time and patience he jogged to the source rather than walk. He surveyed the scene upon arrival, a little surprised to find a coyote, though he didn’t show it. Behind her was an interesting looking wood caravan. The horse that pulled it was a massive black coated percheron. Shifting his gaze the Rakeeb thoroughly looked over the female coyote taking in every detail. His blue eyes remained cold, void of thought or emotion as he locked eyes with her. She was unique, different than other women he’d seen, and dare him say attractive.

She had the decency to call for assistance rather than trespass and get into trouble with them. You’ve come to Anathema territory. Do you need something? Intensifying his stare and voice slightly he questioned her. He put off his usually welcoming, easy going personality for the time being. The huskadore waited to see how she’d respond, he didn’t even give the woman his name yet. Crossing his arms under his muscled chest, his body posture reflected his rank with in the pack. The way he had been thus far coldly treating her however was not normal for him. It was his idea of gauging the outsider, to get a good idea of the kind of canine she was.

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#3
The coyote pricked her ears slightly when she heard someone approach, but she drooped them again when the male came into view. The dog was larger than herself, and he held himself with confidence; of course, any pack member would present themselves as such to a loner at the border. At a guess, however, she would say he held some rank-- he had that sort of air about him.

Ottilie put on her sweetest smile, dipping her head to the stranger in recognition of his dominant pose. She didn't appear fearful or anxious, but she was polite and appropriately submissive; the woman was far too proud to display timidity, even if she was trying to garner the favour of this man. She regarded him with calm eyes-- he had a fine colour to his coat, pretty eyes. He was blonde, not something Ottilie usually favored, but it suited him well. He had a strong tone of voice, too, something she could respect.

Ah, yes. I have heard tell much of Anathema, and found all of what I have heard to my tastes. I am looking to join, if it's not too much trouble. Her words were carefully articulated and sweet of tone, a clear lilt of sophistication to her voice. She kept herself demure, which wasn't all that difficult; she had no reason to be prideful or arrogant. Why not be polite and well spoken to this man? There was no point at all to being rude and aggressive when it would dash her own ambitions.
#4
OOC:: Hey Thar. Sorry for the recent derp in my muse. Work likes working me late nights and early mornings back to back.
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Mido watched the female with interest; he nodded lightly understanding her request. It certainly wouldn’t be too much trouble to accept her as a new member he had the authority to do so, but he wasn’t going to take her in just like that. It’s great that you know a good bit about us already, which saves me a lot of explanation and time. He eyed Ottilie, his statement held that tone that there was more to follow or there would be some kind of catch, of course there would be. Tell me a bit about yourself. You must have a name. The Rakeeb opened the topic up for conversation, wishing to learn something about her.

Everybody here has something to offer, a skill they can lend to the pack and our leader. We have healers, craftsmen, hunters, warriors and many different specialists. That said we don’t expect new members to immediately be so helpful and forthcoming. The huskadore rambled a little bit. Is there anything you’re good at? Do you have any talents to bring here? One of the crows flew over head letting out a screech below. The sub leader growled with irritation. They were slowly getting better as they learned, but still the alert system wasn’t all there yet.

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#5
((It's cool, no worries!))

Ottilie smiled lightly at the male. Ottilie Mortimer, a pleasure to make your aquaintance. She replied smoothly, dipping her head his question regarding her skills, though-- now that took some thought. What skills did she have that she was willing to tell this man about? There were some, surely?

She could distill poisons from any number of plans. She could creep up on a man and gut him before he even had time to wake up. She could charm a man into her giving her any number of gifts. She was a mean shot with a sling. Oh, and she could play the violin and was pretty good with horses. She supposed she could give an edited version of that skill set?

Well, I'm something of a... Rogue-ish style of fighter, if you know what I mean, daggers and stealth and agility. I've got a pretty good aim with a sling. I'm good with horses, I can write. Oh, and I play violin if that's worth anything. The last part was accompanied by a little bit of a self-deprecating smirk, the mention of the instrument added in some odd twist of humor, like she was playfully toting a useless talent as something grande. Who knew-- maybe they liked violin players here.
#6
WC::300+
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Ottilie Mortimer had been the woman’s name; its tone was quite unique in itself. That’s a nice name. She was pretty respectful in regarding him, this was something he found admirable about her already. When the loner summarized the talents she had he smiled lightly with a little amusement, it sounded like she could do a little bit of everything. Mido wondered if her fighting skills could compare to his own or any of their warriors. The fact that she could write made her intelligent, some just hadn’t learned to read or write. At the mention of her ability to play the violin he cocked his head in curiosity. He assumed that it was an instrument, but he had no idea what kind. As far as he knew Anathema had no musical talent what so ever, this made her really interesting. Ottilie could be just about anywhere within their ranks if he accepted her.

I’m not exactly sure of the details you have heard about us. Yes we’re misfits, trouble makers, criminals and all other sorts of canines. We’re all family bonded by blood, and we take care of each other as such. Once you’re a member you would always be considered as such. If you were to leave and return to us, we would take you back with open arms. He explained the basis of the pack. Could you make that kind of commitment Ottilie? Can you swear your allegiance and skills to our pack and our leader?

Anyone who wasn’t serious or committed would be too put off by those sorts of questions and would flee while they could. What would she do in the face of this proposal? Other than the Angela herself, he was the only other one in the pack with the power to accept joiners. If you’re okay with this I can perform the Rite of Agares and accept you into Anathema.


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#7
Ottilie's smiled at the compliment; she had always thought that her name carried a sort of dark sophistication to it, and it was nice to know that others appreciated it too. She'd have thanked her mother for such an excellent choice, if the mad old bat was still alive. Ah, he tilted his head-- did he not know what a violin was? That was hardly surprising, not many did out in these wild lands. It had been different in her home town, where traders and musicians and all number of other folk had passed through frequently. But it would be fun to show off her proficiency with the instrument here if no one had seen a violin before.

That matches what I have heard of you, yes. Suits me. She grinned easily. I am fully willing and able to swear my allegiance and skills to Anathema, and would be glad to consider you family. Ottilie didn't hold family in very high regard, actually, having killed her father and abandoned her raving mad mother. She liked her siblings-- she could take a crack at considering the members of Anathema as her brothers and sisters. What most appealed to her about this pack was their policy regarding criminals and their willingness to accept back past members, a good thing for a flighty wanderer like herself. The rest was just... Stuff that she could deal with. She didn't mind it.

I hear the Rite of Agares is where you cut paws and mingle blood, no? Ottilie knew she was right. Her sources were reliable and well informed. She offered her hand, palm up. I am willing to engage in the Rite.
#8
Speeding things along if that's okay.

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She sounded perfectly okay with the things he’d told her. Apparently this wasn’t the first time she heard it, claiming that the aspects of the place he considered home suited her. She swore her allegiance to them and would be glad to be part of the family. What really caught the huskadore’s attention was that the lone coyote knew about the Rite of Agares. He raised a curious eyebrow to her knowledge. Yeah, that’s how it goes. Someone was leaking information about Anathema? Putting his hands into the pockets of his black khakis he shrugged. There was no fun in spoiling the surprise.

Willing to accept the ritual she held out a palm upward hand. Mido slid a dagger he collected from the bandits out from the holster strapped to his leg. The male held his massive hand level with hers. Taking the blade he ran it across his own hand and gently guided it along hers. He firmly grasped her hand in his, their blood made contact and mixed together. My name is Mido, and I am your Rakeeb. Welcome to the family Zepar. He spoke with an assuring smile.

If you’ll follow me, I will bring you to the Howling Caverns. The hybrid dog moved toward the caves along a wider path that would accommodate her wagon. You can claim an available den inside the caverns or you can stay at the villa or house at Thackary village, the choice is yours. They arrived at the massive entrance of cave system. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask. I’m sure anyone would be willing to help you.

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#9
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Welcome to Anathema!

What’s next

  • Have a quick a read over the pack website.
  • Want to claim a den, room or house? Make a reply to Anathema Maintenance
  • Start posting and having fun!
  • After making 20 IC posts you can decide which Rank Tier you wish to enter.
  • Questions? PM Either Marie or Alexander


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#10
((Wooh!))

There was only the mildest twitch of Ottilie's fingers to indicate that she felt the cut at all, and grasped Mido's hand right back. She grinned at him as he gave her his name and rank, nodding once. As the huskadore began to lead her further into the lands of her new pack, she clicked her fingers and whistled to call Svadilfari to her. The Percheron lumbered into motion, stepping forward and allowing Ottilie to take hold of his bridle, pulling the caravan behind him. She followed after the Rakeeb.

I'll be sure to ask if I have any questions. Thank you. She looked past him into the mouth of the cavern, determining to take a good look around at ome point. I'll be sure to make myself useful. She added; perhaps she could become a warrior of some sort. Not the kind covered in gleaming armor, of course, but she was sure there would be a place for someone with her more subtle skills. And, if there wasn't, she would make one.


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