Initiation (all Hu'li members must post)

[Spectre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][bg=0099ff] The pond lay in a quiet location, somewhere near the center of the glades. Its surface held a silver sheen and was surrounded by delicate blades of grass sprouting here and there. In its mirror-like surface, there was a clear image of a wolf’s muzzle of a tawny brown. Streaks of chocolate brown could be seen. Two soulful eyes peered out, while twin ears perched, slightly lopsided. The expression on its face was thoughtful, contemplative. The wolf sighed and drew a paw across its calm surface, letting the image ripple atop the churning waters. She couldn’t bear to even consider allying with wolf mongrels and was almost fearful of what the other wolves’ reactions to her suggestion might be. How could she possibly let them see sense in her idea if she herself wasn’t completely in agreement with it? Her anticipated worry was exactly why she chose this location for their meeting. Hopefully, the calm atmosphere would cool, if not curb, their tempers. So there’s Shadow, hunter and pup care-giver. I must mention the appropriate sacrificial animals of this season to her… There’s Ezekiel, guardian. I’ll introduce everyone to him so he knows… And there’s Artemis, warrior. She’ll need a bit of training. I can try to teach her some fighting skills, and we’ll arrange training meets. It would also be good to know the fighting abilities of the Pure Bloods and United canines. Dusk took stock of today’s meeting discussions and plans. Should she even mention the potential alliance? Thoughtfully, she swiveled around so her back reflected in the pool. She carefully surveyed the clearing and spotted a hefty rock. She approached it and lay sprawled across its gritty surface. Now, all she had to do was wait for her fellow Hu’li wolves and worry.

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[Raider]

Artemis was in one of those moods that she could not shift. She wasn't exactly feeling down as such, more that she had the weight of the world on her shoulders without really knowing what was bothering her. She was used to her ever shifting moods at this stage of her life, it was something she had come to accept about herself. It was also why she had not tried to take a higher rank in the pack before. She wanted her head to be more stable so she could be more useful to her Alpha. She felt that this was her duty.

Bright amber eyes scanned the area as she walked towards the pond. She soon found herself standing infront of Dusk. They were around the same age but Arty certainly looked up to her Alpha. She had been born into the pack so she knew that some Alphas were better than others, just as some wolves had more character. She felt loyalty to this wolf though she couldn't put her paw on what made her feel this way. "Greetings, Alpha. I hope you're well today." Artemis dipped her head in a sign of respect before sitting down. It had been drilled into her never to remain standing because it may make her seem threatening infront of someone with authority. Manners were key.

Despite the thoughts that rushed around inside her head Artemis was fiercely loyal to the Hu'li pack. Being born there made her have very strong ties that she would never break. She fought for those wolves and would certainly die for them if it came down to it. She did hope it wouldn't but the thought was certainly there. The lithely muscled grey wolf surveyed the area, wondering why nobody else had arrived just yet.

[Zekay]

Wolves. One simple word, yet so hard to describe. There were so many aspects, so many different sides to view them, that they would look totally different threw another's eyes. A wolf could simply be described as mother or father. It could be described as fear, as the creature that lurked in the woods and hunts things down. Or even just as an annoyance, as one of those spiritual freaks who thought they claimed the island. Whatever the word, it wasn't what Ezekiel though. He liked the word pack mates, the word kin. But it just didn't live up to the feeling he had. Brother or sister seemed to fit better, but still it was not the correct word. So what was it? What was this magical word?

Perfect? You would think so. But perfect wasn't the right word. In Ezekiel's mind, to be a great wolf, you had to have some flaw. If you were deemed perfect, you were hiding something. No wolf could be perfect. Everyone had something that they would like to hide under a stone, like to keep it from the others. You couldn't though. It was just easier to wear it proudly, and let it define you. That was how you became a perfect wolf. be proud of all your flaws. No one saw the word 'perfect' like he did though, so that wasn't the correct word to describe a wolf. He would just have to come up with his own word. There were so many that were good, that were close, but there wasn't one that described his feelings.

Of course, there never did seem to be a word to describe his feeling completely. Ezekiel might seem simple on the outside, but the inside of his skull was a very complicated place. He always blew things out of proportion, thinking they meant more than it really should. Take for instance a newly bloomed flower. Most would just look at it, and think it was pretty, and that be the end of it. Ezekiel thought much different. He would take something like that as a sign. A sign that someone, somewhere had done something good in the world, and now, as a symbol of her gratitude, Luna allowed his flower to bloom for them, to show her thanks. It was almost boarder line crazy, maybe, but that was just how Ezekiel's brain worked.

Right now though, he needed to clear his mind. He had to focus, and prepare himself for the day's meeting. His paws slowed carried him to wards the glades, his nose drinking in all the scents around him as he walked. It was a sort of habit of sorts, but tended to be very useful. Like now, he could smell the scent of the other two wolves before he even reached the clearing. Of course Dusk would be there, but it seemed another was there too, Artemis perhaps. Orange eyes looked around as he stepped out into the soft grass. Yes, it was Artemis. He grinned to himself, walking to wards the two. He had made it a task of memorizing every pack member's scent. He figured it could be become handy somewhere down the line.

Ears perked up, and tail gave a slight sway as he walked over to the two females. "Good day to you Dusk, may Luna smile down on you." He bowed his head to wards her, before sitting down next to Artemis, his orange eyes looking over to wards her. "And hello Artemis. What has the day brought you?"

[/color] His tail wrapped around the front of his paws, ears moving to a more relaxed position, but still slightly perked up.[/blockquote][/size][/color]

[Shadow]

Sometimes she would just walk, all by herself and would just stare at the colors of the world, enjoying their beauty. Green and yellow in summer, red, orange brown in fall, wight in winter, and like now, green, pink, purple, blue, yellow, all the colors of growing things. shadow would also smell. The she-wolf would breath in the wonderful scents, feeling peace and calmness take over her emotions. This is what she was doing now. Enjoying nature, feeling the pleasure in life.

But she couldn't stay in the tranquility for long. She had a pack meeting to attend. It was a good thing she was calmed. She had to impress the alpha, and being her usual buoyant, puppyish self wasn't a good way to start. The jet black wolf darted forward, leaving her walk behind. The colors flashed by in a blur as Shadow ran to the meeting place. The muscles in her lithe body and legs bunched together, then released in a rhythm as the she-wolf speed along.

Shadow sprang into the clearing, immediately slowing down. Her long legs pranced on the soft ground as she came up to the leader. "Alpha." she said, nodding her respect, then pranced over to sit by her pack mates, flashing them all a friendly smile. She sat down, breathing quickly as she caught her breath and waited for the alphess to speak.

[Spectre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][bg=0099ff] The ever loyal Artemis was the first to arrive. She was a mostly drab, gray wolf with a few streaks of pure white shining in her meticulously groomed coat. Dusk, still calmly perched on her rock inclined her head in acknowledgement of Artemis’s polite nod. ”I am ever thankful for your loyalty,” her soft voice rang out in clear syllables. ”As I am grateful for Luna for our prosperous pack.” Dusk’s attempts at masking her doubts about their meager pack were hopefully well concealed. She ran a fine tooth over her dry lips, trying to withhold her disappointment. She watched, slightly disheartened, as Artemis solemnly settled down among the fine blades of grass that poked through from the fertile ground. Dusk assumed an authorative pose. Within seconds, a new arrival approached. Dusk riveted her head to see a dazed Ezekiel burst out from beyond a tall, clump of trees. His fiery eyes contained as much depth and intensity as her own. As he approached her, she was surprised to see that he was not the last arrival. Just as Dusk was infamous for her powers with the celestial beings, he was renowned for his profound thoughts and perception. He understood issues in a deeper fashion than most could possibly comprehend. Because of this, wolves oftentimes expected him to arrive at a later time due to any simple distraction along the way. He, too, greeted her and took his place beside Artemis. A silence had descended upon the trio. All ears were cocked to listen. Soon, pounding pawsteps could be heard. A pure, ebony black wolf bounded into the clearing enthusiastically. Shadow was panting when she addressed Dusk, no doubt winded from the exhilaration of her sprint. Once all had been seated, Dusk rose from her sprawl. She turned from Shadow’s beaming grin to Ezekiel’s almost mournful expression to Artemis’s trusting facial features. A paltry group but a pack nonetheless. And they were incredibly loyal. She would prefer these members over two dozen untrustworthy wolves. As she stood, poised regally, a hush seemed to fall upon the group. She bestowed eye contact with each wolf in turn and spoke, thus officially starting their meeting. ”Thank you for attending our very first meeting. I’m sure we have much to discuss. First, we shall discuss our pack in general. Then I want to suggest an idea I had recently…” In her anxiety over what she imagined their reactions to her alliance idea might be, she had drawn blood in her lip by her piercing upper canine. Hastily, she wiped a paw across the blood, smearing the fur with crimson. ”Afterwards, this meeting is pretty much adjourned, but I want to speak with each of you individually.” She nodded at each of the three before beginning to discuss the topic of their pack. ”Well, since this is a pack meeting, you have by now realized we are a tiny group. Meanwhile, I believe the Pure Bloods, those cursed demons of Sola,” she sneered, “have more or less the same amount of members. So we really can’t challenge them much. Bu-ut…” Here, Dusk hesitated, not bothering to disguise this momentary pause in her speech. No need for her to skirt about the topic. She inhaled the sweet aroma of blooming flowers and pine nuts deeply. ”…United pack has double ours and I-think-it-would-be-better-if-we-allied-with-them,” she finished in a rush, despite the fact that her pack mates undoubtedly would be unable to distinguish her words. Almost fearfully, she awaited their verdict. Would they embrace her suggestion with open paws, or flat out reject it?

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[Raider]

When Ezekial sat down beside her, Artemis allowed a smile to curve over her muzzle. She turned her head to face him, dipping her muzzle slightly in a greeting that needed no words. At his question she settled on the truth, "Ah it's been an odd day of ups and downs. And you?" By this she meant that her personality was changing as fast as she could keep up with it. Ah the joys of having a split personality. It really did keep her on her toes.

As Shadow joined the meeting the grey wolf offered her a smile reserved only for her packmates. She was fiercely proud to be a member of the Hu'li Pack. They stood apart from the rest as being the most spiritual and she would very much like to keep it that way. Artemis then turned her attention back to Dusk to listen to what she had to say. It must have been very important.

Artemis' eyes widened in surprise. An alliance with the United Pack? Well that would certainly ruffle a few feathers! She could not help but wonder if it was such a wise idea after all. Really, some of those mutts had no class. She supposed that the wolves of the Hu'li could get used to it if they had to but... Oh it was sounding like such a bad idea. She felt her expression darken and her mood turn from grey to pure black. This was never good. She had yet to show this side to her Alpha. Oh damn it was too late to turn back now.

"Alpha.. surely you jest." Well that was a relatively pleasant way of putting it. Sort of. It was certainly more polite than how it had come out in her mind at least. Artemis tried so hard to bite back her works and keep them locked away where nobody had to know that they existed in the first place. She shook her head as if to rid herself of these thoughts. Maybe it would pass. Her bright amber eyes met the gaze of her alpha. Apparently Dusk had not been joking after all. She actually wanted an alliance with the United Pack.

Arty had to consider her stance on this. She was loyal to her pack and to her alpha but.. Ugh. They were two packs for a reason, surely? But then she found herself thinking about her newest friend, Jaeden. He was part of the United Pack and they got along as well as could be expected for two firecracker personalities. Hmm perhaps all was not as lost as she had imagined. She sighed and her expression softened once more. She was back to the way her alpha would know her to be. "I hope it works out for the best, Alpha. I.. will stand by you and our pack no matter what you decide." She had her doubts though, of course she did. Nothing went away that easily.

[Zekay]

As Artemis gave a dip of her head, he followed in suit, greeting the other wolf more properly. He asked her a simply question, and he listened to her answer, a noteful look upon his face. He faintly understood her answer, but really didn't question it to much. He knew of her personality, but had yet to really witness it. He just sort of took it for granite. As she asked him in returned, his ears perked up a bit. "Ah, yes, well, it was been rather splendid," he spoke, a light smile on his face. "And the weather is quiet nice." With that he couldn't help but look up a bit. He had a habit of looking at the sky.

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Orange eyes turned to the new body that had come to join them. He bowed his head in greeting, after the black fae as shown him a smile. It was then that he realized that he was surrounded by girls. Not that it really bothered him any, he wasn't sexist, but merely made an observation. He thought the a fae was just as strong and cunning as a brute, so he really didn't mind the company of either. He just found it a bit against him. Some guys would love it, maybe draw more attention, others might grumble, but Ezekiel just held a happy middle, perfectly happy and content with the small pack that he called his family.

Attention turned to Dusk once Shadow was settled, his ears perked in interest. This was their first meeting after all, and he was curious as to what his Alphess had in store for them. He sat quietly, back straight, ears perked, his tail colored tail swished around and draped over his front paws. He listened to their leader speak, and she did indeed catch his attention. He was instantly curious about the idea she spoke of, wondering what it might be. He didn't say anything though, ans just sat in silence, listening as she continued.

A look of understanding crossed his face as she spoke to them, giving each a nod in their direction. He wondered what she wanted to speak individually to them for, and more importantly, what was she going to say to him? Again, he didn't want his mind to get distracted, so he pushed the thoughts away, looking clearly at the wolf in front of him. She commented on the Hu'li Pack as being tiny, and Ezekiel wouldn't protest. They were a rather small pack, but one that he was proud of none the less. He really could care less about the Pure Bloods. Those hectic creature could just crawl back to the lands from wince they came. He did hope that their pack would grow, for chasing out those small brained dogs would be the best thing he ever did.

She hesitated, and Ezekiel blinked. The rush of words that come from her mouth next caused him to stand up, a growl of protest rumbling from his chest. "Have you gone mad?"[/color] It was clear that he was unhappy about the whole idea, and wasn't thinking before speaking. "You want to befriend those canines? Those half-bloods?"[/color] He shook his head, eyes darting away from her. He was surprised that Artemis had spoke so calmly at an idea of this. Maybe she was keeping a cool head, but Zeke just couldn't. He despised the Pure Bloods, and the United had that heritage running threw their veins. He wanted nothing to do with them.[/size]

When Artemis spoke again, a snort came from Ezekiel. He shook his head again, looking from her back to the Alpha. What were they thinking? had they both eaten rotten meat or something? He sat back down, a low grumble coming from him. He took in a deep breath, and started to think. He had to have a clear vision on this. he needed to think about the pack, and not just himself. As much as his gut and heart cried out no, his mind did think it a good idea. Having the United canine on their side would give them leverage, and increase their striking force. He let out a sigh, and opened his eyes, looking up at Dusk. "I apologize for my rash actions before,"[/color] his voice was calm, and he bowed his head towards the Alpha. "I acted on my first judgment, and didn't think the idea over."[/color] As much as it hurt to speak, he had to continue. "An alliance would greatly benefit the pack, and if you are to go ahead with it, I will gladly stand behind you and back you up."[/color] Well, it hadn't hurt him to say it as much as he had thought, but it still left a nasty feeling in his gut.[/size][/blockquote][/color]

[Shadow]

An alliance. Shadow couldn't believe her ears. She had never thought the alpha would suggest something like that. She listened to the others remarks. Neither Artemis nor Ezekiel seemed pleased, Ezekiel especially. After his outburst, Shadow spoke. "I, for one, think it is a good idea. It would be wise to allie with one pack in case the other attacks, and I'm sure we'd all rather ali with the United Pack rather the Pure Bloods." Shadow looked at Dusk. "I will stand by whatever you think is good for the pack." She looked around her, to see how everyone else reacted.

She dipped her head, showing she was done, and stole a glance at her fellow pack mates. They weren't to keen on the idea, so she was worried. This would be a reason not to like her all that much. But she'd stand by her decision Whatever Dusk chose to do, so long it was justified, she do it. But, of course it was up to the United Pack as well to accept, or decline.

[Spectre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][bg=0099ff] As the pack settled down to hear Dusk’s announcements and greetings, they mingled a little, chatting with each other. All was formally polite, not at like the cozy little family that she was sure each of her pack mates felt deep in the caverns of their hearts. She was fond of each of the three and knew their contrasting personalities. There was Artemis, with her unique, split ego, cheerful one moment, enraged the next. Then there was solemn Ezekiel with his chillingly intense eyes and demeanor. And finally, there was her lighthearted, boisterous Shadow, ecstatic about everything and extremely optimistic. She let a small smile slip unintentionally. This warm grin, however, slid away into the mysterious depths of oblivion immediately preceding her suggestion about alliance. There was a torrent of outbursts and shocked cries. Having drawn backwards a little, she peered almost frightened at her once-serene pack. As her head swiveled to register each of the wolves’ reactions, she glimpsed a wide array of expressions. A wave of fury contempt quickly swept over Artemis’s misty gray features, marring their subtle beauty. Ezekiel’s previous, philosophical expression flashed to a rage that equaled, if not surpassed, that of Artemis’s. This appalling change quite unsettled Dusk, who was greatly disappointed that they didn’t take the news well. Understandably, of course. Meanwhile, Shadow’s reaction was merely paralyzed astonishment. She did not appear infuriated at all. Mere seconds after the outcries, she piped up with words of encouragement. After a short, impromptu persuasive speech, she ended with a finale of faith that the other wolves, finally cooled down, echoed. Their apologies held humility and humbleness in their tone. Dusk now felt a little more secure and approached the group once again. She displayed a weak smile. ”You are all forgiven,” she spoke, relieved that the earlier tension was broken. Swiftly, she continued. ”In case you are wondering… Yes, we are considering an alliance with United. This will benefit us both. And no, I have not yet discussed this with United. I plan to contact them with one of you… I’ll discuss this individually with the emissary I have chosen…” she trailed off, aiming furtive glances at the three of them again. And with that final piece of information, she had concluded the meeting and was ready to begin with the individual talks. Yet again she eyed each in turn, roving her gaze to meet Artemis’s, then Ezekiel’s, and finally resting on Shadow’s. Dusk inclined her head and beckoned the ever enthusiastic Shadow to the nearby gathering of trees – a perfect and exclusive location to conduct the interviews. She temporarily dismissed the other two wolves with a casual sweep of her muzzle. She carefully trod over to the clump of foliage, wandering far enough that the remaining two could not hear their hushed conversation but close enough for her to keep a watchful eye upon them. Carefully, she chose her words before speaking to Shadow.

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[Raider]

Artemis listened carefully to the reactions of the other members of the pack, wondering if her own had been a simple outburst from the other side of her personality. She was not surprised really to discover that Ezekial was apposed to the notion of allowing the packs to become allies against the Purebloods. She had been certain that someone would react in this manner since they were, of course, all purebred wolves with very distinct beliefs and values. Surely those dogs would never comprehend what it was that made the Hu'li wolves who they were... But then again, understanding was not particularly required. Just the will to fight side by side in the battle that was most certainly on the horizon. A shudder ran down Artemis' spine as she thought about this. That day would be a very dark day indeed.

As she listened to Shadow's approval of this idea, Artemis allowed herself a small smile. At least one wolf here fully agreed with their Alpha. She knew she herself was agreeing through her fierce loyalty rather than any other strong factor. Artemis was eternally faithful to Dusk as a leader no matter what happened. Although she would always think 'I told you so' if this plan did not work out as Dusk had planned it to. The grey wolf settled her amber eyes upon the dominant wolf once more to see how she would react to all this that had been said and done.

When Dusk motioned Shadow to one side, Artemis decided to relax for a while. She lay down, resting her muzzle on her paws. This was an interesting turn of events for the pack, to say the least. She only hoped all went well. Turning her gaze to Ezekial, Artemis decided to converse with the other wolf. She didn't really know him that well yet. "So.. the United Pack. I don't think they will like it much either," she mused. It occurred to her that the wolf pack must seem strange to them. This was going to get interesting!

[Waltz]

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[atrb=background,http://i48.tinypic.com/20h4htt.jpg] Hail knew it from the moment her Alpha, Dusk, had come to The Glade that there was to be a pack meeting. However, she had been one of the last to arrive. She remained in the shadows, but still kept in view. She watched silently as Dusk spoke to everyone in general, thanking them for coming to the meeting. Hail gave a small nod as to say 'you're welcome', though she didn't need to. But, she felt as if it was proper to show some sort response. Especially towards her superior. Her ears perked just slightly in interest when Dusk suggested an alliance. Hail's eyes remained still and unblinking, staring at her Alpha with no general emotion. She kept her gaze away from Dusk's eyes, not wanting to suggest a challenge. Hail listened to every ones outbursts, and almost growled at all the negative opinions. If her Alpha wanted something, she would get it. Hail would make sure of that. Hail stepped a few feet away from the tree she was under, making herself more noticeable. "I like your idea, Alpha." She spoke, her voice steady and monotone. "If we were to become allies with them, we could benefit from more numbers on our side." She sat down, feeling more comfortable where she was. For a moment, she muled over her thoughts. If they were to ally with United, would things still be normal? Hail's logical side said it would be, but just a fraction of her mind said otherwise. Many wolves here had a dislike for United, for they had dog blood within themselves. Hail had never met a United canine, but wouldn't mind meeting one. Though, she would never befriend them. Hell, she hadn't even befriended a wolf from this pack. Must have missed that lesson. She thought bitterly. She then heard a glimpse of Artemis talking to Ezekiel, trying to get to know him. For a moment, Hail felt envious of Ezekiel. She was joined here a while before him, and never got this sort of small talk. No one had even made an attempt at it! So why did that wolf get the others attention? Hail blinked, banished all of those feelings far away. She should never feel those emotions ever, since they would make her weak. And if she was weak, how would she be able to follow through with her duties? She could not afford to be weak. Period.

[katieo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=background,http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae169/damselsri/backgroundcopy.jpg] It's so nice out. A stray thought repeated itself in Fenrir's mind. The large brute parted his lips into a moronic smile, his long tongue lolling out to complete the idiotic grin. The simple thought was true, the sky was a pure blue and the sun was slanting between the leaves of tree branches overhead to form a lacework of shadows across the grass. Bird song littered the air with melodies, lifting up and then down again in complex tunes. A breeze rushed through the landscape, carrying the scents of summer. The silky fur of the white wolf seemed to glow with it's own light, reflecting the rays of the sun that danced across the pelt softly. The huge male would be dazzling to any who looked upon him, brilliant white against the deep greens of the landscape. Amber eyes slowly drifted across the foliage as Fenrir slowly padded along. The day had been quiet, strangely none of Fenrir's pack mates had even been scented out in the lush forest. Fenrir paused, raising his head to the sky again to search the air for any familiar scents. Black rims narrowed and every muscle in the white male's body tensed. He lowered his head, adrenaline already pumping through his veins. He appeared to be scenting an intruder, but suddenly the thought screamed at him, SQUIRREL! The ginger-brown fur was sighted immediately after and the huge brute took off into the woods. Weaving between te trunks fast in pursuit, Fenrir was the image of power, muscles rippling as he raced after his prey. In a flash of fluffy fur, the squirrel buried it's small claws into a tree trunk and scurried straight up. Fenrir didn't slow, barreling straight into the tree. A loud yelp sounded from his muzzle and Fenrir sat back on his haunches, wincing from the smarting scratches the bark had made on his face. The large wolf lowered his head, whimpering pathetically. The squirrel just ran at the tree and it went up the side. Why can't I do that? Fenrir thought pathetically before coming to the conclusion that he simply did it wrong. Suddenly the miserable male looked up and realized that he had company. A small cluster of wolves sat in a glade, surrounding a small, still pool. It's shimmering surface was like glass and Fenrir was immediately enchanted, trotting up to it's side. He stared at the surface, gazing back at his reflection. Why is there a wolf in the water? Fenrir wondered before looking back up and realizing that his pack mates were debating something. His erect ears perked higher, and he lost interest in the water. The words traveled into his ears, but he didn't understand what they meant. Had he missed something? After watching and listening with no fruitful results, Fenrir at last managed to whimper, "What's wrong everyone? Did something bad happen?" He grinned another one of his moronic smiles and peered at the others with his vacant, beautiful eyes.

[Avahlona]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i49.tinypic.com/deb96s.jpg] They may not have noticed him, crouched beneath the dense overhang of a low bush, but he was none the less. There he hunched, practically rolling upon the earth, nervous tension boiling beneath his skin like lava. With each vocal rising to compete with the rest, each outburst at the insanity of this suggestion left him cringing. Ears found themselves to be pinned against his skull, tail curling deliciously beneath his semi-shaking bodice. Heart was pa-pounding against its bone casing, as if he had run miles to arrive at this place. Usti had happened upon the small clearing some time ago, though after most of the others. It was easy to understand why such a place would have been chosen for the gathering of his tribe. Especially if alphess Dusk had previously thought of breaking the news to her subjects, though it seemed to have no effect at all once things had been unleashed. Lad had watched, silently of course, as all were gathered, and Alphess Dusk began to speak. She told them of routine things, and once the convention had wound to an almost finish, she stated she would wish to speak with individuals. A gulp, and a hasty rearranging of limbs before the nervous lad had settled himself again. Alphess Dusk then told them of the probable alliance with the United wolf-dogs. Brute was surprised for a variety of reasons. One, the intensity of his anger at this statement surprised even himself. Two, that his alphess was even willing to consider such a move as this, and Three, that his own feelings echoed many of his companions. They'd eventually quieted, and Usti had managed to calm himself, to as close to normal as the small jittery male ever was. He merely continued to watch from his secluded shelter as Alphess Dusk took the black female -- he scoured his brain a moment to gather her name -- Shadow, to conduct the one on one conversation she had mentioned before. After a brief moment of contemplation, forelegs would bend, allowing his figure to slide to the earth, as he figured he would wait for his turn "interviewing."

[Shadow]

Shadow nodded in acknowledgment to her alpha and stood, following Dusk to the small grove of trees. She felt a inkling of excitement steadily growing. I plan to contact them with one of you… I’ll discuss this individually with the emissary I have chosen. Dusk's words floated around in her head, and Shadow couldn't quite grasp them. Did Dusk want her to offer an alliance with the united pack? It sure sounded like it. She was unsure of her alphas meaning though. There could be a million ways to misinterpret that sentence. Perhaps the alphess just wished to speak to her about... stuff. Shadows sub-conscious couldn't generate another reason why. The she-wolf shot a quick glance at the others. Out of all those fine wolves she was chosen for a very important mission! The inkling became a fountain and her always active tail began wagging.

But... but but but. Who knows, maybe I'm just getting carried away. Bah, sometimes imagination can be a real pain. Facing Dusk Shadow mentally shook herself, trying to calm down. Act like an adult, Shadow, not a pup. Got to impress her. With a nod at Dusk Shadow sat down and spoke in a cool, calm voice. Yes, Alpha?

[Spectre]

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[atrb=background,http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s333/Busstuck_McGee/postingtablebackground-2-1-1-1-1-4.jpg] OoC: Muse level is about zero. The ever euphoric mass of black tangles bounded over. She cast smug looks over at the band of solemn wolves on her way over. Almost impatiently, Dusk let her tail switch back and forth, curling amongst the dry vegetation that poked through the dusty ground. Then, her clear cacao eyes beget the sight of doubt crossing the other she-wolf’s face. And equally abrupt was the wave of calm that crashed over her dark features. Now, Dusk allowed a small sigh of relief escape. Perhaps she had chosen well. Earlier that day, she was wrestling with the choice of who to appoint as emissary. So many of her fellow pack mates were dedicated and intelligent beings perfect for the job. And finally she contributed a solution that she was previously unsure of. In fact, she had no clue who it was to be. During their brief discussion over the alliance, she had carefully monitored each, trying to determine who would be least reluctant to accompany her. They also needed great strength and willingness, should the United mongrels change their minds and adopt violence. Shadow sat before her, still radiating that creepy sense of tranquility. As though dazed, Dusk raised her muzzle to the heavens and gazed in the direction of Luna, now in her prime. Cloaks of sunlight veiled her visage but no matter. Dusk always knew where she was. An afterthought later, she lowered her head and, without warning, proceeded to speak. ”Strength, great strength,” she half whispered. ”And I am in dire need of willingness and belief. Of which all three you possess. Therefore, I have selected you to accompany me to the location.” There. She had said it. She could not erase her rash choice but merely accept it. All she could do was wait to see Shadow’s reaction. But first, there was other business to settle. Now that deer were plentiful in the forests again, she needed to convey over the message she had of this season’s sacrifices. In a somewhat gentle tone, she explained, ”This season, we need deer more than anything. And Luna has foreseen… To kill small game is a certain death for us all. Absolutely no rabbits, birds, squirrels, or rats this summer I’m afraid.” Giving a slight inclination with her head, she said fervently, ”Dismissed. Hail, you next!” she called loudly.