So Close Yet So Far (open)

[vedemera]

Bright amber eyes scanned the lush green valley, the sight becoming more familiar every day. These amber eyes had scanned this valley a few times before, searching for the same lithe shapes that the owner of the eyes possessed. The she-wolf new that today she would make her move, as she had watched the resident pack for almost a month now, and was familiar with their way of life. She would not tell the alpha this, but she would not bother hiding the truth if he knew anyway. The dark she-wolf wanted to make a good first impression as a new member of the pack.

Vedemera inhaled deeply. She was nervous despite her usually calm state, but she would do her best to conceal it. As she made her observations, she noticed that the alpha of the pack seemed kind and generous enough, and as she remembered this, her anxiety alleviated slightly. She began to walk into the somewhat familiar territory, her head hanging down and her necklace dangling. For the longest time, she had forgotten that it was even there.

Vedemera was in high hopes of stumbling across the pack, or better yet, only the alpha. She knew that a pack almost always travels together (as she was in one at some point), but if luck were to find her, she could get him by himself. The she-wolf continued to trot along, fully aware that she was exposing herself to anyone that happened to be patrolling, along with any predators that were bigger than herself. A short warm breeze ruffled her smoke-coloured fur and she looked up. Vedemera closed her eyes and predicted that it was eventually going to storm. She hoped that she would find the pack and be able to shelter before then.

After she found herself in the center of the field, Vedemera slowed her pace and walked back and forth, making sure she could see in all directions. There she would wait for someone to find her.

[trenton]

Russets beautiful striped figure delicately picked her way through the forest, knowingly avoiding damp spots on the forest floor and loud sticks. Her paws crinkled on the old leaves from the previous fall season. The reddish brown auburn color of her fur was enhanced in the sunlight, becoming a lustrous autumn color as she walked through the sunny spots where the sunrays beat down between the tree tops. As she walked, the trees thinned out, and she knew she was approaching Hayden Valley. Perhaps she would be lucky, and stumble upon a rabbit or a groundhog on her walk.

She parted her powerful jaws, scenting the air. Her amber cat eyes widened in excitement. Oh her luck! Not a rabbit or a groundhog had she found, but a wolf! Delight washed over Russets expression, and she bounded forward, her enthusiasm giving her a friendly mask, covering the cruel intentions that lay.

Russet approached the female, a smirk on her face. She would deal with this intruder as she did all other intruders - all other wolves really. "What are you doing here, pest?" Russet snapped at the female. Her ivory white fangs glittered through her bared lips, a light snarl rumbling from her throat. She angrily lashed her tail.

[vedemera]

Vedemera's jet black ears perked up at the scent that now lingered along the breeze. She stopped pacing and looked up to see an oddly coloured wolf approaching. By the scent, Vedemera could tell that this wolf was female like herself and belonged to the pack that lived there. She could not help but stare at the strange pattern on the other female's coat for several heartbeats. She shook her head and switched her gaze the the ground, avoiding eye contact. A fight was not what she came here for.

However, as the fellow female approached, Vedemera could tell that she was not as friendly as she portrayed herself at first. The air between them got progressively more bitter as it narrowed. The hostility was enforced when the other female spoke. Vedemera flattened her ears, but remained calm. She did have to fight to keep her jaws closed, as she understood that the female was merely defending her territory. Instead, Vedemera scowled and raised her head in what appeared to be a challenging manner, even though she was only trying to be dignified.

Despite her unintentionally challenging stance, her voice was level as she responded, "I'm looking for someone. Would the alpha of your pack happen to be around, by any chance?" Vedemera hoped that the other female would calm down and be reasonable. After considering, she let her head drop slightly to look less pompous and said, "I am not a threat, if that's what you think."

[trenton]

Russets ears flattened against her skull when she saw the females challenging head raise, and the defiant stance she held. It was all fun and games before, but now Russet was personally outraged. "How dare you invade my packs territory, and expect your demands to be met!" She seethed, her body visible spazzing and contracting in her outrage, and her excitement. It had been far too long since her last fight, and her body was wildly out of control from the joy of her long time desire finally being met.

"You dont look like much," Russet continued, "but you most certainly could be a threat! Full grown wolf, capable of fighting, lying, and traitorous actions. You could sell out my pack, give the enemies important information..." Russet trailed off, mumbling other suspicious actions. "What are you doing here? You want to speak to my alpha - why? His safety is of the utmost importance to me," she said. Her tail wildly thumped against the ground in impatience that the females answer weren't immediately following her questions.

[OOC: Russet just likes to give other wolfs a hard time;) so dont be offended by anything shes said or might say]

[vedemera]

Vedemera was quite taken aback by the other female's response. However, her stubbornness would not allow her to step down. She knew that it would not help her in this case, but her headstrong attitude was embedded so deeply into her nature she simply couldn't help herself. She curled her lips back, revealing her teeth, but she remained rooted to the spot. Fighting was one thing that was not in her nature. The female hated violence, and would do her best to avoid it. "I'm not invading," she growled slowly, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible. She rolled her eyes as the other female continued with her bogus accusations, and bit back a sarcastic comment.

Vedemera lowered her head slightly, but refused to show her throat. She wanted to maintain dignity, but still stay on the female's good side if they were to be packmates. "I seek not to harm your pack in any way, nor your alpha," she continued. She paused for a moment, blinking her amber eyes. "My intentions are the complete opposite. Besides, if I actually wanted to hurt you or your alpha, I would have tried already." Vedemera had a very matter-of-fact tone to her voice. The female in front of her seemed aggressive, but not completely stupid. She was probably just being defensive. "But here I am, standing completely exposed. If were up to no good, that would make me quite an idiot," she finished. The dark she-wolf stood there waiting, bracing herself for another fiery response.

OOC: Heh, no worries. It makes for a much more interesting thread (and character). If not for the circumstance, it would be even better because Ved likes giving others a hard time too XD. Also, sorry for the wait.

[trenton]

You Can't Deny Me;;

Russet rolled her eyes over-dramatically. "Yeah but you see, you could be playing the 'under the radar' card, and be waiting until you are accepted and suspicion is low, and then strike. I'm not stupid," she pointed out, a snobbish tone to her dainty voice.

"Hmm. So why do you want to join?" Russet asked, quizzing the female standing before her. If the female couldn't think of answers quickly, then Russet would just have to chase her off.

[vedemera]

Vedemera narrowed her eyes at the other female's reaction. If not for her attitude, Vedemera could have been much more fair and understanding, but the melodrama was not necessary. She would not let the other female ward her off though, as she was determined to join her pack. It seemed that only she knew her true intentions.

Vedemera straightened back up after the female ceased to carry on her snobbery. She sighed when she was asked the question of why she wanted to join in the first place. "I just want a family, or something close to that," she replied honestly. "I've been wandering a lot, and I think now would be a good time to settle." She hoped the other female wouldn't chase her off. Vedemera truly wanted to find a place to call home.

OOC: Uggh, sorry I took so long. I've been very busy. This post isn't even that good Oh well...

[-sira-]

The days have come an gone quiet quickly, but he had more than enough events going on during that time. New pack members left and right, training new pups. Since the arrival of Zafera, he had taken her in as his own. He and her mother were close hunting mates in their old pack. The pup had known of the closeness of her mother and her new leader. And during that time, she had also grown close to the alpha. You'd think they were actual kin by the way they have go bonded. "Xane, what are we going to do today?" the emerald green pup danced around his paws. He had been teaching her the boundaries and lands of the western territory. And a few other defenses along the way. "Well, let's see how much you've leaned in the territory. We will review locations and landmarks of our territory... Does that sound fake?" he knew that the pup was eager to learn as much as he could teach her. And he wasn't going to stop until she was happy with her newfound knowledge. 

Since it was her turn to lead, he stepped behind her, "alright Zafera, now tell me... Which way is the valley?" he requested. The pups eyes filled with encouragement and hope. He knew she wouldn't let him down. She was such a headstrong whelp. Full of hope and determination. She raised her nose to the air to pick up the scent of the open plains. It had a different smell, fresher than the scents of the forest. Within a few seconds she had a trail. She zipped off onto a trail towards the plains. He smiled, shrews correct. Such smart pup. He followed her while she made a path. A few minutes later they had arrived to the hadden valley.

She was overjoyed, she felt accomplished. She waited for him to come out of the forest so he could rate her performance. it wasn't long, a few seconds top. And when he arrived, a green blur leaped past his paws, pushing him off his feet. The two laughed, "you did a very good job Zafera! I'm proud of you!" he finalized his decision. She hd been learning quick, and he was proud of that. She wagged her tail and gnawed on his ear, "who's that Xane?" she took a slight pause to as this question. He raised his head and upper body, she tumbled to the ground. He scanned the valley. He noticed two wolves. One was familiar, a new female, russet. And the other was unfamiliar. He stood up and strode over with curiosity. Who could it be?

When he came down the hill he felt Zafera crawl between his legs. He wasn't sure who the female was,but his main concern is why she had crossed into his territory. Maybe it was time for him to mark again. "good afternoon russet..." he bowed his head in greeting. He didn't feel threatened by the newcomer. The only way he would feel this way, is if russet would attack. He turned his attention towards the female, "Who are you, and why have you crossed into my territory..." he started out. His gaze had turned stern, he didn't have an opinion of the wolf. So his guard was still up. 

[vedemera]

Vedemera looked past the other female as another more familiar scent drifted on the breeze. She saw a male wolf along with a pup. She instantly recognized the alpha of the pack. She was not aware of his name, but she knew that he was the benevolent sort of leader. That was what made the Western pack so appealing to her. Vedemera's heart beat faster as he approached. She wanted to join the pack so badly, and she feared that the conflict with the other female would hinder the chance of that happening.

Vedemera blinked and lowered her head as the alpha and the pup arrived. She learned that the bothersome female's name was Russet, and she wished she could be as relaxed as the male. She was glad when she found that he felt no aggression, but it was still difficult to answer his questions. "Um..." she said at first, unable to think clearly.

Vedemera cleared her throat and raised her head, finally recalling the need for courage. It was quite surreal, as the she-wolf wasn't usually so fearful. "I only want to join your pack," she said with a fair amount of confidence. "As I told our... friend... here, I've been a wanderer for a while. I needed to cross into your territory to get your attention, of course. I'm sorry if I'm making a rude entry." Vedemera felt quite silly for apologizing. She waited anxiously for a response from either wolves.