Pride is Gone

[Akascha Ze'ev]

A gray wolf should not be hard to spot in a forest. Their large, gray masses would clash against the dark forest and it's nasty maze of tricks and turns. Almost anyone would think that they would hear a gray wolf, in unfamiliar territory, coming toward them. But Akascha's trained body didn't make a sound and managed to hide in broad daylight. Her mind was elsewhere as she wandered, vaguely aware that she had entered an unknown territory occupied by wolves that were bigger and probably stronger than herself. While this fact dawned on her, her body had stopped moving and her rump touched the ground.

As her senses came to, Akascha was honestly surprised at where she was. It was dark and tricky inside the forest; she could feel the wet overhang and noticed light managing to push its way through the leaves. Most of the light was filtered out and caused many shadows on the ground to play tricks on her eyes; her good eye, that was. Akascha licked her lips, thinking of prey that would be abundant in this forest and how she could attempt to catch it. Plans unfolded in her head for various animals; hares, deer, rodents, game birds. She was born a hunter.

Akascha, finally coming to her senses and remembering where she was and why, let out a low howl to announce her presence. She didn't expect anyone for a while, so she placed herself out in the open and started to scratch the ground. Soon she had a tiny ditch in the ground that fit her body perfectly. She lay there utterly defenseless, to avoid suspicion of threat, with her neck easily available. Her eyes closed and she fell into a light, airy sleep, awaiting someone to awake her from her nap.

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

Azzuen had been abnormally alert of his land ever since the lupa of Teekah Kranis entered his beloved territory. He refused to ever have to go through that again, and was thankful he survived. He had been running along marking his territory regularly, and this morning was no different. His massive paws galloped along his borders, not trying to hide his sound. He would make sure every wolf that happened to come in 500 meters of his border would quickly know it. The brush was skidding along his pelt as his hears perked in the direction of a low howl. He slid to a stop atop the fallen leaves with his tail and head held in a high altitude. It didn’t sound threatening, but you could never be so sure.

He picked his pace back up and increased it to a hurricane wind up against him, rather than a slight blow along his pelt. He caught sight of something on the ground at the base of a sycamore three, he slowed down and began walking toward it with his ears still perked. His blackened hackles raised a bit along with his tail. Finally the silhouette turned into a lupa, a very fit lupa at that. There was no doubt that she had some serious speed to her. He lowered his head as he became relatively close. She was sleeping. Tilting his head he barked a firm, yet soft, bark toward her, bringing up the dirt’s dust.

The dust settled and he brought his head back up, awaiting this mysterious lupa to awaken. An interesting wolf.

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[Akascha Ze'ev]

Akascha never napped very heavily. Naps were meant to slightly replenish energy so she could be more alert than not. Usually conversations bored her, but the one she was preparing for could mean life or death; literally. Akascha was never the stupid one; she wouldn't mess with a more powerful wolf. Especially the leader of a pack. She knew they had their positions for a reason and she wasn't one to question that. Still, she had speed on her side, so when she first got sense of the dragga heading toward her, she prepared herself to run. She was not a coward, she was just smart.

Akascha could hear him near; he wasn't being particularly silent. Why should he? This was his land. Surely he had followers to back him up in a time of need. Akascha suddenly reevaluated herself. If he brought back up, she was definitely going to run. But her advanced nose told her he came alone, and no one else had surrounded her in her sleep. In fact, she felt utterly alone and venerable on the ground, in an obviously submissive position. She hadn't thought about the type of wolf that would own the land. Nor had she thought about the consequences the pack would have against her for trespassing.

Soft gray ears perked at the first sound the dragga entering the clearing she was in. She waited, not wanting to create a threat by moving too suddenly. At his bark, Akascha seemed to obediently get up. She was painstakingly slow, avoid bringing up too much dust to block her vision, or his, if he was the particularly paranoid type. As her fit gray body loomed behind the dust, her eyes turned toward him. Akascha bent wagged her tail slightly back and forth and pressed her ears back in submission. She attempted to communicate she meant no harm or foul.

Akascha's yellow eyes held a certain curiosity. The wolf before her was obviously dominant. He held himself the way a leader would. Akascha made herself look as submissive as possible without rolling on her stomach and exposing her neck. She took an uneasy step toward him, and another, being careful not to create any tension between the two.

Uhm, hello. Akascha whimpered. How are you? Unable to think of anything else to say, Akascha closed her mouth. She was ready for an attack or a snarl or anything hostile toward herself. She left herself open. She had abandoned her pride the day her brother had been killed. Waiting was all she could do; and hope. She hoped that his male was one that didn't jump at your throat for taking a step into his land.

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

His eyes watched this wolf with interest, now realizeing that this lupa hadn’t been sleeping at all. She was simply staying in a very submissive position, that intrigued him. Although he enjoyed the fact that she seemed to be respecting him. Respect was his biggest priority when being dragga of Validus Animus, as everyone respected him, they would listen to what he had to say. If, in the small chance, a wolf didn’t respect him he would teach them too. Even if it was the hard way. He hated to fight, but he had learned to know when it was necessary. And sometimes it was a must in order to stay leader, even if Raphael didn’t.

She stood up slowly and his eyes didn’t leave her for an instant. He was very good at seeing through the dust of this dry dirt so he didn’t have trouble watching the way she moved. She was obviously not a threat with her position. She was very submissive, so he dipped his head to her showing he meant no harm. Although, she was definitely a curious wolf. He could see that in the yellow eyes that were set before him. A trustworthy pair of eyes, so it seemed.

She spoke gently and whimpered. “I’m as good as a Dragga could be. But, lupa, why do you set your paws on my land?”

[/i] He wanted to make sure that she knew he was dragga. That’s just how he was. He didn’t want to scare her away, because she could be a valuable hunter in his pack if she wanted to be. A venatora in Validus Animus hadn’t existed yet, and he began to wonder if she could fit that honor.[/blockquote][/size]

[Akascha Ze'ev]

Akascha, relieved that he didn't automatically attack, let out a small breath. She watched him carefully, curiously, as he asserted his dominance over the territory. As he spoke, she could hear the pride in his voice. Her tail continued to wag the best she could do. Being submissive wasn't something she was ashamed of, though it was a bit harder to relax in the position she was in. His question, on the other hand, brought her back to real life and off of her thoughts wrapped around how badly he could hurt her.

I mean no harm, if that is what you meant, the lupa answered with a small tone. I am merely looking for a pack to join and a place to live. Her eyes lifted briefly, gazing around the territory. Akascha could make good use of it. If you don't mind me asking, Dragga, what is the name of your pack? Perhaps it was unwise of Akascha to step onto unknown territory, but how else would she find a pack to belong to? Being a lone wolf had taken its toll on her mental and physical help; she missed the security of other wolves watching out for her and having a land she could call her own to hunt.

My name is Akascha, by the way. Akascha Ze'ev She bowed her head slightly in greeting. I'm good at hunting, if you need it. Akascha offered him. She had nothing else to say at the moment. After all, what more could she say than her name, her purpose, and her talent? She was speaking to an alpha, a leader, a wolf that could easily do harm to her. Akascha didn't want to start pestering a wolf she had just barely met.

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

He let himself relax in the smallest motions. His muscles went back to their smoothness as his hackles settled upon his mixed pelt. The dust was almost completely settled as he calmed himself down. However, he would always be prepared for a fight because he wouldn’t let himself back down all of the way. His trust wasn’t completely put in this wolf just quite yet, she would have to earn this trust. It would take awhile.

She told him that she was looking for a pack and then looked around. Exposing her neck proved that she was being more submissive. He could tell that she was moderately nervous that he would hurt her, so far he didn’t have a reason to. “Well, at the moment it is only me and my mate, Raphael. But we are to be called Validus Animus, it means ‘Strong Minds’.”

[/i] He was very proud of having a bloodline in this pack, and moderately ashamed that his numbers weren’t as many as he preferred at this time. But he prayed to Halasia that they would increase. This pack had great potential.

Akascha Ze’ ev. He stored her name in his memory, something he didn’t want to forget. She bowed, so he bowed in return. It was only polite. “Pleasure to meet you, Akascha. I am Azzuen, Azzuen Vilkas.” The Vilkas bloodline was one known for royalty and the wolves that felt that they were better than all others. Azzuen broke that idea when he saw wolves as equal, unless they were evil. A hunter, perfect. “Actually, you are in luck. We have yet to have a Venatora. With our next hunt, you may prove your natural abilities. This hunt will prove if you are worthy to become Venatora. Do you find this fair, Akascha?”[/i] He turned around toward the den site and looked back to her. He wanted Raphael to meet this new wolf and see what she thought of her first.

OOC: After they go to the dens, you wouldn’t mind if I asked Raphael to come in would you?

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[Akascha Ze'ev]

Validus Animus Akascha repeated in her mind, starting to zone out from the converstion that should have been majorly important. Strong Minds. Akascha couldn't help but ponder this. What did they consider strong? Because her mind was as strong as it was going to get without going insane. After all, she could handle hunting and thinking at the same time, and managing to appear calm, cool and collected in times of grave danger. But emotionally, the littlest things affected her. She'd been like that since she found herself standing over her brother's dead body.

Akascha's eyes came back into focus as the Dragga spoke again. Her left eye was bad, but hardly anyone ever noticed. She could see shapes and general appearances, but nothing more. Her right eye was perfect. THe differences between them was partially the reason why she took so many naps; her right eye was used to the point of being bleary and she neeeded sleep to get it strong again. Even if it was a light, often fitful sleep.

Azzuen Vilkas, Akascha repeated, her mind half on him, half on the name. It sounded strong enough. It's a pleasure to meet you too, she finally let her guard down just a bit. Wolves that attacked usually didn't introduce themselves first. And I'd be honored to accompany you on your next hunt. Akascha took the last few steps forward, now in front of the dominant male, and licked his muzzle in submission.

ooc: that'd be great!

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

Suddenly Azzuen could sense that there were many things about this wolf that she wouldn’t tell. This was a wolf with secrets, and maybe not very good secrets. He wasn’t as good as his mate was when it came to reading the emotions of people. He was only a good guesser, he really didn’t know what he was talking about. Raphael did. She was very good with words, Azzuen was better with actions.

She licked his muzzle in submission, a very good move on her part. This wolf would work up on his list very quickly, it would seem. A wolf that knows the limits and how to respect a leader. He would make sure others would look up to her for hunting. She seemed like she knew what she was doing with leaders. Must have had experience in a respectful pack in her history.

He held his head above hers and picked up his pace to a sprint, knowing she would be able to keep up. Azzuen was always one for speed, he could teach this wolf things that she probably hadn’t learned before. The woods of Lasonia were set out in front of them now. They were running along the peak that over looked his woods, he wouldn’t doubt that she would be impressed. These woods were one of a kind. Finally the center of the woods was coming close. In the center there was a single 500-year-old sycamore tree, where their dens were. He slowed to a walk gradually and stepped into the beams of sunlight escaping the branches of their tree. He let out a short, soft howl letting Raphael know he was there with another.

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[Akascha Ze'ev]

Akascha wasn't one to lie. Not even about her secrets. If someone asked her, flat out, if she had secrets, she'd tell them yes. If they asked if they were bad, she'd say "Some are" and if they asked if she would tell them, she would say "No." But if someone flat out asked her secret, like 'Did you kill your brother,' she wouldn't lie. Then again, most people couldn't really figure out her secrets. After all, who would ask, out of no where 'did you kill your brother?' How would anyone know in the first place? Some of her secrets were heavily guarded but there were many she didn't really care about. They were just things that you didn't bring up in normal conversation.

That isn't to say she wouldn't tell her alphas. She wouldn't want distrust so early on, but then again, her past had nothing to do with the part she could play on the pack. Therefore, she didn't just outright say everything about her. Akascha also noticed the way he regarded her; it seems that her respect had been pleasing enough. She found it much easier that way. She didn't at all want to seem threatening to her new almost-leader. Nor did she want to threaten her position as possible Venatora. She followed him, not wanting to surpass him in running. For one, she had no idea where she was going. Two, she knew he liked to lead and it as much easier for her to take in her surroundings when all she had to do was follow.

Akascha would admit that 'impressed' was an understatement. The place was amazing. The woods were made up of ancient trees that held more wisdom than the oldest wolf. The peak above the trees was beautiful and she could see birds and other animals flocking through from quite a distance. The large sycamore, however, was the most impressive of everything. She slowed her pace, taking in the tree with a quiet respect. Out of all of the images that had been imprinted in her head; this was the one she'd imagine on her deathbed. The way the light filtered through the branches and illuminated some of the surface of the forest was incredible. It was one of the most amazing things she could have ever seen.

Following Azzuen to the den, Akascha took a final glimpse before sitting alert, behind her Dragga. She waited to see the other femme of the pack.

[Raphael Samedi]

Raff was tired, she didn’t know why, she had been getting plenty of sleep lately but she just kept waking up tired. It was annoying cause she wanted to do all day was sleep. Right now that was exactly what she was going to do. No one was around she wasn’t expecting Azzuen back anytime soon so nap was definitely was in order. Raff wondered down a small hill and in the den and plonked herself down on the grass and dead leaves. She let out a big sigh and small whiffs out steam escaped her lips. It was getting rather cold these days. But she was born and brought up in the snow, the chilly air that ran through these woods were nothing. Soon she rolled onto her back, legs spread open and her tongue hanging out her mouth, moments later she was snoring, it didn’t take her much to fall asleep it was just need the comfy position.

The sun was shining high in the sky and the breeze was warm, to her left was Azzuen and in front of her was her litter. Five tiny puppies playing with each other in the grass. She looked to Azzuen and nuzzled into his neck. They had just not long ago given birth to a litter and Raff couldn’t be more happier. Even though Azzuen didn’t really show it he was happy as well, she just knew it. Things were going the right way for once, no one was trying to over throw Azzuen, or trying to steal their land, they had a beautiful litter of puppies, everything was just perfect. Raff looked up to her puppies and felt that something wasn’t so perfect. She quickly counted all her puppies and they were all there, what was this awful feeling she was having. She looked back to Azzuen but he wasn’t moving just sitting there stiff as a tree trunk. She looked back to her puppies and just in time to see the wolf with the red eyes pounce out and chomp down on one of her puppies. She howled out….

Jolting awake she rolled onto her stomach and looked around, it was all a dream, she didn’t have a litter and the red eyed wolf wasn’t coming after them. Slowly she layed her head back down and closed her eyes. She took a dead breath in and a familiar scent entered her nostrils, then a strange scent followed. This strange scent cause her to jump up to her feet and go running up the small hill. Once on top of the hill she scanned the area, finally she came across Azzuen and she relaxed. There was a strange wolf sitting behind him. She shook herself off and walked over to the two. She sat down in front of Azzuen and bowed her head slightly, it was just something she did she couldn’t help it and it didn’t seem to bother Azzuen, Raff actually kind of got the feeling that he enjoyed it a little bit. ”Good Afternoon, what do we have here?” she said with a curious tone. The images of her dream still dancing on the edge of her vision.

Words: 532
Notes: sorry it took me forever!
Muse: Okay
Mood: Frazzled

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

He watched Raphael very carefully as she exited the den of the tree. The tree really was a magnificent view to look at, and to live under. Azzuen would never say that he owned the tree, for he could not own nature. How could you own nature when you were a part of it? He respected Halasia, but his pack was his number one priority at all times. No matter what. Although he would never harm nature, it would always be respected.

He walked up to his mate and nuzzled her neck before backing up. He never really understood why she bowed to him, assuming that it had something to do with respect. But there had been something about her lately that was abnormal. All she ever did was sleep. She just didn’t have the energy that she used to. Hopefully she was okay … the part of him that was worried about her filled his hazel orbs. It was obvious, but only to Raphael. Akascha wouldn’t be able to notice, for she didn’t know him yet.

He then smiled a little at Raphael as his tail wagged ever-so-slightly. It was rare for Azzuen to show affection, for he saw it as a weakness to the members of his pack. He rarely nuzzled her in front of other wolves, but today was different. He listened to her and spoke gently, “This is Akascha. She travelled into our borders, wanting to become part of Validus Animus. Well, the beginning of it. I decided that she can prove herself by showing me what she can do during a hunt. What do you think?” Then he remembered how she hadn’t been well lately, “But if you’re not feeling well, we can go and bring you back a good meal.”

[/i] Secretly, he wouldn’t allow her to go regardless. If there was something wrong she would get hurt easier, he wouldn’t risk that. She would be able to catch on, for he had always been very protective of her.[/blockquote][/size]

[Akascha Ze'ev]

Akascha watched carefully as the Drappa of the pack made her way to the opening. She was beautiful with a gray and white pelt that made her all the more queen-like. Akascha noticed the relationship between the two and suddenly felt like she was intruding on something beyond her. She had never had a mate herself, in all of her years, nor had she given birth. But she had been in enough packs to see the relationships formed. There were times where she envied mates. Other times, she actually found it quite repulsive. This time, she found it sweet; harmless. And though the Drappa seemed extraordinarily tired, she seemed nice enough.

Akascha bowed her head and wagged her tail at the femme. Hello, Akascha offered after Azzuen had introduced her. She grinned lightly. I'd be honored to prove myself, many would view this as sucking up, but really, Akascha was being honest about it. She was good at hunting and if it got her into a pack, then so be it. There were also moments where she loved to show off, and when she showed off, there was always a sort of awe held by her observers. Her years had given her many chances to improve her techniques of everything she needed, though there were some things she was quite bad at. Like keeping up a conversation. Or staying awake during important times. She could always just find a place to relax and nap, despite the overhanging mood.

I hope I have not disturbed you, Akascha said quite politely. I will gladly bring you food if you don't feel well enough to move, she meant this with the utmost honor. She didn't feel as if the alphas should be bothered with hunting anyway. And it only took one of them to observe her techniques and ways; although she doubted they could copy her no matter what their skill. She had a certain way of doing things; checking, rechecking, repositioning, checking again and the process repeated itself. She was a very precise character.

[Raphael Samedi]

Raff closed her eyes briefly as her mate approached her and gave her a soft nudge. It was strange behaviour from him but at the current moment she didn’t really care. She enjoyed it when he did strange things. Her whole body felt like it was made out of solid stone, why was she feeling this way? She hated the feeling, she was usually so full of life and energy but now all she wanted to do was find a comfortable spot and close her eyes and drift of to sleep. It didn’t matter how much she slept she still felt as though she needed more, she was always tired and she didn’t feel the same, it was like something was in her taking all of her energy. For the moment she pushed it all away and thought of the situation at hand.

After she spoke she waited and as expected Azzuen spoke announcing the stranger in their den. She looked over the stranger for a moment and took in her scent and quickly decided what she thought of her. Raff had a knack of nothing when a strange wolf was really what they seemed and this one seemed genuine enough. Even though she wasn’t feeling herself at the moment she could still determine what she thought of this wolf. She knew instantly that his offer for her to go with them was fake, she knew that he wouldn’t let her go with them especially now that she wasn’t one hundred percent well. She swallowed the harsh lump in her throat that had been bugging her for hours and went to speak but didn’t as the strange has something to say.

Raff listened to her words and yawned, it wasn’t a rude your boring me yawn it was a I’m going to go over here and lie down in a minute kind of yawn. “Excuse me” she said pardoning herself of the yawn, “I trust that you will do well on your hunt and I know that Azzuen is capable to observe and judge without me” she said and looked to her mate. He knew that she loved and cared for him very much and he usually did all that kind of stuff anyway so being left behind wasn’t a huge problem for her, she would rather just stay behind and keep an eye on the den anyway. Closing her eyes again she felt as though she could fall asleep where she stood and opened them again. “If you will excuse me” she said to Akascha, she gave her mate a bow.

She then turned around and headed for a spot she had, had her eye on for a little while now. As soon as she got there she plonked herself down and sighed, but the noise escaped her as a moan. She was going to be alright. She hoped so anyway. Whatever was going on with her she would soon know what it was, it was a little too early to determine what her illness was. With a bit of luck it will pass on its own and she will back to full health again and doing all the things she normally did.

Words: 534
Notes: sorry it took me forever!
Muse: Okay
Mood: Frazzled and tired.

[Ázzuen Vilkas]

Azzuen’s ears began to twitch frequently as he began to wonder what was going on with Raphael. In all of the time that he had known her, he had never seen her act this lethargic. And this state had been going on for awhile now. It had to have been at least 3 months since he noticed the beginning of it. He prayed to Halasia that she would get better soon. This could possibly weaken the pack.

Akascha acted very respectful toward Raphael, and he made sure to keep that in his mind. He doesn’t forget things like that. Respect plays a very large role when it comes to packs. He watched as Raphael went back to sleep. He didn’t know what to say or what to do, so he let the hunt take over his mind once again. They wouldn’t be able to catch anything such as Elkryn, it would have to be something a bit smaller.

He leaned forward into a brisk run, looking back to Akascha he hinted for her to follow. Assuming that she would follow, he began on his way to the hunting grounds. This is where she could prove herself worthy of being Venatora. Normally a wolf wouldn’t have to deem themselves worthy of having a place in his pack, but for Venatora he would need to know her hunting skills. Running through his thick woods, they arrived. A beautiful plain of green, lushious prey acting as if they weren’t even present.

OOC: Sorry about my muse, it’s a little down right now.lol.

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[Akascha Ze'ev]

Akascha wasn't one to pry, even if she should. And she wouldn't offered advice that wasn't wanted, or needed, or if she wasn't positively sure about something. Akascha wasn't too sure what was wrong and she didn't feel like worrying anyone by giving wrong advice. More than that, Akascha was not only excited to prove herself, but also to hunt and show off. It'd been a while since she'd hunted whilst being watched, although it never made her nervous. In fact, it actually made her more focused to show off her skills and abilities in her favorite topic.

She nodded once more to the alpha female of the pack, even if she couldn't see Akascha. Akascha bowed politely. Goodbye, she said before turning to look at the male. He had already turned and started to run, which, for Akascha, was no big deal. She kept her movements fluid and long, almost stretching as she ran. The wind slightly pushed her fur back as she followed the Dragga. Her stride was long enough to catch up, but controlled enough to run beside the male. Despite her ability to easily surpass him in running, Akascha contained herself and her excitement, showing great self control even though inside she wanted to break free and hunt.

Akascha could feel the blood rushing to her muscles as she stopped. She was in a Field, hunting grounds. Immediately, the wolf noticed she was upwind. She quickly side passed and skirted around the Field, staying mostly in the shadows and staring at the prey. Her eyes were scanning for the perfect one to attack; the biggest animal she could find, which wouldn't be very large. Still, she passed over a few skimpy bunnies and mice. Both required too much energy to catch. She passed through them, sending them running in all directions. She had spotted her prey, and the rest of the world didn't matter now. A large goose and a few of its friends were resting toward the middle.

Akascha was now downwind and she could catch the scents of all the animals around her. As she suspected, there were no large animals, but this goose should work just fine for her new alpha. She would only need a bite or two and the rest was for her Dragga and Drappa. The wolf looked excited and happy as she walked soundlessly through the tall grass. Her tail wagged, although it made little sound as it swished over the grass. It actually kind of sounded like wind. The geese, who were conversing noisily, had no idea that the wolf was going after them. Her head was down and she licked her lips hungrily, even though her stomach needed no food.

She lunged, quickly and silently. The goose realized she was there, and attempted to fly. Akascha leaped and crack. The goose's wing broke between her firm grip. She tackled it, climbed atop of it. The rest of the flock had flown away and most of the animals in the Field had returned to their dens to escape the cries of the animal. Akascha wouldn't let it suffer. She cracked its neck between her jaws. Blood filled her mouth, but the wolf merely dragged the limp body of the goose toward Azzuen. It plopped from her mouth in front of her feet.

[[OOC: was that okay? Or was I supposed to allow someone else to roleplay the goose/prey?]]