The End of a Westward March

[Lunar]

Through the lush spring grasses on the banks of the river Lunar continued his steady gait; eyes to the horizon. He stopped to rest now and then, and managed to snag a hare on the plains to settle his hunger for the time being. Some time along the flat lands the river had begun to widen out, softening its song. The mud had started to dry and crack in places, though one could still find himself immersed in it if he broke its surface.

A scent had come to his nose he hadn't smelt before in his life. When it met his senses he knew immediately that he would not tire of it; the freshness, the absence of stale air that can sometimes occupy the part of a dense wood that doesn't see sun nor feel wind.

This was the opposite, rolling over itself at him was the scent of something lively, moving, something crisp and cool and inviting.
Soon enough he could spy in front of him a large body of water, but it did not smell clean like the water he knew, it had a different scent, and he noticed that it too, like the scent he'd picked up was rolling.

Crashing gently, moving, shore less as far as his eyes could see. Hung over it was a veil of gray mist. He trod on until his toes sunk into the sand next to where the river tumbled out to meet the Great Water. For a time he sat on his haunches, watching its movement and that of the birds high above it. He gazed off into the distance in all directions. To the south was more plains, but northward- northward he spied a line on the horizon, splitting water and sky.

He raised himself up and began to march again, now following the coastline, reveling in the new scent and texture of the land around him.

The line grew and grew as he went, and was now a mass of land, jutting out into the endless water. It seemed to be wholly covered with trees, and as he spied that it reached out and anchored itself to the land he was walking he smelled another unfamiliar scent.

It was cold, and old. and strange. Very strange. When he came to where the two lands connected, he followed the island out above the water. The scent grew stronger. Soon enough, a field appeared before him, full of short grasses and flowers, encircled by woodland. Strange shapes were half submerged in the grasses, and he immediately put his guard.

They were unrecognizable, and they smelled... almost scentless. Slowly, he crept up to one of the shapes, and found it to be composed of several... things. This is where that scent had been coming from. How strange. There was the scent of old wolves here too, wolves long gone from this place.

After sniffing around for a bit more at several other formations of Strange Things, Lunar lay himself down in the middle of the field. He did not fear for other wolves or even bears. This land seemed quiet, almost eerie. Since he'd come into this land, it'd seemed that way. As though some great thing had occurred, enough to drive the life right out of the land. He lay himself down and closed his eyes.

[Sparrow]

Thunder cracked ahead of her as she reached the border, her chest heaving. Regardless, Sparrow laughed determinedly as it began to rain. Was the weather even trying to slow her down? Ha! Let it! She was built of tougher stuff than what the elements were dishing out. She slowed slightly, glancing up when lightening filled the sky and thunder cracked again. A devil-may-care grin spread across her maw and she lurched forward with even more vigor, soil flying out from beneath her paws as she flew over the ground. The rain felt good as it drench her fur . . . When she came onto open ground, she closed her eyes and rain lightly – it was times like these when she felt like she was flying.

Sparrow wasn’t sure how long she had traveled, only that she had greeted a new day and the weather was failing at getting her down. She had pushed thoughts of Keris and Heron to the back of her mind – she was going home. Her family would trickle back in time, along with some new members. Speaking of which . . . she slowed to a quick trot, starting to grow more observant as the smell of the sea consumed her. She hadn’t thought about it before but what if someone hadn’t claimed the land yet? Or if someone had, what if it was someone who knew nothing of the Outlands? She already missed her old Alphas; she had respected them so much, but their lives had been lost in the war. Uncertain now, she eased into a lope, trying not to overexert herself. That had always been her downfall; she pushed herself over her limits – she had come close to hurting herself many times.

When the land bridge finally came into view, she let out a yelp of happiness, rearing onto her back paws and hopping forward. Thunder cracked above her again and light flickered in her eyes seconds later. The wind was picking up and it was colder here, near the sea, and the rain hit her mercilessly. But she didn’t care.

She was home!

She charged down the hill, familiar trails guiding over the soft sands of the beach and onto the land bridge where she clambered precariously over large rocks, slippery surfaces, the sea seeming to challenge her angrily as the elements continued to mock her. But she was determined, and a determined Sparrow wasn’t about to back down from any challenge. When she made it to the other side, she stood still for a moment, her fur drenched, rain dripping down her face, her heart hammering in her ears . . . she smiled. She smiled so widely that her grin seemed to stretch from ear to ear and then some; her legs quivered with excitement. Finally able to move, she took in her land as she scented it again. She came to a sandy patch of grass and got down and rolled in it, rubbing the scent back into her body; the smell of salt and driftwood, the sweet scent of wild berries that the occasional deer would scrounge for. She stood and shook herself, letting the rain wash the sand away. She turned then, and saw with great excitement, the old training yard. A little broken down but still intact nonetheless . . . She was definitely up for this! She bolted forward, sides heaving . . .

“Woah!”

Thunder clapped again just as she caught site of another wolf lying in the middle of the field, eyes closed. She leapt over him just in time and landed lightly on the other side. Lightening lit up his fur and his frame and she regarded him curiously. She hadn’t smelled him coming in, but then, the wind was blowing every scent away from her. Was he the Alpha? If so, what in the world was he doing laying in the middle of the field? Hadn’t he heard the storm that had started up? He looked ragged and a little worn and she cocked her head.

Hmmm . . .

She eyed a rock near her paw and lightly nosed it towards him, hoping it would hit his paw.

“Hey,” she called over the gale of wind. “You alive over there?”

She stood there, suddenly stiff and serious. Her strong, feminine frame was held with dignity, as if she owned the place, which she felt like she did compared to this stranger. He definitely wasn’t a former pack member . . . As lightening flashed again, her brown eyes were lit up with great intensity . . .

Who was this fellow?

[Lunar]

There was a change in the air around him, the air had begun to sizzle and made his fur stand on end. He could smell the rain in the swollen clouds threatening to fall any second. He considered making for the shelter of the trees lining the edge of the field. but decided against it- he was far too comfortable, besides, the rain would bathe him and wash away the mud covering his body.

As Lunar had anticipated, the sky split open and before he could fall asleep, he was soaked to his skin in the rain. It made him think of his childhood, watching the droplets hit the surface of the river near his home, nipping at them in confusion, thinking they were fish. Water had always fascinated him; it was so different from stuff. It felt different and moved different then anything else you could touch. He took a moment just to take in the feeling of it rolling down his fur, but thinking of his childhood brought his mind down old comfortable paths, and soon enough he found himself dozing off despite the storm overhead, his travel-tired body pulling him to sleep.

He heard a sound, closer than the thunder but farther then the rain pattering on the Strange Things near him. Perhaps a voice? He couldn't tell, but lay still, slowly becoming more alert. It came again; yes, a voice. Another wolf, female by her tone and scent, and she moved something near to him.

There'd been no one near for as far as he could scent when he'd lain down. How long had he rested? She must have been moving quickly, and by the sound of her breathing, Lunar thought that assumption correct. She did not seem on edge. but was nervous to approach him directly. He felt vulnerable still, and wanted to move quickly from her reach.

He swiftly rolled away from her and onto his paws in a low, defensive stance. He held back his instinct to bare his teeth but instead growled low, rumbling through his whole large body, noticing in fact how little this wolf was.

Thunder cracked overhead.

[Sparrow]

Sparrow slouched low as she saw the male leap and take a defensive stance, an inner trigger telling her to prepare for a spar. A grin curdled along her maw and she narrowed her eyes as he growled. Thunder cracked over head and she found herself laughing. With the surety of predator that has cornered defenseless prey, she stalked forward a few feet and then proceeded to circle him, once, twice and on the third time she stopped on his opposing side, blocking the direct route to the mainland. Her tail flicked, showing her enjoyment, her light muscles rippling as she moved with a warrior’s grace. She kept her target locked with her eyes, preparing herself for any sort of moves he might make towards her. She cocked her head, placing one paw forward, tensing her muscles, ready for action.

“You aren’t from around here, are you?” she sang. “Not an Outlander in the slightest.”

Proudly she loosened her stance and shot up, still eyeing him hesitantly.

“You wouldn’t happen to be the new Alpha about here, would you?” she chuckled to her self. “Gotta say; I hope your made of tough stuff, or else I’m following the bears!”

Thunder cracked again and she nodded to him. “Name’s Sparrow. Are you up for a spar or shall we take our conversation to a more sheltered arena?”

She watched him quietly, unafraid. Strangers to the Outland had one thing against them; they didn’t know the lay of the land as well as she did. But then, she also didn’t know how long he had stayed here, or if there were others, resting back at the dens. Sparrow calculated how swiftly she’d have to dodge if he came at her; he was bigger than her most certainly, that was easy to see . . . but then, Keris had been too, and she knocked him on his rump several solid times. That was one thing you learned in the Outland; size didn’t matter. Motivation, drive, and fight – that was what pushed you forward. And if you couldn’t handle it . . .

“Then join the Mainlanders . . .” she muttered under her breath.

So what’s it gonna be, stranger? Going to attack a pretty fae or are you actually take a look at what you got here?

She shifted her position slightly, so that if he did happen to run, her direction of shepherding would be towards all the man made equipment. It was time to have a little fun of her own . . .

[Lunar]

Lunar heard her voice again over the storm moving around them. He followed her path as she boldly moved around him, staying out of striking distance, but fixing her gaze on him. His muscles were taut, poised to move, his growl echoing the thunder overhead. Her voice was so confident, almost mocking him.

He couldn't decide what it was she was after, she made herself sound familiar to this place, calling it the Outland. She fixed her stance and stopped circling just in time for him to see she was guarding the anchor to the mainland. She was awful confident, her tiny frame moving into the most threatening stance she could muster. It was her gaze that held the most fight though, she was laughing. Smiling, very confident.

She would be agile he knew, and if it was true that she knew this "Outland" she'd have an advantage there as well. He was much larger, stronger, with claws sharp as fangs and all the power a great wolf should have. Wordless, he moved from his low stance and into a tall, great one, expressing his sinew and ragged fur, looking into her eyes with a hard expression, daring, steely, cold.

He snarled with a crack of thunder, taking a step closer to her, demanding respect. He squared his large paws in the mud of the field, like a great tree rooted in the earth. He was alpha here, and if she wanted a place in his pack she would respectfully earn it.

And she would respect and honor him.

[Sparrow]

Sparrow drew back, raising an eyebrow as he met her gaze with the steely hard look of an Alpha. Alright, so he wasn’t much for conversation. She knew this look; he was challenging her. Her entire position changed and she grew serious, giving him a look back that said volumes – this was her home. If he didn’t want to play games, then fine. Giving one last defensive glance, she lowered her head and averted eyes so that they were anchored on his paws should he try to take a go at her. She still didn’t trust him completely, but if he had claimed this land, then there wasn’t much she could do about it, because there was no way she was taking on the duties of an Alphess.

“Alright, alright, no need for snippets.” She sighed, the sound of thunder grumbling distantly as the storm began to surpass them. “Look, I had no intention of offending. You’ll have to excuse me . . .”

She stopped. She didn’t want to go any further. He wasn’t her old Alpha – she’d respect him, but he wasn’t her old Alpha. She lowered her stance and continued to stalk around him until she had her back to the field behind her. Now she looked at him in her own stern manner, remembering to keep her eyes away from his. She swallowed hard, going against everything in her nature. She had never had to actually ask for acceptance into a pack before, especially not one she had already been in. Would he test her? But more importantly, was he a mute? That was going to annoy her to no end; having one way conversations was not her idea of a good time.

As the wind died down a little, she flicked her ears back, licking her paw. The act was one of a practiced method; appear nonchalant to ease a tense situation between pack mates, or in this situation, a hopeful pack mate. Her senses were guarded as she focused everything she had on him. He was strange, reserved, but she had to admit he had the strength that might even scare a Heus. She flicked her eyes up, placing her paw back down. Okay, so he wasn’t exactly in a sparring mood precisely. Fine. He didn’t speak . . . well she didn’t know yet. But two could play that game.

She finally sat down on the soaked earth, wet earth working its way between her paws. Raising her head to attention, she looked at him expectantly. He had to say something eventually; now she was quietly demanding questions from him. At least she might answer. She had already given her name, demonstrated her skills. Did he want to see her run the course on the field? Did he want a spar? Or did he want to have a chat? Or maybe they could scout out those dens . . .

Unless, of course, he didn’t know about those.

She smiled and slanted her eyes at him, waiting, feeling excitement bubble up in her. She could teach him – if she were allowed to stay. And with those muscles? They might already have a marvelous start to an Outland pack.

Once more she picked up her paw and licked away the dirt, keep her glimmering, knowing eyes on him.

Just watch your tongue, girl . . . And all should be well.

[Lunar]

At his movements she moved back, seeming to realize her place here, averting her eyes and assuming a more vulnerable position. He could see her dignity coming through even though she was in submission. She certainly had a lot of pride, and was not afraid to show it. She attempted to apologize, but cut herself short. The storm had finally begun to move away, like the tension in their meeting.

She moved around him again, and he mirrored her movements, still standing tall and proud. She stopped and cleaned herself, still avoiding his gaze, but clearly annoyed; flicking her tail back and forth, and when she sat, sending small droplets of mud into the air. Perhaps she wasn't used to swallowing her dignity down, but he was glad to see she was capable of doing so. It meant something when a proud wolf showed his respect for another, and it shouldn't be taken lightly.

He softened his pose, remaining standing. She was waiting for something. Sparrow hm? Like the bird... she certainly looked light enough that the wind might carry her away, though she was taller than he'd originally assumed.

Quickly he lunged forward and nipped at the air near her soft wet nose, seeing if she would flinch, his teeth clicking together softly before his voice followed the sound. "Lunar" His voice like tree bark and low like the thunder leaving.

[Sparrow]

Sparrow waited in silence, her eyes carefully watching him, waiting. She realized she was tensed and relaxed herself. Realization hit her that she had wandered on her own for way to long. Her instincts as a warrior were in overdrive. Still, he had mirrored her movements and softened his stance, allowing the tension to ease on both ends. She had to admit, it made her feel better too. She looked towards the sky as the thunder started to grow distant, the weather seeming to recognize their mood. She smirked; strange how the elements could do that. She turned her attention back to the male, growing more annoyed with his silent nature.

Much more of this and he was subject to fall victim to a nickname . . .

The steely gaze of his eyes glinted and she found herself transfixed, waiting, watching. Predator against predator . . . He was up to something, perhaps waiting for her to speak again, but oh no . . . not this time . . .

SNAP!

Her mind did a familiar back flip as he snapped his jaws inches by her nose. The inner fae inside her, the one she often hid, was kept at bay, years of training rushing forward as her body fought her mind, stiffening only the slightest. She raised a lip at him, wondering why the cranky attitude was needed when she heard his gruff, grumble of a voice, and she smiled. The grin of a fox touched her features and she cocked her head to the side, blinking at him through half slit eyes.

Lunar.

She could only assume that to be his name, for it wasn’t really a word that made sense on its own, not in this one way conversation anyway. She gave a tiny “Hmph” and flicked her ears forward so that the rain that rain that collected at their tips were jolted forward. He really was mistaken if he was try to use scare tactics with her, but perhaps this was his way of asserting authority. Catching his eye in an uncertain manner, she tilted her head to the other side.

Without warning, she lunged back towards him, her jaws closing on open air inches from the tip of his nose with a distinct “click.”

“Great,” she said softly, emphasizing each syllable.

She pulled back again and resumed cleaning her paws, admiring the slender nails, looking back up at him occasionally. At least she knew he could talk, that was a start she supposed . . .

“So,” she said, keeping her tone even and as “lady like” as possible. “Now that I know you do speak, I am assuming you have claimed yourself as the Alpha, hm? So tell me . . . what does one do to join you?”

She placed her paw down and nodded politely to him.

“Because I’m asking,” she snapped her jaw playfully. “Lunar, if I might join you? I was raised here; the land is not new to me . . . you might benefit more than you know having me around for a month than some other whelp who chances through.”

She picked up her other paw, cleaning absentmindedly as she watched him, waiting. He seemed more of a “body language” fellow. She sighed; well, hopefully they’d reach a happy medium, assuming he’d allow her membership.

And trust me buddy, she thought. You’re going to want me around when you catch your first sight of one of those bloody Heus . . .

[Lunar]

She tensed only, the movement barely noticable. She did not lash out nor cower; good. In fact, a grin spread across her features, traces of a smile and again the confidence in her eyes appeared. She flicked the water off of her ears and without warning mimicked his previous actions.

He held his ground, staying still as stone; great. Her voice came slow and seemingly sarcastic. His eyes narrowed as allowed himself a quick snort of laughter while their maws were still close enough together for her to feel his breath on her face. She moved away to start cleaning herself; again. What did she think she was, a lynx? Being pristine seemed of a high priority with this fae.

She wanted to be part of his pack, and thought herself a very worthy addition it seemed. Hm. And she did know the land after all. He took a moment to walk around her slowly, observing her physique, taking in her scent; she seemed healthy, well bred, and tough. She clearly had fight in her, but could be humbled at least on the surface.

He stopped in front of her again. "I am..." He stared off into the tree line for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought, "The Alpha of the Outland."

[Sparrow]

“I am . . . the Alpha of the Outland.”

She smiled. Glad we got that covered.

Regardless, she bowed her head to him, keeping the sarcasm down to a minimum. If he was a quiet one, then she’d have to get used to that; at least he wasn’t a mute. She flicked her eyes up to him, unsure if she was to repeat herself or if he was considering her acceptance. The wind ruffled her creamy fur, her light eyes glinting as they caught the reflective light that bounced off the ocean waves. Her posture softened. She grew serious now, ready for whatever he had to say. She took a big breath and slowly let it out.

“Alpha of the Outlanders, I wish to join your ranks.” She raised her head, her face soft and serious. “I will take whatever your judgment is.”

She stood at attention as she was used to doing, the warrior in Sparrow arising to the surface. She waited in perfect stature, ears perked forward, waiting calmly. She didn’t know if there were tests she would have to face or if he would take her at face value. But if she was accepted, she knew she was looking at a new set of loyalties, a new family . . . she hadn’t had either in a long time. She would share the bountiful secrets of the land, of the war that ensued outside of the Outland. She had been part of the Elite once, working her way up to a trainer.

But that was a long, long time ago . . . or so it seemed.

[Lunar]

Lunar took one more circuit around the fae, Sparrow. Checking to see if there were any visible scars or weaknesses on her, but she was prim and proper in appearance (and would be always judging on the amount that she choose to groom herself). As his mind dove through its familiar veil to places very far removed from the here and now, her voice brought him back.

It was a very formal request to join his pack. No hostility, not so proud but not so humble either, she sounded sincere and confident in her ability to be an asset to his "pack". He stopped himself in front of her, and met her eyes with his own, staring in them deeply. It was easiest to tell a wolf through his eyes, and through the way the muscles in his face moved. He looked deeply through her soft brown eyes,

"Hm...my judgement..." He shut his eyes for a moment and then let out a sigh that turned sharply into a bark-like laugh. "I suppose!" He opened his eyes to her again, a smile dancing on his maw. Swiftly, he turned his body around and set out at a trot towards the woods.

[Sparrow]

Sparrow watched quietly as he closed his eyes, wondering what he was thinking about. She cocked her head to the side, eyes bright and unwavering as she studied him. However, her look soon turned to confusion as his sigh turned into a quick laugh.

“I suppose!”

Wait . . . what? That was it? I suppose? A hesitant smile came onto her maw as he grinned at her. Her tail brushed the thick grass softly and she came quickly to her feet as he suddenly turned and started trotting away towards the woods. She watched trot off for a moment, part of her wondering what just happened with this strange fellow, another part of her wondering if he was really fit for the role of Alpha. Was there something wrong with him or did he just simply like to play games? She snorted and then loped after him, running to catch up.

“Hey! Wait!” when she caught up to him, she trotted easily by his side, her muscles moving in graceful, even strokes beneath her fur. “You . . . you didn’t even tell me what position you’re giving me?”

Her ears flicked forward as she heard the retreating clap of thunder, a thick mist collecting around them from the sea. She stopped once, peering around them as they grew closer to the woods, feeling at home and at ease again. She smiled easily again, genuinely, knowing that she belonged here. She jumped ahead to catch up again, her paws sinking into the soft, wet earth. The smell of salt water filled her senses and she panted with contentment, keeping by Lunar’s side.