Arriving from the Moor [Invite for Rahiel + Heron]

[Unalaq]

Unalaq had found himself lost a few times as a thick fog settled in as the night drew in about them. He was thankful Larka was there to guide him at least - she knew the way like no other it seemed. He trotted to a stop, breathing hard and heavy, his breath fogging the air more. He couldn't see the mountain at all, which was rather ironic since he could see it so easily before. He hated fog, it made things . . . creepier than they should be.

"Thanks to you, Larka." he said between breaths. "We made it."

There would be no hunting tonight, of that he was sure. He was much to tired now . . . and then there was that inevitable journey back to the dens. He sighed.

Once his breath had return and his heart rate slowed, he gave one last proud glance at Larka and then threw back his head, his voice, echoing up the Mountain.

I'm here . . . it said.

[Larka]

Larka's breath made the fog swirl and contort into a shape or a figure. Though fog made her jumpy, she blended right in, and she could tell that that made Unalaq more paranoid than before.

She sat down as he spoke, nodding as she remembered journeying here as a pup once or twice. She listened to Unalaq's song for a moment before joining him.

Larka's voice was beautiful. Her stunning, clear, loud voice cut through the fog like a knife and filled the air around her. She was singing for him, now he had something to compare the other wolf's song to.

Her song said, "I too am here, I travel with him." but she really ment for them to know that Unalaq was not alone. Her song had a hard undertone to it, she would fight for his heart if others tried to steal it and she was sure he knew that.

[Rahiel]

Rahiel's ears perked again as the voices suddenly sounded closer . . . closer as in . . . the foot of the Mountain! She let out a quick howl to say she was coming and then turned to face Heron again. Indeed, perhaps she was going home . . . she smiled at her friend and nuzzled her.

"Yes well . . . at least let me walk you there, hm?"

The path down would be slippery and dangerous, especially now with the mist as thick as it was. But she was used to this; this was her home. Sure footedly, she made her way down, avoiding the weak spots in the terrain. She kept her eye on Heron behind her, her blue eyes sharp and clear cut as crystal. As they descended, the tempature gradually grew warmer, though it was only in slight intervals. Only once did she trip, her wings extending to catch her fall as she dislodged her paw from the deep snow. She looked back to check on Heron and then proceded forward at an even pace until she reached the foothills, standing on a rocky slope, looking for those that had called her. There had been two . . . There they were! She motioned for Heron to follow, loping ahead on solid ground now. She slowed as she approached the newcommers so as not to frighten them. Once she was before them, she bore herself proudly as her own Alpha had once and smiled gently, extending her wings.

"Welcome, both of you, to Sun Crest." She said, her voice lilting in the misty air. "I am the Alphess, Rahiel, leader of all Sasriels. Might I introduce to you, my friend, Heron?"

She cast a quick glance to Heron and then locked eyes with the male. They both seemed to have leadership qualities about them, but he seemed to carry the highest head, so she focused on him. She knew her petite features might be deceiving, but she was strong and Heron knew that. She waited for a moment, in case Heron had any words.

"As long as you are here on peaceful terms, you are welcome on these lands." she smiled and nodded to them both, folding her wings back. In essence, they could be her greatest weapon. "Now, may I ask who you are and what your journey to my land was for? It is an awful long way just for sight seeing, I must say, especially in this weather."

[Heron]

The trip back down the mountain proved treacherous to Heron's three legged form. Constantly she found herself teetering on the brink of holes loosely packed with snow and sliding down slick patches of rock. Rahiel's form was gradually being lost in a thick mist that was forming on the mountain, swirling around them as they traveled down.

Heron's mind was far from the frozen slope that they were slipping down. Heron wondered if her legacy would have followed her through to the formation of the new packs. Would they have heard of her falsified treachery, and be opposed to her joining their pack? Would the beautiful voices that had welcomed them down the mountain be biased against her?

There had been two voices earlier... Were they here? Ah! There! Heron stayed a little behind Rahiel, head held lower than both Miss Rahi, and the two strangers. Not too low though...The male held his own head high, though the females was not much lower. Were they a mated pair then?

"Pleasure tah meet yah." She grinned, nervously shifting her weight from side to side. Heron's breath misted in front of her, collecting in a cloud. The cold was not as severe as the top of the mountain, but the night made it seemed colder some how.

[Unalaq]

Larka’s howl caught him by surprise and it silenced him quickly. Indeed, her voice was beautiful. He smiled to himself, his eyes taking her in for a moment – he looked away before she spy him staring at her, a smile still on his maw. He could hear the undertone to it though, but decided to let alone for now.

Unalaq grinned in relief as a white wolf appeared through the mist, her eyes also a sharp blue. She stood taller than he did and he had to keep himself from taking an involuntary step back. Luckily, he didn’t have to worry about his head being higher than the Alphess’s, since this was her land, but he continued to keep his head high regardless. It came with the title. When she spoke, her voice was calm and gentle, but had that undertone of one that could suddenly be fierce if need be. That must have been the beautiful howl he heard earlier.

“Humble greetings, Alphess Rahiel.” Unalaq spoke, nodding his head. “We are here on peaceful terms. I am Unalaq, Alpha of Amber Moor. This is my Beta, Larka.”

He chuckled to himself a little; yes it had been a long trip. He looked over to Larka who had also put her head high. He sighed and nudged her very slightly, smiling because he knew how seriously she took her status . . . perhaps a little too seriously. He glanced back up at the Alphess.

“We have traveled far out of our way, I must say my Beta has much patience for me. I wanted to see the land she spoke so highly about, and assure you that we are friends.”

He looked up then as another wolf appeared a female that looked rather battered and beaten. He wagged his tail at her as Rahiel introduced her as Heron.

Pleasure tah meet yah.

She had one limb missing, he noticed, her silky red coat was scarred. She too, had blue eyes. It almost seemed to be a requirement around here it seemed. . . he smiled at her, noticing how strong she seemed even with only three limbs. He could tell she was a little nervous, but he couldn’t imagine why.

“Heron,” he said softly, wagging his tail. “Pleasure to meet you as well. Are you the one that called out for acceptance earlier?”

Her voice sounded similar to the one that howled, he was fairly certain it was her. He liked the looks of her; she would also make a valuable pack member. But he couldn’t help but see how weary she looked, how tired, as though she carried some sort of baggage with her. Slowly, he approached her, his green eyes regarding her warily. Would she answer all his questions? She looked like a fighter; he wanted a strong fighter in the pack. He bet as well she’d make a good hunter. But first he’d test her . . .

[Larka]

OOC: Sorry Wolfling!

Larka held her head high as she listened to the conversation. She held her tongue, but her eyes held all she had to say. She almost growled when Unalaq introduced her as the beta, but she caught herself, remembering the conversation they had in the woods.

She looked over at him as he nudged her, eyes flashing defiantly. She would not raise or lower her head. Despite formal titles, they were "equals" and she planned to keep it that way until he fully let her into his heart.

Larka smiled at Unalaq. "Well I have to have patience when your bouncing around like a pup getting ready to go on their first hunt!" She said playfully, before turning to the Fae that introduced herself as Heron.

"Nice to meet you Heron." She wagged her tail in a happy greeting. She scanned her Ice blue optics over Heron. The Fae's fur was ragged and she had only three legs.

Larka didn't see this as a set back for the Fae, for she seemed as strong as them any of them. She would Welcom Heron as an addition to the pack, but she was still slightly wary, unsure of what to except from the her.

She stepped forward at the excact moment Unalaq did, knowing they were both thinking the same thing. Heron would have to be tested. They needed to know how loyal she'd be, how strong she was, if they could trust her...things like that.

It wouldn't be like the first time she'd met Unalaq, the defiant tests they'd thrown on each other. She stared warmly at her. "So Heron, you wanna join Amber Moor?"

[Rahiel]

Rahiel put their names into her memory, nodding to them each in turn. Unalaq and Larka; but the sight of them she would have thought them mates. She was surprised when he introduced her as his Beta. She carefully watched the slight nudge he gave her, and her defiant gaze back. This could prove to be interesting . . . And yet came a playful exchange. She cocked her head to the side curiously but said nothing on the matter. That was an issue for them to discuss, though it seemed odd to her. She stepped to the side as Heron came forward, relieved that she had found her way out of the fog . . . safely.

Welcomes passed between both Alpha and Beta to Heron, warm ones, thankfully. Perhaps this was the right pack for Heron. She hoped so; with such a hard past, the warrior needed a new, stable life where she could start anew. Rahiel's bright eyes regarded them silently, knowing that as Unalaq rose, he would begin his test, as most Alpha's did. She was sure that Heron would have no problem with it, even the pysical test of strength . . . or so she hoped. She didn't know what they did in the Outlands, but she figured it was more than what "normal" packs did. How else could they spit out such talent warriors? You hardly ever saw a dead Outlander.

She smiled as Unalaq wagged a friendly tale and cast a quick glance at Heron, her eyes showing nothing but encouragment. She could do this . . .

Something moved out of the corner of her eye and she saw Larka rise as well. She hid the confusion from face but inside she didn't understand; sure Beta's could question newcomers, but Unalaq was here. She didn't have to. Though it struck her as odd, Rahiel said nothing. It was not her pack . . . but she could sense some tension between them. But to pin point exactly why?

She shook her head to her self.

Hopefully it would work itself out . . .

[Heron]

Unalaq, the Alpha of Amber Moor and his... Beta? Heron cast a curious glance at the female that held herself like an alpha. She was beautiful, and carried herself with the graces that befitted an alpha... But she was not. Heron had always had little patience for those who could not understand and accept their position in the packs. False ideas of rank created tensions in the pack, and made the pack disjointed and unstable. Heron's blue eyes met Larka's momentarily before they turned away, no hint of submission in their blue mists. Until Unalaq claimed this female as a mate, she would be no more than a Beta to Heron, no matter the airs she gave.

Not that a Beta was anything to turn your nose up at. As a Beta Larka deserved Herons respect, which she was willing to give... To a Beta, not a self-named Alphess. Herons trust would be a harder thing for both the Alpha and his second to gain. Miss Rahi had been given an easier chance to win Herons dedicated heart. Rahiel was the light in the storm, that had save Herons wandering form, guiding her home. The Alphesses gentle nature had won over the warriors heart very easily.

There was no storm to offer shelter from... Only Heron's wary nature.

So when Unalaq stepped foreword Heron stood her ground, meeting his eyes momentarily before lowering her gaze to his neck. She cast a disregarding look towards Larka as the second stepped towards her too, instead giving her full attention to Unalaq. She kept the Beta in her peripherals, unsure what the following moments might bring... Tests of some sort she assumed, though she was unsure of what.

"Aye... It was me who called out look'in for a place I might be able to call home. I be a warrior by trade... Seen more than my fair share of battle, survived to tell the tales of all of 'em. I was trained up right by the Outlands pack... I can pull mah own weight and hold mah own 'gainst what ever might be coming. The real question now, is whether or not you can handle me." Heron's grin took all of the threat that might have existed out of her words. As her tail wagged it brushed the snow beneath it from side to side, creating a small flurry of white.

She glanced at Rahiel, relaxing in situation with the grace of a warrior, and the tact (or lack there of) of an old wanderer. "There yah be Miss Rahi; all's said and done I can play nice with the other kiddies, despite mah rather ragged good looks!" She winked quickly at the Alphess before returning her attention to the Alpha. She plopped her butt down into the snow, deceivingly unwary of the two strangers. A fighter would be able to sense the readiness of a warrior in her pose and see the caution of a veteran in her gaze.

Slowly her tail drifted back and forth across the snow, creating a valley in the freshly fallen drifts.

A small voice in Herons head (very similar to her own, in fact) sang, "Snow, snow, snow..."

[Unalaq]

Unalaq was slightly surprised when Larka got up to follow, his gaze shifting from Heron to Larka for a second. Though her greeting was kind, she was taking his position again. He let her pass him for a second, ears pointed forward in an irritated fashion. This was bad timing; if the other two saw the uncertainty between the two of them, he knew it would just hinder the pack image more. He growled lightly in a way that asked Larka to step back. He appreciated her help, but he had this. Calmly he continued forward, walking past Larka and standing before Heron. He grinned at her as she spoke, her eyes automatically averted. He nodded approvingly. His testing would begin now.

He had many questions for her, but first, he wanted to test her physical strength. Warrior, was she? He had a spot for that . . . if she could prove it. He looked once at her missing paw and held his judgment. If she were a warrior, she could still hold her own. She looked stable enough now.

Without a word, he brushed against her, throwing his weight at her unexpectedly. He kept his body calm so she wouldn’t mistake his action for one of violence or harshness. He circled around her backside, nudging her haunch with a good portion of his weight before nosing her shoulder where her paw was missing. When he was done, he stood in front of her, holding judgment. Now he waited for her reaction, if she would remain quiet or if she would snap at him. It was a test of durability, stamina, and silent instruction. No words were spoken, only his silent command. He had no desire to bring harm; he only wanted to see where she stood, and how she could handle herself without one paw. Later he would run with her and test her speed, agility and endurance. After this, he had questions for her.

He did not move his gaze, though he could feel Rahiel watching him. The two seemed close . . . just judging by the way Heron had spoke to her seemed to put that essence in the air. Silently he waited, calm . . . halfway aware of Larka, waiting to see if she would ignore him as he halfway predicted she might.

[Larka]

Larka sat calmly in the snow at Unalaq's quiet growl. She knew she'd slightly overstepped her boundaries, but it wasn't her fault. Beingb Alphess was the only thing she'd known for a long time and she couldn't get out of that mind set.

She watched Unalaq do the same tests on Heron as he'd done on her. She yawned and let her mind wander. Her thoughts drifted back to Thor, and then she realized how Unalaq and Thor had the same personalities. She'd never even thought of that before, so she decided to push it to the back of her mind for now.

Larka's attention switched back to the real world and her gaze locked on Rahiel. The Alphess was beautiful and had a kind and gentle air about her.

Her tail twitched anxiously as she waited for Herons reaction.

[Rahiel]

Rahi's ears perked attentively when she heard Unalaq's soft growl but she didn't stir. It was a simple reminder to Larka about his position. Larka backed off easily enough and Rahiel let go a breath she had not realized she'd been holding. Knowing one's place in the pack was always good, yet she couldn't help but wonder why Larka seemed to want to push the limits. She watched the white fae for a short while, trying to remember if she could recall anything of Larka before now. The name was vaugely familiar, but after handling so many wounded and dying, it was hard to keep a list of names for long. Perhaps she had held a high rank at one time, perhaps even that of an alpha. It was entirely possible. She could only imagine what it would feel like to go down in rank, having to take commands instead of make them. But at least she backed down.

Rahiel grinned at her when Larka looked her way, lightly wagging her tail before turning her attention back on Heron. The Alpha was now testing Heron for her stamnia. Some Alphas did that, some didn't. Rahi wasn't sure if those of the Outland had done it, or what Heron was used to, or how she would respond. It was a tense time for Rahiel . . . she hoped only the best for her friend and knew that Heron would make a great addition . . . assuming the two agreed on each other's terms. Unalaq seemed seemed calm, Larka twitched her tail anxiously, waiting to see how Heron's response would be and how she held up to Unalaq's nudges.

Part of Rahi instantly wanted to rush to her aid. Wasn't he aware that she only had three paws? This was kind of an unfair test for her! But then the Alphess reminded herself of when she had first met Heron; half starved, freezing to death, climbing up the side of the Mountain . . . not many wolves, healthy ones, would have made it that far. Heron was built for this, bred strong and raised to . . . to be a warrior. Rahiel's eyes softened, her heart dropping. A warrior. She would be fighting come Burgeon season probably, and the thought frightened her. She swallowed, stepping back into the fog so that the heavy mist clouded her eyes. Amber Moor was a good pack, wise and Heron was trained well and one hell of a warrior. She shouldn't fear to much and besides, she was close. She was very close . . .

She sat down gracefully, the silver "freckles" on her muzzle seeming to sparkle from the damp that the cold air was creating.

[Heron]

Heron watched with interest as Unalaq's growl caused Larka sit back on her haunches. There was no anger in her pose, only a memory of something she had been, and was now less than. She refocused her attention on Unalaq, mind still wondering over his Beta situation. At first glance she had mistaken them for mates... What gave his Beta the right to think she could call judgment when the Alpha was present to call it down himself?

Unexpectedly Unalaq brushed his weight against Heron. Surprised Heron returned favor for favor and over compensated, shoving back with enough force to push him back. He had some advantage over her in a fight, due the the fact that his body was larger than hers. "Low and hard Heron. Just h it them low and hard." Heron had tensed, ready to defend herself before she realized that Unalaq meant no harm. His relaxed pose and non-threatening airs calmed her slightly.

It was just a test.

Heron relaxed slightly, responding to the rest of his nudges by absorbing the weight, and returning only slight pressure. She hardly noticed his test of her missing paw, it was a part of who she was now, its weakness was nothing more than a memory now. She had learned quickly how to survive without it. Battle was a heavy contact game... You had to be able to move away quickly before something nasty sunk its teeth into your hide, and the enemy would not slow down just because you were missing a paw. This test was similar to one of the games that Heron had played as a pup, one of the perks of growing up Outlander... War games.

"Wha' next Alpha Unalaq? Did I pass? Always been a bit jumpy aroun' the new folks..."

[Unalaq]

Unalaq reflected on the first shove she had given him; he didn’t take it personally. She had stood stone still, giving only the slight nudges back as if to say she was in no way going to be “pushed around.” He smiled.

He liked that. She was submissive but not completely up for being order around completely. He could already tell she was a fighter without her having to say so. The missing paw was nothing to her; it was as though she were born with three legs. Well, perhaps she had. He didn’t know, but he would find out later. He grinned at her words, standing proudly in front of her.

“That test, yes, you passed impressively.” He said calmly. “You also throw quite a punch. I suppose there is more where that came from.”

He laughed softly when she asked what was next.

“Only questions, really. Of course, I’ll be keeping an eye on you if you get accepted, but I’m sure you’re aware of that. I need to see how you work.”

He stepped back to give her some space. Jumpy, hm? Well, they could work with that later. Some wolves just needed to adapt and if she was a warrior whose training had always been to attack, then actually closeness like this might be not new just . . . awkward.

“I want to know if you feel you are up to proving your place in this pack, that you are confident and stable? That you understand that in giving your loyalty to Amber Moor means that betrayal of any sort means you will be hunted down and made an outcast? There is little room for error in this pack and if you mess up, there will be consequences for your actions. I expect you to accept them as they come. I also expect you to come to myself or Larka should a problem or issue arise that you alone cannot handle. If you question my authority, I trust that you will come to trust me enough to come to me and discuss it, and not go behind my back.” He paused for a second and smiled easily. “If you feel these are acceptable, than I will humbly welcome you to Amber Moor as a subordinate, and we will work our way up from there.”

He had the idea in his head for putting her at the Head Fighter role, even though the position wasn’t needed right now. She would make a good Head, he thought. Her posture and attitude showed it. But that was to be discussed another time. Right now, he waited for her words. He hoped she would respect his terms; they had been similar to those in his old pack. It was a strict order they kept, even for the pups.

He turned only to face Larka then, happy that she had respected him and backed down. He nodded approvingly to her, and then turned back to Heron.

[Larka]

Larka watched carefully, wagging her tail back at Rahiel. She watched Heron push back Unalaq and naturally stiffened. She pushed back a growl, knowing that it was just and instinctive reaction. Her optics slid over Heron once more. She seemed quite sturdy on three legs, even when Unalaq pushed his hulking frame on her.

She shuffled back slightly as Unalaq did because of Herons statement. Being slightly jumpy around new wolves could be to their advantage but right no0w it could be a big set back.

Larka's mind stifted through the names of wolves in her old pack. She remembered one that reminded her of Heron. Same personality, though they looked nothing alike. Those were the good days, before the incidents.

She wagged her tail at Unalaq as he nodded to her before focusing on Unalaq's words. This being his first real duty as Alpha she wanted to be sure he did covered everything. He covered pretty much everything and she nodded, satisfied.

Larka stood and shook out her pelt. "So, Unalaq, Heron, shall we get going? It will be getting dark soon and dark means cold. I for one don't like a cold, wet pelt." She said, Ice blue eyes sparkling.

"That is of course if Heron will join us."

[Rahiel]

Rahiel heaved a quiet sigh as Heron took it easily, though Rahiel could see the slight hint of wariness the warrior fae gave off. She didn't blame Heron for being slightly jumpy; not after the story she had told Rahi. But now this was her chance at life again, a new pack and a new home. Amber Moor would be good for Heron; they were leveled headed and intelligent, known for their organized training. Perhaps not as good as the Outlands had been, but Heron would bring up their standards . . . of that, she was sure.

Then came the Alpha's questions and Rahiel listened intently, turning her head to the side. It was more like a speech really, though he was asking only for things that most packs would have. Normal ones, anyway. Rules varied from pack to pack - it was actually quite common in River Wood for members to go against their Alpha's demands. But there seemed to be an equal trust here, or at least, a want of one. Knowing that Heron wasn't to keen on being pushed around and then being question so heavily, Rahiel stepped forward, only to ease her a little and send her encouragment. She held her head proudly, eyes soft as though looking upon a younger sister.

She could do this, she knew Heron could do this. She could learn to trust again.

Rahi's ears perked in Larka's direction when she spoke up and she smiled offhandedly.

"I take it you would not be a fan of the lands of River Wood than? From what I gather, it is often damp there." she spoke softly, her voice quiet as not to interrupt the Alpha and Heron. She had hardly spoke at much during the process.

She couldn't help it, Larka's attitude amused her. But it was getting dark, which meant they would be leaving soon . . . and more than likely, Heron would be going with them, leaving her alone again. She stood, stretching her wings as her muscles clenched with tension. She winced only slightly, not wanting to look weak before the other two.

She wondered if she would be stuck here until the end of her days, or if others were coming . . . if fate was merciful, there would be at least one other. Then she could leave this lonely mountain for visits at least, and return to company.

She tried not to think about the battles that would, without a doubt, take ensue.