Well, today was the day. Nervous excitement was alight within him, but he kept a firm grip on the reigns, unwilling to let himself come off as a pup when he wasn't one. Still, glimpses of it could be seen in the bounce that lingered in his step and the subtle wagging of his tail behind them. Haru had always wanted to join a pack. It was a longing that had consumed him ever since he was young enough to leave the den and learn the stories of the packs around them; of their ferocity, of their loyalty toward each other, of the unyielding bond that came along with the word 'pack'. If he'd had the confidence to do it then he probably would have tried joining up with one a long time ago, but he didn't want to run the risk of being rejected simply because he was young and inexperienced, a potential liability rather then a positive influence.

And so he'd forced himself to be patient and let himself learn and grow, to make those first few years of his life meaningful and worth something. And now, well, he was proud to announce that his efforts had paid off. No longer was he a tall, gangly youth with too much leg to keep from being clumsy. His body had filled out, and thanks to a regular routine of staying active he now possessed a rather impressive build, still lean and built more towards the speed aspect than the strength, but his broad chest and strong legs let him throw his weight around when it was needed. He'd become quite the hunter as an adult, and he was banking on his speed and stamina to win him a place in a group, along with his willingness to work hard and bre his teeth when necessary, for as much of a hunter as Haru was, he was no pushover in a scrap either, and would gladly fight to defend his territory and packmates.

And so his paws had brought him to the border of the territory, slowing to a halt when the scentlines marking the invisible line made themselves known. Honey brown fur was tussled by the wind as bright green eyes shone, scanning the territory ahead of him for any signs that someone was near. He hoped they were, and without wasting another moment he tilted his head back to let loose a howl for the Alpha.

Hattori's ears tipped as he caught the summoning howl of a loner. With winter grabbing all of Boreas by the scruff of its neck visitors were few and far between, making Hattori wonder what they wanted as he approached from the eastern corner of the Shrine. He moved at a steady lope, paws leaving wide tracks in the snow, whatever it was he would deal with it. Venom had more than enough to manage and as Shogun he was well within in his right to deal with border matters.

Spotting the loner's auburn form, which stood out plain and clear amongst the white landscape, Hattori slowed to a walk as he approached, the dead trees seemingly parting in his presence. As far as loners this time of year went he looked strong and healthy, the chill of winter hadn't gotten him down just yet, but would it in time?

"What do you want?" He said in place of greeting. His accent remained strong as ever, clinging thick to his words and stopping his blunt way of speaking from being obtrusively rude.

wrong subby post

The world he gazed out upon was a blank canvas of white, yet to be painted by the upcoming spring. Even the sky was a dull, colorless grey that leeft the entire world in monochrome- except for one thing. A figure coming through the trees up ahead, taller than Haru, with a dark coat splashed with vibrant orange. Green eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the other wolf as they neared, their unique markings undoubtedly eye-catching, but th ey also noted all the other differences between them as well. Where Haru stood tall with bright eyes and a gentle smile, tail wagging a low, subtle beat behind him to assure the stranger he was no threat, the other was indifferent and stoic, his expression unreadable and the offered words so blunt they might have left bruises on the ego of another. Haru wasnt easily insulted though, and instead he dipped his head in a respectful greeting before answering.

"I'm here because I'd like to join The Ashen." he answered simply, trying to fight the small grin that threatened to sieze his lips as he finally admitted it out loud.

Despite this, his tone took a more serious edge as he continued, because at the end of th day this wasn't about what he was feeling. It was about who he was and what he could offer the group whose border he now stood on- a group that could turn him away or chase him out if h failed to meet their standards. It was a possability that he tried not to dwell on, telling himself that if it didn't work out here it wouldn't be the end of the world, but he knew in his heart the dissapointment would be bitter. The Ashen had been his pack of choice since he was a yearling, after all.

"I'm not sure if your accepting members right now, but If you are I know i can be of use to you. I'm built for the hunt, and while I may not be the biggest wolf around I have no problem sinking my teeth into someone for my pack. My name's Haru."

He seemed to straighten up a little as he spoke, not in an intimidating manner, but more as if his body were subconciously presenting itself for scrutiny as if to test his words. Haru had nothing to hide from this Ashen wolf. A single look would prove most of what he was saying, his well-fed body showing he seldom went hungry and a few random scars showing he wasn't a stranger to combat even if it wasn't what he specialized in. He wasn't perfect, and compared to the skills cultivated by the pack wolves he probably fell short in comparison by quite a bit, but there was potential there that he desperately hoped the other could see, because there wasn't an ounce of him that wasn't willing to throw himself into this headfirst with everything he had.

Hattori was silent in his consideration. Ashen was recruiting and though they'd just met, Hattori sensed a budding promise within the loner, as though he was willing to put all the time and effort in to prove his worth. Talk was cheap, but actions were not. And those in Ashen had plenty to prove, with even more to strive for.

"Haru? Are you from Nippon?" After all, his name meant spring in Hattori's native tongue. It felt safe to assume as much. Though he would not protest to having more wolves who spoke Japanese in his pack it was not enough to earn him entry, or rather a role worth speaking of. "I am Hattori, Shogun of Ashen. I accept your request, on one condition. You are to be made a peasant, an entry rank for those who join. If you are as talented of a hunter as you claim then make the best of our shores and catch some fish then bring them to me."


OOC: thought it could be fun for Haru to do the hunting seasonal and earn a better rank!

"Haru? Are you from Nippon?"

For a brief moment Harus surprise played openly on his expression. While he'd had wolves ask him before if his name meant something, none had so easily picked out the origin of it as the male before him, a pleasant surprise.

"My mother was. She taught me and my littermates the language, but I've never met any other wolves who understood me when I spoke it to them." he explained, covering up the disapointment in his words with a sheepish smile.

Harus mother had been a wonderful woman. While the she-wolf had never told him the specifics of why she left the land she'd loved so much, he had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with his father, even if the details had never been given.

The strangers next words unloaded a lot for Haru to unpack. The first thing he noted was their own name- Hattori. It made his ears twitch foreward just a bit as he recognized its origin at once, simultaniously answering the question of how the koi-marked wolf had so easily deciphered his origins. The second thing he noted, was that the larger wolf was accepted him into the pack. He tried not to let his emotions show, but he wasn't a closed book like Hattori and they spilled over the sides as his wagging tail picked up it's beat just a little and his smile grew just another inch. It didn't matter in the least that he was being given a role that marked him as the bottom of the pile, so long as the chance to stay was there.

Lastly, the challenge. Haru would have a chance to rise in the ranks if he could prove himself to the Shogun, and the determined glint that shone in his green eyes as he nodded his understanding was unmistakable.

"Got it! Thank you Hattori- you won't regret this." the honey-brown wolf replied, knowing that his words would mean little in the long run, but at least he'd have the chance to prove it firsthand now.

OOC- Thank you! And that's perfect, it gives me a chance to post with him some more lol. I have sooo much muse for Haru <3