Qanik had still been staying among the redwoods when a pack had unexpectedly claimed it as their own territory. She'd been quick enough to clear out before she'd be forcibly removed, but not really having anywhere else she currently knew she'd stuck around the area. Though she'd not been spying on them, per se, but she'd watched them when she'd been near, and what she saw made her homesick. Everything there was so similar to the way her father's pack had been. The organizational structure had different names, and the faces were different, but it made her yearn for the structure and stability she'd known back then. She'd told Aislin that she'd join Ludicael with her, but the leadership had since changed hands, and that changed everything. She couldn't bring herself to risk trying to join a pack she knew nothing about, one she couldn't trust. She didn't even know if Aislin herself still planned to join them. This other pack, though, this Tortuga, she'd gotten to know and observe in the short time since they'd claimed the forest. She felt like she almost already knew them. So it was that she found herself standing on the edge of the territory once more, surveying the forest around her. Seeing no other wolves immediately near her, she raised her muzzle to the sky and howled, one low clear note of query, then sat back in the snow to wait. Speech,

Towering above her, the redwood leaves skewed and fractured the light above in such a way that it punctured the darkness of the forest floor at odd intervals. It was beautiful if unnerving. Never had the young wolf seen trees of such height and majesty and she felt a pull to the land stir deep within her. Gossamir scented the air. She was near pack territory. Could this be the new home she was looking for? Not more than a month ago she'd broke free from the rabid femme that called herself "mother". The femme that had taken Gossy from her bondage-held parents as a bargaining chip. Any attempt at rebellion would mean harm to her. It was disgusting and it filled the young fae with anger but what could she possibly do? What could one do against the might of a power-hungry and vicious queen? At least, perhaps her true parents could rest in the idea of her escape. The idea that she would find some save haven and live some dream life. Gossamir was not that naive? but she could hope. Sapphire blue eyes turned in the direction of a howl. A howl for acceptance. What the hell? she was only young once. Gossamir tipped back her head and let loose a low, strong note. She would seek a home as well if there was a place for her. But what of the other that called. Overcome with curiosity, Gossy moved toward the source of the other howl. Every so often a dusting of powder would slip through the canopy above to the ground below. Gossamir made no attempt to hide her approach. She had no desire to startle anyone at the moment, especially a potential pack mate. It wasn't long before the dark colored fae came upon a lighter, stockier, older fae. Her ears flicked forward and her tail twitched warily before her left ear flicked back. "Uh? hi there. Are you trying to join too?" It had been ages since she'd seen another wolf and the words slipped past her lips cautiously as she tried to gage her new companion. Sharpening my words...

No answer to her summons was immediately forthcoming, but Qanik remained still, waiting. She wasn't an inexperienced pup, too impatient to hold the course she'd chosen. She kept her focus on the forest around her, alert for the possible approach of a Tortuga member. Instead what caught her attention was a second howl that rose nearby, another request for admittance. She cocked her head to the side, listening as it rose and fell into silence. Not long afterward, the sound of a wolf approaching had her head swivel around, deep blue eyes seeking the source of the disturbance. Not a Tortuga wolf, this one. She didn't have the scent, and besides she'd come from the direction of the howl. She was a young one, hardly out of puppyhood. Sympathy stirred in Qanik - what circumstances led to this young girl, alone, trying to find a pack? The girl spoke, asking if she was also trying to join. Yes, I am hoping to join Tortuga, she told the youngling, her voice gentle and calm. I came from a pack far from here, and have only recently come to this land. My name is Qanik. And you are...? She made a questioning gesture, keeping her face smooth and friendly. She hoped, for the young wolf's sake as well as her own, that a Tortuga wolf would be along soon. But at least neither of them would need to wait alone. Speech,

The man was aware that a stranger prowled the outskirts of the forest but the woman's presence did not disturb him; so long as she did not disturb Tortuga members she was welcome to linger. He had made no attempts to track the woman but waited instead for her to come to him. He was sitting quietly beneath the redwood canopy when a cry pierced the silent winter air. Steely limbs would not flex completely forward before another cry vibrated about the redwood trunks and he would gaze curiously forward as a leisurely gait drew him through the forest.



It was not long before a muffled exchange of words would ring unto his ears. His cold gaze watched the strangers carefully as their forms fathomed in the short distance. First his attention would fall upon the white woman whom he recognized as being the stranger which inhabited the outer region of the forest. The other he did not recognize and her timid demeanor would cause curiosity to tint his otherwise stoic affect. His crown would dip in a manor of greeting to the both of them; allowing a pause before breaching their conversation. I am Deteste, Master of Tortuga. What might you women seek? he inquired; expression friendly but tight lipped.

Gossamir was surprised by how gentle and nice the other fae was. Qanik's tone of voice seemed soft and warm to Gossamer and the other fae was exceptionally forthcoming with information. Gossy took note of this. Like herself, Qanik was also new to the territory and from a far off land. She half wondered if Qanik was running from something as well. Gossamir was just about to introduce herself when the sound of footsteps alerted her to an approaching wolf. A large, ebony male appeared from the surrounding trees and introduced himself as the alpha, Deteste. He had fierce blue eyes and a stern and solemn air about him that almost made Gossamir turn around and walk away. But there was her curiosity? her damnable curiosity. How would she know she didn't fit til she gave it a shot? And so far she was fond of this terra and Qanik seemed nice. Tail held low she took a few steps forward and nodded deeply in greeting, almost a bow. "An honor to meet you Deteste. I'm Gossamir Alkali and I'm seeking a new home. This terra caught my eye." She took a few steps back and gazed to Qanik so that the pale femme could introduce herself as well. Sharpening my words...

The arrival of Tortuga's alpha put a stop to what small talk was occurring. Qanik had seen him on occasion when she'd observed the pack, but at a distance so she'd never really heard his voice and only had a vague idea of his name. She dipped her head to him respectfully, allowing the younger female to introduce herself and her intentions first. I am Qanik, she informed him. Like young Gossamer, I too have come seeking admittance into Tortuga. Her blue eyes studied the alpha intently, still wary. Though she'd watched the pack, she had little idea of what he himself was like, what exactly she was getting herself into by joining this pack. She didn't know whether he'd take exception to the fact that she'd been skirting so closely to the edges of his territory lately, if he'd refuse her request to join... if his refusal would turn violent. Speech,

The scent of other wolves was what lead the wolf onward. Chocolate brown ears would be perked as the male stepped under the trees of the forest, emerald green eyes occasionally traveling to take in what was around him. The young male was a year and a half old, bold, and ready for what life would throw at him. The thought of joining a new pack, and making a name for himself, had filled Ritsuka with the courage to leave his small family behind.

Gray and brown paws would lead the male to the border of a pack. Black nose would take in the scents that mingled with the scent of the border. It didn't seem to be a very large pack... which was perfectly fine to him. A small pack gave him a greater chance of wedging his way into a firm position in the pack to build upon. After all, no one started at the top rung of the ladder.

Ritsuka would travel onward, following the scents of two females he had caught passing by this way at first. The scents were fresh, and they lead him to exactly what he sought. The two females and a male, obviously the alpha of the pack. Ritsuka would approach them as the second female, finished speaking to the male. He would stop once he was close enough to be heard.

"If I may butt in, sir, I am Ritsuka Legend Sotakiu, also looking to find a place among the ranks of your pack."

Sensing the discomfort which often accompanied interactions with new environments the man would open himself to his company. Rump falling gently unto the ground and shoulders relaxing as he sat. He would nod as they introduced their selves and speaking only once they had finished. Well you all are welcome among the redwoods, he would begin, yet his speech would be interrupted by the arrival of a third stranger and his expression would become alight with surprise. You are, Ritsuka, welcome as well. My name is Deteste, and I am Master of Tortuga. he would begin, straightening his posture slightly as he prepared to address Tortugan life. Respect. Capability. Contribution. These are the values I expect our members to live by. In Tortuga we value the individual and respect one another mutually. You are expected not only to contribute to the pack with any of your prospective skills, but to focus on bettering yourself as well. Sharpen your skills. Strengthen your bodies. We help one another be their best selves in Tortuga. Should any of you feel that our code does not match your lifestyle, you are always free to leave.

The dark alpha's words of welcome caused Qanik - who had in all her years until these past few months never been alone, never without a pack - to finally relax, just a little. The sudden appearance of a young male, also seeking to join the pack, hardly made her tense up at all. A big, and sudden, change from the fearful reactions to other wolves that she'd developed during her months as a rogue. The alpha - Deteste, he'd called himself - was speaking again, detailing the code he ran Tortuga by, and Qanik found herself relaxing even more. Tortuga's code was much like her family pack's had been. The risk she'd taken to approach this pack, it seemed, would pay off for her. I shall strive to live up to those expectations, she rumbled, bowing her head to him again - this time with the homage that a lesser wolf pays to her alpha. Speech,

Qanik stepped forward to introduce herself and Gossamir stepped back, a jolt of excitement racing through her heart. It had felt like so long since she'd had a home and there were times she wondered if she'd ever truly had one at all. This venture, a new beginning in more ways than one, was a turning point for her and Gossamir recognized it. Deteste welcomed the pair then sat gingerly on the ground fully relaxed. Gossy couldn't bring herself to sit as she was suddenly to full of pent up excitement. Before the alpha could continue another wolf appeared, a young brute about the same age as Gossamir. He was fairly attractive, she supposed. A bit girly but he did have really pretty eyes. Not that she was interested though, Gossamir always pictured herself with a big, muscular brute twice her size. The brute introduced himself as Ritsuaka but Gossy had to stifle a giggle at his middle name. Legend? What made this whelp thing he was so legendary or rather what were his parents thinking? With the three of them gathered the alpha Deteste spoke again about the packs principles. In Tortuga we value the individual and respect one another mutually YES! Jackpot! In her old pack it was always a 'be the pack' mentality that somehow all of them were a part of this homogenous, hive-minded whole. Not for Gossamir Alkali at all! Qanik accepted and Gossamir moved the same. "Your ideals are right in step with mine, Sir. It's an honor to offer my mind and skills to the service of Tortuga." And through that end, herself. Sharpening my words...

Ritsuka would find himself settling onto his haunches as the alpha began to explain what was expected of a wolf in his pack. Respect. Capability. Contribution. Simple yet good laws to live by. It would be a pack in which he could both grow as an individual and in a group. He could hone his skills and become part of a larger, efficient unit. This was exactly the type of pack that he had been seeking. After the females had spoken their peace, as it was polite for one to wait his turn, the sandy brute would speak as well.

"Your pack and ideals are exactly what I have been seeking, sir. I will strive to honor this pack as both a single member and of the unit." Emerald eyes would shine with determination. Ritsuka wanted to get up right then and there. To use all the energy of joy he felt. To keep running until the excitement wore off. But there was going to be work to be done. He would need to discover the lay of this new land. He would need to familiarize himself with his packmates... and he would need to adjust his training regiment to these lands. His gaze would slide to Qanik and Gossamir. He would also need to become familiarized with his packmates.