Breathing heavily after running for quite awhile, Rakshra halted to a stop. She raised her long muzzle and sniffed the sweet, dew-damped air. Her appendages ached severely from the long journey she had made from just outside the Glaciem territory. She had been hiding out there for a while, hoping the cold would help keep the epidemic away. She had been lucky and hadn't caught it, but she saw a bunch of wolves, sick and thin, who had caught it. She was hoping it was nearing an end, she couldn't risk getting sick and becoming in bad shape while hoping to get accepted into a pack... She knew where she was, she had been here before. For about two years now, Rakshra had been observing the borders of packs from a distance, watching border patrol and hunters come and go, trying to find out which pack might be best for her. She had actually decided on remaining a rogue for a while, maybe challenging the alpha of another pack for leadership if she got the chance. Acranum was one of the newer packs, however. So Rakshra didn't know much about it. But for some reason, she felt the urge to join. She hadn't ever encountered any wolves from here, so she didn't know what to expect from the border patrol or the alpha directly. Not that she cared, really. She could just attempt to leave if she felt like she needed to. Rakshra sat at a fair distance for a few minutes. Finally, she made up her mind. She got up and padded towards the border. She raised her muzzle and howled loudly, trying to get the attention of one of the Acranum wolves. Speech,

The obsidian chromed masculine allowed his optics to peel open; revealing the slick and glossy maroon tainted surface that lay just beneath the layer of skin. Staying oblivious due to the thick veil of shadows consuming Apocalypses' image, he slowly rose away from the earths domain; narrowing his optics in annoyance and furrowing his eye brows as he did so. His auds flickered towards the heavens as he stole a quick glance around his surroundings; suddenly realizing he was close to the rim of the Arcanum grounds. Apocalypse allowed his talons to drive through the earths saturated domain and paced forth; allowing his columns to carry his robust structure into the dim light. Apocalypse steeled himself against the slight flurry sent his way, allowing the breeze to contour past his figure and shift his pelt laying along his framework. Inhaling out of annoyance, he continued forth once again while thoughts ran throughout his mind, mixing together. Apocalypse shook his summit, as if to clear the thoughts, and focused on the land before him; the domain of those whom have dedicated their selves to the Arcanum pack. He'd always felt the need to stay in isolation, the thought of thriving with another being for support didn't please him much. With a rugged movement of his shoulder blades, he let a shrug shake his lean framework and sighed, deciding that a mere attempt of joining the worthy division should be given. He slowly stopped, a low growl threatening to slither past his esophagus and through his dentition's as the chorus of a howl rang past his embodiment. Turning towards the direction of the audio, he slowed his pace to a walk and continued toward the chaos emitted from the animal. Apocalypse kept his maroon painted optics along the earths firm landscape, until the stranger came into view; he stopped quietly, keeping a tense stance. Quirking an eyebrow at the canine, he prompted, "Are you in hopes of joining this pack, the Arcanum?" He said no more, he rarely conversed with those whom he was unfamiliar with; but after all, if they were both in hopes of joining the same division, he'd have to get an early start. Speech,

The large female sat down on the hard, gravely surface, awaiting to be met by one of the pack wolves. She hoped they would be friendly enough. Although, most border patrols never are, which she understood. Couldn't have softies patrolling your grounds and letting the wolves who crosses your territory get away with no harm every time. Easy to get attacked that way. Breathing heavily she let her long form sweep to the hard terrain as she rolled slightly onto her flank. She rested her cranium upon her paws and sighed. Hopefully she would not have to wait her long. If night fell and she hadn't been greeted yet, she would leave and try again tomorrow. Dazing in and out of a well-needed nap, Rakshra was startled by another's voice. She scrabbled to her feet in a daze and shook her head before meeting eyes with the stranger. Rakshra didn't catch his words, but she didn't care, either. She growled deeply, knowing he wasn't from Acranum. "It isn't very polite to sneak up on others like that. she spoke unhappily. Speech,

Apocalypse lets a hardened chuckle build in his chest and motion past his esophagus; soon fading within the confines of the trees surrounding the pair. He lowered his posteriors to the earths level, watching as the lethargic particles rose and settled once again to the earths domain. His talons grazed easily along the lush grass below his figure as his maroon gaze locked on hers and hardened with annoyance. Apocalypse wasn't the type to take questions easily, more or less a mere accusation. His optics narrowed as he drew in a deep breath and immediately exhaled, keeping in silence at first. "I do not care if it was an act of kindness on not." He finally said, pulling his gaze to steal a quick glance towards the territory, hoping a regal being would appear soon. "If I am nice to everyone who crosses my path, then I have no guard, therefore being rather vulnerable, agreed?" Apocalypse prompted, frustration lacing his chant as his first question was ignored. Asking once again, "Are you trying to join this division," He stated, slowing his words just a bit; "the Arcanum?" Apocalypse ground his dentition's together slightly, awaiting for the strangers reply, if this wolf even decided to reply as all. Apocalypse rose his summit and locked his gaze back on hers, deciding that was the only mannerly thing to do. His appendage swayed slightly at his flank before becoming limp and rigged, laying dead around his base. He framework was molded over in relaxation; a slight boredom coursing through his current mood as he sat with the miss - though he stayed wary of her presence. Speech,

Rakshra listened hardly to the males words, not really caring much what this stranger has to see. Although understanding him, she processed his words slowly with little thought. Maybe the amount of interesting wolves in Alacritis were smaller than what she had thought them out to be. In all her journeys here she must have met two or three, max. She turned her gaze towards the wolf who asked if she was here to join Acranium. Maybe. What's it to you? she snapped at him. She didn't really like the way he talked to her. Although it reminded her much of herself. Rakshra cleared her throat and looked around, only turning her gaze back when the stranger looked at her. She stared back until he would look away. Realizing she didn't know his name yet, nor did he know hers, she debated introducing herself, but deciding against it. Speech,

A sly grin tainted his features then, but quickly faded and left his visage bare without a trace of emotion; rather empty. Apocalypse flexed his jaw to the side; becoming slightly amused by the madam. His auds flattened at her words; giving a slight shake of his summit as he paced forth casually. "It means nothing to me," Apocalypse mutters in a slick tone as a grin taints his features once again. "But I'll find out either way," He mutters, his tone lowering as he drops his gaze towards the earth and back up; all emotion wiped away once again. "Once the regal canines come, You'll either join or you won't; Isolation. You don't seem like the type to enjoy company either..." Apocalypse allows his voice to trail off; his chant hanging in the air with a crepuscular feel to it. His lips pressed together and formed a hardline along his maw; the scar tracing over his facade, trailing down to his shoulder blade, visible due to the position his framework has settled in. "I never got your identification?" Apocalypse stated, a hint of a challenge in his tone; humored. "I'm Apocalypse." He finished, deciding he'd have nothing to lose against the being that stood before him. "I hope your foolish attitude doesn't get in your chances of joining, most higher ranked' do not enjoy attitudes received by most." Apocalypse allowed his shoulders to raise and fall in a rugged shrug and he drifted off into silence again. His maroon glinted eyes contained a slight touch of amusement, towards the miss. Speech,

Rakshra

Licking her nose and feeling the dampness of it, Rakshra was grateful she hadn't caught the epidemic.. yet. Hopefully none of the wolves in Acranium would expose the bug to her and get her sick. But she felt that the epidemic would soon find a cure with all the packs working hard on combining the herbs. "It means nothing to me." Rakshra wasn't surprised to hear these words, as anything the stranger would say could mean nothing to her either. The grin on his face however, pissed her off. She listened to his words. "You're right. I don't enjoy company. Especially, not yours. she mumbled. Shifting her body she kept her back to him, but was ready to get up quickly. "Rakshra." she mumbled again, not feeling that his words were worth her time. "I hope your foolish attitude doesn't get in your chances of joining, most higher ranked' do not enjoy attitudes received by most." he spoke. Rakshra dug her claws deep into the earth and stood up, making her way towards him. She leaned her head down towards him and growled deeply and angrily. "They won't enjoy yours, either. I most certainly do not.

Apocalypse allowed his maroon tainted gaze to narrow at the miss, rolling his optics just slightly. "Perhaps it will in the future." He muttered, his tone hard as he spoke to the canine known as Rakshra. His talons drove through the earths crust once again; causing the skin along his columns and peds to become stretched over the bone and tendons; allow for his muscle to ripple beneath his daunting and somber cloak. Apocalypse stood casually; allowing his framework to shake just slightly to free his pelt of the undesirable liquid particles that had gathered along his ashen hide due to the murky and saturated atmosphere. He flashed a quaint smile, his lips pulling back to reveal the glistening alabaster surface of his dentition's; for the most part, pure ivory, besides some of which had been stained in the crimson blood of his victims. The impish grin slowly faded, his facade once again emotionless; the usual. Apocalypse took in a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the intake of the oxygen as the air passed through his lungs. Returning his reddened gaze forward, as the sound of the anger laced growl lingered past his figure, Apocalypse stood still - his facade just inches from hers. His eyes narrowed; not quite use to such closeness with another living creature. His expression became aggravated in the slightest; deciding it'd be best to step back. Apocalypse allowed himself to stagger away a step, "I'm sure, soon enough, you'll get used to my disposition. Being kind doesn't exactly help with protection... not like you could take me - so I have no reason to act with such rudness towards you, Rakshra. I just don't socialize very often, nor do I allow myself to act in daily kindness - That is a trait of weakness." He dropped his gaze once again, refusing to look at the madam until she spoke. Speech,

Rakshra growled once again at the wolf, baring her sharp teeth at him. Rakshra shook her head, clearing her mind and taking a step back. She stared at the wolf in disbelief. "You are quite rude." she spoke loudly. She sat down and kept her head raised high. This wolf seemed to be calling a fight her way, and she would happily give him one if he so desired. Rakshra stood up and walked in circles around the wolf before drawing in closer to him. She soon stood only a few inches from him. She laughed at the thought that he thought he could take her. "No way could you take me. Not some preppy pretty boy like you." she spat the words out at him Speech,

Apocalypse processed Rakshra's words, locking his gaze to her bright azure optics. He shook his summit slightly; once again humored by the canine that now paced in circular motions around his somber figure. Her words sent a wave of frustration through his build; though he ignored the wave of emotion and allowed his vivid gaze to become soft as he gazed at the miss. He smirked slightly, allowing his voice to become velvet smooth as he addressed her again. "I don't see why you're so hostile, I've only just spoken to you." He muttered, giving one slight nod with his summit. He took in a deep breath, cocking his cranium to the side slightly, locking his optics on hers once again; studying the luminous aqua shade that define her optics. "You have beautiful eyes, Rakshra." Apocalypse mutters, his tone low. He shook his summit slightly, narrowing his eyes and tearing his gaze away from hers, focusing on the heavens above. Apocalypse took a deep breath, his embodiment becoming tense with frustration by the wolf, his maroon gaze from a hardened shade to a light liquid. He gave an impish grin and drove his claws through the earths soil; shaking the particles from his hide as he stood and avoided Rakshra. Speech,

Rakshra snarled once again and then sat down in front of him. She had started to become very agitated and frustrated with this wolfs presence. She most definitely did not like him very much, which made her miss her old friend Bronze even more. She wondered if he was still kicking around somewhere. Maybe she would give him a visit sometime. Rakshra locked eye contact with the wolf, as he told her she had beautiful eyes. Rakshra laughed loudly for a moment, not taking that seriously. After the way he had treated her he must certainly be joking. She rolled her eyes at him. "Yeah. Well. You fur is matted." she barked at him. Rakshra raised up on her paws again and walked a fair distance away from Apocalypse, far enough that she didn't have to deal with his terrible smell. She chuckled to herself as she sat down under a tall tree. "Speech"

Apocalypse gave a short, exhausted chuckle. He shook his cranium at Rakshra, "You surely do not know what I think." He muttered low, his tone slightly edged as he looked back towards Rakshra. "I wasn't taught to be rude at all time. I was actually raised to be courteous. My compliment was not an act of kindness, however, I truly believe it." He muttered, his voice low and neutral. His maroon gaze hardened once more as she began to pace away from him. Determined, Apocalypse raised his posteriors from the earths domain and paced after the being; completely ignoring her insult towards him. "I'm staying with you until a regal comes, you know." Apocalypse spoke, looking to the side at her with a casual tone. He gave a slight smirk towards her and looked away, keeping his optics trained on the landscape that stretched before him. "So why are you interested in joining this division, anyways?" Apocalypse prompted, curiosity lacing his tone as he spoke to Rakshra. Remembering her past insult, he shook his summit and flicked a few specks of lethargic particles her way. "You surely do not believe I have matted fur." He muttered through clenched teeth. His talons grazed the chilled domain as he stole a quick glance towards her, trying to read her facial expression. Speech,

She had hoped someone would answer the call that rang out, but nothing happened. A growl would bring the woman to her feet, as she padded across her forest in search of those who sought out acceptance. Long limbs carried her forward until coral pools rested on two wolves chatting. A brow would lift in a mixture of feigned curiosity and distaste. The cure had yet to be found, leaving tears of blood still streaking down her face. "Can I help either of you?" Crown was lifted high despite her illness, authority rang out in ever word as coral pools slide over both wolves, waiting to see who would answer first. They appeared to be a rather interesting bunch, but from all the chatter it seemed as though they were just strangers to each other as they were to her. WORDS HERE

Rakshra stretched out her long limbs, which were still very sore. The air still felt damp with dew, even though nightfall would soon be upon them. She thought about leaving to find shelter and returning tomorrow. Her stomach started to rumble with hunger. She was wary about what she could eat due to the epidemic. Though she didn't feel that it would be passed onto her through plants or meat, she didn't know. She saw the bad shape the epidemic had put others in and she didn't want to be put into that position herself. Especially not as a rogue. Rakshra heard Apocalypse's chuckle, and she turned her head and shot him a glare. She really did have a strong distaste for this wolf, though she did for most. For some reason, his presence wasn't as bad as most she had stumbled upon around these parts. Hopefully the wolves from Acarnum wouldn't be so annoying and boring as some of the wolves she had met from Ebony. "Taught to be courteous?" Rakshra laughed hysterically for a moment, and then raised an eyebrow towards him. "Well, you're parents obviously failed, then. I find no courtesy within you." she chuckled. She swiped her paw on the ground a few times, trying to get some dirt out from in between her toes. Rakshra watched as the wolf followed her to her new resting spot. She rolled her eyes and turned her head away. What business did this guy have following her around? She snorted in annoyance. He insisted - more like forced - that he would be staying with her until someone from the pack came to get them. She grumbled. "Whatever. Suit yourself. Rakshra looked at him and saw him smirk at her. She rolled her eyes once again, making sure he caught her rude action this time. Again, getting into Rakshra's business which he had no need to do, he asked her reason for wanting to join Acranum. She sat down and made eye contact with him, before opening her mouth to speak. "If I recall, I never told you I was joining. she spoke, loudly. As he flicked some dirt her way, Rakshra stood up and took a step back, shaking her dark thick fur. Through clenched teeth, he mumbled "Surely you do not believe I have matted fur." Rakshra raised her eyebrow again and spoke. "I believe it as much as I believe this epidemic won't kill." she said, clearly speaking that she did believe his fur was matted. She could see Apocalypse trying to read her facial expression, and she quickly turned her expression to one of disgust. Rakshra noticed the presence of another, approaching their way. Rakshra eased off her paws and turned towards the stranger, smelling the scent of Acranum off her fur. As the wolf got closer, she heard her speak. "Can I help you?" Rakshra ignored whatever Apocalypse had to say now, as she bowed towards the stranger in a common act of courtesy. She raised her eyes towards the stranger. Rakshra could clearly see that she had the epidemic, but she would ignore that for now. "Hello. I am Rakshra. It is a pleasure to meet you. Rakshra raised up from her bowed position, and then sat down on her paws. "I'm interested in joining Acranum, as well as my acquaintance here, Apocalypse." Rakshra waited patiently from the stranger, not knowing what to expect. Speech,

Apocalypse grimaced as a new chant lingered in the atmosphere around the pair, his framework slightly tensing. His auds flickered as he turned his summit over his shoulder; his crimson gaze resting on the ivory miss whom had approached the pair. He stood and shook his obsidian cloak free of debris that had gathered along his hide, striding towards the regal being. He gave a low snort towards Rakshra, a mocking pool of emotion seeming to swim through his optics has he processed her new attitude. Ignoring Rakshra's past remark, Apocalypse addressed only towards the pearl hued madam. "Of course. I was in hopes of joining," Apocalypse stated; his tone formal and hanging within the atmosphere before fading in the canopy's hanging above the trio. "I am Apocalypse." He conformed, giving a slight nod of his cranium and staying stood, his talons grazing the earth slightly. "I hope we're no trouble..." Apocalypse said, his tone slightly low. He stole another sharp look towards Rakshra, narrowing his optics in what seemed to be amusement and looked back towards the regal canine. Apocalypse allowed himself to trail off in silence as he studied the trails of crimson liquid running down the foreigners visage; surely it'd be rude of him to ask about. He shrugged it off, suddenly remembering a proportion of the wolves within the divisions had been ill. The muscles beneath his darkened somber pelt remained at a stand still; occasionally becoming emphasized as the flurry's that contoured past his build shifted his pelt and the tousled coat that lay among his platform. Speech,

Finally she would have their attention, and they both wished to join. Interesting. Her gaze would drift from one wolf to the other, carefully sizing them up. "Very well, why should I accept you into my pack?" She didn't want idle chatter, she wanted to know the important things. Why were the different from the other? What could they do for her? What were they good at? What were their weaknesses? Haunches reclined, suggesting that they would be there for a bit. But first and foremost she was interested to see if they would be deterred by her illness. The land was plagued, but would they be willing to join a pack with a sick alpha? They had better, she didn't drag her ass out here for nothing. She didn't care who spoke first, so long as she got her answer. WORDS HERE

Rakshra felt the dampness in her coat as she dragged and tapped her paw on the hard earth terrain, trying to knock out clumps of dirt between her toes. To Rakshra, clumps of anything between her toes were probably one of the most irritating feelings out there, if not the most. She remembered when she was a pup, and she used to whine until someone would clear the clumps out from between her toes. She laughed in her head about that now. Standing up, Rakshra shook some of the dampness out of her fur, being careful not to direct the stray drops that flew out of her coat at anyone though. Her stomach growled again, which caused her to sit back down in frustration. Hopefully this meeting would not last long, although she knew they could. She remembered when she past joined Glaciem, when the old alpha still led, that a meeting could run all night if it must. But Rakshra understood this. If you want a strong pack that could win a war if needed or desired, you would have to pick the wolves allowed to join wisely. Rakshra's ears flicked forward when Apocalypse spoke, although she didn't pay much attention or give much thought to his words. She focused her nearly full attention on the stranger wolf who approached them. Although clearly sick from the epidemic, she didn't look that weak. She could probably still handle herself quite well, even with the sickness. "Very well, why should I accept you into my pack?" the stranger wolf spoke. A light bulb went off in Rakshra's head. So this wolf WAS the leader of Arcanum. Rakshra wasn't sure at first, but now she was certain. Rakshra preferred to meet the leader of a pack first, rather than border patrol or betas. Because this way, you could learn better about the pack and make sure you weren't making a huge mistake joining. Although, Rakshra knew an alpha could quickly turn on you, and that was something you most definitely did not want. "Well, I can't tell you I'm better than other wolves, because everyone has positives to them. But right now with the epidemic, finding two healthy wolves who wish to join can't be much of a bad thing. We'd also add to your pack, and large packs are normally better than small ones. More hunters to find food, more warriors to defend, more wolves if someone chooses to start war. It's really up to you, though. I don't know what else to add." Rakshra said before slightly bowing her head again. She waiting for a response as she studied the wolf's facial expression. Speech,

Apocalypse allowed his gaze to trail along the earth domicile, though he had been focused in on the remarks made by the two. "Of course," Apocalypse said, lifting his summit fully; extended, as he agreed with his new acquaintance Rakshra. "Finding two wolves, able-bodied and willing to join within your ranks; during such a troubled time, does seem rather lucky." Apocalypse spoke with a knowing tone, never allowing his chant to slack and verge off of his comprehension. "I too, cannot define the good I am to bring to this particular pack. Perhaps I'll be able to deem myself worthy." Apocalypse allowed his gaze to narrow as his brows furrowed, looking at the pair around him. His somber cloak hang in a shaggy formation around his build; also damp from the chilled and fogged atmosphere. He sighed shallowly in annoyance and flexed his talons; watching the muscles retract and expand within his peds. "Although, I was trained to fight during my early life stages." His gaze hardened at the mention of his past, although he quickly poised his stature once again and wiped the emotion from his facade; allowing a trace of frustration to take its place. Apocalypse kept in place at a stand still; he felt allowing himself to rest during this brief meeting may be a bit of a waste of time. His faculties finally managed to find their place along his skull; laying flat among his summit. His gaze swept the landscape for a brief moment - staying alert of the surroundings. His appendage swayed lightly before becoming into a stiff and inert stage; lying characterless at his posteriors. His jaws unhinged in the slightest to allow his coral tainted tongue to wash over his dentition's; the crimson stained area's showing very dully in contrast to the ivory gleam that his molars had given off in the short second. He returned his gaze to the stranger, not yet swaying his vision from her facade at the moment. Speech,

Irritation flared in her chest as the two began to babble, claiming that she was 'lucky'. Eyes narrowed upon the two, silently daring them to continue with their foolish words. "Enough. Luck is not on my side at the moment." Fools. "You two will join my ranks as Chevalier, commoners, until you can prove yourselves." Lips curled as she spoke, rising once more. "Good luck." Quiet words would leave her mouth as she turned away from the pair, granting them access to her home without another word. Once this plague was gone and everyone had had enough time to recover, she would be drilling everyone, determining who was still worthy of their ranks. -exit- WORDS HERE

Rakshra could see in the alphas facial expression that she clearly was not happy with the choice of words that Apocalypse and herself had chosen. She wished to be on the good side of the alpha, wanting to get a good rank and hopefully, maybe, one day claiming the pack for herself like she had always wanted to do. Rule a pack. She snorted. She could do just as good as a job as any of the other pack rulers, if not better. "Enough, luck is not on my side at the moment." the alpha spoke. Rakshra flicked her ears back, slightly offended by the words. Although she did understand. Being the ruler of a pack, it must be important to stay healthy at all times. She shrugged it off and continued to listen. "You two will join my ranks as Chevalier, commoners, until you can prove yourselves." the wolf spoke again. Rakshra nodded. She wasn't worried. She knew it would only take herself little time to prove herself very worthy to the pack. She didn't know about Apocalypse, though. She chuckled at that, wondering how many times he might mess up. "Good luck." was the strangers final words, before turning and leaving, granting them permission to the territory as simply as that. Rakshra got up and looked at Apocalypse before nodding towards the territory, signaling for him to come. She made her way into the territory and wondered what would happen next. -exit post-