Life as a loner was not dreadfully difficult, but it certainly was not easy doing things alone. Xae?s parents had taught him everything he knew ? well, mostly everything ? but even so, leaving home before he was truly mature wasn?t the wisest of his decisions. But the dark rust-painted canid needed to experience life alone, he was sure of that. His last few months spent as a loner had definitely given him the knowledge that he had so desired when he left the comforting warmth of a family unit. He learned, truly, of hunger; of the aching in one?s belly, when you felt so hungry that it seemed if you were able to snag a meal, you?d merely vomit up the limited contents of your belly. He?d felt that horrible pain, and he?d learned the easiest, safest, wisest ways to keep that pain at bay. He had needed to learn of that hardship. He needed to feel the aching in his bones, the fear of death in his heart. For information?s sake, of course. Without the valuable information that he?d managed to gather through his few months of difficulty, how could have ever learned that, while incredibly swift and highly observant creatures, rabbits were dim, and fell into traps easily? How else would he have discovered that one could easily ?climb? trees by hopping up the branches? No need to ignore tasty Robin eggs, or, better yet, young Robin pups, before their feathers grew in. He certainly wouldn?t have learned the succulent flavor that came with bird eggs and little birdlings in a pack, now, would he? He also would have never felt the longing in his heart, the depressing lonely nights, if he had never left. Xae learned a valuable lesson being on his own, even if it was for a short time. He learned that wolves were strongest, healthiest, in a pack. Maybe not even a pack ? a small group would be fine. Even just one other wolf. Being alone was nice for a while, but eventually, Xae started losing weight, freezing during the chilly, lonely nights. He would listen to the distant howls of wolves, listen to them comfort one another, mourn for a fallen comrade, congratulate one another after a successful hunt. Many times, he had nearly lifted his own soot-coated muzzle to the moon. Many times, the urge to join in a pack activity had nearly been impossible to ignore. But Xae remained silent. After all, he was smart enough to know that it was silly to jump into a pack without first finding out if said pack even went along with your ideals and morals. Plus, even if he wouldn?t admit it aloud, Xae wanted to cheer for an underdog; a new pack, just rising from the ashes. It would be an experience to join into a well-established pack, but Xae worried it may not be quite right for him. Besides, that little journey was for another time. Jet-socked paws carried his long body over the same lands for something near a week now, always on the outskirts, never really invading the claimed territory. But now, when he reached the boundary, the scent of the pack?s alpha clear on some of the foliage, he paused for only a second, allowing himself to take in a breath before he crossed over into the territory he had decided he would live. Adaven. But Xae, remembering the many times he had been violently chased from other pack lands, paused just inside the boundary. He didn?t want to appear rude, after all. Glancing around the plains, the wind gently rustling the thin, yellowed grasses, Xae waited. He waited for a minute or so, before tilting his head back, his long, slightly floppy ears pressing against his skull. Midnight jowls parted just enough for the young wolf to send a call into the sky, as though he were requesting residency in this land, a family in this pack, from the sun. As he finished his call, the howl directed at Bass, the alpha of Adaven ? so he?d heard ? the sun slowly began to sink, painting everything around him in a burning orange glow. "Speech" Thought

The calls seemed to be few and far between, but when they came Bass was ready to answer. He couldn't help it, with this little game that him and Harmony had. He was paroling the borders when a new call came for his attention, his pale ears perking to attention. Stretching out his long, lanky legs he was ready, and took off in the direction of the call. He was ready to beat her, his healer sister. He just had to. His pink tongue lolled out of his maw as he raced in that direction, his white tail flying like a banner behind him. He looked much more like a yearling than he did a true Alpha, trying to race his sister in the direction of the call. But hey, it was all in a days work. What was the harm in a little ploy between siblings? Without a little fun, everything would be so daft. Bass slowed when he saw the male on his border, panting softly as he slowed his pace coming up to the stranger. Composing himself, his head inclined towards the russet male, a lopsided grin on his maw. He had won again. That was two for him, and zero for Harmony. "Welcome stranger, you called?" He asked, settling himself upon his rump in front of the being. His pale tail curled around his paws in a neat manner, that grin not leaving his maw. He was sure that Harmony was about to show up at any time, hopefully she didn't crash into him again. "I am Bass Destruction, Azat of these lands. Are you interested in joining Abaven?" He asked, assuming that it was the sole reason for him calling for the brute. There wasn't too many other reasons why wolves called him to his own borders. speech

Light form would glide across the earth and familiar terrain of her brothers pack. Unaccustomed to the confined spaces of a pack she often ran the length of it, it was a competition to race the stars and the birds to each corner of this pack. With the call of a stranger stretching out across the sky she would turn from her run and feel afresh as she made her way now towards the call. She knew she would find Bass there, and as his guard it was her duty to go where he went and to be where there might be trouble. She was sparring day by day to ensure that she was fit and prepared should a day come where she was required to protect her silly brother.



The boy would beat her there, her run had taken her far across the territory and well her return journey was short, clearly the white clad boy had been closer. She came in as her brother Alpha began to speak and would slid in behind him with her silence and a watchful eye, her only other movement was to be a wink to this stranger at their borders


"Speech"

It seemed his call was answered much quicker than Xae had ever expected. Within what seemed to be mere seconds, he caught sight of a tiny white dot, far in the distance. That white dot soon turned into the blurred, obscure form of a tiny wolf, which morphed into quite a large almost completely pure white wolf racing toward him. For a split second, Xae's slightly bent ears pressed back against his dark orange-red skull, and the beginnings of a growl bubbled in his deep chest. The growl was cut off before it ever reached his throat, however, and his ears loosened, moving down rather than directly pinned, turning into a more indecisive ear setting than a defensive one. The muscles above his dull grey eyes tightened, bringing the fur of his 'brows' closer together. This hadn't been what he'd expected. The white wolf had practically bounded up, jaws open and tongue hanging out. The pale wolf, with only a strip of brown on his muzzle and streaks of brown just under his amber eyes, must have been Xae's age, and yet, he seemed to tower over the smaller, russet male. He was only three inches shorter, but he had to be almost a hundred pounds lighter. For a moment, the young male couldn't help but stare, and, he admitted, be somewhat intimidated. But the white male, Bass, he'd introduced, was quite friendly. At least, his voice certainly was. From the stories he'd heard, Xae was shocked he hadn't immediately recognized the alpha, the Azat. But, he supposed that was because he had never seen him until that point. Giving a polite nod, he opened his mouth to speak before a sudden, darker figure slid in beside Bass. She seemed almost jet black compared to her pale companion. In fact, she seemed almost the complete opposite of Bass in appearance, and Xae assumed that this new wolf was perhaps a sibling, or a relative of some sort. She winked at him. That was new. Xae chose not to respond to the winking, as he was not quite sure how to respond, and again directed his attention to Bass. "It is a pleasure, Sir Bass, Azat of Adaven." Manners had always been important to Xae's mother, and everyone was to be referred to as 'sir' or 'ma'am' unless otherwise stated. "My name is Xae. I am, indeed, interested in a spot in Adaven." He allowed Bass - and the dark brown female - a brief, polite smile and another nod. He glanced at the darker she-wolf only once more, a curious gaze, the only thing sparking in his otherwise dull eyes. " "Speech" Thought

Another stranger was in the Abaven borderline. A call sang through the lands, causing the mocha capped female to shake her head as she began to lope forth, mismatched gems ignorant of their little game. 'I'm just going to give up and leave it to Bass and Motif. I'm always busy when someone rings.' She sighed lightly, looking up to the wind, the scent of the white male clinging to her coal black nostrils. Yes, he had bested her yet again. As she approached, she found the figure of her brown sibling as well, whose pelt seemed to be an inversion of her brother. She gave a light chuckle as she heard the male's speech. "Bass, you know I'm busy with training in herbalism. I give up on our little game." Her sing-song voice rang into the ears of her kin, before her mocha capped crown would turn to the stranger, examining his stature. He was not one built for fighting, a rather small wolf, just taller than she. "I am Harmony, the healer within the Abaven pride." She gave a dip of respect to the male for not crossing over the lines of the border, as if she would have cleaved him to pieces like any other wolf.

She desired to hear his cause, to hear of what path he would choose for training. Perhaps that of a messenger would suit the boy. Her mocha capped crown bobbed as she reclined, a seat falling neatly into place as she curled her plush tail neatly about her own pearly paws, keeping her figure much more composed than when the newest Mruni, Mirabelle, had joined the Abaven ranks. 'Already, my brother is a successful leader. He leads a pack of pure heart and soul... The pack is already growing so large. I just hope that another healer joins the ranks of Abaven so I am apt to have a partner to train with.' With her string of thoughts, her mocha capped crown tipped upwards, mismatched gems thoughtful toward the stranger. 'Would he choose the path of a healer?'

"Speech"
'thoughts'

Bass smiled when Motif came in, his pale form leaning against her slightly as he looked at the newcomer. His sister didn't say anything, just sat beside him. He didn't mind her silence, but he did like that she was here. He was always more comfortable with his sisters around, so it pleased him that one of them had arrived. The wolf introduced himself as Xae, and he was indeed interested in Abaven. His smile spread across his lips, a nod passing through his head. "We hold three base ranks here, guard which is our fighter, messenger which is our spy/message carrier rank, and then of course the healer. Which of these fields do you hold interest in Xae?"

As he waited for Xae's answer, his nose told him that Harmony was coming as well. He turned his head and smiled at her, although it faltered when she spoke. She didn't want to play anymore? "Just because you're not winning doesn't mean you should just give up, dear sister." He muttered, half joking and half irritated. He wanted to keep this little game on, it made things more interesting. But Bass would never push his siblings into doing something that they didn't want. He offered her a small smile though, shaking out of his mood. "Maybe we can come up with another type of game then." He offered, shrugging his pale shoulders again. He chuckled softly, trying to think of another game that they could play. "Nothing with herbs though, you know that I'm rotten with those things."

The pale beast turned his attention back to the dark coated brute, that smile still in place. He wondered what Xae would think about all these siblings, all three of them sitting here and waiting for him to answer. Would he feel awkward in this situation? He hoped not, they were quite friendly. They didn't truly bite that hard.

As the large white canid before him spoke, giving a small overview of Abaven's ranking system, the young russet male lowered his hind end to the ground, his long ebony-tipped tail being thrown carelessly at his side. Slightly flopped ears pricked, only the very tips curling forward, while dull grey eyes watching the Azat, Xae's gaze unwavering as Abaven's pale leader spoke. Bass finished his talk with a question, and the dark rust-colored male paused to consider the question, his head cocking just slightly. His eyes finally shifted from Bass's face to an area in the top right of his vision, then the bottom left as he thought the question over. Finally, coming to a decision after a few seconds, he looked back up at Bass. "I believe I would be best utilized as a healer, Azat Bass. Though my current knowledge on herbs is minimal, I am a skilled student and capable of learning new things very quickly." He paused a moment, smirking just the slightest and giving an off-handed shrug of his right shoulder. "I imagine your head healer will find me rather impressive in that regard." His usual cool, polite, quiet manner slid aside, giving way to puplike over-confidence for only a moment, before Xae's attention was again captured by yet another wolf. Not that Xae minded in the least. She smelled similar to Bass and the unnamed dark brown female, but looked very different, very distinguished. Her colors were split almost in half, with a light, rich brown painting her topline, and a creamy white that covered the rest of her body, aside from two strange lines beneath her eyes, and a black strip from her nose to her stop, right between her eyes. Though the lines were also beneath the eyes of Bass and the other, silent female, the lighter fae's lines were not neatly curved, but straight, with sharp points and bold, square edges. Xae's own eyes finally met hers - which were odd and beautiful and duo-toned and really, how could anyone have such amazing eyes? - and it was then that he realized he had been staring. Stiffening, he turned sharply away, his jaws snapping shut - when had they even fallen open? The russet male had missed the conversation shared between the two, but he didn't think it would prove important anyhow. His body remained rigid with the effort to keep his eyes on Bass and not the pretty light female at the Azat's side. "Speech" Thought

Bass smiled at the male when he picked healer, it was nice to see that so many wolves interested in the art of healing. It was keeping Harmony busy, their highest rank of healer so far. "Very well Xae, for now you will be Kruni of Abaven until you increase your knowledge of herbs." Bass stepped forward, rubbing his flank against the brown brute to rub off the smell of Abaven onto him. He returned to Motif's side, about to tell Xae about Harmony when she came in. He turned to talk to her, and when he looked back at the stranger he saw what he was doing.

Was he... checking her out? Bass's golden gaze narrowed at the newest member of Abaven, his hackles rising. Oh no, no no no. He could have any other rank he decided, no healing. Cause that meant working with Harmony. Nope. He was SO gunna pop this guys bubble. He was about to open his mouth and say so, but he snapped it shut. Abaven needed healers, and he was willing to be such. Growling lowly, his ears pinned back at his head as he tried to appear normal. But there was no damn way that he could have his sister. There was no wolf within all of Alacrtia that were good enough for his sisters. None. Xae better be prepared to train extra hard, not only proving his rank, but to prove himself to him.

Obviously her brother was a bit disappointed within her giving up on their game, but she truly couldn't give up with preparing for what could possibly be an injury at any moment. She couldn't even run fast enough to compete with her more active and agile brother. Haha. He suggested the idea of another game, which she replied to with a smile, playfully butting her kin's shoulder with her mocha capped crown, mismatched orbs playful. "Alright. I'm sure we'll find something when we do not have a guest before us." Her sing-song voice sounded once more, ever-playful and gleaming with joy. Her mocha capped crown would turn to the dark coated male whom had introduced himself as Xae, an interesting name for such a male. His voice was deep, but she didn't find herself too attracted to the male. Love interests were just not coming the the mocha cloaked tempest yet. His path chosen was that of a healer, which surprised her. The male did not seem to be of shape or personality of a healer. However it may seem, she would train him to the highest of his potential, along with any other Kruni in the pack.

Something was... off with the male, however. Mismatched orbs had found him gazing right at her, his eyes following every curve of her bodice. It made her so uncomfortable. He was checking her out. He had to have been! Mismatched gems were held in a confused and uncomfortable look as she turned her crown to Bass, and inky lips began to part just before her kin ignited, raising his hackles, a growl building in his throat. She gave a small whine toward her kin, and opened her inky lips, to softly whisper into his ear. "Is he... checking me out? It's making me uncomfortable..." She hoped the chocolate hued male didn't hear her words, as they were hushed and quiet.

"Speech"
'thoughts'

Bass seemed pleased that Xae chose the healer route, and the pretty fae seemed surprised, but also pleased. Grey eyes glanced at the darker female, curious again about her since she had been so silent throughout their conversation. Questions sparked in his brain - What was her duty? Was she even an important member? Surely she had to be, right? Surely all three of the wolves who arrived here must be important members. - but none were voiced aloud. Not yet, anyway. He didn't have a chance to ask any questions, for as soon as Bass noticed the grey gaze roaming over the pretty light-colored female, he growled, and that stifled any other words that might have rose to Xae's throat. Instantly, Xae dropped, knowing that the only way to win a fight against such a capable-looking brute would be to not fight at all, but show submission, show that he was no threat. He lowered himself, lying on his stomach in front of the Azat. He lowered his ears, but didn't lower his head. He was submitting to show he wasn't a threat, but he wasn't about to lose his pride. He wasn't going to roll over onto his back. Not yet, anyway. He couldn't say he trusted Bass to not bite the sensitive, vulnerable part of his neck if he exposed it to the Abaven leader. He caught a whine, and, wisely, kept his eyes off of the lithe, tri-colored female. One ear, however, twitched. Without really meaning to, the russet-and-black male leaned only a fraction of an inch closer, listening to the soft lyrics the girl expelled. He managed to hear her words, though only barely, for she had clearly meant the words to only be heard by Bass. He knew it was a mistake the second it happened, but Xae didn't think before he reacted. He jumped quickly to his paws, eyes widening, head shaking with quick, determined movements. "No!" His voice rose a few octaves, and he cleared his throat, inhaling to calm his nerves, ashamed at having losing his composure. "I assure you, Lady, I was not... um, checking you out." The phrase was foreign to him, felt strange rolling off of his tongue. Xae knew he had to come up with a reason as to why he was staring so intently at her, and fast. Glancing at all three wolves, a thought popped into his head. "The three of you have remarkably similar markings, though yours," he looked at the pretty light fae, keeping his eyes on hers, "are still unique even from theirs. I must ask, are the three of you related? Siblings, perhaps? Intriguing, because my own siblings and I do not share markings." What Xae was saying was not technically a lie. He truly was intrigued by the strange markings that all three possessed. "Speech" Thought

His sister whispered words sent an angry shock down his spine, a real growl slipping from his throat. He did not like that this newest member was staring at his sister, even more so because they would have to be working close together. He rose to his paws, gently pushing his sister aside so that he could get to Xae. A warning growl passed through his maw, his eyes narrowed and his hackles raised. "Be warned Kruni, if you so much as make her uncomfortable again, you will be in for punishment." He knew that this was harsh for a first time member, but Bass was outraged. The male babbled on about not checking her out, or at least stated that he had not meant to. Humpf, he better not have.

He asked if they were siblings, and a rough nod shook his skull. "We are, close siblings I might add. I am very protective of my sisters and I will stop whatever is harming them." He stated, warning him in a whole other way. But then, with a deep sigh, the mighty Azat calmed himself. He squeezed his eyes shut and focused on calming this rage that welled up within him. Opening them once more, he plastered a smile on his lips. "Welcome to Abaven Xae, make yourself at home." He said, turning away from the three wolves and stalking away. He would deal with this wolf when he wasn't so angry, it was no way to greet a new member.

-exit Bass unless stopped-

Motif was standing in the background as the scene before then unfolded. There would be talk of ranks and duties, and she also would not miss the glance that befall their sister. She almost laughed, taking every opportunity for teasing rights that she could. Her laugh would not excape her however, expecially when Harmony seemed uncomfortable with and would even say so. Her hackles would rise, even if her expression still held amusement. She was simply prepearing herself to step in if she needed to protect Bass or Harmony ? althrough she doubted this boy would be fool enough to dare take on three strong wolves at once.



Bass would turn on his heel and depart and Motif's tail would gently flick his side as he passed her. She offered no words however and instead stepped up to Harmony's side. ?Come, dear sister, there are far better sights for us to see? she would nudge her sister with her shoulder indicating that they too should turn and leave. She could not help herself however, to one last look over her shoulder and a wink to the poor newcommer before turning her head away once more.

"Speech"

Xae kept his mouth shut while Bass threatened him. After all, the Azat had every right. If some strange wolf had stared at his sister and made her uncomfortable, well... Well, now that Xae thought of it, he wasn't certain he would really do anything. All of his siblings could care for themselves. Unless the wolf tried to actually harm her, Xae figured his sister would be able to handle herself. She had, after all, grown up with only their mother as a female companion. But the dark rust-painted male remained silent, allowing Bass to scold and inform him before the large pale male turned sharply on his heel, essentially dismissing the young russet canine. It was not quite the meeting he'd hoped, but at least he was accepted into Abaven. It would be challenging, he knew, especially after this little... incident. But Xae was more than happy with trying to succeed at something difficult. And he could certainly do so without making the lighter female uncomfortable. His eyes shifted from Bass to the dark brown fae as movement captured his attention. Did she... Did she just wink at him? Xae opened his mouth to question her, to inquire about the meaning of the wink, but he shut his mouth again. She was gone, and he didn't think it was that important, anyway. He glanced at the light brown-topped fae, giving her a polite, but stiff nod. "I do deeply apologize, Lady." Xae meant it. He was not the type to stare often, unless it was to gain information, and he certainly hadn't meant for her to be uncomfortable. He turned his gaze away from her two-toned eyes and began to depart, staying in the boundary, but not following the direction Bass and the darker sibling had gone. - Exit Xae - "Speech" Thought