BURN SKIN AND BRAND WHAT ONCE WAS MINE She came from the North. Riding the night like a faithful steed, it was the wind that heralded her arrival at the cusp of the territory. Darkness seemed to be her greatest friend in these unknown lands. They shrouded her presence and kept her safe from any harm that might try to befall her. Creatures passed by without a second glance at the shade. Perhaps it was for the best of both parties ? a mutual disinterest that kept alive those that participated. But ? unlike the meeting in the red forest ? this journey was not one to be savoured. The Darksidy woman did not linger in her graceful steps across the lands of Alacritia. These were pointed and favored the creeping darkness as her highway. Kalypso had heard of the existence of some of the packs that dwelled here. This pack simply happened to be closest, and seemed to be the most interesting. Of course, she was not interested in joining. Instead, the woman was more interested in doing what she did best ? gathering information. Information was power in this world of politics and society. Kalypso lived and breathed the dirty laundry of others. It was the basis for which she survived. In fact, she thrived. She had heard a few things from the voices of Beherit and Rivera. Things that interested her. A merle ghost moved across the peripherals of the valley. Hidden by the edge of night and dawn, her body was hidden by shifting, mid-morning shadow. Her paws flirted along the banks of a small stream, knowing that it was this stream that lead to the heart of the territory. The scent of the territory was rather strong, all-encompassing and over-compensating. Her nostrils flared and an amused snort escaped. They were not nearly on par with those she had come across. This valley was peaceful, cut off by mountain ranges and desperate cliffs. They certainly did not flirt with death like others she had come across. The banshee halted her journey forward to rest easily at the borderline of the territory. Her cry rang out ? full-bodied and commanding. It was not the call of a ranger, but a woman with business interests. She wanted to know what lay within these walls of stone and earth. What sort of material made up the wolves that lived here? Kalypso eased back in her place beside the stream. Her muscles relaxed in the posture of repose. All she had to do now was await the riding cavalry.

His mind raced across the land, he did not know what would come from this. Him just wondering around looking for anything that can get his interest. Shaking his head Ulrike laid down under a tree. His mind went to his daughter, who was growing up fast, he remembers the day she was born. Ulrike had to attack his love so she would not kill his off spring. He had always been there for Xenios since the day she was born. She was his only child and he will protect her no matter what. His ears perked up as the sound of a call filled the air.This call did not seem like a joining call, maybe it was and the other was nervous. "Well, someone had adventured into Tortugan lands. Let's hope for their sake they are here to join" He said to him self as he stood up. The six year old male carried himself in the direction of who ever it was. A smell filled his nose, a female had arrived among the boarders. He soon came into view of the female. He was large with fully black eyes and a red mark running from the corner of his right eye and all the way around and under his chin. He let out a sign and walked up to the female."I am Ulrike, what has brought you to Tortuga, if it is not to join i advise you to leave." He spoke. Ulrike was not in the mood to deal with immature pups. His tail swayed lightly as he stood there waiting for her response. He hoped she will give him a straight answer. Speech,

Red woman would slip along the edges of the stream, a path starting to wear from her constant comings and goings from her mountainous home. But there were things beyond home that interested her, things that interested her queen. Because of this days were spent beyond the borders of her would be home, playing a coy game of cat and mouse with her little prize she had yet to claim. But he would be hers, just as the bitch would be dead before the first snowfall. Everything was so easy in her mind, falling into place so nicely as long as her pawns all did their part and she could remain free and clear of any blame. The demoness had never been one to dirty her paws for another; she had always played middle man. The role suited the bitch perfectly, allowing her to take the directions from a superior, spin them so a lesser would do it and then gain all the glory and praise that came with getting the job done despite the fact that she had done nothing herself. It was all a game, you just needed to know how to play it.
Nostrils flared at the scent of a stranger at the border and pace slowed to a near halt. Paws would move slowly as if being dragged through mud, head lifted as she drank in the delicious feminine scent. Be it friend or enemy she smelt delectable and tongue would slid over dark lips as a sly smile slid up the edges of her mouth. It had been so long since anyone had come to their boarder, it must be handled delicately, it required a woman?s touch. SHE required a woman?s touch; it had been so long? But maybe the woman would oblige her another time, for now a howl slithered its way to the sky, slinking through the air towards Vi and the rest of the pack within their homelands. Precious thing wanted to talk? It wasn?t a request to join, it was a simple invitation. Now what on earth could she possibly want? Of course Vi would love to find out.
Pace returned to a long legged, distance eating trot. Slender legs and petite paws propelling her quickly back towards home, along the shore of their creek, making her almost seem like she was floating. Precious thing? Sly smile would remain in place as head lowered more, chin tipping in protectively. Tail would be carried higher, though, a mark of rank as well as confidence for the woman. Though one of her rank would be expected to carry her head with pride she would not allow the chance at her throat for an outsider, though many envied her rank within the pack as well and would probably love to see her dead. They were all thieves and assassins and filth. All of them were filth. And if not for their old lord Jaeger they would have never found a home here. But now because of Kaien things would slip and slid, twisting ever downwards as he allowed rape within their ranks and allowed deserters to live.
A masculine voice greeted her auds and they pinned in detested. It was their Shirei Ulrike? Though Vi had never hated him she was in no mood to deal with me, she wanted some girl time but despite her feelings she slowed upon her approach and cocked her head at him, grin turning seductive. ?Precious she is not yet in Tortuga lands, she may remain here as long as she pleases? she purred, voice soft and seductive as appraising glance would be cast of the black and white female seated before their boarders. She would slid past the female, a wink cast her way before moving past Ulrike?s right side, walking around him and then coming to rest to his left, head cocked but now back within her home lands. She was awfully close to the boarders but not beyond them. ?Trespassers are taken to the lord and lady for questioning, guests are treated with respect? she almost chanted in a rather chiding voice, similar to that of a mother scolding her child or teaching a lesson.
?What has brought you to Tortuga darling?? Voice would return to a purr as eyes were cast up and down the woman?s frame. Vi had always been a sucker for woman in white or black yet here was seated a woman adorned in both colors. She was quite exquisite, close to Vi?s own age and held herself with a natural confidence. She was simply stunning, a specimen that left the red woman yearning to collect and put away with the others. She wanted to possess this woman but for now she could sit and chat, play along politely with whatever game the woman would like to play. Hopefully Vi?s presence would make Ulrike wander off, go tattle on her to Kaien most likely. She would squash the need to lash at his face and rip that white pelt from his flesh. One so useless should not be allowed to wear a pelt so exquisite.
Speech!

BURN SKIN AND BRAND WHAT ONCE WAS MINE The early morning was still dark. The sun would not fully creep into view for another hour or so. Tendrils of fog licked the earth that sat between the twin peaks of stony earth. The valley served as a catcher of clouds. It trapped the early morning fog in an icy grasp, and they had only an hour left of existence. The sun would soon crest the horizon and erase the haze with golden fury. It did not have long to live. Eyes searched out across the verdant valley, filled with burning rampancy. Such was the nature of the blue ghast - as chaotic as hellfire. She did not have to wait long - she never did. It had not been more than a few minutes that her call was answered. He was larger than she; such was to be expected. But he was far older as well, his joints no doubt bitten by arthritis and old wounds. The gait that he walked with betrayed him far more than any of her parlour tricks. Kalypso did not move from her seat alongside the stream banks, her eyes watching the man only because she had to - not because he was of interest. If it is not to join, I advise you to leave. A dangerous smile crossed her granite features. The animal that had come to see her was no more than hired help. An old thug that had once been a lone goon, now only to have retired to status as pack goon. The stature was not one of a leader - and it was not his piss that decorated the borders. Instead, Kalypso chose not to address the man that had decided to threaten her. Another was coming. What has brought you to Tortuga, darling? A woman in red. She seemed to dance across the ground, proud of something that Kalypso knew well enough to pinpoint. Her eyes sharpened on the red woman, only mildly interested in the thing that had come prancing along. This was not the alpha. Perhaps royalty, but no leader. She stayed away from the blue viper, guarding herself. It was not the mark of a leader with strong warriors behind her. It was the mark of a succubus not desiring her throat slit. It piqued Kalypso's interest. I have heard things about your Tortuga, I only desired to see for myself. Your reputation does not precede you. The Darksidy woman shifted her eyes towards the horizon briefly, scanning for the faint outlines of any others. there were none. Your leader does not show himself. I'm offended. Instead I am greeted by a high court mistress and an old man.

"A bit too early to be saying you're offended, isn't it?" A dark chuckle left the silver behemoth's jowls as he approached the others from the tree line. It was odd to have someone approach the borders at such hours, but it was their job to answer the call. The greatest question was, was she here to join? For the time being she just seemed curious, and he'd been fortunate enough to have Ulrike and Viridiana reach her before him. He'd been too far away when the call rang out. It was rather odd to have three of his high ranking members present for one wolf. They would only need Secret and Morphine and it would have finished the higher tiers. A swift nod was given to Viri and Ulrike before flame colored hues rested upon the dark gal before them. Questions burned within his mind, and they would come, but she would be given the chance to explain herself. "You may have heard of us, but I don't believe you quite answered the question my Beta gave. Are you here mainly for information? Or have other matters brought you to our secluded abode?" [ooc: I know -_- it's short. Muse isn't all that great. It's about time I had Kaien do things though.] Speech,

Ulrike stood there waiting for an answer from the dame who had arrived upon the boarders. His ears pinned to his head as Viridiana came up behind him and spoke. Her words were cocky, and filled with way to much pride that a pup should have. To make it worse she spoke Trespassers are taken to the lord and lady for questioning, guests are treated with respect Who did this pup think she is, Ulrike was quite aware of her rank, but he will never submit to a wolf such as Viridiana. A slight growl of displeasure escaped his maw, This pup was getting in way over her head. Ulrike may not be the rank as she was, but he had more life experience and he would not tolerate actions such as hers. His dark eyes glistened with furry for the young pup, but he would have to deal with her later. Right now he had better things to do, and that was to deal with this wolf who had tread upon the Tortugan land. His ears were up listening to what Kalypso had to say."So you have ma'am, learned of things from out pack." He spoke in a calm deep voice. His mind totally ignored the presence of Viridiana for the moment. As the time passed the loaner spoke once more about their Alpha not showing up. Ulrike did not like this at all, he knew that Kaien has been busy with a lot of things. He was about to speak, that was until Kaien showed up. Ulrike gave him a slight bow as the Alpha approached. "Good to see you sir." He said as he stood there waiting for the response from some one. Speech,