A Second Chance (Joining Request)

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After a long and tiring journey of seemingly endless travel, a yellow wolf appeared from the thick trees. She had been searching for wolves. Good or bad, she didn't care anymore. She just wanted to know that she wasn't all alone in the world. Many times she would smell a marker, only to discover whatever pack had been there before had since moved on. But this time seemed different. Or at least she hoped it would be.

Tibelda walked slowly towards the scent markers that indicated a pack's border. Though this was not the first pack she had tried to join, it still gave her a nervous feeling. She had almost been accepted into her first pack about a year ago but she suddenly stopped receiving contact from that pack. This had made her wary of trying to join another, worried the same thing would happen here. Tib lowered her head to examine the scent trail. It was strong, but not as fresh as she hoped. Anxiously, she looked around. Not only had it been a year since she had tried to join a pack, it had been a year since she had encountered even another wolf. The loneliness was starting to get to her. The wolf's heart ached to think that maybe she had been outcast for something she did not know about. But she had to try. 

She hesitantly raised her head up high and let out the best howl she could muster. It started out low and shaky, slowly becoming higher in pitch and a bit more consistent in tone. Tibelda let her song carry on for as long as she could, hoping dearly to be heard. She would admit it wasn't the best howl she had performed, but it was a start at getting back into the habit of socializing. Her legs let the exhaustion of walking such long distances take over as she sat down. The thought of having to repeat this process again made her shudder. 'Please. Let someone hear me.' She thought as she let her eyes close.

(Rykett )

[Rykett]

Blaise:

Blaise wove through the familiar undergrowth of Sapling Grove. She knew this territory so well, she could almost walk through it blind and still know where she stood. A howl rang through the trees, originating from the border. Blaise was a fair distance away from where the caller might stand, so the Alphess decided to reply with a howl before going to greet the newcomer and possible pack mate. She raised her head and let out a powerful howl that was sure to reach the other wolf. Blaise began her lope towards the border.

The form of the stranger was fractured through the trunks of the trees as the Alphess drew nearer. Blaise made her way around the final few trees and stepped into full view of the newcomer. She looked the other wolf over with a critical eye. Secluded Sunrise’s number kept growing and if she wasn't careful, they'd outgrow their territory. She had to be more careful about accepting wolves. The she-wolf before her wasn't necessarily a large wolf. If anything, she was somewhat short. She didn't seem to be a powerful wolf, but Blaise knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving. Allowing a friendly smile to curve her lip, she spoke, ”Welcome. You stand on the border of Secluded Sunrise. What is your name and your purpose in coming here?”

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A howl rang out soon after Tibelda had finished hers. Her heart skipped a beat, thinking that she would at least get a chance at joining a pack. She anxiously looked around, trying to make out any wolf-like form in the trees in front of her. It took longer than she thought it would, but soon Tibelda was looking right at the wolf who had answered her call. As this wolf emerged from the tree line, Tib felt her heart racing even more than it had when the howls had rung out.
She straightened her posture, standing tall yet with her size, she still looked non-threatening. "My name is Tibelda." She said, regaining her composure. "I wish to join your pack, if you will allow me to." Memories of failed joining attempts flashed through her head. What if this wolf didn't find her worthy enough of joining Secluded Sunrise? Or what if the pack was already at maximum capacity? Tib awaited a reply, looking the wolf over.

[Rykett]

Blaise:

The wolf straightened as Blaise came into sight. She obviously wanted to impress the alphess, a common emotion in those that wished for entry. The newcomer introduced herself as Tibelda. As was expected, she wished to join Secluded Sunrise. Blaise responded, introducing herself in turn, ”I am Blaise, Alphess of this pack.” Meeting the anxious Tibelda’s gaze, she continued, ”We are close to pushing our boundaries, but we have room for a few more wolves. I would be willing to accept you into my pack only if you are able to help provide for this pack in some way, whether it be protection, hunting, or more strategic. You must also swear loyalty to your packmates. I cannot have a wolf who would turn turncoat the moment the going gets rough.”

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A chance to begin the life she had wanted since venturing out on her own was beginning to become her reality. Tibelda couldn't help but show a smile. "I am short but stocky, what I lack in agility I make up for in my strength. As for loyalty, I have spent two seemingly endless years looking for a pack. My loyalty would know no bounds." The she-wolf bowed her head slightly, letting her tail hang down in a friendly manner. "Alphess Blaise, I wish to pledge my loyalty and strength to your pack as a warrior, if you will accept me." She was a bit impressed with herself for putting those sentences together in that way, hoping Blaise would also be impressed, or at least pitiful towards her. Two long years she had spent looking for a place to call home after many failed attempts. She would try her hardest not to let this be another failed attempt.

[Rykett]

Blaise:

Tibelda seemed more than willing to give herself to the pack that accepted her. Blaise supposed she was willing to allow Secluded Sunrise to be that pack. Tibelda seemed to have the main qualities that Blaise looked for in a pack member. She even had a rank in mind that she wished to be promoted to. Usually, Blaise would tell the newcomer that they must earn their rank, but Blaise had been slow at promoting. She knew of wolves that may deserve to be promoted, but they hadn’t done much to earn one. Blaise didn’t want her pack to consist of only subordinates, merely awaiting their chance to prove themselves rather than providing for and protecting the pack. So, she decided to try a new approach with Tibelda.

”Usually, wolves start as subordinates are to earn their ranks within Secluded Sunrise, but seeing as you say to have the skills required to thrive as a warrior, I’ve decided that I will try something new with you. I will accept you into Secluded Sunrise as a warrior as you’ve requested. However, if you prove to be unworthy of that rank, you will be demoted to a subordinate and will have to earn back a rank. Would you be alright with that arrangement?” Blaise spoke with confidence as leader should, but there was a hint of hesitance and questioning hidden within the tone.

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"That arrangement is more than agreeable!" She said excitedly. Tibelda picked up on the hints of hesitation in the leaders tone of voice. She knew it must be tough to have responsibility over multiple wolves yet she couldn't help but think that maybe she had too much on her plate. Tib hoped that having another able wolf among their ranks would help lessen it, even if she was another mouth to feed. "I have no problem if you still wish for me to prove myself worthy of the rank, nor do I have a problem continuing to prove that. Though as of now, socializing will be my biggest weak point." She said, hinting at how little contact she had had with others before now. "But I'm sure a few days with other wolves will help that."

She looked at Blaise, her expression conveying determination. "You seem unsure. Either of me or of placing me in a rank at the start of joining your pack, I can't really tell." Tibelda paused to read the other wolf's body language. "Let me put any doubts you have about this to rest. How can I ease your worries?"

[Rykett]

Blaise:

Tibelda happily accepted Blaise’s offer, though she picked up on the hesitation in Blaise’s words. Determined to prove herself, Tibelda rushed onward, searching for something she could do that would bolster the alphess’s faith in her. Blaise smiled, ”I am merely trying something new with you Tibelda. The best thing you can do is show me that wolves can be promoted to a suitable position immediately,” Blaise paused to gather up her cautious and doubting thoughts and store them away for a later time.

For now, she’d give Tibelda a quick run-down on pack locations, ”You may find places to dig a den in the Ashwood Grove and we hold meetings in the Canopied Clearing.” Blaise gestured to the direction of each location as she spoke of it. ”The gammas, Tear and Ramone, give warriors missions and instructions, so you may seek them out for such things. If you find that this rank does not fit your talents, you may meet with me to discuss a better ranking. I hope that you protect your pack to the best of your abilities, Tibelda. Now, I must be on my way. Secluded Sunrise has many members, so it should be rather easy to find another member if you have any questions that need to be answered. Goodbye, Tibelda.” Blaise turned away and trotted into trees.

-Exit Blaise-

((Congratulations! Tibelda is now a warrior of Secluded Sunrise! Make sure to post an update of her pack status in the Pinboard, so we can get it changed on the character list. ))