The frost in the forest{joining thread}

[Deleted]

WinterSnow smiled as she walked with her sister towards the pack. She wanted to join the new pack that arrived and her sister was with her for the experience. Crystal was a younger but alsway acted older. She walked ahaead of WinterSnow making sure no one was watching them. When crystal stop to sniff the ground WinterSnow bounded up. "What is it?" she asked her sister. Crystal looked up with excited eyes. "We are here." she said smiling. She knew that one way to get a alphas attention was howl in the territory so she crossed the border. She howled as loud as she could then sat down with her sister next to her.

[Meds]

Koa;

Alphess Koa was out enjoying the summer. She was getting as much time in her new territory as possible. It was still a very small pack family, but so far it had been quite active. She supposed that came with the territory (pun intended) of starting a new pack. She had just escaped for a quiet moment or two, when two howls sounded in the distance. Her ears flicked in the direction, and she broke into a trot. The calls had come from the bottom of the territory, so she hurried down the slanted meadow, finally breaking through the White Spruce that provided both shelter and the pack's name sake, and beheld two wolves, similar in appearance.

The first, she recognized as Wintersnow, the female she had met in Holt's den a few seasons ago. She lifted a brow and sat a small ways off from the pair. She didn't know the other female, but had a feeling they were related due to their similar fur pattern and colour.
"Wintersnow," She said in greeting, nodding towards the unfamiliar wolf. "Had any more dreams lately?" She said in reference to an odd claim back in Holt's den, her voice dry and hinting at a kind of deadpan humor.

[Deleted]

WinterSnow smiled as she saw koa. Koa was a wolf she met while in a wolf named holts den. She giggled at the little pun. "No and I'm glad that experience was awful." she said giggling. She saw the confusion in crystals eyes and made her giggle more. "what are you talking about? And how do you know the alpha?" crystal asked looking back and forth from the two. WinterSnow smiled And introduced crystal. "Koa this is my sister crystal. We noticed you made a pack and was wondering if we could join?" she asked. Crystal looked at the alpha named koa. "Hi." was the only thing she could say. She still wondered how her sister knew a alpha.

[Meds]

Koa;

So she had been right, they were sisters. Koa could see in Crystal's eyes that she was confused about how the other two knew each other—but she could also tell that Wintersnow didn't quite understand how unimpressed Koa still was at the memory of Holt's den. She gave her head a little shake and decided not to dwell too much on it; however, she wouldn't forget it. Wolves that claimed impossible and unproven things so resolutely usually left a mark in others' minds.

Then, bluntly, Wintersnow asked if they could join Ivory Wild. Ah, her very first joining request. To be fair, Koa did tilt her head a little bit at the suddenness of the question, but let a smile touch her features.
"Well no need to be hasty," She said, glancing at the summer clouds above, then back down to the siblings. "Why do you suddenly claim the experience was awful? You seemed pretty determined at the time." She recalled how ruthless Yukio had been, and how defensive the other two had been in response to him. "And Crystal," She said, addressing the other sister. "We met a few seasons ago, when your sister and a male she had never met both claimed to have dreamt about each other." It sounded even mor ridiculous when said outloud.

"And on to business. Ivory Wild is a new pack, you're right. What would you bring to us? Why would be benefit from having you in our ranks?"

[Deleted]

WinterSnow didn't actually know why it was bad experience just that it was drama and she easily forgot about it. "Well I kinda can't say because I forgot about the dream." she said smiling. Crystal heard how these two knew each other and smiled. "Oh does that mean you guys are friends?" she asked with her younger voice. WinterSnow thought it over and smiled. "Well I'm a great hunter and have a great sense of smell." she said with a little bragging tone. Crystal wanted to prove she was a sister good as her sister. "Ya well I'm a better runner and fighter." she said bragging. Even though she was younger she was always trying to best her older sister.

[Meds]

Koa;

WinterSnow claimed that she forgot about the dream. This caused Koa to raise her brow even higher.
"You forget so easily, something that was supposedly such a big deal? After all, the impossible doesn't happen every day." Her eyes flashed and she lounged against one of the many trees surrounding them. "If you forgot so easily, that would only lead me to believe what Yukio claimed, in that the two of you were lying about it." She didn't intend to let this go. It was the only information she had on Wintersnow, and the female had been extraordinarily serious about it when they had first met. Then Crystal distracted her, asking if she and WinterSnow were friends. WinterSnow smiled at that, but Koa didn't.

"Not so much," She said in reply to Crystal, keeping her voice light and even. How could they be? Supposedly WinterSnow didn't even remember the main topic of conversation when they had met before. Then, when the females answered what they would bring to the pack, Koa listened intently, but ultimately wasn't very impressed. WinterSnow claimed that she had a great sense of smell. Koa blinked. "We're wolves," She said, looking them both up and down. "We all have great senses of smell..." As for their other claims, sure they were fine in theory, but Koa wanted to fill her pack with like-minded wolves, and so far the two sisters didn't quite seem the type. They also began bragging amongst themselves, as if trying to best each other. It was all very juvenile, and not really what Koa was looking for.
So she shook her head gently.

"At this time it is not my belief that either of you would be a good addition to Ivory Wild." She felt a bit of guilt saying this, but reminded her self that Ivory Wild was neutral, not good, and as Alphess she could ultimately do what she felt best. She wanted to be blunt with them though, so there would be no confusion.

[Deleted]

Wintersnow looked down as koa said these things. "I just don't think its important anymore OK so just drop it." she said not staring at koa. Crystal knew something was Worong with her sister but didn't know how to help. "Its hard to say are best qualities because we dont know them that well. All we know is we are Great hunters with fluffy fur to keep others warm." she said with a few tears. Her greatest goal was for her and wintersnow to not be outcast and be part of something. She turned away from koa to look at her sis. "Its OK we will find somewhere else." She said trying to make her sister happy again.

[Cascade]

Word of a new pack had spread quickly and, being so close, how could Perjury not pay a visit? It was a short walk from her own territory—easily eight times the size of the wildflower clearing—and the alphess was curious to see what caliber of wolf had staked a claim this time. So many small packs had risen and fallen during Perjury's time as alphess of the Frigid Plague that she didn't bother to make the journey out to meet the so-called alphas of whatever ragtag bunch of misfits had claimed the barrens or the meadow before they inevitably scattered to the winds. But it was a scant effort to visit the territories of the forest. Besides...she was spending too much time cooped up at home.

Perjury didn't make any fanfare of her arrival, electing to simply walk into the clearing instead of burrowing through the ground—her usual time-saving method of travel. As a matter of fact, she had a small amount of fondness for this little territory in the middle of the forest, and would hate to disturb its natural beauty by turning up the flowers.

Strolling into the open, Perjury saw three wolves and it was immediately clear which one was in charge. An average-sized female with quite the elaborate coat was carrying herself with more authority than her slight frame could convey. This was something Perjury herself did well, being much smaller in stature than most other wolves in the valley. The other two wolves were clearly not well-known to this alphess, it was easy to tell that they weren't part of the pack, or at least not yet.

Perjury made her presence known. "Am I interrupting anything?" Her golden eyes glanced at the two wolves for but a moment before she gave her full attention to the newcomer alphess. She was the one Perjury had any business with.

[Meds]

Koa;

Koa's eyes widened when WinterSnow rudely demanded that she stop asking questions about something that, in Koa's defense, she wouldn't have even bothered with if it had not been the only reference-point with which to peg the female. She regarded the pair coolly now, brow raised skeptically.
If WinterSnow had thought that speaking in a such a way would make Koa change her mind, she was sorely mistaken. Koa may not be a seasoned Alphess with experience under her paws just yet, but she still didn't quite love being spoken down to or bossed around. It seemed WinterSnow wanted her to just forget about the dream that she had lied about though, and Koa was more than happy to oblige. Crystal went on to explain, perhaps slightly in her sister's defense, that they didn't know their own best qualities. This was another red flag to Koa, as strong pack members, at least the kind that she was keeping her eyes out for, were confident in their capabilities.

Crystal went on to mumble something, perhaps trying to cheer her sister up, or perhaps trying to manipulate Koa into allowing them to join, but in any case Koa gave them a smile, rare after the way WinterSnow had spoken to her.
"I wish you all the best. Really," She was being sincere. She was about to elaborate, when another wolf entered the scene. Koa's head turned smoothly, mint eyes tracing over the newcomer. She wasn't familiar to Koa, but something about the way she held herself, her chin slightly up but not in a degrading way, her eyes sweeping the group with unoffensive scrutiny... Koa wondered who she might be.
For a half-moment Koa recalled an Alphess that matched her description, at least in part—a white wolf with yellow spots along her back. Koa decided to play it safe, and treat her with as much respect as would be due Perjury, if this was in fact who stood before her. An Alphess descended from a long, powerful line, and an Earthen elemental with God-like power—not a wolf to offend.

Koa smiled warmly, nodding at the female's polite introduction.
"No, not at all," She said, shaking her head gently before looking back to the sister-pair. "I was just explaining to Crystal and Wintersnow that I don't think they are quite a good fit for Ivory Wild, a newly established pack here in this territory, such that it is."

[Deleted]

Wintersnow looked the new wolf and backed up. She heard about the alpha of frigid plauge the evil pack. "Hey your perjury the alpha of the evil pack frigid plauge." Crystal said smiling forgetting all about koa and layer attention to perjury. "I have never seen a evil wolf before are you all evil like they say?" she asked with her young curiosity. WinterSnow watched as her sister became interested in the new alpha. Even though they where not evil wolves they both had a interest in them. Her white pelt started to shake as her excitement came over her. She wasn't like her sister drooling over every evil wolf but she got as much excited as she did.

[Cascade]

Perjury took a step forward, closing the wide gap between Koa and herself until they were at a proper distance to hold a conversation. This distance required that Perjury look slightly upward to meet Koa's eyes, but it didn't bother her for others to notice that she was small. She did not care for anyone's opinion of her ability to lead, especially if that opinion was based on her size. Perjury had held her position long enough that every movement of her body conveyed absolute confidence. Koa had the beginnings of that. She was an alphess too, technically, but new enough to the role that she could have hardly wrapped her head around it. Perjury had never gathered any dreamers and taken a piece of land for herself. Her destiny had been set from birth and had resolved itself under very sudden and tragic circumstances. The word "alphess" had burned on her tongue for months, but she was so young then.

The two other females quickly realized who she was and began to fawn over her like pups. Perjury has no opposition to a wolf paying respect where it was due, but their churlish questioning was rather tone-deaf to the fact that she had clearly come to speak to the alphess.

"I am Perjury," she was speaking to everyone present, but looking into Koa's eyes, "My pack, the Frigid Plague, is your closest neighbor. Our evil-hearted wolves have inhabited the redwoods for several generations."

This new alphess called her pack Ivory Wild. Perjury estimated that their land could hold a dozen wolves, maybe even less. It was no prestigious kingdom, but it would be a good life for their chosen few, as long as this wolf before her was strong enough to keep them together.

"I have no need of your friendship. But I have come to see this new pack for myself, and to let you know that I have no interest in eradicating you...given that we are not unnecessarily provoked."

[Meds]

Koa;

Instant irritation grew within Koa as the two sisters, who obviously hadn't liked what she said, turned and began to ignore her completely. They suddenly were looking over Perjury with awe-like reverence, but thankfully the Alphess hadn't looked away from Koa's own eyes; however, it was all of a sudden as if Koa wasn't even there. She wouldn't stand for such disrespect on her own border.

"I will thank you for leaving," She said strongly, cutting off the young wolf's last utterance and fixing them both with cold eyes. She stepped over the border, squaring her chest and straightening her shoulders, raising to her full height. She was only slightly taller than average, but had never failed at making herself exactly as strong as needed to get her point across. "Disrespect from loners on my own border does not go over well. So if you would, excuse yourselves before things turn bad for you." She was not asking, but nor was she getting angry. Her voice was a level-cool, suddenly commanding respect where it hadn't been before.

Koa turned back to Perjury after dismissing the other two, for that was who it turned out to be. She had been right. Suddenly, the other Alphess' small stature was nothing compared to the sheer awesomeness that Koa knew ran through her veins. She gave Perjury a respectful nod, exhibiting a calmness that did not quite reach her eyes after having to be so straight forward with the sisters regarding something as simple as a request to join her pack.
It was not news to her that the Frigid Plague was their neighbor, for she had done her research, but there was something deeply intimidating about the small wolf's gentle speech. Her golden eyes traced the land behind Koa, then mentioned that she had no need of friendship, and was merely observing who had moved in next door.

Koa kept her shoulders straight and stood tall, but there was no trace of defiance or disrespect in her as she met Perjury's stare.

"Well met, Alphess Perjury. I know of the aged Frigid Plague, and it is my honour to make your acquaintance. We currently stand on the border of the Ivory Wild pack, formed by myself and a small band of others. My name is Koa. You know the land well," She smirked at just how fantastic the understatement was, knowing that Perjury would catch it. "So you know that my territory cannot hold any great army. We do not wish to trouble or inconvenience your mighty pack. Such things would be entirely and laughably futile." She didn't comment on the fact that Perjury was not here to make friends. She knew that, and frankly Koa didn't need to be her friend, either. She did, however, need to not be her enemy.

[Deleted]

WinterSnow noticed that The alphess where busy and time to go. She nudged her sister but she ignored her. "Well I think its time to go." she said. Crystal didn't was t to but she knew it was no use staying. "Ya guess your right." she said and said bye to the two alphess. "It was really nice to meet you koa and perjury." Crystal said. WinterSnow smiled at them."Yes goodbye." she said then started to walk back to the cold mountains. Crystal followed her sister saying one last bye. The ran all the way to the mountains then slept.

-exit WinterSnow and Crystal

[Cascade]

Perjury did not acknowledge the two lesser wolves as they took their leave. Expelling intruders and those who were no longer welcome was a very basic skill for an alphess, but Koa did have it at least, which was more than Perjury could say for some of the fly-by-night alphas she had met in her time. A flash of recognition told her that Koa was at least knowledgeable enough to have some idea of whom she was speaking to.

The alphess took a few steps further into the territory, now standing beside Koa as she surveyed the land. It was the most sheltered of the small territories, although that wasn't saying much. Perjury would have felt uneasy having to live in this meadow with all of its openness...she preferred to spend her time among the trees, away from prying eyes. "How many strong are you now?" she asked, taking note of one or two other moving shapes on the farthest side of the meadow where she suspected the dens were. "Don't worry, nothing nefarious to the question...just curiosity." When Perjury paid a personal visit to a new pack, there was no pretense about it. If all she wanted was to say "Leave us be and we won't kill you," then it would have been much easier to send a message. No, that wasn't the way she liked to operate. Even if she was not looking for an ally or a friend, she would at least take more than five minutes to converse with the new alpha.

[Meds]

Koa;

Perjury, thankfully, took barely any notice of the two troublesome females. Koa was glad for that, watching them quietly as they left. If things worked out, she wouldn't have to think about them again. The stormy-pelted female turned back with a gentle and unassuming smile once more to the smaller Alphess. She was being polite and casual, friendly even. Koa had heard that Frigid Plague was not like its parallel pack Midnight Silence—but she still wanted to be careful. Her pack was still so new and young—it wouldn't do to be snuffed out the moment they were born.

Perjury then asked how many were within her new family.
Koa hid a rueful smile with a fluid motion of turning to the territory that Perjury was now facing.
"It is a small number," Koa said, aware that her guest had stepped into the territory and past the border, but not bothered by it. There must be a certain respect between pack-heads (especially when the other was the head of her far more-powerful neighbors). "Though I admit, even if my borders were full to bursting, it would still be a small number." She chuckled. "Four, including myself." It probably wasn't even a large enough group to claim the territory that Frigid Plague held. Koa let her smile show then.
"I don't believe my pack will gain strength from its numbers, though..." That much went almost without saying, in fact. She shared a quiet chuckle and glanced upwards at the White Spruce above them. No, the Ivory Wild would gain strength in other things. Intelligence, perseverance, courage... not, perhaps, handy in a warlike situation... but Koa didn't see her pack being a war-like pack, anyway.

"And how is Frigid Plague faring this year? A good Summer, I hope?" She met Perjury's eyes for a fleeting moment before turning back to her territory. There was something nice about a gentle and surface-level conversation.

((Cascade were we wanting to keep this up at all, or move on to bigger and better things? xD ))