Discover Her

[Deleted]

Isolation was a thing of debate: for one enjoyed the quietude and selfishly thrived without the burden of companionship, although, one may suffer loneliness, starvation from incompetence, or worse, death. Minoe lacked the cowardice to simply roll belly up at the first challenge she faced alone. She had acquired a fancy for pressure, the adrenaline it released - the thrill. Thriving alone had its perks, but the compromise of pack life appealed as perhaps a more permanent assurance for vital needs.
Her spindly bodice lurked by the border, scents becoming potent as she drew closer. She was able bodied, cunning and intelligent, who wouldn't want her in their ranks? Her jaded spheres swept over the openness of it all. Nothing. To the untrained eye it appeared vacant, as if nature has restored the land to its creator. Creator of grass and seed and the rabbit that tempted her so, hanging beyond the not so definitive line of the Honovi. And so she pursued it; no turning back. A full sprint into the territory, athletic frame gunning and thrusting to capture the creature. Oh, it lead her farther than she desired, yet those green eyes could not break the transfixion. Her jaws flashed wildly, breaking down the creatures will as well as its anatomy. Crunch. It's bones splintered in her, it's blood tarnished the emerald ground. The noise it made - haunting, terrible, surely it would draw attention to her. Perfect.

[Gyllbane]

Evening patrols in spring were not Treason's favorite part of her rank, to be sure. The snowmelt took months' worth of scent with it, requiring the need for dutiful re-marking that had gone undone for far too long. That was her task now, along with others who were, presumably, at the other borders; the Honovi's lands were vast, though flat, and one wolf alone could certainly not hope to keep the borders where they were for long.

The sound of the nearby hunt reaches her first, then the scent - unrecognizable to her nose other than the fresh hare blood intermingled with the wolfish scent of not-Honovi. A loner, perhaps, since the earthy musk of the redwoods was not present, nor the almost sickly-sweet scent of new grass that she'd scented whenever an Eternal Snowfall brushed too close to the borders. Her tail raised in authority, she approached the intruder.

"May I ask why you've chosen these grounds to hunt? Surely you sensed our borders, stale with spring though they might be." Though it's phrased as a question there is no denying the assertive tone she takes on.

[Deleted]

Moments passed prior to her skulls ascension from the cadaver, stoic eyes meeting the arrival of another - boring into her opposers own gem like pair. Silence spun a rather tense feel between the duo, only broken by a final crunch as the reddish wolf clasped her slender jowls once more before allowing them to unhinge and release a disgruntled heap of tissue. It toppled and folded upon landing, trickles of blood falling from her tongue collecting in the pool below. "You must not be many, oh Honovi wolf." Blunt vocals chimed in a near grumble, the state unwavering, and there was no urgency in her statement; she was all too calm, confident, and almost surmising a plot in her churning mind.

"I assumed I would have been greeted at the border, but I was left rather disappointed. I grew uninterested in waiting for an encounter with your patrol." Her front paws splayed as the weight was tipped onto her fore, hind appendages preparing to gear forward. A simper decorated her ruddy maw, shedding superficial trickled that laid in its creases. "Honovi wolf, may I ask who you serve? I come with a preposition."

[Gyllbane]

The urge to curl her lip at the tasteless display was great; she thought better of the motion, however, after noting the wolf's demeanor. Though the newcomer's casual insubordination set Treason on edge, her voice remained measured, amber eyes sizing her up. Large, near as large as Treason herself, but lankier. Certainly a more formidable threat than the young female who'd grazed the border only to be sent on her way prior.

"Do not underestimate a pack you know little about." She replied coolly, tail still held aloft; she made no advances on the newcomer, nor forfeited any ground. "I am the patrol, and I serve none. I am Treason, Alphess of the Honovi." An ear flicks. "And it is not often my inclination to hear proposals from strange wolves who hunt within my borders in the dead of night. Tell me why I should hear yours."

[Deleted]

Opposing vocals carried swiftly, like a coastal breeze swept from dunes - not enough salt to sting. The composition she held gave little indication she was anything but subordinate, and in the eyes of Minoe, it didn't measure up. Surely she has the mass, thicker 'round than she, but their honed skills were left untested. "Alphaness.." She drilled in a low grumble, internal pipes heavy with a supply of air to allow it to linger between them, taper into yet another curtain of silence. Perhaps she was hoping for more; an Overlady without a party trailing her, hell, they were most likely unaware of her whereabouts. This was asking for trouble. To the Alphaness' fortune, it was no amassing of rogues, but a female of formidable proportions, a nonpareil find. Hell, if you expect a strong group, you must accept wolves who's expectations and personalities are likewise. No whimpering mutt was ever a desired choice, unless the head was feeling rather lowly, insecure in their own title. Insecure? Or pressing a test as well?
She pondered internally, a now fragmented grin parting her rostral region. "You aspire to rouse a pack out of blind followers, do you? You relish the reassurance that is your crown remaining atop your skull. Is it fear of domination, is that why you speak as if you have already made the decision to send me on my way?" Quads motioned forth, eagerly depleting this safeguard gap and entering something extraordinary. This wolf she viewed was no pushover - it was easy to see she possessed a strong sense of self, leadership, precision. Though Minoe quite wondered if the guts were included; could she not see the value of her as an asset? Surely trust was an issue, a definite primal issue, although looking beyond, this partnership would benefit both parties. Was the Honovi worth it? This leader held unprecedented potential, something rare and awe inspiring, but to simply refuse what she was offering would be to sent this potential into the ground. "I am not here to con you, I am no trickster, but I cannot deny I find myself questioning you. Not so much as a trickster, but as a sham. Are you truly this leader you claim yourself to be? Your wolves have no idea where you are, so they? I do not mean to be so blunt, but you interest me. Likewise, I interest you. I know you see the same thing I do, it's like looking into a mirror. Tell me, would you pass up an addition who has everything and more? I guarantee your criteria for excellence will be but a lowly bar I extend beyond. If you would have me...although I must say I am still deciding if I'd have you."

[Gyllbane]

"You speak an awful lot on my merit for a wolf with little knowledge of this pack." Her maroon neck arched as the other wolf closed the distance, prepared for the worst; when it did not come, she merely watched, amber eyes narrowed, ears held piercingly forward. "I do not ask for fanatical followers. To follow without question is to relinquish individuality. No, I do not seek that type. What I do seek is loyalty, above all else. That is not so much to ask, and you'll forgive my tone; I daresay I'm a bit mistrusting of one that crosses my borders in the dead of night."

With that she moved; not away, no, but around - she circled around the other wolf slowly, her gaze never leaving the other's. "Other patrols circle the borders; I am not the only one who walks the edges of our territory this night. And would I be a proper Alpha if I could not rely on my own strength alone in meetings such as these? If I were truly a sham leader as you so bluntly put it, why then would I co-command the most powerful allegiance in the Valley?" Surely the other wolf must have heard this, at least, if not from the packs themselves them from the stories that liked to wind their way through the valley. It was not something she often used as leverage, but this seemed to be a special case. Some wolves needed a show of force if her own imposing stature was not enough.

"I seek strength. You are not wrong in questioning me; you have a right, as much as I do to question you. You seem a capable wolf, albeit silver-tongued. But to bring these accusations - while petitioning for rank within my pack, no less - makes me wonder if you will be so loyal when times are not as bountiful as this."

[Deleted]

Clad in an unusual hue, the alpha pursued; encircling the red one, scrutinizing, testing the waters. She relied on an auxiliary type of leverage, and Minoe felt as though her presence was enough to coax a need for reassurance, thus she threw the trite "most powerful force in the region" card, although appeared a bit hesitant, like it had a heavy recoil upon releasing the words from her pursing lips. Likewise jaded eyes ran across the opposer, noting her impressive stature, perhaps lacking in agility, though one would not withstand many direct hits from her immense frame. Her eyes, auric, gingerly swept from her own to the caudal aspects of her bodice. Behold me. She cooed within her mind, a sly grimace playing upon her mouth. "How lucky I am to have found you rather than a low scout. Things would not have been this interesting." Her slender jowls fissured, a light chuckle escaping. Red drew over her eyes briefly, darkness settling her churning thoughts, and as they were relieved this sensation of thrill returned once more. The stance she held morphed offensively, her tail arcing regally across her loins as if it were a flag, steadying and leveling with an elevated head carriage. Pride had swallowed her entirely, although it was perhaps decent to allow it in this circumstance. "I can comprehend your concern for loyalty, as it is always a delicate matter that we all must consider. Although, I know of many snakes who grovel their way into pack life with alternative motives to utilize their submission as trickery. I can assure you, I am no snake." She didn't have to believe her, but pressing the matter wouldn't hurt. Minoe was indeed prideful, but would submit under a worthy Alpha.
This question of resources came up, and truthfully she had not experienced hunger until she elected to disperse from her homeland. "Where I had previously resided, I thrived. I left on my own accord while food was plentiful, the woods were secure. I willingly entered this solitary life knowing I would face hardships alone - and I'm very much alive. Resources are of little concern to me, it all depends on the knowledge one has of reaping the earth of its gifts; when to allow life, when to cut back, when to kill. I'm sure you are aware of this notion." These words were ever so calmly emitted, but prompted a feverish temptation to ensue. This would make or break the encounter, and it sent adrenaline pumping throughout her anatomy. " Alpha Treason, enlighten me with a spar, I want to feel this power lurking behind your stoic facade." Lips peeled back revealing pearly spires, parting jaggedly to trumpet a bestial snarl. Nape craned downward, and fore appendages splayed in preparation.

[Gyllbane]

Russet ears flicked backward briefly at the mention of trickery; it seemed more a reaction at the possibility of insurgents within her pack than anything to do with the wolf before her, and she recovered from the movement in a heartbeat. The wolf before her certainly didn't seem in the mood to make nice, though, and the motion happened once more as Minoe's posture grew decidedly aggressive. Already Treason could feel the adrenaline in her veins, though she maintained her careful, grounded posture, pausing to face the intruder.

"I have no doubt you can thrive; one glance at yourself tells me what I need to know about your survival skills." Her eyes narrowed at the next declaration, ears pinning backward, tail hiked up as a counter to Minoe's stance. "You are brave as well, I will give you that. Perhaps poor in manners. Very well - I will give you a spar. To yielding - no more. There is to be no senseless bloodshed on these packlands if you wish a place for yourself here." Her stance widened, defensive and strong, and red lips curled to reveal menacing canines. No doubt she'd been ready for a fight since the moment she'd come across the wolf who'd so brazenly stepped across her border.

[Deleted]

This Treason...what an interesting character. Her name seemingly suited her, as she was rumored to hail from the evil faction, decidedly aligning herself neutral. The reason however, classified. Minor herself had only heard from others about this one, perhaps this is what drew her here. She supposedly reaped the throne from former Alpha Cameo in a nonviolent agreement, under the condition he would remain an influential rank. Curious. Many things remained a mystery about her, yet she had proven herself rightfully aligned by accepting the spar, yet saddling it with limitations. True, there was to be no senseless carnage, but she couldn't help but yearn for a taste of power.

Treason held a similar position, curling her maw in utter disgust - clearly Minoe had evoked anger within her, perhaps hurting her chances of staying, though surely she felt her energy; the will to thrive beat so strongly among the pair. She wondered how many wolves who elected to have an audience with this queen went as far as to challenge her strength. She surmised most lowered in submission before the immense female, pleading for a rank among her wolves. Hmph, that was simply not her style.

Minoe's eyes ignited, a brilliant emerald shone with intent, with excitement. Her last words seemed to linger in the air, as if it were a threat. It plagued Minoe with hesitation, her limbs straightening slowly from a crouch. You crave this power A voice from within her rang wildly, encouraging her to stick to her game plan. She seemed to fall into thought as fleshy curtains fell over her barred fangs and the wolf momentarily returned to a normal stance. And then in one swift movement she posed offensively once more, hind appendages leading her sprint as they drew ventrally and propelled from under her with force. She held herself low as she closed in, jowls fissuring wide, nape twisting her skull sideways as she aimed for the base of Treason's nape in an attempt to assault from beneath her. Eyes narrowed in preparation for impact, fore appendages hiked upwards in anticipation of a counter attack. No turning back now.

In hot pursuit of a dream, risk is but an ally; for one can bask in the glory of success, or put the dream to rest in failure. To kill a dream is to spawn another.

[Gyllbane]

Minoe's brief moment of hesitation, however long or convincing it may have seemed, did not alter Treason's stance in the slightest. Her distrust feeds her wariness of the strange intruder, and the alphess watched her every movement carefully, unwilling to make the first move. When the other wolf leapt she was more than prepared for it. With a grunt she twisted her head away from Minoe's teeth and launched diagonally forward, hoping to barrel the other wolf over with her shoulder, all her weight put into the movement. Her shoulder is tensed, teeth gritted in anticipation for whatever hold Minoe might be able to get on her if the other wolf's teeth manage to make contact with flesh - the diagonal movement should have at least assured the fact that Minoe's jaws wouldn't reach her neck.

[Deleted]

Her sight was lessened as her jaws splayed wide to accompany what she surmised would be the lower aspect of the foes nape. Slam. The outer fangs clashed against the rigidity of bone as Treason threw her shoulder at the barreling wolf. Surely minimal damage was made as her forelimbs had been drawn upward with claws tract outward in anticipation of a counter move. Still, the force of the red one and angle of which the shoulder was thrown caused her to deflect most of her energy and sent her to the ground. A roll and a half left her foundered, lanky appendages stranded skyward.

Abdomen twisted instinctually to recover her stance, held lower than before. Caudal appendage did not flag in dominance as it had prior, it now rested level to the rest of her spine.
The frontal aspect of her maw bled from the collision which caused her own teeth to mesh against a delicate gum line. It did not hinder a simper. Spherical eyes softened as she fixated on Treasons; just one blow was enough to satisfy, there was no reason to draw on this test any longer. It was easy to see why Treason possessed the rank of Alpha. An inclination to demonstrate respect bent the female; her cranium dipped gracefully between slanted forelimbs, rubicund rails now reaching her throat as she ascended.

"Alphaness Treason, I appreciate your time. I do not wish to waste anymore of it and ask acceptance into your pack." Articulation flowed with a confidence reminiscent of that prior to the test. She wouldn't change; eternally bold, dignified, though having a newfound respect for this female before her. The anticipation did not sting, there was no worry. If Treason declined, than she would exit the bluffs and continue onward. If accepted she would than request to meet the others deemed worthy of Honovi. An audition with the Queen was all she really looked for, an encounter with this wolf was worth a bloody lip. "I know you are not one to succumb to pressure, and I admire that, expecting your decision to be made solely off of your gut. I will not become vengeful if turned away, to meet you was a pleasure worth the pain, a valuable experience."

[Gyllbane]

The abruptness of the duel set her off kilter for only a moment - her shoulder smarted where the other wolf had collided with it, sure to bruise. True to her word, the other wolf had given a decent show of strength and no more; though yet unrefined, her raw strength could only be an advantage, provided her intentions weren't sinister.

The request that follows, though, is one she expects, and her ears flicked forward once more at the prospect. "I am glad you have gleaned what you wish from this meeting. You are strong, that much is abundantly clear; to refuse you a place in this pack would be foolish of me." Amber eyes found the other wolf's, her voice firm as she spoke. "Should you follow orders, respect the hierarchy of the pack, you will flourish. If not, I will run you off these lands myself." Though it sounds as much, it doesn't seem to be a threat; her posture remains strong, but not aggressive.

"Our dens are to the south, in the stone fields. Make yourself at home there, and do introduce yourself to others should you run across them. Our allies, the Frigid Plague, are to the southeast in the redwoods. Perjury, their Alphess, and I make regular trips between our homes. It would be wise to know her as well, though if you pull the same stunt as you did here she will not be so forgiving." Red lips pulled into a small smile, though the warning rings true.

"If you are to be in my pack, though, I must know your name. Before anything else." She sought to break the tension with that, a bit - now that the adrenaline has faded, she seemed much more at ease.

[Deleted]

Crest fell with appreciation in a similar manner as previously; eyes skirting between the horizons crease and Treason. Jaded spheres caught a glimpse of suspicion, easy detected in the eyes of opposition, and rightfully so - briefly brought back to the emergence of the two, she had in fact failed to identity herself as anything but what she had to offer. Clever girl, it was perhaps intentional, security in the event things went sour, as information is the currency of lands trodden by those of dividing factions, likewise the notorious vengeful beings that were wolves.
Ruddy lips fissured, pearlescent teeth gleamed like gems, and as a trade for her pardon and induction, voiced a name not yet known. "Minoe. (Min-oh-eh)." In response to the alphas firm dictation she also gave a direct answer, yet not rudely blunt. A crooked grin set her normally taut maw; she was entirely happy with this decision, relieved even, as the relationship between Perjury and Treason had been affirmed - it would prove to difficult to continue inhabiting this region with two packs aware of her existence and harboring suspicions. Her eyes softened, their elliptical shape widening slightly, "You will not regret your decision, Treason. I will serve Honovi well, as it is a privilege." and with that, lengthy appendages geared southbound as instructed, breaking into a three best cadence as she prepared herself for meeting others.

-exit Minoe-