A Midnight Run... [-Open-]

[~Ragnarok~]

Pale blue orbs gazed up at the full moon in a pitch black sky filled with bright stars. Silver-white fur glistened within the moonlight. She lay upon a large flat rock overlooking a lake. As she looked down upon the lake, all she could see was a reflection of the sky, including her own reflection. Ragnarok studied her reflection. She did not recognize the wolf that gazed back with eyes that held such coldness and such a guarded expression that revealed nothing of her inner thoughts. She wondered if that coldness would make her a loner for the rest of her life. With a sigh she lifted her muzzle back to the moon, ears flickering back and forth with each sound of the night.

With an urge as old as time Ragnarok lifted her muzzle fully to the sky and let out a long low howl. Even though she was in new land and did not know neither whose territory it was nor how many wolves were close she could not stop her song. A song filled with a longing of companionship, a counterpart to her song, of a long hunt and the pride one feels as she catches her prey. Her song told of long runs in the rain, of the wind when it blows through one’s fur and of the storms that she loves so much. Ragnarok ended her song with the freedom one feels being born a wolf and dying a wolf. As her song ended, she lowered her muzzle. Without another glance she turned and began to walk in a new direction. She had been on the move constantly for the last three months. She had taught herself well on how to hunt by oneself, evidence of that was her healthy coat and muscled frame.

Blue orbs glanced at the tall trees that she now walked between. The colors were beautiful. Lifting her muzzle to the wind, she inhaled deeply. She loved the forest, the smell of the trees and the forest floor littered with leaves, multiple types of plants, and the occasional hidden meadow filled with flowers. Rarely did she take life for granted and took pleasure in the most simple of things, such as being able to run. Ragnarok was built for speed and distance; it was how she had gotten so far in such a short period of time.

Pale blue orbs narrowed as she heard a branch break somewhere in the distance. Her ears perked forward in the direction of the sound yet she did not stop walking nor did she quicken her pace. She was not one to be frightened easily if at all. It was only a couple of months ago that she had accepted death and one does not frighten easily after getting to such a low point. It was only on sheer stupidity of the alpha of the pack that had held her that she was even able to get away. The first rule in a battle is to never underestimate your opponent, whether your opponent is male or female. White canines glinted within the moonlight as she gave a humorless grin. She had taught many males the importance of that rule. The grin faded as more memories of such fights began to replay within her mind’s eye. Despite such distractions, her blue orbs were alert and intent on her surroundings. Silver-white fur seemed brightened by the moonlight, her tail held loose behind her as her long legs carried her forward.

[` ` LinK]

Link was running. He wasn't being chased unless you counted his pack and he wasn't afraid. He was running because it was a wonderful feeling to kick up dirt under your paws, to dance around the trees and try to escape the wind that still lovingly stroked at their fur and muzzles as they ran. They snapped at the she-wolf they called wind that howled and whimpered as they did, that purred around them and made their cave comfortable, that blew things for their den towards the cave and rustled the trees to distill the eerie silence that sometimes enveloped the region forest.

It had been a moon or so since Link had run this far with his pack, scent marking, patrolling the land while the whelping females stayed behind at the cave with the Omega as the guard. Link came to a stop his ears shot forward and his tail rose with his hackles. He'd heard a song carried to his ears by the wind that had captivated his attention, it was lonely but not entirely unhappy to be so. He deciphered the message in the howl and turned his muzzle snapping his fangs and signaling for the pack to turn back for the night. There were a few whimpered responses of protest but he quickly stomped those out with a low growl.

He watched his beta take the lead and weave through the trees back towards the den. Link satisfied to take on this one problem alone trotted forward, the wind wrapped around him and whistled through the trees, it had changed direction as if blowing him towards the noise rather than back to his den. Link had always been one to converse with the wind in manners of body language so he swiftly picked up his pace and felt the wind roll around his body as though elated with his choice. Quietly Link stole upon the other wolf, his paws moving across the ground and missing the leaves and branches easily. He startled hearing a branch snap and looked down at his paws before his back paws and snorted seeing he'd crushed one under his large back paw. Picking up his pace once more he caught site of the issue.

A she-wolf with a cold demeanor. He stared her over a little more before sliding out of the darkness as though the darkness had given birth to him. His black fur had perfectly matched the black exterior and now with the moon shining down on them his fur seemed almost silvered in its light. His head was high and his ears perked, he was an alpha wolf and he would act like one. His tail swayed slowly and he lifted his lips licking his fangs.

"You are far from home she-wolf. What is your name and what can we of the forest do for you?"

If she had come to request space in his pack then he would treat her like family but even a she-wolf and one as pretty as she was would not get past his wrath if she were here for other reasons.

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[~Ragnarok~]

A shiver ran down Ragnarok's spine as if she knew she was being watched, her pace slowed slightly but not completely. She knew that someone was out there, a branch had been broken by someone walking on top of it. Yet the wind blew past her so she was unable to get a scent of what was coming or indeed watching her. This once beautiful trail now seemed filled with shadows. She wondered if Malachi and his pack had finally caught up with her. At that thought, her lips curled up slightly, her long legs going into a slight crouch as if preparing for a trap.

Pale blue orbs widened slightly in surprise as a male wolf, alpha by his demeanor, slid out from the shadows. She immediately stopped unsure of the male's intentions. She had smelled wolf on the trail she was walking through, yet she was quite sure she had passed no border of a territory. At least, not yet. Ragnarok knew that this wolf was no part of Malachi's group, so she let her lips back down over her fangs yet remained slightly crouched.

The two wolves were not that far from each other. As the male wolf licked his fangs in intimidation, Ragnarok's ears flicked backwards, her head held high, and her hackles raising slightly. It was hard for not to react to another expressing a challenge, it was hard wired into her mind and body after all this time. Blue orbs looked him up and down, alert for any other signs of a surprise attack. She would not be intimidated and she had not trespassed.

At his remark her ears perked forward, a quiet humorless laugh escaping her muzzle before she could catch it. "I have no home. My home is the place beneath my resting paws each passing sun." Ragnarok stated quietly and though her expression was guarded, sadness or was it hurt were reflected in her blue orbs. She had come from hell and there was no way she was returning to it. As if knowing her thoughts were being openly expressed, that which was reflected within her blue orbs disappeared.

'What is your name and what can we of the forest do for you?' Blue orbs became thoughtful at the question, though she never let down her guard. She was silent a moment as if debating whether she should answer his question or walk away. Her hackles lowered and she straightened as she made her decision. She nodded her head, though her eyes remained on the wolf the whole time not caring if it was rude, again old habits die hard, as she introduced herself.

"I am Ragnarok." Her voice calm despite the possibility of a fight. I have passed no border, nor have I done anything wrong. I mean you no harm. I am simply enjoying a midnight run, you can join me if you wish... to ensure I truly am just running? She asked before she could think about what she was asking. Yet, it was to late to take it back. Ragnarok's ears flicked backward than forward as she wondered why she was explaining herself to this male, alpha or not. She mentally sighed, old habits die hard and what did she expect when she hasn't talked to another for the past three months.

She thought a moment, if she was indeed about to cross the border into his territory hence why he is here than maybe... But did she really wish to join a pack? She tilted her head slightly, And you are? She asked rather than answer his other question, blue orbs still watching him intently.

[Pepe]

Desolate pale amber orbs gazed into the emptiness. Silence lurked through the forests, whilst danger crept past each corner. The amber eyes, focused through the density of the trees, locking onto anything that dared to move. Even a ‘safe’ man would feel the stabbing pain of insanity sink in if ever another pair of eyes touched those of the Wolf.

Demurring shades of autumn-browns seeped through the black thickness of the male’s coat, edging at the borders of his dirty white pelt. With each step he carefully placed, the moonlight would bring emphases to the radiant ocean blue/bronze beneath all the gloominess of his dark-autumn coat. The wolf’s deep forest colours allowed him to blend into his environment, with further aid from the night allowing total stealth. Only the moon’s deceit would reveal the wolf’s eyes.

The familiar scent of another enlarged Pepe’s nostrils, triggering him off into action. Lightly the male padded through along the trail, not straying too far from the borders of their territory. Pepe lowered his muzzle to the ground, gathering all information about the status of the alpha. His orbs grew bolder whenever a stronger scent picked up.

A sudden low burst of tune mellowed out into the night sky, causing the male to hold his path and listen. The song sang of woes and hopes, yet turned into a pleading of friendship and just to be able to move freely along the wind’s blessings. The song’s bearer was not that of anyone within the pack, but that of a lone wolf. The wolf was not far, more cause to go and investigate. Wherever Link was, would be no matter - for his path would immediately change to approach this newcomer.

Pepe bounded into a race, and thundered past the trees, meandering in and out of the territories along the borders. Now both Link’s and the newcomer’s scents burst into Pepe’s nose allowing him to slowly piece together their current stories.

Link did not seem harmed nor was there blood shed upon either of them. Good news so far. Pepe’s alpha had approached gently and allowed the female movement. She was very graceful in her movements but also alert. Perhaps Pepe’s presence would worsen the situation? Yet he did not back away.

Pepe stood strong with ears fully perked. His head slightly lowered as if he were guarded yet ready for any unwanted actions. He could sense his alpha was not suspicious of the female, nor had he shown any real true motive to attack. However Pepe found it hard to trust, and would keep a watchful eye upon the female.

Like Pepe once was, the female seemed hesitant in attempting to join the pack. Perhaps she too lacked trust in others. Already the male could feel that they had something in common.

The dark autumn painted male did not cross his alpha, and merely continued to assess the situation through silence. Now that there were two of them, the female would feel less likely to attack.

Pepe allowed his orbs to meet hers…curiously he tried to open her pale orbs, secretly hoping a wondrous adventure would be told. Yet she remained hidden.

[` ` LinK]

Link allowed an annoyed growl to ripple in his throat. He was positive he had sent his pack back through their lands lead by the beta to return to the cave but he could feel and smell one of them coming towards the pair. His ears rounded and he raised his head higher in annoyance, it was Pepe once again, Pepe seemed to be just a touch over protective and it was getting on Link's nerves. He was kind and tolerated the wolf and he had to admit that he was close to the wolf that had chosen him to trust out of everyone in the pack. Though to form a cohesive group mind one had to trust his alpha above all else it was still an honorable thing to do.

Though Link couldn't help but wonder if maybe just maybe Pepe thought that Link would have troubled dealing with a she-wolf if she tried to attack him. He snorted and felt his pride becoming bruised though it was not easily done it had happened before. He turned those golden glowing eyes towards the amber wolf that stalked behind him somewhat.

"Was there something you needed Pepe?"

His voice had based and rippled in a warning growl as he warned Pepe away. He watched as the two locked eyes and became even more disgruntled if the two wanted to mate they could do it after Link invited her in to the pack, which he still had yet to do. It wasn't the same, he wondered if Pepe didn't trust him to handle his situations with the most delicate of care and that somewhat annoyed the Alpha that was brimming with patience that seemed to have spilled over and vanished all of a sudden. He was feeling edgy and cold, tired of these interruptions but calmed as well. It was confusing to him as well but he guessed it had something to do with the night and the moon. Lunacy...of course.

He turned golden eyes away from the wolf hoping he would get the message and become gone as he had just been dismissed. Link would speak with the she-wolf and if he found her with ill intentions to his pack he would either send her on her way or harm her so severely she would think otherwise if not his pack was always open and welcoming to those who needed a warm place to stay and warm food to fill their bellies.

[~Ragnarok~]

Ears perked forward at the sound of another coming. Blue orbs narrowed suspiciously at the alpha before her. Had he summoned his pack before coming to see who she was? She thought with caged anger. Was this an ambush? And for what reason? Her gaze turned to the new wolf as he came to stand behind his alpha. Another male? Ragnarok became defensive immediately. Ragnarok's tail rose slightly, her hackles once again raising. She would still fight if there was a need for one. Her head held high showing she was not afraid. Even if the odds were worse she would still fight. She had never had a chance to run from any situation despite the odds against her. So, she has long forgotten that running was even an option. If there was a threat, she would face it head on, always. If they thought they could take her easily, they were wrong.

Blue orbs glanced back at the alpha as he growled and asked the new comer -Pepe- if he needed something. Ragnarok relaxed slightly, her tail lowering an inch although she was still suspicious. This is no ambush, just a pack member coming to his alpha's aid... As Pepe's amber orbs looked into her eyes her ears turned backward. He seemed to be looking for something, her expression became guarded. She trusted no one and even when she did it would be hard for one to get her to open up.

Blue orbs flickered to the alpha's looking him in the eyes as if she could sense what he was thinking. Her lips curled slightly in anger. She knew nothing of trust, let alone love. She had spent the last two years preventing others from force breeding her, the idea of a mate was foreign to her. It would take a lot of work for one to get close enough to her for such a thing as love or even mating.

Ragnarok wanted to take a step back, yet hard taught lessons kicked in and she did not move. Blue orbs watching both males intently, watching for any signs of body language that would portray any hostility towards her. She could sense the edginess in the alpha which only added to hers. Despite all of this, her breathing was calm and her expression guarded.

[Pepe]

The translucent shades of silver beamed through the canopies of the forest, shimmering off the red leaves and creating an energetic parade of metallic autumn colours across the forest floor.

The motion of the spectacle created an eerie awkwardness between the three. The alpha had made it clear that there were to be no disruptions, causing a suspicion within the auburn Timber wolf. However, he had full faith in Link, just that he didn’t like the pack being kept in the dark; ironic for Pepe to feel like this, for he had always tried to keep himself at arms length with the others, hiding his real emotions and thoughts.

Sharp white daggers bore themselves submissively towards the alpha male – with tail between leg and bowing his head in respect of Link’s decision. Pepe stuck out his tongue, curling it slightly at the tip, also in acknowledgment.

Pepe was extremely built, and just as capable as any other wolf to fend off other predators or challengers. Lucky for the opponent, that he avoided such battles, unless there was cause for one. The male felt like the shield of pack, rather than the sword, although his hunting skills could disagree.

For one last time, Pepe, looked over to the female, and motioned no action towards her. She obviously felt threatened and just as uncertain of the situation, proving that Link had full control - not that he didn’t. However, two was always better than one, and a pack, is always better than none.

Link didn’t need the subordinate and this made Pepe feel embarrassed. Had he done wrong by his alpha? Had he shamed him in front of another? Pepe shook off the negative, believing he was just being cautious. Finally the male found his place again, and brought his mind back into the clearing. It was only right that the alpha was allowed his time away, so he eventually turned away from the two and padded slowly off into the trees, back towards central territories. There the pack would await him and Link.

Pepe felt protective if ever a pack-mate had been separated, although felt it was ok for him to scout on ahead alone, when the pack commenced long journeys. Still the male was learning to live in pack life, and still had not grown to relax in his environment. The past took everything away, even most of his enjoyment he once bore for the world.

Hunting within a pack was the only thing that made him feel himself once again – and in time, he would one day feel the need to share and play with others. Just one step at a time….

(( OOC ~ Pepe leaves the thread ~ OOC ))

[` ` LinK]

Link's ears swiveled as he lifted his muzzle somewhat watching Pepe leave, he didn't like snapping at the young wolf but he was Alpha and he was to be obeyed. Turning his head back to the she-wolf he slowly sat down his ears perked and his demeanor calming. He had been on edge but without the pressure of his pack behind him he was calm once more. The wind ruffled through his black fur and he turned golden orbs up to the sky to stare at its vast black wonder. The moonlight spilled across the terrain stopped by the trees and casting eerie shadows all around. There was a rustle or two in bushes that he scented as forest creatures before he turned back towards the she-wolf.

"Calm down. I have no plans to harm you, Ragnarok and if you are truly running then by all means continue, you have permission to enter my lands if it pleases you."

There was something in his voice, a certain air of authority that let her know that he would most definitely run with her. Link was not a believer in loneliness, if he were to ever find a wolf with such a tag across their fur he would be the first to offer then sanctuary in his pack lands. They certainly had enough food that he didn't need to be greedy, and he wasn't so insecure that he was afraid of having unknown wolves in his territory. He could handle himself and that much was obvious from his size and the age in his eyes.

He rose from the ground and walked closer to her taking up a position near her side. He allowed himself a puppy like grin on his furred muzzle. She would be safe with him, that much was obvious.

"In fact, if you wish there are spaces available in my pack...if you feel lonely it does not have to stay that way Ragnarok...we would protect you and feed you, we are a family and like it or not you are a wolf and foreign or not you are already apart of that family."

[~Ragnarok~]

Pale blue orbs stared back at Pepe as he looked at her once more before taking his leave. She could not feel sorry for how she reacted, it was pure instinct on her part. The only wolves she knew had been cruel, and than she is outnumbered by strange wolves she did not know. Ragnarok felt a bit foolish for reacting so strongly, she was jumpy. She frowned at that thought, such actions would have given her away in a fight. She pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind to ponder later. She could feel the tension lessen until the alpha was calm once more.

Ragnarok took a deep breath, shaking her body as if to rid herself of her over-reactions. Unwavering blue orbs looked up and met the alpha's gaze. Her fur once more lay flattened upon her neck and back, her tail hung loosely behind her, and her ears perked forward; although her expression remained guarded. She was as relaxed as she could be, she was always on the alert.

Blue orbs widened slightly at the alpha's offer, she had expected to be told to turn around. He had said that he would not harm her... Yet could she believe him? Would she believe him? Blue orbs looked past him, following the trail deeper into the forest. She did not want to turn around. She had come from running through open plains. Her muzzle lifted slightly as she scented the air. She was rewarded with a deep pine smell, mixed with the deeper, richer scents of the forest. The forest was her element; she loved the cover it provided, the many smells, and the way the wind sounded as it passed through the branches of the tall pines.

Ragnarok knew by his tone that he would accompany her. She knew that even if she had not offered he would have accompanied her. She was an outsider, not one of his pack, and how could he be sure of her intentions. Given her reactions how could anyone think she would start a fight. Though, given her reactions she was a wolf with unpredictable reactions in any given situation.

As he stood and walked over by her, she braced herself. Blue orbs never leaving his face, even when he came to stand at her side. As he grinned, much like that of a puppy she tilted her head slightly. Her guarded expression replaced by a look of wonder, her blue orbs flickering over his face as if to search for some hidden emotion. She could see no hidden motives. The corners of her muzzle turned upwards slightly, in a rare ghost of a grin.

At his second offer, she turned her head forward looking at the trail once more.

...if you feel lonely it does not have to stay that way Ragnarok... It would be difficult, how could she not feel lonely yet how could she even get close to another wolf. Her body language may indicate she is calm, yet she was always aware of the wolf at her side.

...we would protect you and feed you When he mentioned protection, her small grin faded. Images flashed before her eyes. Blue orbs narrowed slightly as memories played within her mind. If Malachi's pack did indeed find her and she was here she would not involve this alpha or his pack, she would lead them away. But that was if they found her, she was far from that territory. She needed no protection, or at least that is what she thought. At the mention of food, she felt a dull ache. She was used to being hungry so it was easy to ignore although she would have to hunt within the next few days.

...we are a family and like it or not you are a wolf and foreign or not you are already apart of that family." Ragnarok turned her head, intense pale blue orbs meeting his as if trying to decide if he meant what he said, yet she could not understand why when she was just another lone wolf.

Blue orbs continued to stare as she thought of what to say and not to say. I appreciate the offer... But I am unsure of how well... I will adapt. I am grateful for you allowing me in your lands, if only to run. She had not refused the offer, neither did she accept it. Maybe she would stick around for a little while to see for herself how a pack is truly supposed to be.

She realized she did not know this wolf's name. Blue orbs looked away, she wanted to run, if he did not offer his name she would ask later. Running would help to ease the remaining tension within her and hopefully dispel some of her distrust and allow her to think over the new path that has been presented before her. Glancing at the alpha, she stepped forward and began to walk to ensure he was at her side and she could see him in the corner of her eye before going into a full sprint.