He had spent the better part of five minutes rehearsing lines, ten minutes deciding whether to approach at all, and an entire day reeling over the potentiality of ‘Ambassador-hood.’ He daydreamed on what it might look like to travel north, or further south or… or anywhere for that matter! Who would he meet? What might they say? What mysteries would he come across? Oh! It was all very exciting, quite frightening, and really just the perfect blend to entice a young lurker like himself.
But Holms was a considerate fellow. And despite himself, the boy waited for as long as he could before approaching Reflections on the matter. If the role was meant to be his it would be… in time. That was the appropriate responses, yes? He had to trust that the spirits had his back on this. Or, well, at least he aimed to trust the word of his pack mates in regards to all that… In any case, he had done his due diligence. Had played the considerate fellow long enough. His patience had run its course and now he was ready to act.
Through the sea of familiar faces Holms found the one he needed. A bright white countenance against the dull green backdrop of their home. Their alpha, Reflections, who he would have to convince of his own merit in the end. Sure, the Alpha looked bogged down with a trillion other responsibilities -- but what was one more quick and quiet conversation, right?
Krysin
The day had been particularly rough for the young Alpha, not that he had ever expected any day to be easy since ascending to his rank. It was not as if some great tragedy had occurred overnight, like losing another wolf to the winter season, but rather a slow accumulation of every possible tedious problem. She Signs of Amber Autumns had been called away to her duties, and her constant presence by his side had proven to be relaxing as well as helpful. It was his duty to tend to the problems his pack presented to him, to falter now would be devastating for himself and the Swamp Lurkers.
So he suffered with another thinly drawn smile, words devoid of emotion as he politically maneuvered his way through one situation to the next. It wasn't necessarily a problem if he seemed cold and distant, the pack almost expected it of him considering his heritage. There was a brief lull to the business of the day when he noticed a young male wolf set on making their way over to him. He glanced at Hemlock Holms out of the corner of his eye before greeting another wolf that was a bit closer. Maybe that would be enough to discourage the younger wolf's approach...
No, it wasn't.
"Hemlock Holms," he greeted the brown wolf with a slight dip of his chin. He knew almost every member of the pack by name, and his was no exception... especially since he came from a particularly troublesome branch of the Swamp Lurker's lineage. An old family line who's current matriarch was set in her ways and very against his way of doing things. Not that Murky Water went out of her way to stir trouble, but she still allowed it to happen when it suited her. "Is there something I can help you with?"
So he suffered with another thinly drawn smile, words devoid of emotion as he politically maneuvered his way through one situation to the next. It wasn't necessarily a problem if he seemed cold and distant, the pack almost expected it of him considering his heritage. There was a brief lull to the business of the day when he noticed a young male wolf set on making their way over to him. He glanced at Hemlock Holms out of the corner of his eye before greeting another wolf that was a bit closer. Maybe that would be enough to discourage the younger wolf's approach...
No, it wasn't.
"Hemlock Holms," he greeted the brown wolf with a slight dip of his chin. He knew almost every member of the pack by name, and his was no exception... especially since he came from a particularly troublesome branch of the Swamp Lurker's lineage. An old family line who's current matriarch was set in her ways and very against his way of doing things. Not that Murky Water went out of her way to stir trouble, but she still allowed it to happen when it suited her. "Is there something I can help you with?"
When addressed, Holms' body tensed and his gait staggered; the urge to run away just as strong as the one to run in. It looked more like a stumble, but he went with it and commenced with the approach. This was it. s**t was real.
He acknowledged the alpha first with a bow of his head, letting loose a breathy laugh to ease the tension... although it likely read as nerves.
"Hello." He had expected so much and nothing at all out of this interaction, suddenly very aware of the heat in his face and the way he held his lanky self. What was it that he wanted to say again?
"I don't think we've gotten the chance to talk much... or well... at all really." No. That wasn't it.
"I'm Hemlock."
HE KNOWS
"Ahh, haha. But you already knew that... sorry." When the second-thoughts started to flood in Holms knew he was in trouble. Get it out fast, look at him -- he's obviously busy!
"...I know you're looking for ambassadors and I want to help. Wait no, I don't want to help look for ambassadors I want to be one. I want to help represent the pack and create ties between others. I am pretty sure I fit the requirements."
A moment passed, he looked contemplatively to the ground just beyond Reflections before nodding. "Yeah, pretty sure. And if there's any way I can prove it to you I'd like to do that."
Krysin
Hemlock Holms' nervous energy was contagious, if the curious glances and side-eyes the other pack members were giving them were anything to go by. Reflection, fortunately, had gotten used to enduring awkward greetings and anxious flitting. His expression remained carefully neutral as he endured through Hemlock Holms introducing himself after Reflection had already greeted him by name. If Autumns' was here she would have gotten a kick out of the display - thankfully Reflection was a bit more merciful. He simply pretended as if the mistake had never happened. The Alpha wouldn't survive a day if he wasted time nitpicking everyone's approach.
"We have not," he agreed with a small frown. Yes, he could tell that this was starting to go somewhere. Whatever Hemlock Holms wanted, Reflection could only pray to the spirits that he would get to asking about it with ease.
Reflection did not expect what came out of the young wolf's mouth next, and he very likely stared at Holms for far too long before saying anything in return. He had made it known that he was looking for more ambassadors, his granddaughter had made the benefits clear to him. But, she was also young, and Holms was not more than a few seasons older than her. He was concerned over handing such a position to another young wolf. There were already whispers about his decision to appoint Praise the Light as an ambassador...
Ah.
But, giving Hemlock Holms the position, if he proved to be suitable for it, would be a nice way to reinforce the bond between himself as the Alpha and Murky Waters' rebellious family line. He turned that thought in his head for a few seconds too long, clearly considering Holms proposition though it was hard to tell if it was going favorably or not. "I understand you have not taken your spiritual quest, yet - not that I intend to pressure anyone into such a dangerous trial. I know of you, Hemlock Holms, but not enough to determine whether you can succeed in that position.
You have my time now. Convince me you are capable of handling that responsibility, that you will not endanger my pack if I send you out into the world." He was putting Holms on the spot, but if Holms could not handle it then he did not deserve the rank. All eyes, not just Reflection's, were on him.
"We have not," he agreed with a small frown. Yes, he could tell that this was starting to go somewhere. Whatever Hemlock Holms wanted, Reflection could only pray to the spirits that he would get to asking about it with ease.
Reflection did not expect what came out of the young wolf's mouth next, and he very likely stared at Holms for far too long before saying anything in return. He had made it known that he was looking for more ambassadors, his granddaughter had made the benefits clear to him. But, she was also young, and Holms was not more than a few seasons older than her. He was concerned over handing such a position to another young wolf. There were already whispers about his decision to appoint Praise the Light as an ambassador...
Ah.
But, giving Hemlock Holms the position, if he proved to be suitable for it, would be a nice way to reinforce the bond between himself as the Alpha and Murky Waters' rebellious family line. He turned that thought in his head for a few seconds too long, clearly considering Holms proposition though it was hard to tell if it was going favorably or not. "I understand you have not taken your spiritual quest, yet - not that I intend to pressure anyone into such a dangerous trial. I know of you, Hemlock Holms, but not enough to determine whether you can succeed in that position.
You have my time now. Convince me you are capable of handling that responsibility, that you will not endanger my pack if I send you out into the world." He was putting Holms on the spot, but if Holms could not handle it then he did not deserve the rank. All eyes, not just Reflection's, were on him.
The pause was long enough to feel a pit form in Holms' stomach. If they could visibly sweat, he would have been standing in a pool of it now.
Swallowing hard in his wait, the male shifted from one set of limbs to the other, looking more and more anxious, as well as looking everywhere but into Reflections eyes. He had to actively refrain from yawning, the hinge and clamping of his jaws as subtle a gesture he could manage. All this to keep his fretting mind busy. All this to ensure that, when the words finally came, he would be ready.
The heat he thought he could quell began spread across his body, wherever a wandering glance from a passerby landed. In a moment of distraction he wondered if any of his family members were watching. Would they be proud of their boy for standing up to their alpha? Or would they see through it, into him, and laugh the moment he stepped away?
When at last the address came, Holms was more relieved than probably should have been. It was an INTENSE moment, leading into an even more intense moment, and yet... anything was better than that silence he had just endured.
He was emboldened by the opportunity, a visible shift in his presentation as the young male straightened up with a nod. "Of course. Yes. Sure." He cleared his throat, clearing away the many daggers of many eyes that lingered all around them.
"If my family is not merit enough, proof that a deep appreciation lives within my bones then yes. Let me fill you in.” Again, he clears his throat, remembering himself. “…Strength is relative, right? Not everyone’s strength is shared… it is why you require specific members for specific roles and let me tell you… I’m… I’m perfect for this. I have boundless determination, a desire to travel and explore, to see the world and understand how it relates back to me; and thus my home. My strength lies in my personability? My…” He sighs here, finally breaking his gaze to look abashedly to the earth. “My... charm, if you will. I know I’m young,” He avoids bringing up Praise the Light, even though her name gathers at the tip of his tongue. “But I’m eager. Eager to grow. Eager to learn. Eager to see our pack thrive. I like a good mystery. The unknown excites me! But I know it can be scary for a lot of the others and I want to be able to bridge that gap. Who better to task this with than the young, relatable, the willing… I... I have no intention of endangering anyone. If anything, I'd take the fall first before leading trouble home. My brothers are here... my parents. My family.” He pauses to look away, for the gaze would have been pointed and unhelpful. “I would never let that happen. I don’t know how best to prove that to you outside of proving it to you… Being trusted with the task of seeing it through.”
Krysin
It was a passionate speech, but Holms' words weren't the only things Reflection paid attention to. Reflection's gaze upon Holms was unwavering and calculating, appraising the young male as the words rolled freely from his tongue. The speech had been prepared, likely rehearsed in his head countless times before ever being breathed into the air. He'd been considering the position for a while, likely ever since Reflection had announced it to the pack. That alone at least allowed Holms to see his words through - there was determination in his speech. His youth, however, shined as clear as day in the way Holms was unable to hold his gaze. It was a weakness of all youth to naturally defer to their elders and their superiors, but an Ambassador had to possess a certain strength of spirit, of will.
He was young and passionate, had the curious and thoughtful mind needed for the position. Reflection could feel it in his bones that Hemlock Holms wasn't quite ready, but none other had stepped forward to try and claim the rank. It was new and uncharted territory, and though he would like someone wisened to lead the rank he was not sure it was necessary.
Silence reigned for far too long after Hemlock Holms' speech, but it was Reflection's way of doing things. Holms would have to learn to temper his nerves if he were to succeed in the rank, and Reflection had witnessed how twitchy the boy had gotten whenever he drew silent. "You may not appreciate what I have to say," he warned, his stern gaze focused on Holms and Holms alone. The rest of the pack seemed to wait in quiet anticipation for their Alpha's next words. "But I do not think you are as ready as you feel, even though you bring up plenty of good points. If I am not confident that you can get the job done, I refuse to send any of my pack out of these lands to their death." It was his way of expressing care for the younger wolf, as much as he felt he could do as the Alpha.
While his words may seem like a rejection, he had not outright told Hemlock Holms 'no', and if that had been his intention he would have done it. "You will accompany Praise the Light on her next expedition to the Coven of the Pale Raven. Learn from her and the experience, so that I do not regret the decision when I send you out on your own.
The Scout and Warrior that accompany you while you are out of my lands are my decision to make as well, until I feel confident that the decision is better made by your paws."
He was young and passionate, had the curious and thoughtful mind needed for the position. Reflection could feel it in his bones that Hemlock Holms wasn't quite ready, but none other had stepped forward to try and claim the rank. It was new and uncharted territory, and though he would like someone wisened to lead the rank he was not sure it was necessary.
Silence reigned for far too long after Hemlock Holms' speech, but it was Reflection's way of doing things. Holms would have to learn to temper his nerves if he were to succeed in the rank, and Reflection had witnessed how twitchy the boy had gotten whenever he drew silent. "You may not appreciate what I have to say," he warned, his stern gaze focused on Holms and Holms alone. The rest of the pack seemed to wait in quiet anticipation for their Alpha's next words. "But I do not think you are as ready as you feel, even though you bring up plenty of good points. If I am not confident that you can get the job done, I refuse to send any of my pack out of these lands to their death." It was his way of expressing care for the younger wolf, as much as he felt he could do as the Alpha.
While his words may seem like a rejection, he had not outright told Hemlock Holms 'no', and if that had been his intention he would have done it. "You will accompany Praise the Light on her next expedition to the Coven of the Pale Raven. Learn from her and the experience, so that I do not regret the decision when I send you out on your own.
The Scout and Warrior that accompany you while you are out of my lands are my decision to make as well, until I feel confident that the decision is better made by your paws."
The wait was agonizing. If only he could catch a glimpse into Reflection's reflecting mind, to know exactly what he thought, to see all the subtlety he saw and to adjust accordingly. It would make everything easier.
And the alpha was right. Hemlock Holms, despite himself, was flustered by the response. The pack faded for view in the same way tunnel vision occurred just before unconsciousness. No expectations and yet here he was, riled; cursing the spirit-touched in the same tongues his family so often did. He, like every youth, felt the wave of emotions wash over him and make standing still and not crying hard... but something grounded him, strengthened his resolve, and kept the tears from bubbling to the surface. And thank goodness for that.
His nostrils flared momentarily. If he were to have known that this would be the outcome, he might have gotten upset. He might have fussed over the alpha's 'bias' and parroted the gossip that spread over Praises 'worthiness' -- but he didn't know. Couldn't have. And so, instead, his eagerness took over. It wasn't a no, which meant it very well could be a yes, and what with his 'charm' he was sure he could win Praise over.
No... convince her, wholeheartedly, that he too was worthy of Reflection's trust.
A smile, slow and creeping lifted one end of his maw, about as quirky as Holms was in his entirety. Then his lips parted and laughed.
"Absolutely, whatever you say!" Excitement was evident, even if only by the glistening in his eyes. "When do we leave?"
Krysin
It was as much of a 'yes' that Reflection could afford to give, because in time he did believe that Hemlock Holms would be more than a suitable ambassador. But, he was not accustomed to giving out ranks based on potential rather than actual merit. Holms needed to be trained, and he honestly had no one else available to do that than his granddaughter. There would surely be whispers admist the pack for his decision today, but he had survived more than his fair share of gossip and doubt. Change was in the crisp winter air, his pack would learn to change with it.
Reflection was relieved that he did not have to elaborate more, and that Hemlock Holms seemed to be content with the compromise. On top of all the other tasks he had accomplished today and duties he had attended to, Reflection had not expected to sort out a new ambassador. He had been caught a bit off guard by the proposal, and perhaps that had worked to Holms' favor. "Good." The excitement was almost infectious, evident in the way Reflection's shoulders relaxed and the expression on his face softened.
"I believe she intends to set out once winter thaws. I do not think it would be a bad idea to meet with her beforehand. There is much to learn for your new role, Ambassador Hemlock Holms." His voice carried with all of the authority of an Alpha, announcing to the pack Holms' new role within it. He closed his eyes, listening to the murmurs of his pack, but more importantly listening to the wind rustling through the leaves. Sucking in a lungful of cool winter air, he allowed himself to be absorbed in that moment of peace.
Green eyes opened, and the Alpha seemed sure of himself in that moment, "May the spirits bless you, and perhaps they already have. I can feel their excitement."
Reflection was relieved that he did not have to elaborate more, and that Hemlock Holms seemed to be content with the compromise. On top of all the other tasks he had accomplished today and duties he had attended to, Reflection had not expected to sort out a new ambassador. He had been caught a bit off guard by the proposal, and perhaps that had worked to Holms' favor. "Good." The excitement was almost infectious, evident in the way Reflection's shoulders relaxed and the expression on his face softened.
"I believe she intends to set out once winter thaws. I do not think it would be a bad idea to meet with her beforehand. There is much to learn for your new role, Ambassador Hemlock Holms." His voice carried with all of the authority of an Alpha, announcing to the pack Holms' new role within it. He closed his eyes, listening to the murmurs of his pack, but more importantly listening to the wind rustling through the leaves. Sucking in a lungful of cool winter air, he allowed himself to be absorbed in that moment of peace.
Green eyes opened, and the Alpha seemed sure of himself in that moment, "May the spirits bless you, and perhaps they already have. I can feel their excitement."
He thought that was it. The tentative 'maybe' that would tide him over until an affirmative sealed the deal but... no... that wasn't it. Reflection wasn't done. And Holms stood there, regretting ever embracing the inherited tension, devouring the words that were shared with him and about him. Reflection wasn't such a bad guy if he were willing to give Holms a shot. Right?
As his alpha found ease so too did Holms, his own shoulders sinking from their hunch to level out. His limbs did not want to stop their dancing, of course, shifting beneath him with the reskinned anxiety -- he was ready to move. "Yes of course, I'll go to her right away. Thank you Reflection, you will not be disappointed, I-- oh." Watching Reflection seal the world away gave Holms pause, abruptly stopping his thought in its tracks. As he fell into the shared silence between them, he let his gaze fan out at last, spreading it across the pack. Despite their murmurs and what doubt lived within them, he greeted those that would allow him contact with a smile. Tongue lolling, eyes squinting, youth brimming like a light source... I cannot wait to prove you all wrong.
The return of the spirit-touched drew the young male back in, and he brought with him the light in his eyes. A small part of Holms wanted to inquire further on what exactly Reflection could feel, from where and how but... in the end, all he managed to offer was,
"And you... too...Thank you." Before parting ways, beaming.
Krysin
He watched Hemlock Holms turn away and disappear back into the crowd. Only when the young male was out of his sight did he release a sigh he had not realized he had been holding in. Already another wolf was anxiously eyeballing him, likely preparing themselves mentally for whatever request they wanted to make of him. But, Reflection had decided that he was done for the day. He had tackled one huge problem and too many little ones, and he was sure that if he had to suffer through one more conversation he would lose his own mind in the process.
"I am off to seek guidance from the spirits," he announced, his go to saying to get out of anything that he really did not want to do. "If anyone still has business with me, I will be available later... or you can speak with Deer in the Chase."
He'd apologize to his beta later, but for now Reflection turned on his heels and headed for the safety of a more secluded area of the swamp.
"I am off to seek guidance from the spirits," he announced, his go to saying to get out of anything that he really did not want to do. "If anyone still has business with me, I will be available later... or you can speak with Deer in the Chase."
He'd apologize to his beta later, but for now Reflection turned on his heels and headed for the safety of a more secluded area of the swamp.
Krysin WC: 1660
Shia WC: 1534
