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 Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:52 pm
 There was a new pack on the horizon--or, at least, it was new to Piper, and Tauro's opinion of Piper's spatial abilities wasn't that great. She seemed too self-absorbed to be an alpha, but wasn't Gomorrah all about emphasizing your flaws, turning them to strengths? That was the idea, maybe, but Tauro didn't like it.
Piper didn't like Tauro. That was probably why she deigned it would be a good idea for Tauro to go check out the new packlands. No specific idea in mind. Piper and Tauro just liked being far away from each other, and now that Switch and Novik were old enough to hunt on their own, they had less and less of a need for their second mother. Tauro was glad to be moving again, away from Gomorrah, and with something of a reason.
Still, even if she didn't like Piper, she could at least try to be a good diplomat. It wouldn't do to make other packs angry at Gomorrah. Her sister and nephews still lived there, after all; and a few other broods of adolescents who probably didn't deserve to have their family torn apart. She would try to be friendly.
Draugh Faroth was not a hidden pack; in fact, its borders seemed quite open and welcoming. The only way a pack could survive like this was with strength behind it, Tauro knew that much; but at least that meant they wouldn't attack visitors. The brown and gray female stopped at the edge of the strongest-smelling border, planted her feet, and howled her intentions as a guest. Now she only had to wait for the welcome wagon.
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Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:01 pm
 Though Haku did have a wolf set for this sort of thing, he was close enough and curious. The new commer had a scent of another pack on her. This made him want to know if perhaps she wanted to speak to him personally about allies. He kept his head high, showing his positon easily. Even if he was a lone alpha, without a mate and alpha female, he was still the leader and would not ever show any shame in that. The black and orange wolf moved with purpose, but paused when he came upon the dark pelted female. "Hello," The rather large wolf bowed his head just slightly, not lowering his eyes at all. "You've managed to come upon Draug Faroth, but we are a rather accepting pack." There was a kindness reflecting in his eyes. This femme didn't seem to want to cause any trouble, therefor she was welcome here. That was simply how his pack worked--those without ill intent were welcomed with open arms. "My name is Haku and I am the alpha of these lands.. And you are?"
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Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 6:14 pm
Tauro took in the tall, proud male that stood before her. His pelt was a dappled black emblazoned with orange. The markings reminded her of her sister's and nephews' dragon patterns, which Gerda had in turn inherited from her and Tauro's father.
Tauro, on the other hand, always looked streaked with mud, and juxtaposed with this handsome wolf she suddenly felt a bit conscious of it. Still, it would take much more than that to cause her to become shy.
"My name is Tauro," she said, lowering her head enough to signify that she respected him as alpha of these lands, though she remained standing, her tail level. "The Gomorrah pack has heard of Draug Faroth and wants to find its intentions." There, that sounded official enough, even with a tang of Tauro's usual brusqueness.
She was a bit surprised that the alpha himself had come to greet her. That might say something about the pack--that it was small, and the alpha was the only one who took care of any official business--but it more likely said something about the alpha himself. If it was, in fact, a rather accepting pack, it as probable that he did not erect barriers between himself and the common wolf, as many alphas did.
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Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:16 am
When Haku heard what the female said, his head nodded a bit and he had to give a small smile. "Ah, I see." Gomorrah.. He had not heard of them before, but it was very important to know who the fellow wolves were.
"It is an honour to meet you, then, Tauro." Came his voice, calm rather than overbarring. He did not use brute force to rule this pack despite the fact that he was big enough to do so.
"I can assure you, though, that the Draug Faroth pack has no ill intent towards any pack that does not wish to fight with us. We are quite peaceful and will remain that way unless threatened." His eyes showed that he was not lying, as lying was something he rather despited. He did wish to make allies with other packs. Not only would it strengthen both packs, but it would be nice to have others with some sort of bond that they could count on in the times of trouble.
"Our pack is like a family, you see. And I am the father of this family. A rather protective father, if you will."
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Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:40 pm
Tauro believed the alpha. To begin with, he had no reason to lie. She had given him no information about Gomorrah, so he had no reason to merely pretend to be peaceful toward them. If his pack was the sort that went around lying and then taking over other packs, it would not be as open as it was.
There was something else, too. Haku simply felt trustworthy to Tauro. She wasn't the best judge of character--naturally suspicious, she really cared only for her immediate family. But Haku did not set off any alarm bells in her head.
Our pack is like a family. Well, that sounded nice. Tauro's pack WAS family, but it certainly didn't feel like it. Oh, sure, she loved living with her sister and nephews. It was those nieces she could do without. But a father? Heh, Tauro doubted Haku was any older than she. She was at the point where she could begin to feel her years, on cold mornings when her bones felt like ice and her joints made noises when she moved.
She was no longer interested in finding information for Piper; she doubted Piper would listed beyond 'yes, they'll leave us alone.' Her interest was now a bit more personal. "Your pack sounds lovely, Haku," she said. "Could I get a tour?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:01 am
Her words brought his wolfish grin and he nodded his head a few times. "Of course, Tauro. Please follow me." His tail twitched behind him, showing interest more than anything else. He stepped off, deciding he would stop by the most important areas in his packlands.
"This is the Stone Circle. We hold all of our pack meetings there. The tallest stone is mine." He motioned towards it with his nose, looking rather content. "Off in that direction is the dens. I'd take you closer, but there are a few wounded that we took in. They're healing up, and Reaction prefers if we let them have some rest." His eyes glowed with a bit of amusement before he turned to the female once more.
"Over here are our hunting grounds.. We mostly have deer and wild boar. No squrriels, though. I always thought that was strange." His deaf ear twitched a little as he spoke, ever trying to correct itself.
"And this little pond is my favorite.. It's always fresh and the ice doesn't get too thick on it, so you can break through it."
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Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:04 pm
Tauro followed along a little ways behind Haku, both because she did not know where she was going and because he deserved respect as an alpha, even if he wasn't her alpha. She was simply visiting, after all.
She nodded politely and made approving noises as he showed off his lands to her, but she was paying more attention to the wolf himself. Deciphering things: Was he polite? Kind? Regal? Was his pride in his lands a good, strong sort, or a jealous pride? How did he speak of other pack members?
Reaction. That must be another member of the pack. He spoke of her like another wolf, not exemplifying their differing ranks. That was good. The fact that they took in the wounded was good, too. It was certainly something Piper would never do. It also spoke of the strength of their pack, that they could provide for injured members not of their own group.
When they came to the pond, she dipped her head to take a drink from it. The water was cool and clean as it washed over her tongue. "Your territory is... beautiful," she said finally, her vocabulary too limited to take it all in. "Thank you for showing it to me." Then she cleared her throat. She still had a purpose here. "I hope your pack and Gomorrah can profit from..." Well, it was doubtful Piper would want to become close with this peace-loving pack, but it was strong enough that she wouldn't be tempted to hurt it. "...an understanding."
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Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:56 pm
The first words made him swell with pride, his eyes glowing brightly to show just how happy he was. He loved these lands and loved his pack. Nothing made him more proud as an alpha.
Her last statement, though, made him nod his head a few times. "An understanding would be very much appreciated. Draug Faroth does not wish any harm on any other pack that does not harm those we find important. As long as Gomorrah does not wish us harm, we will be more than content to have friendly relationtions."
Even if they never became close or allies, having a near by pack that didn't wish any ill-intent was still a very good thing. Less war, less bloodshed.. Haku had seen enough of that in his life and wanted things to be different this time.
"Might I learn a bit more about Gomorrah? It's more curiousity than anything else, just who the Alphas and such are.. I do wish to speak with my pack members and let them know this understanding has occured." He gave the best charming grin he could manage.
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:27 am
Tauro thought for a bit about how to respond. How to tell the leader of this upstanding back that Gomorrah was about a means to an end; the members encouraged to take what they wanted as long as they were strong enough to do so, to give in to every kind of temptation. How can you explain that mentality to someone who is so obviously of an opposite kind?
"Gomorrah is a pack that... stays together. To protect itself," she said. "It's more insular than Draug Faroth. The alpha is Piper, and her mate Hurricane." Was Hurricane really an alpha? Tauro was sure Piper held the power in that relationship. "Their offspring are teens now." That was an appropriate hint at the size and strength of the pack. "My sister -- Piper's mother -- and I live there now, as well as my sister's other children. There are several other families in the pack, also."
She nodded her head. "It would be good if you could inform your pack. I will tell Piper that Draug Faroth means Gomorrah no harm. Perhaps..." She glanced up at the sky. "It is a long journey back to Gomorrah, and i have already walked it once today. With your permission, I would like to stay on these lands tonight." She was tired physically, yes, but also tired of Gomorrah. It would do her good to spend the night away.
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:15 pm
He listened to the words about the pack and nodded his head. So they were not as close emotionally? Though they seemed quite sizable and well managed. It sort of seemed like most packs. It was good to know there would be no war between the two.
"Of course," He bowed his head a little. "You may use any of the free dens here. And you're more than welcome to stay as many moons as you need. You are also more than welcome back if you wish to visit, and your pack members as well."
It was a kind gesture, though he also was more accepting because he knew how hard it could be to wonder. Perhaps Tauro would be willing to tell her Alpha that they had been kind to her. He wasn't sure if that would affect Piper's thoughts of them at all, but he was content as long as there was no ill intent.
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:22 am
Tauro blinked. Haku had not only just given her permission to spend the night on his lands, or as long as she wished, but extended the offer to all of Gomorrah, as well.
"I will pass on the message of your offer," she said, nodding her head. Though maybe not to Piper, who might see it as a weakness. But if her own little family ever needed a place to stay, she would know where to direct them, and be assured knowing they would go with blessing.
She felt a little bad, telling so many white lies, which was a rarity. But they were for his own good. Weren't they always.
"Could you please show me back to the dens?" she asked. She probably could have followed their scent trails backward, but she definitely did not want to get lost. "I want to make sure your pack knows I'm allowed to stay... and I suppose I don't want to disturb..." What was the wolf's name? "...Reaction's invalids."
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:31 am
Haku nodded his head a few times. "Of course, we shall go." The large wolf moved to lead the other towards the dens. As long as Tauro was near him, the pack members would know that she was welcome. Though they were trained to ask first, instead of attacking right away.
He moved with the brown wolf, keeping his eye on her out of curiousity. There seemedto be something she was holding back, but he would not demand answers. Many saw his open heart and open lands as weakness, and perhaps she felt the same way.
Haku did not need others to fear him, as long as they understood that if the rules were broken, he would handle things himself.
"There are several empty dens here, you are welcome to check out each one and decide what's best for you. I would like for you to be comfortable." He motioned towards the dens with his nose when he was just before them.
"If you need something for me, my den is just along this path, the largest one."
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:42 pm
Tauro nodded again, deeper, in thanks. After one last quick drink from the clear water, she stood, her joints crackling a bit. Another reason she did not wish to walk back to Gomorrah immediately. You're getting old, woman.
She could feel his eyes on her while they walked in tandem back toward the line of dens. Did he not trust her? Maybe her slight facetiousness had been noticeable. She tried her best not to act like a threat. Then again, maybe he was just interested in this stranger who had come onto his lands. The packs of Telk were so widespread, it was always an event when their paths crossed.
She listened as Haku offered the empty dens, sniffing at the nearest one. It was only big enough for one wolf, or maybe a mother and her young pups, but the small size would keep it warm. The entrance faced away from where the wind often blew, and if it were consistently inhabited, Tauro could envision a comforting carpet of dried grasses to cut the wind and trap a wolf's body heat.
"I thank you again," she said, lowering her head and tail out of respect. "You have done more than enough. I shall try not to bother you with anything else." She wagged her tail loosely. "I will try to set out for Gomorrah again in the morning."
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