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 Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 3:50 pm
 Night was his time, it always had been and always would be. He was of the night, and his parents knew that the moment he had been born. His pelt spoke of great links to that, mimicking the night sky perfectly. It brought him an odd sense of pride to be colored the same as something he loved so much, but Umbra, or MoonWatcher as he was known by the pack, did not let pride get in the way of his duties. And his duties were to protect the pack when most slumbered. It was fortunate that he loved the night so much as it made his job that much more enjoyable. Oddly enough his brother SilentForest was the complete opposite of him, he was a daytime wolf, though they were extremely close even if they rarely saw each other than the passing by during the patrol shift switch.
Over the past few nights he had encountered the same she-wolf and through a few conversations gained her trust. Now he was leading her back towards the others, where they could meet with Alistair and have her tell the head guard what she had told him. That was if Alistair was still awake, if not they would either wait til morning or wake the armored wolf. "It's not far now." He said to his companion as he walked through the familiar area that lay not far from the main dens of the pack. Usiku followed the night colored wolf in silence. She had at first been a bit leery about him, as she was with most wolves, but when he spoke there was nothing but honor in his voice and that was what had drawn her to the idea of joining his pack. He had told her a great deal over the last few nights as she had happened to find a temporary den not far from his patrol route. She had originally intended to stay there for a single night but after her first encounter with Umbra she had decided to stay a bit longer if only to hear more about his pack.
It was an interesting pack, consisting of honor bound wolves, consisting of a royal family, guards, scouts and regular citizens that all worked together to ensure each others safety. They also had an special way of naming those who had proved themselves to be the most honorable, which is why Umbra also went by the name of MoonWatcher, and to Usiku that seemed like a very appropriate name for him. When he stated it wasn't much further Usiku could feel this odd sense of relief and curiosity flow through her.
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:16 pm
 It was late and most wolves in the pack were slumbering peacefully in their dens. Alistair could have been doing the same - but he was the type of wolf which liked to ensure everything flowed smoothly from the day patrols to the night ones, ensure that the pack - and the royal family he guarded - was always under the proper protection.
So he was still awake, awake and silently wandering the pack lands, moonlight glinting off his armored shoulderpad as he walked. There wasn't much more to check before he should be able to call it a night, he was waiting only on Mabari's return, the lynx should soon be finished with his own rounds.
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:49 pm
A small glint caught his eye and MoonWatcher know what it was instantly. Alistairs armor had a bad habit of giving him away at night but he respected the Head Guard greatly and would never think less of him because of his choice in honor markings. Picking up the pace a bit he led him companion towards the other male, calling out to him as they got closer. "Alistair!" He voice was loud enough to get the others attention but not so loud as to wake those who were sleeping. He continued to pad forward until close enough to allow Alistair to see that he was not alone and then brought his paws to a stop.
"Alistair," he gave his head a slight tip in recognition of his superior. "This is Usiku Dhoruba." He motioned to the purple female. "She has been staying in an old abandoned den not far from the border and I have spoke with her at length about the pack." He would have gone into further detail however it would be good for Alistair to ask questions and Usiku to answer them herself, so he fell silent and waited for the exchange of information to happen.
She followed the dark blue male until he called out to another. He head lifted up a bit to see this new wolf. He wore armor which was interesting as it was not something wolves normally adored themselves with. But she wasn't shocked at it either as she remember Umbra mentioning before that those who earned honor names also earned items of honor as well. Umbra did not wear any such items as he had said it did not allow him as good of cover at night to do his patrols unseen. It made sense to her and once again got her curiosity going.
"Hello Alistair." She told the armored male in greeting. "Umbra...MoonWatcher, has told me a great deal about the pack. It sounds like a good place to live." She didn't want to outright say that she wished to join the pack right away just in case he did not think her worthy. If he approved of her then that would be great and she could join this pack and make it her home.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:13 am
Alistairs head turned as a voice called out to him, he knew the voice immediately as MoonWatcher's, both he and his brother were well known to him having been in the pack since their birth. It was also not entirely surprising that the blue male was not alone - Alistair had smelled her scent upon the male in their meetings for the last few nights.
It was not forbidden to talk with lone wolves, for guards it was even encouraged, so Alistair had not been worried. The lone would move on or come to speak with him - and either way Alistair could rest easy knowing that the night guard had his eyes on her.
This lone it seemed had decided to come and speak with him and he regarded her curiously for a few moments. MoonWatcher had almost certainly vetted her to some degree so Alistair wasn't suspicious of her intentions. "Greeting Usiku Dhoruba" He welcomed the purple female. "Many wolves find this a good place to stay their travel worn paws...but it is not the life for everyone. I am sure MoonWatcher has told you something of our traditions?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:36 am
With Alistairs attention turned to the purple female MoonWatcher lowered himself onto his haunches. While he would normally be still out on the patrol it was close enough to the patrols switching that he decided to take a short break. Plus he had been out there for hours and the only sign of life other than a few owls and some small night time vermin was the wolf he had brought here, so he was confident there was no threat to the pack. And even if by some small chance that there was they would be stopped before they ever reached the dens.
Usiku nodded as an initial response to Alistairs question. "Yes, he has told me about the trials that one must go through to attain a high rank as well as earn their honor name." How exactly the honor named were either chosen or given was still somewhat of a mystery to her however, though it they all matched a wolves coat pattern or duty like it did with MoonWatcher then it would make a lot of sense. It made her wonder what name she would earn should she ever complete the trials. Well now she was getting ahead of herself, first she needed to join the pack and then worry about things like that.
"He has told me that your Alphas, Swiftwind and Starlite, are quite welcoming of new wolves so long as they accept the traditions of the pack. I am sure that there are some details he has not told me as we have only spoke a few times, however this pack seems like good place to call home." There was one thing that worried Usiku however, and that was the mark on her shoulder, it had been the reason her family kicked her out at a young age. A curse they had called it, one that would destroy her old pack and family should she be allowed to stay, so they had cast her out as unwanted. Would the same fate befall her here? Would they see the mark as a curse or as simply a mark and no meaning attached to it.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:45 am
Alistair nodded "The trials ensure that only those with a vested interest in the pack's well being attain rank,the strongest, the smartest..or simply the most driven individuals are those who succeed." He elaborated, it was important to let those interest in joining know such things straight up front -it was better for everyone if they knew advancement in the pack depending solely on their own merits. "But they are not for everyone - some are happy simply to dwell in the pack and be watched over by the rest of us" There was no disdain in Alistair's voice when he spoke of these wolves, if anything there seemed to be a gentle fondness in his voice for the citizens.
"SwiftWind and Starlite are indeed good and fair Alpha's, they welcome those willing to join..but demand loyalty in return. You may leave someday if you desire..but once gone so too is any honors you might have earned, you leave as you arrive..simply as yourself, no more and no less"
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:01 am
"And remember, you do not need to do the trials right away should you join." MoonWatcher chimed in once Alistair was done explaining them. "Some times it takes years before a wolf knows what path they wish to take or feels ready enough for the trials. One can never be too old to try their paw at them." Though there were two wolves that came to mind that would probably never do the trials - Ice and his brother Cloud, the jokers of the pack who would never take anything seriously. Perhaps one day they would but MoonWatcher wouldn't hold hid breath over it.
"Yes I understand. Though I have not given much thought on whether the life of a guard is for me." She admitted honestly. Some wolves were destined to be guards and others could never do such a demanding job. "I do have a good knowledge of herbs, perhaps I could be useful as a healer." In all her travels Usiku most fondly remembered encountering an old lone wolf who had passed on his herb lore to her. Sadly all that knowledge could not save him from his death and once again Usiku was forced out on her own, but with a new knowledge that kept her going on the long days and nights. "Do healers go through the trials?" She asked curiously as MoonWatcher had only mentioned guards and other high ranks as preforming the trials, healers were usually of a lower rank but perhaps in this pack they would be otherwise.
Loyalty, Usiku had no problem pledging her loyalty to a new pack and the Alphas. "I have always told myself that when ever I joined a pack I would pledge my loyalty to it completely, and I hold to those words now. I would only leave in the most dire of circumstances." What those circumstances could be Usiku wasn't sure but one could never be too certain when major changes took place.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:14 am
Alister glanced at MoonWatcher as he added his thought's, letting the night guard speak before turning his attention back to the purple female "Of course, there is no pressure or rush for one to complete the trials" He told her kindly, though in truth with some families there was...but of course the older wolves wanted their children to live up to their own achievements. That was natural, parents always wanted their children to succeed and excel. As an outside joiner Usiku would not be placed under such shadows and pressure.
"But of course the healers must go through trials - theirs is one of the most important jobs within the pack, what good is strength if we are all ill?. Their trials consist more of knowledge and quick thinking rather then strength however...and of course you are free to help the healers and work under their supervision as an..apprentice of sorts without completing the trials, many do this to see if that is the path they wish to take" He was pleased to hear of her views on loyalty, they meshed quite well with both his and the packs ideals. "It does sound as though you are most suiting to this pack Usiku" He acknowledged "If you so desire to stay"
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:30 am
MoonWatcher stiffed a bit of a laugh. "With the way Ice and Cloud get into trouble we could use another healer." Those two jokers were always trying to one up each other and by doing so often go themselves into situations that gave them minor cuts and bruises, thought sometimes they were worse off. Giving his head a slight shake he needed to remain serious. "Being an apprentice is also a good way to prepare yourself for the trials." He pointed out to Usiku. "It ensures you have all the proper knowledge and training you will need to pass them the first time." Even if it took several months for her to learn everything MoonWatcher felt that Usiku would prove herself, she was already showing a great deal of knowledge and skill the way she was handling herself right now.
Usiku listened quietly as Alistair and MoonWatcher took their turns explaining the trials that a healer would go through and the other options as well. "Yes, that makes sense. A slow to act healer is not something any pack needs. Becoming an apprentice makes sense as I am sure there is still much I can learn in the art of healing and I want to be ready when I do take my trials." The last thing Usiku wanted was to become a failure in this new pack, she would prove her family wrong and work hard towards this goal. "I do wish to make Greyskull my home and pledge my loyalty to Swiftwind and Starlite." There she had made her decision and nothing would change her mind.
Now there was one or two things she wished to know still but she was certain all that information would be told to her in due course. "May I have a tour of the pack lands?" She inquired of the two males. So far Usiku had only seen what was along the border where she first met MoonWatcher and the small portion they had walked along to get here.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:39 am
Yes...Ice and Cloud...Alistair had to shake his head a bit at those two, he had his doubts about them ever becoming more then a pack bother, but they were still young...hopefully, maybe, they would straighten out someday and become productive wolves. "We'll need an army of them at the rate they're going" Alistair remarked dryly before turning his attention back to Usiku.
"Of course, it is important to know the lands one lives in, and it will be a while yet before Swiftwind and Starlite are awake" He agreed, it didn't look as though he would be getting much sleep tonight - but it wouldn't be the first or last time such things happened he was sure and he didn't really mind. "We will start with the Inner court and work our way outwards" He stated.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:01 am
Umbra smiled slightly at Alistairs comment. As annoying as it was to have those two slackers in the pack there were times when their antics were a bit refreshing. Though if the pack was lucky Ice and Cloud would grow up soon and take on their trials like adults. MoonWatcher knew those two had a good deal of potential, they just squandered it away. Standing he gave his muscles a small stretch. "A tour will allow you not only to see the layout of the pack lands but also give you an opportunity to see where certain herbs grow as well." MoonWatcher knew very little about herbs, but from the few times he had visited the healer in the past he knew of the importance for them to know what grew where and during what seasons. And even though it was night it would be helpful for her to see everything as one could not always count on all emergencies happening during the day when light made things easier to spot.
He took up a spot beside Alistair as they began to walk towards the Inner Court. It was always refreshing to show new blood around the pack. He had swore his allegiance to Swiftwind and Starlite back before he had even completed his trails to become a guard and could not imagine doing anything else. He loved his Alpha's with an undying loyalty and would do anything to protect them, their family and any other member of the pack.
Usiku somewhat remembered MoonWatcher speaking about Ice and Cloud during one of their conversations over the past few nights - the pair of jokers. She had a feeling she would be seeing a lot of them as the healer of he pack. As the two males turned and began to walk away Usiku fell into step just slightly behind them. "I look forward to meeting them when they do wake." Her golden eyes swept across the trees and ground as she walked trying to take it all in. "The Inner Court...it that where meetings take place?" It sounded like a meeting place but she wanted to make sure she knew every detail about her new home.
An odd sense of excitement started to fill her as they moved towards the central lands of the territory. She was taking the first steps of her new life in and new pack and already had a role to look forward to. She wondered when she would meet the healer and begin to work along side him or her. How big would this pack be?
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:19 am
Alistair let MoonWatcher explain the benefits o the tour to Usiku in silence, walking and half listening until it was time for him to give some input. These two seemed to be good friends already - and a part of Alistair wondered if there was a spark of anything more there. Something to ponder later he told himself as it was hardly time to dally about with such thoughts.
'Yes it it where our Alpha's hold court, listen to any concerns the citizens might have, give judgement on the trials..and perform the ceremonies so important to our pack." He explained as they reached was a natural cathedral in the lands, Alistair expected it had once been a pond of some sort but time had left it as nothing but a rock depression surrounded by boulders and framed by the trees of the woods. It was a nice place, he thought perhaps it might have stark if not for the wonderful way it warmed in the daylight, or cooled at night during the ho season..and it was a wonderful place to look upon the stars at night.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:34 am
MoonWatcher fell into silence as the Inner Court came into view. This had been the spot where he along with his brother had been given their honor names after they each completed their trials successfully. And if Usiku completed hers one day she would earn an honor name as well standing her among the rocks and members of the pack. He brought his paws to a stop and cast his silver eyes over the meeting place. "The dens are not far from here." He commented after a long pause. They would need to find a den for Usiku, preferably something close to the packs healer so she could go there quickly if her services were needed.
Her golden eyes fell upon the Inner Court and the sight took her breath away. This place seemed to radiate peace and natural beauty. The way the boulders framed the large rock depression made the court feel inviting and well protected at the same time. "It's beautiful." She half whispered, still in awe that such a place could exist. This was another reason to be thankful that she was joining this pack, for she would be able to see this place every day. As much as she wanted to stay here for the rest of the night Usiku knew there were many other things that she still needed to see. Turning she looked towards Alistair, waiting for instructions on where they would head to next.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:44 am
He waited while Usiku took in the sight of the Court. Many wolves had reactions to the place ad it was something worth watching - Alistair had a running joke with himself that he could guess how well a newcomer would do in the pack based on their reaction to the court. If he followed his thoughts on this then Alistair was sure that Usiku would do very well in the pack indeed. "It is" He agreed quietly, letting the purple female gaze upon the place for a few moments longer before speaking again.
"MoonWatcher speaks truth, The den sight shall be our next stop" it was the only logical way to go about it really. "We can find you an empty one, and move onwards on the tour - likely by the time we circle back this way morning will have dawned and you can meet the others" He told her before turning away from the court and heading into the trees towards the more sheltered den sites.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:14 am
As the trio turned away from the Inner Court and started to head towards the dens MoonWatcher took up the rear of the group, placing Usiku between himself and Alistair. It was an old habit for him to fall into a protective mindset when showing new blood around the pack. They made their way to the dens that were nestled in the trees. Here there were a few dens available to Usiku. "The head healer's den is right over there." MoonWatcher pointed with his muzzle. Usiku didn't have to pick one that was close but being the healer apprentice it made sense to be as close to your mentor as possible at all times.
When they reached the available dens Usiku took a moment to look towards the head healers den as MoonWatcher showed it to her. Well if she was going to be that wolfs apprentice she had better be somewhat close. There were three dens that sat close to the healers den but still gave her a bit of space and privacy. Taking a few moments to inspect those dens Usiku picked one that sat not far from the truck of a large old tree. It would provide shade on the warm days and protection from the wind during the cold winter months. "This one will do nicely." She told the two guards after her decision was made. The den was quite spacious and was in much better shape than the one she had been staying in the past few nights.
With her den chosen Usiku followed the other two further out in the pack lands. Along the way she did spot a few herbs that she knew were good for healing. One was used to fend off poison, another was to aid digestion in older wolves and another still when applied to cuts helped to ward off infection. Usiku mentally marked where each of the herbs were as they continued the tour. There were so many interesting natural features in these lands that the wolves used for meeting places, territory markers and other significant places.
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