King of the Mountain

[Kaziph]

C A S S I E L

Though the seasons had passed swiftly and many of his clan mates had disappeared with time, Cassiel remained among the mountains of the Kameskai. He wandered alone, often, occasionally coming across his mate and children to hunt with them... but many days he stood alone on the mountain peaks, peering down into valleys and wondering where his life had gone.

For, the brute knew, he was old now, and the days of his prime were behind him. He could still easily hold the mountain territory for a few more seasons yet, but his time was coming to a close as the days swirled past like leaves in the Sykan River.

The white wolf was pondering this one as he stood, once again, on a lonely ridge that overlooked a dale. He tipped his head back, sadly, and called. Is there anyone else out there? I haven't seen another in so long...

[Zanna]

Thick furred and wide, the paws of a youthful brute padded through the snow. His streamline frame was almost totally hidden by a thick coat of rich, cream and brown fur. His bright, proud eyes and muscular build showed that he was clearly coming into his prime.
The wind swirled lightly about him, rippling the richly colored fur of his pelt.

What one could wonder, could bring such a young, handsome male into this seemingly forsaken wasteland?
Jaden sometimes wondered the same thing himself. He was ashamed to admit it, but he was incapable of supporting himself for too long a time. He needed a pack, or at least a traveling mate, and he needed it soon. He had heard of this place much in his time wandering the loner lands, he had once even had a mate who was a former member of this pack, but she was far away by now. There were, according to those he had heard this from, many wolves in this life-forsaken snow-heap, as inhospitable as it seemed to him.
As he followed what few, weak scents he could find, he began to consider how many of the wolves he had spoken with in the loner lands were mad. As he was begining to ponder his own sanity, a howl shattered his frozen thoughts. It was low, sad, and longing for company. It slightly reminded him of himself, and urged him to reply. It was coming from downwind, explaining why he couldn't scent the wolf. He considered briefly what the consequences could be: It could be an Alpha, and possibly one none too keen on a loner on his lands. He could be driven out, without a second thought. But if the brute were desperate enough for company, this could work out well for him. If it was an Alpha, he could charm his way up through the pack ranks, until he had his pick of the packs femmes... It could work out well indeed.

The reward far outweighed the risk. Without another moments thought, Jaden tilted his muzzle to the sky. Greetings! his deep, rich tone echoing to the sky, I am Jaden, loner in search of a pack He pondered for a moment, I request permission of an Alpha to enter these lands.

[Kaziph]

Cassiel, after having bid his beta Luma to see to the other stranger's scent near the boarder, back-tracked his way into his territory. The large wolf moved with ease over the ridges, listening as the winds brought news of distance happenings. The greeting had long since faded away, but Cass didn't respond with a howl. instead, he continued moving, cutting the distance between himself and this new comer.

He finally came over a knoll and saw, in the distance, a wolf's figure. From the winds he surmised that the creature was a brute, a younger male in his prime. Hackles bristling warily, instinctively, the alpha started forward. He called as he came closer, aggressive more-so because the other might one day be a potential opponent for his leadership. Greetings, permission is granted for your paws upon this land. I am alpha of this territory; who are you?

[Zanna]

As the large male called out his pack position, the fur on Jaden's back bristled. This was the moment of truth, to see if he would be admitted into the pack or declined. Instinctively, he dropped to his belly, whimpering softly as a sign of submission. Inching forward toward the Alpha, he kept his gaze fixed on the ground. Thank you. I am Jaden, sir he mumbled softly. I come from Loner lands, in search of companions.

He tucked his tail between his legs and lowered his ears against his scalp, doing his best to gain the Alpha's favor. He could scent the brute's aggression toward him, and had no desire to upset so powerful a leader with so many behind him. Although he thought he could possibly take over the pack, he had no intention to do so in the near future. The odds were against him, and would be for some time.

I wish for you to consider allowing me to join and serve your pack. He rolled over, revealing his sand colored underbelly, the ultimate sign of submission, lowest of the low.

[Kaziph]

Cassiel watched the stranger, noticing with satisfaction the brute's intent. He wants to join the clan, nothing more for the time being you old snow-bird, he thought to himself. Rise, then, Jaden, and welcome. He stood back, giving the other distance to get to his feet and approach. His tassel remained ranked, but his eyes had lost their flinty glare. How many years are you this past spring? he asked curiously, wondering what time separated the two of them.

Yet in the distance, then, he heard his son's voice - so long silent - rise from the outskirts of the mountain territory. Cassiel shifted sideways, ears pricked, and listened. Another loner? There were many, many at once. It was strange and no common, but he would take what fate was bringing them. You are one of the mountains, follow me to the others. He blinked at the other, waited a moment to accept comprehension, and then turned away and began to walk toward Basil.