WELCOME TO SM

Dusk, it hit the horizon with unmatched speed. Life seemed like that most times, a giant ticking ball of fire at the end of your life, it went out. Much like the end of the day but the comforting thing was it always came back the next morning. Who knew what life was like when you decease. Perhaps you crossed over, or reincarnated. Maybe there was a much better place than earth - a celestial world like a heaven.

Ceres had been contemplating life quite often lately with her newly acquired position within a pack that seemed to lack life itself. She had been wandering throughout the territory for weeks and had not seen the slightest signs of any pack members. It was disappointing and yet relieved the pressure of an alpha role. She stood taller now, a proud display of her claim on the lands. Only for a moment did the wolf dip her head to relieve a dry thirst of her throat. She waded in slowly while lapping up the cool fresh water. Her eyes kept a close watch for any movement, there where Silver Mountain wolves around here somewhere.

Orion, her mate and love. Just where had he wandered off to this day? No doubt he was resting. It was typical of him at least it was of late. His wounds needed time to heal and they healed much better with a healthy well rested wolf. Ceres didn't mind this for now, she could take care of herself and the duties of alpha.

Trotting out of the stream, she shook her moist pelt throwing her head up and howling joyfully. A welcome tune for any silver mountain members, a welcome tune to meet your new alpha. Things where going to change around here. This pack was once known for its numerous wolves, and strength. It would once again resurrect and claim its title. One step at a time, step one complete, step two underway.

ooc: Hope you don't mind I put Maya in here. She needs to meet the new Alpha female. I'm also assuming this is after meeting Ayden so there might be reference to that.

Maya's ear twitched at the sound of a howl. She'd gone to bed early, actually only a few minutes ago so she hadn't been asleep just yet. She was tired after checking over the packlands, chasing a fawn and actually catching it. With a full belly, Maya had retired to her den, sleepy and not wanting to do much of anything. But the howl had roused her curiosity; the voice did not belong to anyone she knew. "Just as I was gonna go to bed." she mumbled good-naturedly and crawled out of her den in the Hollows. She stretched; first her front half (rear in the air, tail wagging as usual) then her back half (with a yawn included). She then proceeded to shake out her fur, not only to wake her up a bit, but to free herself of the bits and pieces of dirt and leaves that had settled on her fur. That reminded her that she needed to dig out her den a bit, clean up the place.

Maya sifted through the many thoughts in her head and settled on the source of the howl. Her hearing told her it was coming from somewhere near Bearfoot Stream. If she was off a bit, she'd follow her nose a bit and try and locate a fresh wolf scent (this wolf was probably the source of the howl). Maya set off at a brisk pace and inhaled deeply. The spring air was cooler at night, fresher and seemingly more vibrant. As the sun was setting Maya's eyes adjusted to the darkening setting. Although it really wasn't all that necessary: Maya knew the whole territory like the back of her paw. There wasn't much you could do for a year when you had no mother to learn from, not siblings to play with, and no fellow packmembers to bond with. Maya explored, and practiced her hunting skills, and attacked rocks and chased butterflies. Within a few months, Maya knew every major place in the packlands, but she didn't stop there. Maya knew almost every nook and cranny in the place, and unless an outside force moved something around, Maya could find almost any location and get there without having to search for it.

Maya had a feeling she was nearing the source of the howl. She heard movement up ahead, and sure enough, there was a wolf near the stream. Maya took on her usual high-ranked stature and picked up her pace to a slow run. As she neared the wolf she slowed, tail wagging and tongue lolling slightly out of her mouth. Before she said anything, she analyzed the wolf. From the distance she stood from the wolf, they looked about the same size, so Maya was not intimidated. Although the wolf was probably older and more experienced, Maya wasn't worried. Her outgoing and cheery personality usually won others over.

"You called?" Maya asked the wolf, female, she could tell as she neared. "I'm Maya. Beta Female of this pack. I don't think I've met you yet." she told the female and stood there, expectantly. Maya took in a breath, and her nose twitched. There was a smell she recognized, one she had not scented since she was a young pup. And it surprised her that she recognized it. "Orion?" She whispered nearly inaudibly, and in great disbelief. She hadn't scented him since her mother was around. He was one of the last wolves that had seen Silver Mountain's true greatness. And if he was back, that could only mean good things.

Patience was virtue, one of which luckily didn't have to be expended this evening, for out of the darker forest came a figure toward her. Ceres sat, positive it was only a fellow packmember. She sniffed the air as the wolf neared, it was a female - a young one. The way she carried herself, coming toward a complete stranger - showed confidence and an obvious concrete state within the pack hierarchy. Ceres carefully observed the woods around, perhaps there where more of them just waiting to see what was going on?

Ceres had no doubt about taking on such a position, she was a natural leader when it came to hunting so alphaship couldnt be that much more difficult. Sure now she would have more responsibility, but she was older now - experienced in many aspects, and prepared to use her gained wisdom throughout her life to enhance her leader skills. This would prove useful and helpful along her new journey. She was very eager and ecstatic to begin. It would all start with this first meeting, Ceres had a list of questions for the female - but she would be patient.

"I am Ceres, no we have just met." She nodded in greeting, coming out of sitting position - her tail wagged and her ears perked forward. She greeted the beta with a nuzzle, she carefully scented the betas coat allowing for closer contact. "I have come here with Orion, we have taken the alpha positions." She sat back down now, catching the faint expression on the females face. "Do you know him Maya?" She asked, rather interested the wolf seemed quite young herself - Orion had been gone for quite awhile. But if she knew Orion, then this would make things much easier for the two. Perhaps their where more Silver Mountain members who remembered him, it would make the transition much smoother.

Ceres. The name didn't ring a bell, neither did the female's scent, so obviously she was a newcomer. Maya's posture relaxed in the slightest as the female neared. As Ceres nuzzled her in greeting, Maya took it as a chance and got a better grasp on the female's scent and committed it to memory. Maya took pride in never forgetting anyone's face or smell. She could recount nearly every pack member from her earlier days in the pack, when her mother was still around. It was too bad many of them had died or disappeared. But that was the past, and Maya was looking to the future.

"I have come here with Orion, we have taken the alpha positions." That made sense. But that must have meant that Magpie and Orion had fought, or Magpie had simply stepped down from his position. Maya didn't know which option would have been more likely, but if Ceres was the new Alphess, then Jeita must have really left. It made her a bit sad: despite not knowing the female all that well, Maya had liked Jeita. Despite Jeita ruining Maya's outing in the Unclaimed when she was only about three months old, it had been for the best, now that Maya reflected upon the experience. Maya could have gotten hurt, and if something or someone decided to attack her, they could have easily killed her with one swipe of a paw, not to mention a lage bird of prey could have swept her up. Ceres spoke again: "Do you know him Maya?"

Maya sat, silent for a moment, contemplating her words a bit before responding. It was her new intention to think before she spoke so as not to sound qutie as young as she was. After all, who would take a yearling Beta seriously? But she wouldn't lie about her age with the Alpha, although Ceres could probably guess around how old she was. "From a long time ago, yes. I was never close with him, but he was a familiar place." she told the elder female honestly. "There aren't many members here. Many have disappeared, many of the more recent additions I haven't scented in quite some time. Though with my horrible luck at being in the wrong place at the wrong time, for all I know they could be here somewhere and I just haven't found them yet." she ended her small explanation with a soft chuckle. "But congratulations on taking the rank, you have my undivided loyalty and trust." Maya told Ceres honestly, not that she expected the female or Orion to trust her immediately. After all, she had been made the Beta Female by the previous Alpha, and for all she knew, they disagreed with his values and/or decisions and didn't approve of her position. Nor did she think Orion would recognize her, afterall, she had been very young when she had known him, and he had been gone for quite some time.

But Maya wasn't worried. She would work for their trust and prove to them she was worthy of the position she currently held. Maya would go out into the Unclaimed and recruit, she would check the borders daily and listen for calls of loners waiting to be accepted. Maya would work hard, and maybe with this new leadership, the pack would slowly build itself up again to its former glory. Maya was hoping for it.

It wasn't far from Eureka Creek to the Bearfoot Stream, but it had probably taken Dagon a little longer than normal, for he wasn't alone. Anana was his partner in traipsing through the bushes, never going more than the usual trotting pace; there was no need to race there, and along the journey, he shared what he knew about the places they passed, providing as much information as was possible so that she wouldn't feel so lost. He knew he had when he'd first arrived here.
As his sharp hearing picked up the merry bubble of the stream, he slowed to a walk, listening intently, picking a scent out of the air he wasn't at all familiar with. A new wolf, plus Maya. How curious...
Still, if Maya was there, he had no reason to be overly cautious; the Beta would have no trouble dealing with anyone within the borders without just cause, so he too stepped lightly from the trees, making himself known.
"I do hope I'm not late," he started, pausing not far from the conversing pair. "Don't be alarmed... I've brought an outsider with me. She'd like to join our pack, and requested to come along."

Femme followed Dagon, appreciative of his guidance and information. She stayed close to him, picking her way through the brush as they came upon the stream. She allowed Dagon to step out ahead of her, partially so that he could introduce her, and partly because she was starting to realize how terrified she was.

Silver ooids looked over the wolves in the clearing as she took in their scents. Femme took a deep breath and took a step forward, bringing herself out of the woods and into the view of Dagon's pack members. Anana was nervous, but she was determined to go on with her life.

Silver femme held her head and tail low out of respect for the obvious leaders of this pack. Thank you Dagon. My name is Anana. The words passed ebon lips nervously and the femme waited for acknowledgment from the packmembers before speaking again.

There was a hint of obviousness in the lack of members in Silver Mountain. Their activity had greatly dwindled, Ceres as a loner had noticed it - as well as when she went into the Outland Pack. She frowned for a moment, Darkening coming into mind. Hopefully her friend was not too cross with her. She also was worried for the outland pack. Something serious had been brewing in the unclaimed lands and it - last she heard, was coming upon the outland borders. Something very dark.


"Thank you Maya, your loyalty and trust will not go overlooked. We can use all the help we can get." She would leave ranks be as they where. Maya seemed honest and generally a nice wolf herself. Ceres was for chances, and Maya had already proven herself strong-worthy of the rank considering she had no idea what she would be getting into by answering the new alphas call - but did so with immediate response and interest.

Ceres immediately turned her attention on the approaching two. At least there where more than she had originally thought. "Welcome Anana, I am Ceres. Seeing how we are both new perhaps we can give each other a chance. Welcome to the pack." She nodded. They hadn't been in charge for one day and already a new comer! This was a good start. Perhaps Silver Mountain would flourish and be known once again. Of course she wouldn't take full credit, "Wonderful job, but what is your name?" She inquired to the male. Her coat faded in the dimming light. They would soon be engulfed by the night and if she wasn't too spry, perhaps a hunt could be organized this night. A fest of celebration to Silver Mountain's new reign and in hopes of a prospering future.

Dagon tilted his head slightly, confused for a moment. A brief moment, but still a pause before he answered, laughing at himself first.
"My apologies, Ceres. My eager tongue ran away with me again. I am Dagon, Zeta of this region. A deep pleasure to welcome you to Silver Mountain."
So formal, as always when adressing a higher rank. It was a hammered-in habit, and being a creature of habit, that would probably never change. It could never hurt to be respectful, so it wasn't a bad thing in the least.

Orion yawned and stood up, his wounds were irritating again. He had rested for weeks now and most of the wounds had closed and were healing. Much of his strength has returned, but he was still vulnerable. Also he looked more like a feral stray then a respected Alpha. Scars and healing wounds littered his body and patches of fur were only starting to grow back. But he was sick of laying around and healing, it was time to present himself to his pack. That is, if there was one, Ceres had expressed her concern of the lack of wolves she had run into. She had, however, left this morning looking for one. She was an excellent tracker, Orion had no doubt she would have found one by now.

He got up and stretched his back, neck and legs. It was a beautiful day and Orion definitely had no intent to spend it inside all day. He travelled toward the nearest opening and bathed in the rays of the warm sun. As he rested, he watched time idly fly by until dusk was upon him. He realised that it was getting late, and he should find Ceres before too much longer. With a hint of regret, he set off in the distance intending to find his mate before dusk finally settled.

It took not long to find her.

As he approached the group of wolves he kept his distance for a few moments. He carefully scanned each, attempting to find some sort of familiar face, someone other than Ceres that he could relate to. In order for both to be truly accepted, he would need a way into the pack once more. Gain the trust of an old ally, gain the trust of the others. After all, if that wolf thought they were credible, the other members should naturally follow.

Carefully he slipped through the tree line and into the clearing, raising his head high to indicate his stature among them. He took long, careful strides toward his mate and eventually seated himself next to her. A moment of silence, to keep things somewhat tense, and then some light conversation, to break the ice. "Maya, I have seen you have grown quite a bit since I last saw you. You were a pup, back then."

It was not perhaps, the best angle to take. He had never known Maya, personally, but his duties had naturally required him to recognise and account for all the pups in a time of need. Hopefully with time, however, he would learn all the wolves that stood in front of him personally. Because in Orion's eyes, they were the first, the wolves that would help him rebirth this pack.

Femme dipped her head in recognition of the Alpha female's words. Silver eyes sparkling with renewed hope. Her fresh start was looking up already, though a new set of alphas was somewhat troubling... She shrugged the thought away and was simply content to belong again.

Thank you for your kindness. Metallic ooids refocused upon Dagon as Ceres spoke to him. A smile played at one corner of the femme's ebon lips as the alpha reminded Dagon he had forgotten to introduce himself. She listened as the male laughed at himself and responded. The light air of the conversation making her feel more at home already.

As the light was fading and shadows growing within the gathering place another male arrived upon the scene. Femme's silver occules watched him enter, his status made known by the way he carried himself. She dipped her dainty head in respect as he passed and made his way to sit next to his mate. The silver and ebon femme waited for the male alpha to speak, when he did it was a somewhat warm and conversational first utterance, which led her to believe that he wanted to be a warm leader that took interest in his pack members. This was a good thing.

The breeze ruffled the fur of the silver femme as she watched the goingson around her and a small sigh of relief passed her lips as she began to relax somewhat, the hardest part was over, she had been accepted, at least by one alpha. Now she had to adjust to pack life again and learn to trust and prove herself. It would be a challenge, but she met challenges head on and this would be no different...

ooc: Sorry I haven't had a chance to post. How about we enact a posting order? Maya, Ceres, Dagon, Anana, Orion??

Maya and Ceres were soon joined by two other wolves. One of whom she recognized. "Dagon! And you brought a friend! I'm Maya, please to meet you."[b] Maya's tail picked up it's pace. Maya hadn't seen Dagon in quite some time, and she was ecstatic to see him again. She stood and padded over to him, giving him a quick nuzzle and then she turned to Anana. [B]"If you ever need help with anything or just want to talk, give me a howl. It's been a while since there have been other wolves around." she told the female sincerely. And it sounded strange, but Maya meant it. She had been so lonely as of late, and it was nice that there were now other wolves around. She wanted to take advantage of it.

Out of the corner of her eye Maya noticed another figure approach the group. This one she also recognized. "Orion!" Maya exclaimed and gave a small yip. It was now that her more puppish side began to show itself. So many pack members in one place was all too much for her, and despite striving to seem more adult-like, Maya wasn't succeeding. "I was a pup then. And yes, I have grown quite a bit. I think I'm larger than my mom was, actually." Maya thought the last sentence aloud and had a puzzled look on her face, and then she laughed cheerfully. "Well isn't this exciting? I haven't been around so many wolves since...since I don't know when!" she chuckled to herself and took a deep breath to steady her furiously-beating heart. She sat down again and looked from Ceres, to Orion, to Anana and then finally to Dagon. They all had so much catching up to do.

It was a wonderful occasion, new and old reconciliations alike. She was more than pleased to see Orion out and about. His wounds healed nicely as the days went by, and now here they where just weeks later. Time went fast, almost too fast. "I will have to agree with you there Maya. It has been awhile since I have had so much company." It was good Orion had at least one tie within the pack. Bonding was much easier this way, and so far it went so good. Things where fitting into place nicely. With order there was organization. Ceres was partial to both.

She had hoped she wasn't going too out of place, but Ceres had a strong foot hold when it came to status and she adapted well. And so, it was only natural for her to act her position. "Anana, is there any rank you would be interested in claiming? Not completely true for all pack in general, but where Ceres had grown she was taught to claim a rank immediately while interested and while it was open. You would have to fight to keep it no doubt, as the pack grew so did tension on having a good position within it.

Dagon had to grin at Maya's enthusiasm; she was still young yet, and it had indeed been a while since they had seen one another. His wandering habit had got the best of him when they had spent time together before, and he lost track of the young female. She had matured much since then, but had retained some of her puppy charm and behaviour, which was nice to see when it was due. He'd heard somewhere that she was now Beta female, also something good to hear. She'd do well, he was sure.
When she nuzzled him, he returned it in kind, his own tail wagging to and fro as the group around him grew yet larger. It was hard not to be excited; there was an air of change about Silver Mountain, and it felt like it would definitely be for the better.
As Orion approached, he tipped his head respectfully, acknowleging his Alpha position, and opted to stay his tongue, for the moment. Bask in the happy glow, as it were.

Silver femme watched the show of affection between Maya and Dagon quietly, a small smile turning up one side of her ebon lips. Metallic ooids focused upon Maya as she was addressed. Silky voice passed over her tongue and out into the evening breeze. Thank you Maya, should I ever need anything I shall most certainly contact you. She was glad that this young and energetic female was being friendly, she remembered being that young as well. It was good to see that this young female could still be so carefree despite her rank.

As the alpha female spoke to her once more the petite silver head swiveled in her direction, black tipped ears twitching. The femme cocked her head slightly to one side as she thought about the question that had been posed to her. She had not expected there to be ranks open in this new pack, but if there were a way she could help the pack, she would be honored to accept a rank. I suppose that depends on what ranks are currently available. If there is one that I would be able to better the pack with I would be honored... I would greatly appreciate the chance to prove myself and help the pack. Femme dipped her head slightly in thanks to the alpha for asking.

Orion's head turned as he grinned to all those gathered there. The mood was light and members were happy that the mood was not so grim. There was no serious announcement, beside the new leaders and all members seemed to be warming toward the strangers quite well. All in all, Orion was happy with the bunch present, even if numbers were a bit low for his liking. The brute felt at ease with Ceres by his side, who was already sliding into her new role nicely.

However, Orion did have a small agenda he intended to address with the members. More than anything, they were designed to strengthen the bond between members and Orion's understanding of each individual member. "I personally would like to thank everyone for your kind welcome. As many of you are probably wondering, Magpie has stepped down after a fiery battle between us." He paused, to give the old leader a moment of respect. "I have been recovering for a few weeks now and the pack has remained idle. As you all realise, we will not be able to gain new members without basic supply of shelter and food." He paused and glanced around the small group, "I intended to resolve that tomorrow morning.

He smiled and kept his voice warm and at ease, trying to avoid a commanding tone. "The den area still lies in ruins and tomorrow we will together attempt to create new dens beside the zeta dens. I've also spotted a few young deer in the pack lands recently." He turned toward his mate and gave her a playful nudge. "Perhaps you Ceres, can show our keen members a couple of hunting tricks eh?"

He turned now to Dagon, who had kept silent so far during the meeting. "And you Dagon, I extend to you the same offer Ceres has giving Anana. Is there a particular rank that has perked your interest recently?"[/b]