://The Outlander...

[://Atia]

In the early hours of the day, when the sun was just beginning to peek out from behind horizon, a white figure stood out amongst the greenery. A morning mist had settled over the lake, giving the figure an eery appearance. Fierce yellow eyes scanned the area and a keen nose poked through the grasses. While at these hours of the day Atia seemed to hold a certain air of ominous mystery, once the mist would fade away, she would reflect to others exactly what she was; an adventurous goof.

Atia was searching for the alpha, or rather alphess, of this terra. It was Spring and lately the weather had been rather humid and hot. Atia, who had a thick coat meant for much colder climates, had become more active during the colder hours, such as night or early morning, in order to try and escape the heat. She was unsure whether her being here in these darker hours would make her seem a threat or not, but she was on the alert and ready. It would be disappointing if she was run off for she was simply looking for acceptance; a place to call home. Would she find that here?

[K.a.t.i.e]

THE waters of Zestos lake looked rather green, even though normally it was crystal clear. Kishi suspected it had something to do with the weather being so strange lately on the Island. The Fae padded along it edge, keeping a swift eye out for something that would be a good meal for her pups, but alas, their were no signs of life, other than the plants that surrounded the waters. This was odd, the only time this place was deserted of life, was when their had been wolves in the area, and as far as she knew, the only wolves to come here were herself, her pups, and Fleeter, whom she hadn't seen much of.

THE Alphess lifted her head, taking a look around and flicking her ears to any sound. She couldn't help but feel that she wasn't the only one around here, that their was someone else in her presence.

KISHI squinted into the darkness as another scent mixed into the air. So their is someone here... She thought to herself, yet she could not see anyone. Damn this darkness ... No matter how much she looked, no one.
The Fae turned her head around the other way, where she finally spotted a shape in the distance. Kishi turned her whole body around, and padded softly towards it. The closer she walked, the ore the figure became wolf like. Hello ..? She called out into the night.

(( Museless, sorry ))

[://Atia]

Atia swiftly lifted her head up from the ground upon hearing a soft calling. Her eyes caught the form of a wolf approaching through the darkness and the fae felt a bit of excitement spark. Could this be one of the alphas? How would they react to her presence here? Would they accept her? All these questions ran through her head. Atia was usually very curious so the amount of questions piling up was no different from her usual train of thoughts.

Atia slowly began to make her way towards the lupine. The still air threw her no scent to help her identify this new wolf, which made her somewhat anxious. Usually, Atia was bale to rely on her sharp senses. As the two closed in on each other, shelowered her head slightly, unsure of the manner this wolf would greet her. By her build, she could tell the one meeting her was a fae. Yes, and hopefully the alphess.

"Hello. My name is Atia. Are you the alphess of this terra?" She tried to sound calm, but some of her excitement and curiousity seeped through. She was not a naturally serious wolf and so it was very hard for her to act as such.

((Don't worry. I know how you feel ))

[K.a.t.i.e]

As she walked towards the figure, her visual on them grew better through the darkness. She could now tell that this wolf was a Fae. Kishi could make out the Faes thick fur, telling her that she was probably more used to the colder regions.
Hello. My name is Atia. Are you the alphess of this terra?
The Faes ears perked at the sound of a soft voice through the silence. She padded towards the new wolf, before answering her question. Yes, I am Kishi, nice to meet you. She said, a hint of pride in her voice. She could now see Atia fully, see her white fur and hazel eyes. Surely she was cold? Her fur may look thicker then her own, but a wolf couldn't be out this time of day without feeling the chill that seemed to sweep across the land when darkness fell.

[://Atia]

"Yes, I am Kishi, nice to meet you." Atia heard the response and relaxed slightly. Kishi seemed nice enough; much nicer than Atia had imagined. This was the first time she was attempting to join a pack and had been slightly unnerved by some of the stories she'd heard of ruthless alphas rejecting wolves from entering their packs from her occaisional encounter with another wanderer. While some of the stories seemed so cold and terrible that she could only guess that the loner in question was simply winding up a tale to scare a younger, more inexperienced wolf like her, she had still held that fear of meeting a leader such as the ones told of in many wanderers stories in the back of her thoughts.

But Atia let herself loosen up. "It's a pleasure to meet you too!" she said, slightly energetic, "I was wondering if I may join your pack?" The white pelted she-wolf suddenly reined herself in. She was trying so hard to stay calm, but she couldn't help it. She was excited that she might finally have a place to call home and help defend. Well, she'd already blurted it out. Atia sat, looking eagerly at Kishi, awaiting an answer. She probably seemed alot like an excited pup asking their parents if they could finally join in on their first pack hunt or something of the like, but in all honesty, she didn't quite care.

[K.a.t.i.e]

Sitting in the ever growing darkness was quite un-nerving, Kishi didn't like not being able to see the things around her very well. For all she knew, their could be a gang of rogue wolves wondering around, causing trouble, attacking, and she wouldn't be able to see them. It reminded her of times from her youth, sitting alone, frightened in the dark, her ears twitching at the faintest of noises, her imagination running wild. Of course, she wasn't as worried now, as she could easily defend herself in case of attack, but being in the dark with a wolf not from her pack, who she didn't know all to well still made her on edge. But she kept her calm, not freaking out infront of this newcomer.

'It's a pleasure to meet you too!'
That definatly proved she was feeling more relaxed. The Fae was looking exited if anything. She looked like a mix of emotions, asthough keeping her cool, but letting the exitment seep through slightly. To any other wolf, this would have looked quite strange, but Kishi had seen it before, so it didn't strike her as odd. It was then she notised how dark it had got, the night was now fully upon them, and as she looked around, only those things incredibly close to her were visable properly. The Fae was even struggling to see Atia.

'I was wondering if I may join your pack?'
A slight smile crept onto her maw at her words. More and more wolves had been joining different packs, and this was the largest the Xyla had been since its downfall. Kishi saw no reason why Atia shouldn't join her pack, but of course, had to do things properly. The Fae would have to be tested on strengths, to see which rank she would gain, and whether she would help the pack in any way. The Alphess took a look around, it was way to dark to do any testing now. She couldn't even see Atia, let alone find a herd to track, and pick out a worthy animal to attack. For that was the way wolves were tested, they had to prove themselves, by bringing down a kill. "Before i can fully accept you into the pack, you shall need to be tested, to prove yourself, but it is far to dark to do so now."
Kishi thought about what to do now, should she take her back to the den, or arrange to meet her tomorrow? After a little pondering, she came to a conclusion. "I can accept you into the pack, but tomorrow you shall be tested, to find a rank for you." The Fae stood up, and turned around, beginning to pad towards the heart of the packlands. "Coming?"

(( sorry, still museless ))

[://Atia]

A short gust of wind made it's way over the cool lake waters and on to where Kishi and Atia stood. The air was not freezing, but it had cooled greatly from the temperature which it seemed to maintain in the day. Atia's thick fur kept her body from feeling the slight chill, but her face got a slight feel for it. She was used to these conditions much better than heat, however, so Atia remained unflinching, waiting for her answer. Kishi seemed slightly on edge. Atia doubted it was the change in temperature and could guess that the alphess was simple nervous of being with Atia in the dark. After all, the two had just met. But Kishi also kept a calm appearance and Atia respected that; after all, along with dealing with Atia, the alphess probably had other things that would probably trouble her.

The area had gotten steadily darker, although Atia could still see Kishi clearly. Her eyes had adjusted and gotten used to both light and dark evenly. While she could not see every little thing, her hearing was a great backup for what escaped her vision. She could hear the flap of an owl's wings not too far away, probably going after it's first meal of the night. Atia had gotten quite used to wandering in the company of such nocturnal creatures; at one time she had been playfully practicing her stalking on a mouse when, with just the sound of flapping wings to warn her, an owl had swooped the little rodent into the sky.

Before Atia heard Kishi's answer, she noticed a smile creep onto the fae's features. "Before i can fully accept you into the pack, you shall need to be tested, to prove yourself, but it is far to dark to do so now. I can accept you into the pack, but tomorrow you shall be tested, to find a rank for you." Atia kept her excitement held in as best she could, but a large grin was allowed show. She'd try her best when this test came and would prove she would be a useful addition to the Xyla! When Kishi started to walk away, Atia hesitated for a second however. Did this mean she was welcome to follow, or was she to wait until after she had completed the test? Her questions were answered when she heard a soft, "Coming?" and Atia happily bounded after her new alphess.

[K.a.t.i.e]

Padding slowly through the cold air, her paws landing on the crunchy grass, that had hardened due to the chill. She could hear Atia following, and could tell from the rythem of her footsteps that she was walking somewhat exitedly. Although it was spring, and had only just got over winter, Kishi was suprised at how cold it had become. When she had ventured out to patrol the lands at quite a late time, she hadn't expected it to get so cold, otherwise she would have come out earlier.

The Fae didn't speek as she walked, instead, she thought about how many members the Xyla pack now had. Their was her, Dakota, Fleeter, Atia, and then her three pups. It was small, but still growing. That reminded her, the pups were still in the den, should she take Atia there, when she is a brand new member? Could Kishi trust her? Well, she certainly didn't seem dangerous, and although she didn't know her all that well, Kishi felt as though she shouldn't worry.

May as well make the most of this time. She thought to herself. She didn't get much time alone, or with just another mature wolf. Her days now consisted of looking after the pups, and patrolling the areas, with the new added threat of Zentha. "So ... where abouts are you from? I haven't seen you on the Island before." She asked softly, trying to make conversation. For a moment, she thought about asking about Zentha, whether she knew much about him, but decided against it. She didn't want to scare her off withing the first hour of her membership. The infamous Brute wasn't the best way to start up a conversation, especially as some thought he was just a myth. But she knew he wasn't. He had been here, they had fought. Then Senna and Kaija had come, then a real battle had erupted. Their strengths equally matched.

[://Atia]

Atia followed Kishi through the darkness excitedly. She wondered where she was being taken. Was she going to meet the other pack members? Well... were there any other pack members? Atia was left to wonder these things in the silence. Kishi was not talking and Atia wondered if she was thinking over something important. Unsure of whether or not this was true, she said nothing, not wanting to interupt the other fae's train of thought. Instead, she began to take in her surroundings as best she could. Sure it was dark, but she'd have to become familiar with these lands if she wanted to be a helpful member of the pack, right?

Nights like these were always so wonderful. Maybe cold, yes, but Atia didn't mind. Things were peaceful. She was usually a very energetic and adventurous wolf, but one of her favorite things to do on a clear night was to sit out and look at the stars. During all the times when Atia was unsure and alone, at the end of a terrible day where she maybe had gone hungry or had a run in with a much more unfriendly wolf, she could almost always count on the stars being in the sky at the end of the day to calm her spirit. So caught up in her own thoughts, Atia was caught off guard somewhat when she heard a question directed at her.

"So ... where abouts are you from? I haven't seen you on the Island before."

Atia was little suprised at the question at first; no one had ever asked her about where she had come from, but Atia had no qualms about her past. "I was born on a smaller island not far from Kongrai. My own mother had been a loner. She cared for my siblings and me, but the island wasn’t meant to support too many predators. Me and a few of my siblings decided to branch out to the other islands around. We didn’t want to leave the island barren of prey and we always wanted to explore other places. I just swam from island to island and wandered until I finally decided it was time to find another, more permanent home."

[K.a.t.i.e]

Her eyes were finally becoming used to the surrojnding darkness, but still Kishi struggled to see. The only way of telling that Atia was still behind her was the sound of her paws meeting the ground. The soft cling of claw meeting stone. Now her sences were more relaxed, less dependent on her sence of smell and hearing, and more foucused on trying to see her way around. She knew she was heading the right way, towards the dens, the amount of times she had walked this way, she could do it with her eyes closed. Well, she almost was, baring in mind that the area was so dark, not even the moon was giving much light, it was too cloudy.

I was born on a smaller island not far from Kongrai. My own mother had been a loner. She cared for my siblings and me, but the island wasn’t meant to support too many predators. Me and a few of my siblings decided to branch out to the other islands around. We didn’t want to leave the island barren of prey and we always wanted to explore other places. I just swam from island to island and wandered until I finally decided it was time to find another, more permanent home."
Other islands. She didn't know their were other Islands surrounding Kongrai. But then again, she had lived all her life here, so hadn't needed to pay much attention on anything beyond the Sea. She wondered how many Island actualy surrounded the place. "I didn't know their were other Islands." She said brightly, and then paused.

As the two walked, Kishi noted how close they were getting to the den. She could now smell the pups, but as far as she could tell, none of the other members were there. " We are almost there. " She stated softly, trying to keep her voice down, as it echoed terribly around the caves. " Oh, i forgot, when we get inside, could you try to keep more quiet, the pups are sleeping. " She asked nicely. Atia hadn't been loud in the first place, but with some wolves, it didn't take long after a meeting for them to get confisent, and start shouting their way around the place. She didn't know whether Atia was that kind of wolf, and she didn't seem like it anyway, but Kishi didn't want to wrisk it. If the pups were to wake up, they would want food, and she hadn't got the energy to feed them at the moment.

The closer they got, the stronger the scents got. Kishi could finally see the cave entrance, hidden slightly within the out break of rocks, only notisable because she knew where it was. The Alphess padded towards it, glancing back at Atia to make sure she was still with her. " Are you tired? " She asked softly.

[://Atia]

Atia smiled a bit when Kishi admitted she hadn't known about the other islands. She couldn't blame her. It had taken a bit longer to reach Kongrai than most of the other isands. The other islands could be easily seen from each others shores, but Kongrai was a bit farther off, which was exactly why Atia had decided to give it a try. It had probably not been the safest choice - the swim had definately been neither short nor easy - but Kongrai was a beautiful island, much bigger than the others and with much more sights to see and Atia was glad she had taken the chance of crossing.

As the two continued to walk, Atia started to catch unfamiliar scents. "We are almost there." she heard Kishi say. Atia could feel herself growing excited once more; her ears perked up in keen interest and her tail slowly begun to wave side to side. Maybe (if they weren't already asleep at this hour) she would get to meet the rest of the Xyla pack! "Oh, i forgot, when we get inside, could you try to keep more quiet, the pups are sleeping." The white she-wolf could feel her heart warm as she obediantly whispered "Ok". Atia had always had a soft spot for pups. Although she was young with none of her own, it didn't matter. She hadn't been thinking of storming through the place anyway, when they reached the den, she would happily keep quiet so the pups could get their rest, as well as Kishi probably. Atia knew she hadn't come at the most favorable of hours to be greeting a newcomer and she was grateful for the Alphess' kindness.

The scents slowly greww stronger and finally Atia followed Kishi to an outbreak of rocks. She knew somewhere the den was around here, but she couldn't see it. As much as she was used to seeing in the dark, it kindof frustrated her not to be able to find it. It was probably just one of those things where you had to already know where it was. As she made sure to keep up with Kishi, she tried to get a good look at her surroundings to try and memorize where they were.

"Are you tired?" Atia looked back to her leader who had stopped to look back at her. She really wasn't too much so, but she should probably get used to this place during the daylight hours too, right? That would mean catching some shut eye for now in order to wake up at the right time. "I should probably get some sleep if I'm going to wake up to the sun for once," Atia said quietly, "Is there any spare space for me to rest?"