A Meeting of Leaders [Cervantes]

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The White Forest had been her home once. Now the Dove Hills had her claim, but Shri Kanti was still a wolf of the north at heart. Her paws might now tread across a rolling green sea, but ice and snow would always be in her veins. Not to say that she did not love her land, for she did so with a fierce protectiveness and the prideful knowledge that it was hers and hers alone. She would not have claimed the hills if she had not seen potential--felt a connection that did not exist elsewhere. But the White Forest had been her home once, and that she would never forget.

It was for that reason and that reason alone Shri found herself willingly leaving her newly claimed territory. The howl which had reached her ears was familiar, though not in the since that she recognized the wolf. No, instead Shri recognized the pride and warning in its tones—a howl only a new alpha would give. And it echoed from the White Forest only days ago.

Green eyes scanned the trees before her, idly watching a hare emerge from the underbrush. She was not hungry, but even if she were, Shri would avoid hunting in another alpha’s lands. Even if she had once hunted among these trees, she would respect this unknown leader’s claim. However, Shri would certainly like to know this wolf’s name. She had no qualm against whoever they were—at least, not simply because they claimed her old home. No, if there was to be enmity between them, it would be due to something far more serious. Shri was simply…curious. And with that curiosity at heart, she threw her head back and let loose a short howl into the afternoon air. It was an introduction and a question at once. A simple statement of ‘I am here’ and ‘Shall we meet’ and then there was silence. Shri would wait for answer, though not for long, for her loyalties were no longer to this land.

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Cervantes awoke slowly, blinking her eyes in quick succession. She shook her head violently to erase all remnants of the dream. She whimpered slightly--quietly--and then stood to shake out her coat. She sighed, and began to pick her way to her north border. She went around, marking all of her borders carefully, and then she paused to smell the air. She really needed to get some wolves in her pack. Maybe she could go and search for them. Keeping up her borders was beginning to wear on her, although no one had trespassed yet. A yawn escaped her maw as she trotted along. A few feet ahead, an arctic hare suddenly revealed itself. It scampered across the hard earth and into a small patch of underbrush that had somehow sprouted up. It wasn't a pretty green, just a faded one. But that was no surprise. The surprise was that this bush had found life in the frozen ground.

Cerva quickly stalked the hare, and pounced on it when it paused to clean an ear. She quickly snapped its neck and devoured it. And then her ears perked. A short howl echoed by the eastern border. Quickly, the female trotted over. She slowed before she would come into earshot and silently stalked forward. She observed the female without being able to be seen for a few minutes until the wind brought her scent to her. She had both a familiar scent and an unfamiliar one on her, but no pack scent--at least not yet. She smelled slightly of the White Forest, but most prevalent was a grassy smell. Either she was a fellow alphess, or she had simply left home because she had longed for a greener home. Cervantes quietly stepped out into the open after another moment, and sized her up. She wasn't small, but she was smaller than Cerva. The Apennine stopped her approach a few feet away. She stood dominantly, tail up and the fur along her neck bristled slightly. Her purple gaze bored into the femme's, and then she spoke.

Welcome to Conlan. What is your business?

muse xx k-love
tags xx @lassiel
ooc xx lol! She's so straight-forward. And so rude! She doesn't even introduce herself!! I'm so excited for this thread! Reply soon (:

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Movement from the corner of Shri’s eye caught her attention. Turning, she watched as a dark colored wolf emerged from the trees, her entire posture speaking of authority. The alphess, she would be bet. Good. Shri was glad she did not have to wait long for this meeting. Better to satisfy her curiosity now so she may continue on with more important matters. She calmly returned the wolf’s gaze, not backing down or showing submission, for she was an alpha in her own right. But she was also in another's territory and Shri was not one to let great pride keep her from showing respect where it was due. As such, she kept her own tail somewhat lowered, her manner self-assured but ultimately unthreatening.

”I am Shri Kanti, alphess of the Maira pack in the Dove Hills.” Shri appreciated the straightforwardness of this wolf’s words. Far more simpler to deal with when compared to the machinations of other alphas and she would gladly return the favor. “I am here to discover whether it is true that the White Forest has been claimed. Am I correct in thinking you have done so?”

Shri did not move from her spot, but instead studied the one before her. She was larger and darker, but had the scent of the north about her. Born and bred in these lands perhaps, though Shri doubted the White Forest had been her home. They looked to be near the same age but her scent was too unfamiliar.

ooc: Haha, Shri sees her straightforwardness as a blessing!

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The she-wolf showed no signs of submission, but she did not threaten Cerva either. Her body language spoke of her high rank, and yet showed Cerva proper respect. Cerva was on her own land, and therefore deserved the respect. As the she-wolf introduced herself first, Cervantes nodded her head slightly in recognition of the she-wolf rank and authority. When she stated her business, Cerva laughed.

Do you suppose I act as an Alphess, naming the name of my pack on this land, and welcoming you to it for fun?

Cerva knew that Shri had only stated the question as a means of explanation and conversation, but she couldn't help herself. Her voice was condescending and sour with sarcasm. Her purple gaze belittled the wolfess in front of her and then she spoke again.

Was that all? Or can I help you with something else, Shri of Dove Hills?

muse xx monster && k-love
tags xx @lassiel
ooc xx she's such a jerk lol sorry about the wait on this I thought I had replied.

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Amusement filled Shri at the wolf’’s reply. A life of being on her own had left her with little care for what others thought of her. If this alphess thought Shri somehow less…well, Shri didn’t really care one way or another. And it was hardly worth the effort to make her change her mind. She shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. I was raised in this forest and so I was curious. But this is not the first territory I’ve heard rumors of being claimed, and I thought it would be prudent to know the names and faces of my fellow alphas." She paused before continuing, her voice dry as she spoke and a wry smile playing at her lips. "Unsavory business though it apparently is."

It certainly was an unpleasant task, though Shri didn’t actually hold any special irritation toward this wolf for the rough greeting. She just preferred not to deal with others. But Shri also believed she would be remiss in her duties as alpha if she did not make an effort to familiarize herself with other pack leaders. "What happens next is up to you. I will leave if you wish, or we may continue this conversation and learn something of each other. It is entirely possible we will walk away as enemies, but at least we will know where we stand."

ooc: @ej Haha, she is but Shri and I both love it. : )

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Cervantes waited for the hostility; the wounded pride. But it never came. All she witnessed was slight amusement in the green eyes staring back at her, and a clever remark. She shrugged, and her voice was dry--not callous, just sort of aloof. Disinterested. A wry smile toyed with her lips, and she declared that,

Unsavory business though it apparently is.

Cerva's reply was quick--like the striking of a snake.

Is it unsavory, indeed? Can you not take a few callous words in good temperament, Shri? Come, let us not argue. I bore of arguments easily. Why not talk about something pleasant?

Her tone was dry itself--indifferent. But her eyes betrayed her sincerity to turn the conversation to something pleasant. She ignored Shri's next comment, pretending that she had not heard.

You say that you lead Maira? Tell me, why did you name your pack that? And may I know the basis of the inter-workings of it? I will of course accommodate you with the same information of Conlan if you so desire.

Purple gaze flicked to the green one, but all emotion had left her.

muse xx k-love
tags xx @lassiel
ooc xx blah it sucks sorry :/ look at that! Cerva's back-pedaling!!

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A sharp bark of a laugh escaped Shri at Cervantes' words. If the Conlan alphess thought this was ill temper, then she would be surprised. But despite the tone of her voice, Cervantes seemed sincere in wanting to change the subject. Shri had little desire for an argument as well, so she held her tongue and instead gave a slight incline of her head in agreement. Cervantes gave no verbal acknowledgment of Shri's ultimatum and instead dived into her own rapid-fire questions. It looked as if Shri would not be returning to the Dove Hills just yet.

Shri nodded. "A trade it is then." The dry amusement from before had left her voice, leaving behind brusque words. This was business and Cervantes' questions were not too invasive so she saw no harm in answering them. "As for the name, well I'm afraid it's nothing more than nostalgia. The name of my grandmother--a strong wolf I admire greatly."

Shri's gaze was sharp as she looked at her peer. “As for your other question, my pack is young and so there is little I could and would offer on its inter-workings. It is enough to know that glory or conquest is not the Maira's aim; we will mostly keep to ourselves in the hills." Her words were true, even if they gave little away. But the Maira was hardly a full-sized pack and Shri well-knew that priorities and positions within the pack would change as time went on. For now she held her tongue and waited to see what information Cervantes would offer. She didn't expect there to be much they would be willing to exchange. Not from a first meeting where they barely knew one another.

ooc: @ej Psh, it's fine. ^^

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Shri only nodded in agreement to Cerva's idea of a "trade". She spoke of her grandmother, a strong wolf to be admired, and then answered Cerva's second question. Maira was young. Hmm... Either her pack was like Cerva's--in that it had no members yet--or it only had a couple. It was a gamble either way, but one that Cerva couldn't afford not to make.

I will tell you the truth of Conlan. I named it such because it is not what it appears to be. As to the inter-working, we are strict but affectionate. Conquest is not our aim either, but we are young, as you well know.

Cerva did not really reveal anything, just as Shri had done. Except for the fact that Shri had hinted at a deep affection for her grandmother, which meant that she was capable of such a thing. Cervantes, however, neither gave away Conlan's size or any emotion that she felt toward her "pack". In fact, she gave the pretense that they already had good numbers for such a new pack, and did not entirely reveal the reason for the name.

In truth, she had chosen the name Conlan because the pack was not what it appeared. She had a mission, although she would never reveal it to anyone. She was determined to make the pack seem cold and vigorous, to hide her affection for her packmates, for she was sure that such a thing would arise. But she meant for others to think her pack to be more heartless to ward off potential attacks and ensure Conlan's safety.

muse xx k-love
tags xx @lassiel
ooc xx here you go!

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The manner in which Cervantes gave her own answers did not surprise Shri. Much like herself, the Conlan leader offered information without giving away anything too vital or easily used against her. To do anything else would be foolish and young as both the packs were, neither could afford such folly. Of course, Cervantes’ willingness to share even this did not necessarily mean what she said was true. Everything must be taken with a grain of salt and with no promises that nothing would change.

“I am glad to hear it. In this, at least, we seem to be similar.” So long as Cervantes was speaking the truth, then Shri was as well. If Conlan truly did not seek to crush others it was only good news for Maira. “But I am curious if you have met others who do work toward such an aim.” Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. “Or if you have met other pack leaders at all and would be willing to share your thoughts on them.” Shri had yet to come face to face with another alpha, but any news she could gain of the others could be advantageous. And if one of them was inclined to violence then she would certainly prefer to be prepared for it.

ooc: @ej Shri really seems to be all about the short posts. :/ Oh well, I'd rather just keep the thread rolling.

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Shri remained unchanged. She was neither relieved nor annoyed. She took Cerva's explanation in stride. Although Cerva was sure that she knew that she wasn't really revealing anything. She had told the truth, technically. But Shri had not really revealed anything either. Cerva had offered a trade. A half-explanation for a half-explanation.

As Shri's lips parted again, she asked Cerva if she had met any other alphas, and if so, if any of them had conquest in mind. Cerva frowned immediately. She had met one. The alpha who had claimed Everbane Mountain, her homeland, Hephaestus. She wasn't really sure what his motives were, besides seducing every female on the continent. But she thought that they were dark intentions. After all, he seemed to enjoy tormenting others. Just to see how they responded. Even for her, it seemed twisted. She hated him. He disgusted her. And yet, she was intrigued. It frustrated her that she was intrigued, but she was. Cerva's purple gaze became hard, and she focused on Shri. Almost as if the female was her comrade against this boisterous, egotistical male.

One. Hephaestus of Everbane Mountain. He calls his pack Permafrost, and yes, I believe his intentions are dark. It would do well for you to watch him closely. I have allied Conlan with him in order to keep myself and my pack updated with his own pack, but of course I can break the contract at any time should he attack a more important ally.

She said the words with an implication behind them, but did not directly ask Shri if Maira would be interested in allying itself with Conlan.

muse xx k-love
tags xx @lassiel
ooc xx thats okay (: Cerva is being short too :x and yeah, let's keep it moving x3 all my muse if for the Alces/Teshi thread right now

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The frown that crossed Cervantes’ face immediately perked Shri’s interest. It could be nothing—simply a brief frown of concentration. But it was also possible that the other alphess had pertinent information. If that were so, Shri wondered if Cervantes would be willing to reveal it. Seeming to have come to a decision, the wolf focused her firm stare on Shri once more. Green eyes steadily returned the gaze, listening intently for what she would say.

Shri’s black lips pressed tightly together, a frown appearing and her eyes hardening at the information Cervantes gave. Hephaestus of Everbane Mountain and his pack Permafrost. She would not forget those names. Cervantes seemed to have a cool head on her and in this Shri would trust her judgement as much as she could afford to. Shri would have to meet with him eventually to form her own judgements and it would be wise not to take the bias of another with her, but she would not ignore the warning Cervantes had given. Nor the offer that hovered behind Cervantes’ last words.

“You suggest an alliance between us.” Shri’s words were sharp though it was not directed toward Cervantes or her offer. She mused quietly for a moment, trusting that Cervantes would understand the need to not immediately make such a decision. If Conlan proved true, it could mean an advantage for both packs. But it might not end well for Maira if they were false. Still, all alliances were risks and it was one Shri was willing to take.

A small smile played at her lips when her green eyes met Cervntes’ gaze. “Thank you for the information. I believe an alliance between our packs could be very advantageous. Tell me, what do you look for in such a thing?” The term “alliance” could cover many things—whether or not aid would be offered in a fight, if shelter and food were provided should the worst strike a pack’’s territories, or if it was simply a sharing of knowledge. It would be prudent to know what exactly Cervantes expected before agreeing.

ooc: @ej Ah, these girls. So straight and to the point, haha.