Ice, Ice. Baby. {Claiming}

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Hephaestus

Hephaestus had returned to the North, the icy winds were welcoming to his thick body. Nostrils inhaled as the frigid world entered his senses, tangerine eyes were like fire against the Winter Wonderland. This is where the male had grown, a lot of horrid memories lay here but the fellow was going to take the highest peak as his own. Hep had quite a bit of time to think about this pack he wished to create, one that would be tough and strategic in battle. Also it would be tight nit, Hephaestus would know everything that went on, know every member and figure out if they were worthy and completely tied to this land. The fellow though had other things to focus on at this moment, claiming this incredible mountain. The male continued his travels, large paws moving him at a driven pace toward the top. Along the way he marked trees and slithered along anything he could, leaving his scent for others to know.

The mocha hued devil moved closer to the peak, his paws created crater sized paw prints behind in the snow. Tail was held high to a aggressive and dominant state, making certain any other wolves that were around knew his intentions clear. Hephaestus felt the subzero rocks and ledges that lead one up to the top, a few large dens were nestled toward the middle of the mountain. One smaller one was positioned near the top, carefully making sure only faint scents lingered. Muscles churned and flexed underneath the thick coat, as the sun poured over the lands. The rays warmed his skin along with the terrain, grand skull lifted to survey his accomplishment. Standing at the peak watching the sun continue to rise over the horizon, the scarred body stood regal on top of the mountain. Tail curled even more over his back holding complete dominance, as his drunken eyes surveyed the lands.

Hephaestus slowly stuck his muzzle far into the sky, feeling the winds rushed past him as they whipped through his coat. The devil felt empowered having a place to call his, to raise a grand pack one that would survive through the roughest of times. Massive jaws parted and a deep, horrid thunderous howl that ripped from his voice box. It rang wildly throughout the land, scaring birds and other small creatures. Finally the deep song drew to an end, settling slowly on the mountain. The devil had made his claim and now it was just a waiting game to see if any challengers would be foolish enough to state another claim, oh how interesting it would be to have a challenge. Though the male had to be honest it would be grand to stake this claim like a thief in the night.

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An echo of a howl rung loudly in his eardrums. Curiosity burned in his veins, edging him to move his stiff limbs and trudged forward, to the North. As the distanced decreased rather slow from the pace he chose, a fast jog, it did not bother him at all. He would get there eventually so what was the need for rushing? 

He found himself getting closer and closer to what he thought was his destination. Relishing in the coldness of the area as a strong breeze whacked him in the face. Feet shuffled around the ground as flush-colored eyes scanned the vicinity and jaws unhinged to taste the air in a quick inhale of breath. The smell of testosterone wafted up his nostrils until that was the only thing he could make sense out of. A male thought to claim a land such as this. Lips quirked up in a small grin before he began moving once more, but this time toward the one who would give claim to a land of harsh weather.  

The unknown male's scent traveled up through trees until it led him to a mountain. Tongue flicked out swiftly to wet the skin of his mouth as he maneuvered around the mountain to follow the male's recent scent of his claim to come a top of the mountain. A sigh escaped his parted lips as he was finally at the mountain's peak. He gazed out at the scenery, "Such beauty," Balise muttered the words before his eyes decided to settle on a chocolate covered male. He noted this male as the one who he had followed up here as the smell ended where he stood and as the male's body language was clear that he was to be the Alpha if no-one gave challenge."Is it not?" 

Balise shrugged him off of being a threat for right now, that was not what he came here for. Muscles in neck twisted to tilt his skull to the right as he waited for a response from his question. Cartilages upon his head turned towards the unnamed male as Balise released his weight from his front legs to be in a sitting position facing the earth-colored lupus. 

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Hephaestus


Hephaestus could not be more pleased as time continued to pass and no challengers had yet made their arrival. It would be a grand day indeed, though as thoughts about the pack flourished in his mind the male smirked. The fellow turned to face the direction of the new aroma, it was male and possibly a challenger. The wicked smirk continued over his lips as the male was approaching, a deep and deranged cackle released. Tangerine eyes were watching carefully for the arrival of the male, he was quite ready for anything. Yet his complete composure was calm and regal, simply waiting and still. Nostrils inhaled deeply as the male became much closer, soon the fellow would be here shortly.

Hephaestus noted the newcomer, a grey coat was mingling with blacks and whites. The male was tall and built adequately built, nothing to exciting or horrid about the male. Though judging by his thicker coat Hephaestus had a feeling he was born here in the Northern lands, and would eventually figure all of this out. Words came out of the newcomer, they were calm and relaxed. Then the male spoke once more, sending a question in his direction. "Why yes it is, what is your intentions?" The baritones rumbling from his throat, thick legs carried the muscular frame toward the sitting male. Pausing a few inches from being almost to close, as a smile spread over his lips.

Lips parted as the devil spoke again, "Tell me is this your birthplace?" He questioned, the words were noxious and charming. The words were about to turn a little in the next phase of words he spoke. "Is this a challenge?" The words were vile and ruthless, a warning for sure. Hephaestus was blunt and wouldn't beat around the bush for long, the fellow was smiling regardless. It was an odd way to put a threat, but truthfully Hephaestus was amused by fights and challenges. The thought was enticing and truthfully exhilarating, though if this was a possibly member then a new series of questions would unfold.

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BALISE


Eyes the color of a darkened pink looked down as claws scrapped themselves on the ground beneath him. As a breath of air fell past his blackened lips, his ears swiveled their way to the male that had staked his claim on the mountain. Attention now diverted from his paws to the other male's face from the question that had graced his ears. He had to chuckle at what he heard, his head shaking back and forth a few times before a small smile quirked at the side of his mouth.



He did not bother to think of a coherent answer until the chocolate wolf had seated himself close almost where he could touch him if so wanted to. Balise, without thought, mirrored the grin that was on the face of his company. "My intentions are not to harm you, if that is what you think." His tail swished to and fro on the surface he had seated himself on as if to do something than stare at the other.



The dark-coated male gave a light hum after the question referring to his birthplace. His rose-tinted irises darted to the side before glancing forward to look at the mocha male once more. "You could say that." A click of teeth sounded as the last word slipped over his tongue. The lids that covered over the sockets of his eyes widened in wonder why the male he was conversing with suddenly switched tones. Head tilted to the side as he tried to figure it out before he pried his jaws a part to respond to the male that still had a smile straining his facial features. "If this were a challenge," Balise began as he ran his tongue across his teeth. "We would not be exchanging with tongue, but with fangs and claws--don't you think?"

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Hephaestus


Hephaestus watched the other wolf carefully noting his relaxed composure and to be quite frank the fellow had already understood that this wolf meant no harm. Though he continued to watch the male carefully, the first words confirmed his prior thoughts. Ears alerted to the next words the wolf spoke, his teeth clicked and Hep laughed once again. Smirking lightly as he waited for the male to finish his thoughts, with the last words was a question. "Oh for the normal wolves, though for me I enjoy a brief conversation before sparing." His baritones riveting with amusement. Pumpkin eyes watching the male with a predatory gaze, as they started from his paws to the top of his head. Hephaestus circled around the male looking him over graciously, "Your name, lovely specimen?" The Overlord questioned, due to the fact he was on his land so one must obey or leave. Hephaestus would also run this male outta here if he chose not to leave, grinning wildly.

The mocha coat rustled with the frigid breeze, tail flicked back and forth though kept at a semi-high altitude. Nostrils exhaled as misty vapor rolled from his muzzle, and then Hep spoke once again. "I am Hephaestus, new Overlord of this land." The massive creature had appeared before the opposing wolf, looking at him intently. Powerful haunches lowered to the lightly blanketed earth, as he analyzed this newcomer and all of his attributes. Ears sat erect on the thick skull as his eyes never left the others, curious to see if this male had intentions of company or more. "So do you wish to join me or just here to chat?" The words were a bit stern though friendly and blunt. Hep was not one to beat around the bush, he was direct and straightforward. It usually caught others off guard or the other option was making them aggressive.

Now it was time to wait, which patience was high in this male. A true predator always knew how to wait for the exact moment when to attack, stalk and confirm his kill. A wicked grin plastered on his lips, waiting and sitting enjoying the scenery. No motions except for the rise and fall of his grand chest, watching contently. Tail curled around his body as Hephaestus carefully waited for any response or action from this wolf. The fellow was ready for any thing that happened, whether it be a simple conversation or a possible pack member. Which if the male was a possible pack member Hep would have to see where he would fit in or where this wolf would think he would fit and if he could be trusted with his decision.

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BALISE

The sound of the male's laugh caused his eyes to drift back to his current companion's face as his attention was previously addressed to the landscape around him in slight familiarity. A chuckle that he tried to suppress bubbled up his esophagus. "How suave of you." Words murmured, a small curve on the side of his mouth had formed. Skull lowered so slightly to his chest as he felt the gaze of the other trained intently on him while the wolf moved around his still seated form. 

"Balise." His name puffed out past his lips, the gray hued lupus lifted his head back to its previous state as the male's calling echoed in his ears before claimer of the mountain settled down before him once again. Balise's pink irises met an orange pair as he gazed upwards briefly. He rolled his shoulders forwards to try and loosen the muscle as a yawn opened his mouth before he clamped it shut. Stretching his forelimbs outwards, careful not to touch Hephaestus, he brought his weight down until his underside was pressed on the ground. 

Teeth were shown as a grin was plastered on Balise's features. He lifted up his right paw and extended it to try and bat at the air in front of Hephaestus' chest. "Hm, a little of both." A place to stay, and one to divulge with? That couldn't be any better. "So Hephaestus," Testing the male's name on tongue, "What made you decide to claim a mountain?"

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Hephaestus

Hephaestus was finding this male to be quite satisfying to speak with and truthfully his mind would be a good addition to the new pack, though if he chose to leave Hep would not be hurt in any way. The first comment made an evil smile appear on the fellow's lips, as he waited for the name to come forth. Balise. It was simple though unique, not one he had ever heard prior which made the male find this wolf even more intriguing. Balise stretched and yawn as Hep analyzed the male even more so when he moved, was he bored or simply tired possibly from the previous night? As some silence passed the male answered, ah so he was interested in joining which had become music to his eardrums. The Spring air rushed past them once more as Balise's words hung in the air, questioning the newly claimed Alpha.

Hephaestus thought for a moment and then allowed the deep voice to roll in a smooth manner, "The North has always been my home, yet also it is covered on three sides with only one main entrance. Also other than avalanches no worries of floods or such in this high point." The words were direct and not too elaborated upon, not that he didn't wish to say more it was just an honest answer. The chocolate hued coat rustled as the winds tugged here and there, feeling the welcoming bite that the North always brought. "What skills do you posses or rank you wished to achieve?" The devil questioned curious to see what Balise may say. Hep was curious to see where this male believed he fit, or what skills he may be able to apply to the pack as a whole in the future. Thoughts rambling through his mind as he listened intently for a response, while other daylight creatures filled the background space with noise.

It truly was a glorious day here in the mountains, spring offering fresh vegetation and the promise of new prey in the lands. Oh it would be glorious when the first pack hunt began, leading the others and directing them to see all their skills and tactics unfold. Though for now his concentration would be kept here with Balise out of respect and also interest, the male was like a scientist curious to find the next abomination or cure for something. His nose twitched with other aromas filtering in, yet none he paid much attention to with his enjoyable company. Yes Hep was a different creature and one all to his own, just as any other being was unique and themselves.

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BALISE

The dense coated male began to twist the muscles in his legs so he was standing once again. His spine arched whilst he stretched his limbs with a few dull sounds of his legs popping. A sigh of contentment settled past his lips. The rush of air that flew past his face caused him to instinctively close his eyelids before he began to wonder if he would receive an answer from the newly founded Alpha. Tail twitched from side to side as it hung limply behind him. 

Cartilages swerved forward upon his skull to hear the deep rumble of Hepaestus' voice grace his ears. He gave a low grunt of acknowledgement of Hep's words along with a swift bob of his head in the fashion of a nod. At Hephaestus' question about skills and rank, Balise kneaded his claws into the ground unconciously as he started to think. Was it worth speaking what he could do when he could just show him? Perplexed, he opened his mouth; "Would you trust the words that fall from my mouth, or test me and choose for yourself?" He would rather have king bestow title on him after he has been deemed worthy.  

As Balise had assessed Hephaestus quietly to himself during their little chat. The pink eyed fellow let a small smile creep on his features as he raised his gaze to Hephaestus'. Nothing gave way to Balise while his eyes traced the contours of Hep's face other than his physical appearance. For at the moment, that is what Balise was most entranced on.

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Tangerine eyes watched Balise as he moved the male allowing his muscles to stretch. The grunt as well as the nod was to acknowledgement of his words while he watched carefully, waiting to see what Balise would say. The words that fell from his lips were questioning, then Hep thought about his words for a moment before speaking. "Well as a member of this pack I better only hear honesty falling from your tongue." Smirking as he joked with his first pack mate. Hephaestus thought about what position Balise seemed to be good at, though he didn't know too much about him just yet. Though the fellow was pretty good at judging others and it seemed as Balise would be a devoted and valued member.

Now came the questions to evaluate Balise, to decide where he would be placed among the ranks. "The art of war or the thrill of the hunt excite you more?" The question was direct and straight to the point, the reason for the quick question was to see how Balise would elaborate. "Then again possibly you have a way with herbs and wounds?" The male tilting his skull paying closer attention to what Balise would say, curious to see where he may be fit. The wind ruffled his thick coat once again, as a golden eagle screeched above breaking the silence. Eyes flickered to the skies above as the predator gazed watching the majestic fowl soared, finding a bit of peace for a moment.

Hephaestus shifted his weight as thick legs carried him a few feet away from Balise, while lowering his skull to the snow inhaling deeply. Aromas wafted in as he noted prey close by but also keeping his attention focused on Balise, not wanting to be rude to his new member and first member at that. Inside the dark fellow was quite overjoyed in knowing he was slowly building his pack. Whether it be one a week or more Hep was gaining members which meant his pack was growing while other packs may be at a stand still. Large skull turned over his shoulder looking back at Balise waiting for a response.

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BALISE


Absently, while he stayed stoic with his ears perked a top of his head, Balise's paw rose from the ground as the gray male went to try and have his pad touch the mocha furs on his Alpha's chest. Eyes traced upwards from Hephaestus' sternum to find their way back to orange eyes. He could not contain the smile that fell upon Balise's black, creased lips as he dipped his head slightly. "Of course, Hephaestus." He drawled the response out of his mouth, and flicked his tongue across his fangs.



It was not long before his alpha's voice echoed in the air between them as Balise flexed his toes on the earth. The first question that spewed from Hespaestus' caused him to pause with him scraping the bottom of his paws into the frost. Did he like war or the hunt? They both required blood to be spilled in the process. Balise's head tilted the side in contemplation. "War." The one word slipped past his lips to hang in the air after a few seconds of silence on his part. Battles always evoked something within him, it intrigued him with the deaths it brought along with it. Death proved to him that the weak would be the ones to die before the strong. As it should be.



Another question came from the chocolate hued male while Balise swished his dark pendulum around his heels. His nose crinkled with the skin on his muzzle crunching up as he pushed a quick breath through his moist nostrils. "Mm, no, I would not." Relaxing the muscles in his face, he pressed the swiveling cartilages against his head. When Hephaestus rose from the ground, he grew curious as Hep walked a few meters away from him. Steadily, Balise moved his limbs towards the alpha to close the small distance that was put between them. He stopped in his tracks when his left shoulder was in close proximity of Hephaestus' right hip. He inhaled sharply through his nasal passages to try and place what had caught his companion's attention and smelt a scent of what could possibly be food. Balise turned his head to the side as his gaze rested on Hephaestus' back before travelling upwards to the shoulders and reaching his alpha's face to see Hep looking over his shoulder at him. "Would it be right to assume that you want to hunt?"

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Hephaestus thought long about where Balise would make a good place, then again anywhere in the pack he would be suited well. Though Hep knew Balise was not just a member he was worthy of more and the demon had decided where the male would be placed for now and possibly climbed the ranks later once he proved himself a little more. Hephaestus listened as Balise answered and the male was pleased, and watched as he licked his fangs. Oh he was a lovely creation and Hep found him quite delightful and continued to watch him carefully. A simple word spoke and that was all that Hephaestus needed, "Than you will be our Assassin, the lead warrior and will be responsible for teaching and aiding any warriors or members that need help." Hephaestus was putting this responsiblity on Balise to see how he did and yet Hep was not done just yet.

The massive wolf shifted his weight and then began to speak once again "Balise you do well with this task and others that I ask of you, possibly you have a higher rank in the future." His deep words exiting the barrel chest as he was interested to see what Balise may say in return to his proposal. Hephaestus chuckled with Balise quick and blunt response oh this male was amusing. The demon rose his skull as Balise moved closer to him obviously curious to see what his Alpha was doing. Hep grinned with the question that Balise spoke and then the dark male replied, "We could, then again I was mainly just checking to see what roamed our lands." His baritones leaving his lips with a misty vapor, even with the warmer weather the icy mountains were still cool to any touch.

 The male looked to Balise to see what he wanted to do, the Alpha cared neither on what he decided. Hephaestus was curious to see what the lovely male would decide, interested to see what Balise would decide. It was all about learning how others worked even more so when they were apart of his pack. Tail swished back and forth once or twice he brushed it against Balise and a sly smile grinned as he glanced at Balise. Tangerine eyes watching him intently waiting and waiting as the day passed by slowly.

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His snout lowered down to his chest as his dark furs tickled the skin on his lips. He stretched the skin over his teeth until a grin was plastered over his features at hearing the man's words echo in his ear. He inclined his head upwards with the smile still playing on his lips. Balise opened his jaws to say his thanks to the alpha, but Hephaestus had already begun to talk once again. The grey hued male nodded his head a couple of times, accepting his new title without little complaint. "Thank you, Hephaestus." Finally murmuring his thankfulness, he moved his limbs a few inches forward so he was approximately shoulder-to-shoulder with Hep. Balise angled his head to the taller male and leaned his skull downwards to try and touch his forward to the leader's right shoulder.Pulling his head back from the area of Hephaestus' shoulder, he let his pink eyes drift outward over the mountain they were on.



Balise's ear twisted uncontrollably to the left, in Hephaestus' direction, as a soft "ah" escaped his esophagus. Balise thought over his options; to hunt with his new alpha or stay here where a conversation was possibly nearing its end. The latter made him grimace to himself as he knew they would go their own way for a time before he went to find him and be in his company once more. "A little bonding time would be good, hmm?" The pink eyed male gave Hephaestus his full attention as he turned his head along with his eyes where he was previously looking out before him. Balise waited patiently for his alpha's words to see if he would accept or decline his offer.





OOC:: Sorry for the late reply, Slim !

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Hephaestus listened to his Assassin appreciate the title he had given him as well as the promise. Nostrils inhaling the aromas deeply as he exhaled paying close attention to what lurked nearby as he felt the touch of Balise against his shoulder. A grim smirk played upon his features as he gazed at the pink eyed fellow, oh he was delightfully handsome member. His muzzle came to Balise and nipped viciously at his neck, not to be rude in any way it was just Hep. He was a devil and therefore he would be accepted for his vicious ways as a common gesture. Hep was odd and others needed to know this, which he felt that Balise would understand.

The dark fellow grinned as Balise spoke in question and Hephaestus smirked, "I agree completely. Care to lead the way deary?" He spoke deeply as he emitted a toothy grin, curious to see how his Assassin would react. Hephaestus would be pleased to watch how another began the track as well as how they proceeded the hunt. He gave a deep excited growl, it rumbled as tangerine eyes became alive. Hep tensed his muscles allowing them to get ready before they proceeded, paws clenching the icy soil beneath him. The fellow waited patiently for Balise to initiate as his nostrils inhaled testing the wind and judging where the prey was.

Large head nudged Balise hard and gave a light chuckle, "Let's begin shall we?" He spoke in such a noxious manner, grinning wickedly as he watched Balise, lowering his skull to the Earth as he began to track once more. Tangerine eyes flickering up toward the pink eyed fellow as he slowed his breathing waiting for them to take off on the hunt. So much excitement filled him and the demon was ravished in blood lust. 

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A shiver coursed through the newly dubbed assassin as teeth lightly pulled at the flesh of his neck. Balise hummed a light tune of approval before he fluttered his eyes back open that were previously closed from the contact of Hephaestus' teeth. His question was finally answered after a few moments as Balise composed himself. He could not help but pull a small smile on his lips from hearing Hephaestus' growl. A quick graze over his teeth with his salmon tongue, he reluctantly turned his eyes away. Balise was about to turn and start the beginning of their hunt when the Alpha's head nudged him, making Balise lean slightly to one side as he lifted up his left foreleg to possibly try and keep his balance.

"We shall." The grey furred male drawled out as he unhinged his jaws to inhale oxygen before he twisted his body around. Tilting his head upwards to the sky, Balise blew out carbons from his nostrils before inhaling once again to try and catch a scent that would be their target for the hunt. Balise glanced over his shoulder at his leader briefly before he increased his pace to a jog to trek down the mountain whilst continuing trying to scent for an animal that hopefully close by.

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The Overlord rose his skull only for a moment to watch Balise carefully, waiting for the male to begin the hunt. Muscles readied themselves and his stance became held. Hephaestus grinned wickedly as the adrenaline rushed through his veins as Balise began to move forward. Large paws carried the towering frame at a easy pace keeping only a few short strides behind Balise, allowing the grey male to take the lead and show his Alpha just what he could do. He was by far interested to see Balise in action, to see just how he took down prey and lived in the hunt.

Nostrils continued to inhale and exhale slowly, making sure his stamina stayed high and his muscles ready for when Balise was ready to take off. Hep would allow him to take full lead on this, unless of course he wished for his help other than taking down the prey. The devil was enticed and could not wait to take down prey, it excited the male far too much. Tail was slightly rose just in case they crossed any trespasser's on their hunt and he prayed they did not.  It would not be a pretty sight for anyone to be apart of and he was certain that Balise would stand beside him.

Hephaestus would give them the most horrid welcoming, unless he already knew of them. Attention was given to the male before him, following and watching carefully. His nostrils constantly searching as well for the perfect prey and he was almost certain a mountain goat or something would come into their senses. Ears slightly tilted back listening closely as they jogged along. Tangerine eyes filled with an intense predatory gleam as they moved along through his mountain, possibly after this a pack meeting would be called to allow all to feast.