Breathtaking Views[Iskierka]

[Esperanza]

The wolf hadn't been around in these lands for that long. She had grown used to what she considered her territory, but where she stood now, at the edge of beautiful and free-flowing lake, she was in foreign land. Either way, it was beautiful. Wiggling her nose, she allowed her paws to pick her up into a smooth, trot-like gate. The plateau ground was smooth and soft under her paws, only hitting a few rocks every once in a while. Overall, this was just the perfect land for her pack to grow. But, there was no need to get hasty. She had plenty of land. The giant plateau not too far from where she stood now that was full of bison, and then a giant canyon. It's deep crevices and seclusion made it the perfect den site. Things couldn't be more perfect for the young she wolf. Allowing her paws to keep carrying her around, she only paused to lower her golden kissed face and enjoy a drink from the river. She watched her own reflection become rippled as the series of fish at whom had been in the shallows scattered away from her dangerous jaws. However, that was fine with her, she had food back at camp, she just wanted to drink and then continue her walk around - getting to know the new land.

She had to admit though, it had been quiet. Maybe the lack of wolves in the area was more dangerous than she had thought? She had instantly figured that because there weren't any other wolves, that she would have an easy time to find pack mates. But, then she really began to ponder on the fact of if there weren't any wolves, how was she going to find them? She definitely did not want to travel all the way North just to pick up some wolves, and the East was run by a much larger pack. Maybe she would simply just get lucky and be able to catch the few wolves that passed by. Surely as they grow, word would spread? The thought process began to get on her nerves and she lowered her haunches into a sitting position, her honey colored eyes staring at her reflection in the bright blue waters. She could do this. She knew she could. She had been  a leader before as well as a healer. No wolf was better suited for an Alpha then she was! The she wolf decided it best to relax for a while, pushing her front legs forward and allowing the tips of her claws to penetrate the water. Now laying down, she watched as her claws rippled the water and the fish continued to come forward just to scatter. Yes, this was how she was going to spend her day.

Maybe tomorrow she would catch up with the travels she had planned out. 
Iskierka

[Iskierka]

Esperanza WORDS: 602 NOTES: NOTES

It was, Iskierka had to admit, a beautiful day. She had wandered far from her original location, but with no one to answer to and no place to call home, there was little else to do. Not that she minded, of course. Adventure was what Iskierka lived for, and although she was not presently doing anything very exciting, it was better than sitting still. The sun warmed her back as the loped around the lake, the bright rays illuminating the various colors of her fur: deep red, soft cream, a hint of golden here and there, and the brown. This was one of the few places in Yellowstone that Iskierka hadn’t yet visited, and she was particularly looking forward to fish, if she could catch any. Approaching the lake, she paused at the very edge, her toenails barely breaking the water. The surface was smooth and glassy, and if she peered hard enough to look past her reflection, she could spot silvery fishes jutting back of forth. Some were too small to bother with, but occasionally she would spot a larger one weaving in and out of the tiny schools. Fishing took patience, which was the one thing Iskierka lacked, but she hated an empty belly more than anything else, so she stood still and silent, watching. There was a moment where one of the fish, seemingly forgetting the danger that lurked about, darted too close to the surface and Iskierka sprang, jutting her muzzle under the water with a loud splash. The other fish dispersed quickly after that, but her teeth had closed over a slimy, wriggling body. Triumphant, she danged away from the edge, snorting water as the fish flopped in her jaws. She snapped them shut completely, killing it at once before laying it in the grass. It was of medium sizing, enough to hold her over, and she laid down to pick happily at the carcass. She’d found that fish were often more trouble than they were worth with all the needle-sharp bones, but this one parted from its ribs and spine easily, leaving her with a mouth full of meat. When she’d finished, she left the carcass for the gathering crows and resumed her path around the lake. It was a long while before she spotted the shape in the distance, and it caught her off guard. The wind was unfortunately blowing away from her, so Iskierka hardly saw the wolf until she was only several feet away. Pausing, she tilted her head and observed. The fur of the beast was an appealing creamy color, with a splash of gold across the face. Another wolf might call from afar, or turn away entirely, but Iskierka had no interest in tucking her tail like a coward. Lifting her head proudly, she approached the wolf, who had settled down before the lake. Now that she was nearer, Iskierka could smell her – and the scent was most definitely feminine. ”I hope I haven’t wandered into some strangers territory on accident,” she announced, although she was almost certain that the area was unclaimed. She hadn’t smelled any scent markers, and as far as she knew none of the packs had expanded…but one could never be sure anymore. Snorting, she narrowed her eyes as she observed the female, as if to get a better look at her. ”Whatever are you doing out here on your own?” Of course, the same could be asked of Iskierka herself, and she truly had no right to demand any answers out of the she-wolf, but her curiosity ran rampant and there was no reining it in.

Forged by LUCI OF ADOXOGRAPHY

[Esperanza]

Her eyes had been locked on the fish and nothing but the fish. She had been flicking her ears to keep some part of her alert, but then again, she wasn't too worried. If anyone was going to ambush her, they would need to do a lot better than taking her by the lake when she was her most peaceful of minds. What would be the fun in that anyway, killing another wolf in fun blood? She was rather a peace maker, but she understood the mind of a killer. It was to see the horror in the eyes of the victim, to feel that power. However, killing a wolf in cold blood? There was no power to be felt, killing the innocent. Though, one could never be sure unless they were such a wolf, and she in fact, was not. Her head did snap up though when the wind blew another scent into her nose. Curiously, she raised her head, turning it and casting honey eyes onto a moving shape in the distance. 

It took a while before the shape turned from a dark, wolf shaped shadow to an actual wolf. It was a female, the scent told her that, and by the way she was approaching she didn't know who the golden wolf was or just didn't care since they were in neutral lands. Still, she was not the kind of Alpha to care what her reputation was. The only thing in the world she had to care about was herself and the well-being of her pack. One of which still needed to gain members. As the wolf approached, the white wolf pushed herself onto her haunches, taking up an attentive stance as well as a sitting position. At least she still had the courtesy to be polite, even with the authority she held. Then again, she had no authority in a land such as this. ”I hope I haven’t wandered into some strangers territory on accident,” She spoke up and the other she wolf tilted her head to the side as if to question if she was just ignorant or her nose was broken, without saying a word.

Surely, if one had been wandering aimlessly they were checking for scent markers? Unless they had a broken nose, then maybe they wouldn't be. However, she didn't question the remark and simply waited for her to say something else that was a tad easier to respond to. And as if on cue, the next question was a simple one, a basic one, something that was most likely frequently asked to other wolves. Still, she wouldn't exactly know, would she? She hadn't seen another wolf in years. Flicking her ears, she cast her mind to be silent and instead gave the stranger a smile. Ignoring the tone of voice, she spoke up. "Exploring." The wolf murmured simply, keeping her head tilted to the side for a few moments longer before straightening it out. "How about you? Such a pretty thing should be off in secure numbers, don't need some male herding you around like a pet." She snorted back, though her tone remained friendly. She was not one to get into arguments or raise her voice, then again, she had a few good come backs when she really needed to.

Deciding it was better to get acquainted rather than putter on such silly things she gave her head a small bow, silently laughing at the irony of the whole situation. The queen bowing down to all she could suspect was a loner. "I am Esperanza, leader of the Grand Canyon pack just beyond the horizon over there." She told the other wolf, then fell into a polite silence as she waited for her to do the same or say something else.
Iskierka

[Iskierka]

Esperanza WORDS: 458 NOTES: Sorry it's on the short side D; I'm a bit tired from christmas shopping.

"Exploring." It was the simplest of answers, offered with a smile that made Iskierka pause in her verbal assault. She’d expected a startled response, perhaps even anger, but the female was calm and cool instead. Mentally shrugging this off, Iskierka observed the stranger silently, waiting. She assumed that more would be said, and she wasn’t wrong. "How about you? Such a pretty thing should be off in secure numbers, don't need some male herding you around like a pet." ”Ha!” Iskierka snorted, making no attempt to hide her scowl of disdain; not at the female, but instead at what she suggested. ”I’d like to see a brute try to bully me. It wouldn’t be the first time, and the last one lost half an ear when he tried.” Smiling smugly, Iskierka took a moment to relieve the memory. He’d been quite pushy, really, ignoring her snapping jaws and sharp words of warning. He’d insisted on grabbing her by the scruff, attempting to steer her in the opposite direction, and Iskierka had snapped. A twist of her shoulders, a tad bit of force, the look of surprise on his face as she’d wheeled and chomped down on the delicate ear…it had been a lesson he wasn’t soon to forget. Forcing herself out of her reverie, she glanced up the meet the stranger’s gaze as she spoke once more. "I am Esperanza, leader of the Grand Canyon pack just beyond the horizon over there." Ah, so she was an alpha. Well that certainly explained her coolness. Iskierka had heard of the Grand Canyon pack, certainly, but she’d never ventured near enough to meet the alpha. She’d also avoided Cougar Creek, although not on purpose. She’d heard a brute ruled there, not the nicest of alphas, and she knew that to encroach on his territory would result in a challenge. She had no interest in leading a pack, but any challenge offered, Iskierka gladly accepted. Perhaps one day she would tempt fate, but not now. ”Iskierka,” she responded quickly, a clear but brief introduction. She trailed closer to the water, letting her paw pads kiss the cool liquid of the lake as she considered what she’d learned. ”The Grand Canyon pack, hm? I didn’t realize I’d wandered so close to your territory.” Here she paused, gazing out across the water as the wind caressed the shorter fur of her face, the spring chill cooling her where she stood. She was too tense to sit, too full of energy, so she remained standing with her head held high and her ears pricked forward. After a moment, she turned back to face Esperanza, her eyes narrowed with consideration. ”You might really be something, if you’re an alpha. Is your pack quite large?”

Forged by LUCI OF ADOXOGRAPHY

[Esperanza]

The female reacted a little more hysterical to the taunt than the alpha had expected. Her face lit up with amusement and she gave her tail tip a light swing. She couldn't blame the wolf for such enthusiasm. It also showed what she, as an alpha, was always questioning - how strong a wolf was without asking directly. This she wolf had told her rather proudly, and it had earned her a heed of respect from Esperanza. Her amusement still lit her eyes, but it had faded down to a pleased smirk, not to be misplaced with flirtation, but simply admiration. "A lady who can protect herself as an individual." She commented with a approving nod of her muzzle - though it was probably more of a compliment toward a wolf who wasn't a pack mate. "We need more of those in this land." She wasn't this wolf's superior, just a wolf she had bumped into, therefore there was no need to try and dominate her, which Esperanza was not doing it all. She was talking to the wolf - now named Iskierka as a friend, not a subordinate, which was rather odd for her, but held some comfort as well.

The wolf seemed to pause and question herself on how far she had wandered toward the canyon, but she was still plenty out in free land. Even if she had wandered into her territory by accident - Esperanza was not the kind of leader as her rival over in the deer land, Dexerous. Who would roll a wolf in the dirt and threaten to slit their stomachs for trespassing, whereas the leader of the canyon simply wanted piece in numbers. Rather than attacking she would give a warning and send them on their way, a small threat if they returned, but no blood shed. Most would call her weak for it, she called it giving one a second chance. Though, if the second was broken, you would not be getting so lucky the next time. She had the power of  an alpha for a reason, and that reason wasn't getting walked all over by rogues.  Flicking her ears, she gave a light smirk. "No worries, I'm not going to rip your throat out for sniffing a scent marker." She offered, with a light laugh that told the other wolf that she was intending to make a friendly joke rather than a hidden threat. 

Iskierka now spoke of Esperanza's pack, appearing curious of what it was like and who was involved. "Actually, we are fresh out of the lands. You are the first wolf I've seen in the open lands so far, no doubt more will follow." She spoke, her tone slightly more serious as though she were asking herself if it was true, but her eyes would show nothing of her thoughts, only her friendly comment to the other she wolf. Giving her back a small stretch, she allowed herself to slide back into her laying position, though her body was facing away from the water, her attention still on the guest. Iskierka still seemed tense and the alpha couldn't blame her. Some wolves around were just nasty things, trying to walk all over the she wolves as if they were up for claim. She was pleased that she had found a she wolf who knew how to stand up for herself. It was something that her pack needed more of. Confidence and strength. "Not much of a pack wolf, huh?" She spoke softly, making sure she didn't hit a sensitive spot on the other wolf. "I used to be like that, then eventually I wanted to take over what I used to be - a leader. It's in our nature to be together, or at least so I've witnessed. Maybe some wolves are different." The golden kissed wolf offered, honey eyes shining over to the other wolf before she turned and looked out onto the horizon to the place she now called home. 
Iskierka
OOC: No worries! We all have off days, get some rest. (:

[Iskierka]

TAG: Esperanza WORDS: 672 NOTES: NOTES

"A lady who can protect herself as an individual. We need more of those in this land." It would have been a lie if Iskierka had said she wasn’t a tad bit surprised by this. She had expected laughter or perhaps a hint of doubt, but she was met with neither. Usually it seemed easier for wolves to doubt the strength of a femme, especially one of Iskierka’s proportions. She was not small nor was she short, but she certainly was not excessively large or imposing, and her figure was clearly feminine. It was her spirit that made her so strong, her feisty temperament and fierce determination. She had proved this time after time, but it seemed as if it would not be necessary with Esperanza. "No worries, I'm not going to rip your throat out for sniffing a scent marker.” Dragged out of her thoughts, Iskierka narrowed her eyes to slits and cast the alpha a dark look. Not threatening – no, Iskierka wasn’t about to brawl over a few words, but her expression was very clear: I’d like to see you try. This, however, was followed by a smug yet playful grin. It was obvious that Esperanza had meant the remark sarcastically and not as a threat, proven by the clear laugh that followed, so Iskierka was sure to react in a similar manor. She liked Esperanza, although she hadn’t known her for very long yet. There was always the chance that something would happen to shatter the fragile peace, but Iskierka severely doubted it. The alpha seemed cool, collected, and kind. As Esperanza went on to detail the numbers of her pack, or the lack thereof, Iskierka listened attentively. Indeed it seemed as if the wolves of the park had made themselves scarce, although she’d heard that Dexerous’s pack was growing steadily in numbers. The thought made her shake her head just slightly in disbelief. She, as a headstrong she-wolf, could never imagine following someone like Dexerous. If the rumors proved true, he was a strict leader, hard and cold like ice. She had encountered wolves like him before, and they never had the patience to deal with her temperament. They always thought they could break her, could turn her into a sniveling, soulless puppet. Ha! Iskierka would be damned if she ever allowed anyone to take away what made her….well, her. "Not much of a pack wolf, huh? I used to be like that, then eventually I wanted to take over what I used to be - a leader. It's in our nature to be together, or at least so I've witnessed. Maybe some wolves are different." At this, Iskierka glanced up, casting her amber gaze on the alpha. Esperanza had certainly spoken true. Although Iskierka knew she was strong enough to survive on her own, there were times where she missed bounding across an expanse of terrain, her pack mates barking excitedly as they closed in on a herd of deer they’d hunted for miles. Or the beautiful, haunting songs that they would sing at night with only the owls and fireflies to hear, before curling against each other in the dens, safe in their numbers. The longing to fit in, the need to work together as one extended family, was fierce. Although she would never openly admit it, Iskierka wanted it again. ”It’s not that I mind packs, really,” she began slowly, staring at the smooth surface of the water as she spoke, voice full of resentment. ”It’s that they mind me. I don’t deal well with being treated like property, or like a slave. I will gladly and loyally serve an alpha who deserves it, not one who intimidates and bullies to gain false respect. And I can be a little too…outspoken for most alpha’s tastes.” This last was delivered with a coy smirk, although she could still feel the anger bubbling just beneath her skin. She had a good heart, a brave heart, and it rankled her pride that anyone would doubt that.

Forged by LUCI OF ADOXOGRAPHY