When you imagine someone tall, skinny, and angular like Erika was, you'd imagine them to walk awkwardly and precise. Not Erika, she moved with all the fluidity of water as she stalked to the pack's border. Drawing close to the border, she opened her lips to yawn, but stopped with a sharp growl of pain as she felt the cracking skin on the left side of her face split into a wide open cut. As if I couldn't get any uglier... she snarled to herself. The she-wolf's face was horribly disfigured on the left side, her eyelids completely gone, the lips torn off revealing her incisors, molars, canines and all of her teeth. There was no fur left on that side, showing off the scars and torn skin she received from the attack which left her this way. When it didn't get hydrated it would start to get dry and crack, like it did now.

She reached the border and stared beyond it for a few moments. Horrid, traumatizing memories of being attacked by dogs and being shunned by her pack flew through her mind like dark rags being tossed in the breeze. She remembered with a crazy smile how she lured the dogs to her back, and then watching them slaughter each other until none stood. Soon after she was captured by a freak show, where she was mistreated and finally driven past the point of rational thinking. When she finally escaped she was a new creature....a demon prone to going from a sophisticated, cynical wolf to a monster in a blink of an eye....a wolf with a beautiful voice and unusual talents to a crazed, laughing killer.......but could that change?

Her bright yellow eyes flashed. I don't want to be a loner anymore....I was born a pack wolf...and I shall die a pack wolf.... She mused silently. But I feel like I will still be a monster...will that be true? Could darkness turn to light with the right circumstances? She blinked once and then tipped her head back to howl her arrival to the pack. The howl was of perfect clarity and pitch, she went to a high range, then dropped a half step, then 3 whole steps, all the way to her lowest note, then swooped back up to the first note she howled. She repeated that again 2 times, then ended with a low note. She curled up with her tail on her nose, and closed her right eye, her other eye always open and unblinking, to await a pack member's arrival.

(OOC: Half steps and Whole steps are a musical term, if you don't understand it please ask. :3)

With another day behind him the Delta walked briskly towards the border after he heard the call of a new wolf. It was a pretty day out with the sun shining and spring birds starting to come out. The permanent grin was still plastered on his maw from the previous days ceremony for him and Juno. Marrok let out a happy sigh as her image danced in his mind, his loss of concentration nearly caused him to trip on a rock. Such happy days were around him that the male had little cares as he made his way towards the howl, uncaring who had rang.

Coming closer to the sound his eyes adjusted to see a dark looking female facing away from him. Clearing his throat slightly to alert her to his presence Marrok walked closer until he could see her face. Coming at her from her injured side the male bit back a small gasp at the sight of her face. Never before had he seen a wolf with such horrendous injuries, but he remained tactful and polite. "Hello there I am Delta Marrok. Who are you and what are your intentions for being here?" He questioned, prying his gaze away from her scars.

The sound of a wolf approaching with a spring in its step made Erika's ears, both torn and normal, spring up to attention. She sniffed the air, confirming that the wolf coming towards her was a male. As the male cleared his throat Erika rose on skeleton-like legs and stared at the male her saffron-yellow eyes burning intensely into him despite the fact he turned his face away from her scars. Softly she sighed, happy that the male was polite instead of staring in cruel, mocking fear.

"Erika. My name is Erika." Her voice was like a breeze over a quiet meadow, or a nightingale's song in the night. "My intention for being here is to join a pack." The dark fae leaned back and sat on her haunches, waiting for the male to speak. Her right paw came up to her face and wiped off the fluids accumulating in her eye sockets.

As the fae turned around Marrok waited for the customary greeting of a bow or some show of submission, but it never came. The fae before him merely stared at him in the eye and seated herself without so much as a dip to the head. True he wasn't exactly the highest ranking wolf in the pack, but he was a Delta and a pack wolf compared to this female. Standing tall Marrok curled his sable tail up and over his back as he glowered down at Erika. "You shall show a Delta and a pack wolf respect before stating your intentions." He said firmly, his amber eyes glaring down at her. This little show put a damper in his good mood and he wouldn't let it go quickly.

As a former Beta Marrok was used to shows of disrespect though infrequent it was. In his old pack such displays would be given a second chance to redeem themselves before judgment was drawn, and he would instill this towards Erika now. If she continued this act he would not hesitate to chase her out or demote her to omega for her disrespect. "Even though you have intentions of joining I will need some information when and if that happens. Tell me what can you offer the pack besides your manners?" He said, a slight snort in his voice as he continued to glare at her. He wouldn't e blinded by her facial scars, no, he was glaring at her persona now.

"Oh yes, please forgive me Delta, I have forgotten all about those obedience and submission rituals." She hissed softly her voice full of sarcasm, lowering her head slightly and flattening her ears until they seems nonexistent. "If I were to join this pack, then I would offer my hunting and fighting skills to the pack." Silently she was annoyed by the subtle contempt in his voice but she didn't let it show, putting on her cynical, devil-may-care face, hiding the rising anger in her mind. If this "Delta" pushes her buttons anymore, the darkness would take over yet again, and she would attack this wolf in raw anger and hatred. Her pitch black tail waved back and forth, a sign she wasn't completely in a submissive posture. It's been too long since she had pushed herself into that lowly position and she wasn't about to start it now.

At this rate, she knew what rank in the pack she would get: Omega. A long time ago she remembered the omegas in her pack, pushed around and beaten, sniveling and cowardly. If she did get into this pack, this Delta would lead her back to the camp, and tell everyone they could beat her as much as they wanted. If she did get into this pack, she would bite back, and get food when she wanted, not when they let her eat last. If she did get into this pack, she would be the strangest omega they'd ever have.

((xD I guess that means I have to change colors. Damn, oh well.))

The fae emerged from the large den, standing in broad daylight and the bright lights of the sun's evening rays. Her vision blurred, squinting as it adjusted slowly to the change of lightning from dim to brightness. Juno hadn't seen Marrok at all since last night when he had came into his den to find her already there, laying and waiting to see him with a tender, welcoming smile. Sleeping with a brute wasn't as some faes may seem uncomfortable for she had a previous mate before every coming to Alpha Azul's and now also Alphess Lucy's pack, in which died sadly along with her only pup. Now that Marrok and her were finally mated, it was required for the female to sleep in her mate's den. The ebony black fae grinned, lost in thought of his burning amber eyes staring into hers on the rock of their mating ceremony. The she-wolf let out a tiresome yawn followed with a small howl.

Boredom struck the Delta's mood, having the sudden urge to explore today, however first things first she had duties to be fulfilled before doing so. Surely, she'd see her beloved mate later in the day, most likely to be seen with Elite Kenai for training in the pasture. Juno started in a small trot, taking her time to the border as she enjoyed the scenery of spring's power upon the lands. It's remarkable power benefited the packlands greatly, filling the lands with bright colors and beautiful tunes from various birds whom are trying to impress another to be mates, soon to create a small family in the process. Her tail swished happily back and forth, waving it with pride as she pranced in the borders direction. Emerald eyes gleamed brighter as Marrok's scent laced into her wet nose along with a fae's she'd never come across before.

When the pack's border came into final view, she saw two wolves: a brute with a reddish brown pelt and a fae, black as night similar to Juno's fur only she possessed golden hue for eyes. She couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation, hearing a bit of anger from Marrok and a bit of sarcasm from the fae's tone, the female decided it'd be best to interfere before things get out of line. Tail pressed against her back, head held high, Juno crept out of the forest's shadows and into the open, making her presence known to both wolves. She brushed up against Marrok's side, smiling tenderly then peered to the fae covered in scars and gashes. As much as the fae looked in terrible condition, Juno remained composed and simply nodded."Evening, newcomer. I am Delta Juno." She paused, looking over the obsidian fae curiously. "You say you can offer these skills of both hunting and fighting. Do explain. Are you more of a leader or follower when taking down a much larger prey with the help of others? How far do these skills stretch exactly in both categories if I may ask?" After questioning the loner, her gaze went to Marroks, gleaming happily to see him. "Hello love, am I interrupting?" She waited peacefully for the fae to answer her necessary questions and to hear her lovely mate's voice that filled her with warmth.

The sarcasm and incomplete submission sent Marrok over the edge. Glaring down at the fae the delta stretched up to full height and growled down at her. "It would be wise of you to remember full respect to a high rank lest you want to be chased out with more scars fae." He growled standing over her now, his tail curled high. "Last chance submit fully to me or leave, I care now which you do." He snarled and threatened her further with a snap of his jaws next her her good ear.

Suddenly the scent of Juno filled his nose, causing him to relax slightly. Seeing her enter the scene made him perk up further and his snarl was replaced by a grin. "Hello dear, lovely to see you as always. Erika here and I were just discussing the finer points of pack manners." He said sending another glare back at her. To further emphasis his point he stood over her more and his tail thrashed behind him. Ever since their mating ceremony a few nights ago the pair had been inseparable, though this morning was an exception. Seeing his mate here made the male realize he wanted to speak to Juno about something important, once the altercation with miss polite was over with.

The scent of a new wolf, a fae, wafted into the torn wreck which served Erika as a nose. She didn't turn to greet the new arrival, but stared at the male looming over her. With a sigh she lowered herself closer to the ground, her tail tucked in deeper in-between her legs, and her good and bad ear flattened. She dimly remembered a more submissive posture, and closed her eyes to try to remember fully. When she opened her eyes she rolled over on her back, exposing the dark fur on her underside, and the ribs which jutted out. She leaned her head back, showing the male her neck. She looked up and saw the fae, a dark black she-wolf like herself, but with emerald eyes and a more filled out frame. The fae, who introduced herself as Delta Juno, was the other Delta's mate. Suddenly her mind was filled with jealousy and regret. If that accident never happened she would be just like this Juno! If her pack wasn't so vain, if they never shunned her, she wouldn't be on her back, begging for this male's forgiveness!

Clearing her throat, she began to answer Juno's questions in a soft, lilting tone. "In my old pack, I was the best hunter. I led many of the pack's hunting trips and the majority of them were successful. In most weather conditions I can successfully track down the weakest of the herd and isolate it. As for fighting, I consider myself very proficient. Living and wandering alone does sharpen one's skills, and I learned from the best in my old pack." Again, her right eye filled with fluids, and she rubbed it tenderly, clearing it of the obscuring liquids that filled due to the fact she had no eyelid there.

She looked to Marrok as he had spoken first, explaining of that him and the fae were discussing the ways of respectful manners. Juno left Marrok too his duty, keeping her distance to remain composed and turned to face the torn ebony female before her, glancing at deep wounds and exposed ribs as she surrender in an overpowered dominance whom was displayed a majority of her mate's stance and increasing frustration. Meeting her golden yellow gaze, the delta flicked her head up, giving the indication to stand again. "I'm glad to hear that. Your hunting skills and fighting skills show strength, no doubt." She paused, and looked to Marrok, slowly glancing back to Erika. "It seems you got off on the wrong foot, this is just a warning but it is expected for yourself to show respect and trustworthiness in this pack. If don't, we have no choice but to run you off to back to wherever you had came from or kill you were you stand."

Juno took a step forward, curling her tail and sitting back at the brute's side, keeping her eyes locked on the tattered marks across the fae's skinny build. "Do you understand that Erika?" She questioned, keeping her tone from calm, soothing. "There's only one last thing before you will be given a rank. This pack needs everyone and everything to survive, we depend on each other for food, advice, and protection. Will you lay down your life to protect this pack and nourish their needs? Swear your oath now and I grant you the rank of a warrior." The charcoaled maw of hers curled into a tender half smile, perking her ears skyward as she waited. Her eyes couldn't help but look at the scars and flesh wounds upon the female's frame. She hadn't winced at the site for it never seemed to bother her. Both Warrior Chiara and Ember had terrible scars but after a while Juno had gotten used to looking at them, it also seemed to make the two more confortable when she'd see them. Juno hadn't seen Chiara since her and Marrok's mating ceremony, and suddenly wished to see her. Ember on the other-hand was a whole another issue. When she ran off from the pasture, she was frustrated and needed to be alone. Juno hadn't seen her since then and hadn't heard anything about the fae within the pack. Most likely thinking, Ember wasn't much of a social wolf like herself, she even mentioned to Juno directly that the female wanted no part of meeting other packmembers, thankfully for Juno, they had became good friends. She remained seated, quietly peering her eyes to Marrok and the loner.

((Oh I sort of applied for her to be an Omega since she's been alone for 2 years and uncomfortable around others. ^^''''))
Erika rolled over and stood, sighing happily with relief. The black muzzle started opening as she began to speak, and caused another split in the naked skin on the right side of her face to make her duck her head in agony. The cut was deep, and started to bleed a little. Her left eye closed as she endured the pain, her right eye forever open. When the pain seemed to subside her left eye opened and stared at Delta Juno and her mate. She opened her mouth several times experimentally, and then let out a deep sigh.

"Well, Delta Juno, I do accept that oath, but I would prefer that I have the rank of Omega for a while..." In hindsight of her and the male's first encounter, it would be a long time before she would automatically understand the submission protocols of a pack. 2 years of loneliness changes a wolf, and for her it made her reclusive and, a very cynical person. "If I were to be a Warrior, I think it would be a drastic change from my previous position." Her tongue licked the open scratch tenderly and she winced at the rush of pain that she felt. When she got to the camp, the first thing she would definitely do it go to the Healer's den.

Accepting her submissive psoture Marrok stepped aside to allow her to rise. A small conversation arose between Juno and the fae until she mentioned wanting the position of Omega. Smirking slightly at this he couldn't hold his tongue. "If you wish the rank it is yours. You are now Omega Erika though I hope in time you can learn proper pack ways so you may rise into another position." He said before nosing Juno. "I must be off love, I'll see you later?" He questioned before turning to walk back towards camp. A good long run would settle the rage that had been building within him. A break from this is what he needed.

Walking away from his mate and the new omega Marrok let out a sigh and burst into a swift run, letting his mind roam and relax. He hoped Juno could handle the fae and wondered who the next wolf at the border he would meet.


ooc-You can now change your name to Omega Erika and join the group "omega" under ranks at the top of the page

"Very well" Juno nodded once to the fae, peering to Marrok at his small smirk she glared. As much as this fae had been disrespectful, it wasn't right for him to stoop to that level as well. "See you then." Her smile faded as she watched her mate run back to the camp, leaving the two of them at the border. Oh great, leave me with the omega. Juno sighed, lazily looking to Erika, training her eyes upon her tattered ears. "Now that you've been accepted, you are dismissed to roam about the lands. Would you like for me to walk you to the clearing or would you prefer exploring around for a bit before officially settling in?"

The ebony she-wolf looked to the bright blue sky. The bright sun was just hitting the afternoon marker, halfway facing over them towards the west beyond the treetops. Juno glanced back to the fae, nodding once again. "I have things to do, but I have time to walk you there if you want."

The dark black fae sighed softly. "I would be happy if you led me to the clearing." Silently she seethed with the tiny smirk the male had given before he trotted away. His mate Juno was nice at least, she was kind and compassionate but seemed to be stern when needed. The pain on the naked skin was pretty much unbearable at this point. She twitched every time she opened her mouth to speak or licked the exposed teeth that resulted from the skin around the mouth being torn off a long time ago. The sooner she got to the clearing, which was what she supposed to be the pack's camp, the better.

Larks and woodpigeons swooped and dove in the sky above her, trilling soft songs. A smile lit up her muzzle, and she stared at the birds for a while, listened to their songs of pure bliss. Sometimes she wished she was a bird, not a wolf with half of her face mutilated and scarred, not an always thin creature, looking like she was starving. Sometimes she just wanted to exchange her fur and legs for wings and fly away. But then she shook her head and looked at the black Delta. Now's not the time for daydreams.

ooc - I can't be in the clearing since I'm already there, you can just say I walked you there and I turned the other way off to my duties. Oh, and I was wondering if you could not interfere with the Shipwreck Cove thread, it was meant for only the wolves in it as of recent.