Late evening graced the lands with faint shadows that cast disfigured shadows over the tree-tops, the last of the sun waning to give way to the early moon. Tye padded through the sparse forest, his paws touching wet, dense ground every moment. It had rained not long ago here. He could smell it in the air and feel it on his paws. The trees were spread out evenly but they were bent over like the backs of old wolves he had seen back in his old pack. He wondered for a second if they would break too just like the spines of the wolves the Alpha had killed for thievery or treason. That was the way. When they couldn't fight or be of any use the Alpha would kill them and if they betrayed him in any way he'd torture them, make them suffer pain and humiliation at his paws. Would this pack be any more different? Tye paused, head cocking to the side as he heard a hooting noise in the distance. An owl. He looked around. No one else was here right now. Just him. Maybe he should howl to draw the Alpha's attention. If there was a fight for dominance then so be it. He flicked his tail idly, standing still and listened for any telltale signs like paws breaking twigs, the swish of a tail or the rustle of leaves. When there wasn't any he continued on his way. He was too tired to fight if he didn't have to. He'd traveled too far and fought too many predators like an irate bear when he'd accidentally sought shelter from a freak blizzard in its cave.

It was getting darker. Tye was a moving shadow, gliding over the ground and under over-hanging branches and over roots. Every so often a tiny ray of dim moonlight would penetrate the canopy, shining beams of silvery columns through the darkness. It glanced off Tye's pelt and shone onto his eyes which seemed to grow even colder. Tye ended up at the base of a thick tree littered with fallen leaves. Odd. There was a dead rabbit here but it was completely unharmed. It wasn't even bleeding. Tye bent his head down and sniffed it. It smelt alive. It was sleeping. Tye lowered his muzzle and growled. Its eyes shot wide open and it scampered away, leaves and dirt flying everywhere. Tye watched it go, amused. He always found it funny how rabbits ran when they were frightened.

Tye's ears twitched as he heard the branches shake near him. He glanced upwards. The little creatures up there sought refuge. Monkeys peered out from behind gaps in leaves. The owl hooting had stopped, along with other noises. A winter wind blew by, ruffling his shaggy fur. Tye sniffed the air. It also brought the scent of another, a female and the scent of blood spilled. The Alphess? His light blue eyes strayed, searching until they found the instigator. By then, the last Tye caught was the rabbit's tail disappearing underneath bloody white teeth. And the female stepped out. Tye didn't flinch even as she challenged him both with her stance and words. She was a beast, a svelte sleek creature but not the largest female he had ever seen in his life. Tye's ears cocked forwards, considering her words. He stood, tail lowered and regarded her with a cool gaze, keeping eye contact. Tye wasn't exactly muscular but he wasn't weak either. He had developed muscles, honed and hard. His shoulders and chest were built well, giving him immense upper body strength. This Alphess was not to be underestimated though and he should give her respect. There was no point doing otherwise.

"Tye," He said. He flicked his tail, brushing away a fly and continued, "I'm merely here to seek a pack to join. A pack where I can freely fight and defend. I swear ultimate loyalty and will do anything you ask...Alphess of the Woods." His expression was straight when he finished but his gaze almost as challenging as hers. He wanted to play a little, to see how short of a temper his new Alphess held.

Tye, came a silent repetition, eyes examining the brute which stood before her. "The two qualities that you've mentioned are common to my pack's daily routine, as it is with many. What we seek is power, control, do you find that goal...misled?" For the brief moment, Esmeralda felt more sentimental, speaking to the male in tongues. Stepping nearer, aura of dominance harsh, she spoke once more, "I don't want your loyalty, I want your soul. Are you willing to give that to me, Tye? All my members have sworn their very essence to me but they also had to be willing to give such a sacrifice as well."

Tye's eyes flickered, relief pouring through them. He guessed he had stumbled on the right lands. "No," He chuckled, blue eyes seeming to glimmer like the clear blue waters of the ocean under the silver of moonlight that speared through the darkness. "A pack can only be controlled through power and strength can it not? Claws and fangs do more than words ever could." As she stepped closer, exerting her dominance, Tye stayed where he was waiting, anticipating. No fear, that was the name of the game as it had always been. He liked the sound of the Alphess' pack. Tye's ears twitched, slight amusement darting across his strong features. Souls? He thought. Well that was different.

"Of course. My soul is yours," He replied. Servitude came with a price, that he knew and this was just another way to pledge his allegiance. After all, rational thought and reality told him magic didn't exist. She was inspecting him now. Tye sub-consciously straightened, showing off his physique. He was a fine specimen with his strong legs and chest, powerful shoulders which gave him a robust physique. His size, though it was the same height as all healthy males his age, clearly marked him as an asset. And his fur, which was somewhat messier on the back of his neck and around his shoulders, made him look a little bigger than he was. Tye gazed squarely at her as she came to a stop in front of him with barely any space between them. One step closer and they'd be touching noses. Tye smiled slightly. Well, there was one way to start a fight. When she spoke again it was music to his ears. Chaos looming? Brilliant. "I can,"He said.

(It's fine)

"Healing!" Tye laughed. "Yes that would be a waste." He shook his head and said, ""No I was raised to fight and hunt with no mercy. I have finely honed reflexes and strength and endurance that serve me well in battle. I can track any wolf or any other animal using the environment even if they leave no scent behind. I can assess a situation and act accordingly and can strategize and pinpoint an opponent's weaknesses easily. I will use absolute force when necessary and hunt a target for days without being detected." He watched her stretch and added with a tinge of amusement, "And I could carry you on my back when you're feeling...sore."

He cocked one ear forwards, tail swishing through the air. She didn't sound sincere in what she said and the smile...well she did say her rule was growing to an end. Treason was probably on the horizon. He nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself. It looked like he would have to get his paws bloody in the near future. Tye dipped his head to her respectfully and said,"I don't believe in useless fairy-tales so you have nothing to worry about."

(No worries. Hope your mum's doing okay now btw)

Tye's ears twitched in interest, acknowledging her challenge with a dip of his head. "What else is a sub-ordinate supposed to do when he sees his Alphess in pain? But only this once," He chuckled. He followed her gaze as she snarled for no reason. She was snarling at the moon? Odd. The moon was calming, sensational in its own way. Passing it aside he glanced back at the Alphess, hearing the flick of the tail swishing through the air and her words. The signal to follow and obey. A den? He mused. He hadn't even thought it. Later then, he would see if he could dig a den. Even though he was tired it would be a good challenge. He padded after her, disappearing like a phantom into the darkness with as little as a whisper.

[ Thank you! She's doing well actually <3 & all locked up now, feel free to explore Age! C: ]