The Return

Ike much preferred this territory to the previous. It was kinda beautiful in a strange, nostalgic sense. Snowflakes descended lightly in the air, dancing in the wind and whipping about him as he traveled farther into the increasingly mountainous land. Naturally, the terrain was rather sparse. It was devoid of any trees, and just a field of tall grass. Or maybe that would have been the case had that supposed grass not been buried under a rather thick layer of snow. It made for difficult travel, really, as trudging through snow was one of the quickest way to tire anyone. But that was just fine for the flame-pelted male. Determination alone kept him moving as he came closer to his destination. Besides, snow was certainly nothing he couldn't deal with, though it was beginning to become a pain in the ass when he caught the first scent of a stench.

There was no better word that would accurately describe the rank smell that suddenly contaminated every nearby shrub. Ike froze, his muscles twitching beneath his thick pelt as he leered at the snow-covered land surrounding him. It took him no longer than a few seconds to recognize the scent as the scent of an empire, and he involuntarily relaxed, his tawny pelt smoothing over. A few weeks into his journey, the wolf had realized that each empire carried its own respective scent. None of the scents surrounding their borders ever smelled pleasant. In fact, it seemed that every empire's aroma was repellent in some way or form. It grew even more so depending on how large the group was. The fetor of this empire's borders was stronger than most, and suggested power. Befitting, was the only thought that rang coherent in his mind as he glanced about the tough territory. He imagined that thriving here would be a challenge, and any empire that could had to be powerful.

A smirk quirked on his features, Ike strode forward confidently, his tail raising as he halted directly on the border. He shook his pelt, clearing it of any snow it may have accumulated. Just some weeks ago, his flanks had been hollow due to near starvation. But he'd found prey-rich grounds, and survived off of the occasional rabbit or the few in-season berries he could find. Winter's treacherous grip was tightening on the lands, and his better sense knew that he'd have trouble. All the more reason to join an empire, I suppose. He wouldn't wait for them to notice his presence. Ike rose his head and summoned a melodious howl from the depths of his throat. Come and meet your destiny. Exhiliration rushed through his veins as his howl died in his throat but remained an echo. He usually never revealed his presence when near claimed territory, but now he was doing so loud and clear. The male lowered onto his haunches, his features calm and patient as he awaited the arrival of a wolf.

( @Alpha Nero ) uvo

The sound of crunching snow announced the arrival of another. Ike's jaws stretched wide open as a yawn forced itself free, and he promptly rose from the snow laden ground. Another shake of his pelt sent the white powder flying from it in all directions, though this time he decided he wouldn't sit down. Not in the presence of another wolf. Satisfaction sprouted within the brown male as he noticed that he hadn't been kept waiting too long. The wolf that he'd managed to summon was, well, monstrous, to put it simply. He had fur as black as tar, and was well above the average height for a wolf. "Huh. No wonder you called yourself the beast just now." the outsider mused, mostly to himself as he sized the brute up. He was quick to notice how his company was practically looming above him, and he feigned relaxation. Silver eyes narrowing, Ike noted the scars that practically lined his pelt and winced, his ears twitching backward momentarily. More disgust than fear spurred the action on. He wouldn't be intimidated by one wolf anyway, but yikes those scars. A pack full of fighters, then? Or just really aggressive wolves? He wouldn't be a huge fan, but he'd do what he could to get by. Besides, he doubted that the place would be governed by combat alone. He decided not to focus too much on the scars. Such imperfections were easy to ignore when a wolf carried themselves in a commanding manner. It was good that this brute did exactly that.

A breezy grin graced Ike's features - quite the opposite of Nero's greeting - and he lowered himself in a gracious bow. "So you run this place? Gorgeous!" his words hummed from his maw, not giving the brute a chance to correct him if he were wrong. The answer didn't matter anyway, this hunk of a wolf must have secured a respectable placement in the hierarchy. He rose from his respectful bow and stretched his hindlegs. "I'm Ike, and I'm looking for a place within your empire. Whatever you need, I can offer it. Though.. I'm inclined to add that my strength lies in hunting." Ike winked, placing an emphasis on the word hunting. Fighting got to being a hassle quite quickly for the tawny male, and his herbal skills weren't noteworthy of any sort. Hunting was his strong suit. He got straight to the point. After all, there were no pluses in dancing around the matter, and he wanted to get things in motion immediately.

Nero watched the tawny male as he flinched at the look of his appearance. He couldn't tell if he flinched at his size or the looks of the scars that littered his body. One does not become the king and stays the king being kind and nice, one needs to establish that you are not a creature to mess with. Otherwise, you might as well kiss your throne and empire goodbye. Nero wasn't flattered at the earth colored male as he complimented his territory and he made sure to show it, "Oh? I have to agree it is quite beautiful. Generations of death and decay have happened here, so many lives lost and blood spilled. Yes, this place is ancient and glorious. However, flattery won't get you far in this pack of mine." Nero gave a toothy smile, one that showed so much malice in it. "Ike," he said testing out the name before continuing, "strange name. Is that what they call you there from where you're from?" He asked, actually curious to know, but then later changed his mind, "irrelevant and not important. You say you want to join? Yet you don't look like you'll survive a day in my pack. Scars and fighting are an occupational hazard. However, a Jaeger will be useful so wish you still want to join?" Nero tilted his head to the side as he waited for a reply.

He couldn’t help but wonder what prompted the jet-black brute’s speech about the empire’s territory. He didn’t exactly recall commenting on it in any way or form, but he guessed that it was only a ploy to call him out. He dismissed the words despite the obvious threat – or was this wolf serious?. Ike honestly couldn’t tell, but he hoped that he wasn’t about to align himself with some blood-thirsty loon. That’d be a shame if he is. This one is actually quite handsome.. with some getting used to. He supposed that it didn’t matter anyway. He was less than impressed when his suspicions about this foreign empire were confirmed as the somewhat-but-not-all-too-threatening lord before him spoke. So it is an empire full of fighters. Hm. Not a real set-back, but it’ll certainly make things harder, he considered, but not all too thoughtfully. The day his gorgeous pelt ended up fifty-percent scar would be the day he went straight to hell. In other words, it wasn’t going to happen. Unless wolves were throwing themselves at him demanding brawls, he would just try to avoid them if necessary. He was an exceptionally skilled wolf, and – without a scrap of remorse or guilt – he knew that many wolves met their ends at his jaws or ploy. What made this place any different? Does this brute think I'm scared? His silver eyes searched the lord's own.

Ike straightened, his gaze darting elsewhere, and acted almost dismissive. At least until he heard the word flattery. His ears perked in undisguised amusement, and he lowered onto his haunches, and acted as though in deep thought. His pale eyes even strayed from the form of the tar-black brute, surveying the snowy landscape. What the hell is a pack? Another word for empire? And I don’t recall any flattery, but I guess I can just play his game. Then they flickered back to the looming lord, just in time to see the grin that was all-teeth and threat. The dark fur on his back prickled in discomfort, but his maw simply curled into a grin and a quiet chuckle escaped his maw. Might as well have a little fun, too! He nodded in agreement with his own thoughts. "My my my, that's a striking grin, and this time it isn't flattery. Honest!” he replied innocently, and he almost meant it. Rising to his paws, Ike’s maw opened again as the lord pondered his name, but he wasn’t given the opportunity to reply. He barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. Manners must be a foreign concept to this wolf. Even Ike, with his cockiness, at least knew not to dismiss another’s name. The brute continued to insult him, and the flame-pelted outsider released a deep exhale. His grin was shiftless, and so was his respect, for the most part. "I handled a bunch of lawless rogues for majority of my time as a loner,” he muttered dryly, his head dipping somewhat, ”and throughout all that - this perfect specimen? Untouched. Scar free! I hope that’s evidence enough that I'd survive your empire.” Ignoring the ‘scars are a daily hazard or something’ part, he gestured to his beautiful tawny pelt with the slight swing of his head. Scar free was an exaggeration, of course. The imperfections lined his skin, but he was lucky enough for them not to be entirely visible. His pale eyes gazed at his pelt fondly for some seconds. His title and his empire may have been stolen from him, but he would always be Ike and he would always be handsome. Fighting the urge to shake the snow free from it, he returned his attention to the brute. His head tilted slightly. ”Jaegar? Is that what you call your hunters? – I’ll join under that rank, if that’s so.”

Nero watched as the wolf with a pelt like the earth below him complimented his nefarious grin, "others don't seem to agree with such statements. At least not for me that is, good to know someone appreciates it," the male said, however he didn't smile as his voice leaked sarcasm. He was getting bored quickly and he wanted to get back home. However, he humored the wolf named Ike. He couldn't help, but by Ike tale of taking on over 10 rogues and not gaining a scratch from it. How curious, but I'm sure you're tired and weary from your trek and want the comforts of knowing a pack has your back and rest assured. Others know not to mess with Sardothien," Nero said before stopping and letting his words sink in. "Jaegers are another word for hunter. They provide the food for the pack. Since this seems to be the rank you desire you'll be known as Jaeger Ike. Welcome to Sardothien. Come we have a lot of ground to cover," Nero waved his thick silky tail to signal to Ike that he can cross. The rest of Nero's pelt was riddled in scars and was cough and corse, however, his tail was opposite being smooth and full unlike other canines tails. "I neglected to mention that my name is Nero, Alpha Nero. Welcome home Jaeger Ike." He stopped and spoke over his shoulder before continuing on. He padded swiftly but slowly so Ike could keep up and soak up the territory's features.

OOC:
Congrats! You have successfully joined Sardothien. You can now change your name to Jaeger Ike! You don't have to reply to this, but if you wish to then feel free. Welcome!