Mind over Matter, Mirshann gaining acceptance from Oropher

[Mirshann]

MIRSHANN

It was clear that change was needed for the figure that gazed onwards from the trees. The hill was sloping upwards now, and the silvery shadow was gaining closer and closer to his resting place he had frequently came to before. It was a soft, smooth surface in which Mirshann could rest himself. He wouldn't want to admit such a rash thing as saying that he needed rest more often, but his bones could not lie. If anything, he had gained in years since he last returned here, and by that, he himself felt at a loss. He could no longer run as fast as he used to, and of course, his reserved personality normally always seemed to view something negative about himself. Yes, in truth, ha was indeed growing in years, but what was to say that there weren't other talents he could be of use of?

He shut his glowing orbs, twice blinking back memories that were suddenly thrust upon him. At once the bright slits of his amber spheres shown once more and a tiny smile rose on his maw, curling delicately over his pearly white fangs. Upon reaching an exposed outcrop, the white and silvery brute st down on his haunches, scanning the area for any promise of prey. Frankly, his stomach had been silent until now. What did he hope to find anyway? The only thing he could hope to catch was vermin or wounded deer. Of course, Mirshann assumed that vermin was great in abundance, but what of deer? Memory was the only thing that gave him comfort as he remembered the sweet aroma and taste of whitetail sliding down ones throat.

His white acoustics rounded on an unknown sound. His first instinct was to spring back, fangs bared in contempt, especially because he had been accostumed to the unsuited life of a loner for all these years. The thing moved again, and this time launched out from behind a dried looking shrub. A grayish looking bird flapping into the blue rimmed sky in a frenzy of ash colored feathers. Mirshann lowered himself to the ground, sliding onto the cool soil as he panted softly, watching the land with a new found alertness. His swift mind worked away at the notion of catching prey, now the only thing he suddenly desired was a pack. A pack that shared his admiration for intelligence beyond all else. With a half hearted chuckle, he doubted that a pack would even want a wolf living at the beginning of the end of his years, but only hope would drive him now. Hope and maybe just a little bit of luck.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana watched the male from across the field. He was very twitchy, like her. She smiled a little and let her tail sweep behind her gently. Stretching, she felt maybe she should go and introduce herself. Gliding over the long grass, she approached as visibly as possible, her golden eyes watching him for his reaction. She didn't want to startle him, and she didn't want to fight either. She should be more cautious, but Laurenana shrugged her instinct off. She was bored and wanted conversation. He was old and looked like he couldn't catch her if she ran. She let her tongue hand out of her mouth and her tail wag happily. Hi She called to him, from a distance. She might be bored but she wasn't silly enough to fall for any trap. I'm Laurenana, what's you name? I wonder if he is as nice as Calpsis She pondered as she lay down in the grass, her golden eyes watched his every move, but her ears were listening for an ambush. Trust is destroyed when your pack betrays you but Laurenana pushed the memory from her mind. She was here, now. The pack wasn't, so why worry.

[Mirshann]

The Breeze did wonders on his pelt; it felt go refreshing, like he really needed something to distract him from whatever tried to sneak up on his past. He allowed another quick scan of the area, his nostril flaring with curiosity. Almost as soon as he gently placed his massive white muzzle onto of his equally massive paws, he was forced to look up.

Hi?

There. A black she-wolf stood watching him, her tail wagging only faintly in response to his presence. Last time he was here, he was left undisturbed, but the visit before that one brought the unwanted presence of a Brimhor male that seemed to be patrolling the border between his home pack. He had only managed to get away, but then again, he was much younger then, two summers younger. The white shivery male, in his prime, outran the other in a impulsive instinct to flee from the force of the Brimhor three year old.

Golden orbs did not leave her black frame as she glided closer to her. Judging by her timid approach, she would be hesitant, and therefore lead to a timid reaction which would equal the exact form of far-away greetings while acting friendly. This was a natural gift for Mirshann, sometimes it could be both a blessing and a bane, his knowledge, but it was the best he could offer.

She introduced herself as Laurenana. It was both a pretty and effective name for a she-wolf of her stature. He wondered if she was a loner like him, or she was part of the packs, but a simple introduction would show its face now, not questions not concerning him.

"Greetings to you as well, Laurenana." He spoke gently for a wolf so big, a soft wave of pure kindness, but of course it could be seen from any view. He paused for a second; the winds were talking through their leaves, arms swaying in the light breeze.

Trust is given to all, yet all must keep the bond after the bond of safety is broken

Mirshann smiled, she seemed like Mirshann could give her a chance, like all the others he had been either fortunate or unfortunate to meet. Wisdom told him differently, acting against his heart. It seemed he would be cautious as well, for all heir sakes. Especially if a pack wolf showed up.

"They call me Mirshann, everything does." He hoped his choice of words did not upset the she-wolf in some way. The silver lined male gazed apprehensively in her direction, wondering what her reaction would be before he would steady himself up onto his paws and pad over to meet her.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana watched as the male approached her. He was clearly past his prime, his coat was shaggy and poorly kept, yet underneath it all it was a beautiful shade of silver. His eyes matched hers in shade and youthfulness. They were deceiving. Laurenana was intrigued. As the wolf introduced himself, Laurenana realised that she should be more respectful towards him. She had been taught as a pup, to respect your elders for they have wisdom beyond imagination. She bowed her head in acknowledgement of his right to be respected and walked towards him, tail lowered in slight submission, not enough to let him be dominate, but enough to let him be respected. Pardon my earlier lack of respect, wise one. The words were odd off her tongue. She hadn't met an elder for some time. Looking him in the eyes, continued to address him Mirshann, elder She bowed her head again What brings you to these lands? She raised her head again and listened for the answer. Her golden eyes were intently looking at him and her ears were forward. She remained standing, despite the urge to sit. No one is to sit whilst in the presence of an elder, unless the elder gives permission to do so Laurenana winced at the harsh memory of her old pack, but it was something she had applied. She was sure the old wolf would appreciate it.

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. In truth, Mirshann was quite enjoying some company. Not because he was hungry, but he always felt drawn to pack life in some odd way. He was getting older, not younger in the passing days. The trees spoke to him, in an unknown explanation, though he was quite sure he had not lost his wits. On the contrary, his mind was very much intact. He watched as the young ebony she-wolf padded over, as hesitant as her long banner that ended up lowered in respect. With an inward chuckle, his eyes gleamed with youth well below his age, though he hardly cared. This was not a pack, yet the customs were well in tune with any wolf who had been born a pack member. "Please, do not worry your mind in such matters, young one." He bade her to sit freely in his presence, half thoughtful as he motioned with a flick of his tail, at ease. His mind was mingling freely elsewhere, perhaps, to a time where he did not have to plot and plan to catch a hare in one of his clever traps that sometimes took days for them to work successfully. "Why have I come? Well, I return every year, ever since I turned four summers. I suppose being the whelp of an alpha would teach me otherwise...but something happened." Momentarily he trailed off, yet he was sure that the young female was still intently watching him as he continued his answer, his voice picking up confidence one more, " I come to find acceptance, but last time a Brimhor male chased me off." He chuckled softly, as it were just some joke, taken lightly in a life time of ease. His ears twitched forward, a slight itch on one side, but the male promptly ignored th buzz. He was good at that. "He doesn't know how it is though, that Brimhor, none of them grasp the concept of welcome...Oh, I'm sorry if I have rambled. It does me good, you see, when I have company. Decent company." With a faint smile, he twisted his head around when a small rustle of leaves caught his attention, though returned to his former position when he realized it was just a small bird, a sparrow perhaps, that erupted from the trees when a branch fell onto her nest.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana smiled slightly at the offer of a seat. She flopped lazily down into a sitting position, but her ears and head were still alert and ready. Great, I hate standing still...now I have to sit.. She mused. Her golden eyes rested firmly upon the elder. He was like her, in a way. Her was nervous and thinking of the past, she could tell. Perhaps I will end up like him Laurenana's mind was wandering and she scolded herself for not keeping a good grip on the present. You have been coming to this land for some time elder. Laurenana contemplated. But no pack has accepted you. It seems strange. She trailed off as a rustle in the tress caught her attention, her eagle eyes placing firmly upon the location as a small squirrel rushed from the bushes before looking straight at the pair of wolves and rushing back into the undergrowth. She turned back to the elder. that no pack would take a wise wolf like you. I need help myself...wisdom. She pondered. Maybe Mirshann could help me, teach me, like my pack should have done. Pardon, Elder, but I was wondering. You see, I never learnt much in my old pack, I was only young when I was chased away. Perhaps you could help me, rebuild my hunting skills and my fighting skills. She bowed her head in respect. I wish to become a wise elder like yourself one day. She raised her head and her golden eyes locked onto Mirshann's own. A small smile rippled across her scarred face. Maybe, one day, she could serve a pack again and serve well. Maybe even earn a mate. But till then, she had a lot to learn.

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. Mirshann grimaced lightly, pondering her words. He never thought that it was the pack's fault that he was never accepted, but one could hope still, couldn't he? It was most likely his fault that he was never seen. After all, he could never be in more than one place at one time. His eyes grew tired, but he blinked his sleep away. He could sleep peacefully when he took his last breath, hopefully a long ways from now, but with his age, his own health was always unstable. The silvery male couldn't help but admit inwardly that he hadn't eaten for a good while, maybe three...four days? Either way, his stomach growled like a threatening Brimhor by now, try as he might he couldn't stop the pesky noises, only make them fainter. Licking his maw, the smallest taste of squirrel on his black lips, he regarded the she-wolf in a collected manner, maybe just a hint of playfulness at that. "Perhaps they find me a bit unusual." He offered with a smile and a slight shrug of his shoulders. "You can never tell with the mind of others are contemplating, young one. I may be wise, but they know as well as I that I won't be able to feed and protect a pack, let alone myself at times." Or perhaps they don't approve of my company I keep when wolves fail to grace my presence. Fear drives them, so fear they cannot overcome. Pity, really. He debated inwardly with a hidden smile, though his thoughts were rudely interrupted by another question, words shaped oddly together in a phrase that even he wasn't sure what to make of. Pardon, Elder, but I was wondering. You see, I never learned much in my old pack, I was only young when I was chased away. Perhaps you could help me, rebuild my hunting skills and my fighting skills. I wish to become a wise elder like yourself one day. He held her gaze evenly, perhaps even a bit solemnly. What did she expect an aging male to do for her? He could not run like he used to, nor catch prey as well, or fight. He was a warrior, but of what kind? Parting his maw, he panted softly, his mind scanning her exact words. No...she would not want to become like him. Mirshann offered a smile, kind and gentle, though as he gazed at her as she watched him, eager to learn how to survive. It was unusual that she would be asking him that, but if she didn't have any other wolves to teach her, what better thing could the aging male do but grant her said wish? "If that is what you wish, Laurenana. I don't know how much I could offer you. That is up for you to decide, but I will help you, teach you." His paws steadied himself under his body, gently pushing him into a standing position. His limbs creaked slightly, but it didn't bother Mirshann much. After all, he was used to it. "But first, I wouldn't mind eating. That is, if I catch anything." Huffing with soft laughter, he nodded his head, his pelt blowing to the side do to the light breeze that caught his fur in its grasp. It appeared that they were trying to tell him something. Yes, of course, they were proud. He could feel it in his delicate bones as he stood still as stone, listening. Yes, a meal would do nicely.

[Laurenana]

A the suggestion of food, Laurenana's eyes lit up and she smiled. She was rather hungry and she needed to practice. Perhaps, you can show me how you catch food so I can learn your skills Mirshann The youthful black wolf suggested. It annoyed her that she couldn't catch much and she was desperate to learn better ways of catching food. She stood up and wandered over to the elder, her tail flicking slightly as she let to breeze ruffle her dark fur. The breeze felt good along her body and it brought the sweet scent of prey to her nose, making her salivate. She loved hunting and for once, she had someone to enjoy it with and to learn from. Her forepaws danced merrily in front of her as she waited for Mirshann to lead the way [ooc: gah! bad post]

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. Eagerly the black she-wolf stood and padded over to where Mirshann let his limbs get used to a standing position. The elder waited, letting the delicate scent of prey waft through his nostrils. It was heavenly, he was bound to admit, but he could salivate when the kill was limb at his paws. There was work to be done. "That seems like a logical idea." he agreed, though he wasn't so sure he was up to running down anything large, or anything overly small. Starting off, he scanned the surrounding area with his still acute eyes, which was followed by a brief twitch of his nostrils as he tracked down the prey. His paws moved accordingly, heading due north towards the borders of the lands. He did not stop to turn around or even glance back, the only notion that he intended on teaching her how to hunt was executed which a curt flick of his tail for her to follow. The silvery male did not move exceedingly fast, but it was fast for his age, so most likely the young she-wolf could catch up rather easily. At last, after minutes of loping with only the scent of prey to guide him, he spotted a hare resting under a thicket of thorny shrub brush. It was a prickly predicament, but a wise wolf like Mirshann knew how to deal with thorny subjects like this convinced hare. It's fur was brown, with just the smallest tints of white around its flanks. Mirshann had to admit; this was a beautiful animal, but he knew that hunger often won out on mere beauty. Though inwardly he knew that even Mother Earth would groan at the loss, but she would silently praise him for his victory. Checking once that Laurenana was still behind him, he begun his teachings. The hard part wasn't instructing, but how well a young wolf like the she-wolf before him would register his wisdom. "The hare over there. It's cocky, convinced that it cannot be killed. It's judgment has led it to believe in a false sense of security. We must use that knowledge to our advantage." His voice trailed only once, his eyes scrutinizing every movement of the hare as it cleaned its fur with little regard of the predators silently watching it. Again, Mirshann spoke, his voice a hushed whisper with seemingly years of concentration on the tip of his tongue. "The hare is slow, it favors its right front paw, see there? It must have stepped on a briar." He stopped, his acoustics swerved to catch the voice of the wind. It would seem that today the wind favored them, now they could hide their scent relatively easily as they stalked it. "Now, our plan. First you must always try to get as close as possible without detection, then you must lull it into a false sense of security, though it seems that is already done for us, then lastly, you must creep onto it from behind. I want you perform that last instruction, while I lure it to you. Make sure you stick to the shadows." Gently nosing her flank, his strategy was made clear, now all the male had to do was wait until the she-wolf got into position.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana followed the elder diligently, and listened attentively. He knew a lot about animals, it made a smile ripple across the young wolf's face. The old wolf began to hatch a plan. Laurenana grinned, no running or fighting, but thought and tactics. She liked that, much easier to perform. Will do, Mirshann She whispered. She had almost laughed at the idea that he had reminded her to stick to the shadows. Laurenana was a ninja, the master at shadow hiding. She was a natural at that, but she didn't let it get her too cocky, after all, as Mirshann had said, that lulled you into a false sense of security. She let her tongue hang a little bit, to find the wind. Making sure she stayed downwind, with the hare's sweet scent in her nose, she slunk deeper into the grass. Her black fur blended her into the shadows. Her paws moved the she-wolf forward silently. Suddenly, Laurenana was a different wolf, a strong, stealthy wolf, silent and thoughtful. Her golden eyes narrowed, fixed firmly on the prize. Her tail was held off the ground, but low, like the rest of her black bulk. Her ears rotated occasionally, listening out for Mirshann and her nose dragged in the scent of prey. In a way, this reminded her of hunting for the first time. The other wolves had gone to draw the prey towards her and some of her fellow pack mates. She had shown a large amount of skill that time, worthy of a huge amount of praise. This time, it was different. She wasn't happy, she had no pack. They weren't chasing deer, just a hare, and she was alone, waiting in the shadows for the hare to come to her. Maybe, she was taking this hunt more seriously, she wanted friends and teaching, unlike before. Her innocent pup hood had been shattered and hunting was no longer a game, but a puzzle, a task, work. Suddenly, it occurred the Laurenana that life wasn't all fun and games any more, it was risky and hard work.

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. In the old male's eyes, the winds of change were coming, silently and cunningly like a renegade fox hunting along side the moors. Mirshann kept his gaze steady as his golden orbs never faltered when he watched the black she-wolf as she traveled with grace and precision towards the hare. At first, the silvery pelted elder wondered if the hare sensed their presence as it lifted its head and glanced around with wide, fearful eyes. Yes, it was weary now. Even though a prey animal could not see, hear, or smell a predator, they could always detect displacement and tension in the air; something that Mirshann wouldn't mind touching up on. The breeze shifted slightly, a faint sign that they needed to be hasty, yet not too hasty as to give away their intentions to the sensitive hare. Cautiously, he gently placed a single silver paw down onto the ground, then when he knew the hare did not yet flee, then he took another, and another until he was sure that if he moved yet another step, the hare would bolt in the wrong direction. Now, it was time to get tactile. Panting softly, he knew that the wind now ran in a slightly different direction than it was moments before. He tasted the air as it informed many things, possibly more about the climate than anything else, but he was hunting now, this was not a pup's game. He was not in a pack anymore, and he shouldn't act like he was in one. Being with another wolf was one thing, but being with a whole group of wolves was another thing entirely. Hunting for Mirshann was also a thing that most young wolves weren't used to; Instead of running until falling or fighting and risking an injury, he preferred to use mind over matter; brains over brawn, and tactics over strength. It wasn't much, but it certainly proved useful- and less of a risk. Blinking over to where Laurenana stood hiding in the think blanket of shadows, he nodded to himself, checking off another well performed step in his plans. Now that she was in position, he could act. Taking another confident step, Mirshann crept further up towards the hare, aware of the slight bramble covering along the ground. He had to time it just right, or the entire opportunity would fall and be blown away like that. He gazed on as the hare stood rigged and tensed, its back raised stiffly into the air. Now! With an inward growl, Mirshann launched himself forward, his careful back legs springing up to find his footing back down when he hit the ground more graceful than any wolf could really expect from his age. Snapping his fangs, twice the hare squeaked and tried to blot, but Mirshann carefully herded it towards the other wolf who waited under the cloak of darkness. Only once did the hare almost escape his silvery clutches, but the elder compensated. Now, the hare sprang, heading towards the area where the she-wolf waited, terror in its once confident eyes as its front leg slowed its step bit by bit.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana's golden eyes watched the hare, not Mirshann. She could hear him and smell him as he prepared to strike, she didn't need to As she silver wolf appeared from the bushes and into view, Laurenana watched with pity as the hare panicked and began to run towards her, hobbling on one leg. Separate yourself Laurenana, you need food, you are the predator, this hare is the prey She reminded herself, her golden eyes narrowed and she watched at the hare almost stared back, fear written across the small creatures face. Laurenana crouched low, her tail brushing against the ground. Hares had a nasty habit of moving suddenly to the right and left at the most inconvenient of time, this one was no exception, it dodged all over the place. She waited, her eagle eyes watched its body as it moved, until she could predict the hare as if she was the prey herself. Tensing her muscles, she waited as the hare ran towards her. She had noticed it would always tense its left back leg before it leapt to the right. Her eyes locked onto the left back leg, and she watched it as it coiled, in slow motion. She followed suit and just as it began to uncoil, she leapt like a spring. Flying through the air, the wolf and hare collided. The hare's eyes flashed horror, then nothing, as the she-wolf grabbed the throat and held it, long enough for the creature to suffocate. She never enjoyed killing, but she was proud to be able to catch the hare. It was like the old times. Laurenana dropped the hare, keeping a paw on it in case the death was fake and let a smile ripple across her face. Success She thought, it had never tasted so sweet.

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. It looked like a successful day, for any elderly wolf might see it. Mirshann's amber orbs watched the hare keenly, never letting it out of his sight. He was sure they would catch it, working together as a team, but it was almost sorry to watch the hare as it breathed its last breath in the maw of the young she-wolf. He padded over to her, his step lively at the promise of food. It was a decent sized hare, so he might get a few good bites from its furry hide. Smiling he nodded towards Laurenana, approving of her catch. The silvery male had a feeling that she felt proud of this hunt, as he did for her for catching it. He hoped that if he could teach young wolves how to hunt more efficiently, then Oropher would have to welcome him for sure. If only acceptance was so simple. Shaking out his pelt, he allowed his tongue to loll out of his jaws in good humor. This was a happy time for celebrating and eating with a friend. Yes, a apprentice of sorts yes, but also a friend. "Good job." He replied in a hoarse but kind voice as he motioned towards the limp hare under her paw."It looks like hunting small prey is complete, though I'm not sure where a herd of deer is around this time of day. It would be better to hunt them around twilight or early morning when the dew starts to coat the grass." He added with a smile. Casually he sat back down on his haunches, his tongue swiping her maw in silent hunger. It was her catch. She had killed it, so it was only polite to be offered food, though back in his old pack, the younger wolves were supposed to feed those who could not hunt as easily before themselves. Laurenana seemed just as hungry herself anyway compared to his appetite, but all in all the thought won't stop the impatient growl of his stomach.

[Laurenana]

Laurenana smiled at the elder. He seemed to be happy that she had caught the hare and he sat down next to her, after praising her. Her maw parted and she let her pink tongue hang loosely as well. Here Laurenana said softly, letting her paw off the hare and pushing it towards the old wolf It was your catch really, your plan. I can catch another. She smiled gently at him. Her tail wagged slowly and peacefully. Her golden eyes softly watched the older wolf but her ears were flicking for signs of prey. She was hungry, true, but she could always go hunting later, the elder was too old to have to hunt like she would. Turning her head, she looked towards the setting sun. Something had rustled the leaves of one of the trees. The she-wolf's stomach growled. She could smell the hare but it was Mirshann's. Her golden eyes narrowed and she stood, crouching low to the ground. With a flick of her tail, she signalled to Mirshann that she would be back. Her body moved swiftly through the grass, quickly disappearing into the shadows. To her left she could smell another hare. Her ears twitched slightly. It was sitting in a small clearing of grass eating. Her tongue flicked out, catching the wind. Moving smoothly, she shifted her position till she was downwind of the prey. It was looking in the opposite direction, towards where Laurenana had just been. Her golden eyes watched its every move. It had heard wolves in the clearing for it wasn't as confident as the previous hare, it was twitchy. I have the agility to take this thing. I am the shadow of death She loved her mantra and she repeated it over and over as she watched it. The hare had no obvious issues, making it more of a challenge. An evil smile crept across the black wolf's face. She loved challenges. Slinking forward, she kept her lean body low to the ground. Tenderly, she placed her paws along the dusty ground. She slid closer until she was right behind the hare. A strong paw swiped the hare across the face, knocking it from its feet. The black wolf leapt on top of it as it squirmed underneath the wolf's considerable weight. With a small whimper of sympathy, Laurenana put the hare out of its misery, before carrying back the limp creature to Mirshann to eat it with him.

[Mirshann]

.:: The path of excess leads to the tower of wisdom ::. At first, Mirshann wanted to object to her generous notion about giving the hare into his possession, but his hunger told him otherwise. So, smiling and nodding his thanks, he parted his jaws and took up the carcass into his mouth, chewing on the flank of the animal until a small enough portion slide down his throat with reletive ease. After swallowing it down, he nodded once more towards Laurenana, forgetting that he had something to say to her. Remembering once more, a soft rumble erupted from his chest as he licked his maw in satisfaction. "Thank you, Laurenana. That was very generous of you to say." Winking his bright eyes that hardly reflected his age, he continued to feast upon the hare. When e glanced up again, he noticed the familiar sense of concentration upon the young she-wolf's face. It was concentration. With an inward chuckle as the second bite was drawn down into his awaiting stomach, he figured out that she was going to try her luck at hunting once more. When she padded out of sight, his focus was directed once again to the kill. He did not gulp down the meat, even in his condition, but he rather savored every morsel. This was another way to keep one's hunger controlled; be patient when eating prey. He enjoyed taking it one step at a time anyway. He was about half way finished when he caught sight of a very proud looking she-wolf, who was also one of his dearest friends as of now. It seemed that she had caught another hare, and had a gleam of self worth in those pretty amber orbs of hers. She had done well; she had learned how to catch small prey more efficiently and she had made a life-long friend. Smiling at her toothily, he mused lightly, "Another well deserved catch, I presume. Come eat beside me. I'm afriad I've only just begun to really eat. I tend to be a slower eater." He admitted as his eyes glinted wisdom, yet good humor on top of its base.