[ED] i sense there's something in the wind...

[Akante]

Rita said:

[[ this is a pack meeting, and every member is highly encouraged to attend. Rita will be assessing everyone's capabilities, asking their rank interests, possibly promoting, and will establish the El Dorado frame of mind. also note that when the time comes where rita will ask what your rank interests are, unless she's gone ahead and told you what the rank names are, you won't know them. so say the stereotypical names, such as soldier or healer or denmother. only rita, night, and levana already know of the rank names~ ]]

---

The bitch stood tall, the boulder ahead of her. She'd ventured to every bit and scrap of her territory, marking it all fervently. This land was, officially, hers. Welcome home, El Dorado, you've found your keepsake here. She'd tend to her child, her El Dorado, as passionately as any loyal mother would to her first litter. This was her namesake, her very reason for existing - as most seemed to believe - and she would not let herself perish by allowing this pack to fall through. She'd be sure to secure her place in history, deeming herself an immortal through tales and legends. Those stories would be sure to announce her as the great leader, a domineering matriarch who led her pack from humble beginnings to a glorious success. An unending success. She would never let this pack disintegrate and extinguish.
Not while she was alive, damn it.

And immortals live forever.

But she couldn't do it alone, even Rita knew that well enough.
A hefty sigh and the blackblood took those three steps before leaping up onto the large boulder. The vines that caressed the rock twisted and coiled, wrapping themselves around it in a hectic maze of green loops. She may as well have used those those climb up - it would've been easier - but the Captain had more pride than to awkwardly hoist herself up like that. Instead she let herself engage in that single, graceful bound to plant herself firmly atop the supposed throne. Breathing deeply, the leader looked out into the territory, the height advantage granting her vision down through most of the land. Surely a few of the tallest trees would block her sight, but she was satisfied with her current view. She could see the steam rising from the tar pits, the hefty trees that surrounded it reaching up to the skies, as if trying to grab a little bit of nature's immortality. Silly trees, despite their great use, Rita had no reason to grant them such a powerful tool. Only a select few would ever be gifted as she had been.
But at this point in time, with her pack in these conditions, it seemed highly unlikely.

The Captain would change all of that.
Raising her maw to the clouds, the bitch let out a low howl, a deep summons that would boom through the trees. Perhaps even their neighbors to the west would hear them, oh now wouldn't that be fucking hysterical. Either way, this call demanded everyone's presence. Should they wish to prove themselves fully capable in El Dorado's ranks, they'd be wise to haul their asses up north to the gathering grounds. Inhaling, puffing her chest out, the mutt let her gold eyes blaze as she waited.
Seconds would pass, and her patience was forced to wait just a bit longer.
But how much longer would Rita have to wait?

Hopefully not long, if these morons wanted to avoid her wrath.

[Akante]

Mama said:

Creek Dancer raised her head at the beconing howl. She let out a short snort before basically screaming at Deerscream. Her neighs were rough and slightly impatient. She was not going to be last to parade herself before the alpha. No no no no no!

Deerscream was a good partner, though, so the human quickly came down from her treetop fortress to be greeted by her fincky equine. With Creek's back exposed to her, Deerscream assumed that the horse had somewhere to go in mind. "Where?" the human asked, eyes quickly scanning the visible flora for any fauna.

The horse tossed her head in the direction of the howl; the light of realization was dazzling in Deerscream's eye. "To Captain Rita." Deerscream quickly jumped astride Creek Dancer's back and the two of them were off. The horse was satisified with the thought she would no longer have to force Li'l Deer to any more meetings. The idea that howls meant to show up was cemented in the human's mind.

With Creek galloping and jumping over any obsticales, it was no wonder they were first. The mare breathed deeply but quietly as the human almost slipped off her back to greet the wolf on the rock. Apparently, Deerscream realized that Rita was in power from just the Captain's posture. Creek wouldn't allow her down though; with a quick nudge to the rear, Deerscream stayed on the warmblood's back.

Creek didn't know if all the creatures here would respect that the human was one of them, and even outranked many of them. For now, the horse would protect her partner from the unknown.

[Akante]

Akeail said:

Sonja

Sonja shot out of her little den, she had made one close to Sharks, just so she was close and the stupid blue brute could command her at any given time. She sighed as she scurried along the ground, she had heard the calling of the higher up, Rita. The Captain. She could be a rigger? what was a rigger, it must have something to do with having fingers, or paws that can do things. She kept her running going, she just jumped into a brush when a giant hooved creature stomped past her, narrowly missing her tail. She growled and followed the horse, after realizing that the human she had met earlier was on its back. With a disgruntled grumble, she managed to get into the clearing huffing slightly. Damn it, why did her legs have to be so damned short! She would hop closer, and stop a fair distance away from Rita, lifting a paw to her fore-head she saluted the captain before looking for a place where she wouldn't get trampled by the horse or the wolves that would come into the clearing soon. Well it was just the human, the horse, Rita and herself. Ha. She beat Shark! Quite pleased with her achievement she settled for her post close to the front.

-Ugh. Short. Sorry ): -

[Akante]

Beckzilla said:

The half-Blackblood female was quietly patrolling the borders, large green eyes staring out at the land beyond the territory. Her arrival in El Dorado had been fairly busy thus far - she had introduced herself to a fair few members, met a crocodile visitor at the borders and accompanied her Captain, Rita, on an excursion to Almas Rotas to challenge for land. Not bad, she thought, considering she had only been an El Doradian for a week or so. Her paws lifted delicately as she moved, gaze searching both the land and the water for signs of intruders, visitors or those seeking acceptance. She was a formidable and impressive looking wolf, and, in her head, she thought that anyone who saw her in particular at the borders would know that El Dorado was a strong pack.

It was true, of course. El Dorado was only weeks old and was already thriving.

A howl grew through the air and reached the ears of this silent patroller. Her head raised towards the clear sky, ears tilting in the direction of the noise curiously. She recognised the howl as belonging to the Captain, and assumed there was to be a pack meeting. She also realised she was quite a distance away for the alpha. Brow furrowed slightly in annoyance.

But annoyance did not linger for long before she was off. Her back legs pulled under her and the female launched herself forwards into a sprint immediately. She was a wolf designed for fighting and running - as she moved at speed, her muscles rippled beneath her grey fur and, despite the momentum she carried, she still moved quietly. Her rank ambitions suited her skills - she was aiming to be either a Gunner, which would allow her to fight, or some form of spy (however, she wasn't familiar with the Phantom rank, so she was just saying "spy" in her head) because she did have a slippery tongue and a way with words.

As she neared the Captain, she slowed her pace, noticing the horse which had accepted her stampeding towards Rita with... what was that on the equine's back? Was that a human? Hm. The female wolf wasn't too concerned by the human, she had met one before in the marshes - the leader of a group named Tenoch-Benin which had neighboured her former marsh pack. Then a little creature darted past her. She raised a paw as if to catch the weasel or whatever it was, then paused. It was moving in Rita's direction too. Was it a member of El Dorado? Moving closer, she saw the weasel thing settle itself before the rock on which the Captain stood. Hm, it appeared that the creature was, indeed, part of the pack. Well, she would avoid hunting it in that case.

She approached towards Rita, dipping her head in what she thought to be a respectful gesture (she didn't really understand how to show respect, but she was working on it). Then she stepped back a bit, moving to the left of the rock but remaining in a standing position - she wished to look eager, because she wanted a rank.

Fairah desperately wanted a rank.

[Akante]

Emila said:

Emila was not going to lie to herself; she had slacked since joining this pack. Still, she had told the border guard that she stole things, she had said nothing about being particularly social. Now, as a howl from her Captain - the alpha she had never met - came through her ears, there was something oddly familiar with that noise. Trotting towards the meeting place, Emila did not expect any real thrill to come from this gathering. She hated gatherings, hated the whole 'welcome home' charade that packs would put up sometimes. They were cut-throat thieves, murderers and smugglers from what she could make out. Not horses in a flowery field.

The first thing she saw upon reaching Rita (wait, what the fuck? She was her leader!? No fucking way) was a human and a horse. What the hell? What sort of circus had she joined? "This was not what I wanted to wake up to," the female muttered to herself as she walked towards the Blackblood hybrid that seemed the only pillar of stability in this mess. Completely ignoring Rita - her student would know that she was not one to grovel at her feet and call her a leader right from the off - she would glance at Fairah as though they were inmates in some horrid prison before finally turning to Rita.

"Miss me?" she would ask. Of course she had not missed her, she had sent some stooges to attack her as her way of a leaving present. And it seemed that the idiots had not done a very good job. Rita looked like she was up her own arse as usual. Just because she had humans and horses doing her bidding. Congrats, Big Bertha. Just hand out those ranks like cookies and let's get to some nostalgic action. I don't have all day. The hybrid thought to herself angrily. God, what a trip.

[Akante]

Mara. said:

Mara hadn't suddenly gained an interest in this pack that he and his rubbed shoulders with by necessity; the dire didn't have any real sense of nationalistic identity, even if crazy-bitch wanted to count him in as one of hers. At the same time, he didn't have any-- ... ...well, any more animosity than the norm, towards these marsh bats. Which was something. Whereas before, he'd just chomped any trespassing Asylum fuck, hadn't liked any of them or Loath for that matter, and that had just happened to fit in with that old dead guy's plans. If Mara actually tried to think about it, that'd probably have to do with this alpha not prancing around like a stuffed-up high-brow aristocrat, because nobody likes a high horse (least of all someone who'd rather have everyone dragged down to his ugly level).

Maybe that was part of why he actually ambled over with some vague curiosity? He didn't feel like he owed crazy-bitch anything, still, but neither was he paranoidly worried that someone would mistake him for being a boot-licking subordinate. Progress was slow and wary, muzzle jutted out and head weaving back and forth carefully -- the better to tap the side of his muzzle into an obstacle than run into it headfirst. Curling that unsightly body around trees, skinny in the way of barbed wire, the island monster padded a straight-arrow path in a direct line from island towards meeting grounds.

Uneasily, the darkling was prepared to yield somewhat to any aggressive pack members, and to turn back towards his island if challenged -- the lack of patriotism for membership in this land was double-edged: he still felt like an outsider in this section of the land, technicalities aside -- a tolerated ally, able to tread but requisite to do so with--...care.

So he'd linger in the brush, out of view but close enough to scent and listen. The wind shifted, for a few seconds, carrying the scent of something that smelled distinctly hot and hay-smell and foodlike. It watered that sharp mouth, and tongue slipped out to lick around dark lips. Mara had never encountered a horse before, but he sure wouldn't mind eating -- aah, meeting whatever that was.

He settled in to listen, aware that they could smell him a lot more clearly than he could smell them (and let it be that way as a sort of greeting) but comfortable enough.

---

((Mara's rank interest is supposed to be ~a hidden monster~, looking at the ranks, so to keep that alive, he's just kind of chilling out obscured but upwind. and Rita'll be able to be like "oh right it's that one bashed-up island guy hanging around" or something, but everyone else probably just wishes they had potpourri for that mystery wtf-smell.))

[Akante]

Shark said:

As soon as the howl hit the air, Shark knew he was going to be late. He had been on the complete other side of the territory, scouting for new recruits that he could steal from and manipulate. Growling softly, and letting out a slight groan, the handsome devil whipped his body to the left and too aft at an alarming pace towards the direction of this howl.

Running, Shark had time to think on his way to the call. How exactly could he impress Rita this time? He was late, and that would do shit for him, he knew how impatient she was. At his acceptance it didn't take her three seconds after she asked a question before she began to roll her eyes and expect an answer. Shoot, he would just have to be super sly is all. A grin spread across his maw as he began to see figures appear in his vision.

He was just about to the point where he could make out who was who, when a horrendous odor befell his senses. It was so nasty, he had to slow his pace to a walk just to guess where it was coming from.

"Hooo wee. Thank is rank." Shark batted his tail back and forth with agitation at the smell, walking up to the small group of getherees now. Not really looking to where the odor had come from. Orange orbs floated across all the bodies, picking out those he knew. Sonja, his weasel, the horse and human were there, as well as the pretty girl he met the other day. Smirking he knew exactly where he was gonna plant himself. Shark held his head high, sticking out his chest a bit as he sat next to Fariah, bumping her "accidentally" as he sat. "Whoops, sorry darlin'." He would grin at her, "You know what this is about?" Small talk, but eventually they would work up to something more radical.

Or so he hoped.

[Akante]

Theta said:

He'd become little more than a ghost that followed Mara, leaving now and then to do as he pleased. Yet always returning sooner or later. It had become a rhythm in his life, one Mara thankfully seemed to find bearable. Or at least he'd yet to drive him away, fracturing the fickle attachment Theta had developed. Oh he'd recover, he always did... in a way. Things would crack as they usually did, losing chips here and chips there. Tiny fragments of the whole which had now added up to a massive piece. It was, as they say, always the little things.

Having been on his own for the day wallowing in the swamp mud he'd only recently dragged himself from it, grime still dripping from him as he wandered around in his aimless search for No Eyes. This would take him to the last place he wanted to be, a meeting. One full of others. Demons...? The one who promised no demons could be here was stood around, and Mara was close. He'd said they'd kill such monsters, so that meant.... these weren't those? It was that, and only that, that prevent the paranoid boy effectively flipping the shit on the group. Instead just skirting through them with gunked up hackles raised and soft warning growls issued now and then.

He pushed through the bushes, head swivelling from side to side as he looked for No Eyes, settling his sight on him a moment later. Grumbling slightly louder, no malice in it, he approached. The sounds given were only to alert the other, so as not to catch him by surprise and lead them to some sort of sticky situation. Assuming Mara either didn't react or gave acknowledgement with no intent to drive him away he'd move closer before settling to lay a short distance off. Head on his paws as eyes hooded. He really had no interest in politics, not for a cause he neither understood or cared for.

He was here only because this was where Mara happened to be, no other reason at all.

[Akante]

Sin said:

Levana moved when she heard the call. She wouldn't miss the meeting, the chance to be involved in this new place. See all the new faces that would make their way to their Captain's call. It would be a mistake for the Banshee not to be there and look over the suspects with a careful eye. Make sure no one was misbehaving and she certainly was still angry about Lost. The fur on her spin bristled at the thought. A low life trying to order her around. She only followed the captain's orders.

The blackblood moved in a little late to their tea party. She eyed the new wolves as she walked past them and towards Rita. Her tail held higher than the others but lower than her 'master'. She sat down by Rita her head cocked over to look at her, but avoiding eye contact. A deadly submission.

Levana now looked back to the others judging them silently. She imagined Rita called this meeting to get things in order, give ranks, jobs, ect. She had a feeling not much would be gearred towards her but she could always be wrong. However slim she liked to believe those chances were.

As she scanned the crowd she finally noticed Night was not among the heads. She blinked surprised by this and suddenly she felt alone in this crowd. The black male was the one who suggested to come with Rita and now he was no where to be seen. Her heart sunk in her chest, but she kept a straight face. Still letting her eyes search for him, hoping he'd be there.

[Akante]

Nico said:

(oops, just saw this today!)

Unlike other new recruits, Nico's time at El Dorardo had been slightly ... less eventful. Which really means, he had spent his time tucked away in the belly of the earth. There was a secluded burrow in the edge of the 'allowed area'. He was quick to find this tiny, separate space in which he could cower in his time of need. As he had thought, it vanished quite quickly. Yes, he did feel slightly guilty about deserting the new pack in it's time of need, but it was quickly smothered by the rising fear that always engulfed him.

From inside the earthen walls, a boom, vibration that that was meant to summon him from his slumber. Nico was cautious to remember what direction it came from before checking uncurling himself. It should be time anyway. The hybrid rose and ever so slowly inched out of the hollow, pausing slightly at the mouth of the 'den'.

Nothing.

There was no fat orb to greet him, but he ran anyway, not looking up. Was it to try and conquer his own demons? Maybe. Perhaps he just knew that a sliver resided under the clouds. For a marsh lands there was a surprising amount of flat, hard-ish ground he noticed after tripping on an exposed root and face planting. After shaking off his coat, he slowed to a meander, watching as small whips of steam or smoke rose in the distance.

Nico knew he had reached the area on account of the array of canines and creatures alike, clustered around an elevated rock. The horse who accepted him, who he needed to stick by, was oh so visible in the crowd; he spared her a sharp nod,she deserved as much. Stepping forwards, not to the front of the steady growing crowd, but close to the she-wolf on the vine-twisted rock, Nico dipped his head. Backwards, he vanished into the pool of unknown faces.

He was here, wasn't he?

[Akante]

Rita said:

[[ note to those who have yet to post/are in acceptances/etc: there is no actual punishment for being late, though you are taking the risk of being frowned upon, perhaps a little or perhaps a lot. it's a risk~ ]]

---

The soft breeze that wafted past the blackblood mutt was taken to warmly, her eyes gently closing as she inhaled deeply. The general consensus of the public might be that the Captain might've gone soft, embracing the nature around her with outstretched arms. And why wouldn't she? With the air so clean and humid, the terrain free to her as she pleased, and everything working under her command and her will... what was here that she wouldn't acknowledge and admire? She had all the reason to rub herself lovingly against the rough bark of the next tree trunk, her body curving to its rounding figure. The flowers might be whispered to, a soft cooing to encourage their growth and prosperity. Gentle prayers and gestures to the almighty sky would be expected, her eyes cast upwards to beckon the calmest of temperaments from the commanding Mother Nature. The common folk might expect this, wouldn't they?, as they saw the leader welcoming the shifting winds? Well, they could, if the beast hadn't been Rita... and if this land weren't El Dorado.
Fortunately, though, the wolf atop the boulder was Rita... and this territory was her El Dorado.
They wouldn't dare to think of such ideas.

Her golden eyes disappeared behind beige eyelids, her nose tilting up to the sky as the mutt embraced the power. There was an essence in the air, of claiming this land and all its capabilities, all its hidden, deadly talents and skills. The ownership that came hand in hand with becoming an alpha led to such enticing thoughts - controlling nature to her desires and needs, domineering those within the terrain's grasp, and anything and everything in between. All of this was hers, and nothing could stop her now. She was on a roll, and objects in motion wanted to stay in motion. To disrupt this natural force was... a potentially fatal risk. And only fools would take a chance with such horrible odds stacked against them.

The shuffling of hooves upon the elevated, dried soil could be heard even before the beast of burden and its human arrived. In a swift moment the horse entered through the brush, and as she slowed to a halt the Two-Leg attempted to hoist herself off the animal, though all was foiled. A protective gaze, attitude, atmosphere overcame the two, and the Captain would nod towards the two, namely to Creek Dancer. No fear necessary, here, not while in the Captain's good graces. A sly grin spread carelessly over the scarred maw of the blackblooded canine, her chest exhaling a delayed sigh, her pale gaze shifting over to the rest of the vegetated barrier. It almost amazed the female how perfect this spot was - an open, elevated area surrounded by a near-wall of dense vegetation. So perfect from unwanted eyes, yes? Oh Rita, you genius. In this pompous moment, the wolf almost failed to realize the weasel skipping on into the meager crowd, tiny paws carrying her to a section safe from the potential of being trampled. Amused, the Captain would greet the Rigger with a chuckled 'hmph' before breaking eye contact.

Not another instant later and the pale brown she-wolf entered the scene, the one whose name slipped the Captain's mind. Perhaps something with an 'F', but she couldn't confirm it. The Sailor approached Rita's little makeshift throne, and as judging eyes bore down, the other simply... bowed? A cold smile stretched, teeth almost ready to poke out from underneath her lips. Yes, now there's a good girl. One who knew her place. Rita didn't mind psychopants, now did she? Of course not... they were essential. But it didn't take too long before that satisfied grin would be smacked off the Captain's face. Her gaze turned towards the next figure that moved, the one that had entered the commotion just now. Her breath was cut short, her eyes refrained from blinking for a few seconds as she took in the sights, the scents... A flicker from her accessorized ear would be the only sign of her lack of confidence in the circumstances.
"This was not what I wanted to wake up to," A crude smirk spread if only for an instant, and Rita had the intention of transforming it into a scowl. But the realization settled in almost instantly - she had the upper hand here, now didn't she? Oh, she would abuse this. "Emila..." There was a venomous undertone to her greeting, her narrowed eyes sending arrows to her frenemy. "Miss me?" A stifled scoff, muted to sound like a chuckle of sorts, and she'd respond quickly, "Have you missed me...?" She wouldn't give her a second to respond, "We've much to catch up on..." Another way of saying I'm going to get back at you, bitch.

Being in charge was already paying off... and Rita liked this.

A faint scent drifted past the Captain's nostrils, and she turned to look for the upcoming member. But no one broke through the foliage, no paw stepping past the shadows of the trees, no soul daring to enter into the open. Puzzled for a moment, and then angered and enraged at the possibility of someone denying their leader of her demand for their presence, it took a moment or two for the femme fatale to piece the bits together. Another intake of the scent and she could correctly identify the marred beast she'd met and accepted at the borders, and perhaps it'd be best if he stayed in the shadows. As long as he could hear, as long as he could see, she really didn't give a damn whether or not the others saw him. In fact, she might even prefer his lack of presence. A deep sigh and the wolf maintained her composure and patience as well as she could as another one of her Watchmen, Shark, entered the scene. She didn't care much about his pretty-boy disposition, as it was someone else who became the target. A smirk and the she-wolf noted the scent of the other beast, the one with the marred monster, though she could not spot him. A deep inhale and she confirmed his presence, and assumed that he would have been tagging along with his buddy - they had quite a peculiar relationship, didn't they?

With her patience fading rather quickly, Rita cast another look around as she watched two more of her subjects enter - an unknown and her Banshee. About time. With an exasperated huff bursting from her lips, the she-wolf took a step forward upon her throne of a boulder, her glare reaching to each of the present members, even into the trees to where she presumed the two to be lingering. Muscles flexed, she took a deep breath in as she lifted her head, holding it high as a true, proud leader would. And Rita was the truest of all leaders. She'd lean over the edge of her boulder, her posture that of a predator on the hunt. "My fellow beasts..." My beasts, "...of El Dorado." Why, yes. You belong here now, and nowhere else. Ever. "Our empire is a little seed, needing rich nutrients in order to grow and prosper and flourish..." She'd look to each and every one, making them obligated to follow her upcoming demands, "I am the sun, with which our seed needs no matter what if there is any chance to grow larger. However, I can only contribute so much, despite my undeniable importance. I need the hard work and determination of other crucial factors in order to secure El Dorado's future." She was moving on from the metaphor, having only introduced it in the first place to capture the attention of the poetic before moving on into the brutal facts of the current situation. "That's you." Harsh, cold words. "El Dorado will only sustain those who sustain it - you provide for us and you will be provided for. If I sense you are abusing my generosity, if I sense that you're being a lazy fuck, you can be quite certain that you'll receive your... just reward."

It would be now or never - if Rita could not instill the right mindset right here, right now, then these bunch of fools were completely hopeless.
"That Two-Leg over there" She'd gesture over to the human and its beast, "and its beast of burden are a part of us. The human is not to be touched unless it displays signs of disloyalty. In order to ensure every possibility of success, here, we accept all beasts. As long as someone is capable of contributing something valuable to us and our society, they have potential here." Her gaze would shift over to the weasel. "So, be sure to know who your packmates are, and who your prey is. Do not get them mixed up..." A deep sigh and the adorned mutt would swiftly slide and leap off the boulder, skipping the steps using the vines. Landing heavily, she'd pick herself up, standing tall as she'd weave through the creatures present, eventually seating herself beside her Banshee. "In order to survive here, in order to excel here, I need to make sure you know what's expected of you." Here's what it all came down to, "You are to follow me and my commands, and under no circumstances may you hesitate or object without being... corrected by means of cruelty. I have eyes assigned to wander, to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Next, we value and hoard our tangible valuables. It is for this very reason that the humans are welcomed - they can provide trinkets and tools and contraptions that are of the utmost importance to the process of our expansion." She'd glance over to Little Deerscream and Creek Dancer, nodding to make sure that everyone knew of their crucial importance. A deep breath, "Thirdly, we love the outside world. While I do NOT condone anyone turning their back on me and leaving, we do welcome visitors and potential allies. Think of it, will you? How can we truly become stronger and more powerful without drawing in the strength that the outside world has to offer? It's for that exact reason that El Dorado does not shut its doors to its amiable visitors, though we do limit their exposure to our world. Just think of what we could gain by draining these foreigners of their treasured knowledge and capabilities. Our allies, for the same reason, are welcomed guests at all times, and unless they express hostility towards us, we should show none to them."

Standing up, now, with her tail raised and her body held in a dominant stance, she'd clear her throat before speaking once more, "And lastly, I will be sure to set up a system of rewards and currency. With these established, you will have no reason not to put in all your effort into anything and everything..." A pause, "All in the name of prosperity, aye?" They would be wise not to object. Puffing out her chest in a deep inhale, she'd finalize her rather obnoxious yet necessary speech with some basic questions, "Now that I've got laid out nice and easy, let's get to the point. I need to know of your names, your potential capabilities, and where you hope to see yourself going."
With this, she could get a pretty damn good idea of who the hell had managed to break past her cherished barriers and into her pack. Should any leeches prove to be in here - insert glare to Emila - she'd be sure to put them to... good use.

[Akante]

Akeail said:

Sonja

Sonja grinned as she came in directly after the horse that nearly trampled her, with a sigh of half content, she looked up at Rita who looked at her as the large she-wolf acknowledged her with an odd chuckle that seemed to end in a 'hmph' she dipped her head lower than it usually was held, then moved out of the way. She glanced around as another large female entered the clearing. She bowed to Rita before moving off to sit away from the rock.

Moments later another wolf filtered in, this one held some contempt in her voice, and as Sonja glanced at Rita, noticed she held almost the same contempt. One wondered their history. Well, this one did anyway. She didn't know the hidden meanings to their words, but could tell there was more to the words than they let on. She grimaced slightly. Soon after an odd odor caught her nose, she noticed Shark waltz in. She would flash him a pearly grin before turning to look at who else came into the clearing. Another wolf came in, this one held an air of authority, that made Sonja bristle, she held her tail higher than everyone elses, but not as high as Rita's. She bared her small fangs in disdain. She already didn't like that one. Sheathing her teeth she settled for a soft glare, before turning to watch another wolf entered the scene just before Rita began to speak,

"My fellow beasts......of El Dorado. Our empire is a little seed, needing rich nutrients in order to grow and prosper and flourish..."

She watched as Rita made eye contact with all of the wolves, the horse and herself, before continuing,

"I am the sun, with which our seed needs no matter what if there is any chance to grow larger. However, I can only contribute so much, despite my undeniable importance. I need the hard work and determination of other crucial factors in order to secure El Dorado's future. That's you. El Dorado will only sustain those who sustain it - you provide for us and you will be provided for. If I sense you are abusing my generosity, if I sense that you're being a lazy fuck, you can be quite certain that you'll receive your... just reward. That Two-Leg over there and its beast of burden are a part of us. The human is not to be touched unless it displays signs of disloyalty. In order to ensure every possibility of success, here, we accept all beasts. As long as someone is capable of contributing something valuable to us and our society, they have potential here. So, be sure to know who your pack-mates are, and who your prey is. Do not get them mixed up..."

Sonja's ears perked, then fell as she shifted her gaze from Rita to the rest of the pack, mostly, if not all wolves. The horse and human were the closest to her, as she was some wheres in front of them. After her eyes shifted over the pack(skipping shark) she turned her gaze back to Rita.

"In order to survive here, in order to excel here, I need to make sure you know what's expected of you. You are to follow me and my commands, and under no circumstances may you hesitate or object without being... corrected by means of cruelty. I have eyes assigned to wander, to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Next, we value and hoard our tangible valuables. It is for this very reason that the humans are welcomed - they can provide trinkets and tools and contraptions that are of the utmost importance to the process of our expansion. Thirdly, we love the outside world. While I do NOT condone anyone turning their back on me and leaving, we do welcome visitors and potential allies. Think of it, will you? How can we truly become stronger and more powerful without drawing in the strength that the outside world has to offer? It's for that exact reason that El Dorado does not shut its doors to its amiable visitors, though we do limit their exposure to our world. Just think of what we could gain by draining these foreigners of their treasured knowledge and capabilities. Our allies, for the same reason, are welcomed guests at all times, and unless they express hostility towards us, we should show none to them. And lastly, I will be sure to set up a system of rewards and currency. With these established, you will have no reason not to put in all your effort into anything and everything...All in the name of prosperity, aye?"

Unsure if she should answer, she spoke, her agreement "Aye."

"Now that I've got laid out nice and easy, let's get to the point. I need to know of your names, your potential capabilities, and where you hope to see yourself going."

Sonja's thoughts went rampant quickly. She thought of all her questions when she first set paw in El Dorado. She called upon the ranks she had heard come from the Accessorized wolf,

She dropped her front to the ground and scurried across the ground to stop several feet from Rita, she sat up and lowered her head, She turned slightly so her back wasn't turned to the wolves, "My names Sonja," She said as clearly as she could, "I can get into, and out of man camps without being caught," She let severe amusement, and anger flash momentarily in her eyes as she locked eyes with Shark, haha. Bitch. "I cannot carry much, but i can carry enough if need be, the rank i can see my self in is that of Scoundrel." she lowered her voice so only Rita, and the stupid banshee next to her, could hear, "if i ever become trusted enough." She would dip her head before leaping back to her spot near the horse and human.

(Akante, i hope you dont mind that i said Sonja asked about the ranks and the pack after their acceptance? sorry its pretty short.)

Bold and Italicized = whispers. bold = normal speech. . Small bold is others speech

[Akante]

Beckzilla said:

Fairah waited patiently as the other members of El Dorado filtered into the clearing. When she had straightened up, she'd thought she'd seen a smile flit across Rita's face. Well, it looked like her little bow thing had been the correct thing to do. Although she was still unsure how to show respect, that was apparently a step in the right direction. Perhaps that would even set her off on the right foot with the Captain, maybe set her in good stead for a rank sometime in the near future. However, she had also seen the smile on the Captain's face disappear swiftly when her eyes rested on another female wolf whom had just appeared. Green eyes glanced towards this other female, who was moving towards Fairah and looking at the horse and the weasel thing in... disgust? Whatever that look was, the girl was headed straight towards Fairah - in other words, as far away from the non-wolves as possible. And then she addressed Rita directly.

"Miss me?"

"Emila... Have you missed me...? We've much to catch up on..."

Hm. Clearly there was some interesting back-story to the relationship here. She glanced briefly between the two, sensing the tension in the air. Something was going to happen between them at some point. Fairah hoped she was close at hand when it happened. She wasn't nosy, no, she was merely curious as to the history of her Captain. Ears flicked casually towards Emila, not minding the other wolf's presence. It was nice to know there were a few more wolves in this pack. So far, she'd only met Rita and Shark. It was good to know the pack wasn't over-run by prey species, even if she couldn't hunt them down for a snack.

"Whoops, sorry darlin'. You know what this is about?"

Shark had arrived, bumping her as he took a seat. A small smile crept onto her muzzle, tail wagging once. Yeah, she was happy to see him, because who didn't enjoy being flirted with a little bit? Besides, Fairah could be quite flirty when she wanted to. She turned her head an inch or two towards him, giving him some attention. "I don't know. Guess we'll just have to wait and see, hm?" she replied. Considering he was flirting with her, Fairah decided to join in and dropped him a lazy wink before looking back to Rita.

"My fellow beasts... of El Dorado. Our empire is a little seed, needing rich nutrients in order to grow and prosper and flourish... I am the sun, with which our seed needs no matter what if there is any chance to grow larger. However, I can only contribute so much, despite my undeniable importance. I need the hard work and determination of other crucial factors in order to secure El Dorado's future."

Ah, how very poetic of Rita. Fairah herself was pretty good with her words, and, as the Captain had attempted, Rita had appealed to her. Words were the way to her heart, she had to admit that. If Shakespeare had been around, she'd have been all over him. She smiled slightly, eyebrows raising as she considered the pretty little metaphor. Perhaps not quite Shakespearean, but considering they were wolves living in the marshes and not established playwrights, well, that was as good as it got.

The tone changed very quickly, however.

"That's you. El Dorado will only sustain those who sustain it - you provide for us and you will be provided for. If I sense you are abusing my generosity, if I sense that you're being a lazy eff, you can be quite certain that you'll receive your... just reward."

Well, that was fine with Fairah. She was willing to work, and work damn hard, to get to the top. Not right to the top, of course, she had no intention of being Alpha again. But somewhere near the top. So she could, in future, walk into these meetings with her tail a little higher, and not be required to grovel at the paws of the Captain and... that other wolf standing next to her, all arrogant-looking. Yes, Fairah one day intended to be sitting near the front with that annoying arrogance of a high rank.

"That Two-Leg over there and its beast of burden are a part of us. The human is not to be touched unless it displays signs of disloyalty. In order to ensure every possibility of success, here, we accept all beasts. As long as someone is capable of contributing something valuable to us and our society, they have potential here. So, be sure to know who your packmates are, and who your prey is. Do not get them mixed up..."

It was a good thing she hadn't eaten the weasel then. The Captain was now on the move, weaving in between the members of El Dorado. Like Levana, she was arrogant. But Rita was allowed to be arrogant. She was the Alpha. Fairah didn't have a problem with Rita wandering around like she owned the place... and them. Because she did, to all intents and purposes.

"In order to survive here, in order to excel here, I need to make sure you know what's expected of you. You are to follow me and my commands, and under no circumstances may you hesitate or object without being... corrected by means of cruelty. I have eyes assigned to wander, to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Next, we value and hoard our tangible valuables. It is for this very reason that the humans are welcomed - they can provide trinkets and tools and contraptions that are of the utmost importance to the process of our expansion. Thirdly, we love the outside world. While I do NOT condone anyone turning their back on me and leaving, we do welcome visitors and potential allies. Think of it, will you? How can we truly become stronger and more powerful without drawing in the strength that the outside world has to offer? It's for that exact reason that El Dorado does not shut its doors to its amiable visitors, though we do limit their exposure to our world. Just think of what we could gain by draining these foreigners of their treasured knowledge and capabilities. Our allies, for the same reason, are welcomed guests at all times, and unless they express hostility towards us, we should show none to them."

Big speech. In other words - follow orders, value possessions, respect the outside world. Muzzle wrinkled slightly. A lot of long words to say very little. But whatever. She sensed something important would be coming soon.

"And lastly, I will be sure to set up a system of rewards and currency. With these established, you will have no reason not to put in all your effort into anything and everything... All in the name of prosperity, aye?"

Someone replied "aye", and Fairah's eyes flickered away from Rita for a second to land on the weasel who had spoken. Gaze returned to her Captain and she gave a short, sharp nod. Although she liked using words, as she'd mentioned before, sometimes they weren't required. Right now was one of those cases. Aye, she answered in her head.

"Now that I've got laid out nice and easy, let's get to the point. I need to know of your names, your potential capabilities, and where you hope to see yourself going."

The weasel went first. While she spoke, her eyes flickered to Shark. She blinked, glancing side-ways at the male curiously. The weasel's name was Sonja. She kept it in her mind. When the little creature had scurried back to her place, Fairah took her opportunity to pad forwards and explain herself. Her tail twitched as she moved closer, keeping her tail down a bit so as to still be respectful. Because that was how you showed respect, right? That sounded correct. Yeah. Ears lowered too? No, maybe not.

Didn't want to grovel.

"My name is Fairah," she barked. "I am a fighter - I've had my fair share of them. I have muscle and brains made for battles. I am strategic. I see myself in a kind of warrior rank, and that would be my preference. But if fighters are not in great demand, I am also cunning. Perhaps some kind of spy rank would also suit me, although it would not be my ideal - fighting is my ideal. Regardless, I will take whichever rank is required for me to fill." A little nod, then she turned and retreated back to her space beside Shark, taking a seat on her haunches.

Hopefully, she was a little closer to being a Gunner.

And eventually, Boss Gunner.

[Akante]

Mama said:

[short reply is short :'D]

Creek Dancer breathed slightly as Rita spoke. The wolf was a bit long winded, but having legs that could lock on reflex, the horse didn't really need to sit through it. She grinned in a kind of gratitiude as Rita made the others aknowledge her, and Little Deerscream. At first, she had only put up with Rita because the wolf was leader. Then, because she felt like Rita thought she was useful. Now, there was consideration that the horse supposed the wolf had for her. Even if it was only the kind of consideration that a child has for a favorite toy, it was better than what most thought of her.

So, yes. The horse liked the Captain. Soft spot developed.

The human was permitted to slide off Creek Dancer. The horse waited for everyone to speak and kept an eye on her human as she waded through the wolves. "I'm Creek Dancer. I'm probably a good bit stronger than all of you--" argue, i dare you, she thought "--but I'm not interested in lording over you. That is the good Captain's job." Playfully said. "I wanna be top Gunner, or top Watchmen, whatever those are called. It's probably a good idea, yeah?"

Little Deerscream made her way over to the polecat, Sonja. She smiled at it, sitting down comfortably. "Hello, little friend."

Oh yes, the horse would need to translate for Little Deerscream. "She can make stuff, climb trees, and she mostly eats only birds. She's more of an asset than a liability." Well, who was vain? Creek Dancer was~!

[Akante]

Nico said:

They talked among themselves, all of it petty and useless in Nico's eyes. He didn't care for it.

"My fellow beasts... of El Dorado." Now he was listening. "Our empire is a little seed, needing rich nutrients in order to grow and prosper and flourish..." She looked at him and he met her eyes with equal force, yet respect. "I am the sun, with which our seed needs no matter what if there is any chance to grow larger. However, I can only contribute so much, despite my undeniable importance. I need the hard work and determination of other crucial factors in order to secure El Dorado's future."

Seems reasonable. Nico started tapping his front toes.

"That Two-Leg over there and its beast of burden are a part of us. The human is not to be touched unless it displays signs of disloyalty. In order to ensure every possibility of success, here, we accept all beasts. As long as someone is capable of contributing something valuable to us and our society, they have potential here. So, be sure to know who your packmates are, and who your prey is. Do not get them mixed up..." That would take some getting used to. Awkward turtle.

"In order to survive here, in order to excel here, I need to make sure you know what's expected of you. You are to follow me and my commands, and under no circumstances may you hesitate or object without being... corrected by means of cruelty. I have eyes assigned to wander, to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Next, we value and hoard our tangible valuables. It is for this very reason that the humans are welcomed - they can provide trinkets and tools and contraptions that are of the utmost importance to the process of our expansion. Thirdly, we love the outside world. While I do NOT condone anyone turning their back on me and leaving, we do welcome visitors and potential allies. Think of it, will you? How can we truly become stronger and more powerful without drawing in the strength that the outside world has to offer? It's for that exact reason that El Dorado does not shut its doors to its amiable visitors, though we do limit their exposure to our world. Just think of what we could gain by draining these foreigners of their treasured knowledge and capabilities. Our allies, for the same reason, are welcomed guests at all times, and unless they express hostility towards us, we should show none to them."

Her speech was both powerful and informative; he could feel himself nodding along to her words. The sounded ... good and easy enough to follow/remember. Good.

"And lastly, I will be sure to set up a system of rewards and currency. With these established, you will have no reason not to put in all your effort into anything and everything... All in the name of prosperity, aye?"

Things just got better. Money? Items? His secret fascination with shiny things could finally be realized!Nico wriggled i his seat, eager to dive into this way of life. It sounded swell.

"Now that I've got laid out nice and easy, let's get to the point. I need to know of your names, your potential capabilities, and where you hope to see yourself going."

"I'm Nico." He stepped forwards so Rita could put a face to the name he threw out. "I've got brawn and strength, but I have never been taught to fight and I know little of strategy. I can learn though." Nico gave his tail a slow wag as he shook out his back leg. "I can be put anywhere though, if I can be taught what to do. I may have hidden talents." With his diplomatic answer finished, he slunk backwards and returned to his position beforehand.