Abraxas & Pack

The tales of the infamous Sparkling Creek Valley had spread far and wide, with packs and creatures that had once never heard of the valley, finding themselves absorbed by stories from the region. The war-torn valley had quite a reputation, and it was this reputation that had pulled Abraxas into the heart of the valley. Behind him, he led a brigade of warriors, all seasoned combat experts. Abraxas had been asked to come and meet his odl friend, Harlan, who filled him in on everything the valley had encountered thus far.

With his pack settled in a new home, and three new pups marking the dawning of a new era for the small group of wolves, Abraxas had decided to meet the inhabitants of the valley. What better place to start than the Ruins: the home of notorius Shadow Haunters and their deadly leader, Risen.

However, Abraxas was faced with his first obsticle much earlier than he had anticipated. The moat that surrounded Haunter land. The large wolf frowned as he came to a stop a good few feet from the water's edge, his chilling yellow eyes scanning the surface of the water, sensing that something wasn't right about this moat.

Behind their alpha, seven adult wolves circled him, and three young pups bounded over to their father's side. Laquaine stood just behind her older brother's shoulder. As Abraxas' sister, she was Beta female, and was the more level-headed of the pair. Behind the siblings stood Adonis, Harlan, Tye, Marron, Dagon, and the only other female, Vacelle. Beside Vacelle were the three healthy pups, Radon, Xenon and Iridium. Abraxas ran a very tight group, with strict rules that were physically enforced. Only he was allowed to breed with the females, and as Vacelle was the only female who wasn't related to him, she was the mother of the three pups. Only on very rare occasions was anyone else allowed to breed, and that would only be with his blessing.

Obviously, the moat was to keep unwanted visitors out, so Abraxas decided to be pro-active about his visit, and howled out a summons to Risen. This was meerly a casual meeting; an introduction, if you will.

Prehaps he and Risen would get on well. Then again, nothing's ever as simple as first thought.

Risen

Risen, with the stalk of her supreme self, moved out toward the call of Abraxas. Her daunting yellow eyes dancing wildly as news of Kalaber's choice echoed from the winged Haunters. Ino, for one, began to cackle about how the Lurkers were screwing up their part. How sad for them to push their own ally away.

As she grew closer, the lead male would realize just how small her frame was. Sixty pounds hung on her bones. Her tiny agile frame was scared but not maimed. Her strong eyes looked into his as he summoned her. "Greetings, My name is Risen, Daughter of Vicious and Fallen, I am the Leader of the Shadow Haunters..." Her eyes flashed around the pack, danger deep within them as she demanded to conflic. She moved, two feet into the water of the moat. "What is the reason you call me?" She gave a straight look, one not to be crossed.

Abraxas & Pack

With Risen's arrival, Abraxas stepped forward once, further establishing his place as the lead of the small but powerful pack. He met her gaze, holding it in respect, but his tail dropped to show he knew his place on her land.

"Greetings, Risen," he began, his voice deep, one that was very used to commanding, "my name is Abraxas, and I am the alpha of the Militia Legion. I call to you because I wished to meet the legendary leader of the Shadow Haunters. You have quite a reputation outside this valley, you know." A flicker of amusement could be seen in his eyes, for power was something he valued highly, and while this female before him was small, she clearly had what many lacked; ambition and drive.

"I've called you so that we may meet, and see each other on neutral terms. My pack is new to this valley, and we intend to stay here. Of course, my concern is this war between rivalling packs that I have heard so much about. While I have no fear in throwing my troops into a battle, I find alliances very hard to keep, for my pack is not one that likes to be on the losing side. I take offers to join up with packs, then once the bargain is complete, I go back to being a neutral force. My friendship is a fickle friend; you may think of it as betrayal, but I prefer to call it intellect."

Vacelle moved forward, whispering to her lead before motioning towards the pups. Abraxas nodded, glancing back at Tye and Marron, whom also left the area with Vacelle and the children.

"So, if you could tell me a little about yourself and the pack you run, I would be most greatful. I need to know who I'm dealing with. Don't worry, I can see you are not to be trifled with lightly, Risen, and I respect that."

Risen

There was a flash of fury as he commented about "allying with the losing side" "This pack will do anything but LOSE Abraxas, The will fight until the bitter end, and with our numbers we are unstoppable." Her growl was deep and hollow, one not fit for the body that released it. With that her eyes narrowed, " I don't bargain, My allies are to remain allies because they withhold our secrets. We have many allies and if you are suggesting being a temporary ally then I must beg to differ." There was a moment's pause. Trying to collect her thought and temper.

She stared to him, her voice calming for a second. "I am amused to hear my name has spread outside of this valley, to say the least. As long as a pack is not fighting against us they will be safe. Turn your fangs once and you will become our enemy without remorse."

When he asked her about herself she gave a slight cackle, "I'm the type who enjoys watching her mother be strangled by a forty foot python, one who disciplines those who betray me, as well as devise the plans for battle...

This pack is based upon respect; respect for all are just the same... From mighty lions, to tiny deer. Pythons and alligators and tigers and bears. All fight side by side... All respect one another, All of the Shadow Haunters, are one... and show it in the face of battle. We have been an established pack for years now, those who face us; fail. We fight for the unification of the Valley, and someday strive to call this valley... Shadow Valley"

Her eyes again narrowed on his, taking his in both respect, as well as demand. If he even thought of crossing his pack with hers... He would be sorry he ever left his home land. She would not extend an offer of alliance. Temporary alliances is something she would not tolerate. The only thing she would mind offering was for his pack to merge with hers, to carry both the Shadow Haunter and Militia Legion on his pack's name.