World of Wolves - Part Four

Palila Akua

Name: Palila Akua
(Pa-li-la)

Nicknames: Pal, Pali

Age: 25

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Queer (feminine/female lean; prefers older partners)

Species: Werewolf

Looks:

(Faceclaim: Hanale Lee Loy - @hanaleleeloy on Insta)
He's 6'2

Personality: Palila is a fairly chill individual just moving through life. He's quiet, observant, and relaxed, and though he has a bit of an intimidating resting face, once he smiles he melts those worries away. He may not approach others a lot, but he's more than happy to engage should they approach him. The kind of guy who's okay being alone, he doesn't always seek out the companionship and company of others. That said, when he does want to be around others, he integrates himself and even hosts - he just has a time and place for everything. A man of quiet strength, he does things without having to be asked and without offering - he just does it. If he sees someone struggling, he simply steps in to help them - usually when it comes to tangible things, rather than emotional. Not necessarily people's first choice for advice or comfort, he's actually quite a wise, insightful individual and an phenomenal listener. He's very cool in a crisis, handling everything with impressive calm. Nothing ever seems to ruffle his feathers, which can be both a good and bad thing. Good or bad, he has much the same reaction to things, though obviously good things will get him to smile, at least a bit. A very reserved individual, his emotions - all of them - are pretty much always kept in check. He's not one for big emotional outbursts, or one for talking about his own emotions, but when you get him to open up and loosen up, he's a very smiley, gentle, loving individual. He's very loyal and protective of those closest to him, and he will always put himself in the place of suffering over those he loves. A sacrificial man in his core, one would be hard pressed to convince him not to throw it all away for someone he loves. Very soft-spoken, when he speaks people tend to listen, especially given whatever context they are in. He's a man with knowledge, about his people and his pack, based off his own teachings and observations. Palila is a very sneaky individual, but not nefarious. Just naturally quiet, he moves around unseen and unencumbered, allowing him to observe unseen. Despite his quiet and reserved nature, Palila loves his home more than anything in the world, and he will always put the needs of others above his own.

Likes: Reading, surfing, his home, his family, water, his alone time, his friends, when others rely on him to help or comfort, knowing he is someone's first choice

Dislikes: being overlooked and forgotten, when loneliness creeps in, knowing he needs others more than they need him, when people he loves are in pain (emotional or physical), being unable to help

Powers: shifts into a wolf (looks above); heightened speed, senses, strength, durability, and reflexes while in human form

Backstory: Palila is the elder cousin of Makoa, but raised by her parents in the same way she was. Though raised communally like everyone else, his guardians are his aunt and uncle. His mother died when he was a toddler, and being a Makamae, he had no father to speak of. Taken in shortly after his cousin was born, he is more like her older brother than her cousin. Still, though he was already a gentle boy, he became quiet. Even that young, he felt the loss of his mother in spades. He grew up reserved, quiet, but full of fierce and unrelenting love. He often got dragged into Makoa's shenanigans because he tagged along to keep her safe. Still, he was loved by his family, treated as one of their own. However, he has forever felt the loss of his mother, keenly aware of being alone despite being surrounded by those who love him. He was still able to make his friends, though he often bonded with those older than him. Acting older than he is, he has always been the kind of child who was deemed an 'old soul.' More mature than kids his own age, it was just easier to connect with the older kids. That is, to this day, still the main case - most of his friends are older than him, whether by a couple years or closer to a decade or more. Doted on by the elders, he is often seen helping them out. His designated role in the pack, however, is as a guard for the Moon Pool. While the Kahuna sleeps in a treehouse on the banks of the pool, there is still a round-the-clock guard and Palila is one of them. It's an easy job, as they are a highly secluded pack, but it's just as much to keep trouble making teens out as it is to keep away outsiders. The job demands long hours alone, though Palila doesn't mind, often bringing something to occupy his time - a book, a piece of wood to widdle or carve, or just his own thoughts. He takes the job very seriously and is very honored to have been chosen. Outside work, he has his own room in the communal living space, in which he can often be found. Some days, though, he craves the company of others, seeking out his friends or hanging out in the common-area of the pack, with the hope someone will engage with him. More than a little awkward when it comes to approaching others first, he just prays someone will take pity on him and approach first, in a manner of speaking. A bit of a hopeless, quiet romantic, he is utterly terrible at talking to people that aren't his closest friends and family. He gets flustered quite easily and it's actually quite sweet. Found just as often with his family as he is alone, it's clear to all that Palila is a big family man. His big dream is to be a father and he cannot wait for the day he can be.

Other: Palila is the son of Ulani's late sister, so the nephew of the pack leaders, and elder cousin of Makoa
He is very close with his cousins, who are really more like his siblings, and he was very excited every time a new cousin was born
He always wears some piece of his mother's jewelry - either a necklace, a bracelet, or a ring
He feels no need to travel the world, though he has been on a couple political trips and has joined those who leave the pack to go to the markets
Palila's big dream in life is to have his own family - kids, a mate, and a nice cozy place to live with them on the island
Palila is deeply religious and spiritual and often prays while he is on guard duty and visits with his uncle, the Kahuna
Palila is an excellent gift giver - he knows the people he cares about so well, that his gifts are always spot-on
His love languages are acts of service and gift giving
He likes wood carving
He loves to surf and often joins his cousin when she goes out
Growing up, he followed he mentality of 'if you can't beat, them join them' in regard to Makoa, figuring he could protect her better by following along rather than preventing her actions
Every year on his mother's birthday, he spends the day fully alone, going into the deep density of the pack where he can be alone; he always has himself a picnic of her favorite foods and he spends the day speaking with her and celebrating and mourning her