The Pack Lands

"You bet I am!" He got a jump-start.... literally. He leaped forward, and as soon as he landed, he ran. He felt his blood pump harder, as his tongue flapped out the side of his mouth. He felt his adrenaline running as he raced toward the beautiful, painted sunset. His bright, blue eyes reflected lightly of the yellow, orange, crimson, and rose colors. He felt the air whip his face, making his eyes sting. Yet he didn't care. He loved to run.

Gale started to walk once more. He had be correct about the movement distracting him from everything. His massive paws left large pawprints in the ground though they weren't as deep as one might believe them to be. Behind him, his tail swayed slowly in a continuous movement like a pendulum. Every pawstep took him further and further away from his thoughts which he was glad for. The warrior didn't need to think, not when he could simply be.

"How large is the territory?" Gale asked suddenly as he stopped. It would be good to get through as much as the two possibly could but that would depend on how many times they stopped and how fast they went. It was then he realized he was leading Taru around when it should be the other way around. She was the delta of the pack. He stepped aside to let her pass him on the narrowed dirt path and said: "I believe you should lead."

The young wolf looked thoughtful and Gale wondered what she was thinking about. A pack matter? Or something personal? It could be anything really. Especially since Taru seemed to be a very interesting wolf who probably had seen a lot in her short lifetime.

"Big enough,"

Gale simply nodded and followed Taru as she took the lead. It seemed as if she were pleased since she had given a warm smile before walking ahead of him. The two seem to be heading towards a place that his leader wanted to see. Therefore, the warrior simply follwed. At the moment, he felt like a body guard towards the young fae since she was higher in rank than he was. Protecting others was something he was used to; it felt good to be back in that position again. Now all of his senses were even more alert and therefore, he heard the slightest sounds that were going on in the forest. His nose picked up every smell. And his eyes saw every movement.

At least he liked to think that.

To maintain a somewhat protective stance, he made sure to stay as close as possible to Taru. If she did not wish for him to be so close, she could just cast a look at him, growl, or speak with him. Gale lifted his head to allow different scents to fill his nostrils. The world smelled of new thaw and that refreshed him. Winter had seemed to last forever and with the disappearance of the snow and the smell of melt water just made everyone feel happier. The brute included.

Maiara breathed shakily, three warm bodies pressed against her stomach as terror, sadness, and joy mixed in a tumultuous brew in her stomach. Of the pups, three of her darlings were lying curled into her side. But there were four bodies. Apart from the rest of the grouped living, a sunshine coated daughter’s corpse lay in a heap of fur, just near enough to the den entrance that light fell on her sunny fur. Maiara could not bring herself to leave her three children alone in the den for even a moment…but the body would have to be disposed of. The birth had become complicated and this fourth pup had died before it was even born. The daughter just before the dead child was smaller in size than the others. With the stunted female, and the death of her fourth child fresh in her mind as the ring of a gunshot, a voice of worry whispered in Maiara’s head. What if the remaining pups died while she was away? A part of her knew that she was being paranoid, but it was drowned out by the whispers. When she quickly heard a presence outside of the den, she hoped viciously that it might be Rune. She needed strength, and hers was sapped. And the small bundle at the entrance of the den…she couldn’t bear to have it there.

But looking to the den’s entrance, past the golden body were not Rune’s paws, but darker ones, brown and black. Her first thought in her weary state was that somehow this was Utro, the ghost from her past. But sense kicked in a split second later. These were female paws. (Cinn) But somehow it didn’t matter, they were just as unwanted. She tucked the living pups closer to her and let a snarl split from between her barred teeth. But just before she did so, the paws departed, and the fur that had risen on her back returned to where it had lain. The potential threat had departed. She murmured softly to her pups, soothing them with quiet words. Surely they must have been startled by her abrupt outbreak. But in between her words, her eyes flicked up to the body. Something would need to be done about it soon.

~~

But what was this?Just as quickly as it had departed, the scent of the dark footed female returned. All of Maiara’s muscles seized up, and her lips retracted once more into a snarl. It seemed that the wolf was merely sitting outside the den, but the new mother could not bother herself to be cordial with strangers. That would be much to large a risk for her to take in the state she was in. Too big a risk for her pups, the three of them…
“Whoever you are, leave or I will remove your paws from the legs that sinews bind them to!” she threatened, a low growl rising from her throat, growing each moment that the female remained. Her children squirmed in discomfort at her belly, blind and newborn as they were, they still felt the tension in the air. Still her eyes flicked nervously to the body at the entrance.

(Sorry for taking so long with this, it's been a little crazy this past weekend up to now.)

Once Taru showed that she did not wish for his protection, Gale allowed himself to fall back. However, his senses still remained alert. Ahead of them were a herd of elk. It was a smaller one but that was to be expected. There were enough to protect the several young ones in the group. So far, he only caught sight of one light brown hide that was smaller than the others. The male's ears were completely angled forward which would make it easier for him to tell how many there were and what he might have to face if he ever decided to hunt.

A tingling sensation on his coat told him that Taru was looking at him. It took a lot for him to keep his muscles relaxed for the duration of her scan. Casually, he let his green eyes fall onto her, just for a little while. Now that they were even closer together, he noticed how small she truly was. Gale knew that size was not something to disregard though; behind all that fur was a body full of power that was so well contained.

"What do you think of Elysia?"

He raised a brow at her question. It sounded innocent enough but what did he know? Was she just curious as to what he thought of her best friend as a wolf, or was there more to the question? For an answer, he would have to tread and reply with caution. Any slip up would only harm his good thoughts about everything.

"She's like a diamond in the rough." He replied softly. Most wolves were surprised that he always spoke so quietly. It was as if they expected him to always be yelling at others. "Given time, she'll bathe everyone in her light and brilliance. But only as soon as she lets the dust fall from her shoulders."

The warrior walked forth until he was standing alongside Taru. The delta seemed to be wondering about something but he couldn't make out the question in her eyes. The penetrating green eyes that lingered in hers as they attempted to search for the question, quickly turned back to the elk. Something caught his attention, something that told him that an elk was injured. Sure enough, the smell of blood flooded the air with its scent as it diffused through the area. Which elk had it been though? Could Taru see it?

"An interesting game of tag" she said, her smile widening as she recalled Taru's "attack" upon the her.

Altair had just opened his jaws when another fae approached. She introduced herself as May and requested to join the pack. A surge of pride for Kira warmed his body. She handled the situation like she had been doing it all her life. His pale eyes clouded as he remembered the first secret she had shared with him.

"I am not what I appear to be on the outside. Nor, I am not the strong beta everyone thinks." she said softly, the chilly air creating a cloud around her muzzle as she spoke.

"One day you could be."

Altair felt a smile rising on his lips as he thought of the memory. Had Kira finally become the strong betess everyone thought? He certainly hoped so. If she secretly was upset about something, she'd tell him. Right? Altair shook his head and smiled at May who had been accepted by his mate.

"I'm sure you'll do well here May." Altair said warmly. "Just be sure not to cause any trouble and you'll be fine."

Phamtom sighed as the wolves left him. He was alone again, and they probably weren't coming back anytime soon. He snorted and looked around to see if there were other. None. The white brute trotted off into the distance towards the errie howl, that was called a few moments ago. Perhaps that one, can help me. He trotted and trotted until a the sight of a large scared black brute came into his vision. His gold eyes locked on him. They were about the same size but he knew this wolf could take him down, so he would be cautious.

Adena watched in silence as the male fiddled with his paw. She could see that he had a splinter in it but all it meant to her was that he would be a little slow in making his getaway. His relaxed disposition made her snort disdainfully. How dare he? Did he wish to aggravate her? Maybe.

"Lone wolves irritate you?"

"I said: What are you doing?" she repeated, exasperation lacing her tone. Her eyes flickered over his features; golden eyes, red and grey pelt. He was taller than her, not by much, but the difference was noticeable; she had to look up slightly to look at him. Still, they would be evenly matched. She eyed him with something near curiosity - why had he ended up here? What was his story?

She made herself flatten her bristling fur because she had a feeling that he wouldn't react. He seemed as defiant as she. But though her stance had calmed, her eyes still held a cold glare. Her attitude was simply her way of protecting the pack. Maiara was having her pups and Rune was as busy father-to-be. Adena surprised herself with her sudden protectiveness.

A glance over her shoulder told Adena that the alpha was quite busy - and stressed - with the current situation. Not only were there an amount of loners after appearing, the alphess was having pups. Adena thought she had heard a noise coming from the den, but couldn't be sure; her concentration was fixed on the loner before her.

But she reminded herself that this loner was like herself, seeking a home – maybe - and deserved fair judgment. But this conversation - if that was what it was - couldn't tell her if he was safe to bring to Rune just now. It was a dangerous time for Maiara and the pups and any loners could possibly be life threatening to them.

“Whoever you are, leave or I will remove your paws from the legs that sinews bind them to!”

The words were delivered from inside the with a vicious snarl following. All at once Cinnamon felt foolish, remembering the vulnerability and protectiveness she had felt with her newborns

Speaking as quietly as she could she replied to the female "I apologise... I was merely keeping watch to spare you any fear, though I seem to have had the opposite effect." She tilted her head, willing to be usefull "Would you like me to fetch your mate for you? Or bring you any food? I'm sure I can catch a rabbit."

In obedience she backed away to a nearby tree, still within watching distance but beyond the range that would make her seem a threat.

His chuckle made her raise an eyebrow with curiosity. Did he think something was funny? She didn't. The safety of the pack was a serious matter. He was trying to play her like a deck of cards, problem was she couldn't possibly allow that. She'd knock some sense into that head of his. Literally? His golden eyes fixed on her made her strangely uncomfortable, but she didn't let her guard down.

"I'm talking to you."

A sly smile crossed Adena's face. "So you're a wise guy then, hey?" she said frostily, her eyes narrowed. If this wolf thought he'd get the better of her, he thought wrong. The smile wiped itself from her face. "Who are you and what are your intentions?" she barked. Now she was quite sure that it wouldn't be safe for the pups if he went anywhere near the den.

Fair chances for this wolf had gone off down the stream as far as she was concerned. But she had to admit, he was quite witty. But wittiness wasn't what would gain enough trust from the pack to let him join.

Before Adena could even think of anything more to say, she heard something coming toward them. She felt a force slam into her and she was thrown off-balanced by a blur of white. She stumbled before steadying herself; she hadn’t fallen. Winded and surprised, Adena looked up to see a white wolf with strange eyes. She realized with curious shock that the fae was blind. She was part of the pack, Adena knew, but couldn't place a name on the figure before her.

Adena frowned. She couldn't lose her temper with the white femme because it wasn’t really her fault, but surely she could have scented them, heard them? Wait, was she actually calm after being nearly bowled over by this femme? It appeared so. She must be learning to control her temper.

She looked from the male to the fae. Who were they? She was with two complete strangers. She could hear the blood pumping in her ears; she didn't like strangers and now she was outnumbered. Her stance remained calm even though she didn't like the situation. "May I ask a name?" she said to the white female. For all she knew, the fae could be of higher ranking. She cast a wary glance over at the male.

Rune studied Derek’s face for a moment before he decided to lunge playfully toward the older male. “It’s been awhile you are aware of that correct?” Rune asked his tone light as he tried to grasp Derek’s ear with his teeth. He asked no direct questions as to why his friend had left the pack that day and unless Derek brought it up Rune didn’t plan on asking him.

(Ew, it was an awful little post...XD)

Ice burst into a run behind Codex, to make up for lost ground she lengthened her stride making all of her paws raise from the ground, she felt as if she was flying and soon was running at Codex's side. Even with only three working legs Ice didn't let that slow her down a bit as she ran freely beside him, Ice could feel her lungs expand as she took in large amounts of oxygen, she lived for running and ran for life as well. In the deepest part of her mind part of her felt happy to have a running partner, someone to share things with, a faint thought crossed through her mind, Perhaps I and this male have been destined to meet from the very start... it feels good to have someone beside me. For so long it had been only me and my shadowed past. She glanced her eyes over to the much energetic Codex, with a mischievous grin Ice pushed herself faster and surged ahead of him, she glanced back with a warm and sunny smile. She stopped when she came to a cliff ledge and gazed out to the wilderness, to make sure they hadn't left pack territory Ice sniffed the ground and air, this was as far as the territory reached. She dropped to her haunches panting, she licked her broken paw gently free of any dirt or grime from the run, it was still sore, but better than before, Ice knew it was beginning to slowly heal itself. She'd have to make sure to keep it positioned straight as possible so that it would not heal crooked, she smirked at the thought, A wolf with a crooked set paw, heh, what a situation that'd surely be.

(Sorry for being a bit late to post took my boxer to h-4 all this past week after school. hope this is a bit caught up.)

The rusty brute saw Ice pull up next to him. He smiled at her, keeping his fast, quick pace. He saw the fae pull up ahead, as he smirked. He pumped harder. He felt his muscles flex as much as they could, trying to pull up next to the fast female. He continued sprinting, even though his body begged him to stop. If wolves could sweat, he would be drenched in it. He skidded to a halt, as he landed right next to Ice. He looked below him. Rocks tumble down the cliff, and panted hard. "Wow, you're really fast." He managed, still heaving and panting hard.

Shadow laid down under a tree feeling lonley. No one had talked to her in forever. Shadow flicked her tail and got up. It was the evening. The sky was dark with clouds and there was a chill to the wind when it hit Shadow's fur. She sensened it would rain soon. Shadow saw Codex and Ice running around, probably racing. Shadow wanted to join, but hesitated. A white raven was perched in a pine tree nearby. Shadow looked away and ignored it and picked up her pace. She ran to a nearby willow tree and looked around for someone to talk to.
(Spring rain shower, anyone? Sorry, it's raining where I am so it felt like a good thing to post. If I'm clashing with anyone's post tell me.)

Ice grinned panting as well, she looked at Codex, "Thanks, you're not that slow yourself. And they say you can't run on three legs, guess they've never heard of a three legged race." Ice laughed at her own pun, now the sun was completely gone and a crescent moon took its place, few stars sparkled in the sky, Ice enjoyed such scenery, it filled her with a peaceful happiness, it felt even better to share the sight with another wolf. Ices mind and heart began to bicker inside of her as she sat beside Codex, Should I let my feelings out? What if he doesn't feel the same? Gah, this is complicated!Do i or don't i? Finally she came out with an idea to merely show her feelings little by little, thus she lightly swished her tail so that it was beside his, keeping her eyes gazing outward, she hoped to have a positive reaction.

(Awww, Icy has a crush... =^-^=)

"I'm sure you'll do well here May." Altair said warmly. "Just be sure not to cause any trouble and you'll be fine."

Kira looked between Altair and May as he spoke, flicking her ear gently out of habit. Once May had left she stood awkwardly, a small laugh escaping her muzzle as she watched his actions. "What's so amusing?" she asked, a smile played along her features still. The question was driven by sole curiosity, her tail wagging faintly.

"May I ask a name?"

Silver's ears perked at the new voice. Whom had she hit? The scent had been unfamiliar, and she had not expected the wolf to be directly in front of her. Confused, she began yearning once again for sight. A hard line formed on her muzzle, she was very much troubled. Slight irritation began to simmer in her as she felt the small hint of a temper in the fae, though she didn't let her current stress dampen her thoughts for the new fae. Amusement prodded her at the odd atmosphere, the fae wasn't sure what ranking Silver was, and Silver could feel that clearly, for confusion was the easiest to catch by scent and the sound of blood pumping anxiously through the fae.

"Silver Moonlight, Master Scholar, my friend. I can feel emotions through scent and hearing. What is making you so stressed?" Silver replied smoothly, hiding her stress as well. She smelled a male, unfamiliar and alien, and her blind gaze rotated to him, her ears perked to listen. Her ears were very active, and at any noise they flicked and moved like a flash of grey and were very sensitive due to her blindness.

"Do you want to catch it?" Gale asked. "Or do you wish to allow the hunters to do so later?"

The male addressed Taru like a subordinate would. She was, after all, the third in command for the pack; he would listen to watch she told him as long as he didn't see any complications with her commands. The same went with the betas and the alphas. Gale's green eyes followed Taru's pale yellow ones and landed on the injured elk. For a moment he could picture himself racing down the hill and beginning the wondeful chase. The smell of panic and fear would rise in the air as he would close the distance between him and his quarry. His warrior blood would be replaced by that of a hunter's as he finallly grasped the elk's neck; pulling it to the ground with his weight before making the killing bite.

A wicked smile crossed Gale's lips. Even though it had been a fantasy, an impossible one at that, he still enjoyed it. Ending a life was simple. Living was the hardest part. Though hunting made life worth while. All the adrenaline that flooded one's body was simply indescribable. Racing was a close second when it came to the feeling of adrenaline. It was the feeling of being alive.

"What's so amusing?" she asked, a smile played along her features still.

"Oh? Are you speaking with me?" Altair teased as he lightly bumped her. "I'm just remembering the time we shared our first secret to one another. That's also the time I started to love you."

A warm smile appeared on his muzzle again. He looked up and noticed that the bright sky had vanished and now darkness was coming. Was it going to rain? The brute hoped so. He loved the rain.