The Winter Den

Whisper yawned. Then she sat down in the light snow covering the ground. She loved this time of year but not as much as spring. She couldnt wait for that to come. She tiltted her head and waited for a figure to appear or either another howl back. She started to mutter sfotly again to herself. She rasied her head once more and howled in a hight pitched tone.

"That's Gale, he claims to seek acceptance. But I do not believe it will be handed over so easily. Not with that attitude" she said softly, before turning her gaze back to her mate.

"Attitude?" Altair looked at Kira, his eyes confused. He had a bad feeling about the brute but surely he couldn't be that bad. With some reluctance he added, "we should give him a chance though. Maybe he'll change and turn out for the best. One chance is all he may need."

"That may be true... But if you are asking to be accepted, you don't blow it off because it's to crowded. And you certainly to act as if it was nothing" she said, her ears flattening slightly. "But either way, I don't trust him" she said, resisting the urge to glance back at the male.

"True, but some wolves are like that." Altair said as he took a thoughtful expression. "Believe it or not I used to be like that too."

His flank lightly rested on hers as he relaxed. He was thinking about going over and speaking with Gale but he wasn't sure if he should. There was something off about him.

"I don't know...he just seems so cocky about everything. " she said, her words holding a hint of distaste.

"Even I must agree with that." Altair said as he glanced at Gale. He sat like he was the alpha already and there was something dark about his eyes. "I'll need to speak with Ely later. I want to know what he's like and I don't want her near him."

His ginger-and-white pelt bristled slightly. He was afraid for his friends and very afraid for his mate. What would happen if he weren't around one day and Gale harmed her? The brute couldn't even stand think about harm coming to his mate. Already his lips pulled back at an invisible foe.

"I beleive I've been selfishly keeping Gale for too long. Time for sharing, I'll see you both later perhaps."

Elysia was lying. It didn't take Gale long to figure that much out. It was obvious to him that she desired to break away from him before she got in too deep, after all once a female got even a bit close it was too late. A small laugh escaped his lips as she departed. Despite his cold exterior, the laugh was light and almost seemed friendly. His laughs always had been that way, it was his chuckles that were just as dark as he was. It felt good to laugh, even he had to admit that to himself.

The brute almost laughed a second time when he noticed the look of desperation in Silver's pale green eyes as they followed Elysia's movements. It was like they all believed he was some sort of venomous snake that was currently coiled and getting ready to launch and sink his fangs into another. Usually he was seen as a wolf full of danger so he was instantly admitted. Never had been turned down and never had he been an omega. After time passed, Gale always found himself the alpha due to his brute strength and vicious temper. He did have a good leadership streak since he was accustomed to leading and commanding others. In the Banishing Winds it seemed like a take over would not be appreciated.

"Nice to meet you. Are you a new pack member?"

Another lie. Silver did not care for this meeting. She was tense and unsure about him like she expected him to turn out to be the other from her past. A muscle in her chest was tight and that told him that she was uncomfortable with his presence. Gale's tail twitched angrily for some reason. The male was debating whether or not he should reply with his body language or his speech. If he communicated with his body, there could be a miscommunication but he really did not want to talk out loud so he shook his head. But he decided to add some words afterwards.

"You can relax." He spoke lazily as his tail flicked.

The female in front of him was very beautiful, but her scent told him she already had a mate. Another scent informed him that the other male with the ginger fur had approached the divine black and grey fae. His toxic smile formed on his face as he looked over to where the group was. His green eyes caught the male's pale amber ones. There was a challenge in his gaze that seemed to be enticing the male to dare and come closer.

Come and get me.

Mahina looked over her shoulder towards Gale. She could sense, but also see obvious tension between the loner and Altair. She growled as a warning to the loner, her teeth baring slightly. Whether her warning worked or not she didn't know, but still the female stepped between Altair and Gale. Just as Altair had stepped between herself and Soran she stepped between Altair and Gale. The female's blue tinted hazel eyes narrowed at Gale, the fur along her nape bristling.

Do something and watch how quickly you're out of here....

"I did not mean to introde in your terriorty.... I was just passing through" His brightened eyes began to be less bright. He sighed "I will leave.... if you wish"

Soske saw how innocent and how nice he was. He was no threat to her and she wanted him to stay. "I wish that you would stay here! I promise we won't bite." Soske than continued to smile at the male. Soske also realized she did not know this wolf's name and if he was staying with their pack she need to know it. Inside her head she was thinking of different names this wolf could be called. It was almost kind of fun. She had to think of a good strong wolf name for this wolf.

Looking at the wolf, Soske noticed something strange. His tail was trying to hide something. She did not know what it was. Soske was curious but felt bad asking him. Maybe he had a weird marking on his side that he was ashamed of. Soske felt rude asking but she was a fae and of course she was interested.

Rune’s muzzle showed a hint of happiness as his brother responded to his earlier question. The rank of a Beta was a hard one for the wolves chosen to take on this role would bare many responsibilities. However, more then that they would be entrusted to lead the pack one day themselves if Rune and Maiara met an end or were found no longer capable to be leaders of the Banishing Winds. For Rune, he could see no one better to lead his pack in the future then that of his own brother Soran. “You shall do a splendid job Soran, and I’m glad you are willing to take on the task.” Rune said as he heaved himself onto all four paws and arched his back to stretch. “I suppose I should be off now. We should do this again some other time Soran.” Rune added just before he disappeared through the den’s entrance and back out into the open.

Soran remained still and unmoving as his brother rose and left the den to move out into more open space. For a moment, he lay there stunned at the brief, but important conversation. Beta Male.... It was a hard concept to grasp, even when he had gladly accepted the role as Delta. If anything had happened to Rune or Maiara, he – or Kira- would be the one to step up and continue with the pack’s legacy. Even now, he was reminded of the Howling Stones, but a scalding taste seemed to permit his throat at the thought. What had happened to his pack after he and Thalia had gone their separate ways? Did it crumble; disperse? Or perhaps live on like he had wanted it to.

]Soran shook his head to clear his mind of useless memories. He had to stay focused on what was now than what was then. Rising to his paws, the male emerged from the entrance of the den, blinking his eyes against the blinding white of the snow. The bitter air cut quickly through the comforting warmth the den had provided; but could not break through his thick winter pelt. Soran’s breath came out in short puffs of steam as his eyes cleared enough to scan the land around him.

In the distance, he heard conversations and inaudible words drifting from groups spread around the territory. As far as he could tell, Spirit was not among them, though she would be difficult to spot with her snow colored fur. Shaking his own frost collecting pelt one last time, he padded away from the main den and beneath the cover of a wide evergreen with low hanging nettles.

Soske saw how innocent and how nice he was. He was no threat to her and she wanted him to stay. "I wish that you would stay here! I promise we won't bite." [/quote]

Knife looked at the young females interest in him. He never had a female look at him like that before. He sighed and spoke in his normal deep toned voice again "Im Knife". He looked back up, his golden eyes light like a match to a candal. He followed her eyes right onto his shoulder scar. He decided to show this female the real him. He removed his tail very slowly from his chest. The white fur stuck out from his black pelt like blood in snow. He acted like he heard something for an excuse to turn around. He was showing her his shoulder scar that is also covered with white fur. As he turned back his head almost like magic the sunlight shone right through the hole in his right ear.

Altair quickly noticed how both Kira and Mahina took aggressive stances toward Gale. He quickly stood and looked at the mottled male with calm eyes. The brute kept his tail relaxed and the fur on his body. It was no interest of his to cause trouble even if another sought it.

"Don't give him the satisfaction of a response, love." He said slowly as he nuzzled Kira. "It will only encourage him to know he hit some sort of nerve."

The guard took his time as he headed towards Gale. His pelt brushed against Mahina's in a comforting gesture as he continued past. He settled himself down just a few tail lengths from Gale. He would not hold anything against the male until he did something unexcuseable.

"Hello." He greeted, his voice friendly. "I am Altair, an elite guard of the Banishing Winds Pack. You're name is Gale if I'm not mistaken. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Im Knife"

"Hi Knife, I am Soske. I am a scholar in the pack." She looked straight into his amber eyes when she said this to show she was no threat to him and that he did not have to worry. She wanted him to feel like he did belong here. Soske remembered being really new to the pack and she felt like an outcast. She wanted to make Knife feel like he actually belonged. Soske smiled at Knife, showing her warm side.

Soske tried not to stare at his shoulder, but she did. She wanted to know what was underneath. Soske knew Knife saw her looking at it. When Soske saw Knife remove his tail from his chest, she was worried for the wolf. She saw the white fur on his shoulder which seemed out of place. She knew that there must be a scar there and she wondered how it happened. Soske never saw anything like this and wanted to ask many questions.

Just when Soske was curious about the white fur on his shoulder, she saw something that made her almost cry. She saw Knife's right ear. It made her lose her breath. There was a hole right through his ear. She could not believe this. Soske felt like he was ashamed of this though, because he turned around while showing her his scars. Soske knew this was nothing to be ashamed of. She still thought he looked good, even with all the marks. The female wanted to know the stories behind them.

Soske started to walk and stood right in front of the wolf. She caught his golden eyes and Soske thought they looked hesitant. Maybe he did not like showing people this, Soske thought. Maybe he really did think of her as a friend which made her feel special. Maybe she should open up to him, she thought.
"Well Knife I do not want to force you to tell me about your scars, but they intrigue me. If it makes you feel any better, I have a few burned scars under my coat too."

Mahina's tail flicked behind her. She itched to put the loner in his place, which was on his belly in the snow, tail between his legs and ears pinned back against his skull, where she thought all ignorant wolves belonged. The female flexed her claws in the snow, her eyes still narrowed. She walked over to Silver, but never took her eyes off Gale. She leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "He remind you of Bayne any? Cause I'm this close to breaking his face."

"Don't give him the satisfaction of a response, love." He said slowly as he nuzzled Kira. "It will only encourage him to know he hit some sort of nerve."

Kira pried her gaze off of Gale slowly as Altair's words sunk in. "I'd like to hit some sort of nerve" she thought to herself silently. She released out of her stiff position, her paws lifting from the snow they had sunk in as she shifted weight. When she looked up again her mate was walking over to Gale, which caused the female to flatten her ears once more in worry. She padded lightly across the snow until she stood by Taru. While she didn't need the ebony female's protection, she was still thankful for it. Her tail lashed behind her angrily as her icy gaze stuck to Gale once more. If he laid merely a paw on any member of the pack, she would snap, which was a rare occurrence for the typically docile beta.

As Rune made his exit from the den, he headed towards a group of wolves. Although as he drew closer he noticed that, some of the wolves around him were a bit riled up and this peaked his curiosity. Quickly he moved to Maiara’s side and nudged her gently. Finished with his greeting Rune patiently waited to be informed of the situation.

(Small post, but I am getting caught up with the situation...maybe if someone informs Rune of it..^-^)

Knife looked back into Soske's eyes. His eyes brightened as be began to trust her even more. "If were the only two around..... i can tell you about them." He knew that the history behind his shoudler scar might upset her. "I'll warn you that... the story behind the one on my shoudler..... mught upset you" He sighed and began to lose himself in thought. The vision of that terrible foggy night came into his mind. He remembered it all like it was yesterday. All of a sudden he tunned back in. He smiled back at her showing her his large white fangs. He began to think that she might not like him for what he was about to tell her. Knife sighed as a gust of wind blow his scent. He liked this she wolf. He knew that for sure. His golden eyes seemed to be locked on her blue eyes. He has never done that before, but for some odd reason he couldnt help it.

Mahina looked up as Rune came into the scene. She left Silver's side and trotted over to hin, her tail flicking. The female stood in front of him, her head tilting slightly. "Need an update?" She motioned towards Gale with her head. "His name is Gale, and I must say I'm a paws length away from breaking his nose." Her hazel eyes still showed her distaste in the male, and she wondered if Rune would be reminded of Bayne because of the male as well, once her did something stupid again of course.

Gale noticed the ginger male stand after his mate and friend each gave the loner a warning. First a low growl from his former guide and then an almost snarl from the black female with the grey in her fur. He thought that the ginger male would attack immediately but he just spoke calmly to his mate, nuzzled her, and proceeded to head his way. So he swallowed the bait, did he? Fool.

Gale's eyes widened as the ginger male sat just in front of him. What was he doing? Was here preparing to attack? No, he doubted it. After all, the ginger male kept his eyes relaxed and held a friendly stance. In spite of himself, Gale felt admiration towards him. Never had he met a male wolf who would come over voluntarily, he was always forced to go to them. Females came to him but never had another brute. This was new and he found himself at a loss for words.

"Hello. I am Altair, an elite guard of the Banishing Winds Pack. Your name is Gale if I'm not mistaken. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Surely this had to be a lie. But Gale found no evidence to suggest that Altair was nothing more than sincere in his words. Even though the loner was being nothing more than a challenging threat, the large brute still came over to him like it was nothing. Now that Altair was closer, he took a good look at him. He stood over three feet tail with a powerful build. Most of his fur was a light ginger until it reached his mid jaw, chest, and paws because those features were a bright shade of white. The ginger darkened as it hit his ears and tail.

"What do you call an elk in a storm? A reindeer."

Another interference. His piercing green eyes locked onto the new females with a cold light shining in their depths. The light faded quickly though as was replaced with another, more malevolent yet it was almost impossible to describe which emotion it was. The only reason he did not taunt her was because the ginger male was still approaching and he could smell Elysia's scent on her. He doubted that harming her friend would help him any. But he did not offer this wolf a reply.

"How can I be calm around one as aggressively arrogant as you? What are you glowering at, Gale?"

Silver was still near him but her words were meaningless and fell on deaf ears. Had he been paying attention, he would have snapped back with a horrible comeback. Now, all of Gale's concentration was on Altair as he tried to figure him out and nothing could break it. In the normally dark shallows of his eyes was a almost friendly light towards the male. He shifted his multi-coloured paws in embarrasment. He was unsure of what to say to the other. Confirming his words seemed like his best bet.

"Yes, I am Gale." He replied lamely. The beast roared at him, fighting for a release that it would not recieve. "It is good to meet you too, Altair."

[Just because he begged to become Gale's friend. Lol.]