A Newcomer

[Kaziph]

Nuri glanced between the wolves as they spoke, and then his eyes followed Amaya as she crept forward to join them. The deep brown orbs, framed in pale white, made his eyes look larger perhaps than they really were... but they were kind, and forgiving where many others were not. He noted that the young loner fem was studying him, and he returned her curiosity with his own gentle stare. He saw many things in her demeanor, but most of all he thought he saw loneliness, and a reason to be glad for a new home. Kira's arrival couldn't have come at a better time.

He smiled at Amaya, and then returned his attention to Kira and Kaskae's conversation. Alaska is a strange word, yes. He blinked, and then continued. Now what will you do, young pack wolf, in the midst of a trio of loners? Humor sparked off him as he watched his daughter, curious as to how she would handle the situation.

[Amanda]

Kira in truth, felt the sickening butterflies dancing erratically in her stomach, but she managed to keep a fairly calm composure. Finding a few starving pups and offering them a home was instinctive, trying to get a few adults who could pretty much fend for themselves was another matter entirely. Her voice was gentle and inviting as she spoke her next words carefully.

I would like to get to know all of you, I do not wish to badger you into joining my clan, I simply offer the invitation of friendship, security, and a family. In truth we are in dire need of more adults. My alpha and another are injured, one is past his prime, and the others are pups or inexperienced yearlings.

She paused then, a bit flustered and over whelmed as her intelligent cerulean colored orbs met Kaskae's, Amaya's, and finally Nuri's eyes.

Her voice dropped lower as it tinged with saddness and regret.

Father, I know from what mother has told me that you will never be a clan wolf, but I wish you would reconsider. Your blood and your mate reside within the ancient forests, can't you feel them calling to you? beckoning you home?

She redirected her gaze at Kaskae and Amaya and said rther hopefully.

If you are hungry there is still a good deal of a reindeer left within my home, it is not too far of a jorney, you could tell me your tales...or perhaps we could organize a hunt now?

Kira was born and raised a pack wolf. She did not understand that it was unusual for so many loners to be gathered in one location, conversing amiably. Kira in truth was attention starved, for the Ravilin had splintered, each wolf wandering for many weeks at a time on their own. If she could bring more wolves in who were loyal to her and would respect Larka as their Alpha perhaps they could have a real pack...a true family...

[Kaziph]

Nuri nodded his head as Kira spoke to the loners, thinking that perhaps it was the best way to simply invite them into the Ravilin. He glanced down as she looked at him, however, for he knew what was coming. She implored him to reconsider, and yet the old brute remembered the time when Larka had done the same thing, a ghostly reflection of her daughter now, sitting in the outer territories asking the father of her cubs to come to raise them, protect them.

He hadn't gone.

He finally looked up again, and even though his mind was set a small piece of him seemed to war with the decision. Your mother, my mate, took a new brute to her side in the last few seasons, as I've heard. He remembered speaking to Thaddeus about his son's encounter with the silver wolf Faris, and Nuri's hackles had bristled on that day long ago. I was born with the old lineage running in my veins, but I have always had too much the attitude of old Shepo. Shepo had been a loner on the island with Ravilin blood, too, many many seasons before. The gray wolf had died alone, after unfortunately spawning Thatcher's father.

His stomach threatened to growl, but thankfully it was silent. Nuri most certainly didn't want to be embarrassed in front of Kira with a rumbling stomach, for he ate rarely. He hadn't tasted venison since... well, it had been a while. Hare made up most of his slim diet, along with small rodents and the occasional berries. He grunted at the mention of a hunt, suddenly unwilling to be in the company of others again. I think I shall decline the hunt, if that is the choice of the group.

(Well, since Kira showed up I'm not going to have Nuri injured right now. She can take Kaskae and Amaya to Ravilin if you guys want, but Nuri's going to wander a bit more and be hurt later.)

[Zanna]

With drowsy ears, Amaya listened to the words of the wolves around her. Both words and scent identified the femme, Kira, as a pack wolf, yet she conversed with Nuri, Kaeske, and herself, who were all loners. Kira called Nuri father. Could a loner father pack wolves here? Did wolves simply leave their packs at will? It seemed rather bizzare to her, but perhaps it was the way things were done in this odd new place. She had grown up in her pack, her father was Alpha, her mother another femme in the pack. The alpha male was the only male in the pack, and the only male allowed to mate with the pack females. All males were driven from their packs as yearlings, forced to rove with other males who faced their fate. Any male who wanted to be in a pack would have to take over by force. Any male who was caught anywhere near a pack female was killed. Any pack female found near a lone male was exiled and faced death if they dared to return...

She shook herself. Her former land was behind her, and she was finding this one to be far more welcoming. These three new wolves were gentle toward her, and seemed very much at ease with eachother. Even more alarming was that Kira had invited them into her pack. Just like that, and any one of the three loners present could have had a home and family. No growling, no stare-downs, no risks, no permanent commitments. A wolf could run wild all her life and retire into a pack once she was long past her prime, it appeared. She, herself, rather liked the idea of waiting a while before being staid. A small, warm glow began to creep into her aching muscles at the though of freedom. It was somewhat unfamiliar idea, to her, for females to have freedom to control their lives. It sent a tingle down her spine. There was a whole island to explore, and nobody to tell her she couldn't go.

Was this the path Nuri had chosen? To wander the island, learning of others, seeing new sights and smelling fresh scents? She rather likef this idea as well... Much nicer than trying to learn the ways of these wolves as possible and embarrassing herself in a pack... Was Nuri like her? She doubted it, but she felt she could relate to him in some way she couldn't identify.

How was she to polietly turn down that which had been so kindly offered to her? I come from a place much different from here, she started, instantly wishing she had used more tactful word choice I am unfamiliar with your customs... and I am not sure I am prepared to be amongst so many of your kind... she trailled off, hoping Kira wouldn't be offended by her none to subtle hint.

[Amanda]

Kira waved her plume gently from side to side, hiding her disappointment that two of the three would not come with her. Her voice was kind as she spoke, for hers was a forgiving soul.

I understand completely. I only thought to offer you the promise of protection and comeraderie.

She did understand, but it still made her feel like she had failed in her mission. Addressing Nuri next, her voice was somber.

Faris has disappeared without a trace. Mother has been abandonded again. That is why I seek others so fervently, to keep her busy so that she does not dwell on her lonely soul.

Kira's pretty blue orbs turned to Kaskae, her gentle gaze wondering what his stance would be on the loner pack issue.

[Kaziph]

Nuri's eyes narrowed as Kira spoke, and his twitched his tassel and brought his head around toward his daughter. Abandoned again, you say? His ears pricked forward, sharply and instinctively, although he didn't know what that instinct was grumbling for him to do. He thought back on the moments in the meadow when Larka had come out to him, and he remembered telling her of his so-called "mission"... to rid the island of Thatcher's insanity, for the crazy wolf had injured his - their - son Thaddeus.

Had he really abandoned her? The brute's dark brown eyes seemed to grow darker as he stood again, thinking. He had left to find Nasir, for the she-wolf was the only one who had ever exercised any amount of control over Thatcher. Yet had he ever promised Larka anything other than cubs? He couldn't remember anymore, but he was sure that he had made certain she understood his part in giving her something to love and care for in the Ravilin... his offspring.

A small part of him also whispered that he had made certain his bloodline, the old line, would still be in the alpha lineage in the forest. He wanted, as any wolf of his line would, the legacy to continue at the Ravilin.

Nuri shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He hoped Kira hadn't seen much of what had passed through his mind as he stood there... but if she had, there was nothing for it. Do you know, your mother and I were mates in the smallest part of the word. We 'mated' to have cubs, to have you, so she would not be alone in the forest. I have a hard time believing I abandoned her when I have always and will always be a loner. She knew, and knows, that. Otherwise for the forest, she could join me.

The white brute stepped back and looked at the gathered wolves. He had taken and understood Amaya's hint. He offered a half smile to her, Come with me, if you'd like. He understood what it was like to prefer little to no company.

[Zanna]

Did the dark-eyed male really mean what he had asked? He didn't seem one to jest or kid about such a matter, but the fact that he had offered that to a wolf he hardly knew astounded her. Not once had he stopped to ask why she was not with a pack, which pleased her. He hadn't judged her, or at least hadn't acted on any assumptions he had made. He appeared to be the relatively quiet type, and for this she was grateful. Words never expressed everything that needed to be said, and they often conveyed things that weren't intended.

Still somewhat shocked by this invitation, she dipped her head slightly in gratitude. She scarcely managed to keep her tail from wagging spastically, barely suppressing a yip of joy. She didn't want him to think her immature... he could rescind his offer. I would very much like that... her banner waved slowly to and fro, refraining from thudding the ground until there was no ground left to thud. She inched slightly closer to his side, taking in his scent, committing it to memory.

I need no pack, she thought contentedly to herself, it only takes two for a good hunt, anyways.

Her skin was still dry and very irritated from the presence of salt upon it, and she itched to clean herself in the lake. This matter, however, could wait until she was no longer in the presence of so many others. The thought of considering three wolves a large number vaguely amused her. Not too long ago, a pack ten wolves strong had seemed like nothing. An ebony rear leg reached up to scratch a particularly troublesome patch of crystalized salt from her side, bringing much relief.

[Jenni]

(Sorry I haven't been on for a while, I had band concerts and my horse show so i haven't had much time, or internet connection)

Kaskae flicked his tail back and forth excitedly. Inside he could've jumped up and started cantering towards Kira's pack that very second, but he had to wait. Maybe I will have a family, he thought happily.

I would love to join your pack. He looked into the young femme's eyes, waiting for her reply.

[Amanda]

Kira was taken aback by her father's words.

So you did not care about us? Did not wonder what we looked like, if we were even alive?

The hurt look in her deep cerulean orbs did not dull as Kaskae spoke, but she did manage a smile as she rose rather abruptly.

I guess I shall leave you to your lonesome ways then, father. Still, I am glad I at least, had the fortune of seeing meeting you.

Looking towards the dark male her plume wavered just slightly as she adressed him.

Shall we, Kaskae?

Kira touched his shoulder lightly with her muzzle before loping back towards the forest, back towards her home.

[Kaziph]

Nuri saw the hurt look in his daughters eyes, and he wished absently that she was more like her brothers, Thaddeus and Maelskar. Yet she had too much of her mother in her, but Nuri was proud. She was like Nasir, almost, too... but Nasir's eyes had been more cunning than Kira's. The white brute nodded politely to Kaskae and then glanced to Amaya. She was to take him up on his offer.

He stood, stretching his hind legs, and twitched his ears. Let's go, then. I think Akeldama would be a welcome change from this... place. The white brute silently watched as his daughter disappeared into the distance, heading back toward the forest. Shaking his head, he turned his body south. Come, Amaya, if you will.

[Jenni]

Kaskae looked at Nuri and Amaya. He wondered if he made the right choice, but decided he did.

See you around the island, he said, and he trotted after Kira without another word.

[Zanna]

Thank you, sir Amaya padded after the elder male, casting one last glance at the pack wolves moving in the opposite direction.
Her head ached slightly for lack of sleep, and her paws had no desire to follow after her, but nonetheless, she was content. This Nuri was to be the closest thing she would have to a family for a while, but he was plenty enough for her. She shook her matted pelt, wondering what an Akeldama was.... Surely nothing like where she came from. They had no Akeldamas there. She noted the direction he was facing, wondering if they had different words for those here. Was "Akeldama" a word for south?

Despite her doubts, she followed after the warm-eyed male. What other options had she?