~Lunar Fire~

[Ember]

Ember closed her ice blue eyes and and took comfort as Kira licked her. After watching her rise, the cub turned again to the alpha. With her vulnerable, and occasionally rumbly, belly offered to her, she finally responded to Larka's question.

Yes. Please accept me under your care. I will be a good pup and obey you and the other adults.

Ember added this because she smelled the traces of other wolves who had been there recently. She learned the scents so she could recognize the others of the pack when they returned. But for now, she maintained the posture that promised submission and pleaded for care, waiting for Larka's consent to release her.

[Amanda]

Larka smiled gently and nuzzled the pup.

Welcome, new member. Please, partake of the reindeer meat that is infront of me. My overly concerned children brought me too much before they left.

Larka indicated the shredded hunk of meat near her left shoulder.

[Ember]

Ember wiggled upright and reached up to lick Larka's muzzle in thanks. Tail waving jovially, the hungry pup began gnawing on the reindeer meat. Her little paws held the fresh venison down so her needle-like teeth could tear off little chunks. It tasted so good to the famished pup that she unknowingly began whimpering in joy as she ate.

The cub feasted until she was satisfied, her belly full and round with the nourishing meal. Even as she was taking her last few bites, Ember's eyes began to droop. Now that she was fed, her next need was vying to be met. Ember quickly licked her paws and jowls clean of the remnants of her meal then sidled up close to her new alpha. Seeking the warmth and security of the adult, the she-pup curled up against Larka's side and laid her head on the ground near her shoulder.

[Tay]

[glow=teal,2,300] Zena[/glow]

Zena had sat watching everything happen with a bored expression. She hadn't wished to rise, letting the heavy feeling of sleep slip off her body. Her ears flicked back and forth, listening to the trees and the conversations of wolves.

She watched Kira bring the pup, Ember, to Larka. She wondered how so many of Larka's children could go missing. I have seen her mother them. She is not a bad mother, yet they all seem to disappear. Her mates too. Why? I do not believe in curses. What keeps this pack from having a healthy Alpha pair? She wondered about the Kameskai, and how their pair, if they had one, faired. She turned her golden orbs to Carrick and began to rise.

She wobbled at first, and her paw was sore to walk on. She managed with a limp, able to put more weight on it then yesterday. She hobbled her way to Carrick, who sat still, and looking quite alone. She’d have to be blind not to see the tension between Larka and him. Feeling she needed to walk some, she looked to Larka. Larka, if you don't need anything of me, may I go to a stream? I wish to wash the stains of blood from my paw. She glanced to Carrick, knowing she'd want company.

And If he'd be willing, could Carrick help me along? She looked to her friend. We've been sitting so quiet for too long. A break from the crowd may do us some good. Would you help the poor cripple, Carrick? Her eyes shone with amusement, though it covered up the remaining pain.

[Kaziph]

Carrick was on his paws in an instant when Zena rose and hobbled toward him, and he eagerly stepped forward to stand against her to offer his support. He didn't look to Larka for permission, but his ears were cocked back so they might better hear her words. Would I go, even if she said not to? The large wolf glanced down at his dusky white friend, the amusement in her eyes bringing out the warmth in his own. He just might.

[Amanda]

Larka nodded at Zena and Carrick.

Of course you may go, just dont be gone too long, all that remains with me is a pup, and I cannot walk.

She turned her golden orbs away quickly as she saw the warmth in carricks eyes directed at Zena. An empty hollowness seemed to remain where her heart once had been. The faintest of whimpers escaped her muzzle as she curled around the pup-her soul was far more wounded than her limbs.



Kira came loping smoothly back into the clearing with two more youngsters in tow.

Mother! You will never believe this! I found little Polaris and another pup! His name is Kesh!

Kira's blue orbs beamed in pride, for she felt like she was finally helping the pack, breathing new life into it.


Polaris squeaked and ran to Larka, nuzzling her warmly and almost tripping over Ember in her excitement. With another squeak of surprise she ran back to Kesh's side so that he was not lonely. She felt very safe and comfortable near him, even though they had known each other such a short time.


Larka shook her crania in amused wonder at the addition of another pup. Her golden orbs alit with life where only moments before they had been hollow and pained. Returning the nuzzle affectionately Larka spoke in authoratative but kind tones.

Polaris, welcome back dear, perhaps more remain within the forest than I had first thought.

Turning her brilliant golden orbs on Kesh, she addressed him next.

I am not sure what the circumstances surrounding your presence in my forest are, but Polaris has taken a liking to you and Kira has already accepted you. I have no qualms about doing the same if you will step forward.

The breif flash of pain that entered her golden orbs when she moved her hind limbs made it plain that she was unable to use them, yet.

[Ember]

Ember awoke with a yelp as Polaris tumbled by. She shook herself then looked around to find two new pups nearby. Much cheered by the food and the short nap, Ember scrambled to her feet to meet the newcomers. She ran up to Polaris first, who was closer, eagerly sniffing her nose. Then she did the same to Kesh, all the while her black tipped tail beating the air ecstatically.

[Amanda]

Polaris reared up onto her hind limbs and pounced onto the new pup, excitedly trying to nip her auds.

My name is Polaris, this is my friend Kesh. Who are you?

Pawing and grappling with the other pup, she would dislodge herself occasionally, attempting to involve Kesh and Kira in the fray.

Kira batted at Polaris lightly with a massive paw, sending the pup tumbling a short way before she got up to tackle whoever was closest.

[Amanda]

Kira had the urge to find more members. She finally felt like she was helping the forest regain its strength, and she wanted to continue her quest. Nuzzling her mother and the pups, Kira spoke.

<b> I am going to find more members, hopefully. I will return soon. </b>

Without looking behind her, Kira melded into the trees, heading south towards the lake.

[Ember]

I'm Ember. She yipped and growled, nipping at Polaris's ears as the other female pup tackled her to the ground. She managed to push and wiggle her way out from underneath and pranced off a little ways to get Polaris and Kesh to chase her. Ember turned around and ducked her head and chest to the ground, rump in the air, challenging the other two to try and catch her.

[Amanda]

Polaris chased Ember and tried to tackle her again before she spoke.

Ember? That's a nice name! I bet I CAN catch you!

And with these words Polaris chased after Ember. She wasn't the fastest pup, her build seemed to be leaning more towards stamina rather than speed.

[Ember]

No you can't! Ember barked enthusiastically and took off running. She galloped a circle around Larka, giving the alpha a respectful distance as to avoid accidently bumping into her injured legs. When she came back around to Kesh, Polaris close behind her, Ember plowed into the male so that the three pups created a tangle of wrestling limbs and snapping teeth.

For Ember, playing with others her own age like this was almost like being back with her own brothers and sisters. She hadn't felt this happy or content in a long time

[Amanda]

Larka laughed aloud as the pups circled her. Her crania would sneak forwards, occasionaly nipping the plume or aud of a passing pup. Stretching and relaxing her limbs gingerly, she realized hat they didn'y hurt quite as much. the sharp throbbing had resided to a dull ache. Her strong body was healing quickly, which was good. She rearranged herself so that she was putting some weight on her limbs, to ensure that her muscles retained their strength.

Polaris made a squealing noise as she was caught up in the snowball of fur and fangs, nipping and twisting she laced her auds flat against her crania instinctively protecting them from sharp puppy teeth.

[Takeshi]

Kesh had forgotten his normal reserve and adult loner behaviour, as was typical of him, and was lost in excitement as he ran around and romped with the other pups. With bursts of energy he didn't even know he had, Kesh was tackling and play-biting the other pups, then disengaging and running over to a tree, placing his two front paws on the bark before turning around quickly to tackle them again. He leapt up and down in place a few times, making light woof noises to try and get the other pups to chase him.

Occasionally, the black-furred pup would begin his tackle with a headbutt into the side of another pup, then barrel through until he was standing over them, their stomachs up. He'd lightly go in and grab at the necks with his tiny teeth, then bite an ear when they rolled to get up. Kesh circled around so that he was placed between the two female pups and the alpha. He stood sideways so he could see all of the females, then put his head to the ground, tail up like a flag meant to attract the others. He turned his head to face the pups and readied himself for a tackle. In this position he'd easily roll to the side if they tried to headbutt him - but he didn't mind if he got pinned. In fact, he was almost certain he would be. But that was part of the fun.

[Amanda]

Polaris was ready to tackle Kesh as he taunted her, for she had been learning while they played. With a challenging yip she raced head on towards his exposed midsection, knowing that he would move as he had repeated the same pattern several times. At the last instant she directed her momentum at his flanks, to topple him without hurting anything, and with him having the least chance to get away.

Proud of herself as she stood over him, she nipped gently at his neck and auds, but she had completely forgotten about Ember behind her...