My heart runs with my feet.

[Goanna]

[glow=brown,2,300]Keeya[/glow]

The longear kept running, its tiny claws pounding on the rough surface of the ground. It was followed closely by a young wolf, and was trying desperately to lose her. Keeya’s paw pads still ached after weeks of traveling, but she could hardly feel them, so caught up in the rhythm of running she was. Her muscular body rippled with anticipation, her nosed twitched, and she burst forward in a spurt of energy. The longear matched her, springing forward a few lengths further than her, and she scowled. Keeya lowered her head, her tongue lolling out of her mouth, and charged forward once more, gaining on the longear. She could sense its fear, could see the whites of its ears and smell the sweat that drenched its body. The young wolf barked excitedly, so completely caught up in the feel of the hunt that she didn’t realise how quickly she was approaching claimed territory. The rabbit emitted a piercing squeal; the sound a longear makes when it’s close to the end of its life, during those final moments when a predator closes in, as it tripped and stumbled over a rock. Keeya slowed to a halt, panting and watching as the longear picked itself back up and raced off into the distance, wondering why on earth the wolf hadn’t ended its life and at the same time thanking the sun she hadn’t.

The female yawned, her body trembling with exhaustion. Her mouth opened into what could only be described as a triumphant grin; I have won. She had outrun a longear. True, the critter had stumbled, and perhaps that was an unfair advantage to her, but she put it down to tiredness on the rabbit’s part. A few minutes passed in which she gained her senses and realised that she was standing near a tree, and that that tree was covered in scent markers, and that those scent markers belonged to other wolves, and that those wolves appeared to be a pack. Still panting rather heavily, she lowered her nose to the ground and began sorting out the myriad scents that surrounded the tree. Her eyes lit up with hope as she thoroughly examined the tree. Yes, there were others. Their pack seemed to be scattered, reforming? She furrowed her brow, trying to take it all in. But perhaps they may be willing to take new members? Keeya whuffed gently, her mind filling with memories of pack, of running with them, hunting with them. To her furry mind it seemed ages –months and months- since she had belonged with anyone and the craving for a group to run with took over her. She pointed her snout to the sky and howled.

[Tay]

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

The dark and light wolves sat for a moment, gaining their breath after the run. A howl rose from the distance, and out of habit, both ears jumped to attention. Basile jumped to his paws, staring off toward the howl. That is not a pack member. He thought, his ears flicking about for the remnants of the song. All his pack mate's voices were memorized in his head. No matter how many, or little times he'd heard their call.

He now glanced to Aisha. They could go greet this loner, or keep looking. He had a serious urge to not leave any loner unanswered at the Kameskai borders. They could waltz into the lands, with cruel intentions at that. He knew his Father would probably want them to greet the wolf, and the song had sounded fem. Being as large as he was, he knew he could fight off some of the largest fems. At least long enough for Aisha to get away to safety.

He focused his pale green eyes on his sister. Let us answer this loners call, Dear Sister. Then we shall go see her intentions.

[glow=White] Aisha[/glow]

Aisha had sat waiting for Basile, her brown orbs switching between watching the distance where the loner's voice had risen from, and her brother. When he spoke, she smiled at his words. She loved to meet others, and she was still pup enough to not see any reason any wolf would cause her pack harm. That sounds fun, Basi! I can't wait to see what they look like. You think they'll join our pack? She wiggled around in an excited fashion, her eyes blazes of pure joy.

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

Basile chuckled at his sister. They may Aisha. For now, we'll have to see what they are like. If they pass our judgment, we will escort them to Father. He nodded, showing her not to question anymore, and raised his muzzle to the sky. We come, Loner. Do not move from our border lines. As he finished he heard Aisha's voice echoing his own words almost perfectly. With a grin, he rose to his feet and began his run to the loner.

He finally approached the borders a short time later. With the help of his long, powerful pillars he moved quickly. He trot a little closer to the loner, he knew she was fem now. Aisha arrived at his side, and she watched the intruding fem while Basile talked.

Femora, He called to her, addressing her almost formally. I am Basile, son of the Alpha Cassiel and Alphess Epitaph. This is my younger sister, Aisha. Also of Cassiel and Epitaph. What is your business on our boarders?

He held himself tall and erect, the grace with which he held himself, and the way he spoke was intimidating. He stared down at the fem, awaiting her answer. His pale green orbs appeared cold. He would not show kindness unless he knew she did not wish to hurt his clan.

[Goanna]

[glow=brown,2,300]Keeya[/glow]

Keeya’s voice rose, spreading her song across the land, before it eventually fell, and she began to listen. Others were answering her call. Her heart quickened, beating so hard it seemed it would burst through her chest. We come, loner. Do not move from our border lines, a male and female voice echoed through the trees. Keeya started panting heavily, and she raised her ears expectantly. Who are they? she wondered, What will they be like? Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a masculine, black wolf. The young wolf’s heart skipped a beat. Presently a younger female joined him, and the male began to speak. I am Basile, son of the Alpha Cassiel and Alphess Epitaph. This is my younger sister, Aisha. Also of Cassiel and Epitaph. What is your business on our boarders? Basile stared at her, icily.

Keeya swallowed, her tongue still moving rapidly in and out of her mouth. This was somewhat different to what she’d imagined. She’d expected some kind of immediate action. No, she reminded herself that’s your competiveness talking. The light grey wolf eyed the couple curiously. Obviously the male was incredibly protective of his sister and therefore his pack, she mused. An awkward silence was present, and she decided to end it.
Lowering her ears and tail in a submissive gesture, she spoke up. Greetings, brotherwolf, sisterwolf. My name is Keeya. I come alone. She paused for breath, choosing her next words carefully. I was… I was wondering if you… I mean I… she sighed, embarrassed at her puplike fumble. She had reached her second year of being, and she still retained her light blue eyes and awkwardness in strange situations that were characteristic of a pup. Stupid smallpaws, she thought, then realised that this could perhaps work to her advantage. The female standing behind Basile… Aisha, didn’t appear to be much older than her, and she remembered Basile’s protectiveness. There were too many in my pack, and I was made to walk alone. I have been searching for others to join for… she counted the days nearly three moons. When I came across your scent-marks, I thought that perhaps you might be willing to take on a new member? Keeya raised her ears again excitedly, I can run! she exclaimed, then lost her confidence once more and lowered herself to the ground.

[Tay]

[glow=White] Aisha[/glow]

Aisha's brown orbs looked over the fem as she spoke. She saw the submission and the unease which the fem spoke. Aisha knew the fem would never hurt her or her clan, plus she appeared Aisha's own age. How good it'd be to have another fem to play with! She thought, her eyes lighting at the idea. Hearing the proclamation of her ability to run, Aisha was sold.

She was ready to accept this fem and happily run around the Kameskai. Keeya was such a pretty name, after all. Without a second thought, Aisha quickly covered the rest of the distance to the fem. She smiled at her, and encouraged her to stand.

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

Basile, taken by surprise at Aisha's quick movements stood in shock a moment as his sister rushed toward the loner, Keeya. Releasing a huff of exasperation it dawn on him why pups were usually left with the females for the most part. Aisha! He barked, his voice reprimanding. He trot forward to his sisters side and glared at her.

Never run toward a loner after only a few shared words. It may be hard to grasp, for you are good natured but... He sighed at the hurt and scolded look Aisha had developed. some loners do lie about their intentions Aisha. He turned his orbs to Keeya, realizing he'd just been far less then reassuring. I am not more angry with you for I can hear Keeya's true want to join us in her voice. Perhaps I should congratulate you for knowing good character when you see it. He smiled at Keeya, and touched his nose to her shoulder.

Rise, Keeya. Please excuse me for scolding Aisha at your expense, I did not mean to offend you. He nodded his head to her, a smile in his eyes. I cannot fully accept you, for that is my Mother or Father's job. However, there are no doubts in my mind concerning your acceptance.

He walked forward, rubbing his side against her and sharing with her the Kameskai scent. He nodded to Aisha, and she did the same. He'd once learned this ritual from Luma. I now accept you as my responsibility, along with Aisha. Whatever your fate by my Father's decision, I welcome you now as a pack sister.

[glow=White] Aisha[/glow]

Aisha gave a yip and nuzzled Keeya again. Welcome sister! She cried happily. I'm so happy to get another fem to talk with. I have sisters, but I haven't seen them in a while. Aisha sighed, turning her brown eyes to the way her and Basile had run from. You can help us find them now though! We'll find Daddy, and he'll accept you and you can REALLY be my pack sister!

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

Basile shook his head at Aisha's eagerness. He looked at the two females, and nodded toward the pack lands. Come, let us find Father. He dashed ahead a little, and raised his crania.

Father, it is Basile, your son. Aisha and I have been searching for you. We have a loner with us, and we seek to meet up with you. Can you hear, Father? He lowered his head, and headed back into the clan lands. He would call again once they were further in. Come Aisha, Keeya. Let us go find our pack.

[Goanna]

[glow=brown,2,300]Keeya[/glow]

Keeya rose to her feet, grinning at the other female. She was not at all offended by Basile’s outburst; he was, after all, perfectly reasonable in that she may be lying.
I cannot fully accept you, for that is my Mother or Father's job. However, there are no doubts in my mind concerning your acceptance. At these words, Keeya nodded her head eagerly. Though she was still young, she had learnt basic pack dynamics. It was inevitable that she would have to appear before their alpha.
The male touched his nose to her shoulder, and rubbed himself against her. Keeya’s eyes lit up with excitement once she realized he was welcoming her to their pack. I now accept you as my responsibility, along with Aisha. Whatever your fate by my Father's decision, I welcome you now as a pack sister. Keeya whuffed with happiness, and she returned the gesture offered to her by Aisha. I would be honored to be your sister, Aisha. she said cheerfully, head butting the female’s flank.
She watched as Basile called to his father, and then followed in the direction he left, moving in a gentle run. She ran alongside Aisha, grinning at her, then put on a slight burst of speed and caught up with the male, many questions swimming around in her brain. How wide is your territory? How many are in your pack? What is the name of your pack? Can any of your wolves outrun a longear? she blurted out, sheepishly realizing that that was probably enough questions for the time being. Keeya looked over her shoulder and paused for a second, allowing the female to catch up.

[Tay]

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

He'd run ahead of the females, his ears swiveling for any sound of his Father's answer. What he heard seconds later was Keeya, however. He smiled, considering her questions. We have enough territory that to trek across it takes a day or so. Our numbers have yet to be counted as of late, for we've been trying to re-group. You will meet the full pack soon, and then you will know. We are the Kameskai, as we rule the Kameskai Mountains. I'm not sure about the last one, I get the feeling that one of our members can, at least. He gave her a pointed look, letting her know he meant her. He had an amused air about him, for Keeya reminded him of another Aisha.

[glow=White] Aisha[/glow]

It was at that moment that Aisha's ear shot up. She'd heard something that she had been longing to hear for many moons. The voice of her Father. Daddy! She sang back, her voice beautiful and light. She itched with excitement looking back to Basile, knowing he had heard the summons as well. Basi, Keeya, let's go. Daddy's here now! Sounding evermore like the Daddy's girl she'd been born, Aisha turned and tore out in the direction of the howl, leaving the two behind.

[shadow=black] Basile [/shadow]

Shaking his head, Basile could not restrain the smile from his maw. Father! Finally you have returned to us! He thought with relief. Looking to Keeya, he nudged her with his nose. Come, pack sister, let us go meet our Alpha. He too began to run off, though slower, waiting for Keeya.

(OOC Tay: Goanna, just post next in the 'Wolves to me' thread. Basile and Aisha will be there. I don't mean to offend you by putting this, some people I'd noticed tend to get confused, however. =] )

[Goanna]

(ooc, Thanks Tay, I guessed that was what would happen. c; I'll go post now)