Gathering of Shadows {Pack Meeting}

[Donn]

Phineas did not speak again for a while. More wolves were coming, and he became more occupied by studying the various faces, some he had seen before, others he had not. He listened to all they said, not being able to help himself from smiling slightly at Karolek's odd greeting. As Sofika, the Alpha spoke, she spoke of the Beta, which prompted one of the wolves to let out an insufferable shriek, that made Phineas instinctively flatten his ears and twitch. What the dickens was wrong with her? Phineas' orange eyes stared at her as though deciding whether or not Ravenshard had completely lost her marbles. The creature was grinning inanely, and Phineas nearly said something, but shut his mouth. He didn't want to accidentally encourage the mad wolf.

[Electus]

"Umbra," she greeted, then moved on to her concern, "Mortil is awake?"

Shall we?

We shall.

Umbra closed his eye for a curious moment, and when he spoke again, it was in a different voice, and in a slightly different attitude. His voice seemed soft. Gentle, yet turbulent, like an eye of a storm.

"Yes, he is awake. We both are." Mortilitas said softly, his eye roving.

The ash-grey wolf tilted his head as Karolek entered. "Karolek"[/color] he said respectfully, bowing his head slightly. It's...been awhile."[/color]

“You see, I also wish to show you the face of your new Beta who will be delivering ranks and telling you of the new system we have devised to make our lands strong.”

Mortilitas looked at Sofika. Beta? The scarred wolf already had a slight idea of who it would be.

As Sofika turned to Nightblood, he grinned. "What a surprise. He said in a tone of voice that suggested otherwise. He smiled a warm, razor thin smile. "Congratulations, my black-furred friend."

[Squeeji]

What a surprise indeed. Pollux cocked a brow, it was no surprise that the Sentry got the position, but there was something startling that she got it. She was a nice enough girl, but instable as all get out, and had some inappropriate vendettas against pack mates. Something that Pollux found rather petty and trite. The scout sprawled out in a lay down and she kept a mental note to talk to Nightblood, soon, before something had to be done about this.

But to at least make nice, she smiled and nodded at the sentry, hopefully this wouldn't go to her head. Pollux then began grooming out the burs in her fur until something else happened, or the meeting was dismissed.

*****

Creepily enough, Levy smiled as Nightblood was elected beta, as though being vindicated, or proven right. But he still kept to himself, he had noticed Crow, but then again, so did Mordecai, by the look of familiarity in his face. He decided to not to say anything or really acknowledge much of anything.

[Akree]

Uin turned to find a place to sit. Not much after she had come came another black wolf, his eyes were covered by his black mane and their were markings on his muzzle, like the other black female. Uin watched carefully as the male turned to look at the wolves. She curled her tail in front of her paws like she normally did when seating and turned her head to look at Sofika.

"Greetings" said the black female “You see, I also wish to show you the face of your new Beta who will be delivering ranks and telling you of the new system we have devised to make our lands strong.” said Sofika after a while.

This drew Uin's attention, she had met very few wolves since she came and only knew one wolf who would be capable of handling such a rank. She looked at each wolf in turn, and turned to look at Sofika again. NightBlood, was the name the female said, the wolf that was chosen as beta, this bought a smiled into Uin's muzzle. She was happy for NightBlood, she even heard a wolf squeal, she turned her head in the direction of the sound, but, uninterested turned to look at NightBlood again, the wolf next to her seemed to want to cry out in excitement, it seemed that NightBlood knew every wolf in this pack, NightBlood was a good choice for a beta indeed. She smiled at the sentry and lowered her head to look at her paws, not actually knowing what to do.

[sarhea]

This was one strange gathering of souls. Orion had not known that there were so many wolves inhabiting the land. Many of them he'd never met. He cringed at the sight of Mortil, and from the wolf's voice, knew the killer persona was the one in charge. He was very careful to not look at him. Orion did not know nearly enough about the dark wolf, but from that first meeting, he knew he didn't trust him. The large golden male that now took his place with their little group drew his attention. This must be the older brother that Lyra had mentioned.

Lyra didn't know anyone present except her sister, Crow, and Sofika. She'd heard Pollux talk of Nightblood, the sentry, but had never met her, and when Karolek arrived out of nowhere like he normally did and addressed the large female in such an odd way, she at least had a face to place with a name. She only gave Cepheus a quick acknowledging glance as he joined the little group. It was good to know he lived.

Now Sofika spoke up. From the casual glances from many of the wolves present, Lyra concluded that they didn't realized that they were in the presence of their alphas.

“I am Sofika, and as some of you may already know. I am the alpha of our lands, as much as Karolek here is. I apologize however as my face has not been… seen as of much lately.”

A confirmation. And it was true that she had not seen Sofika since they were met at the borders, and this was the first time she'd seen Karolek in years.

“I have had Nightblood call this meeting because, frankly, we need it… I need it. You see, you may not notice it, but we as a pack have been dwindling. I do not know as many faces as I used to and wish to watch your interaction with one another.”

Ah, that was what happened most of the time at these meetings, Lyra thought. And it was a good thing. There were so many unfamiliar faces present. She smiled and let a slight nod of agreement. This was desperately needed.

“But that is not the only reason.”

All three siblings locked their gaze on the alphess. Orion was dumbfounded. What was happening now? Lyra and Cepheus shot each other a quick glance before returning their focus on the alphess. In their experience in the past, meetings such as this was where missions were given, as well as ranks. Cepheus felt a slight adrenaline rush surge through his body. Maybe this would finally be his time, what he had waited his whole life for, before being sent on that mission...

“You see, I also wish to show you the face of your new Beta who will be delivering ranks and telling you of the new system we have devised to make our lands strong.”“Beta, would you please?”

Orion smiled widely as Sofika looked towards Nightblood. Yes, Night was a good choice. She'd done her duties well from what he could tell, and she knew just about every member of the pack; heck she had probably accepted most of them. He gave the odd female a strange look as she shrieked out in delight...a strange one, that one...

Lyra cocked her head in amusement. Beta, huh? She knew nothing of this Nightblood, therefore did not have any opinion of her. Pollux seemed to think she was decent enough. Their new beta was a young one. Lyra would just have to wait and see, observe the wolf in her new rank before she would make any opinions. She only hoped the young wolf was prepared for the stresses the job would bring. But then a nagging thought crept up....but Cepheus had been doing everything he could to earn that job so long ago....she then shot a look in her golden brother's direction.....her eyes widening in concern.

The announcement hit Ceph like a ton of bricks. His mind refused to process it. He stared blankly in the general direction of Sofika, but he saw nothing. A growing, rising burning sensation in his gut, along with the voices of several offering congratulations to the new beta brought him to his senses. His expression grew hard and emotionless. How could this be? How could this, this newcomer, be given the rank he was BORN to? So what that his parents, the former betas, had retired. Cepheus had trained all his young life to prepare himself for that job, and when he and Lyra had been approached by the alphas for that mission so many years ago, he'd dreamed of nothing else but returning victorious and being granted his dream.

The fire that had been burning in him before meeting Karolek earlier this very day had returned, and somehow, it managed to stay hidden behind his emotionless expression.

But his face did not have to show it. Lyra could feel the rage radiating from the golden male. It sickened her; Cepheus was too unpredictable when he got like this, and it had not happened in so long. Her thoughts were troubled now as she worried. She turned to Pollux, giving her sister a slight nudge, trying to get her attention. "Pollux!" she whispered under her breath, hoping to draw only Pollux's attention.

[Bandersnatch]

Crow’s ears pricked toward the last member of the congression as he made his way through the crowd. Ah, so he had decided to turn up. What exactly did the alphas have in mind? It seemed to be something more than a usual pack get-together.
The mute gave a grin at Karolek’s special greeting to the black and tan she-wolf. Nightblood did seem to have a habit of getting herself into trouble, obviously something that hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Sofika’s subtly expressed disapproval of her brother’s words would have made Crow giggle, if she hadn’t been distracted. It was that tell-tale prick of the neck, that feeling of being watched that did it. She shifted her gaze quickly about for the culprit, just catching the swing of a head as his attention back to the alphas. Mordecai. A subconscious smile tugged at her lips before she likewise replaced her attention to where it should have been.
Regardless of the foot stomp, it seemed it was Karolek Sofika had been waiting for, because she was now starting. The usual brief greetings were said, some comments on how Arnlan was dwindling – indeed, Crow agreed, that had been happening for quite some time now. It was what came next that surprised her.

“I do not know as many faces as I used to and wish to watch your interaction with one another.”

The sentry cocked her head gently, thoughtfully. What did Sofika mean by that? There wasn’t exactly much interaction with them all just sitting around. What did she have in mind?

“I also wish to show you the face of your new Beta who will be delivering ranks and telling you of the new system we have devised to make our lands strong.”

Crow’s ears pricked attentively, curiosity held in her eyes. New beta? It had been a very, very long time since the pack had its last betas – she had been much younger in those days. The retired betas had never really been replaced. They had just sort of vanished, like so many to follow in Arnlan. Their children though, what would they make of this? Crow gave a quick glance to the metallic-coloured siblings, but her attention quickly whipped back as Sofika spoke up again.

“Beta, would you please?”

Nightblood, of course. Crow looked bemused. It wasn’t exactly a surprise – Nightblood certainly always seemed to be doing something around the pack. The brown she-wolf wondered briefly just where her rank-equal – no, beta now, that would take a bit of getting used to – got all that energy.
Then something else struck her. What would this mean for her patrols? She and Night had finally worked out routines, their shifts merging cleanly. Would this mean she would have to take on all the rounds? She could still remember when she did as such - that was exhausting, maybe even contributing to her illness all those moons ago. But new ranks would be announced today, right? Maybe she would be given someone new to work with. Crow gripped on to that thought hopefully.

[anek]

Melted by the rays of the sun, a bit of snow fell off from a branch of a tree, and landed on the ground, disturbing a tan and brown wolf walking near by, with the sound it made. He growled and looked that direction, calming only after he recognized the source of the sound. The wolf, Anek, had been walking in the waking forest of Arnlan for many hours now. He enjoyed wandering through the land, which he found to be a wonderful area of Kloteck. It barely reminded him of his old home, but he didn’t want it to anyway. It was good the way it was.
Anek has been looking over the area to memorize the landmarks, and see how much it has changed since his last territory exploring. He liked to know in which part of Arnlan he was, and he certainly did not want to get lost in his own pack-land.


Walking out from among the trees, he percieved that he was nearly on top of a steep sided hill, with a rapid slope not far ahead. He walked to the side of the slope and looked around, seeing almost all of Arnlan. He was very close to the borders, but he knew it for inches, where to stop, not to enter another territory. The sound of the trees below told him, a wind was coming his way, so he closed his eyes and alowed it ruffle his fur up.

Suddenly he realized that the wind carried a very distant voice. A howl to be precise. It came from a far part of the land. He knew who the voice belonged to. The picture of the dark furred, female, sentry wolf came to his mind. His mind was very visual, which helped him remember even minor things very specifically. This wolf was one of those things. He didn’t know her personaly, but he had seen her a few times, patrolling around the borders. Her howl carried an invitation and a search. She was calling for someone else. Anek did not know whom she was searching for, but he didn’t have to wonder for long.
His eyes snapped open, as the sentry’s voice was joined by another. The howl of one of the alphas of Arnlan. Obviously the more dominant of them. Sofika. Her voice was filled with a firm call, for all. Anek would have set off for her call anyway, but he knew this time it was important.


He was far enough from the calling already, by walking down around the hill he’d just lose more of the already wasted time. So he looked down the slope and measured the height, the places he could use to get down the fastest, and he was off. His heavy shape landed on the ground making a bit of a rumble, as he stumbled to stay on his feet. He shot out and he ran as fast as he could. He had to make it to the meeting. He musn’t be late. He wouldn’t want to anger the alphas with such a thing. But however he tried, his build had it’s disadvantages.

By the time he arrived near the border of the clearing, he saw that the meeting had already started. Sofika was talking, and all the members sitting around her, and her brother was listening silently.
As quietly as he could, Anek caught his breath to at least appear in front of the pack the best as he could. Then he entered the clearing and quietly, almost sneaking compared to his sizes, he walked up to the rest of the members. He heard it as Sofika announced the black wolf, who’s howl he heard, to be the new beta of the pack, which already made Anek have a mental not to talk to her later on. After the congratulations for Nightblood have quited down, he stepped forward.

“Greetings Alphess Sofika.” said Anek, entering the meeting and obviously getting everyone’s attention upon himself, “And for you Alpha Karolek. Forgive my late arrival.” with that he nodded. Half as a sign of respect and half as to avert his eyes while he stepped back to randomly sit among the wolves around him.

[nightblood]

It seemed sad that the Alpha of Arnlan had to introduce herself to her own subjects. Then again, there were a lot of newcomers who needed to know who was in charge. NightBlood doubted there was any wolf accepted since Mortilitas Umbra who had looked upon the faces of their leaders. She recognized most of them as her own recruits. Others, like Ziro, must have been accepted by Crow. And still others, like Pollux, were Arnlan natives that she had not met yet.

The Sentry held a rigid posture as she looked out over the ranks. She, like the alphas, was facing the crowd. She'd been given the assignment of calling the meeting to order, listing the new ranking system, and starting the pack hunt. Why, she had no idea. Perhaps it was her size. She'd be sure to direct everyone's attention to herself and make sure everyone was clear on everything. Yes, that must be the reason. Still, it was very unnerving being a lowly Sentry looking out upon her own rank equals. She didn't feel qualified enough to sit with the Alphas.

Ziro, being as small as he was, was glad for the seating arrangement. He was able to view his leaders up close and felt important seated among them, even if he was in NightBlood's large shadow.

“You see, I also wish to show you the face of your new Beta who will be delivering ranks and telling you of the new system we have devised to make our lands strong.”

NightBlood's ears perked up quickly. The announcement of a new beta was shocking enough... but wasn't it her job to announce the new ranking system? The Sentry's eyes widened as Sofika tilted her head toward her, the feel of her icy eyes locking with her own.

“Beta, would you please?”

Her heart skipped a beat. For a moment, the world stopped. Everything she ever wanted and everything she didn't want were happening all at the same time. It had been her dream to be Beta of Arnlan ever since she'd joined. She had needed to lift herself threw the ranks to prove to herself that she was capable of being what she was bred to be- a warrior leader. Beta was close enough for her. She wasn't about to mutiny against the alphas who took her in. Then there was Armageddon. She looked to him for a brief second. With this rank came the right to breed. Now, if they ever chose to start a family, it would be legal. They could really call themselves mates then.

She tore her eyes away from him and cast them down. Panic swept over her. She lifted her head to find the one wolf in Arnlan she knew would accuse her of treachery. She had still not settled her dispute with Levy, the smallest Arnlanian. He'd said once that she was trying to take control of Arnlan, even accused her of killing Ziko. She couldn't prove him wrong. She had no evidence other than her words, which were few. Only actions could show him now. She was loyal to Sofika, Karolek, and to Arnlan. There was not a deceitful bone in her body.

Then there was the burning sensation of being watched by another. She looked around in the direction and looked upon a few faces of the Arnlanian natives. There was what she feared most. There was not another moment in her life that she didn't want to dig a hole and hide away from the world more than right now. She knew there were others in that group more deserving than her of this vital rank. What made her so special?

Questions later. Duty now. The black and brown female was brought back to her senses by RavenShard's shriek of excitement and Mortilitas Umbra's offer of congratulations. She nodded her thanks to both of them and straightened herself up, readying herself to speak.

Ziro lifted his head to look at the new Beta. It seemed fitting that such smallish leaders needed a big wolf like her as their muscle. That was how it sometimes went with older packs. He smiled and jabbed her leg with his elbow slightly, trying to comfort her. She seemed a little tense.

"Right, then," Blood began, lifting her voice and looking out over the crowd. Her eyes searched for reassurance from the wisest Arnlanian she knew, but Pollux was simply cleaning burs from her fur. She sighed inwardly and pressed on, listing the ranks.

NightBlood took a moment to catch her breath, but continued on in half a second. There was still more to be said. She spoke of the grading system in the Respected Caste and what each grade meant.

Another break in her speech. It was becoming long winded, but now came time to explain the individual ranks. She hoped she was still able to hold the crowd's attention. She spoke of each rank and what their jobs were. She stressed the importance of each, hoping to have the members gain interest in getting into a rank they found pleasing. She deliberately left out two specific ranks, of which she had been ordered to keep secret. She also didn't discuss the matter of the 'Round Table', as she was unclear of how that was to be explained.

"If you are unclear about which rank you are in, I would advise you to seek out the Alphas after the meeting," she turned to her leaders for a moment, "Is there anything I missed, Alphas?"

She waited for there answer and let them explain anything she left out before continuing to the matter of the pack hunt.

"In addition, there will be a hunt following the meeting. You each will be graded on your performance and promoted to the ranks that best suit your abilities."

Finally done, NightBlood folded her ears back for a second to show that her speech had ended. They flipped forward again and turned to Sofika, awaiting any additional announcements. She hoped there weren't any more surprises. She already had a mental note to speak to them about her promotion and how badly they had chosen their Beta. First she needed to talk with Armageddon, however.

[Donn]

((Could someone enlighten me on who or what we are waiting for?))

[Electus]

(( Succinctly put, we're waiting for anyone to post. ))

[Sofika]

Karolek's turn actually, because he certainly ain't posted.

[Karolek]

[[Sorry for the ridiculous wait; forum won't load on my computer, blah blah blah, lame excuse lame excuse.]]

"It's good to see you too, sir,"

He was glad to see that she wasn't angry at him; that much was evident by the rather pathetic thumping of his tail against the ground. Perhaps it would have been an actual wag, if his sister hadn't ruined everything by stepping on his foot. Karolek remained quiet, his only reaction a slight twitch and a glare in Sofika's direction. The fact that it was a glare was only evident by his frown; the rest of his face was, as always, unreadable (from the hair, not a magical ability to keep himself expressionless. Karolek liked to express himself, oddly enough.)

The next few moments passed in a blur of disinterest. A couple wolves greeted him, and he only nodded in their direction, occasionally flashing a smile as well. This was (unfortunately) a serious event, and Karolek was trying his best to play the part. Sure, he'd already screwed it up with his greeting to Nightblood, but Sofika's silent reprimand had forced him to focus again. He hadn't appreciated the foot-stomping at all, though he figured that was a problem he'd have to solve when it was only his sister with him -- not the entire pack.

"Karolek. It's...been awhile."

He remembered this wolf. The...conflicted one. "Too long, I think -- though any amount of time without the company of my packmates is, in fact, too long."[/color] Strange, considering Karolek was rarely seen amongst his packmates. He visited with them occasionally, yes, but more often than not, he was simply watching from the shadows. Observing. Observation was more effective, though the dark wolf couldn't help but wonder at what it would be like to live a more "normal" social life.

Karolek said nothing as the new Beta was announced. The news was no surprise to him, of course; he'd helped in the decision. Rather than acknowledging Nightblood, the Alpha chose to watch the crowd, taking note of their reactions. He could see quite a few smiles...that was good, their decision had been one that made the pack happy. There was one who seemed quite excited; the loud scream had been unexpected, but he did nothing to express his surprise. He was good at that sort of thing; besides, lack of reaction made him look cool. Infinitely cool. The black wolf focused on Cepheus -- it had only been a few seconds since he'd last seen the wolf, but Karolek found himself slightly unnerved by the expression on the wolf's face. Anger? Interesting. He hadn't expected anyone to be outraged by Nightblood's promotion, but clearly he'd been wrong. What disturbed him most was the possible after-affect of this anger. Murder? No, no, he was jumping to conclusions too quickly. He'd have to keep an eye on Cepheus, though -- yes, make a mental note of that.

"If you are unclear about which rank you are in, I would advise you to seek out the Alphas after the meeting. Is there anything I missed, Alphas? In addition, there will be a hunt following the meeting. You each will be graded on your performance and promoted to the ranks that best suit your abilities."

He only gave a reassuring nod at Nightblood's question. He was finding it rather hard to pay attention. Too much seriousness. Can't handle it anymore. They're smiling; that signals end of seriousness. Besides, he had to get his sister back for stomping on his foot. "But the real reason we've brought you here..."[/color] The wolf paused, glancing mischievously at Sofika, almost hoping she'd try and stop him. It was rather obvious that his intentions were not in his twin's best interests. "...is that none of us are really acquainted, and we -- that is to say, Sofika,"[/color] He put a lot of emphasis on her name, nodding in her direction, "...and I -- have really wanted to get to know you guys."[/color] A smug grin. "I think we'll all be the best of friends by the end of this meeting!"[/color]

[Sofika]

Throughout the entirety of Nightblood’s explanations Sofika kept her thoughtful and mysterious expression of mild content. This was symbolized by the odd smile that graced her muzzle and caused slight fang to be displayed as those hidden eyes swept over the congregation over and over again. She, herself, did not need to listen to the explanations provided by Nightblood, after all she had told her all what to say so initially she knew what was going to be said. This gave her plenty and enough of time to explore the reactions of her pack members, to see their faces shining with eagerness and subdued appreciation for her decision. And yet… yes, there was one out of the bunch, one that was not very pleased about the decision. Slowly, Sofika cut a ‘look’ toward her brother, one that symbolized she too, knew of the odd one out and that perhaps it was best should Karolek do the confronting. Her odd grin only widened further at the thought of what… such emotion might cause. What mischief might become of anger or jealousy. Only time would truly tell what might unfold, but it was best to nip this sort of thing in the butt.

After all, with what other information she was about to unleash she had the oddest of feelings that something a little more chaotic or… amusing by far might take place.

Sofika cleared her throat when Nightblood was finally finished and she cast her gaze skyward with a bit of a wistful sigh. The meeting, it was time for it to be wrapped up so that other, far more important matters could be accomplished and spoken about, such as promotions and… new life.

“We are not nearly enough,” She whispered, her words odd and strange, perhaps to the rest of the audience as her ‘eyes’ searched the skies for answers that might never come, “Though soon we shall be massive and one once more.”

Massive. Their numbers, of course.

“As the Beta Nightblood also has specific duties.” Here Sofika shifted, ever so slightly, a paw lifting to push against the underside of her jaw and rub slightly in a sort of contemplative motion, “And while we all, someday, will take on the responsibility of filling our various empty suits with more life she shall be the first in a long time to do so.”

Then, that head turned NB’s way, her grin spreading all the wider, her tail giving a twitch before seeking to curl beside her planted butt.

“Nightblood, for me… for Karolek, for this pack, you are to soon… bare young.”

Yes, Sofika was going to make Nightblood pregnant.

Not literally, of course! She didn’t possess the correct equipment.

“Do be a dear and get started soon, your mate is to be…”

To be…. To be…

“Anek.”

The wolf who had come late to the meeting. What odd logic!

“With that said, let the hunt begin! Do lead our proud wolves to their makeshift war, Selene.” Praise the swollen moon, let the festivities begin.

[Blackfeathr]

Armageddon was beginning to tire of all this bureaucracy until Sofikas voice dropped down to a whisper. He craned his neck forward and his ear perked, quivering. What was she saying...

“Nightblood, for me… for Karolek, for this pack, you are to soon… bare young.”

It was as if a bucket of ice dropped to his stomach and settled there to freeze him from the inside out. Bear young? With whom? Him? Wait... how did Sofika know...

A sense of pride welled in him, and he felt proud that even though he was accepted into the pack with no discernable talents, at least he would be helping the pack in some way, by bringing some native-born Arnlanians in the world. Not what he expected, but it was the alphas choice, after all, as he puffed his chest up happily.

“Do be a dear and get started soon, your mate is to be…”

Wait...

“Anek.”

Silence. Silence all around, except for the screams of outrage and fury and sadness that had erupted in his mind.

The ice that previously occupied his stomach seemed to turn into acid, eating away at his insides, rotting him away and killing him, yet he still stood here, numb.

What had he done wrong? A million thoughts raced through his mind as his vision darted to NightBlood, to Sofika, Karolek, to the group... he did not know who this Anek was... he could be any one of these wolves... anger boiled up inside of him. He looked down at his legs, shaking in the effort to remain standing. His ugly, ugly bones protruded in places, his thin body, starved, angular, the mirror image of his father. That was why. They must have known. They must have! It all clicked in his mind perfectly. They knew he was the son of Patamon, of course they wouldnt let offspring of the Demon Seed run around Arnlan... the curse... he was the curse.

His eyes flashed a cold and dangerous grey. His lips twitched and rose, a deep growl bubbling in his throat.
"No..." came a whisper from between his teeth. Silvery tears slid down from his nose, inches from the earth, darkening the sandy surface.

The anger bubbled up until he exploded "NOOOOO!" into the air, sending birds twittering and flying from the trees.
He was standing, hunched over, looking unearthly, murderous. His chest heaved in pants and sobs. He felt like he was being choked... suffocated... he had to move.

Suddenly, he found his legs carrying him away from the meeting at breakneck speed... he wanted to run forever, until he was far, far away and forgotten, or dead from exhaustion and forgotten.
This wasn't fair. As soon as he found a life for himself, fate took it away. He wanted to die, to rid this ugly body from his soul, and wake up as someone else. Anyone else. Just not the withered tortured shell he writhes in pain as he is today.

---

"BABIES!" Raven screeched just as Sofika finished speaking. Her fine feathered friend was going to have pups! How wonderful! She had made her rounds in the olden days, helping deliver pups, and she'll be of use once again to the Beta NightBlood. RavenShard could barely sit still now... or at all. She got up in excitement and chased her tail for several seconds. After the deed was done and her tail was caught, she sat back down, bouncing on her butt, awaiting anything else Sofika had to say. It was then that the black wolf next to her seemed to be very upset and shouted audibly into the sky. A frown creased her young features as she watched him run away.

“With that said, let the hunt begin! Do lead our proud wolves to their makeshift war, Selene.”

A sliver of fear struck her in the heart.
She couldn't hunt.

She was mostly a vegetarian, eating various berries and edible green things. If she had the bloodlust, she would take down a rabbit or something small. But she would always bless its spirit and ensure its safe journey back to the Mother Earth, and thank her in the process. She'd never gone after big game before.
Her mad eyes became somber and fearful, the first time she felt vulnerable and alone in her life.

---

A warm smile etched the corners of Mordecais lips, as he heard the news of new life gracing Arnlan. He couldn't help his icy blue eyes dart back to Crow, wanting to see her reaction. He looked back at Sofika, awaiting further orders.

“With that said, let the hunt begin! Do lead our proud wolves to their makeshift war, Selene.”

He was not sure of that last part, but he was ready for the hunt. Out of the corner of his eye he saw RavenShard shift uncomfortably, and he wondered to himself what was wrong. He was about to lean over and ask but he stood up instead, ready to work for a good meal.

[Donn]

Phineas' eyes went to Nightblood at the announcement. He himself tended to avoid pups. Dirty, raucous and rude creatures, he found. But some congatulations were in order. It was only polite, he was sure NightBlood would be feeling quite emotional in both a promotion and privilege to pups. Best to keep morale up, and Sofika seemed to have done that very well. She and her brother seemed good leaders, as far as Phineas had seen. "Well congratulations, NightBlood!" Phineas said, nodding his head to the Beta, "But whom is Anek, your new..." Phineas was cut off by another wolf's howl.

"NOOOOO!" the wolf screamed. Phineas stared, shocked. "What the Deuce?!" he said in surprise, but the young fellow was already gone. If that was Anek, then their relationship didn't seem to be off to a good start. NightBlood didn't sem a bad mate, so Phineas guessed he was a disappointed courter of NightBlood. Ah well, the show must go on, so to speak. "Er... well, hunting, eh? Lay on, Macduff! Whither do we go?" Phineas asked. Best to start hunting by knowing the field of battle.