Erani

Erani padded with a long flowing stride toward the wide flat boulder at the center of the plains. A tree grew beside it, long dead from a years past lightning strike. However, if you looked closely, you would note, at the base, that new life was welling from the tree. From seeds long since dropped. It had once been a great oak. Now it?s children would rise around it. With a sure leap, the snowy female bounded to the platform the boulder provided, the Full moon high above casting her in a radiant glow. Beneath her paws, the flecks of quartz in the stone winked and sparkled like so many tiny stars. Deep blue gaze, warm and soft as a summer breeze, surveyed the presently empty expanse of grassland, before her head lifted, and her jaws parted in a low, sweet croon. She let the song flow across the plains, let the wind carry the notes to the four corners of the territories of Valhalla. Under the sweet song was the thrum of power that all Alphas held. It was a summons to all in the pack, calling them together, inviting them to come and play, to share with her the joys she had to offer them this night. No wolf was left out from this song. From pup to Eldest wolves of the pack, all were invited. The crooning song softened, until only echoes remained, dancing on a summer night?s breeze. Her muzzle lowered, a gentle smile playing on her lips, as she waited for her pack, her family to come to her call.

"Pray" He heard, and he would respond. Jinxx trotted swiftly towards the call of the elder woman who had been kind enough to accept him into the pack. And although he had been here a short time, he had observed some of the ways of the pack and got to witness the closeness that he had once had with his own family. But alas, he was here...and he was alone. Motherless, left to wonder what had become of his father. His siblings scattered throughout the lands. It did not take long for the elder woman to come into view, his blue eyes falling upon her form as he neared. He would approach her, the usual sadness within his eyes that was always present. As if nothing could ever make it disappear. But perhaps something would, he had yet to find it...dipping his head as he approached, he took a seat near the Alphess. Black painted ears reaching forward in a curious manner. "Hello, Alphess. I hope you fare well. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to be here." he would greet her, a tone of kind gratitude behind his words. He sat slightly to her left and in front, his own Cross marked left shoulder to her view. "Speech", Thought, "You"

He heard the howl and immediately his head snapped up, blue eyes blinking before leaning over to nudge Eria awake and smiling. "Our first pack meeting as a family. If you grab Isis I'll grab the terror?" He offered easily, chuckling as he nudged at Erion to get moving. Their sons odd love for their mother had been a bit stressful on all of them so he was happy to take him to the pack meeting. A last tender lick was given to his wife along with a nuzzle to her ear where the four feathers he had given her lay matted into her fur. Then he lifted Erion, the pup curling into his jaws easily and he slipped out of the mouth of the den. His son walked the last half, saying he wanted to impress his aunt with his strength and Friction wasn't one to argue so let the young boy do as he pleased. As they approached Friction smiled easily to the woman who had taken him and his family in when Valhalla had returned to Veronica Plains. "Erani, so good to see you." He said in ernest, dipping his head low and motioning for his son to do the same before nodding politely to the black and white male he had yet to meet and sitting back to watch the pack meeting unfold before him.

"But I wanna go with mooooommmm!" He continued to whine even as his father picked him up and carted him out of the den. His complaining was short lived though because today he got to see the alpha in action. Thus far he had only seen Erani as his auntie and babysitter when his mom and dad wanted to ditch them but now he got to see her in action and he could barely contain his excitement. Half way there he began to squirm and wiggle, pushing at his fathers jaws to let him down. "Lemmie down! I'm not a kid anymore dad! I'm a pack member!" The last half was said as soon as his dad pup him down, tiny chest puffing up dramatically to emphasize his point. He could totally contribute to this pack. And thats what he tried to convoy as he trotted easily ahead of his father, head high but tail low like his parents had taught him. As they approached his couldn't help but smile at his auntie looking so regal sitting there before a black and white male he didn't know. Trespasser? Immediately the tiny boy looked to Erani as if asking her if she needed him to chase this guy away but she gave no such hint so instead he simply bowed to Erani like his dad had and went to sit with his father. Butt dropping to the ground with a 'humph' as he continued to watch the new male. Not all trespassers were bad so he had found out but he still didn't like them. Though he did want to see if Erani could breath fire or shoot lighting bolts or something else equally as cool to punish trespassers.

The still air came alive with the sound of song, sweet and welcoming, the warmth in its tones of one who sang to family, the ice-toned brute would raise his head for a moment to allow the sound to wash over him and enjoy in everything in granted: A home and a family. A smile would grace his features then as he shook out his coat and made his way to his paws. His first night in this pack was yet to pass and already it felt like a long one, that began with his acceptance, middled with the meeting of another and now this night would end with the presence of new family, new faces and the beginning of his new life.

He was on his paws now and falling into a graceful stride he followed the notes and scents until he found himself in her chosen area, as he came within her sights he would note also the wolves that had gotten there before him, to the black and white figure who's coat stained with a marking and the black brute that stood with the one member he now knew: Erion. The young and dramatically wronged creature stood indignantly with the black brute, who Alpine assumed to be his father. Offering the young one and easy, warm smile as is focus fell on Erani, by this point he was joining the crowd standing before her, bowing his head in respect, not presumptuous enough to intrude upon her meeting with words of his own, he just sat their in silence, ensuring there was space to his right side in case a certain little creature decided to seat itself beside him.

The summoning howl would arise, and Arwel would move on, cerulean eyes shining curiously as he went to attend his very first pack meeting. The male was looking forward to bonding further with his pack mates, though he had still yet to meet many of them. A rusty-red and black tail swayed behind him as he walked, leaving his duties of tracking the herd animals for the moment. He could pick back up on that later, but Arwel knew better than to keep an alpha waiting.

So he would arrive. He was not the first, not that he had expected to be, but he certainly wasn't the last. The brute would walk up among fellow packmates, taking a seat next to a white and black male whom he had not seen before. He tipped his head in Erani's direction, offering her a warm smile, but chose to not speak. He was here as a listener, until there came a time for his voice to be heard, for whatever reason that may be. He would also glance to the brute beside him, giving a nod of greeting, a welcoming look in his eyes.

Another restless night. It was just a small number to add to the growing list. She had yet to be able to sleep soundly, often calling out for Cael, looking for him till she realized he was gone. She was growing isolated but only to an extent. She still tended to the pack as their Primary Theta, but anything outside what her job called for she shied away from. She didn't want to get close to anyone ever again, it was too painful when they left you. It was best to stay professional and keep to herself. Laying there in the dark of the cave, head resting on her paws she heard the call from Erani. Sky blue eyes blinked slowly, as if not really sure if she had heard it. Then with a sigh the dark woman picked herself up and slowly left her den. The charred tree and rock wasn't too far from her den, so she was in no hurry. Even so a few others had arrived to the meeting. She looked up at Erani with a silent nod in greeting before choosing a spot near the rock. Eyes wandered over the few here, noting the new addition and offered a small smile before looking away. What kind of meeting did Erani have planned this late at night? Speech Thought Others

Surreal

Surreal had been tracked down by Alsander, and told of the meeting, so she had finished her patrol with her cousin and uncle, and as her mother?s call sang, soft and sweet over the lands, she was already half way back to the Plains. Lately, she?d been feeling? Hot. Grouchy. She hadn?t approached her mother about it, so she hadn?t learned why she was feeling this way, and pausing at glimpses of un-related males, or stopping altogether in her tracks when Falk crossed her mind. Her Uncle Cormalin had been keeping upwind of her lately, though she didn?t think she smelled bad. Even her Cousins were keeping upwind? Only the males though. Her female side of the family seemed to not notice a damn thing different about her. Brow points furrowed as she loped toward the meeting, and the Beta Primary thrust the thoughts away from her mind. Tonight was a night of Celebration. Not being grumpy for no apparent reason. As she, Cormalin, and Alsander broke into the wide expanse of plains land, she noted some new faces, finding herself perusing the males with an interest that startled her. So she jerked her eyes away, pausing as her uncle whispered in her ear. ?Keep downwind of the males, Niece.? She gave her uncle a puzzled look, but nodded and slipped through the crowd, leaping onto the flat boulder and pressing her head against her mother?s shoulder, receiving a loving nuzzle from the snowy Alpha Primary, a brush of her mother?s tongue laying waste to the grouchiness she?d been forcing down. She settled on her haunches beside her mother, in the beta?s place, looking around for her fellow Beta, Sephiroth. She hadn?t seen him in a while, and wondered why. Breeze ruffling her silver and black timber marked fur, she cast her mismatched gold and blue gaze out over the growing crowd. Tonight would be fun.

Alsander

Alsander was quite glad he wasn?t a female. Surreal?s grouchiness and discomfort from being in heat strengthened this thought as they finished their patrol. His paws ached, but he was happy. Things were going well for Valhalla, with two Alliances, and he hadn?t missed the call from the borders near Emerald Valley. He hoped she had sealed a third alliance, and he would find out tonight if she had indeed done so. He and his father had been keeping upwind of Surreal and her exotic, intoxicating scent of perpetual invitation, much to the annoyance of his young cousin, who seemed to be unaware that she was in heat. She?d grumbled something about not smelling bad, and had padded ahead. He glanced at his father, noting a gentle smile of wise amusement on the black muzzle that was just beginning to show tiny flecks of silver. His father was growing old. He had seen his share of battles, and the limp in his left foreleg was a little more pronounced in recent months. However the ex-Beta was still strong, and would see a few more years, Alsander hoped. Silvery pale grey ears pricked as Erani?s melody soothed over the land, calling the meeting at long last, and Alsander took off with his cousin and father toward the song. By the time they arrived, wolves were already coming in, and as Cormalin caught up to Surreal and suggested that she keep downwind of the new males, Alsander threaded his way through the crowd, though Surreal quickly surpassed him and settled with Erani on the boulder. He paused to look at the two females. His Aunt, with her snowy white body and deep blue eyes that could be cold as glaciers or warm as a summer sun ray, and his cousin, with her silvery grey base and black timber markings, a living moon shadow with bright eyes of mismatched blue and gold, snapping with life and energy. They were beautiful, strong and sure. And he wouldn?t like to cross either of them. There were two new males among the crowd, one a pale silver-white and the other white in base, with interesting black markings, the most notable being the one on his left shoulder. Alsander came to settle beside the latter, giving a friendly wag of his heavy tail before mismatched green and gold gaze rose to Erani. ?Dearest Aunt. Are your feet as tired as mine?? Irish brogue baritone called out to her, a laugh in his words. His eyes left her then, mind wandering to Io. Where was she tonight?

Several Osha plants were sticking out of either side of the healer's maw as he made his way back toward the den site. He wondered what was up now but didn't allow his mind to linger too long on the thought as he was sure to find out soon enough. Shilah moved in a quick and steady pace, his silver speckled paws carrying his dark-pelted body in an easy rhythm across the plains. It wasn't long before he came upon the gathering of his pack mates. Giving a nod of greeting to Erani he settled himself down among the group. Shilah dipped his elegant head to rest his gather on the ground. Ever since joining Valhalla he'd worked to familiarize himself with the land and the plants available to him as well as starting to build a small store though at the moment he was still more interested in exploring. However? he knew that would change within the next day or so. After all, autumn would be on it's way. Speech

Cormalin

Cormalin was indeed growing old. He didn?t mind it in the least. Everyone grew old, and there was no such thing as cheating death when it came your time to go. His time was still far away. He hoped to see grandchildren before his went. However, his youngest two seemed to have vanished. This saddened him, especially for Imena?s sake. He?d not missed his daughter?s growing sadness and reserved nature since his return. If Cael came back he?d have a stiff talking to from Cormalin, though in retrospect, he wasn?t exactly one to talk about staying. Surreal?s scent brushed over his nose, and he automatically switched sides, snuffing softly to clear his nose. While it didn?t affect him in the least, he still didn?t need his nose full of heat scent while on a patrol. His actions earned him a disgruntled look from his Niece, which he blithely ignored. He caught Alsander?s look and winked at him. As they were finishing their rounds, the expected call from Erani came, and they al headed off toward it, shadows stretching beside them from the moon?s gentle rays. They arrived, and Cormalin caught up to Surreal, nosing her ear and whispering, ?Stay downwind of the males, Niece.? Her puzzled look made him smile. She obviously didn?t know what an effect she would have on males who were un-related to her by blood. She nodded to him and he watched his Niece head straight for her mother, a fond smile pulling at his maw before he padded up as well, butting his head against his slightly smaller sister?s shoulder, caressing her cheek with a lick before descending from the boulder to take a place beside Alsander and a new male who was marked with a rather interesting shoulder cross. To the newcomer, he murmured ?Welcome to Valhalla.?, baritone voice lightly touched by the Irish brogue, though not as heavily accented as Alsander. His mismatched gold and blue gaze swept the crowd for the remainder of his children, Caerul and Imena in particular, finding his daughter in law in her place as Theta Primary. Caerul hadn?t arrived yet, and Cael? He hoped the male would come home soon, along with Claire.

She had been accepted so easily into the pack by the snowy Queen. Still to this day it was all so confusing. Did Erani really know how she felt? And she just openly accepted her without bating an eye. Maybe her age maybe her able to see right into one's soul. Was it possible when you lived for so long you were able to tell what kind of person someone was on a first meeting? So she had meandered around the borders, slowly circling her way closer into the heart of Valhalla. She didn't want to overstep any paws and needed time to think about everything before meeting anyone.

But fate said this night was the night she would officially meet her packmates. The word felt odd on her tongue, heavy yet intriguing. She had not had such relations since she left home, even then she was an outcast. Erani's howl was soothing and a pull on her soul. She had to answer to it. Maybe it was a loyalty she felt building between Erani and her. A shake to her dusty brown pelt she took off at a run, snow covered limbs a blur till she reached the meeting. Slowing to a creep, her snow blasted face glowed in the moonlight, pale blue eyes searching the group. A lump formed in her throat but she forced herself forwards.

She noticed another Nomad, tilting her head to the side as she froze mid-step. But quickly she recovered and moved to a spot near a dark colored woman with blue eyes. Something about the woman made her feel safe. Eyes lifted up with Erani with a shy smile and wag of her tail before she settled down on her belly. Eyes drifted with the group, noting the males. She could not help but let her eyes linger on a male with an odd marking on his shoulder or the silver male one the boulder with Erani.

Sarak

Sarak was depressed again. Azalea had vanished after the challenge, leaving the field of Battle, and he hadn?t seen her since. He?d tried to follow her scent, but the trail came up cold, washed away by the sea, and all tracks demolished by the waves over the sand. He?d traveled up and down that beach, up and down, and had found no renewal of the trail. His children, for he saw them as his own, were nowhere to be seen. He?d searched for them, smelled them, and yet he?d been unable to find them. Had the pink bastard taken them away? He was gaunt again, having dropped weight during the time he?d been back in the Plains. All that he caught was for the pack. Something forced him to eat, just enough to keep him going. Not knowing where they were, his little family that he?d found among a much larger family, was eating him alive. Mossy green eyes opened slowly as Erani?s howl rolled through the territory. For a moment, he considered not even getting up. However that pull was too strong, and he rose slowly, slipping out from his small den. He crossed the territory under a full moon?s light, green eyes on the ground, until the sounds of the others filled the air around him and he found himself surrounded by his pack. He stopped, mechanical movements ceasing as his haunches dropped to the ground. He looked around, hoping she?d be there, but she wasn?t. So quietly, he lowered himself to the ground and rested his chin on his paws, eyes raising to the bright form of Erani, her silver daughter Surreal beside her.

For a moment he had been concentrated. Standing idly by in place as he figured out what to do. It had been a while since things had happened, and he wondered if things would change again. More then that plagued his mind, however. Thoughts of Ash filled his mind, and he felt bad that he had not spent the time with her that she so clearly deserved. Would she forgive him for being so scarce? Had it been wise to return so soon from the journey he had gone off to so long ago? Yes, of course. She was worth it, and he would begin to make the effort to give her all the loving attention she so deserved. He loved her, and that was all he needed. Swiftly he began his trek towards Erani's call. Vowing to make more effort to be involved more within the pack.


He arrived swiftly, finding that several wolves had already arrived. With confidence, he moved forth to find a seat near several who were gathered. He wondered if his cousin Chrysanthe would show today, for he wanted to talk to her and spend some time with her again. Lately it seemed she was the only real family that was around, and it saddened him in a way inexplicable. He noticed a few new faces, however, the one that stood out to him most was a black and white striped male with a cross upon his left shoulder. A very peculiar newcomer, he would make sure to greet him properly when he got more comfortable, for as it was, he seemed unnerved by so many new faces...and his eyes, was he sad? He gave a slight shake of his head, it was none of his business for now. He would take a seat on the males right side, dipping his head to Erani as he passed. He had so much on his mind that he was too preoccupied with to speak, and the thoughts wandered across his mind like the clouds across the sky. What was this meeting about, he wondered. It was then as he thought, that his gaze cast around for Ashtoreth, was she out hunting? He hoped she would be here soon...he felt strange without her nearby.

REGRETS COLLECT LIKE OLD FRIENDS here to relive your darkest moments The call reached his ears and left him with a soft smile. A happy gathering for all Valhallans? He was in. Flamesong had been busy since the move to old Valhalla. He had replenished his herb stash many times, built an entirely new den for himself and removed wreckage from the storm from all over the terra. It seemed there was always something for him to do here in the packlands. He loved keeping busy and keeping his mind working, even if it meant distracting him from thoughts of the pretty ivory Tortugan dame. It had been a while since he had seen her and it only made him all the more wary as to her wellbeing. He was quite fond of her and knew that Tortuga was not exactly the best place to be, under the lead of Isardis daughter. He did not approve of the pack's newest addition, but what was it to him? The lady knew how to handle herself. He had nothing to worry about. Fiery eyes blinked as he nodded his head in confirmation. Despite his feelings, the girl was not his business. She and her pretty blue eyes had more important things to look at other than his ugly mug. He chuckled and aimed his paws in the direction of Erani's call. A wedding would certainly please his lonely heart and give him a worthwhile reason to smile. It would be perfect; they could all celebrate in the love and togetherness of their packmates and all get to know each other better! Maybe he would even meet a pretty Valhallan to get his mind off of Qanik. It was definitely a day for companionship. As he approached the growing gathering, his ears would swivel, taking in the commotion. Amber eyes softened as he approached his alphess. He dipped his silvery head to the pale woman and allowed his weary muscles to settle into a sitting position. "Greetings, alphess. Hope all is well." He told the queen without pause, turning his head briefly to assess the gathering. He spotted a young she-wolf who he had seen shortly at the last meeting and nodded his head in her direction. "Hello! Amia, right? I'm Flamesong Ethereo, Gamma. How are you settling in?" He would ask the lady in deep, soothing tones. She looked to be a bit lost, yet he could tell there was confidence hiding deep beneath her exterior. it's always darkest before the dawn[FLAMESONG ETHEREO]

The day had swiftly switched to night, making the time she spent with her family more of a blessing than anything. As she laid on the cool ground of their den, playfully pawing at Erion and Isis, a howl rang out in the air. Friction approached her and gave her a nuzzle, loving to the touch and sending chills down her spine. He informed her and the pups of the meeting and she dutifully followed. "After you, dear," she softly said, tones warm to the air. Friction picked up their son and she heard him wailing in his father's grip. A sad smile appeared on her lips as she lowered her muzzle to pick up Isis. The pup willingly accepted being raised in the air and a soft giggle escaped Eria. She loved her children equally, even though Erion preferred her all the time over their father. Sometimes it was sweet, other times it was annoying. She would never tell him that, unless a boundary was crossed. With such thoughts in mind, she left the den and followed Friction's retreating body. When they arrived to the scene of what was to come, Eria lowered Isis in front of her. The pup immediately began to scramble after her brother, wanting to meet Erani as well. Ice blue eyes looked up to the white female and she took a few steps towards her husband before sitting next to him. She looked around and wondered what would happen in the future. Speech

The howl that came from Erani was immediately answered by Odette. She left what she was doing and proceeded to trot through the woods to find her grandmother. As she ran, she thought of how each muscle in her body was working to keep up her speed. Ever since she had met Sibelle, the desire to work on every muscle that she owned was greater than before. She had been running up and down hills that were found in various spots of the Plains, for they were flat in most places. Vigorously, she continued to make her way through the trees, hoping to be there in time. Wolves of many different kinds that made up Valhalla were already there. She didn't feel bad for not being first, for she knew that she wasn't last, either. Others were surrounding Erani, intending to have her attention. The Gargoyle mini-me knew that Erani loved and adored her, so a gentle dip of her head was given before she began to seek out Chrysanthe. Ever since Erani became Alpha Primary, Odette had stuck to her mother's hip like a bush burr to fur. Red and blue eyes twinkled as the yearling finally found her precious Gamma. She lovingly nuzzled the woman before relaxing her haunches next to her. Curiosity was evident in her actions as she turned her head to the ivory woman. She was definitely wondering what would be happening. Talk like this

I'm stuck here in the middle at war with good and evil Projecting heartache with every fiber of his being, Laufey crept up behind Erani's boulder and peered around it at the pack wolves. His eyes drifted around the gathering, taking in the throng of strangers. There were big ones and small ones, ones with odd patterns and odd eyes. He'd never seen so many differences before, so many different wolves. They were making him nervous. It had always been just his family and Raven's, and seeing wolf after wolf enter the gathering was overwhelming. Laufey's eyes welled up with tears and he ducked behind the boulder. His mom was gone and he didn't know what to do. She was so far away that he couldn't even wrap his mind around the distance. Around him was a sea of strangers all talking and smiling, but he was alone. This realization cut through his chest and his fear reached an all new high. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know what to do. Laufey wanted to run, to hide. He wanted to crawl into an impossibly small space and stay there until his mom came back for him. His breath caught in his throat as another thought struck him. What if she never came back? Finally, after several long minutes of holding it in, he began to cry. The tears spilled over and began racing down his cheeks in quick succession, but he didn't make a sound, not one single cry. Instead he sat there behind the boulder, completely silent except for the occasional gasp that was beyond his control. He didn't know what to do. "Speech" I can hear you talkingLaufey

Uphill struggle, blood sweat and tears

Erani's call rose over the land, pulling Tyr from sleep. He'd been sleeping much more lately... he wasn't concerned, since he'd also been eating much more lately and he thought it was pretty likely he was just drowsy from the extra food. His ears pricked up at the faint sound - if he hadn't been staying pretty close to Erani it may not have been able to wake him, with his greatly reduced hearing. That might be a problem in the future, and he made a quick note of it to himself to come up with a solution. He owed everything to Erani, the food the very least of it, and he couldn't let her down by failing to appear when she called.

For now, he struggled to his feet. The regular meals had given him far greater energy when he was awake, but could do nothing to improve the state of his leg or the constant pain. Still, he broke out into an eager, if rather slow and limping, trot in the direction of Erani's call.

But as he came into view, his steps faltered and came to a stop. Panic beat in his chest, threatening to choke him at the sight of so many wolves already gathered there. Cringing back, he circled around, slinking to avoid notice. Ears down, tail pressed against his belly, he crept into the scant shelter of the flat boulder Erani was on. She was the only wolf there he really knew, could come close to trusting, and he couldn't just not go, so he made the effort to be as near as possible while still remaining out of notice.

He shuddered, belly pressed to the ground in his crouch, ashamed of the terror that torrented through him but unable to control it. He hadn't been around so many wolves since Hroovitnir's death and before then, chances were if he were actually at a gathering it was probably a gathering to see him punished for something, or to witness the punishment of someone else. Hroovitnir had certainly enjoyed a spectacle, and the public punishments had doubled as a warning to all. It was hard to shake that memory.

But Tyr quickly realized that he was not alone in his shelter; had in fact invaded the sanctuary of another wolf who looked as overwhelmed as himself. A young pup, revealed only by the soft gasp of one trying not to sob... a sound Tyr knew all too well from his own throat. He felt a sudden kinship with the pup, an unusual thing to happen for the untrusting wolf, but he was only a pup, and seeing the tears on the little guy's face broke Tyr's heart. The terror receded a bit, just a bit, as empathy rushed over him.

Tyr hesitated though, not knowing what exactly to do about it. It wasn't like he'd spent a whole lot of time with pups, and this one was a complete stranger. He didn't know Tyr, and Tyr didn't know him or how he'd react. But Tyr lifted his good forepaw, not speaking so as to not draw attention but making a gesture, a silent offer to the pup for someplace to curl up, for someone to comfort him. His ears and tail remained flat in fear, but he tried to inject something friendlier, more welcoming in his manner.



"Speech"

Nothing to gain, everything to fear

Walk | Talk | Think She had only just settled in for the night, awaiting Leon's return to the den, when she heard Erani's call. It felt so nice to be back within their den, as if stepping back in time to before all the chaos of the war and the move had happened, that she had made the adjustment smoothly, and even more quickly adjusted to having Leon close beside her and not simply sharing den space. Just a little she regretted hearing Erani's sudden call, wishing more so that her mate would return to join her, but that was pack life. Events were not always at the most convenient of times, and this would be one of them. With a sigh, the slim grey wolf rolled from her side to her paws and rose to stand, stepping quickly out of her den and into a trot as she meandered from her den to where she had heard the call come from. There were many there beside the boulder upon which their new Alpha sat, including some new faces that Ashtoreth supposed they had picked up since their arrival. Her two-toned gold and purple eyes skimmed across them as a small smile tugged upon her lips, inconspicuously sizing up her new options for hunters. Surely some of them had a knack for it that she could put to good use, before the fighters gathered up all the strongest of the bunch? But as soon as her eyes landed upon the all too familiar, mottled brown frame of her mate, all thought about hunters fled. Her little smile widened and her direction became clear as she hurried to join him, only stopping once she was at his side and pressing her shoulder quietly against his with a quick nuzzle to his cheek. Very much she wanted to wrap her forepaws around his neck and nuzzle and kiss his face until he begged her to stop, but now was not the time. With a little chuckle, she sat down beside him, casting one last glance his way before giving her attention to Erani.