we carry on

He was glad to have been able to make someone so clearly happy, and as she thanked him – using his name, he noted with a smile – he dipped his head. “My pleasure.” As the bundle slid into place he waited until she’d stepped away then stood, turning westward and starting off, his new member at his side. The brush of her tail wasn’t met with any displeasure; it merely helped to add his scent – and thus that of Celestial – to her coat. And besides, he came from a family that generally was happy to touch and snuggle when time allowed.

That she adored pups was a good thing, both as a member of the pack, and a member of the denhold. Another set of eyes to keep watch over his littlest siblings never could hurt. “They love everyone, so you shouldn’t have trouble making friends among the youngest folk. My younger sister Baine is another who loves meeting new wolves. She’s our only Emissary – messenger – and she’s white with pink skin; albino. Pretty little lady. Loves to talk. Zuriel is our other healer, and my father, Falk, is also a healer, though that’s not his main skill. He was a fighter, but he was taken captive by a pack when we were still a loner family, and they blinded him before he could get away.” He frowned slightly, then moved on. The past was the past, and nothing could be done to change it.

He grinned sidelong down at her as they walked. “Celestial is mostly neutral, but we like alliances and peace agreements; we leave them alone, they leave us alone, and vice versa, and if they want to be friends, the more the merrier. I’d like the pack to be as my mother had hoped; a family, but strong enough to fight off anyone who wants to mess with us.” It was quite true. He wanted to see more pups running around under the watchful eyes of their parents, and to see his pack sleek and healthy from good hunts and good training. All in time.

Smiling sidelong down at her again, he went on, tail wagging amiably. “Now, I suppose I should tell you our rules and ranks, eh?” He thought back then said, “Rule one is that I am the Law, and I am at liberty to change the laws and rules as seen fit. Any changes made, I’m to tell the pack about in a meeting. Those who break the laws face consequences. I won’t like punishing someone, but I’ll have to do it.” His voice was serious as he met her eyes briefly before he smiled encouragingly and went on.

“Rule number two is that any meeting called by myself, my secondary – or Right Wing as Celestial calls it – or by the Shields – We don’t have any right now, but they are what some would call betas. A male and a female, Shieldknight and Shieldmaiden – everyone is required to attend unless they’re too sick, too badly injured, or a newborn young, young pup.” He fell silent a few paces to let her absorb the rule, then started the next.

“ Number three is more for fighters, really, but Challenges for a higher rank, while not discouraged, should be really well thought out, and you’d better be sure you want the responsibility that comes with that high rank, because there’s a lot more. Whomever wants to challenge for a rank needs to have Celestial’s best interests at heart, and to make me aware of their intentions before they challenge, so that I can be present to see the fight and the outcome.” He smiled at her, knowing it was unlikely that she would be challenging for a high rank. And besides, Healers need only work hard and be actively there plying their Craft to be eligible for promotion.

” Rule Four is in regards to Trespassers. If someone not of Celestial crosses the border into the territory, and you run across them, first, ask them politely be firmly to turn back and leave. If they do that, everything will be fine, but if they refuse, anyone that intercepted them is allowed to engage in a fight, but call for a high ranking wolf before you jump in; maims are allowed. And if they still refuse to leave, they run the risk of being force claimed and made a prisoner. If they behave, they have a chance of being released within a season.”

He took his time walking toward the territory, the better to lay things out to her as they went. He cast a sidelong glance as he paused, ears perking. “Sound good so far?” There were more laws than that, but he wanted to make sure she’d gotten everything so far.