Brightly Wound

Walk | Talk | Think

Others joined in and found their places and before long Chrysanthe was addressing the lot of them. Ashtoreth watched and listened as her Alpha spoke to them, first in greeting and then to inform them of their newest additions. Curiously the grey wolf turned her head to peer at each of the newcomers in turn, both of decent sizes and likely bringing more skills to Valhalla's arsenal. That was good. Not that she thought the island to be overly dangerous but while they still settled in any help was welcome. "Funny that even after we've moved to get away others are still finding us," she muttered in a whisper directed at Leon, a quirked smile pulling at one side of her mouth.

Having been caught up in her own dealings she had failed to notice the absence of their second Alpha, always seeing Chrysanthe as their true leader. But where had he gone? When exactly had he gone missing? It puzzled her that Collision had managed to slip away so quietly, but perhaps there was a reason. And at least Erani had been found. She had not noticed her absence either but considering her skills and importance to the pack her presence was very strongly felt and with her extensive family it was likely she was noticed as gone rather quickly. Hopefully she's doing okay.

New lands were going to be claimed along the mainland - a fact that made Ashtoreth groan slightly into Leon's shoulder. Mainland territory meant trips across the water again. And here I was hoping we were done with that. But what Chrys said after, the promotions she wished to implement, brought a bit of that anxiety down. "Meili," she said to herself, lifting away from Leon enough to turn and look at her friend excitedly. She was now a Psi too! What a relief! Of all of her hunters, she had a great amount of trust for the other smaller wolf, which no doubt stemmed from the fast friendship they had developed within those first weeks of her arrival. She would be a great help, and undoubtedly a good mentor for those who wished for more training in the hunting craft. And I'll have someone to bounce ideas off of now. Ash could hardly wait to speak to her, especially with a hunt being ordered.

Other orders were given and suddenly Chrysanthe was passing command of the meeting to her cousin, the brown mottled wolf quietly leaving Ash's side to join her at the front if their group. Confused, Ash only managed to question at a whisper, "Leon, what-?" before he was too far away to hear her, and from his manner it seemed clear enough to her that he had no intention of telling her early; she was going to hear it with everyone else. With a sigh she twitched her tail and listened, and as soon as she realized what and who he was speaking of she felt a sudden surge of embarrassment. I can't believe this. Was this really so important that he needed to speak of their relationship in front of the entire pack?

She shook her head in disbelief though it was impossible for her not to smile and feel some flattery that he was bold enough to do this. Compared to everything else that had been announced their sudden relationship seemed trivial and insignificant. And it certainly was not something that involved the whole of the pack. But as he continued she felt her smile softening, her heart warming as he continued to profess his love for her before everyone, embarrassment giving way to her own affection. Silly and pointless as it was, she loved him even so, and only realized the full intent behind his speech when the final question had been asked. Oh.

Suddenly it all made sense. His secrecy, his making public his feelings, announcing their relationship. He was proposing. Why had she failed to consider that? And now they were waiting, not just him but the entire pack. Just had to do things the traditional way. Ashtoreth laughed, heart lifting and racing as her tail began to wag excitedly while her eyes filled with unshed tears. She was quick to her paws and rushing those few feet to him to stop roughly against his chest and, as she nuzzled him, said loud enough for it to be heard, "Yes. Yes, I will." Pressing into him, she kissed his cheek and muzzle and buried her face into his shoulder, murmuring quietly just for him, "I love you."