So this was her new home. It was...nice, she supposed. There wasn't much more she could add, to be honest. None of it seemed like Threar, though what else could she expect? It was a completely different pack. She missed the falls and the bay, though now they seemed to be distant, fuzzy memories. Had she ever been there? Her previous life in Threar felt so unreal, like it had never happened. Maybe that was just her head messing with her. Of course it had all happened; it was just so long ago.

The alabaster woman forced a smile on her features as she strolled through the plains at a casual pace. Yeah, she could get used to this place. She just had to think positive and remember to be grateful for all the wonderful things she already had. A pack had willingly took her in, she had reunited with her friend...life just seemed so peachy.

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

She padded across the plains at an easy trot, scouting out the surroundings while she let her mind wander over her plans. She's have to take a trip over to Fiori, and eventually venture to Imperium's borders to see what she could work out there. She already knew where Yfir stood. If a raid came to her borders, however, she intended to meet the trespass with force. Which meant heavy training for the pack. An ivory form caught her eye, and she smiled as she saw Varda. It had been a week or so since the creation of Celestial, and she did wonder hor the new hunter was settling in. So she gave a warm bark of greeting, picking up her pace to seek the Destruction's side. "Varda. How are you settling in?" Her smile was welcoming, friendly, and while she carried a posture of dominance, it wasn't overpowering or domineering. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Her alabaster head swivelled to the direction of the bark, bicoloured eyes landing on the slightly larger form of the pack's archangel, who approached her with a warm smile and posture that spelt authority. It was about time she properly met the woman, and was indeed impressed for the leader already knew her name! Had her parents ever told her or had Miksa? Either way, it would be the perfect opportunity to develop a friendly bond with the woman, as Celestial seemed to be where she would spend the rest of her years.

"Alright I suppose," she answered eloquently with a smile, allowing the female to walk by her side. It felt strange talking to an alpha that wasn't her parent. Around her parents she had acted a bit more loose and casual, especially around her father. Now it was different. She had to go back to her formal and courteous ways - they had been abandoned ever since she had found herself a rogue. "And how are you, Miss Surreal?"

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

Varda showed a lot of her parent's refinement in the way she spoke. Novella and Frith hadn't skimped on teaching their children manners, it seemed. A soft chuckle left the Archangel as the slightly formal greeting met her ears, and she shook her head. "Please, just Surreal. Or 'Lady' if you really feel the need to be formal." Her blue right eye vanished briefly in a wink cast toward the younger wolf. "'Miss Surreal' sounds old." she added jokingly. The Archangel wasn't above relaxing casually with her members. Her mother had been much the same way, as had her sister Chrysanthe before her. Celestial was to be a close family, united by trust, loyalty, and love. It would be hypocritical of her to always be formal around her pack beyond meetings and official business. There was a chance, indeed, that Varda, being the only wolf that had chosen to be a hunter, would indeed rise quickly to fill the first slot as a Master Hunter. Until they gained more wolves willing to fill the role as hunters, the whole pack would have to pitch in to feed Celestial. The rise to the position, however, would need hard work on Varda's part. "I am well, today." She provided with a smile, mismatched eyes sweeping the plains around them before returning to regard the young Destruction cheerfully. "Have you any ideas for Baine's hunting training?" In closing of the meeting that was the beginning of Celestial, she had named the mentors for her youngest daughter, Varda and Regulus being the mentors for hunting. Hopefully, Everyone had heard their part in teaching the youngest member of the pack what she needed to live a strong, safe life. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The Destruction felt almost taken aback when the older woman corrected her use of language, all in good humour of course. She hadn't even called someone a lady before, and didn't see how the term was "younger". Nevertheless, if those were the Archangel's wishes, she would respect and follow them. "Very well," she said with a nod, her bicoloured gaze twinkling a little. There were all these changes and adjustments she had to get used to - some small and some large. Eventually she would accustom herself to the pack's ways and it would all truly feel like home.

As always, it was good to hear the leader was doing well, and Varda herself was feeling quite pleasant until the subject of Baine's hunting training was brought up. Oh, that's right! She and Regulus had been chosen to mentor the yearling, and frankly she hadn't put much thought into it. Brainstorming now, there were a few hunting exercises she entertained in her mind, but unless she knew where Baine's skills levelled in hunting, she didn't know how she'd run the lesson. Here she was now beside the Archangel herself and she didn't even have a plan! Think think think! What was she to say? "I was planning to see Regulus to discuss our ideas," she explained, trying to hide her nervousness. "I was thinking of assessing Baine's hunting skills and picking out the areas that need more improvement and focusing on those." It wasn't bad for a plan she had made up on the spot. She felt a bit embarrassed for having forgotten about it, and vowed to take more responsibility for her obligations. After all, she was a mentor; she couldn't slack.

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

Varda acknowledged the request, and Surreal grinned lightly. As they turned to the subject, she found herself pondering her agenda. She would need to check in with Bass. Beyond hearing of the success of the siege from the general gathering, she hadn't spoken to him or an Abaven wolf since she'd encountered Miksa in the east, whereupon she'd encountered an Abaven female. She needed to see if any of Novelle and Frith's other children and family had found their way to the rest of their family, and to inform him that at least one of their children was safe and sound. She listened to Varda's words, not missing the brief look of concentration on her face, or the nerves that were being stifled. "I can help a bit with that. Regulus has taught her a little about tracking and catching mice. I've given her a few lessons on rabbits. She hasn't been part of an organized pack hunt, yet, nor has she learned to hunt larger prey animals, to my knowledge." She explained easily. She strode in silence for a moment, before she cocked her head to give Varda a sideways look. "You are our only hunter, currently. If your calls to hunts do not gain attendance readily by the rest of the pack, tell me, unless I'm already present at them. I will make note of the lack of assistance at our meetings. I also ought to take a trip around the lands, and look for more wolves to bring in." Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

If the Archangel wished to ask her where the rest of Threar was, she wouldn't be able to provide an answer. To her knowledge, her family had abandoned her. She had searched wide and far for them with little success other than her miraculous encounter with Miksa. Although she knew of Abaven, led by her cousin, it hadn't occurred to her some of her family would relocate there. Why hadn't they come searching for her? Why did they just leave her? Did they forget? No, she told herself, inwardly shaking her head. Family don't forget about each other.

Her features visibly relaxed when the older woman explained her daughter's current knowledge in hunting. Yes, that helped a lot. It seemed group hunts and hunting larger prey were the key areas to focus on. Fortunately, those were Varda's favourite fields in hunting. She loved working as a team, and the more wolves, the bigger prey they would be able to bring down. "Alright," she said with a thankful nod. "I've got an idea what to teach her. Thank you."

Alabaster ears perked as the leader continued to speak, stating she was the only hunter in Celestial. Really? Was she the only hunter? My, she didn't pay attention. Confusion flashed across her complexion when the silver woman mentioned something about her calls for hunts. Wait, was she organising hunts now? Was she a Master Hunter already? "So I'm leading hunts?" she clarified, still quite surprised by the news. Surely she wouldn't be a Master Hunter already, not when she was so new to the pack. No-one had even seen her hunting yet!

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

Varda seemed to be somewhat relieved when Surreal explained Baine's current knowledge, and the Archangel offered a kind smile at her thanks, dipping her muzzle slightly in response. As the subject turned to calling hunts, Surreal shrugged. "You are the only wolf who is primarily a hunter, until we can gain more members with that interest. You won't be leading them alone, but I'd like to see some hard work on your part to get the pack fed." She tipped her head, eyeing the Destruction calmly with a grin. "Hard work gains ranks. Slacking loses them. I stated in the claiming that I want the pack to get to know one another well. Hunts are a good way to learn about one another; who does best at the fore of the hunt, leading the charge that will weaken the elk, who is best for the relay, when the forerunners have run their course, and whom will be the best to bring the final blows to win the hunt." She fell silent for a moment, before casting a long look around the Plains. "I was born on these Plains, in the den my family and I occupy. I can show you the best places to hunt the elk that like to pass through here, and some of the best rabbit warrens. They should be good for Baine's training." Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

So she was the only hunter; she hadn't misheard. She wasn't certain if that was a positive or negative. Sure, she hadn't wanted that much competition in the pack, but being the only hunter? That seemed too easy. Not for long, however, as the Archangel made it clear only hard work would result in a promotion. Though she never had a problem keeping up with her obligations, it all felt more strict in Celestial. She would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling the least bit anxious or stressed. At least those emotions would motivate her to get the job done.

She took note of everything the alphess had to say. Hunts seemed to be a great way to get to know her pack-mates and learn where their strengths laid. She hadn't ever thought about it that way, though agreed with it nonetheless. When the leader suggested showing her the best hunting grounds in the plains, the Destruction couldn't be more thrilled. Of course someone as knowledgeable as Surreal, who had been born in these lands, would know. Varda needed to know, or else the hunt wouldn't be so successful. "Lead the way, Surreal, if you don't mind."

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

As Varda offered Surreal the lead, the Archangel nodded, taking off at an easy, floating trot, tail raised above her hips in relaxed authority as she made her way toward a spot she knew the elk liked to parade through on their way from on end of the west to the other. She slowed as she reached the spot, head and tail dropping to a level with her spine, paws landing softly and silently. By the scent, the elk were present today. It was a perfect chance to evaluate the herd and take stock of potential targets for a hunt. In a low voice, she said to Varda, "This is one of their favorite spots when they pass through the plains in spring. I wonder how many calves were born so far..." She slipped forward, lowering herself to her belly as the herd came within sight, silver coat, while not exactly blending in, still well patterned enough to help her mesh with the foliage. Her eyes scanned the herd, lighting on several likely targets; a cow with a limp, a few young calves gallivanting around the herd, while their mothers watched with anxious, whining bleats. There were a few with runny noses and dull eyes that didn't seem to have as much pep in their step, or as much interest in the grass as the rest, too. As she finished her scan and evaluation, she tipped her head to watch Varda from the corner of her eye. "Any likely targets to your eye?" She asked as though she couldn't see any, but it was clear that this was a sort of impromptu test of Varda's skills. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

She followed after the Archangel, falling slightly behind the woman to ensure she didn't block the way. Like the alphess, she walked at a relaxed pace with an equally relaxed posture, scanning the surroundings in the hopes of remembering the location of these hunting grounds. Unfortunately, no matter where she stood in the plains, it all looked awfully the same. Perhaps that was because it was a new territory, a new environment for her to accustom to. Soon she'd learn where each imperfection in the grass and soil laid, where the terrain gently sloped and every other detail like so.

Then she noticed the change in the older woman's steps, and she too became the aware and cautious of her walking. The mouth-watering scent of elk drifted to her nose as she slowed her pace, lowered her body and took each silent step warily. The leader stated that the area was the most popular for the passing-by elk during spring, and with spring came calves - the perfect targets if left unattended. Wriggling after the alphess as she delved through the foliage, bicoloured eyes scanned the herd of elk just as the woman asked her for potential targets. A test? Already? Well then, she'd have to show the Archangel just how good she was. Her gaze lingered on each and every elk, examining their behaviour, estimating their age and observing if they were detached from the herd. "There is an injured one," she answered softly, gesturing with her muzzle to the particular animal. "There are a few calves as well. They could be ideal targets if we led them away from the herd."

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

The Archangel watched as Varda took a look at the herd, waiting patiently for the Destruction hunter to voice what she saw. Finally, Varda made note of the calves, and the injured cow. "Dea." she stated gently, before translating to common and continuing, " Good. There are also a few that look like they may have a respiratory illness. See how their eyes are dull, and they have less interest in the grass than the others? Sick animals like that are less alert, and can be easily driven astray from the herd. They can also spread illness through the herd, and weaken it." She nodded to the dull eyed cows, three in total. "A weakened herd has less chance of surviving a harsh winter, and if they die off, that affects Celestial, as well as Argead. If we can nip that in the bud and take the sick ones before they can spread their illness, that leaves the rest to reproduce and make strong animals." A smile was cast to the Destruction woman before she turned to the strategy of a possible hunt. "Now, what would you say would be the best strategy for a hunt, these sick animals being our possible targets?" She watched the herd, while eyeing Varda from the corner of her eye to watch the white woman's expressions. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The Archangel spoke a word unfamiliar to the Destruction's ears, a small frown playing on her features before she heard words she was used to hearing. Ah, much better. Her ears must have been messing with her or she may have misheard something. Or perhaps it was a word from the leader's native tongue. She pushed the subject aside as she listened to the alphess' words, trying to take in every part of it. The silver-furred woman pointed out a few elk that had a respiratory illness, evident by the dull look in their eyes and their lack of interest. They were also good targets, though they had to be careful the illness didn't affect the whole herd, or else both packs in the west would lose a food source.

Another quiz to test her knowledge - this one harder by a smidgen. Hunting strategies varied between wolves. It all depended on the situation. Animals on their own, wandering a fair distance from the herd made perfect targets on the spot, though when they were protected in a dense herd, a different strategy called. "Seeing as they're all close together, it would be best if we got them running, allowing the weaker ones to lag behind and separated from the rest of the herd."

"Speech"

Surreal Adravendi

Surreal listened to Varda's answer, nodding quietly in approval as she watched the herd graze, the calves retreating to their mothers for a healthy lunch of milk. They would be sleepy after such a meal. "Good. Start from behind, nip a few heels to start a run, pick the sickest of the lagging members." A pack Celestial's small size could eat for a good while on an adult elk. Her mimsatched eyes swept the herd, finding the injured cow, before trailing along to seek out the dull eyed souls lipping listlessly at the grass with little interest. "When can we expect a pack hunt?" Her eyes flicked back to Varda, ears perking slightly. "We will need one at some point." Her eyes returned to the herd, but her ear remained trained on the Destruction, awaiting an answer. Hopefully, soon would be the answer. Her haunches canted to on side, and her hind legs relaxed, stretching out as she lounged, still watching the herd, taking a count of animals. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

She watched the Archangel's studious gaze, wondering if there was something she had left out. Her eyes briefly flickered to the herd where the elk trotted about, always finding new patches of grass to munch on. The mothers let out a low bellow of a rumble, calling for their young ones. Ah, meal time. It seemed everyone was eating. In fact, that was a good thing, for Celestial. If she couldn't run on a full stomach, neither could these elk. Perhaps that would be something to keep in mind in the future.

Her answer satisfied the alphess, and to her fortune, there were no future questions asked. That was a relief; her knowledge seemed to be adequate to lead the pack hunt, which was the next topic of their conversation. "Tomorrow at the very least," she answered with a hopeful smile, inwardly doubting herself if she would be able to live up to that. Calling for a pack hunt couldn't be that hard. She had already decided where to hunt and how the hunt would run. "At these same hunting grounds."

"Speech"