ooc: please let Galileo post first before anyone else hops in! But after that, any other pup can join, along with Rina of course! <3 Ocena had been busy with her children lately, but they were slowly growing up, and growing out as well, beginning to explore the world. Orica and Gargoyle's brother, Thaddeus Rogue, already seemed to have formed a good relationship. And they almost looked like twins, in an odd way, though Gargoyle's brothers had more scars than Ocena ever hoped to see on her darling. But as time had passed, Ocena had become assured that none of her children had the disability that had limited her life so. It had lifted a weight that she hadn't realized had been even weighing on her in the first place. She was overjoyed to see all of her children were more whole than she had been as a pup, and while Ocena would have made no judgments if one of her pups did take after her, she was glad to see that they hadn't. That they were whole and happy and, of course, beautiful. With Galileo tagging along at her heels, Ocena had headed out from her den for the first time in a little while. She had spent more time out of her den now that her children could wander, but Ocena still wanted to be as close to them as she could be. However, for the moment, she could rest assured that they were safe in the heart of Glaciem's territory. No one would let them endure the table fate that Asheni had faced. Her children would be protected. She had to believe that. It was the only thing keeping her from going crazy at times like this, when she headed out to get some fresh air and a bite to eat. Not that Gargoyle would let her go hungry or anything, but sometimes Ocena just wanted to feel snow crunching beneath her paws. She had been more protective of her trio than she might have been under regular circumstances, if a member of Glaciem hadn't been murdered right after their birth, and the perpetrator had never been found, but Ocena felt confident right then, that they were safe, that they would be safe. And besides, Galileo at least was padding along at her side, his little tail wagging as she padded out into the snow, tilting her head back to let a low call escape her, calling out to any nearby members of Glaciem. Who would answer her call? There had been new wolves entering Glaciem, that much Ocena knew, wolves that she didn't know, but she was curious about them. She wanted to know the pack that had become her family. Speech

Tiny compared to his mother, Galileo padded happily at her side as she wandered out from the den. Wherever she was going, he would follow, and that was that for the young pup. His tail wagged at the thought, and he leaped through the snow that could have easily swallowed him had he not been with his mother, had he not been guarded by one of the most watchful (or possibly least watchful, when one took her eye into consideration, which Galileo certainly did not) wolves in Glaciem. A mother who was scared of losing her child was one of the most protective mothers of all, and yet she had been willing to leave Orica, Galileo, and Avalon unattended for a short while. Galileo had chosen to follow his mother, however, before sticking around to see if his siblings would follow. Bounding through the snow, Galileo came to a stop only when his mother did. "Who ya callin', Mommeh?" He asked her in his high voice, tail wagging enthusiastically as he flopped back on his haunches. The youngster's ears twitched wildly as he he tried to pick up every noise in the area, and failed miserably, of course, but the rush of sensations that hit him when he went outside always excited him, and right then more than ever. His mother was the only one that he really talked to openly, other than his other siblings. Perhaps that would change with time, but the timid creature was scared of most of the world. Scared, perhaps, of what he would do to the world. Or perhaps he was just scared of the world. More likely, it was a combination of the both, as Galileo had certainly inherited something of his father. Warrior blood ran in this pup's veins, and even at this age, he was honing his more analytical tendencies. Still, there was no denying that he was scared, and as soon as he heard what might have been pawsteps, Galileo leaped behind his mother, and waited for whatever might have been approaching to come closer before he dared peek a head out from behind his mother's leg. "speech!"

Kaala had waited in the now beautiful day for a while longer, soaking in the sun's warmth and beauty on this snow covered day. Eventually she had to get up. For a while Kaala wandered her new home's lands, but a rumbling in her belly started. When did I just have a proper meal? She asked herself. The grumbling inher belly grew louder still. All right, all right! I'll go hunt! she shouted in annoyance. Kaala ran off into the white expanses, sniffing the air for a sign of prey. A while later, Kaala was in possession of two freshly killed shrew. She ate one and carried the other in her jaw to bring back for the pack. The crisp snow was flattened under her light but powerful paws as she walked through it, a breeze teasing small wisps of black and brown fur to flutter in the wind. She lifted her snout the the breeze and free in the scene around her. A few shrew, a robin and a wolf? and a pup. They smelt of Glaciem so she wasn't worried. Perhaps she should introduce herself to these pack members. The two wolves came into sight and Kaala skidded to a halt a distance away. She shook the small icy drops of water off her pelt and proceeded forward to these two wolves, stopping a respectful distance awayand dropping her remaining shrew in front of her. Hello! I am Kaala, a new member of Glaciem. She smiled warmly at the pup. Speech,

Smiling kindly down at Galileo, Ocena wagged her tail happily as she nudged the youngster lightly. "No one in particular, love. I just want to see who's out and about right now." The female explained to her pup. When Galileo tilted his head back, eyes wide as he responded to her, she merely smiled fondly, nuzzling the little pup lovingly. 'What if they're scary?' He asked so nervously, and Ocena had to bite back a laugh at his worries. "Then I'll protect you, darling." Ocena answered him softly, lifting her head slightly as the sound of crunching pawsteps approached her. The female that approached was an unfamiliar one. Kaala, she introduced herself as. A pretty female, Ocena noted absently, and Ocena inclined her head gently in the other female's direction. "Pleasure to meet you, Kaala! The name's Ocena, Gargoyle's mate," It still had a lovely ring to it, didn't it? She was still getting used to that. "And this is Galileo." Indicating the pup who hid behind her with a loving smile, Ocena turned her mismatched gaze on the other wolfess. "Welcome to Glaciem! I'm only sorry I couldn't officially welcome you earlier. I haven't been out of the den much, you see..." Oh dear, she was rambling a lot, wasn't she? Smiling apologetically, Ocena flicked her tail and turned towards Kaala, biting her tongue to allow the other wolf a chance to respond. It had been long enough since she'd seen another wolf outside of her family (not that she was complaining by any means) that Ocena was more talkative than normal right then. Speech

The youngster listened to his mother's words with a tilt of his head, nodding slightly. "But what if they're scareh?" His words were hesitant, and formed with difficulty. And yet, his mother knew exactly what to say to him to make him to make him feel a little better. A slight wag of his tail escaped Galileo as he slowly began to relax, only to cringe and flee back behind his mother when another wolf appeared. This one was an entirely unfamiliar one, and a low whimper escaped Galileo as he scooted a little further back from his mother as she introduced him. No, this female was scary! But his mother had promised to protect him... And maybe he could return the favor. Taking a deep breath, Galileo poked his head out from behind his mother's legs and spoke as quickly as he could. "Hello!" He squeaked it out, and promptly retreated again, cowering behind his mother's larger bulk. He was large for a pup, but still tiny compared to the female that had raised him. However his large and awkward paws promised that Galileo would grow significantly once he was older, though it was unlikely that he would approach his father in size when his mother's size was taken into consideration. But the youngster was currently hiding behind his mother as well as he could, avoiding as much attention as possible. This other wolf was scary! "speech!"

~*~ Orica came bounding down into the company of wolves. She'd been out learning more about herbs with her Uncle Rogue. She was going to be amazing when she grew up! Any old wolf could rip up skin, but how many could put it back together afterwards? "Mama!" she shouted in a clear, musical squeak. "Gali!" In a fit of giggles, she half tumbled, half ran down the little slope of snow - luckily she didn't slide straight into any of the timber trunks. But a fallen tree lying under the surface of the feathery top layer of snow, tripped her up and "Whahahahoooo!" Down she went - ears over paws, but it was nigh impossible for her to actually get hurt with the world practically pillowed in snow. She landed on her back tail first and slid softly down to the trio of her packmates. Still reclining like a snow-angel, the little pup's tail began to wag. "Hi guys." she said shyly. ~*~

Kaala smiled warmly at the talkative she-wolf, and even more at the pup. She took a few more steps towards them, loving the fluffy crunch underneath her paws. She nodded respectfully at Ocena as she stated her name and who she was mated to. Kaala took in a deep breath and sat proudly. She had turned two today, and was supposed to be starting her training soon. Speech, I just turned two today, and I'm starting my training, although I do not have anyone to train me. [/color] As Ocena said why she had seldom been out of her den gesturing to the pup. She large(ish) pup had uttered a small squeak of a greeting before quickly disappearing behind his mother. Kaala returned her blue gaze to Ocena, just as she heard a faint running sound and a squeal of delight as another pup came blundering into the clearing, addressing Ocena as 'Mama'. His smiled at the pup. This must be another of Ocena' s little darlings. Kaala looked at the pup in the same way she did Galileo. Hello, Speech,

Of course. You couldn't leave your little ones.

Orica's arrival was met by a loving wag of Ocena's tail. She leaned down to nuzzle Orica as the youngster literally rolled up to approach them, checking to make sure that her lookalike wasn't injured. But the carpeting of snow had protected her child, it seemed, so instead of worrying unduly about the child, Ocena turned a smile upon Kaala. "This is Orica," Ocena smiled fondly at the young pup, "She's Galileo's sister," Ocena added, nodding slightly as she smiled at the pup. There was something beautiful about having creatures that were part of her and part of Gargoyle roaming Glaciem. Here she paused, examining Kaala carefully. "You need training, hmm? What kind of path are you looking to pursue? I am a hunter myself, and I do need an excuse to get out of the den more. If you'd be interested in pursuing such a path, I would be honored to teach you, Kaala." Ocena nodded absently, glancing down as Galileo made his first true appearance, slinking out from behind Ocena's legs to perch next to his sister. The display of solidarity by the pups made Ocena smile fondly as she glanced once more at Kaala. Curiosity stirred in the blood of the female as she examined her new companion. "What made you wish to join Glaciem? If you don't mind me asking...?" Ocena trailed off, shrugging slightly. She would not be offended if Kaala chose not to tell her, but Ocena was rather curios. She adored Glaciem, and it had always seemed like her home, from the first day that she had met Gargoyle on its borders, but surely every wolf couldn't feel the same way? Speech

Orica's arrival was possibly the first thing to make Galileo relax. He didn't like the way this other wolf was looking at his sister! Maybe she would hurt his sister! And that was absolutely unacceptable. Galileo would protect Orica! And then she would fix him. She'd put him back together if he got hurt, and he would protect her. It made sense to him, at least. Slinking past his mother's legs, Galileo padded up to his sister, flopping down next to her and gazing with wide eyes up at Kaala, examining the black female, seeking a way that he could launch himself at her if she chose to make a move towards Orica. Most wolves would not have worried about such things, but Galileo was afraid of the world, and he assumed that everything in it was out to get him. Maybe some day he would out grow that, but until then, he would stand guard over his sister! Nudging his sister lightly, Galileo found his tail wagging slightly in the cold air, "Orica!" He greeted her happily, though his gaze never left the black form of Kaala. If anything happened, he would defend his family. "speech!"

Kaala was overjoyed at Ocena's offer to train her. She said that she herself specialized in hunting. I'd that what Kaala wanted to be? A hunter? She wasn't sure, but it didn't hurt trying. Perhaps she could try both. If you would, If be honoured to be trained by you Ocena. Although I'm not sure if I may pursue the issue if hunting yet. She finished with a respectful bow of her head. The pup that had tumbled in only moments before had been greeted by her sister. Galileo was looking at her hesitantly, as if she was about to attack them all. Don't worry, I have no intentions of hurting anyone. Her tone was serious, but amusement was playing in her eyes. Unexpectedly, Ocena asked why she had joined Glaciem, although she said it as if she wasn't supposed to. She's entered Kaala's face as she remembered her past, her family abandoning her, being left to fend for herself as a yearling, the hunger and predators she had to endure. She answered calmly, just barely holding in her tears. My mother and father abandoned me as a yearling for no apparent reason. I travelled for almost a year before finding these lands. I went to the Batthlefield, where Ulrike, from Turtoga, and Gargoyle met me. They told me what each of their packs were like. I just, knew, that Glaciem was the pack for me. What I needed was a family, and that's just what Glaciem is. as she finished, a single tear falling down her maw, to be wiped away be a paw quickly. Speech,

~*~ Ocena beamed, happy to stay where she was in the snow. Her pretty momma was talking to the other young wolf. And oh! Here came Gali to come say to her. She was used to seeing her brother in 'guard' mode, and Orica quickly took her cue like any good play actress. Her eyes widened, her mouth formed a little 'o' and she rolled over to get on her paws, careful to stand behind and slightly beside her brother. Whenever she played with all her many brothers and cousins, Gali was there to protect her from bears and baddies, and she was there to protect him from bruises. She wasn't really frightened of Kaala, but it was fun to pretend she was! So fun, she almost giggled when the black she-wolf assured them she wasn't going to hurt anyone. Orica took that chance, while her brother was still mulling it over, to flop her chest and fore paws onto his back and start trying to nom on his ear. Her playful spirit was stunted however, by kaala's story. It was so sad... That was so horrible... Orica slipped back down to all fours and started padding over to the older fae. By the time the story had been summed up , she was beside Kaala's paws. Orica moved to place a dainty little white foot atop one of them. Even at a young age, she had a natural turn for empathy. Perhaps because she saw all wolves as more or less family. "Well I'm glad Daddy found you," she squeaked. At the mention of Glaciem being family, Orica's tail had started wagging again. "Yep Yep alla yous my cousins - or is you my aunt?" She shrugged it off just happy to sit there and smile up at the other Glaciem. ~*~