The morning sun sat in the sky its weakening autumn rays battling admirably against the icy storm clouds that gathered round the horizon and the ground was covered in a thin layer of white. It was a beautiful autumn day but Midnight could not enjoy it. Her hackles stood on end and she growled to herself as she stalked the border, she had heard the bear yesterday the roar it had given had raise goose bumps along her spine, drawing up images from her darkest nightmares. But she had ignored it shaking off the terror that swamped her, after all gargoyle was more then capable of seeing off a bear, She had focused her efforts on watching the pups making sure none of them wandered off and put themselves in danger,after all to them a bear would be something of interest, they could not know better. The whispers had started that night, whispers that said the she bear would be wintering near Glaciem, that it was to be left alone not harassed, not driven off. Fear had reached her once more and she had laid uneasy that night dreaming of the bear who had scarred her finding her in her new home, its claws dripping red the dead bodies of the cross and all the pups tossed haphazardly behind it as it made its way towards her though the sea of wolves who stood and fought and where tossed like rag dolls before it. She had woken more terrified then ever before, that was why she had chosen to walk the border today alone.

She did not wish to doubt Gargoyle, nor did she wish to defy him, he was chief after all what he did he did for the protection of the pack, but... he must have been tricked, mistaken perhaps, she flexed her shoulder feeling the pull of the scar tissue hidden there beneath her fur, bears could not respect borders or make treaties they where hungry beasts who would kill anything in their path, this beast would destroy everything it might even be working with the brute... No, She shook her head taking a deep breath, she knew she was overreacting letting her imagination run away with her, she should not be out here, she should respect the alphas judgement but, she would not be able to rest until she knew for sure that no harm would come to the pack she had come to love, they said this bear was different well she would believe that when she saw it.

ooc: If it's not night then ignore any mention of it being night. Also had terrible muse when making this, sorry!

	Munch munch munch. A hum of delight resonated within the jaws of a beast. Zanire had talked to Gargoyle earlier and it had gone surprisingly well, not that she was too surprised, she just had a way with wolves. Maybe it was because of the time she spent with some while growing up, or it was because of her personality. Ever since she could remember the beast was friendly, slow to anger unless her family was harmed. The bear moved away from the bush she was munching on, tongue sliding out to run over lips, collecting the juices that escaped her lips when eating berries. She was still preparing for Winter, and though she gained enough weight for it, the shebear wanted to pack on some more just in case. Nothing worse than waking up grumpy in the middle of winter when the food supply is at its lowest. Zanire now found herself wandering around, heavy paws sinking slightly into the light blanket of snow. So far this place was peaceful, and she had not seen or smelled that black bear Gargoyle had mentioned, she began to wonder if he had moved on, looking for someplace else to cause his trouble. "normal. talk. think. you."

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The moment she saw the bear her heart began to pound, it was clear that this was not the bear that had wounded her, the one that haunted her nightmares, but it was still a bear big and brown, and dangerous, she froze for a moment silhouetted the rising sun behind her then she began to move with slow deliberateness she approached the creature from behind. Her golden eyes where fixed on it watching its every move as she drew closer and closer, what was she doing here she should turn should leave should be any where but here, she was still three meters away when she opened her mouth to speak, then realised she had no words to say she had not planned for this, for an attack yes for a fight definitely but to actually talk to one of these beasts, the fear still churned in her guts and she wondered if now would be a better time to run, but she had come here for a reason ot protect the pups and she would do that. She let out a cough half to clear her throat of the lump that seemed to have wedged itself their and half to get the creatures attention, she was ready to dodge a bow if need be after all it probably had not heard her coming, ? Greetings,My name is Midnight, I am member of the Glaciem clan and I wish to know what your intentions are,? she spoke clear and strong forcing down the shivers that tore through her as the beasts turned to face her. She did not know whether to expect an answer or not, after all bears could not speak but if Gargoyle really had made a deal with this creature then it must communicate in some way. Still her muscles where tensed, flight or fight as she waited on the snow coated tundra for the answer to her question the wind ruffled her pitch black coat and she suppressed a shiver winter was coming but the demon already stood before her. ?why are you here?

Step, step, step, step. Her hed swung to the left, then to the right. Violet eyes scanning the ground, looking for breaks in the snow where there was some last traces of lush grass to munch on. Her ears flicked at little sounds aroud her, small prey animals burroing into th snow or a hare bounded off for cover at the lumbering beast. Something caught her attention though, snow crunching beneath a decently sized animal. She had been around long enough to know who it belonged to, so the beast came to a stop, turning her head to the side for her gaze to fall upon who she expected it to be. A wolf. She looked upon the female, orbs running over her ebony body. She seemed like an average wolf, in good health and no physically visible marks on her body. Gargoyle had mentioned that black bear attacking a female, but it couldn't have been this one for she had no wounds. The woman spoke up, identifying herself as Midnight of Glaciem and asked what Zanire's intentions were. This caused her head to tilt to the side, omething about her voice gave away she was trying to remain calm around the bear. Perhaps she had been with the wolf who was attacked? Why are you here? Zanire did not speak right away, just stood there gazing at the shewolf. She wondered if Gargoyle had told his wolves about her yet, and that this one wasn't there at the time to find out that the bear was only here for the coming Winter, then would be gone once Spring came. Whatever it was, Zanire would answer her, try to keep her calm. She was here on friendly terms after all, even if she didn't ask for permission to den nearby. She cleared her throat and gave a dip of her head to Midnight. My name Zanire. She began, lifting her head back up, violet orbs looking into Midnight's golden ones. I den nearby for Winter, me no mean harm to you wolves. Her voice held an accent, french, but as she spoke her sentences were choppy, obvious that it was not her first language. She had learned to speak wolf when she found Engo and Arya, brought into their little family, raised alongside their son. She held no sign of aggression towards the shewolf, just a calm demeanor. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image made by Clash. <3

Confusion still hung in midnights eyes, her body still as tense as a coiled spring. Though she caught on quickly with the bears broken speech she was fighting to understand the meaning behind the words. She had grown up in a world where new and different where bad and dangerous where the only constant was that near everything was either running from you or actively hunting you, she had learned that wolves where not all bad that packs would not kill her on sight but the idea that bears would not, she fiercely tried to fit this new information into the picture she had created, but it just didn't fit. She took a deep breath scenting the air, she had always been able to rely on her sense of smell to point her in the right direction, Zanire smelt different there was bear scent, strong and musky, the scent that in her mind called danger but the scents of blood and dirt that had clung to the other bears coat where absent. ?the chief told us that you would be staying near by, he told us not to bother you and that you wouldn't hurt us, I ? I wanted to be sure,? she shifted her weight lifting the leg with the hidden scars free of the ground, the wounds had healed neat and clean and though they still covered her shoulder the fur that remained easily covered them, Asheni had been a truly great healer. The thought made her tail droop slightly as sadness crossed her eyes, ?we have lost to many wolves already I ...? she paused unsure how to express this, she shook her head and barrelled on, throwing caution to the wind if this bear complained to Gargoyle it would be because of her actions not her words ? I wanted to make sure that Gargoyle had not been deceived, I wanted to make sure you where not the Black bear,? she muttered the last more to herself then to Zanire and for a few moments after silence reigned the wind across the plain the only noise, Midnights muscles where relaxing though she kept one eye fixed on the bear she did not actively fear that it was going to attack her. Speech,

She stood in silence, waiting for the females response. Something in her eyes gave off confusion, most likely for why Zanire was here, why had she asked for permission to den instead of just lumbering in, not giving a care about the pack. And ear flicked as the woman spoke again, nose twitching. So Gargoyle had spoke to them, telling them what she had asked. And Midnight just wanted to be sure. This made the bear give a nod of her head, it was understandable for her to wanna seek out the truth directly from the large beast. Had she been a wolf she would have done the same thing. Midnight's posture changed though, something crossed her eyes, causing Zanire's head to tilt to the side, brows coming together. We have lost to many wolves already, I... The shewolf paused, shaking her head. Was she unsure on whether or not she should continue. Instinctively Zanire took a step forward, but paused with her large paw hanging when the black wolf continued. I wanted to make sure that Gargoyle had not been deceived, I wanted to make sure you were not the Black bear. The last of her words were muttered, but she could pick out the emotion in her voice. Bringing up the black bear that Gargoyle had spoke of. She was unsure of what t say to the woman, unsure of what to do. When she had Lunaire with her the woman could bring him into a hug, soothe him with her touch. A few moments like that and he would calm down, even fall asleep in her arms. But this was a different situation, this woman was not used to living alongside a bear, she had even witnessed one cause harm to her pack mates. Midnight, her voice came out gentle, mother like, the same voice she used on her adoptive brother whenever he would bring up his dead parents. Things be fine, me here that bear no do anything to you and you friends. She had finally set her paw down, a warmth in her violet gaze as she looked at the woman. In a fluid movement the beast pulled back, legs sliding and rump connecting to the ground with a light thud. She sat like a pup, back legs out and front paws set nicely in front of her but kept her head low. Can you help? She began, a seriousness crossing her face. Tell me about bear, me know he black and blind in one eye but no else. She wanted to know more about this guy, wanted to know if he gave away a weakness when toying with Glaciem's wolves and have a better idea of what she would be dealing with. She wouldn't say anything about trying to track him down, trying to scare him off this land. She would have a better chance against him. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image made by Clash. <3

Midnight let out a soft humph of air ?Thank you,? she said with a small half smile, ? but I wont hold you to that,? her eyes where still sad as she continued, ?I don?t know that anyone could chase him off, I don?t think he knows how to run, I just hope he never comes through here, especially now with all the pups,? she shivered her night terror returning to her, she licked her lips and cleared her throat, ? thank you, though for what its worth,? the next words froze midnight to the spot, and she almost refused straight off, she did not want to think about him, he already stole her nights from her, his face behind every shadow, she did not want him to invade her day life to, but the dame had a point and having an extra set of eyes would be helpful she couldn't be everywhere after all. Still her tail flicked with anxiety as she moved a little closer mincing her steps then sat her tail rapping around her providing as much comfort as she could to herself. The sun had risen ifs golden rays warming the snow melting the top layer into slush, this weather wouldn't last much longer soon they would have snow so thick that it would not melt to spring she watched it for a moment contemplating the change, then looked up to meet the girls purple eyes, she knew she was putting of the inevitable but still she queried, ?may I ask you a question in return then,? she hoisted a small smile onto her face and waited a few moments for a response. ?it was before I joined Glaciem, last spring up in the foot hills of the red forest, I had food and I guess he smelt it, one moment I was on my own the next he was there,? the shiver ran down her spine and she tucked her tail more firmly around her, her eyes drifted down back to the snow at her feet and she flexed her claws making small imprints in the ice, ?he?s big, if he hadn't been black I would have thought he was an polar, but he was black and ..? she paused taking a deep breath, images where assaulting his fur as black as pitch with a gaping wound for a mouth he had stood over her lifting up on his back legs, and she had growled, the baby deer had been her first good catch in months, she had been desperate, but he had been hungry and he wasn't taking no for an answer. ? his claws where daggers, he smelt like bears and death, and everything I had ever been warned to avoid,? she shifted then lifted her gaze trying to smile but it came out wrong, ?he tossed me into a thorn bush, I think it saved my life to be honest, I was to proud for a while to find help but when I did Glaciem took me in and Asheni saved my life,healed me so that even the scars where hidden,? she took another deep breath letting it out through her teeth, ?that?s why I had to check that you where safe, I owe them so much I couldn't risk it,? Speech

ooc: Sorry for crappiness! D:

She gave a nod of her head as Midnight spoke, ears up as she listened. She kept thanking her and mentioning how she thought the male couldn't be run off, and hoped he never came here especially with pups running around. That was unsettling. Pups would lure in predators looking for an easy meal, and a bear would surely try to snatch one up since they could run fast and break their little necks without even trying. Zanire would be more on guard now, knowing that there are little ones running around. Then it hit her, what the beast had said caused the woman to freeze. Zanire felt bad instantly, sitting back as she watched the shewolf go back to her thoughts, remembering what had happened most likely. A silence had fallen between the two, her violet orbs moving away from the wolf and settling upon the sky that had begun to change colors. Her attention was brought back to the wolf however when she spoke up, asking if she could ask a question in return. Yes, of course. She said with a nod of her head. The woman dove into her story, explaining what had happened with the black bear. Zanire listened closely, giving a nod of her head to show that she was listening. She started of saying how it had happened before joining Glaciem last Spring, in the foot hills of the red forest, the bear had smelled her kill and came at her. Violet eyes grew warm as she watched Midnight tuck in her tail and stare down at the ground, understanding she might now like talking about it which was what made her feel bad for bringing it up, but she had to know about it in order to help Glaciem out. She continued on, the bear was big, almost similar in size to a polar which as the largest of the bears, as far as she knew. That would be a challenge, Zanire was average for her kind with males already being bigger than her, but him being almost as big as a polar, that would be difficult to try and handle. Midnight continued, talking about his claws, and his scent. Bear and death, that would stand out. He had tossed her into a thorn bush, and a female by the name of Asheni healed her up when Glaciem took her in. That's why she had to check and see if she was safe, she owed the pack and couldn't risk it. She was unsure of what to say to the woman, unsure of what she should do. The inner her wanted to scoop the black wolf into her arms, hold her tight and tell her things would be fine, but the logical part of her told her not to go near the woman who was obviously still having trouble getting over what had happened to her in Spring. No worry Midnight, that no happen again. Me promise. Taking the chance the bear leaned forward, tongue slipping out from between her lips and running over the shewolf's ear gently. She pulled away, turning her head to the side and gazing up at the sky that was bathed in beautiful colors. What you question darling? She asked gently, turning to look at the wolf with a small smile. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image made by Clash. <3

((OOC:sorry short one))

Midnight nodded slowly as the dame talked her head still down, she knew they would all try if the bear came, but their was no way anyone ...the rough warm tongue that swiped her ear bumping her from her thoughts and making her jump, her eyes come up to look at zanire but she didn't back away instead a small smile appeared on her lips, ? I wanted to ask.. she paused a moment trying to remember her question,her mind still processing all that had happened this was the first time she had told anyone her story but it felt good to get it off her chest ? How did you learn to talk I didn't think bears could, or can you all speak like this,? genuine curiosity came from her in waves and she wiggled a little closer her tail falling from its protective position around her. After a moment she followed the bears gaze up towards the sun painted clouds and took a deep breath. Its funny how the world changes she thought this morning I came to fight a bear and now i'm sitting beside her talking about he past. Strange. Speech

She could not help but chuckle at Midnight's reaction to her lick, and it was good to see her smile even if she was still unsure of the beast. That smile showed that she was already making process, and Zanire was sure that with some more talking or encounters, they would become good friends. And if they didn't, then oh well, she would not lose sleep over it. For a few moments it seemed as though the shewolf had forgotten what she wanted to ask Zanire, but after a few moments of thinking she finally remembered and asked. How did you learn to talk? I didn't think bears could, or can you all speak like this? Oh yes, that was boud to come up soon or later, but instead of answering right away, the shebear lowered herself fully to the ground, laying with one large paw crossed over the other. Where I learn to talk like dis... She began with a small smile, violet orbs looking off at the colorful sky. She did not have to think about it, the woman knew very well where she had learned the language. Engo and Arya. The two wolves who helped her recovery from an iinjury, the wolves she grew up with, able to help raise their child, Lunaire. Slowly ehr eyes closed as she went back to those times, back to when they were a happy little family. May be hard to believe, may think me lie, but... you kind teach me. She turned to look at the black wolf with a smile, only lasting a few seconds before pulling away to look back at the sky. All animal speak own language. Bird speak only bird. Squirral speak squirral. Wolf speak wolf and bear speak bear. That would make it obvious that she did not know their language off the bat, she had to learn it. My first language, bear, from my mother. She also teach me french. She lifted a large paw up, scratching at her ear for a moment then set it back down. One day I get hurt, two wolves help me. I stay with them, treat me good. They teach me they language. It hard, still is. But I learn enough. That would explain a lot, tell Midnight why she was so friendly with wolves and sometimes acted like one. Like when she had called for Gargoyle to talk to him about her denning nearby for Winter. Even without that, Zanire knew she would be friendly to wolves, be friendly to any species that gave her the chance. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image made by Clash. <3

Midnight shifted her head swiftly as the dame shifted position then nodded as the girl repeated her question. The opening line of Zanirs's story made sense after all she knew from experience that no other species could speak wolf, not on their own,though she had seen some companion animals who had taken to the language like ducks to water. She had never really though though of how they communicated between themselves considering it now she realised that she hadn't really thought they could communicate not above basic instructions, but it made sense. The snarls and roars of the black bear invaded her mind and she frowned for a second wondering what if anything he had been saying. But after the dame was still talking midnight nodded as she mention the other wolves and smiled as she finished her story.

It did explain a lot she had thought the roar she had heard had been the bear being discovered by gargoyle but having now met her it didn't fit so maybe she had called him like a wolf asking permission, she shook her head in awe, ? you sound like you have had an interesting life,? she said moving to stand, ?I should be going,? she muttered, mostly to herself, the sun was almost up and the pups would be waking soon, as would the adults who might well question her absence in the night, it was time for her to get back but there was one last thing she had to ask. ?what?s a French?? she queried her head tilted to one side, ?you said bears spoke bear and wolves spoke wolf, so what?s a French,? she was truly curious her head tilted to one side it had been niggling at the back of her mind since the dame had mentioned it. She thought she knew all the animals in these areas, her teachers had been very thorough so how was it that she did not know this one. Her face bore a look of frustration as she met the other girls eyes.

She chuckled at Midnight's comment, having had an interesting life. Zanire thought it was pretty boring. Being born, raised by her birth mother, taught what was needed to survive, left her mother to start her own life, ending up getting injured and helped by a wolf couple, becoming like a friend to them, being there when their son was born, helped raise him, survived the volcano eruption and having to take Lunaire away, growing together, becoming split from each other, finding this place, and asking Gargoyle permission to den nearby for Winter. It was boring. A brow raised though when the wolf had stood up, saying that she must go. Zanire gave a nod of her head but then smiling when she asked what French was. French be another language, like wolf and bear, special. My mum teach me, she said the humans would speak it where she come from. "normal. talk. think. you." Awesome image made by Clash. <3