Woodlands RP

Her alpha? She thought furiously. She hadnt even been acerpted into this heaven forsaken pack! Scrambling away from him hurriedly as he lunged at her, but in her haste her back paw stepped her tail causing her to fall. She had already submitted, how much more did he want from her? Full absolute submission? A huge part of her the part that contained tons of pride would rather die than to submit to this snotty, demanding, annoying pestering alpha above her.
What to do? She at least understood why he was demanding her submission, if he did anything less he would most likely lose his control over his so called pack. But she still couldn't understand why there had to be ranks in a pack more importantly, who was to decide wether there was an alpha and an omega. Why couldn't they all be equal in rank? Have equal say?
Where did all these submission rules come from? She knew other packs were much worst than this one but the pack rules where as much the same. She longed to find a pack if not a wolf who could actually think outside the box of society...understand her.

She looked up at him coolly, she would not give him the satifaction of showing the fear that filled her at the moment. She was terrified of the possible outcomes in the next few moments. And she didn't trust Koda even if she did submit. But she didn't have much choice in the matter of wolves to trust at the moment for she had put herself in this situation so it wasn't anyone to blame but herself. She cursed the laws of nature for making her so small and Koda so much larger than her.
Finally out of options she reluently rolled onto her back giving Koda a steely gaze of defiance.

Her amber eyes glowed in the setting sun, her lips instinctively curling back to show her fangs and a sharp growl escaping off of her lips. The woman was highly unsure of who Ava thought she was dealing with. Could she not see the large number of wolves gathered around her? Wrinkling her nose, she glared daggers at the child-like adult, her jaw clenching together once more. Just one more mistake...and then Nina would be able to tear her claws into the flesh of the rebellious girl, would be able to stop this madness that Koda was taking up with. He did not deserve such disrespect and the insults were just being thrown right back into all of their faces one by one. It did not end with just their alpha male though, as the female, Shy, made her way forward.

She snapped at the disrespectful she-wolf, at least, that was what Nina thought she had done, as she could not hear the female, and made her point quite clear. It caused a small smirk form on Nina's own brown face. If the dark colored woman did get accepted into their makeshift pack then perhaps the golden brown woman would then have someone to look forward to, save Koda. But even the alpha male had his moments when it he pushed Ni too close to the edge. Upon Ava's own backing up, the guardian was quick on her feet, her body instantly rushing to a spot behind Ava, her tail swaying high above her back, though lower than Koda's own. She was definitely ready for a chase if one was to ensue, but it seemed the loner had other plans on her mind. Rolling on to her back she submitted to their alpha, though she did not miss the meaningful glance at the alpha.

Rontu narrowed her golden eyes as the scene continued to unfold. Upon her first impression of Ava, she had thought to commend her for being brazen and spunky, but it quickly became apparent that brazen and spunky had escalated to great insolence and flippancy. Rontu’s ears were folded back against her head, clearly agitated as watched the alpha strain to keep the fae in her place. If she wants a place in the pack so badly, why doesn’t she just submit? Rontu wondered. It was beginning to seemed to her as if the fae merely wanted to stir up trouble with her obstinacy.

From what she was observing, Rontu could immediately tell that Koda was a remarkably patient alpha. She could see the anger brewing in his gaze as she continued to test him with her snitty replies and halfhearted acts of submission. She wondered how he held it together. If she were in his place, Rontu doubted she would be able to restrain herself so long before launching herself at the female.

Conflicted feelings were running through her mind. The she-wolf’s persistence was something she could appreciate; it might be good for the pack. But at the same time she could hardly bear to watch the wolf taunt the pack time and time again. Rontu couldn’t help but be pleased when Koda launched himself at the she-wolf for a second time, forcing her to submit.

While she watched the conflict between the two wolves, Rontu noticed several acknowledging, apologetic glances from the wolves around her. It was clear that the majority of them did not appreciate the large amounts of disrespect that seemed to be emanating from Ava any more than she did. She would have to tread carefully when she finally was able to introduce herself, especially after this whole occasion. With any luck, the entire skirmish would be resolved shortly.

Saru kept silent throughout everything, take a few growls here and there. She never once moved from her position, which was multiple steps behind ant wolf. Just in case a fight broke out, she didn't want to be in the thick of it. The sudden change of events that was caused by Ava disgusted the golden fae. If there is one thing you should never do, it would be to never anger your superiors and asking to join the pack. Any wolf could see that you would certainly never gain a place, and if they did it would be low ranking. When Shy strode up to Ava in a neutral position and spoke to the fae, Saru silently agreed. To submit is to survive.

The golden fae listened as Ava spoke yet again. Although her words intrigued her, they also repelled her. She then heard Koda's voice, it echoed around the clearing. She almost cowered at his words and tone. The golden fae had never heard him speak like that, but knew it was for the best. But it still sent shivers down her spine to see him like that. Saru was about to look back at Ava when Koda lunged for her, aiming for the fae's neck. She knew that if the fae didn't stay down this time, she would be gone.

She saw that Ava tried to scramble out of the way, she succeeded, but tripped over her own tail. It was only a second or two, before the black fae rolled reluctantly onto her back. But still gave him a look of defiance. That did it. Saru felt her hackles raise up, and pulled her lips back, revealing long, sharp ivory fangs. There had only been a fair few times when this had happened. But Ava was taking it too far, her patience was just about gone. She let a sliver of a growl escape from her, just barely audible. Her emerald green eyes locked onto Ava. If she made one more mistake, it may just be her last.

The stare down, the final stage of the wretched submission. Ava thought sourly. To look away or be torn to sheds? Such a decision such a hard one. Pride versus living? She wanted to see the wolves around her, to see their pleased expressions that she had finally submitted. What a bunch of cowardly elk in a herd. She thought, she hadn't shifted her eyes from Koda knowing it would signal as her giving in. But her very being ached to see the expressions of his packmates, their smiles and mere snotty happiness that she had been dealt with would be the fuel for her...to do something stupid.

She couldn't take it anymore and twisted her head to glance at the surrounding wolves around them. Ava's eyes drifted to Saru who looked like she was ready to rip Ava to shreds at a moments notice. Ava bit her tongue to keep from laughing and concentrated on breathing deeply. Haha! She thought laughter filling her head. I'd like to see Saru try. A pity that Koda wouldn't agree, but perhaps if I got Saru angry enough... Ugh but I would have to wait awhile until I manage to sink into Koda's good graces...as if that'd ever happen. Ava's eyes shifted towards Rontu, as Ava had suspected her eyes had landed on a wolf who was pleased to see Ava submit and Ava rolled her eyes. Whatever... She thought dismissing the wolfess as a rule follower. Perhaps she was, perhaps not. Ava's eyes wandered again, they went to the spot were she'd last seen Nina. Ava's eyes widened in surprise, seeing the wolfess was gone. But where? Ava wondered.
Uneasily she searched for Nina twisting her head back and forth not catching a glimpse of the she wolf. Then she arched her head behind her seeing Nina blocking her once clear escape route. Ava made a note to herself to watch Nina for she seemed to be one to take action now and think about them later. To Ava Nina was dangerous. And Ava didn't like to mess with those types.

Finally turning back at Koda, Ava's defiant gaze a bit shaken and startled from seeing Nina; she wondered what was to come next. Ava felt she had pushed Koda to his limit and he hers. At least she had a feel for the leadership qualities for the alpha. Odd that he possessed such patience. In truth Ava had no idea what exactly she was about to do or the ruckus she would have caused when she stepped out to the brush. And if she did ahead of time, she would have stayed in there and not caused herself the wounded pride and enemies she probably made. She was more observant and cautious than she was impulsive but the impulsiveness showed the most in her when she was around others.
The looked she gave Koda now since she had looked away was one that just asked for permission to get up already.

(Tonight's posts brought to you by Metallica)

IC:

The light hues of Shy came to life as she stepped back into the light from where she had been after her little interaction with Ava. There was a very odd look, a cross between satisfaction, pity and a sneer. She has much to learn if she wants to thrive she will either take their help or leave it. But now is my time to speak my peace. Shy approached slowly with her head low, and tail neutral, loose. She gave a hard stare to Ava as if to say, Watch and see just how "hard" this is. Now Shy was a proud she wolf, but proud in her place which was not alpha, nor would it ever be. Her title and rank in her first pack had been "Warrior" however in these lands it was known as "Guardian" they were one and the same. She knew her place was under the alpha, and in her mind being trusted and respected meant more than being an alpha.

She approached in a very calm and regal manner, up next to the other two did she stride ever so gracefully and asked of Koda. "Be this as it may, said and done, I would gladly assist Nina in watching this girl here, if you will have me. As well I would also protect, defend and feed the pack at any cost, Koda. At this her head dipped lower and shifted to one side bearing her throat to the alpha. this being done she had shown her initial submission, all most leaders required was a respectful inquiry and a mild form of submission. No not just a dip of the head or a tuck of the tail, but a bow of sorts, short of full submission, required in extreme cases, such as punishment or reprimand. She offered her throat to him and kept her eyes lowered, If he requested full submission she would oblige for it was not a matter to be questioned unless one intended a challenge, and only the most powerful and headstrong alphas would request such submission. Be that as it was she waited, waited to find out what type of alpha she was in the presence of before she revealed her secret to him. She was not here by chance, it was by fate somehow and she knew it.

Ava's eyes narrowed she was not a pup who need to be looked after by someone else. She was an adult who made impulsive decisions! Didn't these wolves get that? Nina probably did, Ava didn't miss the "thrilled" word. How could Nina be thrilled to watch a wolf who just defied basically the entire pack? Ava seriously didn't get these wolves. Didn't they know the protocol? Kick out the rebels keep the obedient? Maybe they would change if she stuck around for another day. Perhaps they just woke up on the wrong side of the forest?

Ava was already totally not thrilled when Nina made her outrageous offer, but when Shy made the same one? Now Ava was seriously just thinking of either biting something or leaving. Though the biting idea was becoming more appealing. "If anyone is capable of watching me, it would be me, myself and I, thank you very much! I don't need a babysitter. Forcing me to have one will become more trouble than its worth." She stated firmly. Trying to wriggle from under Koda's paws. "At least don't make it anyone who offers." Ava muttered sourly. Shooting a glare at Shy and Nina.

Then to Ava's horror and astonishment Shy submitted to Koda. Full submission. Ava gaped at the wolfess horrified then looked back up at Koda eyes wide then at Shy again, her eyes narrowing. Ava just labeled Shy as a suck up. Wether it was true or not any respect for Shy Ava had for the wolfess before diminished to nothing.

The wolfess should have taken an example from Rontu at least! Then Ava remembered that Shy had not been here when Rontu was accepted. This wasn't news to Ava but it terrified her. Was this the same type of pack that she had just left? Laws of respect and groveling to your superiors everywhere you went? Or was Shy attempting to show Ava what proper submission to an alpha looked like? If that was the case it completely backfired, Ava saw it as what not to do.

Ava rolled her eyes at shy her once astonished and horrified expression reduced to something like pity. Was this how one got into an alpha's good graces? Ava wondered. If so she feather pass that stupid oppournity by.

Ava eyes flickered towards Nina, the she wolf had moved again. Ava noticed irritated. Couldn't the brown wolfess just stay in one spot for once? It annoyed Ava that she couldn't hear the wolfess's movements even though she was so close by. Being under Nina's watchful eye was a definite no no. If Nina didn't seem so attached to Koda and to the rest of the pack then Ava would probably consider it if only to learn how to move so silently.
Ava remembered a white wolfess popping up around here earlier? But when Ava looked for the wolfess she was gone. What was up with these wolves appearing then disappearing? Ava wondered.

Ooc- Oooh, someone has remembered Rogue! Perhaps she should make another entrance of sorts, then. (: Bic

Rebellion, submission, suck ups, and rolling eyes--others glares. Arguments, threats. This really wasn't going anywhere. Koda must not have really noticed her words. Perhaps because she had been making herself so scarce all this time in the pack. Were her words empty to him?

Rogue's large glittering gold eyes peered silently from between the bushes. A warm breeze ruffled her pale coat. The emerald green branches that hid her swayed, and instinctively she crouched down lower to remain hidden. To her, things were up in the air. Rogue couldn't tell whether or not Koda was going to let this she-wolf, Ava, stay.

Yet she was sure of one thing. That if when she had first met Koda, and he held biting teeth to her throat, and if she did decide to stay, even with the gnashing of teeth as welcome, to have the burden of two wolves leering over her every day and reporting her every move-- well she wouldn't have stuck around. It was Koda's friendly and engaging words, his openness and acceptance of her, that swayed Rogue's idea of a pack life.

And at that moment, as she watched the wolves bicker quietly, Rogue wondered where that Koda was. Not the one who forced respect, but asked for it. Who wouldn't let a few strangers sway his mind, but stand on his own belief. Perhaps her alpha was taking on a new method.

If so, Rogue didn't like it very much. Ava was being careless, but Rogue understood why. She just wished Koda, Nina, and these other intruding strangers could understand as well.

Kieth was aggravated. This fae just wouldn't submit and get everything over and done with. But he suspected that her pride was worth more than her life. His gaze drifted to Saru as he heard a sliver of a growl coming from her. He had only heard her growl once or twice before, but that was because they were in danger. But he wasn't used to her growling at other wolves. She was always the kind one, the one who thought of ways to get out of something, by using words, and not force. He had never seen her openly attack someone unless if she felt threatened, but she looked ready to rip Ava to shreds. This frightened him. Where was the Saru that he had known?

He was about to say something to Saru, when Nina spoke. He shifted his head to look in her direction. She was saying something to Koda, but he couldn't hear the words clearly. His eyes flicked over to the three wolves. Nina was standing behind Ava and Koda was standing over the black fae, who was on the ground with her belly exposed. But she had a gaze of defiance on her face, that was aiming straight at Koda. He didn't know how the creamy male could stand such a thing. Was it possible that he was acting like this to show that he was a true leader, worthy of their respect?

Then, he saw Ava looking around, almost frantically. Until she looked behind her, and was surprised to find Nina standing there, blocking her escape route. An amused smile pulled at the corner of his lips, and he let it show. Even in these dire circumstances, he could still find humour in some things. The grey male was startled to see that the other black fae, Rontu, had sidled up to Koda. She spoke words the he had trouble hearing and then submitted to him; lowering her head and shifted to the side, bearing her throat to Koda. Now that was submission.

When Ava spoke yet again, Kieth perked up his ears and his gaze travelled to the black fae. She was annoyed, and that brought another amused smile on his face. Well, she had gotten herself into this mess, and she would be the one to get out of it. If she could. The grey male stayed at the back during everything, with Saru standing next to him. He didn't like to interfere with others' business, and neither did Saru. He wished that all of this could be done and over with, but it seemed that this would carry on for a while longer.

Following the basic rules? Well...no promises on that. Ava thought amused. But not being followed about by some angry hyped up packmates? Whoohoo! Score for her! She knew she would have figured out a way to evade any babysitter told to watch her anyway. Now that she thought of it, maybe it would have been fun to have a wolf watch her. Imagine all the mischief she could have caused... But ah, no matter. Better not to have one, a bit less trouble on her part that way.

Koda got off her giving her the nod to get up. She did, rolling back over to her stomach and pushing herself leisurely to her paws. She took a bit of a stretch of her legs, shook out her fur and sat down, curling her tail neatly around her paws. Ava then took a moment to think about Koda's next words. There really wasn't much to ponder since she had already thought of joining the pack when she walked through the brush. An attempt to follow the rules? Yeah she could make it seem that way... Respect them? Maybe, maybe not...depends who. She thought her eyes flicking over to Shy who still had her neck exposed to the world. That was one wolf who jumped off Ava's list of possible wolves to respect.
Ava wondered if it would be wrong to go over and take a bite at that exposed neck of Shy's. That would certainly cause another uproar from the pack. Perhaps not though, it took forever to wash blood off her fur. A sliver of a smile came to her lips just thinking about it before it disappeared as the current of her thoughts moved on.

Become their pack? Okay... But their their family? Yeah...no. Ava had enough with dealing with family when she left. But her leaving was an understatement, rather it was more like being driven out. Having anyone close enough to call family was a mere dream one far off in the lovely world of impossibilities. And after her little episode, performance, drama, eh...whatever you'd like to call it. She was sure she wouldn't last long in this pack to even call one of them friend.
Heck, she barely knew what a friend even was. Troublemakers like her didn't have friends and if they did she wasn't some of the lucky ones that ever did. She wasn't here for friends anyway. The real reason she decided to ask to join was to use the pack as a easy path to survival without working so hard to support herself on her own. Though she hated to admit it, packs offered more eyes to warn of danger, more food to eat and even a nice territory to hunt in. Only problem with these benefits for her was the alpha...

She yanked herself out of the thoughts knowing that she would just go on and on, debating with herself. She looked at Koda... Maybe she should call him Alpha Koda? She bit her tongue to keep from laughing, and held her facial features together to keep herself from cracking a smile. Ah, who needed friends when she could make herself laugh?
Anyway looking at Koda with a straight face her amused feeling gone, she decided that her thinking session had to take a hike. "I think I would rather stay. A pack has its benefits..." She said simply, making herself trail off before allowing herself the chance to start an argument with the different beliefs of the other wolves. Especially Shy, Ava could imagine what a fit the wolfess would throw. By the end of a few seconds, they would probably be in each other's faces screaming and ready for a fight...well at least Ava would. She was just that darn impulsive, even if she did think a lot.

Rontu watched as the battle of wills seemed to come to an end, at least for the time being. From the glittering expression that played across Ava’s face when the Alpha mentioned following the basic rules, she could tell that if she joined the pack, this would not be the last they would see of her cheeky, prideful attitude.

The way the other members of the pack had united in favor of the alpha impressed her, although it also dredged up twinges of unease. It might be difficult settling into a pack that clearly had strong opinions on what was expected of new additions. While she did appreciate some leniency on the Alpha’s part, in her opinion a strong structure in a pack was much better, and far less dangerous than lack thereof. She only hoped it would be better than her old pack. It seemed to her as if she would be able to get along with the majority of the wolves there, but only time would tell.

Seeing as Ava was now dealt with, and the wolf named Shy had clearly made her statement of loyalty, Rontu decided this would be a good time to step forward and introduce herself. She wasn’t about to allow herself to overshadowed by all the other incidents of the day, besides the pack was probably ready to move on and get back to wherever it was they came from. Hopefully this is for the best. She thought, stepping forward from the edge of the group where she had been warily standing throughout the majority of the confrontation. She walked towards Koda, her head and tail lowered with proper respect, but not to the extent that she looked timid. Her intense gaze still held an inquisitive, animated flare.

“Pleasure to meet you Koda.” She greeted, dipping her head. “I’m sorry to arrive at during such an... inconvenient circumstance.” She added, her eyes flitting briefly to wolves around her.

Shy lifted her head back to it's original position shortly after the nod from Koda, it was not voice that was needed to accept her merely this gesture. She was not the kind to be overly stressed about pack rules but there were certainly basic laws that had to be lived by. Sure not having to submit ever would be nice but it would cause too much trouble for what it was worth. Judging by some of the looks that were cast her way there was a mixture of shock and surprise at her gesture. I didn't even roll on my back! She thought, these wolves seemed odd to be shocked at a basic gesture. Her eyes soon found Ava and the disgust was written plainly on her face, Shy wondered how Ava would fare if she attacked. There was blood on Shy's paws, and it was noble blood, she had been a killer of alphas as a wanderer. One incident had happened over food, she had been starving and was told if she killed the alpha she would be fed. She did as requested but was driven out of the pack after a meager meal. It would never be worth that males last breath.

Her blood began to boil as Ava's voice trailed off, she read what she presumed was too far into it. However the girl was powder keg that would eventually ignite into a massive explosion that Shy was very sure herself and Nina would meet. She glanced at the female to speak of and nodded at her, trying her best to convey an unspoken promise. I will help you if you request it. At that it would seem the climax of the meeting was over and another made herself known and Shy noted that again there was in fact another level headed wolf here and gave the she wolf a kind smile. Now for Koda to speak, after this I must speak with him, away insane she wolves.

(Truly sorry for the delay! I was on vacation with no internet... )

Koda observe all of those around him and knew that he had made a risky call letting Ava in and turning down Nina and even Shy's offer to watch over her. His thought was that if Ava could not fit in on her own, she would fail and be banished. While he hated the idea of banishment, he disliked the thought of not giving her a chance to prove herself even more. Now, it was up to her ... and he had a feeling that not being assigned the task of watching the cheeky fae would not stop his protective friend from doing so at a distance and he was counting on that. Ava would get away with nothing, much a she might think that she'd won some small victory. He hadn't missed to look on her face when he'd given her her freedom within the pack should she join. He too would watch her like a hawk. Giving her a chance was one thing. Allowing her to sow discord and compromise the integrity of the pack was entirely another.

He gave Shy another look, feeling sure that adding her to their numbers would prove quite beneficial. There was something about her that intrigued him. Confidence mixed with an air of mystery maybe? He supposed that all of them might have some secrets. Ebony popped into his mind with the thought. He was sure that the white fae had something that she was keeping to herself, but in his mind if any wolf proved themselves to him and the pack through loyalty and dedication he would give the same to them, regardless of their past. Knowing that time was ticking by and that they needed to get back to the pack lands that he had chosen for their new home he focused on the last loner in their presence now.

Rontu had proven herself polite, respectful and quite patient while waiting for the drama with Ava to play itself out. With a smile at her he extended an invitation to join their ranks. "Rontu, If you pledge your loyalty to me and the rest of the pack, I invite you to join us." He gave her a moment to decide and announce her intentions. With a brief dark look at Ava he continued, "We have dallied long enough. Spring is upon us and it is time to head out to Diamond Lake where we will settle into our new home!" He glanced at each wolf, noting the excitement and impatience to be on the way on many of the faces. He was pleased to note that Keith seemed to be faring better for the extended rest and hopefully they would be able to keep a brisk pace for most of the journey. With that last thought, he turned northward leading his new pack into the foothills of the mountains that would soon bring them to Diamond Lake and the Sapphire caves.

Ava spared a glance at Rontu following Koda's gaze them eyes flicking back to the alpha...her alpha. She was just never going to get used to that, she followed him. But she hung back more going at a slower pace and maneuvering herself far enough away for her to keep Koda in range of her sight but far enough away from the others so they wouldn't be tempted to chastise her about her so called 'disrespectful behavior'. She knew Koda's word of her not having a required watcher on her tail wasn't going to hold up for a second. Ava hadn't missed the exchange of looks Nina and Shy had exchanged.
They would be watching Ava she knew but she would also be watching them. "I think is safe to say I've got the whole of the pack against me." She whispered quietly to herself content. "The less friends I make the easier it will be. I wonder just how long I can stay in this one."
She trotted onwards as happy as one could be when severely misunderstood in this world. "Brought it on myself as always but it's better this way. No attachments equals no loyalty and that's they way the world is no question about it."

Occ: uh...who's supposed to post after me?

Rontu returned the alpha’s smile with ease. Earlier, her fur had begun to prickle with doubt as she had watched the whole situation with Ava unfurl. Upon her first impression, it had seemed as if this pack was just the same as the dysfunctional pack she had left several months before; riddled with insubordinate pack members and pushy alphas. Contrary to her initial thoughts, she quickly realized that she was harboring quite the misconception. Koda’s leadership style appealed to her. Rontu liked the way he had dealt with the snippy loner. She appreciated some leniency, and his tolerant yet firm leadership was something she was able to respect. It was clear to see that many of the other wolves generally felt the same way, regardless of their opinions on the new member Ava.

Rontu stepped forward slightly once she had considered his offer. It took her only a brief time to make up her mind. She had suffered from the leaden effects of solitude for long enough as it was, and this appeared to be a wonderful opportunity. It was, of course, not without flaws but that was what made a pack interesting and worthwhile. She held herself slightly straighter as she replied. “Loyalty granted,” she grinned. “I would love to join your pack.”

Rontu’s golden eyes flashed spiritedly as she glanced around the rest of her new pack, trying to imagine herself among them. She knew it would take time for them to fully trust her, even though she had pledged her loyalty, though the fact did not bother her. She wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of putting her life in these wolves’ paws yet either. Hopefully she would have time to observe and make first impressions on the run back to the territory, or wherever it was they were going. She looked to Koda, prepared to begin travel at any moment.

At last, things seemed to have been smoothed out. Rogue was relieved. In her opinion, the whole situation was getting out of hand and too dramatic. Best to swiftly solves problems of such, and she thought Koda made the right decision. He was a good Alpha indeed.

And finally the pack was on the move again--albeit new members added. Yet Rogue didn't move up with the rest of the pack; blending with the other members. She never did. No, she followed the pack like it's shadow. She moved just out of sight of the pack, drifting from brush to tree to shadow. Occasionally she would briefly come in sight of the pack before vanishing again.

This was her way. Life was simpler as a shadow. No one paid much attention, and less notice meant less trouble for her. Picking up an easy lope, Rogue moved to the front of the pack, far enough to remain out of sight. Once or twice she had drifted far enough back to be seen, but she had moved fast enough to disappear.

"Lake of glittering blue, caves deep and safe. Moon in the sky, and woods with ever deepening shadows. Where are you?" The words were muttered to herself as she now sat atop a rise, looking far ahead. Of course she had fantasized about Koda's territory. As the thought occurred to her, Rogue looked behind and below her, to where the pack pressed ever on.

(Sorry for the long wait between my posts, I haven't had much muse for the past week or so :/)

When Koda announced that they were leaving for Diamond Lake, Saru closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, trying to calm down. Her lips covered her fangs, and she felt her hackles lower. The growl that had been dying to emerge from her jaws dissipated. When her emerald green eyes opened, she was back to normal. At least on the outside.

Inside she was a storm of emotions. Happiness that they had three new members, but also anger that with every breath Ava had she challenged Koda in one way or another. But for most part of it, she was distraught. Distraught by the fact that she had snapped. Those moments were very scarce and only happened when she was very angry. But the fae had gone too far for her likes. She never liked to fight, growl, or do anything that involved being physically or mentally hurt. She was a peaceful wolf and had no mean bone in her body.

She hated it when fights broke out, and always tried to stop them by using words, not force. The only time she ever inflicted pain and damage was for self-defense. And in sever cases, when a wolf got on her nerves. Just like Ava did.

These thoughts chased each other around in her head as she followed the rest of her pack. She walked next to Kieth, still thinking about her outbreak of emotions. But she shook her head, this wasn't the time to dwell on those thoughts. She'll have time later. Turning her golden head to look at the grey wolf, she smiled before slightly lengthening her stride. She knew that he would stay where he was, he usually stayed in the middle of a group.

The golden female passed a few other wolves, before finally catching up to Koda and shortened her stride to match his. There was a few moments of silence, before she looked at him with her emerald gaze. "I think you did well back there. I'm sure she appreciates that you didn't let Nina and Shy babysit her. I sure wouldn't like being in a situation like that." She let a smile grace her features as she finished speaking. She always found it easy to be herself around him. Never feeling ashamed or embarrassed in his presence when she did something unusual. It just felt natural. Turning her head to face ahead of her, she looked down at her paws, waiting for him to speak.

The tension seemed to have finally died out of the pack and Koda announced that they would take their leave. Shy set her pace to the far left to gather her thoughts. This would be a true test of how accepting Koda would be, or if he could understand her hardships. If I could hold back the rain It was a painful memory, the pack was regal with a massive son, heir of the pack, the name was something Shy could not care for, but her instructions were simple. Kill the opposing packs alpha in battle and frame him, the younger brother would take the leaderless pack and unite the packs when his father died. Shy had done as she was told and granted quarter for her travels through their land. It had been worth it then, until she watched the massive male beg his parents to understand, he walked away muttering to himself before snapping and lashing out at everyone. I remember everything.

Shy had long been nothing more than a life for hire. A mercenary in a manner of speaking she would kill and kill again for food and shelter. Consequently this made her such a ferocious fighter that the thought of fighting Ava had scared her. The tan and grey she wolf shook her head and began to divert her course back towards the others. Padding up towards Koda she heard the very last few words that Saru had spoken. It was not of her concern what others thought of Koda's actions, nor hers for that matter. So, Shy waited for Koda to address the other female with an expectant look on her face, so that she could have a few private words with him.

(Truly sorry for the huge delay!)

Now that all of the tension had dissipated somewhat, Koda felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. This had been new ground for him. All of it was, in fact. He had been an upper-ranked wolf in his old pack, but not the leader. He knew that each wolf would be different and hopefully all would contribute in their own way, but Ava had nearly forced him to violence and that bothered him. He had no problem with asserting himself, but true violence in a pack was rare, for what would happen to a pack that weakened itself? Surely, it would quickly die out. That was not something he wanted for his family. He hoped that together they would build new lives and all would have a new start. A clean slate.

Hopefully, Ava would learn that soon. Whatever she or any of them had done before was behind them. Be it good, bad or ugly. If any could not adjust and learn to work together and respect each other, they would be banished, but all would have the same chance and start on even ground. Even Ava the Spitfire. If they proved themselves unworthy of his family, he would force them to leave, much as that would sadden and pain him. Shaking away his gloomy thoughts, he instead looked to the future.

They were finally headed to his beloved lake and beautiful caves. He had been gone far too long, but he returned with the future. In the end, only one member had not stayed. the fae Kovara, that had come and gone twice now. He hoped that she had healed well enough to make it one her own and that she eventually found the right place for herself. Yet, in her wake came three more ladies to join their ranks bringing their total up to eight, including himself. A very respectable pack!

He had been so lost in thought that when Saru joined him, he was a bit surprised, but pleasantly so. He had missed his golden beauty of late and seeing her today, ready to stand by his side as others had too had definitely peaked his interest. Not that he hadn't been interested in her before. If he was totally honest with himself he hoped to win her heart and perhaps start a family with her. Spring was here and the thought of pups danced in his head, but he didn't want to rush her in any way. Time would tell. When she spoke after a few comfortable moments of silence, he couldn't help but be proud for he hadn't been entirely certain of his decisions when his actions failed to yield the desired results at first.

He tipped his head to her and gave her a crooked smile. "Thank you, Saru. That means a lot. All of this is still fairly new to me and such insolence just didn't happen in my old pack." He was about to say more when Shy approached them from the left side of the traveling pack. She seemed as if she had something that she wished to say. He didn't want to give up a moment with Saru, but Shy was now an important member as well and there would be more time along the way. "Saru, do you mind giving Shy and I a moment to talk? I will look forward to talking more with you in a bit!" He felt a bit of heat warm his neck. He'd almost added 'my love' at the end. Clearing his throat, he gave her a smile and turned towards Shy, a bit grateful for the distraction right then.