Lyckos & Others

With the sun setting over the valley, Lyckos returned to the den after his patrol of the borders. The alpha seemed much more relaxed, and much calmer ever since the arrival of his family; he not longer seemed to be bothered by it. It had taken him a while to get used to his parents and sister being around, but he was finding the close network of family members comforting, and it partially filled the void that had been created in his heart with the deaths of Hydras and Quake.

However, something was bothering him today. It had been far too quiet and peaceful for far too long. Nothing had happened in a long time. Normally, Lyckos would have been overjoyed at this lengthy peace, but something in the back of his mind suggested it was an ominous event. He had been putting on a brave face for a while now, to make sure the rest of the pack didn't pick up on his negative feelings, but the longer this silence stretched on, the worse he was starting to feel. He had considered visiting Quaidah, to see if the Guardian Alpha had noticed any strange activity in the Ruins from the Haunters, but a visit to the Croal Mountains would mean he would either have to go alone and leave the pack in the paws of Ninaki for a few days, or take everyone up there with him.

Iphito, Taros and Orelia had adjusted to life in the Lurkers surprisingly well. The first week had been slightly awkward, what with meeting relations they never knew they had, and the whole idea of being in such a vast pack, but they had taken it all in their stride, and had taken up the heirarchy was ease. Orelia was very much the motherly figure, taking a lot of time to pupsit or relax with other members. Taros was higher up the ranks, naturally exuding dominance without trying, but he did not challenge the designated members for their titles; he had become, well, almost an advisor figure to his son. Iphito was the average member, the fleet and graceful warrior, who managed to get along with almost anyone.

Iphito, accompanied by Lyriani, found Lyckos heading for the stairs as the pair of them came down from a spot of sunbathing on the rooftop. Lyriani affectionately brushed her uncles shoulder, and Iphito leaned over to bite his ear playfully. Lyckos grinned, but his eyes hinted at this nagging worry. Iphito caught his look, but didn't press him, instead she told Lyriani to go and see her father, and brother and sister sat in the center of the bottom floor, where Lyckos told his sister of his concerns.

"I don't know what to do. Should I go and see Quaidah, or should I just enjoy this rest while I can. I know it won't last, we all do, but there's something I don't like about it. It feels...odd..."

Ninaki & Others

Skeil had taken a quick liking to the new family, and could often be found in the company of Orelia or Iphito, either helping the former manage the younger members, or engaging in playful sparring matches with the latter. All in all, the snowy-white pitbull was enjoying the additions. Along with her Lerna had made it a point to help ease the group's transition into the new pack, especially during that first week. Intuitive and mature beyond her age, the only daughter of Lyckos and Hydras was proving herself to be a very level-headed creature with a strong sense of morals, and a great willingness to help others.

The same couldn't be said for Honthale and Kambode Jr. True, the two got along fairly well with the new members, and could now and then be seen relaxing and hanging out with just about anyone in the pack - but these two were about as hot-headed as Ankh, and aside from Katabana, were the two most likely to pick unnecessary quarrels with others. Ninaki could generally keep the peace when the younger members tried to throw their weight around, and despite his smaller size and lithe build, was efficient enough in his words and postures to demand obedience without ever having to put his fangs to use... in most cases.

At the current time, a majority of the pack were out looking for food, or, like Iphito and Lyriani taking advantage of the longer days and catching a few rays of sun before it began to vanish over the horizon. Pirqua happened to be inside the den, fussing over the new chicks and seeing to it that they all settled down for sleep. Taking leave of her nest, the falcon glided down from the broken-out upper window and alighted on a paint can near Lyckos. "If you want my advice, you should follow your gut, Lyckos." Speaking this quietly, the raptor flexed her wings briefly before settling them against her sides.

Dapplewing

"Lyckos! Ninaki!" Rushing in low from the old hole in the wall, the peregrine falcon made a hasty landing on the cool ground where the alpha was speaking with his family. "Lotus and Ankh are getting into it, over in the Hidden Oasis territory-" The raptor panted in quick, rasping breaths, not waiting to recover from her rushed flight before she went on, "I don't know the entire story, but it looks as if the tiger Majikan is friends with your daughter, along with an unknown canine by the name of Kon."

Ninaki stood quickly when he heard his son's name, leaving the cozy warmth of the corner where he'd been napping. Of all his offspring, he wasn't surprised to hear the little ebony male was in some sort of clash with another family member.

Lyckos & Others

Iphito listened to her brother's concerns, her head tilted ever so slightly in thought, "Yes, I suppose if it would put your mind to rest, then go, but maybe you're reading too much into this. What if this is just one of those times where neither side wishes to strike, like an unofficial ceasefire?" Lyckos was considering this when he heard the flutter of feathers as Pirqua landed on the paint can beside him. The alpha was far more inclined to follow the raptors advice, to set his own mind to rest if nothing else. He was just considering whether or not to make it a pack visit to the Guardians, or just for him and a few members to go, when there was a shout and a flurry of movement.

His name made the hybrid stand up sharply, his eyes catching Dapplewing's brisk entrance. At first, he was confused, for when the bird spoke of Ankh and Lotus fighting, he found himself concerned as to why. Lotus had been in the alleys, as far as he knew, and Ankh had his own pack out in the wild part of the valley, so why should they be in contact? Then, he found himself hit by a wave of anger. Majikan? Friends with Lotus? It was well known to Lyckos that Ankh often let his temper guide him, but this time he could understand. This time, even Lyckos felt his own rage beginning to cloud his mind.

Lyckos nodded, then turned to the matriach raptor beside him, "Pirqua, make sure some of the raptors are watching the alleys on alert. I'm taking some of the pack to Hidden Oasis." Then, the alpha turned, and howled a summons to any of the pack that were in the alleys.

"Ninaki, Iphito, Lerna, Camden, Argolis, Bullet, Desmon, Lyriani, Sequioa and Sasha! We're going to resolve some family disputes! Skeil, you are in charge until I get back, Taros will assist you. Orelia, you will keep an eye on the youngsters until we return."

With his peace-keeping (or indeed war-making) brigade in tow, Lyckos signalled for Dapplewing to lead the way to the conflict, a grim frown set onto his jaw as he made his way to the terratory.

Ninaki & Others

The deep howl of their lead had most of the Lurkers dropping their current commitments and high-tailing to the bottom floor of the Den, either scampering down the steps of the upper levels, or soon bounding in through the door to rally around Lyckos. While the pack was filing in, Pirqua bobbed her head in an acknowledging gesture to the dane's words, "I'll have Moonshadow alert the Guardians as well, just to be on standby." And with a furious rush of wings, the mother was airborn again, seeking out her offspring and mate to establish a keen sentry around their home.

Stepping forward with all the obedience of loyal soldiers to their captain, their questionless and timely response alone showing their faith and respect for Lyckos, Ninaki and the others called to follow did just that. Skeil remained back just as readily as the others left, ready to keep order in the pack and if need be, help Orelia keep some of the adolescents in line.