Tahmores*Elder Brother

The sprawling ranch and its little house were shrowded in darkness tonight, and in the waning light of the crescent moon and her sisters, the stars, the house looked as though it might reach out and devour any daring or foolish enough to draw too close. The pure quiet that occurs only at the height of midnight cut through the chill air like a well-honed knife through putty, the sound of the silence thunderous in the stillness, and the nocturnal creatures held their breath, as if afraid to disturb the silence that only they could hear as they leant their wildness to the enveloping darkness in that, the wildest and most fearful moment of evening, and to the hulking shadow hidden in the depths of the dark's grasp.

But the eyes that rested upon the little house, one pair of green, one brown, were unafraid of this skulker of the night. Indeed, the little structure was a welcome sight to the sore eyes of the teen, and as he crouched in the weeds, where so many others of the canid breed had crouched before him, with so many less-honorable intentions, the moonlight flashed in his eyes, and there was visible, just for that moment, a hint of longing for something left behind. A soft huff of sound left him, the air caused by its passage curling toward icy heaven in a cloud of smoky whiteness as another moved up beside him, twitching his tail against the boy's side and leaning against him, hoping to share the warmth of his bulk with his human companion. Stripped to the waist, clad only in his homespun breeches and knife, the teen reached a hairless hand to rest softly on the furry back, a gesture of acknowledgement and gratitude as he continued to survey the house.

A long moment passed, and then, as one, the two left their shelter of trees and bracken, moving with silent, perfectly synchronized grace as they crossed the frosty ground in the pale light, stopping noiselessly at a common accord at the base of the porch steps. The boy issued a whine to reassure whichever ranch guards happened to be protecting their Masters' safety this night, and then reached with one hand to pull the tie from his thick masses of brown hair, which now hung past his mid-back, and shook it around himself, in one movement dispersing his scent quickly, and covering his ears and neck for warmth. As he curled up on the cold ground beside the wolf, the teen clasped a hand over his nose and mouth and lay his head on Elder Brother's warm side, and soon the even rise and fall of their shared breathing was the only sound, and the only light that which rested upon the sleeping face of Tahmores, finally come home.

The early morning light did not wake them, nor did the shadow that passed overhead as Elderwild claimed her usual place on the roof of the house. It had become her habit to assume this watchful place as the first tenative rays of dawn dared to reach over the horizon, and remain there until the inhabitants of the ranch, and her Master, awakened and rose for the day. She'd even taken to giving Martha a daily morning-shriek as the woman exited her house to begin the many chores required to keep the ranch up and running, though she was clearly a one-person bird. But now, the molten-amber eyes rested on the two familiar slumbering forms below her, resting amid and partially under about an inch of light snow, and her slate wings shifted uncomfortably. Never had she known the un-winged people to nest on the ground in winter, particularly without their garments for warmth and protection from the elements. She shifted again, uneasily, waiting for them to wake up.

Martha & Timber

For years, the ranch had been the embolism of wild versus tame, and a place that seemed to call forth the shrewdest of killers like some beacon of destruction. Fight after fight, the ranks of pets dwindled down and casualties mounted, until Timber had become the last of his lineage left to carry on the legacy. It wasn't until nearly all his friends and family had been taken from him that the bloodshed simply stopped, leaving the collie to wallow in painful memories and long for what had once been.

The ebony dog, as fiercely loyal as he was silent, had curled up in his usual place at the back of the house. His senses, as alert as they were, had grown careless and unheeding in the past year. Brother and Tahmore's approach went unnoticed by the old fighter.

As morning encroached and spred it's light over the wintery scene, the quiet ranch house slowly came to life. The creak of footsteps on old wood sounded from within as Martha began her usual routines. Just as the sun had crept above the treeline, the woman came outside, clad in a thick coat. Her soft brown eyes went habitually to the place where she was use to seeing the goshawk. And sure enough, there she was. "Good morning to you."

Tahmores*Elder Brother*Elderwild

Every other morning of the world, Elderwild had shrieked her early-morning greetings to Martha, reaffirming the normalcy and safety of the day ahead. But even as the woman lifted her voice in calling, the goshawk did not respond in her usual manner. As a matter of fact, she seemed not to notice the woman bundled in her protection against the cold. Her golden eyes were still on the vague, lumpy shape that was the sleeping Tahmores and Brother, her body completely motionless as she watched them.

And still, they did not stir. The steady rise and fall of two chests reassured the onlooker that both still lived, and there was no blood to decorate the crisp snow or suggest any other form of injury on either of them. The brothers had succumbed to simple exhaustion, and even Tahmores' and Brother's heightened senses did not serve to wake them, so tired they were.

Martha & Timber

So use to the usual routine, the raptor's lack of response alerted her that something was amiss. Stepping down carefully from the snow-laden steps, the woman trekked across the yard towards the treeline in an attempt to get a better look at Elderwild, "What's up with you thi-" Martha's question drifted into silence as she followed the bird's gaze downward.

What she had originally believed to be a pile of snow-covered leaves or brush quickly revealed itself to be something totally different. There was the tell-tale rise and fall of two chests, "Oh, my!" Martha exclaimed under her breath, hesitantly drawing closer to the pair, unable to dicern exactly who or what they were yet, although she was certain that she saw human hair... "Excuse me...?" Martha stepped closer, but was reluctant to reach a hand out and brush the snow off the two forms, in case they happened to be a pair of aggressive canines, as was often the case around here.

At hearing his master's voice, Timber came jogging dutifully around the side of the house, tail swaying gently with his easy gait, while his ears were perked up and alert. But as soon as he saw her approaching a suspicious 'mound of snow', his hackles instinctively rose and he bolted towards her, standing stiff-leggedly at her side. "Who's there?" His nose went to work quickly, trying to catch the scent that had settled down with the two.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

The bird's keen eyes rested still on the scene below, seeing Timber come out of the house but not sharing his alarm. However, she did not choose to enlighten the canine at this point. Her silence remained.

And Martha's soft words did not waken them either. It was Timber's more gruff voice that finally caused a stirring in the small blanket of snow, causing it to fall away as the wolf pulled his head out away from Tahmores and looked up at them, his voice heavy with sleep. "Timber... long time no see." He did not move much further, to avoid disturbing his boy's sleep, although he did gently nose him over and readjust his body slowly so that his fur kept Tahmores warm enough.

Martha & Timber

The hackles were slow to fall, but tension in the collie's dark eyes melted away in a flash as his tail began to wave ever so slightly. "Brother, welcome home." Timber wasn't one for becoming overly excited about anything, but the relief and warmth in his voice was enough to make up for it.

Martha, on the other hand, was more expressionate once she realized just who these two were. "Brother, Tahmores!" She knelt to the ground, reaching a hand to stroke affectionately at the wolf's head, while the other went to dust gingerly away at the snow that was covering her son. Mixed in with her exuberant joy was a cloud of worry for him, over the simple fact that he hadn't waken up as quickly as his canine brother, "Tah, sweety, can you hear me?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Brother's tail thumped the snow in response to Timber's greeting, almost as reserved in his joy at returning as the collie was in his reception. It thumped a little harder as Martha stroked his head, but when she started to brush away the snow, he stuck his cold nose into the curve of Tahmores' back, which did finally get a response out of him: a soft, un-serious growl, and a swat of the hand. As soon as it was obvious that the boy was responding, Brother set up a chorus of whines and nudges, to convince the teen that now was a very good time to wake up.

It took another couple of tries before Tahmores finally surrendered and sat up, shaking the remainder of the snow off of himself and cuffing the wolf playfully, growling, No fair!. It was another second before he realized that he and Brother were not alone, and remembered the events of the night before. When it had, he looked up from at Martha from his seat, holding her eyes for a second as he flipped the little switch in his head that allowed him to move back into English. And, after two months of speaking wolf, it was no wonder his voice sounded creaky. "Hernes..."

Martha & Timber

She had always been fascinated by the way he could communicate with the wild ones, and right now she couldn't help but give a soft chuckle at the way he and Brother interacted. The wolf trying to urge his companion to wake up, while the boy resisted coming out of slumber with mock annoyance. And then he finally rose up, and she heard his voice. An unhindered smile spread across the woman's face, sending a flurry of faint wrinkles and happy creases into her skin. Her boy was alright. The smile blossomed as she reached foward and drew him into a squeezing embrace, "Tah, I've missed you so much! Oh, you don't know how happy I am to see you!"

Timber settled back on his ebony haunches, taking in the welcome scene at his own silent pace. Scents were reaching him now, telling him bits and peices of their new life. "Brother..." Timber cocked his head to the side a bit, catching a scent that was vaguely familiar, "...what pack do you live with?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Just because he could flip his English skills into play did not mean that he could flip his instincts off. He hadn't been hugged in two solid months, because that was a thing that was frightening to many of the wilder canines, as it restricted their movement. Still, he did not want to hurt Martha's feelings, and so though he was a little stiff in her embrace, he did not pull away. It took him several seconds to remember that this was something that was meant to be enjoyed, and he finally returned it, in an awkward sort of way, having to think a little harder than perhaps he should have to come up with a response. "We have missed all of you, too. I did not mean for my first visit to take so long."

Now that his boy was up and awake, Elder Brother turned his attention to Timber's question. "Ochotona Mountains, about a half-day's walk from here, or a couple hours' run." His friend's twitching nose caught his attention, and his brow furrowed. "Why, do you know someone there?"

Martha & Timber

She was not put off by the hesitant return of embrace, though it set off a warning in her mind, and a reminder that she couldn't just expect things to be as they had been two months ago. Martha pulled back, her face softening but still just as warm and caring as ever, "All that matters is that you're hear." The woman studied his face for a moment, as if reassuring herself that this was really Tahmores, and she was not imagining it. And then her eyes lit up with wonder and excitement, "So, tell me - what have you been up too?" It was inconcievable to her that anyone could live with a wolf pack, but here was living proof of it, and she was just as eager to hear his voice as she was to hear about the tales.

His eyes fixated to the north, knowing of the general location of the place, even though he had never traveled that far. "I'm not sure... there are several scents that are familiar..." The collie frowned a little in thought, straining his memory to recall the identities of the scents, but they came up as a blank for now. "Nevermind." Timber shook his head dismissively, "Are they friendly?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Her eagerness brought his warbling yip-laugh from him, so different from his usual deep chuckle, and yet another tiny hint that this wasn't quite the Tahmores who had left here two moons thence. But his words were human enough, even if still a little hoarse from disuse. "That is a tale for a fireside and a half, Hernes. Although I might be persuaded to surrender it for a mug of your hot tea." That was one thing that he had definitely missed about being at the ranch: hot beverages to keep the cold at bay.

Timber's momentary distraction with the scents had Elder Brother thinking: no one he'd been aware of at Ochotona had ever visited the Ranch, with it being mostly an isolated, family-oriented pack, reminiscent of its days as the valley's fostering pack. But when Timber dismissed it, Brother moved easily on, answering the question. "A bit guarded, in these uncertain times, as we all are, but a good set of canines once they realize you mean no harm. A very tight-knit group."

Martha & Timber

The corner of his mouth slid up in formation of a telling grin, "If that's what it takes, then come right along. One hot tea and a fire, coming up." Martha rose to her foot, eyes still unable to leave her 'son', who she had thought about every day in his two-month absence. The peculiar change in his laughter was another sign to her that things were different, but they would not disuade her motherly love or temper her joy at seeing him again. Finally drawing her eyes away, she beckoned him with a waving hand to follow her up the steps and into the house. "I've left your room as is." Martha spoke merrily, dropping a little hint as she moved towards a cubboard to grab a cup and prepare the tea.

Outside, Timber dipped his head in a nod when Brother described the pack. He tried again to keep the nagging thoughts at bay, but when fuzzy image from his past suddenly came to mind, he cautiously put forth the question, "Is there a white wolf in your pack, with blue eyes and a gray mask?" The collie was careful to keep his face and words as casual as possible, though there was some intensity that wormed into his brown gaze.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

He didn't miss her hint as he too got to his feet and began to move inside. "Yes... I've informed the alphas that I intend to be gone about three days, give or take. Wolves are a little looser with their time than two-legs are. They'll expect me... probably about mid-morning on the fourth day." He gave Timber a whine and an ear-scratch as he moved by to assure the collie that he was glad to see him, too.

Again, Brother's curiosity, and the beginnings of concern, were awakened by Timber's question. "Yes... now that you mention it..."

Martha & Timber

Hope and dissapointment rose together after getting his response. That he was staying for more than a quick chat was good news to her, although she would have preferred to have him remain at the house indefinitely. "You can talk to them on that detailed of a level?" Martha paused in her preparation of the tea to look in wonder at her adoptive son, "Now I really can't wait to listen to your stories." The awe in her voice was clear, masking over any trace of discontent she felt in the knowledge that'd he'd be leaving in just a few short days.

Timber pinned his ears back, tail wiggling appeasingly against the ground in response to Tah's passing greetance. And then it was back to Brother, "Does he have any brothers or sisters with him?" This was only one of four scents that had him wondering, but it was the more prominent. Since Tri-Tundra's disappearance, he hadn't been able to keep tabs on the wild packs, or the wearabouts of former enemies.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

As he watched Martha scurry around preparing the tea, he shrugged self-effeminately and said, "Better to say that Brother can talk to the pack on that level, and make it clear to me what is going on. That, and I've already had about... oh... six years of practice. It just takes a little while for me to remember some things. The communication we use is about eighty percent non-verbal, so it takes a good eye to spot it and interpret it correctly."

Now Brother really put his brain to work, thinking everything he knew about the pack. "Kanan...? And he paused, before shaking his head again. "He and Nightcrawler are rather close, I suppose, but I don't believe that they are related. Close friends, more like. I've heard him mention his father before... and he's gotten close to Eytan, the elder and former alpha, but other than that... I don't think so."

Martha & Timber

Back to the tea, she listened attentively at the explanation, feeding off of his words and taking note of everything said. If she were only going to have three days to spend with him, she was going to make every moment count. With Mark gone and John spending almost all of his waking time away from the house, loneliness was a plague of the widoweded woman.

"Maybe you could teach me some of the language? I just can't get over how fascinating it all is. You would make an excellent scientist." She pointed out, turning back to Tahmore's as she handed him a hot cup of tea, "In fact, there was a fellow that stopped by the other day who was interested in studying wolves around here. He was quite the gentlemen, and I mentioned you to him." Martha went on to explain, chatting away merrily.

Kanan. The name was familiar, though it had been years since he heard it. Nightcrawler, too, was familiar, though Timber held respect for the bright-eyed wolf who once saved his brother from death. "No, I don't think they are either. Close in age, though." He confirmed, "Eytan...? He's a new name to me." Most of the wolves he knew where the ones that had ventured close to the ranch.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

It was now that the other long-time defender of the Ranch made her way out of the bedroom, brushing her body against Martha despite her heavy limp as she looked up in surprise at Tahmores, amazed but pleased to see him home. And, where Tahmores was, Brother was bound to be. The thought made her stub of tail twitch. The limp was left over from the last battle, when her shoulder had been dislocated one too many times, and though she still got about rather well, it was anyone's guess whether fighting for the defense of the Ranch was still in the realm of things that was possible for her. And, in the last blessedly-peaceful year, she hadn't had an opportunity to find out. But as Rihanne scrubbed her head along Martha's leg, she could forget about the ache of it... Tahmores was home, and now her Mistress would not be so lonely.

Back outside, Brother was nodding. "Yes, that is to be expected. From what I understand, in his hay-day, Eytan never wandered far from the confines of his terra, choosing instead to stay there and foster peace and security in his home and pack. They were involved significantly in the great war due to his link to Karai and the Shadow Lurkers, but mostly as defense for the weaker packs and their pups. But now Eytan is old indeed, the oldest I am aware of in the valley, since old Blind died. And his sight has left him. He doesn't wander far from home, now."

Tahmores

Tahmores took the tea from Martha gratefully, taking a careful sip and allowing the warmth to relax him as he moved over to settle on the floor by the fire. "Well, I've done a little of such work by now... with the Wolf Center, and other such places..." It was something he was considering, yes... but he hadn't given it much thought yet. He was silent for a moment, and then abruptly changed topics. "Well, where do you want me to start, then?"

Martha & Timber

Feeling a familiar sensation against her leg, Martha didn't need to look down to figure out who it was, "Good morning, Rihanne. Looks who's come to visit!" Fingers worked soothingly against the loyal canine's head, scratching at the base of the ears and along the base of her neck before she righted herself and led the little party into the living room. "First things first - how many are in your wolf family? And their names?" While setting forth the first few questions, she piled on some shredded newspaper over the partially singed logs in the fireplace. And after striking through three matches, she managed to coax a flame to life.

"I heard about that war." Timber acknowledged, "I'm sorry to hear of your alpha's failing sight. He sounds like a noble fellow, if I might say." This brought a bit of ease to his concious, hearing that this Eytan was more of a conflict resolver than a conflict starter. "Who are the leads now?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Like all good owners, Martha knew just the place to scratch, and Rihanne leaned into the caress before following Martha and settling down at the foot of the chair that faced the fire. And Tahmores began to think, and then to explain. "Excluding Brother and myself, we number thirteen adults and four pups. The alphen are... and he paused a moment to translate the series of whines, barks, and growls of his wolf-friends names into something that Martha would understand. "Fyre, the alpha male, and his mate Scaria. Fyre's a quiet type, and takes his duty very seriously. He's a fair but strict alphen, and a good father to his pups. He smiles easily but doesn't laugh often, and does his best by the pack. Scaria's a sweetheart once you get to know her, with a heart of gold, and she's one of the few who can make him laugh." This was typical of Tahmores, this describing of the personality to go with the names. "Their pups are Glacier, Pharisee, Isille, and Violet Reign. I haven't had much contact with them, being the newest pack member, but from what I can tell, Glacier is the jolly, impulsive one, always trying to please her superiors, but haphazardly getting into mischief. She usually drags Pharisee in, though he is less quick to come to heel when he's disciplined. Isille and Violet are mostly obedient, and a little quieter than either of their siblings."

Another pause, and then, "Karai, Saxton, Joscelin, Aderyn, and Ziarre, all go in a group, with Karai being the mother of the other four. She is, as I understand, a local celebrity among the canine kind, and known for fostering any pup given to her. Saxton is a jester, Joscelin quiet and brooding, Aderyn shy but sweet, and Ziarre a cool intellectual." Now he was thinking, trying to remember all the information he'd gathered in that short time.

And from his place outside, Elder Brother was making a similar comment. "Fyre and Scaria."

Martha & Timber

As the fire began to crackle and grow in strength, Martha drew back and seated herself on the couch. Full attention was offered to Tahmores, while a spare hand was busy stroking Rihanne. Her head shook slowly in wonderment at the detailed description of the wolves, and her mind began to conjure up images of each one to fit to their offered personalities and names. "It's amazing." She murmured at length, half inclined to ask to meet this pack after hearing about that. But her better sense told her that wouldn't be an appropriate thing to ask, so she quietly left it unasked. "And... how do they... treat you?" It was a bit awkward to ask, and she certainly didn't want to sound rude. But his wellbeing was important to her.

"Aidan's neice?" Timber remarked in a bit of surprise. He had told her of his neice only briefly, back when she was still a pup in the Aspen Grove pack. Whether or not she had the vengeance of Ankh in her made him a bit leery of hearing this information, but he didn't speak out on the matter. "And Fyre... I don't suppose he has red eyes, does he?" This was just a hunch, but given his name, Black Fyre was the first canine that came to mind. She had long since been killed, but she and her former pack had not been a welcome sight to the ranch.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Now Brother began to see his friend sorting through a trove of memories that he did not share, that spoke of the collie's younger days, back before their coming to the Ranch. "Aye, that he does... he responded quietly, before venturing, "Come, Timber, what troubles you so?"

And the green eyes looked up from their study of the mug to meet Martha's eyes, as he always did when he knew how important the answer was to her. "They treat me well. I have a feeling that some of them are not as comfortable with me as I wish they were, but they do not begrudge me my species."

Martha & Timber

He was reluctant to share the information, in fear of offending Brother's new family. But discounting his worries would only leave his friend to fret over them all that much more. "Kanan, and what I would assume to be Fyre's dam or great dam - use to be part of a pack that caused us a lot of hardship in the past." He didn't want to go into detail, and certainly not recount the deaths of Ivy and all of his siblings and friends. 'Hardship' was not quite a fitting term, but he left it at that anyway, "I don't mean to speak badly of them, for it's been years since we've last seen them, and by the sounds of it, they've changed quite a bit." Timber added quickly, "It's just... kind of... strange to think about."

This reassured her, and the smile adorning her face softened again. With that question out of the way, she went on with less pressing but just as intruiguing inquiries. "Do you go on hunts with them?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

As soon as Timber divulged the information, Brother understood his reluctance, but he was not angry or unhappy as the collie feared he might be. "I understand your hesitance, Timber. We all of us have our grudges against those who have attacked us, myself included." There was so much unsaid in that statement, as he thought over Becca's death, and Mark's, which had left everyone so bereaved, and Tahmores' father, who'd died by his own fangs. So much silence between them. But finally he said, "All I know is that Kanan and Fyre came to Ochotona from other packs, and as far as I have been able to determine, have not sought out human contact since. Let us pray that the peace will hold."

But the conversation in the house was turning a bit more cheerful as Tahmores smiled and shook his head. "No, even as fast as I am, I am not nearly so fleet as the others. I sometimes contribute my own catching with my bow to the caches, but when the pack hunts, Brother and I usually remain behind and guard the territory. I'd be more a hurt than a help in a true hunt, if only for lack of speed."

Martha & Timber

To this, he nodded deeply, "Pray indeed. This peace has been a welcome reprieve." It was great to hear that Kanan hadn't followed in the tracks of his former pack, and definitely that Fyre hadn't taken up the reputation of the legendary Black Fyre. "There is one word of caution I have to give - by wary of Scaria's uncle, Ankh, if he should ever cross your path." A set of wrinkles fell into his muzzle as his fangs were bared in disdain for the mentioned hybrid, "He is as tricky and murderous as they come, and not particularly loyal, even to his own blood." Though he hadn't yet killed his brother, Ankh had used him as bait in orchestrated the slaughter of Timber's own neices and nephews.

"I can see where that might be a problem. Four legs versus one isn't a fair match." She laughed in good nature, "Do you sing with them, at all? The Valley has become so lively with howls at night, but I'm afraid I don't have the keen hears that you do - I can't tell one from the other."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Indeed, the name of Ankh was a familiar one to the ears of Brother, and he too lifted a lip to indicate his remembrance and shared distaste of the sly mix-breed. "Yes, I remember him well... demon of a thing in wolf's fur. The boy's father was like that... all flash and fire and intelligence, without a heart to give him purpose, and so he wreaked havoc on the innocent." Another flash of fangs and a half-snarl, and he calmed himself. "I will heed your words."

This time, Tahmores nodded, and shifted again to explain. "I do, though among my brethren I am considered a voice without much talent." But he smiled as he said it, for it did not bother him. Rather, he saw it to be a little funny. "You should be able to hear from here..." And he considered, looking about himself as though he could see the various packs through the walls of the house before he continued, "...about four to five packs from where you are, which is why it's so garbled. You're listening to more than one message at once. If only one pack sang at a time, you would be able to tell the difference, like the low crooning of the mothers, and the deep bays of elders... and the squeaky sound of the pups on top, testing their voices."

Martha & Timber

The shared animosity against the Lurker did well to make him feel better on the matter, and he could only hope that the neice would not turn out like him, "I hope, one day, we should be rid of such creatures in our Valley." He added, when Brother touched upon a like beast that had caused him and the boy their own story of greif. Now that the matter had been adressed, Timber eased into a milder conversation, not wanting to spoil Brother's time hear with pressing talk, "So, how have things been going for you and Tah?"

This brought a more hearty laugh from her as comical pictures flashed through her mind reguarding his vocal talents. "In three days from now, I will be listening for you then. I might be inclined to give a response back, but I'd hate to embarrass you." This was said in jest, as she was thriving on the opportunity to talk with her son. "Is there any certain time that your pack sings? Maybe then I can concentrate more."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

And, with Timber's shifting of topics, Elder Brother moved readily, but for a different reason. He was thinking that this was too solemn a conversation for his already unhappy and wary friend. So he followed the conversation as it metamorphosed into something less serious. "We've been doing well. Of course adjusting to a new pack is always an experience and a half, but we've found one of the better ones, I think. It's been a peaceful two moons."

The boy's laugh echoed Martha's before he once again put his brain to work. "There is no certain hour, no... but Fyre tends to start more toward the night hours, as opposed to just after sundown, as some of the other packs do. We're usually the last or second to last pack to sound off."

Martha & Timber

"I'm glad to hear that. So, you're staying out of warring that I'm catching wind of then, too." As glad as he was for the peace at the Ranch, violence had shifted into the wild lands and grown to a frightening degree. And then, seeing that he was about to delve right back into a less than pleasant topic, Timber quickly offered a different one, "Have you found a special someone yet?" There wasn't much of a smile or grin to grace his sturdy, lean muzzle, but the good natured tone of the question was evident in his lighter gaze.

"Maybe that's why I haven't caught it. Not much for a night owl, you know." Martha replied, "I'll have to keep that in mind though, for I do want to hear you and your wild family one of these nights." She insisted, "It all sounds so exciting."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Elder Brother looked up at Timber with surprise as the normally reserved collie spoke on this topic, but a smile grew on his mug as he spotted the glint in Timber's eyes, and the air of something almost... mischievious. His response was half-lost in laughter. "No, my friend... I've not gone that crazy yet. I've still my wits about me. I've at least got to get Tahmores raised to the full before I'll concentrate on something like that."

Exciting, perhaps... but it has its dangers, too... That was the thought that ran through the teen's head, following the same track as Timber's thoughts, though he chose not to mention it to Martha, not wanting to worry her. Instead, he subtlely changed the subject. "That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you... would you shear my hair off short again while I'm home? At this length, it's troublesome at best, and impossible at worst."

Martha & Timber

"Ah, I see." Timber replied, his solid expression changing little, "In that case, you might have a long time to wait." There was finally a touch of a gruff laugh in his voice as he thought about just how slow humans aged, "I've gone from pup to adult, and John has gone from a young adolescent to an older adolescent." The collie shifted in his paws a little, shoulders stiffening as a sharp wind cut through the yard, "I think he may have found a mate though; he's brought a girl here a few times."

It was a considerate thing for Tahmores to keep that particular thought to himself, for Martha was happy to hear the good news and convince herself that all was well and safe with him. She knew full well that things weren't so, but to constantly fret over it would have driven her crazy by now. And so with next question, she was able to blissfully keep on a positive track of mind, "I'd say you're long past do for a good trimming. Just sit tight, and I'll be right back."

After rummaging through a hallway closet, Martha returned and draped a towel over his shoulders, "How short do you want it? Enough to cover your ears?" In the sharp winds, she had learned that hair was an excellent way to cut down on the sting of the cold, but at the same time, long hair was a terrible hassle when one was trying to make it through a thicketed of cockleburs and bramble canes. As a little girl, she spent plenty of time trying to untangle lengths of hair from the thorny plants, or pry quarter-sized burs out, only to have them fall apart in several dozen peices to make the task all that more tedious.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Timber's rare, if almost uncertain laughter made Brother smile more broadly, and he shook his head. "Mayhap at that, Timber... but I was born at the beginning of the boy's thirteenth summer. Now I have five summers, and the boy is barely a moon away from his eighteenth summer, which is the coming of age of the two-legged race. He is nearly raised, though he will never lose my protection. When I feel he is ready, then I will concentrate on myself. Until that time, nothing is more important than seeing that he reaches that milestone safely." And the endless devotion for Tahmores was clear in voice, in stance, in the face of the wolf, for thus far in his life, caring for his boy had been the single driving force in him, the only thing he considered important.

Back in the house, Tahmores was nodding to Martha's suggestion. "Just barely long enough for a horsetail will serve me well," he was saying, as he moved from the living room to the kitchen and sat in one of the high stools so as to put his length of thick brown hair at a better height for Martha to trim.

Martha & Timber

"You've got an undeniable bond with that boy." Timber replied with a solemn nod, ears perking a bit at the strong conveyance of loyalty and devotion to the two-legger that Brother held in his tones. "Is he planning on staying with the Ochotona Pack as an adult? I've heard rumor that there are at least three other wild-living humans out in the Valley." From Aidan, he had heard about the young female, Rousseau, and about an equally young male named Ty. And from the Haunters, there was apparently an older female living at the Ruins.

Her first task was to carefully comb through the hair, to ensure that the trim would be even across the bottom. "Are you hungry, at all? Feel free to raid the fridge and cupboards. Or we could go out to eat - anything you want." She went on to suggest, as she began to clip away lengths of hair, letting it fall on the towl and wood floor, where she'd be able to easily sweep it up later.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

This brought a half-smile to Brother's face. "When you have been raised with a human in the pack, it doesn't seem strange to you, but it does to outsiders. I'd wager that the packs raising those children have the same problem my mother had raising Tahmores... how to protect them from the wrath of the non human-friendly packs, and how much to protect them so that they are not crippled by the protection, so that they learn to stand on their own two feet, per say. My mother always said that was the hardest part of raising him."

The idea of going "out to eat" was usually not such a problem, as in his year and a half of residence here he'd become quite accustomed to the human ways. But, in two months, this comfort with these things had disappeared, and so when she mentioned it, he tactfully said, "I think I'd rather spend all the time here I can. There aren't quite so many... people here... as there are in town."

Martha & Timber

"It must have been quite the learning experience." He mused thoughtfully, "Raising a creature of a different race - and one that is so controversial at that." Back in the day, humans were typically viewed in negative light by the wild creatures, as where the pets associated with them. "Your mother sounds much wiser and considerate than most."

"Of course." Martha replied quickly, mentally scolding herself for even making the suggestion. "I'd much prefere to stay here too. I can't guess as to when John might be back, but hopefully he can join us for dinner as well." With the hair now straightened out, she began to clip away at it, "Is there anything particular you'd like for dinner?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Elder Brother considered Timber's words, and then nodded slowly. "I remember as a pup... growing up and not understanding why the other packs were by turns frightened of or determined to harm him. At home, our pack did our best to treat him just like another member, but I was always confused when we went to pack meet, or ran across some other pack while hunting, and everyone stared at him as if he'd grown two heads. I was almost two before I understood why." He was silent for another moment, remembering, before he spoke again. "That was always the worst time for Mother. She'd stand over him, just a snarling and pitching a fit when anyone got too close... it was the only time I ever saw her vicious. She was a gentle soul, but when someone threatened him, all bets were off." That brought a chuckle from him, as he shook his head over the mental image of his mother, so small and petite, crouched over a young Tahmores, teeth bared and looking for all her life like she'd rip out the throats of anyone and everyone in sight.

And Tahmores shrugged to Martha's question, answering with a smile. "Anything hot will do. That's one thing I definitely miss, besides my family here... hot meals. Cold rabbit just isn't the same."

Martha & Timber

The collie shook his head, "It's a shame that things are that way. I don't know when all of this animosity sparked between the two races, but it has become almost an instinctual grudge between the wild canine and the two-legger." Timber expressed his views on the topic, for it was one that he pondered on often. "It's a good change of fortune that you two found a human-tolerant pack. If you had tried such a thing two or so years ago, I'd have guessed it was impossible." And on the topic of Brother's mother, Timber offered a fleeting smile in thought of how she must have looked, "That is one certainty in this world - do not come between a mother and her offspring."

The woman made a face to show her displeasure at the thought of cold rabbit, "Uggh, cold rabbit! Well you're eating a feast tonight - steaks and mashpotatoes, a good healthy salad, maybe some icecream or pie for dessert."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Brother also released a chuckle. "Aye, you should have seen her, not even half my current size, just a little thing... and looking for all the world like she'd devour anyone who came close. It's one of my earliest memories." But the other thoughts that Timber expressed made him think a little harder. "Perhaps the when is a mystery, but I believe that Tahmores has come upon one important clue as to the why. Fear, my friend. Fear of a species so the same that they behaves so like our own, but with so many different physical characteristics. Tahmores thinks, and I am beginning to believe, that this was the start of the animosity. It is that which we are trying to stop by joining with the Ochotona pack."

He gave a half-laugh at her estimation of cold rabbit, and smiled. "That sounds great. It's been a while since I had salad... all my veggies are mostly roots and wild tubers when I'm out among my wolven family."

Martha & Timber

The insight from Brother got Timber to thinking more deeply on it, and concluding the same thing that Tahmores did, "That is a fair assumption; fear is a very strong antagonist. And I suppose it doesn't help that are races can't easily communicate with each other." He added on, "I wish you luck in you venture with that Ochotonas. Maybe one day, the tolerance will reach the rest of the Valley."

Again she offered a little laugh, "My poor boy, what a bland diet that is! When I was a little girl, I use to dig up Day Lily and ginger tuber and try eating those. Oh, I can't imagine trying to survive off of them now." She gave a shake of her head at the thought of the not-so-great tasting roots, "Well then, I think I'm finished." Martha announced as she sheered off the last strands of hair, "Take a look in the mirror and tell me what you think."

Tahmores*Elder Brother*Ravenwing

The teen gave a smile as he thought of Martha's disgust over day lily and ginger roots... these were two of the better tasting roots he'd come across, but he chose not to mention it. But when she announced her completion with a flourish, he stood and moved obediently to the mirror, giving himself a brief glance before he moved to tie the hair back with his raw-hide tie once more. "Yes, that's perfect. Just right."

And even as he did so, a sharp hawk's-shriek rent the air, causing Brother to look up, his eyes landing on Ravenwing as he approached from the treeline. Elderwild gave a responding call from her place on the roof and soared down to meet him, coming to rest on his shoulder and scrubbing her head affectionately against his cheek, chattering all manner of nonsense sounds. From inside the house, Tahmores flashed a broad grin at Martha. "Three guesses who that is, and the first two don't count." And he headed outside to greet the man.

Martha & Timber

Martha took a moment to examine her 'son', still just as excited as ever that he had returned him. Before she could make any comments on his new appearance, a call from outside took her attention, and a brow was quirked up in questioning. When Tahmores went for the door, she trailed right after him, having a pretty good inkling as to who the unknown visitor was.

"Oh, it's your friend from last time. Please, tell him hello for me." Martha said, waving her hand briefly at Ravenwing, since she had already learned that he didn't speak her language. "And if he wants, he's more than welcome to join us for dinner. We have plenty of food." To her, stranger or not, the more the merrier.

Timber stood up now, but his hackles didn't rise in their traditional manner. There was no tail wave to greet Ravenwing, but his look wasn't all that unfriendly as he took a stance near Martha.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Everyone was gathered around now as Tahmores moved to extend Martha's greetings, flipping his little switch and moving into Blackfeather. "Welcome back, Ravenwing. Martha says to welcome you, and invite you to stay to supper if you like."

But Ravenwing surprised the teen by turning his attention to the woman in question and replying in highly-accented and halting, but clear English. "Thank you... Martha." It was just the one phrase, among a few odd tidbits he'd picked up, but it was the first thing he'd said that everyone could understand. He gave a deep nod before turning back to Tahmores and dropping back into his native tongue. "Has the bow been serving you well, Steelfang?"

This question made Tah recover from his startlement enough to smile, and answer in kind. "Yes... she's a fine weapon. And you've been practicing." His gaze was teasing, and Ravenwing shrugged. "If I'm going to be staying in this country for any length of time, it will be necessary for me to learn eventually."

Martha & Timber

The English reply made Martha gape in wonderment, but she was quick to gather herself and flurish a brilliant and warm smile, "You're very welcome." The woman waited patiently as the two conversed in their own language, listening to their words just as much as she watched their body langauge. The appearance of a smile on Tah assured her that, whatever they were speaking on, the subject bore no ill news or trouble.

Like his master, Timber was reading over what body language he could, as well as the tone of voice. To him, they might as well have been speaking the same langauge, for both were foreign and uncomprehndable to him. "The seem happy to see each other. Does he stay in the Valley too?" Timber questioned, turning to Brother for an answer.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Timber's ignorance of Ravenwing made Brother look up at him in confusion, and fix him with a suddenly stern stare. "You are becoming too lax with yourself if you do not notice him, for he has been staying not a hundred yards from here, guarding the house in Tahmores' place. That is Ravenwing, Elderwild's master." And after a moment, his gaze softened, realizing that he was being a little too direct for polite conversation, and mumbling an apology. "Sorry...when instincts take over, my mouth sometimes runs away without me."

The two young men chattered along for another few moments before Tahmores turned to Martha. "He says that the winter birds are leaving early this year, and that this means we will have spring soon, and a hot summer. Perfect for fishing, he says."

Martha & Timber

Brother's hardened response caught the collie of his guard, mainly because he realized he had failed in keeping up an adequate guard duty of the Ranch. Timber stiffened a little, turning his sights to the distance, and at nothing in particular. The human had done a better job guarding the place than him, and it suddenly riled him and shamed him at the same time, "No, I deserved that one." He sighed heavily, with a brief shake of his ebony muzzle.

This news was welcoming to the woman, "Is that so? Good, because I do miss having fresh fish from our pond. Store-bought just doesn't quite cut it." Martha looked to the far south corner of the yard, as if expecting to see something, but there was nothing there. She turned back to Tah and Raven again, "Does he want to come inside? I'm afraid I need to get to work with the chores, but I am sure John will be around sooner or later."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

For several seconds, an awkward silence fell between Brother and Timber, during which the wolf cast uncomfortably about for some way to take the sting off of his inept comment. Finally, without looking at the collie, he said, "Perhaps... but it was not for me to say it, and not so abrasively as I did. I... didn't mean to fling it into your face." His ears lay back against his skull, forlorn and worried, now feeling very badly indeed that he hadn't controlled his tongue. Maybe Timber hadn't been as thorough about guarding as he usually was... but Brother hadn't meant to hurt his feelings. His eyes remained averted, his tail completely still and silent against the snow. Martha's words set Tahmores back into Blackfeather, speaking rapidly with Ravenwing for several moments before he answered the woman's question. "He says that he must go fly Elderwild for a while because she has been lazy for too long, but he'll be back in time for supper. A shame that John is not here... I'm sure he'd love to watch." And he returned the bow that Ravenwing gave him before the elder man set off into the trees, soon vanishing in the shadows. "I'd like to help, though... if that's okay."

Martha & Timber

She looked after the departing bird and her master, happy to hear that he would be returning later. But at the mention of John, she shook her head, "There's never telling with that boy, I swear. But never you mind, I'm sure he'll be along sooner or later." Martha informed, bringing her gaze from where Blackfeather vanished from the timber, and setting them on her son. "Are you sure? I certainly don't expect you do be doing chores when you just got home! But if you want... I bit of help would get the job done faster."

A hardness set into the collie's chocolate eyes as he turned to his friend, "Brother, I'm glad you said it, don't be sorry. Better that I hear it from you, than have an enemy make me aware of it." Timber moved forward a few steps, giving his coat a quick shake before speaking again to drop the subject all together, "We might need some help with the cattle this morning, if you're up to it. Aidan and his family have been called to a meeting elsewhere, so we're a bit short-pawed right now."

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Tahmores smiled at Martha, remembering how often John had taken to being up and gone before dawn. He had an instinctive feeling that John was out making peace with himself, still in his own private way grieving his father's death and wondering what place he needed to be filling since his father was gone, but the wolf boy had kept his own council about that theory. Instead, he said, "It's been a long time since I've had to do any chores at all... there isn't much of that sort of thing to do in a peaceful pack like ours. I think I'd appreciate the change of pace."

And Brother brightened up a little as Timber turned the topic around in a more favorable way, and his tail dared brush the ground again as he nodded. "Certainly. I'd be happy to be of use."

Martha & Timber

When he consented to helping, she didn't bother to hide her joy. Martha was loath to take leave of Tahmores after just recently reunited with him, but also didn't want to force any uneccessary burdens on him. "Is that so? Well you'll get yourself a workout today, then." A grin accompanined her unwaiveringly smiling features as she headed for the Barn to begin the daily chores of managing the Ranch.

Following dutifuly after Martha, Timber laxened his posture and let his tail hang loosely once more, "Just be wary of Delgen when we get out there - I'll point him out to you. He's got a temper like I've never seen on a bull."