The alpha padded to the center of Aspen Grove, still slightly agitated at the fact Humans had been in his land. Sighing quietly to himself, Vestige tipped back his head, placing his ears back and howled, calling the pack together to see who was here. They needed to stick together in this time of danger.

Dove heard her Alpha's howl and raced to the scene, barking to her family. "You called?" She asked.

Rex was next, carrying Kiku. He set his son down, then sat down next to Dove.

Glider followed with Mikomi by his side. He spoke as he walked. "...So your father and much of this pack was poisoned by a bad wolf. Then your mother helped him to a nice lady's house and they fixed him. But the bad wolf wants to take over our home. And that's a bad thing." He said, telling his story just as a grandfather might.

"Oh." Replied Mikomi. They lined up next to Dove, waiting for the others.

She raced far ahead of her dark father, a flash in the brush. You can't get me! She cried. The long legged male allowed his daughter to fly ahead of him. She nearly slammed into Mikomi, and offered the other a grin. HE didn't catch me. She said smugly. Camarin came from behind his daughter, shaking his head. Thats right, Sliver. You beat me.

Blind was still in the land. She...Didn't want to go home just yet. She kept the thought to herself but she was afraid she would find herself in trouble, or got lost. It was ridiculous, but she was an easy target.

The pups were growing now, and could hardly be called pups anymore. In just a short time, they would reach their first birthday, and be adults in their own right. But for now, they followed behind their mother as she trotted to Vestige's call. Liseli came up beside Vestige with a friendly nuzzle, waiting for him to speak.

Eytan came behind all of them, sitting a little away, because after all, this was not his pack, and he felt he had interfered enough for now. But he had to wait for Blind. No, she couldn't go home alone now that her hearing was failing her. He would be her escort.

Still longing for her three pups, Aminita didn't have the courage to approach her aunt at the Alleys. Even if she did, she knew what the outcome would be. And so, attempting to assauge her inner turmoil, the shepherd-looking hybrid kept herself somewhat close to the new pups in the pack.

When everyone settled in and waited for V.estige to speak, Aminita placed herself a little ways off to the side of the pups, ears hesitantly held upward, but ready to slink back at the slightly gaze from anyone.

Turning to watch the pack gather, Vestige smiled, but inside was still extremely anxious. Even though Camarin and Moonpaw had given two pups for the protection of the pack, the wolf couldn't help but worry that Risen's promise was completely false.

Most had gathered, so Vestige stepped forward, returning Liseli's nuzzle, and spoke. "Hello everyone," he started, eyes sweeping over each pack member. He stopped when he noticed Aminita a way off from everyone else. The alpha gave a particularly warm smile towards her, before carrying on, "I think we should start a patrol rota, mainly because this war unnerves me for your safety. Whilst I, and all of you, are extremely grateful for Camarin and Moonpaw's sacrifice, I still don't know if Risen will keep her promise and while I am around, I won't let another pack member fall under my rule. So, I wish to set up new rules." He paused, trying to think of the points he had memorised earlier. "First rule, No leaving the land alone. Groups of three at minimum, please, and let someone else who is staying know where you are going and how long you believe you will be away. I know that may sound strict, but I don't want anyone getting injured, and if you are attacked, one of you can get back to report and we shall come to your aid. The pups must be watched at all times, and I think night watches may have to be established."

His eyes fell to the floor as he tried to remember the last point. Failing, he looked back up with a weak smile. "Firstly, though, I would like to hunt. The last meal we had, wasn't pleasant. I would at least like to know everyone was filled. If you don't want to hunt, come along anyway, and bring the pups. We shall go on an outing together, just to brighten up everyone's moods. Camarin," Vestige turned to the father, "You and Liseli lead the pack out, Anywhere shall do, just as long as we're not near the Ruins." With a nod, Vestige dismissed the Aspen Grove pack, handing over leadership for the time being to Camarin and Liseli. Padding through the gathered canines, the arctic wolf came over to Aminita. His concern was mounting, especially because she wasn't improving her submissive attitude. With soft eyes, He sat down next to her smiling warmly. "Aminita, I feel I must be doing something wrong. You seem very...nervous. Whilst I understand your in a new pack, I don't want you to feel left out or outcasted. Is there anything I can do to make you feel any more secure? For you'll always be looked after here, I hope you know that." He stopped, looking into her eyes, "Has...Nevermind, Come on, We're going to hunt. I'd be happy if your would join us, would you like to? If not, I'm sure Camarin or Dove wouldn't mind you watching their pups with them."

Dove smiled and nodded as Vestige spoke. "That sounds like a wise idea, Vestige." She said happily. She watched as her Alpha approached Aminita. Was there anything she could do to help? She didn't know, but she felt that she must try. She came up behind Vestige and spoke in the soft voice of a loving mother. "I am Dove..." She began. "Is there anything any of us can do for you, dear?" She had a tendency to either make things better or worse. They never stayed the same for her.

Mikomi was too yound to understand what was going on, but she followed her mother. "Hello!" She exclaimed, wagging her tail and looking at Aminita. "I'm Mikomi!"

Kiku watched from where he was next to his father and grandfather.

Liseli listened attentively and gave a deep nod to indicate her understanding. When everything was finished, she trotted over near Camarin, voice soft. So... any ideas? I've... not been out of the lands much since my pups' birth. Do you know where the herds have moved to?

Kimama moved her dusty gray bod toward V.estige. She had become her mother's messenger, and so now she put her maw to V.estige's ear and spoke in a murmur for him alone. My mother says... the poor thing has her reasons. Risen is not the only maker of death in these lands. Then she raised her voice a little, kind, soft eyes on Aminita with the wisdom of a much older wolf. Someday, you must ask my mother to acquaint you with her friends. They may be able to help you.

Liseli did not know Aminita very well, but she knew Eytan and Karai, both of whom knew of Legosa's feirce temperament, and that Aminita had once resided in his pack. It was not known, of course, that he was the father of Aminita's pups, but Legosa's nature alone would have been enough to make a retiring wolf tremble.

Taini remained solidly in her place. She had been the deepest affected by these new tradgedies, and was trying so hard not to let it effect her. She always put forward the brave front, trying to display herself as a tough cookie, but really she was the most sensitive of her siblings, and felt everything deeply. Aminita's pain bothered her, but she could not find the strength to comfort her, for that would require her to admit that she shared the pain. No... no one could know that everything was so painful, so frightening. Not even Mother could know...

His eyes were cold, an emotionless pit at Vestiges words. He pretended as if he hadn't heard them. Sacrifice. The word just didn't sit right with the ebony male. As Liseli came forth, he said softly I'd say the Prarie. If there is no luck there, maybe the mountains. I know there are always doll sheep there. He wouldn't look Liseli in the eyes either. No, for then she would see his inner termoil, the constant gnawing he felt at his insides. He didn't want pity, he didn't want to be acknowledged. He wanted things to go back to how they were. Where he was just a blip on the radar, and not the target of everyones attention.

Years cast in the role of the lowly ranked pack member, though mostly of her own doing, led Aminita to pin her ears back and tuck her tail at the approach of the others. A portion of her humble nature was to blame on an ill-fated decision she had made as a pup, when she betrayed her own pack. She had not meant to hurt their feelings, but being a pup didn't lend itself well to rational thinking. And Hydras was not the forgiving type. Guilt over her betrayal gnawed at the back of her concious every day. And the brute that was Aaka's mate... yes, he had made things infinetly worse for her over the years and further molded her into the cowering creature she was today. While Aidan and Ankh prospered, Aminita seemed to make all the wrong choices in life. And the most crushing blow of all, her own pups had been taken from her.

Through all of this, there was a great fortune given to her, in the form of a generous and kindly alpha and his inviting pack. But the little hybrid was too swept up in her own guilt and fear to fully see it. She smiled meekly in reply, yet try as she might, she had no confidence left to hold herself up, "Oh, no, you have done nothing wrong!" Aminita assured, her eyes going wide for a moment, "I'm sorry if I give you the wrong impression... I just..." Her sentence drifted into silence when she couldn't find the words to explain herself. Shaking her head, she went on, trying to dismiss the topic, "I would love to join the pack in a hunt. And... hello little one." A sweeter smile grace the hybrid' black and brown muzzle as the pup spoke to her.

As the group was trying to comfort the lowly Aminita, her nephew came barrelling into the land. He carried the look of a shepherd, much as she did, although he was larger. "Hey, uh... excuse me, but I need to talk with..." Hatch stopped abruptly as he realized he didn't know who he was suppose to talk to. He was so excited to go on the mission that he failed to bring an agenda with him. After a moment of thought, he spoke up again, "I need to speak with the alpha...?" A year old now, Hatch hadn't really learned the rules and ways of other packs yet. Where his brother Desmon would be more curteous and cautious, Hatch was outspoken and brash.

Vestige smiled, but concern still clouded his mind. Nodding a dismissal, He grinned and pointed his muzzle in the direction of the pack members going to hunt. "If you need anything, I'm here. Off you go, Aminita."

The alpha listened to the pup's words of wisdom, taking them in. With a nod, he dipped down and whispered back. "I thank you for your advice, I just want her to know she will always have a home here, and that she can feel safe here." He smiled, nudging the pup gently on the head.

He stood quickly, though, when Hatch barreled into Aspen Grove. His ears pricked, and the alpha spun round to face the young hybrid with an unreadable expression. Padding towards him, Vestige's eyes narrowed, but he did nothing more in the ways of aggression. "I am the alpha, My name is Vestige. What do you need?"

The Secretary Bird trio walked into the Aspen Grove, looking in every direction. Silas began giving out orders. "Alright, Silke, fly ahead and be sure it's safe. Samuel, you stay with me for protection." He said quietly, knowing anyone could be listening. "If you see Penny, go slowly and cautiously. You know how she can be sometimes. If you see a Haunter...well, you figure it out. Ready? GO!"

Silke launched herself into the air and flew, looking at the ground below. She saw nothing. Until she came upon Vestige and his pack. She landed on a branch, watching the group. "I am Silke, servant of Silas. Where do you stand?" She asked, hoping that these ones were against the Haunters like her.

Samuel stayed where he was, ready to defend his friends.

Dove looked up at Silke. "We are the good guys, if you will. We fight for the freedom of the Valley." She informed.

Kiku walked to his mother, then looked up at the bird. She looked so free, and suddenly it struck the pup that he had never left the pack. "Mom?..." He asked. "Why do we have to stay here? I want to see the world."

Dove knew this would happen one day. "It is dangerous out there. You must be careful and stay with the pack." She replied softly.

Kiku nodded. "Oh." He said quietly. "Can I go play?" He wagged his tail and looked up at his mother.

"Yes, but stay where I can see you." The loving mother replied, watching her pup.

"Right." Kiku said happily, then raced away. "Come on, Mikomi!" He had the willfulness of his father, though the kindness of his mother.

Mikomi sprung into the air, then chased her brother.

Dove looked back at Silke. "If you would like to see the alpha, he's over there. His name is Vestige." She said, pointing to the wolf with her nose.

A while later, Mikomi came back to Dove, crying. "Kiku wanted to see the world. He said, 'Nothing is going to hurt me, and I'm going to prove them all wrong!' And he ran away. I couldn't make him stop." She exclaimed fearfully.

Fear overcame the mother, and she called to her mate. "Rex! Stay with Mikomi! Kiku is missing!" She cried. "Dad, I need you to come with me. She seemed to fly as she ran after her young son.

Glider rushed to his daughter and followed her. The last thing this pack needed was a missing pup.

Canis Rex picked his daughter up and carried her into the group, setting her down. "It's okay. Your brother will be fine." He said softly. "The bad guys are really all talk. They're too cowardly to do anything they say they do."

Tilting his head back, Vestige spotted the bird. With narrowed eyes, he turned to face it, standing in front of Dove slightly. "The Aspen Grove pack retains the peace within the valley. My name is Vestige, the alpha. If anything I should be asking you what you are doing here. State your names."

Silke flew to the ground, keeping a submissive posture. "I am Silke, and the others in the forest are Silas and Samuel. We only wish to help you in your battles." She stated, ruffling her feathers.

Samuel ran from the forest, flapping his wings. Reaching the pack, he stood next to Silke. "I am Samuel." He said politely.

Silas slowly followed after his friend. "Sam, you cannot just rush out like that. I am assured that this pack will do us no harm, but what if we were to run into the Haunters?" He said, then looked at Vestige. "I am pleased to be in the presence of such a pack, sir." He bowed low, showing that he meant no harm.

His footfalls were near silent. Even blind, he knew his way around quite well. He was growing, very near to his wolfish size. He could hear the birds, tell what they were by scents and sounds. His tail was low, but not submissivly so. His sightless eyes met the birds 'head on' at least as much as he could. Silence. Thats what the male greeted them with.

Kiku raced to the pack, nearly stunned with fright. He slowly approached his father and sister. "A-A wolf wants to hurt Mom. He's attacking Grandpa." He said quietly. He could barely manage a whisper. He felt as if his racing heart was pushing all the air out of his lungs.

Mikomi ran to her brother, barking. "Where are they?!" She asked loudly. "I'm sure Dad can save them!" She turned to Rex with her tail between her legs. "Can you save Mom for us?"

Kiku stopped her. "He...He's too strong. We can't do it alone." He informed.

Rex snarled at the thought of his friends being attacked. "No. We cannot do it alone...That's what packs are for." He lifted his head high and howled. "Alright, everyone. Dove and Glider are being attacked, and we need all the help we can get! Who's with me?" He circled around the pack, waiting for anyone to speak up.

The chaos and confusion had her glancing about for its source, but when Rex spoke, it became quite clear. She nudged her children back and away, refusing without words the silent question. No, they could not go. But she herself stepped forward, voice firm and clear. I. I will go.

He was gone. When he had heard Dove was in danger, the male had simply...Vanished. He slipped through the trees like a phantom of darkness, as he rushed forth his muscles bulging beneath his coat of coal. He flew over the ground, so fast it seemed as if his feet never touched the earth beneath him. He didn't like Dove that much, but she was family. She was pack.

Rex bolted with Camarin, ordering his children to stay where they were.

"You'd have to chain us down to keep us from saving Mom and Grandpa." Kiku said boldly, following his father and motioning for his sister to follow. Mikomi slowly walked behind them, quite unsure of all this fighting business.

Vestige, Still waiting for the young canine's answer, tilted his head back at the sudden news of Dove's attack. Growling deeply, he howled to his son, Jagged, to assist the rest of the pack whilst he attended business here. Once this was finished, he would catch up with the others.

Jagged, hearing his fathers howl, bolted after Rex, Camarin and the others.