Silvery white Alpha of Sapphire Brook padded into the lands, her crania and tail held nuetral in respect for the other Alphas. She raised her crania and sent a lilting call to the Alphas, and any in thepack. She had come seeking an alliance, possibly friendship. It was depressing being the Alpha of empty lands.

Vestige, after letting out a howl of his own to the pack to form a welcoming commitee, padded towards the call of Larka. Upon approach, he smiled, dipping his head in respect for his fellow alpha, and wagged his tail in greeting. "Hello, I am Vestige, Alpha of Aspen Grove. Who might you be?"

The white wolf was grateful that another had come to seek alliance, as the silence from the Shadow Haunters unnverved him greatly. His battle scared body was actually rather bouncy today, and shone in the midday sun. His easr were forward and his single working eye focused on the alphess before him.

She was new to these lands, and had no idea who the Shadow haunters were, but she had heard whispers. And they don't sound good... Her golden gaze fixed on the alpha before her and a light smile crossed her facade. The pleasure's all mine, Vestige. My name is Larka, I am the Alpha of Sapphire Brook. I come seeking an alliance, friendship if you will. It is rather depressing leading empty lands bereft of wolves, wouldn't you agree? She hoped the pack would accept. She hated being alone, and the whispers of these mysterious shadow haunters troubled her greatly.

He smiled as she did, dipping his head as he listened to her politely. "I agree, but thankfully I have never had to, myself. I accept your request of an alliance, let it be known. You are always welcome here, Larka and we shall be there if you need us. Now, do you have any other allies or any enemies?"

Light smile crossed her muzzle I thank you, Vestige. Truly I do. Yes, I have another alliance, the Emerald Pines pack, and I suppose the shadow haunters are enemies to everyne, from what I have heard. Her golden orbs swept the terra what a lovely place this is...

Once again, she had been detained. But as she moved quickly towards the sound of howls, the beta femme pasted a smile on her face and a lilt of friendliness in her voice. Finally coming upon them, she saw that she was correct to do so, for her alpha was apparently at ease. So she gave the visiting alpha a deep nod, giving her that pasted smile. Greetings.

"Well we should ally ourselves with your allies also and yes, Our main enemy is the Shadow Haunters. Let's just say I'm enemy number one for their leader, Risen." He heard paw falls behind him, and cast his head back to spot Liseli arrive. He grinned, wagging his tail twice before turning back to his newest ally. "Larka, This is Liseli, Beta female of Aspen Grove."

Soon after Liseli came Jagged, the pale male trotting casually towards the trio smiling pleasantly. "Hello." Vestige, on hearing Jagged, smiled once at the brute before turning once more to Larka. "And this is my son, Jagged. Jagged, This is..." Jagged interupted, rolling his eyes. "Larka, I know, You said."

She nodded at Liseli 'Tis a pleasure to meet you, Liseli A friednly waver of her plume was given to the Beta before she turned back to Vestige. Yes, it would be good to ally ourselves with as many packs as possible. You are the main enemy to this Risen character, eh? Are these shadow haunters wolves? Smirk crossed her muzzle at Jagged's response. Hello, Jagged. She hoped she would never have to call on the aliance she was forming, but it felt good to know she had benign wolves to turn to, possibly even friends.

Dove had a way of wandering off on her own. She didn't know where Canis Rex was, and she figured that her father was with the pups. She stepped beside Vestige and wagged her tail. "I see you have met my Alpha already. I'm Dove." She said in a soft voice you would expect from one so elegant as herself. But she was humble, and considered herself no better than anyone else. She bowed her head in a polite manner, then raised it again so her eyes met Larka's.

She smiled and nodded a greeting as the dog walk up and stood beside Vestige. Yes, I have met Vestige, pleasure to meet you, Dove, my name is Larka. She waved her silvery white plume in a friendly manner. Everyone was so nice here.

Liseli gave Jagged and Vestige both a smile, though this one held something a little more... real. Nothing personal... just they were known, and Larka was not. But she kept her stance and voice friendly enough, and returned a polite, The pleasure is all mine.

Then, with the mention of Risen, the white lady shifted seamlessly into beta-mode, which allowed her to be cold and unfriendly without being offensive. Yes, the daemoness has caused us no end of trouble. It was through her that many of our members lie in permanent rest, and only through fighting that those who remain still live. If you can, Larka, steer clear of the Haunters. They bode evil for the valley and for all who respect life.

Vestige frowned at the mention of the Shadow Haunters as they once again blackened his thoughts. "They consist of many creatures, not really a pack. They are more and army. They practice cruel and ruthless teachings and their purpose is to take over the valley by force. They have killed many, and once they know of your alliance with me, you shall join their many enemies as the first to be hunted down." He sighed, eyes dropping to the floor in a troubled manner. "They haven't ventured from their base, The Ruins, in a while, which only makes alarm bells ring in my mind. They are up to something, They must be, for they are huge. They must have at least 50 creatures under Risen's command. I have seen what they can do, all of us have, and it shall haunt me until I pass on to the heavens. We have all lost those close to us to the Haunters. I lost a son, Jagged a brother and another son of mine joined their cause. Liseli lost her sister to them in a battle at the Eskers. Don't go near their base, or you will lose your life."

She nogged gravely, listening to their speech. Their words sent a shiver thrilling through her spine. stay away from the ruins... She suddenly had another thought and looked at the both of them What about that place? Golden Rose Canyon? Isn't that also where they reside? She was frightened of these beings, and would not intentionally cross their path. But if Aspen Grove or Emerald Pine Valley were ever threatened, she would not hesitate to put her own life on the line for them, for the glimmer of hope in this darkened place.

Liseli was listening, ignoring the flash of black that darted across her vision every now and then. Vestige and the other couldn't see it, so therefore it was not there. Instead she focused her attention on Larka's question. I have heard rumor from old connections that they have settled a secondary base at the Golden Rose Canyon, but thus far the rumors are unconfirmed. As soon as may be, I hope to send someone to infiltrate that pack. An inside view would help us enormously. A little shadow passed through her eyes: she already had someone in mind who would be ideal, but it broke her heart to think of it... no, the pack welfare was more important.

Stealth, as wheezy and breathless as ever, raised his head and looked at Liseli. "I...I can go, if you'd like. Perhaps I could...serve as a spy. That way...you will know how many you...need to send the next time." The white wolf offered, wagging his tail.

Liseli lifted her crown and gazed at Stealth, the creamy green eyes weighing on him. Did he not understand? SPies didn't usually come back... not alive. The shadows passed through her eyes again, and her voice was soft and emotionless as she replied to him. Very well. But I will not send you alone. And she tilted her head, calling another...

As Taini trotted to them, Liseli nudged her daughter toward Stealth. Your cover story: you are mates, newly mated. This way, one of you can "go hunt" when you bring back reports. And you can take care of each other, and help one another escape if you are found out. Alright?

Liseli watched her daughter nod, feeling her heart tear in two. Taini... so young and delicate... but she had a memory for detail that never faded, and her fatther's dark blood lent her a dark soul that would allow her to easily fade into the pack of Haunters.

Stealth nodded to the wolfess. His mother had told him that with everything you do, you are risking something else. He would put his life on the line for his pack. Another lesson he had been taught was that everything happens for a reason. It was all meant to be.

"Sounds good." The white wolf replied, then looked at Taini. "I'm...I'm ready to go when you are."

He was about to speak when Liseli did. He closed his mouth, offering a nod that confirmed he, too, did not know if the Haunters had another sub-base.

On the subject of spies, Vestige was anxious to send one. After losing pack members to the Haunters, he didn't want to lose another, but accepted Liseli's desition. He simply watched, head high as Stealth and Taini got ready to depart.

Whilst he watched the pair, he spoke to Larka, one ear turned to catch her answer. "Do you have any pack members? If not you could stay with us for a while. I think it may be time to call the pack together for a hunt."

Liseli gave Vestige an apologetic look, knowing that she had, in a way, overstepped her authority by sending spies without consulting him. But she had learned much about him through everything they had gone through together, and she had figured he wouldn't mind too much.

Taini looked at her new compadre, and spoke softly. Well then... say your goodbyes, Stealth, and we'll be off to Golden Rose Canyon.

Stealth nodded and looked around, wagging his tail. "Well, I guess I'll see you all soon." He said to the group, then turned to Taini. "You have known this Valley longer than I. Perhaps...you could lead the way, so I do not get us lost."

Taini's eyes met her mother's for an instant, the wavered over to each of her siblings, giving each a long look. Her eyes rested for quite a while on Altan, conveying a silent message. Take care of her for me. He nodded, and she turned back to her mother, eyes soft.

Something in Liseli was trying to break... but she wouldn't let her daughter see. That would only make it harder to leave. Finally, and with a sudden determined air, Taini gave a deep nod for a parting, knowing that her mother might not be able to hold together long enough for an embrace. That accomplished, she turned on her heel, saying, Come on, then. I'll lead.

Liseli watched as her daughter trotted away, keeping up a brave face even after she had long disappeared from sight. It wouldn't do to let anyone know how much... no.

Stealth gave one last glance to the pack before following the female.

She watched the somber proceedings and her own heart ached for them. She had grown to care for the pack, at least Vestige and Liseli. She listened to Vestige and her tail waved behind her. I...sort of do, but I have not seen the wolf in a few days now. I would love a hunt, I am rather hungry, and hunting as a loner is hard. I appreciate your offer, Vestige. Thank you. A light smile crossed her facade, but vanished in light of the current circumstances. She turned to the two who were departing. I wish you the best of luck, truly I do. She offered them a heartfelt smile. She hoped they made it in and out safely.

The two tigers walked along the soft ground silently, keeping a few feet apart. They stood out starkly, their white coats obvious against the green on the grass. Though, they did match with the aspens nicely.

They were young, having just recently left their mother. The female walked to the right and ahead of her brother, who was slightly larger and more muscled than she was. This was Tora and Shiroi, two adolescent Bengal tigers who were looking for a place to stay.

Tora stopped suddenly as she sniffed the air for scents of the wolf pack. Shiroi just kept on walking. "Brother! What are you doing? This isn't our lands! You're tresspassing!" Shiroi snorted, but stopped, turning his elegant head to look at her.

"Who cares? They can't mess with us, we're tigers. 'Sides, We need to find the alpha, I don't feel like waiting around." Tora barred her large fangs at her brother and rushed at him. He fled from her, but it was a loping run, as the attack was but a faint. Slowing, the female tiger stopped, and the settled on the ground. Sighing, her brother slowly loped back and laid in the shade of on of the trees, awaiting the arrival of the alpha.

Vestige watched in silence as Taini and Stealth prepared to leave, and then finally did. With a nod of good luck, and a smile that was warm, but almost sad, the alpha prepared himself to break the bond between himself and those two members, in fear he would never see them again.

He looked at Liseli, seeing the hurt and feeling her pain. Giving her a friendly nuzzle on the back of the neck, he gave her a sympathetic smile in a pathetic attempt at comforting her before adressing the situation at hand. Turning to Larka, he began to speak, "Well then, Let us hunt and..."

An unknown scent had caught his attention, and the fear he felt became evident, as his fur bristled and his hackled rose. "We've got company..." he murmered, glancing to the three around him, "in the form of two tigers." He was afraid, as Risen had command of tigers, and these could well be the warm up for a fight. Sucking in a deep breath, he prayed that these two were not here on her behalf. He lifted his head, muscles tensed, and in a dominant manner started towards the pair.

On arrival, he noticed they were Bengal Tigers, and young. Pulling himself up, Vestige approached the tigers in a calm manner, though it was clear from his battle-scarred frame that he was not afraid of a fight. Using his good eye, he looked over the two. They didn't smell like Shadow Haunters, but he couldn't let his guard down. He barked to get their attention, just as Jagged sauntered up behind him, defensively.

Vestige stepped forward slightly, "You two, What are you doing here? Who are you? My name is Vestige, I'm the alpha here."

Smirking with a amusement, Shiroi watched the group of wolves approaced, and a particularly gruesome looking one proclaiming to be alpha. He twitched the tip of his tail back and forth, but did not speak. That was his sister's job.

Tora stood from her lying position on the ground. She dipped her head in respect to Vestige. "I am Tora, and this is my brother, Shiroi." The male tiger grunted and gave a nod in greeting, but he still did not rise. "We have just recently left out mother, and we are in need of a place to stay. I was hoping to find sanctuary here, if you would allow us tO. Of course, any generosity will be paid back in full. We're willing to help out with hunts, though we're still not as skilled as our elders, and we'll help defend these lands and your pack against any intruders. I've heard that you have a problem with-"

"-The Shadow Haunters." Shiroi finished for her. He had finally gotten up and had loped toward the group, an angry scowl on his face. "The tigers who side with them are a disgrace to our kind." He spat. Tora nodded in agreement, and then turned her blue eyes to Vesitge. "That's our offer. If you decline it, then we will leave without incident. But we do hope that you allow us to stay."

She wrinkled her nose at the unfamiliar scent. She would not interfere with Vestige's decision, these were his lands. She watched the tigers, her intelligent golden appraising them they seem genuine enough.... She wondered what Vestige would do.

She gave Vestige a grateful half smile for his comfort, but his eyes were hard. It is necessary, they said.

However a new distraction soon captured her attention, and she came up beside Vestige in her now accustomed position, eyeing the large cats herself, making an effort to control herself without making it appear that she was. She'd never seen large cats before, only the small domesticated kind and the things bobcat sized. A twinge of fear planted itself in her, but none of this showed in her body or face. She was, by now, in complete control of her own faculties. She had to be. She waited silently, looking them over herself before speaking in a soft voice that would easily carry to all present without going beyond. We have never before been asked for residence by creatures such as you. There is no precedent to go by. However, what you say is true, that the one advantage the Haunters have over us is their variety of members. And she fell silent, thinking hard. Finally, she turned her eyes to Vestige, saying, Well... I don't know where to go with this.

The alpha, now feeling more secure with Liseli and Larka by his side, listened to the tiger's in silence. His eyes narrowed at the mention of the Shadow Haunters, and it was clear there was indeed a problem. His gaze dropped to the grass as he slipped into deep thought.

Finally, he looked up once more, the gentle wind ruffling his white coat, "I accept your offer, for it will be a great advantage, to both of us, if you join our pack. I welcome you to the Aspen Grove pack. Let me introduce you to Liseli, Jagged and Larka. Liseli is the beta; Listen to her and respect her, for she is the longest member of this pack and an old friend of mine. Larka is an ally of ours. Jagged is my son. We are about to go hunting, would you care to join us?"

He just prayed that he had made the right desition, and that these two would not turn on him as some had done before...

Her eyes bright with happiness that they had found a home to call their own, Tora nodded her head. "Thank you so much. And I'd love to come." She turned her blue oceans to Shiroi, who merely yawned. She looked back at the wolves.

"He'd like to come too." Shiroi flexed his claws with silent happiness. Though he would never admit it, he was happy that the alpha allowed them to stay. A new string of loyalty was beginning to form inside him, and over time it would grow into a forceful river that would not be swayed by even the most sweet of the talkers. Tora would be, like she is in many ways to her brother, the same as Shiroi. They still had some growing to do, but they were almost full grown, and with a little pratice, they would be a force to be reckoned with.

She nodded her crania and finally spoke to the two tigers before her. You will like it here, these wolves are nice. A light smile crossed her muzzle as she turned to Vestige, her body language saying plainly I think you made the right decsion.

Vestige's words echoed through her "the longest member..." Had it really come to that? Well, she supposed it had. With Lady missing, she was now the only wolf who still remembered what they had... back when Sauda and Lady had been lowly subordinates, and the others who had been killed or gone missing to force she and Lady to take charge here. Liseli and her sister often shared memories, and the white fae often found it confusing to tell their memories apart. This was one of those memories: the death of an alphen, the madness and eventual suicide of the other. And worse...

The taste of blood was on her fangs... the bitter flavor of iron and deceit. Blood not an enemy's, and not her own, but so... so similar. And a pair of jade green eyes, staring up at her out of that black face, asking, Why... why did you kill me?

Liseli trembled a little, but instantly repressed it, favoring the young tigers with a half-hearted smile that tried to look genuine but didn't quite make it. Unknowingly, she was sharing Vestige's thought. Lord, I hope we've made the right decision here. But she waved her tail and forced her posture to be friendly. She always scared newcomers to the pack because she seemed so unforgiving, and since she had realized this she had been making a visible effort to lessen her serious side.