The alpha was slowly being consumed by fatigue as he slowly made his way back into Aspen Grove. The hunt had gone very well, save for a few injuries, and Vestige was proud of his pack. With his spirit high, he was very happy today, and it showed as he casually padded into the packland, smiling and his tail gently wagging behind him.

They had just finished dropping off one moose to the injured Lurkers, and so he led back the three who had accompanied him; Cortinarri, Glider and Kiku. Now hungry, Vestige howled for the pack. They could all eat, if they hadn't already. He just needed to know where they'd put the moose carcass.

Aminita had returned to the territory, unable to go with Vestige to the Alleys since she had long since been exiled from that place. Always the submissive one, she hadn't touched the second carcass as she waited for the other three to arrive. Ears were pinned and her head was low, but her tail was wagging merrily when she spotted her alpha return.

Cortinarri followed close beside Vestige, picking up on his attitude. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of peace and content as she entered the land that was her new home. She was also starting to like Vestige more than ever now; he had a certain way about him that was very respectible. He didn't need aggressive dominants or force to assert himself as alpha, or to get things done. That was something new for her to see, and she liked it.

Kimama's keen ears caught the sound of the others' approach, and she let out a flurry of excited barks. Vestige! Over here! Mama's home!

Altan looked up from his thoughts at Kimama's words, and Liseli made a confused face. Well of course I'm here...

The satin male looked up lazily from the corner he had moved to. His tailed wagged as Sin came up from behind. They both eyed the food and stood up. But where Sin happily went up to the food and began to nibble at it, Absolute moved up and waited for his turn.

A trespasser had entered the land. Though his mind was so up in thoughts he barely noticed what he had done, and even if he did know; he didn't really care.

Growling to himself under his breath he spoke in his native tongue. "Slis qokqremf ejeus. Lo puyrj lifo qoom heffoj." He continued his grumbling until the smell of food wafted his. "Tuuj" He said to himself before trotting up to where he smelt it.

Coming in among the group the towering wolf stopped and looked at the family. "er... Sorry.." Massive in size he backed away. Though slowly because he wanted the remains.

Vestige smiled at Aminita as he padded towards the carcass and the others, tail wagging. He was glad she started to come out of her shell, and to him this signalled an improvement.

Having Cortinarri at his side brightened his day. She'd only been in the pack for a while, and he felt he could trust he completely; like he had known her for a long time. They were also roughly the same age, and whilst they weren't old, he would only have a few more years reign, before he either passed down the title, or was fought for it. Since the disappearance of Lady and three of his children, he had sunk inside himself. Only himself and Liseli were member of what would be known as the 'old' pack, but with Lady's disappearance, had come a mountain of members, bringing the pack total to the highest of the valley, one of the biggest in the whole of Sparkling Creek.

Vestige hadn't really found anyone since Lady left, and had almost kidded himself that she would be back, but after the first year, he finally gave up. Ever since then he had been looking, but someone had definately caught his attention, and in fact she was walking just behind him. Cortinarri had definately caught his eye, there was no doubt about it. Of course, he would have to be sure, but so far everything about her was ticking boxes, so to speak.

A voice caught his attention, and he turned to see Kimama, and the news he had been waiting for for a while now. Glancing round, he spotted his beta, and close friend, looking very confused. Grinning, his tail wagged furiously as he bounded over in a pup-like manner, barking happily. "Liseli!" He lept at her, nuzzling her side briefly before he began to calm down. "Where have you...?!"

His excitement was short lived, a mumble of words in a foreign tongue was caught by his ears, and he spun round to see a large unknown wolf near the kill. Luustotis only seemed to register their presence at the last minute. A soft, but deep growl started in the back of his throat. That was their kill, it was hard earned and no way was this guy about to steal it. However when an apology came to his ears, and the other male began to back away, he relaxed slightly. Taking a few causious, but dominant steps forward, Vestige sized up the large wolf. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" He knew that if Luustotis was going to be aggressive, he wouldn't stand a chance alone, but hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

Luustotis's large head lifted for a moment from the question then dropped back down with ears planned to the side. "My name is Luustotis, son of Porscadis and Uskeet... I'm here to protect my brother Kyro-... Vicious, from my sister Yuboiyus. I wasn't looking where I was going, I'm sorry." He turned his head looking away before looking back hungrily at the food.

True he was large, but he was much to slow to catch a meal alone. Cannibalism was a frequent sight in his pack. Usually the only way they got a kill is if they were attacked first. But the majority of the time, they had to scavenge for their food.

Dove walked back to the territory. Once again, she was home. But without Rex her it felt nothing like home. She had known him for as long as she had been in the Valley. She stood at a distance from Vestige and the stranger, watching them with tears in her eyes. The black-and-tan Saluki sighed and approached the two. "Where's Jagged?" She asked the Alpha. "I haven't seen him come back yet."

Vestige's greeting also brought a pup-like yip and nuzzle from her, but it was as quickly shut off as she switched abruptly into beta-mode, eyes focussing hard on Luustotis. She remained silent, but she was definitely on the defensive.

She knew it may be pushing the limits a bit, but Cortinarri was a wolf who was not shy about doing and acting how she wanted, or hiding her feelings. The wolfess came up beside Vestige now, though her head was lowered, "Why would your brother need protection when he has the entire Haunter army to back him up?"

Quite the opposite, Aminita hung back from the stranger and remained perfectly silent. She had a heart of gold, but she was a cowardly creature.

Pirqua returned to the pack lands just as they were beginning their interogation of the brother. She landed on a tree limb near the alpha, waiting for them to finish their talk before she would give out the message Hydras sent her.

Jagged weaved between the tree's, easily navigating the landscape that he had lived in since his birth. The arctic wolf glanced back every now and again, for a cross breed who had approached him whilst he had been out trying to gather allies. He had had no response from one land, and so had decided to return to eat and present this stranger to his father, before heading back out.

Closely following the alpha's son was a mighty hybrid, with the genes of three large breed's. Draven had once been part of the Ancient Guardians, but as they seem to crumble, had come in search of a new pack, a pack that held the same ideas as his old one. Aspen Grove was one of the most wanted by the Haunters, so he had decided this would be the place for him to stay.

The pair came upon the group to find an unknown giant near the kill. Confused, Jagged and Draven circled round to stand slightly behind Vestige and Cortinarri. Jagged whispered, "I need to speak with you once you are done." then gestured for himself and Draven to leave his father, Liseli and Cortinarri to business. They seated themselves close to Aminita, to whom Jagged grinned and his tail wagged happily.

Vestige didn't really acknowledge his son's presence, instead just nodding once, whilst his attention was focused on Luustotis. At Vicious’ name, the alpha’s hackles rose and the tips of his fangs could be seen as he resisted the urge to bare his teeth. He sharply exhaled, drawing his head up to fix the other with an untrusting glare. He didn’t have any sort of reaction to Cortinarri, except that he shifted his weight to close the gap between himself and her. A sudden feeling of strength and invincibility swept over him, and he felt the need to protect and show off bubble up inside him. ”I’m sorry.” Vestige suddenly felt confused, and seemed to drop his aggressive posture. ”You’re what?” He murmured, surprised. A Haunter would never say they were sorry. Maybe Luustotis wasn’t like them, at all. ”Hmm,” he considered the large wolf, cocking his head slightly, ”you don’t have any idea who I am do you? You have no idea where you are or what your brother would think of you being here, not to mention your niece, Risen.” If this was true, then Luustotis may not be so bad to have around. ”Okay then, Luustotis, Let’s start again. My name is Vestige, and this is Aspen Grove, the home of me and my pack. If you wish, you may stay and eat with us, for I gather you have not been here long.” Now he addressed the pack, in a voice that was strong, happy and filled with authority. ”Everyone tuck in, There’s plenty for everyone.”

Vestige looked round to Dove, his heart dropping when he noticed that her usual kind, fun-loving personality was still missing. ”He’s over there, in fact I need to speak with him.” Motioning for Jagged and Draven to come over, the alpha smiled at Dove before dropping into a muttering conversation with his son and Draven. After a few minutes, they all broke apart, with Jagged and Draven heading over to the carcass to eat. He had allowed Draven entry to the pack, and Draven’s allies would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, he turned to Pirqua, whom he had nocticed arrive. Trotting over, apprehensively, he came to a stop near the bird and looked up to her, almost dreading the message that she would bring from the Lurkers. ”Yes?”

As the land suddenly burst into activity, with the arrival of many and a huge gathering of canines, Soleil slipped into the background to watch silently. However, once everyone began to relax, Soleil slunk over to Liseli, lowered in a submissive manner as she whispered, "What should I do?" She didn't want to interupt Vestige, whom she had guessed was the alpha from the way he acted and took control, while he was speaking with Pirqua. She nervously glances around her at the various pack members, then to Vestige, and back to Liseli.

Dove kept her distance from the others as they spoke amongst themselves, so she would not be eavesdropping. Once they were through, Dove followed them to the carcass. She smiled faintly at the newcomer before speaking to Jagged. "How's your leg?..." She asked quietly, almost in a whine.

Glider trailed after his daughter. He was worried for her. She hadn't been happy for a long time. "Dove? Are you alright?" The saluki asked softly. Dove listened to her father, but didn't make eye contact. "Yes, everything is fine." She mumbled. Glider frowned. It wasn't in Dove's nature to lie, and he knew when his daughter was lying. Dove, tell me the truth. I can help you if I know what's wrong." He said sternly. Dove looked back at Glider now. "Of course I'm not fine, Dad! My mate was just murdered!" She blurted out, bursting into tears. Glider stepped forward and nuzzled Dove, speaking softly to her. "He's in heaven now, Dove. You know that." He said in an attempt to calm her down. But nothing seemed to work for the mourning mother.

Liseli gave Soliel a soft smile of encouragement, but spoke not because her attention was swiftly diverted to the tearful Dove. The alabaster beta gave Soliel a nod of apology and stepped over to Dove, a soft, shy nuzzle placed to wipe tears away. There, sweet Dove. I know all too well what ails thee. Shared pain has made us as kin. Once I was as you are... the pain never goes away, but it eases... slowly, it eases. She said no more, only giving Dove her softest gaze, her saddest smile.

Never mind that Liseli still was under the impression that her sister was alive again, and was no longer sad because she saw Sauda everywhere. That definitely eased her burden, made her happy again. It made things so much easier. Now, she did not have to be afraid...

"Vekwrosum" He chuckled under his breath in his own language before speaking in english to Cortinarri. " My sister will not face the entire Haunter pack, she will wait until Kyronas is alone and slaughter him. He has done our pack much wrong. Most of them want him dead, in fact, I'm one of the only ones who want him to live. I understand why he did what he did." He suddenly realized he was spilling far too much. "E'k Vuzza... Vuzza... I'm very sorry. I am saying to much."

Blue ears perked up at the sound of Vestige and his questions. The white male grew slightly uneasy. "No sir, I have no idea who you are. I did not know I had so many nephews and nieces and don't know to what extent they number." There was a respectful pause at the alpha's name "Ga-Izo-Garr-Kos, Vestige. It is nice to meet you."

Laying down, he made sure he'd be last to eat. That is what he did. Picked off the bones, and he was used to that.

Absolute growled darkly under his fur. "Speak english while you are around us you.." He suddenly bit his lip. Tossing his head up in anger. "So I have living relatives other than my father huh? Very well, uncle, enjoy your stay."

Moving away and toward the food, the hackled wolf began to gnaw at the meal though would easily give up his portion for the alpha when he arrived. Obviously uncomfortable with this new 'relative' around him.

Sin bounded toward the food and tore in happily to eat. Not thinking twice.

Cold, peircing eyes bored back at Vestige. Her contrasting feathers were slicked down tight over her body, making her dark orbs appear all that much larger, "One of our allies has been threatened. If we are called into war, you are expected to join us." The mother bird glanced briefly to Aminita, but the hybrid was not paying attention.

Once the newcomer had been properly dealt with, Cortinarri decided to stand back as Vestige moved on to the next bit of business. She didn't want to make herself an annoyance. Her sights lingered on him a moment before drifting towards the kill. Fighting the old impulse to raise her hackles and tail, Cortinarri moved slowly to cover her limp and retained an elegant poise as she approached the kill.

Aminita was still very much bound by her personality, and couldn't bring herself to get near the kill, even though she was invited to join in. Tail thumping against the ground in anticipation, the hybrid lay on her stomach and waited for the others to eat their fill first.

Liseli's ears perked to Pirqua's words, but she said nothing for the moment, letting the bottom drop out of her stomach in silence. War. Again.

But to distract herself from her dismay, the beta femme meandered over to the kill and tore out a peice for herself, something else on her mind. After gulping down her fill of the meat, there was still a significant portion of her peice, which is what she had intended. With her sweetest smile and softest voice, she made her way to Aminita, setting the remainder of her portion at the hybrid's feet. I seem to have sliced off more than I can eat, Aminita. Perhaps you'd help me finish it? Her tail waved once, twice, trying to entice a word or a smile out of this shy wolfess, to help her feel welcome.

Jagged's ears perked when he heard Dove's voice. Swallowing his mouthful, Jagged turned to face her, tail wagging. "It's better, thanks. Still a bit sore, but I'm sure it'll be as good as new soon. How are you?"

Draven also lifted his head when Dove approached them, and he smiled. "Hello, I'm Draven." Then she began to snap at Glider, and his ears went back. He glanced to Jagged, and then stepped forward. "Erm...Dove? I'm sorry about your mate, but we will get revenge for his death. I'm sure he's with you now, you just don't know it. You'll be with him again one day, and your memories will keep him alive. Your children, your grandchildren. His name will go on, Be sure of it."

Vestige's heart sank, and his eyes narrowed. "I trust you would aid us if you were needed, for we shall answer you call once more. If you need us, just send word, but you are in our debt, remember that." Then, ignoring anything else the bird had to say, the alpha dismissed her. Turning away, his eyes caught the apprehensive looking Soleil. He changed course, heading for her instead. Soleil cowered, lying on her stomach as the alpha approached her. "Who are you?" Vestige asked, confused as to why no one had said anything about this new female, or in fact why she hadn't said anything to him. "My-My name is Soleil." She croaked, fearful of his reaction to her next words. ”I’m the daughter of,” swallow, deep breath, go for it, ”Kyrene and Vicious.”

It was the alpha’s turn to look shocked. Another one?! ”And I’m guessing, Soleil, that you wish to find sanctuary in this pack?” Soleil, who had clamped her eyes shut in fear, slowly opened them and looked up. ”Y-yes.” Vestige looked to Absolute, Luustotis then back to the femme before him. ”Your welcome to stay here, Soleil.” Then her left her to finally have something to eat. Soleil stood up, gradually loosing her shock, replaced by a look of happiness. Following the alpha, she began to eat the meat.

Vestige came up alongside Cortinarri, grinning at her before setting into the carcass.