Vestige

No sign, no signal. Nothing indicated the return of the alpha male. Head hung low, a disheartened leader stepped upon his lands from a long absense. As he did so, a sense of dread filled him. Was anyone still here? Was anyone alive even? Had someone taken over in his leave?

With questions buzzing in his mind, Vetsige picked up his pace and trotted into the land, tail high but spirit low. It was later that he arrived in the middle of the terrain and, expecting the worst, he lifted his muzzle to the wind and sniffed. There was a faint smell, it was of his pack, well one of them at least. He felt better once this had registered, that was until he sensed a different odour. One which he did not recognise. Suspition filled him, and also some dread. What was going on?

Turning, he headed towards the oragin of the smell, but couldn't quite track it. However it uncovered something which was a welcome sight to tired eyes. A slow smile spread across his face as he trotted up behind the femme, Liseli.

Hello, My friend. Long time, no see. Sorry for my long absense, but I'm back now. Anything to report?

Liseli

The white lady turned her face to see V.estige, and let an equally quiet smile spread over that calm visage, the only hint he would receive that she was glad to see him. Her voice was low and calm as she replied to him, her tone one of reporting. Welcome back, then. I was wondering where you'd gotten to. The only thing I can report is that I have allowed sanctuary to a wandering mother looking for a place to rear her pups. I told her that you would be back, and that she should speak to you of joining our pack.

Vestige

Vestige nodded, pleased with her judgement.
Thank you Liseli for watching over our lands until I returned. I will grant the mother and her young to live here under our protection, and, if she wishes it, she can join our pack. Where is she?
Vestige looked around, but saw nothing of the mother.
It concerns me that you seem to be the only one here, do you know of the whereabouts of the others?

Nukpana*Maska

Nukpana trotted upto her mother and sat down beside her shaking her head. "Oh mother can't you see? Malai is gone for good that sick minded girl," she scuffed angrily. She looked up at her with a soft glare and a gentle sigh and then to Vestige.

Maska stood near by peering around from behind a tree. He watched for a moment then walked up to the others with his big bulky body. He walked like a lion more then a wolf and his head held high, but hung at an arch. He said nothing, but his golden gaze was soft and full of worry.

Vestige

The Alpha watched the two pups as the came over. They were obviously Liseli's. What puzzled him was, where were the others and her mate? The alpha looked down at the pair and smiled softly,
Your a lot bigger than when I last saw you. then he felt a bit silly, after all they might not remember him. He didn't say anything however, after all he didn't want to insult their intelligence.

Liseli*Kimama*Altan*Taini

Her ears perked at his question, and she screwed up her face a little in thought before answering slowly. You know... I'm... not really sure! and she laughed lightly at herself. I didn't ask. But I should think she would have made her way to the den. Careful though, I think she's a little frightened. Poor kit, don't scare her worse.

She watched as her children trotted in, nuzzling Nukpana with a sad smile that told her daughter that she understood, and her voice was little more than a whisper as she answered her. I don't think there is anything to be done about Malai, my dear. Of all of you, she is your father's daughter.

At this point her other three children came dashing in, following their siblings. Cloudy gray fur blew with the wind as Taini skidded up next to Nukpana. Her black streaked face looked up to her mother with matching green eyes, and she waggled her hind end. Altan and Kimama arrived simultaneously a few moments behind their sister, colliding with the V.estige's legs in their haste to reach their mother. Altan shook his head a little, then jumped up, laughing and trotted over to his mother. Kimama, more serious and sweet, took a little bow and little her soft voice come. Sorry.

It was at this point that everyone looked up at V.estige, and Kimama eyes screwed up in a fashion identical to her mother's as she thought where she had seen that face before. Finally, a smile lit her face, and she yipped, Oh yeah! You're the boss wolf, aren't you?

Vestige

Vestige nodded, worried about the poor mother, why as she so scared? He decided he would visit her once he had finished up here.

The alpha smiled as the rest of Liseli's litter arrived. Two, in such a rush to see their mother, bashed into his legs. He chuckled gently. It's ok. He soon found himself being stared at, from everyone. His own eyes looked around at each of them, rather embarrased at the sudden freeze to look at him. He grinned as Kimama spoke, I suppose boss wolf is one way of putting it, but yes. Where have you all been then? Having fun I hope..

Nukpana*Maska

Nukpana stood up and shook her black coat wildly. Her brother sat there and merely watched the others. He was speachless and yet worried. His mother was indeed right, but still the tought tugged at his mind. Nukpana sat back down and her ears twitched as they all spoke. "Yes, but there must be something we can do," she muttered softly.

Liseli

She reached down and nuzzled both Nukpana and Maska. The other three pups had been rather protected against the negative image of their father, but it was now clear that this could not be maintained for long. Her voice was soft and almost helpless as she spoke to her children. Yes, my sweet, but what? I have no idea where your sister is, or if she has found your father, or if he would even take her back. Where to start? I'm open to suggestions.

She had already figured out that Maska and Nukpana knew their father better than she did, and so she hoped the little pups might have some input.

It occured to her at this point that V.estige undoubtedly had no idea what she was talking about, and she sighed again. She did not wish his return to be made up of more bad news.

Vestige

Vestige listened, but didn't really understand what was going on, so he thought he'd bow out now, and see to the new mother.

With a polite smile he spoke, If you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to see the new mother. He smiled at the pups and nodded to Liseli before running towards the Cedar rock den.

Nukpana*Maska

Nukpana sat there and said nothing, but merely moved her head away. "Mother," Maska began standing back up. "She's... at the ruins with Risen. I watched her walking there with her," He explained.

Liseli*Kimama*Taini*Altan

Liseli bent down to Kimama, speaking softly. Go let Aminita know that V.estige is coming. Hurry now, dear.

As Kimama scampered off to do her mother's bidding, Liseli looked back at Maska, face pale and shivering slightly. She was trying to keep up a good face for her children, but Altan spoke up suddenly, suspiciously. Mama? What's going on? So many times, you speak to Nukpana and to Maska, but we aren't supposed to hear. What is it? Why won't you tell us?

Liseli shook her head, and when her son spoke next it was loud and angry. Why won't you tell us?! Malai's gone, Father's gone, and you haven't gone after either of them. You whisper to Nukpana and Maska whenever you think we aren't listening, and then you give us no reasons! Stop hiding it from me! I want the truth!

It was quite unlike Altan to be so outspoken, but his father's genes were finally showing through: Altan had a bad, bad temper, and could not curb it the way Aloysious had learnt to. His tiny face was screwed up in a scowl as he flung his eyes back and forth between the three of them.