Pombo

The Black Lahore Pigeon swiftly flew low over the ground. He stopped and looked back several times to make sure the pups were following. He perched on a smooth rock and looked around, waiting for the pups.

Vallack and Syrani

The two pups followed the Pidgeon. Syrani was in front, still unsure of what aid this bird could offer her and her brother. However it had seemed to know what it was doing, so she followed. Her brother was waiting for Sarge and Freefall, who he ahd met only breifly before coming here. He trotted, looking back for them every now and again.

They stopped by the pidgeon, looking at him as if they were waiting for some sort of explanation.

Pombo

Pombo saw the confused look on the pups' faces and started to speak. "I said I can give you a place to live. This is it." He said. "Now where are those other dogs?..."

Sarge/Freefall

Freefall was always the first to arrive at their destination. Sarge was way behind.

"This is nice. Would you like to live with us, little pups?" Freefall asked.

"That would be neat, to take care of some pups." Said Sarge.

Gavan*Astra

Abroad on this fine morning were two of the alphen's eldest: Gavan, and his sister Astra. They were talking over a few things of no importance when they managed to ramble in on this little party. They were not aggressive wolves, and so were more startled than guarded as Astra smilingly greeted the newcomers. Hello.

Sarge/Freefall

Freefall tried to hide the injuries that were given to her by Vicious, but her bleeding leg was clearly visible. "Hi." She said, keeping an eye on the pups.

Sarge didn't have as many injuries, but he still had some bite marks from Tyrant. "Hello. I am Sarge and my friend is Freefall, and these pups are...um...our children..." He lied.

Gavan*Astra

Astra smiled softly, for even as the lie hit the air, the truth chimed in her mind, but she was not angry. She had that ability with others, to feel what was in their hearts, and she knew that the only reason Sarge had lied was because he wanted to protect the pups. She waved her tassel a bit, and her voice was warm as she replied to him. Rest easy, friend. This is a fostering pack. We are well accustomed to orphan pups here. Our Mother Karai takes care of those who have no one else willing to take them. Though it would seem you are willing to take these two.

Gavan had yet to speak, but he had become a solitary wolf, conversing only occasionally with anyone but his sister, even inside his own family. The deaths of friends in the wars of his childhood had made him somber, and not willing to get close to anyone again.

But his sister more than made up for it. She trotted off for a moment, seeking the herbs that her pack was quite familiar with. Coming back with a mouthful of it, she dropped it at their feet, voice settling into "teaching mode" as she pointed to the first herb. Those will heal your wounds. Chew them well and then spread them over the wounds. In three days time, they will heal. And she turned her nose to the second herb, speaking again. These, take with you to the den. When eaten, they will draw the pain out of the wounds, but they will send you to sleep. You want to be somewhere protected when you eat those.

And she lay down, tail waving and eyes bright as she smiled at the pups. Hello, there. I'm Astra, child of the stars, and of the alphen here. Who are you guys?

Sarge/Freefall

Freefall hesitated at first, but then chewed the herbs. She painfully licked them onto her leg, but Sarge had to help with the facial wounds.

"I'll watch the pups. You go to the den." Said Sarge, wagging his tail.

Freefall carried the other herbs to the den.

Vallack and Syrani

The two pups seemed to settle down when Pombo said they had arrived at their new home. Vallack wagged his tail as Sarge and Freefall arrived. He didn't say anything yet, just sat down and grinned at everyone.

Syrani on the other hand paced, casting her eyes between Sarge, Freefall and Pombo. Still uncertain of all these animals, Syrani remained indifferent. Syrani spotted Gavan and Astra long before they saw this group. She half-smiled, uttering a small Hello..

Vallack on the other hand, smiled broadly, and bounded over to them, wagging his tail furiously. Hello! I'm Vallack!

Syrani was furious when Sarge claimed he was their father. Shooting a glare at him, she was about to protest when Astra spoke instead. The femme obviously noticed Sarge was lying. Vallack on the other hand was pleased Sarge said that. Smiling as if nothing was wrong, Vallack sat down by Sarge and Freefall, and watched as Freefall left to treat her wounds.

Syrani took note of the plants Astra used to heal Freefalls wounds. It wasn't that Syrani was an agressive pup, she just wasn't very trusting. She was actually sweet and nice once you got to know her; well, most of the time. When Astra lay down in front of her, Syrani did actually smile. Her tail waved a little bit as she replied quietly, I'm Syrani, This is my brother Vallack. She paused before asking a question, quietly again. Where did you learn how to heal wounds Astra?

Gavan*Astra

Astra smiled back at Syrani, memorizing the names so that she would always be sure to call them by the correct name. Syrani, Vallack, welcome. And, as a question met her harks, she smiled a little and let her tassel wave, voice soft. It is an old family trick, dear. My father taught it to me, and his father to him. It's a good thing to know, when you have a lot of wounded coming in. If you like, I'll teach you sometime. You look like a smart girl who could learn quickly.

Syrani and Vallack

The pup smiled, her tail beginning to sway gently. Thanks! Her eyes slowly moved towards Gavan, confused as to why he hadn't said anything. Who is he? She questioned, casting a look back to Astra.

Vallack just smiled, before looking up at Sarge. So are you my daddy?

Syrani sharply turned round, she didn't want to leave here, but she didn't want to leave Vallack either. If Vallack went with Sarge and Freefall, Syrani would be stuck. She wouldn't know what to do. Looking back to Astra, the pup blinked, unsure of what to do. She liked Astra, more than Sarge and Freefall. She wanted to meet Astra's family, they sounded nice. She liked it here. She looked at Astra, to see what she would say.

Gavan*Astra

Astra was very glad these two seemed to be settling rather easily. But Syrani's second question startled her, though her face did not show even a hint of it. She felt Gavan as a muted trumpet at her back, screaming a high melody that clearly forbad her to tell this small pup why he was so reserved. She could not, and would not tell the pup that it was watching his sister die that had made Gavan this way. But she could not lie to the pup. No, lies made Astra physically sick to her stomach. Finally, she thought of a decent response, and replied. This is Gavan, my older brother. He's... a little shy, that's all. Say hello, Gavan, she prompted.

Gavan's quiet but completely friendly Hello chimed obediently, and his tail brushed a bit, realizing he might be making the pups nervous by seeming so cold, but he remained otherwise silent. He made an active effort, though, to speak Astra's way, as between hearts, and sent a wave of gratitude to her for making an excuse for him. He just was not ready to get close to others yet, not when death seemed to loom about all those he cared for. Already Ma, Da, Astra, Blade, and his parent's new pups were open to make him hurt. Seven targets that would cause him pain if anything happened to them. He had felt enough pain in his life, and everytime he risked caring, it tore him apart.

Astra accepted her brother's feeling of gratitude, for hers was a spirit open to the hearts of others, one with almost empathic abilities. And it was thus that she felt Syrani's uneasiness, and hurried to put it at ease, voice toned for the pup's ears alone. Easy there, my friend. Things will come right. And she raised her voice, speaking to Sarge. I'm sure that you and your mate are welcome to stay as well, if you like. I'm sure my father is around here somewhere... he's the alpha. And she cocked her head quizzically before throwing back her tiara to summon her father.

Sarge

Sarge was stuck. Was he ready to be a father of two pups? "Yes, I am your father." He said, unsure of what his 'daughter' would think of that. He then looked at Astra. "We would like to stay. We would like that very much." He said, wagging his tail.