Eytan

How long had it been now? Three weeks, four weeks? Eytan shook his head, trying to remember... back in his favorite thinking spot at the base of the watchout cliff, Eytan thought furiously to himself. With his vision gone, he was nearly useless to the pack, more a hindrance than a protector. Perhaps... perhaps it was time to find someone else to lead the pack... someone better able to defend and instruct them.

Gavan would not do, for though the alpha loved his son dearly, the young wolf simply did not have the necessary qualities for guiding a pack. His younger sons and daughters were still too young... who, who?! He kept thinking, considering others and tossing them aside. Who could he find to lead the pack in his place?

Fyre

The fiery-eyed spawn of the legendary Black Fyre had spent a good deal of time mulling over what he should do. Just as his own parents had gotten together and producde him and Drac without the alphas' permission, now he and he new love had a batch of pups soon to come. And to make things more complicated, she was the offpring of the Lurkers and Legosa. Fyre wasn't too keen on moving out of the wild lands and entering the human-infested ranks of the Alleys. The blood of his great-great-grandmother ran too strong in him, and his appetite for human flesh would most certainly drive him into conflict there.

But here is where he faced the dilemna. Scaria was certain that her aunt wouldn't allow her and Fyre to establish a new pack on their own; not after what happened to Ankh and Snowy Owl. They would need a pre-existing pack to stay in. That left Fyre with just one option - seeking Eytan's approval for a Lurker to join ranks with the pack.

Eytan, I have a confession. I have fallen in love with Scaria. In fact, we are expecting pups. Now, before you get angry... Fyre went over the conversation in his head, though he couldn't recall ever encountering a totally irrate Eytan before. ...she is a member of the Shadow Lurkers. And I know you might... The ebony wolf let his thoughts trail away as he spotted Eytan alone.

"Eytan." Fyre barked lightly, his head dipping down a little. Well, here it goes...

Eytan

My sights were set on heaven,
My heart on things above
Mulling over strength and peace,
And everlasting love.
Now my eyes are closed forever
Ne'er again to see
Is the world still there,
Or is it just me?

The sound of Fyre's steps reached him before the young brute's voice, and the alphen permitted himself a small smile of satisfaction: his ear was serving him better now.

As Fyre approached, he turned to face vaguely in his direction, a smile and a tail-wave forming in greeting. He caught the worry and touch of fear in that single word Fyre spoke, and it piqued his concern and curiosity, but still his voice rumbled with his old strength and warmth as he greeted him. Young Fyre... it's been some time since I've... since you were here last. He edited the sentence with a smile, deliberately leaving out the word "seen." He'd accepted it now, so everything was okay, at least... it would be... if he could find someone to lead the pack for him. But he shook those thoughts aside and concentrated on the worried tone in that single word Fyre had spoken. What ails thee, Fyre?

Fyre

Fyre gave a slight smile to his alpha, but Nightcrawler had warned him about the apparent failing of the other's eyes. His gestures went unseen, "It's a good thing, really..." The ebony brute went on, his words slow and drawn out as he searched for the best way to explain things, and dismis his previous mental dialogs. "...I found a mate. She's going to have pups soon." There was no hiding the subtle joy and pride that sparked in Fyre's voice, though there was clear apprehension over what Eytan's response might be. "Her name is Scaria; and - I thought... well, I was hoping, that she could live here."

Eytan

The dusty tan eyes closed as he listened to Fyre, catching every hint of emotion that rode the young buck's voice. He had always been adept at detecting the concealing emotions of others, but now that ability was heightened with his lack of sight. Fyre was still holding something back. My warm congratulations, Fyre, and felicitations for your future. A single tail-wave accompanied this very formal blessing, and a sheepish smile split his face. And I'm glad for you, too.

And then, his face grew serious. But that's not all you have to say, is it Fyre? There's more to it than that. Come now, don't be afraid of me. Say what's on your mind. His voice was soft, gentle, trying to persuade the fellow to let go of the sense of apprehension he was holding on to.

Fyre

Fyre's sense of anxiety began to slip away with Eytan's repy, and he began to feel a bit bad that he had ever doubted his alpha's kindness in the first place. But as soon as Eytan brought up the last subject, the apprehension returned. "It's nothing much..." The hybrid began, once more drawing out his words as he tried to pick the best way to lay it out, "it's just that... she's a member of the Lurkers." There, he said it. He had officially mingled the Ochotona pack with the Lurkers.

Eytan

He listened with closed eyes, his silver-streaked bod resting solidly against the earth in relaxation as he waited for Fyre to grow into the answer. When it came, Eytan smiled softly, thinking to himself, Oh, is that all?

Then, realizing that his silence must be making the poor buck nervous, he spoke softly, a smile in his voice. And? He let that word hang in the air for a while, and for a moment it was as if that was all he was going to say.

But after a moment, he spoke again, turning to face Fyre more squarely, using his nose as a guide. I can see that I was not very influential in your raising, my young friend. My old friend Mother Karai is closely linked to the Lurkers, though she is not quite a Lurker herself. Far be it for me to forbid anyone entrance due to their birth or to their alliance. So long as your mate would live peaceably here, she is welcome. A true smile graced the old face for a moment. Now... where is this pretty lady?

Fyre & Scaria

A true smile spread itself over his dark muzzle, and his dipped his head in a respectful gesture. Quickl realizing his mistake, Fyre spoke out, "Thanks, Eytan. And it's good to hear that we already have an old alliance with her pack." He breathed a quiet sigh of relief before adressing the alpha's next question. "She's not far off." Not wanting to cause any trouble, he had asked Scaria to remain nearby, but away from plain sight until he got things settled. Now the red-eyed brute lifted his muzzle and howled out.

In short order, Scaria came sprinting across the ground, slowed slightly by her swollen belly. Having been pre-warned about Eytan's condition, the young Lurker didn't bother so much with posturing.

"Eytan, I'd like you to meet my mate, Scaria. Scaria, this is our alpha, Eytan." Fyre introduced.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eytan." Scaria spoke up pleasantly.

Eytan

His brain was whizzing as Fyre called Scaria, thinking... yes, that was possible. As the scent of Scaria came closer, he used his nose to turn his head to face her, a smile present as his tail beat the ground once, twice. Welcome, mate of one whom I've watched grow from so small. The pleasure is mine, Scaria, I assure you. I am always glad to see the young ones grown and happily paired, and with little ones to come. Please, make yourself at home in my lands, and let me know if there is anything I can do to make your stay more pleasurable. And once you have settled yourselves, Fyre, come speak with me. There is... much I would like to discuss with you. Yes, yes, this young one had possibilities... a little bit of training and he would do well...

Fyre & Scaria

The brute's head tilted ever so slightly to the side, having no clue as to why Eytan would want to speak with him. Was it because of Scaria's lineage, and he didn't want to say it in front of her? Was he in trouble for something? "Sure thing." He replied quickly, but somehow managed a calm tone that didn't betray his curiosity. Little did he know what Eytan had in store for him; and Scaria.

"Thank you very much, Eytan. I have to admit, this place is very beautiful. A far cry from the human areas." To this, Scaria gave a laugh. And then Fyre was nudged her, and the two were heading away.