Fyre, Scarie, & Pups

Scaria felt a bit badly about not joining her blood family in the fight, but knew she now had another family to be responsible for as well.

Fyre was feeling the itch for human blood once more, but he resisted it the best as he could and remained near Scaria and the pups. The pair had settled along the slope of a gentle hill, where the four pups began to play.

Eytan

The sound of playing pups made the old wolf smile, and he moved toward the gathering with a tail wave and a soft, warm voice. Well... it sounds like someone here is having a good time.

Fyre, Scarie, & Pups

"Eytan, hello!" Scaria woofed in greeting to her alpha, her own tail brushing lightly against the ground. Fyre gave a gruff smile as well, "Greetings."

Stopping in mid-play, Isille let go of his brother's ear and set his bright yellow eyes on the alpha. The other three pups soon stopped as well, looking curiously at the new arrival.

After a quick stretch of her forlegs, Scaria got up and gave Eytan a friendly nuzzle, "I thought it was time that they meet the pack." The mother explained, "Glacier," A pure-white female with yellow eyes stepped forward when her name was given, "Hi." She greeted lightly.

"Pharisee." Hearing his name, the muscular pups stepped forward, "Hi." He was mostly white, except for a black head. Taking after his father's side, his brown eyes had a distinct reddish tinge to them.

"Isille." The smallest of the pups came forward when Scaria gave his name, "Hello." He was all black, save for a patch of white on his chest.

"And Violet Reign." Now the largest of the pups came forward, a grizzle-female with a white belly and violet-hued eyes. "Hiya!"

"Childeren, I would like you to meet our alpha, Eytan." She added next, now looking back to him. Both she and Fyre had begun to suspect that all was not right with their leader's sight, so Scaria had made it a point to have her pups sound their voices for his sake, so that he may be able to better recognize them that way.

Eytan*Thunderhead

A soft smile of pleasure lit his face at Scaria's friendly nuzzle, something nigh unto the affection of a father on the grizzled face, though he'd only just met this fae. Then, the introductions put his nose and ears to work, matching voice to smell to name as he turned his head in each direction as though he could see the pups. A spark lit in his mind at the name Violet Reign, but it was a fuzzy spark. He couldn't remember why the name sounded so familiar... he shook his head to cast the though aside and instead gave the pups a warm smile and a chuckle. Hello, little ones.

It was at this point that the alpha's one remaining pup from his younger litter came dashing up, a broad pup-smile on his little face and a wave setting in his tail. Hi! Thunder was now about 6 months old, and thus slightly bigger than the pups, but he had yet to mature any. His was a playful spirit, and as his father's smile turned to him, he gave a yip and a nuzzle. Eytan's rumbling bass came softly. This is my youngest, Thunderhead. Thunder, we call him. A hint of sadness settled in his eyes at the thought of his missing mate and two pups, but he quickly cast it out, voice sounding again. Thunder... why don't you see if you can entertain Scaria and her pups while Fyre and I have a talk, eh?

A joyful squeal left Thunder as he hopped forward to greet Pharisee, batting softly at his ear.

Fyre, Scaria, & Pups

Scaria brushed past her mate, giving him an affectionate nuzzle before settling down a few feet away to keep an eye on the pups.

Pharisee growled playfully, puffing out his soft fur to make himself look larger. He pounced forward when Thunder batted him, trying to maul the other's front paws.

Glacier joined in on the game, trying to sneak up on Thunder and nip his tail.

Isille's tail was wagging slowly, "Two on one isn't fair!" He yipped, with a mischievous glance to Violet. Brother and sister bounded forward together to tackle Glacier.

As the youngsters entertained each other, Fyre moved forward towards his alpha, ready to follow him a good distance to speak in private. "What's on your mind, Eytan?"

Eytan

Eytan led him a small distance away, close enough for the others to hear murmurs, but not the words spoken. Make yourself comfortable, Fyre... I have much to say. He settled himself as he spoke, waiting until the sounds of Fyre ceased before he spoke. All of you have been so kindly silent about it... too much so, may I add... but I'm sure it's become obvious to everyone by now. My eyes have left me, Fyre, and with them, any ability I might have possessed to protect the pack in such a way as I ought. In addition, I am growing old, and my bones do not obey me as they once did. It is time... time to find someone else to watch the pack I have so long loved and protected. And I believe... I believe that I would like that someone to be you.

Fyre, Scaria, & Pups

With Eytan's words, Fyre settled himself down, dark ears perked up as his eyes drifted to the old wolf's face. Even though he knew Eytan could see him, Fyre kept his sight lower than his leader, out of respect.

Fyre's jaws parted slightly, while his eyes widened a touch. Me, as alpha?. For a moment, the hybrid was silent in shock, but that was quickly swept away by a sense of pride and duty. "It would be my honor, Eytan." The thought of being a leader had always lingered in his mind, and in a different setting, he may have tried to overthrow the alpha by now. But Eytan was the kind of leader that you gladly served with and respected to the upmost degree. To be choosen as his replacement meant a lot to Fyre.

Eytan

After he finished speaking, he gave Fyre a moment to think in silence and form a reply. As the soft words reached his ear, he nodded and unfurled his soft smile. I had hoped you would say that, Fyre. It is a great relief to me. Of course, the natural course of events would have put my son Gavan in this position, but I know his personality as well as my own... and he is simply not the sort. That put me in a precarious position, for I would not resign my pack to the rule of just anyone.

And he raised his face to meet Fyre's eyes with his own useless ones, and they focused so intently on the red orbs that it was as if, for that moment, he could see more clearly than his eyes ever could. But I believe that, in you and your mate, I have found someone who will rule and care for my pack as I would do it, if I were still able.

His voice was warm and fond as he held Fyre's eyes for a few long moments. Then, the sage slowly faded from his demeanor, and he spoke in a more business-like tone. If it is agreeable, I would stay on here as elder and serve you in wisdom as I cannot as a warrior, and also to preserve the alliances we have at current. They currently stand thus: alliance to Aspen Grove through the beta Liseli. To Green Haven through alphen Darkeyes, to Sedge Creek through Mother Karai, to the Ancient Guardians through Karai's children, and to a spare dozen or so loners through various parties. As long as I live, we have their aid in almost any venture, and I have no doubt that you will be able to earn their respect so that their loyalty to the pack will remain after my death. A bunch of business talk, but it was important to inform Fyre of where the pack currently stood within the valley if he were to rule Ochotona Mountains properly.

Fyre

While the elder wolf spoke, Fyre was keen to listen and remember each word spoken. He made special note of the allies, and was determined to live up to the standards that Eytan had set for the pack during his two years of reign over it. "The alliances will be upheld. I will personally go to each one and inform them of the change in leadership." The hybrid vowed, "Through Scaria, we also have the aid of the Lurkers and their alliances, and that should be more than enough to aid our comrades when they should need us." Fyre added as an afterthought.

The ebony canine brandished a warm smile then, "Your wisdom is invaluable to me, Eytan. I know there is much you can teach me yet, as well as the pups."

Eytan

The smile was back again, and there was something of a mixture of warmth, relief, and joy in the expressive tan eyes. I am glad to hear you say it. Your words only confirm to me that my decision is a good one. May your family and your pack thrive as long as you rule it. The official, formal words of the passing of the crown left his lips with a certain weight, but without any sorrow or regret. Come, join me in crying the pack together that we may bear the news. And he tilted his head in the call he'd used so many times, it now holding a special resonance as it would be the last time he did so as alpha.

Fyre, Scaria, & Pups

He tried to stiffle it, but the end of his tail swayed every so slightly with joy. The mixture of pride and honor was almost too hard to contain, but he kept up a dignant pose, and joined his old alpha in the summoning howl.

The pups were quick to untangle themselves from their brawl, though Pharisee had to be pursuaded by a forceful nip from his mother. Soon, the little brood was sprinting across the open ground as the came towards Eytan and Fyre.

Nightcrawler & Kanan

Nightcrawler, with his rich black coat and piercing yellow eyes, was in stark contrast with his good friend Kanan, who's alabaster fur and baby-blue eyes were a direct opposite. But the two held similar, good-natured personalities and friendly dispossitions.

Traveling side by side, the two wolves responded to the duel howls and came running. As they approached the gathering, they were quick to notice the way that Fyre carried himself, and had an inkling of what this meeting was about. Nightcrawler let his tail wag a bit before lowering himself to the ground. Kanan, on the other hand, had only half a tail to wag, though his expression made up for what his tail could not say.

Saxton*Aderyn*Ziarre*Gavan*Astra

Soon the two-year olds came trotting toward the duel call, all in a group. Astra came up beside her father and nuzzled him fondly, though she could not keep the sad smile off of her face. She knew her father so well, she knew his wants, his needs, his thoughts... he could hide nothing from her.

But Saxton, Aderyn, Ziarre, and Gavan gathered in the general group, not nearly as attuned to emotions as Astra was. They only awaited the announcement that was obviously going to be made.

Eytan

As soon as everyone gathered, Eytan "looked" around at them all, pride and fondness, and something close to wistfullness clearly displayed in his sightless eyes. And, though he could not see them, it was as if, for that moment, it did not matter, for his eyes met each of theirs with the same strength they'd displayed before, a strength they'd held through all the joys and trials that had passed between them in his two years of rule. Silence reigned for several moments as he held their eyes before he finally spoke, a special resonance in his voice carrying the same old power. I have called you together to declare my renunciation of the alphen rank to this pack. My stolen sight leaves me incapable to defend all of you as I should, and as you deserve. I would not leave you unguarded, however. I therefore beg you to accept as my replacement... Fyre, and his mate Scaria. It is my belief that they would serve and protect you as I no longer can, and my hope that you will serve them as loyally and faithfully as you have me. My friends... I present to you Fyre, your new alpha male.

Fyre, Scaria, & Pups

Fyre looked about at all the faces, knowing he had a lot of work to do to fill in Eytan's place. He had to get to know his members better, understand their personalities, and figure out how to best serve them. "Even though I am your new leader, Eytan is still to be treated with the respect and authority that he has rightfully earned." The ebon wolf began, then gave a pause to let the words sink in.

Scaria was sitting beside her mate, head high but tail curled around her side. As his partner, she knew that she was automatically assigned as the alphess. But since it was Fyre who Eytan had approached, Scaria did not intend to steal the spot light. Fyre had been in this pack much longer than she.

The youngsters remained quiet and obedient during the ceremony. As Scaria had been raised, so she raised her children. They were to repsect their leaders and listened carefully to what they said.

Saxton*Aderyn*Ziarre*Gavan*Astra*Eytan

As Fyre looked around at them all, Karai's children nodded in understanding and respect. They too, had been raised as Scaria had, and taught to listen and remember all that was told them. Each one held their own look of concentration: Aderyn, a soft smile of certainty; Ziarre, a serious, intellectual gaze; even Saxton's goofy grin was gone, replaced by the keen, sharp gaze of one who is smarter than he appears.

Gavan was silent and brooding at the back of the crowd, but he too nodded to Fyre's words, even as he kept to himself and avoided looking at the others. At her father's side, Astra fought the tears that wanted to run down her face and nodded too.

The old wolf's nose twitched to the smell of saltwater, and he used a deft nose to wipe the tears from Astra's face. He knew that their cause was not sorrow over the change in alphen, but sorrow because she felt she was losing her father, in some small way. But there was really nothing he could do except be there to listen and hold her when she cried. It was something she'd have to work out for herself. So he let his voice ring clear again. It will be my honor and my pleasure to remain among you and serve you in wisdom.

Fyre, Scaria, & Pups

As all the necessaries were concluded, Fyre went on with his talking. He had kept in mind to note the different reactions of the others, although it would be a good while before he could effectively incorperate their personalities with different duties. "As my first act as your new leader, I am starting a hunt."

Isille's tail wiggled at this news, and he found it hard to contain his excitement. Glacier glanced eagerly to her brother, as a grin tugged at her snowy muzzle. But a stern glare from Scaria kept the two in line, and prevented them from getting too carried away.

"I would like Aderyn and Kanan to help keep watch over the pups on this hunt." He knew Scaria would be keeping a close eye on them as well, but thought it would do good to appoint some scouts anyway. Before setting out, Fyre gave a pointed look to Nightcrawler, and nodded vaguely to Eytan. The lithe little would would stay to help ensure the elder's safety, if Eytan choose to stay behind.

With the brief orders delivered, Fyre set out for the Eskers. Scaria followed him shoulder-to-shoulder, while the youngsters sprinted after.

Eytan*Gavan*Astra*Saxton*Aderyn*Ziarre

At this point, Eytan knew that he would be more a hindrance in a hunt than a help. Even as he heard the rush of air made from Fyre's head movement, and drew his conclusions from it, he pretended not to know that Fyre was asking Kanan to stay with him. Instead, he spoke diplomatically. I regret that I find myself inordinately tired at this time, my alpha. I hope you will excuse me if I opt to remain here. He smiled inside, but his face was stone serious as he turned to "view" the young alpha.

Aderyn nodded to Fyre's suggestion, indcating that she would be perfectly happy to mind the pups, and all of them save Eytan set off with the group.

Kanan

Baby blue eyes caught the look of his alpha, to which he didn't object. As much as he loved to join in on a good hunt, he was equally content on spending time with his pack members, if only to ensure their well being. And since his father had been slain during the battle at Lost Valley, he was hurting for a 'father' figure to fill that hole in his heart.

The last living member of his family, Kanan made his way to Eytan and sat back on his haunches, "I think I'll sit this one out as well." The wolf eased down onto his belly, resting his gray head on his snowy-white paws. "You know, you've done a remarkable job at leading this pack." He pointed out after a moment of silence, "And I've gone through enough alphas to know a good one when I see one." Kanan added, with a bit of a laugh. Cortinarri, Manov, Aaka, Sahena....

Eytan

As everyone moved out, Eytan also settled himself comfortably, curling into a easy sideways position that directed his good ear toward Kanan and allowed him to hear the young male better. And Kanan's words warmed his old heart, bringing a smile to his lips, a chuckle to his throat. I am so glad to hear you say it, Kanan. One always hopes that he will become someone worthy of remembrance and affection. I have tried my best to be that sort of wolf to this pack. You give me hope that my efforts were not in vain.

Kanan

If he had a tail to wag, it would have been thumping pleasantly against the ground right now. Instead, Kanan relied on the tones of his words to convey his good feelings, "Oh no, certainly not in vain. I would venture to guess we're one of the luckiest packs in the Valley, really." He went on. "A stable leader, little fighting, no humans... a great pack." His blue eyes gazed off into the distance for a moment as he thought, before shifting back to his elder, "I think you were wise in choosing Fyre. He's the descendant of Black Fyre, if I'm not mistaken." He vaguely remembered little Twilight Reign and Niavo from back when they lived at the Soras. The he didn't know that Twilight eventually committed suicide, he knew Dusty was one of his sons.

Eytan

His lone silver ear followed Kanan's every word, and the sound of his movement, twitching almost ceaselessly in order to provide optimum reception of sounds. And then, at the mention of Fyre, he spoke up again, recognition in his tone. Ah, yes... and of Twilight Reign and... Violet was it? No wonder the one daughter's name sounded so familiar... For now it occured to him that Karai had told him of a painfully shy, retiring male whom she'd known during her first days at Sedge Creek, back before he'd killed himself. He'd heard later that he'd mated...