Risen

She had exit the den site and began a leisure walk to the middle of the lands. The sun was setting in the distance, causing everything to have an orange tint. Her pelt seemed almost gold orange until the shadow of a building pasted over and tainted it a gray blue. Cold yellow orbs staring forth from their sockets to show this was a serious and important matter. An event the pack should all gather round for.

As she climbed a fallen wall, the sun bathing in her coat, she looked back to the pups and Nachi to make sure they were following. She gave a grin of acceptance then turned and threw back her head. The howl was low and eerie yet festive and warm. She called for all pack members to gather here for the introductions of the pups. When she finished her howl she lowered her head, waiting for the members to arrive. “Shadow Haunters, tonight we introduce and accept these new pups as members of our pack! They are now our brothers and sisters! They are our comrades in war and our siblings at home.” To her this was quite literal since the majority of them where her half siblings. “ Each pup will formally introduce themselves with as much information as they have, their pasts seem tragic but we are here to help, and to help them become the strongest wolves the world will ever see!” She roared and backed away, letting the first to arrive speak.

Silver Trace walked along side the alphess until they arrived at the fallen rock, she was ready to go first but knew her brother Tersek would have to go first. He was higher in rank to her, it was only right for him to present first. Silver Trace would go next and then Wither. Ynear would be the last to present herself to the group, she didn’t like big crowds and wished more to stay alone than with others.

Wither soon came up to the gathering. Her dull colored eyes scanned everyone in the pack, staring at them for a moment as if photographing them and imprinting who they were in her mind. She knew her place in line and took it quickly, Awaiting for her brother to introduce himself and then follow up behind her aunt Silver Trace.

Ynear had not arrived yet, she wouldn’t until her mother had come into the land first.

Palatina

She followed tail rather high but lower then risen."Oh please i am not part of your pack my mother will come for me"She sat away from the others staring off into space.She would sneak away soon and return to her home.She could not believe ynear and wither how dare they!She would prove them wrong.Her ears were back in slight submission and anger.Her tail moving in annoying way.

Lion, Outcast, & Tersek

Tersek came forward when Risen stepped back, his tail and head as high as his small pup frame would allow. "I'm Tersek, the son of Nachi!" His voice was deep and booming, though not nearly at the baritone levels it would be once he was older. "When I get older, I'm going to kill every evil wolf and every human that dares to cross my path!" His words sunk into a snarl as he echoed the teachings of his 'mother'.

Lion let his head lower slightly, bowing to Wither's declare of dominance. He would go after her and Silver. "Pal, shhhhh. You'll have your turn to talk." He whispered to the other, fearing she would get herself into trouble.

Outcast sat near Silver, and turned to Palatina when she spoke, "I can't believe how dumb they all are, how pathetic!" She replied, rolling her eyes as Tersek gave his speech.

Silver Trace .+. Wither

Silver Trace turned to Outcast and smirked, "They have kept us alive thus far and no one has tried to invade their pack yet. I feel comfortable here." She spoke gently and stood as soon as Tersek was done with his speech. Silver shown fur seemed even more glossy and tinted golden with the setting sun. Her head was held just a rank below Terseks, deep brown yellow eyes piercing and glowing with the sun behind her. She looked almost like a queen on her throne; a princess to all. Her words were a bit softer then Terseks, a soft luliby with the edge of a razor. "Prounounce me Silver Trace, Silver to those who casually greet me. I am the daughter of Nachi. My goal when I grow older is for dominance in this world. I warn you now, just because I have a cute face doesn't mean I'm cutesy every way else." She giggled a bit after her speech. The last line almost out of character for her but she found it amusing.

As Silver Trace moved back down to sit next to outcast, Wither came up with the strength of a leader. Her eyes held strong as her lean body seemed to bulge with power. "My name is Wither. Daughter to Nachi." She began, Golden eyes flicking about the crowd and lands with sligh grey specks in her eyes, seeming to make her eyes move even when they were still... "When I get older my goal is to lead a sub-pack for the Shadow Haunters, A strong ruller set beside me so we can rule our lands and stay loyal to this pack. I dare say those who get in our way are ant food." She hissed and lowered her head with bristling hackles. She turned and trotted back setting close to Tersek her head held in her ranks position.

Risen was quite amazed at the first three. Very good. however that little one over there seems like she will give us trouble. She thought as she looked to Palitina. Thoughts of an 'accident' death flipping invisibly through her mind. While Pal seemed so one way, she believed maybe the 'outcast' could be bent and made useful.

Palatina

She glared at wither her postion was definite she couldn't believe her sister.'Yes they are pathetic especially my sisters unless they decided they were blind when we were stolen!"She growled lowly."My brother if im correct is pretty much the leader of my fathers domain for i fear as rumors have it my father has died but my mother i know lives on but mostlikly in depression. They say they want to kill the evil wolves! Hah they are in the evil wolf pack"SHe growled she stared at risen now as the so called leader glared at her.She snorted and bared her fangs momenterilly.If her mother had truelly been killed then pal might of thought other wise but she was glad to have outcast on her side.She could only confide her things in him.She sighed and layed down beside him and nipped at his underside gently.She then glanced at the others."You can call me palatina for only true friends and family may call me pal"She growled and then looked back at outcast."you can call me pal since your on my side"She said quietly.

Kali

Kali lingered in the shadows as the pack gathered. Her ears twitching in curiosity. She wasn't thrilled about it, and not sure if she wanted to take part in this gathering. Her eyes widened looking at the pups. Her heart seemed to stop beating; remembering her past as a pup herself. Her eyes narrowed stepping out of the shadows. She looked up to Risen; her tail twitching slowly from side to side. She dipped her narrow muzzle as if to congratulate her, and show her respect towards the leader. She gazed over to the pups and her eyes speaking to them through her heart as if to say, no matter what stand strong. Unlike her, for she felt like a mere coward. Kali glanced around to the others lifting her head and scuffing heavily with a bitter expression.

Cavan & Nachi

Nachi stayed very near to her 'offspring', not letting them out of her keen sights for a moment. A smug, proud look crossed her as she settled herself just behind the little group to listen to their speeches. She looked happy as clam as the youngster rattled off one by one, each proclaiming their own ranking and importance to the pack. And each time they referred to her as 'mother', her heart seemed to swell with maternal joy, though false as it may be. The rebellions of Palitina and Outcast brought just a glimmer of noticeable anger to the she-wolf, but she did well to mask her aggrivation.

Cavan had settled himself somewhat near the pups, his mangled head raised dignantly while a cold, yellow eye bored silently into each of the speakers. He was quiet during the ceremony, but let the youngsters know of his status with his raised posture.

Ynear

The black adolesence pup doddled in behind her mother. Dark eyes staring up and watching as the greetings were continued. Her ears placed back and she sat next to her mother watching as pup by pup they introduced themselves. She would be last. There was no physical weakness though her immune system wasn't the strongest. Her eye-sight made up for the lack of viral weakness. Her face read her thoughts quite loudly, Do we have to do this? Her head lowered at the end of the thought as she continued to watch.

Lion, Outcast, & Tersek

Lion ignored the words of the two sisters that defied Nachi and the others. Speaking in a well-pronounced and solid voice that seemed to take him beyond his young age, the thick-ruffed youngster rattled off his speech. "I was given the name of Lion." He began, leaving a slight pause after his sentence as his mind briefly wondered off the to origins of his dubbing. He had yet to see this curious beast that his blood-mother had named him after, and probably never would. "I will do all I can for my pack and family. Our mother..." Pale gold eyes shifted to Nachi with a glimmer of trust and a child-like adoration, "...has been an excellent teacher, even if some of us have not been so keen on picking up the lessons." Now his orbs narrowed as they scythed past Palitina and Outcast. "I, at least, know where I stand." With his finishing words, Lion backed down and seated himself amonst his siblings.

Outcast growled in annoyance as she nodded to Palatina, "He's just a big-shot. Probably doesn't even know half of what he said." Looking like a coy little minx, the youngster shot icy-cold glares at Lion as she continued to speak to Pal, "You're my only true sibling, Pal. These... others... they've lost touch with reality."

Monarda

The cinnamon-brown wolf, tinged with the characteristic red tail, was a touch late to arrive at the meeting. She had come just in time to hear the last of Tersek's words as she stood behind Cavan. Wide mustard eyes took in the characteristics of the youngsters as she began to devote them to memory. Here was the new blood of the pack.

Palatina

"im very ashamed in my own sisters they make me wnat to die"She sighed and rolled back up her tail above her back."these wolves are pathetic they know nothing of life"all this was said so only she could hear."Maybe one day me and you can sneak off to find my mother and rejoin a real pack?"She whispered.

Ynear .+. Wither .+. Silver Trace .+. Risen .+. Sacrifice

As Lion brought himself down from the 'stand' she rose to her dainty black feet. Dark voids forcing the land around her to orbit as she slowly walked to the rock. As she grew near the pressure of nervousness began to wrap around her gut. Everyone else had given such wonderful speeches. Hers would be... plain.

Dainty tiara lowered in a bow to her fellow pack mates. Then rose with dark orbs flashing to the others. Her eyes so dark they seemed to go on forever with little light shinning through them. Her thorax rose and fell with her words haunting the lands like a mist. "My name... is Ynear. My mother Is Nachi." She turned not to her mother, but to her sister Palitina with the strongest blank gaze the wolf could ever give. The cold look moved back to the crowed as she continued her speach. "Life, to me, is but a mere illusion and all the creatures in it do not exist. However I believe those in this pack are the creatures in this same distorted fucked up world who are searching for the answers. I shall distroy those who pleage me, and avenge those who are distroyed in my family. This nightmarish hell will end at our feet." She hissed and turned, her hackles slightly raised as she brush pasted her full blooded sister in an aggressive way. The base up her tail lifted in anger but slowly declined as she neared her mother. Her words sept out like the soft hiss of a snake, "You should put your tail down dear sister."

Wither was in awe at her runt sister's speech... she never thought of life as being an illusion and began to play with the thought of it being true. After a painful pulse of a headache she shook her head and cleared her mind. Looking to Risen as the alphess returned center stage.

Silver Trace watched warmly as her sister returned from her speach. She gave a friendly wag of her tail until she saw the way Ynear acted. Her tail fell limp in silence and looked to her mother as if questioning what she should do. Before Anything could be answered Risen spoke out.

"All but one have introduced themselves. You little one, tell these fine wolves who you are." She spoke to Outcast. The only pup that hadn't introduced herself. Then turned to the pack, "Is there anything the mature adults in the pack would like to say to these new additions? any questions?" She stared about, there was no longer a smirk on her maw. The congrating look made her roll in the glory of how the pack was still coming along.

From the silence a strong voice spoke, "Looks like those two sour ones need some manners." Sacrifice emerged from the crowed beaming wickedly. The only thing that could remind the pups that it was her was the black spot over her face. Her body had leaned out to a very lanky femme with a thin long snout. Her ears splayed as she watched them, not daringn to give her own name. Risen only smiled and turned to the two who were so disrespectful.

Paltina

She snaped at ynear as she moved by and then glared at the rest and then at sacrafice.She bared her fangs and growled at her.

Lion, Outcast, & Tersek

Outcast looked pointedly to Ynear, "What're you going to do, make me?" So saying, she stood up, raising her entire body high in the air with her tail lifted more defiantly. "You're weak, Ynear." She turned to Risen next, her little teeth bared, "Want to hear from me? I'll say something... you're all blind! Weak-minded, ignorant slaves! Pal is the only one with common sense around here!" Outcast snarled, looking banefully at all of her siblings before turning to Nachi, "It's a disgrace to call that... that thing, our mother! You all ought to be ashamed..."

The bold little female did not have a chance to finish her speech, for Tersek had rushed at her soon after she began to speak. His much larger, pale-grizzled frame slammed into his sister's, sending them both tumbling across the rocky ground. The struggle was a brief one, and ended with Outcast pinned beneath the ominous, growling form of her brother, jaws closed harshly around her throat. He was a bit young to make a good kill with a throat hold, but that was not his intentions anyway.

Lion straightened up, looking with alarm at the actions of his larger brother. He knew Outcast would be punished, but he had never seen Tersek turn against any of his siblings before. And given his great size, Lion didn't dare interfere.

"Don't you DARE speak to the pack like that!" He raged, releasing her throat but keeping his glistening ivories hovered inches above her muzzle.

Outcast squirmed a little, growling quietly. "Stupid fool... you're a disgrace..." Still she was defiant, spitting out her words without regard.

Tersek grabbed her muzzle and shook it violently until little beads of blood oozed from the cuts his puppy teeth left. "Say you're sorry! Say it!" He demanded furiously.

Outcast growled even louder, "You can't make me, brother. I won't be fooled like you have been." She countered, looking directly back into his two-toned eyes.

Lion finally came forward, his tail cricked, "Let her up, Tersek, she can't be convinced. The adults will take care of it." He could see these two bullheads would be at it all day if someone didn't step in.

Tersek looked like he was about to tackle his brother for giving him a command, but he relented and stepped back from Outcast. She picked herself up and strode over to Palitina and sat down hastily, ears planed out and hackles up.

Palatina

She growled and moved quickly as this happened not wanting to get in the way.Yet her ears went flat and her hackles rose.Then she licked outcast."Don't listen to any of them out cast they will all see one day that they were wrong my brother and mother will save us and they'll be the ones punished."SHe glared at her sisters."come lets leave these beasts and go back to the den"She said standing her tail slightly up but not fully.

Monarda

Monarda smiled lightly, amusement written on her features as the youngters quarrelled. Well, it looked like introductions were finished. "So, when will their capabilities be tested, Risen?" Mustard-gold eyes looked to the alphess curiously. She didn't know what was planned for these pups, but it only made sense that their individual capabilities would be tested, to see how they would best suite the pack, and what roles they would be given.

Cavan & Nachi

Nachi stood up suddenly, stone cold eyes looking to Outcast and Palatina. She had strived hard to turn this duo about and accept her, but it was all in utter vain. And now, in front of the entire pack.... Outcast had humiliated her. Something devious and sinister shown in the crazy females eyes as she spoke, cutting in shortly after Monarda had finished, "I will take these two and try to work some sense into them. Cavan... be sure my darlings stay safe while I'm away." Normally, it was out of her character to leave her precious pups in the paws of the others, but there was something she had to do. And as long as her brother was around to watch over the pups, she felt safe enough leaving them for just a short while.

It was clear from his hefty sigh that Cavan wan't too thrilled by the duty his sister gave him, but he'd do just about anything for her. "Sure thing, Nach. I'll keep an eye on them." He glanced to the alpha next, a look of 'now what?' on his scarred face.

Nachi moved towards Pal and Outcast, "Come with me. I need to teach you something." Where there once would have been a tender, motherly touch to her voice, this time it was frighteningly lacking in any emotion what-so-ever. The female turned and took a few steps before looking back, to be sure the two were following. If not... she'd have to use force.

palatina

She growled as nachi came forward and she bared her fangs."Show us what? Im sure it aint anything new just another plan to sway us from our true families that we are loyal to"She growled but moved forward as nachi moved palatina would not be swayed.Her tail was up apon her back in anger normailly even though she didn't respect risen and the others she would keep her tail in a subordinate posture but she was mad and she wanted out of this place."You won't sway us try as you might your nothing but lies"

Ireshk

The adolescent had remained in the background, a little ways behind Nachi. When she ordered the pups to follow her, he instantly stepped forward to offer assistance, "Mom, is there anything I could help with?" Since his pupnapping, he had easily fallen into the mad wolf's web of lies. His personality was yeilding and submissive to begin with, which made him all the more susceptible to being controlled.

Risen .+. Sacrifice

Her prideful look quickly turned sour as the pup spoke out against them. Her pupils constricted as she stared coldly into the pups eyes. However Tersek got to the traitor before she had, lucky for Outcast. She paused and looked to the crowd and to Monarda. Her body language cooling yet still tense. "After the others are taught their...lesson We will go on a hunt. As a pack, " She let Nachi now. They would have more success if the pack was hunting as a group.

As Nachi walked away she turned to Cavan. Seeing his look to her, She smirked a nodded to the brute. "Tersek, Let your sister up. Your mother is going to talk to them." She said calmly. Turning to the pack, She puffed her chest and raised her head and tail. "Sorry for the inconvienence. In just a moment, we will be off for the hunt. Children..." She spoke as soft as she could, turning to face them. "I know this may be an early question, but, there is a secondary pack more secluded to other wolves, would any of you like to be with that pack? Or when you get older, who would like to lead their own pack?" She smiled, a glance given to both Tersek and Wither.

Sacrifice watched Palitina and Outcast as they were taken away. Her pupils dialated and she snuck out from behind the group. Out of sight and sound for the rest of the pack.

Nachi & Cavan

Seeming almost surprised by Ireshk's voice, and even less joyful to see the growing hybrid, Nachi was silent for a moment as she brooded over something in her head. Then, making a sudden decision, she nodded faintly to him, "On second thought, Ireshk, you take Pal with the rest of the pack. I need individual time with these two..." Eyes shifted fleetingly to Outcast, penitrating and authorative. The signal was clear, 'Follow me, or I'll take you by force'. And with that, she headed south along the mountain range.

Cavan listened to the new agenda brought up by Risen, and was thankful that the pups would have some distraction other than him. He would put up with watching them for the sake of his sister's happiness, but he would be damned if they were going to make him their playtoy.

Pal

"outcast don't give in to her alright"She nuzzled her friend and then glared at nachi.Her tail above her back and then she glared at ireshk and snarled at him warningly.She then glared at her sisters and shook her head dissapointingly.

Lion, Outcast, & Tersek

Tersek smirked leeringly to his sister as she sulked after Nachi, then looked to Risen. "I could lead a pack, no problem!" Although smarts weren't quite on his side, strength and willpower definitely were. And the fact that he didn't possess the mental capabilities of his brother Lion meant that it would be easier for the true alphesses to control him.

Lion remained quiet now, taking in all that went on around him. He didn't like the way Nachi's attitude changed so dramatically, and for some reason, he didn't have a good feeling about letting her and Outcast be on their own. But... she was his mother, and so he pushed his doubts aside and tried to ease his uncertainties.

Monarda

Like Lion, Monarda noticed the swift decline in Nachi's personality as she led the youngster away. But unlike the thick-ruffed brother, Monarda didn't have any concern of the situation one way or the other. It was not her problem to worry about that stuff, anyway, and she had no attatchment to the youngsters to speak of. Grant, she would defend them from outsiders if they posed a threat, but protecting them from members within the pack was a whole nother story, unless she happened to be higher ranking than them.

"Where will we be hunting?" Monarda asked casually, looking to Risen now.

Nachi & Cavan

It was about twenty minutes before Nachi returned; alone. There was no pup trailing after her, as there had been when she set out. Although her muzzle had been licked clean, the scent of blood lingered on her breath, and there was a chilled calmness in her eyes that defied her usual sharp, percieving gaze.

Cavan was very relieved when his sister returned, for now he wouldn't have to deal with watching over the pups during the hunt. And although curious about Outcat, and feeling a pang of dread about what may have happened to the youngster, he was just glad that Nachi appeared to be alright. Well, as alright as an insane she-wolf could be.

Moving quietly among the pack members, she stopped near Ynear as she looked to Risen. "I was attacked by the evil wolves, and..." Now, her eyes began to speak again in their usual ways, changing on a dime to become both convincingly sorrowful and alarmed at the same time, "...they murdered Outcast." Her features contorted slightly, as if she were battling the emotions of grief over the sudden loss of the pup, "I tried my best, but they killed her before I could slay them." She hung her head for a moment before looking to Pal, "It is a dangerous world out there, and I believe it would be in the pups' best interest that they aren't aloud to wonder beyond the Ruins without my knowledge." Again she shifted her eyes to Risen, grudgingly seeking her acceptance for this request.

Pal

Pal glared at nachi and listened and she stood up and growled even more madly."Evil wolves killed her yah right! That is a lie you pathetic she wolf You and these wolves are the evil ones!"She growled glaring and then running like the devil was at her heals.She zig Zagged here and there and bolted from the ruins.She didn't once look back.But she was heading toward pack lands.She was oddly enough heading home but she didn't know this.Except for an accasional familar scent of her real mother.

Hidden Betrayal

There was a dark growl as Pal took off, but the alphess made no attempt to catch the small pup. She wasn't in the mood, or in her right mind for that matter. Upon a ledge the alphess stood and she paced, to and fro her black hide glimmering in the falling sun. Bright yellow eyes landed on Nachi and there was dark knowing that lay there. She didn't at all believe the crazy wolfess, but she wouldn't voice her opinions. She continued to pace, for there was something in her mind that just wouldn't leave.

"Come on, Betrayal! Catch me!" He hadn't looked like much, but to a younger Hidden Betrayal, he had looked like a king. She had chased after young Tupit, laughing and pouncing as a pup should. At least a pup who enjoyed life and at that one point in time, she had. She had a feeling that her and Risen would soon be fighting for the alphaship, just one of them ruling. Again the feel of memory. Her and Tupit lying in the grass, her head on Tupits stomach as the sun kissed there pupish bodies. Then the day was dark, and she saw the whale dragging Tupit down, down down. He had drowned and been eaten, not any way that a pup should die. Her friend, her best friend.

Betrayals lip curled in a silent snarl of rage as she continued to pace. Faster and faster, it seemed like something had possessed the dark fatale. Indeed, she was possessed by an inner rage that no other would know of. That no other knew she had inside of her. It was something that she had learned long ago to kill, to keep locked inside. IT was the fury of a thousand wolves, all trapped inside of a petite frame. Let Risen try and defy her, for there would be hell to pay. And Betrayal, she would make sure Risen knew what true pain was. The two had once been sworn enimies, now they were both the alphess' of a pack. One of the strongest packs in all of Sparkling Creek Valley.

Risen

As Nachi returned her head dipped in sorrow for the loss, her expressions turning into a sour sadness, but deep inside she was happy. Disappointed it wasn't the little Pal wench who started the bergaid, and who was also going back to her fathers lands. She wouldn't allow it.

Her eyes turned to give an unseen signal to a member in the crowd. Sacrifice began her movement quickly and quietly without a second thought. Easily slipping into the shadows and out of the land, behind palitina for her ultimate goal.

Risen turned back to the group of pups. Sadness in her voice "I, I'm sorry to hear that Nachi... She will be missed. And I am sorry we could not be there for you, it is a crime those wolves must pay." She growled under her breath and looked up. "Dear children, remember this, even wolves are not our friends. Outsiders will take your life in a heartbeat. Never trust another wolf no matter what. If they play friendly, they are ultimatly trying to lead you into a trap. If they act agressive, they are asking to be killed. Never speak with strangers unless you are the leads of the pack.. Nachi. I believe Tersek and Wither would do wonderful as leads to a subpack. When they grow older I would like to teach them how to be very powerful at their jobs." She hissed. Her sorrow now gone. "And as for the hunting, we shall not let this tragedy hinder us from bliss. We will kill three prey, no matter of what animal. Their heads will be severed and placed in a room of the den. The room will be Outcasts room. The heads will serve as monuments and sacrifices for her." She turned back to the pups. "Their's will be what we do not have of hers. If you talk with the skulls of the beasts, she will hear you. I have been told this by another pack of my day. They had a bull's skull in the middle of the land. It had magnificent horns. They told me their former alpha had died of old age. Before he died, he told them to hunt after his passing. Even in sorrow they did his last wish and they were blessed with such a fine dinner they used the head as thanks. The bull came into the dreams of his mate, and told her he was her fallen love, and that he could see and heard everything that went on in the pack through the skull of the bull. He also told her, when he died, he became the bull who led himself for the wolves to find. And I believe Outcast would like to speak with you all one more time. To be able to watch you grow. And with three skulls. She will see more than the old alpha did." She sighed and lowered her head again. Ears back, then she lifted a brave tiara. Looking behind her to Betrayal, her eyes grew hard but questioned what had enraged the alphess this time. Turning to the matters at hand, her act continued. "Nachi, I do ask if your pups can hunt this one night with the pack. For Outcast's sake."

Silver trace was hit fast. As the news came from Nachi's mouth, she layed on the ground and covered her ears. Tears of pain crawling from her eyes. But when Risen spoke of the skull's and how she would stay in contact with her sister, her bodice seemed just slightly brighter. Though the dimness of pain still leaked in her heart she would try to heal it.

Wither paused and fell silent at the news. She gave little care for the one who had spoken out about the group, though still would mourn her loss.

Ynear was quiet. Her ears held back in fear of the other wolves that could still be out there. "W-what if we run into the wolves who killed Outcast." She questioned softly, then gave a soft cough.

Risen lifted her head high and proud. "We will kill them all. They stand no chance against us." She nodded. Then her featured turned to Betrayal. seeing challenge in her motions, Risen's ears pinned but she knew attacking the other alphess at this moment would not be best for the pups. Pain was not something she was going to feel. Phsycal, maybe, but mental emotions, all she knew was blank and rage, and nothing in between. But along the years she has learned how to act. Hiding the only two emotions she could have. "Come now shall we hunt?" She called to the pack with the question to Nachi. "You and the pups will get first pickings for your fine Job." She smirked.

Pal

She kept running faster and fast jumping over fallen logs tears falling.Her tail flying out behind her as she ran.She was too upset torealize she was being followed.Her tongue lolled out but she took off faster and faster.

Lion & Tersek

As Tersek watched and listened, there was no question on his mind why Nachi carried no wounds from her encounter with the evil wolves. To him, she was Mother, undefeatable and all-powerful. Not in an imortal way, but... it was hard to explain. Besides, there was not much room to dwell on the little details when so much new information was being thrown his way. At first, he felt as if his insides had been filled with stones. His high-held head was lowered with grief at the sudden and barbaric loss of his sister. But at the same time, here was his alpha, suggesting him as a future leader of a subpack? The younger's head was raised again as he watched Risen eagerly, listening so keenly at her words. Sacrifice, skulls, killing- he couldn't get enough.

Lion let his dial fall earthward so that the tip of his muzzle hung inches from the ground. He felt sorrow and grief burn at his heart and sting his eyes as he thought of Outcast, and what terror and pain she must have gone through at the teeth of the evil ones. Through his sorrow, he still paid heed to the words of Risen, before slowly bringing his gaze to her form to show his respectful attention to what she had to say. Then his eyes fell briefly to his mother again. Unlike Tersek, he didn't dismiss the lack of injuries without a second thought. Although he didn't question her senserity for a moment, it did strike him a bit odd. Still, it was nothing to think about in such times, and after a few minutes, he lost thought of it all together as he continued to listen to Risen. Now his mind was entertained with this upcoming hunt, and intriuged by her story of the skull.

Nachi & Cavan

She was eerily silent and calm during the whole thing, playing the emotions of grief in her eyes, though it was impossible to tell if the pain was real or feigned. Flicking her tail around Ynear, Nachi lowered her head, whispering queitly to the youngster, "As long as you are always near me, you will always be safe. Outcast.... she strayed from my side. And that's what the evil ones were waiting for." There was a strong comforting undertone to her voice, although her words were also played to keep the fear burning in Ynear, to give her all the more reason to stay close to Nachi. Nuzzling the top of her head, she then looked briefly to the rest of the pups, carefully going over each one as she tried to read their emotions and how this sudden death affected them. It all seemed to go so perfectly.

Cavan was quite uneasy about the whole thing, but remained worldess. As brutal and careless as his attitude could be, the thought of innocent young ones dieing did not sit well with him. Maybe it was because of Tupit, and his other lost sons. His golden eye fell to Hidden Betrayal; she always reminded him of his son, and it was almost a comfort to have her around.

"A hunt would be good for them." Nachi spoke out loud after Risen had mentioned it, "You can hone your killing skills, darlings." She stood up slowly, her gaze going from pups to Risen once more. "You are a grand alpha, Risen." The compliment was accompanied by a slight smile and a bow of her head. Her orbs flashed momentarily from Cavan to Betrayal after this was said, before falling innocently to the pups around her.

Cavan was startled by the words that just left his sister's mouth. For one, she practically despised all the females in the pack, save for the youngsters. And to compliment anyone but himself or the pups... it was strange. Very strange.

Dally

The falcon, perched high on the arching branch of an ironwood tree, watched the happenings below. As he had been with the Lurkers, he now acted as a sentry for the Shadow Haunters. If anyone were to approach the group, Dally would spot them before they were close enough to be a threat.

Wanting to prove himself further in his allegience to the pack, the falcon glided down from his high perch and landed on some rubble near Risen and Betrayal. He was getting keener on reading their emotions and behavior, but he didn't quite catch the rift that was growing between the two leads. But as Risen was the one who was speaking, he addressed her first, "What would you have me do during this hunt?"

Risen

Risen gave an approving look and nodded back to the mother. Before she could turn to the rest of the pack, she hard the voice of Dally. Awe, one so eager to prove his loyalty to the pack. She nodded to him and turned to the members of the pack, the ones who only grew stronger. "Haunters, Our pack will go hunting in the marshes. Beware! Stay out of the water's for the majority of the land. It is to cold for anyone to come home with a soggy coat. She turned to Dally now, nodding to him. "You and the rest of the winged members will be our sky eyes. Since you and Disaster have the keenest eyes out of the birds, you will look for food. Once you have found the food, keep a look out for enemies until I call you down for your fill. Io will look for enemies whilst you and Disaster look for food. She will continue to help you and continue to keep look out while you are feeding... You know how the berry eaters are." She smirked and turned to Io who kept a strong pearch on a twig. She began to head out, turning to Betrayal one time before she left. "Are you going to come or not?" But she never waited for an answer. She simply left.

The pups sat and waited for the rest of the pack to leave. Silver, Wither, and Ynear wanted to wait until their mother lead them.

Dally

His black-caped head with given a sharp nod to affirm what Risen had told him. Dark eyes narrowed slightly in a smirking way about her comment of the berry-eater. Then he took to the sky, heading for the Spinulose Bog.

Cavan & Nachi

Nachi held a calm facade at the moment, touched by a bit of sorrow. As Risen headed down from the mountains and towards the bog, she looked once again at her 'offspring', "Remember Outcast. Her passing will be a reminder to you all that trust... trust should be kept for only those you know very well. Stay near me." Holding a faint smile, she looked proudly from the group of youngster before turning and following after Risen.

Cavan stretched briefly and gave his pelt a good shake. He generally hated hunting were there were a lot of trees, for it only made it that much harder for him to navigate with one eye. However, it would provide welcome relief from the bitter winds. And with that, scent would be much more stable than out in the open lands. Knowing his sister all too well, he stayed behind her so that he could help watch the youngsters.