Kate Wallock

Fresh snow covered the ground by two inches, but this morning was bright and the wind had yet to blow. Kate trudged along the walkway towards the main gate of the enclosure, enjoying a break in the weather, and finding it to be a perfect day to introduce Raven to the pack. Had she waited another week or two, the DNA results would have marked her as the offspring of two newly collared wolves in the upper Valley, but Kate never suspected the aging alpha of the Aspen Grove pack to be the father.

Holding Raven by the scruff, Kate unlocked and opened the first door of the double gate entry to the Wolf Run, then closed this securely behind her. Instead of opening the second door and stepping into the enclosure itself, she cupped one hand and gave a short 'howl' to call the pack's attention. She would let introductions happen behind the safety of the chain-link door first.

Raven

Raven wanted to go home so bad. She hung limp in Kates hand. Her ears back.

Tosca & Echo

The two sisters found themselves lounging underneath the crown of a short evergreen. There's no snow underneath this tree, and combined with the slight peak in temperatures in the Valley that day, it was prime napping weather. Tosca and Echo usually kept close to the mouth of their enclosure when resting, always keeping a keen eye and ear on when the humans came around. The duo had been brought here several seasons ago, saved from the relentless winter of the Valley. While it was a different lifestyle than previous, Tosca and Echo were content residents of EARTH's Wolf pack. Upon hearing Kate's mock howl, both females rise to their paws and bound over. In a matter of minutes, both slowly approach Kate with wagging tails. Kate had a reputation with the wolves as the "best" of the humans here. She was kind, and trustworthy, and respectful. Plus, it wasn't uncommon for Kate to come bearing treats.

It's Tosca who smells the little bundle of fur in Kate's arms, the female squinting her orange-yellow eyes a bit to study the small creature. Shifting her black ears a bit, Tosca immediately has a sense of maternalism signal in her brain. "A pup," she mumurs to her sister, Echo, with a cringe of her nose. "Heavens know why they have a singular pup with them..." There were multitudes of reasons why the humans brought wolves here, but for a pup to be brought, alone, usually came from dismal consequences. Poor thing... Standing behind the chain-link fence that separated the sisters from Kate and Raven, both females continued to wag their tails, showing open acceptance and zero hostility to the new-smelling pup.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

Kate had crouched down by this point to await the pack's arrival, and smiled at the sight of the two sisters loping forward with wagging tails. "Good morning girls. How's Yin this morning? Hey there Yang." She reached fingers through the fence to offer a gentle scratching behind the ears or nape, always looking to reinforce a positive bond with their captive canines. Her focus landed on Tosca when she noticed the slight shift in the female's ears, and the quiver of her dark nose when she scented Raven. Also noting the wagging tails, Kate felt confident enough to hold Raven closer to the fence, so that the pair could get a good look at her. "Meet your new packmate, Shadow."

"Does she have any treats today... hnn?" Norlach's yawning voice had sounded out before the cinnamon-brown wolf had emerged through the trees. He'd stopped almost immediately with a surprised grunt when he saw that the human didn't have any tasty snacks in hand, but a pup. Tail high but wagging slowly, Norlach approached the gate with a quivering nose and a curious gaze, showing no more aggression than the sisters had. An ear twitched to hear Kate's greeting to him, but his eyes were fixed on the little bundle of black fur she held by the scruff. "Hmmm, and who are you?"

Raven & Reyvonne

Raven wanted to go home so badly. But she knew she wouldn't get free on her own. She watched as adult wolves answer the humans howl and her little tail goes between her legs.ravenShe whined. She didn't want to go in there they were strangers.

Reyvon known as Yasmine to the humans followed after Norlach her tail curled over her back. A pup... She murmers.

Tosca & Echo

It's Echo who extends her muzzle to touch Kate's offered hand, tail still fervently swishing back and forth. Once she's ran the length of her head along Kate's hand, she doubles back and holds still in a gentle demand for scratches along her chin and neck. Intent eyes still trace over to the pup in Kate's hold, studying the squeaky pup as she speaks her name. Shadow, to the human. Raven, to whoever gave her her birth name. "Depends on what qualifies as a treat, Norlach," Echo muses with a slight chuckle. "But nothing for your belly, sorry."

Tosca places her nose in between the chain links, getting a gentle sniff of the frightened pup. "It's okay, little one," Tosca murmurs in a smooth tone, trying to qualm the pup's anxieties. As the other two wolves approach, Tosca tries to revere Raven's attention from the sudden overwhelming presence of the adult wolves. "Where are you from? The forests...or perhaps the mountains?" Tosca asks general questions in an attempt to keep Raven's mind off of her current situation and perhaps on something more fond in her memories.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

Echo is treated to an enthusiastic scrubbing from Kate's fingers. Years of practice and intimate knowledge of each canine in the facility's care meant that she knew each of their likes, dislikes, and quirks, and she didn't skimp now in turning her fingers over the wolf's chin and neck. Norlach might have used his status to budge in and take the attention for himself, but the alpha was too absorbed by this new youngster. He padded forward and stuck his nose through the fence next, tail slowing for a moment as he studied Raven's scent. "Not quiet the treat I was hoping for." His comments were light and curious rather than disappointed though, and after a moment of holding a stiff tail, it broke into a friendly wag once more and he took a step back to allow Reyvon access to the pup. "Smells like she's been in the building for a few days, at least. I thought I'd caught scent of a pup on Kate these last few greetings."

Raven

Rayven said nothing else. They weren't her family and she hadn't met many strange wolves.

Reyvon moved in next smelling the pup.She too well taken care of to be abandonedShe murmers.

Tosca & Echo

With a continued wagging tail, Echo glances at Narloch with a subtle laugh. "Nonetheless, certainly a treat," the she-wolf muses, giving yet another chuckle. Her humor sharpens into gentle concern as she inspects the trembling wolf pup. She sidesteps away from the fence, hoping to relieve the pup a bit by giving her more space. All the sudden changes probably were a stimulus overload for the pup, not to mention on top of the waging issue of what had occurred to this lone she-pup. The pale fae looks at Norlach with a flash of melancholy. "You think they'll keep her?" Echo asks the male quietly. "The humans, I mean." While Echo would never understand the methodology of the humans, they had seen several wolves come and go throughout the seasons. For whatever reasons, the humans did not take wolves prisoners. Rather, many were released back into the wild. But wolves like Echo and Tosca, had been selected to stay -- and luckily it had been a fate the she-wolves both were content with.

Tosca nods mutely to Reyvon's inspection, glancing up at Kate with her orange-gold gaze. Her eyes study the human, nose twitching as she tries to give the last determination of whether Kate came bearing other gifts, beyond this little, strange pup. A little huff escapes her mouth as she decides Kate comes fruitlessly, taking a little step back to await whatever Kate's next action was -- whether it was taking the pup back to their building or releasing her into the enclosure.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

"That's to be decided." Norlach retorted to his paler counterpart with a mild chuckle himself. Pups were always an exciting event, and he was eager to meet the youngster if Kate's intentions were indeed to introduce her to the pack. But he had to agree with Reyvon and Echo on Raven's condition. Nodding in answer to both, the alpha offered his take on the situation, "She certainly looks well cared for. Hunters may have been involved." The latter part he'd whispered quietly, just in case Raven's family had met some unfortunate fate that landed her here. "It does look like she'll be joining us though. Kate is eying us about as keenly as we're inspecting this youngster." Whether or not she'd be staying, Norlach couldn't say for sure. Like Echo and Tosca, he was a lifetime member of the group after failing a hard release in the Valley several years back, and like the sisters, he didn't mind his close quarters with the humans here, or the ebb and flow of other canines through their ranks.

Unfortunately for Tosca, today was not one for pocket-treats. Friendly scratches had been offered to each of the wolves that chose to approach close enough to the fence, and past that, the woman had only soft, enthusiastic words for the pack, with the occasional drop of their human-given names. She waited for several more minutes afterwards, giving the gathered wolves time to calm before she rose up and unlatched the inner gate, and took a step inside the enclosure. Slowly, Kate lowered Raven to the ground, setting the pup at her feet as she prepared for a possible forward rush of canids again.

Raven

she was silent as the others sniffed at her and talked. Her ears were back and then they were entering the cage. AS soon as she was put down she attempted to run from them all in hopes of finding a way out of the place.

Reyvon observed everything in silence. She had been brought here herself as an adolescent and knew how to live in the wild however, she was blind in her left eye and the humans thought it be better to keep her here. Sh rose in ranks as she got older to become their alpha female. She did not like the humans as much as the others but due to the others trust she allowed them in her territory and near her pack so long as the others didn't show dislike for them.

Tosca & Echo

Echo watches intently as Kate decides to fully introduce Raven to their misfit family. She holds her breath for a moment, observing as Raven takes off across the ground. A wistful, almost heartbreaking, laugh comes from Echo's throat. "She's got a lot of spirit in her," Echo mentions with a soft wag of her tail. Optimism gently flowing through her voice. "No matter what happens, she'll be tough." Golden eyes follow Raven for a moment, remembering the same adrenaline when she had been introduced to Wolf Run. Luckily for her, she had Tosca at her side, and they were both adults. Not stripped from their home or mother, like this pup inadvertently was. Either way, it was a tumultuous occasion and Echo's heart sympathized with the frightened pup.

Tosca's eyes narrow as Raven is relinquished into the fenced compound, the she-wolf taking a step towards the pup before she takes off. "Where are you going?" Tosca barks after the pup, though unwilling to chase after whatever Raven thought she was pursuing.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

Norlach had quickly approached Kate upon the human's entrance, invading the woman's space now that he had direct access to her and the pup. Intimidating as it might have been for Raven, the alpha's body language was still relatively relaxed and peaceful, showing no malice or aggression for this unwilling interloper into his domain. He knew it was not her decision to be here, and even if it was, Norlach didn't have the heart to show aggression to such a youngling. "Tough, and full of energy." He responded to Echo, while at the same time ignoring Kate's words, even when he heard his human-given moniker being used. He scarcely reacted to the fingers that scratched at the base of his ear, though he did subconsciously turn his head ever so slightly into the scrubbing fingers.

"Rey, why don't you and Tosca keep an eye on her? I'm afraid if we all give pursuit, she'll keep running." He glanced back at his mate and the darker of the two siblings. Eager as he was to follow Raven himself, Norlach was wise enough to keep his distance at this time.

Kate remained in the enclosure for the moment being to observe their ongoing reaction to the pup. She was mindful not to offer any physical contact to Reyvon, knowing the alphess needed her space, but she did speak a few soft words in the wolf's direction, always looking for opportunity to build trust with the she-wolf.

Raven

She tried to find a way out looking for any holes. She let out a howl wanting her mother and father.

Reyvon heard teh human talking to her but paid little mind of her and she nodded to her mate.we shall do thatShe said making to follow the pup.

Tosca & Echo

Ears twitching as Norlach spoke, the she-wolf didn't even glance at the alpha male before setting off in a gentle lope. She kept a distance from Raven, knowing that making a beeline would only aggravate and frighten the little pup. Her nose takes her deeper into their enclosed territory, following Raven down a ravine and towards the fenceline on the western boarder. She lets out a soft bark as she approaches, the ebony fae comes to a standstill to gauge Raven's response to her approaching. "Raven..." Tosca gently calls, hoping to garner her attention and at least speak some reason into the panicked pup.

Echo eases back to a sitting position as Tosca and Reyvon pursue the flighty pup. For a fleeting moment, she holds her gaze out into the forested area of their enclosure, before sweeping eyes rivet their attention to Kate. The easy-going fae almost waits for any last remnant of attention the woman intends of giving the wolves before going back about her human dallies.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

Norlach kept his auds perked as the two females fell into cautious pursuit of the new pup. He knew from extensive searching between himself and his mate that there was no escape from this place unless the humans intervened. No amount of digging would get past the deep-buried cement that encircled the boarder, and no amount of dexterity and tenacity would get even the most agile of canines over the tall, barb-wire topped fencing. It was a harsh lesson that this youngster would have to learn, but it was one everyone here had come to terms with.

Tosca and Reyvon were watched closely by Kate until they disappeared within the evergreen foliage and were lost to sight. She had been particularly observant of their body language, and so far, she was happy with what she was seeing and wasn't particularly worried when Raven bolted away. "What do you think, Yang?" The woman's attention did indeed shift to the two wolves left at the gate, her words soft and gentle. "It's been a bit since you've had pups in here, huh?"

Reyvone

She followed teh pup her ears on her.you won't find a way out young oneShe said softly.

Raven heard them but paid them little mind other then to keep away from them. She ran till she was exhausted and collapsed at the far end of the enclosure. Her ears back and fur raised.

Tosca & Echo

Tosca's ears twitched with annoyance as she watches Raven take off once more. A little huff escapes her lips as she flashes Reyvon a dubious look. "What it would be to have the tireless energy of a pup," Tosca comments wistfully, before deciding to set off after Raven once more. "She'll have to tire out eventually, right?" The she-wolf keeps her distance before she falls upon the collapsed figure of Raven, her heart sinking with sympathy at the frightened and lost pup. Tosca slowly approaches, her head low and ears held back to show Raven she didn't mean harm. "I know you're scared, but running yourself into the ground isn't going to get you closer to your family," Tosca gently woofs as she comes to Raven's sides. The she-wolf tilts back to take a seat on her haunches. "If this makes you feel any better, you might not even remain here like us." Tosca would not know that the blood tests in the lab might be Raven's key to freedom, and time would soon reveal Raven's bloodline, but Tosca had seen plenty of wolves get rereleased from this enclosure dozens of times. A wolf as young and promising as Raven had a higher chance at being reintroduced into the wild than an adult here.

Back near the gate, Echo turns her eyes towards Kate, nose twitching. While she couldn't understand the words the woman spoke, the gentle manner and kindness elicited a little thump of Echo's tail. She steps towards the human, rubbing her fur against Kate's pant leg.

Kate & Norlach-Bear

Echo's approach was further rewarded with a hearty scratch that started behind the ears before migrating to her cheeks, and then beneath her chin. A few more soft words were offered, and paired with a gentle smile. Her eyes were frequently jump upwards though, and her murmuring would pause as she listened for any ruckus in the distance. And after a few moments of showering Echo with attention, and sending a few words to an uninterested Norlach, Kate backed out of the enclosure, mindfully closing the double gates before setting off along the fence to see if she could spot Raven somewhere along the perimeter.

Norlach waited for as long as he could manage before curiosity got the better of him. "Think they've reached her yet?" He questioned his current companion, glancing in Echo's direction with bright amber eyes. Without waiting long for a response, the alpha started plodding along the fence line himself, though he planned to stop a few healthy yards behind Tosca and Reyvon so as not to overwhelm the new pup.

Raven

She refused to talk to them. She was told never to talk to strangers. The wild one she did in hopes of getting home but it was clear these ones couldn't get her there. She began digging at the side of he enclousre close now to where kate was coming. She pressed her face trying to get through the fencing.

Reyvon didn't know what to do. She watched the pup

Tosca & Echo

Tosca grunts as she observes Raven's further attempts to escape, tilting her head back to gaze up at the skies with exasperation. It wasn't uncommon for most to react this way, but watching the exhausted pup throw herself in the ideal was a bit discouraging. "Honey..." Tosca starts before giving up. The best they could do at this rate was let Raven exhaust herself, and deal with the aftermath of caring for the forlorn pup until she relented.

Echo gives a little huff as Kate retreats from the enclosure, shaking her ears. It was nice while it lasted. Lost a moment in her thought, Norlach suddenly draws her back to reality about the little pup that had just joined him. "I'd like to think Rey and Tosca can keep up with a pup," Echo jokes as she watches Norlach take off down the fenceline. The she-wolf springs upon her paws, following a few strides behind the alpha male, curious to see how far Raven had dragged the other two she-wolves into the enclosure.

Norlach

Norlach's rough voice chuckles back as he carried on at a lazy pace along the perimeter, "I would certainly hope so." One ear had swiveled to the side, taking note of the woman that was also making the same trek as them, though she had the benefit of a gravel footpath to ease her journey. The other ear was locked forward, listening for any sound or word from their young new member or the two females following her. "Poor thing looked scared witless though. Make take her some time to stop running."

His already mild pace slowed further when he finally spotted the darkly furred pup, now crouched on the ground and digging frantically at the frozen soil. The alpha came to a complete stop and dropped his voice, "That'll be a frustrating lesson for her to learn." The cinnamon wolf had gone through that phase himself, digging dozens of holes around the base of the fence during his first few months at the compound. But there was always a vertical wall of cement blocking him, descending deeper into the earth that he could easily dig past. And much to his chagrin, many of his more impressive holes had mysteriously been filled with giant rocks that were too large and awkwardly shaped for him to dig out.

Raven

She ignored the others. She didn't know them or care to know them all she wanted was her mother and father. She started digging at the fence line.

Rayven didn't know what to do.you won't get outShe said.