Safe Keeping [Cadre/Ahote/?]

[Valkyrie]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/vback-5.jpg] "Speaking" ooc:Just thought I would start the thread seeing as the other seems to have been mostly concluded and as Valkyrie and Sandra got a head start they would be first to arrive? The trip had been long and tiring, absolutely the worst flight schedule that Valkyrie had ever followed. It wasn’t so much the battering of the torrential rains and the gale force winds as opposed to the little bundle that he was in charge of keeping safe from not only the elements but the deadly fall from the keiyou’s back. With his alphess’ pup on his shoulders the weight that the Cadre’s gamma carried was more then physical and the responsibility enormous. During the horrid flight the pup had begun to doze at several occasions, and though Valkyrie had only needed to dive and save the falling youngster once, keeping it awake the rest of the time had been difficult. Soaping wet, tired and exhausted from the long travel, Valkyrie was incredibly relieved to see the looming Taiga appear in the morning hours. Twice during the night he was sure he had lost his way, the rain mixed with the overwhelming darkness created eerie illusions in the late hours, disorientating the brave keiyou and testing his limits consistently. However, as the sun’s rays began to peak over the blue shadowed mountains, the male began to feel better. The flaming rays of magenta, gold and fiery red drifted across the Taiga below him, and unable to support his and the pup’s combined weight, Valkyrie let the wind carry him safely towards the frost covered Earth. Touching down gently he softly shook his neck fur to rouse the young wolf, letting the pup slide down his extended wing on the safety of the ground. The little fellow was shaking with weariness and cold, but Valkyrie had landed in a wide open area and in his current state would be of little protection against a predator. They needed to find shelter and so picking the pup up by the scruff of the neck he carried the dozing youngster under the safety of a nearby tree, digging into the roots and curling up. With care he tucked the ball of fluff under his great black wing, encircling the sleek feathers around the wolf to help conserve some heat. Immediately it curled into his body to seek warmth and drifted to sleep, leaving Valkyrie to keep his steel gray eyes on the sky for any signs of other pack mates. Concerned for Sandralina, lines of tension and exhaustion rimmed his bloodshot eyes and he fought against his drooping lids, determined to stay awake and guard his precious charge. He did not like being in unfamiliar territory, despised not knowing what awaited him, the unplanned and unforeseen irritated him to no end; however under the circumstances it filled him with apprehension. Who was this Alpha that he had been sent to seek out and would their alliance hold strong? Valkyrie would take orders from no one but his Alphess, his loyalty forbade otherwise and he was not inclined to discuss political relations in such a weak state. Frowning with worry he flicked his tail, black pelt glistening in the morning rays as the wind tousled the white crown of fur that encircled his gallant neck, slowly drying his pelt in the frosty morning. It was much colder than the canyon here, and the keiyou did not enjoy the rapid change in temperatures. It was the health of the pup that was of greater concern to him, the ride through the storm and penetrating such a cold territory when accustomed to far warmer was a recipe for disaster. Hopefully his body heat would help to dry the young wolf off and his wing would keep him sheltered from prying eyes until it’s mother’s return. V a l k y r i e 's . S o n g

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[|-Sandralina-|]

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[atrb=background,http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb390/Bluewillowtree/Sandramid.jpg] Every muscle beneath her pelt screamed for her to drop dead to the ground. However, the small pup clinging so tightly to her back reminded her that she had a precious life to protect, and she wasn't about to let herself give up because of that. Now that she had gotten past the harsh winds and pelting rain, she felt almost like a massive boulder trying to throw herself through the sky. It hurt to push herself beyond the limit that she knew her body had set for her, and she was aware of those lines. However, she was guarding the little pup on her back, making sure he would safe until she reached the lands that she was sure her counterpart was making way to. Despite the pain, she pushed on. Relief was her first emotion when she lowered herself from the clouds enough to see Valkyrie land on the ground below. She still had some ways to go, but she kept her amber eyes on the ground below, trailing the movements of the one she had come to care for in such a deep way. She could feel the pup on her back shivering greatly from cold and definitely fatigue. There was no doubt that the tiny being was freezing, not to mention hungry. It had take some time to get here, and it was cold, but there had been no time to stop to hunt for any of them. At that moment, she could only hope that Rhiannon had made it out okay with the final pup. She had seen Ardent approach them at one point, and could only pray to the Great Spirit that the dragon had grabbed their leader. Sandralina dropped herself slowly, yet steadily, to the ground. She extended each of her paws and touched her pads down gently on the frozen dirt, which sent a bit of a shocking jolt up her legs. She felt her legs wobble unsteadily and felt as though she was about to collapse. The Barn Swallow Myou was rather positive at this point that she was ready to fall over dead. Instead, she craned her head behind her and grasped the scruff of the small pup in between her teeth. Gazing about for a moment, she found Valkyrie laying beneath a tree between its dug up roots with the pup curled into his side. No doubt the tiny thing was asleep and this one was on the verge as well. She padded over to him and rested the pup on the freezing ground as well, before curling up tightly to him. He snuggled into her side and dozed off. Sighing, she licked Valkyrie's cheek once. "I hope the others made it out all right." Pausing for a moment or two, she cast her amber eyes around at the sunrise scenery. It was beautiful, but deadly to them. They were in unfamiliar territory, perhaps with an alpha who knew not of the pack they were from. However, it was Ahote, she knew him from before. He might recognize them. "Are you well?" She was concerned for his well being. Despite the strong facade he wore so often, she could tell he was worn and exhausted. She would hunt for them if she needed to.

[Valkyrie]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/vback-5.jpg] "Speaking" Valkyrie was just beginning to lose his battle against sleep when the soft ruffle of feathers in the air wrangled him out of his impending slumber. Giving his head a mean shake he raised his glacier eyes to the sky and to watch his heart come to rest upon the land. She seemed as weak and tired as he felt and immediately his own woes were forgotten as he had to restrain himself from rushing to her side. Sandra looked beat and it bothered him greatly to be unable to do anything to help her, the hairs on the back on his neck standing up in displeasure. Even tired and worn she still looked beautiful to him, her sleek body and deep rich blue pelt gleamed with beads of moisture and the rising rays of the morning fell upon the vivid colors adorning her slender neck. A worried smile broke out upon his face, his eyes searching for any wounds or signs that she was injured. With what he now considered to be his female and the alphess’s pups to protect his nervous vigil kicked up another gear, he would protect the three of them even if he was rather sore from the harsh flight. The pup curled into his side was deep asleep, having more passed out then anything, and its breathing came out low and rhythmic which in itself was a blessing. It seemed as though the young that Sandra transported was also safe, though completely exhausted and he watched as she carefully lowered it to the ground, an odd sort of twinge in his heart. Would that be how she might handle her own pups? Valkyrie imagined her caring for their young, imagined just briefly what it might be like to have his own family. It had been what he had come to Wonderwhy to find, a mate that could care for his young and a settling from his more extreme missions. It was but a short lived thought, a rather comforting and bittersweet one for Valkyrie still did not know if Sandra would have him as her mate or if he could accept putting her at risk being his mate. Valkyrie had found some powerful enemies in his past and if they ever sought revenge he knew they would target what meant the most to him. In the past he had kept himself distant from others for this reason, he could not risk jeopardizing the mission or the life of another at his own selfish expense. However, in his tired state it seemed rather worth the risk. His eyes softened as they came to caress the beautiful myou, silver liquid silk that rested upon her bright eyes. It did not matter whether she could care for herself or not, to his male instinct it was his job to protect her and ensure nothing befell her and travelling through the night knowing she was out in the skies and in danger had been torture he was not ready to face again. Valkyrie repressed a shiver as she came to lay near him, even in his poor condition he desired the female and her tongue along his cheek send heat running into his tired limbs. Leaning in to gently nuzzle the soft fur along her ear he breathed deep, glad to have her by his side once again. It felt too strange being separated from Sandra, feelings of self doubt and trepidation would creep through his thoughts, but by her side he felt at ease and right. Lifting one large black wing he came to rest it over her body, enveloping her own with his meagre heat. The sun that crested upon his body heated the black feathers better than any other color and it would provide a buffer against the frigid air. It was all he could do for the moment, that and be prepared to fight for her should this pack turn out less than friendly. His voice came out steady, and he tried to put a comforting note in it, though the attempt was perhaps not the most successful. “They will be fine, our Alphess is smart and not without resources. Do not fret over me, I am fine and will no doubt face worst in the future. What about you, are you hurt?” Concern flickered in his aristocrat face as he gazed at her, she was strong but he still worried. V a l k y r i e 's . S o n g

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[|-Sandralina-|]

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[atrb=background,http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb390/Bluewillowtree/Sandramid.jpg] There was an extreme comfort she felt in being near the male, safety and warmth. She was glad she was so close to him, in body and heart, and it made her feel as though everything was right. She attempted to give off warmth to the pup and for the one she felt so strongly for. They were not accustomed to this sort of weather, as their home was hot and dry. Well, not really dry anymore, considering it had just flooded with that rainstorm that had driven them out. The cooler temperatures were nice, though, but she knew she would tire of such things quickly and wish to be back in her hot climate almost immediately. She was odd like that, but it wasn't something she could really control. Sandralina turned her gaze on the male once more. She could see his bloodshot eyes clearly from where she laid beside him and she frowned because of it. He was exhausted as she was, but it appeared as though such a thing was even more so true for him. She half expected him to pass out there on the spot, only she knew he'd stay awake for her sake and for the pups. That was who he was, a protector even when he was on the verge of physically giving into everything. As much as she liked that about him, she worried greatly over his health and only wanted to make it better. "You need to sleep..." That was the only thing she said, knowing there was a good chance he would snap back and say that she needed sleep too. They both did, this much was apparent. She shivered when he nuzzled the fur along her ear, feeling the tingling, hot sensation shoot throughout her pelt quickly. She suddenly felt warm again, as though the ground was no longer frozen beneath her. Over time, she was slowly beginning to understand her feelings for Valkyrie, as much as she didn't like them. She hated not being able to know what certain things meant and hated being confused about something she really wanted to understand so well. Her heart pounded painfully in her ears whenever there was physical contact between them and she enjoyed his presence, despite their constant arguments before all of it. She was almost positive that she loved the male and that was something she was willing to admit to herself, but she was far from sure as to what he felt for her. Rejection was something she didn't want to hear. The lovely feeling that he had given her through touch had disappeared when he told her not to fret. Her ears went back and a scowl dawned upon her face, amber eyes glaring at him with something akin to anger. "Do not tell me to not worry. My feelings for you make me fret and I can't stop that. If you were harmed, I don't know what I would do!" Her voice was slowly rising in their octaves, her panic becoming clear. She couldn't lose him. It would kill her. She was hardly aware of what she had even said to him, but when she realized it, her eyes widened slightly. She felt her skin heat up, a blush overtaking her pelt. She looked away from him a moment, though didn't move away. In fact, she scooted a little closer, pressing the pups together in between them. She wondered if this is what it would be like to have children. She loved puppies and she could see herself having some, but she hadn't ever gone through the process before and that terrified her. "I think I saw Ardent get Rhiannon and the last pup on the way out. As for Draugur, I hope I never see that bastard again." Even though she was told to treat him with respect, she didn't like him in the least. He had attempted to woo her in the slightest while in their own territory and such a thing bothered her. As far as she was concerned, her heart was taken and he didn't seem to get that message. "I'm fine, just tired and worried. Hungry, too..." She was starving after that little trip and wanted to sink her teeth into something. "I'm also debating whether we should call Ahote now or wait for Rhiannon to get here..." She had met Ahote before and he was a decent male, her former fellow Gamma. She had dealt with politics of packs before and this would be no different. Or at least she hoped so.

[Keinvarii]

So I believe this is to be the thread that Ardent, Rhia, Gypsy are involved in as well, though Ahote could join in now so that Valkyrie and Sandra can tell him what has occured in the Cadre?

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/ahotemid.jpg] It would be on this cold evening, one of many that Ahote was out once more patrolling the lines of his territory once more. During the day he had the pride and joy of his pack who were already experimenting with checking the borders. His sons, which he now had many of seeing as Pyke had escorted Avalon on some kind of adventure and they had not come back. As such, he not only had six pups of his own, he had taken the others on as extra responsibilities, making sure that even though they were better at hunting there was fresh food in the prey cache to make sure they all grew tall and strong. Although he still kept many of his responsibilities, he had other bodies and pack members with him to keep the territory clear of trespassers and those who would cause him problems. While many other territories were warming up and things were growing and into full swing of spring, Ahote knew his territory would still hold on to winter. Today was a prime example, the ground was still covered in snow, and although the lake was becoming larger and less covered with ice, it would be a while yet before his land boasted the bounty of spring. The tall specimen of Yagi walked through his territory at a slow gait, as if savoring the moment in each step, and in a way he was. His eyes scanned over the horizon, happy with the silence that permeated the land around him. Even the prey around him seemed to be taking solace in the little bit of warmth they had gained today and then had found their way into their dens to sleep through the colder snaps of night. His horns rose high above his head in thick spirals, cleaned and sharpened just this day as he had been around marking along the thick trunked trees that inhabited his territory. Even his saber like fangs and hip horns did nothing but prove he was in the prime of life and able to hold down a territory like this and make it thrive. His chest swelled with pride as he stopped for a moment, his larger front paws together, and his hips spread slightly, the position more than a dominant pose, his tail held high against the buffeting winds around him. But as with many nights Ahote was plagued with thoughts of his previous pack, and the only female he could say he truly loved without regret: Rhiannon. He was not sure what caused him to think of the spunky female he had grown to love, but she was on his mind a lot lately. They had promised each other that they would get to see each other’s pups, but yet no messenger had came, and many times he had contemplated sending one to her, something always came up and he couldn’t spare the member. Even their meeting with the alpha of the Children had fallen through, with the births of so many puppies, and weather being what it was for him, there were a number of reasons they kept missing each other. But he wanted, no needed to know how she was. He needed to know if she had gotten the daughter she felt she lost in the new litter, and he wanted to know how the pack was fairing since he had left what seemed like an eternity ago. He liked the Cadre, more than he would ever tell anyone, but he was also too ambitious to stay where he knew he would always be second when he had a chance to be first. He was Yagi, and he was built for areas like the Taiga, and he knew he wore the climate well enough that others felt safe and comfortable in his care. However, it was not but a few moments later he felt the wind brush through the silky dark green of his pelt and on it was the scent of the Cadre itself! His spine straightened and dark yellowed eyes reflecting the light from the sky jerked left and right trying to pin point the scent and where and more importantly who it was coming from. He had bare traces of Rhiannon on the scents but it was faint at best, had she finally sent messengers? Was she alright? Had something gone wrong with the pups, or another pack? Was she injured, did she need him? His back legs bunched, the muscles tightening as he sprung into a leap and then took off at a run to seek out where the scents were coming from. As he drew closer, he smelled two adult wolves, one female, and one male…had they both been messengers he was unsure of the need for two, Rhiannon liked strong females, she did not run her pack as he did. There was a stronger scent of Rhiannon herself, and his heart truly hoped that she was there with him, having come to him at last. Cool breaths hit the air ahead of him, the smoke from the heat of his body coming off in quick bursts. As he rounded a tree, near the borders of his territory he was confronted with two large keiyous and smothered between them what looked to be two bundles of fur, he assumed were puppies. But they didn’t look like keiyou puppies…had they snatched pups and found themselves on the run? He smelled Rhiannon but where was she? Halting his steps he made a large circle around the two winged wolves, who smelled so deeply of the Cadre lands he could only assume they were members of Rhiannon’s pack. “What brings you to the land of the Taiga, I can only assume you come at the behest of Rhiannon whom I can only hope is here as well…..What can I do for you on this cold evening?..” He was not above offering them shelter as well as food for the young ones, but he would first need to know who they were, why they were here, who the pups belonged to, and where their alphess was who he was more than desperate to see once more. He was nothing short of dominant, but there was no need to be an ass to wolves who were members of a pack he was currently allied to..

[Valkyrie]

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[atrb=background,http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd415/Somatra1/vback-6.jpg] "Speaking" Valkyrie gave a half hearted chuckle, sleep would come in due time and he been instructed how to persevere without it for a time. However the militant wolf was certainly beginning to think of other things he`d rather do than sleep in the company of what he considered to be his female. His gaze became heated, the sharpness of his gaze transformed into a fierce look of sincere desire but he forced himself to stifle this overwhelming emotion, now was not the time. He was a male after all and the breeding season usually brought upon a temporary relief of simple male need but this season he would not betray his affection for Sandra by simply coupling with a meaningless female in heat. No, he would bear with his instinctual yearning for what else could he do? If anything he was uncannily loyal and stubborn and the myou had captured his trust and even ensnare his heart. He wanted a family to watch over and heirs to continue his lineage, but he could not initiate such proceedings when the pack was on such instable grounds. Valkyrie was not so blind at to neglect noticing their numbers were suffering and with their home temporarily unavailable he felt the weight of this vulnerability greater than before. Luckily spring was approaching, even for this northern land, and they would not have to bear overwhelming cold temperatures for much longer. The fur draping his elegant body was not as thick as a yagi`s and instead built to allow easier manoeuvrability in the air and he let the fur on his back rise slightly to retain more warmth within the glossy strands. For a while it seemed as though Sandra had enjoyed his small gesture of affection, and for any male this brought a smug sense of satisfaction and a boost to his ego. However the moment was short lived when he sensed his words had annoyed, but for what reason Valkyrie could not begin to reason. It was a hot and cold situation with this female, he concluded, though e was beginning to think that the hotter moments compensated the cooler situations. Only then did it register what she had truly said to him and it brought a triumphant smile to his maw, some of his fatigue alleviated by the knowledge that she too returned his sentiments. Shaking his head in good humour he turned to give her an affectionate lick on her head, well used to her snappier comments. “Well then you may fret to your guise if it pleases you, mam, but it is I that would be left without direction should I no longer hear your fierce remarks.” He drawled the word “mam” out teasingly; goading her along for part of him enjoyed evoking that fire that burned within her, even if it had terribly irritated him in the beginning. Her words brought comfort to him, for the pack needed their alpha and even though saving her pups would guarantee the safety of her lineage, they were nowhere near of an age to lead. “This is welcome news by many means; we need her at the fore front of this pack if it is to survive another season. These little heirs will not be ready to take their place for another couple years to come.” A part of him was pleased Sandra did not care for Draugur, the heavy male instinct in Valkyrie despised having one not of their pack in their lands floating around at his own guise. No, should the decision have been up to him the fellow would have been rejected and expelled long ago. He had fled the scene without lending any assistance and the Gamma curled his lip up in disgust. Not to mention he had noticed the look Draugur had given Sandra and every cell of his being wanted to move force and tear the smaller male into worthless threads for even looking at the female. For a couple seconds his eyes blazed with a cold and harsh passion, but he quickly covered the intense emotion up, for all he knew he might run into some luck and the white wolf would be at the bottom of the canyon river; like a drowned white rat. The approaching sound of something heavy drew his attention for whatever made their way towards the pair of gammas was large and smelt of male and power. The protecting nature of Valkyrie came forth and the Gamma rose, nuzzling the pup he sheltered closer to Sandra and stepping forth to partially shield the wolves. All signs of weakness vanished, the transformation into a military predator evident and his gaze steeled once more into harsh metal, cold and impassable. A fast approaching figure came upon them and the keiyou`s gaze fell upon the terribly dark yagi with his long sabres, massive twirling horns and rippling muscles. This one he would not win a fight with, if it came to fighting on land, but he could stall the brute as need be if only to allow Sandra and the pups to escape. However he held his own council and stood as the silent vigilante for the Alphess` pups, mildly possessive of the company he had been keeping. He watched as the yagi circled them, resisting the urge to bristle his fur with his unease and instead stood strong, eyes trailing after the male. This wolf`s smell had been all over the borders and his stance suggested he was someone of importance, very well, then Valkyrie needed to proceed with caution and tact. Valkyrie gave Sandra a quick glance before proceeding to answer the yagi`s question, his response calm and controlled. “We have been sent by our Alphess Rhiannon to evoke the alliance between our packs and seek permission for shelter. The Canyon has suffered a recent and violent flash flood and we had no other course of action but to flee.” He gazed at the male in a straightforward manner, not impolite but not submissive given he answered only to his Alphess to whom he had pledged his loyalties. “My name is Valkyrie and this is Sandralina, we are the Cadre`s gamma and we carry precious charge with us, given to our safe keeping by Rhiannon; her heirs. To whom do we answer?” His gaze became harder, as the keiyou was more on edge and not feeling especially at ease with such important individuals to protect. “Whether their mother has reached safety is not known at this present time, we continue to await their safe arrival for it is known that the Cadre`s dragon arrived to carry her as we departed the lands.” Valkyrie fell silent to await the yagi`s response, prepared to flee should the Enclave not honour the alliance. He did not know much about this northern pack as so he gave himself cause to be suspicious, expecting the worse was the only proper way to be prepared for what might be to come. V a l k y r i e 's . S o n g

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[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] The ride on the dragon was both terrifying and exhilarating. She was with Gypsy, her pup clasped tightly in her maw, dangling. His own eyes were shut in fear. She gripped hard onto the dragon, who kept fairly good pace with the other wolves of her pack. But soon enough the storm separated them, dragging them off course and mixing them up. It was only by sheer luck and the end of the storm that they finally made it to the Enclave. Ardent had let them down away from the pack territory, as Rhia had believed it a bad choice to suddenly storm in with a dragon. She felt the plush feel of the ground under her paws and almost wanted to kiss it. Swarlos was down from her jaws, wobbling around on the ground. She could almost smell Valkyrie and Sandralina; at least they were together and safe, which meant her other pups were safe too. She sighed a bit, collapsing for a second on her side. Her home was gone. Everything she knew was gone. Was Forte even safe? What about anyone else? She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, forcing the tears to recede. Swarlos took a look towards his mother, nudging her with his wet nose. 'What's wrong momma?' he murmured. Rhiannon's hazel eyes flew open in a flash, a smile creasing her lips, betraying nothing but happiness in her composure. "Wasn't that just a wild adventure my dear son!" she exclaimed, her own high spirits bouncing him back up. He began to bounce around happily, shouting out about riding a dragon. Rhiannon sighed, closing her eyes and letting a single, stray tear roll down the fur of her cheek, before ruffling up her fur with the side of her leg. "Okay my sweet, let's go find Uncle Ahote," she murmured, grasping him in her maw and beginning the journey into the packlands. It didn't take her long before the smell of Ahote, and her own pack became stronger and stronger. She took off at a run when she finally saw them, leaping into the open and almost tackling over Ahote, midjuding the gap but also out of sheer happiness to see him and knowing her family was all safe. The two other pups were playing amongst themselves and Swarlos soon joined them. "I'm safe. Gypsy and Ardent are outside the packlands. I'm sure Gypsy will be here soon. As for Ardent... Ahote I'm not sure how much Valkyrie and Sandra have told you but our home is gone. It's completely flooded. We have nowhere to go." She didn't necessarily want to impose herself on him, but she was pretty desperate. [[ sorry. fail post is fail. getting back into the swing of things = hard. ]]

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/ahotemid.jpg] [[Since Moon has an absence, I am going to go ahead and move through this thread, and any other Cadre/Enclave members who wish to join may but for the sake of moving it along here I go!]] Ahote was quick to gather that there had to be a reason why the wolves from the Cadre were here, but what he couldn’t figure out was why. Had they been emissaries they would have called for him or someone else to get their attention. His mind wondered to the worst possibility, what if his beloved friend had died, and sent the last remnants of herself with these wolves to tell him of her fate…The large male Yagi’s throat closed for a moment with the sheer thought of something bad, horrible, or un-thinkable happening. In that moment he was more than sure he would kill for the fiery little red myou wolf, and had anything happened to her, he would make sure whomever so caused it would be gored between his horns with a more than painful death. He could feel the blood pounding within his ears, and twitched his claws for a long moment as he waited to know, waited to act, simply waited in general. Even as he waited he looked over the male in front of him, protecting the female and what seemed to be two small bundles of fluff and fur. His eyes narrowed slightly, as though he were such a brute as to attack what seemed to be a small family. He gave a slow snort as his eyes took in the male specimen before him, indeed his posture, his musculature, everything about him was impressive, even for a winged one. But he also had Alucio, Rava, and their beautiful Citrine to compare to him, and he was a darker figure. Ahote would be remiss to say he wouldn’t like the male within his own pack, but Ahote was never one to turn away any kind of power that could benefit him or those he loved and protected. When the male’s words came to Ahote’s ears, they flattened immediately and his nose twitched and wrinkled up in distaste, a flood, a flash flood, flee? The lands were that unlivable? If they had taken the pups did that mean Rhiannon hadn’t gotten out? How would he offer them sanctuary and care if he knew Rhiannon was gone? His felt his heart harden slightly as he looked the male dead in the eye, he didn’t feel the need to try to out-dominate the male in front of him, he was not a member of his pack and frankly, being allianced he knew he was more dominant then he was regardless. The lack of respect for that fact did irritate him in his more primal core. But for the moment he could do nothing but listen to what the male was telling him. When he was told the small balls of fluff that were sleeping innocently by the female were Rhiannon’s pups his maw opened slightly, the breath coming out in visible fluffs and puffs of heated air as he turned his head to get a better look at them. Her young ones, they had made it here on the backs and wings of the wolves in front of him. It made him like the male and female even more that they had saved her heirs, the heirs not only to her pack but to her legacy. “You answer to Ahote, the Drott and Alpha of the Aurelian Enclave. Ally to the Children in the East and of course the Cadre in the West.” He wanted to get closer to the pups, to have some semblance of his friend, but he knew the wolves were tired, and on edge and he had no desire to try to subdue to winged, anxious and nervous wolves. He hoped indeed that slithery dragon had done something worth it and saved Rhiannon…or he would have further reason for a suicide mission to incapacitate that dragon and skin it for his den. His muscles bunched with the thought and he hadn’t realized just how long it had been since he had any activity that involved serious physical implications and it made his heart beat faster just thinking about it. Looking over the female and the small pups once more he turned back to the male, “Of course you may take solace in my pack lands. We have two Home Trees which will do more than keep you sheltered from the elements…you must be tired. The female may take residence with the other females and pups, they will take care of her, see if she needs healing or the pups need care. You are welcome to stay with the males in our Home Tree, but we don’t allow males in the Home Tree, allows the females to rest easier with their pups without males crashing about or invading their space..” He watched the male carefully at that point, should he refuse to leave the female’s side he would simply have to bring up what was best for the pups, not what he wanted, as he had to tell many of the males within his own pack of the same thing. He turned his head for a moment and stared out over the horizon sending a silent prayer to see Rhiannon once more…she couldn’t be gone could she? For a moment he thought he heard something…a small voice or something but he shook it from his mind and waited to see if the other two would take him up on his offer to take shelter. Just as he was about to turn his back, he heard the scuffling of paws against the ground, attempting to not land on him, and Rhiannon’s scent overwhelmed him as she nearly ran into him. A loud rumbling howl ending in a bark signified how happy he was to see her, and they nearly toppled each other in happiness. His eyes misted as he saw the three small bodies of her puppies come alive to see each other, and they were soon rough housing and playing much like his own brood back at the tree. He looked at her and quickly stood, towering over her but leaned in to nuzzle her shoulder, and pull her with his massive head close to him in his own version of a hug. “I thought I had lost you..” His muzzle was full of words and apologies, for leaving her, for never being able to visit or send a messenger to her, but the words choked off before he could get them out and to her ears. Instead he held her as close as he could for as long as he could. “Don’t ever scare me like this again Rhiannon….my heart would break without you! Who else am I going to have who is smaller who can order me around like you?!” He pulled back and stared down at her for a long moment before looking at the pups, “They are indeed beautiful..” He listened as Rhiannon told him of her troubles and he shook his head as though it didn’t matter. “Rhiannon even if we weren’t allies you and yours would always be welcome here. As I have told Valkyrie here you are welcome to take shelter in the Home Trees, females in one, males in another. The dragon…I am not sure I have suitable housing for, but they are welcome to try to find some…perhaps near the valley, it is an open space but it is near water and they would not be plagued by trees? Just don’t let it eat any of my wolves…” He said it with an air of joking but he looked at Rhiannon for a long moment as if to say, ‘Seriously..’ With that he sat back on his haunches to hear what they would be doing next.

[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] [[ Since I haven't made Rhia's pup yet, I'm changing his name to Zanzibar. A bit more regal. >> Also he'll be played on this account until I can make him his own account, which I think is fine since Rhia isn't doing too much right now.]] Her body was a mess of red and black combined with Ahote's green pelt as she nearly bounced right into him. They were almost pups, the way they greeted each other. The pup she had been carrying up until then just stared at Ahote, his eyes wide as he stared at Ahote. He had never known the male, but he was so big. Rhiannon's voice joined Ahote's as he howled, and her pups began to tumble and roll over each other. She didn't even mind that he stood like a mountain over her, and she quickly began to weave through his legs, rubbing herself against him affectionately, before she was pulled into a massive wolf hug. Her muzzle was wet with "rain" she would say later, but in truth the tears were spilling from her eyes as she buried her face into his strong shoulder. So much had gone wrong for her in the past while, it was nice something was finally turning out right. "You're not that lucky," she said after catching her breath, a whisper that she hoped only he would hear. He seemed as worked up as she, and a small smile flitted across her maw. It was nice to know that someone besides her pups, Sandra and Valkyrie cared for the alphess. "Awwh, you mean I can't go riding dragons through thunderstorms again? You ruin all my fun," she said, shaking her head slightly to dislodge a tear. Once that had been done she faced him with sparkling hazel eyes. "I hear you have your own little ones to order you around now! I imagine they're a bit larger than me now. I must see them! They must be just as handsome as their father," she smiled, the joy radiating in her eyes as he looked at her. It was rare for her to be truly this happy, at least lately. Her pups had cuddled over on top of each other and were now staring wide eyed and eager at Ahote and their mum, as if hearing the male speak about them. "Thank you Ahote, they certainly are a unique bunch," she replied with a hearty laugh. Myou mating was never a predictable thing; pups never resembled their parents, even if you wished them to. "I owe you my gratitude Ahote, and my life. I'm sure Ardent will be fine with anything. Fortunately she doesn't have a taste for wolves, unless they're threatening. Consider her your person guard dragon. I doubt any wolf will dare cross you with her looming about." Perhaps that was the reason the Cadre had stayed so safe despite its low numbers. Rhia thanked the great spirit that they had such a wonderful creature looking out at them. She merely winked in reply, a low growl calling her pups to her side. The lined up beside her and stared up at Ahote. "The female is Miseria, say hello to your Uncle Ahote, love," she looked up at him, nodding in turn and smiling a bit. From there she introduced the two males; Muzen, the black and white pup, and Zanzibar the cream pup. Zan looked up at her, a pout on his face. "Mumma, we're hungry," he whimpered a bit, and Rhiannon nudged his head. "Perhaps we could get settled in and bit and we could talk alone, Ahote? Would that work for you?"

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/ahotemid.jpg] It did his heart such joy to be looking at the fluffy red female before him. She was beautiful and though she had no horns, or outright sexuality, Ahote felt his heart swell with the very sight of her. His mind released such endorphins at knowing she was okay that he suddenly felt dizzy as though he had ingested certain plants known to cause euphoria. All the stresses of protecting his lands, his pups, pushing the pack into a success, they all fell away when he looked at her. He remembered their long talk on the cliffs of the Cadre lands, and how he had opened up to her, and felt their relationship grow. Then his mind flashed to when he had to say goodbye to her, when he had to tell her he had a brood of his own, and how he had choked at the bit to ask her to come with him. He had left with his tail and head low that day, he should have stayed with her, maybe if he had all these horrible things might not have happened. She would not have had to flee her lands on the back of the dragon, he himself would have carried her and her pups to safety had he had the opportunity. He had seen the small pup’s eyes widen as he looked upon him, and he could only look back and imagine what the pup saw, even his own pups were intimidated. Here he was, his horns spiraling upwards on his head and his hip horns jutting out aggressively as he tangled with his mother, long fangs kept carefully away from her flesh. However, it would seem they set a perfect example for the pups were soon entangled with each other and their small growls and yips filled the air. It would seem their guards, seeing their alphess safe and the pups alright would fall asleep upon each other, and though the land was cold, he turned to howl for one of his wolves to take them somewhere where they could find shelter from the cold. It would do them good, them both being winged wolves to have some down time out of the elements, and he could only imagine how far they had to fly and through the worst of weather it would seem. He knew neither one of them wanted to leave when their alphess may have been in danger but he assured them she would be protected as long as she was by his side. When Rhia began to weave herself through his legs, he made a conscious effort to keep himself still…and silent. It would do no good to let her know right this second that he thought she was beautiful and that his heart missed her more than a friend in the winter he had spent away from her. He felt the wetness from her muzzle hit his shoulder but he said nothing, Rhia would never admit to crying anyway. For a few brief moments he was her rock, the one she could lean on and depend on and break down around and this hadn’t been the first time, should any intrusion upon his moment with her happen he was ready with eyes of red, and a heart of fire to strike them down, and the scent he put off made that very clear, as did the possessive hug. “I am more lucky than you’ll ever know and I’ll ever admit..” He said with an almost petulant air, even if it was slightly joking with her. With her statement about riding dragons he gave a dominating huff of breath, “I’d really rather you not be out in a thunderstorm at all, especially with pups, and especially not on the back of a fire breathing..lizar…dragon..” He caught himself at the last moment, even with his formidable size he was no match for a dragon and he had no intentions of losing Rhia or any of his own wolves due to an insult. He stared down into her hazel eyes with his bright yellow and green eyes as she exclaimed about his own offspring and his chest swelled with pride. “I do have my own little brood of three pups as well..isn’t that ironic..” He said with a sniff of dignity. “I have two sons, my oldest Aroh who looks…well..like an oddball to be honest. Then my youngest son, Syver, who is a spitting image of me..though he seems to be slightly sickly…I worry about him even though we have healers and plentiful food…he wears out very quickly..” His voice had taken on a protective edge, Syver was his youngest, and even Aroh was protective of him, to an almost paranoid degree. “The pride of the litter of course would be my daughter, Adraxxia, and he is a perfect combination of her mother and myself.” He could have launched into just what he thought about their mother as well, but he decided Rhia didn’t need to know any of that, she didn’t talk about Forte much and he didn’t talk about the pups mother much…old memories were hardest to deal with her supposed. “Adraxxia is tri-colored with two different colored eyes, and she owns my heart, and she knows it..” It was almost funny to hear him talk of a small female pup owning him, but own him his pups did, he would do anything for them, and anyone who had seen him with them knew it. He turned his eye to her beautiful pups, each unique in their looks as well as their names and at the mention of being called an uncle he swelled anymore, truly if he continued he would bust like a balloon. “Hello, little ones..” He said in his most gentle voice as he leaned down to place his head even with their feet. It still put his eyes about where their eyes were but perhaps down here he would be less intimidating. “I will be happy to settle you in the Home Tree…are they weaned? If so I am sure they could den with my pups, they are used to sharing a space with other pups, they have half siblings from another litter of seven.” With Rhia he felt no need to keep secrets, and he knew his pups would welcome the company of new arrivals. If the pups weren’t weaned then he would simply settle Rhia into a den in the female home tree, and settle in to keep her and the pups warm while they fed and the adults could talk. “I’m sure I can find you a den where you all could sleep, and if the pups are still hyper they can entertain my young ones, and get to know their cousins..” With a wink and a smile he turned around, shook himself out, waved his docked tail and nodded as he began to walk down the path other wolves had made toward the home tree. “Rhia, where is the rest of the pack? What happened with Forte, and the Cadre lands? You know you are welcome to stay here….always..” He couldn’t help it, he didn’t know how he would take to Rhia leaving him again….and to know she went back to her worthless mate who kept abandoning her just got his hackles up.

[RHIANNON !]

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[atrb=background,http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z341/awaywithmysanity/RHIATABLE2.png] Rhiannon couldn't help but notice how overcome Ahote seemed to be, and she too felt the same. But showing that came out strangely for her, in a muddle of hysterics and excitement as she snuggled up close to him, almost ignoring everyone else around her, including her pups. Ahote had been more of an alpha for her than her own mate, Forte. He had helped to rule, and it was a sad day when he had left. Though, she had to remember, Ahote's daughter would be her god child, and she had to wonder where the little... well, not so little now, pup would be. With a handsome fellow like her father, Rhia was sure the female would be just as stunning. She was glad he merely stood there, letting her rub herself all over him, and ignoring any tears now sliding down her face. Rhiannon had only cried a few times, and usually in the solitude of her cave like den. Very rarely was it before another wolf. Finally she stood before him, having to look up so that she could look him in the face. Lifting a paw she quickly rubbed her face, smooshing the tears into her puffy fur. "Hey, maybe you can go for a ride sometime. I have to say, it was pretty fun," she said with a toothy grin, ignoring the fact she wanted to just about die the whole ride. She had been on Ardent's back before, but not in such dire circumstances when her life, and the lives of her pups' were at stake. But of course she would never say anything. "You'll get used to her soon. Or, at the very least, the other wolves who try to invade your territory will get used to her soon. She's pretty protective over our little band. You won't have any runaway mischief makers under her eye," she said with a bit of a grin, her tail wagging behind her as she spoke. Three pups as well, he said he had. How wonderful, and the ratios were the same. She only hoped they would all get along. He explained all his children, and she laughed a little bit at the part of his eldest looking like an oddball. To her, none of her children looked anything similar to her. But of course, why would they? Myou almost never had identical souls to their parents. She gave him a sympathetic look when he mentioned the second son, a sickly little fellow. She wished she could help him, but she knew very little about healing. Perhaps Gypsy in all her wisdom knew of something to help the little yagi. Finally Ahote spoke of his daughter and Rhiannon's attention perked right up. "I can't wait to meet them all, they sound delightful! And with you as a father, how could they not?" Ahote then turned to her own little ones, leaning down to look at them. Muzen stared up at him with wide eyes, a little black paw leaning forward to bat at one of his horns. Miseria scurried away almost from him, but once Zan followed his brother's suit and was exploring the yagi's horns , she moved towards the huge yagi, her eyes wide, trying to grasp the picture of him. Rhiannon nodded at his question, "Yes, they've been weaned, and I'm sure they would love to stay with your pups, however many you seem to have," she said with a bit of an eyebrow raise, as he mentioned their half siblings. But of course that would be a discussion for later. She turned towards the three pups, nudging them towards Sandra and Valkyrie. "My loves, head with Auntie Sandra and Uncle Valkyrie to somewhere safe. And don't give them a hassle, or you'll be hearing from me when I get back. After a rest you can meet your Uncle Ahote properly, and all your cousins," she replied, shooing the pups to follow after the two exhausted keiyou. She figured Ahote was enough like a brother to her, that his pups could be like cousins. Who cared if their species were different; for Rhiannon that hardly mattered. She knew the yagi were proud with their blood lines, but Ahote was different. Rhiannon followed the moving yagi as he began down the path, her pups having scurried after their two guardians. She knew they were safe with them, and right now the petite alphess had more important things to deal with. Of course, Ahote's question was important, but the one she least wanted to answer. "I... I don't know. They just started disappearing after the pups were gone. And Forte was back, and then he left to find our missing daughter. He never returned. It's... kind of like him to just leave. I haven't seen him since, and at this point, I'm not sure I ever will again. The children aren't missing out on anything without their father, he was never with them to begin anyways," she sighed, remembering the birthing. She had been completely alone, and thankfully she knew mostly what to do. "The lands just suddenly flooded. One moment we were up on the top of the canyon, and then the rain was pouring down. We had to get out as fast as we could. I just hope any other wolf in the area managed to get out." She glanced around, the landscape so different from where she was used to. It seemed strange to her, such a big different between the lands. They had travelled far and fast though. "I figured you would welcome us here, and I'm glad that you have. I wouldn't have known where to go otherwise," she nudged him in the shoulder, closing her eyes a moment. "At this point I guess we're stuck here. I'll send one of the keiyou, or Ardent maybe in a week to see how the canyon looks. But... I don't know. Maybe I'm not fit to rule a pack. Everything just seems to go to shit."

[Ahote]

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[atrb=background,http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a190/lilDiablo_/ahotemid.jpg] Ahote was perfectly content to keep Rhia here. Her fluffy body pulled in close against his, and though he knew the other members of her pack may have been watching he couldn't have cared less. Her scent filling his nostrils reminded him of the first place he called him home. He remembered the dusty earth beneath his paws, and spending the time working his way up through the ranks. He remembered every event since he met the spunky, fluffy female in front of him and for a long moment he was stuck in a whirlwind of nostalgia. It didn't last very long, no train of thought did with the ambitious alpha male. He had to always be alert, aware and on point to keep his pack members and pups safe. With the addition of the Empire wolves and now the Cadre and Rhia he would have to be up on his patrols to keep the lands safe. Having her rub against him, feeling the softness of her body against him, even though she had gotten caught in a storm, she was still the soft plushy Rhia he always remembered. He saw the tear lines down her face and pretended like he didn't see them, even as she leaned down to to scrub them away with a paw. He snorted with a feigned insult at the idea of riding the dragon, it would never happen. “I am perfectly fine on the ground...I am too heavy even for a dragon to be lugging around.” He smiled down at her and groaned softly, “I prefer that you stay on the ground where I can keep an eye on you...” His note of possession and protective nature that matched the look in his eyes as he looked down on her. In his mind he could completely protect her better than the two winged wolves who while they had brought her offspring to safety had nothing on him if he chose to protect one of the wolves who he loved deeply. As she spoke about the dragon protecting his lands he nodded briefly, if the dragon didn't eat anyone and she kept the lands safe he could not have any objections. He could use the extra protection especially with all the young ones that would be toddling around through his territory. Rhia would be like a mother to his pups for all he was concerned and he knew Adraxxia would just love her. “Well, they have you as a Godmother, and of course my genes have done nothing but make sure they look as attractive as I am.” He smirked slightly and then relented..”Of course they are all charming, which I am sure they inherited from me as well..” Okay so he was more than slightly narcissistic. As he leaned down and one of her more brave pups batted at his horns he smirked slightly, his sabers coming into full view. Soon both males were bravely trying to paw and grasp at his horns, and as soon as they'd get a grip he would pick them up a little bit, give them a shake, and settle them back softly on the ground. A plop or two happened, and he nosed the pups to make sure they were okay, but it didn't detract from their explorations. The little female won his heart though, first terrified of him, and then following his lead to explore, or at least try to take in all of the large wolf before her, and he huffed playfully in her direction. “I am sure my pups would love the company” was all he said in mixed company, giving Rhia the same look she gave him, it would be something they would have to speak of when they had time alone. He had no trouble what so ever letting his pups mingle with many other species, for him it was all about advantages not about pride. Now that he had his own pack he couldn't afford to let the Yagi bigotry and pride get in the way of what was best for everyone. As she spoke about her mate and his continual disappearances Ahote growled between them. How dare a male leave Rhia with three newborn pups and a dwinding pack. “How dare he! If I ever run into him here or anywhere I go, I will spear him through! How could he leave you, I left on the notion that I believed you would be safe!” He cursed himself for leaving her without a strong male to at least back her up and hold the pack together. I have several messengers, if you like I can send one to patrol the canyon and see if they can bring back any news or new members.” When she began to doubt herself he growled and turned to face her, now it being so late and with such bad weather the shadows surrounded them, and soon he was there in front of her, pulling her into that hug. “Rhia, don't say such things, we can't help what the Great Spirit sees fit to do, or how nature acts either. Things just happen, with time and recovery you will have your pups and your most loyal of members. Soon new members will seek you out as well. You are a great leader Rhiannon, and I learned much from you in my time in the canyon, you gave me the courage to come and lead this pack and things are going wonderfully. Just don't doubt yourself, we have allies, now you just need some time to recover.” He gently licked her fur and face, nuzzling his muzzle into her neck. “You will always have a place here with me Rhiannon, always you and your pups. You needn't even ask.” His eyes stared into hers for a long moment before he spoke again “I know things are difficult for you right now...but I can't help but tell you how happy I am to see you here....and that I would have stayed and fought for you, alongside you...as the mate you deserve...” The words were whispered softly but they rang true, Ahote was more of an alpha and mate to her than the one she had and although he had been the father of her latest litter that did not make him any better than a rutting dog. He snorted slightly and continued to gently try to comfort her to the best of his ability. He knew she was tired and worn down, a new single mother, alphess of a dwindling pack, having to escape her homelands quickly, and put the lives of her pups into other's paws. He couldn't stand the idea of her being hurt or alone like she was the day she left. “Rhiannon...I cannot bear to see you the way you were the day I left...I will do anything to keep you happy and without tears, just tell me what to do, and I will, for you and you alone.” He sat there for a long moment looking at the red tinged female in front of him wondering what she would say or do.