While he liked the peace of a well settled pack he also understood that rank challenges were necessary sometimes. It was healthy for the pack and the possibility of them pushed the members to be better. For that reason he had not discouraged Birtie when she said she wanted to challenge again. He also would not discourage Bastet from doing the sake if she thought it necessary. Fallen Tree Cove had gone through a transition in the summer with him and Moonshadow becoming Alpha’s and now that they would be keeping their positions permanently it was time to start building the pack up so that it could be at it's best at all times. “Then I don't have to worry about you leaving, I doubt she will chase you off. I'm glad to know that you won't give up your position easily. Fight for what's yours, you've earned it,” he said as he nudged her cheek. He wanted the two women to push themselves to he the best that they could be. Again he found himself nodding at the dark woman's words though he didn't know if he agreed with them. “They can be qualities that are bad for a leader but she has to make it there first. Moonshadow is a very capable wolf and she won't give the position up easily.” The two of them had worked too hard to earn the alpha position to just give it up. “Thank you," he said when she told him that she would give her a shot. He hoped that some time would help the to women to come to an understanding and maybe start to trust each other as packmates. Speaking of giving wolves a chance he still wanted to speak to her about Tulip. That was put on hold once more as she spoke of valuing both his and Moonshadow's opinions, “Then I think that you becoming advisor should go smoothly. As long as we can all talk things out and all value each other's opinions and listen to each other.” He had no doubt that things would go well and he rather looked forward to working with the dark woman in her capacity as an advisor. Puppies were in her mind it seems which was understandable, he might have been avoiding it just a little. He have a nod on response to her question, “It would be my very first.” He left it at that wondering what she thought of his confession.

At Bastet's words Kajika felt a measure of relief to know that no matter what happened between her and Birtie she would remain. Like all of his pack members he valued her especially since she'd proven herself to him. The pledge that she'd made him when she joined still held true and he hoped that there would he nothing that could shake it. Though he knew from experience that the mountain had it's challenges that could shake even the strongest resolve. “That's a good thing life in the cove isn't always the easiest thing to endure. No matter what happens you will always he valued here.”

With breeding season drawing closer with each passing day and it now being his opportunity to start a family of his own he knew he had a decision to make. It wasn't easy to choose the mother of his children especially when he didn't have a mate. “Thank you Bastet, I'm glad at least one of us is confident in that knowledge.” Now that there was a good possibility that he would become a father this year he just wanted to jump in the icy lake. At her question about Moonshadow and Tagg he looked at Bastet thoughtfully. “I am not sure but I think it's a possibility. Moonshadow seems to love being a mother.” The question was would Tagg return in time?

He and Bastet had their rough times but he was glad that he could still come to her and talk with her. He did enjoy their talks even if they had their own opinions, he was glad that she wasn't afraid to afraid to voice her opinion just because he was an alpha. As he spoke of the cove and the challenges that they had faced in the time he'd been there he also thought of how they had come through it all. He felt that it made them stronger as a pack and while he didn't want them to face anymore hardship he knew that they couldn't live in peace always. He turned his Amber eyes on her when she asked about moving the pack. “I have, Moonshadow would never agree especially with Chan still missing. Besides, despite it all I love living on the mountain and without the challenges we won't get to see what we are really capable of.” He thought of the day he'd found Des and while he still wanted revenge for her death the fire didn't burn so hot any more. What he realized though was that he was capable of killing if that was what it came to. He smiled at her and licked her crown as she bumped her head against him. “Me either! It's so hard to imagine with so many possibilities but I hope they grow into good wolves who will do good in the world.” He knew well enough how quickly someone could change but he also understood that it was a choice to be good. He'd made that choice. As for Moonshadow he was hopeful for her but he wasn't sure if she did want to have children. Kajika brushed his muzzle against hers as she spoke of Moonshadow and Tagg. “They are both strong wolves who've been through a lot and I know losing their son has been hard on them both. I think with us, the pack, we can happen them to overcome their hurdles.” That was what Fallen Tree Cove did, help each other through the hard times as a family should.

There were plenty of reasons to move the pack but there were also plenty to leave things as they were. Chan was the biggest reason and as long as he was still missing Kajika wouldn't even broach the subject with Moonshadow. He wanted to see Chan back too and moving the pack would only lessen those chances. She agreed with his reasons which brought on a smile but he chuckled as she spoke of the pack proving their worth. “Are you suggesting a summer home?” He asked half joking. There were a few places in . the lore he wouldn't mind spending the summer. “You are right though. The pack has proven themselves, Moonshadow and I are grateful that you all have stuck with us.” He was happy with the pack now and hoped that it would only get better with the passing of time.

When it came to pups she had some good advice for him. She was right though, all he could do was give them the tools and hope they made the right choices. It was what he as a teacher did, “I promise to not overthink it but surrounded by good wolves I can't imagine they would use them in a bad way. It's good advice Bastet.” They were words get would keep in mind and remind himself often. Having his own children was a lot different than teaching the children of others. When the topic turned to Moonshadow and Tagg a frown crossed his features. “I do as well,” on both accounts. Kajika often felt he should be out looking for Chan too but he had to remain to look after the pack and Moonshadow. “Even if he only comes to let them know he's okay.” Though he hoped Chan would stay.

She chuckled, ears pulling themselves backward when he asked if she thought they would be better off on a summer home, and without producing a word she shook her head even if the thought was tempting. She knew it was much to ask for them to move, and it didn't hurt that at least Kajika had considered it as well, but she couldn't imagine moving somewhere uncomfortably hot either because surely she would complain. If there was some place with a happy medium she would gladly suggest a move but unfortunately she was still learning the Lore all over again and unaccustomed to the many hidden gems. "I told you that I am loyal," she said with a smile when he mentioned his and Moonshadow appreciation for her. He mentioned pups once more and she couldn't help but smile harder, happy that he was excited for his future. She couldn't help but wonder what was in store for the lead male now that he had so many females to choose from, the possibilities were supposedly endless. "I'm glad I can help put some perspective on things. It's not easy being a first time parents but as a pack we'll pull through." she said, inching closer. He spoke his peace on the lead female and for a moment she wondered if Chan would ever come back. "That would be nice. I at least hope he's alive and well, I know that would crush them knowing he was harmed or worse..." she trailed off, not wanting to think of it any further. {b}{b}"I don't even want to think about that. I'm sure he's fine."[/b] she said, closing her eyes. They were all fine, and would always be.[/b]

She was amused by his comment of a summer home for the pack. He smile graced his maw as she chuckled, he did enjoy her company and was glad that he'd brought her into the pack. For so many reasons and one of them being the hard work that she did for them. He and Moonshadow didn't have any complaints about her and he was sure that his co-lead wouldn't mind having Bastet as an advisor at all. He smiled again, “That you did and I trusted your word and I'm glad I did.” She was certainly an asset to the pack. One he intended to keep around as long as she would allow. As they spoke of children, his more specifically she did help to put him at ease some. “No, it's kind if a scary thought to be honest but your right as a pack we will. I think we have a good group of wolves and Fallen Tree Cove is starting to get that family feeling again.” It was the way the cove had felt when he'd first joined but as time had passed things just got so unconnected. He was happy to have the wolves in the cove that he had and he felt they were a stronger unit. He had taken notice of the fact she'd inched closer to him and he didn't move away. Kajika nodded in agreement with her words on Chan, “I hope he is too, I don't think Moonshadow would recover if she found out something bad had happened to him.” And that worried him especially since he'd seen her with just the knowledge that Chan was missing. He would have to have a heart to heart with the boy if he ever returned. He turned his head to look at her as she asked about allies. “The heights, they aren't far from us. I have spoken with one of their leaders but that was before winter. Then there is the draw, we have been in communication with them for awhile now. I also know of a pack in the north, White Fir Notch. I met with them last year at this time but I haven't had the chance to return. I thought I would send Birtie there once the season is over and we are in the warmer months. I also need to send her to Oak Tree Bend just to check in and give the news of the change in leadership. I may go with her as it might be best for me to deliver that news and I have met their leaders before.” That was all the information he had in that for the time being.

Fade