The woman was silent, preferring to observe rather than speak. This encounter was proving to be interesting and as she looked upon the female with pitiful eyes she had to sigh slightly at the submissive, almost fearful approach she was giving her. Nina was many things, but scary was not one of them, in her opinion. The woman listened as the three wolves spoke, completely forgetting about her two other subordinates that were with them, and glancing around at the two lone wolves as each of one spoke. The only indication that she needed to give Hollow that she knew what he was saying was the slight inclination of her ear. From what she was hearing, both wolves had plenty of things to offer them and Nina would hold them to their word of their loyalty until one of them would breath their last breathe, which hopefully wouldn’t be anytime soon.

Sighing gently, she let her eye contact connect with that of Hollow’s for a few moments, a brief nod of her head the only indication to his questioning gaze. The alpha wouldn’t mind having these two in her pack, as long as they respected her rules, which she was sure they would have no problem following. Lifting herself taller, as she stepped towards the two, she mentioned for Hollow to accept the male with a swift flick of her tail as she approached the woman. Leaning down to grasp the female’s muzzle in his jaws, she let a soft growl rumble in her chest, letting the woman know that she didn’t want her sympathy and that she was sure as hell a lot stronger than the female would have thought she was. After a few more moments, she backed away and looked towards Hollow to make sure he had finished his task. Clearing her throat, she spoke clearly, <b style="color:#008080">”Our two Seconds, Miccah and Ashanti, will escort you throughout the territory. Get some rest and food…and get ready to work hard tomorrow.” Nudging Hollow with her head back into the shadows of the rest, she sighed in contentment when the darkness once again consumed her.

Suddenly things started happening quickly as exchanges passed between Hollow and Coal and before Aideen knew of it, Nina was moving towards her. Staying her ground, the young fae lowered her ears, unsure of what the alphess was gonna do. Sending her a stern look with her one eye, Nina grabbed for Aideen's muzzle, and the orange girl flinched slightly, letting the woman take her snout in her maw; the rumbling of her low growl resonating through her own body. Aideen forced her clenched eyes open, looking at the muddled dame, openly accepting her display of dominance; What did I..?






Clearly she had done something to offend Nina, but what she didn't know. One half of her brain was telling her to throw herself on her back and beg the lady's forgiveness, but in the other was a deep, bellowing voice, demanding her to retain her pride; a voice speaking with cold, irrefutable logic, telling her to show submissiveness, but throw away her fear. She knew that voice; Yami! Her older brother had always preached self-assertiveness, pride the only thing that could penetrate his logical mind. Pride of the pack he had build and ruled with strength and determination, and she felt that pride now, blossoming in her chest.






When Nina released her, Aideen responded with the same low posture she had held throughout the meeting, openly admitting her submission to the dame, but her eyes had steel in them when she looked back at her, her fearfulness finally cast fully of her shoulders. Was there anything to be afraid of? This was to be her new home, Nina confirmed it with a last comment before disappearing into the heart of the pack, she couldn't live here in fear. Straightening out she made a silent vow to right her position with the alphess as soon as possible, and then turned her attention to Hollow, who was still radiating his own dominance with stile.






A sudden smile found its way onto the slender girls face as she fully realized the fact, they had been accepted; We have a home! She cast a quick glance at Coal, joy and relieve glowing in her cobber-brown eyes, stomach twisting slightly as she looked at him; they were safe now, he was safe! He would survive, get help...






And finally she remembered what the imposing dominance of both alphas had made her forget, part of the reason she had been so happy to see Ashanti join them at the border; her last request to the leaders of Secret Woodlands. Swallowing hardly, she glanced over at Ashanti, her friendly presence adding strength to the young woman's resolve. Then she looked up to meet Hollow's eyes, ears still lowered in respect - but reminding herself of her brother's lessons, she spoke with certainty, and no fear; <b style="color:#c7470f">"Sir, if you would allow it... I want to be a healer!" Her shoulders were straight, her eyes steel, yet her ears and twitching tail revealed her insecurity. Still, this was her dream! Ever since Ashanti had opened her eyes to the world of herbs and healing, she had been fascinated by their power, and then, after finding Coal half-dead at the creek, feeling so powerless... She never wanted to feel like that again! She wanted to help others, to heal wounds and cure ills; relieve pain!






Smiling faintly she continued: <b style="color:#c7470f">"It is my greatest wish to learn of the uses of herbs, and help heal others." She send another quick glance at her companion, the sight of him, unconscious and bleeding on the banks of Heartleaf Creek flashing before her eyes, sending a step of pain through her heart; NEVER again! Then she looked back at Hollow, hope glowing in her eyes, anxiously awaiting his responce.






Word count: 626




I'm not stupid <b style="color:#c7470f">”I've got bark!”