Kisla tilted her muzzle up to her mother at the affectionate greeting, her eyes gleaming as they stole a quick glance to Corinna’s own – eyes that she herself had inherited from the beautiful leader. The quiet of the meeting for her would only last so long; Rihael’s presence came within view, and while the pale tawny wolf only casted him a quick glance, it wasn’t until the boy pressed to her side and slid mud upon her well kept fur that she realized he was covered in the substance.


Eliciting a half growl half grunt of annoyance and play, the girl’s ears pinned back, and just as she was about to retaliate his mud attack with a clip of her jaws to his ear when Corinna’s howl rang out once more, calling for their elusive father. The man did not play a close role in Kisla’s life it seemed; even with his return, she still knew very little of him, and the realization of their relationship had only dawned upon her as she grew. Mellowed with the absence of her father once more, the youth instead pressed her slender figure closer to Rihael, seeking silent comfort from her sibling despite his messy appearance.


Each wolf began to give their leader an answer, and as her swarthy uncle mentioned helping with the teaching alongside Naira, the she-wolf could not contain the grin that smoothed upon her lips, all thoughts of her absent father disappearing. She couldn’t think of any other wolf she’d rather have teach her the ways of Swift River.

Why do they think I never change, they're the ones that stay the same.

When Corinna addressed him, he nodded dutifully. There was a pack hunt to plan out and he was offered the chance to interact with the children, sharpen their skills and prepare them for the roles they would take in the next few months. Her attention then went to the rest of the pack and tasks were handed out. He listened attentively but as the end of the meeting drew near, his eyes went to the trio of pups and the before also taking his leave. Indru hadn't shown up like he had hoped but if there as was one thing that had to be done, Angier had make his presence in Swift River worthwhile. Whether Indru - or Corinna - thanked him or not in the end was no longer the goal; instead he would stay just long enough to ensure that the Tainns' legacy truly held their own. Whatever it took - minding Corinna's orders, helping feed the pack, guarding Swift River's most valuable members both young and old - he would do it all... starting now. After one last glance towards the rest of the pack, he picked up the beaver he had brought, then placed it by one of the pups' feet. Without even staying to hear another word, he dismissed himself and began to make his way back to the part of the Grove where he could have sworn he smelt an abundance of rabbit highways.

[Applaud.]

As the others began to disperse, Naira watched new grey female closely. She would need to take time out to get to know this girl, but for now, there was a border to check before bed. Careful not to brush against the dark wolf at her side (she knew he was funny about physical contact) she offered Athena a small smile before heading back into the trees. She hardly knew the white woman but she was another she would need to take the time out to get to know better.

Pushing that to the back of her mind for now, those were thoughts for another day. She hadn't forgotten the way Rhysis almost collapsed in front of her and highest on the list of her priorities was finding a cure for his headaches. She would need the sun to find her herbs though so set that task aside for tomorrow. Melting into the surrounding forrest, she made her way back to the borders. One could never be too diligent.

Corinna instructed them all – a beacon of light that guided them despite the heartache she must have felt with the absence of Kisla’s father. The girl preened her attention around, her eyes falling upon each member as the silver Leader spoke to them, noting the warmth she felt for each wolf who was apart of her family – by blood or by loyalty.


As the she-wolf directed her words to them, the youthful she-wolf cast a shy glance in the direction of Triell, Angier and Rhysis – two wolves she knew nothing about (and the dark one was quite intimidating, if she was honest with herself) and the very familiar uncle Triell. With a nod to her mother, the young girl knew it was likely she would only be seeking her ebony kin, but for now her eyes were lulled back up to her mother’s beautiful face as the she-wolf nosed at her gently. Her ears flickering to the direction of Rihael, a small snort escaped the young wolf as she tilted her muzzle, her tongue smoothing away the mud that her brother had effectively planted at her shoulder.


Within moments of cleaning, the girl would settle down by her family, her attention rapt upon them as the others about them drifted away from the gathering.

The dark male stood as he was addressed. It appeared she had given the guardian role to Ice, the male he had met and considered somewhat dumb, too good perhaps for such a role. He believed it to be a poor choice but it was not his place to say. Instead he had been put on pup duty- oh what fun. Peeved with the role, he held in the snort he had forming in his nose and instead nodded when it was his turn.

As the others left to do their chores, Rhysis followed out Naira, though ensured to give a final glance to see which direction Athena had left in. He would have to keep her close, she might prove valuable in the future. Now was not the time for action, with pack life he was healing, gaining weight as he needed to. Now was the time to shut up, put up... and do as he was told.

As his paws neared the clearing he looked towards the pups gathered, meeting Kisla’s gaze. Though she looked a little scared at his very appearance, he felt an inner smirk rear its ugly head. Good, fear was power and feeling a little more satisfied that he would make some fun out of this shitty situation, he left to pick out a good spot for some puppy fights. He’d caught up with Treill and this Angier later...

exit