Tokino had not been far away. In fact he had been weathering the storm farther into the deep tunnels where no light reached. He had learned a few of the maze-like area's himself and made one area his personal sleeping place. It kept him sheltered from the bitter wind which could do harm to an older wolf. The male had sensed the freak storm coming and dashed for the safety of his soft dirt nest.

His ears twitched groggily as the sound of his name woke the male from an already fitful sleep. His growl echoed low from the far north eastern end of the cavern's side tunnel. He would go see what Minka needed even though right now it was best for the pack to sit and wait the storm out.

Grumbling softly to himself the older wolf slid to a sitting position then pushed himself up slowly to a stand. Quickly he shook his ruff then stretched each leg in turn. Ignoring the hunger that sat unhappily in the pit of his stomach Tokino groomed a stray clump of fur on his chest to look a little more presentable. Then he padded forward following the very slight draft which betrayed the storms strength battering the opening of the cave. It took him a few minutes of wondering through darkness before he found the path to the main entrance of the den. The wind picked up as he reached the place where Minka's scent mixed with that of fresh snow. Turning his ice filled gaze across the dimly lit entrance Kino spotted Minka's shape pressed tightly against the floor to keep from being battered by the storms ferocious wind.

You know it's quieter and warmer in the tunnels... He suggested quickly while coming forward to sit between her and the wind. His gaze averted itself appropriately in the presence of the dominant female, but Tokino kept himself puffed up to keep the cold from getting past him to the wolfcicle female close by.

So what is the matter? A part from you trying to become crow food yourself in this cold breeze. He answered still looking away into the wind that tossed bits of snow into the cave.

The older male settled as comfortable as he could be next to Minka and sighed. She was worried a bout a number of things it seemed. Or perhaps it was simply the harsh winter taking its toll on their nerves. I think, but I'm not 100% sure, that most of the pack hang around the den nowadays. Spare for the pups. They seem to venture out whenever the weather clears up. He let his muzzle wrinkle a bit thinking of the children out in the snow. True, they were getting larger and a certain amount of trust could be put in them now. However Kino still worried about them as any family member would. Though perhaps because of all the trouble Titan had put them through, Tokino began to like the boys stubbornness to explore. The child reminded him of Raiguk Eui Lagina from his old pack. Raiguk too had been extremely stubborn and adventurous.

Tokino let a rare soft smile grace his features at the memory. Then he turned his soft gaze to Minka as she spoke to him. There is no shadow too great that could swallow up the light... A song played itself within his mind. It had been one of a few songs that the Lagina wolves sang to their children or even to themselves.

"She founded this pack and all of the original loyalty belonged to her, her children are here, but I do not wish to return to being led rather than leading." Minka spoke baring all her worries to him. He nodded quietly listening, Kino knew that he would help her carry all her woes. It was only right to do so.

"I wish to found to my own pack come the spring, that way Narimé can once more lead her family, but my own heart will be happy as well, I believe it is what is best for everyone......" Tokino listened to her words his muzzle slipping from the previous smile to a stoic look. I think she would gladly let you leave if you tell her your plans, but Nari might get angry if you leave without telling her. He offered the short comment before quieting himself again and listening.

"I called you here to ask if you will come with me, I know you were planning on leaving Whisper Caverns in the spring but do you have an interest in perhaps leading by my side? Or if not, helping my found this pack?"

That question had him floored.

She barely knows me and yet the woman trusts me enough to lead a pack beside her? Tokino closed his icy eyes deep in thought. It would be an honor to have the chance to continue his family's name, but could he do that to Minka? Would she allow him that honor?

As for leading in itself Tokino did not mind it. He neither looked forward to it nor dreaded that possibility knowing that to lead was a hard job. His father had taught him long ago that some wolves were meant to be leaders while others were not. If a wolf became a leader when they truly shouldn't have been the pressure of responsibility could very well kill them. Yakova..papa...Would I make a good leader like you were? He thought quietly then turned his thoughts to Minka. She was young but not near as naive as his niece Nari. She was truly a wolf made to lead, but what of love? If she were to find real love...I would not mind stepping down for that male to lead beside her. He answered his own question fast enough. However when he opened his gaze Kino spotted Minka looking outside the den while standing.

Her perfect form began padding outside the den obviously after something. Quieting his own serious thoughts Tokino stood up and scented the air. The smell blasted him like an oven roasted turkey. A carcass was nearby. What luck. He went after her rusted form following the smell of the meal. When they came upon the moose carcass Kino wrinkled his muzzle at the scent of coyote. The creatures were desperate this winter if they were taking food from this close to the packs den. The gray male helped Minka move the carcass back into the cavern. Then he joined her in eating what little was left off the moose carcass.

At first he ate quickly filling his empty stomach as best as he could. Then the gray man slowed and savored what was left while he thought on how to answer Minka. I finished teaching Narimé of her family, and I've helped her with the pack for some time. If she can come out of the shock of loosing her mate while holding her head high then my job is fully done here. I could leave... He knew Narimé would let him go. He had been harping about leaving since he'd gotten there, and after viewing how Nari led compared to Minka, Tokino was sure he would rather go with Minka to help her found her own pack. At least then he would have a definite chance at getting into a pack whereas if he simply left for another pack someplace the Lagina male might be refused. At his age Kino knew that it wasn't always good to accept wolves 5+ years old into a pack.

He finished eating then sat back down and watched Minka gnaw on the carcass. Wondering whether the female was listening or not Tokino decided to answer her.

I would be honored to lead beside you, to... trust you with my life, but only if you would allow me that honor. His head leaned to the right while he watched the she wolf for any change in expression. It would also honor my family to continue the Lagina name here in this new land, however... If you do ever find love I would have no problem stepping down for that special male. He continued speaking his honest thoughts instead of holding back the "continuing family line bit" which might make the man sound a bit piggish. It was better to be honest than to lie.

1055 count post done...

"I thought once I had love, but he abandoned me just as Sloane has abandoned Narimé, I'm not sure whether my heart will ever be able to welcome in another after seeing the devastation I have seen caused by love." Tokino held her gaze watching the cloud of sadness pass over those beautiful eyes. He had come to respect the male alpha Sloane and honestly had thought the male had really succumbed to winters might via an injury or perhaps even being frozen to death in a blizzard. Perhaps there is still a slim chance he may reappear once the snow disappears. Since he could have been kept someplace during winter unable to get back home. He tried to think hopefully for his nieces sake. For as much as the child annoyed him Tokino couldn't help but feel sorrow for Nari. She been through quite a bit during her first year as a mother and leader.

Then again it is more likely that he's dead or indeed has simply left the pack. He closed his eyes deep in thought. Suspicious was all he could say for Sloane who had left without a word to his mate, children, and subordinates. At least Nari had left telling others of her mission before going missing. He had to give it to her for doing the right thing for once.

Opening his icy gaze again and looking into Minka's hurt eyes, Tokino thought of the male Asterion whom she had mentioned. He knew that name, knew the male who owned that name, but had met the man only once before even being accepted into Whisper Caverns. Never had Kino seen the male or known before this time that Asterion had joined their pack. That arouses suspicion for Asterion as well. Obviously since I had not met him whilst being in the pack he hadn't made himself too apparent with the shared duties or patrols. Did he even care about being a part of this pack in the first place? The question came to mind but the male did not speak it for in Minka's eyes Kino knew she had cared for the lazy bastard who ate their food and then left the pack.

He had to try and make her feel better somehow. As much as her words rang true. Most males were bastards who should pay for their crimes. No one could tell at first whether they were good or true until the canines mettle was tested. That's when most males showed their true colors. Even Tokino didn't know what kind of male he was, good or bad. He wouldn't know until the time was right where he would be tested.

There are few..very few males who are good in this world...Even I.. I don't know whether I'm good or bad. I feel like I'm good, but won't know this until something happens that shows my true colors. He could only be honest with her. As mother said honesty is the best trait in a male

I can only ask that you have faith in me until we figure out if I'm good or bad. He held her gaze almost with a hidden question crossing his blue eyes. A question that he wanted to ask but couldn't.

Do you think I'm a good male or not?

Tokino held his neck rigidly as the rusted she wolf placed her nose upon his and looked deep into his icy gaze. Minka stared at him and for once the stare of another wolf didn't feel uncomfortable. It was just a simple stare,but it meant a whole lot more. It meant someone to finally put his full trust into. Someone who didn't care what he looked like, how weak, or how nerdy his photographic memory was. t was an alien feeling to the silver male as he listened intently on Minka's words; hanging on them as if his life depended on it.

"Tokino Lagina, you are a good man. Perhaps the best I have ever met, and this is why I am so confident you will make a good father to our pups. This is why I am now asking, will you allow me the honor of taking Lagina as my name? Minka's words calmed him and the male replied with a sloppy yet warm lick to her snout. A great smiled etched itself into his face as Kino chuckled.

Whatever makes you happy my darling He nodded his head slowly twice then hesitantly moved forward to lick Minka's cheek a few times before stepping back and sighing. He had a gut feeling that something exciting was going to happen in the near future. Whether it was good or bad he didn't know. Well I'm not breaking any rules since Minka is leading. Kino said to himself deep within the confines of his mind. So it can't be a bad thing that's coming can it? The gray wolf opened his eyes suddenly feeling awkward standing there all still in contemplation.

Would you like to go rest now? In the tunnels? Tokino hadn't forgotten about the chill night they were experiencing, though the bit of food had helped to warm him.

(exit Tokino When Minka fades?)