Thicket of Secrets We can count the stars that disappear

Things did not seem to be going very smoothly as Nina came to stand over the pups and fix Liam with an iron-eyed stare. His silence was uncharacteristic and Hollow just assumed it was because of Nina's sudden appearance and slight hostility. The pups however softened the encounter greatly, as Hollow noticed the way Tacoma stood before Danica and Ashton stood before both of them with a little blue stare fixed on Liam's face. It gave the male a slight twinge of fear for the young pup, It was always a good sign that one was brave. But it would need to be channeled so that it did not graduate into recklessness. The other two however seemed as though they were content to let Nina handle the bulk of this encounter.

That was when Iopah appeared at Nina's call and Hollows gut twisted a little more, none of these wolves had truly met Liam yet, and hopefully he could smooth this out quickly before it seemed like a complete stranger was among them. Where is Koda? Hollow worried about the whereabouts of the male lead due to the fact that if he were here he could just leave it all up to Koda. But alas, it would seem that he would be forced to explain this to everyone, so with a great inhalation, and a bow to Nina he spoke, "Nina, Iopah, I would like both of you to meet Liam. Koda and I were called for by him while we were out patrolling, we both agreed that he would be a fit for us, and he agreed." With that he turned to Liam, "I'd like you to meet Nina Renier, female alpha of Secret Woodlands and new mother, and Iopah, lead huntress, and female second." A flick of his gaze towards Iopah and Nina, hopefully they would approve of how he was handling this. It was all very new to Hollow to be in charge, of well, anything at all. Even more, to have to answer as to why someone was where they were.

Even though she had joined Secret Woodlands not too long ago, Eva had not yet met most of the pack. She enjoyed exploring and keeping to herself, and did not want to leave a bad impression on her new family. Had Nina told them about her yet? Was her new leader and sister waiting for her to present herself to the others? The girl knew she was not supposed to hide in the shadows for her whole life, and that she could finally come out of them after all this time. All her life she had been so used to them, though, and that was what she had done best! Her second birthday had come and gone, and she was no longer a child, though her small body may suggest that to many.

Breathing deeply, the youngest Hervok looked away from the depths of the water she had been staring into. It had only been a small puddle, but large enough to see and inspect her reflection. Her good eye had traced her outline, and questions had formed in her mind as she did so. Would her mother be happy if she knew how her daughter was doing? What was Ash doing right now? Where was her father? Eva knew that the time was no longer ripe for questions, and that she was ready for answers.

Standing up from the grassy area where she had been sitting, the girl decided to go visit Nina and she if she was doing okay. The pups had been a big ordeal for Nina, it seemed, or at least that is how Eva viewed it. She could not imagine anyone wanting to go through that ordeal, but when she heard that all the pups were okay and actually lived she changed her mind. Life was so beautiful and inexhaustible in its variety, causing Eva to be surprised consistently and constantly. The girl realized that the future of Secret Woodlands laid in that den beside her sister, and that it was a wonderful and blessed occurrence.

Making her way towards that very same den, Eva made sure to stick around near the trees as she got closer to the clearing. Seating herself beneath one after she had broke through the foliage to view the burrow, she simply watched. Others were there too, those Eva had not yet met because of her own fears. They all smelled like her, like Nina, except for one who smelled a little different. She could hear the conversation, even from her vantage point, because of her large ears. A newcomer? He was like her then, though she had been here for a while longer... Yet still felt like she had just joined.

Then her mistmatched gaze turned to look over at the small cubs that were running around now. Two looked like they had taken the Hervok blood, and were light colored with darker browns mixed in. The other was a much darker brown. As Eva looked on, yet made no sound, she realized that the Hervok blood was living on through these young ones. It was a testament to the fact that her family were simply survivors, and this made the girl proud. Smiling warmly at them and Nina despite herself, Eva wondered if Ash was having a litter of his own as well. That would be a blessing indeed.

(This post was last modified: Jun 22, 2013, 02:38 PM by Eva.)

The gathering was growing and honestly, Danica wasn't sure how to feel about it. She was nervous, excited, fearful and joyful all rolled together in a tiny body. Her miniscule tail hugged her belly, yet wagged in a little blur of happiness and appeasement, instincts causing her ears to lay against her soft creamy fuzz as a small whine escaped.

At first there had only been two strangers, both male, then another woman, about Mama's size who seemed to stay quiet. The another smaller fae came and Danica found herself mesmerized by the young woman's eyes. They were so beautiful! Everyone else only had one color, but she got two! Suddenly, Dani wondered if her own eyes were two colors too. That would be so wonderful. She tried to look, but of course this was physically impossible and only had the effect of making her own baby blue-green eyes cross.

This made her lose her balance and she sat back abruptly, her tiny rump making sudden contact with the ground and startling the girl-child into a high-pitched yelp. Embarrassed, she hung her head, mortified that she'd done something so silly in front of everyone. Ashton and Tacoma won't let me live it down! A pitiful whimper escaped her blunted muzzle and her eyes stayed locked to a tiny pebble on the ground in front of her over-sized paws, refusing to look up, even for a moment.

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PP Liam out of this.

As soon as Iopah arrived, Nina gave the Second a warning glance, telling her to back away from her. The alpha understood that the girl would have wanted to greet her and in any other circumstance she probably would have allowed her. The golden brown woman’s subordinate seemed to understand this though and stood a little away from the overprotective mother. Not soon after Iopah arrived did Hollow take time to introduce her to their newest member. Letting her single eye glare at the man in front of him, she was slightly comforted in knowing that Koda had accepted him and that he had Hollow’s approval. She however, did not trust him and would not let him near her children, as he had almost been. She bares her fangs at him, insulted that he would have actually come near her birthing place before she had called. Probably picking up on her unease, the new man backs way into the shadows and disappears. Comforted with the small fact, she waited for anyone else to arrive.

Soon enough her sister arrived and though she shot Eva a warning glance, happiness was in her gaze as well. At least her children would have their aunt within the pack. Wagging her tail happily, she tensed when a small, panicked squeak came out of Danica’s mouth. Worried about her little princess, she leaned down and licked the top of her daughter’s head, worried that she had somehow hurt herself. Once she was pleased to see that now harm had come to her children, she mentioned them forward, slightly disappointed that @Koda had not made it. Flicking her tail, she spoke calmly and strongly, hovering over each of the pups’ heads as she introduced them, "Everyone…this is Ashton, Danica, and Tacoma. Children, this is Auntie Eva, Miss Iopah, and Mister Hollow." She also mentioned towards each of her pack mates as she spoke their names, hoping that the three of her children would understand what she was saying.

It seems when you're around, my life is complete.

Ashton sat up proudly as mother introduced them and stared in wonder at the number of big wolves around him. Mother was much bigger than him and all of the others were too! However the pup wasn't fazed, now he was curious and began to sniff at them in turn, stretching his neck out as far as he could to try and catch their respective scents. It wasn't until one turned and seemed to flee into the bushes that he was struck with confusion. Why would he do that? Ashton was too young to know of the way emotions and tension ran high when there were pups around. So it simply struck the little Renier as funny that one of them just left, just like that. He giggled audibly not having any inkling as to what was going on.

Just then he heard mother speak again, she was telling the other wolves their names! They could all be friends and then Ashton could tell them to help him protect Danica and Tacoma! What a day this was, the little pup began to boil with excitement and squeaked out a few strange vocalizations in his excitement before staring and Eva with a look of acute concentration. "E....EEEEvvv-a EEEvvaa" His little tail began to wag excitedly, Ashton loved to learn new words and now he had three. The he turned towards Iopah, "IIIIIIII-pah..... IIIIIIpah" His fuzzy little forehead crinkled up, that wasn't right. So Ashton simply turned last to the black wolf, "HHHHH-lo..... HHoooOOOollow" He squeaked the name out and turned back to mother with a questioning look and asked "Right?" He asked. His little tail never stopped moving from the moment Nina had introduced them all. Ashton was excited to meet everyone, even if he had yet to understand who they all were.

Iopah held back a grin at Hollow's hurried introduction. Liam had been running the morning patrol, with Iopah following hours later in the midday. The second has very familiar with his presence, it would have been impossible to overlook his scent on their borders. She looked him over candidly, "It's good to have a name to go with your scent," She remarked lightly.

Pulling her attention from the two males she glanced sidelong at Nina again. The hard look made her gaze slip away, she suppressed a whine and her tail beat an appeasing tempo against the ground. Iopah was a wolf and she understood. She accepted all this without question. Nina could not know how any of them would be around her pups. A fresh scent made the submissive female look into the thicket. Nina may have been unsure of Iopah's intentions, but Iopah had instinctively turned to the thickets, ready to protect the pups from this newcomer. Iopah would be protective of all her pack-mates, but those pups, they created a stronger response in her. Her direct stare landed on Eva and in that moment she could smell Nina's mark on this young female. Her threat died unspoken on her lips. This must be a new addition, then. She held her gaze, once she was sure she had it's attention, she titled her head ever so slightly.

The gesture implied a question. Why not come forward? It was not a demand but Iopah's interest in the retiring female was obvious. At Nina's words she turned around slowly, not wanting to startle the mother with a sudden movement. Every name was etched into memory. Already they had unique personalities and Iopah smiled warmly at each as they name was given. Ever her mispronounced name could not dampen her happiness.

Tacoma watched as more and more wolves began gathering in front of him. They all bore scents that he was used to, but were without names to go along. The most familiar was the dark male that his mother addressed as Hollow. He was a regular around their little den, and that gave the small cub some comfort. The one called Eva was an aroma he recognized, and he was still getting used to it. Finally she nodded toward Iopah, who although not as frequent a presence as Hollow, she still held a perfume that he was accustomed to. Ashton spoke up beside him, trying out each new syllable on his tongue. Even though the eldest cub desperately wanted to try each name for himself he held back. Ashton already had done so well, and he didn't want to look like an imbecile in front of so many new faces. With a tiny sigh, unhappy about the lost opportunity, he nodded an acknowledgement toward each name put to scent.

Managing a halfhearted, "Helllloooo" he allowed his murky eyes to pour over the wolves in the clearing, and perhaps clung to his mothers side a little tighter, hoping her pelt would swallow him up and save him from the embarrassment of allowing your younger sibling to surpass you. He may have looked a little uninterested, but honestly he was excited to meet everyone, he just didn't know how to show it without seeming overexcited, and making a fool out of himself.

(This post was last modified: Jul 21, 2013, 06:22 PM by Tacoma.)

Hollow could have laughed at the way Liam reacted to the typical hostility of the mother. The russet male disappeared into the trees and Hollow suppressed a snicker. Hollow just smiled however at his wasted introduction and listened to what Nina had to say. As they were introduced the male bowed his head to the pups and to Eva as well. As young Ashton tried to pronounce all their names Hollow's smile grew larger with each syllable. The pup was obviously having a tough time of Iopah's name which Hollow would never admit that he thought it was the most heart melting thing he had ever seen.

When the pup had finished speaking Hollow looked at the three of them. "It is good to meet all of you at last outside of the den. I have no doubt you will all grow up to be great in your own individual ways." At this he averted his gaze back to Nina for a moment before speaking, "I must return to our borders now Nina." He bowed low to the leader and turned to leave offering a nod to Eva, there would be time to properly meet her later. Hopefully soon, for Hollow liked to know everyone who was in the pack. It would make it much easier for him to identify scents and voices while he continued his duties. He stopped once more at Iopah's side and gave her a friendly nudge before disappearing into the trees towards the borders, back to work.

Hollow Out!

The yearling watched the bouncing balls of fur as they interacted with each other and the coming wolves. A smile formed when one of them made eye contact and looked rather excited by her, which Eva could not really understand. But then the pup performed an interesting maneuver and landed flat on her bottom, causing a light, amused laugh to emerge from the girl's jaws. Their happiness was beginning to rub off on the Hervok child as the same emotion began to fill her simply by watching their antics. Every now and again her gaze moved back to Nina, who had not yet acknowledged her.

Her sister then became very protective, with growls in the direction of packmates, causing one of the members to disappear into the bushes. Nina's attention then turned to her, warning her. Eva understood, and remained where she was- frozen and quiet. She was about to step forward when the other female wolf turned and growled at her, causing her walking to cease. Eva bent down slightly, ears back and tail between her legs, not quite sure whether she was doing something wrong or not. It was all very confusing to her when the packmate seemed to recognize her and then encourage her to come forward. One uncertain step was taken, then another. Soon enough Eva had joined the group. A second laugh emerged from her jaws as Ashton attempted to say each of their names in turn. Eva's came easily it seemed, while Iopah's was the toughest. The small yearling sent a side-long glance to her pack member in order to retain her image. That was five new wolves met today- not too shabby indeed for a first meeting.

The fun time seemed to be coming to an end, though. The large, dark male left, not before giving Eva a nod which she returned shyly before watching him leave as well. Then her blue-and-green eyes turned to look at Nina, as if in question of whether this meeting was indeed coming to a close.

"speech"

SECRET Woodlands

TEMPLATE © NDA OF RCR & RPG-D

(This post was last modified: Aug 12, 2013, 12:41 AM by Eva.)

Danica felt excitement and fear course through her small body. She was excited to see new faces, but there were so many and they were so big! The one with the pretty eyes was a bit smaller and Danica gave her a timid smile, although she still felt waves of embarrassment at her earlier actions. How could she be so silly. Falling and crying out like a baby! Well, so what if she actually was a baby? She didn't need to act like one. Her brothers weren't. Just her. She felt a bit ashamed and tried to rally her nerves, standing as tall as she could. Of course this only afforded her about another inch in height, but to her it seemed so much more... it took such effort!

Her mother's words seemed far away as she was now absorbed in taking in every detail of all of the wolves around her as she was introduced with her brothers. As the attention returned to her once more, her head tipped down shyly and her small ears pinned themselves to her scull without her permission. She would have to work on being brave, she supposed. But for today, this would simply have to do.

Danica noted that the first male that had been there left when Mama made angry sounds at him and she tipped her head in confusion, but there was so much going on that she was soon distracted by the others. Her brother made a go of saying everyone's name and she was impressed with his bravery. She whispered them over and over in her mind as she focused on each wolf in turn, hoping to remember them all. She would practice saying them when no one was around. Yes, that way she could keep from being even more silly than she'd already been.

Then the second male, the darker one, also left. He did not slink away though and she wondered at the difference. After mulling it over for a few moments a light went off in her head. The first one... well, Mama had sent him away. Hol-low, he had requested permission to leave. For reasons she could not comprehend, she realized that the first one to leave had been in trouble with Mama. How curious....

Without realizing it, she had moved forward just a bit and was now leaning on Mama's front leg for comfort. But now there were less wolves and she found herself peeking once more at the one Mama had called Aunt Ee-vaa... She whispered the name under her breath and giggled at the slight vibrations on her lips as she mouthed the name of the pretty-eyed wolf. She looked at the other she-wolf and silently practiced her name too. I-yo-pa...It was a mouthful for a tiny pup, but she liked that name as well.

Feeling a bit better now and not so overwhelmed, Danica finally felt brave enough to step away from Mama, but only so far as to relax and head-but Tacoma in the shoulder playfully. They'd been serious long enough and she just wanted to play now so she let out a happy yip at her brothers and wagged her tiny tail in invitation, stranger forgotten in the passing attention of a young pup.

(This post was last modified: Aug 15, 2013, 05:53 AM by Danica.)

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