Whisper Caverns Just Like Clockwork

@Ash @Tokino @Narime @Inali @Namara @Yuka @Titan and @Simaea
ooc. Simaea had permission to leave looking for herbs which is where she was during her absence, if Ghoff gets her back in time this will be her first thread back I think? It is assumed that Malia went with her, when Simi gets back they will discover that the pup was not in fact with her.

February 22nd, Noon, Clear Skies -18F/-28C

The sun was at its highest point in the sky when the tawny leader returned from her border patrol. The skies were clear but the air was crisp, and her breath billowed from her mouth in clouds. It had been a fortnight since Minka had told Narimé and Ash of her news and now it was time to alert the pack of what was going to happen. Taking a moment the gold eyes looked over the clearing at the entrance of the caverns, snow had been packed down by many paws and the place was swarming with scents. A bittersweet smile played on the she wolf's features, so many memories she had in this clearing, Whisper Caverns truly had shaped her into the leader she was today. Teaching the pups about birds, lounging with Inali, pack meetings, but not all were good, this was also the place her heart had been broken, where they discovered Sloane had left, a failed fishing lesson with Yuka.

So it was with a heavy heart that Minka lifted her muzzle to the sky and her voice sang out for her pack mates. She needed them here now, she needed to tell them what was happening in the spring, she needed to say her goodbyes even if they were early. There should be no secrets in a family, especially about something so big and everyone deserved time to process and make important decisions. This was a home for many of these wolves, all they had ever known, the place they felt the most accepted and safe. It had once been that place for Minka but now those days had long slipped away, she needed to create her own place in the Wildwood, where her light would no longer be threatened by the shadows of her memories.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!

Speech.

The days of blissful happiness and peace were long gone for the woman. Her days were now filled with constantly guarding the borders, shifting through her thoughts, trying to make sense of the big decision she had to make. Ever since Minka propositioned her to leave with her in the spring a fortnight ago, her mind and heart were in constant war. She had not come closer to a decision than she had been that day. Truth of the matter was, she didn't think she would. Not until she knew what Ash and Narime thought of it. They were both her friends, or so she liked to believe, and their opinion mattered to her. Not to mention that Ash was her alpha and Minka had told her she would speak to both wolves about the matter. While trying to decide when was the best time to call up both wolves, a howl pierced the air. Inali recognized the voice as Minka's, and her friend was calling for the whole pack. Knowing that this possibly had something to do with Minka leaving in the spring, Inali left her post at the borders and made her legs plow through the melting snow. Winter is soon to end, was the brief thought that entered her head as she ran across the terrain to the short distance where Minka was at. Slowing down to a jog and then finally into a walk, the woman easily glided over to Minka, licking her chin in a sign of submission and giving her a small smile. Walking a few feet away, Inali sat, waiting for the others to arrive. Hopefully they would all arrive promptly, because the quicker this meeting began the quicker she could make her decision.

The growing boy had been in higher spirits since he had last seen Inali, his dear angel was still near and it brought him great joy to see her face reoccurring throughout his days. His reason for staying here might not have been all because of Inali, but a large part of it was, and he had long since devoted his life to her and now Whisper Caverns. He couldn't leave, not after he so faithfully put his trust in her for taking care of him and he knew he wouldn't mind guarding his pack for the rest of his days. It was his duty, as he had so recently been taught. It was what Guardians did, put aside their own lives for those of their packs, and the young Thorben had no problem in doing so, preferring to walk around and make sure no terrible fate had come upon any of his pack members. It was not something he detested, but he found he rather enjoyed his tasks.

It came as an highly unpleasant surprise when Minka's voice raised above the territory, causing Yuka to freeze in his spot. The last time the woman had called such a meeting he had later been scolded for his accusations and harsh words towards her, but could anyone really blame him? He had been standing up for his mother while the rest of his siblings sat idly by and watched. The thought made his blood boil and it caused the small temper, that he found could be set off easily, once again come to life. Growling and muttered harsh nothings under his breath he started towards where the lady had called for them, his body moving easily through his home. He was at least pleased to see that Inali was already there upon his arrival and had no problem with walking up to her and comfortably sitting down next to her, his frame now towering over her, and bent down to give her an affectionate lick to her head.

Ash had been spending more time with Narimé ever since Minka had called a meeting between the two of them, needing to get use to the thought of the other woman being his partner when the other bitch had left them. It had deeply angered him when he had realized that Minka was going to be taking their members with her, and the Hervok knew what had to be done, no matter what the consequences. Ash had experienced too many loses already and the other woman seemed to not think too hard when it came to family and that seemed to Ash like one of the biggest betrayals he had ever experienced in his life. He was even talking to Nari now about their arrangements once the other woman left, and the thoughts brought an unwelcome pit of anger into the pit of his stomach. He had been expecting the stupid woman to call eventually, and it always seem to be that she caught the both of them in the most inopportune of time. With a soft snort, he thought to himself, Let the show begin, you little wrench.

He moved easily with Sloane's mate by his side towards where Minka had called for the pack, his mossy green eyes glaring at the area that he was moving towards a small growl rumbling in is chest. When they finally got to the clearing, Ash lifted himself tall, encouraging Narimé with a small glance to do the same. If Minka was going to disrespect them by leaving them and taking their family with them, then it was only respectful of them to give her no such respect. He didn't move towards his current partner, glaring at her in greeting before looking towards the wolves that were already gathered. It seemed that Yuka, who had gotten quite large, was standing next to Inali. Without hesitation, Ash looked towards the girl, his heated glare burning the girl and he hoped dearly that she felt it. No one would leave here without feeling terrible and guilty for the betrayal that they were about to commit.

STOCK: WolfC-Stock @ DA - LucieG-Stock @ DA & Dawnthieves.de
Table by PuppyThief

Finallyyy..

Narimes' ears twitched as a commanding tone swept through the air around them. Minka was bringing the pack together again, and of course she was practically at the farthest place away from the howls origin. Sighing as she glanced to Ash, Nari picked up her paws and darted after him as they started towards the call.

Trying to learn to trust the Hervok had been hard, but at least she was spending time with him trying to get the pack back on its feet again. The more time she spent with the male, the less uncomfortable she felt around him. They had even been speaking about breeding rights this coming spring. Narime had already told him she wasn't planning on it, yet she was willing to work out a deal with him. Then the call had sounded.

As they neared the meeting place Narime felt a foreign emotion tearing through her. Something she had felt only twice before in all her life.

She wanted to be respected. Not just liked or even loved,for you can love and like someone without respecting them. No, respect was what the silver mother wanted.

She had felt that need once as a yearling when dealing with a stranger, Djinn who was attacking another. Then a second time when she had first arrived after her mission while talking to her pups about what had happened.

How often had she given respect but never really felt it given back to her?

It was a question that might be answered as she rushed into the clearing with Ash only a pawstep ahead of her.

After arrival she gave a smile and respectful greeting licks over the nose of Yuka and Inali. To Minka she gave a solemn dip of her head then moved to stand beside Ash once more.

Noting his stance immediately moving to a dominant one Nari hesitated. Technically she should not move to join him at that lofty noble height. Even with his gesture for her to raise herself. I had accepted Minka as leader hoping she would bring greatness to the pack. I thought she would help it grow, but now... After that meeting. I'm sure this pack will wilt if she leaves. She paused still in a lower position debating on what to do. It wasn't until her eyes looked to Yuka that Narimes' hesitant look narrowed to a serious one. I will not accept that possibility before my own child.

Turning her burning gaze to Minka, Nari lifted herself back into its old position. A position she once held beside her mate and even after he had disappeared while she continued to lead. Now at full height with her banner flitting neutrally parallel to her back the silver wolf sent her ears forward partly to listen to Minka, but also to show her that she was not afraid. Once Minka left she would be taking her place back as alpha.

Titan heard the call but did not immediately head for it. Instead he nosed around the smelly dirt where a fox had killed a rabbit earlier wishing he had come upon the scene to rid the fox of his prize. The child was always hungry.

Once sure that the rabbit scent was stale enough that the fox would have already finished the meal by that time, Titan moved away pointing his nose in the direction of Minka's howl. He hated having to answer to that female while his mother was back. However what Titan hated more was the fact that his mother hadn't done anything about her lowered position within the pack. Instead she had dutifully bowed her head even after Titan, Yuka, and Malia had told her to take her leadership back.

Malia... He groaned inwardly. He hadn't seen his wayward sister for some time now. In all honesty Titan thought that she might be slipping away to see the pups over at Willow Ridge. It would explain the lack of her annoying attitude around the den. At first Titan had relished his sisters bossy voice not being around, but now that she had been gone for so long he began to wish she would come back and at least speak with him.

Thinking back on the emotions the dark pup had last left her with made Titan sick to his stomach. He didn't want her to be angry with him. He was just scared for her, but obviously he was over dramatizing the danger. Even his mother Nari had said that thick ice could be safe to walk on. If only he had known back then maybe Titan would have actually had fun with her and slid around without being a frightened little child.

All these thoughts swirled around under his dark silver and black crown as the titanic shadowy pup loped slowly but surely towards the meeting place.

He met with a scene that threw Titan into confusion. Pausing at the edge of the clearing as his dark blue gaze swept over those gathered. Titan took in all that was happening around the adults and measured the emotions that their bodies gave off.

Yuka seemed annoyed with something, as usual, but also quite tense as he sat next to his favorite babysitter Inali. Inali out of the whole lot of adults seemed to be the most calm. Then Minka stood in all her glory as the alpha female of Whisper Caverns. The leaders gaze felt warm and loving, but held also a kind of conviction that left him wondering what she was thinking before he respectfully evaded his gaze to what struck him as the most odd.

His mother was standing very close to a gray, cream, rust, and black male with bright emerald green eyes. The boy recognized the new alpha males scent and narrowed his eyes on the man taking in the harsh outer exterior and horribly dominant stature. This male was fierce and it kind of surprised the child. Titan had known of slight dominance gestures between pack mates with little aggression. His father had never used force while leading the same as his mother, but this male... He was strong and knew it. The green eyed man seemed to want to make the others know of his strength too.

Switching his blue gaze to Narimé, Titan tilted his head to the side curious of her stance. He had arrived just as she switched from a submissive stance to that of the position he remembered her having since he was a tiny little pup. However he was awed because her stance was that and more. Not just a mothers strong loving stance ready to protect family, but the stance of someone confident in her ability to back that dominance display up.

"Mmm.. What have I walked into..." He spoke quietly to himself only just loud enough so that the two closest wolves to him, Inali and Ash might hear his words.

WHISPER Caverns

Small post is small + Sorry for the lateness I thought I had already posted him here.
Also, will Simaea be popping in? I haven't seen Ghoff in ages.

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

The silvered man had been snoozing after an earlier patrol and unfortunately for him he had not heard the meeting call. It wasn't until all the scents of his pack mates converged on the breeze that his thoughts turned to them while dreaming. A few minutes later the Lagina man's dream became lucid and he was able to understand that he was scenting his pack mates while being asleep. It was then that the pale wolf woke himself. Shaking his head drowsily The gray wolf let his eyes stay closed while picking his head up partially to scent the air.

The breeze had been coming from the rest of the pack and the number of wolves present caused Tokino to grumble and bitch. Apparently somethings up... Maybe a hunt or something. Kino had no idea that a meeting had been called as he opened his eyes and stretched in place. Taking care not to over stretch anything the Lagina male got slowly up on all fours, rolled his shoulders, arched his back, and stretched each leg in turn. Ending the stretch session with a rough shake of his coat and a loud whine-like yawn, Tokino began scenting the air trying to get a general location on his pack mates.

At a rushed pace it took the male another few minutes to reach the others and the sight of all but a few pack mates greeted him. Malia wasn't there, but her two brothers were already present, the three females Minka, Inali, and Narimé were already there, and lastly Ash the alpha male stood closely to Kino's niece. The gray wolf found this a bit odd as Ash had been sticking to Minka before today. Now it seemed as if the man held an expectant look towards Minka.

That look made Tokino's fur bristle. He didn't like what he thought he saw in those green eyes. A mysterious intent that made him subconsciously move towards the alpha female in a defensive position not too close to her left. He stood there stiffly watching the displays of the various wolves around the circle. Though his icy gaze narrowed on Nari's display, Kino made no move to punish her. If she wanted to try anything Minka would be the one to put his naive niece in her place. No he was more concerned with the look from Ash. As much as the rusted green eyed alpha tried to hide his expression Kino had enough years behind him to know when a male was on edge. Little subtle things like a twitch here, or a tense muscle there, even when the face was stoic.

Sorry for my lateness Sir, ma'am... He quickly averted his gaze from Ash and lowered his posture accordingly, but kept his placement a few feet away from Minka.

Inali was the first to arrive and it gave Minka comfort as her friend licked her chin before settling a few feet away. Though she still did not know if the rusted woman would come with her or not at least she had not reacted the way that Ash and Narimé had. Next to arrive was Yuka and as usual he treated her as if she did not exist and chose to settle next to Inali. While the lack of respect bothered her she knew it had not as much to do with her being leader as it did the fact that his mother was not. It was when Ash entered the meeting area that the alpha felt her stomach clench, muscles tensed from where she stood but there was no visible movement instead her maw remained expressionless. What happened next truly was enough to break the tawny woman's heart, Narimé stood there with a look of almost...hatred it seemed with deliberate disrespect. For a single moment Minka' lip curled before she had a realization that caused her to just look away. Narimé was not a leader, she was a follower and she always had been. She had followed whatever Sloane did when she led by his side, followed Minka herself without question and now she was following Ash like some kind of puppet.

Had someone else been so blatantly disrespectful, especially in such a public venue as a pack meeting she would have grabbed their muzzle and forced them down. Narimé though...especially now with this epiphany Minka just looked back at the blue eyes with sadness, how far astray would Ash lead her before she realized what was happening? The appearance of the dark pup brought her back to the present and the alpha nodded at him in acknowledgement of his entrance. It seemed like ages that they stood in this strange tense silence before Tokino arrived by her side and instantly Minka felt her muscles relax, and she licked his muzzle affectionately at his apology. They had officially become mates and this was the time to let the pack know, there was a lot to attend to today and the pack would never be the same.

Clearing her through gently Minka took a moment to look around the circle once more, taking stock of the wolves she once thought had been her family and now....now she didn't know what they were. Lifting her head up she looked to the sky and let out a sigh before beginning, "Tokino and I have made a decision that will affect each of you individually as well as the pack as a whole, we have become mates." Golden eyes looked down now to her pack mates to gauge their reaction before continuing, "We have also chosen to leave Whisper Caverns in the spring to start our own pack where we will raise our children. The reason I called this meeting was to explain to each of you why we are leaving so no one would feel like they didn't get the explanation they deserve, like we abandoned them without notice." Minka looked to Ash now and felt a worried anger burning in her stomach, she hoped that he would not turn his rage on anyone but herself, they didn't deserve it. "Let it be known that Narimé will take my place as alpha once we are gone and herself and Ash have declared that any that leave with us will be forever exiled from the Caverns, enemies of the pack. That being said, neither Tokino or I would like to pressure you to make a decision, those who stay will have no grudge held against them by either of us or our family. Any member of Whisper Caverns will forever be family to me, and there will always be a place for you within any pack that I lead, should you make the personal decision to leave initially or for whatever reason feel in the unforeseen future like you need to leave you may always seek us out without fear." She finished her monologue and chose to hold her muzzle high, she didn't feel ashamed of the decisions she had made. Her eyes however scanned the faces of her pack mates, ready for the anger and the confusion and whatever emotions this meeting might have dragged up.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LAGINA

with you yet

by Sarah

(This post was last modified: Apr 10, 2014, 11:56 PM by Minka.)

click!

Speech.

Yuka was the only one to appear in good time. The boy now towered over her petite size, and cemented that fact when he bent his head to lick the top of her crown in an affectionate matter. Sending a small smile his way, she brushed her tail against his in her own greeting for the Thorben boy. The wait soon got the best of her though, for the wolves seemed to want to take their precious time in answering to Minka's call. Not that there were many wolves inhabiting their lands at the moment. Tension within the pack was at an all time high, and she hated it. It made Inali's decision infinitely harder, for she genuinely didn't want to dissapoint either party. Sighing softly, Inali couldn't have had a better outcome than when Ash arrived. She suddenly wished that no one else had arrived to the meeting then the original two, which consisted of her and Yuka.

Ash's hot glare her way made shivers of fear course through ger spine. But she forced herself to look at him in the eyes, her back rigid abd her hackles bristling slightly. Her calm facadr would not break. She had to be the peacemaker here, for it was clear no one else would. Nari came nit long after Ash, greeting both her and Yuka with a smile and a lick. Inali gave her a tentative smile back, for right now she had an idea of where Nari stood, and she didnt like it.

Titan and Tokino were the last to arrive. By that time, Inali had regained her complete composure of calm and level-headed, sealing her true emotions at the very back of her mind. She heard Titan's words, and glanced at the boy who had also come to tower over her. It would seem she would have to be the babysitter of two today. Fixing her stare at him, she opened her maw. "Titan," she spoke in a soft whisper for his ears alone. Her voice was soft but firm. The message was clear: not meddle himself into these affairs of the pack and to keep his head. He was reaching the threshold of adulthood, but as of right now he was still a child. She didn't want him to get tangled up in the tensions that this meeting would undoubtedly bring. The same went for Yuka, and she sent him a look that depicted all she couldn't say outloud.

Minka began to speak, and Inali turned her rust-hued head in her direction. As she finished, Inali looked around at the small gathering of wolves before clearing her throat and opening her maw. "Minka propositioned me to go with her...about a fortnight ago." Her gaze turned to Minka, and her eyes were apologetic. "I'm sorry my friend, but I have still not come to a decision." She forced herself not to look at Yuka as she moved her blue gaze from Minka's. There were many things she could endure, but Yuka's hate was not one of them.

Though he had made good timing to the meeting, it did not seem as though everything else was going as planned. For awhile, no one else arrived, but eventually Ash came in, tall and proud, accompanied by his mother, who also looks slightly out of place as she awkwardly raised herself. Though she had been going through a hard time when Sloane had left, she seemed much better than when she had returned, and Yuka gave her a short nod of approval and a small twitch of his lips to indicate that he was pleased that she was doing well. His amber-teal then turned to Ash, the young man freezing up when he noticed the icy look that he was giving his angel. Shifting closer to her side slightly, he dipped his head in respect for his alpha before turning back towards the entrance, where eventually Titan came in and Yuka lifted his chin slightly, giving his brother a terse nod before moving his eyes towards where Tokino made his way in, placing himself next to Minka and giving his respects to Ash. The young boy flicked his russet ears forward as Minka began to speak. Eyes widening, slightly, he moved them towards Ash to see what his reaction was to Minka's news, but as Minka continued to speak, he could suddenly understand why their new alpha male had seemed so tense and angry, as well as to why Narimé had regained her dominant stature in the presence of the pack. It seemed as if the two had lost their respect for Minka, and Yuka could suddenly understand why.

When their current alpha female spoke of what Ash and Nari had decided, he could understand why and nodded his head in understanding as to why they were doing so. It made sense. The ones who left would be treated just as if they were any other traitor, Minka and whoever left with her, was just bringing this upon themselves. The Thorben wasn't truly concerned until he heard his angel speak up next to him, his heart stopping cold. She hadn't made a decision yet. Not long ago, they had both spoken of her undying loyalty to Whisper Caverns and with that Yuka had sworn himself to the pack, taking it upon himself to protect her. Should there have even been a reason for her to need to decide? His russet head turned towards her, for the first time radiant pain and betrayal flooding across his eyes. In the pit of his stomach he felt something of what he was sure was rage swirling within the pit of his stomach. Betrayal. Yuka suddenly understood, on a much more personal level, as to the decisions that Ash and Narimé were making. Wordlessly, the young man strode over towards Ash and his mother, the boy that was soon to become a man was about the size of Ash and still growing. Placing himself in between the to wolves, Yuka positioned himself to where he could place an affectionate nudge against his mother's side, before turning his glaring eyes onto the woman that was standing above them all.