The Elite woke bright and early on an autumn morning in her den. Her family's den. She was deliriously happy with her life. She had a wonderful brute to love and who loved her, she had three beautiful pups of her flesh and blood, and plenty of friends about her. She crawled from the den and lowered her chest to the ground in a stretch, rump and tail in the air. Her muscles sizzled and popped in delight while she yawned, her maw stretching wide. Straightening up the great wolf set off into the forest at a brisk trot. Her children were of an age where they should be well and truly into their training. She hoped to still give them some experience in combat, no matter the task they had chosen as their apprenticeship. It was only right that these children have the best possible chance to survive in this world. Her tail pricked high in the air as she trotted on, waving a happy banner that signified she would not be killing this fine day. The beasts roamed the forest freely, scampering about without fear, flitting in the trees with joyful little chirps. It made her smile.

When she reached the place she'd intended, she sat upon the damp sand and called out to her brothers and sisters. Tipping her muzzle skyward she called forth all those who would hear her, but especially the pups, for they were her focus. Shores looked cold and miserable, but in the morning sun they glowed. This place would train the pups in  an awkward terrain, strengthening their legs and their wits. She would have them be at their strongest, she would have them live long, full live devoid of pain and suffering. They would learn how to be strong and carry on. She grinned to herself, waiting for others to join her.

Having woken up earlier than normal, the Autay was able to hear and catch onto the howl of her Elite Female. What it was fro she wasn't sure but she thought that it might be worth while to check out. Quickly she finished her meal of a small hare and got up from her laying position in the camp clearing to set out for the she-wolf. Helios was doing well, but she had this nagging feeling in her stomach that something big was going to happen soon. Something she needed to prepare for. Rising tensions between her own pack and Erenyx were not helping her uneasy state and she found herself wondering what she would do if she were to be attacked. Having little to know experience in battle or combat she was surly not going to win. She'd be lucky if she made her escape successfully. Course she would give up her life to protect the young, it was her duty, one she was prepared to do. However, she could only do that if she had her memory and skills refreshed. The she-wolf would've asked someone she knew to help her with it, but none seemed to have the time. Guardian Rose was busy with her duties and seemed distracted by something, you could see it in her eyes. She would feel out of place if she were to ask Quinn, with her duties as Alphess and her pups. Eclipse was another option, a face she'd gladly spent time with again. But he was hidden now, and she could only find his scent but never him in his own body and handsome looks. So, she figured if Nnlya was willing, the other Elite could help her.

Reaching Winter's Grasp she slowed down, shivers instantly going through her body as the coldness reached her. Her paws stepped on the frozen ground as she neared the grey coated female. Giving a small smile towards her superior along with a nod of respect she greeted her warmly. "Elite Nnlya, up bright and early as well I see? I'm Lead Autay Elsbeth, if you didn't know, and I'm wondering what you have planned today in such... out of place locations."

Low muse, sorry.

Having a rough time at sleeping, the small wolf made her way out of the den as the sun was beginning to shine. She wandered about her ways, making sure she stopped at all the places she knew the herbs she needed were. She picked a few in the pasture and moved them to her small pile by the den. She needed a better place for them, but she knew they would not be getting any better until she had a Healer's den she could officially use. For now her little collection would have to work. Taking care of each, she picked them with the front portion of her teeth. When she heard the call of her mother, she lifted her head immediately. Her ears perked up top, and scanned for more clues as to where she was. The Elite had a very distinct sound. She would know it from anywhere. Dodging the autumn leaves that scattered across the floor, Kida made her way for her mother. The young apprentice started to race into a run. As she approached the lands her mother chose to gather in. She had honestly never been here before. She could feel the cold chill run over her spine and down her coat. Her little body was not used to such temperatures. She had not been around for a winter yet and she heard they were very cold. "Hello mother, Lead Autay Elsbeth.." she said as she bowed her head to the both of them with respect to their ranks. The young fae smiled to them both as she lifted her head and wagged her tail. She was happy to be in the presence of them both, as she looked up to them in their own ways. Her mother was strong, not just as a mother, but physically. Why else had she been asked to be the Elite? Elsbeth was strong too, but just in her own way. She was smart and took great care of all the Apprentices when their parents were too busy doing their duties for the pack.

The Elite sat kneading the sand with her paws while she waited for the pups to join her, her smile fading quickly. She was nervous. This was her first time calling any sort of meeting or pack activity, would anyone show up? Would anyone even listen? It would suck if her howl was bad and no one came because they couldn't hear her, but it would suck even more if they heard and chose to ignore her. She had the authority to call the pack together, she knew that much, but it was whether the pack respected her authority. With every passing moment she grew more and more anxious, her divots in the sand growing deeper and deeper. Grey tail lay limp behind her, fear making her breathing grow shallower. Maybe she wasn't cut out for this. She was loyal and she could fight, but if she didn't hold the respect of the pack then what good was she? Her chest was beginning to hurt with every breath she took until breathing in was just a reaction that wasn't providing her with any real oxygen. She was scared, she didn't like this feeling. Everything was dark and angry and mean. But there was a rustle, a figure ahead. She focused on it as it came into focus. It was a wolf. Amber eyes. They looked familiar. The scent, it was Helidos. A pack member! She was so happy to see the she-wolf, it was like someone had loosened their jaws from her chest and she could breathe again, though her stomach was still in flutters.

It was Elsbeth, their Lead Autay. She sighed in relief. That was good, Autays needed training so they could keep the little ones safe. Drogo's reports from his adventures into neutral territories made it clear that Erenyx was growing restless, their quarrel with Helidos festering in their brains and polluting their thoughts. Her tail wagged for the oncoming female. She would be delighted to teach this educator how to protect herself and her wards. "Good morning Elsbeth. I thought I'd offer the pups some training and it's open to anyone who wants to join." She grinned, the other female's presence reassuring her. Surely others would soon follow. And they did. First came her daughter, "Good morning Kida," Nnlya bowed to lick her little girls forehead. She was quickly followed by her eldest brother, Levi. She smiled warmly at him. "Good morning Levi." She drew a cleansing breath, her faith in herself renewed just a little. "Well, now there's a few of us here, I thought we might get to some training. I hope you're all well rested, because you're going to need all your energy today." She looked past them, farther down the beach, surveying the stretch of shore. "You've all travelled here, so you should be nicely warmed up. We'll start with a run, to that wall of rocks down the end of the beach and back. I want you all running your hardest. Now go!"

Training? What a coincidence that was for the Autay. She almost let out a small sigh of relief but kept it in, a smile coming across her features instead. The Elite almost seemed relieved, no. Scratch that, she was relieved at the sight of the she-wolf. From the time that she had been in Helidos, there weren't many gatherings. And those that did happen were called by the Alphas. So, by the look the grey female now held, Elsbeth could tell that this might just be her first gathering. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, and I'd be happy to join in. I feel that tensions are rising between our own and Erenyx... I fear that things will come to be worse." She brought her words to a stop as she paw steps approaching. Turning her head she saw no other than Nnlya's own daughter, Kida. Such a sweet little she-wolf, she wondered what position the child would want to have when she grew older. The Autay couldn't help but smile when the two she-wolves shared their affections, a small pang of pain coming into her chest. She ignored it though, instead lowering her head a bit to come down a bit closer to the young wolf. "Hey there, Kida. How've you been? A few moments later Nnlya's eldest, Levi, arrived. The two pups seemed to listen very well to their mother, which always made life easier. Dipping her head towards him softly she spoke once more, "Morning to you as well, Levi."

And no later than that did the other adult in the group of four demand something of them. Turning her head to see where they would be running to and from she spotted the spot. It was supposed to be a sprint, not some leisurely jog. Nodding to her superior, she flicked her tail before setting off. Her long legs stretching out far in front and behind her as she sprinted towards the pile of rocks. Her lean body was light and swift, allowing her legs to easily carry her there. Upon reaching the end of the beach she began to turn her body, subtly so  she wouldn't immediately change directions, her legs shooting out to steady her turn. She may not be skilled in combat, but she did know how to run to get somewhere quickly. no doubt she would give her life for those she protected, but it was still about getting them in and out of there in time. Once her turn was completed, she began sprinting back the same way to Nnlya. Her jaws now parted to take in air easier as she ran. Slowing her gate as she came back to the Elite she came to a stop, shaking out her pelt to loosen the muscles and to cool them a bit from the weight of her fur. It felt nice to be training again, something she hadn't done in a few years, but was glad she was doing it again. Patiently she waited for the next orders of their tasks to be given out.