The world was beginning to thaw. Soft springy shoots stretched for the warmth of the sun beneath the brute's tired paws. Birds sang joyfully of the change of season and promise of new life. The wolf couldn't quite rejoice for spring. No, he was too weighed down. He needed a new beginning too, but he dared not let his hopes soar.  A tired sigh escaped from Thunder's muzzle as he glanced around the forest. He had been traveling so much, always on the move. I'm so close to my sisters...I can feel it. Ah, but will they even welcome me? The wolf shook the doubt away quickly. I must believe they will! I shall start over. This is not the past. He thought fiercely. Still, doubts and shadowy bits of previous events gathered in the corners of his mind like dark storm clouds. Part of him knew he needed more rest, but there was no point in stopping now. Countless nights had been spent attempting to sleep, but he never could for long. Nightmares haunted him, leaving him edgy and as exhausted as before. Thunder trudged on with heavy paws. He needed to find Rose, before he lost the will to continue on.

The brute slowed as pack scents wafted towards him. He was close to a border, or so it seemed. In fact, the border was only a couple yards ahead of him. He wandered even closer as his nose worked to sift through the various scents. The wolf's blue eyes gleamed with hope as he detected a whiff of a familiar female. Could it be her? Oh I hope I found her pack! Either that, or my nose is playing tricks on me... Thunder thought. He struggled silently for a moment with his negativity until he stood about a foot from the scent line of the unknown pack. No, I won't let my doubts get the better of me! He reminded himself. The brute yearned for company, for someone to walk along the border and notice him. He sat down with a soft sigh. That scent still lingered around...the scent of a wolf he assumed was Rose. There was only one way to be sure: talk to these pack wolves.

Thunder looked around hopefully, but there was no sign of movement, let alone any wolves. The salt-and-pepper male let his ears droop to the sides as he tilted his muzzle skyward and let out a loud deep howl. It took effort to keep the almost mournful note out of his voice, but he managed somehow. He was just so tired. Tired of his bad luck, tired of his past of pain. A spark of desperate hope lit deep within his heart as he lowered his head to watch the surrounding forest. Thunder composed himself and waited, ready to show proper submission and respect at a moments notice. Any pack that his sister could call home was a pack he could call home too. That much he was sure of. If she wasn't here...well he would worry about that some other time. For now, he was determined to find out if Rose was here. I must, for family is all I have left. Thunder thought sadly.

Spring was well upon them, as was her pregnancy. She awoke from where she was dozing in the den. She nosed her mates side, whispering, "My love, I'm sorry but I must respond." She knew he'd understand, she was down a wolf or two to patrol the borders. At the same time of his promotion to Guardian - a position he was well suited to - their female Delta was raised alongside him. They had gained a Delta male in her place, but he needed a rundown in the procedures first. Quinn was busy raising her young and running the pack and Juno was hardly anywhere to be seen. Marrok, she believed, kept vigil from time to time but not as often, the same going for Eclipse. Fenris, she'd noted, had taken on some of Quinns border patrols. But it wasn't enough. All these highly ranked wolves with responsibilities and so many with reason to avoid them. Children, age, other duties, there was a long list. Rose had been her best comrade along the borders, taking on more than her fair share of recruits. She, the pregnant Elite, had to keep up her duties while the others kept to themselves. Of course she worried as Drogo did, that her strenuous activities could harm their young but there was no escaping it. She knew if he could Drogo would take to the borders in her name, but his place was by the Alphas, protecting them. He claimed, though, that his place was with her, protecting his family. She was grateful to have one like him.

The tall fae had managed to carefully waddle in the direction of the call, her distended belly impeding her progression. She was lucky it was not a long journey to meet this one. She couldn't have handled a trip to the borders by the maple grove, or further out in the denser parts of the forest. Here it was more open, allowing her to breathe. The wind blew her the faintest whiff of a scent and she latched onto it, finding a much lighter grey male across the border. She walked over to him, breathless and large. Even before introducing herself she planted her rump in the dirt. She smiled gently, kindly, at him. "Hello sir. 'Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance this morning." She said, although the light suggested it was more a late morning, later than she would usually rise. "But might I inquire as to your purpose here?"

The light grey male gazed about, searching for any movement. Soon enough, a figured could be seen walking towards him. Something didn't seem quite right about the wolf...Oh my gosh! It's a pregnant she-wolf. Why is she answering my call? Oh dear, I hope I haven't disturbed her peaceful morning. Thunder thought as he noticed her round belly. The brute waited until the charcoal and brown fae was closer, then stood up respectfully for a moment. He waited for her to sit first before resting his butt on the ground once more. The brute laid down a respectful distance from her and kept his gaze fixed on her paws. "A good morning indeed, ma'am! I am so sorry if I interrupted you in your daily activities!" Thunder rumbled. His deep voice held a humble note. The male dipped his head to her so that his snout nearly touched the earth. He paused, unsure of how to explain his purpose here. How to tell her...should I just say it? That I'm looking for Rose? Should I mention I'm her brother? Oh, but what if she isn't here? That would be terribly awkward! Ugh. I guess I'll just say she is my sister. The grey brute decided.

"Well, I was wondering if you have a packmate named Rose? She is sort of a small she-wolf with white fur and amber eyes. I'm Thunder, her brother. Also, I would like to hear more about this pack. It would be an honor to serve an Alpha or Alphess once more." He explained. Thunder glanced up momentarily, his eyes still holding a small spark of hope. It was almost desperation that gleamed in the depths of the royal blue orbs, but he did his best to hide that. The female before him seemed kind and cheerful. If she was representative of her pack, then Thunder had no doubt it was a place where he and his sisters could be happy. Please let this be where they are...I don't know how much longer I can wander.

From where she sat she continued to smile breathlessly. She shook her head a moment before responding. "My duty is my duty, it must be done in any event." She inhaled deeply, certainly not a threatening sight to behold. Nnlya was lucky he seemed a kindly fellow and not one to challenge authority, else she would risk serious injury to both herself and her young. Instead, he was looking for someone. A someone she knew very well. "Indeed we have one in our number by such a name whom matches your description. You say you are her brother? You are lucky to have found her, family are always welcome here in Helidos." She wondered where to start when discussing their pack. "We are lead by our Alpha Fenris and his mate Alphas Quinn. Their Betas are Marrok and Juno. I am Nnlya, their Elite - a third in command. Here, we are about ensuring everyone does their job and contributes to the pack. Our leaders are just and fair and we would be honoured to have you serve us in whatever capacity best suits your skills." There was something, a thought, digging at the back of her mind. Her thoughts kept showing flashes of their recent meeting, one filled with numerous promotions. Rose was among those pictures, as was another wolf, another female. One Quinn had promoted at the same time as Rose. Faith, she remembered her name. She looked strikingly similar to their new female Guardian and she was sure she'd heard a rumour that they were sisters. "You wouldn't happen to have another sister would you? White fur, amber eyes and goes by the name of Faith?"

The brute's pale grey ears perked at her words, giving him confirmation that Rose was indeed here in this pack the fae called Helidos. His tail swished back and forth gently along the ground. "Fantastic! I'm glad to hear Rose has found this pack to call home. It is an honor to meet you Elite Nnyla! I hope Rose is doing well, just as I hope you are doing well. I'm glad to hear of such a noble pack as this one, for not all are good packs." Thunder rumbled. He dipped his head low once more, glancing up at her momentarily with blue orbs that sparkled with gratitude. "I would be more than happy to serve you and the leaders here as a hunter. I have trained long and hard for years in both combat and in hunting. I am experienced in both areas, although I don't wish to brag. In fact, I would rather forget my experiences with war and fighting, so I have no wish to be a warrior. I want to peacefully give my experience and loyalty to you all with my hunting abilities...if I may." He explained. The brute waited. It seemed the Elite was lost in thought, although he couldn't quite tell since his gaze was focused on her paws. Soon enough, Nnlya spoke again. Thunder's auds perked up at the mention of his other sister, although the name didn't quite fit. perhaps she changed her name too. That wouldn't surprise me. He though with a slight smile. "I do indeed have another sister like that, although I don't know her by the name Faith. Still, perhaps she has changed her name." The male shifted as he patiently lay before the she-wolf.

{OOC: so sorry this is late!}

Finally her lungs would settle and her breathing return to a more  comfortable rate. Just in time for her to set off again, the irony. She was glad the male had consented to join their ranks, likely due to the presence of his sisters. Family was a strong bond that drew its members together. It would delight her to see this brother reunited with his siblings, as though she could live her own impossible dream through their happiness. It was wrong, she knew, to feel their triumph as her own, but she couldn't help being happy. To her, family was extremely important. Soon she would be a mother to children of her own, she wanted to make sure they saw the value in their bond of blood. Her eyes would close slowly as she inhaled deeply, learning his scent. As they opened, she spoke, "Good Thunder, it would be my pleasure to make you an esteemed Hunter of Helidos." She watched his face for any expression, whether it be joy or displeasure, she would ensure her new recruit would enter their lands in a positive mood. "Would you please be so kind as to rise and help me back to the clearing? I fear my condition is taking its toll on me." She rose slowly, not glad for showing weakness before such a green member of their pack, but she had no options aside from this if she wished not to cause Drogo any more stress. She set them on path across the border. On their walk she would attempt to strike a conversation. You know, Rose was recently granted the rank of our Alphas Guardian alongside my mate. If fortune finds us, we may happen upon them when we reach the clearing."

It seemed that the Elite was satisfied, although Thunder couldn't be sure unless he looked up. He kept his eyes away though, for he didn't dare seem disrespectful. Will she accept me? Oh please let me see Rose! I miss her terribly. To think both sisters are here...amazing! I can't wait to prove my worth to these wolves! He thought happily. Suddenly, the female breathed in deeply. The brute smiled and wagged his tail at her words. "Oh why thank you Elite Nnlya. I am forever grateful to you and Helidos." The creamy grey wolf said. His deep blue eyes shone with the light of humble hope and joy. He nodded at her request and swiftly got to his paws. Thunder hid his relief as she at miffed she may need help. He had been concerned that she would try to act tough and strong and risk the lives she carried. "Of course! I am glad to be of assistance if that is what you need. If you need to lean on my shoulder for support, feel free to do so. I would be more than willing to catch you a fresh meal once we get back, if it would help renew your energy." The brute offered. He slid next to her, standing on her left, head and tail kept respectfully lower than hers. "Just so you know, I think you are very strong to have walked here yourself." The creamy male added quickly. He knew how wolves hated to seem weak, especially while at the borders. Many brutes think they could handle such a burden to carry about daily...but I doubt they could. Ha, I would like to see them try to do what this Elite does in her current state. I know many who would complain every step of the way! Thunder thought.

The large female stood. Oh...she is taller than me! He thought with surprise. Regardless, Thunder matched her step for step, ready to support her weight if need be. She spoke up again and the newly appointed Hunter listened with attentive ears. A grin graced his features at her good news. "Ah, that is no surprise to me. Rose is a noble and loyal soul. She may be small, but she puts her heart into every task. I shall try my best to live up to her example, for I believe in the importance of loyalty, as well as family and honor. I would be happy to serve you all." The male rumbled. The grin had become a friendly and content smile, but his blue orbs gave away the full extent of his happiness and pride for his sister. "I do hope to meet the Alphas and other high ranks to pay my respects...if that is possible. It would be wonderful to meet your mate Miss Nnlya. I myself used to have a rank much like that of a Guardian, although here it seems to be a more enjoyable rank. I am content to spend my days providing food for my pack. I shall make sure that your little ones are well fed. I would also like to see where the food is stored. I must learn these pack lands and the wolves who inhabit them, but I shall not fail to start my duties first thing in the morning. The prey does not wait for us to catch it!" Thunder said with a small chuckle. It seemed fortune was on his side once more. That small spark of hope had finally caught on something. Now it would shine brightly enough for all to see.