Rhythmic pants fell into a steady beat as they were followed with an echo of paw steps. This sound replayed over and over, sending a looped song of running over the snow ridden plains. Marrok had come here to clear his mind after his encounter with Esmerelda, and was failed horribly. The grey female has burned an image permanently behind his dark eyes, one that he almost hated to shake out. Twisted feelings of joy and regret coursed through him, taunting his honor and making him second guess himself. He felt like he was going behind Luna's back being friend with Esmerelda, like somehow it was wrong. Growling to himself Marrok's pace quickened and his steps turned to leaps through the deep parts of snow. A wave of frost followed the sable wolf, making a surf of snow follow him in his rant. With wind hitting his face the male closed his eyes and plowed through a drift, ignoring the sting from the snow. Snapping his jaws Marrok skidded to a halt and peered around the open area.

Movement caught his attention and he was grateful half his fur was covered in ivory snow. Slinking down into a crouch he made out the sight of a winter hare nibbling at a bush some fifty yards away. Amazed that the rodent hadn't run from his gallivanting around Marrok grinned and crept forward. Changing his demeanor entirely his paw steps became delicate and soft. Almost effortless the male slunk forward in a hushed tone, growing closer with every step. The rabbit was now almost within reach when the damned thing saw him and took off. Lunging forward Marrok headed him off, but it faked left then right on him. Knowing how rabbits tried to evade Marrok also faked right, making the rabbit go left. At that moment Marrok turned sharply and leaped over the rabbit to cut off its escape. Too confused to run it met the males jaws in a small fight to its death.

Pleased with himself Marrok shuck the snow from his pelt before grabbing the prey in his jaws and headed to a more sheltered area. The pack's prey pile had been filled already, so this small piece of game would be his. Settling himself down by a tree trunk the male started to feast, burying his muzzle deep into the prey, making in turn crimson just as the snow.

Where the Hell am I now? His muzzle cringed at the sour smell which arose from the endless plains, guessing it to be a rotten kill somewhere amongst the white sea. Damon tired of the new scenery already, having not met another pack member yet, and decided against retiring to the camp clearing. Stinging his muzzle, Damon followed his senses to an abandoned deer carcass, one that had been savagely ended. Claws marks beyond recognition and out of the canine species made the brute change his path for along with the disgusting leftovers there was a haunting smell which any wolf knew to avoid, if they wished to see the dawn again.

The sea roared as the blizzard continued to pour down heavily upon the Damon until his silent wishes calmed the Gods and let his vision improve. Had the pack not enough members to plaque the lands? Damon had to wonder for he was beginning to think the Beta was the only one living on this god for saken territory. Damon's father flew into his minds, perhaps rushed in by the brutal winter winds, and Damon growled deeply, not wishing to remember such horrors. The vague remembrance of a female however was enchanting, oh how he would die for one's company at the moment. What were the faes like in this pack? Any would do for he loved a challenge. I will have a den warmer hopefully with a week, Damon thought darkly and let a deep cackle escape him.

"My, my, my," now this wasn't exactly what he had hoped for but the situation surely would do. Damon eyed his companion lightly, watching as the brute dug into a freshly caught hare, leisurely enjoying the winter day. Finally some one to speak to and hopefully, someone to give him an insight on the fae population he had yet to experience.

The shrill wind that ran its cold fingers up the brutes spine did little to swain his attention to his meal. Savagely he tore into the small hare and ate in large gulps. He knew from experience that in this weather he should treat every meal as if it were his last, thus he wasted no time nibbling. In the break of the wind a new scent filled the brute's nose and he paused his eating to raise his head in its direction. Breathing in deeply the small figure of a male filled his gaze, this sent him instantly on guard of his half eaten kill.

Taking a step over his meal he hunched his shoulders down and lowered his head in an aggressive yet calm manner. He didn't want to come off as someone who would give up their kill easily, nor did he want to be overly dominant if the wolf turned out to be the Alpha. Pausing for a moment his strong voice bellowed over the wind "Yes? Can I help you?" He questioned both in truth and to break the ice to see the reaction of this new wolf.

Damon cackled deeply, highly amused by the pack member. With the cold, winter winds comes colder exteriors for the wolves it seems. Scurrying for their next meal then protecting their prey with their lives. Ironic really. "Yes, sir, indeed you can."" Falsely, Damon's aggressive side heightened as his muzzle bent to the round as if he was going to charge then sweep the hare from the brute's guarded area. But as the Warrior neared to a mere two yards, Damon again cackled in amusement at whatever reaction he earned, returning to his upright position. "Fear not, I have mere interest in your prey. Now, pack mate, who might you be? You are a pack mate, yes, or does my nose serve me incorrectly?"

Marrok hunched over his kill further concerned he may need to fight for its meager left overs. Prickling his fur up the male readied himself in case of a fight. When the new comers actions were understood Marrok relaxed slightly and removed his paw from his kill. Raising an eye brow Marrok wondered what sort of help he could provide the male other than an easy meal. When he was about to ask that question the male shot forward making Marrok growl loudly at him. Seeming unfazed by his threat Marrok kept his eye on Damon and raised his hackles again.

Laughter? Such a strange brute this was, it intrigued Marrok. "Yes I am from this pack, I go by Marrok, who are you?" He asked in a strong voice with an upright muzzle. Clear and strong his voice could be mistaken for demanding respect, but instead it merely showed Marrok wasn't one to be pushed around.

Still sharp. Damon praised his senses and watched his new companion with ease and interest. Marrok was the brute's name and Damon was satisfied to make an acquittance; though a male meant rivalry, which made the brute's fur prickle with sudden realization. Chill, Damon told himself and just let a yawn brush away the short tension. "You may call me Damon," he responded with confidence, perhaps a hint of arrogance. Damon did not, intentionally, wish for the male to take his confidence boastfully, it was simply Damon's nature. The cheeky fellow will have to learn to live with it. "Cut the act. I get the message, but I know you are a Warrior, same as I. So tell me, friend, how goes your love life?" Right off the bat; typical.

Making a mental note of the males name Marrok relaxed a tad more and took another large bite of his hare. Swallowing it almost whole he fought back another growl at this guys disrespect for him. True they were of equal rank, but Marrok was always one to want more respect then what was given. "True I am a Warrior Damon, but don't count on us being equals." He said with a threatening tone to his voice. Next his dark amber eyes drifted over the male and took in his physical characteristics, making notes about his build and muscle tone. Damon was smaller then him, but he didn't judge strength and speed on size. Many a time a mall wolf had beat him in battle or a large cumbersome brute out ran him. You just never knew sometimes.

His next comment made Marrok's eyes squint in annoyance. This male here was now dubbed falanderer in Marrok's mind, a flirt and skirt chaser if he had ever seen one. Thinking a moment on how to answer an idea sparked in his mind. "Same old same old friend," he hissed out the last part. "Not that's its any of your business but I have already snagged a fae to share my den with me. Though I hear a lovely female named Steel is searching for a den warmer, might want to seek her out." He said and almost broke into a chuckle.

The entire encounter was so far amusing, beyond belief. Damon cackled at the male over again, holding him for less respect than previously. He question faintly in his mind if the brute was like his old man and if the male was, then he was witnessing his next archenemy. Chill, repeatedly the word mentally renounced when Damon started to become hostile, which, for him, was entirely out of character. "So sensitive, sure you aren't a female?" Damon prodded teasingly, really having no ill intent for this male but joyful to play his games. The squinting eyes only made the Warrior's grin fuel.

Marrok's next words altered the tables completely. The joker was not amused now, though his features showed absolutely no change. "You with a female? How intriguing, point one for you. Tell me of her, do not fear, I like you so she may remain safe." For now. "Now, now, let's get serious." His shoulders rose with annoyance, a deep growl rumbling below, and his fur spiked challengingly. "My love for females is simply for entertainment, even so, you have no right to judge. And assuming that I am an imbecile, you think I have not met the Beta Steele. Vial male. Who is absolutely not a female in anyway, yes? Stop your games and twisting ways, safe that for the ladies."

Marrok stiffened again at his comment and glared his eyes at him. So far the male was doing little more than amusing him, and starting to annoy his. "I'm no more of a female then you brute." He said harshly trying to calm himself. With the last bite his meal was now finished and Marrok had nothing to protect. For this reason the male chose to sit down and lick the blood from his maw and listen to Damon's petty words.

At his next question Marrok dove into deep thought of how to handle this without being beaten with it from Esmerelda later. Deciding to only speak the truth he spoke cleanly. "Aye she's a fine fae of silver fur and sharp eyes. Her tongue is sharper as is her wit. You'd be wise to stay away from her." He said and gave him a serious look. He liked Esme a lot and valued her safety which he feared for with this male. Keeping her out of his reach would make him feel better for the time being. At his next string of words Marrok couldn't help but chuckle, perhaps he wasn't as brainless as he thought. "You are correct, our dear Beta is indeed no fae. Now pushing past that I must ask if your intentions with the packs females are noble. They are my family and I won't stand for any funny business that's not wanted coming out of you." He growled at him.

Briefly, Damon regretted being himself when he first spoke with this male. He had a true heart which was rare and honorable, annoying but again, honorable. It did not shock the brute that Marrok disapproved of his behavior, one of true nature would. "Thanks, I'll head that warning," the coin the was double sided; one side wanting him to pursue the difficult-sounding fae while the other respected Marrok enough to leave her be and the fact he wasn't fond in going after someone who would only waste his time. For now, he'd go with the latter as his decision. "Noble enough. You can't be happy with everyone's decisions, Marrok. Fear not, I don't go after faes who don't return my affections after a fair while. A chase his entertaining, but there are more fish in the sea. To say lightly." Damon chuckled deeply then sat to match Marrok's posture. "Now tell me, Marrok, what is this Esmeralda like? She's off my list it seems so tell me the information I won't waste time to retrieve. Is she yours?" The last comment hung faintly, Damon not knowing of Marrok's attachment to the fae. Picturing this stranger with a fae was difficult, especially one of such wit and sharp eyes. Well, opposites attract I suppose.

Satisfied with his response Marrok smiled faintly and sat down in front of the brute. He was feeling better near this male and almost saw himself in him slightly. As a youngster Marrok chased plenty of tail and got into his fair share of trouble. His wandering ways ended however when he met Luna. He also respected this male higher that he would accept his warning and hold to it. It was smart of him also to listen about not pursuing faes who didn't want it, such a thing never sat well for Marrok. There were a few males he had heard of who sought out tail even when it wasn't given freely. This made Marrok sick to think of, fathering pups that weren't wanted, if such a thing happened here he'd have something to say about it.

"Aye a chase can be fun as long as you know when to stop running. If you hold up to what you say you may be smarter than I thought of you. Tail chasing without mutual consent doesn't sit well with me and I'm assuming Azul. You'd be wise not to pursue anyone without their consent lest you want to deal with me." He said driving home his warning yet again. Then the male pushed further with his questions of Esme, this was making things difficult. Trying to figure out how to speak without twisting the truth Marrok had an idea. "She has a fierce tongue and has no patience for most. Nearly bit my head off when we first met, but she settled down and now shares my den at night. Any other information you seek you'll have to ask her." He said simply deciding that was enough of his questions. He also purposely ignored his last question to add one of his own.

"So tell me Damon what of your love life? Have you seen any of our females you wish to chase already?" He questioned as he analyzed the male before him.

What a nuisance, Damon fought the urge to roll his eyes to Marrok, now getting tired of the noble stick. Especially how the male kept giving him sly warnings, slipping them harshly into the conversation. It was plainly clear Marrok doubted Damon's skill, believing their age difference was to his advantage. A year wasn't enough to make this male a worthy opponent. "I look forward to that," In no way would Marrok stop his philandering ways, he had already said to much to the nuisance of his intentions. Marrok was not aware of the enemy his was provoking, for if the male got in the way of his pursuing, there would be Hell to pay. All's fair in love and war.

"Oh? You must have some quick ways, Marrok, to win her over in such short time. Perhaps you aren't as ignorant as I thought previously of you." The ending, you'll have to ask her, appeared to be ignored but Damon was considering it for the future. "I have yet to meet one of our females. My love life is my own business."

She had yet to explore her new home, something that had been tugging at the edges of her thoughts for quite a time, and with some time to herself came to opportunity to hunt - two birds with one stone, as it were. So she made her way through the snow and puffs of winter breath struck with a look of determination, her eyes of honey and golden sunlight bouncing from tree to tree and dancing across the few flakes of white that lazily drifted from the branches above, searching for the break in the leafless birches and firs that would eventually reveal itself. Before long, the rust of blood had made its way to her on the frost bitten breeze, tickling her nose as it beckoned her forward. The lust of an angry stomach is a strong one indeed, though Lucy was not stupid enough to allow it to cloud her better judgment; for she was not alone in this not-so-secluded corner of frozen wood. Unfortunately, for those blessed with knowledge, there is a curse that reigns supreme in those with minds capable of pursuing its bounties: curiosity. So she continued walking in search of this new unknown she had stumbled upon, hoping the males that had gotten lost in a, surely, riveting conversation wouldn't be interrupted by her approach. Though, as the silent scurries of vile rodents and other unknown creatures sounded off around her, her gaze abruptly flickered to the side in a rare occurrence of luck, for there, in all it's beauty, was a meadow. A meadow that, in the summer, would roll with a sea of green gasses and blossomed wild flowers, though to a she-wolf such as herself it meant something far greater: food. With careful footing and muzzle trained on the wind, Lucy stepped from the sparse cover that spilled its shadows over her dappled fur and emerged from the tree line like a ghost from the night, though instead of the promise of a meal to welcome her, two wolves stood in her way.

"What is this talk of females I hear? Looking for mates already, I suppose, even though I have yet to meet either of since my entrance into these lands? How interesting." She stood not a few tail lengths from the two of them, her eyes bright in humor as she looked her fellow pack members over. Oh yes, they were both males, and they were most certainly larger than herself, but she had no intention to stir up trouble. If anything, they held the spoon, as their talk of faes as if they were possessions to bring to auction did not sit well with the lovely Lucy. "I do apologize for...overhearing the last of your conversation, as I had no intention to eavesdrop. My name is Lucy, and I seemed to have found myself here with an empty stomach and a rather limited knowledge of the territories in tow, as I had no idea of this meadow or of its popularity." She surprised herself at her sudden boldness, for calling attention to herself was never something she was fond of doing.

"And may I ask for your names, gentlemen? I'm sure you'll find the question quite appropriate, for you already know mine."

Marrok ignored Damon's comments and simply flicked his ears back at the male. He wasn't in a mood to play a battle of the wits and was more interested in learning more about this odd male. "Ah but its not polite to request an answer to a question without answering the same question yourself, tisk tisk. Changing the subject what of where you came from?" He questioned, trying to be civil now instead of immature. Marrok was attempting to be the better man here and push past differences to learn about his pack mates, and either make allies or enemies from them. He didn't want this male as an enemy, thus the questions began.

Just then a new scent rose on the air and the pair were soon graced by a pretty little female who stepped gracefully into their space. Her words were soft like freshly fallen snow yet held a wit to them like a snap. Dipping his head to her he sent a wide smile in her direction, "Greetings miss Lucy I am Marrok. If you had arrived just five minutes earlier I would have shared my rabbit with you, but sadly I didn't have the pleasure. This meadow is good for hunting small prey if you're hungry." He said with a strong tone to his voice that was both kind and informative. "As for exploring the territory I'd be happy to escort you around, see the sight." He offered not waiting for Damon to offer first.

Furious would be an understatement and even though Damon held no fury visibly, inside loomed an uncontrollable inferno. Even if for a brief moment, Damon had let his guard down and let this imbecile in on his intentions, now there was Hell to pay. You idiot! How dare you let someone in on your mind? Now here is a victim which shall not be collected, for she has heard your plans! Arrgh! The Mongolian male was infamous for his handling of pressure but when it came to his flirtatious ways being ruined, his walls cracked. Gears were turning wildly as the machine fought for an answer in the unknown situation, within seconds it spat out a plan on crooked paper in attempt to save the vessel from chaos.

"Well, it seems my ancestors have finally come to spit my ways," Shyly, his amber eyes darted away from the new fae's grasp, not even getting a sight of her. Before them, his confidence appeared to have diminished dramatically when caught in such a tying situation. It may raise questions to how successful his boasting truly was, for now Damon appeared weak and defeated, yet the interpretation went to the beholder; similar to artwork business. "I apologize greatly you had to hear such demeaning talk, Lucy. My name is Damon and I hope you can forgive me for the unwanted show. I cannot lie my past ways are...how do I put it...not...socially acceptable. Seems this pack has enough wit to challenge my own, with that I believe it best I straightened up my act." His gaze tore away from Lucy to the awaiting Marrok, his gaze clearly saying, Happy? It was partially truth and to the yearning ears not a lie was detectable, Damon could tell the faes and brutes of this pack were sharper than of his previous groups and with this realization, Damon knew he had some self reflecting to do. How old was the canine now? Four years, that seemed right. Perhaps his philandering ways should come to an end, besides...a mate didn't sound all...too bad.

"Our conversation was relieving, thank you, Warrior Marrok. I hope we can have more meeting at a later date. And miss, again my apologies, I bid you a sorrowful farewell. My presence is no longer needed and my mind is a bit...heavy, as it seems. Goodbye." Fur belonging to that of the typical Mongolian wolf departed from the a ray of colors, his goodbye given with such perfection he would have cried at his own performance. Staying would only do him harm, so Damon saw it best to dwell in his own troubling mind.

Now that Steele and Ember were allowing wolves into the pack, Azul could appreciate the finer things of the pack. He could possibly even explore his own lands a bit. Curious as to where his own paws would take him, he started on his venture to seek other wolves. His thick white coat blended in almost perfectly with the setting around him. The snow fell heavily to the floor, covering it in a cold blanket. Slowly he moved about the land, humming to himself. He hadn't stopped until he heard two voices a rather good distance from where he currently stood. His eyes looked over the land, searching for the wolves. He was not completely certain who they belonged to, but when he heard a softer voice, he smiled. He knew her sound very well. His tail curved over his back slightly, resting on his spine. But her voice was agitated. This worried the alpha, but before he would intrude into their conversation, he paused and waited.

He sat on the ground, hiding in the snow covered bushes. His golden hues watched as he listened. There were two males, one he had met and the other he had not. Steele or Ember must have accepted him. Soon the unknown male would be leaving, placing Lucy alone with Marrok. He had saved Marrok from the irritation which was Steele at times. Although the male was rather rough around the edges, the midnight brute was extremely useful. With a shake of his head, he released his mind of those thoughts and back to the wolves before him. He stood up, cleared his throat, and approached them through the branches and brush. "Why hello Apprentice Lucy and Warrior Marrok. How is your day going?" he asked with a smile. As he looked over the wolves, he could not help but to stare at Lucy. Her coat was beautiful, almost perfect.

As the first one turned to her, with a flurry of white falling loosely from his back with the movement, her ears flattened against her skull in discomfort. She could feel his eyes roaming over her pelt, feel the change in the air as her presence was realized, and whether his intentions were pure or not, it made her skin crawl. She had only met but a handful of his kind, and ever since her enslavement after her father's murder her opinion of them was not relatively high. Of course, for every wicked, there was one noble; contrary to his followers beliefs, Silas was not heartless, nor was he a poor king. He ruled with fangs bared and a shrunken soul, but he lead his pack to prosperity and gained more than Lucy's trust during his time as her father. So yes, he was noble in her eyes, for there is not much braver than a man who overcomes his darkness and learns to love. As the one named Marrok continued with his introductions and formalities, and as her thoughts slowly fled to Audric and the many smiles they shared, she realized that the only male since her family's death she had been comfortable with upon their first meeting was...Azul.

A smile slowly crept to her lips, bringing with it a light to her face as her expression brightened with Marrok's generously shared hospitality, yet her spine remained rigid in a most awkward position. "Greetings to you as well, Marrok. I am sorry to decline such an offer, but I would much rather learn my home in solitude. Thank you, though..." This male was of average height, standing quite a bit taller than herself, of course, but his entire body was wrapped in muscle. His fur was an interesting mix of brown and russet; a rusty color, touched here and there by delicate wisps of cream, and his eyes were, in few words, incredibly sharp. This brute with the tongue of a king and the stature of a warrior was indeed wise, which only caused Lucy's stomach to twist tighter in fear as she remained still in his shadow. The other, however, left with little more than a slew of words and an empty farewell, keeping his own eyes at bay as if the very sight of them would unleash further embarrassment as they watched over him. She felt at a loss as he expressed his sorrow, calling out with much softer words before his tail disappeared behind the leaves and the many hidden shadows they cast. "I am sure we will meet again, Damon. Do not fret on my behalf, and take care!"

She turned to the older warrior with some hesitance, dropping her gaze to ground and lingering on its bare patches of frost before meeting his own of gold and tarnished brass with the most sincere grin she could manage, though it grew eerily crooked as her scar interfered. Before long, and to her surprise, a rather familiar scent tickled at her nose, causing her head to turn in time to watch its bearer approach. Her muzzle and its forced line softened as she caught sight of his ivory fur, what muscles that lined her back eventually releasing their unpleasant grip, and she bowed low as he broke free of the trees and their free-growing bumbles.

"Alpha Azul," her eyes traveled up to his face, feeling a warmth press against her cheeks as they found his had already been trained on her, and spoke with a change of voice as light and as coy as a dove's feather on the breeze "Oh, my day has been lovely, thank you. I stumbled across Warrior Marrok just before you arrived, as I was walking the edges of the territory in hopes to become more acquainted with its lands." She paused with the beginning of a somber smile at the corner of her lips to lean back on her haunches, the coat of a doe's that draped effortlessly from her shoulders alight in the sparse columns of the sun's glory that filtered through the birch and its mess of twine.

"What brings you here and away from the camp? I hope nothing of dire importance, for I would hate to interfere with your duties."

Watching the brute leave left Marrok with a smirk plastered on his face. The male intrigued him just as Esmerelda did, though he certainly didn't have some of the same thoughts about him as he did with her. Glancing his amber eyes back to the lovely female before him his smile wavered a bit. Let down as to not show her the bounties of the territory didn't harm his pride bad, but he still would have liked to show her around. Looking back over her frame tastefully her noted the intricate designs in her fur, waves of grey, brown and onyx pulled him in, letting his eyes melt into her fur. They pulled him in, fooling his eyes into seeing certain colors only to be lied to as her small body moved in the light. Entranced her almost missed sensing Azul approach, which caused him to pull back and address Lucy. "Don't fret miss, I do hope you learn to love this land as much as I do, for what little I've seen of it." He spoke, his words strong yet soft at the same time.

Turning now to Azul his posture changed as his maw dipped and his shoulders led him into a small bow of respect. The alpha's white coat made his stick out amongst the group of brown and sable, it only further emphasized his importance of the pack. Standing tall and proud before him Marrok instantly felt smaller yet felt stronger next to him, like some of his greatness rubbed off on him. One day he wished to help further serve such a great wolf, but he didn't know how. "Greeting Alpha Azul, its my sincere pleasure to see you again. My day is going very well for I have met several wolves including lovely miss Lucy here. I went hunting as well and brought three rabbits back to the clearing." He said hoping it would impress the massive male.

Then as the female spoke he saw an invisible connection between the two, interesting he thought to himself. Lucy was indeed beautiful, she had a good form and was very polite. Any male would be lucky to stand next to such a fine fae, Marrok wished that someday he too could be as blessed.

He looked to the wolves, smiling as they seemed to have gotten along just fine. It was good to see members of the pack learning to live amongst one another. It made his heart beat faster, knowing he had not failed in this. He looked to the fae who spoke to him first. His eyes worked hard to keep them from staring as she was very beautiful and her coat was perfection in its natural form. Her voice was as soft as an angel's, filled with glory and love. Although he could not pin point his feelings for the fae, he knew he did care for her. "It is good to see you two have met, possibly become friends?" he questioned as he looked to them both, but back to Lucy with her last statement. "Things in the camp are fine, as far as I know. Warrior Ember, Beta Steele, and Caretaker Creek have been busy doing duties for me so that I may rest and relax for once." His eyes looked to the male, smiling and nodding his head, "yes, very good Marrok. They will be a great addition to our kill pile. In a few weeks time, we will be approaching spring and there will be better kills to be had. I hope I can count on you for aid in the hunt." His golden eyes looked to the other with respect and honor. He was proud he had such a good working and brave warrior in his pack. "How are you taking to the lands thus far?" he questioned them both as he rested his rump on the soft piles of snow behind him.

Her rosy skin flushed further with warmth as Marrok spoke dear of her, her eyes averting from the male's bronzed gaze in abashment as her smile, coy and slim, floundered before leaving her cream-touched muzzle all together. His words were hardly flattering, yet their ring was so unusual - so unfamiliar - that her unseasoned ears only heard the manipulative hiss of a male coiled to strike, for such of an innocence long lost had only heard one voice speak kindly to her in all her years bathed in murder and darkness - but, of course, there was another, wasn't there? Azul's. Yes, his was different. Everything about him was, but what was it that...drew her closer to him, to his eyes of blissful summers and deep-dwelling secrets? What it that sent her heart aflutter like the wings of a robin within her chest when she found him near? Oh, how ridiculous she was acting, and she knew it, too, and yet, did she try to stop it? Her sun-kissed pools of molten gold and amber circled mindlessly in the turned up soil at her toes, following the endless pattern of the frost's dainty tip toes across the thawed forest floor before lifting to his, serene and smoldering, and held that gaze before a smile returned to lift her lips.


"Oh, yes," she sent a bright flash of teeth in Marrok's direction before continuing, gaining confidence with each passing breath shared. "I would certainly call mister Marrok a friend." She shuffled in place just briefly before leaning back, setting her haunches gingerly upon the ruffled leaves and dried auburn grass without so much as a sound, looking up in time to meet the handsome stare of her Alpha as he did the same. "I'm glad you've finally had to some time to yourself. The lands are beautiful, as I thought they would be, and yet they still exceeded my expectations. Even in winter they are so breathtakingly full of life. If you don't mind my asking...how did you find such a place?"

Golden hues looked over the two wolves. He smiled and nodded to Marrok as the male left their presence. Once the male was gone, he looked to the fae, smiling warmly to her. "Yes, the land is very beautiful in the winter. You should see it when the flowers bloom and the woodland creatures come out to socialize. Feeling the summer sun will be good. Finally get to run and explore more of the lands." As he spoke of the land, he continued to smile. He looked down and then up to her eyes once more. "Well, I was born here. It was a long time ago. My parents were the Betas of the pack, so I know of higher ranking things from just watching them. I grew older, started my training and had real potential for getting a high ranking position within the pack. I was the best of my litter, like my father was before me. There was a night... A dark night where the moon could not be seen," he paused for a moment and then looked back to the fae. "The Dagger Pack attacked and killed our alpha along with many other wolves. I killed the Alpha of the Dagger Pack, avenging the one we lost. I watched him take his last breath. Then we went back to the pack with the news. The Alphess did not take it well... She ended up fleeing from the lands, along with many other wolves. I was appointed the Alpha and others decided I was not yet fit, so they left too."

Azul looked to the fae, trying to bring his smile back. "I found Kenai and then Steele. others Started to cross the border and here we are now." He smiled at her and looked over her form once more. His eyes seemed almost glued to her, while his nose caught traces of her scent. Although it was soft and pure now, in a few weeks time, it would increase in stench. Her coat was stunning, even in the thick of winter. Nature had its grasp around Azul and it was pulling him in close to Lucy.

The glow to his eyes as he watched her was peculiar...and yet so warm, so inviting. They really were beautiful; those pools of fiery chestnut and copper, their center alight with a hearty joy and their edges crinkling as his smile touched them. His words were touched by pride as he spoke of his lands, sparking a brightness to the very air around them, but before long that light was gone, swept away by a shadowy veil that with it threatened to spill upon his tongue a poison Azul had since kept at bay; sorrow. His voice resisted the darkness that she could see in his eyes, but Lucy had to wonder how long this sadness had been festering within him, tearing at his soul. He, too, had a past tainted by murder, but he was far stronger than she in that he faced his demons. She had run from a pack that had needed her guidance, turned from those who had slaughtered her father, their king, and her brother...even after losing Audric still she flees, as if rage was completely nonexistent within her. She would accept the branding of the name 'coward' on her hide, but she would not - could not - return to that forsaken land of carnage; for it was no longer hers; it was a monster's. He with eyes as black as death and a coat dipped in blood, the soulless bastard that enslaved her and brought the reaper to her door, and even with the strength of a thousand she couldn't find it in herself to face him again. Her lips twitched as her Alpha fought to find his smile, her legs - in his rarest moment of innocence and weakness - aching to move her closer, and refusing to allow her gaze fill with pity she instead looked to him with reassurance and a certain flicker of understanding.

"Azul - Alpha Azul, you are more than fit. You are more fit to rule than too many kings I have met, for you rule with kindness and greet with a smile despite the power you wield. You are wise, benevolent..." Handsome. Her gaze shot to the ground at her feet, her breath hitching in her throat and her cheeks reddening with with a rose flush. "Forgive my boldness. You are just...so different. I, too, lost my birth pack. All that I knew was taken from me, including what strength I had. When I came here it was more than just discovering a new start or wiping clean another slate; this place is a haven, and with it I found an ease I haven't felt in far too long, and I have never truly thanked you for this." Her eyes found his as her smile returned, a sigh slipping from her lips with a soft huff as it grew wider across her muzzle.

"Azul, what of your family? Your parents? They left with the others?"

He listened to the beautiful fae speak. Her words were like honey dripping down the bark of a tree just as they flowed from her sweet lips. He had never told any of the wolves his story, not even Kenai one of his closest friends. But even in the truth of all he said, he believed she gave him too much credit. He could not help but to smile when he looked at her, even when he spoke of such hard times in his life. "My parents, well, my father is still alive. After my mother died, he decided to wander. He knew I was able to protect and fend for myself now. If only he knew what this place was like now. I bet he would be impressed." As the Alpha spoke of his father, his smile grew larger than before. Trying to ignore her compliments was a hard task, especially when he wished to give her a whole lot more right back. He had never truly been interested in a fae like this before. Perhaps it was the season or the fact he genuinely liked Lucy. He didn't know the reason for a fact, but he knew he wanted to more about her. "What of your past Miss Lucy?" his eyes smoldered as they stared into hers. Hues of gold and amber merging with one another as he looked into hers and all over her coat. Muscles relaxed almost completely as the large brute lowered himself to the ground. He rested on the grass and small patches of snow, still looking to the fae. "I wish to know more of you, if you don't mind."

"He would be. I'm sure of it." She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling as their golden gleam burst and her fur bristled with delightful shivers. That stare of his; how it captivated her, how it ignited its flames across her skin already burning with numbing heat. What was he doing to her? This had never been her intention; to fall for one of those most wicked, but Azul was different - so very different. She knew the season that had so quickly come upon them must be driving him mad, like so many others, and yet he took not a single step toward her. He did not blame her awakening scent for his impurest thought, nor show any sign that any such thought festered within his mind, unlike those most vile individuals that did little more than cheer as she was bent before their brothers once ago. His heart was so kind, so befitting of a true Alpha, and yet his kind were too rare to find even once in a lifetime for some. Her cheeks flushed pink as he asked of her to share her own past, rolling the thought of keeping her once most forbidden secrets locked away as the should be over in her head, as the guilt of yet another knowing of her weakness prevailed even in the midst of the first she had trusted since the very occasion. Of course, his welcoming smile all but drew the very words from her lips.

"My history is rather dark, Alpha, and has since kept behind sealed doors, but...I suppose opening them now is for the better." She paused to lower her haunches to the ground, leveling her head with Azul's at he lay flat in the glory of a spring's afternoon. Her grin had faltered since speaking, but her voice held strong and carried softly on the sweet gust of lily and blossoming grass as she continued with tired eyes. "My father was an Alpha. A king, as his subjects called him, but he was not as worthy of the title as you. He was a tyrant and a murderer, and his people grew tired of his damnable and aging mind as their forces outgrew his own. I was to take his throne once his time had come and his soul passed on to the Other Forest - or wherever it was it was bound - as he trusted me like no other for his own reasons, but before my birth he and his Guard- a wolf far more tainted than he - created a hierarchy where females were to be no higher than dirt to trample. My pack despised me for this, for seizing the position as Alphess as my lesser sisters were punished for pleasure, and therefore despised my father. Outrage plagued the lands of my family, and there was one whom led its way as it consumed even life in its wrath. I was there; when they snapped. When they...they killed him. Him and my mother, my brothers...I was not in my right mind to look to their faces as they did. Two males I did not recognize took everything from the nothing that I had, but I will never forget his eyes. The one who slit his king's throat before me. I will never forget his face as he bent me to his will." Her face was turned from her Alpha's by now, her eyes closed as they swam in her shame. Humiliation ran hot through her veins, though she dare not stop now. Her breath puffed from her nose as it escaped the constricting grasp of her throat, peeking at Azul with a slithered gaze as her muzzle fought to keep its feeble smile.

"They kept me with the others after the kingdom was cleansed of its death, betting with their brothers over who would be the first to father my pups. I birthed none, to their disappointment, and was punished for my infertility, but to me it was a blessing. I would sooner be beaten than to watch them spill my children's blood when they were born weaklings. I was freed when the next winter graced our land, bringing with it cover in snow and frosted mist as I ran. I found your border shortly after. I remember thinking, when I could smell you on the wind, that after so long of darkness I could finally be saved. That I could finally find my savior."

Azul listened to her story as if she was a great elder, giving him advice on things to come. His eyes looked to her face, focusing on all its beauty. he could not pull away from her, not here and not now. He could see the whole story played a part on her emotions. They caused her joy, fear, sorrow, and desperation. Not only did this make him care for the fae even more, but it caused him to become very angry, to think that any brute could treat such a beauty this way. She was kind and fair, yet she was affected by such tyranny. But controlling his anger was easy. For now he would hope to come across the monster that scarred such a wonderful fae. Azul was not violent by any means, but given the chance to straighten that individual out, he would take it in a heart beat. Being the largest wolf in the pack had its perks. But he would ignore it for now. There was no way that kind of monster was anywhere near his land, his border. As he looked over the fae, he smiled. Her words lightened his heart, looking at her, he lost control of his emotions. Rushing to his feet, he moved to her, pressing his nose to hers. When he looked to her with his bright golden hues, he gave up thinking with his mind, completely following his heart. "Lucy, I promise nothing will ever happen to you. I will not allow anyone to harm you." Azul pressed his cheek to hers, licking it twice, before laying beside her and resting his head over her neck and shoulder area. He breathed slowly, plotting his next words carefully for her. "I care for you Lucy. I have seen many faes in my years, and none have caused me to feel this way for any of them. I always figured I would end up alone, living by myself. In these five long years, I have done just that. But I don't think I want that life anymore. I think I am ready to find love."