The sun made colors bloom in the air, filtered light from the leaves above which decorated both the trees overhead and the ground below. The various greens and yellows created contrast to the rich earthy browns and reds and blacks which the Hunter noticed cloaking the earth around him. It was picturesque, the colorful palette of nature. Thunder glanced upward with a smile as he wandered deeper into the Grove. Small fragments of clear blue were visible between the branches, bright and beautiful. Even the birds seemed happy as they sang cheerfully. The creamy brute's smile widened as he lowered his head to gaze upon the forest with bright blue orbs. A feeling of contentment spread through the male like warm honey. Large paws glided smoothly over the ground as he moved, tail swinging slowly behind him. There was a certain lightness and ease in his step, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Ah, how wonderful this summer was. I have my sisters, I a home....and I have wonderful packmates. He thought joyfully. A small laugh escaped his lips, both in relief and amazement. Perhaps there is hope to be found here after all, even for me.

After traveling a fair distance and absorbing the peace and energy of the nature around him, the Hunter began to hum a cheerful tune. It was one he had learned while he had been living life as a rogue. He had forgotten some of the words, so he hummed the song instead. Suddenly, the wolf noticed a flash of white...or was it cream? His own cream and grey pelt was sure to stick out here. Was it another white wolf who called these lands home? Orbs of royal blue fixed upon the light form with curiosity as he fell silent. Once he had padded closer, the brute realized that it was indeed a wolf. The pale female lay nestled among the roots of a large maple, relaxed with ears flicked back. It seemed as if she was resting, but was she actually asleep? Thunder approached cautiously in case she wasn't welcoming. Maybe I should just go...oh but what if she noticed me and thinks I'm rude to just show up and then leave? If she wants me to go elsewhere, then I can, but there is no harm in trying I suppose. The male decided. With a small friendly smile, he walked over to her and sat down, unsure of what to do. "Hello, I'm sorry if I'm interrupting you." He said quietly. Thunder waited to see how the she-wolf would react. He flashed another smile, this time it was apologetic. It had never occurred to him that he would find a packmate resting in these woods.

The fae quickly opened her eyes, clearly alert. So she wasn't actually sleeping, just relaxing I guess. Thunder mused. His smile widened happily as she sat up, gazing at him with rich brown eyes. Her voice was pleasant and the brute listened with ears flicked forward. Oh, An Autay! How wonderful to know the a wolf who takes care of the young ones here...maybe she has taken care of Nnlya's pups! He thought. The light pelted male had always liked pups, but it made him nervous to interact with them for very long. He was no wolf to be teaching the apprentices, or at least that's what he thought. What if he pushed them too hard? What if it brought out the worst in him? The cream and grey canine had made such efforts to bury that part of him, but he knew not if it would ever resurface to reveal a violent demon. It was a deep rooted fear, but he didn't consciously think of it here. Now, he was simply delighted to meet this she-wolf. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Emilia! I am Hunter Thunder, brother of Rose and Faith." The brute rumbled with a humble dip of his head.

To his surprise, she seemed intrigued by how he had been humming earlier. He could feel hear rise to his skin as he blushed slightly, and was glad that his fur hid the color. Thunder glanced sheepishly at his paws and flicked one ear back. "Oh yes, that was just a song I learned awhile ago while wandering as a loner. A friendly wolf taught it to me. I had never sung anything before that, so she showed me how fun it could be." He explained. The male felt rather bashful at the sudden attention. Frantically, the wolf tried hard to recall all the words as he spoke. "I don't know the name of it, since she never told me, but it's about two rogues I think. Nice rogues it seems. Do you want to hear it again, but with the words?" The Hunter offered. He didn't think his singing was very good, so it wouldn't surprise him if she said no. At least he had finally been able to remember the words. It had taken him a bit, but now he wouldn't make such a fool of himself...hopefully.

It was no surprise that Emilia knew Rose. It seemed like his sister was quite popular. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as she spoke. "Indeed, she is very kind. I had been looking for her for a long time, so I'm glad I found her and Helidos." He said warmly. This pack was a great place to call home. Perhaps the creamy male would even find wolves to call friends. It was a strange idea for him since he had never had any real friends before. Sure, he got along with his packmates back in Cedar Grove, but he hadn't really made any friends. Well, I'm starting over again. Might as well try, right? The Hunter thought. The fae seemed very interested in hearing the song, and her enthusiasm made him smile even more. "Alright then! It's rather short...I think a verse might have been lost, but I don't know." He rumbled. After a moment of thought, the brute began to sing in his deep baritone.

"Robin Hood and Little John walking through the forest, laughing back and forth at what the other has to say. Reminiscing this and that, and having such a good time. Ooo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally, golly what a day! Never ever thinking there was danger in the water they were drinking, they just guzzled it down. Never dreaming that a scheming Alpha* and his posse was a-watching them and gathering around. Robin Hood and Little John running through the forest, jumping boulders*, dodging trees, and trying to get away. Contemplating nothin but escape and finally making it. Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally, golly what a day. Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally, golly what a day!" All throughout the song, Thunder kept his eyes closed until he was done. He wasn't used to having an audience, and it made him rather shy to think about being watched.

Slowly, the male opened his blue eyes. He hoped that the song had sounded alright. Ears twitched at her question. Suddenly she seemed unsure and maybe...embarrassed? The Hunter couldn't be sure. "Of course! I would love to walk with you. It's quite nice out, and I enjoy exploring the land." He replied. A look of contentment transformed his features. It was nice to just enjoy a day with someone else. It was something he had rarely experienced, but he appreciated such opportunities. The cream and grey wolf rose stood, waiting for his packmate to take the lead. He wasn't quite sure what to talk about, but perhaps he could ask later what it was like to take care of the pups of Helidos. "Have you been in this pack for very long? I like it here, but I haven't met many wolves yet." The brute admitted. He smiled a bit and glanced around at the maple trees. He loved it here, and probably would never tire of the beauty found within these lands or the wolves that inhabited it.

The smaller female's cheerfulness was infectious. As his eyes opened, he found himself gazing at Emilia, who seemed absolutely thrilled by his song. He smiled and tried to hide the sudden shyness which crept up on him. Her complements filled him with relief and surprise. A slight blush heated up Thunder's face, and he was glad he had fur to cover it up. "Why thank you. I've never really thought much about whether I'm any good, but I'm glad it didn't hurt your ears." He said. Amusement flashed within his eyes as he looked at her. Only now did he realize how dark her brown orbs were. They complemented the cream and hints of light grey on her smooth and fluffy pelt. Her feedback was good to hear, and he simply nodded as his gaze seeped the clearing.

The brute continued to gaze at the colorful landscape until Emilia rose to her paws. She motioned for him to follow, and so he did. He walked just to her left, not quite walking beside her with his head nearly adjacent to her shoulder. Even so, the creamy male gave her a comfortable amount of space. Thunder matched her step for step as she moved gracefully along, not minding the pace at which they walked. Curiosity filled him as the light pelted she-wolf spoke. He was quite surprised to hear that she hadn't met many others either. A soft laugh escaped his lips at her comment on meeting a young wolf. "It's good to hear you enjoyed his company," he rumbled. Humor glinted within his vibrant blue orbs as she continued. "Well then, I must be the exception! I agree that it's nice to know the younger wolves." He said. The brute was happy that he didn't feel old quite yet...but he knew it wouldn't be long before he did. Thunder dreaded the day his bones would creak at every step and hinder him from going hunting. Still, he felt it was a rather humorous subject and he couldn't stop a slightly silly grin from transforming his features.

Her comment about how adventurous the younger wolves were brought a small little smile to his face. "I cannot quite relate to that carefree life of the pups here, but wandering and enjoying the peace of the forest is something I love these days. I wasn't so easy-going until...mmm...a couple years ago. Ah, that was how I found Rose too. Since then, my travels have brought me both good and bad. Then I found this pack, and my sisters again. I guess that's why I find myself strolling through the pack lands so much. I'm used to it...it's all I know." That, and hunting prey. A sheepish smile danced upon his lips as he glanced down at the earth. He had been a monster in the beginning. The brute feared he still carried his demon, but was glad that he had learned to transform his skills to hunt. I simply kill prey instead. It's much better too. He thought. After a few moments of silence, the creamy male looked back up at Emilia. "I heard the pups here are lively ones...do you know whose they are? I know Elite Nnlya had a litter, but apparently she isn't the only one who has pups this year." He rumbled. Thunder was surprised at how easily he engaged in conversation...usually he felt awkward, but something about the female made him feel relaxed and chatty.

Thunder listened, walking along calmly as he did so. The creamy she-wolf brightened and spoke of how she loved to help the younger canids. It was nice to see that she liked to teach and protect them. "I could teach you a bit about defending, if you care to learn. I know mostly attacking, rather than defending, but I can show you a bit if both." The male rumbled. He knew Autay's should know how to protect the young canines, and he would be more than willing to give some pointers. A warm smile still remained on the brute's lips as Emilia leapt onto a log. He listened as she commented on how she too had been a wanderer. It was nice to know he wasn't the only one, even if the female had wandered for different reasons. The she-wolf's expression became thoughtful, and Thunder wondered if she was reflecting on her past. He often made an effort not to think about the past, but it was easier said than done.

Surprise flickered in his bright blue orbs as he heard her next words. She hasn't met the parents? Is that Elite Nnlya and Guardian...Drogo, or is it the others? I would've thought they already knew each other! Thunder thought. He hadn't been expecting this joyful and talkative fae to be shy around parents, but it was understandable. He smiled reassuringly and nodded. "That is more than reasonable. You are given the task of helping the young wolves grow, and that is bound to make parents a bit more cautious. Still, I am sure many wolves would be more than thrilled to have such a cheerful and kind Autay as you be in charge of looking after their pups." He said. It was true, and he would be surprised if parents were so wary of their pack's Autays. They were trusted enough to be given the rank, so there was no need to be wary.

A small grin transformed his features as he noticed a small pink nose peeking out if a hole among the roots of a nearby maple. Flicking his tail slowly over his maw as a gesture for silence, the brute slowly stalked closer. Each paw was placed with care, only barely making the slightest noise. The hare had emerged slowly to rummage among the nearby bushes for plants to nibble on. Brilliant blue gaze remained locked on the prey as the male positioned himself between the burrow and it's resident. Long brown ears stood up on the small animal's head as it sensed danger. It was only a second of such alarm before the wolf sprang. His jaws  quickly snapped shut around the struggling creature, ending it's life as painlessly as possible with a snap of it's neck. The Hunter stood with the limp form clutched within his maw. He carried it back to the ivory pelted female, and set his catch gently on a patch of grass.  He smiled slightly without showing his red-stained teeth, and motioned to the prey with his pink stained muzzle. "For you, Miss Emilia, if you wish to have it." He offered. Thunder gave her a sheepish look. He hated having such a color tint his maw, but he would have to find a stream to wash it off in later.