Nnlya still looked for her son each day. Though with the rising of each new sun their hope grew smaller and smaller. In the deepest pit of her heart she knew it was likely he was lost, but without proof she could not stop looking. Levi and Kida were both beautiful, strong, intelligent young wolves and she knew there was no fooling them. But she couldn't have them give up hope. Until she knew for sure she would keep coming home with a happy smile and a positive attitude. She always said that she thought she had a new lead and that they'd follow it tomorrow. Sometimes Drogo went out instead, so Nnlya could keep their borders safe. This was one of those days.

Nnlya trotted her way through the snow, head swivelling to survey her surroundings. The forest always looked so different in winter and it was quickly growing dark. She should turn back for the night but she couldn't leave half the borders unchecked. Just a while longer. All around the darkness grew thick, the trees taking on an eerie quality in the night, especially without their foliage. She caught a scent, a male not to far away. The charcoal wolf kicked up the pace, tail arching over her back dominantly. This wolf had come to their borders... sniff... no, crossed their borders and hadn't made a call. It could be very dangerous. Cold air filtered into her lungs with each deep breath, bringing with it the scent of the stranger.

The Elite grew closer, now starting to see a white mass distinguishable from the snow. "Who are you and why have you crossed our borders without permission?" She asked, a little more harshly than she might usually have done. It was very late and an intruder at this hour wasn't likely to be a mere mistake. She stood over the male, awaiting his words. An answer, an apology, an excuse. Whatever it was she was not unmerciful. Nnlya would hear him out and she hoped this was all a misunderstanding.

The wolf kept his bearing low, apparently aware of his intrusion and just how much trouble he could be in. The Elite waited silently for his response and was not entirely pleased with what she heard. He knew he had crossed their borders, he knew he was trespassing and yet he did it anyway. He was worried about rogues attacking him, how foolish. "You are foolish. Had this been any other border you would never have awoken from your slumber. The packs in this area are not often forgiving of trespassers." She watched him, eyes harder than they usually were, as he held his submission. Deep inside she knew there was something wrong with her, but she was afraid of it, afraid to even speak openly of it with her mate. She feared he might turn away from her if she told him of the darkness in her heart, of her terror at the possibility of it spreading and consuming her. She had become crueller and found less joy in each day. She was not herself.

The Elite gave herself a moment to pause, breathe and collect her thoughts. It was in this time that the other chose to slip in a few more words. He dared ask that he might remain within their borders to rest. How stupid did he think she was? He could be a Scout for all she knew! "On your feet," she commanded. "I won't have a wolf uncomfortable on my borders." She said. "We do not allow travellers within our borders to rest. That would be extremely poor judgement on our part and unsafe for the genuine inhabitants of our pack. You could be a Scout, a spy for another pack, do not think I am so foolish as to simply let you pass by unfettered. You, Jauda, will tell me your true purpose here. If I am satisfied with your answer, we may continue to discuss your place in this pack. If not..." She just barely raised her lip in a warning growl. Even as the threat left her maw she was shocked and yet she could not stop the words. Nnlya felt like she was watching someone else control her actions.



She plays. "She laughs." She wonders.