Nnlya rose and stepped carefully across the border, elated to be finally part of a pack. She looked around and could have sworn that the sun was shining brighter, the colours of the leaves were more vibrant and the scents were all welcoming her. She followed Beta Marrok's scent through the grove of trees, through unfamiliar territory.  She arrived at the edge of a very large clearing, dappled in sunlight. Her muzzle pulled back in a wolfy grin. This felt right. This place felt home. She hadn't travelled far but here the first snow of the season had fallen, blanketing the ground in a fluffy white carpet.

The tall trees stood proud, shading them from the worst of the sun and blocking most of the chilly breeze. There was a slow moving river nearby, Nnlya approached the water with careful steps. She watched her reflection, a perfect mirror of herself. Her blue eyes sparkled under the azure sky and she became entranced. Her eyes had always been her favourite feature. She had to tear herself away from the waters edge. No, she thought, I'm here to socialise. She knew that she needed to befriend some other wolves. It would help when she finally went to find herself a den site. Looking around, wolves could be seen everywhere, simply conversing and playing without a care in the world.

She saw many beautiful wolves, their pelts simply glowing. She was sure the social aspect of living in a pack had something to do with it. There was a rock beside her, bathed in sunlight. Her muscles tensed as she crouched, and rippled when she leapt into the air, landing gracefully atop the flat surface. She lay on her side, soaking up both the residual warmth from the rock and the heat of the sunlight. With the light spray from the river and the soothing sound it made, she sighed in bliss.

The snow underpaw was rather delightful to see and feel, but to Fel, it was more like a piece of her home had been shipped to the Helidos pack lands. And though her spirit, had she been younger, would have wished to gallop through the fresh blanket of pure white and enjoy the day with her pack mates, she did not. The Guardian slowly made her way through the forest, ignoring the excited pup-like yips of the wolves running about, and followed the river upstream. Her long coat that was made for mountainous temperatures swished with every stride of her powerful legs. With the changing of the seasons, she had become what she was intended to look like, a large fae with almost bear-like power and appearance thanks to her thick winter coat. Icy hues danced about in her blue eyes whose chill challenged that of the winter while Fel went along, looking about rather indifferently. Her paws were instinctively skilled at walking silently through the snow, breaking it at an angle to make sure that there was no sound accompanying her movement.

After a while, she happened upon some fae stretched across a rock beside her aimless route. In a moment, Fel realized that she had not met this wolf before, and therefore she must have been a recent addition into the pack. The Guardian raised her tail over her spine like a banner in a clear sign of dominance, but made no aggressive movements. With a calm, smooth voice, she spoke, “Hello there fae. I take it you are new here, yes? I am Fel, Guardian of Azul and his family, and who do you happen to be?” Her gaze rested upon this stranger as she waited for a response. Fel did not know it, of course, but under the direct sunlight, her raven pelt gave off a slightly bluish hue that rippled like the river water as the fur shifted from the wintery breeze.

((Replied like I said I would. And hello Fel, we meet again :D))

A dark furred mammal wandered through the land of Helidos territory, once again headed for the forest of Eden's Hollow to complete a task he felt needed doing. Summer had lent a generous hand for the pack with plentiful prey and water supply but now Winter had taken supremacy over life, which in itself was scarce. The air was clinging desperately to the little warmth that the sun provided whilst chilling winds stirred the few remaining leaves in the treetops. One particular auburn leaf flitted down and brushed the wolf's whiskers before plummeting to the ground where his pad then pressed it into the layer of snow, where it stayed, captured like a framed picture. He carried on casually walking, venturing further on his quest to determine whether the creek in this area was frozen over or perhaps even flooded due to melting snow and rainfall, either of which would effect availability of water and prey. Eclipse's face had always been lean, and now his expression was stern and concentrated. With his rank of Lead Hunter and the challenging season, he was focused primarily on keeping the packs numbers sustained with food and his mindset was altered accordingly. Usually he was pretty easygoing but now he had purpose in this pack, his family, and he had matured greatly in his time living here and even grown in confidence as he learned of the pack life.

Winter brought painful memories, being disowned by his parents because they wanted a new litter and Blizzard's death. That meant it was coming up to mating season. With a sigh, his legs accelerated to an easy trot. Effortlessly he swung around the trunks until the bubbling sound of water reached his large ears and he slowed to a strolling pace. After a moment he halted and paused beneath one of the naked oaks. His keen eye had seen the unknown fae moving around by the water, contemplating whilst watching her reflection it seemed. The male continued to observe as she leapt onto a rock to rest upon. Eventually, with a lowered head, he stalked closer on silent paws. His nostrils flared, releasing puffs of smoky hot air as his nose reached for information. However, once again he paused. Another wolf came onto the scene which caused Eclipse to hesitate.Though this female he was acquainted with, Guardian Fel whom had been promoted like himself only a few months ago. In the presence of a higher ranked member, the brute kept his posture fairly submissive as he crept a little ways off from the two to inspect the flow of the river. Fel would surely sort out the situation of the newcomer.

The fae started at the sudden voice beside her. She had dozed off ever so slightly and was having the most wonderful dream. She had dreamt that she was being courted by a male in this pack, though she didn't know his name. He had been kind, caring and gentle, but he was strong and willing to protect her. She sighed. Loneliness creeping up on her. She squeezed her eyes for a moment, banishing those negative thoughts.

The sun continued to warm her charcoal, brown and white fur as she lay, almost wishing she hadn't been interrupted. Cracking an eye open, she regarded the newcomer cautiously. The fae had a dark pelt with bluish hues streaked through it, seeming to dance in the sunlight. She curled her tail high in the air, attempting to show dominance over her. This didn't sit well with Nnlya. She respected authority, but they had to earn her respect. The fae claimed a position of guardian, one worthy of respect, but Nnlya had to see her maintain this position. Her reaction now would help dicate her opinion of the fae. Nnlya stood, slowly and deliberately, planting a wide stance and curling her tail up almost as high as the other wolfs, though not quite.

Greetings. I am Nnlya, Warrior to this pack. Yes I am new, I was only accepted early this morning by the Beta Marrok. Her voice was firm, confident. She got the feeling this fae was testing her just as much as Nnlya was.

A breeze sifted through the trees, sending soft ripples through Nnlya's charcoal fur. Her ears swivelled constantly to keep pace with the information it brought her. The main message was that there was no danger here.

Fel could tell that she did not like this fae thus far. Overconfidence in general, but even more so in the new wolves of the pack, was one of her pet peeves. In immediate reaction to this newcomer’s actions, which she found on the edge of challenging her position, she stepped up onto the rock with the fae, up close and personal. Fel’s head raised a bit higher than the younger fae’s as her piercing eyes sought those of whom she saw as a potential opponent. The Guardian had worked hard in training with Kenai to prove herself worthy, and no one was going to deny the fruits of her labor, not any more. “Early this morning? Nice of you to join us. And congratulations on becoming a warrior of this fine pack. I once served them as the same until my initiative and dedication took me higher. I wish you luck with your life here, Nnlya.” Though her voice was still rather calm, it was laced with hints of a warning growl.

Simply as a precaution, Fel was already standing in her almost fluid stance, some of her muscles tensing and others relaxing. Her onyx fur, already flowing with the breeze, rippled in accordance to her prepared position. If the fae did not back down or apologize, Fel would make sure to reprimand her. The older fae’s nostrils flared as she took in the scents from around, noticing the familiar smell of Eclipse’s pelt. The male had done surprisingly well in the pack, but she had not seen the lead hunter around as much. For a moment, she wondered if he knew her name, as he had not quite referred to her by her name in the times that they had met. In fact, she wondered if he even liked her at all. Not that it mattered that he was here. If he wished to join in, he would do so, and Fel would react accordingly. As for now, the young fae was in the center of her attention.

I'm going to post after Nnlya ~Lead Hunter Eclipse

The wind was all that broke the hush that had befallen the hollow.  The silence was not eerie, but the tension between the two fae's was thick in the air. It was suffocating. One of them would have to back down, but neither wanted to swallow their pride. The two dark wolves stood proud and beautiful atop the rock. Their powerful aura's so immense when pitted against one another, one could only imagine the strength of the two if they were to fight together. As a team they would be unbeatable.

With the wind, Nnlya noticed a new scent. It was male and clearly in a position above her, just as Fel was, but he didn't seem quite as authoritative as the Guardian. Nnlya had a choice. She could stand and fight, where her odds of winning were not as in her favour as she liked. The other fae was roughly the same size and weight as her, though had more official training where Nnlya had real experience. They were evenly matched. But her mind told her to back down. The strength she gleaned from the fae's piercing amber eyes told her this wolf was strong enough to earn the position of guardian, a position she herself hoped to one day achieve. To be a guardian, a protector of the Alpha pair, meant that she had to have much courage, strength and intelligence. This much she could see. No. Nnlya saw folly to challenge someone so worthy of respect. She took a step back, flattening her ears to her skull and lowering her tail.

My humblest apologies Guardian Fel. I wish not to challenge your position, only understand why you achieved it. But I can see that you are a strong and intelligent fae with much to offer. Your talents would be well used as a guardian. Her voice was soft yet outspoken, being sure to clearly convey that she meant no harm. Thank you for the congratulations and well wishes. I could only hope that my work here could amount to as much as you have achieved.

She waited, already feeling the tension dissipate into the cool, wintry air. She felt almost childish for wishing for the tiniest of moments to simply play with other wolves in the snow. But nonetheless, her bright azure eyes remained trained on the sharp icy ones of the fae. Though her mind turned to the male she knew lurked nearby. What would he be like? Would he be kind? Or would he be like the brute of an Elite she had once fought off? No. She couldn't let her past experiences mar her idea of a possible friend or mate before they had even met.

Silence. All was still as the brown brute lingered by the water observing the females as they challenged each others dominance. It had clearly been the right choice to leave them to interact together first. His muscles tightened as his perked ears strived to detect their exchange of words, half expecting some kind of display between the two. By the sounds of it she was a recent addition to the pack, a Warrior named Nnlya. Eclipse knew for certain that it was most disrespectful to be testing the wit of the Guardian so soon when she wasn't even known to most of the pack yet and could easily be chased out the direction in which she came if they did not approve of her or the impression she gave. Regardless of who the fae was before entering Helidos, she was a lower rank than Fel and was expected to behave accordingly. Little doubt was in mind that should the charcoal and white wolf continue her actions then Fel would be quick to put her down to the appropriate level. The onyx fae was a feisty sort when needed and always worked hard in her duties, which had been the main reason for her achieving the title she had. Eclipse couldn't say he had spent much time with Fel, if any, but he had seen her in passing and regarded her as a worthy and trusted pack member.

Lowering his head to the water to take a drink, his eyes remained trained on the pair whilst his tongue lapped up the fluid, creating rays of ripples in the icy liquid. The stream was comfortingly at a normal level so he averted his full attention to the canines. Fragments of the conversation could be heard as he crouched as quiet as a hawk's feather by the water's edge. Eventually Nnlya submitted and adopted an apologetic position. The Lead Hunter nodded his head ever slightly in an act of satisfaction. As if announcing his oncoming presence, he stood and shook out his pelt vigorously enough to make noise. It looked quite fluffy with his new thicker fur which he would reside in to survive the months ahead. With supple movements he padded closer to the duo but stayed off the rock, paws firmly planted on the snow of the bank. A small tender smile spread over his maw as his ears laid back. "Afternoon, Guardian Fel" He dipped his head low for a purposely prolonged moment, tail tip hung by the ground and twitching in greeting. It was a clear demonstration of how he felt the Guardian should be acknowledged, attempting to make Nnlya feel perhaps foolish or guilty of her mistake so she would remember in future. After that he held himself in a more neutral stance and looked to the other wolf. "Hello, Nnlya is it? I'm Eclipse, one of the hunting leaders here". The smile remained on his lips as he looked between the faes, hoping it wasn't too awkward.

For a moment, when the fae had lowered herself accordingly, Fel inwardly relaxed. There was no need to maul a naïve newcomer for their foolishness, or so she had always thought, as long as they are correctly put in their place. But the words that followed made the large fae snort with obvious irritation. Her lip curled up as she spoke with a menacing calmness, “You, a newly accepted wolf, wish to test the high ranking members of this pack, that has accepted you into its lands in the scarcity of winter? I recommend you do not make this mistake again, for neither I nor any of the others will take to it kindly. Learn some respect, as well as your place, before someone assists you.” She paused for a moment and continued, “Talents, you call them? There is no such thing. There is skill, which comes from hard work and dedication. And even then, skill is honed by both practice and real-life application in the field.” Her cold, blue gaze continued to stare down the fae, who obviously did not seem to understand the necessity of lowering of her eyes, unless it was a fight she wanted after all.

Finished with the annoying female, and interrupted by Eclipse’s appearance, she turned around sharply and leapt down to him. Her onyx ears instantly perked up in interest and her tail, though still high above her back, waved in response. “Afternoon, Lead Hunter Eclipse.” The Guardian dipped her head in greeting and recognition of his ranking title since, though it was below hers, it was worthy of respect.  Despite turning her back to Nnlya disdainfully, she kept one ear pointed in her direction for any movement, specifically claws upon rock. “Eclipse, I do not believe I ever happened upon you in order to congratulate you, but well done. Your new position is well earned. You must be enjoying it, yes?” Fel grinned slightly in response to his funny little smile. It did not quite amuse her, nor was it charming, but it was a warm smile offered by a trusted packmate, and therefore she accepted it.

The grin of hers faded quickly when she turned her head to look back at the wolf on the rock, who had been addressed.  After a soothing breath that made relatively hot air billow out of her jaws as it was replaced by crisp oxygen, she sat down near Eclipse, looking between the two on each side of her.

The fae could see she was clearly getting nowhere with the Guardian. She knew quite well that skill was derived from hard work, practice and experience. The fae choosing to pick at her use of the word 'talents' seemed foolish and immature to her. Though she had been hoping to find a new, trustworthy friend in this fae, she was only receiving hostility. She shook her head sadly as the Guardian turned her back to greet the wolf approaching them. His dark coat was stunning and he seemed to have a kind demeanour.

Nnlya knew that if she hoped to get anywhere with this pack, she would have to judge its members from afar, rather than (almost) challenge them outwardly. She was coming to believe that, if she simply watched, she would glean all the information she required and would know if each wolf deserved its place. If they clearly did not, well, she wouldn't challenge them for it. No. But if it ever came to a confrontation she would use that to her advantage. But aside from all things grim, she would likely offer to train with that wolf. Being a loner for between one and two years had forced her to learn the skills of all pack members. She would in no way call herself an expert in any field, but she knew that sometimes having a partner could be effective.

Returning to the present, the fae witnessed an interesting conversation between the other two wolves. The Guardian was showing blatant respect to the slightly lower-ranked brute purely for Nnlya's benefit. She sighed softly, ignoring the fae. She dipped her head respectfully to the brute, smelling his higher status as the wind carried his scent to her nose. Greetings to you. She stated simply and lowly.

In her yearning to be away from the other fae's hostility, she turned her back on the pair, her claws clicking softly on the rock. Her muscles tense as she crouched in preparation to leap from the rock and find a new place to acquaint herself with the pack territories and its inhabitants.

Although he remained grinning, Eclipse felt slightly uncomfortable to be near the two females. The Guardian was quite obviously irritated with the new Warrior and he just hoped that a fight wasn't going to ensue. Luckily he seemed to have interrupted in good time, his presence and greeting to Fel making her join him down on the ground instead of continuing her corrections to the other fae. Her words to Nnlya were true though he couldn't help but feel that although her feistiness had put Nnlya in her place, it could also cause a negative impression of herself or the entire pack for the newcomer. However, such was Fel, she was naturally like that and it proved useful for her rank, though the brown brute decided he would be overly kind now to the charcoal and white wolf in order to improve her perception of the pack. Golden eyes studied the recently accepted wolf for a moment as she stood on the rock. To him she seemed disappointed, whether it was with herself, Fel or something else he didn't quite know, but either way it made the smile disappear from his lips.

Flicking his aureate gaze back to the obsidian wolf now before him, he smirked politely as she addressed and greeted him in a much more respectful way than he had anticipated for his title and he appreciated it immensely. As she dipped her head to him he bowed his head once more. "I thank you kindly. It is more of a challenge to lead the others on hunts, though it is indeed one I enjoy. You enjoy your new rank?". He paused to give time to formulate his next utterance "I apologise for not giving you my best wishes but I have not spent much time around you. I don't suppose you need them anyway, since it is quite obvious by Alpha Azul giving you the position that you've earned it. However, congratulations. And it's nice to meet you again, properly". A soft chuckle escaped his closed maw at what he said, hoping to make the situation less formal.

When he heard a voice from the rock, he glanced over to the wolf who was greeting him respectfully, which he admired, but also very unenthusiastically. His head tilted in confusion of Nnlya's apparent sadness and he was slightly downhearted that she turned to move away. "Excuse me a moment, Fel". In determination to improve the mood, he moved from standing beside the now seated Guardian and hurriedly trotted around the rock to the other side as the fae prepared to jump off. There he stood tall, ineffectively blocking her from jumping off. His tail wagged in a friendly manner and he attempted a charming grin, "Going so soon? We have only just met. Come with us. I promise you, Warrior Nnlya, you won't regret it". His big ears perked as he waited for her response. The hunter could only hope that his attempt would make her want to stay, for having a packmate feel offended and upset on their first day was not something he wished for.

((altered post below))

(( Nnlya, as you have posted out of order, I have disregarded the post in typing mine so that the story is a bit more fluent in our replies. I do ask that you might remove your previous reply and alter it. Thank you for understanding.))

Fel was actually quite pleased to have seen Eclipse now, for they had a small total of interaction in general, especially on an informal level. Though, the fae was quite skilled by now at noticing behavioral  traits of individuals after one or two run ins with each other. After all, she was a Guardian, and anything that could help her anticipate the threat’s next move would help her counteract it. As she sat in the snow, she smoothly replied in her calm, rolling voice, “I have indeed enjoyed the position, as much weight as it may place upon my shoulders. And there is no apology necessary, my friend, for we both have very little free time nowadays. Winter’s scarcity of food as well as the increasing suspense of the anticipation of Steele’s attack is keeping both of us busy. I suppose there is less larger game now, yes? I seem to recall barreling down… what was it, a doe or a fawn? Anyways, something of the sorts with you and Shadow. That was quite a way to run into someone, eh?”

Fel watched him move away from her, not at all surprised by his gentility and niceness. From their very first meeting, she had noticed that he was of a genuinely gently nature and with a pure soul and heart, whereas hers was contaminated and stained by the black ink of being disowned, exiled, and even losing her name. Death, despair, and the echoing words of her father that rebounded across the cliffs of the mountains all contributed to the fae she had become; they had made her stronger both physically and mentally, and she knew deep down that she would not have changed a thing about her life, for though she was not alpha, she knew that this was what she wanted.

It was then, however, that she noticed the fae’s crouched position, about to leave. ‘Oh dear me… Has my personality ruined her mood? I surely hope not, for I would hate for anyone to be offended,' she thought with an edge of sarcasm. Honestly, she did not care much what this new wolf thought of her in the long run. Fel’s three main focuses in life were her duty, her friends, and her mate. Throughout all of this, her visage remained completely calm and indifferent, icy eyes staring between them indifferently.  The raven fae even stood slowly to leave as well, not wanting to interrupt an interaction. For a moment, she felt a pang of regret somewhere inside of her, but it was slight and not physically noticeable. “I do hope you will enjoy your stay in this pack, and that your experiences with other packmates will be more pleasant than with me,” she said, looking to Nnlya with a touch of genuineness to her cold gaze, for all she had done was make a couple of naive mistakes, and all Fel had done was corrected her. How she had done so was characteristic to her very being. The second half of her phrase was in direct reference to her nearly leaving, and obviously because of the guardian. With a small nod to the higher ranking hunter, she added, “I do have things to attend to, after all, the season is wonderful.” After her last words and a fairly friendly gaze to him, she turned around and silently made her way back towards the caretaker’s den.

Nnlya slowly released the tension from her muscles as the dark brute came into view. He was assuring her that if she stayed with him and Fel that she would have a good time. She found that difficult to believe. She and the guardian had gotten off on the wrong paw. Nnlya knew that the right thing to do would be to apologise and beg forgiveness, but she knew she would need to blow off some steam and stretch her legs, exerting herself and exhausting her energy, before she could keep a calm and civil manner. The tension was just too much for her to handle alone.

She inclined her head respectfully once more to the hunter. I thank you for your offer, Lead Hunter Eclipse, but I do not think it would be wise under the present circumstance. Her eyes darted momentarily to the turned back of the Guardian Fel. She had caught the darker faes remark and found it very bitter. Though her eyes held an honesty within them. Observing the two, Nnlya could easily have mistaken the two for siblings from the same litter. Her attention returned to the male who was looking at her with interest. Make no mistake, good hunter. I bear no ill will towards either of you, Her eyes once again darted in the direction of the guardian. However, I feel we have begun this relationship poorly. I was indeed planning to leave, create a den, sleep and begin anew in the morning with a cleared head. I hope that can answer your earlier question a little more clearly.

Though she stood tall and confident, it was clear that her usually high spirits had been deflated by the social ordeal. Her tail drooped lowly and her posture sagged ever so slightly. She tried to force a smile, but it was weak and seemed almost meaningless in her eyes. She turned, so that the three appeared to be facing the three points of an invisible triangle, directing her next comment to Fel. I do wish we had begun this relationship on better terms. I know that I was foolhardy and rash and for that I apologise. Nnlya still felt that the Guardian had fallaciously picked at her choice of words earlier, though she did not say so. It would only inflame the situation. We are pack-mates and we should act as such. There should be no need for this silly bickering. A slight pause. Nnlya decided against her earlier conclusion that she must first remove the tension from her body before she could feel capable enough to handle the situation. Things had to be settled here and now, lest they fester unhealthily for some time to come. Guardian Fel I acknowledge your superior rank and submit myself to you. At that she crouched low to the ground, tucking her tail in underneath her, and pulled her ears flat onto her skull. Her eyes finally lowered, Nnlya waited patiently for a response from either wolf.

The hunter's eyes strayed from Nnlya's figure and looked to Fel as her voice filtered through the wind and distance between them. "Ah, it is good your position suits you well. Indeed, all the wolves are busy in preparation for one thing or another". Eclipse paused and gulped quietly, his ears pinning at the mention of an attack by Erenyx. Some wolves seemed to expect it was due to happen at some point, however this particular brute did not anticipate it, perhaps it was because he had arrived in Helidos after the major issues had arisen between his Alpha and the now Alpha of the opposing pack so he didn't understand the level of hatred and tension that existed. Plus, Steele seemed a sly wolf, clever even. Surely he wouldn't risk major losses to his pack and defeat for something that could be easily forgotten? After all, he had accomplished what he needed; a land of his own to rule how he pleased. Egotistical brute he supposed. "Yeah, larger prey are migrating and whatnot so it is much harder to come by. Things are going to get harder. Ah yes, we met when you knocked down the fawn I was hunting...Shadow was there, I think. I see her often now". He grinned softly at reminiscing their peculiar first meeting, his ears raising as his calmness resumed.

Upon noticing the Warrior moving and beginning to respond his attention returned to the other fae, his happiness faltering slightly at her words. The dark brute remained silent, observing that she had a lot to say, which he didn't want to interrupt. When she seemed to be making excuses to leave, listing tasks that she wished to do, he lowered his rump to the snowy ground and smirked, continuing to listen. Then she lowered her body to a posture of almost complete submission. Eclipse's eyes widened and he watched the reaction of Fel, who simply acknowledged Nnlya's words and issued a well-meaning welcome to the pack for the fae, though it sounded like more of a farewell. Sure enough, the high ranked female turned to him and said a friendly goodbye. He dipped his head and lowered his seated position, "Indeed. Goodbye Fel. It was nice talking to you". The Guardian departed quietly in the direction of the outskirts of camp.

He watched his packmate as her black peppered pelt faded to the distance, his ears flicked back to Nnlya's direction as he directed his words to her "Nnlya, please rise. Fel has left us so there is no need for you to remain as you are. Your apologies and words to her were true, I admit, but she is...busy. I don't think any permanent ill will is felt towards you either". Once Fel's pelt was indistinguishable from the shadows he swivelled his head to face the Warrior. "So, if you can delay your planned tasks we could go for a walk or something. There is enough light left in the day".

Nnlya rose slowly, watching the retreating figure of the Guardian Fel. As the two moved their separate ways, she felt the tension lift from her body and a lightness overcame her heart. Gazing after the fae, she whispered, Goodbye Fel. Perhaps we shall meet again under better terms. The brutes words rang true, and hopefully the relationship between the two faes would truly begin when next they met.

The warrior looked carefully at the hunter for any signs of hoax or tomfoolery. Though he seemed kind and honest and would not willingly hurt a fellow wolf without cause. She considered his offer and thought it wise to join him, perhaps gaining an ally and friend in the process. It would certainly help her transition back into pack life far more pleasant. Thank you, Eclipse. A walk would be lovely. A perfect way to clear my head and refresh my lungs. Perhaps we could get to know each other a little better along the way. Her tone was a little brighter, more hopeful. She grinned at the brute.

Observing her surroundings, Nnlya was surprised to see that, despite the shining sun, a fresh snow had begun to fall. It lightly dusted the back of the male

Pleased by Nnlya's acceptance of his request for a stroll and seeing her more cheery, the dark mahogany brute smiled politely and nodded. "My thoughts exactly. It would be a pleasure to walk you around the Eden's Hollow forest". Casually, he raised onto his paws, looking up at the sky as he too noticed the snowflakes departing from the sky whilst the sun still shone. His snout twitched as a flake landed on the tip, it being uncomfortably cold. For a moment he stared at it, until it melted with the heat from his smoky exhaling, and the formed water trickled over his chocolate nose. A soft snort effectively sprayed the water away. Before he trotted onwards he shook his pelt to rid it of the snow that had gathered on him already, his skin twisting side to side and the momentum finishing with a wiggle of his tail. Looking to the warrior, Eclipse could see she was receiving a similar chilly bombardment. Luckily the snow couldn't penetrate their coats so they were still cozy despite the weather, and so he chuckled merrily.

The brute raised a paw silently and sniffed the air, deciding not to put his paw back down just yet. He had suggested a walk, but perhaps a good run would be better. "This will surely refresh your lungs!" Like any skilled hunter, he turned from being still to instantly sprinting forth. He grinned, heavily crunching his way in a wide circle through snowy ground. The wolf had moved to the back of the fae, choosing carefully where to strike. As soon as he was directly behind her he lunged, playfully biting her on the shoulder and darting away back over his trail of pawsteps so he could run faster without deep snow to slow him. Speed was not his best asset, so once he had gained a fair distance advantage over Nnlya he slowed to a busy rolling canter; he could go like this for hours. Though he expected her catch him eventually or else it wouldn't be any fun.

Nnlya watched as Eclipse shook out his fur, ridding it of the beautiful deadliness of pure snowflakes and snorting away a few bothersome droplets on his nose. She laughed softly, finding the sight rather amusing. She too could feel a weight resting upon her back, no doubt having acquired her own chilly coat of white. She shook out her fur, ruffling her body and wriggling her tail so as to rid herself of the potentially fatal cold. Though her fur bristled and stuck out every which way, making her look very fluffy and puffy indeed. Eclipse had shouted words of play and fun in her direction before launching himself into the snow and disappearing entirely. It was a truly remarkable sight. Her keen eyes glowed brightly against the snow as she searched for his trail. In the split second before she flew into action after him, a large figure loomed up behind her and a sudden yelp of pleasurable pain escaped her as it attacked her shoulder. Eclipse then sailed through the air, over her body and back into the rut he had formed earlier.

The fae growled playfully and threw herself after the brute,moving instantaneously from immobility to the chase in a matter of nanoseconds. She followed him through the drift he had created, making it all the easier for her to catch him. She saw the place where he had circled back to attack her, but now had forged a new path through the snow. This would surely slow him down, providing Nnlya with the perfect opportunity to return the favour in kind. Raising a paw and replacing it to the ground, she noticed the soft crunch of snow compacting beneath her steps. This would give away her position, but so too would her bounding  through the snow to circle ahead of the brutes projected path. She trotted forward through the path until the brutes movements were within earshot. They seemed laborious and encumbered.

Crouching low, the soft fur of her belly sifting through the snow, she crawled her way silently behind the brute until his tail almost brushed her nose, though she pointedly avoided such a blunder as a sneeze would ruin her fun. She growled a playful warning growl before nipping at his tail and darting around him to block his path. Bowing her forelegs and chest low the the ground and tail raised high, she grinned, her tongue lolling from her mouth. Her cerulean eyes shone with one question. Play?

Each step the stealthy hunter took became more difficult to navigate through or over the increasingly looser and deeper snow. More than a few times did he trip up and go drifting through a jet of the stuff or fall down into the unstable icy white buffer between the mild air and the ground, disappearing for a few seconds as he struggled to haul himself up and continue jogging along. As much as it was quite exhausting it was equally exhilarating to extend his legs, test his stamina and revive himself with great cold intakes of breath to his system. With each extension of a limb his parted maw swallowed as much oxygen as his lungs could transport to the muscles busily and mechanically pumping beneath his pelt. Eclipse grinned as he moved along, huffing and snorting a little each time his pads landed heavily and interrupted him from breathing in the air so well.

After each slip up and time spent running lengthened, inevitably he slowed down. Behind the brute he had earlier heard the multiple toned fae gaining on him remarkably fast, though now there was silence. Was she sly or had he lost her? Smirking, he prepared to push deeper and harder until a growl sounded directly by his rump. The brute's large ears flattened to his head as it snapped around to look over his shoulder. Just as he caught Nnlya sneaking up on him she nipped his tail and Eclipse responded with an alarmed yip and tucked his tail between his rear legs. Glaring teasingly as she continued to move passed his dark figure, the carnivore didn't trust what she would do next. As she moved to his front he attempted to stop. Things didn't go quite as hoped, as he once again drifted through when it gave way beneath his weight. The warrior had displayed an interest to play with her dropped posture when he suddenly came barrelling towards her, not yet able to stop. Eclipse braced himself for impact, though in good time he managed to dig his claws in and prevent a collision. Still he knocked her slightly, emitting a small chuckle before dipping his head. "My apologies. Couldn't stop in time". Perhaps he had lied, but only for fun. Breathing heavily he paused to regain a steady pulse. Then he shook his fur of the clumps of snow that had formed and stood wagging his tail, inviting Nnlya to make the next move on their small journey.

The fae watched as the larger brute lost control of his speed and came barrelling towards her. Before she had time to react he had already knocked her and they went tumbling into the snow together. She laughed at the hilarity more than she had laughed in a long time. For a good while she just lay there, waiting for the sound to work its way from her system. Eventually the laugh turned to giggles turned to soft barks until finally she was panting for breath. She almost lost it again at the sight of the brute shaking out his fur with an air of trying to retain his lost dignity. Or at least that's how her mind put it. She slowly pulled herself up onto four paws, shaking out her own fur which again turned puffy and fluffy. She knew if she saw her reflection she would be reminded of a newborn pup growing his first winter coat.

Nnlya bounded circles around Eclipse, giving barks and short howls of jubilance. She then proceeded to stand very close by his right side, their fur mingling, and nudged him with her hips. So where would you like to go? I'm not quite sure I know this territory well enough to lead just yet. She felt proud of herself for admitting this weakness, as just hours ago she would have forged on acting as though she new every inch of Helidos lands. That in itself was its own weakness. She knew that her earlier encounter, which lead to a revelation, had been all for the better. This pack, it seemed, would mould her into a better wolf.

Returning to the present, she cocked her head slightly to the side and looked at the hunter. As she awaited his reply she said, I have to say, your skills are well put to use as a hunter. Considering the distance you travelled at such speed was truly remarkable. And your initial takeoff was superb. The Alpha's here made a good choice in making you Lead Hunter. She sought not to gain favour with her superior, but to convey her congratulations to his position and appreciate his talent. She hoped she could learn much from this brute.

Eclipse was initially dumbfounded as his new friend laid in the depths of the snow laughing heartily, until he grew embarrassed that he had been the one to knock her over and lost control of his movements with the drifting snow. Eventually he settled with amusement, smiling a little sheepishly whilst she thoroughly enjoyed his slip up. Clearing his throat, the hunter prepared to speak as Nnlya rolled up to her paws, though bizarrely she began racing around him. Maw parted ready to raise his voice, he watched her and it made his vision blur. Not a moment too soon did she stop or else he would've tackled her down to still the nuisance that made him feel dizzy.

Once she had indeed halted, her howls echoing over the expanse of white and around trees, the sight of the female warrior with her static fur made the dark brown brute guffaw loudly. The sound, almost like a bark, ricocheted off the icy snow and surrounding foliage, and the lead hunter quickly snapped his mouth closed to silence it. Continuing to observe her puffed out pelt, he failed to remain quiet and broke down into rambunctious laughter. Only when he felt her brush up beside him did the chuckling vanish, and he turned his attention to her.  

He listened with much interest, as he always did, finding her compliments to him rather appropriate, as if she was striving to make his awkward mishap of slamming into her a little less bad for him. "Hunting is one of the few things I think I excel in, so I'm glad you believe I am suited to it. The running you saw is part of what I do in my duty and I have dedicated much of my free time to training for improving speed and stamina. I suppose you will be sparring with other warriors in the near future as part of your training, no doubt you will prove to be good at your job also". The bronze eyed male smiled curtly before continuing, "Now, as to where to go. There is a little meadow in a clearing not far from here, where wildflowers exist in the warmer months. At this season it provides longer grass for animals. I like to go there sometimes, just to watch what creatures visit. Despite being a hunter I don't always kill prey". Eclipse stretched his limbs to relieve his cramping muscles, smirking slightly as he caught sight of the fae's fluffed up coat again.

Nnlya listened to his words intently, his dedication to his position only solidifying her positive view of the brute. He smirked as he stretched, bringing a light raise to the corners of her muzzle. Her body vibrated once more, helping to settle her static fur. Her head turned to survey him. Yes, I suppose I shall train with the other warriors - once I've settled in and met everyone first. She considered his proposition of their destination carefully. This meadow sounds a beautiful place. And I admire your restraint. Many wolves would not be able to withstand the urge to hunt easy prey in this harsh season. You are truly noble.

Looking ahead, she saw a forest densely cocooned in snow. Small blades of grass poked through valiantly as did a few sections of bark on the bare trees and bushes. The snowflakes that fell were each precious and beautiful. They held within them the travels of the many water droplets required to make the larger object. She knew water from all over the world was pulled into the sky - evaporation her mother called it - on hot days. They created clouds and travelled together, spreading the water where it was needed most. But in colder months, the water would freeze as it fell to the earth, creating what is called snow. Her mother taught her this and more, and Nnlya thought it beautiful that the world could do so much with a tiny drop of water.

A single snowflake rested softly on the skin of her nose, shooting sparks of ice along her nerves. Her eyes turned to view the spectacle and inspected each tiny little icicle, each sharp point on the little ball of frozen water. It appeared magical, unearthly beautiful as it bent the light that entered it and allowed the tiniest of rainbows to escape it. But it slowly melted into a small drop of water and with it went the rainbow.

Nnlya walked forward, signalling that their journey to this meadow should continue. As they travelled, the fae wondered what story could have possibly led such a kind-hearted brute to this pack. It got to a point where she had to voice her queries. Eclipse, if you don't mind my asking, what brought you here? To Helidos? She worried that she may have gone too far to ask such a question. Perhaps his story was as unhappy as her own or even more so? Perhaps things had happened he did not wish to discuss? Though, there was always the possibility that he had lived a good life and simply chose to leave his previous pack in search of adventure.

Starting at a slow pace to match Nnlya's, Eclipse began in the direction of this meadow few knew about, located in a large clearing within Eden's Hollow. The only way he had discovered it was on a hunting chase, the little field hidden away in the expanse of trees had surprised him so he had been distracted from his prey, though luckily he had returned his focus to it before it had fled. After that hunt he had set about finding the place again, eventually following his trail back to the exact place which was lush and buzzing with life in its own calm and quiet way. With his own life being busy and stressful at times it was reassuring to know that for some it was a leisurely affair, including the insects and little beasts moving unhurriedly in their quests for survival. Recurring visits happened by chance or sometimes the brute had sought the tranquility himself, over time he became attached and liked to think it was his own area of the territory that he could retreat to, simply to bask in the easy joy of nature's symphony and to admire the varied animals that entered. Although, he also wished more knew of this secluded place so that they could enjoy the peace and serenity for themselves. To truly appreciate the area one would have to visit alone, their observations and opinion kept solely to themselves and neither supported or disputed by the company of another to ruin it. Perhaps the meadow wasn't so mystically enchanting or amazingly beautiful, but the sparse wildflowers made it pleasant enough and the relaxing aura made Eclipse wonder about things which were normally overlooked or insignificant in his daily routine. It seemed for the male that unplanned occurrences for him resulted to be great.

"The meadow is a place I enjoy, though I'm afraid it's not particularly beautiful with the likes of pretty flowers. If you look wider... well, I'll let you see for yourself. The long grass makes it easier in some aspects to hunt as you say, but I don't hunt without reason, and when I visit the place I have none as I hunt first. Besides, watching the nature around is far more thought enticing and captivating". The hunter looked to his companion briefly for any sort of reaction to his speech, grinning a little to see her keeping pace with him, complete with a newly smoothed coat. As they travelled, his golden eyes had a fairly distant look as he had been rewinding his history to think out how to best answer her last question. "I don't mind questions at all. To be frank, I ended up here when I was forced out my biological family by my parents and I left with my sister. We stayed together for a long while but something happened to her and so I continued on alone. Somehow I ended up here, unintentionally, but it was one of the best things to have happened. The wolves here are my new family and it feels great to have that. Journeying alone is so miserable. I hope you find Helidos to be the ray of light I find it to be".

His face displayed an expression of fondness for all those he had directly and indirectly mentioned in his story, though yet his eyes revealed some uncertainty and sorrow for some of the happenings. His emotions on the various events of his life were rather jumbled, having moved on to find happiness but still unclear to the circumstances that had driven him there. Not everything had been elaborated to the fae but it didn't feel necessary or right to open up to anyone so easily. Some parts of him were guarded and he didn't like to burden others with the knowledge, making them feel obligated to feel emotional towards him or ask further questions. Nnlya seemed on a similar wavelength to him, maybe she'd understand. Pinning his big brown ears as he pushed past memories away until another time, he increased pace to a trot, leading the charcoal toned fae from marginally in front. "What about you? Anything you'd like to share?"

Nnlya easily kept pace with the dark brute, observing their surroundings as she listened to his poetic description of his hallowed meadow. He made it sound as though few, if any, knew of it, making her profoundly honoured. You are truly an honourable wolf, Eclipse. It's wonderful that you too are able to view the life around you and make a conscious decision, considering the ways in which your actions may affect the balance of life. You kill only when necessary and keep your meadow as a special place, untainted by spilled blood.

She listened to the tale of his origin and, though his face displayed a fondness for those he mentioned - in particular the unnamed sister - he spoke with a detached, almost clinical voice. To her it was clear that he chose to glance over the more difficult parts of the story. She considered his personality - what she had gleaned so far - and decided it was most likely so that he wouldn't feel he was burdening her. She could sympathise, as she too had a slightly checkered past, certain parts she was loath to discuss as it would only cause her to be pitied in the eyes of others. When he also asked of her history, she chose her words carefully before speaking.

My childhood was initially a good one. I was born to the Alpha pair of the Aurora pack. We were a litter of four, I the second oldest. The oldest was my brother, Onyx, with a pelt much like yours. I could easily mistake you for him. My father was quite fond of me, being his only daughter, and took me as his apprentice. I was trained in the ways of an Alpha. To hunt, to fight and to lead a pack. He hoped that I would one day become Alphess. My brothers and I got on well, but Onyx is - was - my favourite. I had lived through my first year or so, and my father was relocating the pack when I became separated. The mountain pass was clogged with snow and Onyx and I had been play fighting a fair distance from a pack. No one knows how the avalanche was started, only that there was no time for Onyx or I to make it to the cave in the mountainside where the rest of the pack waited. We of course found another cave nearer, however, only one of us made it in time. She blinked furiously, squeezing her eyes shut. The cave turned out to be a tunnel that lead me to another pack's territory. With the packed snow there was no way of getting back through until the snow melted, by which time I was old enough to become a dispersal wolf. I spent the next year travelling, living as a loner. Most times when I accidentally crossed a border the subordinates of the pack were most agreeable and allowed me to pass through. Others though, She shuddered at the memory. Others were not so kind. When It came time that I was about three years of age, I found myself longing for the company of other wolves, being very lonely. So I set off in search of a territory I had not yet come across. A territory inhabited by good wolves with morals - and honour. She gave a pointed look to Eclipse at her last words, a slight smile twitching her lips.

Nnlya felt it wrong to tell her of her encounter with the Elite in the previous summer. It would be too much of a burden to place on the shoulders of such a newly found friend. Her head darted around as she wondered where exactly this meadow was. She already knew that it would be a place she would return to. And she would ensure to keep it pure and untainted as Eclipse had. She would not tell his secret without his permission, though what could make her reveal such a secret place, she could not fathom.

How refreshing. The words of the fae went around the shallows of his mind in a centrifugal blur as he dissected the semantic behind what she had said. Her words, her mind, was so bewilderingly different to how he had considered himself and his actions towards the secret haven, yet even so he found Nnlya’s depiction quite difficult to swallow. She made him sound more than he felt he was, though lovely it was all the same. Eclipse’s jowls arched into a small, appreciative grin. The notion of keeping his place pure and untainted of spilled blood was in a sense true. The feelings held beneath his dirt-toned pelt guided him away from killing on such holy ground of peace and wholesome unity of the hollow’s creatures. It felt wrong to spend efforts on pursuing such a task as he did anytime and anyplace in his day, despite the necessity for taking easy opportunities. What could be better though than enjoying himself doing almost nothing, admiring the members at the secluded rendezvous? Invitations were not necessary for this event and all were welcome under the watch of their host; nurturing nature herself. At this moment, it seemed he had gained a new guest and trustworthy friend with similarities to himself, and that was more than he had anticipated when he had begun earlier on his trip to initially inspect the river. Spontaneity; a wonderful thing which had driven behind the majority of his life’s happiness.

The brute moved with a casual bounce to his pace but his long limbs still greedily ate up the terrain. His golden hues focused mostly on what lay directly in his predicted path of travel, though occasionally straying to glimpse a movement or look over to his companion. Whatever the Warrior thought of his tale about his past he couldn’t really tell, but it didn’t matter. What did was that he had answered her question honestly and as detailed as he was comfortable with. Whatever she would return to that he was curious to see. To be introducing his friend to somewhere she hadn’t been was exciting, and so a confident smile played upon the midnight lips to his lowered head as he listened whilst she took her turn. Not long was it however until the recital of tragic occurrences by Nnlya made his jolliness slip away. When her voice vanished to be replaced by silence, sensing her slight upset he put on a neutral exterior and with her kind final words he chuckled lightly, putting on a cheery front as he had done the whole time, “An Alpha’s pup I see? I’m sure you have much to bring to Helidos in that case. You and I have a little in common, both having being shunned from our families somehow and losing a much loved sibling. Well I can promise you that you are quite safe here and amongst kind wolves. I’d like to say the wolves here are as you say they are”. Behind the calm mask the lead hunter hoped that he hadn’t touched on a sensitive subject, moreover that his likeness to her brother didn’t give her painful memories with him but rather helped her to remember good times with her pack and Onyx.

Eclipse slowed to a steady walk, weaving a complicated route through a few coniferous bushes and around more bare trees, the way of which was ingrained to his mind after much practice. Finally, a steep elevated slope appeared, beyond which rested their destination. The dark brute stared determinedly at the top of the hill, his muscles straining as they hauled him and his heavy winter pelt up. Once the obstacle was conquered, the male grinned, staring fondly to the delightful reward for persisting so far. The clearing containing his small piece of heaven was illuminated by the late afternoon light. The brute spent a few heartbeats surveying the grounds before slinking into the brightness from the forest’s shade, his browned fur being quite a stark difference from the frost-laden grass. All around the sight was fantastical; with rays of light diffracted by the water droplets, birds hidden amongst the tufts of heather making their dislike to the chill vocally known, though indeed there were no flowers. In fact, if Nnlya didn't notice the small details as he did she would find the place quite dull. Most spectacularly, one could say, was the view to the north. There was the landscape of the whole region for keen eyes to indulge in, where the trees had not grown on the horizon but instead re-joined on the descending slope to form the large elevated clearing and allow for the view. Faintly the shimmering blue ocean of Shipwreck Cove could be spotted in the far distance, paired with a salty taste stinging the crisp air to deny the wolves a chance of believing it an illusion. Eclipse’s eyes half closed as he glanced to Nnlya with an expectant attitude, “Glad you actually did take the walk?”

[OOC: image reference for the area is something like this http://blogs.massaudubon.org/landprotection/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/LP/6a00d8341fcabd53ef0168e9a5b4e9970c-800wi but imagine an open view of the land and the sea far away (behind where the shot is taken) Of course it is covered in snow and has long grass rather than flowers]