Weary eyes gazed out at the crystallized world that lay before him. The morning sun shone down on the white wonderland and shimmered against the snow. The sight was beautiful in it's own respects, but the brute was no familiar friend to the snow. Snow was a rarity in the lands he came from. Tortall had only been kissed with a white mask twice during his time there. Both times the mild temperatures of the afternoon had erased all traces of its presence, leaving only a dampness upon the forest as any indication it had been there at all. Allowing his sights to settle on an intricate icy formation that clung to a barren bush just off to his side he let a slight grin creep across his lips. The labyrinth of twists and swirls that made up the structure was tantalizing and allowed him a simple distraction from the worries that unceasingly berated his mind. Leaning in for closer inspection, the white tendrils of smoke that emanated from his nose clouded his vision from the ice formation momentarily. With an entertained huff, he leaned away, leaving the perplexing secrets of the structure untouched.

With a sigh of relief, he let his perpetually proper position soften. He had been taught from puphood that one needed to always be ready for anything. For an unexpected attack or threat. As a result he had grown up always on high alert, rarely letting his guard down for more than a few brief moments. But here things were peaceful. The drastic change in atmosphere was mitigating. The tense ambiance that hung heavy in Tortall air had caused him to become detached from the fun loving, high spirited pup he had been at birth. His face conveyed the hardened state of his mind entirely. There was often a dull, omitted glaze that fell over his eyes, paired with a stern, hard set jaw that gave him an all around standoffish appearance. Such presumptions were true for the most part. Years of training had conditioned him to focus on one thing and one thing only, the absolute protection of his leader. He had but one friend throughout his time in the King's court, but even their friendship was reserved as far as true friendship was concerned. Such relationships were discouraged for fear of distraction during battle.

While his mind was under the King's spell, he had never even bothered to amuse himself with relationships of any kind besides those of rank. But when light was shed on the truth of Rhaegar's rule, the confines that ensnared his mind began to loosen and a yearning for something more than he had began to spark within. Here in the lands of Helidos he fully planned to give in to his yearning for the love and compassion of others, and would gladly return such emotions. Wolves were after all drawn to the comfort of their kin. While his training has moulded him to a certain way of thinking, he could not deny the coaxing of his nature by evolution that whispered to him, willing him to revert to the state in which he was intended to have grown to instead of the absent minded soldier he was.

It would not be an easy task to reverse the effects of his upbringing, but he was confident that there was no better place to attempt such a seemingly absurd task than here in the lands of Helidos. He slowly lowered his body to the ground below him. His tail fell over his hind legs and he dropped his head to rest atop his forepaws. The feeling of relaxation was one he could certainly get used to.

Winter seemed to drag on in the brutes mind. Endless days of snow and cold grew boring and the Beta longed for the day when all would melt to reveal a fresh a wet spring. New life would then spring forward and days of plentiful eating would be upon them. Dreaming of young hares and fawns overcame him before thoughts of possible new pups entered his mind. He knew of several pair that might have pups in the spring and it made him excited. It was only last year that he and Juno had had their own litter who were now almost a year old. Time had brought them strength and the will to settle into apprenticeships and it pleased him greatly. He loved to see Ryland thrive as a caretaker apprentice and Apollo learning more everyday. Griffen concerned him still as he seemed lost in daydreams more and more, but perhaps he would grow out of it. Still there was no rush on his future and the sable male was willing to be patient with him for the time being.

In the past few days Marrok had busied himself with hunting, patrolling and bringing in a new member or two. His evenings were spent nestled with Juno and most night his dreams were happy ones. Last night was an exception as an old nightmare had haunted him into sleeplessness for hours. Fatigue drained into his face and caused yawning to burden his maw more than eating today as he made his way into the clearing. A few wolves were about, mingling amongst themselves as he blinked through sleep filled eyes. A lone figure, however, caught his attention as he was new to his yellow eyes. The brute looked strong and capable of himself and had the faint scent of Helidos burned into his fur. He also scented of Delta Aurora which brought a smile to his maw. The fae was proving herself everyday to the Beta and never ceased to make him doubt accepting her into the pack. She gave so much to the pack and was such a valuable asset. Figuring she was the one who accepted him made Marrok ease up, if he won over her he was fine.

"Hello there male" Marrok said as he walked over. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting yet. I'm Beta Marrok, and you are?" He questioned, his voice warm and inviting, though still clouded with his fatigue.

He silently mused over the simple yet intriguing plumes of frosted smoke that continued to fill the air with every breath. Several other wolves mulled around the camp clearing, but they all seemed busied with each other. He had no desire to interrupt them, or to move much at this point. His body pleaded for rest after his long journey and he was more than happy to oblige now that he had somewhere safe to do so. As he lay against the cold ground, he let his eyes begin to droop. Sleep whispered to him, trying to lure him into a deep slumber. He would have let sleep take a hold were it not for a movement out of the corner of his eye. The movement caused his eyes to immediately spring open from their half closed state. Even when knocking on sleep's door, he was on high alert. His ears flickered towards the wolf who approached him, his eyes following suit, analyzing the male, scrupulously investigating everything about him that he could.

He carried authority of some sort in his demeanour, though fatigue was apparent, its presence had not been enough to diminish his dominance. He was well built, an able bodied fighter no doubt. Sizing up any wolf that approached was a habit ingrained in him, as were many customs. His body was quick to follow his minds shift from rest to business. His legs were quick to spring up beneath him shifting him into a poised sitting position, his tail unmoving behind him, his eyes hardened and gazing forward, allowing him to keep the wolf in his sight yet averting direct eye contact.

As the male drew closer, he spoke, introducing himself as Beta Murrok. He fished around in his memory, recalling Delta Aurora mention the Beta pair to him in her explanation of their hierarchy. The Betas were ranked just below the Alpha's and if his memory served, which it always did, it was Juno who held the title Beta along side Murrok. He kept his eyes averted and slipped back down to the ground, though not in the relaxed state it had been a few moment prior. He rested on his elbows, keeping his tail still and rested upon the ground. His ears swivelled around and and pressed against his skull. "Beta Marrok. It is an honour. Delta Aurora spoke of you. I am Drogo, newly appointed warrior, sworn to serve and protect those under rule of Alpha Azul." His voice was gruff and straightforward giving insight to his strict training and upbringing. He kept his eyes averted from the Beta's and his muscles locked in place and would do so until instructed otherwise.

His mannerisms took Marrok off guard for a moment. Most new wolves he met didn't show him such a formal display of submission as this male, it was refreshing. Curling his tail over his back Marrok sized up Drogo, marveling in his strength and manners before moving off. "Rise warrior, you owe me no more respect than has already been given. You say Aurora accepted you? I hope she had nice things to say of me." He said with a chuckle. "You don't sound like you're from around here Drogo, tell me of your last pack if you will." He questioned, bringing himself into a sitting position for comfort. His sable tail wrapped neatly around his paws as they shifted into the fluffy snow.

His previous words intrigued him as he waited for a reply. The way he spoke with such heart about protecting the pack made Marrok curious as to his intentions here. Fel had sounded like that too and now she was a Guardian, would that be his fate as well?

At the Beta's command, Drogo pushed himself from the ground up into a sitting position to mimic the one Marrok held. His tail laid motionless behind him, and his posture was impeccable. Hearing the light chuckle and soft tone he spoke with when mentioning Aurora, he let a minute trace of a grin slip through his hardened facial expresions. "Nothing but praises. For you and all the wolves who call Helidos home. Were it not for her assurance I cannot say with certainty that we would be having this discussion." The rare glimpse of emotion that stained his face was quick to shift back to the same reserved look it was familiar to. Marrok wished to know of his last pack. He was unsure such a dreadful tale should be heard by the ears of others. Were such ideas whispered into the wrong ears, more could be subject to same tainted past as he. But his Beta had requested the story be told so tell it he would.

"The lands from which I came where very different from Helidos. Where you and the others follow Azul based on loyalty and trust, the lands of Tortall were ruled by a poisoned mind. Five packs made up Tortall, each pack lead by a Lord and his Lady, but each Lord answered to a single wolf. A wolf by the name of Rhaegar, who called himself king. The King had his advisors, as did the Lords of each pack. Protection of the king fell to those who made up the King's guard. A group of which I was the head of. The Lord's had their own guards, but none so powerful as the Kings. Below the guard fell soldiers, who's numbers made up bulk of the inhabitants and for the unlucky few who were not fit for a soldiers title or that of a healer, were deemed commoners." His voice was steely and matter of fact. He had told Aurora of the difference in rank's to the ones that were given here but she had not questioned beyond that. He prayed that Marrok would not question farther but knew it was unlikely. Filling his chest with the chilled air, he prepared himself for the inevitable.

Thoughts mulled in his mind about the tale he knew he would have to tell the Beta. Perhaps speaking of his hardships would ease the guilt that burdened him, but perhaps it would only worsen it. Never the less what harm could come from trying. Rhaegar was dead, his reign abolished. But what of those who knew his dirty secret? What of those who followed him blindly as Drogo himself had once done. Would another step up to take his place? Would the horrors continue for those within Tortall? He would never know. He had sworn to never return and was most certain if he did his sentence would be death.

Marrok smiled as the new warrior rose and sat as an equal before him. The Beta wasn't one to flaunt his rank around and shove it down everyone's throats. He held authority, yes, but on a deeper level he felt as a equal with the pack. they were his family and he treated them as such, not holding fear over their heads. He had respect for all members in his pack, and those who returned his respect he held in high regard. He could tell Drogo was a wolf who had come from a pack who drilled respect into him. Perhaps in time he would ease up and show it out of courtesy rather than habit. The male started to speak and Marrok quelled his own thoughts to listen. Drogo's home pack started to sound like Erenyx, governed by hate and greed, though the ranking system was very odd. The Beta had never heard of separate packs answering to one Beta, how strange. Listening intently his head tilted a bit in curiosity when Drogo didn't state his old rank.

Marrok hd been the Beta of his old pack, and when joining here he spoke of it often out of pride. Perhaps Drogo didn't share the same enthusiasm as he once did and hated his old rank. Surely he must have had a good rank, higher then an Omega, for he didn't seem like the type. "And of your old rank? You failed to mention it, unless I'm prying into stale memories riddled with disdain I apologize for my curiosity." He asked, letting his mind get the better of him. The male's body language seemed to change, was that sadness he sensed or something else? "If your old memories haunt you I won't press you further. Think of coming here as a fresh start to life, that's how I saw it at least. My old life was clouded with darkness, but here I found light so to speak." He said, drawing his gaze to the snow.

Marrok had come from a pack ruled by his father. Marrok grew up in the ranks and became Beta soon after mating to Luna, a daughter of a warrior. The pair were expecting their first litter when Marrok's childhood friend attacked Luna, driven by envy at Marrok's recent promotion. Marrok killed his friend, by his father, the Alpha tried to intervene without knowing the cause of Marrok's rage. In a blind fury Marrok attacked and killed his father and soon was driven out by his home pack. The pain of his past cept him from looking for a new pack for over a year until he found Azul and learned to live among others again. Also, in Helidos he found his soul mate Juno and found more love than he could have ever imagined.

Drogo could see the curiosity and intrigue that flickered through the Beta's eyes as he spoke of Tortall. It was a look he had seen before. The Delta Aurora had possessed the same fascination with the odd tale. At his question of his old rank Drogo instinctively straightened up, though one would have considered his previous position to be well straight enough. "Your curiosity is no burden sir. Within Tortall I was named Head of the Kings Guard. Rhaegars protection fell to my charge, and I was to lead his personal guard behind me to ensure his safety." he paused, thinking back to what Aurora had told him of the ranking system that Helidos used. Sifting through memories the words came to him. "A Guardian I suppose would be a term more familiar to you for my position." Though he was a mere soldier of many within the ranks of Helidos, he vowed to protect every wolf with his life, and would prove his worth to those here. He had yet to meet the Alpha and his Alphess but in time he would seek them out. It was important to him to know just who it was he served, and perhaps in time he would earn his way to a higher rank so his skills may be put to better use.

The sullen soldier had known so very little of the wolf he had sworn his life to protect. It was in that blindness that sins had been committed, and an evil had been allowed to flourish. Such blind faith would not be given again. Were it not for the assurance of those who lived beneath Azul's rule, Drogo would not have sworn his loyalty to anyone until a meeting with the Alpha himself had been established. But the atmosphere was different here. Hate and loathing did not linger heavy in the air. There was a sense of tranquillity here which was a great comfort to the warrior. Marrok's words of his past and the darkness that fell upon it drew him from his thoughts. He mulled over his words carefully 'hereI found light.' He could not agree more with the statement. A slight grin broke through his hard set jaw, and slipped across his lips. "Truer words have never been spoken Marrok. Helidos is a refuge from the shadows, a light to end the darkness that haunts us so."

Flicking his tail around his feet Marrok listened as Drogo further told his story. As more details came into the light Marrok saw a flicker in him that he had seen in another pack wolf just last year, Fel. The fae had come to the pack as a simple warrior, but strived to hold something higher. Her drive for protection drove Marrok to start training her and eventually nominate her for the position of guardian that she holds to this day. Drogo sat there, full of muscle and determination and there wasn't a shred of doubt in his mind that he couldn't have the same outcome as Fel did. Perhaps with some training he might make the rank of Delta before guardian, but who knew? Marrok's own fate changed throughout his time here, changing ranks from warrior to delta and finally beta, perhaps the same would go for him. "The term guardian was just what I was thinking. The rank comes with great respect in this pack, but the wolves who carry it have the up most trust of both the alpha's and beta's. I personally trained our last guardian and feel I can trust her with my life, for i know she'll lay down her's for any in this pack. If the rank of guardian was something you were interested the process would take time to acquire that level of trust." Marrok explained, rolling his shoulders in relaxation.

Marrok then nodded his head as Drogo agreed with his phrase, however corny it sounded. "Helidos does indeed symbolize the light versus the darkness. Before I came here I was lost if you will in both place and in my soul. I had suffered a tragedy in my life for which I blamed myself for. Hate for my actions clouded my reasoning and cept me from finding happiness in this world, until I found Helidos. Here I flourished, grew in rank and met my mate Juno whom I have a family with now. With Helidos I'd probably be dead by now, driven mad from my repressed grief." He confessed, averting his gaze from Drogo's for a moment. The pack had truly given him hope for the future, he only hoped the same would come to his new friend. "Well enough of that, are you finding everything here? Have a den picked out? What of the other warriors have you met them?" He asked, wishing the burden of the conversation to be off him for a while.

Drogo's interest peaked as Marrok spoke more of the Guardian position. It would be something well suited to his skills. Protection was what he was raised to do, and he did it well. Perhaps in time he could work his way up to such a position, but that would come in due time. For now he was content to serve his Alpha in whatever way possible, and for the time being, that was as a warrior. The subject too a turn towards Marrok when he spoke briefly of his past. A pang of sympathy flickered within him for the Beta. Yet another wolf who had a twisted past though his had taken a turn for the better. He had found refuge, a new beginning, and with that new beginning found love. Love was something foreign to him. It had no place in Tortall, and therefor no place within him, or at least no place that he was allowed to acknowledge. He could sense the discomfort of the Beta and thought best not to enquire farther about what memories haunted his past and instead readily answered his questions. "I am enjoying myself a great deal here. I made myself a den, nothing spectacular, but it suits my needs." He said with a light grin. He was a wolf of very little in the way of needs. He did not sleep much due to the schedule he ran on. Early rises and late nights. He had in fact not even had a den in Tortall. Due to the much milder climate, their winter coats provided plenty enough warmth to deal with the rare dealings with snow.

"Other than yourself and Aurora, the only other wolf I have had the pleasure of meeting is Warrior Nnlya. A very...exuberant fea I must say." he mused with a chuckle. She had energy to burn and no boundaries when it came to conversing with others. A question he had been meaning to ask came crawling up into his thoughts. With a more serious tone he asked, "Marrok, I have been meaning to ask of Erenyx. I have heard brief whispers of the tension between packs but what history lays between them?" He knew that both packs were at odds with each other but had yet to learn why. He would protect Helidos from Erenyx at any cost, but wished to know more of those he needed to defend against. Knowledge was power, and that held true when it came to battle. The more you know of your opponent, the better prepared you are.

A breeze picked up and blew Marroks fur back, sending spare grey and brown hairs floating in the wind. The winds of spring were now upon them as were the emerging grasses and flowers. Soon the trees would be in full leaf, adding thickness and color to the otherwise brown earth. Eager for these changes to occur Marrok thought of the new pups that would soon grace the pack, bringing much joy to everyone around them. Thinking about them scampering about Drogo's voice brought him back from day dreaming. "Well lucky for you our winter is over. It was very cold this year and several wolves doubled up from the frigid temperatures." He said, knowing the brute would be fine now that spring were here. Marrok had enjoyed a nice winter huddled with Juno and his pups, who proved to be quite warm. Now that Griffen was off doing his own thing and Athena spent most of her time in the caretaker den it was mostly Apollo who lay with him and Juno at night. There was talk however of him getting his own den soon, close to home of course. The idea made him wish for him to stay young forever, as did he wish on his other pups, but he knew the wish was useless. Soon all would be chasing other wolves, gaining rank or moving to different pack. Heck soon enough he'd be a grandfather! Now there was a thought he wasn't ready for.

Marrok nodded at Drogo's description of Nnyla. Having met her at the border she proved to be a handful, but still a dedicated member of the pack. He saw great things in her as he did in the brute before him. "I could see you liking Eclipse or Kenia if male company is more for you. Also if you ever wanted sparring practice Juno or myself would be happy to oblige, just be warned she's more fierce than myself." He said, a chuckle etching his words. As the tone turned serious the Beta stopped his jokes and took the warrior's next words to heart. "To know of the tension you must know the whole story I'm afraid." Marrok said, getting comfortable.

"Back when the pack started out it was led by Azul and Kenia as well as the Beta named Steele. Soon others joined including myself and the true vision of Azul for the pack came out. He wished for a pack which relied on loyalty and commitment rather than brute force and fear. He believed it was wiser to talk out problems instead of fighting with everyone. Steele didn't agree with him and soon tension ensued between him and Azul." Marrok's voice got heavy, "Steele entranced the other Beta Esmerelda and she followed him when he left Helidos. Befre leaving Steele tried to murder Kenia, but was unsuccessful. In Erenyx Esmerelda followed him but not before Steele stole a fae over and impregnated her. Kenia stole her back and she had pups, but sadly she died in childbirth and the pups in an accident. After that Esmerelda became the Alphess over there and soon some wolves from Helidos crossed over. Now Steele is power hungry and sends threats of and invasion to take Azul's land and kill his family to prove that strength is what matters." Marrok finished, letting his words sink in.

At the beta's comment about the winter's end he couldn't help but nod in agreeance. He was used to much milder temperatures and had truly only seen the tail end of winter here. The next winter would be a true test for him but it was three seasons off. He would have plenty of time to adjust as the fall slipped across the land and prepared them for the real cold that would follow it. By then he would have altered his den to a more suitable state, but for now it was functional, and that was all he needed. He listened as a few names were mentioned. Eclipse and Kenai. He knew Kenai to be the Elite male, mated to Aurora, but he had not heard of Eclipse. He would seek them both out in time as male company truly was more to his liking. Females were simply so foreign to him and their company was something that would take adjusting to. The mention of a spar with either himself or his mate Juno sparked Drogo's interest immensely. He could use a good spar to keep his skills on point. "I may have to take you up on such an offer Marrok." he said with a grin. "I fear I will get rusty if my skills are not tested from time to time."

The conversation then took a turn and picked up a much more serious tone. As Marrok made himself comfortable to begin telling the entire story of the discord between packs, Drogo took the opportunity to do the same. Letting himself relax a little more, he pricked his ears forward in anticipation. As he began to tell of Steele and the clash of his ideals and Azul's, he knew that nothing good was to come of it. Listening to the sickening betrayal and the even more vile impregnation of a fea not his own, disgusted Drogo. He had to fight back the rumbling in his chest, in its place taking a deep breath in through his nose in an attempt to calm himself. He let a silence fall between the two of them briefly while he mulled over what had been said about Steele's threats against Helidos and Azul and his family. He could not quite wrap his mind around the fact that this traitor and tainted villain was even still alive after what he had done. But it was not his place to judge decision made. He was to help protect the residence of Helidos and their leader. And protect them he would.

"It pains me to hear that such betrayal ensued and that wolves suffered as a result but knowing what I do now has only reinforced my will to protect those who call Helidos home from the evil that infects this land. I thank you for enlightening me to the matter. he said, only to have the grumbling of his stomach interrupt his words. He had forgotten how hungry he had been before he had begun conversing with the Beta. I'm afraid I may have to excuse myself. It would seem my stomach is none to happy with my neglect to feed yet today. I thank you for your time Marrok, I will be sure to take you up on that offer of a spar sometime. He unfolded his legs beneath him and stood up and dipped down into a bow briefly before returning to full height. "Thank you again sir. I'm sure we shall be seeing each other again soon." he said giving one final nod and took to the forest in search of a meal.