Depression was a dangerous thing. It caused the mind to think of the terrible things, the events which had happened over his 2 years of life. It was a shame how horrid life had been to the young wolf. Two different colored eyes, known as Heterochromia, stared to the vast emptiness of his den. Before his father was taken from this world, Samael had done everything he could to keep himself happy and learning his training as each day passed by. He worked on himself, growing and becoming something better than before. He had made his den away from the den of his father, enjoying the solitude he held for what seemed like a whole year. The brute moved among the darkness, slipping from it into even more darkness. The full face of the moon shone brightly between the branches in the sky. Samael looked to the stars, watching them twinkle so brightly against the midnight canvas. He moved from the pack clearing to the rest of the pack land. He wandered around the areas, knowing them well as he had lived here all his life. Samael stretched his legs as he moved to the place where Steele confessed his love for Esmeralda. If their spirits were to be anywhere, they would surely be here. He made his way to the edge, the very spot where his parents agreed to be with one another, as it was told by Steele. Samael rested his haunches at the edge, looking to the water below. In the dead of night, he could not see anything, whether the fog was there or not. Lifting his chin into the air, he released a mourning cry. The howl was long and drawn out, but it seemed to be taken over by the water below. The sound of crashing waves could be heard even through the sad call. Samael ended his cries and lowered his body until he was laying close to the edge. Nothing would repair the feelings he had right now, wondering if he would ever be able to move on from this pain. His father was the only family he had left, for now. If the rumors were true, that Katyusha carried his siblings, then they would be the only family he had. But it was not certain she would be able to keep them, or if Teren would kill them once they were born. Anything could happen from this wolf, and nothing was certain anymore. As he laid there, he stared into the nothingness.

Closing his eyes gently, he could hear speaking within his mind. It was as if his father was with him now, and possibly his mother. Samael, my son, do not allow these things to conquer your mind. Allow yourself to use this tool, these thoughts as something better. Avenge me. The last sentence from the voice was very firm and it forced the boy to nod his head. "I will avenge you my father, I will kill the bastard for murdering you." Samael... The voice was calm and soothing to his ears, one he had not heard since he was a young pup. Samael... My son, please do not do anything rash.. Keep yourself safe. You are all which stands left... Hearing his mother's voice within his mind was a blessing and curse for him. He was unsure if his depression had forced him to hear the voiced of his deceased parents, or if they were real. The line between real and false lies was very grim and hazy. Who was to say what was what now? Samael did not fight the words of wisdom which came to him, no matter how much they differed from one to another. "Mother, and Father, I will do anything I can to make you proud. I will someday, take these lands back from Teren, and I will rule as you had intended me to. Nothing will get in my way and nothing will be able to change my mind on this choice. I will prove to you, to the pack, my worth and in the end I will reign over these lands." Before too long, the voices and images disappeared from his mind. Perhaps the visions were proud of him? Or maybe he was just so determined, he forced them to disappear? He was not completely sure, but he did not mind it.

He laid in his place, his eyes to the horizon as the fog and the darkness moved about him. He breathed slowly, keeping his thoughts within his mind. He rested his head on top of the crossed paws which dangled over the edge of the cliff. His tail curled along the left side of his body, pressing itself hard against himself. The top paw was slowly getting covered in snow. His mouth opened slightly, as his tongue lolled out and licked his paw clean. as he laid there, he took a deep sigh and stared out, wishing the voices and images of his deceased family would come back to him. The pack had been so lonely since the whole tragic event happened. He felt so alone from the rest of the world, closed off and segregated. But in his loneliness, it seemed like someone had heard his call. A female to be exact. He was not concerned with her gender, nor really who she was. Her scent was fresh to these lands, thus she would not have a negative thing to say about his father, as she did not know him. Perhaps things could get better for the boy? He was not entirely sure, but he stood up on all four paws and moved closer to her. "Who are you? You smell like you are new here. My name is Samael, I am a warrior here."

Be friendly, my son... The voice had returned to him. And yet again, he could not decipher if he was truly going mad, or he was really being greeted by the spirits of his mother and father. The female spoke to him, she seemed nice enough. She was new to the lands as his nostrils had collected enough data to give him this idea. But in the back of his mind, something told him not to be kind to her. She resembled a face, an image he had burned to the back of his mind. A white wolf had caused his family pain from before he was even brought into this world. An Alpha named Azul. His own father had spoken ill of this wolf, hoping one day that Samael or Steele himself would kill him. But Steele never got to see such a fantastic sight. Instead, he was forced to witness his own life being taken. For a moment, Samael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, the breath could be seen before his very nose. He looked to the white wolf, thinking of the other white wolf he had known, Lucas. He had allowed the son of Azul to enter the lands, if he could give them valuable information about Helidos. As it was, there was nothing of value from that pack, nothing that Steele did not already know about. So his joining had proven to be useless, and when the time came for Steele's death, he and the rest of the pack, aside from Katyusha, did nothing to stop it. He wanted to snarl, to show her that he could be aggressive and dangerous if he so wished it, if she so made a move he did not like. But he held it in. In this pack, he was going to need as many friends as he could muster, no matter how much of a recluse he had been for most of his young life. Death will do that to you.

"Tundra, it is a pleasure to meet you. And welcome to Erenyx, though I do not see you enjoying yourself in this place. But then again, I may have spoken too much or too soon." Samael looked over her then to the snow which covered the land around them. It was not showing any signs of leaving anytime soon, and upon further inspection of the clouds, they seemed very displeased with life on earth. Samael knew to expect the worst from this kind of weather in the dead of night. "So what brings you here? Instead of meeting the other wolves or building your den? This is not the start of winter, and it is surely not the end. The great freeze shall come and one will wish they had sufficient cover when that time comes. I would hate to die in the pack who is more likely to feast on your corpse."

Do not punish her because she does not know the truth.. the voice in his mind was quite, and calming. Was it a coping method that he had created in his own realm? He was unsure. "Well, the world is covered in the frost. You could literally go anywhere and find the solace and solitude you are searching for. But this area, these lands.. They are dangerous to those who do not know its secrets. Behind me, to the fog littered edge, you will find a long fall. It is treacherous and will definitely kill you." Samael looked to the female, and though to himself on many things he could tell her about this pack. He could tell her the truth, he could tell her of how this whole pack began, or he could tell her that Teren was the greatest thing to come to these lands. But his demons, treacherous and stealthy as they were, would not allow him to say or do such a thing, not even in jest. "Well, the reason I have come here is to feel if any of this is worth it any longer. Erenyx has not been around for very long, yet the history is deep within the roots of this very land. My father and mother were one the Alphas to this land. Alpha Steele and Alphess Esmeralda, were their names. My father was a wise and proud male, all black with silver eyes, and my mother, a goddess of her own kind, ashen with emerald eyes which could stop you dead in your tracks." Reminded of his parents, he looked out to the open world. He turned his head to see the edge close to the fog. "It was here that the two of them decided to make a pack of their own and to love one another. My father told me the story. My mother she was so... protective of her heart that she did not trust just any wolf with it. But she gave it to my father, and in return, he loved her more than anything. In that following spring, me and my siblings were born. I was the first, then Achilles and Ammolite. Everything was great for a while, but even before we turned one year of age, my mother and siblings left our pack. A few other members of the pack left as well, but I was not exactly sure why. My father never told me, but promised I would know when I was older." He closed his eyes and lowered his head for a moment, but once he opened his eyes to look at Tundra, he looked right into her eyes.

"After that, my father changed. He became cold and menacing. He requested things of the pack that I had never heard him say, not even once. He was building a harem, forcing each fae to mate with him for this winter before they were allowed to mate with their own mates. But, I had always thought them to be rumors, lies the wolves started once they noticed the change in my father. Chiara, Guardian of these lands, told me it was actually true. She had been a follower of my mother since the beginning. But soon, my father found love once again. He found it in the pale eyes of the Elite, Katyusha. I know she loved him, still loves him. But then one day, everything went horribly wrong. Never in my life did I think I would watch my father be murdered. You always think of your own parents as dying from old age or some sort of disease... Never actually being killed and especially not in front of you." His voice grew soft, as if it was hard for him to even speak. But he continued to tell her the tale. "Then one day, a loner came to the borders. We do not know exactly what all happened, as my father was the one to answer his call. But when I heard an unfamiliar voice within our pack clearing, I ran out of my den. It was him, Teren. He had my father, laying in the snow, blood everywhere." Seeing the sight in his mind, he felt like he was there once more. He snarled and closed his eyes once more. "The bastard killed my father, claimed these lands for his own, ripped out the vocal cords of my dying dad, and tossed them between my paws. When Katyusha begged for him to let him live, he ate my father's heart. Not a single wolf besides myself and Katyusha tried to stop the monster from his conquer." He stepped away from her and moved to stand before the cliff. "I apologize, just seeing it all in my mind again... It hurts like the first time. Now I feel alienated by the only pack I know. This pack has my flesh and blood all over it, started from my line and yet this pompous fool thinks he can come in here and take over like this was always his pack. It sickens me. So I came here, to try and sort my thoughts." He took a deep breath and stared to the fog. It moved slowly, constant and flowing.

(mind if I jump in? If yes just PM me and I'll delete it )

Katyusha tried to fight her pain, her demons. They were not new to her, they had been following her for weeks. Reminding her she was hated now, shunned by the pack she had worked so hard to serve. Constantly reminded she had no one to lay with her when she was cold, or help feed her as she carried the burden of the last part she had of Steele.

Everyday she fought these demons, fighting the urge to slip back into her den, now mausoleum for her stash of berries, to lay next to her mate and wait for the cold embrace of death to take her home. And soon she knew she would fall victim to those demons. But for now she had a job to do. Slowly she would try to start a small army, pull the loyalty of those in the pack to herself or Samael, who in her mind was the rightful heir to Steele's pack, even if his mother was a traitorous harlot who caused her beloved so much anguish.

As she pushed forward the young elite really didn't know why she was here, or what she was even doing out at this hour. She had spent most of her day training one of the new warriors. And while that wasn't exactly demanding on her part, her body was demanding more from her just to function, sleep included. So why was she still up? The only answer in her mind was that something wanted her to be here, something she couldn't explain. Perhaps it was the same driving force that pushed her up that mountainside. The night her and Steele spent curled up in a small cave watching the storm blow through. The night she was made truly happy.

As she pushed on her ears would perk, hearing a familiar voice, followed by a not so familiar one. The Elite would pick up her pace until two figured formed in the fog, pulling her mind from the haze that had been clouding her all day. As she approached the pair she would raise her tail and head slightly in dominance, not trying to intimidate, especially Samael, but simply show her status to this new wolf.

As she drew close enough to become fully visible Katyusha would do her best to put on a strong mask, giving a friendly dip of her head to Samael "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" she asked the pair as she approached, knowing all too well what season it was, and not wanting to get in Samael's way should he be interested in the fae.

As he stood at the edge, looking into the thick fog, she finally spoke. Her voice was calming and sweet, tender, and almost endearing. How could a complete stranger feel sorry for him? She had not seen the horrors the new self-proclaimed Alpha. But maybe it was good she had not, perhaps she too would side with the rest of the messed up pack? For a while he seemed to be very relaxed, like she was going to say something which would fix everything of the past, that these last few months would surely disappear like a bad dream. But then she spoke again, "you look a bit like him"... And it was in that moment that a million thoughts rushed through his head. He pressed his ears to his head and closed his eyes. Was she talking about Teren? Had she already met him? Yes they were both black, though Teren had more gray than him. But in an instant, his thoughts ceased when she uttered a single name, "Fell". The name was heard before, one he had heard, but never knew the wolf who owned it. In this moment, he no longer thought of his own worries and his own stresses. Instead, he thought of Tundra's. Who was the wolf she was speaking of? Family? Friend? Lover? He was going to ask her, but then he held his tongue. He turned to face her, no longer looking to the endless fog. "I am sorry for you loss.. It is never easy losing someone you love." The softness in his eyes was clear as day, even in the dark of night. He was hurting, and deep down, he knew it would hurt for a very long time, no matter what he tried to do. Perhaps he would ask her who it was she was missing, but then they were accompanied by another wolf.

His eyes moved to follow the direction of which the scent came from. He knew it very well, as it was all over his father before he died. If only she knew... the voice whispered in Samael's mind, which was soon chased by a low growl. Samael was slightly confused where he was in his mind and why his mother would growl, but then it was all clear what his father was speaking of in his mind. He loved Katyusha. Samael knew she was special to his father, but he never really knew how special until it was the end. "Elite Katyusha, what a surprise to see you here. Shouldn't you be resting?" He looked to her, noticing she wanted to keep away from him. Was she keeping her distance for the fact he looked like a spitting image of his own father, but with one green eye instead of two silver orbs. He had not really seen Katyusha since he helped her with his father's corpse. It was in that moment, he realized he should be there for her. What a horrible wolf he was, after everything they had been through, he didn't check on her. She was the only one who truly understood what he was going through. Taking a seat, he sat by Tundra, trying to show Katyusha she was welcomed here. His ears perked forward and their talk from before evaded his mind.

As the pair made it clear she wasn't interrupting anything she didn't want to be in the middle of, the Elite would move in a little closer, sitting back on her haunches which only made her swelling more noticeable easily putting to rest any doubts Samael may have had about her condition.

When the new fae spoke the young elite would turn her gaze over to her, keeping a rather neutral look for the moment, which was rather unusual for the usually cold fae. Maybe it was only because she thought this new comer was a friend of Samaels, or perhaps she just didn't have the energy to invest in her usually cold uninterested appearance. With a slow nod Katyusha would speak "I am Elite Katyusha, rightful Alphess of Erenyx. " she said, her words bold and straight to the point, not containing the usual pleasantries, as she had no need for them. She judged wolves based on their actions and attitudes, not a few kind words like 'pleasure to meet you' tacked onto the end of a sentence. Especially when she felt no pleasure in meeting the other wolf. Although it wasn't something to be taken personally, the Elite honestly wondered if she could feel pleasure anymore, or happiness.

As the large black brute drew her attention away the Elite would gain a small smirk, nodding slowly "Yes, but it is a unusually cold night for this time of year...and I figured the loss of sleep would be a better alternative for the pups than my imminent icy death." she said honestly, looking to him "And what brings you two out to such a place at this time of night?" she asked, just assuming they had come together.

It was interesting, to say the least. The very first words out of her mouth, that she were the rightful Alphess to the pack. Who was she to say such a thing like that? It was not even told to the pack that both of them were even together. Samael knew about his father's affections for the fae, but it had never been told before the eyes and ears of the pack. She was just his side piece of tail. If any wolf was the be the rightful heir to the throne, it would be Samael. He had the same blood as Steele running through his veins. Samael held the anger to himself. It was not a time to be angry, at least not to Katyusha. She had been the only one to lose as much as he did. So he stayed silent on the topic. "It would be better for your young if you kept to the warmth of your den. Can't something happen to them... or something?" he asked as he looked to her. Was he truly concerned with his future "siblings"? He was unsure of this, but Samael looked to Tundra. How was she taking all of this in? What an interesting way to meet an Elite of the pack. "Well, since you are here..." he said as he looked to the female Elite, "how are you doing?" He looked to Tundra and Katyusha, before he recalled she had asked him a question. "I only came out here, for the alienation I feel from the rest of the pack. This was where.." he paused for a moment and looked away from her. "This is where my father asked my mother to be his mate, and she accepted. I was just thinking about how much I wish they were still here.." As he opened his eyes, he lifted them from the ground to peer into the silver hues of the Elite. He did not know how his words would effect her, nor did he care. To be brutally honest, he wished all of his family was still alive and around the pack. As much as Ammolite was a pain in his rear and Achiles was not the smartest of wolves, he loved them and missed them dearly. What would they do now? He wrapped his tail around his paws and stared at the females now.

Katyusha watched the new fae with her stoic and cold indifference as she neared the ledge, giving no more warning to her. If she were going to fall from the ledge it would be no ones fault but her own, and definitely not Katyusha's problem. Turning slowly she would notice Samael's anger, albeit subtle, and taking note. She would have to talk to him later in private since she wanted to explain herself to him.

As the brute spoke of the cold again Katyusha would give him a rather confused look, pausing for a moment to think of the words she needed "Yes, well...I do suppose you haven't been around for a while but... I don't have a den." she said honestly. After giving a second of pause she would explain "My den was uhm...re-purposed as a resting place for your father...and all of my good furs were in the alpha's den when everything happened...and I'm in no condition to replace any of it...even if I wanted to." she admitted honestly, looking away for a moment, not wanting to seem like she wanted pity or needed help, it was just a fact.

With the next question from Samael Katyusha would get a slight smirk again, shaking her head gently "Now that is a question for another time, I don't think I could speak freely in front of other members of the pack." she said honestly, having to uphold some semblance of a reputation in this pack, even if she too would probably look down on the Elite as she felt everyone else did.

As she presented her question she would turn to Tundra first, ladies first after all, nodding slowly at her answer "I would be careful wandering around this pack at night until you are familiar with it...There are a lot of hidden dangers." she warned. With that she would turn her attention back to Samael, cringing slightly at his answer as it divided her.

On one hand she hated Esmerelda for what she had done to Steele and how badly she had hurt him, but she also knew the pain being abandoned by a parent brought, and even though she hated her parents now, she still longed for things to go back to normal. However it would come as no surprise she also longed for Steele, it was really the only thing she thought about anymore, and it hurt to know.

"Well, females... It seems the hour is approaching midnight and I shall be getting back to my den." He looked to Tundra, and stared into her brilliant gaze. "It was a pleasure meeting you Tundra, and I hope I shall be able to see you once more. If ever you get lonesome, you should come and find me." He stood and as he moved past Katyusha, he looked to her. "If you need me, you will know where to find me as well." He looked to them both once more, "goodnight to you both. May you sleep well or go an as you were." He moved away from them both, heading for the land he once called home. As he approached his den, he walked inside and quickly laid himself to sleep. As he closed his eyes, he took one last deep breath before slipping into silence.