Tyranea's eyes slowly opened as her body began to register the pain. 'Death... Wasn't death supposed to be painless?' It wasn't horrible pain, only that of a bruised and battered body. Her eyes were completely open by now and she began to take in the world in front of her. The sounds of a river had just begun to reach her ears and the coolness of the atmosphere around her was multiplied by her drenched pelt.

That’s right… The river…. Her brother… The Darkness…. It was slowly coming back to her. That pack had followed them so far, until they were trapped. They couldn’t cross the river, it was moving too fast. They weren’t given the choice though. The earth shook and the ground gave way beneath their feet.

He made it… She saw him, her brother, he was on dry land. Where, she did not know, but he lived. Maybe she could find him again someday. First though she had to figure out where she was at. She slowly forced herself to her feet, flinching every time her battered body was jarred. It was cold, the water made it much colder then it should have been and she felt it to her core. Shivering she sniffed the air and then let out a soft almost inaudible growl.

There were other wolves here. She was most likely in another’s territory. Her ears laid back as she tried to determine the direction they are in, so she could go in the opposite direction. Her last encounter with unknown wolves had been rather unpleasant and she did not want to repeat it. Not to mention that this was a strange land. It was completely unfamiliar, the look, the smell, the sound. How far had the river carried her? How had she survived?

She was about to start walking away when Ty once more caught the smell of the foreign wolves. Quickly she pressed herself to the ground as her ears laid back. They were closer then she had thought. Had they caught her scent? Had they heard her heartbeat? It was beating so fast that if they had not surely they would now. She wanted to flee but feared pursuit. She was in no condition to run for her life again, anyway. She would get no where beforevbeing caught. Whatever punishment that would await her might be harsher because she fled instead of stayed, and that was not a risk she was willing to take at the moment.

A soft whimper escaped the young femme as the choices seemed to be made for her. She pushed herself back up and sat down. throwing back her head, she howled. The howl meant nothing really, just the sorrow of no longer having her brother and the fear of an unfamiliar land. She should have thought it through before announcing her presence in such a way, but she was still some what confused.

Time had passed and Venn had made herself a new best friend. Both females of a different species lied in the ground facing each other, their purple hues reflecting one another’s feelings. Venn had honestly never thought in her life time she’d get along with someone so small, it was unexpected. She didn’t know how to explain it. Was it because she understood her? Because their mother’s had once journeyed together? Or because their eyes matched and a connection seemed to form between them, almost like a spiritual bond. Her violet orbs dimmed for a moment as she thought about something her mother had once told her, a time when she’d told her and her siblings about Myou.

“Everyone has their own power animal, mine had been a fox, and Myou’s a wolf, thus we became each other’s companions, and we had a spiritual connection with one another, so great we did not have to speak to talk to one another.”

At that time, Venn had been confused but now she felt she understood, a part of her still felt confused but she knew if she continued to travel with Yara she would indeed find out more about what her mother had met. This then, made her think. ‘Vyra… Maybe Vae’s power animal is an otter?’ She thought wrinkling her nose slightly, she didn’t like the little otter and as much as she’d hate to admit it the two could form a bond closer than with her and Vae. She couldn’t fathom why she felt jealous, maybe because he was her best friend and knew her well, they’d grown up together she didn’t want anyone to steal him from her. Her chest ached at the thought of her and Vae no longer being as close as they where. She couldn’t understand how her mother had done it with Yoren.

“Venali.”

A soft hushed voice reached her auds, a familiar voice, that of Yara. Her violet orbs turned and met with Yara’s and she smiled. “Yes?” She asked the small arctic fox, she did not mind that the fox called her by her full name instead of Venn like she preferred, in fact she doubt she could get Yara to call her Venn for she was so proper and polite as it seemed. Almost total opposites, yet they had so much in common. Venn couldn’t help but smile, but when Yara’s stern serious look met her gaze, Venn’s smile faded into a frown. “What is it?” She asked again a bit more quite and serious, knowing whatever it was, was indeed serious.

With her body ridged, and ears perked up, the arctic fox was on full alert. “Someone else is here.” She told Venali standing up onto her short stubby legs, her slender form creped around Venali’s as she sniffed the air. Her ears flicked forward. “There.” She told Vanali pointing her nose toward the bushes.

Venali’s eyes traveled in the direction Yara pointed out, her violet orbs narrowed. ‘Someone else?’ Her nose wrinkled and she was on guard now as well. Slowly the white and gray speckled femora crept towards the bush when a sudden howl was heard coming from the bush. The sound although was not threatening, in fact the howl was a sound that was that of someone who was fairly timid and scared, and also sad. Nonetheless, the sudden sound had startled Venn causing her to stumble backwards, she narrowed her eyes at Yara as she snickered at her. When she caught her glare, the small white gray toned fox stopped her snickering. Venali sighed. What to do?

Decided it was best to probably see if this femora was alright, Venali approached the bush cautiously but when a small black and gold brute made his way over from the river Venali stopped. Her orbs traveled back towards Vaeril who still stood with Vyra by the river. Venali’s violet orbs looked to the small brute, her right brow raised ever so slightly. ‘Undomiel.’ She could tell from the coloring of his pelt and his scent which covered this land. She’d never seen this brute before however, likely one of Arwen’s earlier pups who’d wandered off long before Venali came.

Yara followed closely to Venali, not leaving her side, although Venali had not told her, she followed on her own free will. Besides, she knew Venali would want her to stay close to her. The small arctic fox could not explain this connection she felt with the young wolf but she felt the need to stay and watch over her, make sure she stayed out of harms way, and make sure she grow up and would live a happy life. Sure it was a lot for someone as small as her but she felt this strong nurturing instinct towards Venali, although they where the same age(another thing they’d learned while getting to know one another).

Yara’s violet orbs spied the brute as well, however it was the small creature on the brute she was interested in. It was another fox, although different breed than herself and a bit younger, Yara was interested nonetheless. She hadn’t seen any other foxes since she’d left her home. “Venali.” She spoke softly once more to her companion, her orbs traveling up to meet her matching violet hues. “That brute has a fox companion as well.” She pointed out her purple-hues traveling back to the trio close by.

Venali’s orbs once more traveled to where Yara’s where gazing and to her surprise her small friend was right. “Fascinating!” She gaped in anew, what where the chances honestly? Deciding she should introduce herself she walked over to the pair of wolves and single fox, however she was quite surprised to see that she was actually much larger than the two. ‘Really?’ She frowned slightly. “Shouldn’t you be a bit bigger?” She couldn’t help but blurt out to the smaller brute, he was the alpha right? Somehow she always pictured her alpha being larger than her, like Vae.

“Venali!”

Venn’s orbs looked down to meet Yara’s disapproving glare. “What?” She frowned and her frown fell more as she stared into the arctic fox’s orbs, getting where she was hinting at. Her orbs traveled back to Estoland and she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, um, I’m Venali Almarean… You’re… an Undomiel yes? I recognize the scent, but I’ve not met you before. You are from Arwen--”

“May she rest in peace” Yara piped and Venn frowned ever so slightly but nodded. Maybe she shouldn't have told Yara so much. Nonetheless, the Valasse femme continued.

“Yes, you are from her first litter no? Galadriel and Lathron’s brother?” She said listing the only two elder siblings of Sariya, Arwen and Arcaus she knew. She also knew slightly of Aranel and Vehrion, but she’d never met them before. But this brute, she didn’t know him at all. In fact she didn’t even know Arwen had had more than four pups from her first litter, so this was news to her.

Ty had seemed to wait for ages before she really got a good look around and realized she could see another wolf from here. How had she not seen him before? Make that them… She watched as two more brutes approached the first. Black and gold? She had never seen gold on a wolf before but it made the first quite beautiful. The other, also had gold in his coat, and with the brown and white made him just as beautiful and she realized how small the first really was, especially compared to this second one. Looks, she knew though, could always be deceiving.

She wanted to leave, find unclaimed territory without anyone that could harm her further. She needed to figure out where she was at, and maybe look for her brother. She was about to do just that and tensed to stand up when the gold brutes looked her way.

As she watched them approach her ears flattened against her skull. She shouldn’t have howled, she should have just left. Now she was facing two unknown wolves and possibly another, even though he had not moved to follow the other two.

So he was the Alpha? Taking a deep breath she realized it was his scent that is all over the place. She was about to speak and answer his question when a red furball seemed to detach itself from Estolad and approach her. She watched it for a second before realizing the furball was actually a fox, who didn’t seem to mind talking to a wolf, or introduce herself to a wolf? Doesn’t she know she is food? Apparently Estolad did not know either for he allowed her around plus she said he was nice.

“My name is Tyranea Norretlarn.” She said softly, before starting and backing away as a femme came out of the bushes. Why is everyone so large? At this point Ty was almost completely pressed against the ground and tensed to run.

The new femme, it seemed though, did not know the Alpha or how to be respectful. He was obviously a little small compared to her and the other gold brute but that was no reason to be rude, especially to an Alpha. Ty’s eyes travelled to a spot beside the femme when she heard the small voice. Another fox? Where the wolves around here plant eaters or did they just not eat foxes? To Ty food was food and you got it whenever you could, especially when you are a rogue and hunting was a luxury. You had to always make sure you weren’t on another packs land and when you weren’t the prey was usually scarce.

Ty once more looked down at the young fox that approached her, hoping that the new femme would turn the attention off her herself for a while. Lowering her head, Ty nudged Claria gently with her muzzle. Alright… She had to admit the fox was a little cute. She lifted up one paw and kind of paws at the air beside Claria. She was much too small to play with though. It might have been fun too. Maybe when the fox gets a little bigger they could play? What was she saying? She didn’t even know if she was going to stick around that long.

With the thoughts of playing and how cute this fox was in front of her Ty seemed to untense. Yes she was still scared but not as ready to bolt as she had been. Unlike with her last encounter these new wolves did not seem threatening or aggressive. So far it seemed there would not be a repeat of the earlier event.

Time seemed to breeze by as Vae and Vyra were left alone by the river while Venn headed off in search of meal. The company of the otter was oddly comforting and it wasn’t awkward at all, just sitting there with a creature a couple notches below him on the food chain, but it still felt natural. Although the valasse brute was somewhat surprised with the otter’s sudden admiration for him, it didn’t bother him in the slightest; he thought it to be rather cute on the contrary. Turning to gaze at the coal black eyes of the russet hued otter, Vae sighed hesitantly before speaking in his smooth rich voice, “Vyra, Venali and I were just discussing the possibility of joining a pack and I just wanted to make sure that you’d be comfortable around so many other wolves.” The blue and white brute was somewhat doubtful that the young otter would have a problem with it though.

Vyra, whose mood seemed to calm down a bit as the two rested next to the lake, simply just gave the brute an incredulous look with a roll of her eyes before saying in her young voice, “You can’t scare me away just like that Vae Baby.” The young otter noticed the brute’s brow rise at the sound of his new nickname rolling off her tongue like that, but she merely smirked defiantly. “Don’t worry Vae, one of these days you’ll learn what it’s like to feel this way.” Winking, the otter with her stubby legs in comparison to her lengthy body rolled off the brutes back. “What I’m concerned about though is being away from the water for too long. Of course it won’t harm me at all, but I don’t think I’d be so comfortable away from my element for so long you know? How would you feel if you were stuck in the water forever?”

Vae frowned slightly, understanding the otter’s situation. “Yea I get what you mean. I’ll tell you what, if this pack doesn’t have a nearby source of water for you, then I promise we can move on okay?” Regretting the vow the minute it passed through his mouth, his golden gaze nonchalantly glanced towards where Venn had disappeared too. His expression didn’t give away his emotions, but internally, he felt somewhat like a jackass for not discussing it with his best friend before making the promise. Smiling at Vyra, he couldn’t help but keep on a cool façade for her. Although the young brute had just met the creature, he felt a bond quickly forming between them and didn’t want to make her uncomfortable by keeping her away from her natural habitat.

A howl cried from nearby tore both of the wolf’s and the otter’s attention from the slight predicament. Rising to his quads Vaeril found himself naturally hovering over his companion protectively. I don’t believe that it’s the alpha of this land, I’m pretty sure the scent around here is that of a male and the sound of this howl is definitely that of a fae. It’s not Venn… His expression was cool as he waited, his golden hues eyeing the foliage around him for movement. From the corner of his eye he spotted a dark figure nearing them and calmly turned towards it, confidant that it wasn’t the wolf who had just howled, but the alpha of these lands, able to tell so by the way he carried himself. Bowing to show his respect, Vaeril kept his tail down and his stance neutral to show that he wasn’t going to challenge the older brute and was not a threat either. “Yes, that would be me. And I’m pleased to meet you Sir Estolad.”

The brute was not accustomed to speaking like this to others for he generally treated everyone around him as his equal, that is, besides his own mother who he regarded as higher than himself. But he knew that if he wanted to live the life of a pack wolf, this was the way to do it and there was no way around it. When the gold and black brute spoke of Vaeril’s mother, his expression seemed to lighten up, “Yes I am her son actually, you didn’t happen to see her recently have you? We were separated after the earthquake and I was unable to pick up on any fresh scent trails of hers.” Vae had a feeling that his mother was not in the premises, but felt the need to ask for assurance. “But yes, my mother was the gamma female of the Mithril pack. She’s served under your mother for a few years.” It seemed somewhat ironic that he’d also serve under the offspring of the alpha his mother served.

When the brute introduced the young vixen while also adding in the point to treat her kindly, Vaeril nodded before motioning towards the russet and crème otter at his feet, “This is Vyra, and I’m sure she’d appreciate kindness as well.” The brute tried his best to say it with respect towards the alpha while also adding in the point that he wanted the otter to be treated nicely as well. “She’s also quite the skilled fisher so if there’s ever a shortage of prey, I’m sure we’ll be in good paws… or, webbed feet.” He muttered the second part lowly more for himself.

Vaeril watched as the alpha and his fox friend approached the femme who had cried the unsettling howl earlier. He was somewhat worried for the fae seemed skittish and tense, but decided to let the alpha handle her for now so as not to overwhelm her. Turning to a yet another wolf who had arrived on the scene, Vaeril caught the familiar scent of an Undomiel as he approached before he bowed his respect towards him. “I assume your also one of Arwen Undomiel’s sons?” His voice was light and curious before he introduced himself to the golden brute, “I’m Vaeril Oronra, you might know my mother, Velossfaeniel Oronra. She was a member of your mother’s pack.” A higher pitched voice piped up from below Vae, “And I’m Vyra, Vyra Oronra!” Vaeril’s expression seemed to turn blank for a split second before he chuckled.

When the Estolad offered to show the wolves his dens, Vaeril nodded and glanced down at Vyra. It would be a good opportunity to also see if there was any water in or nearby the dens that the otter could spend some time in. Glancing over at Venn, his golden eyes seemed to meet with hers momentarily as if to confirm with her before turning back towards the black and gold brute. “Yes, actually, we we’re considering joining a pack and I think I can get used to it here pretty fast.” Chuckling, the brute twitched slightly as he felt the otter climbing up his tail to get onto his back. “Let’s go let’s go!”

Estolad’s head turned towards Vaeril as he spoke regarding his question about his last name. As the brute confirmed his suspicion the brute grinned slightly, he didn’t know Vel had, had a son, but he was happy for her, and he seemed like a nice brute. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you then” He said and flicked his ears black slightly as the brute asked about his mother and Esto shook his head. “No, I’m sorry, I haven’t seen anyone but Ron since the earthquake… Well and you all, of course” He said and gave a small smile. He felt bad that he couldn’t tell the brute that his mother was alright, but Vel was a strong wolf, he was sure she would be alright.

As Vae mentioned that Vyra would appreciate kindness, Esto laughed. “Of course! All of your little friends are welcome, as long as everyone respects each other, I have no issues” He said and shrugged his shoulder slightly, glancing around at the rest of the wolves in the clearing. The thought of wolves actually wanting to join his pack was thrilling, but at the same time rather scary, they were all counting on him to run the pack efficiently, but there was no going back now. Sighing softly Esto took a deep breath and put a smile back on his maw, if he worked on one moment at a time, everything would go well, he knew it would.

As the smaller animals introduced themselves Esto smiled and nodded, glancing behind him at Clara as she continued to play with Ty, he’d already introduced her, though, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. “Pleasure to meet you both, Yara, Vyra, of course, you will both be treated well here, anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask, we might be a little higher on the food chain, but that doesn’t make us any more important” He said with a chuckle and smiled, nodding his head slightly. His pack seemed to be attracting members that weren’t of the canine verity, but that was alright, he honestly didn’t care that much. ‘Let’s just hope the pray stays abundant…’

As the idea of joining was brought up, Vae spoke up and Esto grinned slightly. “Of course, you and Vyra, and Venn and Yara are welcome to join the pack, if you wish” He said and smiled, glancing over at Venn, she hadn’t really spoken much, but she seemed alright with Vae’s decision. Ron spoke up next and Esto grinned slightly, so he did want to join as well. “Of course! I’d love to have you around as well, Ron” He said and nuzzled the side of his brother’s head slightly before smiling at the others.

A sudden giggle caught the brute’s attention and his head turned to see Claria getting her stomach tickled by the black and green femora, he was glad at least someone was bothering to connect with the quiet femme. When the other’s agreed to leave Esto gave a slight nod, it was time to head back to the dens. Padding over to the vixen and Ty Esto smiled softly. “We’re heading back to the dens now, you’re free to follow, but I’m afraid Clara will have to come with me” He said and chuckled slightly, carefully picking Claria up and setting her on his back. Giggling, the vixen snuggled into Esto’s back. “Common Nea!” She called to the black and green wolf as Esto started off towards the dens.

After Vaeril told Estoland of their joining, his brother, Vehiron decided he too would announce his joining of the older brute’s pack as well. ‘So, I’ll be in the same pack as him too.’ She thought, wondering how well that would play out based on their backgrounds. Venn sighed and for a moment wished she had a different last name. Perhaps Vae’s last name? Venali Orona. Venn’s eyes widen at the thought and felt the skin under her cheeks heat up and she shook her head. Almarean, was perfectly fine. She liked her last name and wore it proudly. Sometimes anyways.

Her purple hues turned to the golden brute who stood a good few inches taller than her. His emerald hues where very attractive, she’d seen others with green hues but his where very dark, and rich color. His coat was nothing to shake a tail at either, but that golden color ran in most of the Undomiel’s first litter. The brute’s anyways, Lathron, Vehiron and finally Estoland. All three where very attractive young males, any femme would be lucky to have their pups. A femme she wouldn’t ever be. Almarean and Undomiel, their bloods would never mix.

Venn’s black lips twitched slightly as they turned downwards into a slight frown. What was with this all of a sudden? It’s not like she wanted a brute in her life, none other than Vaeril anyways. She was all the brute she needed. He was her best friend, he understood her, something no one else besides Yara would do. Specially someone like Vehiron, an Undomiel. He wouldn’t give her a second glace because she was an Almarean. Because of what her father had done. She was sure by now rumors had spread across the land and most knew of her father, Alagos Almarean. Her chances in finding a good mate where slim to none. A soft sigh escaped her maw.

“Venali, is something bothering you?” Yara piped up quietly as she peered up at her friend’s larger form. Venn’s eyes met with Yara’s and although a false smile was placed on her lips and she shook it off. Yara knew something was bothering her. ‘I shall ask her about it later.’ The young female fox thought, figuring the young femora would not want to express her inner feelings and desires aloud for everyone to hear. If she wanted to tell her, they would be for her ears and hers only.

Venn’s purple hues traveled to Ty, the only other femora in the pack besides herself. Not that she mind. She figured she would get along better with the brutes of the pack. Well, so far only Vae, being the other brutes where Undomiel’s. Maybe staying in this pack was not such a good idea. ‘Damnit…’ She snarled to herself mentally. She would much prefer to stay in the colder regions. Lexath Nidersa and Arwen Undomiel owned the other two colder regions. Maybe living in Lexath’s pack would be the smarter choice, she knew for definitely she could never join Arwen’s pack. It would be like staring into the eyes of the dead. She heard she looked so much like her mother… Arwen, the Arwen her father killed.

A chilling tremble shuddered down the young femora’s back at the thought. She loved her father dearly but… ‘He’s a murderer.’ The thought pained her, she couldn’t see how such a kind, gentle, loving brute like her father could be a killer. Maybe, multi-personalities? It was only logical to the young femora, besides that, nothing else seemed to fit.

The young femora was brought out of her thoughts when she felt Yara’s small cold nose on her ankle. She peered down at the small arctic fox, her sad violet hues told her she was worried. Venn smiled, reassuring her friend when her attention was turned to Estoland as he spoke her name. He had accepted them into his pack. Venn felt oddly happy and excited. Her tail wagged ever so slightly behind her and a smile graced her lips. ‘Even when we are opposites, he accepted me into his family anyways.’ She felt, enternal grateful to Estoland and although the thought of being under someone’s command besides her own and Vaeril’s, whom she listened to out of kindness ‘cause he was her friend, irked her. Let alone, under the commands of a brute, ‘Though, best a brute, than a femme.’ She thought wrinkling her nose. Another reason she could not be in Arwen’s pack, or Lexath’s. It was rumored, Lexath’s daughter, Lairiel would resume the position of alpha when him and his mate, Uruviel stepped down.

Yara smiled as she stared up at Venali who seemed happier suddenly opposed to her somber look a few minutes ago. Perhaps because she had been accepted into the young brute’s pack. Yes, it had to be it. Yara didn’t understand the concept of a pack really, but she knew for a wolf, being in one was a big deal. It upped their survival rate, and extended their life line. Venn was not exception to the fact of being a wolf. Although, Yara, Clara, and Vyra where. It would be interesting to see how the pack functioned with three additional pack members who where non-wolves. Yara knew it would be highly beneficial to them, food, shelter and protection wise. But how much could they provide for the wolves she wondered?

As Estoland wrapped everything up between the wolves around him and himself. He announced it was time to head back to the dens. Venn found this awfully inviting. A long nap, and some food sounded nice. She hadn’t rested since the earthquake, and knew they would probably go out to explore some more after they rested. Her hues turned to Vae as he approached her and gently touched her side, she smiled at the jester and nodded. Following her friend closely as they headed back towards the dens she mentioned to him about possibly searching for his mother once they where well rested and well fed and made idle talk with him, Yara and Vyra. Their duo had turned into a quad.