Tension in the Pack

[Althaea]

Location
Dense Undergrowth

Players
Thorne - Lazuli Beta
Makya - Messenger Raven
Rodoe - Unknown Squirrel
Halidari - Lazuli Wolfess
Kuckunniwi - Former Orphan Wolf pup
Miakoda - Lazuli Beta
Seven - Friend/Rogue Wolf

Summary: Things start out fine when Makya delivers a messege comes from Viridian but when Miakoda shows up tension fills the air between Beta and packmate. A semi challenge in authorty, conflict was sure to break out.

Scene
This being-a-dad thing is harder than Thorne thought it would have been. He has gotten little enough sleep lately, much less barely enough time to lay down between supplying the demanding den-mothers with adequate nutrition and trying to keep up the steady rate of patrols. Pulling himself from the den once more, the white wolf slinks out, not even bothering with his usual bout of limb-stretching. Grumbling to himself, Thorne rubs an eye with the back of his paw and sits, allowing himself an expansive yawn, sharp canines and edged teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

Makya has been roosting in Lazuli territory for several days now, patrolling off an on and exploring the area. He spoke with a traveler named Seven about the pack, but he still hasn't spoken to any one in the Lazuli proper. That's what he was instructed to do, and he'll do it. Hopefully it won't kill him. He's high in the branches of a tree who's leave are just starting to pop, his form obscured somewhat by the light green splotches of new growth. Just as the Raven is about to lose hope of locating the wolves he seeks, the white beta male makes his appearance. The bird looks down, and quorks twice in greeting.

Wolf territory wasn't Rodoe's first choice of places to visit, but his curiosity had gotten the best of him once again. Who better to ask about a wolf than a wolf? The red squirrel had not been around the Lazuli pack for some time, not since scouting for the farm dogs, but that was forever ago. Rodoe leaps and bounds as best he can through the branches, keeping an eye open in the undergrowth for any signs of life as he manuvers around. He had sworn they were around here somewhere...

Rather than staying out near the creek for the night, Hali had ventured back to the cave and had now been there for quite some time now. So much now, that she's able to see the Beta, Thorne, make an appearnce outside. Not far from him, managing to hear his grumbles, she raises a brow. "Out on another run, Thorne?" she questions making herself know at least, hoping his lack of sleep hasn't made him crabby towards packmates.

Greeting? As Thorne finishes the yawn - which conveniently leaves his muzzle pointing skyward - he opens one bleary eye to peer at the source of noise, marking it as nothing more than an annoyance. The Beta male shakes his head and glances about the small clearing. His icy gaze settles on Halidari, silent and simply staring for a moment, before shrugging and sighing heavily. "Another." He pauses, grinning impudently. "...If I had known that this was going to be this...rough, I'd have thought twice about hanging out with Mia." The rattling in the branches of the trees makes him glance upward again, mistakening the noise to have originated from the raven.

The black bird looks over to the squirrel. His mouth waters, and for a moment he ponders abandoning his mission to chase the rodent, but he shakes the idea from his mind. He can eat later, for if he gets this message delivered, he can head home. Makya looks down to the wolves once more and quorks again. "Good afternoon, Noble Wolves!" he calls, spreading his wings and dropping lower to some of the bottom branches of the large tree. "Are you of the Lazuli pack, by chance?" He wouldn't be so forward, except he'd just like to head back to where a meal is a bit more guarenteed.

Kuckunniwi looks up from his spot next to where Seven is sleeping, he brought him here last night so he can be around other wolfs his age and have somebody to play with, keeping quiet he watchs the going on from his spot waiting for somebody to notice he's awake.

Bingo! Rodoe slides down to the end of a branch as it bends from his weight and peers down below, spying several wolves, just the thing he was looking for. His cousin had warned Rodoe of wolves having notoriously bad tempers and little brains to comunicate with, and, in his experience, his cousin had been right. Rodoe was just about to call out when a rustling of feathers startles him and, lossing his balance, he falls, hitting several branches on the way down before grabing onto one and disapearing against the trunk, huffing and puffing.

The quork from the raven wasn't just heard by the Beta but by Hali as well though only acknowledged by a few twitches from her ears. Waiting for Throne to gather himself and notice her first, she looks upward, but only for a moment for the words of the beta drawn back her attention. A soft chuckle escapes the female wolf as she shares his applitude for the days of no sleep. "You'll get use to it I'm sure. Just look at my..." Halting her words as a voice from above rings out, Hali peers upward once more and this time to the bird that hangs overhead; judding an ear to the russling of leaves to perhaps something falling. "...father." she ends. A raven? WHy would there by one of those here and what business does he have with the Lazuli? This she ponders looking down to Thorne.

Thorne issues a soft snort at Halidari's statement; get used to it indeed. /He's/ never having pups again. But before he can respond, the raven descends, and Thorne can't help but stare at Makya, mulling over the greeting. The wolf raises a brow, smirking briefly, before deciding to return the call, "And to you, black bird." He scrutinizes the raven a bit more, before continuing, "If you don't mind the inquiry, is there something I can help you with...and perhaps you might wish to come a bit closer, so as this tired wolf doesn't have to deal with a tw--" The snap of branches and the falling bit of fluff snag the white beta's attention briefly - if only the squirrel would fall all the way! - but he's quick to return to the curious bird, "...a neck twinge in the morning."

Makya's attention is drawn to the squirrel as well. He keeps down a chuckle, doing his best to remain focused. As requested by the wolf, though with much caution, the bird makes his way gracefully to the ground. Folding his wings, he looks up at the wolves present. "Actually you might be able to help me, friend wolf. I'm looking for members of the Lazuli pack, as I have a message for them from the Viridian." While he does his best to remain calm and professional, he's a bit jumpy deep down. These wolves are strange ans suspicious, and it seems that the canines of this region don't understand the role ravens play in packs.

Kuckunniwi looks at the odd bird when it lands and stands up himself and starts to take a few steps away from his sleeping foster dad closer to the bird to get a better look, he heard the sounds the squirrel but it's still up in the tree and out of his reach for now but a bird snack might still work.

Rodoe's eyes move back and forth as he calms down. OK, no one saw that. He looks around to find that a raven was perched slightly below where he had landed. Great, he thought, something else to try and eat me. But for some reason the bird had ignored him and was conversing with the canines below. All for the better, Ravens were too unpredictable since the young squirrel had had little experience with them. Moving around the tree and putting a safe distance between himself and the bird, Rodoe descends to a place in the low branches he could hear and be heard from. A sly smile crosses his muzzle as he whatches the raven swoop to the ground, curious as to why a bird would throw his life away so easily.

Halidari was hoping for more of a laugh of hope than a snort, but that'll have to do, as she turns back up to the bird following it down closer should it choose to do so. Now blocked by her location to the bird and Beta, Hali stares blindly at where Makya is persumably at. However, as she does so, movement out of the corner of an eyes catches her attention and to turns to it for a moment. "Then your search has found its end." Theres no better place to find the Lazuli then their own den site. Now this message from the Viridian; she leaves that to Thorne; he does have more authority of that sort of thing than she does afterall. Looking back to the young wolf she had spotted earlier, she stands and makes approach.

"Indeed..." Thorne intones, brow raising once more as his gaze follows the raven to the ground. "Viridian? I'm not sure what they'd wish with us..." The white wolf keeps where he sits, not wanting to prematurely startle the black bird, especially now that his curiosity is piqued. "I am Thorne, Beta of the Lazuli pack. If you wish, you may give your message to me." It sounds official, right, but the white wolf is merely stating fact; to him, it feels a bit odd to be an official pack member of any sort, much less Beta. His stomach rumbles and Thorne's ears splay to either side, apologetic. He is hungry, but messengers should not be 'shot', right?

Makya bows low, his beak almost touching the earth. "A pleasure to meet you, Beta Thorne. The Viridian sends there best wishes during this time of new life. They wanted to congradulate you on any new pups that you might have." Standing up straight once again, the bird awaits the answer. He doesn't know how the pack may react to this, and he's ready to jump back up into the tree if necessary.

Kuckunniwi keeps moving closer to the bird but when he spots somebody walking to him he lays back his ears and places his tail in between his legs and high tails it back to seven and hides behind him whimping as he does.

Rodoe's attention was now compleatly on the bird. What a wonderful opportunity! A messenger from the Viridian was sure to have some interesting news, maybe something that he himself could use later. But as the bird spoke a frown crossed Rodoe's lips. That was it? OK, enough being on the sidelines. Rodoe scurries down the tree trunk just high enough to be out of reach, coughing to make himself known without actually interupting. He needed to start out on the right paw if he was going to get anything out of these animals, assuming of course that they knew anything.

Halidari may be heading else where, but that doesn't mean she's not pay attention to what the bird is saying. Congradulating the pack on new pups - well that is well of them. Perhaps they should send their condolences back. Nearing the pup she halts the moment he cowers and retreats back too.. wait is that Seven. Tilting her head a bit confused she examines the larger wolf lying there and indeed finds it to be him. Looking back to the others real quick as if to say' hey, I'll be over here.' then proceeding to friend and stranger alike.

Thorne blinks once, twice, and then a few more times, not hardly having expected such a message. "I...uh...well, tell them..." Thorne pauses, trying to bring to flowerly phrases of thanks and congradulations in return. He's a storyteller for pete's sake, he should be able to, right? "...Tell them the Lazuli wish to thank them for their consideration and that...we too, hope that this time finds them in the same state of...uh...joy." Joy! Hah! He tilts his head, "And that any pups they've had will grow strong." He fixes the raven with one scrutinizing eye, "...Was that the full message?"

Roused by the sound of voices, Miakoda emerges cautiously from the pack den. Her nose is seen first, then gradually her muzzle then whole face as she peers out, reluctant to leave the den. Or rather, reluctant to leave what resides inside the den. Ears lift and swivel a bit as she glances from face to face. A bird? A cough? .. Wait.. Her head tilts up a bit. A coughing squirrel! Slowly does she step forward and streeetch languidly, cracking a few stiff bones. "Who invited such a plethora..." A yawn breaks her statement, "without inviting me?" said as she straightens up, giving her shoulders a slow and stretching roll.

Makya nods lightly. "I will pass-" He's cut short by the arrival of another wolf, his head swivels and he looks her over, offering a quick bow. This must be one of the high ranking wolves, if she's in the den with the pups. His attention back on Thorne, he begins his statement again. "I will pass that along to them. And yes, that's all they wished me to pass on to you." The squirrel gets a strange look from the Raven, who glances back at him. This is all turning into mahyem, and he's starting to not like being stuck on the ground in the middle of it.

Kuckunniwi keeps on wimping, I'm sure a few more wolves can hear him now as he ducks his head behind his adpoted father seven trying to stay out of sight now.

Rodoe huffs and coughs a little louder, "Exscuse me, I hate to interrupt the feather-head but I was wondering if any of you could help me. I recently ran into a wolf, almost literally, and I was wondering if any of you had seen him. He's blind as far as I could tell. Rather angry as well." The squirrel's tail twitches, looking back at the raven in a not so friendly way, then looks at each wolf in turn, wondering if anyone will take him seriously.

Halidari doesn't pay much heed to Miakoda as she emerges from the den; not because she is elsewhere in the area but because she doesn't. Theres been that feeling that the Beta female is a bit etchy of her presence and theres more than likely several reasons for that. Her attention being divided all over the place its no wonder why she's confused. Shaking her head, she tries to focus on the things in front of her rather than those behind. Moving up till she is a few steps from Seven and the pup she peers down with half a smile. "Seems you know Seven aswell." Who doesn't these days.

"The plethora invited itself, it seems," Thorne responds idly to Miakoda, smiling at his mate as she makes her appearance. And then back to Makya, "Well, thank you too, for that matter." Pups whimpering, what? Thorne's ears swivel this way and that and, for a moment, he's about to dart into the den, before he realizes that whimpering is not one of his and is outside the den. He gives a sharp look to the slumbering form of Seven, barely spying the young wolf besides him, eyes narrowing slightly. He's about to re-address the Raven before...the squirrel? Ears falling back, the white wolf glares up at Rodoe - if Thorne could rumble his temples, he would do so now, "Rodents. No manners whatsoever, eh? Remind me," he says to Miakoda, though still staring at Rodoe, "That we need to discuss possibly encouraging a hawk to reside here..." Ravens, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, and...what's next? A cougar cub? Thorne mutters something to himself before looking back to Makya, pointedly ignoring Rodoe, "Thank you, again. Forgive me, but I'm starting to lose my patience in general and I can't promise, on my empty stomach, that'll you remain safe on the ground. A roost in the tree might be better for you now, or, if you're done, a flight home, huh?"

Miakoda gives her head a brisk shake, clearing the last of the cobwebs of sleep as she blinks her eyes rapidly a few times. That done, her head tilts up again, attention taken by the squirrel who seems a little chattier than any other squirrel she's come across. A brow is quirked at him, perhaps taken aback by his brashness, or likely too amused to say anything outright. Golden eyes sweep to the side to settle upon the raven, then to Thorne who earns her first smile that soon drifts into more of a smirk. "Is that any way to speak of your new friend?" teased as she moves towards the pale wolf bumping her head to his shoulder, then nuzzling lightly. But her greeting is interrupted not by the whimper of the pup, for she's learned each of their pitches as only a mother could, but instead by .. "That smell..." said in a less jovial tone as her eyes narrow and her head lowers, peering off towards Halidari and her group. Though more than the adolescent, her attention is on the male. Who doesn't know Seven? Seems like Miakoda is the one. Ears press back as she glances towards the den.

Makya got the rest of his information from another wolf close to the pack, so he calls this good. He's growing tired anc anxious in this situation. His mind is made up, he doesn't like the Lazuli. "Ravens hunt squirrels on occassion," he says. "For future reference. But I digress... Thank you for hearing out the message I had to deliever. Good hunting to you and your pack, Noble Beta." The bird has reached his limits, and takes the comment about Thorne's empty stomach as a threat. Spreading his wings, which span over four feet, the Raven takes to the sky in only a couple wingbeats. He lights in a large tree, staying on the back side out of sight of the wolves. He can still hear them, but hopefully he'll be out of sight and out of mind. He better get a good meal from Silvan and Silver for this.

Kuckunniwi keeps on wimpering and nods. "seven is my daddy, he's taking care of me untill we find my mother, Where ever she is now"

Rodoe chitters in anger at both the white wolf and the raven,"Typical for a wolf I guess, stupid dirtpaws, good for nothing is what they are..." Grumbling more to himself, but well within ear shot as he makes his way back up the tree, but where was he going to find another wolf to ask? Maybe some local loners would be around. Still huffing and puffing from the dim witedness of the beta below him he sits just above the group, snaping off little twigs and such, letting them drop idily bellow as he broods over what to do next.

So maybe there are some out there that don't know him, but Halidari doesn't know that and it doesn't really come to mind either that perhaps someone here doesn't. That peering stare, its felt even from here; she can only imagine what its doing to Seven, burning a hole in his head maybe. Looking back once more; its evident who is causing the feeling, it's Mia. The things she'd do if she could. Turning back to Kuck who speaks up she raises a brow. "Dad.. but Seven's not a..." then she takes into account the rest of what he said. "Oh. Did, or is he now. Thats very nice of him." A smile creeps on her muzzle. "Well, I'm Halidari. He didn't happen to mention me did he?" she asks before taking a seat.

Rodoe has left.

As if to punctuate the threat to the raven, Thorne's stomach growls audibly again. He growls at the trees, irritated now that both the rodent and raven are gone, and neither providing even the chance for a snap of jaws. Either he ignores or simply doesn't notice the tension between Miakoda and Halidari, but he does look towards the younger wolf again, eyeing Kuckunniwi. He's a mere beta; therefore, it's not his problem. "Shouldn't have to deal with this," Thorne mutters again, to no one in particular. Relaxing just a bit, he turns to Mia, giving her a sly look, "Shouldn't you be asleep or eating or something like that?"

"Maybe," Miakoda answers, still looking agitatedly wary off in the distance, and not even noticing the departure of the lesser animals. Her tail gives a stiff flick, and she snorts a bit under her nose before turning her head Thorne's way and murmuring something in muttered undertones, eyes still staring across the way. "Besides," said in a more normal level, "do you think that's what I do /every/ day? Sleep and eat?" Granted, since the birth of hte pups, she hasn't been doing much of anaything else, but she looks at him now, as if daring him to point out that fact.

Kuckunniwi peeks out from hehind seven and shakes his head. "no he never say anything about you, I'm Kuckunniwi, It's nice to meet you."

Halidari ears are back earing the voice of Mia and she humblely agrees with a "Yea." to herself as if she were asked the question herself. Not that she cares though, Mia's never cared about the things she's ever done so why should she. With a sudden dislike for the beta, Hali tries her best to ignore as she waits for the pups response. "He didn't." she remarks to the response. What a shame.. oh well. "Maybe for the best I guess." Not like the pup wasn't going to meet her eventually. "Anyhow, its a pleasure to meet you aswell. How are you liking the place so far.. not to scary is it?" she chuckles softly.

Before all this, Thorne would have /certainly/ dared. Make no mistake. But...uh...a tired, hormonal mother is definitely as intimidating as they come. Thorne's no fool. Instead, he merely shakes his head, bowing his muzzle just a little closer to Miakoda's ear, briefly murmuring, before flicking her ear with his nose and nuzzling her neck. "If you're not interested in sleeping or eating, you must be interested in the supreme comfort of my presence. It's the only other option," he states, grinning impudently.

Luckily for a certain adolescent, Miakoda doesn't seem to hear Halidari's comment. Her attention is on Thorne now anyway, with ears tuned to him. And Thorne is mighty lucky too! As he shakes his head, a wry smirk creeps over her muzzle, though it's a look that fades instead of grows as the beta male's muzzle moves to her ear. A brow shoots up and she makes a noise in her throat, something near a strangled snicker while her nose wrinkles. "Sli-.." she begins though seems to change her mind on stating what's on her mind aloud. A wicked look is thrown to her mate, though it melts as she glances back to the den. "Regardless, it's ridiculous to bring a strange male near our den with the pack's children so new," she says instead, lifting her head and glancing back towards the trio. "And with a young one?" Another snorted noise. "And apparently.." her voice drops again as she mutters something, or perhaps it's just a plan to nip at Thorne's ear, which she eventually does playfully. "Extreme /what?/ You're kidding yourself, huh? Who'd willingly want to spend time with you?"

Kuckunniwi wimpers again and ducks behind Seven again he can tell he's not wanted around here but untill seven wakes up he can't leave seeing he to younge to go around all by himself. "It's scary, so many things I'v never see before."

[Althaea]

(continued from above)

Alright, something is surely going on over there, their to quiet for Hali likes and its going to drive her crazy if she doesn't watch it. Flicking her tail aggitatedly and ear twitches as she listens, or tries that is. Then she hears it.. something she wish she hadn't cause not she just wants to speak her mind. Holding the urge, Halidari says something else, "Don't worry. You do n't need to be scared." in a low tone with her head diped. Lifting her head back up she turns to look at the betas. "Strange..." she huffs. "You don't think to highly of those you don't know do you, Miakoda." say remarks half snidly. "Perhaps you should take the time to know him before thinking he'll pose a threat." She then turns away.

"You for one," Thorne shoots back, grinning, "S'why we're stuck in a den so much these days." The white wolf glances between Beta female and adolescent as they exchange words, murmuring a simple, "Easy you two." Females. Hah. He'll consult with Felstride later, but for the moment, no decision regarding the pack and who can stay or has to go belongs to him. Hunching over slightly, he contemplates the area surrounding the den, "A lot of activity around here lately. Dens should be quiet with pups around, shouldn't they? Think I'll learn to climb trees so I can take care of the all the pest problems myself..." He can handle the ground stuff; it's the things in trees that really annoy him.

"Strange, you seem to think I was speaking to you," Miakoda replies with a wayward glance to Halidari, but perhaps not liking her tone, or irked enough as it is, the distant look isn't left at that. Abandoning her post next to Thorne, though still reluctant to stray too far away from the den's entrance, she (in a very un-Miakoda-ish way) moves stiff-leggedly towards the younger female, head lifted. Granted, it's only about four steps because again there's that mother pull to stay near the den. "Though since you've invited yourself into the conversation.." She glances back, looking to Thorne and paues. Aw, he's such a sensible dork, and her aggravated look melts a little as she seems to reconsider her next words. But, a glance back to Halidari as she turns away reignites her slightly. "You believe that I judge him, Halidari?" A smirk. "Child. You have no consideration for the worries of a mother. Considering /your/ mother lies beneath as well, I would've thought you'd show more sense then to bring ... visitors at the start of spring."

Kuckunniwi wonders if he's one of them pests the male is talking about and keeps hiding behinf seven untill he wakes and they can move again, he's starting to feel his welcome is wearing out and wants to get going again.

What's with all the talking and the muttering and the words that come from everywhere? Can't he get some sleep? Seven's ears twitch a few times at the voices around him, the conversation catches his attention, you know... They're all talking about who will get what for dinner this day, right? It's all about food when Seven wakes up. Slowly, the wolf streches his forepaws, yawning softly and, "Did someone just say food?" The wolf, just in case, lifts his head and sniffs the air, his nose being guided to the pup's direction. Who is that? Oh right, "Hey Ku..."

Easy... she was completely fine before Mia showed up ans started on feelings and considerations. Hearing the pawsteps of one nearing, Hali turns back and is not so greeted with aggrivation. "Puh. What would you know. You've been hiding away inside for so long Its hard to believe that you would know who the threat is." Her tall flicks as she stands. "You have no right to tell me who and what I can't bring here. As for my considerations... I am very aware that my mother lays beneith with pups. Do you actually think that I would put my own mother and siblings at risk. Besides no one here hasn't been around for awhile. My mother knows him and said he could stay, if thats any business of yours." She can't believe she is actually saying all this. Stepping away and, with good mind, begins to move away. "Bah, why do I even bother. Your not going to listen to me no matter what I have to say." She begins to leave. "I'm going before something regretable happens." And with that she is off, not another word is said.

Makya has finally had enough of idly listening in, and preening his feathers. He takes to the sky, the only announcement for his departure being the sound of his feathers cutting through the air. The Raven is more than ready to head home.

...This is family life, right? Thorne wouldn't know, never really having much of one until this pack. The white wolf merely sits, watching quietly, well aware that Miakoda is capable of handling herself and this situation, although, you know, he is being the /sensible male/ and remains quiet and wary. Just in case. In his experience, a female's mood can change in an instant. It seems like things may get a bit better as Halidari heads off, but upon hearing Seven's voice, Thorne can't help but issue a soft sigh. "Love," he croons in his sweetest voice, "I'd hate to be on the wrong end of a tongue-lashing from you."

"If you're so unaware, three of those pups down there are mine, foolish girl," retorts Miakoda with a wrinkle of her nose. Being down in the den for weeks along with Storm, nursing? A bit understandable. At least, Mia would assume of other with sense, which she seems to believe Halidari is in dire need of. Her eyes narrow. "I do believe it is my business, as I provide for this pack, I am Beta of this pack, helped found this pack, and with your mother have helped to provide the pack's future, which will be raised properly this time around," said with a pointed look to her. "The only one that "hasn't been around in a while" Halidari is you, both in heart and mind, not to mention body," added as her ears flatten. "And these are not my thoughts alone. But yes," she agrees with the beginnings of an irritated growl coming on, a gentle rumble in her throat, "You should go before something /rather/ regrettable happens." And oh, look. The stranger is waking up! And he wants food? Look how greedy he looks.. Her irritation only flares at this, and she backs towards the den again. The den and Thorne. She likes him, and, as much as she picks on him and jives him .. he /is/ a source of comfort that she leans against with half closed eyes. "Glad you learned," said with a vague smirk to him.

Kuckunniwi wimpers some more and looks up at seven when he wakes. "daddy i don't think were wanted here, maybe we should go someplace else."

Woah woah, what the heck is going on? They're not talking about food? Oh Blimey, Seven was rather hungry at this point, hoped he could get something to eat before going away to get foor for himself. Oh well, such is life. The wolf perks his ears, listening to whatever, or... To everything that's going on around him. Ignoring the apparent irritated female, the wolf turn to face Hali, flattening his ears as he stands up, "Hali, wait..." Ok, whatever he missed seems to be something NOT good at all. A brow is raised as he looks around, spotting Thorne and the Mia. Before he is the one who starts talking about... Whatever just happened, he noses the pup, to clam him down a bit, then he looks back at the female's direction, "Please don't call Hali a foolish girl." Ok, that really ticked him off, "You're are not walking away from the problem, right?" Daring as usual, "If you have a problem with me, say it, don't go bothring others who are not responsible." Just in case, the wolf steps between the Lazuli and the pup, staring at the female.

Halidari stops in her retreat. "I beg your pardon." she recoils narrowing her eyes. "The things you have done are in the past. So get off your high horse and look at today." Turning around she growls. "Your time will end here soon enough, and it will be us; the misguided idiots you so gladed proclaim us to be, that will bring forth the future." Stepping forward she has changed her mind on leaving. "And I think you got it wrong. I have always been here, perhaps not where /you/ can see me, but I have been and always will be." There is nothing Mia can do about it either. Seven is gone ignored for the time being as she stops just before the beta female but not so close to be struck at. "So don't go lectureing me, okay. And if your going to do something then do it and don't hold back." She's asking for it alright.

Right, see, Thorne /was/ going to stay quiet, but this is going to get out of paw really soon. The Beta male stands, features becoming edged, but feeling no need to bristle or display dominance as another might. "That is /enough/, Halidari. You think what you like, but you hold your tongue," he states, clearly, voice hard, but lacking the tinge of a growl. "You forget your position in this pack; being Felstride and Storm's daughter does not give you right to talk to your Beta like that, nor does it grant you any special priviliges." He steps closer to her, not entirely blocking off Miakoda (for he knows better than to be in front of those fangs), but putting himself enough in the way to make it clear that if she wants something to happen, it'll be involving him. "Don't like it, too bad. Deal with it." His had snaps to Seven, fixing the younger male with an equally icy look. "And you," he glares, "Stay out of it. You're not part of this pack just yet and I've no compunctions about making sure you know just what that means." Thorne, apparently has had it, but still handles himself fine. "Understand, both of you?" he states, looking from Seven back to Halidari.

Rysko sees seven near the lazuli and decides to investigate to see what is happening. she hears argueing. deciding to aproach carefully. hoping that in the confusion of them argueing she can aproach withen ear shot and remain hidden. she wonders if halidari and seven are in trouble perhaps? knowing seven probably. but she sits still and listens.

Miakoda seems reluctant to open her eyes. But of course she does and settles her dulled gaze upon Seven, though it's a passing look one might grace another deemed undeserving of such attention. To Halidari, who seems to be a bit indecisive of whether or not she's coming or going, she only smirks and speaks a "And happily so" in answer to her being where you can't see me spiel. Her smirk only grows as the youngster draws nearer to her, and coolly does she lift a brow while looking at her squarely. "It was you who turned your back on me, or have you forgotten already in that short span of time?" asked in a tone reserved for the mentally ill. "But is that a challenge, Halidari? Do you wish to test to see whether or not your bite is as weak as your bark? You will be injured if you fought me, far moreso than I would. I have experience that you lack. I love your mother and it's not my desire to be your downfall and see her tears shed. But challenge me, and it will be so," she says as she stands. Her eyes drift to Thorne as he intervenes, and she falls quiet after that, smiling smally either at him, the situation, or both. He's so sexy when he's authoritative.

The white wolf is not going to stand there and let this madness happen. Not asking permission, he squeezes between Hali and the other female, keeping his eyes fixed on the female. Ok, so he is not stupid, he does listen to Thorne, but he gives to ankowledgment to the male. His voice is calm, unlike the others, he doesn't like to growl unless it's needed... Also seems Thorne is wise and does the same, must be a female thing, puh, "I don't know what you know or have heard, but I've been hunting for you and Storm, maybe not everyday, but I'm sure you've eaten from what I've caught. This shall not be my pack, but I care for the ones in it." And it's the truth, he's been helping Thorne, he's surprised the other male can't admit that in this situation, "Go back inside and calm down, I beg you. I do not wish to fight, but I'm without any other choice is you wish to hurt Hali." He knows Hali is food if she wants to challenge Mia, so at least he tries to defend her.

A bark comes from the adolescent as Thorne thinks he can jsut step in and make things better with smart talk of his own. Looking right at him, she shakes her head "Speak for yourself." Why is she doing this, there is no point anymore. She's going to let them speak their lies.. she doesn't care anymore. If they want to push her away and draw an enemy out of her then fine.. After a moment she turns once more and for good this time. "Fine, have it your way. But form this day forth, no longer will I stand to defend you should there be no other. Tell my father, my mother what I have done here today, but I will not stand here and be talked down to by someone who lacks the respect for others... " she doesn't even finish her thought before walking away. Seven's choice of actions are to late; she no longer wishes to be here. She will return one day, but not today, maybe not even tomorrow. In moment she is gone, no where to be seen.

Halidari has left...

Thorne remains where he is as Halidari takes off, features losing expression as the young wolf disappears. The expressionless gaze is given to Seven next, but Thorne simply says nothing to him; the younger has made it clear where he stands. After a moment, he folds his hindquarters underneath and sits, refusing the inclination to hunch his shoulders. He glances back to Miakoda, expression pleading, "...Please tell me our daughter is going to grow up respectful and easy going..."

Rysko follows hali leaving to go with her she want to find out what is happening here why did she leave what is this yelling about. possibly she can offer her help.

The white wolf shakes his head, obviously already done up with the idea of 'daughters'. In the situation, he's forgotten about the pup, Ku, who is easily shielded by Seven, and doesn't pay the sound of paws from Rysko any attention, figuring it to merely be Halidari.

Miakoda's mouth opens. Miakoda's mouth closes. Too much breath has already been wasted, and she merely watches as Halidari makes her exit. "She has a knack for theatrics, doesn't she?" murmured to her pale companion before her attention blinks to Seven. He earns a soft growl in answer. "This doesn't concern you. You are not of this pack. You say you have no desire to be of this pack, and for that I am glad." An ear flick, reminiscent of a dismissive wave of a hand as she looks to Thorne and smirks in reply. "Our angel, Shikoba? Of course she will be, you needn't worry of that." She smirks a little before nosing him. "C'mon. Your children miss you, and little Echo may be in need of another bath ... and it's your turn." Mwuaha!

Oh great, she's leaving... Seven sighs, hearing the girl walk away. Such a crybaby... WAit, no, he's on her side. Shaking his head, he looks at Throne now, who seems to be just ignoring him, after that talk... Seven is right, and Mia is just acting like a post preggo chick with obesity problems. Sort of. When did Seven say he had no interests in joining the pack? He's actually just waiting for Strm to come and talk with him. But he NEVER said he didn't want to stay. The wolf turns around and looks down at the pup, "What did we learn today kiddo?" The wolf noses the pup, sorto of forcing him to walk away too, "That's call disrespect with a tiny hint of jerkness... I'll tell you what jerks are once we get some food." The wolf walks away, breifly noticing a change in the wind, a strange scent... It's Rysko! "Next lesson? #@&." Before anything, the wolf lowers his head to hold the pup on his muzzle, so they can get away from this place quiker than before.

Kuckunniwi nods and starts walking away following his daddy seven.

Seven has left.

Rysko has left.