Post by Curiosity on Feb 5, 2009 0:39:05 GMT -5
Characters Involved:
Storm, female wolf
Larkspur, female wolf
Haze, male wolf
Halidari, female wolf
Shikoba, female wolf
Miakoda, female wolf
Dyna, female wolf pup
=== Cavern of Echoes ===
One Dyna was asleep Storm picked the girl up and carried her back into the den with the others. The aging alpha's steps are slow, a slight limp seen when she first makes her way into the den but the further she moves its seen less. She carries Dyna back over to her siblings and sets the girl down, a faint nosing offered to each pup and she smiles slightly as she watches them sleep.
Larkspur is sleeping as well, nestled in close to her pups. Trying to keep an eye on them has been a drain on the first time mother, but exciting nonetheless. The she-wolf stirs and sees her own mother close by, setting Dyna down. "Hey," she calls softly, so as not to disturb the others' slumber. Careful not to jostle the forms laying around her, so gets slowly to her paws, tail swaying as she steps over them to approach Storm.
Haze is trying to be a good father! It's been about a moon since his pups were born, and while Larkspur has been recovering from the tiring efforts of giving birth and feeding four hungry pups, the brindle-furred male has attempted to be as helpful as possible -- and staying out of the way whenever the new mother needs time to herself. This time, he's returning to their temporary new birthing den with a fat spring hare in his maw, dropping it in front of Larkspur's paws with a wag of his tail, licking at her face affectionately - even if he's got rabbit breath.
Storm ears perk as she looks towards Larkspur and offers her daughter a smile, her tail swaying slowly. "Hello dear, how are you feeling?" She questions softly as she moves away from the pups as she doesn't want to wake them. The alpha remembers all to well how she felt after being a first time mom. Her gaze turns to Haze and she offers the male a tired smile and nod. "Hello Haze."
"I'm-" Lark begins, but doesn't get a chance to finish the phrase before Haze assults her with affection. The she-wolf's tail whips excitedly from side to side as she nuzzles her mate. "Thanks, Haze," she giggles. Rabbit breath or not, she's glad to see him. Mirroring her mother, the wolf's smile is weary as she replies, "I'm still a little tired, but great." She pauses, glancing back at the sleeping pups. "Did Dyna try to escape?" she grins, thinking of her own puphood, when the world outside the den was always immensely preferred to the safety within it.
A good nose serves it purpose and after a relentless struggle to regain her barrings and pick up on the ones she has lost during the flood, Halidari has managed to survive and make her way here. Its been several days since she's been reunited with her family; however, its been the same amount of days since she's seen one awake. Continueing her attempts to reintergrate herself into the pack, Hali steps into the cavern where at several points saw many at slumber, hoping this time there would be someone awake. To her relief there was someone, infact many, awake and she posed a smile as she steped forward to greet them all.
Storm watches the pair quietly a few moments before letting her gaze drift over to the pups. "They tend to take a lot out of you." A soft chuckle escapes her. "Oh yes, she found a grasshopper and just had to try and eat it. Which of course she tryed and didn't like." The older wolf finds it amusing, it makes her think of happier times back home in the valley at least. She takes in a breath and looks back to Haze and Larkspur offering the pair a smile. "I wanted to speak with you two.. If you have a moment.."
Haze settles down after delivering dinner and a kiss, flopping down on his belly near the sleeping pups to gently lay his muzzle near to them, inhaling their familiar scent and merely watching them sleep, already lovestruck as a father. But when Storm addresses the mated pair, the brindle male lifts his head again, nodding as he watches Lark's mother closely now that she's requested his attention.
Larkspur's eyes close for a moment, and she weighs the pros and cons of curling up with the male, or tearing into the hare he brought. Her stomach feels unbearably empty, and she's so tired...When Storm addresses her, she opens her eyes to look curiously at her mother. She tilts her head slightly to the side to say, 'Yes?' The she-wolf is too focused on the alpha to notice the entrance of her sister, as she wonders what it is that Storm wants to talk about.
Halidari doen't get to far into the cavern, coming to a stop at the mention that her mother wanted to speak with both her sister and her mate. In midstep, she follows through before standing there halfly in the shadows. It would seem her greeting would have to wait. As she does wait for that opportunity, she looks around the cave, a few faces she's yet to know.
Storm ears perk as she hears movement around them, but who ever it is will just have to wait, this needs to be taken care of after all. "We've been here long enough, an I think the pack has finally settled into the area." This said with a soft tone, she pauses a moment before going on. "I want to know how you both would feel about being alphas of the pack now?" Its something they never spoke of, but with everyone that happened before leaving the older wolf never got the chance to speak with them over it.
Larkspur's eyes widen. She's always assumed that she and Haze would be alphas one day, but /now/? Well, why not now, she thinks. Her first litter is looking healthy, and they seem to be settled here...After a moment of thought, she glances at her mate before looking back to Storm. "Mom, I...Yes. I think we can handle that responsibility." The she-wolf looks again to Haze, waiting for him to weigh in on the matter. This is what she has dreamed of. A life, a pack, with Haze. With the rising cougar threat, it might not be easy, but the female knows she can handle anything if Haze is there with her.
Haze's ears lift into almost perfect triangles when he hears this news, pricked forward in surprise as the Viridian-born male is asked to help lead his mate's family pack. He glances at Larkspur to see her own reactions before responding himself, and when he does it's in complete support of her response. "We will, al-- Storm." He starts to ask whether or not the rest of the pack supports an outsider male like himself making decisions on their behalf, but realizes it's not very alpha-like behavior. No more tucked tail or quiet subservience around his new family for Haze -- he's a leader now. Plus, he thinks he can handle it so long as Lark is around to back him up.
Storm offers a slight smile and nods to Larkspur. "I know you both will." This said softly while she takes in a slight breath. "The only deal with this is that Cyrus and his mate be Beta. Your father wanted one of the boys in the spotlight to." This said with a playful tone. She is unsure how they might feel about Eclipse though. A glance is offered Haze while she tilts her head and smiles a tad. "Do not worry.. You'll both be fine." They are a bit younger then she was when she started the pack, but still this needs to be done. "I must still talk to Miakoda and Thorne, but I'm sure they will be alright with everything."
Halidari's ears turn back just slightly to what her mother has to say, though she knows very well the likelihood of herself holding the title of Alpha is very low; which was alright with her. She was who she was and whatever happened happened. Looking to each Larkspur and Haze as each take turn to speak and acknowledge the honor bestoed upon them she smiles. She was glad the pack was to fall on a responsible party though it also pained her to not know where it would lead her. Stepping out from her spot, "Congradulations you two." she comes out with. Her heart only sinks further when her brother and his mate are granted the title of Beta. If only for a moment she frowns.
Haze nods quickly at the deal. He's only met Larkspur's younger brother briefly before, and he can't recall his mate, but he supposes that will change now. Fortunately for Eclipse, Haze has never been a judgemental wolf, particularly given his own history. "Of course." His ears flick at another voice, and he spies Halidari in the dim light, offering her a grateful smile. But something else that he knows needs to be considered comes to mind, and he glances at Larkspur - wanting her thoughts as well, of course - before returning his gaze to Storm. "As for the pack...I think we should stay here at least until Larkspur's pups are old enough to walk on their own. But do we want to make our new life here, or return to the forest again after that?" He and Larkspur have already shared much together in the lowlands, but he knows the Lazuli is deeply rooted in the woods, and does not want to make a choice that would result in his disfavor so early on.
Larkspur's heart constricts momentarily with sorrow at the thought of her father, but she can't hide a smile just the same. In response to the choice of Betas, she nods. No objections there. The she-wolf turns her attention to her sister, offering her a wider grin. "Thanks, Hali." Her smile fades slowly as she listens to Haze, trying to determine what the best course of action is. The female looks torn. Do they have to decide /now/? "Let's stay for a bit and see how things stand when the pups are older," she answers uneasily. The children are growing so quickly, that the decision will probably arise entirely too soon, but she wants to discuss some things with Haze before a choice is made.
Storm gaze drifts of her daughter and Haze as she listions to them while tilting her head. "I don't think the pack would have a problem staying here.. But, this is something you will need to speak with the rest of the pack over as well. Even if the alpha do decide where to live it is always good to let the pack know what might be going on." She says with a soft tone. "I can speak to them as well over the matter about staying here." Well of course they don't have to make a decision now. Her gaze turns to Halidari and she offers a nod to her. "Evening Halidari."
Halidari, as usuall had no complaints about where the pack would be settling for the time being, she was just glad to be with them again; she just hoped her presences wouldn't be shunned. Turning her frown from the previous statement into a smile to both Haze and her sisters' thanks, she takes a seat. Looking to her mother she nods back. "Evening Mother."
Haze is quick to nod at both of the females' responses, not wanting to rush things or cause undue distress to the new mother - and new alpha - when she's already got enough to take care of now. "Of course, of course. I was merely wanting to get the question out there before we got too settled down here." The young male still has much to learn, especially in regards to correct conduct with the Lazuli, who are already so different from his own family's pack -- he merely hopes that he'll be able to fit in before he does something wrong - or worse, embarrasses his mate. For now, he'll be something of a quiet leader, and perhaps he only needs a first experience with something that tests his alphaship before he can fully settle into the role. "I'll be sure to seek out Cyrus and his mate soon and get to know them better." Well, at least he's got the diplomacy part down well enough already.
After pacing about until her paw pads were raw from grinding into the rough soil, Shikoba at last brings herself to approach the cavern. It takes her even longer before she can push herself to step inside. She's essentially crawling, her head low, chest just a deep breath away from brushing against the floor. She hears them rather than sees them, her eyes far too distracted with examining every last pebble she comes upon. Whatever amount of courage Helios had planted within her was now fading, and the young adult has returned to her anxiety, but this is something she feels she needs to go through with. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if she could actually figure out *why* she's feeling like this. "U-umm..." She stutters, barely even at the volume of a whisper.
Storm watches Halidari a few moments, pondering what she must feel like over this news of her other siblings getting picked for leadership roles. So many things have happened in the past for the reason as to who is alpha and who is beta. Her gaze turns back to Haze and she nods. "Cyrus might be harder to find then Eclipse. His been busy with helping me and Helios with patroling. Though I know he will gladly lisiton to anything you might want to speak to him about." The older wolf turns her gaze to Larkspur and a faint smile is offered. "Your father is proud of you.. His proud of everyone here I'm sure." An each day without Felstride leaves the once alpha a little more distant. Which is another reason why she knew it was time to let Larkspur and Haze take over leading the pack. Her ears flick slightly and her head turns so her gaze rests upon Shikoba, a warm smile is offered to the other. "Hello Shikoba." Looks like she'll have to come say something now.
Haze's amber eyes flick over to the open cave's entrance at the sound of another slipping inside, sighting another of Larkspur's extended family in the light that's filtering in from the bright summer sun outside. He glances at Storm at first, expecting her to handle things as he so often saw her doing when he and Larkspur first returned to Lazuli -- and then he realizes that's his job now, too. He stands up, shaking the damp out of his fur, and trots over a few paces closer towards the entrance before dipping his head in a greeting to the younger female. "Heya." He's not sure what else to say at this point, but being friendly's still a start!
Miakoda is aware of the changing of leadership, Betas included, and also knows of Larkspur's pups. But Miakoda has not yet appeared to offer congratulations to the new Alpha pair. When not with Echo, the former Beta has taken to long walks on her own with distant eyes and mind. But the time seems to have come for her to do what is expected, and so here she is, padding slowly into the cavern. Imagine her surprise to find the cowering Shikoba here as well, and she eyes her daughter with a quirked brow as she nears her. "I don't think I've heard of a demotion to Omega..." she says, glancing ahead to Haze with that same elevated brow. /Her/ daughter Omega? Beta or not, Lark and Haze will have some explaining to do from a very grumpy mother if this is true!
"Good evening Alph-- um... Storm." She'll have to get used to the change of leadership, whether she likes it or not. As Haze comes closer, his paws enter Shikoba's field of vision. Her heart freezes, but her eyes work on automatic, trailing up the now Alpha. She almost gets to his face, before swiftly returning her gaze to the floor. /Say something!/ She comes up with exactly fourteen highly respectful, tactful greetings. She never says any of them. Her words have snagged somewhere in her throat, and she just can't get it to budge. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe she can come back later, when she has time to clear her head. Again. She is about to back away, when a very familiar voice enters from behind. She tilts her head to glance at her mother, shame dawning as Shikoba registers what she'd just said. "N-no... that's not... not it."
Storm quietly watches what Haze does with Shikoba, she will speak her mind if she feels something is not right, alpha or not its just a title and the pack would still respect the older wolves wishes after all. A faint snuffle escapes her and she looks to Miakoda. "Of course not Mia.." A warm smile is offered to Shikoba while she shifts up onto her paws and slowly moves over to the younger she-wolf which gets a nuzzle across her shoulder. "Its alright.." Is murmured softly to her, she knows how Shikoba can be and it has never bothered her.
Haze watches Shikoba with what must seem like to her intently expecting eyes -- but really, he's trying to appear as casual as he can. Though when the girl seems to have a bit of trouble finding her words, his eyes return again to the entrance as one of the now-former betas slips inside as well, and his ears lift in surprise when she mentions the role of omega. The Viridian-born male isn't so clumsy-pawed with the new role as to make such a serious error among his mate's family -- /especially/ with the responsibility now placed upon his shoulders. He shakes his head quickly, verbally underlining his denial as well. "Nonono." But Storm, of course, has it covered even before he can respond.
Miakoda turns an ear towards Storm, but her gaze shifts continually between Haze and Shikoba. A smooth transition from cowering female, to newly appointed Alpha. Her tail flicks once, and she slowly approaches her daughter, head lowering to touch her muzzle to her ear. "Then why do you grovel so, my daughter? This wolf has done you no harm." A statement, but she glances to Haze afterwards, head lifting to a more normal level. "Right, present alpha? We are Lazuli, and we have never cowered in one another's presences before." Unless rules have changed, which her tone slightly implies in question.
Just waking up is Dyna, the sleeping wolf pup roused finally from her sleep by all that's going on around her. Transitioning from sleep to consciousness is not an instantaneous event -- it starts with a twitching of the ears that gradually shifts into a couple of sleepy paw bats. Eventually, her eyes begin to flutter open, and from there she can roll over onto her back, give a -big- stretch, then roll back over and get into the actual business of getting up. Very soon, she's up on her haunches and, after one last colossal yawn, peers sleepily around her cavern before perking up. Hey! There's a lot of other wolfs here!
Shikoba smiles warmly at her mother, although it's a very fleeting expression. She's all too soon gone back being apprehensive, and slightly dazed on the side. She glances at Storm, then at Larkspur, back at her mother, and then slowly at the other wolves in the cavern. But she doesn't look at Haze. "I know he hasn't." She takes in a deep breath, although it's difficult. Her heart has gone from a state of suspension, to rapidly pounding away at her chest. "It's just... I'm not... I'm not cowering." How convincing.
Storm looks back to Miakoda, watching her friend a few moment before she looks back to Shikoba and smiles a moment before nosing at her. "Go on and sit up then." She offers softly. Her ears flick forward as more movement is caught and she lifts her head to catch sight of Dyna and smiles a few moments. Well nothing like a pup to help break the tension.. "Dyna, come over here and meet your Aunt Mia and cousin Shikoba."
Haze's inborne instinct is to respond with fast denials and quick explanations, perhaps even cowering himself in response to the she-wolf's strong will...but he is no longer in any position to act in such a manner -- not if he wants to stay that way. No, this time the brindle-furred male shifts his stance slightly, standing tall before the first generation's beta, though there is quite clearly no aggression in his posture. "If I have done something to frighten your daughter, then I assure you it was unintentional," he answers as unambiguously as possible, his words directed not only towards Miakoda, but to the rest of the present pack as well. He's certainly not capable of being a tyrant, so he doesn't wish to be viewed as one, even accidentally. His gaze then turns back to Shikoba, his long muzzle spreading in a warm smile as he attempts to coax a more friendly expression out of her. "She certainly doesn't need to be, though." A high-pitched yawning whine is heard, and Haze's ears automatically flick back towards the sound, followed by his eyes as he checks in on his pups, smiling down at the awakened one next to their dozing mother.
Poor Shikoba. Miakoda gently sighs but allows Storm to do all of the consoling for now. Right now, she's too busy sizing up this new Alpha. He does, after all, has some mighty paws to try to fill. The thought of that sends an ache through her heart, but other than a vague squinting of her eyes, it passes without ceremony. She listens passively to what he has to say, and watches his smile as he reserves one for the too-timid female. "So it would seem," she answers, glancing to Shikoba. "He is your alpha, Shiko, not your enemy. Stand and welcome him properly, as a packmate." She smiles lightly at her, but her ear turns at the sound of one of the awakening pups, and she looks that way with a cocked head.
Mm? Dyna brightens up immediately upon recognizing her grandmother, the wolf pup obediently bounding towards Storm. The latest Lazuli generation pushes her way between her grandmother's forepaws, eyes peeking over to Miakoda and Shikboa respectively as her attention is brought to them. Her head bobs primly. "'lo Auntie Mia, 'lo cousin Shik-o-ba," she politely choruses, carefully pronouncing over the unfamiliar syllables. The little wolf pup seems oblivious to the mild tension that she has woken up into, and when she catches Haze's eye, her smile widens. Father!
Shikoba doesn't think, she does exactly as Storm and her mother encouraged her to do; pushing herself a more normal distance from the floor, and facing the new Alpha, although avoiding his gaze. Haze doesn't deserve this, it's not his fault that she has issues to work through. "Forgive me. I don't know... don't know what's come over me." Is that better? "I don't fear you, please don't misunderstand..." She looks over at Dyna, smiling faintly at the pup as she gives her little greeting.
For a few moments Storm actually smiles, one of her normal happy smiles which is not often seen anymore, as Dyna settles between her forepaws. Her tail sways a few times and she lowers her head to nuzzle and lick across the girl's head. Indeed Haze does have some might large paws to fill, an while Haze will do fine in his own right no one could ever take the place of Felstride. "Very good Dyna." A soft churr escapes the once alpha. She then noses the girl on towards the father.
Haze's tail swishes casually about behind him, not even bothering to take the straightened, held-out position he grew used to seeing his own mother do with subordinate members of the pack. He certainly doesn't feel capable of taking such an authoritative role with the Lazuli, and so he's more than happy to foster a more comfortable community between them as leader and supporters instead. "It's all right, Shikoba. You have to get used to me just as much as I have to get used to the rest of you. I hope you won't hold my unfamiliarity against me," he adds with another smile before his eyes return to watch his only daughter carefully, very much instilled with a strong sense of fatherhood with his pups - perhaps in a subconscious way to make up for the fact that he never knew his own.
Miakoda tilts her head the other way as she wathches Dyna, and as she speaks her ears prick up a little. "Hello little one," she answers with a small smile. Her eyes move over to Storm, and her smile warms a little more as she watches her interact with her granddaughter. A slow breath is exhaled through her nose, and she slightly noses Shikoba as she finally stands and speaks to Haze. The tension seems to have passed, at least with her, and the former Beta dips her head to them all. "If you all will excuse me. I need to find Echo and have a few words with him." ... Now /there's/ a laughable statement. Another smile is reserved for Dyna before she takes a backwards step. "Congratulations."
Dyna is happy! She positively soaks up all the smiles she's given and gives a pleased little giggle as she's nuzzled, tail swishing about as she's praised for her obedience. She returns the gesture of affection, cheerfully licking her grandmother's muzzle, before she's nosed away in Haze's direction. She obediently turns, focusing her attention on her father, who Dyna's just as pleased to see as she is her grandmother. "Papa," she announces, taking a similar position between Haze's forelegs and pushing herself into the comforting embrace of his chest fur.
Shikoba swallows a breath. She did it? Why yes, she did. She actually *talked* to him. "Yes." She responds, sitting back. "I won't hold anything against you, it's not your fault anyway." Her trepidation around Haze had to be confronted and dealt with anyway, and the sooner the better. "After I heard you both were chosen as Alpha, I wanted to come and wish both you and Larkspur well." She explains. It's not the only thing she wanted to speak about, but her mother's about to leave, so the timing perhaps isn't the best right now. Shikoba turns, offering Mia a quick nudge.
Storm chuckles and noses back at Dyna happly and watches the girl bound on over to her father. Her gaze turns to Miakoda and she nods slightly. "Take care Mia.. I hope we can speak later." There are other things on her mind, things she needs to talk over to Mia more then anyone else at the moment. Though it can wait for now.
Haze nods his head in Miakoda's direction in acknowledgement of both her words and congratulations before she takes her leave, and smiles at Shikoba to show his gratitude for the well-wishes. "I do appreciate it," he admits genuinely in response to the both of them, and then he feels a much smaller form nuzzling against his legs and chest. "Well hello, sweetheart," he murmurs down in her direction with a happy smile sprawled across his maw. He may have three strapping young boys to raise to be rough and tumble, but there's nothing like seeing your little girl gazing up lovingly at you. The brindle wolf practically melts underneath Dyna's affections, gently slumping to the ground so that they can enjoy each other's closeness a little easier now that his new 'responsibilities' are taken care of -- for now, at least.
Miakoda smiles once again, the look given to all wolves here. Her tail waves as she's nudged by her daughter, and she moves forward again to lower her head and lick at her ears. Grown or not (and timid or not...), she's still her baby! Her eyes turn to Storm, and she nods to her. "Of course we can, Storm. Always." She grins at her longtime friend before departing from the cave, giving her coat a shake as she goes.
Dyna lives for the attention. She comes alive as her father transfers his attention to her, redoubling her efforts to nuzzle close and giving a pleased hiccup when he lowers himself down enough that she can nuzzle his face proper. She does eventually start to settle down, the wolf pup nestling herself in the crook between Haze's forelimbs. "Happy to see Papa," she cheerfully greets before getting on to the important business at hand. Very seriously, Dyna looks up at Haze and informs, "Dyna went playin' with grandmama Sto'm, and grandmama Sto'm ate 'uh bug." Very serious business, indeed.
Shikoba looks back, at the new alphas and their family. She doesn't know when the memories will stop haunting her, every time she looks on Haze. But at least she made a big step, and that should count for something. Without another word, she leaves the family to themselves and heads out into the evening air, feeling far better than when she'd come in.
Storm smiles amoment as she hears Mia and looks to Shikoba offering another nod to her, showing she's proud of the girl. Her attention then turns to Haze and Dyna, a soft chuckle escapes the she-wolf as she hears the pup. "Oh yes.. I nearly forgot about that." This said softly as she moves to settle down within the cave, which is something she hasn't done often since being in this place. Still she looks tired, wornout to a degree. Taking in a shakey breath her head settles down to a forepaw, ear twitching as she half listions while starting to fall asleep.
Haze continues to smile at Dyna as she fawns over him, eyeridges lifting in an amused fashion at her serious intonation. "Is that so." He glances up at Storm with a chuckle and a knowing grin before returning his gaze to his young daughter. "I bet you tried to eat one too, didn't you?" he teases at the pup, before glancing around and noticing the elder alpha settling down nearby. He continues in a hushed voice: "But I think it's nap time for the pack. Do you think you can be a good girl for me and lay down quietly next to mommy and your brothers?"
"I tried t' eat it first, but spat it out 'cos it was yucky," explains Dyna, explaining her highly interesting events to what is certainly a rapt audience in her father. "Then grandmama Sto'm, she came 'n ate it all up!" She makes a face at the memory of the taste of grasshopper, then starts to quiet down, following the cue of her father's hushed voice, along with the general quite that has settled over the cavern. Eager to please, she loudly whispers, "I can, papa. Watch!" Dyna gives Haze one last affectionate nuzzle before pushing herself up and skittering back to where she was originally sleeping. She takes her place next to her mother and, after one last happy look towards Haze, curls up beside her. Her eyes close, and she starts to drift back towards sleep.
Storm, female wolf
Larkspur, female wolf
Haze, male wolf
Halidari, female wolf
Shikoba, female wolf
Miakoda, female wolf
Dyna, female wolf pup
=== Cavern of Echoes ===
One Dyna was asleep Storm picked the girl up and carried her back into the den with the others. The aging alpha's steps are slow, a slight limp seen when she first makes her way into the den but the further she moves its seen less. She carries Dyna back over to her siblings and sets the girl down, a faint nosing offered to each pup and she smiles slightly as she watches them sleep.
Larkspur is sleeping as well, nestled in close to her pups. Trying to keep an eye on them has been a drain on the first time mother, but exciting nonetheless. The she-wolf stirs and sees her own mother close by, setting Dyna down. "Hey," she calls softly, so as not to disturb the others' slumber. Careful not to jostle the forms laying around her, so gets slowly to her paws, tail swaying as she steps over them to approach Storm.
Haze is trying to be a good father! It's been about a moon since his pups were born, and while Larkspur has been recovering from the tiring efforts of giving birth and feeding four hungry pups, the brindle-furred male has attempted to be as helpful as possible -- and staying out of the way whenever the new mother needs time to herself. This time, he's returning to their temporary new birthing den with a fat spring hare in his maw, dropping it in front of Larkspur's paws with a wag of his tail, licking at her face affectionately - even if he's got rabbit breath.
Storm ears perk as she looks towards Larkspur and offers her daughter a smile, her tail swaying slowly. "Hello dear, how are you feeling?" She questions softly as she moves away from the pups as she doesn't want to wake them. The alpha remembers all to well how she felt after being a first time mom. Her gaze turns to Haze and she offers the male a tired smile and nod. "Hello Haze."
"I'm-" Lark begins, but doesn't get a chance to finish the phrase before Haze assults her with affection. The she-wolf's tail whips excitedly from side to side as she nuzzles her mate. "Thanks, Haze," she giggles. Rabbit breath or not, she's glad to see him. Mirroring her mother, the wolf's smile is weary as she replies, "I'm still a little tired, but great." She pauses, glancing back at the sleeping pups. "Did Dyna try to escape?" she grins, thinking of her own puphood, when the world outside the den was always immensely preferred to the safety within it.
A good nose serves it purpose and after a relentless struggle to regain her barrings and pick up on the ones she has lost during the flood, Halidari has managed to survive and make her way here. Its been several days since she's been reunited with her family; however, its been the same amount of days since she's seen one awake. Continueing her attempts to reintergrate herself into the pack, Hali steps into the cavern where at several points saw many at slumber, hoping this time there would be someone awake. To her relief there was someone, infact many, awake and she posed a smile as she steped forward to greet them all.
Storm watches the pair quietly a few moments before letting her gaze drift over to the pups. "They tend to take a lot out of you." A soft chuckle escapes her. "Oh yes, she found a grasshopper and just had to try and eat it. Which of course she tryed and didn't like." The older wolf finds it amusing, it makes her think of happier times back home in the valley at least. She takes in a breath and looks back to Haze and Larkspur offering the pair a smile. "I wanted to speak with you two.. If you have a moment.."
Haze settles down after delivering dinner and a kiss, flopping down on his belly near the sleeping pups to gently lay his muzzle near to them, inhaling their familiar scent and merely watching them sleep, already lovestruck as a father. But when Storm addresses the mated pair, the brindle male lifts his head again, nodding as he watches Lark's mother closely now that she's requested his attention.
Larkspur's eyes close for a moment, and she weighs the pros and cons of curling up with the male, or tearing into the hare he brought. Her stomach feels unbearably empty, and she's so tired...When Storm addresses her, she opens her eyes to look curiously at her mother. She tilts her head slightly to the side to say, 'Yes?' The she-wolf is too focused on the alpha to notice the entrance of her sister, as she wonders what it is that Storm wants to talk about.
Halidari doen't get to far into the cavern, coming to a stop at the mention that her mother wanted to speak with both her sister and her mate. In midstep, she follows through before standing there halfly in the shadows. It would seem her greeting would have to wait. As she does wait for that opportunity, she looks around the cave, a few faces she's yet to know.
Storm ears perk as she hears movement around them, but who ever it is will just have to wait, this needs to be taken care of after all. "We've been here long enough, an I think the pack has finally settled into the area." This said with a soft tone, she pauses a moment before going on. "I want to know how you both would feel about being alphas of the pack now?" Its something they never spoke of, but with everyone that happened before leaving the older wolf never got the chance to speak with them over it.
Larkspur's eyes widen. She's always assumed that she and Haze would be alphas one day, but /now/? Well, why not now, she thinks. Her first litter is looking healthy, and they seem to be settled here...After a moment of thought, she glances at her mate before looking back to Storm. "Mom, I...Yes. I think we can handle that responsibility." The she-wolf looks again to Haze, waiting for him to weigh in on the matter. This is what she has dreamed of. A life, a pack, with Haze. With the rising cougar threat, it might not be easy, but the female knows she can handle anything if Haze is there with her.
Haze's ears lift into almost perfect triangles when he hears this news, pricked forward in surprise as the Viridian-born male is asked to help lead his mate's family pack. He glances at Larkspur to see her own reactions before responding himself, and when he does it's in complete support of her response. "We will, al-- Storm." He starts to ask whether or not the rest of the pack supports an outsider male like himself making decisions on their behalf, but realizes it's not very alpha-like behavior. No more tucked tail or quiet subservience around his new family for Haze -- he's a leader now. Plus, he thinks he can handle it so long as Lark is around to back him up.
Storm offers a slight smile and nods to Larkspur. "I know you both will." This said softly while she takes in a slight breath. "The only deal with this is that Cyrus and his mate be Beta. Your father wanted one of the boys in the spotlight to." This said with a playful tone. She is unsure how they might feel about Eclipse though. A glance is offered Haze while she tilts her head and smiles a tad. "Do not worry.. You'll both be fine." They are a bit younger then she was when she started the pack, but still this needs to be done. "I must still talk to Miakoda and Thorne, but I'm sure they will be alright with everything."
Halidari's ears turn back just slightly to what her mother has to say, though she knows very well the likelihood of herself holding the title of Alpha is very low; which was alright with her. She was who she was and whatever happened happened. Looking to each Larkspur and Haze as each take turn to speak and acknowledge the honor bestoed upon them she smiles. She was glad the pack was to fall on a responsible party though it also pained her to not know where it would lead her. Stepping out from her spot, "Congradulations you two." she comes out with. Her heart only sinks further when her brother and his mate are granted the title of Beta. If only for a moment she frowns.
Haze nods quickly at the deal. He's only met Larkspur's younger brother briefly before, and he can't recall his mate, but he supposes that will change now. Fortunately for Eclipse, Haze has never been a judgemental wolf, particularly given his own history. "Of course." His ears flick at another voice, and he spies Halidari in the dim light, offering her a grateful smile. But something else that he knows needs to be considered comes to mind, and he glances at Larkspur - wanting her thoughts as well, of course - before returning his gaze to Storm. "As for the pack...I think we should stay here at least until Larkspur's pups are old enough to walk on their own. But do we want to make our new life here, or return to the forest again after that?" He and Larkspur have already shared much together in the lowlands, but he knows the Lazuli is deeply rooted in the woods, and does not want to make a choice that would result in his disfavor so early on.
Larkspur's heart constricts momentarily with sorrow at the thought of her father, but she can't hide a smile just the same. In response to the choice of Betas, she nods. No objections there. The she-wolf turns her attention to her sister, offering her a wider grin. "Thanks, Hali." Her smile fades slowly as she listens to Haze, trying to determine what the best course of action is. The female looks torn. Do they have to decide /now/? "Let's stay for a bit and see how things stand when the pups are older," she answers uneasily. The children are growing so quickly, that the decision will probably arise entirely too soon, but she wants to discuss some things with Haze before a choice is made.
Storm gaze drifts of her daughter and Haze as she listions to them while tilting her head. "I don't think the pack would have a problem staying here.. But, this is something you will need to speak with the rest of the pack over as well. Even if the alpha do decide where to live it is always good to let the pack know what might be going on." She says with a soft tone. "I can speak to them as well over the matter about staying here." Well of course they don't have to make a decision now. Her gaze turns to Halidari and she offers a nod to her. "Evening Halidari."
Halidari, as usuall had no complaints about where the pack would be settling for the time being, she was just glad to be with them again; she just hoped her presences wouldn't be shunned. Turning her frown from the previous statement into a smile to both Haze and her sisters' thanks, she takes a seat. Looking to her mother she nods back. "Evening Mother."
Haze is quick to nod at both of the females' responses, not wanting to rush things or cause undue distress to the new mother - and new alpha - when she's already got enough to take care of now. "Of course, of course. I was merely wanting to get the question out there before we got too settled down here." The young male still has much to learn, especially in regards to correct conduct with the Lazuli, who are already so different from his own family's pack -- he merely hopes that he'll be able to fit in before he does something wrong - or worse, embarrasses his mate. For now, he'll be something of a quiet leader, and perhaps he only needs a first experience with something that tests his alphaship before he can fully settle into the role. "I'll be sure to seek out Cyrus and his mate soon and get to know them better." Well, at least he's got the diplomacy part down well enough already.
After pacing about until her paw pads were raw from grinding into the rough soil, Shikoba at last brings herself to approach the cavern. It takes her even longer before she can push herself to step inside. She's essentially crawling, her head low, chest just a deep breath away from brushing against the floor. She hears them rather than sees them, her eyes far too distracted with examining every last pebble she comes upon. Whatever amount of courage Helios had planted within her was now fading, and the young adult has returned to her anxiety, but this is something she feels she needs to go through with. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if she could actually figure out *why* she's feeling like this. "U-umm..." She stutters, barely even at the volume of a whisper.
Storm watches Halidari a few moments, pondering what she must feel like over this news of her other siblings getting picked for leadership roles. So many things have happened in the past for the reason as to who is alpha and who is beta. Her gaze turns back to Haze and she nods. "Cyrus might be harder to find then Eclipse. His been busy with helping me and Helios with patroling. Though I know he will gladly lisiton to anything you might want to speak to him about." The older wolf turns her gaze to Larkspur and a faint smile is offered. "Your father is proud of you.. His proud of everyone here I'm sure." An each day without Felstride leaves the once alpha a little more distant. Which is another reason why she knew it was time to let Larkspur and Haze take over leading the pack. Her ears flick slightly and her head turns so her gaze rests upon Shikoba, a warm smile is offered to the other. "Hello Shikoba." Looks like she'll have to come say something now.
Haze's amber eyes flick over to the open cave's entrance at the sound of another slipping inside, sighting another of Larkspur's extended family in the light that's filtering in from the bright summer sun outside. He glances at Storm at first, expecting her to handle things as he so often saw her doing when he and Larkspur first returned to Lazuli -- and then he realizes that's his job now, too. He stands up, shaking the damp out of his fur, and trots over a few paces closer towards the entrance before dipping his head in a greeting to the younger female. "Heya." He's not sure what else to say at this point, but being friendly's still a start!
Miakoda is aware of the changing of leadership, Betas included, and also knows of Larkspur's pups. But Miakoda has not yet appeared to offer congratulations to the new Alpha pair. When not with Echo, the former Beta has taken to long walks on her own with distant eyes and mind. But the time seems to have come for her to do what is expected, and so here she is, padding slowly into the cavern. Imagine her surprise to find the cowering Shikoba here as well, and she eyes her daughter with a quirked brow as she nears her. "I don't think I've heard of a demotion to Omega..." she says, glancing ahead to Haze with that same elevated brow. /Her/ daughter Omega? Beta or not, Lark and Haze will have some explaining to do from a very grumpy mother if this is true!
"Good evening Alph-- um... Storm." She'll have to get used to the change of leadership, whether she likes it or not. As Haze comes closer, his paws enter Shikoba's field of vision. Her heart freezes, but her eyes work on automatic, trailing up the now Alpha. She almost gets to his face, before swiftly returning her gaze to the floor. /Say something!/ She comes up with exactly fourteen highly respectful, tactful greetings. She never says any of them. Her words have snagged somewhere in her throat, and she just can't get it to budge. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe she can come back later, when she has time to clear her head. Again. She is about to back away, when a very familiar voice enters from behind. She tilts her head to glance at her mother, shame dawning as Shikoba registers what she'd just said. "N-no... that's not... not it."
Storm quietly watches what Haze does with Shikoba, she will speak her mind if she feels something is not right, alpha or not its just a title and the pack would still respect the older wolves wishes after all. A faint snuffle escapes her and she looks to Miakoda. "Of course not Mia.." A warm smile is offered to Shikoba while she shifts up onto her paws and slowly moves over to the younger she-wolf which gets a nuzzle across her shoulder. "Its alright.." Is murmured softly to her, she knows how Shikoba can be and it has never bothered her.
Haze watches Shikoba with what must seem like to her intently expecting eyes -- but really, he's trying to appear as casual as he can. Though when the girl seems to have a bit of trouble finding her words, his eyes return again to the entrance as one of the now-former betas slips inside as well, and his ears lift in surprise when she mentions the role of omega. The Viridian-born male isn't so clumsy-pawed with the new role as to make such a serious error among his mate's family -- /especially/ with the responsibility now placed upon his shoulders. He shakes his head quickly, verbally underlining his denial as well. "Nonono." But Storm, of course, has it covered even before he can respond.
Miakoda turns an ear towards Storm, but her gaze shifts continually between Haze and Shikoba. A smooth transition from cowering female, to newly appointed Alpha. Her tail flicks once, and she slowly approaches her daughter, head lowering to touch her muzzle to her ear. "Then why do you grovel so, my daughter? This wolf has done you no harm." A statement, but she glances to Haze afterwards, head lifting to a more normal level. "Right, present alpha? We are Lazuli, and we have never cowered in one another's presences before." Unless rules have changed, which her tone slightly implies in question.
Just waking up is Dyna, the sleeping wolf pup roused finally from her sleep by all that's going on around her. Transitioning from sleep to consciousness is not an instantaneous event -- it starts with a twitching of the ears that gradually shifts into a couple of sleepy paw bats. Eventually, her eyes begin to flutter open, and from there she can roll over onto her back, give a -big- stretch, then roll back over and get into the actual business of getting up. Very soon, she's up on her haunches and, after one last colossal yawn, peers sleepily around her cavern before perking up. Hey! There's a lot of other wolfs here!
Shikoba smiles warmly at her mother, although it's a very fleeting expression. She's all too soon gone back being apprehensive, and slightly dazed on the side. She glances at Storm, then at Larkspur, back at her mother, and then slowly at the other wolves in the cavern. But she doesn't look at Haze. "I know he hasn't." She takes in a deep breath, although it's difficult. Her heart has gone from a state of suspension, to rapidly pounding away at her chest. "It's just... I'm not... I'm not cowering." How convincing.
Storm looks back to Miakoda, watching her friend a few moment before she looks back to Shikoba and smiles a moment before nosing at her. "Go on and sit up then." She offers softly. Her ears flick forward as more movement is caught and she lifts her head to catch sight of Dyna and smiles a few moments. Well nothing like a pup to help break the tension.. "Dyna, come over here and meet your Aunt Mia and cousin Shikoba."
Haze's inborne instinct is to respond with fast denials and quick explanations, perhaps even cowering himself in response to the she-wolf's strong will...but he is no longer in any position to act in such a manner -- not if he wants to stay that way. No, this time the brindle-furred male shifts his stance slightly, standing tall before the first generation's beta, though there is quite clearly no aggression in his posture. "If I have done something to frighten your daughter, then I assure you it was unintentional," he answers as unambiguously as possible, his words directed not only towards Miakoda, but to the rest of the present pack as well. He's certainly not capable of being a tyrant, so he doesn't wish to be viewed as one, even accidentally. His gaze then turns back to Shikoba, his long muzzle spreading in a warm smile as he attempts to coax a more friendly expression out of her. "She certainly doesn't need to be, though." A high-pitched yawning whine is heard, and Haze's ears automatically flick back towards the sound, followed by his eyes as he checks in on his pups, smiling down at the awakened one next to their dozing mother.
Poor Shikoba. Miakoda gently sighs but allows Storm to do all of the consoling for now. Right now, she's too busy sizing up this new Alpha. He does, after all, has some mighty paws to try to fill. The thought of that sends an ache through her heart, but other than a vague squinting of her eyes, it passes without ceremony. She listens passively to what he has to say, and watches his smile as he reserves one for the too-timid female. "So it would seem," she answers, glancing to Shikoba. "He is your alpha, Shiko, not your enemy. Stand and welcome him properly, as a packmate." She smiles lightly at her, but her ear turns at the sound of one of the awakening pups, and she looks that way with a cocked head.
Mm? Dyna brightens up immediately upon recognizing her grandmother, the wolf pup obediently bounding towards Storm. The latest Lazuli generation pushes her way between her grandmother's forepaws, eyes peeking over to Miakoda and Shikboa respectively as her attention is brought to them. Her head bobs primly. "'lo Auntie Mia, 'lo cousin Shik-o-ba," she politely choruses, carefully pronouncing over the unfamiliar syllables. The little wolf pup seems oblivious to the mild tension that she has woken up into, and when she catches Haze's eye, her smile widens. Father!
Shikoba doesn't think, she does exactly as Storm and her mother encouraged her to do; pushing herself a more normal distance from the floor, and facing the new Alpha, although avoiding his gaze. Haze doesn't deserve this, it's not his fault that she has issues to work through. "Forgive me. I don't know... don't know what's come over me." Is that better? "I don't fear you, please don't misunderstand..." She looks over at Dyna, smiling faintly at the pup as she gives her little greeting.
For a few moments Storm actually smiles, one of her normal happy smiles which is not often seen anymore, as Dyna settles between her forepaws. Her tail sways a few times and she lowers her head to nuzzle and lick across the girl's head. Indeed Haze does have some might large paws to fill, an while Haze will do fine in his own right no one could ever take the place of Felstride. "Very good Dyna." A soft churr escapes the once alpha. She then noses the girl on towards the father.
Haze's tail swishes casually about behind him, not even bothering to take the straightened, held-out position he grew used to seeing his own mother do with subordinate members of the pack. He certainly doesn't feel capable of taking such an authoritative role with the Lazuli, and so he's more than happy to foster a more comfortable community between them as leader and supporters instead. "It's all right, Shikoba. You have to get used to me just as much as I have to get used to the rest of you. I hope you won't hold my unfamiliarity against me," he adds with another smile before his eyes return to watch his only daughter carefully, very much instilled with a strong sense of fatherhood with his pups - perhaps in a subconscious way to make up for the fact that he never knew his own.
Miakoda tilts her head the other way as she wathches Dyna, and as she speaks her ears prick up a little. "Hello little one," she answers with a small smile. Her eyes move over to Storm, and her smile warms a little more as she watches her interact with her granddaughter. A slow breath is exhaled through her nose, and she slightly noses Shikoba as she finally stands and speaks to Haze. The tension seems to have passed, at least with her, and the former Beta dips her head to them all. "If you all will excuse me. I need to find Echo and have a few words with him." ... Now /there's/ a laughable statement. Another smile is reserved for Dyna before she takes a backwards step. "Congratulations."
Dyna is happy! She positively soaks up all the smiles she's given and gives a pleased little giggle as she's nuzzled, tail swishing about as she's praised for her obedience. She returns the gesture of affection, cheerfully licking her grandmother's muzzle, before she's nosed away in Haze's direction. She obediently turns, focusing her attention on her father, who Dyna's just as pleased to see as she is her grandmother. "Papa," she announces, taking a similar position between Haze's forelegs and pushing herself into the comforting embrace of his chest fur.
Shikoba swallows a breath. She did it? Why yes, she did. She actually *talked* to him. "Yes." She responds, sitting back. "I won't hold anything against you, it's not your fault anyway." Her trepidation around Haze had to be confronted and dealt with anyway, and the sooner the better. "After I heard you both were chosen as Alpha, I wanted to come and wish both you and Larkspur well." She explains. It's not the only thing she wanted to speak about, but her mother's about to leave, so the timing perhaps isn't the best right now. Shikoba turns, offering Mia a quick nudge.
Storm chuckles and noses back at Dyna happly and watches the girl bound on over to her father. Her gaze turns to Miakoda and she nods slightly. "Take care Mia.. I hope we can speak later." There are other things on her mind, things she needs to talk over to Mia more then anyone else at the moment. Though it can wait for now.
Haze nods his head in Miakoda's direction in acknowledgement of both her words and congratulations before she takes her leave, and smiles at Shikoba to show his gratitude for the well-wishes. "I do appreciate it," he admits genuinely in response to the both of them, and then he feels a much smaller form nuzzling against his legs and chest. "Well hello, sweetheart," he murmurs down in her direction with a happy smile sprawled across his maw. He may have three strapping young boys to raise to be rough and tumble, but there's nothing like seeing your little girl gazing up lovingly at you. The brindle wolf practically melts underneath Dyna's affections, gently slumping to the ground so that they can enjoy each other's closeness a little easier now that his new 'responsibilities' are taken care of -- for now, at least.
Miakoda smiles once again, the look given to all wolves here. Her tail waves as she's nudged by her daughter, and she moves forward again to lower her head and lick at her ears. Grown or not (and timid or not...), she's still her baby! Her eyes turn to Storm, and she nods to her. "Of course we can, Storm. Always." She grins at her longtime friend before departing from the cave, giving her coat a shake as she goes.
Dyna lives for the attention. She comes alive as her father transfers his attention to her, redoubling her efforts to nuzzle close and giving a pleased hiccup when he lowers himself down enough that she can nuzzle his face proper. She does eventually start to settle down, the wolf pup nestling herself in the crook between Haze's forelimbs. "Happy to see Papa," she cheerfully greets before getting on to the important business at hand. Very seriously, Dyna looks up at Haze and informs, "Dyna went playin' with grandmama Sto'm, and grandmama Sto'm ate 'uh bug." Very serious business, indeed.
Shikoba looks back, at the new alphas and their family. She doesn't know when the memories will stop haunting her, every time she looks on Haze. But at least she made a big step, and that should count for something. Without another word, she leaves the family to themselves and heads out into the evening air, feeling far better than when she'd come in.
Storm smiles amoment as she hears Mia and looks to Shikoba offering another nod to her, showing she's proud of the girl. Her attention then turns to Haze and Dyna, a soft chuckle escapes the she-wolf as she hears the pup. "Oh yes.. I nearly forgot about that." This said softly as she moves to settle down within the cave, which is something she hasn't done often since being in this place. Still she looks tired, wornout to a degree. Taking in a shakey breath her head settles down to a forepaw, ear twitching as she half listions while starting to fall asleep.
Haze continues to smile at Dyna as she fawns over him, eyeridges lifting in an amused fashion at her serious intonation. "Is that so." He glances up at Storm with a chuckle and a knowing grin before returning his gaze to his young daughter. "I bet you tried to eat one too, didn't you?" he teases at the pup, before glancing around and noticing the elder alpha settling down nearby. He continues in a hushed voice: "But I think it's nap time for the pack. Do you think you can be a good girl for me and lay down quietly next to mommy and your brothers?"
"I tried t' eat it first, but spat it out 'cos it was yucky," explains Dyna, explaining her highly interesting events to what is certainly a rapt audience in her father. "Then grandmama Sto'm, she came 'n ate it all up!" She makes a face at the memory of the taste of grasshopper, then starts to quiet down, following the cue of her father's hushed voice, along with the general quite that has settled over the cavern. Eager to please, she loudly whispers, "I can, papa. Watch!" Dyna gives Haze one last affectionate nuzzle before pushing herself up and skittering back to where she was originally sleeping. She takes her place next to her mother and, after one last happy look towards Haze, curls up beside her. Her eyes close, and she starts to drift back towards sleep.