,Wishing on a Shooting Star, :MB:

 Link's body stood firm at the forefront of the females. His forest green eyes never leaving Evon's ivory form. Compared to her the others she was with were nothing. He desired her lifeblood for vengeance of her personal attack and her betrayal, however he could not be so selfish and put the rest of the pack in danger. His aud flicked back when Cinder spoke of how the child was dead but did not betray emotion otherwise. It would be safer for the pup if Evon thought her dead. At her comment to his mate about caring for whelps a guttural snarl rang forth and surely it made him look all the fiercer, the cruel sound rumbling from his chest. The words she spoke made no sense, no wolf was immortal, of course the she pup could die. Though she was awfully sure of herself and saw through the lie but the pack was not like to give up the deceit. The thought of Evon saving anyone from any such evil almost made him laugh but this was too somber a situation. He was almost surprised when Balthier acquiesced to showing them the remains of the wolves. He felt a growl of disapproval rumbling in his chest, he was not comfortable leaving his packmate with one of them. He tracked their path into the woods trusting in Balthier to handle himself. If they were not back in few degrees of the sun then he would make haste to search him out. For now the Midnight wolves would stand opposite these intruders in a tension charged atmosphere. Zelda's lips were peeled back in a constant state of aggression and disgust but she moved to Cinder's side touching the fem on the neck for comfort. "Do not allow this filth to upset you dear one, on Fenrir's name do not."

Of course. This wolf would naturally see through it. No matter as long as the pack would be fine after this. Luckily, she seemed to follow along, nevertheless, and would allow one of her wolves to look at the remains. Too bad it wasn't her who went, but both followers looked smart enough for a conversation. She spoke a question, one he wasn't sure why she was asking. "Afraid?" he questioned, a touch of puzzlement in his words. He was sure most of the wolves, especially from his pack, would assume he was surprised at the question. Balthier commented casually, seeing the bru approaching on Evon's orders to follow him, "Wouldn't everyone like to know?"

Turning his attention to the male now, though, he said, with a touch of dramatic false importance, "I will assume nothing will break out during my absence. Fran, I trust you will be able to stay the neutral party." He said to Vault, "I assume you've seen the remains of the bandit's party on your way in, to the assassin incident, then." He led the way, undaunted by having a potential enemy behind him. As he walked among the wildlife and were out of earshot of everyone else, he said, "So... are you the talkative or silent type? No need for suspicion unless you're the aggressor. A move on my part would ask for ill upon the pack. My intent is to keep the pack safe. I've no history on the apparent grudge between this pack and your alphess, but... there are some things I must disclose."

He assumed the pack wasn't about to start a fight, and he was a bit worried. Originally, he wanted to send Fran or someone else to do this so he was sure the tensions didn't lash, but that wasn't an option.

 His eyes gave nothing away as he processed what the fem said and Cinder's response. Balthier himself was at Jabbar, or returning from those lands when the pup, and hadn't yet gotten the true story from his brother. Speaking of whom... he dared not turn to glare the younger into silence and hoped the happy go lucky wolf would remain silent for once.

Perhaps it'd have been wiser to imply the pup just wasn't in the lands, but he wasn't going to change a story. He added, "Do you wish to investigate further? You've seen there was a scuffle recently- multiple, in fact." With a weary sigh, he added, "The world finds odd, new ways to kill a wolf. We had a bandit, pup killer, and an assassin. A pup who was alive surely would have been found by now. And having one who seems to have a mission of killing pups in the lands undetected?" He probably didn't need to say anymore. The chance of survival would be nearly zero. Balthier assumed he should be a little more diplomatic, but some of his personality still seeped through. Eventually he'd keep a tighter reign on his tongue... but that was for later... after his blasted leg was fully healed... and his pelt properly cleaned. By now, his injury wasn't noticeable, as it hadn't been that serious.

"I'll accompany you, should you choose to look, to see for yourself your pup is unfortunately no more. I need to see the state of the land for myself anyways. You've probably seen the remains of the bandit incident on your way in. The other two occurrences were by the dens." A bit quieter, he added, "I hadn't yet checked in to see the casualties of that incident. That was the duty of the other healer, but their bodies had been buried not too far away, from what I was informed. By now I'd wager you'd still pick up faint scents." He hadn't personally known the mother or the pups who had been by the dens as personally as Fran. Even then, he didn't think even she had enough time to bond with them. Perhaps his lack of empathy for those dead would rouse suspicion from the fem and the two accompanying her. What he said was true enough, and a quick look would confirm that. If these wolves didn't believe someone from this pack could be so distant, they'd either learn or remain unbelieving. Either way, it wasn't his problem so long as the pack wasn't threatened.

Amidst the chattering of the wolves below a falcon took wing to the heights of the sky. It's silver tipped feathers flashed out curving back into an elegant bow as it dipped and circled overhead. It's sharp eyes took in the gathering before it and loosed a shrill but short call into the air. With a few quick flaps it soared once more into the sky disappearing into the light of the sun before doing a very practiced dive into the forest to disappear amongst the branches.

A gray form sauntered through the trees at a casual pace betraying the inner constitution which held purpose and drive. A wanderer that belonged to multiple packs and multiple identities though only casting one image. The past would stay where it was and the future was rife with possibilities and pathways yet untaken. And no matter what anyone said these pathways were all manners of gray some more pearl than others, some tending to obsidian. And what would a gray wolf do on a gray path? Blend in and fade away until it was all the same on the horizon. There was no intention of fading away in these sure padfalls. Every step and every move had been made carefully to lead down the path of desired choosing. It was odd that in this time and place would choose a meeting but it was finally a chance to see the Ivory fem who amassed power in the lone lands.

The figure drew up at the treeline making sure to stay sheltered by tree and shadow. Green eyes took in the pack as they had the last time. It was clear by their defensive postures that the trio of wolves that spearheaded the group was not welcome there. And of course at the head was the white fem whom rumors floated about like seeds in springtime. It could be no one less thought why she was harassing Midnight she was unsure. The weight settled at the base of lean legs, waiting for just the right moment...

Balthier looked up as he heard a voice pike up, not belonging to any of the pack. Three wolves, the one who spoke up the assumed leader... the one he recognized. He glanced at the pair on either side of her from his peripheral vision. The bru was intentionally looking at each wolf present. Pointless. The other wouldn't see anything useful in his eyes, nor does it make a good scare tactic. He'd have to gauge the rest of the pack, though, if worst comes to worst. The fem. He had to admit, the green-eyed wolf was good at hiding it, but he noticed her scrutiny.

"And what business is this that you've graced us with your presence? The pup?" He clarified, getting straight to business. The sooner this was over with, probably the sooner they'd leave. Pity they'd have to travel further to get the pup... if they found out where she was. He didn't know, but he had a sneaking suspicion, since Exodus hadn't been around, either.

He would be pleased to note that Vaarak hadn't moved. Whether it was because he was learning, or was too shocked, Balthier just hoped it would last for the next few minutes.


Fran looked at the trio, calm. She wasn't sure what the implications were, but assumed they were ready for, or even wanting to cause a fight. She remained silent, unmoving as Bathier spoke, and waited for a response. With any luck, this wouldn't turn into a confrontation. Maybe she was imagining it, but two of them seemed to want nothing better than to forget formalities in charge into battle.

Balthier looked on as Zelda spoke, his posture never changing, his full attention on the story. A few thoughts dashed through his mind by the time she finished her tale. There were many things he could say, some more appropriate than others, and some words that could wait until a less stressful time. He only briefly mulled over his thoughts, realizing Zelda was probably waiting for a reaction.

He spoke softly, as if unsure of the effect of his words and trying to be cautious, "Don't apologize. You didn't intend for him to come here, and... I can understand some of his motives. Believe me when I say it's not your fault. I didn't know him when he was... nicer, but I know his type. Murderer he may be, but that's only another type of thief. I used to be a... more noble one than the rest, aiming to take the minimum to get by without bodily harming anyone. Just until I was able to find a pack where my brother wouldn't end up like myself," he gave a humorless bark at this, "Then again, a noble wolf wouldn't be a thief in the first place."

"I would respect your choice to step down, but who..." His voice trailed off as he noticed Fran's pointed look, ignoring his brother's unusually silent, and thoughtful expression.

Fran listened to the exchange, wanting to say something to Zelda, but held her tongue. When Balthier finished responding, she gave him an incredulous look that quickly turned into a pointed one, as if in disbelief. She'd have thought he'd understood the result of his actions by now. For all his intelligence, he seemed oblivious to the glaring qualification he had to leadership and he wasn't stepping up. Most wolves would immediately jump at the chance. Former thief or not, the wolf had clearly shown through his past actions where he stood now.

Fran looked at the company she was with, an gestured her head, silently suggesting they heed the call. Without another glance, she silently made her way over, wondering if Balthier knew what he was doing. A twinkle of amusement came to her eyes, realizing he had no idea his life had changed the moment he got himself involved with Zelda and Link's old rival. For better or for worse, Balthier would be interesting to watch once it dawned on him. For now, though, she came to a stop near Zelda, and questioned, "How are you faring?"


Vaarak's tail twitched every so often, anxious for whatever this was to be done with. He was about to voice his impatience when Zelda, Link, Cinder, and Fran appeared. Refraining for rolling his eyes, he sat as quietly as he could.


His eyes slightly narrowed at the lack of response. It seemed like many of the more recent arrivals had vanished suddenly, as if scared for their pups' lives, judging by the recent happenings. Not that he could blame them for leaving. He tilted his head, watching Zelda as she looked towards her brother. He understood and didn't at the same time. And now it seemed like the few gathered were waiting on him... Balthier blinked, and thought for a moment. Yes, he'd called them, but...

He brought his body into a more upright position and said, "Because of recent events that happened around the same time and that we've had some time to ourselves, there may be some things we must and some things others of us need to talk about. First, to get everyone on the same page. Feel free to add any important happenings to what I know. When I came back from Jabbar, There was an... intruder Fran encountered who infiltrated the den site when she was busy fighting another, unrelated wolf." He paused, seeing Fran nod once in agreement.

"This may explain the disappearance of some of the mothers who'd come here quite recently. Then during the end of this was the last event I'm aware of." He glanced at Zelda, unsure if it'd be tactless to mention Ganon's name. She had freaked and bolted when he was fighting, and he didn't want to inadvertently cause her a flashback... especially since he hadn't spoken quite like a noble wolf. He wasn't sure of her response to him an didn't want to push anything.

"We need to work as a pack again, which includes helping each other through large issues- especially with our current small numbers. If that means clearing any tensions, confessions, questioning, or just planning how to secure the lands, so be it, as long as we're willing and not pushing each other for answers. I'm willing to answer some questions, considering I acted differently during that last incident from what you've known from me." He didn't remember what he'd said before and during the fight with Ganon, but even if he did, he wouldn't know if anything he'd said was bad. Good and bad were blurred together to grey in his mind. That was why he kept his brother away from that, who had a grasp on what was good and not.

This open talking time would give Zelda an opportunity for her thoughts. She had to have had some, running off on her own. It was up to her to take that opportunity or not, though. He thought about Link and Cinder. They had too few wolves to look for Navi. The only wolf who could probably be considered free was Vaarak, who Balthier was not going to let loose on his own. He could also pass his healing duties to Fran and go himself... Vaarak wouldn't have anything to comment.

He heard footsteps suddenly peel off and glanced behind him. As he'd guessed, Sight was moving elsewhere, outside the lands. Why, he didn't know, but as long as she didn't change her course back into the lands any time soon. She'd been silent about it, too, which touched his suspicions.

Returning to his destination, he saw Vaarak impatiently waiting, seemingly half sitting, half standing. Rolling his eyes, he tilted his head skywards and let out a howl, calling them to Cyrus Dens. There'd been an attack here recently, and they had to know this and see the aftermath. Had the mothers who'd been here vanished, deeming the pack unsafe for their children, or also dead? He leaned to one side, testing how much weight he could comfortably put on his leg. An amused eye watched his brother sit back down properly, apparently having resigned himself to his fate of remaining for a while.

Balthier hummed, neither in agreement or disagreement at Sight's speculation of duties. And there is was. He didn't respond when she stepped into his personal space and then some, suffocating any wistful memories of his past in favor for the present. Blatant actions never had been his style. An old blindness-causing injury would have been adjusted for naturally. Intentional or not, it reminded him to not be a rouge.

As he turned to walk towards the dens where he left his brother, trusting to be followed. "I actually am a bit busy, but my brother can give you that tour and answer most questions you might have. He'd probably be less boring than I at the moment." As much as he was wary to leave her alone with his little brother, it might not be a bad idea.


Vaarak was waiting as patiently as he could. No one came by, and his brother seemed to have been gone for ages, although it'd only been a few minutes. Balthier couldn't expect him to just not do anything, could he? Ears perks up as he started to catch the first signs of his return.

He maintained his current features, replying easily and with a laugh at the end, "Considering you came from the lone lands, and your... deformities, as you call them, are quite old, I'd guess you've been able to fend off wolves much formidable than I. I fear you'll be the one protecting us." More serious, he continued, "Then again... it's not a deformity if you weren't born with them. Well, Sight, you're welcome here as long as you wish to. I'd introduce you to the others, but they're.... scattered right now in the lands. Perhaps we'll properly introduce you a bit later."

Balthier was tempted to play, the familiarity of encountering wolves and harmlessly flirt only to sneak away when they weren't looking. He never allowed anything to happen except for him crushing some hopeful hearts after he'd gone. But he couldn't and didn't want to now. Past of his past had already resurfaced. He didn't need any more of it while he was trying to rid himself of it all...

He lifted his head at the howl, and looked back at his brother, who seemed to have finished. Nodding his head, he said, "Stay here. If anyone comes by, keep them here. I'll attend to the newcomer. The pack needs to organize and we're too scattered. We'll suggest a hunt, minus any pups and mothers later." Sharp eyes hovered over Vaarak a moment longer. The last thing he needed was his brother wandering off right now and inadvertently causing trouble. "As her healer abilities are more developed, defer to Fran if need be." He turned and left, tail gracefully flowing in his wake, heading north to the border, shaking his pelt to smooth out any tangles.

It was a few minutes later at which Balthier stopped facing the fae. He peered at her features, strictly from a healer's stand point. Blindness wasn't uncommon, although his own light grey eyes caught the signs of an inflicted blindness. There were always markings that untrained eyes may not catch, even if there were no scars around the orbit. The other... he guessed it to have happened around the same time as the other eye.

While he'd been looking, he said at the same time, "Welcome to Midnight Meadows. I'm Balthier, a healer amongst other things. What brings you to these lands?"