,Wishing on a Shooting Star, :MB:

Link stared at his reflection in the river, his eyes unwavering. It is time to take back what is yours Link. No more fear, take your voice back and your family. The pup was his family, no matter who was the father, no matter the mother even. If Cinder wanted to adopt a squirrel he would love it like his own. Ear flicked and he looked up to see a small tawny bird staring at him and strangely enough it reminded him of Cinder. The corner of his mouth turned up and he closed his eyes for a second and breathed in everything. It was time to go back. The tri hued brute shook his pelt cleansing himself of the recent battle and turned and trotted back to dens. Wolves were scattered about and he nodded his head to each he passed, no matter their alignment and stopped at the entrance of the den. Rodion lay there done with whatever wolf had entered their terra and he nodded his dial in appreciation of the alpha and made a small bark to his sister inside. Zelda laying next to Cinder smiled and kissing the fem on the check and giving a soft nuzzle to the two pups crawled out of the den and stood face to face with her brother. For a moment they just observed each other then a smile slowly broke out across their muzzle. In which they embraced, Zelda nuzzling under his neck and Link returning the affection. Then he moved past her into the den and paused to look at his mate before crawling forward and quickly wrapping himself around her soft form. Burying his face in fur his body rumbled with content.

Zelda glanced into the den feeling very happy for once in a long while but the trials of the pack hung on her and she knew that it was a long time until everything settled once more. Then her eyes fell on Rodion who was next to the den and noted that he smelled of earth, Morgan and...Tom. It was obvious she had taken the scents in so when she tilted her head and spoke softly it was clear who she was talking about. "Is he...is he safe now?" She couldn't bring herself to say the word buried.

Blade was glad Petra was fine. He was even more glad he'd been around to get her out of harms way, although she probably had only been there because he was. Her attention seemed to be on the trio of wolves he'd spotted moments before, but didn't ask. He didn't know any of them, since he'd only been here with Damean for a short talk. His mind nearly swelled on their deceased leader before he focused himself.

One of them was approaching, and with a bit of fancy etiquette. "Blade," he offered his name, not having much to say. His eyes quickly glanced over Vaarak and Braeden. Based on what this wolf said, she would probably be very cautious, and he figured it would probably be better if he didn't stare. "You fought a human and are injured," he stated simply. Balthier seemed to be looking at him in mild surprise. "You act for your image and brother. It's not difficult for me to tell." He was glad the other didn't seem to be offended at his bluntness and short words. Ever since admitting his feelings for Petra, he was a bit more talkative, but was still working on the being social part.

Balthier nodded as Rodion responded, and left. Then he turned his gaze towards a pair of wolves standing nearby. He finally recognized one of the Jabbar wolves, but only that she was a familiar face. Glancing at Vaarak, he knew the younger would want to bound over to them at this sign of friendliness, and sharply placed a paw on the ground in front of his brother, doing everything to avoid startling Braeden in the process. "No. Stay here. Talk to her. If she's fine, bring her over. They aren't near any other wolves with them." His sharp look softened as he turned to walk over towards Blade and Petra, hiding any limps he may have.

"Hello, lady and sir," he said smoothly in greeting, as if he always greeted new faces this way. "I was... preoccupied earlier and didn't have a chance to notice any of your pack. I'm known as Balthier." Looking at Petra now, he said, making sure to keep his tone polite and casual, "I remember you from some time back, although we've never spoken." He titled his head backward, and said to both of them in a lower voice, "That there is my little brother, Vaarak and a more recent member of the pack, Braeden. She's... had a difficult past that involved humans and is limited in communications. We're still not sure the full story. My little brother is quite a loud one, so don't think he's just targeting you."

Vaarak noticed the wolf hybrid wagging a tail at them, but hadn't even moved when Balthier's paw landed in front of him. Yes, he'd known Braeden had been scared of all these wolves, but the excitement almost made him forget. He was still a bit young and easily distracted. Nodding at his brother's words, he watched as he left to apparently greet them. "Make friends?" he questioned Braeden, trying to make it clear it was her choice. He nodded his head towards Petra and Blade. He didn't remember her, but she looked friendly.

Petra looked to Blade as he asked her how she was. She wouldn't admit that she was a bit shaken by her own recklessness, but other than that she was fine, thanks to him. "I'm fine, thank you Blade," she said softly, leaning over to him to kiss his cheek. Like him, her attention soon floated over to the wolves surrounding them, the wolves of Midnight Meadows. She recognized many of the faces from her earlier stay with the pack, but some were new to her. Particularly the thin, nervous-looking female that hid behind Balthier and Vaarak. She wagged her tail over at them, though she didn't know how well they remembered her. Being an outsider, she hadn't had much contact with any of the wolves except Cinder.

Sawyer



His ears flicked forward at the approach of Midnight Meadow's alpha. He tipped his dial respectfully. Sawyer wasn't looking for a fight this time. He just wanted to know of his love's safety and the truth of what happened in Jabbar. He nodded when Rodion said Akiko was not here. "Thank you." He offered. "I must find her and speak with her soon." There was a longing in his voice that could not be mistaken, Sawyer loved her. "I am trying to seek the truth on what happened in Jabbar. As well as searching for a pup. One of the queen's own daughters was stolen. Mercy by name. Playfull little girl." Sawyer had been upset by the news of her theft. He loved pups. "I know our queen would be most grateful for her return."

Sawyer wasn't implying that Midnight Meadows had the whelp. They weren't of that ilk to stoop so low. He just was hoping by chance by spreading the word ...well more eyes make it easier to find that needle in a haystack. "Thank you for your time but I must make haste." Sawyer gave a half bow of his large form in respect and then turned. "Please mention my visit to Akiko...in case I miss her. You can tell her of what we spoke of." He flicked his tail and turned running across the sands his black nose twitching for Akiko's scent.

Blade turned his attention away from Exodus back to Petra, who had remained by his side. He shifted closer to her and asked, "You alright, then? Other than no injuries?" He remembered how much of the pack had view both Exodus and Legend as their own. The whole encounter hadn't affected Blade as much as he figured it would, although he supposed it had something to do with Legend not knowing as much about Blade as he would have, if he'd remain loyal to the pack. His words did get him thinking, though, mostly because there was little else that was new to think about. Feelings were a curious thing, though, something that he would now guess that he wouldn't be able to stop questioning. Logic would dictate that he stop Legend from harming Petra by biting the assailant in the hind leg to drag him down. Instead, his instincts failed to do this, and instead, tugged towards the notion of making absolute sure she wouldn't get hurt by physically getting the the way. Feeling, specifically love was odd. He would have used to thought such a feeling would get in the way, but his thoughts had drastically changed since them.

While waiting for a response, his eyes shifted to gaze towards Rodion. The wolves had appeared, clearly from these lands, but injured. One, the female, looked nervous; the one who looked closest to Petra's own age was completely unhurt and looked like a bundle of energy... and was looking their way. He glanced to the last wolf, who seemed to be related to the younger one and more heavily dotted with injuries, although he had no knowledge of how severe, and had the fading scent of a human lingering. Blade guessed the dried blood that still clung belonged to both the wolf and the... hunter? No other type of human would probably wander this far into these sort of lands. He averted his attention from them, and wondered where Akiko was. Crow was near, as well as a wary female for which he felt better, since it showed that the young Damean and Cinder were protected while they were gone.

Balthier looked around, seeing few wolves near Cinder's den, other than some of the Jabbar wolves, Rodion, and Fran. Some of the others were nearby, while others further. He walked up to the alpha, and asked, "So, what was the commotion about earlier?" It was easy to take the idea of dark wolves staying here in stride. What wasn't easy was not knowing such a large group on a slightly more individual basis. Eyes glanced back towards Vaarak and Braeden, as he wondered if he should ask his brother to take her elsewhere for now. The herbs on his pelt were drying quicker than Braeden's probably were- his brother still had a sloppy touch. He denied himself the idea of scratching it off, knowing he'd just reopen the injuries and give himself an infection. Blood still marred his fur, and he vaguely wondered what impression the other pack would have on him, but there had been more hurry to close the wounds than to even think of taking a wash. At least he had stashed the knife away and not brought it with him. Who knew what that would have done to his image. He turned his head slightly to the Jabbar wolves and slightly nodded his head in greeting before turning his attention towards the den for a brief second, finally returning to Rodion.

Vaarak couldn't tell the difference between dark, neutral, and pure, yet, and so looked at the wolves curiously. Normally, he would have bounded over asking their names, but he remembered Braeden, who he was unsure of what her reaction would be. Instead, he remained a distance behind his brother, hoping Braeden would at least be comfortable with the distance he kept. He noticed a hybrid, who looked just a bit older than he was, standing next to a larger wolf who, in his first impression, seemed to look similar to his brother. He looked serious and protective, although he did look a bit more intimidating than his brother was. Maybe he could meet them in a bit, since they seem to be staying here.

The Ethiopian wolf was glad that this danger was over, and hoped Cinder would fare better with Legend dead. She was sitting down near Cinder's den, waiting to see if anyone needed anything. Some wolves and Exodus came back, Zelda soon left, and Balthier, his brother, and Braeden arrived. Fran hadn't gotten a good look at them earlier, and almost grimaced in sympathy.

Cinder



Her thorns flicked forward hearing Zelda's voice and she sighed and nodded. She nosed her pups. Their father's were dead...both of them. Cinder felt pity for Damean that he would never know his father and for her daughter she felt fierce joy that she wouldn't know of his cruelty. She heard the howl from the border...another from another pack. She sighed. Why couldn't they just leave them in peace? She heard Zelda leave and Rodion speak. She nosed the alpha and was about to tell him to go when Zelda's voice came again saying that she would stay with her. "It's alright Rodion. Go.." She said and nosed him again, nudging him to let him know it was okay for him to leave.

She glanced at her young and blinked silver eyes. She had to give her little girl a name...and soon. Though words weren't forming in her head at the moment. Too much stress perhaps or was her brain fuzzy because of the labors of birth. She kissed both Damean Jr. and her little silver fem. "I love you both.." she said softly.

Sawyer



His paws ran swiftly to Jabbar and he spied on it's occupants. For such a large wolf the bru was stealthy. He found Mercy's scent and also found it leaving the lands with the scent of another. He frowned and also found that Jabbar's original pack had left the lands. This was an interesting piece of information...one his queen would definately want to know where they went. He made up his mind and followed Akiko's scent. His large frame ate the miles and tracked the one that stole his heart. By the scent of things...the whole pack...minus Damean and Jaded...had left.


He came to the border. Midnight Meadows and wondered if he dare cross the boarder without announcing his presence. He wanted to find out what was going on. He swished his tail. It seemed they went into the lands willingly...but why. Akiko was still here...that was enough for him. He tipped his maw and howled.