run with wolves | open post.

[thelittleone]

Characters

Asil, The Moor
A very, very old wolf and a member of the Marrok's pack.

Jang Eun
Previously of Carmel Valley, sent to Aspen Creek by her former Alpha.

Jesse Hauptman
Daughter of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack

Joshua Brennan
Burden-bound. A Sin-Eater paired with the ghost of a long-dead soldier.

PREMISE

All the stories are true. Years ago, the Fae came out because technology was making it harder and harder for them to hide, and it's been a couple of years since the werewolves did the same. The world is changing day by day. Humans and the paranormal live side by side, but it's not easy nor is it simple. While the Marrok has taken great lengths and care to preserve the werewolves' PR front, everyone - wolf, fae, vampire and other - know that it's only a matter of time before the humans start thinking that perhaps the other stories meant to warn of the dark are true.

This is an open post set in the universe of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series. The books are amazing and you should definitely check them out. More information via this Wiki link. The rules are simple: Drop a prompt, leave a tag, and let's play!

THREAD TRACKING

© tessisamess

Comments

for eun.

[nosco]

[ She reads for him, they share a vegetarian meal that he prepares for lunch, and after, he pulls up two benches close to the roses so he can seranade both Eun and his blooms with a rendition of John Denver's "Annie's Song" in his native tongue. The rest of the day is easy after that, spent in quiet companionship as he fusses over his plants, his edible garden, and occasionally, Eun. And when a hint of dark creeps over Montana, he drives her home and walks her to her doorstep with a gentle goodnight before he makes his way to the Marrok's home.

They go for a week and a half without meeting in person. In part, it is because he needs to recover, and the rest, because of the necessity of certain tasks that only he, Leah, Anna and Charles can be trusted with. Nevertheless, he makes it a point to make his presence felt with the help of small gifts for her kitchen: a basket of greens, a few jars of canned herbs - always with a sample cutting from his garden or a note with some verses from the poetry books scattered about his home.

In brief, each gift says think of me, for I am thinking of you.

It is a little over a month to the day of her arrival when a meeting is called for all of the wolves to attend. Overhead, the moon is round and full, shining brightly over the entirety of Montana - a hunter's moon, perfect for a run through the woods. He is early, arriving ahead to monitor the headcount. The meeting is held in the old pole barn to accommodate them all, because, as Bran had put it simply: he wanted to ensure that those of his wildlings who could, would be in attendance.


It's a little strange for Asil to find himself flanking his liege with Charles taking up Bran's right side. But then again, the last couple of years (nevermind the last few weeks) have been strange for them all.

He can only pray that his newfound place as a "back-up enforcer" does not mean that there will be more work for him.

When they are all complete, Bran hops on top of the wooden table they'd brought in from the main house.

"Thank you for coming, all of you."

It's a tactic that Asil approves of, not being particularly... tall himself. By crouching atop a platform, Bran ensures that he sees all of the gathered while asserting his authority and dominance to those who might otherwise be inclined to not pay attention.

"I know that it's rare that we gather like this. But I'd rather not play pass the message when many of us are still, for the most part, raw over recent events. At least this way, what I need you to hear, you hear straight from me."

They have been briefed already, those numbered among Bran's small council. So Asil sneaks a look among the crowd, hoping to soothe his restless wolf by picking Eun out. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun wasn't quite aware that she might need time after her day with Asil as well, not until the first few days in and she realized that it had been good for her to have the time to herself. To settle. To reflect. To attempt to work into a daily routine in her new, temporary home. This time his absence feels different, perhaps because it is not completely an absence. They made no plans of when they would see each other again, but Asil made a point of sending her small gifts throughout the days to make it clear that she was on his mind.

Her cabin smells of roses and faintly of him. When she cooks with his offerings, she thinks of him as well. Three days in, she sends Kara with some leftover muffins she's made, and a note thanking him for his gifts. It comes with a poem that makes it clear her thank you is exactly that, and that she has been thinking of him as well.

By the time the pack meeting is called, Eun has been in Aspen Creek a few weeks, and feels quite at home in her cabin. While this is not a vacation, it continues to feel like a trip away from the complications of the Carmel Valley Pack. Space from those who could not take no for an answer, space to learn what it's like to be a werewolf without the distractions of fending off others. She makes friends. She learns how to be a wolf. More than that, she learns more of how to be herself as a werewolf. Aspen Creek offers her more than she expected it to when she first agreed to come.

He attention is split between two of those things, however, when she joins everyone in the barn. Part of her is of course focused on the wolves around her, picking out familiar faces and attempting to learn the unfamiliar ones, while being very careful not to challenge anyone with her eyes. And then there is Asil, standing up front beside the Marrok in a position of honor. Charles is his father's second, but Asil appears to hold an important place in the pack as well, and it seems another small revelation about the man she's been thinking of often since her arrival. Eun is given little time to linger on him, however, or thoughts of their breakfast together, when Kara bounds up, all smiles, taking her by the hand to stand a little closer to the table, closer to where Charles stands.

Eun is given only moments, perhaps a minute to look at Asil from among all of the unfamiliar wolves, before Bran jumps to the top of the table to draw everyone's attention. Once he has it, he keeps it. Eun briefly recalls reading somewhere this concept. This presence that royalty and other rulers may have. The Marrok has it, though he doesn't flaunt it, and even Asil's presence doesn't distract her from Bran's words when he speaks.]

[nosco]

[ He manages not to preen when his princesita singles out Eun, effectively letting all those present know that:

a) While Eun is unfamliar, she is not to be touched.
b) For those stupid enough to try, they now know that she has not only Bran's - but Asil's protection as well; and, finally
c) That she sits surrounded by the Marrok's family and then some - his mate, his daughter-in-law who is less than an arm's reach from Charles; the Berserker, and poor, safe Juste - means that they are all to behave or invite a reckoning.

But Asil does not have more time to gloat inwardly, because Bran is speaking again - and this time, it is to formally bid welcome to their newest wolf.

"Welcome, Jang Eun of the Carmel Valley Pack. It is my privilege as Marrok of North America to welcome you to Aspen Creek, as it is the privilege of Mason Conway to call you one of his children.

"As agreed, for the next six months you are welcome to roam through the forests of my territory as any of my wolves." Bran's expression softens, but Asil would sooner trust his nose than that warm and fatherly look. Those who didn't know Bran well enough would miss just how he'd skirted outright declaring that for the duration of Eun's stay in Montana, she was a lone wolf welcomed onto pack grounds.

"While the offer of a place among our number still stands, I respect your request to revisit that conversation at a later date; once you have weighed and measured your options." There is a pause, perfectly timed just to let his words sink in, and then softer still: "I speak for all of us gathered here when I say again, welcome. You are ours to protect, as you would also protect us. You are ours to shelter as we would family."

Asil watches then, how the Marrok hops down from the table, looking no older than an unassuming young man more suited to the halls of a community college, and offers Eun a hand up. It is all formality and all necessity that she is properly presented to even the old ones. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun understands human nature so well, but she does not entirely get the nuances of the wolves she is among now. It was a similar issue in the pack back home. She could see the other wolves seeing that from Kara's acceptance she has made friends with the younger girl, and perhaps even that the fact Eun is trusted with Kara means that they do not consider her a threat. But it's her wolf who has to point out that in trusting Eun around Kara, they place her in the same category of one to be protected. She is among allies during that meeting, to help drive home Bran's point.

That she is welcomed.

That she is to be safe.

That they will protect her, just as she would protect them.

And that, while she is not pack yet, she may still become pack.

Knowing that it's coming, that Bran is coming, Eun manages to shrug away any tension that comes with anticipation, and takes his hand when offered. She moves to rise and stand where he guides her, doing her best to keep her expression neutral. She had decided that the most she would allow herself would be the faint curve up of her lips, but no more than that if she wanted to be taken seriously.

Her wolf at least seems pleased at the attention bestowed upon them by the Marrok, as Eun in turn responds to all that he's said.]

Thank you Marrok and alpha of the Aspen Creek Pack, for allowing me to come to your territory and offering your protection to roam freely through it. I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this extended stay here in Aspen Creek to consider my future options, and will do my utmost to protect the pack to the best of my abilities, as they would protect me. Thank you very much for your welcome and shelter.

[It feels a little repetitive, but Eun decides it would be better to err on the side of caution, to make it clear that she accepts his protection, that she will offer the same, and that yes, she is grateful for all that he offers her during her time there. She pauses a beat, and after giving Bran a quick glance, she offers Kara, and the rest of the pack, a sly little smile.]

And here I thought I was past the days of that "new kid in school" experience.

[Forgive her, Bran, she could not help herself.]

[nosco]

[ It is the quip that makes Asil smile, though his wolf had paced restlessly, only mildly placated that their offer of protection was less stated and more implied.

"Moving packs, even temporarily, has a similar effect, pup." And with those words, the wolves in the room raise their voices in a unison howl, sealing her welcome.

Asil does not join, though he shuts his eyes briefly, basking in the sound. When he looks again, Bran has stepped forward to address the others and lay down the instructions for the evening's hunt.

Check with her if she wishes to join. If not, you are both welcome to linger at the house or walk after us. Leah and Juste arranged for dinner.

He cannot help the slight quirk of his brow. He knows a "stay put" order when he hears it. Since Eun is still standing beside their werewolf king, Asil makes it a point to catch her eye and extends a hand in a gesture for her to stand beside him. ]

Bran will take the wolves up to Lover's Canyon for the hunt. He told me to ask if you would like to join the hunt.

[lastcall]

[Eun doesn't mind being the new kid in school, or in this case the exchange student for the pack. That Bran doesn't mind her levity in the moment makes it easier for her to relax as Bran moves on to the details of the evening's activities. She wonders if she should step back at that point, and looks to either side of her for a space to slide into, when Asil catches her eye.

The offer of his hand is a familiar one, an invitation and perhaps guidance that she should give the Marrok space once more. Relieved for some direction, and even happier to see him after their days apart, Eun goes to him readily with a flash of a smile. Her hand is already outstretched to take his as she closes the distance, and stops only when she is standing right beside him.

Her wolf, alert among so many unfamiliar wolves, grows more at ease in Asil's presence. Her thumb rubs over the side of his hand briefly, and she decides she won't let go unless Asil does first.]

Of course I would. [It would be nice to run with a pack where she doesn't have other werewolves jostling in front of her and around her to show off, to hunt with them even without the pack bonds to give the added sense of home and family.] Everyone else is going, aren't they?

[You're going, aren't you?]

[nosco]

Some of the wildlings will opt to return to their homes, but the majority of the pack will join.

[ He's got half his attention on Bran's instructions and tunes the rest out once he's confirmed who will be assigned to watch over Kara (Leah and another one of their female wolves). ]

I usually do not join the hunts. [ He chooses to be honest. He runs beside the pack, but not often with them, out of a sense of caution. ] My wolf is volatile and given to disputes over whatever prize it finds.

[ And yet. ] But Bran has been on my case to participate. Though I may wander about in human form first to get a feel of thing.

[lastcall]

[Eun couldn't imagine sitting out of this hunt now that she's been more formally welcomed to Aspen Creek, but from what she's heard of the wildlings it's actually somewhat reassuring to know they won't be there on her first run.

That Asil doesn't usually join the hunts does not exactly surprise Eun, but she finds it somewhat disappointing to think he won't be there. At least until amends his statement with a mention of Bran and potentially being there in human form.]

I won't ask you to join since someone already has [and Eun does not want him to feel pressured when it sounds as though he has legitimate reasons for abstaining...] but I would be glad to have you there even in your human form if you decide to do so.

[She hasn't yet seen his wolf form, though he has spoken before of his wolf in the past.]

Will you at least stay long enough to tell me when and where I should be changing?

[The last thing she wants to do is strip down before it's time, or leave her things lying around if it's not the custom here.]

[nosco]

[ He gives her hand a gentle squeeze, and finds himself tucking her arm beneath his as he scents the interest of the other male wolves. Bran had wrapped up and was now occupied with speaking with a handful of wildlings before - Asil assumed - they elected to return home.

He lets his wolf peek out from behind his eyes and turns his attention to the young whelps huddled on the far end. Unsuccessfully hiding their interest in Eun.

One of them paled and the other two wisely dropped their chins to avert their eyes. ]

No doubt people will begin changing in a few minutes. Runs often start early and end by midnight wherein we will all congregate back at Bran's home to feed the ones who were too slow to bring down their own food.

[ The smile he sends her is gentle. ] I will watch over you while you change. You can leave your things here, they will be safe.

[lastcall]

[Standing by his side, Eun finds herself torn between looking at him and surveying the room of wolves who she will run with tonight. It occurs to her that she ought to make more of an effort to learn their names and get to know them this evening, but it has been many days since she has seen Asil. She notes the curiosity of those she hasn't met yet, and just happens to catch their reactions to the wolf by her side.

Turning back to Asil, she lifts a brow with the corners of her mouth still turned up, carefully holding in her amusement.]

I would really appreciate that. Thank you. [Even if he doesn't come along for the hunt or stays in human form, she feels confident that he will at least be around after when everyone meets up together again. Staying close to him now, she turns inward a little, voice dropping low enough that she thinks only he will hear it.] Will those three think you're merely being protective of me?

[Her amusement is obvious in the tone of her voice, eyes rising to meet his with a slight sparkle of mirth in them. Her question comes entirely without admonition, wondering if they really will see him as being protective of a new female wolf in the fold, or if that look he gave them will have signaled more.]

[nosco]

[ He quirks a brow at her, weighing his words because the pole barn carries voices especially when curiosity is afoot. ]

Enough to not bother you with their interest tonight unless you decide you wish otherwise. [ They were fairly new, lingering in Aspen Creek still for... monitoring. He didn't know them well, recognized them mostly for their faces because mixed heritage is not so common in Montana. ]

I think you will like Peggy, [ he nods in the direction of a petite woman with dark hair, standing close to Tag, Leah and Kara. ] Her mate is human and they petitioned Bran to take them in since her Alpha was interested in both her and her wife.

[lastcall]

[...unless you decide you wish otherwise.

Eun gives him a look. She can't help it. It says swiftly in so many words that he knows she isn't about to decide otherwise and encourage them. There is no heat in it, nothing to suggest her interest is in him...aside from the way she continues to stay by his side, hands linked as they are.

Still, she listens as he continues and directs her attention to an unfamiliar woman near the trio she knows. It's hard to suppress her indignation as he explains Peggy's story, but she manages to keep a flare of irritation down to ask a question.]

Was the alpha as persistent as those of my pack?

[Was it merely uncomfortable that he was interested in the pair who obviously were mated and had no interest in his gender, or had he been outright harassing them?]

[nosco]

[ He senses the spike in her emotions and is unable to resist leaning his body a little against hers, a low croon reverberating in his throat. They have not known each other long, but he suspected that the circumstances of Peggy's transfer to Aspen Creek might affect her. Still, he did not mention it to upset Eun, only to pre-empt introductions and offer her knowledge since a hunt is often the best place to get to know one's packmates. ]

Bran had kindly refrained from mentioning his name and had advised Peggy to do similar. [ It had made a number of them angry. The women, obviously - Anna, Kara, and even Leah, who had spat out a less than flattering assessment of the Alpha with rather... colorful descriptions of where the wolf might consider putting his urges instead.

What continues to stand out for him however, was the surprise and relief that had washed over Peggy's face and body, at the reactions of all the men who'd been present. Some of them, like Tag, were fiercely protective of family and anyone they viewed as theirs. Others, had little love for men who thought to exploit women, no matter that they were still slowly coming around to understanding the changes to modern day marriage. ]

But Charles has been monitoring things on that end, [ he murmurs, one hand patting the one he'd tucked under his arm. ] Part of it is pragmatism: the humans know what we are, and most of the younger wolves come out to family because we are not as strict as we used to be and it is useful to have humans championing our cause.

[ The little woman was sweet, smart as a whip, young and fairly dominant. Her father had urged her to "elevate" her concerns to a higher authority. Asil approved of that wisdom, because it nicely provides them visibility on wolves who may need assistance given that America as a whole is very large. ]

I do not personally care for an alpha who has strange ideas of what privileges a leader should be allowed in exchange for protection.

Our werewolf king and his son are being careful with giving me and several others information. [ He sneers a little. ] I personally believe a bad alpha is better off dead. But I am not willing to test my quota where killings are concerned so soon after I had to put a witch down.

[ He had raised his concern to Bran that morning. With them welcoming Eun into the fold, she would need to be apprised of certain... problems. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun stills as he leans slightly against her, using soft sounds to calm her spike of anger. She keeps herself in control, though her wolf paces and snarls at the thought of an even worse alpha being allowed to abuse his power in such a way. In Peggy's shoes, she would have taken a knife to the alpha's balls to dissuade him.

Thankfully, Asil calms her further by assuring her that Bran and Charles have things under control. That they are continuing to monitor things. She squeezes his arm once, staying turned away from the pack so that the others won't see her looking so quietly furious that such things ever came to pass.

She might have gotten things under control long enough to walk over to Peggy and introduce herself, but the added information that the alpha had expected he be granted his requests, or demands as they might have been, has her blood boiling again and the sound of her wolf snarling in her ears. Her fingers tighten into his arm as she slowly counts down from ten to once more try to settle herself. He is not the only one who believes the alpha would be better off dead. Hers had been negligent. Unwilling to protect her as he should have, and put his pack in line. But Peggy's former alpha? He is another matter entirely.

It's his mention of a witch--of killing one--that has her head snapping up again, looking into his eyes.]

A witch? Around here? What--[She breaks off before finishing her last question.] There isn't time to tell me before things get started, is there.

[Though her words make it a question, her tone makes it clear that she understands there isn't time to explain everything.]

[nosco]

Mi corazón, breathe with me. [ He murmurs the words quietly when her fingers tighten over his arm. He waits, a surge of pride in him to see such a visceral and protective reaction over a woman she has not yet formally. They are close in age, Peggy and Eun. Carrie he has not interacted with, but perhaps it will do his little wolf good to spend time with the women and get to know them. ]

Later, [ it is a promise, when she asks about the witch. If anything, he will need to settle since he is recalling the way he'd made quick work of disposing of Sage only to argue with his wolf for the rest of the day and well into the late hours because his wolf had wanted to play and prolong her pain.

He is not proud of it. Sage had been a friend, even someone he could have wooed.

Instead, he allows himself a small luxury, his hand on her cheek. ] Go change, Eun. I will see to your things.

[ If the other wolves sit up and take notice at the familiarity of their movements, it does not matter. They would not dare ask him. Or bother her about it. ]

[lastcall]

[Eun breathes, only because there is no other choice. She cannot ask any questions now, she cannot push him for explanations about the alpha or the witch or anything. Her wolf, who had been largely content and alert during the course of the pack meeting, is now agitated and as frustrated as her. It will serve them well, perhaps, while they hunt. If nothing else she feels more awake now than she did only minutes ago.

His assurances that there will be a later help to calm her, and as his hand cups her cheek she looks up at him. Takes a slow, deep breath, and nods. Eun had half contemplated seeing what he might do if she offered him the opportunity to kiss her before she changed, but she is too on edge to do that and enjoy it now. She can be patient, she can wait for a better opportunity than one she might steal, and instead reaches up to pat his hand on her cheek, both for him and for the rest of the pack.

So that they know she welcomes that touch.] Alright. Later then.

[She pulls away slowly, hand releasing his arm and slipping away before she drops her hand from his and steps back. Another time and place, she would have gladly stripped for him to make his blood burn in his veins. But here, when she is about to shift forms and the moon calls to her, it is the last thing on her mind. Instead she takes comfort in the fact that he has said he'll watch over her as she changes, that he'll take care of her things. She looks at no one as she begins removing her clothes, starting with her shirt. For a moment she wonders if she ought to hand it to him, but she dislikes the idea of making it seem like he is waiting on her. Eun places it on the table, and continues. Bra. Shoes. Socks. Pants. Underwear.

She is not the first to get undressed, but neither will she be the last. Eun looks over to Asil a moment and offers him a small smile, a pause to let him look his fill, before allowing her body to begin the shift from woman to wolf.]

[nosco]

[ That look could have fed him for a week. Thankfully, Eun has embraced the Change, leaving him to move towards her clothes and lean backwards against the table with his arms crossed over his chest to silently declare that he's standing guard.

He averts his eyes, nevermind that he already knows what her body feels like underneath his hands. The Change is not pretty, nor is it painless. So he focuses instead on making sure that no one comes too close so that Eun has space to settle into her wolf's skin. ]

[lastcall]

[It wasn't immediate, but Eun decided midway through her first year as a werewolf that the pain of the change was worth the joy of being a wolf. The certainty that she was a better version of herself this way than a mere human. She would never be any taller than she was when she was human, but at least now her physical strength matches her mental strength, and she has the power to go with her determination.

The Change is not pretty, and it is painful. Nothing about Aspen Creek makes it better in any way.

But at least here she feels she has the space to do so without having to be on guard. Here, someone guards her, and Eun will make sure to make it clear to Asil how much she appreciates that at a later time. Her changes at least are slightly quicker than that of anyone else in her old pack, at least. Recovering before the most of them was a point of pride for her.

Here it doesn't matter so much. Here, Eun patiently works through her transformation, as quietly as possible accepting the Change until she lays panting in wolf form. As a werewolf her fur is silvery, but for the darker charcoal at the tips of her ears. That silver color causes her some amusement, a play on her name she might have shared with her other pack if she'd made friends with them. She slowly collects herself, allowing herself time to ease past the sensitivity of a recent Change, and wonders what it is that Asil is seeing now.

In time, Eun rises once more, this time to four paws, and carefully shifts and stretches, working into these limbs before finally turning back to him. Her tail shifts in what might almost be considered a wag as she stands before him, gaze fixed below his as is proper for a wolf less dominant than the other. Still, her body language makes it clear that she is quite proud of this form, not as muscular as many of the other werewolves, nor as big, but nonetheless beautiful and swift.

She may lack raw strength and power compared to many other werewolves, but she makes up for it in agility and swiftness.]

[nosco]

[ Asil can't be bothered to hide his pleasure once Eun's change is complete. His wolf is preening at the back of his mind: vain and flattered that her attention is on them and no one else. Not even Bran.

He walks over and comes down on one knee, hands catching the underside of her muzzle so he can lift her gaze to his. No challenge, not now (not ever, his wolf whispers). And the pleased grin that spreads across his features is one of awe and pleasure, all the more evident by the way he croons at her. ]

These [ scratching behind the ears now ] are adorable, mija.

[lastcall]

[In the back of her mind, she's aware of the other wolves behind her. By now, others have finished their change, and others still continue. She's still not entirely used to the sound of it, the feeling, but with Asil kneeling in front of her she can push it away and focus on him.

He lifts her by the muzzle to look her in the eyes. There is no challenge there, and so Eun allows herself to look back. Her eyes are a brown, shades lighter than her eyes in human form, and her mouth opens into the wolf's approximation of a smile. Mirroring his. Her eyes close then, not in deference to a dominant werewolf, but in pleasure at the sound of his voice, his praise, and the touch of his hand. She leans into the scratching of her ears, giving a brief, quiet noise of enjoyment.

The wolf cares little for matters of gossip or image, and Eun finds it hard to care if others are watching her or Asil, and seeing them interacting. Eun stretches a little in place before putting her paws into motion. She walks a circle around Asil, bumping him lightly, playfully, before standing a couple feet away.

Her attention moves to the rest of the pack only then, and she realizes she doesn't immediately know which of them are her friends and acquaintances. Lifting her nose to the air, she tries to pick out familiar scents from the unfamiliar, and takes a few tentative steps toward where she thinks Kara is--

--before stopping and looking over her shoulder. Her body language then is clear, indicating with a look that she is waiting for him, expecting him, to follow her.]

[nosco]

Yes, go on. I am right behind you.

[ There are a few stragglers, but outside of himself, only Charles remains fully human as the pole barn fills with wolves. He nods once to the younger man, and trails Eun as the familiar lupine form of Kara comes to roll belly up at his feet, tongue lolling.

Not too far, Leah snorts - less at him than in reaction to the pack's child. Beyond a lifted brow at the Marrok's mate, he keeps his attention on the two female wolves in front of him. ]

I expect you to show Eun the ropes, princesita.

[ When Kara has her feet under her again, she snuffles close to Eun, and yips playfully at the older wolf. ]

Go, children. The Marrok is waiting.

[ Charles is opening the pole barn doors where a smallish wolf thumps his tail once. The splash of white that makes it appear as though it had been dipped in a paint bucket reminding Asil of the tools that air marshals use to signal planes to take off.

The room reverberates with the howls of about 20 werewolves then, and the hunt is on. ]

[lastcall]

[Assured that Asil will not be left behind, she turns to Kara who has joined them playfully. Pleased, she nudges at the younger wolf with her nose, almost hopping to one side when Kara attempts to nudge her back. Her growing excitement is evident as she allows Kara to get her feet under her again, but as he includes her among the children yips once at him in protest before turning her back on him.

She knows she is much, much younger than him, but she will never not show her disapproval of him calling her as such. Especially when he did not treat her that way in his kitchen or the couch of his living room.

It is the last thought she spares for him in that regard, however. Bran draws her attention, it must be him with the tail like that and the way everyone focuses on him, and with genuine pleasure she raises her voice to the rest, howling at the start of the hunt. Leah seems to lead Kara, and Eun follows right behind, eager to stretch her legs under her and see what there may be to hunt in the woods around them.

She trusts that Asil will follow behind her as she heads up the hill, claws digging into cold earth as she swiftly runs along the outside of the pack with joy.

Already it is freeing to lose herself in the hunt with no worries for others with ulterior motives.]

[nosco]

[ Trusting that Charles will catch up with thw rest, Asil breaks off into a run, instinctively reaching through the pack bonds to follow their progress. The night is alive, the moon overhead lending her power to her children.

He knows the route that Bran is taking them on. They will hunt elk and moose, and do their beat to steer clear of the bears who are wandering through the forest.

Asil is never far from the pack, though he chooses higher elevation to keep them within his line of sight. There's no small amount of pride when he sights the way Kara stays close to the silver wolf, intent on protecting their newest member, if not in truth, then in name.

You should join us. Bran has taken to watching, trotting to hop above a downed tree at the edge of a clearing where the wolves break to nose along a trail, or dart off to hunt within the specified perimeter. Asil shakes his head at his alpha, but the temptation is great, so he makes his way down the slopes to stand among them, still clothed in his human skin. ]

I am content to watch [ his wolf snarls at him from the back of his head, so he completes the statement ] because I might end up spoiling everyone's fun. You know how competitive I can be with a kill.

[ As the small wolf that is also the Marrok regards him with yellow eyes, he can almost swear that he hears Bran's laughter. ]

[lastcall]

[It's beautiful there, and Eun can't help but feel the moon's song so much stronger in Aspen Creek. Perhaps without the crash of waves against cliffs, she can hear it better.

With Kara and Leah, Eun explores the woods, nose dipped to the ground as she searches for the scent of prey. This is not her first time in these woods, and Anna and Charles both have helpfully identified the animals not native to California for her. She knows there is big game for them to catch, if they can just find the right trail.

She almost misses it when her nose catches a whiff of something. Intent, persistent sniffing brings her to a stronger scent trail, and she lifts her head to look for Kara and Leah, to urge them to follow her. When she has their attention she begins following the trail, mind entirely on the hunt and what she hopes to be an elk at the end of it. The three wolves go, and she hears others behind her. Tag. Juste. Glad for familiar wolves beside her, she follows the trail through the woods, mind entirely off of Asil for once. There's something exhilarating about this, and Eun bounds forward with intent, the wolf urging her onward.

They find the elk before too long, and Eun sinks into a crouch at once. She is eye-catching when there is no snow to camouflage her, and she looks to the others to initiate some sort of tactics. It's Leah who moves forward first, with Kara trailing after her. Eun almost follows, then decides on a whim instead to join Juste and Tag who have begun circling around in the other direction. Leah and Kara lead the charge first, with Kara leaping for the elk's muzzle as Leah goes for its neck. The elk dodges, darts away, right toward where Tag, Juste, and Eun have spread out. It charges Juste, who leaps at their prey, but is flung away--and back hard against a tree. Tag goes after it next, with Leah and Kara hot on its heels. Eun moves swiftly to Juste, standing between it and the elk should it find its way toward the wolf again. He's not up to his feet right away, and Eun has taken it to heart that she protects, even as she is protected.

The three wolves circle the elk, jaws snapping at the enraged and panicked animal. Eun stays back, only until Juste manages to rise and stand by her side once more. With no reason to stand guard any longer, she joins the fray, learning how each of the wolves hunts and works together and seeking openings to help without getting in their way. It's Kara and Tag who ultimately fell the elk, and Eun who grants it a swift death with her teeth at its throat.

Within moments, the wolves have a feast at their paws, and the satisfaction of triumph.]

[nosco]

[ It's the sound of a cornered elk that draws their attention, and Asil is hot on Bran's tail as they sprint through the woods. Somewhere east, the ring of howls sends birds fleeing from their perches until they break past the shrubbery to a sight that takes his breath away.

Juste is mid-flight, having been thrown by the wolves' prey. The crunch of wood against flesh makes Asil wince, and for a moment his wolf rises, drawn by the hunt and the sight of a less dominant wolf downed. He can feel his beast pushing beneath his skin, urging them to change, to join in the fray - but the weight of Bran's paw on his toes draws him back. Asil's attention snaps to the Marrok, whose gold eyes are intent on the scene before them.

How is it that pride lodges in his throat when he sights the silver wolf with soft charcoal ears crouched in front of his packmate.

Maybe Mason wasn't so negligent after all.

The words bring a snarl to Asil's lips, but he cannot ignore the possibility. Juste is old. Old enough to be dominant and trusted to handle wildlings. Old enough that he would not need a wolf barely a year old to watch over him - but there is his Eun, protecting one of her own as surely as if she were already one of them. ]

I will beg to disagree.

[ The wolf beside him snorts, shaking himself in amusement.

Girl's got teeth, Asil. You forget. I know you. You admire fire in a woman.

He waves a hand impatiently, his own beast settled back in his skin as he sits down in a huff. ]

He could have taught her better. Or put his pups in line.

[ Bran, infuriatingly enough, simply levels him with a look.

He might have said more, the hairs on the back of his neck bristling at the unspoken implication. But the other wolves have arrived to howl their approval at the kill, some of them dragging their own prey with them.

It is one of the younger wolves that catches his eye. The whelp has the remains of deer in it's mouth and Asil has to refrain from sneering as the pup lays it's kill at Eun's feet.

Oh, look. And they say romance is dead.

He has to resist the urge to smack Bran upside on the head. ]